bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spliceosome-mediated decay (SMD) regulates expression of nonintronic genes in budding yeast
Authors: Volanakis Adam , Passoni Monica , Hector Ralph D. , Shah Sneha , Kilchert Cornelia , Granneman Sander , Vasiljeva Lidia
Published: September 2013

We uncovered a novel role for the spliceosome in regulating mRNA expression levels that involves splicing coupled to RNA decay, which we refer to as spliceosome-mediated decay (SMD). Our transcriptome-wide studies identified numerous transcripts that are not known to have introns but are spliced by the spliceosome at canonical splice sites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Products of SMD are primarily degraded by the nuclear RNA surveillance machinery. We demonstrate that SMD can significantly down-regulate mRNA levels; splicing at canonical splice sites in the bromodomain factor 2 (BDF2) transcript reduced transcript levels roughly threefold by generating unstable products that are rapidly degraded by the nuclear surveillance machinery. Regulation of BDF2 mRNA levels by SMD requires Bdf1, a functionally redundant Bdf2 paralog that plays a role in recruiting the spliceosome to the BDF2 mRNA. Interestingly, mutating BDF2 5′ splice site and branch point consensus sequences partially suppresses the bdf1Δ temperature-sensitive phenotype, suggesting that maintaining proper levels of Bdf2 via SMD is biologically important. We propose that the spliceosome can also repress protein-coding gene expression by promoting nuclear turnover of spliced RNA products and provide an insight for coordinated regulation of Bdf1 and Bdf2 levels in the cell.
Mechanistic insights into CED-4-mediated activation of CED-3
Authors: Huang Weijiao , Jiang Tianyu , Choi Wooyoung , Qi Shiqian , Pang Yuxuan , Hu Qi , Xu Yanhui , Gong Xinqi , Jeffrey Philip D. , Wang Jiawei , Shi Yigong
Published: September 2013

Programmed cell death in Caenorhabditis elegans requires activation of the caspase CED-3, which strictly depends on CED-4. CED-4 forms an octameric apoptosome, which binds the CED-3 zymogen and facilitates its autocatalytic maturation. Despite recent advances, major questions remain unanswered. Importantly, how CED-4 recognizes CED-3 and how such binding facilitates CED-3 activation remain completely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the L2′ loop of CED-3 directly binds CED-4 and plays a major role in the formation of an active CED-4–CED-3 holoenzyme. The crystal structure of the CED-4 apoptosome bound to the L2′ loop fragment of CED-3, determined at 3.2 Å resolution, reveals specific interactions between a stretch of five hydrophobic amino acids from CED-3 and a shallow surface pocket within the hutch of the funnel-shaped CED-4 apoptosome. Structure-guided biochemical analysis confirms the functional importance of the observed CED-4–CED-3 interface. Structural analysis together with published evidence strongly suggest a working model in which two molecules of CED-3 zymogen, through specific recognition, are forced into the hutch of the CED-4 apoptosome, consequently undergoing dimerization and autocatalytic maturation. The mechanism of CED-3 activation represents a major revision of the prevailing model for initiator caspase activation.
Cancer-associated IDH2 mutants drive an acute myeloid leukemia that is susceptible to Brd4 inhibition
Authors: Chen Chong , Liu Yu , Lu Chao , Cross Justin R. , Morris John P. , Shroff Aditya S. , Ward Patrick S. , Bradner James E. , Thompson Craig , Lowe Scott W.
Published: September 2013

Somatic mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes IDH1 and IDH2 occur frequently in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other cancers. These genes encode neomorphic proteins that produce the presumed oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Despite the prospect of treating AML and other cancers by targeting IDH mutant proteins, it remains unclear how these mutants affect tumor development and maintenance in vivo, and no cancer models exist to study the action of IDH2 mutants in vivo. We show that IDH2 mutants can cooperate with oncogenic Flt3 or Nras alleles to drive leukemia in mice by impairing the differentiation of cells of the myeloid lineage. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of IDH2 triggers the differentiation and death of AML cells, albeit only with prolonged IDH2 inhibition. In contrast, inhibition of the bromodomain-containing protein Brd4 triggers rapid differentiation and death of IDH2 mutant AML. Our results establish a critical role for mutant IDH2 in leukemogenesis and tumor maintenance and identify an IDH-independent strategy to target these cancers therapeutically.
Can the pilot public-private partnerships project be applied in future urban rail development?
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wilkinson Suzanne
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This purpose of this paper is to evaluate the experiences of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in China's urban rail development, investigates the critical factors impacting on the project viability and derives lessons for future urban rail PPP projects in China and elsewhere.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of the Beijing Metro Line 4 project was adopted as the main research method with semi-structured interviews with senior practitioners and experienced academics as the primary data collection instrument. Qualitative data were collected and subjected to content analysis.

