bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SuperTranscript: a data driven reference for analysis and visualisation of transcriptomes
Authors: Davidson Nadia M , Hawkins Anthony DK , Oshlack Alicia
Published: September 2016

Numerous methods have been developed to analyse RNA sequencing data, but most rely on the availability of a reference genome, making them unsuitable for non-model organisms. De novo transcriptome assembly can build a reference transcriptome from the non-model sequencing data, but falls short of allowing most tools to be applied. Here we present superTranscripts, a simple but powerful solution to bridge that gap. SuperTranscripts are a substitute for a reference genome, consisting of all the unique exonic sequence, in transcriptional order, such that each gene is represented by a single sequence. We demonstrate how superTranscripts allow visualization, variant detection and differential isoform detection in non-model organisms, using widely applied methods that are designed to work with reference genomes. SuperTranscripts can also be applied to model organisms to enhance visualization and discover novel expressed sequence. We describe Lace, software to construct superTranscripts from any set of transcripts including de novo assembled transcriptomes. In addition we used Lace to combine reference and assembled transcriptomes for chicken and recovered the sequence of hundreds of gaps in the reference genome.
Modelling the impact of curtailing antibiotic usage in food animals on antibiotic resistance in humans
Authors: van Bunnik B.A.D. , Woolhouse M.E.J.
Published: September 2016

1.

Consumption of antibiotics in food animals is increasing worldwide and is approaching, if not already surpassing, the volume consumed by humans. It is often suggested that reducing the volume of antibiotics consumed by food animals could have a public health benefits. Although this notion is widely regarded as intuitively obvious there is a lack of robust, quantitative evidence to either support or contradict the suggestion.

As a first step towards addressing this knowledge gap, we develop a simple mathematical model for exploring the generic relationship between antibiotic consumption by food animals and levels of resistant bacterial infections in humans. We investigate the impact of restricting antibiotic consumption by animals and identify which model parameters most strongly determine that impact.

Our results suggest that, for a wide range of scenarios, curtailing the volume of antibiotics consumed by food animals has, as a stand-alone measure, little impact on the level of resistance in humans. We also find that reducing the rate of transmission of resistance from animals to humans may be more effective than an equivalent reduction in the consumption of antibiotics in food animals. Moreover, the response to any intervention is strongly determined by the rate of transmission from humans to animals, an aspect which is rarely considered.
Transcriptional regulatory logic of the diurnal cycle in the mouse liver
Authors: Sobel Jonathan Aryeh , Krier Irina , Andersin Teemu , Raghav Sunil , Canella Donatella , Gilardi Federica , Kalantzi Alexandra Styliani , Rey Guillaume , Weger Benjamin , Gachon Frederic , Peraro Matteo Dal , Hernandez Nouria , Schibler Ueli , Deplancke Bart , Naef Felix
Published: September 2016

Many organisms exhibit temporal rhythms in gene expression that propel diurnal cycles in physiology. In the liver of mammals, these rhythms are controlled by transcription-translation feedback loops of the core circadian clock and by feeding-fasting cycles. To better understand the regulatory interplay between the circadian clock and feeding rhythms, we mapped DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) in mouse liver during a diurnal cycle. The intensity of DNase I cleavages cycled at a substantial fraction of all DHSs, suggesting that DHSs harbor regulatory elements that control rhythmic transcription. Using ChIP-seq, we found that hypersensitivity cycled in phase with RNA polymerase II (Pol II) loading and H3K27ac histone marks. We then combined the DHSs with temporal Pol II profiles in wild-type (WT) andBmal1-/-livers to computationally identify transcription factors through which the core clock and feeding-fasting cycles control diurnal rhythms in transcription. While a similar number of mRNAs accumulated rhythmically inBmal1-/-compared to WT livers, the amplitudes inBmal1-/-were generally lower. The residual rhythms inBmal1-/-reflected transcriptional regulators mediating feeding-fasting responses as well as responses to rhythmic systemic signals. Finally, the analysis of DNase I cuts at nucleotide resolution showed dynamically changing footprint consistent with dynamic binding of CLOCK:BMAL1 complexes. Structural modeling suggested that these footprints are driven by a transient hetero-tetramer binding configuration at peak activity. Together, our temporal DNase I mappings allowed us to decipher the global regulation of diurnal transcription rhythms in mouse liver.
The genetic basis and fitness consequences of sperm midpiece size in deer mice
Authors: Fisher Heidi S. , Jacobs-Palmer Emily , Lassance Jean-Marc , Hoekstra Hopi E.
Published: September 2016

