bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Aberrant Forms ofAUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8Stimulates Parthenocarpy in Arabidopsis and Tomato
Authors: Goetz Marc , Hooper Lauren C. , Johnson Susan D. , Rodrigues Julio Carlyle Macedo , Vivian-Smith Adam , Koltunow Anna M.
Published: September 2007

Fruit initiation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is generally repressed until fertilization occurs. However, mutations in AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8 (ARF8) uncouple fruit initiation from fertilization, resulting in the formation of seedless, parthenocarpic fruit. Here we induced parthenocarpy in wild-type Arabidopsis by introducing either the mutant genomic (g) Atarf8-4 sequence or gAtARF8:β-glucuronidase translational fusion constructs by plant transformation. Silencing of endogenous AtARF8 transcription was not observed, indicating that the introduced, aberrant ARF8 transcripts were compromising the function of endogenous ARF8 and/or associated factors involved in suppressing fruit initiation. To analyze the role of ARF8 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) we initially emasculated 23 tomato cultivars to test for background parthenocarpy. Surprisingly, all had a predisposition to initiate fertilization-independent fruit growth. Expression of gAtarf8-4 in transgenic tomato (‘Monalbo’) resulted in a significant increase in the number and size of parthenocarpic fruit. Isolation of tomato ARF8 cDNA indicated significant sequence conservation with AtARF8. SlARF8 may therefore control tomato fruit initiation in a similar manner as AtARF8 does in Arabidopsis. Two SlARF8 cDNAs differing in size by 5 bp were found, both arising from the same gene. The smaller cDNA is a splice variant and is also present in Arabidopsis. We propose that low endogenous levels of the splice variant products might interfere with efficient formation/function of a complex repressing fruit initiation, thereby providing an explanation for the observed ovary expansion in tomato and also Arabidopsis after emasculation. Increasing the levels of aberrant Atarf8-4 transcripts may further destabilize formation/function of the complex in a dosage-dependent manner enhancing tomato parthenocarpic fruit initiation frequency and size and mimicking the parthenocarpic dehiscent silique phenotype found in homozygous Atarf8-4 mutants. Collectively these data suggest that similar mechanisms involving auxin signaling exist to inhibit parthenocarpic fruit set in tomato and Arabidopsis.
The Import of S-Adenosylmethionine into the Golgi Apparatus Is Required for the Methylation of Homogalacturonan
Authors: Ibar Consuelo , Orellana Ariel
Published: September 2007

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is the substrate used in the methylation of homogalacturonan (HGA) in the Golgi apparatus. SAM is synthesized in the cytosol, but it is not currently known how it is then transported into the Golgi. In this study, we find that HGA methyltransferase is present in Golgi-enriched fractions and that its catalytic domain faces the lumen of this organelle. This suggests that SAM must be imported into the Golgi. We performed uptake experiments using [methyl-14C]SAM and found that SAM is incorporated into the Golgi vesicles, resulting in the methylation of polymers that are sensitive to pectinase and pectin methylesterase but not to proteases. To avoid detecting the transfer reaction, we also used [carboxyl-14C]SAM, the uptake of which into Golgi vesicles was found to be sensitive to temperature, detergents, and osmotic changes, and to be saturable with a K  m of 33 μ  m. Double-label uptake experiments using [methyl-3H]SAM and [carboxyl-14C]SAM also revealed a time-dependent increase in the 3H to 14C ratio, suggesting that upon transfer of the methyl group, the resulting S-adenosylhomocysteine is not accumulated in the Golgi. SAM incorporation was also found to be inhibited by S-adenosylhomocysteine, whereas UDP-GalA, UDP-GlcA, and acetyl-CoA had no effect. DIDS, a compound that inhibits nucleotide sugar transporters, also had little effect upon SAM incorporation. Interestingly, the combination of UDP-GalA + acetyl-CoA or UDP-GlcA + acetyl-CoA produced a slight increase in the uptake of SAM. These results support the idea that a SAM transporter is required for HGA biosynthesis.
pSAT RNA Interference Vectors: A Modular Series for Multiple Gene Down-Regulation in Plants
Authors: Dafny-Yelin Mery , Chung Sang-Min , Frankman Ellen L. , Tzfira Tzvi
Published: September 2007

