bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Economic Conditions and Organizational Structure on Local Health Jurisdiction Revenue Streams and Personnel Levels in Connecticut, 2005–2012
Authors: Pallas Sarah Wood , Kertanis Jennifer , O'Keefe Elaine , Humphries Debbie L.
Published: April 2017

Objective.

We investigated whether or not changes in economic conditions during the 2008–2010 U.S. recession were associated with changes in Connecticut local health jurisdictions' (LHJs') revenue or personnel levels.

Methods.

We analyzed Connecticut Department of Public Health 2005–2012 annual report data from 91 Connecticut LHJs, as well as publicly available data on economic conditions. We used fixed- and random-effect regression models to test whether or not LHJ per capita revenues and full-time equivalent (FTE) personnel differed during and post-recession compared with pre-recession, or varied with recession intensity, as measured by unemployment rates and housing permits.

Results.

On average, total revenue per capita was significantly lower during and post-recession compared with pre-recession, with two-thirds of LHJs experiencing per capita revenue reductions. FTE personnel per capita were significantly lower post-recession. Changes in LHJ-level unemployment rates and housing permits did not explain the variation in revenue or FTE personnel per capita. Revenue and personnel differed significantly by LHJ organizational structure across all time periods.

Conclusion.

Economic downturns can substantially reduce resources available for local public health. LHJ organizational structure influences revenue levels and sources, with implications for the scope, quality, and efficiency of services delivered.
Administrative Preparedness Strategies: Expediting Procurement and Contracting Cycle Times During an Emergency
Authors: Hurst David , Sharpe Sharon , Yeager Valerie A.
Published: April 2017

We assessed whether administrative preparedness processes that were intended to expedite the acquisition of goods and services during a public health emergency affect estimated procurement and contracting cycle times. We obtained data from 2014-2015 applications to the Hospital Preparedness Program and Public Health Emergency Preparedness (HPP-PHEP) cooperative agreements. We compared the estimated procurement and contracting cycle times of 61 HPP-PHEP awardees that did and did not have certain administrative processes in place. Certain processes, such as statutes allowing for procuring and contracting on the open market, had an effect on reducing the estimated cycle times for obtaining goods and services. Other processes, such as cooperative purchasing agreements, also had an effect on estimated procurement time. For example, awardees with statutes that permitted them to obtain goods and services in the open market had an average procurement cycle time of 6 days; those without such statutes had a cycle time of 17 days ( P = .04). PHEP awardees should consider adopting these or similar processes in an effort to reduce cycle times.
Erosion of Access to Resource, Poverty and Public Action in the Tribal Belt of Central India
Authors: Sarap Kailash
Published: April 2017

The tribal communities, especially in the central belt of India, are characterised by declining access to land and other resources due to land alienation and increased diversion of forest and other common property resources (CPR) for development projects. As a result, a disproportionately high percentage of the tribal population has been displaced from its traditional pattern of livelihood without proper rehabilitation. Further, lack of human capital and bargaining power and feeble state action have led to the erosion of their livelihood base. Therefore, the need of the hour is to increase their bargaining power with different stakeholders through innovative educational strategies and other affirmative actions taken by government and civil society activists to determine their right to resources and restore their dignity and sense of identity.
Book Review: Paramjit S. Judge (ed.), Indian Diaspora between Modernity and Tradition
Authors: Shirwadkar Swati
Published: April 2017

Paramjit S. Judge (ed.), Indian Diaspora between Modernity and Tradition. Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2015, viii + 252 pp., ₹895 (hardback), ISBN 978-81-316-0721-3.
Book Review: G. Palanithurai and R. Ramesh, Integral Rural Development
Authors: Kaur Manjit
Published: April 2017

G. Palanithurai and R. Ramesh, Integral Rural Development. New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company Pvt. Ltd., 2015, 134 pp., ISBN-13: 978-93-5125-110-1.
Book Review: Gautam Bhan (ed.), In the Public’s Interest: Evictions, Citizenship and Inequality in Contemporary Delhi
Authors: Sandhu Ranvinder Singh
Published: April 2017

Gautam Bhan (ed.), In the Public’s Interest: Evictions, Citizenship and Inequality in Contemporary Delhi. Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan, 2016, xiv + 290 pp., price not listed (hardback), ISBN 978-81-250-6232-5.
Testing for Approximate Measurement Invariance of Human Values in the European Social Survey
Authors: Cieciuch Jan , Davidov Eldad , Algesheimer René , Schmidt Peter
Published: April 2017