An extraordinary array of reproductive traits vary among species, yet the genetic mechanisms that enable divergence, often over short evolutionary timescales, remain elusive. Here we examine two sister-species ofPeromyscusmice with divergent mating systems. We find that the promiscuous species produces sperm with longer midpiece than the monogamous species, and midpiece size correlates positively with competitive ability and swimming performance. Using forward genetics, we identify a gene associated with midpiece length:Prkar1a, which encodes the R1α regulatory subunit of PKA. R1α localizes to midpiece inPeromyscusand is differentially expressed in mature sperm of the two species yet is similarly abundant in the testis. We also show that genetic variation at this locus accurately predicts male reproductive success. Our findings suggest that rapid evolution of reproductive traits can occur through cell type-specific changes to ubiquitously expressed genes and have an important effect on fitness.
PCR artifact in testing for homologous recombination in genomic editing in zebrafish
Authors: Won Minho , Dawid Igor B.
Published: September 2016

We report a PCR-induced artifact in testing for homologous recombination in zebrafish. We attempted to replace thelnx2agene with a donor cassette, mediated by a TALEN induced double stranded cut. The donor construct was flanked with homology arms of about 1 kb at the 5’ and 3’ ends. Injected embryos (G0) were raised and outcrossed to wild type fish. A fraction of the progeny appeared to have undergone the desired homologous recombination, as tested by PCR using primer pairs extending from genomic DNA outside the homology region to a site within the donor cassette. However, Southern blots revealed that no recombination had taken place. We conclude that recombination happened during PCRin vitrobetween the donor integrated elsewhere in the genome and thelnx2alocus, as suggested by earlier work [1]. We conclude that PCR alone may be insufficient to verify homologous recombination in genome editing experiments in zebrafish.
"Same Difference": Comprehensive evaluation of three DNA methylation measurement platforms
Authors: Kacmarczyk Thadeous J , Fall Mame P. , Zhang Xihui , Xin Yuan , Li Yushan , Alonso Alicia , Betel Doron
Published: September 2016

Background

DNA methylation in CpG context is fundamental to the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in high eukaryotes. Disorganization of methylation status is implicated in many diseases, cellular differentiation, imprinting, and other biological processes. Techniques that enrich for biologically relevant genomic regions with high CpG content are desired, since, depending on the size of an organism’s methylome, the depth of sequencing required to cover all CpGs can be prohibitively expensive. Currently, restriction enzyme based reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and its modified protocols are widely used to study methylation differences. Recently, Agilent Technologies and Roche NimbleGen have ventured to both reduce sequencing costs and capture CpGs of known biological relevance by marketing in-solution custom-capture hybridization platforms. We aimed to evaluate the similarities and differences of these three methods considering each targets approximately 10-13% of the human methylome.

Results

Overall, the regions covered per platform were as expected: targeted capture based methods covered >95% of their designed regions whereas the restriction enzyme-based method covered >70% of the expected fragments. While the total number of CpG loci shared by all methods was low, ~30% of any platform, the methylation levels of CpGs common across platforms were concordant. Annotation of CpG loci with genomic features revealed roughly the same proportions of feature annotations across the three platforms. Targeted capture methods encompass similar amounts of annotations with the restriction enzyme based method covering fewer promoters (~9%) and shores (~8%) and more unannotated loci (7-14%).

Conclusions

Although all methods are largely consistent in terms of covered CpG loci and cover similar proportions of annotated CpG loci, the restriction based enrichment results in more unannotated regions and the commercially available capture methods result in less off-target regions. Quality of DNA is very important for restriction based enrichment and starting material can be low. Conversely, quality of the starting material is less important for capture methods, and at least twice the amount of starting material is required. Pricing is marginally less for restriction based enrichment, and number of samples to be prepared is not restricted to the number of samples a kit supports. The one advantage of capture libraries is the ability to custom design areas of interest. The choice of the technique should be decided by the number of samples, the quality and quantity of DNA available and the biological areas of interest since comparable data are obtained from all platforms.
Data-driven identification of potential Zika virus vectors
Authors: Evans Michelle V. , Dallas Tad A. , Han Barbara A. , Murdock Courtney C. , Drake John M.
Published: September 2016

