bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening
Authors: Tilman Börgers , Daniel Krähmer , Roland Strausz
Published: May 2015

The expected revenue maximizing strategies of a monopoly seller are examined. The surprisingly complex theory that leads to the conclusion that setting prices is optimal is reviewed first. Then nonlinear pricing and bundling are investigated. This chapter introduces techniques from the theory of mechanism design in their most elementary context.
Bayesian Mechanism Design
Authors: Tilman Börgers , Daniel Krähmer , Roland Strausz
Published: May 2015

The classic Bayesian theory of mechanism design is developed in three simple examples: auctions, public goods, and bilateral trade. The classic results, such as the revelation principle and the revenue equivalence theorem, are explained in the context of these examples. Both revenue and welfare maximization are considered.
Dominant Strategy Mechanisms
Authors: Tilman Börgers , Daniel Krähmer , Roland Strausz
Published: May 2015

Some of the most important applications of the theory of mechanism design are considered. The focus is on constructing dominant strategy mechanisms. The results are carefully compared to the results that are obtained in the same examples if a Bayesian perspective is adopted. The chapter illustrates when the requirement of dominant strategies restricts the set of available mechanisms dramatically, as well as when this is not the case
Incentive Compatibility
Authors: Tilman Börgers , Daniel Krähmer , Roland Strausz
Published: May 2015

In a single agent context a characterization of all mechanisms that induce agents to truthfully reveal their private information are characterized. The results obtained are surprisingly strong and general. The crucial concept is Rochet’s cyclical monotonicity. The chapter then develops a theory of single-dimensional private information using economically meaningful concepts rather than the mathematical notion of dimension.
Dominant Strategy Mechanisms
Authors: Tilman Börgers , Daniel Krähmer , Roland Strausz
Published: May 2015

This chapter is an exposition of the theory of dominant strategy mechanisms when agents have quasi-linear utilities. A completely general model is considered. The special role of Vickrey–Clarke–Groves mechanisms is explained. A general characterization of dominant strategy incentive-compatible allocation rules follows.
Nontransferrable Utility
Authors: Tilman Börgers , Daniel Krähmer , Roland Strausz
Published: May 2015

The theory of mechanism design when agents are not assumed to have quasi-linear preferences is considered. The most famous result in this area, the Gibbard–Satterthwaite theorem, is proved. The chapter then moves on to explain avenues that lead to more positive results than Gibbard and Satterthwaite’s impossibility theorem.
Informational Interdependence
Authors: Tilman Börgers , Daniel Krähmer , Roland Strausz
Published: May 2015

When different agents’ private information enters other agents’ preferences, incentive problems become much more severe than when each agent’s private information only concerns that agent. In this chapter, this is illustrated using a result of Jehiel and Moldovanu on the impossibility to combine incentive compatibility and efficiency when there is informational interdependence.
Computer vision-based automated peak picking applied to protein NMR spectra
Authors: Klukowski Piotr , Walczak Michal J. , Gonczarek Adam , Boudet Julien , Wider Gerhard
Published: May 2015

Motivation: A detailed analysis of multidimensional NMR spectra of macromolecules requires the identification of individual resonances (peaks). This task can be tedious and time-consuming and often requires support by experienced users. Automated peak picking algorithms were introduced more than 25 years ago, but there are still major deficiencies/flaws that often prevent complete and error free peak picking of biological macromolecule spectra. The major challenges of automated peak picking algorithms is both the distinction of artifacts from real peaks particularly from those with irregular shapes and also picking peaks in spectral regions with overlapping resonances which are very hard to resolve by existing computer algorithms. In both of these cases a visual inspection approach could be more effective than a ‘blind’ algorithm.

Results: We present a novel approach using computer vision (CV) methodology which could be better adapted to the problem of peak recognition. After suitable ‘training’ we successfully applied the CV algorithm to spectra of medium-sized soluble proteins up to molecular weights of 26 kDa and to a 130 kDa complex of a tetrameric membrane protein in detergent micelles. Our CV approach outperforms commonly used programs. With suitable training datasets the application of the presented method can be extended to automated peak picking in multidimensional spectra of nucleic acids or carbohydrates and adapted to solid-state NMR spectra.

Availability and implementation: CV-Peak Picker is available upon request from the authors.

