bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Batting above average: Governance at New Zealand cricket
Authors: Bradbury Trish , O’Boyle Ian
Published: December 2016

The study examined the independent board structure adopted by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and issues of board process including board roles, calibre and structure. Data collection consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews of NZC senior management/board members, supplemented by archival document review and analysis. The findings, although not generalisable across the whole non-profit sport sector, supported the literature on the roles and calibre of board members in an independent board structure. Due to increasingly professional operations and growth of commercialisation in sport, expertise in commercial aspects was noted as required. Given the majority of non-profit sport organisations’ federated structure, collaborative governance theory appears to be an area of future research when evolving from a delegate to independent or hybrid governance model.
E-business developments and skills requirements in the retail sector
Authors: Klaiber Udo , Hermanus Terence , Mason Roger B.
Published: December 2016

The article summarises the findings of an international study among retailers as to the state of e-business in the international retail sector and the skills required by the sector to cope with the changing technologies. The research methodology consists of three steps. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review was done; secondly, qualitative interviewing of experts in e-business, information technology and management was conducted; and thirdly, in-depth interviews with retail experts took place. The future success of retailers depends heavily on their abilities to take advantage of the technological developments. Therefore these companies have an increasing demand for employees who combine quantitative technological and statistical skills with expertise in qualitative fields. Retailers already report difficulties in obtaining the workforce they need. The situation is expected to become more problematic in the near future. Companies need to prepare themselves. Increasing the qualifications of employees is strongly recommended.
Conflict resolution: Understanding concepts and issues in conflict prevention, management and transformation
Authors: Adams Adeola , Iwu Chux Gervase
Published: December 2016

Conflicts are inevitable. They can be prevented on some occasions, managed on others, but resolved only if the term conflict is taken to mean the satisfaction of apparent demands rather than the total eradication of underlying sentiments. Within the context of South Africa and Nigeria, two nations characterised by a mix of reputations, the understanding of the concepts of conflict prevention, conflict management and conflict transformation is pertinent to courting peace and harmony among the different groups of people. For one, conflict resolution opportunities restore our humanness and avowed commitment to the larger society. This is premised against the backdrop that conflict is both an intrinsic and inevitable part of human existence involving the pursuit of incompatible interests and goals by parties. This paper attempts the development of a general framework for understanding the different concepts of conflict. The paper concludes by admitting that conflict resolution has less to do with removing conflict per se, but evolving an appropriate option for nipping it in the bud before it degenerates into a crisis. Conflict resolution therefore becomes the harbinger of our social reconstruction and the criterion for measuring the sanity and conformity of social systems
Environmental consciousness as a factor which promotes firm green investment practices in Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) listed firms
Authors: Ganda Fortune , Ngwakwe Collins C , Ambe Cosmas M
Published: December 2016

Heightening consciousness concerning natural environmental issues has also resulted in high pressure on firms to introduce green friendly programs. This study explored the relationship between environmental consciousness and green investment practices in 100 South African CDP firms on the JSE over a period of 5 years (that is, 2010 to 2014). The paper analysed the data using Chi-square tests and the results demonstrates that environmental consciousness influences green investment activities in JSE listed companies. Furthermore, a positive direct relationship involving environmental consciousness and green investment activities was ascertained. The paper also produced common and major indicators of environmental consciousness for the firms under study. A brief discussion on corporate views from selected JSE listed firms in relation with environmental consciousness was also implemented.
Questioning the uncritical application of translation and back-translation methodology in accounting: Evidence from China
Authors: Pan Peipei , Patel Chris , Mala Rajni
Published: December 2016

The ‘critical bite’ in this paper lies in providing evidence to challenge the continued and uncritical application of translation and back-translation methodology by the global standard setters and researchers. We applied a within-subject experimental design to examine the influence of translation and back-translation methodology on subjects’ judgments on the key conception of control when preparing consolidated financial reports. Semi-structured follow-up interviews were also conducted with randomly selected participants in the experiment. China provides a particularly appropriate national context for this study because Simplified Chinese is one of the most complex languages. Importantly, control, as the consolidation criterion, may be linked to the ‘invisible power’ of the Chinese government’s authority in the process of social control. The results show that subjects made inconsistent judgments on control in the research instrument in English and the same instrument translated into Simplified Chinese. Additionally, subjects expressed a preference for the legalistic approach, which concentrates on providing specific quantitative criteria and requires little exercise of preparers’ judgments. We suggest that the global accounting standard setters and accounting researchers may consider developing more holistic methodologies for translation. Possible Anglo-American biases, simplistic assumptions and marketing claims by the global accounting standard setters need to be critically examined.
Role of university entrepreneurship centre in developing small and family business
Authors: Adefulu Adesoga , Louise Van Scheers
Published: December 2016