Zika is an emerging virus whose rapid spread is of great public health concern. Knowledge about transmission remains incomplete, especially concerning potential transmission in geographic areas in which it has not yet been introduced. To identify unknown vectors of Zika, we developed a data-driven model linking vector species and the Zika virus via vector-virus trait combinations that confer a propensity toward associations in an ecological network connecting flaviviruses and their mosquito vectors. Our model predicts that thirty-five species may be able to transmit the virus, seven of which are found in the continental United States, includingCulex quinquefasciatusandCx. pipiens. We suggest that empirical studies prioritize these species to confirm predictions of vector competence, enabling the correct identification of populations at risk for transmission within the United States.
What drives international remittances to Africa
Authors: Nnyanzi John Bosco
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the macro-economic and institutional drivers of remittance inflows to Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an enhanced gravity model in a random effects framework to test two hypotheses dominant in literature as well as the institutional quality hypothesis. A bilateral data set is created from the most recent available remittance data set to afford the capture of the impact of the selected macro-economic variables from both the host and recipient countries.

Findings

The results provide support for the trio hypotheses. A key finding is the co-existence of altruism and self-interest motives. Also, control of corruption, financial development and a reduction in unofficial economic activity are observed to facilitate remittance inflows. The authors confirm the resilience of remittances during the global crisis and document a positive significant relationship between remittance inflows on the one hand and host migration stock, age dependency, etc., on the other.

Practical implications

This paper generates various insights in the design of relevant macro-economic and institutional policies to enhance remittance inflows and the productive use of the same for purposes of economic growth and development via poverty reduction and secure resource flow.

Originality/value

The majority of previous studies on the determinants of remittance inflows have basically focussed on the microeconomic variables, an approach that could understate the macro-economic impact of remittances and lead to inadequate policy formulation. The use of an enhanced gravity model on a newly created bilateral data set in the analysis is a nuance in the economics of remittances. Besides, previous studies have often ignored the institutional environment as critical in the remittance-determinant model.
The effects of organisational capabilities on firm success
Authors: Selomon Tuccu Tewolde , Urassa Goodluck Charles , Allan Issack Shimba
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of organisational capabilities on the success of Eritrean wood- and metal-manufacturing firms. Specifically, the paper analyses the effects of owner-managers’ innovativeness, personal relations and employees’ technical skills on the firms’ success.

Design/methodology/approach

The study entailed a survey of 287 wood- and metal-manufacturing small and medium enterprises, which were selected using stratified random sampling. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data and generate the findings presented in this paper.

Findings

The findings indicate that owner-managers’ innovativeness and personal relations have a significant influence on the firms’ success. However, although employees’ technical skills relate positively to the firms’ success, the relationship is statistically insignificant largely because of the limited participation of workers in designing and developing the products.

Practical implications

The paper can enlighten owner-managers about the value of innovativeness and relational capabilities for the success of their firms. It generates insights that can guide policy makers to promote innovation and relational capabilities in the wood- and metal-manufacturing sub-sector.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debate on firms’ success by empirically testing the effect of the specific dimensions of organisational capabilities on the success of SMEs operating in a developing economy context. It widens the understanding of how organisational capabilities influence firm success.
Reliability and validity issues in analysis of IT spending using IT managerial control ratios
Authors: Krotov Vlad
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the practice of IT cost benchmarking using IT managerial control ratios. First, numerous reliability and validity issues that this practice is plagued by are discussed. Second, recommendations on addressing some of these reliability and validity issues are also proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that draws on literature utilizing IT managerial control ratios to discuss various reliability problems associated with these measures and also makes use of IT strategy theory to challenge the validity of common interpretations of IT managerial control ratios.

Findings

This study explains that IT managerial control ratios are subject to numerous reliability and validity issues. The reliability issues arise from the inherent volatility of some of the variables used in these ratios and difficulties that executives have in providing a reliable estimate of those variables when they are approached by market research firms. The validity issues arise from the fact that high and low values of these ratios are subject to different and, at times, somewhat orthogonal theoretical interpretations.

Practical implications

IT managerial control ratios are often at the heart of important capital allocation decisions as well as studies which form important stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the business value of IT. These important uses of IT managerial control ratios should not be carried out without understanding the reliability and validity issues discussed in this paper.

