bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Connections across Pathways and Cellular Processes: Industrialized Mutant Screening Reveals Novel Associations between Diverse Phenotypes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Yan , Savage Linda J. , Ajjawi Imad , Imre Kathleen M. , Yoder David W. , Benning Christoph , DellaPenna Dean , Ohlrogge John B. , Osteryoung Katherine W. , Weber Andreas P. , Wilkerson Curtis G. , Last Robert L.
Published: February 2008

In traditional mutant screening approaches, genetic variants are tested for one or a small number of phenotypes. Once bona fide variants are identified, they are typically subjected to a limited number of secondary phenotypic screens. Although this approach is excellent at finding genes involved in specific biological processes, the lack of wide and systematic interrogation of phenotype limits the ability to detect broader syndromes and connections between genes and phenotypes. It could also prevent detection of the primary phenotype of a mutant. As part of a systems biology approach to understand plastid function, large numbers of Arabidopsis thaliana homozygous T-DNA lines are being screened with parallel morphological, physiological, and chemical phenotypic assays (www.plastid.msu.edu). To refine our approaches and validate the use of this high-throughput screening approach for understanding gene function and functional networks, approximately 100 wild-type plants and 13 known mutants representing a variety of phenotypes were analyzed by a broad range of assays including metabolite profiling, morphological analysis, and chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics. Data analysis using a variety of statistical approaches showed that such industrial approaches can reliably identify plant mutant phenotypes. More significantly, the study uncovered previously unreported phenotypes for these well-characterized mutants and unexpected associations between different physiological processes, demonstrating that this approach has strong advantages over traditional mutant screening approaches. Analysis of wild-type plants revealed hundreds of statistically robust phenotypic correlations, including metabolites that are not known to share direct biosynthetic origins, raising the possibility that these metabolic pathways have closer relationships than is commonly suspected.
Analysis of Protein Complexes in Wheat Amyloplasts Reveals Functional Interactions among Starch Biosynthetic Enzymes
Authors: Tetlow Ian J. , Beisel Kim G. , Cameron Scott , Makhmoudova Amina , Liu Fushan , Bresolin Nicole S. , Wait Robin , Morell Matthew K. , Emes Michael J.
Published: February 2008

Protein-protein interactions among enzymes of amylopectin biosynthesis were investigated in developing wheat (Triticum aestivum) endosperm. Physical interactions between starch branching enzymes (SBEs) and starch synthases (SSs) were identified from endosperm amyloplasts during the active phase of starch deposition in the developing grain using immunoprecipitation and cross-linking strategies. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments using peptide-specific antibodies indicate that at least two distinct complexes exist containing SSI, SSIIa, and either of SBEIIa or SBEIIb. Chemical cross linking was used to identify protein complexes containing SBEs and SSs from amyloplast extracts. Separation of extracts by gel filtration chromatography demonstrated the presence of SBE and SS forms in protein complexes of around 260 kD and that SBEII forms may also exist as homodimers. Analysis of cross-linked 260-kD aggregation products from amyloplast lysates by mass spectrometry confirmed SSI, SSIIa, and SBEII forms as components of one or more protein complexes in amyloplasts. In vitro phosphorylation experiments with γ-32P-ATP indicated that SSII and both forms of SBEII are phosphorylated. Treatment of the partially purified 260-kD SS-SBE complexes with alkaline phosphatase caused dissociation of the assembly into the respective monomeric proteins, indicating that formation of SS-SBE complexes is phosphorylation dependent. The 260-kD SS-SBEII protein complexes are formed around 10 to 15 d after pollination and were shown to be catalytically active with respect to both SS and SBE activities. Prior to this developmental stage, SSI, SSII, and SBEII forms were detectable only in monomeric form. High molecular weight forms of SBEII demonstrated a higher affinity for in vitro glucan substrates than monomers. These results provide direct evidence for the existence of protein complexes involved in amylopectin biosynthesis.
BRICK1 Is Required for Apical Cell Growth in Filaments of the MossPhyscomitrella patensbut Not for Gametophore Morphology
Authors: Perroud Pierre-François , Quatrano Ralph S.
Published: February 2008