The paper examines University Entrepreneurship Centre’s role in developing small and family business. Global economic recession effect led majorly to unemployment and poverty.To revamp the economy, recovery programs were embarked upon to empower the citizenry.University Entrepreneurship Centre collaborated to empower “aspirants,” “established” and “stucked” entrepreneurs gain skill and best business practice strategy revealing university entrepreneurship Centre’s role.The methodology is qualitative and exploratory, textual in design and divided into sections.The paper identified university entrepreneurship Centre’s roles as advisory, innovation, training and synergizing campus entrepreneurship activities and concluded that the economy will geometrically grow when knowledge trapped in the university are shared with business entrepreneurs By implication,university would have effectively carried out community engagements as core mandate to mankind’s benefits.
The impact of pre-merger earnings management on non-cash acquisition premia: Evidence from the European market for corporate control
Authors: Alsharairi Malek , Black Emma L. , Hofer Christoph
Published: December 2016

Using 1320 European mergers and acquisitions (M&As) completed between 2003 and 2012, this paper investigates patterns of earnings management and the implications for non-cash acquisition premia considering both the form of payment and the target firm’s listing status. The empirical evidence documented in this study suggests that management teams engage in pre-merger upward earnings management and that it is more evident for private rather than for publicly listed targets in order to compensate for the higher information asymmetry. This earnings management procedure leads to higher takeover premia even after controlling for variables such as the acquirer’s internal investment opportunities, profitability or available free cash flow.
The impact of economic growth on unemployment in South Africa: 1994 – 2012
Authors: Banda Handson , Choga Ireen
Published: December 2016

One of the most pressing problems facing the South African economy is unemployment, which has been erratic over the past few years. This study examined the impact of economic growth on unemployment, using quarterly time series data for South Africa for the period 1994 to 2012.Johansen Co-integration reflected that there is stable and one significant long run relationship between unemployment and the explanatory variables that is economic growth (GDP), budget deficit (BUG), real effective exchange rate (REER) and labour productivity (LP). The study utilized Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to determine the effects of macroeconomic variables thus REER, LP, GDP and BUG on unemployment in South Africa. The results of VECM indicated that LP has a negative long run impact on unemployment whilst GDP, BUG and REER have positive impact. The study resulted in the following policy recommendation: South African government should re-direct its spending towards activities that directly and indirectly promote creation of employment and decent jobs; a conducive environment and flexible labour market policies or legislations without impediments to employment creation should be created; and lastly government should prioritise industries that promote labour intensive. All this will help in absorbing large pools of the unemployed population thereby reducing unemployment in South Africa.
The value relevance of firms’ anti-bribery and corruption efforts the Italian evidence
Authors: Fazzini Marco , Dal Maso Lorenzo
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we utilized a sample of Italian companies to explore the influence of firms’ Anti-Bribery and Corruption efforts on firm value. On a sample of 47 Italian listed companies followed by Asset4 (Thomson Reuters business collecting corporate social responsibility data) during period 2002 to 2013, we investigate the relevance of information related to firms’ Anti-Bribery and Corruption efforts in explaining stock price through the accounting-based valuation model developed by Ohlson (1995). Results corroborate empirical evidence of a positive correlation between efforts made by firms in avoiding bribery and corruption during operations (i.e., whether a company describes, claims to have or mentions processes in place to avoid Bribery and Corruption practices at all its operations) and stock price.
The importance of record keeping to the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe
Authors: Wadesango Ongayi Vongai
Published: December 2016

This study sought to investigate the influence quality financial reporting systems have on the performance of small and medium enterprises. Descriptive survey design was employed. The sample size was 100 SMEs, selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an observation list. Data collected using questionnaire were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS). The study found an absence of formal accounting systems in many firms due to lack of financial and accounting knowledge among the owner‐managers. It is recommended that financial institutions and policy makers need to focus on educating such owner‐managers with necessary accounting and financial management skills.
Who are the independent directors in large Italian banks? Identity, diversity and disclosure
Authors: Giovanelli Lucia , Rotondo Federico
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the quality of the independent directors of large Italian banks, with the aim of understanding who they are and the degree of diversity among them. The extent to which the profile of the independent director meets the requirements of independence as well as the level of biographical disclosure is also examined. The results indicate that the identikit coincides with a 60-year-old man coming from the bank’s territories and with remarkable expertise and a middle international vocation, while diversity is lacking in relation to gender, education and professional background. The study also raises serious concerns about the time availability and true independence that characterizes independent directors, as well as an insufficient level of biographical disclosure.
Privately held or publicly owned? Large shareholders and corporate control – evolutionary game theoretic analysis
Authors: Toukan Amjad
Published: December 2016