Measurement invariance is a necessary precondition for meaningful cross-country comparisons, and three levels have been differentiated: configural, metric, and scalar. Unfortunately, establishing the most stringent form, that is, scalar measurement invariance, across groups is difficult. Recently, Muthén and Asparouhov proposed testing for approximate rather than exact measurement invariance, as this may be sufficient for meaningful comparisons. Following their strategy, the results of cross-country approximate measurement invariance tests of the 21-item Portrait Value Questionnaire (PVQ-21) scale to measure values in the European Social Survey are presented ( N = 274,447 respondents from 15 countries participating in all six rounds). Applying the new approximate method for the test of measurement invariance allows both using more moderate constraints of approximate equality of parameters across groups and exploring the extent of noninvariance. Approximate measurement invariance was established in almost all rounds for two higher-order values: openness to change and self-enhancement. In the case of the two other higher-order values, self-transcendence and conservation, approximate measurement invariance was established across a subset of countries.
Aging With Purpose: Systematic Search and Review of Literature Pertaining to Older Adults and Purpose
Authors: Irving Justine , Davis Sandra , Collier Aileen
Published: April 2017

Purpose can provide a sense of intentionality, guide behavior to achieve personal aims and living objectives, and may offer insight into how and why certain people remain healthy over time. A review of the literature sought to identify contemporary research pertaining to purpose and older adults. Thirty-one studies were selected for evaluation based on inclusion criteria. Research outcomes suggest that greater reported purpose is related to a range of better health and well-being outcomes for older adults. With few exceptions, the literature demonstrates that purpose declines with age. Nevertheless, the potential to experience purpose persists across the life span, by providing opportunities for older adults to continue contributing roles, participate in meaningful activities, and sustain their social value and sense of relevance. Further research could explore how purpose is experienced by the oldest-old age-group, those living within noncommunity settings, and people with age-related cognitive impairment such as dementia.
Asking the Right Questions: Teaching about Islam and Globalization
Authors: Jafar Afshan
Published: April 2017

This article describes an exercise designed to introduce the topic of Islam and Muslims in a Sociology of Globalization course. The activity asks students to complete a sentence regarding Muslim women. Rather than provide any definitive answers regarding Islam or Muslims, the purpose of the exercise is for students to see the reductive nature of the questions that are often asked about Islam and Muslims. Students who took the course in the spring of 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 were asked to complete an online questionnaire about the exercise. The results reveal that the exercise had a positive, lasting impact on students’ perceptions and understanding of Islam and Muslims.
The Functioning of the Pilot-Judgment Procedure of the European Court of Human Rights in Practice
Authors: Glas Lize R.
Published: April 2017

Since the Court adopted its first pilot judgment in 2004, another 24 such judgments and an even greater number of follow-up rulings to these judgments have ensued. This article analyses and comments on the functioning of the procedure which these judgments set in motion: the pilot judgment procedure (PJP). Insights are thereby provided into a procedure that is of great importance to (potential) applicants to the Court and to the European Convention on Human Rights system from both a practical and a principled perspective. Rule 61 on the PJP, which the Court inserted to its Rules in 2011, provides the framework for the analysis, which is divided into the three stages of the procedure: run-up, judgment and execution. Based on the observations in the article, recommendations are made as to how the Court could improve the PJP's functioning. One such recommendation is that the Court could perhaps make better use of the possibility to join application brought by different persons in the case selected from treatment under the PJP. This approach can help shed light on different aspects of the structural problem identified in the judgment and uncover its full scope.
New Thinking on Transnational Corporations and Human Rights
Authors: Tamo Atabongawung
Published: April 2017

Although Transnational Corporations (TNCs) enjoy rights alongside sovereign States, such as the right to arbitrate in international investment disputes, the idea of holding them to account for alleged human violations has been elusive. While there are renewed efforts at the UN Human Rights Council towards an international legally binding instrument aimed at holding TNCs accountable for violations of international human rights standards, this article explores and analyses the usefulness of a Multi-Stakeholder Initiative (MSI) approach in this process. Accordingly, it seeks to reformulate the debate on the accountability of TNCs by affirming a MSI engagement as a workable complementary process, which – although it is being downgraded in most literature on TNCs and human rights accountability – might nevertheless provide best possible outcomes for such a heated subject. Drawing on examples from the Kimberley Process and the global fight against conflict diamonds, it will be argued that despite that fact that MSIs are not an entire replacement of hard-law solutions to global regulatory challenges, they do in principle offer a legitimate and useful approach to the human rights accountability of TNCs.
The European Court of Human Rights: A Guardian of Minimum Standards in the Context of Immigration
Authors: Viljanen Jukka , Heiskanen Heta-Elena
Published: April 2017

The innovative use of the general doctrines and the nature of the European Convention on Human Rights as a living instrument have enabled the progressive protection of immigrants. This research illustrates how the immigration case law of the European Court of Human Rights has been evolving in the past years. The development of the immigration jurisprudence of the ECtHR has connection to EU law and general concepts of international law, such as the best interest of child. In addition, the recent case law on positive obligations is contributing to discussion over the reception conditions of asylum seekers. The Strasbourg jurisprudence sets a minimum standard for the European immigration policy that should be taken into account even in exceptional circumstances.
The UNGPs — Five Years on
Authors: Neglia Maddalena
Published: April 2017