When BRK1, a member of the Wave/SCAR complex, is deleted in Physcomitrella patens (Δbrk1), we report a striking reduction of filament growth resulting in smaller and fewer cells with misplaced cross walls compared with the normal protonemal cells. Using an inducible green fluorescent protein–talin to detect actin in living tissue, a characteristic broad accumulation of actin is observed at the tip of wild-type apical cells, whereas in Δbrk1, smaller, more distinct foci of actin are present. Insertion of brk1-yfp into Δbrk1 rescues the mutant phenotype and results in BRK1 being localized only in the tip of apical cells, the exclusive site of cell extension and division in the filament. Like BRK1, ARPC4 and At RABA4d are normally localized at the tip of apical cells and their localization is correlated with rapid tip growth in filaments. However, neither marker accumulates in apical cells of Δbrk1 filaments. Although the Δbrk1 phenotypes in protonema are severe, the leafy shoots or gametophores are normally shaped but stunted. These and other results suggest that BRK1 functions directly or indirectly in the selective accumulation/stabilization of actin and other proteins required for polar cell growth of filaments but not for the basic structure of the gametophore.
A LysM Receptor-Like Kinase Plays a Critical Role in Chitin Signaling and Fungal Resistance inArabidopsis
Authors: Wan Jinrong , Zhang Xue-Cheng , Neece David , Ramonell Katrina M. , Clough Steve , Kim Sung-yong , Stacey Minviluz G. , Stacey Gary
Published: February 2008

Chitin, a polymer of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, is found in fungal cell walls but not in plants. Plant cells can perceive chitin fragments (chitooligosaccharides) leading to gene induction and defense responses. We identified a LysM receptor-like protein (LysM RLK1) required for chitin signaling in Arabidopsis  thaliana. The mutation in this gene blocked the induction of almost all chitooligosaccharide-responsive genes and led to more susceptibility to fungal pathogens but had no effect on infection by a bacterial pathogen. Additionally, exogenously applied chitooligosaccharides enhanced resistance against both fungal and bacterial pathogens in the wild-type plants but not in the mutant. Together, our data indicate that LysM RLK1 is essential for chitin signaling in plants (likely as part of the receptor complex) and is involved in chitin-mediated plant innate immunity. The LysM RLK1-mediated chitin signaling pathway is unique, but it may share a conserved downstream pathway with the FLS2/flagellin- and EFR/EF-Tu–mediated signaling pathways. Additionally, our work suggests a possible evolutionary relationship between the chitin and Nod factor perception mechanisms due to the similarities between their potential receptors and between the signal molecules perceived by them.
MAP65-3 Microtubule-Associated Protein Is Essential for Nematode-Induced Giant Cell Ontogenesis inArabidopsis
Authors: Caillaud Marie-Cécile , Lecomte Philippe , Jammes Fabien , Quentin Michaël , Pagnotta Sophie , Andrio Emilie , de Almeida Engler Janice , Marfaing Nicolas , Gounon Pierre , Abad Pierre , Favery Bruno
Published: February 2008

The infection of plants by obligate parasitic nematodes constitutes an interesting model for investigating plant cytoskeleton functions. Root knot nematodes have evolved the ability to manipulate host functions to their own advantage by redifferentiating root cells into multinucleate and hypertrophied feeding cells. These giant cells result from repeated rounds of karyokinesis without cell division. Detailed functional analyses demonstrated that Arabidopsis thaliana  Microtubule-Associated Protein65-3 (MAP65-3) was essential for giant cell ontogenesis and that cytokinesis was initiated but not completed in giant cells. In developing giant cells, MAP65-3 was associated with a novel kind of cell plate—the giant cell mini cell plate—that separates daughter nuclei. In the absence of functional MAP65-3, giant cells developed but failed to fully differentiate and were eventually destroyed. These defects in giant cells impaired the maturation of nematode larvae. Thus, MAP65-3 is essential for giant cell development during root knot nematode infection. Subcellular localization of MAP65-3 and analysis of microtubule organization in the dyc283 T-DNA map65-3 mutant demonstrated that MAP65-3 played a critical role in organizing the mitotic microtubule array during both early and late mitosis in all plant organs. Here, we propose a model for the role of MAP65-3 in giant cell ontogenesis.
Changes in anti‐nutritional factors in Indian bean (Dolichos lablabL.) seeds during germination and their behaviour during cooking
Authors: Ramakrishna V. , Jhansi Rani P. , Ramakrishna Rao P.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to study the changes in anti‐nutritional factors during the germination of the Indian bean and also to carryout an evaluation by subjecting it to different cooking treatments – boiling, roasting and pressure cooking.