Contact: gsw@mol.biol.ethz.ch; michal.walczak@mol.biol.ethz.ch; adam.gonczarek@pwr.edu.pl

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ALMA imaging of SDP.81 – I. A pixelated reconstruction of the far-infrared continuum emission
Authors: Rybak M. , McKean J. P. , Vegetti S. , Andreani P. , White S. D. M.
Published: May 2015

We present a sub-50 parsec scale analysis of the gravitational lens system SDP.81 at redshift 3.042 using Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array science verification data. We model both the mass distribution of the gravitational lensing galaxy and the pixelated surface brightness distribution of the background source using a novel Bayesian technique that fits the data directly in visibility space. We find the 1 and 1.3 mm dust emission to be magnified by a factor of μtot = 17.6 ± 0.4, giving an intrinsic total star formation rate of 315 ± 60 M⊙ yr−1 and a dust mass of 6.4 ± 1.5 × 108 M⊙. The reconstructed dust emission is found to be non-uniform, but composed of multiple regions that are heated by both diffuse and strongly clumped star formation. The highest surface brightness region is a ∼1.9 × 0.7 kpc disc-like structure, whose small extent is consistent with a potential size-bias in gravitationally lensed starbursts. Although surrounded by extended star formation, with a density of 20–30 ± 10 M⊙ yr−1 kpc−2, the disc contains three compact regions with densities that peak between 120 and 190 ± 20 M⊙ yr−1 kpc−2. Such star formation rate densities are below what is expected for Eddington-limited star formation by a radiation pressure supported starburst. There is also a tentative variation in the spectral slope of the different star-forming regions, which is likely due to a change in the dust temperature and/or opacity across the source.
Apnea after Awake Regional and General Anesthesia in Infants
Authors: Davidson Andrew J. , Morton Neil S. , Arnup Sarah J. , de Graaff Jurgen C. , Disma Nicola , Withington Davinia E. , Frawley Geoff , Hunt Rodney W. , Hardy Pollyanna , Khotcholava Magda , von Ungern Sternberg Britta S. , Wilton Niall , Tuo Pietro , Salvo Ida , Ormond Gillian , Stargatt Robyn , Locatelli Bruno Guido , McCann Mary Ellen
Published: May 2015

AbstractAbstract

In a secondary analysis of more than 700 infants more than 60 weeks postmenstrual age randomized to regional or general anesthesia for inguinal herniorrhaphy, there was no difference in the incidence apnea in the first 12 postoperative hours (primary outcome measure), although early apnea in the first 30 min was less with regional.

Background:

Postoperative apnea is a complication in young infants. Awake regional anesthesia (RA) may reduce the risk; however, the evidence is weak. The General Anesthesia compared to Spinal anesthesia study is a randomized, controlled trial designed to assess the influence of general anesthesia (GA) on neurodevelopment. A secondary aim is to compare rates of apnea after anesthesia.

Methods:

Infants aged 60 weeks or younger, postmenstrual age scheduled for inguinal herniorrhaphy, were randomized to RA or GA. Exclusion criteria included risk factors for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome and infants born less than 26 weeks gestation. The primary outcome of this analysis was any observed apnea up to 12 h postoperatively. Apnea assessment was unblinded.

Results:

Three hundred sixty-three patients were assigned to RA and 359 to GA. Overall, the incidence of apnea (0 to 12 h) was similar between arms (3% in RA and 4% in GA arms; odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.30, P = 0.2133); however, the incidence of early apnea (0 to 30 min) was lower in the RA arm (1 vs. 3%; OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.91; P = 0.0367). The incidence of late apnea (30 min to 12 h) was 2% in both RA and GA arms (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.41 to 3.33; P = 0.7688). The strongest predictor of apnea was prematurity (OR, 21.87; 95% CI, 4.38 to 109.24), and 96% of infants with apnea were premature.

Conclusions:

RA in infants undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy reduces apnea in the early postoperative period. Cardiorespiratory monitoring should be used for all ex-premature infants.
Climate-driven tipping-points could lead to sudden, high-intensity parasite outbreaks
Authors: Fox Naomi J. , Marion Glenn , Davidson Ross S. , White Piran C. L. , Hutchings Michael R.
Published: May 2015