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for functional gene analysis, which has been successfully used to down-regulate the levels of specific target genes, enabling loss-of-function studies in living cells. Hairpin (hp) RNA expression cassettes are typically constructed on binary plasmids and delivered into plant cells by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Realizing the importance of RNAi for basic plant research, various vectors have been developed for RNAi-mediated gene silencing, allowing the silencing of single target genes in plant cells. To further expand the collection of available tools for functional genomics in plant species, we constructed a set of modular vectors suitable for hpRNA expression under various constitutive promoters. Our system allows simple cloning of the target gene sequences into two distinct multicloning sites and its modular design provides a straightforward route for replacement of the expression cassette's regulatory elements. More importantly, our system was designed to facilitate the assembly of several hpRNA expression cassettes on a single plasmid, thereby enabling the simultaneous suppression of several target genes from a single vector. We tested the functionality of our new vector system by silencing overexpressed marker genes (green fluorescent protein, DsRed2, and nptII) in transgenic plants. Various combinations of hpRNA expression cassettes were assembled in binary plasmids; all showed strong down-regulation of the reporter genes in transgenic plants. Furthermore, assembly of all three hpRNA expression cassettes, combined with a fourth cassette for the expression of a selectable marker, resulted in down-regulation of all three different marker genes in transgenic plants. This vector system provides an important addition to the plant molecular biologist's toolbox, which will significantly facilitate the use of RNAi technology for analyses of multiple gene function in plant cells.
N-Acylethanolamine Metabolism Interacts with Abscisic Acid Signaling inArabidopsis thalianaSeedlings
Authors: Teaster Neal D. , Motes Christy M. , Tang Yuhong , Wiant William C. , Cotter Matthew Q. , Wang Yuh-Shuh , Kilaru Aruna , Venables Barney J. , Hasenstein Karl H. , Gonzalez Gabriel , Blancaflor Elison B. , Chapman Kent D.
Published: September 2007

N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are bioactive acylamides that are present in a wide range of organisms. In plants, NAEs are generally elevated in desiccated seeds, suggesting that they may play a role in seed physiology. NAE and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were depleted during seed germination, and both metabolites inhibited the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings within a similar developmental window. Combined application of low levels of ABA and NAE produced a more dramatic reduction in germination and growth than either compound alone. Transcript profiling and gene expression studies in NAE-treated seedlings revealed elevated transcripts for a number of ABA-responsive genes and genes typically enriched in desiccated seeds. The levels of ABI3 transcripts were inversely associated with NAE-modulated growth. Overexpression of the Arabidopsis NAE degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase resulted in seedlings that were hypersensitive to ABA, whereas the ABA-insensitive mutants, abi1-1, abi2-1, and abi3-1, exhibited reduced sensitivity to NAE. Collectively, our data indicate that an intact ABA signaling pathway is required for NAE action and that NAE may intersect the ABA pathway downstream from ABA. We propose that NAE metabolism interacts with ABA in the negative regulation of seedling development and that normal seedling establishment depends on the reduction of the endogenous levels of both metabolites.
Arabidopsis TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2Is Directly Regulated by R2R3 MYB Transcription Factors and Is Involved in Regulation ofGLABRA2Transcription in Epidermal Differentiation
Authors: Ishida Tetsuya , Hattori Sayoko , Sano Ryosuke , Inoue Kayoko , Shirano Yumiko , Hayashi Hiroaki , Shibata Daisuke , Sato Shusei , Kato Tomohiko , Tabata Satoshi , Okada Kiyotaka , Wada Takuji
Published: September 2007

Arabidopsis thaliana  TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2 (TTG2) encodes a WRKY transcription factor and is expressed in young leaves, trichomes, seed coats, and root hairless cells. An examination of several trichome and root hair mutants indicates that MYB and bHLH genes regulate TTG2 expression. Two MYB binding sites in the TTG2 5′ regulatory region act as cis regulatory elements and as direct targets of R2R3 MYB transcription factors such as WEREWOLF, GLABRA1, and TRANSPARENT TESTA2. Mutations in TTG2 cause phenotypic defects in trichome development and seed color pigmentation. Transgenic plants expressing a chimeric repressor version of the TTG2 protein (TTG2:SRDX) showed defects in trichome formation, anthocyanin accumulation, seed color pigmentation, and differentiation of root hairless cells. GLABRA2 (GL2) expression was markedly reduced in roots of ProTTG2:TTG2:SRDX transgenic plants, suggesting that TTG2 is involved in the regulation of GL2 expression, although GL2 expression in the ttg2 mutant was similar to that in the wild type. Our analysis suggests a new step in a regulatory cascade of epidermal differentiation, in which complexes containing R2R3 MYB and bHLH transcription factors regulate the expression of TTG2, which then regulates GL2 expression with complexes containing R2R3 MYB and bHLH in the differentiation of trichomes and root hairless cells.
A service‐costing framework for logistics companies and a case study
Authors: Baykaso g˘lu Adil
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a service‐costing framework for logistics companies that are providing land transportation via trucks.

