bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid protein affect virus assembly and release
Authors: Abdurahman Samir , Höglund Stefan , Goobar-Larsson Laura , Vahlne Anders
Published: September 2004

The capsid protein (CA or p24) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) plays a major role both early and late in the virus replication cycle. Many studies have suggested that the C-terminal domain of this protein is involved in dimerization and proper assembly of the viral core. Point mutations were introduced in two conserved sites of this region and their effects on viral protein expression, particle assembly and infectivity were studied. Eight different mutants (L205A+P207A, L205A, P207A, 223GPG225AAA, G223A, P224A, G225A and V221G) of the infectious clone pNL4-3 were constructed. Most substitutions had no substantial effect on HIV-1 protein synthesis, yet they impaired viral infectivity and particle production. The two mutants P207A and V221G also had a profound effect on Gag–Pol protein processing in HeLa–tat cells. However, these results were cell line-specific and Gag–Pol processing of P207A was not affected in 293T cells. In HeLa–tat cells, no virus particles were detected with the P207A mutation, whereas the other mutant virus particles were heterogeneous in size and morphology. None of the mutants showed normal, mature, conical core structures in HeLa–tat cells. These results indicate that the two conserved sequences in the C-terminal CA domain are essential for proper morphogenesis and infectivity of HIV-1 particles.
Capacity of Epstein–Barr virus to infect monocytes and inhibit their development into dendritic cells is affected by the cell type supporting virus replication
Authors: Guerreiro-Cacais Andre Ortlieb , Li LiQi , Donati Daria , Bejarano Maria Teresa , Morgan Andrew , Masucci Maria G. , Hutt-Fletcher Lindsey , Levitsky Victor
Published: September 2004

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus that is involved in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Strong evidence implicates T lymphocytes in the control of EBV replication and tumorigenesis, but cellular components of the innate immune system are poorly characterized in terms of their function in the development of EBV-specific immunity or interaction with the virus. This study demonstrates that EBV virions produced in epithelial cells surpass their B cell-derived counterparts in the capacity to enter monocytes and inhibit their development into dendritic cells (DCs). Different ratios of the gp42 and gH glycoproteins in the envelope of virions that were derived from major histocompatibility complex class II-positive or -negative cells accounted primarily for the differences in EBV tropism. EBV is shown to enter both monocytes and DCs, although the cells are susceptible to virus-induced apoptosis only if infected at early stages of DC differentiation. The purified gH/gL heterodimer binds efficiently to monocytes and DCs, but not to B cells, suggesting that high expression levels of a putative binding partner for gH contribute to virus entry. This entry takes place despite very low or undetectable expression of CD21, the canonical EBV receptor. These results indicate that the site of virus replication, either in B cells or epithelial cells, alters EBV tropism for monocytes and DCs. This results in a change in the virus's immunomodulating capacity and may have important implications for the regulation of virus–host interactions during primary and chronic EBV infection.
Feline leukaemia virus LTR variation and disease association in a geographical and temporal cluster
Authors: Chandhasin Chandtip , Lobelle-Rich Patricia , Levy Laura S.
Published: September 2004

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)-945 was previously identified in natural multicentric lymphomas and contains a 21 bp tandem triplication in the LTR. In the present study, FeLV LTR variation was examined in the cohort from which FeLV-945 was identified. The objectives of the study were to evaluate FeLV LTR variation within the cohort, to determine whether the FeLV-945 LTR was associated uniquely with multicentric lymphoma and to evaluate functional attributes that may have contributed selective advantage to the predominant LTR variants observed. T-cell tumours uniformly contained LTRs with duplicated enhancer sequences, although enhancer duplications conferred little transcriptional advantage. Non-T-cell malignant, proliferative and degenerative diseases contained LTRs with two, three or four tandemly repeated copies of the 21 bp sequence originally identified in FeLV-945. While the length and termini of enhancer duplications were variable, the 21 bp repeat unit was invariant. Triplication of the 21 bp repeat conferred the optimal replicative advantage in feline cells.
Rhinovirus 3C protease precursors 3CD and 3CD′ localize to the nuclei of infected cells
Authors: Amineva S. P. , Aminev A. G. , Palmenberg A. C. , Gern J. E.
Published: September 2004