Parasitic nematodes represent one of the most pervasive and significant challenges to grazing livestock, and their intensity and distribution are strongly influenced by climate. Parasite levels and species composition have already shifted under climate change, with nematode parasite intensity frequently low in newly colonized areas, but sudden large-scale outbreaks are becoming increasingly common. These outbreaks compromise both food security and animal welfare, yet there is a paucity of predictions on how climate change will influence livestock parasites. This study aims to assess how climate change can affect parasite risk. Using a process-based approach, we determine how changes in temperature-sensitive elements of outbreaks influence parasite dynamics, to explore the potential for climate change to influence livestock helminth infections. We show that changes in temperate-sensitive parameters can result in nonlinear responses in outbreak dynamics, leading to distinct ‘tipping-points’ in nematode parasite burdens. Through applying two mechanistic models, of varying complexity, our approach demonstrates that these nonlinear responses are robust to the inclusion of a number of realistic processes that are present in livestock systems. Our study demonstrates that small changes in climatic conditions around critical thresholds may result in dramatic changes in parasite burdens.
African origin for Madagascan dogs revealed by mtDNA analysis
Authors: Ardalan Arman , Oskarsson Mattias C. R. , van Asch Barbara , Rabakonandriania Elisabeth , Savolainen Peter
Published: May 2015

Madagascar was one of the last major land masses to be inhabited by humans. It was initially colonized by Austronesian speaking Indonesians 1500–2000 years ago, but subsequent migration from Africa has resulted in approximately equal genetic contributions from Indonesia and Africa, and the material culture has mainly African influences. The dog, along with the pig and the chicken, was part of the Austronesian Neolithic culture, and was furthermore the only domestic animal to accompany humans to every continent in ancient times. To illuminate Madagascan cultural origins and track the initial worldwide dispersal of dogs, we here investigated the ancestry of Madagascan dogs. We analysed mtDNA control region sequences in dogs from Madagascar (
n
=145) and compared it with that from potential ancestral populations in Island Southeast Asia (
n
=219) and sub-Saharan Africa (
n
=493). We found that 90% of the Madagascan dogs carried a haplotype that was also present in sub-Saharan Africa and that the remaining lineages could all be attributed to a likely origin in Africa. By contrast, only 26% of Madagascan dogs shared haplotypes with Indonesian dogs, and one haplotype typical for Austronesian dogs, carried by more than 40% of Indonesian and Polynesian dogs, was absent among the Madagascan dogs. Thus, in contrast to the human population, Madagascan dogs seem to trace their origin entirely from Africa. These results suggest that dogs were not brought to Madagascar by the initial Austronesian speaking colonizers on their transoceanic voyage, but were introduced at a later stage, together with human migration and cultural influence from Africa.
Structure of the catalytic domain of Mre11 fromChaetomium thermophilum
Authors: Seifert Florian Ulrich , Lammens Katja , Hopfner Karl-Peter
Published: May 2015

Together with the Rad50 ATPase, the Mre11 nuclease forms an evolutionarily conserved protein complex that plays a central role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Mre11–Rad50 detects and processes DNA ends, and has functions in the tethering as well as the signalling of DSBs. The Mre11 dimer can bind one or two DNA ends or hairpins, and processes DNA endonucleolytically as well as exonucleolytically in the 3′-to-5′ direction. Here, the crystal structure of the Mre11 catalytic domain dimer fromChaetomium thermophilum(CtMre11CD) is reported. CtMre11CDcrystals diffracted to 2.8 Å resolution and revealed previously undefined features within the dimer interface, in particular fully ordered eukaryote-specific insertion loops that considerably expand the dimer interface. Furthermore, comparison with other eukaryotic Mre11 structures reveals differences in the conformations of the dimer and the capping domain. In summary, the results reported here provide new insights into the architecture of the eukaryotic Mre11 dimer.
Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of NAD synthetase from methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Arbade Gajanan Kashinathrao , Srivastava Sandeep Kumar
Published: May 2015

Staphylococcus aureusis an important human and animal pathogen that causes a wide range of infections. The prevalence of multidrug-resistantS. aureusstrains in both hospital and community settings makes it imperative to characterize new drug targets to combatS. aureusinfections. In this context, enzymes involved in NAD metabolism and synthesis are significant drug targets as NAD is a central player in several cellular processes. NAD synthetase catalyzes the last step in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, making it a crucial intermediate enzyme linked to the biosynthesis of several amino acids, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, coenzymes and antibiotics.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the major acid phosphatase fromLegionella pneumophila
Authors: Zhou Dan , Pan Yang , Chen Xiaofang , Zhang Nannan , Ge Honghua
Published: May 2015

