bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root-Secreted Malic Acid Recruits Beneficial Soil Bacteria
Authors: Rudrappa Thimmaraju , Czymmek Kirk J. , Paré Paul W. , Bais Harsh P.
Published: September 2008

Beneficial soil bacteria confer immunity against a wide range of foliar diseases by activating plant defenses, thereby reducing a plant's susceptibility to pathogen attack. Although bacterial signals have been identified that activate these plant defenses, plant metabolites that elicit rhizobacterial responses have not been demonstrated. Here, we provide biochemical evidence that the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate l-malic acid (MA) secreted from roots of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) selectively signals and recruits the beneficial rhizobacterium Bacillus subtilis FB17 in a dose-dependent manner. Root secretions of l-MA are induced by the foliar pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (Pst DC3000) and elevated levels of l-MA promote binding and biofilm formation of FB17 on Arabidopsis roots. The demonstration that roots selectively secrete l-MA and effectively signal beneficial rhizobacteria establishes a regulatory role of root metabolites in recruitment of beneficial microbes, as well as underscores the breadth and sophistication of plant-microbial interactions.
Current research information systems, open access repositories and libraries
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of larger developments in the international research information environment, and to outline their impact on the open access movement within libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative account of recent historical developments such as national current research information systems (CRIS), and their local campus equivalents, together with an analysis of the relationship of these systems with national research policies, and particularly their relationship with research evaluation policy.

Findings

Developments in the research landscape have important effects on grass‐roots LIS practice, and have given a great boost to open access repositories while preserving the traditional role of commercial journal publications. This complementary relationship was completely unexpected at the outset of the open access movement, which was specifically intended to reduce the importance of commercial journal publications.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploration of the relationship between open access and current research information environments. This relationship is of enormous significance and will need to be analysed and better understood in future. The analysis in this paper is thus an initial attempt to increase this understanding, and further, extended investigation is recommended.

Practical implications

Practitioner librarians must come to grips with the role of repositories within the CRIS environment, as well as the relationship of repositories to the local campus research information system.

Originality/value

This paper investigates trends in the broader research information environment which will be unfamiliar to many LIS practitioners, and puts them in the context of everyday professional practice.
The public library, exclusion and empathy: a literature review
Authors: Birdi Briony , Wilson Kerry , Cocker Joanne
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature within the fields of public librarianship, social exclusion and empathy.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross‐disciplinary review involved the consultation of material from disciplines including library and information management, politics, social policy and social sciences, cultural studies, psychology, management and organizational theory. It was structured according to the following themes: exclusion, inclusion and social policy, social inclusion in public services and the cultural sector, the role of public libraries in social inclusion and professional empathy and the public library service.Findings–The concept of social inclusion remains at the core of public library policy and strategy, and is embedded in contemporary social theory. Conflicting views have emerged as to the perceived and actual role of the public library in combating social exclusion, with a need expressed for research to be conducted that bridges the gap between the “philosophical” interpretations of community librarianship and the more practical, “real world” studies, in order to fully understand the concept of community librarianship. A critical link is made between social inclusion and public librarianship to professional empathy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an edited version of the overall literature review, yet it is felt that it would be of theoretical and practical relevance and value to the professional and academic communities.

Originality/value

Empathy is a relatively new concept in librarianship research, and prior to the study of which this review forms a part only limited findings have been available.
Students' attitudes towards e‐books in a Scottish higher education institute: part 1
Authors: Abdullah Noorhidawati , Gibb Forbes
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the first part of three inter‐related studies investigating the use and usability of e‐books in higher education based on experiments conducted at the University of Strathclyde.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐selected sampling method was employed from undergraduate and postgraduate instructional students registered with the University of Strathclyde for academic year 2005/2006. An announcement email was posted to the student web portal for a period of three weeks inviting them to participate in the survey.

Findings

This survey found that e‐book awareness and the level of e‐book usage amongst students was lower than anticipated: 57 per cent of students were not aware of the availability of e‐books from the library and 60 per cent of them had not used an e‐book. Non‐users commented that e‐books were not widely advertised or promoted. Despite the low levels of e‐book awareness and usage non‐e‐book users indicated their desire to learn more about e‐books.

Research limitations/implications

This survey was dependent on self‐selection and, therefore, there was no central control over the sample profile (e.g. gender, level of studies, academic discipline); hence, generalisation of the results should be treated with caution.

