bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical clustering of FLC alleles during Polycomb-mediated epigenetic silencing in vernalization
Authors: Rosa Stefanie , De Lucia Filomena , Mylne Joshua S. , Zhu Danling , Ohmido Nobuko , Pendle Ali , Kato Naohiro , Shaw Peter , Dean Caroline
Published: September 2013

Vernalization, the promotion of flowering by cold, involves Polycomb-mediated epigenetic silencing of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). Cold progressively promotes cell-autonomous switching to a silenced state. Here, we used live-cell imaging of FLC-lacO to monitor changes in nuclear organization during vernalization. FLC-lacO alleles physically cluster during the cold and generally remain so after plants are returned to warm. Clustering is dependent on the Polycomb trans-factors necessary for establishment of the FLC silenced state but not on LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1, which functions to maintain silencing. These data support the view that physical clustering may be a common feature of Polycomb-mediated epigenetic switching mechanisms.
The C terminus of p53 regulates gene expression by multiple mechanisms in a target- and tissue-specific manner in vivo
Authors: Hamard Pierre-Jacques , Barthelery Nicolas , Hogstad Brandon , Mungamuri Sathish Kumar , Tonnessen Crystal A. , Carvajal Luis A. , Senturk Emir , Gillespie Virginia , Aaronson Stuart A. , Merad Miriam , Manfredi James J.
Published: September 2013

The p53 tumor suppressor is a transcription factor that mediates varied cellular responses. The C terminus of p53 is subjected to multiple and diverse post-translational modifications. An attractive hypothesis is that differing sets of combinatorial modifications therein determine distinct cellular outcomes. To address this in vivo, a Trp53ΔCTD/ΔCTD mouse was generated in which the endogenous p53 is targeted and replaced with a truncated mutant lacking the C-terminal 24 amino acids. These Trp53ΔCTD/ΔCTD mice die within 2 wk post-partum with hematopoietic failure and impaired cerebellar development. Intriguingly, the C terminus acts via three distinct mechanisms to control p53-dependent gene expression depending on the tissue. First, in the bone marrow and thymus, the C terminus dampens p53 activity. Increased senescence in the Trp53ΔCTD/ΔCTD bone marrow is accompanied by up-regulation of Cdkn1 (p21). In the thymus, the C-terminal domain negatively regulates p53-dependent gene expression by inhibiting promoter occupancy. Here, the hyperactive p53ΔCTD induces apoptosis via enhanced expression of the proapoptotic Bbc3 (Puma) and Pmaip1 (Noxa). In the liver, a second mechanism prevails, since p53ΔCTD has wild-type DNA binding but impaired gene expression. Thus, the C terminus of p53 is needed in liver cells at a step subsequent to DNA binding. Finally, in the spleen, the C terminus controls p53 protein levels, with the overexpressed p53ΔCTD showing hyperactivity for gene expression. Thus, the C terminus of p53 regulates gene expression via multiple mechanisms depending on the tissue and target, and this leads to specific phenotypic effects in vivo.
The Endoplasmic Reticulum Is the Main Membrane Source for Biogenesis of the Lytic Vacuole inArabidopsis
Authors: Viotti Corrado , Krüger Falco , Krebs Melanie , Neubert Christoph , Fink Fabian , Lupanga Upendo , Scheuring David , Boutté Yohann , Frescatada-Rosa Márcia , Wolfenstetter Susanne , Sauer Norbert , Hillmer Stefan , Grebe Markus , Schumacher Karin
Published: September 2013

Vacuoles are multifunctional organelles essential for the sessile lifestyle of plants. Despite their central functions in cell growth, storage, and detoxification, knowledge about mechanisms underlying their biogenesis and associated protein trafficking pathways remains limited. Here, we show that in meristematic cells of the Arabidopsis thaliana root, biogenesis of vacuoles as well as the trafficking of sterols and of two major tonoplast proteins, the vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase and the vacuolar H+-adenosinetriphosphatase, occurs independently of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi and post-Golgi trafficking. Instead, both pumps are found in provacuoles that structurally resemble autophagosomes but are not formed by the core autophagy machinery. Taken together, our results suggest that vacuole biogenesis and trafficking of tonoplast proteins and lipids can occur directly from the ER independent of Golgi function.
The World Bank
'
s Africa Virtual University Project: a revisit
Authors: M. Nafukho Fredrick , Helen Muyia Machuma
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The main purpose of using technology in the delivery of virtual learning programs in higher education in Africa is to ensure access and equity as a strategy to develop human resources. Examining how specific educational innovations in higher education are working is necessary. The purpose of this study is to examine the World Bank
'
s education policies in Africa with special focus on AVU Kenyatta University Project. In addition, the paper seeks to critically examine the use of information technology (IT) distance learning project initiated by the World Bank in Kenya. The project served as an important pioneering role to eLearning in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– To achieve the primary purpose of the study, a critical analysis of relevant literature was conducted. The literature search included computerized search of accessible and available material on AVU and distance education in Africa.