The major acid phosphatase fromLegionella pneumophila(LpMAP) belongs to the histidine acid phosphatase superfamily. It contains the characteristic histidine acid phosphatase (HAP) sequence motif RHGXRXP responsible for the hydrolysis of a phosphoryl group from phosphate monoesters under acidic conditions. Here, the crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of crystals ofLpMAP in the apo form and in complex with L-(+)-tartrate are described. By using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method, apoLpMAP andLpMAP–tartrate were crystallized in space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 91.50,b= 56.48,c= 146.35 Å, β = 110.01°, and in space groupP1, with unit-cell parametersa= 55.51,b= 73.51 ,c= 98.78 Å, α = 78.82, β = 77.65, γ = 67.73°, respectively. Diffraction data were collected at 100 K and the phases were determined using the molecular-replacement method.
Estimating technical efficiency of Chinese table grape wholesalers
Authors: Jiao Weihua , Fu Zetian , Mu Weisong , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Lu Jianjun , Xu Mark
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to estimate the technical efficiency of Chinese table grape wholesalers and subsequently to examine the degree to which the calculated efficiency correlates with a set of explanatory variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– A two-stage procedure is applied in this paper. First, a non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique is applied to investigate the degree of technical efficiency for Chinese table grape wholesalers. Second, Tobit regression is used to analyze the factors influencing technical efficiency.

Findings

– Research results reveal that the mean technical efficiency of the sample is 0.544 and 0.860 under constant returns scale (CRS) and VRS assumptions, respectively, and the scale efficiency (SE) is 0.620. The variables of experiences, number of grape varieties on sale, daily selling volumes and fixed sale ratio have a significant effect on technical efficiency, while the other exogenous variables do not affect the efficiency in any significant way.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings of this research are specific to table grape wholesalers in China, however, the method used in this study is transferrable and applicable to the study of similar problems in others countries.

Originality/value

– This research has yielded some interesting and original insights into the efficiency level of Chinese grape wholesalers and the factors that influence the level of efficiency. The findings have practical implications for Chinese agriculture policy makers, and are able to stimulate further research of a similar type in the international agricultural research community.
Driving factors-based approach for identifying performance indicators in sugarcane supply and processing systems
Authors: Sanjika Thawani Mpatama , Bezuidenhout Carel Nicolaas
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a driving factors-based approach for identifying and ranking performance indicators in integrated sugarcane supply and processing systems (ISSPSs) on an on-going basis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research included a literature review, development of an approach, testing of the approach in four ISSPSs and checking the tests’ results for consistency with Southern Africa sugar industry benchmarks and external knowledge of the four ISSPSs.

Findings

– The research offers a systematic approach for identifying and ranking performance indicators based on existing driving factors in ISSPSs. Results obtained from the application of the approach in four ISSPSs are consistent with industry benchmarks and external knowledge of the ISSPSs.

Research limitations/implications

– The approach was tested in only four ISSPSs. It is recommended that the approach should be tested in other complex systems to further validate its effectiveness. It is further recommended that the approach should be systematically compared with existing approaches that are used for identifying and ranking performance indicators.

Originality/value

– This research is of academic value and of practical value to practitioners in ISSPSs. The research blends knowledge from network theory and cause-and-effect analysis to come up with a systematic approach for identifying and ranking performance indicators in ISSPSs on an on-going basis. Further, the approach identifies and ranks performance indicators as part of one data set. This approach has never, to the authors’ knowledge, been used in agro-industry before.
Perceived sustainability initiatives: retail managers’ intrinsic and extrinsic motives
Authors: Bartels Jos , Reinders Machiel J. , Van Haaster- De Winter Mariet
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Although awareness of environmental sustainability has increased over the past few decades, the current market share of sustainable products remains low. Because of their market position, large-scale and high-volume consumer interactions, food retailers are appropriate venues to entice consumers to buy more sustainable foods. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which food retailers are perceived to have embedded sustainability initiatives in their marketing strategies and to have taken sustainable tactical measures on the store floor. In addition, the study considered the roles played by social identification (SI) and by perceived external prestige (PEP).

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a literature review and semi-structured qualitative interviews with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Dutch food retailers, the authors conducted an online panel survey among the managers of these food retailers.

Findings

– The results of the study show the positive impacts of managers’ SI with a sustainable consumer group and managers’ PEP on the perceived environmental sustainability initiatives of Dutch food retailers. The study finds that managers’ SIs are powerful ways to engender employee loyalty. Moreover, organisations that are perceived to have more external prestige are perceived as being more capable of developing sustainability policies.

Originality/value

– The current study combines views from CEOs of large Dutch food retailers with supermarket manager’s perceptions of sustainability initiatives on a strategical and tactical level of an organisation. It uses insights from CSR, food retail and SI theory literature to explain these perceptions.
An empirical study of nation branding for attracting internationally mobile skilled professionals
Authors: Silvanto Sari , Ryan Jason , McNulty Yvonne
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the importance for nations of key institutional, economic, and societal factors for attracting skilled professionals from abroad. It examines the existing literature on international talent mobility and empirically tests the validity of nation branding as a strategy for attracting internationally mobile skilled professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use secondary data from the World Economic Forum, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Martin Prosperity Institute to test six hypotheses concerning factors that attract internationally mobile skilled professionals to a foreign country to live and work.