Design/methodology/approach

Several costing methodologies are combined around activity‐based costing and process modeling and a framework is developed. The developed framework is applied to a logistics company to track its service costs.

Findings

After the case study is completed, it is concluded that the proposed framework can be very useful for the company in determining their true service costs. Moreover, the service costs of the company become more apparent to them. Results of the costing information were also found very useful to initiate effective process improvement plans.

Research limitations/implications

In order to execute the model effectively companies need to keep a record of the relevant costing data systematically, otherwise it is not possible to get satisfactory results.

Practical implications

One of the main difficulties for land transportation companies is to determine and evaluate the true costs of their operations. The proposed framework and case study can be useful for companies in developing their costing systems.

Originality/value

The proposed framework presents how different costing approaches can be integrated to provide effective costing solutions. In the literature it is not possible to find many case studies for the application of modern costing approaches for logistics companies. The present paper fills a gap in the literature by presenting a case study for costing logistics services via modern costing approaches.
Drivers of corporate disclosure: a structural equation analysis in a Central European setting
Authors: Grüning Michael
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a network of interlinked hypotheses about determinants of corporate disclosure in Central Europe – especially in Germany and Poland – and evaluate it empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses network is developed from literature and evaluated with structural equation modeling. Sixty annual reports from Germany and Poland have been examined using an enhanced version of the PRISM‐project content analysis approach with 118 items.

Findings

Firm size and industry do not directly influence corporate disclosure but are mediated by crosslisting. The home country effect is of a direct and indirect nature with the latter being mediated by firm size and crosslisting.

Research limitations/implications

Manual content analysis of reports limits validity, reliability, sample and country focus. Further research needs to address additional factors influencing corporate disclosure.

Practical implications

Companies’ disclosure quality seems to profit the most from crosslisting activities as then listing requirements of several stock exchanges have to be fulfilled simultaneously.

Originality/value

By the rare application of structural equation analysis in corporate disclosure literature secondary effects that are mediated by crosslisting and have a strong influence on corporate disclosure are analyzed. These indirect relations of industry, country, and firm size are even stronger than the direct ones that are intensively discussed in the literature.
Configurations of new ventures in entrepreneurship research: contributions and research gaps
Authors: Harms Rainer , Kraus Sascha , Reschke Carl H.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured overview of the application of the configuration approach in the context of new and small ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper surveys the empirical literature in the leading entrepreneurship journals from 1994 to 2006.

Findings

There are a small, but significant number of studies that deal with the empirical identification and examination of new venture types. However, researchers are just beginning to tap the potential of the configuration approach. More specifically, configuration analyses are still rather heterogeneous, and no study deals with the identification of development configuration in the context of new ventures yet.

Research limitations/implications

Since the configuration approach has already delivered interesting results in research on new ventures, we might see additional studies based on this approach in the future. However, there are practical and theoretical considerations to be taken into account.

Practical implications

An awareness of the existence of different types of start‐ups can lead to more informed decisions in new venture management.

Originality/value

This literature review identifies and structures empirical configuration research in the context of new and small ventures. Also, awareness for future research opportunities is raised.
Mutual trust as a key to internationalization of SMEs
Authors: Fink Matthias , Kraus Sascha
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an understanding as to whether trust‐based coordination is feasible in the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) internationalization processes, and if so, what impact these cooperative arrangements can have on corporate success.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the research hypotheses, multiple regression analyses based on a postal questionnaire survey (n = 58 SMEs from Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovenia) were computed.

Findings

It is found that self‐commitment facilitates the establishment and maintenance of heterarchic cross‐border cooperation relationships of SMEs that cannot evolve based on market or hierarchical coordination. It is also found that the establishment of trust‐based cooperation relationships with foreign partners positively affects the success of the participating companies.