Human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease (3Cpro) plays several important roles in the virus replication cycle. This enzyme cleaves the viral polyprotein at discrete sites to produce mature viral proteins and also inhibits cellular RNA transcription. It is not clear, however, whether the observed transcriptional shutoff activities are due to 3Cproitself or to 3Cpro-containing precursors, and where 3Cproexerts its effects within infected cells. To address these questions HeLa cells were infected with HRV-16, stained with polyclonal antibodies directed against 3Cproand then analysed by laser confocal microscopy. Proteins containing 3Cproaccumulated in nuclei 2–4 h post-infection, and progressively increased in the cytoplasm. Analyses of subcellular extracts demonstrated that 3CD′, a minor component among 3Cproprecursors, gave rise to the earliest 3Cpronuclear signals. Mature 3Cproand another 3Cproprecursor, 3CD, were also detected in the nucleus, cytoplasm and perinuclear membrane fractions 4 h post-infection. Transfecting cells with 3Cpro, 3CD precursor and 3CDΔ371(with deletion of 371 aa at the carboxyl terminus of 3D) demonstrated that the nucleolar localization signal was near the amino terminus of 3D. In addition, 3Cproprecursors were found to co-localize in nuclei with the transcription factor OCT-1 and the nucleolar chaperone B23. Finally, it was demonstrated that HRV-16 3Cpro, 3CD and 3CDΔ371could cleave OCT-1. Collectively, these findings suggest that HRV 3CD′ and/or 3CD are specifically localized to the nucleoli of infected cells during the early stage of infection, and contribute to the inhibition of cellular RNA transcription via a proteolytic mechanism.
Relationships and host range of human, canine, simian and porcine isolates of simian virus 5 (parainfluenza virus 5)
Authors: Chatziandreou N. , Stock N. , Young D. , Andrejeva J. , Hagmaier K. , McGeoch D. J. , Randall R. E.
Published: September 2004

Sequence comparison of the V/P and F genes of 13 human, canine, porcine and simian isolates of simian virus 5 (SV5) revealed a surprising lack of sequence variation at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels (0–3 %), even though the viruses were isolated over 30 years and originated from countries around the world. Furthermore, there were no clear distinguishing amino acid or nucleotide differences among the isolates that correlated completely with the species from which they were isolated. In addition, there was no evidence that the ability of the viruses to block interferon signalling by targeting STAT1 for degradation was confined to the species from which they were isolated. All isolates had an extended cytoplasmic tail in the F protein, compared with the original W3A and WR monkey isolates. Sequence analysis of viruses that were derived from human bone-marrow cells isolated in London in the 1980s revealed that, whilst they were related more closely to one another than to the other isolates, they all had identifying differences, suggesting that they were independent isolates. These results therefore support previous data suggesting that SV5 can infect humans persistently, although the relationship of SV5 to any human disease remains highly contentious. Given that SV5 has been isolated on multiple occasions from different species, it is proposed that the term simian virus 5 is inappropriate and suggested that the virus should be renamed parainfluenza virus 5.
Apoptosis in lymphoid organs of pigs naturally infected by porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Resendes Ana R. , Majó Natàlia , Segalés Joaquim , Mateu Enric , Calsamiglia Maria , Domingo Mariano
Published: September 2004

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the involvement of apoptosis in the development of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) lymphoid-depletion lesions. Twenty-one pigs that were categorized into three different lesional severity stages (S1,n=5; S2,n=7; S3,n=9) and five healthy control pigs (stage S0) were used. From all pigs, samples of thymus, spleen, tonsil, ileum and superficial inguinal lymph node were processed for histological examination,in situhybridization for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) detection and cleaved caspase-3 (CCasp3) immunohistochemistry for detection of apoptotic cells. PCV2 was quantified in serum samples by using TaqMan real-time PCR. CCasp3 labelling was measured in the different morphological compartments of all lymphoid tissues, using an automated system for quantification. Differences between each tissue compartment and lesional stage were assessed, as well as the correlation between apoptosis, lesional stage and viral load. Overall, the results indicated that the more intense the lymphoid depletion, the lower the rate of apoptosis. In the thymus, the cortex was the area where differences between PMWS-affected and control animals were more evident; it was found that all PMWS-affected pigs had significantly lower rates of apoptosis than the controls. In the secondary lymphoid organs, B-cell areas presented higher rates of apoptosis; similar apoptotic rates were found in this compartment in control and S1 pigs. In S2 and S3, B-cell areas were lost and the apoptotic pattern observed was a diffusely distributed low rate of positive cells. Significantly lower rates of apoptosis between PMWS-affected pigs and the control group were already evident in S1 for the thymus, spleen, superficial inguinal lymph node and Peyer's patches, but not for the tonsils. Apoptotic rates in lymphoid tissues were correlated inversely with viral load in serum and with severity of lesions. In conclusion, the results indicate that apoptosis is not a remarkable feature in PMWS lymphoid lesion development.
Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 is a DNA-binding protein with strong RNA-binding activity
Authors: Lu Chih-Chung , Wu Chia-Wei , Chang Shin C. , Chen Tzu-Yi , Hu Chwan-Ren , Yeh Ming-Yi , Chen Jen-Yang , Chen Mei-Ru
Published: September 2004