Findings

– The study finds that conditions of employment, quality of life, good governance, and tolerance towards people of diverse backgrounds are key issues that need to be holistically emphasized in successful nation branding campaigns aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals from abroad.

Originality/value

– The authors use strong secondary data to reduce common method bias in the results which show that “macro” factors sway internationally mobile skilled professionals to favor some countries over others. The authors contribute to the literature on international talent flows by conceptualizing nation branding as a framework through which a variety of push and pull factors can be examined to entice and attract internationally mobile skilled professionals to a particular host-country. The findings will apply to several different types of skilled professionals including self-initiated expatriates, self-initiated corporate expatriates, and third country nationals and local foreign hires.
The career impact of management education from an average-ranked university
Authors: Baruch Yehuda , Lavi-Steiner Orna
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of the added value of management studies, as the current state of research in the field has focused principally on studies undertaken at prestigious institutions. In addition, this study tests the extent to which career-related attitudes and chance events have influenced career success.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used data provided by 1,228 graduates from an average-ranked academic institution.

Findings

– The findings suggest that such management education can result in significant tangible and intangible outcomes for graduates’ careers and their employing organizations. Both intellectual ability and career attitudes influenced the career success outcomes to differing levels. The contribution to the literature is both to theory and to managerial practice, in response to the recent critique of management education as well as the growing need for new cadres of managers, which cannot be supplied by high-prestige, leading business schools alone.

Originality/value

– Testing career impact of MBA from an average-ranked university, and the impact of chance event – both understudied.
Applying the 3-layer approach to urban flood management
Authors: Chung Chen Kun
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find the possibility of extending the capacity of urban drainage in highly urbanized cities with limited available space for flood management, while the anticipated increase in extreme rainfall is expected to raise the demand for higher capacity of water drainage or storage systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The concept of the three-layer approach is introduced to identify the crucial factors which had impacted the historical change of natural water system. These factors can further help identifying potential spaces for new designs of flood management based on the spatial context of local history.

Findings

– In Pingtung case, a roadway surface drainage design is found as a complementary strategy by this method, which could effectively and practically extend the capacity of urban drainage without the need for requisitioning private lands or rearranging the complicated underground pipe and cable systems.

Research limitations/implications

– This is an initial exploration from the perspective of urbanism to respond to hydrological problems under the impact of extreme rainfall. The more precise hydrologic simulation need to be further established.

Practical implications

– This concept could be applied in delta cities to improve urban drainage by three steps: first, clarify the flooding problems; second, identify the available space; third, redesign hydrologic instrument with a multi-use of urban space.

Originality/value

– This research provides hydrologists and urban planners with a practical collaboration base for the issues of extreme storm events.
Enhancing post-disaster reconstruction capacity through lifelong learning in higher education
Authors: Thayaparan Menaha , Siriwardena Mohan , Malalgoda Chamindi Ishara , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Lill Irene , Kaklauskas Arturas
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Due to the complexities involved in disasters and due to the peculiar nature of post-disaster reconstruction, built environment professionals require continuous updating of their skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to disaster resilience. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ways in which higher education institutions (HEIs) can address this need through the provision of lifelong learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on both a literature review and on empirical evidence obtained through interviews, a workshop and group validation.

Findings

– The challenges faced by HEIs in accommodating lifelong learning are presented. Furthermore, good practice guidelines are provided to enable HEIs to respond effectively to industry requirements; to provide lifelong learning via through-life studentship; to promote collaboration amongst HEIs, industries, professional bodies and communities, and to promote the adoption, diffusion and exploitation of the latest learning and teaching technologies.

Research limitations/implications

– The empirical focus of the research is limited to three EU countries, namely UK, Lithuania and Estonia. This paper focuses on role of HEIs in enhancing the disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacity in the built environment, especially at the stage of post-disaster reconstruction.

Practical implications

– The recommendations provided on good practice suggest how HEIs can integrate disaster related knowledge into their curriculum faster than previously and how they are able to assist their educators and learners in building up their knowledge base on a continuous basis.

Social implications

– Capacity building in enhancing DRR during the post-disaster reconstruction stage through the provision of lifelong learning will create social implications within the responsiveness of built environment professionals to cater for disaster resilience.