Design/methodology/approach

The healthy Indian bean (Dolichos lablabL.) seeds were soaked for 12 h and allowed to germinate (sprout) at room temperature 27±2○C for a period of 32 h. Seedlings were withdrawn at designated time intervals and used for analysis of anti‐nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitory activity (TIA), phytic acid, polyphenols and tannins of dried and germinated cotyledons. They were also evaluated regarding their changes by subjecting to different cooking treatments – boiling, roasting and pressure cooking.

Findings

The raw dry Indian bean had a very high TIA which decreases progressively to 17 per cent at 32 h germination period. An overall fall in polyphenols of 70 per cent, tannins 46 per cent, phytic acids 36 per cent and phytate phosphorus to 30 per cent was noticed during the 32 h germination period. Maximum reduction was observed in TIA and phytic acids with roasting, while the boiling and pressure cooking decreases the levels of polyphenols and tannins.

Originality/value

The paper proves that germination is a more effective method in reducing TIA, tannins, polyphenols and phytic acid than the various cooking treatments.
“Scores on Doors”: hygiene disclosure schemes for consumers
Authors: Worsfold Denise , Worsfold Philip Mark
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the utility to consumers of hygiene disclosure schemes for eating places.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of hygiene disclosure schemes operated by local authorities in the UK was examined for features that might be expected to influence consumer awareness and behaviour.

Findings

The survey revealed that schemes differed in the interpretation of scores, the extent of information disclosed, the communication channels used to disclose information and the amount of publicity provided for businesses and the public. The majority of schemes provide certificates which businesses are encouraged to display prominently. Hygiene inspection information is posted on the web sites of all the local authorities.

Research limitations/implications

The number of schemes in this study was limited. A comprehensive evaluation of the current UK “Scores on Doors” schemes will have to take into account a large number of schemes with a very large number of variables, making its feasibility questionable.

Practical implications

The “Scores on Doors” schemes will only be successful if the public are fully aware of them and the schemes are well respected. They will have to be well publicised, to operate in an open, transparent manner and be consistent and fair. This study shows that, although the schemes have some features in common, there is considerable lack of consistency, particularly in the representation of scores as symbols.

Originality/value

Published evaluations of hygiene disclosure schemes relate to schemes operating outside the UK. This study examines some of the features of current UK schemes that will require consideration if a consistent nation‐wide scheme is to be developed.
Hawker food industry: food safety/public health strategies in Malaysia
Authors: Pang Fiona , See Toh Poh
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the socio‐demographic factors affecting food safety knowledge/practice and the effectiveness of food safety strategies of hawkers in an urban and less urban setting of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 hawkers from Kuala Lumpur and Taiping were given a questionnaire and observed in their food safety practice (FSP). In‐depth interviews were performed on four hawkers from Kuala Lumpur and Taiping.

Practical implications

Of all hawker types, Muslim/Malay hawkers, hawkers with higher educational levels, hawkers in designated sites and hawkers in an urban setting scored the highest on food safety knowledge and/or practice. This study found inadequate distribution/impracticality of regulations/guidelines for hawkers, ambiguities with licensing procedures, weaknesses in training programmes and significant complaints of designated sites by hawkers.

Originality/value

Ethnicity, religion, education and type of premise are socio‐demographic factors that may affect food safety knowledge/practices of hawkers. An urban/less urban setting may also affect hawkers' food safety knowledge/practice. Ineffectiveness of food safety strategies of the Control Authority may exist and may vary across different regions of Malaysia. Thus, food safety strategies must be regulated/reinforced and adapted to hawkers' socio‐demographic status, to ensure the safety of hawker foods in Malaysia.
Training in British industry
Authors: Jackson Willis
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the need for, and development of, further education and practical training for recruits into industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses how, at the time of writing, many firms were developing and operating training schemes for industrial personnel. Firms benefit themselves from training individuals, and this also raises the levels of skill and experience throughout industry, enabling British industry to compete on a global scale.