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) plays key roles in both the regulation of gene expression and the replication of the EBV genome in latently infected cells. To characterize the RNA-binding activity of EBNA-1, it was demonstrated that EBNA-1 binds efficiently to RNA homopolymers that are composed of poly(G) and weakly to those composed of poly(U). All three RGG boxes of EBNA-1 contributed additively to poly(G)-binding activity and could mediate RNA binding when attached to a heterologous protein in an RNA gel mobility-shift assay.In vitro-transcribed EBV and non-EBV RNA probes revealed that EBNA-1 bound to most RNAs examined and the affinity increased as the content of G and U increased, as demonstrated in competition assays. Among these probes, the 5′ non-coding region (NCR) (nt 131–278) of hepatitis C virus RNA appeared to be the strongest competitor for EBNA-1 binding to the EBV-encoded small nuclear RNA 1 (EBER1) probe, whereas a mutant 5′ NCR RNA with partially disrupted secondary structure was a weak competitor. Furthermore, the interaction of endogenous EBNA-1 and EBER1 in EBV-infected cells was demonstrated by a ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assay. These results revealed that EBNA-1 is a DNA-binding protein with strong binding activity to a relatively broad spectrum of RNA and suggested an additional biological impact of EBNA-1 through its ability to bind to RNA.
Functional analysis of the Cucumber mosaic virus 2b protein: pathogenicity and nuclear localization
Authors: Wang Yongzeng , Tzfira Tzvi , Gaba Victor , Citovsky Vitaly , Palukaitis Peter , Gal-On Amit
Published: September 2004

The 2b protein encoded by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has been shown to be a silencing suppressor and pathogenicity determinant in solanaceous hosts, but a movement determinant in cucumber. In addition, synergistic interactions between CMV and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) have been described in several cucurbit species. Here, it was shown that deletion of the 2b gene from CMV prevented extensive systemic movement of the virus in zucchini squash, which could not be complemented by co-infection with ZYMV. Thus, ZYMV expressing a silencing suppressor with a different target could not complement the CMV 2b-specific movement function. Expression of the 2b protein from an attenuated ZYMV vector resulted in a synergistic response, largely restoring infection symptoms of wild-type ZYMV in several cucurbit species. Deletion or alteration of either of two nuclear localization signals (NLSs) did not affect nuclear localization in two assays, but did affect pathogenicity in several cucurbit species, whilst deletion of both NLSs led to loss of nuclear localization. The 2b protein interacted with an Arabidopsis thaliana karyopherin α protein (AtKAPα) in the yeast two-hybrid system, as did each of the two single NLS-deletion mutants. However, 2b protein containing a deletion of both NLSs was unable to interact with AtKAPα. These data suggest that the 2b protein localizes to the nucleus by using the karyopherin α-mediated system, but demonstrate that nuclear localization was insufficient for enhancement of the 2b-mediated pathogenic response in cucurbit hosts. Thus, the sequences corresponding to the two NLSs must have another role leading to pathogenicity enhancement.
Characterization of the complete genomic sequence of genotype II hepatitis A virus (CF53/Berne isolate)
Authors: Lu Ling , Ching Karen Z. , de Paula Vanessa Salete , Nakano Tatsunori , Siegl Gunter , Weitz Manfred , Robertson Betty H.
Published: September 2004

The complete genomic sequence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) CF53/Berne strain was determined. Pairwise comparison with other complete HAV genomic sequences demonstrated that the CF53/Berne isolate is most closely related to the single genotype VII strain, SLF88. This close relationship was confirmed by phylogenetic analyses of different genomic regions, and was most pronounced within the capsid region. These data indicated that CF53/Berne and SLF88 isolates are related more closely to each other than are subtypes IA and IB. A histogram of the genetic differences between HAV strains revealed four separate peaks. The distance values for CF53/Berne and SLF88 isolates fell within the peak that contained strains of the same subtype, showing that they should be subtypes within a single genotype. The complete genomic data indicated that genotypes II and VII should be considered a single genotype, based upon the complete VP1 sequence, and it is proposed that the CF53/Berne isolate be classified as genotype IIA and strain SLF88 as genotype IIB. The CF53/Berne isolate is cell-adapted, and therefore its sequence was compared to that of two other strains adapted to cell culture, HM-175/7 grown in MK-5 and GBM grown in FRhK-4 cells. Mutations found at nucleotides 3889, 4087 and 4222 that were associated with HAV attenuation and cell adaptation in HM175/7 and GMB strains were not present in the CF53/Berne strain. Deletions found in the 5′UTR and P3A regions of the CF53/Berne isolate that are common to cell-adapted HAV isolates were identified, however.
Subtypes of BK virus prevalent in Japan and variation in their transcriptional control region
Authors: Takasaka Tomokazu , Goya Nobuyuki , Tokumoto Tadahiko , Tanabe Kazunari , Toma Hiroshi , Ogawa Yoshihide , Hokama Sanehiro , Momose Akishi , Funyu Tomihisa , Fujioka Tomoaki , Omori So , Akiyama Hideki , Chen Qin , Zheng Huai-Ying , Ohta Nobutaka , Kitamura Tadaichi , Yogo Yoshiaki
Published: September 2004