Practical implications

This survey is beneficial in terms of obtaining a better understanding of e‐book usage among students and the reasons why students do, and do not, use e‐books. The findings should be of value to academic libraries in terms of emphasising the need to increase e‐book awareness and usage amongst students.

Originality/value

The findings should be of value to academic libraries in terms of emphasising the need to increase e‐book awareness and usage amongst students.
Role of library anxiety on cooperative group performance
Authors: Jiao Qun G. , Collins Kathleen M.T. , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent that cooperative group members' levels of library anxiety, operationalized as barriers with staff, affective barriers, comfort with the library, knowledge of the library and mechanical barriers, predict: group performance, namely, the quality of an article critique assignment and research proposal assignment; and the degree that heterogeneity (namely, variability of the five library anxiety dimensions) is related to this outcome variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 107 postgraduate students enrolled in a research methodology course at a mid‐southern university in the USA. Groups (n = 1) formed the unit of analysis. An all possible subsets multiple regression analysis was used to identify an optimal combination of library anxiety variables that predicted the group performance score.

Findings

It was found that cooperative learning groups attaining the lowest scores on the article critique and research proposal assignments combined tended to report the least variation with respect to barriers with staff and knowledge of the library, and the greatest variation with respect to affective barriers. These variables explained 41.8 per cent of the variance in performance, suggesting that library anxiety plays a role in the cooperative learning group process.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on a relatively small sample of postgraduate students from one university. Replications of this study with larger samples from different universities are needed to help validate the findings.

Practical implications

The findings may help academic librarians and educators who work with postgraduate or adult students better understand the debilitating effects of library anxiety on these students' academic performance.

Originality/value

To date, no research has investigated levels of library anxiety on the performance of cooperative learning groups.
You will be …: a study of job advertisements to determine employers' requirements for LIS professionals in the UK in 2007
Authors: Orme Verity
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate what employers seek when recruiting library and information professionals in the UK and whether professional skills, generic skills or personal qualities are most in demand.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of a sample of 180 advertisements requiring a professional library or information qualification from Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professional's Library + Information Gazette over the period May 2006‐2007.

Findings

The findings reveal that a multitude of skills and qualities are required in the profession. When the results were compared with Information National Training Organisation and Library and Information Management Employability Skills research, customer service, interpersonal and communication skills, and general computing skills emerged as the requirements most frequently sought by employers. Overall, requirements from the generic skills area were most important to employers, but the research also demonstrates that professional skills are still valued. An unanticipated demand for profession related experience was found: this was the single most frequently sought requirement in the advertisements analysed.

Research limitations/implications

Although the Gazette is the largest source of library and information jobs, it does not provide a complete picture of the employment market.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to debates about the skillsbase of the profession, and raises awareness of the abilities professionals need to cultivate in order to progress through their careers.
Role for food‐specific IgG‐based elimination diets
Authors: Hicks Kate , Hart Gillian
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Evidence has suggested that elimination diets based on food‐specific IgG measurement can lead to improvements in chronic ill health symptoms. This paper aims to review the evidence from studies on food‐specific IgG measurement and dietary change.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of studies on the putative role for food‐specific IgG‐based elimination diets was undertaken.

Findings

The use of fully standardised clinically evaluated food‐specific IgG tests as a basis for elimination diet could lead to a considerable improvement in many patients' quality of life.

Originality/value

This unique review captures evidence for a viable alternative to the time consuming and expensive elimination diet/food challenge approach.
Raising food allergy awareness of caterers in Wales
Authors: Worsfold Denise
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the progress of the Allergen Strategy for Wales intended to raise food allergen awareness of caterers in the principality.

Design/methodology/approach

The Allergen Action Plan survey programme was examined to determine the progress made to date. Data were collected by means of a literature search and questionnaire surveys of officers and trainers.

Findings

The surveys suggest that food enforcement officers are well informed about some allergen management issues but other aspects such as cross contamination and staff training are less likely to be included on routine inspections. Hygiene trainers appear to be adequately informed to cover key messages on elementary hygiene courses for caterers. Allergen training for officers and materials for use by businesses have been produced which will help advance the Allergen Strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The surveys that are reported involved limited numbers of respondents.