Findings

The paper outlines developments in industrial training schemes, and suggests that whereas once, personnel progressed from being craft apprentices through to being technologists, supervisors and technicians, now it is possible to train specifically in these areas. Group Training Schemes and local and county technological colleges are beginning to offer industrial training, as well as general education related to vocational interests. Senior industrial representatives need to work with technical colleges to establish a partnership and to ensure that courses are oriented towards the needs and developments of industry.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on training in British industry in the 1950s.
Technical subjects in secondary schools
Authors: Howard A.E.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine technical education in various types of secondary schools, and suggests three levels of technical courses to be taught in secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the differences between technical schools and colleges, and vocational technical courses taught in “academic” secondary schools; it recognizes that technical schools also attract students of a high academic quality. With a wider range of abilities, there need to be courses offered in secondary technical schools that suit a range of levels. Three technical courses are suggested here, which are aimed at the different levels of education parallel to secondary schools – for the potential craftsman, for the potential technician, and for the potential technologist.

Findings

It is suggested that great care must be taken to ensure that the vocational subjects develop naturally from more general academic studies – the aim of the courses outlined in this paper is to provide a fundamental general education alongside an understanding of vocational studies. The course for the potential craftsman takes the student towards suitable City and Guilds certificates, and involves some designated time for industrial visits. The course for the potential technician aims for four “O” level subjects in the General Certificate of Education (GCE), and the course for the potential technologist aims for pupils to gain two subjects at “A” level.

Originality/value

The paper suggests a hierarchy of technical courses for integration into secondary schools in the 1950s.
The work of the careers master
Authors: Longland C.P.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the skills and responsibilities of a careers master in the late 1950s.

Design/methodology/approach

Schools were becoming more businesslike, and training was becoming more specialised and developed. Schools needed to have an “Officer of Information” or a “Careers Master” in order to make sure that students had the appropriate qualifications in order to follow a career path with a particular firm. The author suggests that schools needed to do more for the students than simply provide an encyclopaedia of different occupations. This paper lists the practical steps a careers master needed to take, in terms of useful literature, notices and advertisements and also in terms of giving vocational guidance to students.

Findings

This article outlines the main responsibilities of a careers master and details some of the methods he/she should be able to use.

Originality/value

This paper suggests ways in which the role of a careers master in schools can aid students to gain the appropriate qualifications and to gain further information regarding potential future careers.
Co‐operative training in the Sheffield forging industry
Authors: Duncan R.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give details of an operation carried out in Sheffield to increase the recruitment of young men into the steel forging industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The Sheffield Forges Co‐operative Training Scheme was designed to encourage boys to enter the forging industry and to provide them with training and education to become skilled and knowledgeable forgemen. The scheme would last two years, and the boys would spend three days per week at their recruiting company, one day per week receiving specialised training at a forging hammer at a separate site, and one day a week at the Sheffield College of Further Education, where he would take a general course including English, social studies, calculations, elementary science and metal work. The boys also studied the general section of the City and Guilds Iron and Steel Operatives' Course and the Forgings, Pressings and Stampings section of the course, in order to receive training specifically for employment on hammer forging.

Findings

This scheme shows recruits that a production job in forges can be interesting, and it can be one in which they progress. It gives them a status which had never before been present when entering forge work. Following the successful beginnings of this scheme, similar schemes are being investigated in melting shops and rolling mills.

Originality/value

The Sheffield Forges Co‐operative Training Scheme was created to solve recruitment and training problems in the forging industry.
Reflections on 50 years of Education+Training
Authors: Rhodes Liz
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a personal view of the changes that have occurred regarding the transition from education into the world of work during the past 50 years.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is that of contrasting how this transition was made in the 1950s to how things happen now in a much more competitive world.

Findings

The transition from any level of education into the world of work is becoming increasingly important in a competitive world and needs to be taken much more seriously.

Originality/value

This paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal on its 50th anniversary. Its originality stems from the personal view of the author.
Revisiting “technical” education
Authors: Roodhouse Simon
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reconsider “technical” education on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the journal Education + Training.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted is that of providing a historical perspective on technical education and higher education engagement with vocationalism, skills and employers. It draws from this the key developments and places these in the recent contemporary policy setting with the new skills agenda.

Findings

The findings are that the government has substituted technical education with “the skills agenda” and is applying it relentlessly across the whole education system, including schools, which in turn is leading to confusion, overlaps and needless competition. There is a need for a national debate on an integrated approach to practical learning wherever it takes place, while recognising that liberal education has its place in a developed society.