BK polyomavirus (BKV) is ubiquitous in the human population, infecting children without obvious symptoms, and persisting in the kidney in a latent state. In immunosuppressed patients, BKV is reactivated and excreted in urine. BKV isolates have been classified into four subtypes (I–IV) using either serological or genotyping methods. To elucidate the subtypes of BKV prevalent in Japan, the 287 bp typing region in the viral genome was PCR-amplified from urine samples of 45 renal transplant (RT) and 31 bone-marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. The amplified fragments were subjected to a phylogenetic or RFLP analysis to determine the subtypes of BKV isolates in urine samples. Subtypes I, II, III and IV were detected, respectively, in 70–80, 0, 2–3 and 10–20 % of the BKV-positive patients in both patient groups. This pattern of distribution was virtually identical to patterns previously demonstrated in England, Tanzania and the United States, suggesting that BKV subtypes are distributed similarly in various human populations. Furthermore, transcriptional control regions (TCRs) were PCR-amplified from the urine samples of 25 RT and 20 BMT recipients, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. The basic TCR structure (the so-called archetype configuration) was observed in most isolates belonging to subtypes I, III and IV (subtype II isolates were not available), albeit with several nucleotide substitutions and a few single-nucleotide deletions (or insertions). Only three TCRs carried extensive sequence rearrangements. Thus, it was concluded that the archetypal configuration of the BKV TCR has been conserved during the evolution of BKV.
Advanced Manufacturing Systems: Analysis of Trends
Authors: Gupta Yash P.
Published: September 2004

Today, due to the rapid change of manufacturing technology, many
firms have to produce efficiently with minimum cost and best quality in
order to maintain their status in the markets. Having invested a great
deal of money in R&D the manufacturing environment is very
competitive, using many advanced technologies such as computers,
microelectronics, Computer‐Aided Design, Computer‐Aided Manufacturing,
Flexible Manufacturing Systems and industrial robots. This means
managers must acquire some technical knowledge and workers must be
prepared to move from direct manufacturing to the information sector or
to professional services because automation requires many professionals
and technicians.
The Management of Meaning
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: September 2004

The symbolism of words, statements, actions and design, and their
meanings as perceived by their recipients, should really be managed
rather than left to chance. The author states that it should be in the
brief of the personnel manager to do this. Some words in everyday
management currency, such as “effectiveness” or
“success” are more value statements than concrete,
universally understood terms. It is important for managers to understand
and manage this.
Alternative Naming Strategies: Family versus Individual
Brand Names
Authors: Roberts C.J. , McDonald Gael M.
Published: September 2004

Increased competition in the consumer goods marketplace has
resulted in too many brands chasing too few consumers. In an attempt to
ease pressure on margins, and both brand and product range
profitability, marketers would be well advised to reinspect their
policies towards brand naming and the attendant costs associated with
those policies. Is it really necessary for each new product to be
individually named? If it is, then what are the strategic and financial
implications of this decision? Why is it that the practice in some
companies is to resort to a string of unrelated brand names whereas the
practice elsewhere is to use an umbrella family name, with or without, a
brand name as a suffix? The answers to such questions are by no means
obvious and closer inspection of the issues relating to naming policy
fails to yield any consensus let alone a definitive approach. This
article seeks to depict the alternative naming strategies engaged by
marketers and to focus on those considerations that would favour a
family name in preference to an individualised brand name. The article
concludes with recommendations that are drawn from current literature
and the experience of marketers with a view to determining those
circumstances that may influence the formulation of a more appropriate
naming policy.
What Should be Done? A Practical Approach to Business Ethics
Authors: McDonald Gael M. , Zepp Raymond A.
Published: September 2004

The decision‐making process in business
frequently involves ethical considerations.
Although ethics often come down to personal
decisions, those decisions ultimately affect the
corporate image of an organisation. It has been
shown that sound ethics are good for business,
and therefore it is important that managers
encourage their staff to recognise and to
implement the company′s ethical priorities. This
article looks at practical ways for managers to
establish ethical priorities at three levels: an
individual level, a group level and an organisational
level. Each of these levels is explored, and the
benefits and disadvantages of different action‐related
strategies for encouraging an ethical
awareness will vary among companies, industries
and cultures – no single method is universally
appropriate. However, all managers should
consider how ethical standards can best be
introduced and communicated throughout their
organisation. Ethics is not just a “flavour of the
month” – it is here to stay, and presents a
challenge to all managers.
Unpublished? Perish the Thought
Authors: Matejka Ken
Published: September 2004

Some ideas are expounded about how to get
published in management or marketing
publications. First, almost anyone with ideas can
get published. Second, only a few people have all
the necessary skills (creative ideas, writing skills,
organisational capabilities, packaging prowess and
artful matching of product and markets) to publish
alone on a regular basis. What publishing can do
for you is examined, the ways that we stop
ourselves from publishing and hints for getting into
print are given.
Market Opportunity Analysis for Emerging Technologies
Authors: Mohan Reddy N.
Published: September 2004