Practical implications

Although food enforcement officers are identified in the Allergen Strategy as those charged with raising the profile of allergens and allergy awareness, there is limited time for them to cover food allergen management issues during routine inspections. Hygiene trainers and the use of training materials from the Food Standards Agency are valuable resources that can help to advance the Allergen Strategy.

Originality/value

Although the Allergen Strategy is in the public domain there is limited published work on its progress to date and the preparedness of those charged with raising allergen management issues with a broad range of caterers.
Effects of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates on the gut microflora of mice
Authors: Elamir Abdulmnem A. , Tester Richard F. , Al‐Ghazzewi Farage H. , Kaal Hakim Y. , Ghalbon Amna A. , Elmegrahai Najat A. , Piggott John R.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of depolymerised mannans and specifically konjac glucomannan hydrolysates (GMH) on the colonic microflora of mice. Blood glucose and cholesterol were also measured.

Design/methodology/approach

Two groups (n = 20) of 12‐week old Wister mice were used for a period of 14 weeks. One group (treatment group) were fed diets containing 5 per cent konjac GMH dissolved in drinking water in addition to the control (group) standard diet. Faecal microflora, feed consumption, body weight, blood glucose and cholesterol were determined.

Findings

The GMH promoted the growth of anaerobes and lactobacilli in the treatment group where this was statistically, highly significant (P < 0.001). Also, the hydrolysate was able to reduce highly significantly (P < 0.001) faecal Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli counts. A significant increase in average daily feed consumption (P < 0.05) and weekly body weight (P < 0.001) was found for the treatment group. The mean ± SD (mmol/l) of blood glucose and cholesterol was lower in the treatment group.

Originality/value

In addition to modulating the gut microflora, GMH seems to lower the blood glucose and cholesterol in mice. Although this needs to be verified by further studies, GMH could also be a candidate for possible treatment of subjects with high cholesterol and for diabetics.
Special humanized milk as a supplementary food for infants
Authors: Sarkar S.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

In absence of breast milk, humanized mammalian milk may not be adequate as it could not confer considerable protection to the infants as those extended by breast milk. With the objective of enhancing the nutritional and therapeutic attributes of humanized mammalian milk considerable efforts have been exercised to mimic infant formulae to the health‐promoting benefits of breast milk with the inclusion of probiotics, oligosaccharides and proteins. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present article an endeavour has been made to enlighten innovations in supplementary foods for infants in absence of human milk. Suitability of special humanized milk such as hypoallergenic formulae, neural formulae and gastrointestinal integrity formulae as a supplementary food for infants in absence of human milk is also justified.

Findings

Characterization of components of human milk and identification of nutritional needs of infants have resulted in formulation of special humanized milk such as hypoallergenic formulae for allergenic infants, neural formulae for normal physiological functions of infants and gastrointestinal integrity formulae for maintaining microbial balance in the intestine. Supplementation of infant formulae with sialic acid, long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids such as decosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, probiotic cultures such as Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus GG and Lactobacillus casei and prebiotic such as galacto‐OS and fructo‐OS are recommended.

Originality/value

The paper emphasises that, with the characterization of components of human milk and identification of nutritional needs of infants, modification of infant formulae should be constantly carried.
Balancing food allergy in schools and achieving the school food standards
Authors: Higgs Jennette
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The 2006 UK Government's school food standards has created an opportunity for schools to consider introducing highly nutritious, convenience snack alternatives, such as dried fruit, nuts and seeds. This has created anxiety among those who fear a consequent increase in incidence of allergic reactions in schools. The purpose of this paper is to present a controlled approach to secondary school vending, designed to minimise the risks of allergic reaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A consultation process with key organisations, together with an analysis of the vending process in schools has underpinned this work. The Health Education Trust, with experience of developing food and medicines policies in schools, has explored a practical solution to the common assumption that a nut ban in schools is the only way to offer protection to those students at risk.

Findings

A best practice guidance tool for “allergy‐aware” vending has been developed. It provides a framework for a common sense approach to tackling two potentially conflicting issues, identifying vending as a practical solution.

Practical implications

The toolkit is a free download, ready for pilot testing in secondary schools. This mutually beneficial approach to minimising risk is presented as a working draft. Revisions will be made following feedback from schools. This toolkit is not suitable for use in primary schools.