I use evolutionary game theoretic techniques to model the interaction between managers and shareholders and describe the equilibrium ownership structure arrived at in different legal environments. The decision to go public and the shape of the ownership structure itself depend on the particular combination of ownership that maximizes the initial owners’ wealth. Owners/managers and large shareholders exert costly efforts to increase their share of the value of the public firm. The respective shares and the listing decision are affected by the efficiency of the judiciary and law enforcement system
The ownership change and IPO firm performance: Evidence from the six emerging markets
Authors: Alanazi Ahmed S. , Liu Benjamin
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the financial and operating performance of IPOs made in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region for the period of 2003 to 2010. The results suggest that IPO firm performance declines after going public after ownerships are altered in IPOs. The deterioration is associated with the firm transition from private into public ownership perhaps due to increasing agency costs. We also find evidence that supports the lack of opportunity theory because the firm’s growth in sales and capital expenditure in the pre-IPO period is much stronger than the post-IPO period. We also find that size of the firm is positively significant to IPO firm performance
Government ownership in stock exchange listed corporate firms: An empirical study of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Uddin Md Hamid
Published: December 2016

Government ownership in stock exchange listed corporate firms can be found in many countries, but it is widespread in some countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, Turkey, India, Jordan, and United Arab Emirates (UAE), as documented by different researchers. It is found that the government ownership generally has a negative effect on the corporate performance of all countries but the UAE. In this country, the corporate firms that have a government shareholding record superior financial results comparing to that of other firms. In this regard, researchers assumed that a causal relationship between the government shareholding and corporate performance may exist due to the agency problems or government supports of firms. However, they did not examine the underlying reasons why government wants to retain a corporate ownership, and factors affecting the government shareholding. This study fills this gap by investigating these issues in the context of UAE, where the government holds ownership in 48% of all exchange listed firms. The study finds that government shareholding in firms evolves through economic transition of a country, and the probability of government share retention in firms depends on their strategic importance, ability to earn profit, and valuations in financial market. Additionally, it is found that the strategic importance and market valuation of firms play main role in determining the probability of government taking control of firms by holding a majority ownership, whilst the firms’ ability to earn profit affects the decision of government to relinquish control of firms to the private management by retaining a minority ownership.
Is Wagner’s theory relevant in explaining health expenditure dynamics in Botswana?
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa
Published: December 2016

This study tests the relevance of the Wagner’s theory in explaining the health expenditure in Botswana. There is no consensus yet when it comes to the causality relationship between health expenditure and economy. At the moment, there are four dominant schools of thought explaining the causality relationship between health expenditure and economy. The first school of thought is that health expenditure spurs the economy whilst the second school of thought says that the economy drives health expenditure. The third school of thought maintains that there is a feedback effect between health expenditure and the economy whilst the fourth mentions that there is no causality at all between the two variables. However, this study found out that there is no causality relationship between health expenditure and GDP in Botswana thereby dismissing the relevance of the Wagner’s theory.
Strategic restructuring for effective police system in Nigeria
Authors: Ogbo Ann , Obi-Anike Happiness Ozioma , Agbaeze E.K. , Ukpere Wilfred Isioma
Published: December 2016

The success of a security outfit depends on the strategies and structure of the organisation. The study aims to unravel the possible ways of positioning the Nigerian Police force for effective service delivery through strategic restructuring. Nigerian police was instituted by the colonial authors on the threshold of oppression to achieve subjection and control. Upon this pattern of operation, the Nigerian police force lost the confidence of the public. To position this agency for desired performance, several changes should be made in the strategies and structure of the force, de-emphasizing on the issues that are no longer recent problems and emphasizing on the current bane of the nation, such as corruption and insecurity. This paper adopted the mono-method qualitative approach which made use of secondary sources of data collection. Findings, revealed that the department of the Force that was responsible for information and intelligent gathering, the CID has lied dormant for long a time due to lack of adequate structure as a background that will add value to the department. Furthermore, the force was bedevilled with poor information gathering due to lack of trust and confidence in the police force, the level of motivation was found to be low, as there were no insurance policies for the Force. It is thus obvious to note that the Nigerian police force has suitable strategies that are capable of a sustainable performance, but it is challenged by lack of corresponding structure to work out the strategies. The study proposed that one DIG in addition to the twelve DIGs should be integrated to man a department with the duty of developing and maintaining good relationship with the public, and providing EFCC, ICPC and other crime related agencies with the needed force in discharging their duties. Finally, there is a need for an upward review of the reward and compensation package of the Nigerian Police Force as a way of stepping up on motivation, particularly in the area of training and re-training of the Police officers. A mind set of seeing a well-trained police officer as an investment to the country’s security sector which translates to security of life and properties must be developed and nurtured.
The strengths and weaknesses of the transformational change management process in the South African department of correctional services: A critical analysis
Authors: Mdletye Mbongeni , Coetzee Jos , Ukpere Wilfred
Published: December 2016