Originality/value

While IT managerial control ratios are used extensively in benchmarking and research, very few researchers and practitioners possess a full understanding of the reliability and validity issues associated with these measures. This can potentially lead to sub-optimal capital allocation decisions and erroneous findings in studies. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of these issues and recommends possible remedies.
Improving SME logistics performance through benchmarking
Authors: Taschner Andreas
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the applicability of current benchmarking proposals for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to suggest a condensed process for logistics benchmarking in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by outlining why the logistics function is of increasing importance for SMEs. It discusses the benefit of logistics benchmarking and typical SME restrictions in benchmarking. Available approaches to benchmarking are discussed and their weaknesses when applied to SME logistics benchmarking are analyzed. The paper develops a new benchmarking process framework for SME logistics benchmarking and reports findings of a case application in three German SMEs.

Findings

The paper suggests a conceptual framework for logistics benchmarking in SMEs. The framework was tested in three German case companies. Results suggest that the suggested process together with the employed benchmarking tools and templates provide valuable support for SMEs in a logistics benchmarking project.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual framework developed has been tested in selected case companies only. Possible adaptations to specific industry needs or cultural differences need to be integrated.

Practical implications

The process framework developed provides practical guidance for SMEs that want to embark on a logistics benchmarking exercise.

Originality/value

The paper outlines weaknesses of current SME benchmarking approaches and provides practical support by outlining an adapted process together with specific implementation tools.
Managing span of control efficiency and effectiveness: a case study
Authors: El-Khalil Raed , El-Kassar Abdul-Nasser
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the following issues: first, the significance of the three independent variables (the chassis, trim, and assembly departments) on the three outputs (direct run loss first time capability, jobs per hour (JPH) lost, and injury rate); second, the optimal level of span of control based on the best achieved outputs; and third, whether increasing the span of control post 2009 improved manufacturing outputs in comparison with a span of control pre 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimal level of span of control at the automotive Big Three (Chrysler LLC, Ford, General Motors) is investigated using design of experiments.

Findings

The analysis shows that the variables are significant for all outputs, except for chassis on injury. All three variables deteriorate as the span of control increases. The paper indicates that the lower the span of control the better the output variables.

Originality/value

Based on the recommendations given by the managers at the Big Three facilities visited, the top three variables that were utilized from the assembly facilities for this study are the span of control at the Chassis, Trim, and Assembly departments, and the outputs are Direct Run Loss First Time Capability, JPH Lost, and Injury Rate.
Multicriteria model for selecting TQM consultancy and certification services
Authors: Tavares de Aquino Andre , Maciel de Melo Renata
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the need and the importance of adopting a structured model to support the decisions by using a multicriteria focus to guide drawing up a methodological framework. In addition, this study considers the maturity level of the organization, and the importance of continuous improvement after implementing ISO 9001.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a scientific technical foundation of the qualifying and selection criteria of the consultancy and Accredited Certification Body (ACB) by using ISO standards, and the guidance document CB25, which is related to quality. Finally, a numeric application with realistic data is undertaken using the PROMETHEE II method, and the GAIA plan.

Findings

The development of this study provides a new insight into the importance for selecting consultancy, and certification services in order to implement quality management systems within organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is limited to the quality management services. If necessary to apply the same model to other areas, it is necessary looking for documents and regulations of this field. In addition, this model is focussed on a model for small or medium companies, which are still trying to achieve a higher position in the sector, and do not have experts in quality management.

Originality/value

The differential of this study is the foundation of the criteria for the proposed model. Other studies choose these criteria without any scientific basis. On the other hand, this study goes over many documents.
Generalized DEA: an approach for supporting input/output factor determination in DEA
Authors: Afsharian Mohsen , Ahn Heinz , Neumann Ludmila
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The determination of input and output factors is a well-known source of pitfalls when applying data envelopment analysis (DEA). The purpose of this paper is to contribute to overcome the respective problems of input/output factor determination related to factor selection, dual-role factors and undesirable factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The problems of input/output factor determination are discussed from a goal-oriented perspective, shedding a new light on the role of input/output factors in DEA. This is exemplified by the case of measuring pharmacy stores’ efficiency concerning their goal of customer retention.

Findings

The findings suggest to applying a generalized DEA (GDEA). The three steps of this approach include the development of a system of objectives, the derivation of corresponding performance criteria as well as the construction of cost and benefit functions. These functions build the basis for GDEA models, of which one is exemplarily described and applied to the customer retention case.