Originality/value

Achieving healthy eating goals for the teenage school population and safeguarding those pupils who have serious food allergies are important issues that merit mutual consideration. This paper explores the issues and proposes, for the first time a best practice guidance to both minimise risks and maximise health benefit.
A survey on reported symptoms of food hypersensitivity in Mauritius
Authors: Pugo‐Gunsam P. , Cahoolessur N. , Subratty A.H.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

It is known that individuals who are prone to food hypersensitivity also show allergy‐associated problems or hypersensitivities to allergens. At present there is scarcity of data pertaining to food allergy in Mauritius. Thus, this article aims to focus on the investigation of the prevalence of food allergy in Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey on self‐reported symptoms of allergy addressing allergy‐associated parameters including offending food items, adverse reactions to food, additional hypersensitivity, allergic diseases along with age, gender and geographical location were assessed in relation to a random sample population around different regions of the island.

Findings

The present study shows that reported symptoms of allergy to food among the participants are high. Symptoms included runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, eczema, hives and skin rashes. It was also noted that participants reported being more allergic to seafood than any other food items like fruits, peanut, soybean and chocolate. Those who had severe symptoms were few in numbers and others showed symptoms only rarely or occasionally.

Originality/value

The paper shows that there is need for a health education campaign to inform children and parents about the potential risks of exposure to dietary products, especially as most of the participants do not visit a doctor when they believe they are allergic to food.
Evaluation of starters for the fermentation of African oil bean (Pentaclethra Macrophylla Benth) seeds
Authors: Enujiugha V.N. , Akanbi C.T. , Adeniran H.A.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine pure culture isolates from traditionally fermented product of African oil bean seeds (ugba) with a view to identifying the appropriate starters.

Design/methodology/approach

The isolates were purified and characterized, and used singly and in combination to ferment freshly prepared oil bean seed slices for 72 h at 37 ○C. The pH and microbial load of fermenting beans were monitored daily, and organoleptic tests using semi‐trained panelists were employed to assess the fermented products based on quality attributes of flavour, appearance, texture and overall acceptability.

Findings

The isolates included Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Total viable counts ranged from 1.3 × 107‐9.3 × 109 cfu/g, 7.0 × 106‐4.0 × 109 cfu/g, and 3.0 × 106‐1.5 × 109 cfu/g, respectively for the three isolates; while counts for the mixed culture fermentation ranged from 7.0 × 106‐1.72 × 1010 cfu/g. The mixed culture fermentation gave the best rated product, indicating a synergy among the isolates. The pH values increased steadily in the samples fermented by Bacillus sp. and the mixed culture organisms, showing that the production of ugba follows alkaline fermentation pattern.

Research limitations/implications

The African oil bean seed fermentation is a bacterial mixed culture and alkaline fermentation. The major organisms involved are B. subtilis and B. licheniformis, while the P. fluorescens was insignificant.

Originality/value

Most of the local fermentations in Africa, including oil bean fermentation, are still at the wild, natural inoculation level. The present study has helped in understanding of the fermentative organisms involved in Pentaclethra seed fermentation, and gave insight into an optimized ugba production.
Storage stability of improved dambu produced from different cereal grains
Authors: Agu H.O. , Jideani I.A. , Yusuf I.Z.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the storage stability of improved dambu, a steamed granulated dumpling product generally made from millet, was produced from maize (Zea mays), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and acha (Digitaria exilis). It is a popular mid‐day meal of the Fulanis of Nigeria normally sprinkled into fermented skimmed milk or whole milk and sugar may be added to taste.

Design/methodology/approach

Improved dambu was prepared in the laboratory using decorticated clean cereal grains which were pulverished into coarse particles, mixed with spices, preservative (sorbic acid) and water and steamed for 20 min. The improved dambu products were packaged in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), LDPE with plastic and LDPE with paperboard and stored at room temperature (25 ○C) for six days. Analysis was carried out on the products following documented and established procedures.

Findings

Data obtained indicated that during storage, pH decrease was observed while titratable acidity increased for improved dambu products. The microbial load (cfu/g) increased with storage time for all the products packaged in LDPE, LDPE with plastic and LDPE with paperboard. Dambu has a limited storage life of one day at room temperature (25 ○C) and four days with 0.2 per cent (w/w) sorbic acid as preservative. Micro‐organisms of significance in the products are Aspergillus sp, Penicillum sp, Candida sp, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes. The nature of the microflora suggested that dambu is a good substrate for fungal growth. In the comparative study of dambu products with and without sorbic acid, there was no significant difference in the mean scores for all the assessed parameters.