Findings

– The results of the study show that AVU
'
s design and implementation in Africa was initially flawed like many other World Bank education projects. While distance learning should lower costs of higher education, this was not the case. The AVU project was initially faced with challenges, but, over a period of 16 years, the Africa Region is now considered one of the most dynamic e-learning markets on the planet. The continent has witnessed increased digitization of universities, booming enrollment in online higher education and the rapid adoption of self-paced learning.

Research limitations/implications

– The concept of virtual learning if appropriately applied could be of great benefit to universities and students in Africa. Thus, design and implementation of innovations in education should be grounded in the relevant theories of learning and should involve educational experts.

Originality/value

– There are limited studies that focus on the issues of access, efficiency, equity and use of innovative technologies in the design and successful delivery of virtual learning courses in African universities, hence the importance of this study.
Empowered talent begins with communication
Authors: Hopp Armin
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to observe that, as globalization increases the need for businesses to communicate across borders, more HR and learning and development specialists are recognizing the link between communication skills, talent mobility and improving business productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

It underlines the need for a unified language‐training system integrating the “perfect blend” of virtual classrooms, mobile learning and e‐learning.

Findings

It argues that one seamless, standardized blended‐learning system can be a powerful tool for organizational talent succession mobility. With a unified approach, management can better categorize the current profile of employees, identify their level of language skills and determine potential successors for different jobs.

Practical implications

The paper urges the need for a combination of global delivery and local support, especially for corporate language training.

Social implications

It highlights the need for proper language training in an increasingly globalized business world.

Originality/value

The paper advances the view that a truly collaborative, adaptable approach for social and mobile learning will harness its benefits to the maximum.
How Skillsoft stay ahead of the learning curve: content, service and experience are crucial to customer satisfaction
Authors: Bell Gareth
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Kevin Young, general manager of Skillsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an interview.

Findings

The paper discusses the challenges the industry faces, both for learning solution providers and customers.

Originality/value

It outlines how Skillsoft has overcome various challenges, and discusses the core beliefs that the company espouse.
Assessing sustainability education in a transdisciplinary undergraduate course focused on real‐world problem solving
Authors: Remington‐Doucette Sonya M. , Hiller Connell Kim Y. , Armstrong Cosette M. , Musgrove Sheryl L.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a classroom assessment aimed at determining the extent to which key sustainability competencies develop in students during an introductory transdisciplinary sustainability course.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes three previously identified key sustainability competencies and describes teaching methodologies used in the introductory course described here to foster these competencies in students. The development of these competencies over the course of one semester is assessed using a pre‐/post‐test based on case analyses. The implications of these findings for academic sustainability programs are discussed.

Findings

Based on the assessment used here, the sustainability competencies developed differently in students with different disciplinary affiliations as a result of the introductory sustainability course. Business majors did not improve any of the key competencies, sustainability majors improved systems thinking competence only, and sustainability minors who were majoring in another traditional discipline improved all competencies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to undergraduate sustainability education by shedding light on how sustainability might best be incorporated into specific academic programs. This information may help create more effective sustainability courses and academic programs, which may maintain the viability of current sustainability programs and promote the institutionalization of sustainability in higher education in general.
Exploring sustainability themes in engineering accreditation and curricula
Authors: Byrne Edmond P. , Desha Cheryl J. , Fitzpatrick John J. , “Charlie” Hargroves Karlson
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to present key findings from an inquiry into engineering accreditation and curricula renewal. The research attempted to ascertain conceptions of requisite sustainability themes among engineering academics and professionals. The paper also reflects on the potential role of professional engineering institutions (PEIs) in embedding sustainability through their programme accreditation guidelines and wider implications in terms of rapid curricula renewal.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprised an International Engineering Academic Workshop held during the 2010 International Symposium on Engineering Education in Ireland, on “accreditation and sustainable engineering”. This built on the findings of a literature review that was distributed prior to the workshop. Data collection included individual questionnaires administered during the workshop, and notes scribed by workshop participants.