Findings

– The case study provides six critical factors which are required to facilitate PPP urban rail development: streamlined approval process; robust tendering; strong leadership within the public procuring authority; effective organisational structure and the private sector innovation; commensurate charging approach and government subsidising scheme; and appropriate risk allocation. The research shows that the potential to directly re-apply the Beijing Metro Line 4 model to future urban rail development is limited, but lessons for future urban rail PPPs can still be drawn from the study.

Practical implications

– The paper serves as an illustration to public procuring authorities and potential private investors on how to structure and manage urban rail PPPs.

Originality/value

– The research presents an original investigation of China’s first urban rail PPP, the Beijing Metro Line 4 project and assesses the applicability of the Beijing model to future PPP projects in urban rail development.
Financial anatomy of E4 Helsinki-Lahti shadow toll PPP-project
Authors: Leviäkangas Pekka , Wigan Marcus , Haapasalo Harri
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the returns to the investors and the state in private finance of road infrastructure. It uses an empirical case of the E4 Helsinki-Lahti road, which was built in 1995-1999 in Finland as the first real PPP-project.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis adopts an approach based on cash flow modelling of the project and the analyses show how the cash flows are formed and divided between the various stakeholders. The pure cash flow based approach to compare the economics of PPP vs traditional procurement of road infrastructure projects produced results that pose challenges to the logic, and pros and cons of shadow toll PPPs.

Findings

– The analysis shows that potential win-win situations are hard to find in shadow toll arrangements. This is largely due to the different discount rates used by investors and state. It is argued that the state does not include all the true costs in its appraisal of projects. Private investors, in principle and as a rule, price all of the relevant risks and uncertainties of which they are cognisant.

Originality/value

– The paper presents an analytical cash flow model that can be applied a wider range of PPP projects than simply to shadow toll roads. The paper contributes to the discussion on the viability of PPPs in different contexts.
Real option theory for risk mitigation in transport PPPs
Authors: Pellegrino Roberta , Vajdic Nevena , Carbonara Nunzia
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Public-private partnerships (PPPs) require the analysis and allocation of a broad spectrum of risks which are considered more complex than in traditional construction contracts. Traditional risk management techniques tend to ignore the manager's ability to recognize and exploit opportunities, which arise as uncertainties are resolved over time and which could potentially increase the project's value. Therefore it is necessary that the risk management process takes account of the managerial flexibility (e.g. real options). The objective of this paper is to explore the possibilities and rationale for implementing real options strategies in the risk management process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach is based on a literature analysis aimed at identifying key risks and related mitigation strategies and on real option theory in order to model these strategies as managerial flexibilities that naturally exist or are built “artificially” in contractual conditions and clauses, guarantees, etc.

Findings

– The paper develops an option-based risk management framework that associates to each risk the related mitigation strategies, which are expressed in terms of real options. The latter is expressed over the project phases conditioned to the natural evolution of risks over time.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes a new “dynamic” risk management approach for PPP projects based on real options that improves the traditional risk management techniques by supporting the decision makers in finding a cost-effective combination of real options (or forms of flexibility) to embed in a PPP investment in order to optimally control risk and maximize investment value.
A PPP renegotiation framework: a road concession in Greece
Authors: Nikolaidis Nikos , Roumboutsos Athena
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a framework approach to guide the identification of potential public private partnership (PPP) renegotiation outcomes is presented. The framework is applied to a road concession project under renegotiation in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework combines the estimation of stakeholder payoffs with respect to the various strategic options available. Their potential acceptance is evaluated with respect to the power distribution within the stakeholder network. The contextual environment determines the respective power position of each stakeholder in the network.

Findings

– The proposed framework is applied to a road concession case in Greece, under renegotiation as a result of the economic crisis. The analysis highlights the importance of the contextual environment and the limitations of solutions that seem “satisfying” for all stakeholders involved.