Research limitations/implications

The consumption of dambu from different cereal grains is encouraged especially where a particular cereal is off season. The shelf‐life of dambu was extended to four days by using 0.2 per cent (w/w) sorbic acid as preservative and packaged in LDPE with plastic and LDPE with paperboard. Further research should be carried out to extend the shelf‐life more.

Practical implications

The findings have suggested that dambu is necessary to cereal industry and baby foods (weaning foods).

Originality/value

The results of this research contributes to the knowledge of cereal meals, especially those that are indigenous to Nigeria and West Africa.
Quality evaluation of ginger‐flavoured soy‐cassava biscuit
Authors: Akinwande B.A. , Ade‐Omowaye B.I.O. , Olaniyan S.A. , Akintaro O.O.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This study aimed at the potential use of ginger‐flavoured soy‐cassava flour to produce high‐protein biscuits.

Design/methodology/approach

Preparation of biscuit was done using soy‐cassava flour blends (0:100, 20:80, 30:70 and 40:60 w/w). Biscuit was also prepared from 100 per cent wheat flour to serve as control.

Findings

Chemical analysis indicated that the substitution of soy flour into cassava flour augmented the nutrient content of the biscuit, which indicates a good potential for meeting the nutrient requirements of school children. The use of ginger powder as flavouring agent effectively masked the beany flavour that is normally associated with soybean products. A sensory evaluation also confirmed good aroma and positive acceptability.

Originality/value

The findings in this study confirms the endless possibilities of protein enrichment of cassava flour for the production of biscuits as a potentially effective strategy for enhancing protein‐energy balance in children, particularly in developing countries. The value of this study lies in its potential as a product development strategy in combating protein‐energy malnutrition, thereby promoting good health, labour productivity and mental development.
Effect of emulsifiers on wheat‐potato composite flour for the production of leavened flat bread (naan)
Authors: Anjum Faqir M. , Pasha Imran , Ahmad Sarfraz , Issa Khan M. , Iqbal Zafar
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The present study was designed to enhance the nutritional and calorific value of food without affecting quality of final product with the use of emulsifiers. Lysine contents in potatoes are similar to animal protein and its flour can be utilized to overcome protein and calorie malnutrition.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite flours were prepared by substituting wheat flour with potato flour at 20 per cent, with guar gum 3 per cent and GMS at 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0. The blends were subject to proximate analysis and calorific value determination. Naan prepared from composite flours were evaluated by panel of judges to access suitable level of supplementation.

Findings

Statistical analysis revealed significant decrease in moisture, protein, crude fiber while increase in the fat content of composite flour. Replacement of wheat flour by potato flour has non significant effect on the ash and carbohydrates contents nitrogen free extract (NFE). Moisture, protein and fat contents decreased significantly with the passage of time during storage while crude fiber, ash content and NFE were found to be non‐significantly affected by duration of storage. Potato flour at 20 per cent level of substitution along with 3 per cent guar gum and 0.6 per cent GMS was found to be acceptable by panel of judges having maximum acceptability of naan.

Practical implications

Potato flour supplementation can be done through roller flour mills or small scale grinders (chakki) to enhance the value of flour to be used by masses in order to overcome the protein malnutrition as quantity of potato flour protein is comparable to animal protein.

Originality/value

Presently potatoes are consumed as vegetable and during peak season processed into flour, starch and dried products. Potato flour is rarely used for the production of baked products in Pakistan. Potatoes are rich in starch, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2, ash content, fiber content and essential amino acids as compared to cereals. Thus potato flour can utilized to improve the energy status of masses. Research conducted was unique in its nature as effect of both storage periods was evaluated and the suitable levels of replacement of potato flour were investigated.
Spirulina maximaandDiacronema vlkianummicroalgae in vegetable gelled desserts
Authors: Gouveia Luísa , Batista Ana Paula , Raymundo Anabela , Bandarra Narcisa
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop microalgae vegetable‐based gelled desserts (similar to “dairy desserts”) prepared with pea protein isolate,Spirulina maximaandDiacronema vlkianumbiomass, rich in essential fatty acids (omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid's (PUFA)). The effect of microalgae concentration and gelling temperature on the colour, texture and fatty acid profile of the gels was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Pea protein isolate (4 per cent), κ‐carrageenan (0.15 per cent) and starch (2.5 per cent) were used to produce a gelled dessert that was further enriched with microalgal biomass (0.1‐1.0 per cent). The gels were prepared using different temperatures, ranging from 75 to 90 ○C. Colour, total pigments (carotenoids), texture and fatty acid profile of the gels were evaluated.