Speeding technology to market, and to the right
market, is increasingly held out as the hallmark
of well run technology‐based organisations. This
paper details an inexpensive methodology to
evaluate the economic viability of technologies that
have potential applicability in a broad range of
market segments.
Unleashing the Power of Service Brands in the 1990s
Authors: Dobree James , Page Anthony S.
Published: September 2004

Three principles are presented to help companies
achieve sustainable, differentiated service in the
1990s. The “service brand” concept is introduced
and the contrast made between a service brand
and the conventional product brand. Practical
methods to mobilise company‐wide support for
the service brand are described, and the essential
nature of brand contracts is outlined with a view
to the new environment where forming a strong
service network is of crucial importance.
Successful Management Buy‐outs
Authors: Pearson Barrie
Published: September 2004

The practical steps necessary for successful
negotiation of a management buy‐out are outlined,
discussing preliminary assessment of its inability
as a business proposition; the proper way to
negotiate the process; and how to bring it to
completion.
Managing Management Research
Authors: Howard Keith , Peters John
Published: September 2004

Practical and useful guidance is given to those
undertaking management research; and advice is
given on how to manage the practicalities of the
research project. Particular emphasis is placed on
applied and action research culminating in
implementation of findings within an organisational
setting. A description of the aims of management
research is followed by advice on the selection
of a research subject and the importance of the
planning stage. Details of the processes involved
in gathering the relevant information; its careful
analysis; and the presentation of the findings in
a readable, structured and coherent form are
presented. Finally, suggestions on how to
implement the research findings within an
organisation are offered, as well as advice on the
publication of results.
The Engineering and Manufacturing Managers of the 21st Century: Part II: Career Development and Progression
Authors: Hawkins Peter , Barclay Ian
Published: September 2004

The area of engineering and managerial needs of
companies are focused on, and how the often
conflicting engineering, business and managerial
demands can be developed into a successful long‐term
relationship. The concept of career
management and the way in which it can be
promoted and controlled is outlined. A number
of practical points that companies and graduates
can use to improve the management development
process are given.
The Internal Marketing of Services: The New Age Surge
Authors: Wilson Aubrey
Published: September 2004

Internal marketing in itself is not new, but is only recently
becoming widespread in public and private sector organisations. Whilst
the principles of internal and external marketing are the same, there
are some differences – in targeting, politics, incentives, skills,
motivation and interpersonal factors. Case examples are drawn on, from
financial services, outplacement and management consultancy.
Right Brain Approach to Time Management
Authors: Seibert Kristen B. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: September 2004

The time crunch! There is never enough time in the day. Even with
high‐tech tools such as computers, fax machines and even automatic
teller machines to do our banking, we still have increasing time
pressures. There are many theories about time management skills. For the
most part these theories centre around methods that utilise the left
brain or logical and analytical hemisphere of the brain. New approaches
in time management are focusing on the right or intuitive side of the
brain. Explores the differences between the left and right brain
hemispheres and their respective theories on time management, focusing
primarily on the right brain approach. In addition, shows how one should
balance the use of both sides of the brain to increase productivity and
creativity.
Seeing is Being: The Natural Way to Success
Authors: Alder Harry
Published: September 2004

Orthodox management science has underestimated the power of
creative thinking and the use of mental imaging techniques in goal
achievement. In the world of sport a range of techniques involving
creative visualisation have long been used by top achievers, but have
only more recently been understood in terms of the working of the right
brain hemisphere, and an inbuilt “cybernetic” facility for
achieving clearly envisioned goals. Such an understanding has added
significantly to dated “positive thinking” concepts in
changing self‐image along with shorter term mental approach, and is more
readily practically applicable then “lateral thinking”.
Results claimed are not marginal; dramatic performance improvements are
cited in various fields of endeavour, including selling, interviews, and
career enhancement. The impact of the embryonic science of
psycho‐cybernetics into the next century can only be postulated, but
from increasing evidence the inbuilt, vestigial, untapped managerial
resource of creative visualisation awaits exploitation. Only the
familiar but blinkered logic of the left brain will limit the horizon of
achievement for tomorrow′s managers.
WhistleBlowing: Corporate Help or Hindrance?
Authors: Vinten Gerald
Published: September 2004

A series of case studies of whistle‐blowers suggests that most
suffer harm of one sort or another, however justified their cause.
Research on whistle blowing shows that the average whistle‐blower in all
other respects could be regarded as a model employee, and it is
therefore a pity for the organization to forfeit his/her services. This
leads to the conclusion that organizations should try to harness the
energies of their whistle‐blowers, and a suitable code of practice can
assist in this. Protection under the law is better in the USA than the
UK.
Absenteeism Control
Authors: Cole Thomas C. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: September 2004