Research limitations/implications

Only Slovenian and Czech enterprises and their internationalization have been investigated and compared to Austrian enterprises. Only SMEs have been investigated, no large companies. It is not clear that the presented empirical findings also hold true for larger enterprises.

Practical implications

Active measures such as building more knowledge (getting to know) and openly approaching other enterprises should be encouraged in internationalization processes. Thus, protectionist labor market politics on the macro level are highly counterproductive. At the micro level, parties involved should acquire specific knowledge (e.g. languages or social codes) as well as that they replace prejudices and skepticism by profound knowledge on and openness towards the other, e.g. through exchange programs for employees.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to analyze the role of trust‐based cooperation relationships on the internationalization processes of SMEs in the context of Austrian and Central and Eastern Country (CEEC) enterprises. The results of this research can become important for SMEs which want to pursue an internationalization strategy in the context of the CEEC.
Strategic people management of coal mining firms in Central Queensland
Authors: Zheng Connie , Rolfe John , Di Milia Lee , Bretherton Phil
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a conceptual framework to explore the link between strategic human resource management (SHRM) and firm performance of the coal mining companies in Central Queensland (CQ), Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature relating to the process and issues of transforming human resource practices and industrial relations of the coal industry in Australia for the past decade. Theoretical development and empirical studies on the SHRM‐performance linkage are discussed. Based on the literature review, the paper develops an integrated model for testing the relationship between SHRM and firm performance in the context of CQ's coalmines and proposes a number of research propositions.

Findings

Three perceivable outcomes are likely derived from application of this framework in the field. First, a testing of the linkage between strategic HRM and firm performance in the coal industry, using an integrated approach, would complement the empirical deficiency of treatments on the prior SHRM models. Second, data at firm level could be collected to develop a better understanding of how the adoption of strategic HRM practices in coal companies can affect firm performance. Third, the extent of flexibility practices, use of contractors and associated management practices could be identified.

Originality/value

The coal industry is central to economic development of regional Queensland. The industry contributes substantially to GDP via employment, investment and product export. An exploration of the impact of SHRM on the coal industry will likely result in identifying some best practices that could be potentially adopted in the wider business community to foster regional economic development in Australia and worldwide.
The effects of product modularity on competitive performance
Authors: Jacobs Mark , Vickery Shawnee K. , Droge Cornelia
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of product modularity on four aspects of competitive performance: cost, quality, flexibility, and cycle time.

Design/methodology/approach

Constructs were created from a comprehensive survey of the automotive sector. Regression is used to ascertain the relationship between the constructs of product modularity and performance with three different integration strategies as mediators.

Findings

Modularity positively and directly influences each aspect of competitive performance for each integration strategy tested. Indirect effects were found for each integration strategy for cost and flexibility; and for manufacturing integration and cycle time.

Practical implications

A product modularity strategy enables simultaneous improvements on multiple dimensions of competitive performance.

Originality/value

This research is the first to empirically validate the effects of product modularity on competitive performance. Furthermore, it provides insight into the exact nature of product modularity's influence on competitive performance.
Conceptualizing operations strategy processes
Authors: Gorm Rytter Niels , Boer Harry , Koch Christian
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present insights into operations strategy (OS) in practice. It outlines a conceptualization and model of OS processes and, based on findings from an in‐depth and longitudinal case study, contributes to further development of extant OS models and methods which presently mainly focus on OS content, as distinct from process issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology combines action research and a longitudinal single site case study of OS processes in practice.

Findings

The paper conceptualises an OS process as: events of dialogue and action; taking place in five dimensions of change – technical‐rational, cultural, political, project management, and facilitation; and typically unfolding as a sequential and parallel, ordered and disordered, planned and emergent as well as top‐down and bottom‐up process. The proposed OS conceptualization provides a useful tool for describing and analyzing real‐time OS processes unfolding in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a single case, which limits the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that, in order to obtain successful outcomes for an OS process in practice, change agents may need to moderate their outcome ambitions, manage process dimensions and agendas in a situational manner, balance inherent process paradoxes, strive at bridging both language and reality, as well as mobilizing key stakeholders, especially middle managers, throughout the process.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a novel conceptualization of the OS process derived from the literature in relevant areas and findings obtained through longitudinal action research of an OS formulation and implementation process.
Equal employment opportunity legislation and policies: the Australian experience
Authors: Strachan Glenda , Burgess John , Henderson Lindy
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Organisations have to respond to a range of legislative and policy initiatives intended to promote equal employment opportunity for women. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the mix of legislation and policies in Australia: anti‐discrimination and equal opportunity legislation, equal pay, work and family and managing diversity policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Legislation, industrial relations changes and policies relating to pay equity, non‐discrimination on the grounds of sex, affirmative action and equal opportunity, including work and family policies and managing diversity approaches are reviewed in the context of changing labour conditions and social trends.