Findings

The addition ofDiacronemaandSpirulinamicroalgal biomass to vegetable gelled deserts, results in a novel alternative food product, with PUFA's (e.g. EPA, DHA and GLA), with favourable texture characteristics, particularly forDiacronema, due to the structural reinforcement, representing a new food market niche.

Practical implications

Nowadays there is an increasing consumer demand for more natural food products, presenting health benefits. Microalgae are able to enhance the nutritional content of conventional food and hence to positively affect humans health due to their original chemical composition, namely as a source of long chain omega‐3 PUFA.

Originality/value

As far as the authors are aware the use of these microalgae in gelled desserts, in association with vegetable proteins, is an innovative food application.
Relational and economic antecedents of organisational commitment
Authors: San Martín Sonia
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the most important dimensions and antecedents of the employee's commitment to the firm using a multidisciplinary perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a national sample of 285 employees working in different firms, the research reported here portrays the paths which link the economic and relational antecedents of commitment with the dimensions of organizational commitment. A structural equations analysis is performed.

Findings

It was found that the most effective way to get normative commitment and thus make the employee continue working in the same firm is to engender affective commitment. And affective commitment is determined mainly by interaction between the firm and its employees (participation, flexibility and information exchange). Employee gender, level of studies, offspring and firm size and belonging to a group show a moderating effect on the global model.

Research limitations/implications

Information has only been collected from the employee and only in Spain. Hence, it would be interesting to collect information from the firm, supervisors and managers and to replicate the study in other cultural and labour contexts.

Practical implications

This research shows the most important ways for an organisation to get their employees' commitment. In this sense, relational norms are essential to retain employees in the firm.

Originality/value

A multidisciplinary perspective is adopted to improve the understanding of employee‐firm relationships. It is one of the few studies that include relational norms and opportunism to explain organisational commitment. Besides, the paper offers an exploratory study of the moderating effects of firm and employee characteristics on the global model.
Commitment, control, and the use of competency management
Authors: Heinsman Hanneke , de Hoogh Annebel H.B. , Koopman Paul L. , van Muijen Jaap J.
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the commitment‐ and control‐approaches on the use of competency management, and to investigate whether attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control mediate these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, using a survey, employees indicated whether their organization adopted a commitment‐ or a control‐approach towards competency management. Moreover, they rated their own attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and behaviour. In Study 2 a scenario experiment was conducted in which the authors manipulated the commitment‐ and control‐approaches towards competency management in order to establish causal relations.

Findings

Results consistently showed that the use of competency management is higher within a commitment‐ than within a control‐approach. Furthermore, attitude and perceived behavioural control were found to mediate the relationship between the commitment‐approach and the use of competency management.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should include other organizational members, for example (line) managers, to create future insight in the effects of commitment‐ and control‐approaches on the use of competency management.

Practical implications

The results of the studies highlight that a commitment‐oriented approach increases the use of competency management by employees and that a positive employee attitude and perceived behavioural control are of considerable importance when increasing the use of competency management is an organization's primary goal.

Originality/value

The paper gives insight in how to persuade and stimulate employees to use competency management more frequently.
Developing a framework for assessing effective development activities
Authors: McDowall Almuth , Mabey Christopher
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare four different employee activities, namely developmental appraisal, coaching, 360 degree feedback and development centres, offering a comparative framework and an integration of existing research evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a unifying classification which combines existing dimensions derived from the literature, such as the degree of formality, with further differences or communalities such as the degree of simulation, ownership of data and frequency of occurrence. This leads to a review of the pertinent literature and research evidence for each of the four activities discussed, with particular reference to long‐term outcomes, their social context as well as individual motivation.