Social implications

– The framework is designed to guide both public and private parties involved in the renegotiation processes in identifying potential solutions or the inability to reach outcomes under specific contextual environments. Assessments are made based on expert knowledge rather than data collection, which is impossible during the renegotiation phase. The application proposed process limit renegotiation transaction costs.

Originality/value

– The renegotiation framework based on stakeholder payoffs and power theory, is an approach especially useful for complex contract renegotiations, where multiple stakeholders influence the final outcome. The importance of the contextual environment is highlighted. In addition, the paper contributes to the empirical renegotiation literature.
Alcohol treatment workers’ use of public health policy
Authors: McDonald Sarah , Homfray Mike
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of drug and alcohol workers on existing alcohol-related public health policies in the UK. Alcohol consumption is closely linked to negative health outcomes, social problems and increasing cost burdens for the UK public, yet alcohol consumption is legal and drinking alcohol is a normalised feature of society.

Design/methodology/approach

– Nine drug and alcohol workers completed semi-structured interviews, exploring awareness of alcohol-related public health strategies, views on how both their clients and the public orient towards drinking behaviour, and perceptions of links between alcohol treatment and public health services.

Findings

– Ambivalence towards alcohol-related public health strategies, and a lack of mutual awareness and coordination between public health and treatment services were expressed by participants. Participants felt that public health strategies around alcohol were out of reach to their client group, and failing to have a behavioural change effect on the wider public. Participants proposed several ways of improving public health strategies.

Research limitations/implications

– Drug and alcohol workers are potentially valuable contributors in developing public health policy. Their views, based both on interactions with service users and on occupationally influenced observations of society, could be utilised more effectively than is currently the case.

Originality/value

– This study uniquely ties together public health and treatment aspects of alcohol services and employs a methodology that opens the way for further research and clinical development.
Impact of store environment on impulse buying behavior
Authors: Mohan Geetha , Sivakumaran Bharadhwaj , Sharma Piyush
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the process by which four store environment (music, light, employee, and layout) and two individual characteristics (shopping enjoyment tendency (SET) and impulse buying tendency (IBT)) influence impulse buying behavior through positive and negative affect, and urge to buy impulsively.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were obtained using a structured questionnaire from 733 respondents in a mall survey conducted in Chennai, South India.

Findings

– In the structural model tested with AMOS, the authors found that store environment drove impulse buying (IB) through positive affect and urge. Results also showed that the personality variables (SET and IBT) influenced IB through positive affect and urge. This paper did not find support for the relationship between negative affect and urge.

Research limitations/implications

– Theoretically, the authors add to the list of antecedents of impulse buying, and to the outcomes of store environment. From a managerial viewpoint, the authors suggest that retail managers invest in improving the store environment to increase the level of impulse buying in their stores. Specifically, they need to focus on enhancing friendliness of store employees, playing appropriate music, designing proper layouts and having well-lit stores to encourage impulse buying.

Originality/value

– Prior research studied the elements of the store independently and also its long-term impact. To the best of the authors' knowledge, their research is the first to study the impact of store environment (in conjunction with trait variables) on impulse buying.
For better or for worse?
Authors: Ranaweera Chatura , Menon Kalyani
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The authors aim to study the direct and moderating effects of relationship age, continuance commitment and satisfaction on the generation of positive and negative word of mouth (P/NWOM).

Design/methodology/approach

– Hypotheses based on the notion of liability of adolescence and the motivation to generate P/NWOM were tested with data collected through a survey of a random sample of customers of fixed-line telephone users.

Findings

– Relationship age adversely impacts PWOM and the effect of satisfaction on both P/NWOM. Continuance commitment increases NWOM and causes dissatisfied customers to generate greater NWOM while not affecting the PWOM of satisfied customers. Satisfaction shows a significant non-linear effect on WOM.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research could conduct longitudinal or experimental work to explicate the causal mechanisms underlying these cross-sectional survey results. Research could also extend these results to a B-B context.

Practical implications

– Results offer strong evidence of a dark side to long-term customer relationships. Recommendations focus on managing long-term relationships and perceptions of continuance commitment to minimise adverse effects.