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were endorsed in 2011 by the UN Human Rights Council. Since then they have become a normative platform and have led to widespread convergence of national and international regulatory initiatives. Focusing on Europe, this articles shows that the consensus reached, in particular on human rights due diligence, has been a driving force behind the influence the Principles have had on public regulation of business and human rights. One example is offered by the EU's approach to integrating UNGPs into legal and policy instruments, including the 2011 Communication on CSR and the EU Directive no. 2014/95 on non-financial reporting. But this has been accompanied by recent developments in EU Member States' public regulation of business and human rights, including the UK Modern Slavery Act and the French bill on ‘devoir de vigilance’. The article concludes that, despite the emergence of a piecemeal regulatory approach, coherence in the public regulation of business violations of human rights is urgently needed in Europe. It further shows that, if properly led, this process could entail reinforcement of the EU's commitment to the UNGPs' implementation.
‘The strictest, orderlyest, and best bredd in the world’
Authors: Whitehead Maurice
Published: April 2017

The English Jesuit college, founded in 1593 at Saint-Omer because of increasing Elizabethan penal legislation against Catholics, soon became the largest post-Reformation Catholic school in the English-speaking world. This article analyses the organization of the school, with particular emphasis on education in drama and music. It was in the environment of this institution that the recently discovered Saint-Omer First Folio almost certainly had its first home, probably left behind following the flight of the English Jesuits and their students to Bruges in 1762, immediately prior to the expulsion of all members of the Society of Jesus from France.
Approaches to the Identification and Recording of Nasal Lesions in Toxicology Studies
Authors: Morgan Kevin T.
Published: April 2017

The identification, recording, and interpretation of nasal lesions can be a difficult task in toxicology studies. The objective of this article is to provide some guidelines for approaches to nasal toxicologic pathology, based on the author's experience and information available in the published literature. Identification of treatment-induced nasal lesions requires adequate in-life and post-mortem observation, and thorough histopathology. Histopathologic assessment is dependent upon high quality and consistent histologic preparations, adequate knowledge of nasal anatomy and histology, and experience with the range of aging, background, and treatment-induced lesions that may be encountered. In recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of articles reporting nasal pathology in studies for which materials were delivered by inhalation and by non-inhalation routes. Because of the increasing size of this database, it is recommended that standardized and systematic nomenclature be developed for these changes. The following points are considered to be particularly important: 1) alert animal care staff to clinical changes that may indicate nasal lesions; 2) screen animals for nasal disease, such as nasal nematodes in non-human primates; 3) record gross lesions during trimming of decalcified nasal tissues; 4) save spare tissue in fixative; 5) remember that the normal bilateral symmetry of the nose can be a valuable diagnostic aid; 6) avoid excessive lumping or splitting of diagnoses; 7) develop a logical order for recording of lesions (the approach preferred by the author is degenerative, inflammatory, regenerative, proliferative, for each of the epithelial types in a logical anatomical order, such as squamous, transitional, respiratory, and olfactory); 8) accurately determine the site of toxic responses; 9) keep a notebook of interesting or important observations and ideas if you are using a computerized data acquisition system; 10) consider the role of factors that may account for lesion distribution (regional dose and tissue susceptibility) during interpretation of tissue responses; and 11) during preparation of the descriptive narrative, clearly define what occurred, where and when it occurred, and consider the use of simple anatomical diagrams as an adjunct to the text. Adequate lesion detection and characterization by the toxicologic pathologist is often a critical feature of toxicology studies, and can play an important role in determination of human risks associated with exposure to xenobiotics. A systematic but flexible approach is recommended.
Development and Characterization of a Rapid-Onset Rodent Inhalation Model of Asbestosis for Disease Prevention
Authors: Mossman Brooke T. , Janssen Yvonne M. , Marsh Joanne P. , Sesko Ann , Shatos Marie A. , Doherty Jacqueline , Adler Kenneth B. , Hemenway David , Mickey Ruth , Vacek Pamela , Petruska Janet , Kagan Elliott
Published: April 2017