Discusses the five basic elements of an effective absentee control
programme: maintaining detailed attendance records; determining reasons
for absence; summarizing and analysing attendance data; taking decisive
action to correct the problem; and providing quality leadership to
employees. Traditional approaches to controlling absenteeism are
discipline at progressive levels to punish excessive absences, and
reward, in which various incentive systems are utilized to reward
employees for outstanding attendance. Draws examples from US companies.
Understanding Consumers’ Behaviour: Can Perceived Risk Theory Help?
Authors: Mitchell V‐W.
Published: September 2004

Aims to highlight the use of Perceived Risk Theory in understanding and influencing consumers′ behaviour. Recent evidence from numerous food scares and product recalls have demonstrated the power of perceived risk on consumption patterns. Argues that perceived risk is so important to consumers′ thinking that all managers should at least be aware of its existence. Describes how uncertainty and risk affect the consumer decision‐making process and gives some indications as to how the theory might be used by organizations better to manage their communications mix.
Exporter‐Importer and Exporter‐Domestic Customer
Relationships: Power Considerations
Authors: Katsikeas Constantine S. , Piercy Nigel F.
Published: September 2004

In an attempt to make progress towards filling out some major gaps
in the export marketing literature, focuses on the comparison of the
business relationships of indigenous manufacturers from Greece with
importers based in a developed country and other domestic purchasing
partners, with regard to the dimension of exercised power. Fifty‐three
Greek manufacturing firms participated in the research study. Overall,
Greek manufacturers were found to lose a significant degree of control
over key marketing decision‐making areas, when expanding their
operations from domestic to overseas markets. Concludes that the study
findings have important implications for business practitioners, as well
as for future research directions in the field of export marketing.
Pricing Strategies in Highly Competitive Markets
Authors: Bourdon Elizabeth
Published: September 2004

In most highly competitive markets, the use of certain strategic
and tactical pricing practices is a key factor in determining
profitability. Discusses the extent to which these practices can benefit
a firm. Evidence from research conducted in the markets of two groups of
industrial distributors (paper merchants and engineers′ distributors)
suggests that price wars are inevitable under certain market conditions,
and that a strong and defensible position in the market is a necessary
prerequisite for control of price levels. The purchase of market share
by investment, rather than competition, emerges as the preferred
strategy for firms wishing to make a long‐term commitment to remaining
in a highly competitive market.
Critical Factors in Exploiting Technologies
Authors: Groth John C.
Published: September 2004

Technology offers great opportunities to firms. Successfully bringing the benefits of technology to market and realizing favourable returns requires a careful balance and management of a host of factors. The critical test of such efforts occur where and when technology “meets the market”, resources and great efforts will yield returns only if one meets the market. Focuses on push versus pull marketing forces and their importance in technology assessment, policy, strategy, and the management of efforts to exploit technology successfully. It defines characteristics of push versus pull forces, addresses the importance of economic, social, political and technical forces, and discusses factors of importance to the marketing analyst and strategist. It provides force assessment guidelines and an evaluation and scoring worksheet to evaluate and summarize factors that will determine the success or failure of a technology based effort. In addition, this assessment scheme is useful in a variety of other situations and environments. Includes examples related to the private and government sectors.
Is There an Inverse “Peter Principle”?
Authors: Popper Micha , Gluskinos Ury M.
Published: September 2004

Argues that hierarchical level is frequently not given enough
consideration in analysing managerial jobs. Describes the qualitative
differences existing at the various hierarchical levels in terms of
time‐span, task complexity, and mental capabilities required.
Specifically argues that the cognitive complexity required at senior
managerial levels may be a liability at lower managerial levels where
direct judgment and quick action are needed. Consequently, postulates an
inverse “Peter Principle”. Elaborates on the implications of
this inverse “Peter Principle” for management selection
promotion and development of these hierarchical differences.
Coping with Misinformation
Authors: Sims David
Published: September 2004

The management of all kinds of projects is dogged by bad
information. The difficulties of getting good information are such that
many project managers abandon all attempts to plan and monitor their
projects, while still going through whatever motions their company
requires. Looks at the causes of misinformation in project teams, and at
what the managers of such teams can do to decrease either the quantity
or the negative consequences of such misinformation. Based on the
accounts of 150 project managers of why they themselves have given
misinformation on occasions.
Managed Outsourcing: A Strategy for a Competitive Company
in the 1990s
Authors: Pagnoncelli Dernizo
Published: September 2004

The profile of a competitive company in the 1990s can be defined in
two words: focus and flexibility. Companies should concentrate on what
they know best, have reduced structures, and the results of any sudden
changes in the environment should be as simple as possible. That these
tendencies have already become a reality is confirmed by the increasing
interest in outsourcing, defined as a “managed process of
transferring activities to be performed by others”. In Brazil,
some companies are having success with the implementation of this
strategy. It is an adequate strategy for the country since its
utilization is directed towards the improvement of quality in
productivity and attaining competitiveness of products and services.
Analyses the fundamentals, the advantages, and the disadvantages which
outsourcing might bring to companies, and presents a guide to the
implementation of the programme.
More Effective Decisions through Synergy of Objective and
Subjective Approaches
Authors: Harung Harald S.
Published: September 2004