Originality/value

– As far as the authors know, this research is the first to offer a theoretically grounded explanation of the direct and moderating effects of relationship age on P/NWOM behaviour. Results challenge the premise of long-term customers being a panacea for numerous problems faced by firms. Findings also help explain the contradictory results in prior research on the effects of continuous commitment on WOM.
From receiving to achieving
Authors: Lefroy Kathryn , Tsarenko Yelena
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The goal of this study is to examine the influence of resources provided to nonprofit organisations by corporate partners on the achievement of nonprofits' social and organisational objectives, accounting for mediation effects of dependence and relationship. This goal is investigated from the perspective of nonprofit organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following 20 preliminary in-depth interviews, an online survey was administered to people working in nonprofit industry who had experience working with their organisation's corporate partnership. With 273 completed questionnaires, the authors tested the model with mediation analyses, using bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals method.

Findings

– Although reputation, non-financial resources and cash investments have strong and positive effects on achieving social and organisational objectives, these relations are fully mediated by dependence and relationship between partners. Further analysis shows that relationship is a significantly stronger mediator than dependence on the effect of reputation in regards to the achievement of both sets of objectives.

Originality/value

– This article builds on marketing knowledge, using resource dependence theory to focus on the effects of corporate-provided resources on nonprofit organisations; a topic largely unexplored in extant literature. It is the first study to operationalise and empirically examine the specific effects of different types of resources on specific nonprofit performance objectives.
Integrating consumer characteristics into the stochastic modelling of purchase loyalty
Authors: Rungie Cam , Uncles Mark , Laurent Gilles
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to extend a widely used stochastic model of purchase loyalty to include covariates such as demographics, psychographics and geodemographics. Potentially, this allows covariates to explain variations in brand performance measures (BPMs) such as penetration/reach, average purchase frequency, sole buying, share of category requirements, repeat purchase and so forth. The result is to integrate consumer-based segmentation into previously unsegmented stochastic models of brand performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper describes a model for predicting BPMs. Covariates are then introduced into the model, with discussion of model specification, model estimation, overall model assessment, and the derivation of generalised theoretical BPMs. The outcome is a practical procedure for behavioural loyalty segmentation.

Findings

– The implications for strategy and management in applying covariates to the BPMs are considerable. Where there are concentrations of consumers with high repeated purchase/consumption, then many aspects of the marketing mix will be affected. An investigation of the role of covariates in understanding BPMs in the laundry detergent market is presented as an example, and ways for market analysts to display results are demonstrated.

Originality/value

– Despite the fact that BPMs are the best operationalisation of behavioural loyalty, until now there has not been a model to evaluate the impact of consumer characteristics as covariates on these BPMs. This paper's original contribution includes a model that fits covariates to the BPMs. New statistical and graphical methods are described. Computer software for fitting the model and generating the output is available from the authors.
Digitising library resources and building digital repositories in the University of Malawi Libraries
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at the prospects and challenges of digitising library resources and building digital repositories in the University of Malawi Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data collected through online questions sent to college librarians, ICT director and systems administrator (Chancellor College and Bunda College) and assistant librarians or repository co-ordinators in the constituent colleges of the University of Malawi (UNIMA) coupled with technical reports on digital and institutional repository projects in the UNIMA Libraries.

Findings

– The results of the study have indicated that the UNIMA Libraries are digitising library resources and building digital repositories though the pace is very slow. Bandwidth has increased though accessibility of the resources is hampered by its inadequacy. The databases are frequently attacked by viruses and are locally available through intranet. Policy statements were not drawn for the projects, instead an insertion was done in the research and publications rules and regulations on copyright for theses and dissertations. The majority of the projects lack technical skills, especially running the systems in secure operating Linux-based system environments. Three of the five colleges adopted Greenstone, two adopted DSpace and one adopted Procite depending on the training received and the source of funding. The initial projects relied on external funding for their roll out.

Practical implications

– The study recommends that college librarians should lobby for training in ICT skills in order to sustain the projects. Funding for digital repositories should be included in the annual budget estimates of the college libraries. Librarians should draw policies specifically for digitisation of library resources, copyright and building of digital repositories in the UNIMA Libraries. ICT department should assist in migrating the repositories to Linux-based environments.