A short-term inhalation model of asbestosis was developed in rodents to examine possible preventive approaches to lung disease. Fischer 344 (F344) rats were exposed for 10 and 20 days to National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) crocidolite asbestos while sham controls were exposed to air only. To determine quantitative biochemical indicators of asbestos-induced lung disease, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids were analyzed for lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and protein. Total and differential cell counts were performed on cell pellets from BAL. Lungs from additional rats were processed for histopathology, measurement of hydroxyproline, and autoradiography after injection of rats with 3H-thymidine. Exposure to asbestos for 10 and 20 days caused increases in LDH, alkaline phosphatase, and protein in BAL. In contrast, ACE was undetectable in BAL fluids from sham or asbestos-exposed rats. At both time periods, the percentages of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and lymphocytes in BAL were increased in asbestos-exposed rats. Total cell numbers in BAL were increased significantly at 20 days in animals inhaling asbestos. Exposure to asbestos for 10 and 20 days caused elevated amounts of hydroxyproline in lung and the development of fibrotic lesions. Asbestos-exposed rats exhibited increased numbers of interstitial cells and airspace epithelial cells incorporating 3H-thymidine, whereas labeled bronchiolar epithelial cells were not elevated significantly. The quantitative changes in asbestos-associated enzyme levels, cell types and protein in BAL, as well as increases in hydroxyproline and morphologic evidence of fibrosis, are useful indices of asbestos-related lung injury which enable preventive and therapeutic approaches to disease.
In Vitro Studies of Mechanisms of Lung Injury in the Rodent
Authors: Cohn Leah A. , Adler Kenneth B.
Published: April 2017

In order to better define the responses of lung cells to potentially pathogenic insults, primary cell cultures of dissociated respiratory epithelial cells have been established. These epithelial cells have been obtained from various areas of the respiratory tract ranging from the trachea to the alveolus and the cultures have been demonstrated to mimic the differentiated state of these cell types as observed in situ. Several procedures which enhance the differentiated state have been evaluated, which include maintenance on more physiologically-relevant substrata, such as collagen gels, use of defined serum-free medium and use of air/liquid interface systems. These approaches have allowed intracellular responses of respiratory epithelium to toxic insult to be better defined.
Investigational Approaches to Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Rabinovitch Marlene
Published: April 2017

Pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) revolves around a series of switches in the smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype. Differentiation of SMC from precursor cells causes muscularization of normally non-muscular peripheral arteries; hypertrophy and hyperplasia of existing SMC and increased connective tissue protein synthesis cause thickening of the wall, and migration of SMC into the subendothelial space is the basis of intimal proliferation. To uncover the pathophysiologic mechanisms of these changes, we have used a variety of animal models and cell culture systems. From rats in which hypertensive PVD was induced by exposure to chronic hypoxia or following injection of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, monocrotaline, we have identified increased pulmonary artery (PA) elastolytic activity which occurs early and which accompanies progressive rather than reversible PVD. Inhibition of elastolytic activity prevents or reduces PVD. We are cloning the gene for this new enzyme to study its regulation in PVD. To address the mechanism of SMC proliferation under conditions of high PA pressure and flow, we cultured endothelial cells on Polyvinylchloride membranes and pulsated them at high pressure. This caused reduced synthesis of heparan sulfate. The resulting decrease binding of fibroblast growth factor would lessen its mitogenic effect and modulate SMC proliferation in response to other growth factors from platelets or serum. To study SMC migration, we cultured endothelial and SMC from the ductus arteriosus (a fetal vessel which spontaneously develops intimal proliferation in late gestation). The migratory SMC phenotype is a function of increased production of fibronectin governed by a translational control mechanism, and increased endothelial hyaluronan regulated by transforming growth factor β. SMC migration is also related to impaired assembly of elastin, the result of a chondroitin sulfate-induced decrease in elastin binding proteins and the production of a novel ‘defunct’ 52 kD tropoelastin.
The Role of Metabolism in Chemical-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity
Authors: Smith Brian R. , Brian William R.
Published: April 2017

The lung is a target organ for the toxic effects of several chemical agents, including natural products, industrial chemicals, pesticides, environmental agents, and occasionally, drugs. Factors that establish the lung as a target organ include selective tissue exposure, high tissue oxygenation, and the presence of bioactivating systems that can generate toxic products from initially innocuous substances. Selective pulmonary exposure most often results from the fact that the lung serves as the major portal of entry for most airborne substances, but in some cases, selective exposure is the consequence of accumulation of agents, such as certain basic amines, from the circulation. Lung tumor development following long-term exposure to cigarette smoke or diesel engine exhaust is an example of pulmonary toxicity resulting from selective external exposure. Selective internal exposure, on the other hand, is exemplified by the pulmonary uptake of the herbicide paraquat from the circulation which is in part responsible for its lung-toxic effects. Although the lung contains drug metabolizing enzymes similar to those found in the liver, the enzymatic systems in the lung are sometimes highly concentrated in specific cell types. In the rabbit, for example, the lung-selective toxicity of the natural product ipomeanol is the consequence of relatively large amounts of cytochromes P450 2B1 and 4B1 in nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells (Clara cells) of the terminal airways. These P450 enzymes are highly proficient in vitro at converting ipomeanol to reactive products. Lung tissue contains other enzymic systems which are capable of catalyzing phase I biostransformation pathways (e.g., flavin-containing amine monooxygenase, amine oxidase, and prostaglandin synthase). Examples, however, where pulmonary metabolism by these pathways results in lung toxicity are less numerous than with P450 mediated reactions. Pulmonary prostaglandin H-synthase mediated cooxygenation has been shown to activate procarcinogens such as benzo(a)pyrene 7,8-dihydrodiol, aflatoxin B1, and monosubstituted hydrazines. The activities of pulmonary phase II (conjugation) pathways may also contribute to lung toxicity. Low glutathione transferase activity (relative to P450 mediated aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity) in lung tissue has been suggested to correlate with elevated risk of lung cancer in smokers. Other examples of lung-specific toxic agents and possible causative roles of biotransformation are also discussed.
Emergent knowledge of a universal phonological principle in the L2 acquisition of vowel harmony in Turkish: A ‘four’-fold poverty of the stimulus in L2 acquisition
Authors: Özçelik Öner , Sprouse Rex A.
Published: April 2017