Change management research has become a critical focus area for change scholars because of the low success rate in change implementation. This exposition of how the transformational change process has been managed at the Department of Correctional Service was meant to show managers, particularly in the said department, that unless managers pay serious attention to certain critical aspects which must form part of the change management process, no real change would be attained. This becomes critical if one considers that there is still a long way to go in the process of transformation to the philosophy of rehbilitation, namely transforming correctional centres to effective institutions of offender rehabilitation. There is currently limited literature on organisational change approaches that are people-oriented. The available literature seems to focus more on the technical aspects (hard issues such as structures, systems and practices) in terms of change management at the expense of people issues (soft issues such as the human factors). It has been argued that the neglect of people issues in the management of organisational change processes is responsible for the high failure rate in change implementation. For purposes of contextualising transformational change management within the setting of the Department of Correctional Services, an extensive literature study was undertaken. This was followed by an empirical analysis of data collected through survey questionnaires from correctional officials and offenders respectively. The research established that there were strong and weak points in the DCS transformational change management process from the perspective of both research participants.
A Controladoria como ferramenta de gestão no custeio de uma empresa de construção civil
Authors: Santos Osmildo Sobral , Arantes Maria Aparecida
Published: December 2016

Nesse artigo procurou-se demonstrar que a utilização da controladoria eficiente pode ser primordial para a manutenção de uma empresa no mercado atual além de, assegurar a fidedignidade e integridade dos registros contábeis, onde se torna indispensável para a segurança da empresa e também para resguardar o administrador na sua tomada de decisões. Com isso os processos se tornamágeis e de fácil entendimento para todos os usuários, tanto internos quanto externos que fazem uso dessas informações. O presente artigo visa apresentar a controladoria como ferramenta de gestão no custeio de uma empresa de construção civil. Atualmente as empresas, sejam nacionais e ou multinacionais, privadas e públicas, possuem algumas falhas em seus controles internos. Aimportância em desenvolver esta pesquisa busca as informações que ajude a empresa a manter seu equilíbrio mais adequado nas áreas envolvidas na operação. Conseqüentemente com a concorrência de oferta, a situação que antes já era exigido um acompanhamento sistemático, introduziu-se, a partirde então, sistemas de gestão integrados de forma que a expressão controladoria passasse a envolver e apresentar-se como elo que agrega e confronta os aspectos positivos e negativos das organizações, convergindo-as para a busca de uma maior produtividade. As empresas que participaram do questionário foram analisadas com o objetivo de identificar quais os tipos ferramentas são utilizadas por elas para fazer o controle interno.
Um estudo sobre os impactos da Nota Fiscal Eletrônica para Pequenas e Médias Empresas do ramo Odontológico
Authors: Correia Dulce Aparecida , Santos Osmildo Sobral
Published: December 2016

Este artigo pretende abordar alguns impactos relacionados à implantação doprojeto de lei que obriga a emissão da Nota Fiscal Eletrônica para as empresas que antesemitiam Nota Fiscal em papel (talonário). Devido ao grande volume de documentos empapel que circulam e são armazenados, tanto pela administração tributária como peloscontribuintes, é substancialmente elevado, portanto, a integração e compartilhamento deinformações têm o objetivo de racionalizar e modernizar a administração tributáriabrasileira, reduzindo custos e entraves burocráticos, facilita o cumprimento dasobrigações tributárias e o pagamento de impostos e contribuições, além de fortalecer ocontrole e a fiscalização por meio de intercâmbio de informações. De modo geral, oprojeto governamental justifica-se pela necessidade de investimento público voltado paraa redução da burocracia do comércio e dos entraves administrativos enfrentados pelosempresários do País, exige da modernização das administrações tributária. Este projetoprevê ainda o investimento em tecnologia de forma a modernizar sistemas de informação,ampliando a capacidade de atendimento das unidades administrativas.Neste estudo foram analisados os impactos da NF-e para as pequenas e médiasempresas do ramo odontológico, abordando a carga tributária no Brasil, os principaistributos existentes, e a Agencia Nacional de saúde (ANS) via questionário.
A Indústria de Petróleo no Brasil: avaliação histórica da concepção da empresa Petrobrás
Authors: Soares Paula Meyer , Berni Mauro Donizetti , Manduca Paulo
Published: December 2016

A indústria petrolifera no Brasil remonta os anos 50. A crise mundial que eclodiu nos anos 30 impactou fortemente na trajetoria de crescimento da economia brasileira e de vários outros países. Inicia-se entao um lento e gradual processo de transição do modelo de crescimento economico assentado no setor externo para um modelo de substituição de importações cujo objetivo principal era fundar um parque industrial forte e competitivo capaz de gerar renda e empregos a solidez desse modelo dependia da consolidação de uma industria de base e pesada (infraestrutura) sólidas. Nesse sentido foi criada a empresa Petrobrás, durante o Governo Vargas e desde então o Brasil tornou-se pioneiro na exploração e produção de petróleo no mercado mundial. O referido estudo fará uma retrsopectiva historica da industria petrolifera no Brasil considerando as suas particularidades e evolução do marco regulatório. A ideia central é analisar o contexto em que foi criada a Petrobrás e principais resultados alcancados nesse segmento nos dias de hoje. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se em referencial teórico que aborda o assunto e dados estatisticos que ilustrem essas mudanças regulatórias e economicas nesses anos desde a sua criação.
M-Business: Negócios, Tecnologias e Estratégias
Authors: Gonçalves Luiz Claudio , Giordano Carlos Vital
Published: December 2016