Findings

Organisations are presented with a range of policies from which to choose and the result is variety in the extent and type of equity programs which produce variable outcomes for women in the workplace.

Practical implications

While this paper deals in particular with Australia, the pattern of multiplicity of approaches is common to other Western countries. As organisations choose among a variety of approaches in implementing an equal opportunity programme, the outcomes for women will vary.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight into equal employment opportunity legislation and policies within the Australian context.
Rediscovering the collective application of the Equal Pay Act
Authors: Rowbottom David
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the proposal adopted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) that employers undertaking an equal pay review should be permitted a “protected period” during which its employees would be prohibited from taking equal pay claims to law. This proposal is considered against recent collective agreements in local government and National Health Service, and where equal pay claims have been made by employees either with the support of the unions that are party to the collective agreement or more critically with external legal support.

Design/methodology/approach

Information is drawn from the EOC, from employer and trade union sources, and decisions of the employment tribunals and courts.

Findings

The outcome of the unstructured mix of collective bargaining and litigation shows a pattern of delay, uncertainty, added conflict between involved parties and pressure, making resource adjustments that initially were to be avoided.

Research limitations/implications

The research has been undertaken as the collective agreements are being implemented. As the initial hearings of claims are not complete and there are opportunities for appeals against initial judgments, the descriptions here are unlikely to provide a settled account.

Originality/value

The EOC proposal is given support but shown to need further institutional support. In that regard the opportunity is taken to consider a possible alternative form of adjudication of “collective” equal pay issues. It is proposed to facilitate an extended version of a former jurisdiction of the Central Arbitration Committee.
Can training remove the glue from the “sticky floor” of low‐paid work for women?
Authors: Rainbird Helen
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The UK government has suggested that women's inequality can be addressed through improved education and training. The aim of this paper is to explore the extent to which this is the case by examining the opportunities for learning in a range of low‐paid jobs in local government, which are predominantly but not exclusively occupied by women.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a case study involving over 100 face‐to‐face interviews with low‐paid workers, their supervisors, managers, trainers and union representatives in one local authority, it uses Scherer's 2004 framework to examine whether low‐paid jobs and the opportunities they provide for training act as “stepping stones” or “traps” to job progression and better pay.

Findings

As a solution to the problem of low pay, the discourse of individual self‐improvement under‐estimates the structural problems facing low‐paid workers, their lack of resources and entitlements to learning. Moreover, it ignores the fact that many low‐paid workers in the public sector value their work as socially useful. This public service ethos should not be a justification for low basic pay.

Originality/value

This paper extends the theme of gender equality in UK public services by examining to what extent measures focusing on education and training can lift women workers off the “sticky floor” of low‐paid low status work.
Young workers and the National Minimum Wage
Authors: Lucas Rosemary , Nair Keegan Shobana
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the basis of the Low Pay Commission's (LPC) presumption of the “distinctiveness” of young workers aged 16 and 17 in the absence of any systematic and objective basis for determining “fair pay”. In the context of labour market theories and the issues they raise in relation to skill, training and pay, the paper questions the presumption that young workers are distinctive with reference to contemporary notions of skill and training requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sub‐sample of hospitality businesses in North Wales, the paper presents selected evidence from semi‐structured interviews about firms’ pay and employment practices that included a systematic method to enable managers to provide some objectively justifiable measures of job content and perceptions of personal attributes in relation to the pay of 16‐ and 17‐year‐old workers compared with their older counterparts.

Findings

Employers’ informal and pragmatic employment and pay practices both reflect and reinforce the LPC's presumption of distinctiveness for a predominantly student labour force. This indicative and exploratory method of quantifying jobs and personal attributes in relation to pay appears to have some validity, although the sorts of skills that are associated with young workers’ jobs may not be fully recognised or valued, reinforcing inequality and discrimination in some cases.