Findings

The literature review highlighted a wide range of perspectives across and within engineering disciplines, regarding what sustainability/sustainable development (SD) themes should be incorporated into engineering curricula, and regarding language and terminology. This was also reflected in the workshop discussions. Notwithstanding this diversity, clusters of sustainability themes and priority considerations were distilled from the literature review and workshop. These related to resources, technology, values, ethics, inter‐ and intra‐generational equity, transdisciplinarity, and systems and complex thinking. Themes related to environmental and economic knowledge and skills received less attention by workshop participants than represented in the literature.

Originality/value

This paper provides an appreciation of the diversity of opinion regarding priority sustainability themes for engineering curricula, among a group of self‐selected engineering academics who have a common interest in education for SD. It also provides some insights and caveats on how these themes might be rapidly integrated into engineering curricula.
A‐broad spectrum: sustainability in educational travel
Authors: Hale Brack W. , Vogelaar Alison , Long Joshua
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This study seeks to assess the role that sustainability concerns currently play in educational travel within higher education. Although sustainability issues and initiatives have become popular on campuses across the globe, little has been written specifically about efforts within higher educational travel programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducted an online survey of practitioners in the field of higher education travel about attempts, if any, to incorporate themes of sustainability and sustainable travel into travel programs at the institutions.

Findings

In general, the paper found that sustainability‐related themes and concerns have yet to develop to the level of campus sustainability. The paper also found three additional themes: a disparity between sustainability in discourse and practice; sustainable measures that focus on local organizations/relationships and external programs; and the financial, marketing and relational offsets associated with the implementation of sustainability.

Originality/value

The paper could find no other similar study; thus the paper represents a first glimpse into current efforts to incorporate and address sustainability concerns in higher education travel programs.
Using e‐learning for student sustainability literacy: framework and review
Authors: Diamond Susannah , Irwin Brian
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to explore staff practices in using e‐learning to embed sustainability literacy, highlight best practice and determine areas for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of four areas for developing student sustainability literacy (SSL) was proposed as a basis for analysing practice. A literature review then explored the extent to which e‐learning is used to support embedding SSL in the curriculum, and the types of e‐learning currently in use for this.

Findings

E‐learning tools were most frequently used to provide flexible access to information, followed by support for communication and collaboration, and were less frequently used for the development of specific skills, personal identity and confidence.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of case studies provided only limited evidence. A survey of practitioners could be undertaken to explore and validate the issues raised by the literature review.

Practical implications

The review highlighted scope for a pedagogical shift away from using e‐learning for information delivery and practical communication, and towards supporting rich, student‐centred forms of learning in both blended and distance learning modes.

Social implications

This shift would create more powerful learning experiences for students, more effectively develop students' personal identities and skills, and yield graduates who are more confident in their ability to create more sustainable futures.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to academic staff and educational developers looking to develop practice in embedding SSL in teaching and learning, and to harness the potential of e‐learning.
Drivers of environmental performance of cement plants
Authors: Ulubeyli Serdar
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal the impact of five industry forces (IFs) on implementing input‐based competitive strategies (CSs) and to determine relationship of these CSs on cement plants' environmental performances (EPs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from cement manufacturers in Turkey. This study employed structural equation methodology to examine relationships between IFs, CSs, and EP.

Findings

Cement plants with the advantage of low buyer bargaining power, low threat of new entrants, and few rivalries exhibit strong energy and raw material strategies. Also, an advantage of low supplier bargaining power and low threat of substitutes causes competitive raw material strategy. Finally, competitive energy and raw material strategies enhance EP, while competitive human resource strategy has no influence on it.

Research limitations/implications

The model should be tested on other organizations in supply chain. Future researches can also investigate the difference of findings to other industries and in other countries and examine reasons behind hypothesized relationships. Moreover, additional factors may be incorporated into the model. However, a larger participation could provide a different perspective of issues in consideration.