The chairman of a major Japanese corporation recently visited the
New York Stock Exchange and asked one of the US brokers what his
time‐perspective was when making decisions. The reply was two seconds.
The chairman reacted that when he made decisions the time‐frame was
usually ten years. This story illustrates the need to look at decision
making in a deeper and wider perspective. Presents an overview of
different and complementary objective and subjective approaches to
decision making, and relates them to different levels of the human mind.
Effective decisions are seen as those arising from a synergy of these
respective analytical and intuitive approaches. Subjective approaches
are fundamental to the objective ones. In spite of this, research
suggests that the majority of adults have not moved beyond the
analytical level and reached a level of development where feelings and
intuition are operationalized. Hence, there is a need to expand the
conscious awareness of the manager and knowledge worker. To
operationalize such a growth, one method for psychological development
is introduced.
Pricing Decision in Small Firms: Theory and Practice
Authors: Cunningham Dianne , Hornby Win
Published: September 2004

Aims to study the pricing decisions of small firms. Conventional
wisdom argues that small firms tend to use relatively unsophisticated
methods of pricing; however, indicates that small firms may in fact be a
good deal more sophisticated in their techniques of pricing than has
previously been supposed. Reviews the theory and empirical evidence to
date and notes a significant gap in the research into small business
pricing. Using a case study method based on 12 detailed cases of the
pricing policies of small companies, concludes that there is little
evidence to support the findings of previous studies which indicated the
predominance of full‐cost pricing. It was found that small companies
avoided “head‐on” competition and sought to exploit their
own market niche as a means of exercising more control over their
prices.
Managing our pluralistic organization
Authors: Mohanty R.P.
Published: September 2004

Explains organizational pluralism and the process of organising
pluralistic organizations in the context of India. Defines pluralistic
organizations. Examines the concept of trusteeship in pluralistic Indian
organizations. Offers recommendations for building managerial
responsiveness in pluralistic organizations, in particular designing a
work system. Finally provides a number of points for consideration.
Strategic Manufacturing Management: A Proactive Approach
Authors: Lindberg Per
Published: September 2004

Effective manufacturing management calls for integration between
strategic subsystems. In manufacturing, this means that decisions on
structure and infrastructure must be co‐ordinated and support the
competitive strategy. Traditionally, manufacturing management has, to a
large extent, been reactive in nature, but today′s competitive situation
calls for a more proactive manufacturing posture. In the article, a
model for an integrated proactive manufacturing strategy is presented
and suggested. This article presents empirical data in the form of case
studies and survey analyses in the area of technology implementation.
The survey data show that differences in the length of plan horizons for
manufacturing technology, work organisation and control systems create
significant problems in manufacturing, especially with personnel and
quality issues. The case analyses show that this phenomenon in part can
be explained by a lack of integration between these systems. Integration
at an early stage is therefore concluded to be essential to the
strategic capabilities at factory level. It is suggested that this
integration is important to a proactive manufacturing strategy, and
managerial implications are discussed.
Comparison of Labour Standards for a Greenhouse Tomato
Production System: A Case Study
Authors: Luxhoj James T. , Giacomelli Gene A.
Published: September 2004

The development of labour standards for the single truss tomato
production system is examined. Both time study and predetermined time
systems, such as the Element Times for Agriculture (ETA) tables and the
Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) tables, are used to
determine labour standards for the operations of pruning and harvesting
in a single truss tomato production system. The hypothesis is that a
predetermined time system could be used to establish greenhouse labour
standards, and thus replace the tedious and costly process of direct
time study. Such a work measurement system would enable the setting of
job standards quickly and accurately. Standardised work models will
facilitate cost control of labour operations, and provide data for
evaluation of labour costs within future greenhouse system designs. The
data indicate that, although the pre‐determined time values varied from
measured time study by around 6 per cent to over 23 per cent for
pruning, the variation for harvesting ranged approximately from 3 per
cent to 7 per cent. The combined results suggest that predetermined time
systems can be used effectively to establish greenhouse labour standards
for short cycle tasks without the loss of significant accuracy when
using an absolute scale.
A Feasibility Study of JIT Purchasing Implementation in a
Manufacturing Facility
Authors: Gupta Yash P.
Published: September 2004

The just‐in‐time (JIT) purchasing system has been demonstrated as a
mechanism to reduce inventory carrying cost and improve the quality of
incoming materials. One major limitation of the JIT purchasing system is
that it demands a major change in people′s attitudes and work habits.
While leading an organisation towards the complete implementation of a
JIT system, management must have creative and innovative ideas to ensure
co‐operation of all concerned. A feasibility study of implementing a JIT
purchasing system conducted in a large manufacturing plant is reported.
Selecting and Evaluating Cost‐effective MRP and MRPII
Authors: Primrose P.L.
Published: September 2004