Originality/value

– The appropriateness of lifelong learning as an approach to disaster management education is justified. The challenges HEIs face in accommodating lifelong learning and the recommendations on good practice guidelines in order to make the HEIs more responsive to educational needs are discussed.
Juggling on the line
Authors: Evans Samantha
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay between the role of front line managers (FLMs) and their contribution to the reported gap between intended and actual human resource management (HRM).

Design/methodology/approach

– The findings draw on case study research using 51 semi-structured interviews with managers across two UK retail organisations between 2012 and 2013.

Findings

– This paper argues that FLMs are key agents in people management and play a critical role in the gap between intended and actual employee relations (ER) and HRM. The research found that these managers held a high level of responsibility for people management, but experienced a lack of institutional support, monitoring or incentives to implement according to central policy. This provided an opportunity for them to modify or resist intended policy and the tensions inherent in their role were a critical factor in this manipulation of their people management responsibilities.

Research limitations/implications

– The data were collected from only one industry and two organisations so the conclusions need to be considered within these limitations.

Practical implications

– Efforts to address the gap between intended and actual ER/HRM within organisations will need to consider the role tensions of both front line and middle managers.

Originality/value

– This research provides a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between FLMs and the gap between intended and actual HRM within organisations. It addresses the issue of FLMs receiving less attention in the HRM-line management literature and the call to research their role in the translation of policy into practice.
The changing dynamic of leading knowledge workers
Authors: Edgar Fiona , Geare Alan , O'Kane Paula
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate, from the perspective of knowledge workers (KWs), the factors which underpin worker performance. Although a broad array of factors is examined, the role played by the front-line manager (FLM) appears pre-eminent.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data collected in 2012 from a sample of 73 New Zealand KWs, the authors adopt a phenomenological approach to understanding how the FLM influences their performance motivations. A two-pronged research design was employed; stage 1 involved a paired statement exercise, which was immediately followed by stage 2, an in-depth interview.

Findings

– The behaviour and support afforded to KWs by their FLM emerged as an important influence on their individual performance. Specifically, behaviours which convey value, trust and respect, and afford support, recognition and an appreciation for work completed seemingly empower and motivate KWs to superior performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The distinctive qualities of KWs and what constitutes their effective management needs to be given consideration in research. Identifying the depth and breadth of the FLM role contributes to this understanding.

Practical implications

– FLMs need contemporary development and continued support across the broad spectrum of people management activities, to enable them to build positive relational ties, which are so important to KWs.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes much needed empirical data to the understanding of how FLMs contribute to KW performance.
Au fait law placements
Authors: Tully Nicola , Avramenko Alex
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Enhancing student employability and bridging the gap between theory and practice in law education requires a more multifaceted approach than the traditional mix of lectures, tutorials and simulations. Law placements also provide an opportunity to reinforce the importance of the professional practice standards and requirements laid down by the Law Society of Scotland. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the design and implementation of law placements from the point of initiation to becoming a regular practice. The emphasis is on placements embedded in the programme of study offered to Stage 3 students to facilitate their career choices prior to specialisation in the final year.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilises a longitudinal multi-method approach, allowing the analysis of various aspects the development and practical implementation of law-related placements. The views of students, academic staff and representatives of local employers are gathered by in-depth interviews. A reflective workbook method is also used to analyse the “integration” of learning and to support the “demonstration” and assessment of personal and professional capabilities which are difficult to assess by other means.

Findings

– The paper presents the challenge faced by a higher education institution in organising meaningful placements and looks at the other avenues explored, particularly in the Third Sector. There are differences in the expectations of law placement providers (law firms and Third Sector organisations) in respect of students’ skill and knowledge base. The students were explicit about the need to demystify the profession and are appreciative of experience with atypical law placement providers which expands their perceptions of the choices within a law career. Students have also indicated a positive alteration in their attitude to the role of reflective practice, which stimulated changes in their behaviour with respect to professional development.

Practical implications

– The outcomes of the initial stage of this study have implications for law departments in higher education in the context of organising law placements, evaluating their effectiveness and their impact on student employability.