Practical implications

This paper can serve as a valuable framework for top managers to draw the direction of their companies in terms of IFs, CSs, and EP. In this context, practitioners should focus on production inputs to withstand external environment and to experience better EP practices.

Social implications

A better EP can both enhance sustainability of the overall environment and affect society positively. For such benefits, sustainability of EP should be a subsequent step to be taken to possess long‐lasting societal advantages.

Originality/value

This study is first to propose a model that integrates competitive IFs and input‐based approaches to measure cement plants' EPs. These are relevant issues for competitiveness of cement manufacturers willing to increase their EPs.
TQM, innovation and the role of cultural change
Authors: Moreno‐Luzon Maria D. , Gil‐Marques Maria , Valls‐Pasola Jaume
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the influence of total quality management (TQM) practices on incremental and radical innovation, examining the role of diverse cultural change as a mediator, particularly in firms where ever‐increasing competitive pressure demands a combination of quality and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

From previous research on the influence of TQM practices on innovation, the paper proposes a model which is tested through a survey carried out on a sample of 72 Spanish firms that have been drastically hit by competition from Asian companies, achieving a 51.42 percent valid return rate.

Findings

None of the sets of TQM practices directly affects radical innovation, while all of them have a significant and positive relationship with incremental innovation. However, when the paper introduces cultural change as a mediating factor, the model's goodness of fit improves substantially, and all the relations are significant.

Research limitations/implications

The results reveal the power of cultural change to connect the diversity of the TQM practices and incremental and radical innovation. Further research is needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the role of cultural change in these relationships and to test the model in a longitudinal study.

Practical implications

Managers can use the potential inherent in TQM to stimulate a paradoxical cultural context that favours innovation. This is especially relevant for enhancing radical innovation.

Social implications

Given the extent to which TQM has been applied over the last 20 years, the social impact of this study is relevant, particularly in the current environment of economic crisis which calls for an increase in efficiency and innovation, adaptation and change.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a multidimensional analysis of TQM and a broad perspective of innovation. The paper also develops an original definition of cultural change made up of apparently contradicting values, including exploitation and exploration, and introduces it as a mediating variable in the TQM‐innovation model.
Managing strategy and production through hybrid simulation
Authors: Jovanoski Bojan , Nove Minovski Robert , Lichtenegger Gerald , Voessner Siegfried
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The new extremely demanding environment forces the enterprises to use more sophisticated tools/methodologies. Strategy alignment and modelling and simulation are some of those tools/methodologies that are growing in their complexity in order to respond to the new challenges. Applying the principles of strategy alignment to modelling and simulation leads to creation of vertical hybrid simulation models. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows the justification of building a hybrid simulation model for a complex scenario in a production example. In general, system dynamics (SD) is used for simulation of strategic issues and discrete event simulation (DES) is used for simulation on the operational level. Attempts to build holistic models only with SD or only with DES usually end in design of simplified models. This paper shows an approach how to combine SD with DES in order to get better models than using either modelling paradigms exclusively.

Findings

The results so far have shown that this approach is justified (meaning that it gives more accurate and reliable results with reasonable efforts) in even relatively simple cases.

Practical implications

This kind of modelling and simulation can generally help the (industrial) engineers in optimization of different problems like optimization of the warehousing space, batches, manpower, etc. holistically and with higher accuracy.

Originality/value

Although several researches on hybrid models have been reported (treating only very few industries), they very rarely tackle the justification of the implementation of such models. This paper justifies the hybrid approach through an example of optimization of the sales force in the pharmaceutical industry.
Supply chain tracking: aligning buyer and supplier incentives
Authors: Hinkka Ville , Främling Kary , Tätilä Jaakko
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to present how the success of inter‐organizational systems (IOS) implementation projects can be increased by aligning the different incentives of buyers and suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method employed is case study and its unit of analysis is a network of supplier and wholesaler (buyer) companies acting in the Finnish technical trade industry, which are implementing inter‐organizational tracking. The implementation project followed an implementation process model developed to execute the case study.