Research limitations/implications

While traditional DEA implicitly assumes linear cost and benefit functions, GDEA requires to explicitly specifying these functions. In doing so, the approach contributes to solve the problem of factor selection, the problem of dual-role factors and the problem of undesirable factors.

Practical implications

For determining input/output factors in a consistent and transparent manner, it is recommended to apply GDEA in practical benchmarking studies.

Originality/value

GDEA integrates well-known concepts of multi-criteria decision making into traditional DEA. The new approach helps to cope with the challenges of input/output factor determination in DEA.
Empirical assessment of the causal relationships among lean criteria using DEMATEL method
Authors: Sharma Vikram , Dixit Amit Rai , Qadri Mohammad Asim
Published: September 2016

Purpose

It is difficult for anyone to implement all the lean tools simultaneously. One of the core issues is identifying critical criteria for the successful implementation of lean manufacturing (LM) and evaluating them. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the causal relationships of LM criteria in a machine tool manufacturing firm located in national capital region of India using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper presents a blend of theoretical framework and practical applications. Based on literature review, 17 LM criteria were extracted that were validated by experts. A questionnaire was developed that was answered by experts serving in the XYZ machine tool manufacturing firm. Then, the DEMATEL method was applied to analyze the importance of criteria and the casual relations among the criteria were developed.

Findings

Using DEMATEL, the lean criteria were divided into cause group and effect group. In this study, information technology, computer-integrated manufacturing, enterprise resource planning, training, fixed position layout, smart processes and automation and concurrent engineering were classified in the cause group. Just in time, value stream mapping, 5-S, single minute exchange of die, visual control, job scheduling, standardized work, cellular manufacturing, poka-yoke, and total quality management were categorized in the effect group. The DEMATEL framework indicates that “training” is the most influencing factor for the lean implementation process in machine tool sector.

Originality/value

To know the key lean criteria and relationship among them can help many organizations to develop lean competencies. If the authors want to obtain high performance in terms of the effect group factors, it would be necessary to control and pay a great deal of attention to the cause group factors beforehand. This study is perhaps among the first few with focus on segmenting the set of lean criteria into some meaningful portions in order to effectively facilitate its implementation. The paper provides useful insights to the lean production implementers, consultants, and researchers.
Benchmarking public school performance by unionized status
Authors: Overton Kathleen , Joo Seong-Jong , Stoeberl Philipp A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

There are elevated debates on the role of teacher unions on the effectiveness of education in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to examine if the unionization of education has an impact on the comparative performance of public education in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors classify states into two groups such as highly unionized states and less unionized states for comparing their performance differences. The analyses consist of two stages. First, the authors apply data envelopment analysis (DEA) to the key performance indicators of the groups. Next, the authors use statistical analysis for confirming the statistical significance of the performance differences that may exist between two groups.

Findings

The authors have confirmed the adverse impact of unionization on public education using DEA models and non-parametric rank-sum tests. However, the authors are cautious for generalizing the finding due to the limitations described in the research limitation section.

Research limitations/implications

The finding is limited within the selection of the variables and model specification and requires additional studies using different variables and models. The authors hope that the study motivates researchers to conduct further studies in this area.

Originality/value

Major contributions of the study include a novel approach for measuring the performance of primary and secondary schools at the state level by classifying and choosing less or highly unionized states and suggesting insights for improvements.
Service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction in a Brazilian university context
Authors: Eberle Luciene , Milan Gabriel Sperandio , Dorion Eric
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the perception of customers (students) about the services provided by Brazilian universities, through the identification of the attributes that impact on customer satisfaction and the dimensions or factors related to quality in services. This may generate a better management and seek more competitive edge in graduate courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method was developed in two phases: the first one is characterized by a qualitative and exploratory approach and the second one as a quantitative research of conclusive character. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were implemented with a semi-structured approach. A survey was performed in the final phase and a multivariate statistical technique was used for the data analysis.

Findings

The results echoed in a set of 40 analyzed attributes (variables), distributed in six dimensions of quality in services, in the graduate courses (second cycle) of administration, which could serve as a basis for orienting other Brazilian universities.

Research limitations/implications

The data analysis did not include crossed techniques that could have enriched the analysis process. Another limitation that can be pointed out is the fact of having only adopted a factor analysis method to identify the dimensions of service quality that influence customer satisfaction (students). In addition, data collection was cross-sectional, which does not allow any change verification of the respondents’ perception.