Findings

The literature review did not produce equivocal evidence for the effectiveness of any of the four activities. Ratings in appraisals are flawed, whereas their developmental aspect appears dependent on the communication between managers and their charges. Also, there is little evidence on what happens as a result of appraisal interviews in the context of the manager‐employee relationship, and how organizations could best optimize this activity to aid long‐term individual and organizational development.

Practical implications

It is proposed that this classification framework could guide both the implementation and evaluation of diverse activities beyond those reviewed here. This framework may prove effective in making explicit and thus addressing the potentially conflicting expectations for prevalent activities from different parties involved. It is proposed that certain aspects of employee development, such as the employer‐manager relationship may be more suited to investigation through qualitative paradigms, but that ultimately more evidence is needed for long‐term outcomes at different levels (e.g. the individual and the organization).

Originality/value

The paper may help understanding of when, and under what conditions, which particular types of development activities are best suited to meet both individual and organizational requirements.
Workplace flexibility and innovation
Authors: Martínez‐Sánchez Angel , José Vela‐Jiménez María , Pérez‐Pérez Manuela , de‐Luis‐Carnicer Pilar
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the moderator effect of inter‐organizational cooperation in the relationship between workplace flexibility and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Postal survey to a sample of manufacturing and service firms. Hierarchical regression.

Findings

It was found that innovation performance is positively associated to internal functional flexibility, and negatively to external numerical flexibility and outsourcing. Inter‐organizational cooperation moderates the relationships between functional flexibility, external numerical flexibility and outsourcing with innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study's single country setting could limit the generalizability of the findings. Longitudinal as opposed to cross‐sectional data are needed for studying the causal assumptions reported here.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that high‐cooperation firms may compensate the negative impact of external flexibility and perform better than low‐cooperation firms. External knowledge and cooperation can be complementary. Managers should take into account that the benefits from external workplace (e.g. access to new knowledge) may be enhanced in the context of inter‐organizational cooperation.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that tests whether inter‐organizational cooperation moderates the relationship between external numerical flexibility and innovation performance. The paper also investigates and applies internal and external flexibility in a single study which allows to compare how each of them impacts innovation performance.
Who speaks up at work? Dispositional influences on employees' voice behavior
Authors: Nikolaou Ioannis , Vakola Maria , Bourantas Dimitris
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the five‐factor model of personality (FFM) and employees' voice behavior in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees' personality characteristics were assessed along with their voice behavior towards their supervisor and the top management of their company. Data were collected from a cross‐sectional sample of 334 professionals.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the relationship between personality and voice behavior towards the immediate supervisor, but not towards the top management of the company, and show that conscientiousness and emotional stability are the strongest predictors of employees' voice behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study should be interpreted with caution, since they are based on self‐report measures. However, the findings suggest that two personality dimensions (emotional stability and conscientiousness) are significantly related with employees' voice behavior towards their supervisor.

Practical implications

The findings suggest important practical implications for HR practices, such as employee communication and personnel selection, since at least two personality dimensions are related with employees' voice behavior. The study also emphasizes the significance of first line supervisors' communication style in enhancing employees' voice behavior.

Originality/value

This is the first study exploring the relationship between the FFM and employees' voice behavior carried out in a EU‐country, such as Greece.
Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction: the role of organizational learning capability
Authors: Chiva Ricardo , Alegre Joaquín
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and job satisfaction, by taking into consideration organizational learning capability (OLC).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from eight Spanish ceramic tile manufacturers. The survey was addressed to shop floor workers, and 157 valid questionnaires were obtained, representing a response rate of 61 per cent. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test this theoretical model.

Findings

This paper proposes that OLC plays a significant role in determining the effects of EI on job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to certain features of the sample and the use of measurement scales, the final results should be considered with caution. Further research in other contexts using qualitative methods is needed to validate these findings. The most important implication is that job satisfaction is affected by the correlation between individual EI and certain working conditions.

Practical implications

When seeking to improve employee job satisfaction, practitioners should take into account the link between EI and OLC. Under certain conditions (OLC), emotionally intelligent people are more likely to be satisfied.