Originality/value

This paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal on its 50th anniversary. Its originality stems from the subject matter and the author's interpretation of past technical education and contemporary practice.
Reflecting on the skills agenda: a construction industry perspective
Authors: O'Donnell Hugh , Karallis Takis , Sandelands Eric
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a perspective on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the journal Education + Training.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted is that of providing a viewpoint, reflecting back on papers first published in the 1950s and relating them to current issues in the international construction industry.

Findings

While the context in which skills debates are conducted have changed (e.g. through greater internationalism) many concerns from the 1950s remain current (e.g. how to attract and develop apprentices and graduates).

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a perspective and does not represent empirical research. It seeks to compare and contrast industry concerns 50 years apart.

Originality/value

This paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal on its fiftieth anniversary. Its originality stems from the subject matter and the construction industry perspective.
Celtic Tiger found in education jungle
Authors: Cooney Thomas M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

While the growth of the Irish economy (“Celtic Tiger”) has been well documented, not enough attention has been given to the role of education as a cornerstone for the success. This paper seeks to review education policy in Ireland over the past 50 years and to identify the significant educational initiatives that helped shape modern Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

Primarily utilising history books and governmental papers with specific reference to education policy in Ireland, the paper is a review of the relevant literature offering an insight into a variety of schemes instigated by various Ministers for Education over the past five decades.

Findings

The key finding was that the consistent education policies of the preceding decades bore fruit: during the 1990s, there was growing demand for educated human capital in all developed countries, and its ready availability in Ireland helped to attract foreign direct investment and to promote the development of indigenous companies.

Originality/value

This paper uses education policy in Ireland to create a link from mass emigration in the 1950s to the “Celtic Tiger” boom years of recent times.
Recent trends in UK cross‐border mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Faisal Ahammad Mohammad , Glaister Keith W.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to outline the driving forces behind the acceleration of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs) and to review the recent trends involving United Kingdom (UK) companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data available from Thomson One Banker and the Office of National Statistics, to examine the trends in CBMAs between 1996 and 2005.

Findings

The driving forces underlying the trend of CBMAs are complex and vary by sector. One of the most significant driving forces is technological change. In addition, changes to government policies influence CBMAs by opening up opportunities and increasing the availability of favourable targets for mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Other forces are market drivers, industry‐level drivers and firm‐level drivers. The scale of CBMAs involving UK companies has increased rapidly in recent years. The area analysis shows that European Union (EU) companies are the most significant target for UK companies followed by the USA and Canada. In terms of distribution within sectors, UK companies tend to acquire more manufacturing companies in the EU, the USA and Canada than in the Asia‐Pacific region. In contrast, UK companies tend to acquire more service sector companies in the Asia‐Pacific region than in the EU, the USA and Canada.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible account of drivers of CBMAs and considers in detail the value and scale of activity relating to UK CBMAs. The paper will be of value to academics and practitioners interested in CBMAs as an important element of firm strategy.
Strategic question in Indian banking sector: are Indian bank managers achievement oriented?
Authors: Kunnanatt James Thomas
Published: February 2008

Purpose

David C. McClelland attributed India's slow economic development to the lack of people with the need for achievement (n‐ach). His argument is simple: if a nation develops a large number of people – especially managers, leaders and entrepreneurs – who are driven by motives to achieve, to build and develop things, then that resource (achievement‐oriented people) will generate economic development. India today is on a growth trajectory. It has a vast repertory of engineering, technical and managerial talents. But does the country have the so‐called achievement‐oriented managers to lead its enterprises to excel and compete in the emerging world order? This study is an inquiry into this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws a national sample of managers working in the banking sector and attempts to measure the distribution of achievement among them. The linkage between the achievement orientation of managers and their performance effectiveness is also explored.

Findings

Though limited by the size of the sample, the study findings reveal that Indian managers possess achievement orientation in considerable degrees and that the highest performers among them are the ones possessing the highest levels of achievement orientation. Furthermore, the study provides insights into how the attribute of achievement orientation operates in the Indian managerial work environment.

Originality/value

The findings make it possible to prognosticate that a transformation has occurred in the social fabric of India, equipping the country to be psychologically and entrepreneurially resourceful with achievement‐oriented managers. Evidence on the distribution of an achievement orientation among Indian managers could be a vital input for strategic managers and top management planning for business expansion and diversification in India.
The role and impact of leadership development in supporting ethical action in organisations
Authors: Van Velsor Ellen , Ascalon Evelina
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to argues that effective and well‐designed leadership development can help successful managers stay on the right path, in terms of ethical behaviour. In addition to reviewing key research findings on the factors that lead to success and derailment in European organisations, the paper discusses key aspects and outcomes of well‐designed leadership development initiatives and how those relate to the ethical issues and problems posed as “successful” managers move into more senior levels with the attendant demands and pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper involves a qualitative analysis of data on learning and goals set and achieved as part of an international leadership development programme held in Europe. Also included is a summary of previously published research on European success and derailment factors, to provide context for the programme data.