Originality/value

– Teaching law has its specifics and already employs a number of methods: simulations, negotiation exercises, moots and debates. This paper explores ways of providing a more meaningful practical experience for undergraduate students by placing an emphasis on such elements of professional practice as drafting legal documents and preparing professional opinions, while introducing the complexity of the law profession. Solutions to the challenges faced by the institution in organising those placements are analysed. The study provides an analytical view on the effectiveness of law placements in relation to other widely used approaches to bridging the gap between the theory and practice of law.
Teaching the College of Policing pre-employment “Certificate in Knowledge of Policing” to undergraduate students
Authors: Pepper Ian K. , McGrath Ruth
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assist in identifying the value to the student of the College of Policing approved Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP), whilst identifying some of the challenges encountered by both students and staff.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research involved students completing self-administered questionnaires both on commencing their study of the CKP and completing the programme. Written student feedback was also collected and a focus group was facilitated with the academic teaching staff. The research approach adopted was aimed at influencing the development of the programme, whilst establishing the value of the CKP to students.

Findings

– The research suggests that completing the CKP did not significantly influence the students’ career choice, however, it did have a positive impact on the development of their confidence in terms of applying for the role of a police officer. Both staff and students identified the quantity of the knowledge to be taught and learnt, with staff also reporting the additional benefit to them of refreshing their subject knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

– The external validity of this research beyond the sample group is limited, due to, for example, different programmes of study at different institutions, etc., however, the findings are informative. The reliability of the research is good, however, it must also be considered the behaviour of respondents may have been influenced by taking part in the research. Further longitudinal research should be conducted following cohorts of students completing the CKP through initial application to employment.

Practical implications

– The CKP is currently viewed by many as an educational package to be completed prior to an application for employment as a police officer, whereas consideration should be given to using the CKP as a way to inform and build an individual’s confidence that the police officer role is the career for them, or otherwise.

Originality/value

– This research has identified how, amongst this group of students, completing the new concept of a pre-employment CKP, approved by the College of Policing, has increased their confidence in applying to become a police officer. As such, this is of value to those teaching the CKP and the College of Policing.
Psychological ownership in team-based entrepreneurship education activities
Authors: Man Thomas Wing Yan , Farquharson Maris
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore psychological ownership (PO) during team-based projects as part of entrepreneurship education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The critical incident technique using semi-structured interviews was adopted on a sample of 20 participants involved in team-based entrepreneurship education activities. From reported critical incidents interpretation of the participants’ perceived ownership behaviour centred on: “what” participants perceived they owned; “when” PO occurred; and “how” they perceived that ownership.

Findings

– Different forms of collective and individual levels PO exist as an important element in the context of team-based entrepreneurship education activities. The form of PO changes at junctures during different stages of team-based entrepreneurship education activity. Moreover, PO is heavily influenced by a range of individual and group-based factors, specifically the social interaction at the start of such projects and self-reflection towards the end.

Research limitations/implications

– Further investigations might be made on the measures of PO, and on the relationship between PO and learning outcomes in entrepreneurship education. The impact of group dynamics and culture on the formation of PO should be addressed.

Practical implications

– As an important element for effective entrepreneurship education, PO should be promoted through team oriented, authentic and experiential activities allowing nurturing and encouraging contacts with various stakeholders. Such activities should also be reflective, allowing rotation of team roles, and extending over a longer time horizon.

Originality/value

– This study is an attempt to empirically examine the role of PO in entrepreneurship project teams. It also contributes to our understanding of the dynamic nature of PO through social interaction and reflection.
Factors influencing the price of housing in Indonesia
Authors: Rahadi Raden Aswin , Wiryono Sudarso Kaderi , Koesrindartoto Deddy Priatmodjo , Syamwil Indra Budiman
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to address the factors or attributes that would influence the price of residential products in Jakarta Metropolitan Region.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 202 respondents from all across Jakarta Metropolitan Region participated in the questionnaire for this study. Demographic questions are categorized into age, gender and preferences for real estate locations. The questionnaire was made based on the author’s previous studies. Of the total respondents, 127 were males and 75 were females with age ranging from 18 to 56 years old. For data analysis, the authors utilized factor analysis, Cronbach’ α test and analysis of correlation to reach the conclusion of this study.

Findings

– The findings suggested that from the initial three factors groups, there are five new groups that emerge as influencing factors for housing prices. Cronbach’ α score were verified (α = 0.906). Correlation study result suggested that the initial three factors groups produce a significant correlation between each of them, except for the factor of “overall location” and “located near family.” After factor analysis, the research results show that there are two new additional groups of factors that emerge as influences to housing prices. There are significant scores of differences between gender and real estate location preference toward the groups of factors.

Research limitations/implications

– This study shows how physical qualities, concept and location factors influence the housing price perception of their consumers. The result shows to be relatively reliable and valid.