Practical implications

Taking into account the current scenario of increased competition between the Brazilian universities to attract and retain students, the knowledge of student’s preferences and the dimensions of quality service can effectively contribute in the development of strategies and actions for an effective graduate programs management (second cycle), and for their consolidation in the Brazilian market.

Social implications

The development of more adequate courses, in terms of level of quality and relevancy.

Originality/value

The identification of the attributes that represent the quality dimensions, related to the services provided, can assist any Brazilian university to prioritize its strategies and actions and to contribute to excellence in education. In addition, it may encourage customer retention (students) and consolidate its market position. Moreover, the study can contribute as a source of empirical data for transferability and benchmark strategies in other contexts for Brazilian universities.
Search for objective environmental performance indicators of primary schools
Authors: Fehr Manfred , Andrade Viviane Suzana Costa Santos
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to develop environmental scores to complement already existing academic scores in order to evaluate and compare school performance in the context of sustainable societies.

Design/methodology/approach

In a case study on one particular Brazilian school, the authors propose three indexes to grade school performance: academic achievement, sustainable design and environmental behavior.

Findings

The behavior refers to water and energy consumption, environmental education activities, waste production and sorting, noise level, food scraps and traffic density.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of the scoreboard induces all members of the school community, students, teachers and service personnel, to participate in the measurements and in targeting.

Practical implications

All measured parameters are reduced to dimensionless fractions of ideal values in order to provide a basis for objective targeting within the school and for comparisons within the school universe.

Social implications

The scoreboard is transferable to the school universe in the quest for benchmaking environmental performance.

Originality/value

As a “bottom-up” management procedure, the study develops the ideal reference values suitable to the particular school in an effort to overcome their absence in the municipal context and to induce their application in that context.
Efficiency analysis of banks in ASEAN countries
Authors: Wong Wai Peng , Deng Qiang
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore various efficiency aspects of banks in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in light of their remarkable growth in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used various data envelopment analysis technique to measure the relative efficiency for a sample of 39 banks in four ASEAN countries over 2000-2010.

Findings

The analyses reveal three findings: first, Malaysian banks are more efficient comparatively to the other three ASEAN countries. Second, large-sized banks in ASEAN are less cost efficient. Third, government banks in the ASEAN region exhibit a substantial improvement in efficiency throughout the years, in contrast to the non-government banks.

Originality/value

Efficiency analysis of banks in ASEAN countries, particularly covering this large period, that is, from 2000 to 2010 is very limited, in fact nil. Hence, this paper contributes to the finance and banking areas by providing a detail analysis of banks’ performance in the ASEAN region. This paper thus provides powerful insights to policy makers and bank managers in setting appropriate strategy for financial institutions in the region.
A fuzzy embedded leagility assessment module in supply chain
Authors: Matawale Chhabi Ram , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra S.S.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In today’s ever-changing global business environment, successful survival of manufacturing firms/production units depends on the extent of fulfillment of dynamic customers’ demands. Appropriate supply chain strategy is of vital concern in this context. Lean principles correspond to zero inventory level; whereas, agile concepts motivate safety inventory to face and withstand in turbulent market conditions. The leagile paradigm is gaining prime importance in the contemporary scenario which includes salient features of both leanness and agility. While lean strategy affords markets with predictable demand, low variety and long product life cycle; agility performs best in a volatile environment with high variety, mass-customization and short product life cycle. Successful implementation of leagile concept requires evaluation of the total performance metric and development of a route map for integrating lean production and agile supply in the total supply chain. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to propose a leagility evaluation framework using fuzzy logic.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured framework consisting of leagile capabilities/attributes as well as criterions has been explored to assess an overall leagility index, for a case enterprise and the data, obtained thereof, has been analyzed. Future opportunities toward improving leagility degree have been identified as well. This paper proposes a Fuzzy Overall Performance Index to assess the combined agility and leanness measure (leagility) of the organizational supply chain.

Findings

The proposed method has been found fruitful from managerial implication viewpoint.