Findings

What managers report learning in a leadership development programme, and the goals they set and achieve, are very much in line with theory on avoiding ethical failure in leadership roles. Leadership development supports ethical action by providing participants with opportunities for rich and comprehensive feedback, enhancement of self‐awareness, time to reflect on personal and professional relationships, and improved understanding of the nature of strategic processes.

Research limitations/implications

It was not possible to track actual ethical/unethical behaviour before or after the programme, a significant direction for future research.

Practical implications

Well‐designed leadership development may play a more important role than previously thought in supporting ethical action.

Originality/value

Ethical violations are often committed by people who have a history of good behaviour, but who are generally not well prepared to face complex issues and the increased power and privilege of the upper ranks. There is little known about the relationship between leadership development and ethical action, and this paper presents results that are provocative of what further research along these lines may produce.
Assessing managerial skills in SMEs for capacity building
Authors: Pansiri Jaloni , Temtime Zelealem T.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to identify perceived critical managerial factors (PCMFs) affecting the performance of SMEs, show the direction and extent of relationship between PCMFs and firm characteristics, and forward some research and policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a survey questionnaire to collect data on SMEs' perceptions of the degree of impact of selected managerial issues on their performance. The data were factor analyzed (principal component analysis), purified (Varimax rotation) and validated for reliability (Cronbach's α values) to identify the PCMFs. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present and analyze the data.

Findings

The paper identifies and ranks four PCMFs affecting the performance of SMEs in a developing African economy. Important relationships are found between PCMFs and firm characteristics, and among the PCMFs themselves. The paper forwards some research and policy implications.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows the need to replicate the study in other places to see whether the findings remain consistent. Although based on a mixed sample and limited to examination of perceptions rather than actual problems, the findings are highly relevant in designing business support initiatives and training programmes for SMEs.

Practical implications

Future research should develop a framework for conceptualizing and operationalizing the managerial construct in the context of SMEs. Small business support providers, policy makers and practitioners should identify, prioritize and customize the most influential managerial problems in designing entrepreneurial training and assistance programmes.

Originality/value

Research in the study of PCMFs in SMEs in developing African economies is scarce and lacking. The findings in this paper serve as an addition to the existing limited research output in the area. Moreover, the study adopted a systematic approach to identify, factor analyze, test and validate the measurement instrument for the managerial construct.
Are supermarket shoppers attracted to specialty merchandise rewards?
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Kónya László
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The aim is to examine whether supermarkets may be losing the opportunity to increase customer purchase outlays by means of loyalty points, convertible to acquire specialty goods and services provided by “bonus partners”.

Design/methodology/approach

Two econometric models were constructed from data collected from 470 supermarket shoppers in one major Australian city, to predict mechanisms for making shoppers aware of loyalty points accrued on their credit card purchases and for inducing them to pay for purchases with specific credit cards linked to loyalty programmes of which they were members.

Findings

Shoppers who are aware consider specialty merchandise in exchange for loyalty points to be a significant reason for joining a loyalty programme. However, when they actively seek to pay with specific credit cards because of loyalty points do not rank the conversion into specialty merchandise as a significant reason for membership.

Research limitations/implications

No insight was sought on the relative importance of attitudes and implications of social influences on attitude formation and behavioural intention with respect to the accumulation of loyalty points.

Practical implications

Specialist retailing planners can configure product offerings attractive to customers' lifestyles and broader interests on the basis of shared insights into buying patterns and personal details captured during their enrolment in affiliated loyalty programmes with “bonus partners”.

Originality/value

The paper offers an actionable strategy for customer retention and enhancement.
Radio frequency identification (RFID)
Authors: Rundh Bo
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to show how product coding by radio frequency identification (RFID) can provide better benefits with respect to supply‐chain management than barcode reading, and to discuss important practical obstacles to adoption of the new technology, particularly the high set‐up and implementation cost.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses feasibility studies of RFID systems in relation to the structure and application of the technology in an industrial supply chain.