Originality/value

In raising awareness of potential inequality of treatment and discrimination in the context of age discrimination legislation, the paper will be of interest to researchers in employment relations, human resource management, equality and diversity management, minimum wages and the hospitality industry.
Equality and diversity policies and practices at work: lesbian, gay and bisexual workers
Authors: Colgan Fiona , Creegan Chris , McKearney Aidan , Wright Tessa
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify organisational good practice concerning equality, diversity and sexual orientation and consider the impact of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs in‐depth interviews and a short survey with 154 lesbian, gay and bisexual people (LGB) and 60 interviews with management, trade union and LGB group representatives within 16 “good practice” case study organisations.

Findings

Before the introduction of the (SO) Regulations (2003), progress concerning equality, diversity and sexual orientation was made based on social justice and/or business case arguments. The research shows that an inclusive organisational response can benefit both LGB employees and their employers. However, an “implementation gap” between equality/diversity policy and practice on sexual orientation was identified. The introduction of the law as a further driver to equality action in the sexual orientation area has been positive. However, LGB employees voiced concerns about the way in which organisations rely on LGB people to come forward with complaints before tackling problems. Thus, the protection provided by the (SO) Regulations 2003, although welcomed, was not seen as a panacea to tackling discrimination and harassment on grounds of sexual orientation in the workplace. LGB respondents looked to their organisation management to provide proactive leadership on equality/diversity issues and stop treating the sexual orientation strand as the “poor relation” within the organisational drive for equality and diversity.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the gap in knowledge regarding LGB people's perceptions of equality/diversity policy and practice within UK workplaces, providing information on good practice for employers, trade unions, government and LGB campaigning organisations.
Disabled people's experiences in the workplace environment in England
Authors: Newton Rita , Ormerod Marcus , Thomas Pam
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to report on a study undertaken into disabled people's experience of the built environment when attempting to access and stay in employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Narratives were collected using semi‐structured interviews with 38 disabled people, all of whom had experience of paid and unpaid work.

Findings

Analysis of the interview narratives shows that disabled people experience a range of barriers and enablers in the built environment both to gaining employment and to staying in employment, and an accessible environment contributes to a successful employment experience.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small exploratory study of disabled people's experience of the workplace built environment. Future research could focus in more detail on whether specific design features reduce the requirement for reasonable adjustments.

Practical implications

The implications are that disabled people are experiencing discrimination when working environments present barriers and reasonable adjustments, as required by the UK Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and 2005, are not made.

Originality/value

This is exploratory research and provides an insight into the experience of disabled people of the physical workplace environment, presenting examples of good and poor practice.
Competitive analysis of enterprise integration strategies
Authors: Briggs Warren , Shore Barry
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, it sets out to suggest that when a new ERP system or an upgrade is considered it may be best to begin with a formal analysis of the market leader's IT strategy. This study must address how they use information across the extended enterprise from suppliers to customers. Second, it aims to suggest a simple competitive audit matrix (CAM) that can be used to structure this analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument that a formal analysis is necessary to minimize the risk of disappointing ERP results is developed from the literature, and the CAM is adapted from a model presented in the “competitive analysis of the firm” literature. Because, inside data are usually not available, the model is designed to rely on publicly accessible data.

Findings

While there are considerable challenges in undertaking a competitive IT analysis, the use of a case study, 7‐Eleven Japan, suggests that there is much to be learned by following a structured approach at this early stage in the development of an ERP project.

Research limitations/implications

Since, this appears to be the first paper focusing on the use of competitive data in establishing IT strategy, there is considerable opportunity for others to verify the usefulness of this approach, to use the framework in uncovering strategies that are common to market leaders in different industries, or to suggest other frameworks altogether.

Practical implications

Companies that are considering an ERP, or more likely an upgrade to an existing ERP, should find this simple framework most useful in provoking the kinds of discussions that are necessary before major strategic IT decisions are made.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that presents a framework for undertaking analysis of a competitor's IT integration strategy.
Competitive priorities of manufacturing firms in Thailand
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Kanchana Rapee
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify competitive priorities, based on the opinions of top executives of manufacturing firms belonging to the Federation of Thai Industry (FTI). It is also to evaluate the implications and applicability of these findings for Thai manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is used as a data‐collection tool to gather the opinions of top executives. Its main contents are based on Takala (2002). Ten manufacturers from four industries have participated in the study. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is selected to analyze the survey responses. In addition, the comparison of competitive priorities among Thailand, China, and Taiwan is made. The follow‐up interviews and discussion are also conducted.