Originality/value

This paper aimed to present an integrated fuzzy-based performance appraisement module in an organizational leagile supply chain. This evaluation module helps to assess existing organizational leagility degree; it can be considered as a ready reference to compare performance of different leagile organization (running under similar supply chain architecture) and to benchmark candidate leagile enterprises; so that best practices can be transmitted to the less-performing organizations. Moreover, there is scope to identify ill-performing areas (barriers of leagility) which require special managerial attention for future improvement.
Cultural ecology and isomorphism applied to educational planning in China’s Inner Mongolia
Authors: Denman Brian D , James Rosalind
Published: September 2016

Purpose

– Worldwide, dichotomies exist within macro- and micro-educational planning of systems of education. Inner Mongolia represents an interesting case in the sense that its educational system has been influenced by its historical and passive reliance on China’s political reforms and ongoing identity issues. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how cultural ecology and isomorphism can be compared and managed in the form of a dualism, involving complex organisational structures, operational procedures, and learning outcomes. These may be macro in focus but may also promote the development of social and cultural identity at micro levels. Emphasis is placed upon examining cultural ecology, a concept advocated by the cultural anthropologist, Roy Rappaport, but with concern for embracing indigenous knowledge as a complement to traditional educational attainment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This discussion further considers the feasibility and implementation of a rubric (the Denman-James Rubric (DJR)) that is a custom-tailored pilot project designed to visually demonstrate one’s mastery of creativity and communication, reflective thinking, and analytical and problem solving skills. A demonstration of the DJR is presented to highlight the progress made in its usage and utility in Inner Mongolia and elsewhere.

Findings

– A primary research goal is to investigate whether differing teaching and learning approaches and the use of alternative assessments over a period of time can promote, encourage, and empower students into taking greater ownership of their learning.

Originality/value

– This narrative is an original look at Inner Mongolia’s educational system and how it has been influenced by its historical and passive reliance on China’s political reforms and ongoing identity issues.
Barriers to accurately measuring patients’ dietary intake in hospitals using the visual estimation method
Authors: Kawasaki Yui , Kojima Yui , Akamatsu Rie
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Visual estimation, an easy-to-perform technique, is commonly used in hospitals to assess dietary intake in patients. The authors performed a qualitative study where the authors interviewed nurses and dietitians about their perceptions of barriers to accurately measuring patients’ dietary intake in hospitals using the visual estimation method. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten dietitians and ten clinical nurses responded to 30-minute individual interviews in Tokyo, Japan, in September 2014. Each interview was conducted using a common protocol of open-ended questions focusing on the challenges of the visual estimation method and barriers to accurately measuring patients’ dietary intake as part of their routine work. The tape-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed based on grounded theory.

Findings

Five main categories emerged: hospitals, meals, colleagues, raters, and patients. Various individual barriers such as skill, attitude, knowledge, and others that had not been considered in previous studies also emerged. External barriers that were out of the raters’ control, such as shortage of time, human resources, financial ability, and others, emerged from the “hospitals” category.

Research limitations/implications

Research participants were all females and many of them had less than ten years of experience.

Practical implications

In addition to standardizing the visual estimation process, medical staff need to overcome various other internal and external barriers to accurate measurements.

Originality/value

This is the first study to articulate some important barriers that influence reliability and validity when measuring patients’ dietary intake by visual estimation methods in typical clinical settings.
Evaluation of patient wristbands and patient identification process in a training hospital in Turkey
Authors: Cengiz Canan , Celik Yusuf , Hikmet Neset
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the utilisation of patient wristbands (PWs) and patient identification (PI) process in a training hospital in Ankara, Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in a training hospital with 640 beds, accreditied by Joint Commission International. The views of 348 patients and 419 hospital personnel on the implementation of patient wristbands and identification process were evaluated.

Findings

The results indicated that lack of information among patients about the importance of PWs and the misknowledge among staff participants on when, where, and by whom PWs should be put on and verified were the weakest points in this hospital.

Research limitations/implications

PI process must be strictly implemented according to the standard procedures of patient safety. Both patients and hospital personnel should be trained continuously, and training sessions must be held to increase their awareness about the importance of PWs and identification process.

Practical implications

Finding new ways and using new methods for increasing knowledge about PI and PWs are necessary. Hospital management should prepare a written PI and PW policy and procedure documents by taking the views of patients and hospital personnel and share these with them.