As tecnologias de comunicação sem fio (wireless), irreversivelmente estão surgindo nos atuais ambientes de negócios. Facilidades como ubiqüidade e amigabilidade no uso fazem a sua aceitação ser praticamente imediata para usuários, desenvolvedores e profissionais de modelagem de negócios. Essas tecnologias despontam como a solução operacional, econômica e estratégica do século XXI e, segundo as previsões dos institutos de pesquisa, o volume de negócios gerados epas mesmas serão sensivelmente expressivos. Desse modo, o presente artigo, por meio de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e um estudo de caso busca apresentar e avaliar os impactos do m-business nas operações das empresas modernas
Sustentabilidade e Impactos Ambientais da Construção Civil
Authors: Laruccia Mauro Maia
Published: December 2016

Esse trabalho analisa alternativas sustentáveis quanto a tecnologias e materiais de construção. Com relação à metodologia, à tipologia de pesquisa é a descritiva, quanto aos procedimentos foi utilizado a pesquisa bibliográfica em dados secundários e quanto à abordagem do problema é um estudo do tipo qualitativo. Concluímos que todas as medidas implantadas e todas as ações planejadas só terão sucesso com a aplicação de conceitos da educação ambiental, a fim de introduzir nas pessoas valores que acabaram se perdendo, necessidades que ultrapassam aspectos econômicos e que alcançam o essencial para o bem estar: a qualidade de vida. Portanto, tem-se aqui a base necessária para qualquer mudança que se deseje fazer em se tratando da questão ambiental, sendo por meio dela possível informar, conscientizar, orientar e alcançar o desenvolvimento sustentável.
A Legislação Brasileira sobre Direito Ambiental até 2010 e suas implicações para as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC) Sustentáveis
Authors: Moraes Samuel De Barros , Langhi Celi , Crivelaro Marcos
Published: December 2016

Este artigo faz uma análise da legislação ambiental brasileira, visando identificar suas referências à tecnologia da informação e dentro de suas exigências legais como ela influência a adoção de formas sustentáveis de uso da tecnologia da informação pelas empresas. Para tanto se procede a uma revisão bibliográfica da legislação promulgada até 2010, localizando-se as menções diretas e indiretas a tecnologia e analisando o contexto em que cada menção foi feita. A análise realizada indica que TIC é considerada pela legislação uma ferramenta fundamental para a preservação ambiental e como causadora de baixo impacto ambiental, dado que existem poucas referências as TIC neste sentido.
Gestão do Conhecimento Explícito nas Organizações que não possuem base de dados eletrônica
Authors: Massi Maria Lúcia Gili
Published: December 2016

Na sociedade da informação, o conhecimento é o principal fator de produção. Para se manter competitivas, as organizações são impelidas pelo mercado global a fazerem a gestão do conhecimento. A tecnologia da informação tem se mostrado grande aliada no processo de estruturar, armazenar e disseminar o conhecimento para toda a empresa. No entanto, há organizações que não dispõem de base de dados eletrônica e outras instituições que não podem utilizar as ferramentas eletrônicas pela impossibilidade de correrem riscos de divulgação de informações de segurança nacional.  Tal dificuldade estimulou a realização deste estudo que objetiva verificar se a gestão do conhecimento explícito nas organizações que não possuem base de dados eletrônica pode ser feita pelo treinamento. A pesquisa bibliográfica revelou que o treinamento tem sido utilizado como ferramenta para a disseminação do conhecimento explícito.
Avaliação do Modelo de Excelência de Gestão Aplicada em uma Concessionária de Veículos
Authors: Posso Mauro Manoel Quaio , Mendes Eduardo Fernando , Macau Flávio Romero
Published: December 2016

O artigo explora a avaliação do desempenho e da qualidade da gestão aplicada em uma concessionária de veículos. Sua base são os critérios do Modelo de Excelência de Gestão da Fundação Nacional de Qualidade, colocados em prática numa autoavaliação que envolve as operações e procedimentos da empresa. O preenchimento do questionário define uma pontuação de referência e estimula a busca dos motivos e as ações para o aprimoramento em cada item.
Implantação da Tecnologia WMS em um 3PL
Authors: Novaes Douglas Ribeiro , Souza Dryelle Cerqueira , Veras Filial Marco Antonio de , Giordano Carlos Vital , Gonçalves Luiz Claudio
Published: December 2016