Investment appraisal is shown to be an essential and integral part
of the process of selecting the optimum Material Requirements Planning
(MRP) or Manufacturing Resources Planning (MRPII) system for a company.
The problems of financial evaluation and costing are described and how
they can be overcome is shown. Lists are given of the main areas of
costs and savings so that managers can identify their company′s own
requirements. By concentrating on achieving the major potential
benefits, MRPII can be seen to be a very attractive investment and it is
suggested that, by using investment appraisal to establish quantified
objectives and a timetable for implementation, many of the problems
normally associated with the introduction of MRPII can be avoided.
Quality Control Information Systems in Manufacturing:
Considerations and Concerns for Management
Authors: Lin Binshan
Published: September 2004

Management of quality control has shown a shift from an
inspection‐oriented approach towards a defect‐prevention and
organisation‐focused planning process. The development of a quality
control information system (QCIS) should focus on management, planning
and control issues. This article examines the QCIS from the aspect of
its implications for management in a computer integrated manufacturing
(CIM) environment.
Efficiency of UK Engineering Production Management Systems,
Part I – The Research
Authors: Oakland John S. , Wynne Roger M.
Published: September 2004

In this first of a two‐part series, the methodology for the
research is described. This took the form of a postal questionnaire
carried out in conjunction with the Institute of Industrial Managers to
establish the current situation. The results were compared with a
similar study carried out in 1980. Work on the questionnaire was
supplemented by a series of interviews and in‐company work. This
included measurement of the movement of materials through the system and
machine utilisation, the results and conclusions from which are
presented. Part II of the series proposes a methodology for sustained
improvement of production management systems.
A Panel Study of Manufacturing Strategies in Sweden
Authors: Åke Hörte Sven , Börjesson Sofia , Tunälv Claes
Published: September 2004

Within the framework of the Swedish Manufacturing Strategy Project
a panel study of 66 manufacturing business units has been made. These 66
companies participated in a questionnairebased study performed both in
1986 and in 1989. The results showed that the companies have tended to
consolidate their positions in existing markets rather than put emphasis
on efforts to enter new markets. The competitive means used to support
this strategic direction are in 1989 even more biased towards high
quality products, reliable deliveries and aspects of flexibility. The
importance of low price as a competitive means has been dramatically
reduced. This strategic emphasis has even more accentuated the concern
for personnel issues within manufacturing. In order to create the
competitive advantage depicted, great emphasis is put on
decentralisation of the organisational structure at the plant level.
Industrial Progress and the Strategic Significance of JIT
and TQC for Developing Countries
Authors: Hum Sin‐Hoon
Published: September 2004

There is now a wide body of literature pertaining to the Japanese
manufacturing philosophies and techniques embodied in the terms
just‐in‐time (JIT) and total quality control (TQC). The current emphasis
is on the operational issues and benefits such as the reduction of
set‐up times, lot sizes, work‐in‐progress inventories, floor space
requirements and the like. This article acknowledges these operational
benefits but goes on to highlight what it considers to be the greater
strategic significance of the Japanese JIT/TQC system, namely that
JIT/TQC provides the mechanism for organisational learning, development
of production know‐how and the establishment of process control that
leads logically to full‐scale automation of the production system. It
also proposes a continuum of industrial progress, with basic production
system rationalisation and housekeeping at one end and fullscale
automation of the production system at the other end. The article then
explains how the adoption and implementation of JIT/TQC practices can
help to move a country along this continuum of industrial progress,
leading eventually to a predominance of automated production, and hence
increased industrial productivity and competitive strengths for that
country.
Manufacturing Strategy – Plans and Business
Performance
Authors: Tunälv Claes
Published: September 2004

Based on an empirical study of 184 Swedish manufacturers. Provides
an operationalization of manufacturing strategy. Bases the definition of
a manufacturing strategy on the competitive means which the business
units emphasize to compete on the market, and the nature of
manufacturing objectives. Formulates and tests hypotheses within areas
of manufacturing strategy that have been identified as missing themes in
the literature. Shows that companies that have a manufacturing strategy
are significantly more profitable than those without one. They are also
significantly better in competing with dependable deliveries. Argues
that companies with a manufacturing strategy, regardless of the
direction of the strategy, have identified quality programmes and other
preventive actions as being fundamental issues in manufacturing. Thus
gives support to the research that suggests that competitive priorities
should be sequentially applied in manufacturing.
Technical Paper: The Single‐period Inventory Problem with
Uniform Demand
Authors: Walker John
Published: September 2004

Presents a simple method for determining an optimum ordering policy
for the single‐period inventory problem with a set‐up cost of ordering
and the uncertain total demand over the period represented by a uniform
probability density function, the distribution reflecting the decision
maker′s degree of belief that all values of total demand outside two
(possibly “soft”) limits are barely credible and that all
values within the limits are equally likely. The method is simple to
implement and allows easy sensitivity analysis of the results to
perturbations in the estimates of the problem parameters. Presents a
numerical example to illustrate the essential features of the method.