Originality/value

– The study is the first to analyze the relationship between the factors for preferences on residential products and housing price in Indonesia. This paper is also intended to be the first to pioneer the study on factors of preferences on residential products in Indonesia. The findings will be useful to develop pricing models for housing product in Indonesia.
Perspectives of landlords and agents on landlord accreditation in Wales
Authors: Jones Gary Allan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the views of landlords and agents on the voluntary scheme, along with their opinions of the Welsh Government’s proposals to make accreditation compulsory for landlords and agents renting or letting in Wales. This paper is based on a conference paper given in India at the RICS COBRA 2013 Conference. Landlord Accreditation Wales (LAW) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for landlords and agents operating within the private rented sector (PRS) in Wales. When it launched in 1999, it was a pioneering accreditation scheme offering voluntary rather than legal regulation of the Welsh PRS.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire, designed and developed in partnership with LAW, was sent out nationwide. All the landlords and agents on file were sent the questionnaire by LAW. This was followed up by reminder e-mails, along with the promotion of this national project at locally run landlord and agent events. The research provides a snapshot and coverage of the views of landlords and agents connected to LAW only.

Findings

– The PRS in Wales, as with the rest of Britain, still suffers from negative imagery because of the behavior of a minority of agents and landlords that operate poor housing management practices and standards. While on the whole popular amongst landlords and agents, voluntary regulation is unlikely to tackle these issues effectually. Accordingly, the Welsh Government intends to make registration and accreditation within the PRS compulsory. The results of this empirical study show that the LAW scheme has positive effects on the standards and practices of a number of landlords and agents. The proposal to have mandatory registration and accreditation in Wales has not been met with overwhelming support from landlords and agents. Instead, there are significant pockets of uncertainty about, and resistance to, the introduction of legal regulation within the PRS.

Originality/value

– The research contributes to the existing literature surrounding the regulation of the PRS by providing a distinctive insight into the views of landlords and agents on voluntary accreditation within the PRS in Wales as well as examining their opinions on the proposal to impose mandatory accreditation throughout the Sector.
Abandoned mines, homes for the people: case study of Jos Tin-mining region
Authors: Wapwera Samuel Danjuma , Egbu C. O. , Parsa A. G. , Ayanbinpe G. M.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to assess the Jos Plateau Tin-mining region as an abandoned mine area being used for housing development with a view to make recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Utilising secondary data, which maps out ten different locations in the region, this paper highlights the level of radioactive substances (X-ray, beta and gamma rays) and the presence of heavy metals in the environment, abandoned mines, home for the people as well as housing development within a derelict region. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with heads of selected settlement within the Jos Plateau Tin-mining region.

Findings

– Subsequent analysis shows that the radioactive substances exceed the international standards and therefore have a serious impact on the health of the local population who reside in the affected area. This is particularly significant as people use the contaminated soil as a basic material for their homes as well as farming and food production.

Research limitations/implications

– With overpopulation of neighbouring city and rising house prices, an increasing number of people have moved to the Tin-mining areas often without any knowledge about the perils of contaminated soil. At the same time, the planning authority has no presence in the affected area, as it falls outside its jurisdiction.

Practical implications

– However, there is an urgent need to address this problem and prevent people from moving to this area, otherwise this would become a serious long-term human catastrophe.

Social implications

– Drawing from international experience, the paper argues that it is possible to develop housing in former Tin-mining areas but require careful remediation and engagement by the public and private sector.

Originality/value

– The discussion in this paper makes a case for appropriate physical planning measure as people build their homes on the abandoned Tin-mining areas, with the presences of heavy metals and radioactive substances which are dangerous to human health where the governments have not made provision to address the problem. It is a bridge linking a previous paper on the environment and now consideration on housing/home which together form part of an ongoing PhD research “A potential application of spatial planning in Jos, Nigeria”.
Monetary policy influences in Australian housing markets
Authors: Costello Gregory , Fraser Patricia , MacDonald Garry
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze the impact of common monetary policy shocks on house prices at national and capital city levels of aggregation, using Australian data and the Lastrapes (2005) two-part structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) empirical method.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Lastrapes (2005) two-part SVAR empirical method is applied to Australian housing market and macroeconomic data to assess the impact of common monetary policy shocks on house prices.

Findings

– Results show that while the impact of shocks to interest rates on aggregate house prices is almost neutral, the responses of state capital city house prices to the same shock can exhibit significant asymmetries.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the monetary policy–asset price debate by examining the influence of Australian monetary policy on capital city housing markets over the period 1982-2012. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that has adapted this Lastrapes (2005) methodology to the analysis of housing markets.