Findings

RFID technology offers the prospect of improved efficiency by more sophisticated inventory management, delivering lower costs and improved results. It also offers opportunities to reduce theft and counterfeiting. More accurate demand analysis furthermore improves marketing planning. However, a main disadvantage is the high set‐up and implementation cost. Other technical concerns are reliability and electronic interference. Perceived obstacles thus militate against adoption.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates the implementation of RFID from a managerial point of view, balancing benefits against challenges.
The Singapore Infopedia: evolution of an online encyclopedia
Authors: Tan Bonny
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the development of the Singapore Infopedia since its inception in 1998 as the InfoXpress until its relaunch in 2006. It seeks to look at some of the challenges faced in design, content creation and data migration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper derives data from unpublished surveys, project papers, user feedback and studies of similar online encyclopedias. It also draws from the author's experience and involvement in the project development between 1998 and 2005.

Findings

The paper is a case study describing the conceptualization and user requirements for an online encyclopedia with guidelines on content management and delivery. The project also involved several surveys which provide invaluable insights to user preferences. Learning lessons gleaned in developing an online encyclopedia on Singapore were derived from early prototype design, studying existing online encyclopedias and user needs surveys of the InfoXpress.

Originality/value

The development, migration and re‐establishment of the Singapore Infopedia were followed closely by surveys of users and studies of existing online encyclopedias. Although not all user preferences were incorporated, the survey data and online encyclopedias studied give indication of preferences, design issues and content development strategy that can be applied to similar platforms.
Preserving scientific electronic journals: a study of archiving initiatives
Authors: Galyani Moghaddam Golnessa
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to review the archiving initiatives of scientific journals created and supported by various organizations or institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of nine archiving initiatives including JSTOR, Portico, E‐Print Repositories, Open Access Model, LOCKSS, OCLC Digital Archive, JISC PubMed Central and KB e‐Depot was carried out. The paper focuses mainly on the initiatives by employing an analytical approach.

Research limitations/implications

There is a wide range of archiving initiatives around the world, making it difficult for the author to carry out a comprehensive review. Nevertheless, limiting its focus to the nine existing initiatives, this paper provides a useful overview.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful starting‐point to anyone who wants to know about the archiving for posterity of scientific electronic journals and enables people to quickly achieve an overview of the existing archiving initiatives to date.
Transferring Rhineland capitalism to the Polish‐German border
Authors: Bátiz‐Lazo Bernardo , Müller Kristine , Locke Robert R.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the past development and potential of the Rhenish capitalist governance “model”. The origins and nature of the model are to be discussed. The aim is to focus on its specific role within the transformation processes of Central‐Eastern European economies. East‐Central Europe is where, it is contended, Rhineland capitalism's future will be decided.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey questionnaire, customers' perceptions of bank governance and practice in the Polish‐German city of Zgorzelec‐Görlitz are explored. The experience of Dresdner Bank is stressed and the fact that the local people not long before lived under a Socialist regime. A control group in London is used to ascertain the presence of German management traditions as opposed to Anglo‐American approaches to management in the context of retail bank markets. In total there were 210 participants in the survey (all equally divided between the three cities).

Findings

German and Polish respondents mostly rejected co‐determination and favored top‐down management. Germans seem to make trust and loyalty a major factor in their retail banking decisions while Polish seemed more open to American style marketing. The findings support the hypothesis about the long‐term viability of Rhinish capitalism.

Originality/value

The paper ascertains that the presence of German management traditions as opposed to Anglo‐American approaches to management in the context of retail bank markets in a border region is dominant.
How financial advisors affect behavioral loyalty
Authors: Martenson Rita
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to contribute to the understanding of how customer contact persons influence attitudinal and behavioral loyalty in three different customer groups, who differ in terms of their motivation and ability to understand stock market information. The mutual fund product is one of last century's big success stories. Consumers invest a lot of money in complex financial products that they do not understand. Therefore, they need professional advice to make decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a nationally representative random sample of mutual fund owners. The elaboration likelihood (EL) model predicts that high, moderate, and low elaborators are different. Three such customer groups were therefore analyzed.

Findings

A path model shows that customer contact persons influence attitudinal and behavioral loyalty and that the impact is higher for high elaborators (higher knowledge and motivation to process stock market information) than for low elaborators. This suggests that the role of the contact person differs for different customer groups, i.e. the notion of multiple roles for variables.