Findings

For a buyer, the challenge in IOS implementation is that suppliers feel the adoption more difficult and have less identifiable benefits. However, in the case study, suppliers were ready to implement tracking solution because they understand that improvements in IOS help to apply common industry data exchange standards and will lead to better supply chain collaboration, which also increases their operational performance in the long run.

Research limitations/implications

This paper concentrates on supplier and buyer incentives but also the role of other supply chain members such as logistics providers could be analyzed to examine different factors for IOS implementation.

Practical implications

If the buyer takes a cooperative approach to IOS integration, suppliers can be motivated to integrate tracking as a part of their own operations. This high‐level integration offers more options to improve the management and hence the performance of the whole supply chain than low‐level integration.

Originality/value

IOS implementation projects are seldom studied from the perspectives of buyers and suppliers in the supply chain.
Shaping the learning environment of first-year students
Authors: Agherdien Najma
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the conceptualisation and implementation of learning communities (LCs) at two selected female residences. I argue that learning is mediated by collaborative, social interaction and that learning does not only happen in the classroom, but rather in the everyday living spaces. I therefore propose the implementation of LCs as another alternative to help students navigate the educational landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author employed a qualitative case study design located in the socio-constructivist paradigm. Such a perspective values participants’ perspectives as knowledge is viewed as being constructed collaboratively. Thus, to evaluate the first implementation cycle at Residence X (in 2010), the author conducted semi-structured interviews to hear participant voices on what worked, what did not and what should be improved.

Findings

– The findings suggest that the engagement in LCs was valuable for learning since it could assist students to cope with university life. However, careful conceptualisation and implementation, and more specifically, a critical examination of the entire context is required. Students cannot operate in a system that is failing them. Enabling opportunities that will foster a safe space for collaborative engagement is desirable.

Research limitations/implications

– This study was conducted at two residences only and only a few students participated. A longitudinal study is required at residences as the formation of LCs is a process and does not happen over night.

Practical implications

– Third generation cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) can be used to guide a revision of the five-pillar model framework and study time implementation at residences.

Social implications

– An openness to change and seeing the context as a fluid space will aid a transformation agenda.

Originality/value

– This paper shows how complementary lenses – CHAT and communities of practice – allowed a critical examination of the entire context and further highlights the complexity of conceptualising and implementing LCs.
eTextbook access, usage, and beliefs: implications for adoption in higher education
Authors: deNoyelles Aimee , Seilhamer Ryan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Dynamic features of eTextbooks, such as taking interactive quizzes and sharing notes can make the practice of reading a textbook more supportive and engaging than before. While promising, challenges exist regarding the integration of eTextbooks in higher education, such as cost, usability, and lack of instructor development. There is a need for a more informed understanding of how instructors and learners are integrating eTextbooks to revolutionize learning spaces, in order to formulate next steps of action on a university level. While studies exist regarding universities with eTextbook initiatives, there is little empirical data concerning universities that offer eTextbooks without a focussed initiative. This paper aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the results of a university-wide student survey are shared, which provide insight into factors such as the selection and use of eTextbooks, access, and beliefs regarding eTextbook use and learning.

Findings

– Generally, we found that in a university setting without an eTextbook initiative, eTextbook use is relatively low and their features are not being effectively utilized by students or instructors. In any university that offers eTextbooks, instructor development is critical.

Originality/value

– Findings from this survey guide the instructional design of instructor development. The findings also identify pertinent issues that any university is likely to face when considering an eTextbook initiative, such as raising student awareness, working with publishers, and providing effective technical and pedagogical support.
Presumed cultural similarity paradox
Authors: Vromans Pauline , van Engen Marloes , Mol Stefan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– To introduce the presumed cultural similarity paradox as a possible explanation for the findings that adjusting to a culturally similar country is just as difficult as adjusting to a culturally dissimilar country. We provide a conceptual framework, enabling further understanding and research into this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

– Expatriates moving to a country that shares common characteristics may presume more cultural similarity and easier adjustment than is actually the case. During their stay abroad, expatriates may find that these expectations are not met. While the smaller cultural distance may facilitate adjustment, the undermet expectations inhibit adjustment and performance.

Findings

– A first preliminary test compared Dutch expatriates in Belgium (culturally similar) and in China (culturally dissimilar). The expectations of cultural similarity and adjustment difficulty of the expatriates in Belgium were significantly more undermet than those of the expatriates in China and this had a negative influence on affective adjustment. The larger cultural distance of China was negatively related to intercultural adjustment. Better adjustment, both affective and intercultural, led to better job performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research should try to replicate and extend our findings to other cultural contexts.