A significant body of theoretically motivated research has addressed the role of Universal Grammar (UG) in the nonnative acquisition of morphosyntax and properties of the syntax–semantics interface, but very little research has addressed the role of phonological principles of UG in nonnative language acquisition. Turkish has a regular and pervasive system of vowel harmony for which classroom second language (L2) learners receive explicit instruction and abundant input; however, there are also cases of non-canonical vowel harmony in Turkish, for which classroom learners receive no instruction and rather little input. In this study, we show that English–Turkish L2ers come to exhibit sensitivity to the ‘No Crossing Constraint’ of UG (Goldsmith, 1976; Hammond, 1988) when calculating non-canonical vowel harmony in the context of underlyingly pre-specified non-velarized laterals (i.e. ‘light’ [l]), despite the poverty of the stimulus and potentially misleading effects of classroom instruction and standard Turkish orthography. We argue that this supports the view that nonnative phonological development is guided by (at least one principle of) UG.
Imitation-based aphasia therapy increases narrative content: a case series
Authors: Duncan E Susan , Small Steven L
Published: April 2017

Objective:

To test the generalization of an intensive imitation-based aphasia therapy to an unrelated narrative production task.

Design:

ABA design study (A= no treatment; B= treatment) comparing imitation therapy to a baseline condition (pre-therapy). Participants produced narratives at two pre-therapy and two post-therapy time points. Narratives were analyzed for correct information units to determine the number and percent of communicative words produced.

Setting:

A rehabilitation clinic and participants’ homes.

Participants:

Nineteen people with chronic aphasia following left hemisphere stroke.

Interventions:

Six weeks of intensive imitation therapy (3 x 30 minutes/day; 6 days/week) of words and phrases delivered via dedicated laptop.

Main measures:

We performed t-tests to assess post-therapy changes in narrative production, as well as for intervals during which no intervention was provided. We used stepwise regression to examine the predictive value of demographic, behavioral, and neurological variables in determining treatment outcome.

Results:

Significant gains were made on the narrative production task in both the number (mean = 34.36; p = 0.009) and percent (mean = 3.99; p = 0.023) of correct information units produced. For percent of correct information units, the number of therapy sessions completed was the sole predictor of changes in production following therapy (r= +0.542; p = 0.020). No variables predicted change in number of correct information units produced. There were no significant differences between the two pre-therapy or the two post-therapy time points ( p > 0.294).

Conclusions:

Intensive imitation-based aphasia therapy may promote generalization to an unrelated narrative production task. Further investigation is indicated.
An investigation into the role, effectiveness and future of non-executive directors
Authors: Dixon Rob , Milton Keith , Woodhead Anne
Published: April 2017

Non-executive directors are faced with increasing expectations of their role; this paper investigates both their role and their effectiveness and determines that there is universal support for the continuation of non-executive directors. The role is confirmed as that described by Cadbury and Hampel with recognition that corporate governance practices can never result in a ‘no failure’ environment. Independence is assessed as a key characteristic and changes needed to secure the future of the non-executive director are examined. The research identifies over-burdensome legislation and personal liability as key concerns and concludes that the UK should continue with a policy of best practice guidelines rather than legal prescription.
The (real) management implications of e-procurement
Authors: Quayle Michael
Published: April 2017

This paper explores the business issues affecting the level of implementation of e-procurement in small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). It uses empirical research from 750 organisations to suggest that issues of leadership and waste management are of greater importance to SMEs than development of e-procurement capability to secure competitive advantage. A major barrier is that of people. Those who have developed e-procurement capability have done so strategically, but have yet to enjoy significant cost and time savings. The research also identifies the management implications of effective e-procurement. Finally, the author suggests steps which might be necessary in seeking to achieve further progress in e-procurement implementation. This paper has implications for theory development and for practitioners.
Understanding strategising in the telecommunications industry: lessons for global telecoms firms
Authors: Lal David , Strachan Peter A.
Published: April 2017