Research implications/limitations

Future studies of complex services should acknowledge that different groups of consumers with different needs, preferences, and behaviors have different needs and preferences, and that they react differently

Practical implications

Customer contact persons must be rewarded for delivering value to customers. Unless they do, they will loose their unique opportunity to influence customers' decisions. They must adapt their communication to different customer groups, and acknowledge that the perception of what is valuable advice may differ.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that a very simple and easy to use model can show the value of customer contact persons. All linkages in the model are tested, which is not done in prior research. In addition, different groups of consumers have different needs, preferences, and behaviors, a fact that is almost never acknowledged in prior research.
Restoring consumer confidence in financial services
Authors: Gill Chris
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to explore the role of brand advertising in restoring trust in the sector. Consumer confidence in financial services has been bruised and battered over recent months.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data from a variety of respected online analysts and commentators to explore current and future trends in online advertising and their impact on trust in the financial services sector.

Findings

The role of trusted adviser in the financial services sector is now the domain of online sources and last year, 36 per cent of the total online population visited a personal finance site. Financial services marketers have realised the importance of online as a direct response mechanism to support offline marketing activity. However the effort to balance direct response and brand building activities through offline channels is, at present, far from being replicated online. And with the migration away from traditional media on an upward spiral, the approach to internet marketing and advertising will have to catch up.

Originality/value

The paper provides financial services marketers some insight into the future of online advertising and explains the benefits of adopting a dual approach of both brand advertising and search marketing to restore consumer confidence.
The emotions of managing: an introduction to the special issue
Authors: Brotheridge Céleste M. , Lee Raymond T.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This introduction aims to highlight the special contributions made by the articles in this issue in understanding how emotions are implicated in the process of managing.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a model as a means of framing the discussion of the articles included in this issue.

Findings

Argues that emotions and emotional skills are essential for everyday managerial work and that the traditional stereotype of the exclusively rational manager has been replaced by one in which managers are expected to create and nourish positive relationships by effectively managing their own emotions and those of their employees.

Practical implications

Managers need to be aware of the impact that their expressed emotions have on their work units' emotional climate, their employees' emotions, their effectiveness as well as that of their employees, and the organization's overall success.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight into the emotions of managing.
Differential effects of male and female managers' non‐verbal emotional skills on employees' ratings
Authors: Byron Kristin
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine whether employees are more satisfied with female, as compared to male, managers who accurately perceive non‐verbal emotion expressions, and how male and female managers' non‐verbal emotional skill differentially affects their employees' ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

Students, nearly all of whom had work experience, were randomly assigned a vignette and asked to respond to the situation in the role of the employee. The situation described male or female managers either perceiving or not attending to the employees' emotional expression, and using or not using emotional information to be supportive or persuasive. Differences between the various situations were examined.

Findings

Participants indicated that they were more satisfied with female, but not male, managers, who accurately perceived their emotion. Similarly, failing to attend to emotion resulted in lower satisfaction ratings for female, but not male, managers. In ways consistent with gender stereotypes, male and female managers' non‐verbal emotion perception had differential effects on their perceived persuasiveness and supportiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The use of vignettes with a student sample may limit generalizability. However, satisfactory manipulation checks, strong theoretical support, the work experience of the students, and the established use of vignettes in psychological research together argue for the validity of the findings.

Practical implications

Working managers may increase their employees' satisfaction by increasing their accuracy in “reading” emotions and using emotional information in gender‐congruent ways.

Originality/value

This paper increases knowledge about the role of emotion perception for working managers and, specifically, how the use of emotional information may have differential value for male and female managers.
Leading with emotional labor
Authors: Humphrey Ronald H. , Pollack Jeffrey M. , Hawver Thomas
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that leaders perform emotional labor whenever they display emotions in an attempt to influence their subordinates' moods and motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that integrates the literature on leadership with the research on emotional labor.

Findings

This paper develops 15 propositions that distinguish emotional labor performed by leaders from that performed by front‐line service workers.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests that leading with emotional labor is a fruitful research topic, and that considerable research could be done in this area.

Practical implications

Instead of conducting business in a non‐emotional, “business‐like manner”, leaders would benefit by expressing their emotions in the workplace. Emotionally expressive leaders are more charismatic and are better motivators.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to develop a theoretical model that describes how leaders perform emotional labor; thus the propositions are original.