Findings

There are six criteria selected to reflect competitive priorities: quality, customer‐focus, delivery, flexibility, know‐how, and costs. The study reveals that the quality, customer‐focus and delivery criteria are recognized as important priorities in order to enhance manufacturing firms' competitiveness. The Taiwanese experiences possibly suggest more attention on innovation in order to sustain quality improvement.

Practical implications

The findings illustrate the shift in competitive priorities from cost into quality and customer‐focus. This shift reflects intense campaigns by relevant public agencies as well as the FTI. The awareness on these priorities is critical so that companies in the value chain can properly establish coherent manufacturing strategies and objectives.

Originality/value

The knowledge on competitive priorities leads to better understanding of manufacturing strategies in the future. This knowledge can serve as a reference during an assessment of the desirable impacts from programs and initiatives conducted by public agencies and the FTI.
Achieving manufacturing flexibility through entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Chang Shih‐Chia , Lin Ru‐Jen , Chang Fu‐Jen , Chen Rong‐Huei
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) purportedly enhances a firm's competitive edge, but its alignment with specific dimensions of manufacturing flexibility has not been convincingly documented. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of several identifiable aspects of EO on particular types of manufacturing flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data collected from 115 motherboard manufacturers, the study employs multiple regression analysis to examine the effects of entrepreneurial practices on manufacturing flexibility.

Findings

The statistical results lead to the following conclusions: autonomy, innovativeness, risk‐taking and proactiveness have significant positive effects on new product flexibility; autonomy, innovativeness, and competitive aggressiveness improve product mix flexibility; innovativeness, proactiveness, and competitive aggressiveness determine volume flexibility.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses exclusively on external manufacturing flexibility, ignoring, for the time being, internal manufacturing flexibility factors.

Practical implications

The outcomes of the present study reveal that manufacturing flexibility cannot be achieved by simply installing a computer‐aided system; rather, it needs to be planned, managed, and integrated with a firm's entrepreneurial endeavors.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study to investigate the effects of EO on manufacturing flexibility rather than on business performance, which most of the previous research on this topic has emphasized. In terms of practical applicability, the findings provide plant managers with valuable guidelines for improving manufacturing flexibility by undertaking appropriate entrepreneurial action.
The impact of JIT‐II‐selling on organizational performance
Authors: Green Kenneth W. , Inman R. Anthony
Published: September 2007

Purpose

In response to the just‐in‐time (JIT) II purchasing strategy developed at Bose, sellers in the manufacturing sector have become JIT‐II sellers. The purpose of this study is to test the propositions that implementation of a JIT‐II‐selling strategy strengthens the strategic link between the production and marketing functions and leverages the impact of a market orientation on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data related to JIT‐II‐selling, market orientation and organizational performance were collected from 166 managers of large US‐based manufacturing companies and analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

Results indicate that market orientation fully mediates the relationship between JIT‐II‐selling and organizational performance.

Practical/implications

Manufacturers adopting a JIT‐II‐selling strategy to enhance a market orientation philosophy can expect improvements in organizational performance.

Originality/value

This study is the first to describe and define the JIT‐II selling construct and to empirically assess its relation to market orientation and organizational performance.
The mediate effect of learning and knowledge on organizational performance
Authors: Lin Chin‐Yen , Kuo Tsung‐Hsien
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among human resource management (HRM), organizational learning (OL), knowledge management capability (KMC) and organizational performance (OP) and to demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of HRM on OP from the perspectives of KMC and OL.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study is conducted in financial training centers in Taiwan and the collected survey data are used to test the relationships among the four dimensions expressed in the proposed structural equation model.

Findings

The results show that HRM has a direct and significant impact on OL and KMC. HRM influences OP indirectly through OL and KMC. In addition, OL and KMC have direct and significant influences on OP.

Research limitations/implications

Only data from Taiwan were collected. Therefore, the results may not be easily generalized to other areas or countries, but are useful for managers' reference, especially for those whose circumstances are similar to those in Taiwan.

Practical implications

The conceptual structural equation model provides useful information for managers to enhance OP through the adoption of appropriate HRM, OL and KMC policies.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates how HRM indirectly impacts OP and illustrates the paths of influence through either OL or KMC.
A knowledge integration framework for complex network management
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Chandra Charu
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Large supply and computer networks contain heterogeneous information and correlation among their components, and are distributed across a large geographical region. This paper aims to investigate and develop a generic knowledge integration framework that can handle the challenges posed in complex network management. It also seeks to examine this framework in various applications of essential management tasks in different infrastructures.