Com o constante avanço tecnológico, as empresas passaram a investir em novos sistemas para suportar a competitividade no mercado em que atuam. Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever o processo de implantação da tecnologia WMS (Warehouse Management System). A ferramenta conhecida como WMS é um sistema de gerenciamento de armazéns que facilita as operações de movimentação e armazenagem de materiais por meio de parâmetros pré-definidos, porém a implantação deste sistema necessita passar por etapas que causam impactos de forma positiva e negativa a diversos setores da companhia. Este estudo foi desenvolvido por conta da existência de questionamentos relacionados ao desenvolvimento do projeto de implantação apresentando os departamentos e profissionais envolvidos no processo e, devido à necessidade de esclarecer dúvidas sobre a utilidade do WMS nas operações. Este documento foi baseado em literaturas específicas sobre a tecnologia WMS e complementado com um estudo de caso realizado na empresa Julio Simões Logística S/A por meio de uma entrevista realizada com o representante da organização. Para que um operador logístico possa desempenhar suas atividades diárias como recebimento, armazenagem e expedição de forma eficiente é necessário o apoio de uma tecnologia que proporcione dados exatos e confiáveis, e que disponibilize informações que possam fazer com que a companhia aperfeiçoe suas operações.
Estudo de correlação entre o crescimento das micro e pequenas empresas, a evolução do PIB brasileiro e o desemprego.
Authors: Silva Erica Vieira , Santos Fernando De Almeida
Published: December 2016

Este artigo tem por objetivo estudar a correlação entre o crescimento das Micro e Pequenas Empresas, a evolução do PIB nacional e o desemprego. Para o desenvolvimento deste estudo foi considerando o período de 2003 a 2013, de ambas as variáveis. Assim, foram coletados os dados do PIB e da Taxa Média de Desemprego disponibilizados pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), bem como informações das Micro e Pequenas Empresas disponibilizadas pelo SEBRAEA partir desse ponto, foram levantados pontos de análise relevantes para o estudo e aplicado o método estatístico de correlação linear, a fim de verificar a existência ou ausência de uma correlação ou não entre as variáveis de estudo. Os resultados apontam para uma correlação linear entre os objetos de estudo no período avaliado.
Las competencias y la evaluación del desempeño del recurso humano en el sector turístico. El caso de Ambato-Ecuador
Authors: Cruz Lascano Mary Elizabeth , Martínez Mesías Juan Pablo , Santamaría Joselito Ricardo Naranjo
Published: December 2016

La evaluación del  personal es una herramienta y no un fin  en sí mismo. Es un medio para obtener  datos e información que puedan registrarse, procesarse y canalizarse para mejorar el desempeño humano en las organizaciones. Existen varios métodos de gestión que responden a las necesidades de la época y la estructura predominante de las organizaciones, sin embargo, el cambio es la única constante en lo que al comportamiento del ser humano se refiere, debido a esto, todo el tiempo se están analizando e investigando nuevas formas de evaluar el desempeño del personal en el ámbito empresarial, con el único fin de crear espacios de motivación que aseguren el involucramiento del personal en la consecución de las metas empresariales. En su momento, se han logrado resultados, pero aún hay camino que recorrer, el análisis de la información obtenida a través de una encuesta realizada al personal de varios establecimientos turísticos de la ciudad es la base para la determinación de la metodología de evaluación con miras a potenciar las competencias de quienes son el motor al interior de la empresa, los colaboradores.
Estrategia organizacional y la rentabilidad en empresas del sector automotriz de la Zona Central del Ecuador
Authors: Valle Alvarez Alexandra Tatiana , Carrasco Lilián Victoria Morales , Córdova Zonnia Alexandra Fonseca
Published: December 2016

El objetivo de esta investigación es aproximarnos al estudio de la estrategia organizacional y la rentabilidad en las empresas representativas del sector automotriz de la Zona Central del Ecuador durante los años 2013 al 2015. En base a la tipología genérica propuesta por Miles y Snow en torno a la estrategia y el estudio de la rentabilidad,  medida a través del ROI y el EBITDA, se evaluaron cualitativa y cuantitativamente a siete empresas del sector, identificándose inicialmente características en torno a cinco factores: mercado, eficiencia, innovación y estructura, en base a los cuales se diferenciaron arquetipos estratégicos en las empresas que las identifican como: Prospectiva, Analizadora o Defensiva. No se hicieron evidentes casos de empresas Reactivas en la población estudiada. Los principales resultados de la investigación muestran a través del análisis descriptivo que la caracterización de las empresa Prospectiva  y Analizadora identificada en la mayoría de empresas estudiadas está ligada a  mayores niveles de rentabilidad, incluso cercanos a los reportados por la industria, que aquella que habría aplicado una estrategia de carácter Defensiva, con desempeño comparativamente menor en ROI y EBITDA.
Differentiation of Diabetes by Pathophysiology, Natural History, and Prognosis
Authors: Skyler Jay S. , Bakris George L. , Bonifacio Ezio , Darsow Tamara , Eckel Robert H. , Groop Leif , Groop Per-Henrik , Handelsman Yehuda , Insel Richard A. , Mathieu Chantal , McElvaine Allison T. , Palmer Jerry P. , Pugliese Alberto , Schatz Desmond A. , Sosenko Jay M. , Wilding John P.H. , Ratner Robert E.
Published: December 2016