Originality/value

– There is little researched information on digitisation of library resources and building digital repositories in Malawi, yet there is quite a variety of rare information about the country. This research will add some information on the progress made in digitising Malawiana collection which has cultural heritage, educational and research value.
Blogging in context: reviewing the academic library blogosphere
Authors: Adams Rachel
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to set a context for blogging within academic libraries in order to identify key themes and examples of good practice for others considering blogging as a future activity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study encompasses a literature review to identify relevant evidence around blogs within academic libraries, followed by a content analysis of a sample of the UK-based blogs which aims to provide an overview of common activity and a brief survey to blog authors to set the outcomes of the literature review in a “real world” context.

Findings

– Blogging appears to be a worthwhile activity for academic libraries looking to present information or connect with users in new ways; however lessons can be learnt from the experience of early bloggers, as presented in the literature. While blogs can fulfil many purposes, it is clear that creating a two way interaction between the library service and its users is difficult within the academic library environment.

Originality/value

– The paper presents an up-to-date review of the literature from 2005 to 2012 and includes a detailed analysis of a sample of the UK blogs, comparing their content and activity and a survey of the UK-based academic library bloggers. The article concludes with five key tips for potential bloggers.
Designing for specialized visual domains
Authors: Albertson Dan , Haldy Amanda
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the organization and design of a real-life digital collection for the field of Book Arts. This paper also examines the challenges in building digital libraries for visual domains with specialized user pools.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative study was conducted. An online survey asked participants from the field of Book Arts to provide free-text descriptions of randomized visual representatives taken from the collection using open-ended question and answer boxes. Themes extracted from the survey were coded and presented using basic statistical measures.

Findings

– The results of this study identified a set of specialized access points for items that were selected as being significant for Book Arts and perhaps other areas in the Fine Arts. Results informed retrieval of visual information for this domain along with user interface design and evaluation strategies. In addition, the survey used in this study demonstrated the ability to collect longer, more in-depth answers and category terms alike from the participants.

Originality/value

– This study was necessary for the practical purpose of organizing a digital collection of the Book Arts, a unique collection. While similar studies have been conducted, even for collections deemed to be from the “Fine Arts”, previous studies do not agree on what is important for organizing digital collections including varying opinions of certain bibliographic access points and visual representation.
Religious identity: a new dimension of HRM? A French view
Authors: Cintas Caroline , Gosse Berangere , Vatteville Eric
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, human resource management (HRM) has entered into a somewhat strained relationship with religious diversity. In France, the need to deal with demands for recognition of faith practices has led to the compilation of new guides to the management of religious diversity. Is religious identity a new dimension of HRM in France?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins with an examination of some examples of these documents produced by large French companies. It is revealed that they contain a set of recommendations leading to differential management of the various religious identities.

Findings

– Incorporating such a practice into an HRM strategy is a mixed blessing, bringing with it both hopes and risks. On the one hand, it may help to maintain equality and boost firms’ economic performance. On the other hand, however, it may also compromise group cohesion and disrupt social ties.

Originality/value

– In view of these contradictory tendencies, the paper concludes by asking whether the principle of secularism should be extended to the management of HR.
Supply chains and responsibility for OHS management in the Western Australian resources sector
Authors: Bahn Susanne , Rainnie Al
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse human resource supply chains and the responsibility of occupational health and safety (OHS) management using Australian evidence from two unrelated research studies in the resources sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis is based on additional findings from the research projects using qualitative case study methodologies. The paper draws on interviews with the underground mining manager in study 1 and the OHS manager in study 2, together with current literature on supply chains and OHS responsibility in Australia.

Findings

– The paper uses examples drawn from two research studies conducted in the resources sector in 2011 to present the notion that there has been a shift in responsibility and management of OHS from the top of the supply chain to the bottom.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper draws on two unrelated studies that investigated different issues in OHS management. There is a need to undertake specific research to confirm the argument that suggests that the OHS management systems are improving for the bottom of the human resources supply chain in the resources sector.

Practical implications

– Findings suggest that in the middle tier resources sector the bottom of the human resources supply chains have robust OHS management systems and induction training, contrary to the weakening of OHS management in typical supply chains in other sectors.