This study considers the key determinants of environmental change and its associated consequences on strategic decision-making and strategising at the UK incumbent BT (British Telecommunications Plc),1 since UK telecommunications privatisation in 1984. With this in mind, the issue of strategising has become an important theme in the strategic management literature but is an under-researched area, particularly within the telecommunications sector. A case study approach was adopted, with face-to-face interviews carried out with senior executives. Semi-structured questionnaire checklists were used and content analysis was applied to the data set. Results alluded to the nature of both strategic evolution and the processes involved in strategising occurring at the incumbent telecoms provider, through the presentation and analysis of empirical data that has been unexplored – until now. Findings further our understanding of corporate level managerial decision-making, which will be of interest to both academics and practitioners.
How to improve employees' commitment to their line manager-a practical study in a Chinese joint venture
Authors: Wong Yui-Tim , Lui Hon-Kwong
Published: April 2017

Employees leave managers, not organisations. That is the growing consensus amongst theorists and practitioners in the United States and Europe. But what causes this behaviour? And to what extent is this phenomenon apparent in emerging markets such as China? This study aims to provide some of the answers. In doing so it examines the antecedents and consequences of employees' commitment to line manager in the Peoples' Republic of China. Trust in a line manager was found to be a key factor associated with employee commitment. More specifically, trust in line manager mediates the relationships between interactional justice and commitment to a line manager. Benefits for organisations are also identified, in that commitment to a line manager is also associated with both employees' performance and organisational citizenship behaviour. The paper concludes with some practical tips for managers and organisations wishing to improve relationships between employees and managers in the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC).
Customer Experiences, Interactions, Relationships and Corporate Reputation: A Conceptual Approach
Authors: Terblanche Nic S.
Published: April 2017

In order to achieve a competitive advantage, the contemporary tendency amongst retailers is to offer appealing and enduring experiences for their customers. This can be regarded as an effort to create emotional connection with customers through careful planning of tangible and intangible elements. Interactions between customers and the environment in which they do their shopping is the starting point for the formation of relationships between a retailer and its customers. These interactions have rational and emotional dimensions and assist the value-creation process. A well-designed customer experience will also have emotional dimensions that will make it very difficult for other retailers to imitate. Reputation is conceptualised as the outcome of relationships with customers. The relationships that follow from the interactions made possible by customer experiences are of great consequence for the retailer, in terms of building reputation. This paper addresses the route between customer experiences and reputation formation. As such, the paper attempts to contribute to the understanding of the influence of an interdisciplinary activity, namely the creation of shopping experiences for customers by retailers, on corporate reputation.
Online Communication of Brand Personality
Authors: Opoku Robert Ankomah , Caruana Albert , Pitt Leyland , Berthon Pierre , Wahlstrom Asa , Nel Deon
Published: April 2017

Brand personality has often been considered from the perspective of products, corporate brands or countries, but rarely among service offerings. Moreover, there remains the consideration of how these entities are communicated online. This article explores the brand personality dimensions that business schools communicate and whether they differ in putting across clear and distinctive brand personalities in cyberspace. Three clusters from the Financial Times’ top 100 full-time global MBA programs in 2005 are used to undertake a combination of computerised content and correspondence analyses. The content analysis was structured using Aaker's Rve-dimensional framework whilst the positioning maps were produced by examining the data using correspondence analysis. Results indicate that some schools have clear brand personalities while others fail to communicate their brand personalities in a distinct way. This study also illustrates a powerful, but simple and relatively inexpensive way for organisations and brand researchers to study the brand personalities actually being communicated.
Understanding Employee-Level Dynamics within the Merger and Acquisition Process
Authors: Creasy Todd , Stull Michael , Peck Simon
Published: April 2017

Given the challenge companies face in combining organisations in the merger and acquisition (M&A) process, this article presents a model that explores the potential determinants of success in the company blending (acculturation) process. The model examines the effect of employee-level factors and perceptions of managerial behaviours during the M&A process. Utilising data from 254 employees that recently experienced an M&A, the authors tested for managerial guided, direct and indirect impacts on employee-level dynamics (job satisfaction and organisational citizenship behaviours) which are believed to affect the successful co-mingling of two previously independent organisations. The authors highlight the key role that employee identification with the new consolidated organisation plays, most notably organisational citizenship. Lastly, attention is drawn to the importance of management's perceived competence and procedural justice toward employee-level factors. The article concludes with specific managerial suggestions for improving M&A acculturation outcomes.
An Empirical Study on the use of Project Management Tools and Techniques across Project Life-Cycle and their Impact on Project Success
Authors: Patanakul Peerasit , Iewwongcharoen Boonkiart , Milosevic Dragan
Published: April 2017