Originality/value

This study incorporates the views and attitudes of patients and health care personnel in improving health care quality by increasing awareness about PI and wristbands.
Stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities regarding quality of care
Authors: Huotari Päivi , Havrdová Zuzana
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how different stakeholders (society, managers, employees and clients) can together ensure the quality of care.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from four focus group interviews conducted in three countries. All interviewees were pursuing a master’s degree in social and/or health care management and had begun working in their field after completing their bachelor’s degree. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Findings

The society and managers are responsible for the care system as a whole and must apply system-oriented, rather than sector-oriented, thinking. Employees are responsible for ensuring the continuity of client services in their work, and managers and employees share the responsibility of achieving the organisational goals and quality standards. The clients are responsible for acting as responsible service users and providing the required information to obtain care. Communication was strongly emphasised in the data, and it necessitates cross-professional and organisational boundaries, professional and political boundaries, as well as boundaries between the professional and the client.

Research limitations/implications

Since the interviewees were all pursuing a master’s degree in social and/or health care management, when reflecting on their work experience, they may have also been reflecting what they had learned in university.

Practical implications

This study emphasises the importance of collaboration and communication between stakeholders in ensuring the quality of care. Unpredictable economies, the ageing population and the ongoing integration and reorganisation of health and social care services in Europe highlight systematic and strategic approach in quality of care.

Originality/value

This paper claims that communication between different care stakeholders gives a more systematic and coherent framework for the quality of care. Quality of care is a strategic choice and part of the strategic decision making at the societal, political, organisational and managerial levels.
Detecting fraudulent financial reporting using financial ratio
Authors: Zainudin Emie Famieza , Hashim Hafiza Aishah
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The main aim of this study is to analyse the financial ratio (i.e. financial leverage, profitability, asset composition, liquidity and capital turnover ratio) in detecting fraudulent financial reporting (FFR).

Design/methodology/approach

The logit model was used to identify firms that are related to FFR. The sample firms that engage in fraudulent reporting were obtained from the media centre of Bursa Malaysia. The firms were selected based on their contravention of the Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. The data cover a period of seven years from 2007 to 2013.

Findings

The results suggest that financial leverage, asset composition, profitability and capital turnover were significant predictors of FFR.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may assist investors in making decision for their investments.

Originality/value

This study describes firms that breach the Listing Requirements of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad using the financial ratio.
Board diversity and corporate social responsibility in Jordan
Authors: Ibrahim Abdul Hadi , Hanefah Mustafa Mohd
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of board diversity characteristics, namely, independence, gender, age and nationality of directors on the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was used to determine CSR disclosure. This study used panel data analysis to investigate the influence of board diversity characteristics on CSR disclosures.

Findings

Panel data analysis show that the level of CSR disclosure has increased over the period of study. Results also reveal a positive and significant association between the level of CSR disclosure and board diversity variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined only companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange. Therefore, the generalisation of the results might be limited to the listed companies only.

Practical implications

Findings are relevant to policymakers, professional organisations and practitioners in Jordan and in other Arab countries.

Social implications

The role of women in the boardroom is important to ensure more CSR activities by the listed companies. Jordan being a Muslim country should take the initiative to introduce laws to increase the number of women to the board.

Originality/value

This study offers significant contributions to existing CSR literature in Jordan and in other Arab countries by introducing female directors. Findings are important to policymakers. They should implement quotas for women in the boardroom, and adopting such a policy will increase the participation of women in the decision-making process of the companies and reduce gender bias.
Market structure and performance of Malaysian banking industry
Authors: Ab-Rahim Rossazana , Chiang Sheen Nie
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the market structure and financial performance of Malaysian commercial banks over the period of 2000 to 2011 by testing the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) and efficient-structure (ESH) hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is employed to measure the efficiency of banks, while concentration ratio is used to assess the market structure of Malaysian banks. Next, utilizing the least squares method, both variables – market structure and efficiency of banks – among other explanatory variables (market share, operating expenses, loans ratio and size of banks) are regressed upon the dependent variable, namely financial performance of banks represented by return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and net interest margin (NIMTA).

Findings

The concentration of Malaysian banking industry is at a declining trend; structurally speaking, Malaysian banks are more competitive due to less market concentration. In terms of efficiency, the DEA results reveal that Malaysian banks are operating below their capacity at 40 per cent of efficiency. Thus, Malaysian banks could reduce their utilization of inputs by 60 per cent to operate on the efficient frontier. Next, the results offer support to ESH, which implies that market concentration and banking efficiency determines the profitability performance of Malaysian commercial banks.

Originality/value

Past studies on Malaysian banking sector had tended to focus either on measuring the performance or assessing the market structure of banks. Thus, this study attempts to fill the gap in the literature by testing the nexus between the market structure and the performance of banks.