Originality/value

– Unlike manufacturing, healthcare, the public sector and transport, there is little research conducted in the resources sector researching supply chains and OHS management. This paper provides limited evidence of a differing picture in the resources sector than other industries; however, it argues that further studies should be conducted.
An integrative approach for understanding Islamic home financing adoption in Malaysia
Authors: Amin Hanudin , Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Rahim , Abdul-Razak Dzuljastri
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of subjective norm, relative advantage, simplicity, compatibility and perceived behavioural control on the Islamic home financing adoption. It also examines the effects of subjective norm, relative advantage, simplicity and compatibility on attitude. Analyses of attitude as a mediating factor are also provided.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data from 237 usable questionnaires are employed to test the hypothesized relationships. The proposed hypothesized relationships are examined using partial least squares (PLS). Similarly, PLS is also extended to analyse attitude as a potential mediator for the relationships between subjective norm, relative advantage, simplicity and compatibility with the Islamic home financing adoption. Baron and Kenny's (1986) procedure is used to evaluate the role of attitude as a potential mediating factor in the research's framework.

Findings

– This study discovers an integrative approach that is valid in the case of Islamic home financing. The paper's results, however, have not supported the effect of compatibility on attitude towards Islamic home financing preference and it is also reported that attitude does not mediate for the relationship between compatibility and the Islamic home financing adoption.

Research limitations/implications

– This study, however, suffers from three limitations which further stimulate new researches in this area. First, this research does not consider additional measures to capture Islamic home financing adoption. Second, this study discovers attitude does not mediate the relationship between compatibility and the Islamic home financing adoption. Third, there is a possibility that attitude also serves as a moderator, however, but it is presently unconsidered.

Practical implications

– This study has several implications for Islamic banks to develop proper planning for Islamic home financing products. Those implications are provided.

Originality/value

– This study is the first research in Islamic home financing's area to integrate two models namely the theory of planned behaviour (the TPB) and the innovation diffusion theory (the IDT) in a single research in order to expound Islamic home financing adoption. This study contributes to the literature by examining an integrative approach for understanding Islamic home financing adoption in Malaysia.
Resistance, motivations, trust and intention to use mobile financial services
Authors: Chemingui Hella , Ben lallouna Hajer
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify consumers’ resistance and motivational factors affecting the intention of using mobile financial services. The paper also examines the impact of trust in the acceptance of such services.

Design/methodology/approach

– To empirically apply the conceptual model and test the hypotheses, data are collected through a questionnaire involving 300 Tunisians non-users of mobile financial services and are analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The paper identifies one resistance dimension – tradition. The paper also identifies four motivational dimensions – compatibility, trialability, perceived enjoyment and system quality. Tradition has a negative and a significant impact on the intention to use mobile financial services, whereas compatibility, trialability and perceived enjoyment have a positive and a significant impact on intention to use such services. In addition, system quality has a significant and positive impact on trust.

Practical implications

– These dimensions of consumer resistance and motivation should be viewed as the levers for improving the adoption of mobile financial services. Examining these factors can provide to financial service providers with valuable insights regarding which aspects of the service should be improved in order to implement mobile financial services. Furthermore, improvements in system quality allow firms to increase customer trust.

Originality/value

– Through a multi-faceted framework, the study extends the literature on innovation acceptance, exploring consumer resistance, motivational factors and customer trust in the context of intention to use mobile financial services. The paper also builds on previous models, especially Rogers theory of innovations’ diffusion (2003).
A structural equation model for measuring human resource management practices in the Jordanian organisations
Authors: Bhanugopan Ramudu , Aladwan Khaled , Fish Alan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to examine a factor structure of human resource management (HRM) practice scales through testing a causal model of HRM practices and to have one combined composite multi-dimensional HRM scale, to identify possible future directions for HRM strategy development and professional practice in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 493 front-line employees from Jordanian organisations. The measurement model was tested on the complete dataset using exploratory factor analysis employing SPSS 17.0. Maximum likelihood method was used to determine the underlying factor structures. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed using LISREL 8.80 to further investigate the latent structure of the factors.

Findings

– This study finally evidenced a good fit of data for a hypothesis four-factor model. The final model supported a conceptual framework that is inclusive of four domains, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, and rewards and benefits, and lends support to the construct validity of the consolidated HRM practices scale.