The American Diabetes Association, JDRF, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists convened a research symposium, “The Differentiation of Diabetes by Pathophysiology, Natural History and Prognosis” on 10–12 October 2015. International experts in genetics, immunology, metabolism, endocrinology, and systems biology discussed genetic and environmental determinants of type 1 and type 2 diabetes risk and progression, as well as complications. The participants debated how to determine appropriate therapeutic approaches based on disease pathophysiology and stage and defined remaining research gaps hindering a personalized medical approach for diabetes to drive the field to address these gaps. The authors recommend a structure for data stratification to define the phenotypes and genotypes of subtypes of diabetes that will facilitate individualized treatment.
Influence of the focal position on the melt flow during laser welding of steel
Authors: Schaefer Marcel , Kessler Steffen , Fetzer Florian , Graf Thomas
Published: December 2016

For keyhole laser welding of tempered steel, we show that the characteristic formation of eddies in the melt flow significantly depends on the focal position. The local melt flow velocities and accelerations were analyzed in-situ by means of x-ray imaging. It was observed that the keyhole geometry as well as the direction of rotation of the eddy close to the weld pool surface changes when the focal-position is shifted by one Rayleigh length.
Comparison of Leishmania typing results obtained from 16 European clinical laboratories in 2014
Authors: Van der Auwera Gert , Bart Aldert , Chicharro Carmen , Cortes Sofia , Davidsson Leigh , Di Muccio Trentina , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Felger Ingrid , Paglia Maria Grazia , Grimm Felix , Harms Gundel , Jaffe Charles L. , Manser Monika , Ravel Christophe , Robert-Gangneux Florence , Roelfsema Jeroen , Töz Seray , Verweij Jaco J. , Chiodini Peter L.
Published: December 2016

Leishmaniasis is endemic in southern Europe, and in other European countries cases are diagnosed in travellers who have visited affected areas both within the continent and beyond. Prompt and accurate diagnosis poses a challenge in clinical practice in Europe. Different methods exist for identification of the infecting Leishmania species. Sixteen clinical laboratories in 10 European countries, plus Israel and Turkey, conducted a study to assess their genotyping performance. DNA from 21 promastigote cultures of 13 species was analysed blindly by the routinely used typing method. Five different molecular targets were used, which were analysed with PCR-based methods. Different levels of identification were achieved, and either the Leishmania subgenus, species complex, or actual species were reported. The overall error rate of strains placed in the wrong complex or species was 8.5%. Various reasons for incorrect typing were identified. The study shows there is considerable room for improvement and standardisation of Leishmania typing. The use of well validated standard operating procedures is recommended, covering testing, interpretation, and reporting guidelines. Application of the internal transcribed spacer 1 of the rDNA array should be restricted to Old World samples, while the heat-shock protein 70 gene and the mini-exon can be applied globally.
Effect of laser alloying on heat-treated light alloys
Authors: Labisz Krzysztof , Tański Tomasz , Kremzer Marek , Janicki Damian
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the results of a microstructure and hardness investigation into the surface layer of cast aluminium–silicon alloys, after being alloyed by heat treatment and/or remelted with ceramic powders, using a high power diode laser (HPDL). The purpose of this work was to determine the appropriate laser treatment conditions for laser surface treatment of the investigated aluminium and magnesium alloys. For investigation of the obtained structure, optical and scanning electron microscopy was used with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy microanalysis. After the laser surface treatment was carried out on the heat-treated aluminium and magnesium cast alloys, there were visible structural changes concerning the microstructure, as well as distribution and morphology of the phases occurring in the alloy, influencing the hardness of the achieved layer. In the structure, three zones were discovered with different structures and properties. Concerning the laser treatment conditions for laser-surface hardening, the laser power and ceramic powder feed rate were also studied. The structure of the surface laser track changed so that two areas of the dispersing zone were detected, where the ceramic powder particles were present. This investigation, with the application of an HPDL for Al and Mg alloys, makes it possible to obtain or develop an interesting technology that is very attractive for the automobile and aviation industries, as a next step after laser surface treatment used for steels.
The semisitting position: analysis of the risks and surgical outcomes in a contemporary series of 425 adult patients undergoing cranial surgery
Authors: Saladino Andrea , Lamperti Massimo , Mangraviti Antonella , Legnani Federico G. , Prada Francesco U. , Casali Cecilia , Caputi Luigi , Borrelli Paola , DiMeco Francesco
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of the primary complications related to positioning or surgery and their impact on neurological outcome in a consecutive series of patients undergoing elective surgery in the semisitting position.