Design/methodology/approach

Efficient information and knowledge integration technologies are key to capably handling complex networks. An adaptive fusion framework is proposed that takes advantage of dependency modelling, active configuration planning and scheduling, and quality assurance of knowledge integration. The paper uses cases of supply network risk management and computer network attack correlation (NAC) to elaborate the problem and describe various applications of this generic framework.

Findings

Information and knowledge integration becomes increasingly important, enabled by technologies to collect and process data dynamically, and faces enormous challenges in handling escalating complexity. Representing these systems into an appropriate network model and integrating the knowledge in the model for decision making, directed by information and complexity measures, provide a promising approach. The preliminary results based on a Bayesian network model support the proposed framework.

Originality/value

First, the paper discussed and defined the challenges and requirements faced by knowledge integration in complex networks. Second, it proposed a knowledge integration framework that systematically models various network structures and adaptively integrates knowledge, based on dependency modelling and information theory. Finally, it used a conceptual Bayesian model to elaborate the application to supply chain risk management and computer NAC of this promising framework.
Exploiting RFID digital information in enterprise collaboration
Authors: Lekakos George
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a distributed network architecture, building on web‐service orchestration, data‐stream management systems and smart‐tagging technologies, can be employed to enable enterprise collaboration and decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a technology review in order to propose a network design as well as a field survey to identify and evaluate the relevance of radio frequency identification (RFID)‐enabled collaboration and decision‐support scenarios to industry executives.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the relevance of the proposed architecture and corresponding RFID‐enabled collaboration to business executives of the grocery retail sector. The responses show that some scenarios are more appealing to retailers than to suppliers and that certain processes should be done in collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations and future research directions involve the evaluation of specific design alternatives, in the specific context as well as comparing the distributed architecture approach with a centralized architecture or with EDI which has traditionally been used to support enterprise collaboration.

Practical implications

The proposed architecture supports not only internal operations of network leaders, such as big retailers, but also suppliers who look into opportunities to benefit from the use of IT in enterprise relationships by gaining either process specificity or domain knowledge specificity.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a novel architecture that moves beyond the centralized web site paradigm to a distributed one. A European field survey is employed for the evaluation of several RFID‐enabled collaboration scenarios, providing insights to both researchers and practitioners (retailers and suppliers in the grocery retail sector).
Cross‐generational knowledge flows in edge organizations
Authors: Liebowitz Jay , Ayyavoo Nirmala , Nguyen Hang , Carran Deborah , Simien James
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate how cross‐generational biases affect tacit knowledge transfer and resulting knowledge flows in edge organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applied hypothesis testingχ2s, as well as ethnographic analysis.

Findings

Cross‐generational biases affect tacit knowledge transfer and resulting knowledge flows in edge‐like organizations. Other factors, such as trust, loyalty, work ethics, and family values, also affect knowledge flows.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size should be increased for future work, as well as applying the results in a defense/military environment.

Practical implications

The results of the paper should influence succession planning, human capital strategy, and knowledge management efforts in edge‐like organizations.

Originality/value

The work is quite novel as it integrates inter‐generational differences, tacit knowledge transfer, and knowledge flows in edge organizations.
Adoption of mobile technology in business: a fit‐viability model
Authors: Liang Ting‐Peng , Huang Chen‐Wei , Yeh Yi‐Hsuan , Lin Binshan
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to study the adoption of mobile technology in business and its determinants. A diagnostic tool for proper adoption of mobile technology is developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded on the fit‐viability framework, the paper uses a multi‐case study via the fit and viability dimensions to examine the success or failure of mobile technology applications in business.

Findings

By drawing upon multiple streams of theory building, the paper is able to develop a set of measurement instruments to assess the fit and viability in adopting mobile technology. The findings demonstrate that the fit‐viability model (FVM) provides useful guidelines for enterprises in their decisions on whether to adopt a mobile technology.

Research limitations/implications

First, the theoretical generalizability of the FVM needs to be more carefully observed in future studies. Second, the findings are exploratory and more extensive studies may be necessary.

Practical implications

Chief information officers and managers can use the developed instrument to measure the fitness and viability of implementing mobile technology in organizations. This should be able to increase the possibility of success.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to combine the fit and viability aspects and to empirically demonstrate the value of this two‐dimensional model.