Even though project management tools and techniques (PMTT) have been commonly used by project managers, research on PMTT still has not been adequately investigated as to whether its use contributes to the success of a project. The lack of such knowledge leads to the use of PMTT because of popularity rather than any known benefits. To respond to this issue, the authors conducted a large-sample study based on a survey and statistical analyses to investigate the use of PMTT. Evidence emerged that some PMTT should be used in a certain phase of a project and such uses contribute to project success.
How does Geographical and Legal Proximity Affect the Performance of M&A Transactions?
Authors: Kengelbach Jens , Schwetzler Bernhard , Sperling Marco O.
Published: April 2017

Geographical distance and the prevailing legal environment are important factors in cross-border transactions. Using a sample of 1507 worldwide transactions, this article examines the impact of geographical and legal proximity on the performance of M&A transactions. It is found that capital market reactions for targets in Asia Pacific are only about half (10.7%) compared to those in North America (23.5%) or Europe (22.6%). Furthermore, while it is generally believed that geographical distance is harmful, target firms under-perform in transactions with neighbouring countries by up to 8.1%. It seems that acquirers pay less for firms that are close to their own market (negative neighbouring country effect). When looking at legal aspects, the evidence presented here (weakly) supports the view that after a transaction, acquiring firms bootstrap superior governance mechanisms of their targets (bootstrapping hypothesis). Moreover, management of target firms in countries with weaker shareholder rights tends to accept offers too early, while the management of acquirers coming from a weaker legal system tends to overpay (shareholder rights hypothesis).
From Manufacturing to High Value Manufacturing: Exploring this Transition
Authors: Macbryde Jill , Paton Steve , Mendibil Kepa
Published: April 2017

By carrying out a systematic literature review and empirical research in the form of industry and government focus groups and case studies, this paper seeks to highlight the confusion surrounding the definition of high value manufacturing and the strategies companies adopt for high value repositioning. It questions the definition of terminology that is almost taken for granted in the literature but is not made clear enough to be useful at the organisational level. It provides insight into what is required from government and academia to assist industry to make the transition into a more competitive and sustainable mode of operation. It provides the foundation for further research by identifying those gaps in knowledge and issues that are affecting industry as the latter seeks to compete more effectively. The results provide key themes for future research, allowing academics to understand their role in enhancing the body of knowledge and practice around high value manufacturing.
Enhancing Performance
Authors: Heavey Colm , Halliday Sue Vaux , Gilbert David , Murphy Eamonn
Published: April 2017

This paper analyses the concepts of trust, commitment, motivation and performance. In specific terms, the authors ascertain what are the key components of trust in the workplace. The paper provides a deeper understanding of the value of the relational construct trust to organisational motivation and performance. A global multinational firm was surveyed to confirm the Morgan Hunt (1994) Commitment-Trust theory, that trust is an antecedent to commitment. The authors then develop and test a revised performance model that is based on the work of Maier (1955) and Mayer et al (1995). This second survey, which sampled a range of multinational organisations, sought Human Resource managers' opinions on both specific motivational influences in the workplace and specific performance factors in the workplace. The results confirm that all aspects of the construct trust tested in this paper have a significant impact on motivation and performance. In affirming this, the article concludes by proposing refinements to Maiers's (1955) existing performance model, which will assist management in trust building and also provide management with a deeper understanding of the importance of trust and motivation in organisational performance.
When Building Strength is not Enough
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chandrasekar N. Anand
Published: April 2017

This paper examines the notion that derailment potential and leadership strength are different, albeit related facets of effective leadership. Based on data from 2670 managers from five countries, the article posits that managers need to pay dose attention to reducing derailment potential while developing leadership strength, in order to be effective at the workplace. Implications of this finding for talent management theory and practice are discussed and a three-step Sensitise-Enable-Support framework is offered to guide practice.
Do Career Shares Improve CEO Performance?
Authors: Main Brian G. M. , Thiess Rolf , Wright Vicky
Published: April 2017

This paper offers a technical exploration of the empirical ramifications of adopting the Career Shares approach to long-term incentives – a proposal that has emerged from the discussion of the structure of incentive pay in the light of the recent financial crisis. By simulating the impact of such a design of long-term incentives in the context of those FTSE 350 CEOS whose careers terminated between 1993 and 2008, it is shown that Career Shares automatically introduce a ‘settling-up' effect that adjusts for late-career or post-career periods of poor performance. The adoption of such an arrangement would require remuneration committees to adjust the overall remuneration package in the light of tax and risk bearing consequences that result. This paper offers the first attempt to confront an interesting and promising new idea (Career Shares) with empirical data that reflects the actual careers followed by a group of CEOs.
An Exploratory Study of the Value of Project Management for Hospital Administration in Thailand
Authors: Srivannaboon Sabin , Southall Patrick
Published: April 2017