Research limitations/implications

– First, the limited amount of research available on HR practices has limited the opportunity to gather content-rich information from the previous studies. Second, this study used three different scales to measure the four HRM practices as there was no one composite scale. Third, the validation of the HRM practices scale was based entirely on front-line employees working in Jordanian organisations. As a result, the psychometric properties of the HRM practices scale may not be generalisable to varied professions.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study highlight the importance of the composite views of the HRM practices scale as a multi-dimensional construct. The study illustrates the parameter estimates representing relationships between the constructs under investigation.

Originality/value

– The present study emphasises the need to expand the focus on HRM practices and contributes to the knowledge in several grounds. First, it validates the structure of HRM practices scales in Jordan. Second, this study enriched the understanding of HRM practices, drawing a sample of participants from different sectors (insurance, finance, services, accounting and industry), and suggests that these variables are as equally prominent as others in explaining employees' attitudes toward HRM practices.
Supply chain management and financial performance: literature review and future directions
Authors: Shi Min , Yu Wei
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review a sample of the literature relating to the financial impacts of supply chain management (SCM) and suggest future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

– 49 research articles between 1990 and 2011 are collected from various academic databases and online sources. By conducting content analysis, empirical findings on the relationship between SCM and firm-level financial performance are summarized and classified. Performance drivers are identified from the literature to guide future SC practices.

Findings

– Both accounting- and market-based financial performances are closely related to the effectiveness of SCM. As important performance drivers, sourcing strategy, information technology (IT), SC integration, and external relationships play critical roles to improve firm-level financial performance. In particular, optimal levels of outsourceability, SC alignment and integration with IT infrastructure, and SC relationship management are essential to realize full financial advantages of effective SCM.

Practical implications

– A better understanding and demonstration on how SCM makes positive contributions to financial performance help SCM managers to better communicate with top management and substantiate their roles in the organization.

Originality/value

– To the authors' best knowledge, this paper is the first and the most comprehensive literature review in a much-needed research area. A number of performance drivers are identified to provide practical guidance. Some promising research areas are suggested for further investigation.
Testing the theory of constraints in UK local food supply chains
Authors: Oglethorpe David , Heron Graeme
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of the research is to identify the observable operational and supply chain barriers and constraints that occur in local food supply chains, especially with smaller producers, as they seek to increase market penetration across a wider geographic area.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research adopts a multiple case study approach using mixed methods of data collection where case study companies are interviewed and complete a questionnaire. This process allows us to create a supply chain map and create a narrative which records the burdens and impacts occurring in local food supply chains and smaller producers looking beyond local markets. This evidence is then set against the theory of constraints (TOC) to provide a theoretical underpinning and to examine consistency of the findings.

Findings

– Seven broad categories of constraint type are observed: constraints due to the nature of the market; due to scale and the nature of products; constraints related to employment and skills; institutional constraints; constraints in supply chain relationships; certification, policy and regulatory constraints; and constraints around personal beliefs and anthropomorphism. Each is described as to its origin, its limitation to business and where possible, how it might be remedied. The constraints point to some counter-intuitive results as far as common perceptions of local food are concerned but suggestions for improvement are made through collaborative producer efforts, alternative institutional intervention, supply chain re-engineering and logistics innovation.

Practical implications

– Practical suggestions are made to improve the inclusiveness of distribution networks, to better utilise regional food groups (RFGs), to develop opportunities to set up autonomous supply chain centres, or to broaden the function of farmer co-operatives. The paper also provides an alternative model of the TOC specifically adapted for local food producers, the focus of which plays to their strengths and focuses on building competencies across, up and down the supply chain.

Originality/value

– The adaptation of the TOC provides an advancement of knowledge in the area of food supply chain analysis and is done in a way that is more practical in use. The paper also provides the opportunity to take a similar approach to examining other niche supply opportunities in the sector, which may be dependent on other geographically defined barriers, such as seasonal or ethnic products.
Purchase offering quality
Authors: Ramsay John , Wagner Beverly , Kelly Stephen
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the supply chain management problem of understanding the response of suppliers to buyer behaviours and characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews the relevant literature in search of references to critically assesses the effects of applying the mirror images of the concepts of customer value, satisfaction and product or service quality, developed in the field of marketing, to the field of operations management.

Findings

– The study suggests that the new concept of purchase offering quality is worthy of further development in the supply chain management area and that supplier value and supplier satisfaction are useful concepts for understanding supplier behavioural intentions.