Practical implications

– Expatriates and their employers must consider and prepare for the increased chance of undermet expectations and the negative consequences this can have on adjustment and job performance, when moving to a culturally similar country.

Social implications

– Expatriates and their employers must consider and prepare for the increased chance of undermet expectations and the negative consequences this can have on adjustment and job performance, when moving to a culturally similar country.

Originality/value

– This paper conceptualizes and provide a theoretical framework that should allow future research to empirically test the psychological process that occurs in this paradox, accommodate the contrasting effects of cultural distance and met expectations of cultural similarity and investigate which characteristics of countries lead expatriates to presume more cultural similarity than is the case.
From e‐tourism to f‐tourism: emerging issues from negative tourists' online reviews
Authors: Pantano Eleonora , Di Pietro Loredana
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to advance their knowledge on the extent to which tourists use social networks for both achieving information on possible destinations and for expressing negative judgements, in order to figure out the main consequences for tourism marketers and possible solutions, as well as to describe and detail the current shifting from e‐tourism to f‐tourism (from tourism based on e‐channel to a new tourism based on Facebook).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative analysis was conducted in order to make the tourists' perspective emerge. The content analysis of respondents would figure out important data on the phenomenon for outlining possible organization practices for replying to negative tourists' reviews posted online.

Findings

Findings show the still limited usage of social networks like Facebook as an informative channel, but a large usage of this medium as a direct complaining channel.

Practical implications

This paper addresses some lines for supporting tourism managers to improve their usage of social networks in order to enhance their relationships with tourists.

Originality/value

The emergence of a new phenomenon involving tourism: the shifting from e‐tourism to f‐tourism.
Linking affective commitment to supervisor to work outcomes
Authors: Chughtai Aamir Ali
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between affective commitment to the supervisor and three work outcomes: innovative work behaviour and two types of learning behaviours, namely, feedback seeking for self‐improvement and error reporting. Additionally, it seeks to examine the mediating role of work engagement in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 192 research scientists from six science research centres in Ireland completed self‐reported questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicated that as hypothesised, work engagement fully mediated the link between affective commitment to the supervisor and the three employee outcomes included in this study.

Research limitations/implications

The cross sectional design of this study does not permit causal inferences. Additionally, all data were self‐reported and therefore common method variance may be an issue. Despite these limitations, the results suggest that affective commitment to the supervisor is likely to enhance employees' work engagement, innovativeness and learning. These findings imply that building employees' commitment to their supervisors can be a potent strategy for increasing individual and organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

This is the first study which has linked supervisory commitment to innovative work behaviour, feedback seeking and error reporting. Furthermore, it highlights one potential mechanism in the form of work engagement through which supervisory commitment relates to these work outcomes.
How top management team diversity fosters organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Li Ci‐Rong
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Premised on the information‐processing perspective, this paper attempts to examine whether diverse top management team can simultaneously pursue contradictory innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a questionnaire survey and analysis of a sample of 113 firms in China.

Findings

Team heterogeneity has an ambiguous nature which may not only facilitate building paradoxical mental models or cognitive frames, but also harm the exchange of information and integration of differential knowledge within top management teams. Therefore, the paper argues that the most important issue in this research field is to address the dilemma and to find the governance mechanism to effectively manage the dual impact of team diversity on attaining organizational ambidexterity. The findings show that the social capital among top executives, including connectedness, trust and shared vision, can moderate the link between team diversity and organizational ambidexterity.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that building social capital among top executives may be a useful way or approach to information sharing and knowledge integrations within senior teams.
Modeling of daily REIT returns and volatility
Authors: Asteriou Dimitrios , Begiazi Kyriaki
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the US real estate investment trusts (REITs) for the 2000‐2012 period using GARCH models that include the day‐of‐the‐week effect and the stock‐market index as explanatory variables. This technique documents the return and volatility of equity, mortgage and hybrid REITs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study starts with a CAPM model and continues with GARCH(1,1), TGARCH(1,1) and EGARCH(1,1) models for each of the REIT subcategories with and without the days of the week as dummy variables.