This study examines how physicians can recognise and utilise project management to improve their role as hospital administrators. Thirty physicians serving as hospital administrators in Thailand were asked to identify the skills necessary to successfully manage projects in the hospital, and problems encountered in their administrative roles in regards to project management. This article illustrates how the practices and tools of project management can be put to use in alleviating the problems identified, and offers potential applications for hospital administration. The implications go beyond physicians serving as hospital administrators and demonstrate value for all administrators striving for improved healthcare operations.
Middle Level Managers and Strategy: Exploring the Influence of Different Roles on Organisational Performance
Authors: Dasgupta Meeta
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to explore how middle level managers contribute to the formulation and implementation of strategic decisions and to measure the influence of different roles on organisational performance. Discussions with around 15 middle level managers in an Indian Power Transmission Company helped to present a narration of various roles of middle level managers. 200 middle level managers from a few Indian public sector organisations completed a survey assessing their involvement in various roles. Central tendencies were identified and regression analysis was undertaken to understand the influence of different roles on organisational performance. It was found that the most prominent role of the middle level managers is that of an implementer and the role has a strong influence on organisational performance. The role of an entrepreneur emerged strong with respect to influence on organisational performance, hinting at the entrepreneurial mindset that is present in public sector employees. The study fills a gap in literature by measuring the influence of different roles of middle level managers on organisational performance in public sector organisations. The extant literature lacked similar mixed-method research.
Adjustment of Human Resource Policies in Japanese Companies
Authors: Debroux Philippe
Published: April 2017

When economic growth faltered, did Japanese companies change their traditionally benevolent human resource policies? Have they become more like western companies?
Permanent Discovery or Collective Caprice?
Authors: Boas Sara C. F.
Published: April 2017

‘The Learning Organization’ has become very fashionable on the conference circuit and among management consultants. The central message here is that there are various types of knowledge systems in organizations and care is needed in applying new learning approaches to them.
Martin Luther King: The American Gandhi
Authors: Jahanbegloo Ramin
Published: April 2017

This article originally explores the philosophical background of Martin Luther King, Jr's conception of nonviolence. In particular, it focuses on the role of the theory of love for the development of his thought. It takes into account the role of King's religious education, and establishes theoretical links to Gandhi's own philosophy and action.
Assessment of environmental policy implementation in solid waste management in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Dangi Mohan B , Schoenberger Erica , Boland John J
Published: April 2017

In Nepal, full-fledged environmental legislation was rare before the democratic constitution of 1990. The first law covering the environment and sustainability was the Environment Protection Act 1997. While the Solid Waste Act was introduced in 1987, the problem of solid waste management still surfaces in Kathmandu. In order to understand the bedrock of this unrelenting failure in solid waste management, the manuscript digs deeper into policy implementation by dissecting solid waste rules, environmental legislations, relevant local laws, and solid waste management practices in Kathmandu, Nepal. A very rich field study that included surveys, interviews, site visits, and literature review provided the basis for the article. The study shows that volumes of new Nepalese rules are crafted without effective enforcement of their predecessors and there is a frequent power struggle between local government bodies and central authority in implementing the codes and allocating resources in solid waste management. The study concludes that Kathmandu does not require any new instrument to address solid waste problems; instead, it needs creation of local resources, execution of local codes, and commitment from central government to allow free exercise of these policies.
Serial Casting as an Adjunct to Botulinum Toxin Type A Treatment in Children With Cerebral Palsy and Spastic Paraparesis With Scissoring of the Lower Extremities
Authors: Dai Alper I. , Demiryürek Abdullah T.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine whether combination therapy of serial casting and botulinum toxin type A injection can further enhance the effects of botulinum toxin type A in children with cerebral palsy with scissoring of both legs. This study was a prospective and randomized trial. The children were divided into 2 groups, one of which received serial casting after botulinum toxin type A (n = 40), and the other which only received botulinum toxin type A (n = 40). Serial casting started 3 weeks after the botulinum toxin type A. Both groups received physiotherapy. Groups were assessed at baseline then compared at 6 and 12 weeks following the intervention. Significant improvements in Gross Motor Function Measure–66 and Caregiver Health Questionnaire were recorded in both groups ( P < .001). The modified Ashworth scale improved significantly following botulinum toxin type A in the serial casting group ( P < .05), but not in botulinum toxin type A only group. These results suggest that serial casting after botulinum toxin type A can enhance the benefits of botulinum toxin type A in children with cerebral palsy.