Practical implications

– The study will help organisations to improve supply chain performance through an enhanced ability of organisations-as-buyers to influence supplier behaviour by modifying aspects of their own behaviour. It should be of particular interest to all organisations in their dealings with recalcitrant and unresponsive suppliers, or buyers with very low levels of power trying to improve the responsiveness of more powerful suppliers.

Originality/value

– The paper introduces two new concepts: “purchase offering quality” that describes supplier perceptions of the characteristics and behaviours of buyers offering supplier benefits, and “supplier behavioural intentions” that is a term referring to the responses of suppliers to buyer characteristics and behaviours. This work can form the foundations of an extensive area of new study into organisational supplying behaviour.
Extending the use of institutional theory in operations and supply chain management research
Authors: Kauppi Katri
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Increasing empirical evidence suggests organizational actions are not always driven by economic efficiency considerations, contrary to the rational decision making viewpoint dominant in the field. Institutional theory, examining the causes of isomorphism within organizations, provides an alternative viewpoint to the adoption of strategies and practices in managing operations and supply chains. Applications have so far been limited to few topics, such as quality management and adoption of electronic tools. This study aims to contribute to an increased understanding of the theory's explanatory value in the field by presenting central research avenues yet unexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins with a review of the past institutional theory studies in the field. Important new contexts and research directions are then identified with the aim to increase understanding of how institutional factors operate in the field. Finally, a critical evaluation of empirical data collection and construct formation in the past and future studies is provided.

Findings

– The paper identifies three major institutional theory related research avenues in the field with a potential for theoretical and practical contributions. Two of these – role of uncertainty and relationships between institutional pressures – serve to contribute to how the theory applies to different operational contexts. The third one recommends a reflection on the role of academia as a source and target of institutional pressures.

Originality/value

– The discussion, debate and analysis offered is intended to stimulate and drive further institutional theory studies in the field with an increasing scope as well as more refined measurement in empirical work.
Sport, the Northern Ireland peace process, and the politics of identity
Authors: Bairner Alan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement (GFA) through the lens of sport, particularly football, and with reference to theoretical literature on peace-making processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is structured in such a way as to review theoretical literature, to consider the nature of the Northern Ireland problem and its implications for sport, to critique the current settlement and to demonstrate its failings using sport as an exemplar. The methods used are a critical review of relevant literature combined with reflections on the author's own involvement in sport and community relations.

Findings

– The paper argues that the GFA has resulted in a consociational “solution” to the Northern Ireland problem. The example of sport, and especially the standing of the Northern Ireland football team, indicates that such a settlement fails to address the central problem of two divided communities with different political aspirations and attitudes towards national identity.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis is limited to the extent that it adopts an essentially top down approach. The findings deserve to be confirmed (or indeed refuted) at some future point by a gathering data from football fans and others. However, the implications are that the terms of the GFA should be revisited in the light of evidence of the failings of the current settlement not only as found in this paper but based on recent political developments.

Practical implications

– The Irish Football Association has to address the perception that appears prevalent amongst some Catholic players that they are not wanted by the national association. Politicians need to renew their efforts to create greater mutual understanding instead of fooling themselves that so long as they can talk to each other, the communities they represent will remain peaceful.

Originality/value

– I doubt if any academic author has had the same degree of involvement in relation to the role of sport in the Northern Ireland peace process. What gives the paper its particular value, however, is the fact that it is probably unique in looking at sport in Northern Ireland with specific reference to political science peace-making literature.
Cricket, violence and social conflict: an Eliasian examination
Authors: Malcolm Dominic
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the claims made for the potential of sports such as cricket to reduce social conflict and engender peace.

Design/methodology/approach

– The use of an Eliasian sociological perspective to analyze historical documentary sources and contemporary media analyses of narratives of the role of violence and its regulation in cricket.

Findings

– Violence and its regulation interweave with the broader development of cricket and remain central concerns in status conflicts between competing social groups involved in the game. This ranges from evidence of an increasing internalization of expectations regarding the regulation of violence to the stratification of social groups according to beliefs about differing uses of and attitudes towards violence.

Originality/value

– This paper provides the first long-term analysis of violence trends in relation to cricket, and provides clarification of some problematic aspects of Elias’ sociological framework.