Originality/value

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the relationship between EI, OLC and job satisfaction.
Policy variations of multinational enterprises' labor practices in China
Authors: Chinen Kenichiro , Wang Ruth L. , Wang Chiang
Published: September 2008

Purpose

Supporters of globalization highlight a major increase in the standard of living for many workers in China while critics argue that the amazing economic growth has led to an increase in pollution and harsh labor conditions in the country. The purpose of this research is to investigate policy variations of multinational enterprises (MNEs) labor practices in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research is based on a questionnaire survey that collected data from MNEs in China.

Findings

This study finds that both Hong Kong/Taiwanese and US/European MNEs comply with minimum wages, benefits, health insurance, and legal requirements in China, but do not go beyond meeting or exceeding Chinese standards. This study also finds that US/European MNEs tend to make better decisions in dealing with safety in the workplace and environmental pollution.

Practical implications

It appears that as firms expand globally and have more overseas experience, they approach issues of ethics with caution and try to avoid business practices that would hurt their images.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into policy variations of MNEs' labor practices in China.
Technology as a driver for changing customer‐provider interfaces
Authors: Kowalkowski Christian , Brehmer Per‐Olof
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how information and communication technology (ICT) is affecting and driving changes in the service processes and customer interfaces of capital goods manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is focused on intra‐ and inter‐organizational relationships, i.e. between front office and back office and between provider and customer. Two market‐leading, international manufacturing firms were selected for in‐depth case studies.

Findings

By means of ICT systems and applications, it is becoming increasingly possible to replace tasks through an integration of processes between organizational units, either between front office and back office or between front office and customer. Closer technical integration between provider and customer can be a basis for more advanced and extensive offerings. In bundled offerings, not only one but a number of service production process interfaces become important.

Research limitations/implications

As the local service organizations in three Western European countries have been studied, the general applicability of the findings may be limited.

Practical implications

The results of this study stress the importance of developing capabilities to manage several process interfaces simultaneously. Furthermore, an important message is that firms must balance the interplay between process automation and personal interactions when delivering industrial services.

Originality/value

ICT systems are becoming more critical for the provision of industrial services. This paper provides an insight into how technology enables new service processes.
Challenges in enhancing enterprise resource planning systems for compliance with Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and analogous Canadian legislation
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Pollanen Raili , Maheshwari Bharat
Published: September 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine major challenges faced by companies in enhancing their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for compliance with regulatory internal control requirements, specifically those imposed by the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 and analogous Canadian legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through case studies of four medium‐sized and large companies that use ERP systems and that have operations in the USA and Canada, thus being subject to SOX and/or similar Canadian regulations.

Findings

The companies faced some technical, process and cultural challenges in implementing regulatory control compliance. In all companies, existing ERP systems were not able to meet all control requirements without some modifications or add‐on applications. Control implementations have been long, complicated and costly processes, which are not fully completed. Detailed analyses and documentation of existing systems, controls and processes were required in all companies. The protection of systems security and the segregation of duties were perceived to be major technical obstacles. Cultural factors resulted in additional challenges, notably resistance to change.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study enhance the understanding of ERP systems design features, processes and challenges in implementing regulatory controls. As such, they provide a foundation for further empirical studies and for building models of ERP systems effectiveness in implementing effective controls.

Practical implications

The study provides managers insight into challenges in enhancing ERP systems for regulatory control compliance. Lessons learned can contribute to the development and sharing of best practices and to overall organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

Using an interdisciplinary approach, the study provides new evidence on the extent to which ERP systems meet regulatory internal control requirements.
Personality and negotiation revisited: toward a cognitive model of dyadic negotiation
Authors: Ma Zhenzhong
Published: September 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the studies of personality and negotiation and argues that the relationship between personality and negotiation is worth re‐examination and more research attention should be devoted to this area.

Design/methodology/approach

A cognitive model of personality and negotiation is constructed by integrating cognitive and social factors into the exploration of negotiation processes. The mediating roles of negotiator cognitions are discussed within this framework and relationships between personality and three negotiator cognitions: win–lose orientation, face‐saving and trusting are proposed.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an integrative model for studying the relationship between personality, negotiator cognition, negotiation behaviors and outcomes, and thus has impotent implications for future studies on negotiation.

Practical implications

The knowledge of the relationship between personality and negotiation will help organizations use personality assessment for better decisions about selection, promotion and training for improvement in negotiation skills.

Originality/value

This study attempts a complete exploration on the framework that integrates personality factors and negotiation behavior and outcomes, and provides potential directions for future studies on personality and negotiation.