Findings

The results show that the best‐fitted model is EGARCH except the equity REIT series without the dummy variables that is better described with the GARCH. The stock market has a significant impact on REIT returns but no remarkable significance in respect of the day‐of‐the‐week effect.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that there is not a significant risk diversification potential between REITs and common stocks. In the scope of the credit crisis which originated in the real estate market it must be taken seriously into consideration that REITs, except of the equity REITs, are more sensitive to bad news.

Originality/value

This paper uses daily returns for each of the three main REIT subcategories opposed to the monthly that are commonly used. We point out the evidence of asymmetric responses, suggesting the leverage effect and differential financial risk depending on the direction of price change movements.
Migrating to e‐book: a study on perceived usefulness and ease of use
Authors: Letchumanan Malathi , Muniandy Balakrishnan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

In this study the technology acceptance model (TAM) is used to investigate non‐users' acceptance of e‐books. This study evaluates the relationships between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, perceived usefulness and intention, and attitude and behavioral intention towards using e‐books.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a quantitative approach where questionnaires were used to collect data from 119 undergraduates from the mathematics department of University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia.

Findings

The result shows that perceived ease of use is positively related to attitude. Perceived usefulness has a significant effect on attitude towards using e‐book. Perceived ease of use also has a significant effect on perceived usefulness. However, perceived usefulness has no significant effect on intention to use.

Originality/value

This study has provided some useful factors based on TAM model on non‐users' intention of using e‐book.
We are all aggregators (and publishers) now: how discovery tools empower libraries
Authors: Shapiro Steven David
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the new generation of discovery technologies empower libraries to behave like “aggregators” and “publishers”. The paper summarizes Montclair State University's experience with the EDS discovery service and also includes examples from other institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the experiences of several institutions to show the value of discovery tools and other technologies like institutional repositories in enhancing the role of academic libraries in higher education. Statistics and surveys culled from a variety of sources are cited in support of this contention.

Findings

Many institutions are successfully incorporating discovery and other technologies (i.e. institutional repositories) in repositioning and reinvigorating the academic library.

Practical implications

Academic libraries willing to make the investment in these technologies can capture the interest of their faculty, staff, and students.

Originality/value

The paper provides an innovative perspective on the use of discovery and other complementary technologies that act in a synergistic way to strengthen the bond between libraries and their users.
Systems of indicators to evaluate the performance of university-industry alliances: a review of the literature and directions for future research
Authors: Piva Evila , Rossi-Lamastra Cristina
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Despite evaluating the performance of university-industry alliances being extremely important, scholars have not developed any structured and commonly accepted systems of indicators aimed at measuring the results of these collaborations. In this article, the aim is to review the literature on the evaluation of the performance of university-industry alliances and to identify a series of issues that future studies on this topic should take into account.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper opts for a literature review on university-industry collaborations. The review is based on papers in management, economics, and organization science. Systems of indicators to evaluate the performance of these collaborations are discussed. Directions for further research are proposed.

Findings

– The literature review on firm-industry collaborations highlights a large number of contributions on the topic. However, it shows that there is still room for further inquiry on systems of indicators to evaluate the performance of these collaborations.

Research limitations/implications

– The literature review offers a good guideline to researchers intending to study the performance of industry-university collaborations. The discussion on the system of indicators paves the way to further empirical research on the topic.

Practical implications

– The authors are confident that the paper has interesting practical implications. Indeed, it is a valuable guideline for policymakers, university managers, and entrepreneurs interested in evaluating the performance of industry-university collaborations.

Social implications

– Industry collaborations are the third mission of university systems. When this mission is accomplished in a proper manner, it benefits firms, universities, and society at large.

Originality/value

– The paper adds to the debate on university-industry collaborations by offering literature on the topic with a particular emphasis on an under-researched theme: systems of indicators to evaluate the performance of these collaborations.
Short-form version of the Benchmark Resilience Tool (BRT-53)
Authors: R. Whitman Zach , Kachali Hlekiwe , Roger Derek , Vargo John , Seville Erica
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The Benchmark Resilience tool (BRT-53) is an organisational-level resilience quantification methodology that assesses behavioural traits and perceptions linked to the organisation's ability to plan for, respond to and recover from emergencies and crises. The purpose of this paper is to show the development and validation of a short version of the BRT-53.