METHODS

The authors prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed data from adult patients undergoing elective surgery in the semisitting position for a cranial disease. Patients were managed perioperatively according to a standard institutional protocol, a standardized stepwise positioning, and surgical maneuvers to decrease the risk of venous air embolism (VAE) and other complications. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Neurointensive care unit (NICU) length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS were the intermediate endpoints. Neurological outcome was the primary endpoint as determined by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Four hundred twenty-five patients were included in the analysis. VAE occurred in 90 cases (21%) and it made no significant statistical difference in NICU LOS, hospital LOS, and neurological outcome. No complication was directly related to the semisitting position, although 46 patients (11%) experienced at least 1 surgery-related complication and NICU LOS and hospital LOS were significantly prolonged in this group. Neurological outcome was significantly worse for patients with complications (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the presence of intraoperative VAE, the semisitting position was not related to an increased risk of postoperative deficits and can represent a safe additional option for the benefit of specific surgical and patient needs.
Octreotide therapy in meningiomas: in vitro study, clinical correlation, and literature review
Authors: Graillon Thomas , Romano David , Defilles Céline , Saveanu Alexandru , Mohamed Amira , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Roche Pierre-Hugues , Fuentes Stéphane , Chinot Olivier , Dufour Henry , Barlier Anne
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

Meningiomas express somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SST2), which is targeted by the somatostatin analog octreotide. However, to date, using somatostatin analog therapy for the treatment of these tumors in clinical practice has been debated. This study aims to clarify the in vitro effects of octreotide on meningiomas for precise clinical applications.

METHODS

The effects of octreotide were analyzed in a large series of 80 meningiomas, including 31 World Health Organization (WHO) Grade II and 4 WHO Grade III tumors, using fresh primary cell cultures to study the impact on cell viability, apoptosis, and signal transduction pathways.

RESULTS

SST2 mRNA was detected in 100% of the tested meningiomas at levels similar to those observed in other SST2-expressing tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, or pituitary adenomas. Octreotide significantly decreased cell proliferation in 88% of meningiomas but did not induce cell death. On average, cell proliferation was more inhibited in the meningioma group expressing a high level of SST2 than in the low-SST2 group. Moreover, octreotide response was positively correlated to the level of merlin protein and inversely correlated to the level of phosphorylated p70-S6 kinase, a downstream effector of the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Octreotide inhibited Akt phosphorylation and activated tyrosine phosphatase without impacting the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Octreotide acts exclusively as an antiproliferative agent and does not promote apoptosis in meningioma in vitro. Therefore, in vivo, octreotide is likely to limit tumor growth rather than induce tumor shrinkage. A meta-analysis of the literature reveals an interest in octreotide for the treatment of WHO Grade I tumors, particularly those in the skull base for which the 6-month progression-free survival level reached 92%. Moreover, somatostatin analogs, which are well-tolerated drugs, could be of interest for use as co-targeting therapies for aggressive meningiomas.
Effects of intradiscal vacuum phenomenon on surgical outcome of lateral interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar disease
Authors: Yen Chun-Po , Beckman Joshua M. , Vivas Andrew C. , Bach Konrad , Uribe Juan S.
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

The authors investigated whether the presence of intradiscal vacuum phenomenon (IVP) results in greater correction of disc height and restoration of segmental lordosis (SL).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on every patient at the University of South Florida's Department of Neurosurgery treated with lateral lumbar interbody fusion between 2011 and 2015. From these charts, preoperative plain radiographs and CT images were reviewed for the presence of IVP. Preoperative and postoperative posterior disc height (PDH), anterior disc height (ADH), and SL were measured at disc levels with IVP and compared with those at disc levels without IVP using the t-test. Linear regression was used to evaluate the factors that predict changes in PDH, ADH, and SL.

RESULTS

One hundred forty patients with 247 disc levels between L-1 and L-5 were treated with lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Among all disc levels treated, the mean PDH increased from 3.69 to 6.66 mm (p = 0.011), the mean ADH increased from 5.45 to 11.53 mm (p < 0.001), and the mean SL increased from 9.59° to 14.55° (p < 0.001). Significantly increased PDH was associated with the presence of IVP, addition of pedicle screws, and lack of cage subsidence; significantly increased ADH was associated with the presence of IVP, anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) release, addition of pedicle screws, and lack of subsidence; and significantly increased SL was associated with the presence of IVP and ALL release.

CONCLUSIONS

IVP in patients with degenerative spinal disease remains grossly underreported. The data from the present study suggest that the presence of IVP results in increased restoration of disc height and SL.