Design/methodology/approach

– Items were drawn from the BRT-53 to create two short-form versions of the tool using two different methods for comparative purposes. The first method involves the selection of items based on the 13 theoretical constructs used in the development of the original tool. This shortened index is called the BRT-13A. The second method derived 13 items from the theoretical constructs using statistical correlations of the items within each construct. This shortened index is called the BRT-13B. The scores from each short-form index were computed into overall resilience scores that were then compared with the overall resilience scores generated from the BRT-53.

Findings

– The results of these comparisons found that both the BRT-13A and BRT-13B produced valid and reliably similar results to the BRT-53. The BRT-13B proved to be slightly more valid and reliable than the BRT-13A and is recommended over the BRT-53.

Originality/value

– The BRT-13B short-form version allows for the quantification of organisational resilience while significantly decreasing the likelihood of survey fatigue and low response rates with very little sacrifice to survey validity or reliability.
Do you know your knowledge at risk?
Authors: Durst Susanne , Wilhelm Stefan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper seeks to propose and discuss a knowledge management tool which has been designed to enable small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to obtain information about the concentration of relevant knowledge with certain individuals respectively in certain departments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The tool represents an outcome of the authors' ongoing research activities related to the danger of knowledge loss due to turnover or long-term absence. A static knowledge map was developed based on a series of semi-structured interviews with 14 organization members from a German medium-sized enterprise operating in the printing sector. To apply this knowledge map to a broader range of SMEs a knowledge management tool has been developed. As underlying framework, the IC classification scheme and the concept of social capital were utilized.

Findings

– The knowledge management tool helps smaller firms to calculate a “knowledge at risk” score, which gives them a better understanding of their critical organization members and what is making them critical.

Practical implications

– The tool's outcome can illustrate the potential danger of organizational turnover, which hopefully triggers the development and implementation of specific replacement/retention measures in a timely manner.

Originality/value

– A tool is proposed that identifies indispensable organization members within SMEs. The tool's strength is its simple but powerful nature which does not require long-term preparation and/or training.
Impacts of climate change on food security of rural poor women in Bangladesh
Authors: Ara Parvin Gulsan , Reazul Ahsan S.M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

It is well recognized that the poor who are already vulnerable and food insecure are likely to be more vulnerable to climate change. Especially the poor and marginal in developing nations are highly exposed and vulnerable as they have limited resources to adapt with climate uneven. For example most of the coastal communities in Bangladesh are poor and highly exposed to extreme climate evens and half of the coastal population is women, who are considered as most vulnerable to climate change impacts comparer to others as noted in (Dankelman et al., 2008). Social, economic and political context for women in Bangladesh makes them more vulnerable to climate change and food security. Furthermore, they suffer more than men during and after climatic disasters (FAO, 2008).

Design/methodology/approach

Through empirical studies among the rural poor women in south‐western coastal areas of Bangladesh, this study explores their hardship and perceptions about climate change impacts.

Findings

It also scrutinizes the impact of climate change on the food security of rural poor women through examining the changes in food availability, consumption pattern and women's daily working pattern and changing lifestyle to ensure household food security.

Understanding

This study would help the development workers to realize the nature and extent of the problems and thus facilitate to undertake effective policies and actions.
Facilitating innovation capability through performance measurement
Authors: Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The study aims to clarify the issue of whether measurement has a positive effect on different aspects of innovation capability. The study contributes to the current understanding in two ways; first by presenting the important aspects of organisational innovation capability, and second by showing the importance of measurement in promoting different aspects of innovation capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been executed by conducting a web‐based survey in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). A sample of 2,400 SMEs was randomly selected. A representative of management and employees in each company received an invitation to participate in the study. A total of 311 valid responses were received.

Findings

The study contains a comprehensive description of the impacts of measurement on different aspects of innovation capability in SMEs. According to the results, performance measurement has positive effects on issues related to innovation capability. The measurement of the aspects of innovation capability is rare in SMEs, although innovation capability and measurement are positively related. The study suggests that both academics and practitioners should focus on the development of new methods and practices for measuring issues related to innovation capability in order to develop innovation capability and further contribute to firm success.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the value of measurement in a context of innovation management.