bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successive accumulation of two size classes of viroid-specific small RNA in potato spindle tuber viroid-infected tomato plants
Authors: Machida Satoru , Yamahata Naoki , Watanuki Hiromi , Owens Robert A. , Sano Teruo
Published: November 2007

Like many plant RNA viruses, infection by potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is known to lead to RNA silencing and a marked reduction in visible disease. To examine the relationship between RNA silencing and this recovery phenomenon in greater detail, we have carried out time-course analyses of viroid-specific small RNA accumulation using several viroid–host combinations. These analyses revealed the presence of two size classes of viroid-specific small RNAs in infected plants, and sequence analysis subsequently demonstrated the presence of a previously undescribed cluster of small RNAs derived primarily from negative-strand PSTVd RNA. Although the clustering patterns were similar, the size distribution of PSTVd small RNAs isolated from symptomatic leaf tissue became more heterogeneous with time. The process by which viroid-specific small RNAs are generated appears to be more complicated than previously believed, possibly involving multiple DICER-LIKE activities, viroid RNA substrates and subcellular compartments.
Genetic and epidemiological characterization of Middle Point orbivirus, a novel virus isolated from sentinel cattle in northern Australia
Authors: Cowled Chris , Melville Lorna , Weir Richard , Walsh Susan , Hyatt Alex , Van Driel Rosey , Davis Steven , Gubala Aneta , Boyle David
Published: November 2007

Middle Point orbivirus (MPOV) was isolated in 1998 from a healthy cow pastured at Beatrice Hill farm, Middle Point (formerly Coastal Plains Research Station), 50 km east of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory. The isolate could not be identified by using conventional serological tests, and electron microscopy indicated that it belongs to the family Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus. Genetic sequencing of segments 2 and 3 revealed that this virus is related to Yunnan orbivirus, an orbivirus known only from China and not previously associated with a vertebrate host. A real-time RT-PCR test was developed to study the epidemiology of this virus in the field. Over 150 previously unidentified viruses isolated from cattle between 1994 and 2006 were positively identified as isolates of MPOV. Serology was used to demonstrate the development of antibody responses to MPOV in cattle from multiple locations across the Northern Territory.
Enhanced lung disease and Th2 response following human metapneumovirus infection in mice immunized with the inactivated virus
Authors: Hamelin Marie-Ève , Couture Christian , Sackett Melanie K. , Boivin Guy
Published: November 2007

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus that causes acute respiratory-tract infections in humans. The histopathological and immunological responses to hMPV infection in BALB/c mice immunized with inactivated hMPV were characterized. Animals were immunized intraperitoneally with PBS, supernatant from non-infected LLC-MK2 cells and from heat-inactivated influenza A- or hMPV-infected cells, all in incomplete Freund's adjuvant, or with heat-inactivated hMPV without adjuvant, and then infected intranasally with 108TCID50virus. Following infection, lung samples and bronchoalveolar lavages were collected for determination of viral titre and cytokine levels and for histopathological studies. On day 1, 26 % of mice immunized with inactivated hMPV and adjuvant died, compared with none in the other groups. There was more significant lung inflammation associated with eosinophilic infiltration, as well as increased levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5, in the bronchoalveolar lavages of mice immunized with hMPV alone or with the adjuvant. Mice from the last two groups had a 4–5 log10decrease in their pulmonary viral titres compared with controls. Our data demonstrate the risks associated with immunization using inactivated hMPV in this animal model and that this aberrant response should be considered in the development of hMPV vaccines.
Isolation and characterization of Israeli acute paralysis virus, a dicistrovirus affecting honeybees in Israel: evidence for diversity due to intra- and inter-species recombination
Authors: Maori Eyal , Lavi Shai , Mozes-Koch Rita , Gantman Yulia , Peretz Yuval , Edelbaum Orit , Tanne Edna , Sela Ilan
Published: November 2007

We report the isolation, purification, genome-sequencing and characterization of a picorna-like virus from dead bees in Israel. Sequence analysis indicated that IAPV (Israeli acute paralysis virus) is a distinct dicistrovirus. It is most homologous to Kashmir bee virus and acute bee paralysis virus. The virus carries a 9487 nt RNA genome in positive orientation, with two open reading frames separated by an intergenic region, and its coat comprises four major proteins, the sizes of which suggest alternate processing of the polyprotein. IAPV virions also carry shorter, defective-interfering (DI)-like RNAs. Some of these RNAs are recombinants of different segments of IAPV RNA, some are recombinants of IAPV RNA and RNA from another dicistrovirus, and yet others are recombinants of IAPV and non-viral RNAs. In several of the DI-like RNAs, a sense-oriented fragment has recombined with its complement, forming hairpins and stem–loop structures. In previous reports, we have shown that potyviral and IAPV sequences are integrated into the genome of their respective hosts. The dynamics of information exchange between virus and host and the possible resistance-engendering mechanisms are discussed.
Functional Analysis of the Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor Family in Poplar Reveals Biochemical Diversity and Multiplicity in Defense against Herbivores
Authors: Major Ian T. , Constabel C. Peter
Published: November 2007

We investigated the functional and biochemical variability of Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) genes of Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides. Phylogenetic analysis, expressed sequence tag databases, and western-blot analysis confirmed that these genes belong to a large and diverse gene family with complex expression patterns. Five wound- and herbivore-induced genes representing the diversity of the KTI gene family were selected for functional analysis and shown to produce active KTI proteins in Escherichia coli. These recombinant KTI proteins were all biochemically distinct and showed clear differences in efficacy against trypsin-, chymotrypsin-, and elastase-type proteases, suggesting functional specialization of different members of this gene family. The in vitro stability of the KTIs in the presence of reducing agents and elevated temperature also varied widely, emphasizing the biochemical differences of these proteins. Significantly, the properties of the recombinant KTI proteins were not predictable from primary amino acid sequence data. Proteases in midgut extracts of Malacosoma disstria, a lepidopteran pest of Populus, were strongly inhibited by at least two of the KTI gene products. This study suggests that the large diversity in the poplar (Populus spp.) KTI family is important for biochemical and functional specialization, which may be important in the maintenance of pest resistance in long-lived plants such as poplar.
Transcript Profiling by 3′-Untranslated Region Sequencing Resolves Expression of Gene Families
Authors: Eveland Andrea L. , McCarty Donald R. , Koch Karen E.
Published: November 2007

Differences in gene expression underlie central questions in plant biology extending from gene function to evolutionary mechanisms and quantitative traits. However, resolving expression of closely related genes (e.g. alleles and gene family members) is challenging on a genome-wide scale due to extensive sequence similarity and frequently incomplete genome sequence data. We present a new expression-profiling strategy that utilizes long-read, high-throughput sequencing to capture the information-rich 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Resulting sequences resolve gene-specific transcripts independent of a sequenced genome. Analysis of approximately 229,000 3′-anchored sequences from maize (Zea mays) ovaries identified 14,822 unique transcripts represented by at least two sequence reads. Total RNA from ovaries of drought-stressed wild-type and viviparous-1 mutant plants was used to construct a multiplex cDNA library. Each sample was labeled by incorporating one of 16 unique three-base key codes into the 3′-cDNA fragments, and combined samples were sequenced using a GS 20 454 instrument. Transcript abundance was quantified by frequency of sequences identifying each unique mRNA. At least 202 unique transcripts showed highly significant differences in abundance between wild-type and mutant samples. For a subset of mRNAs, quantitative differences were validated by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The 3′-UTR profile resolved 12 unique cellulose synthase (CesA) transcripts in maize ovaries and identified previously uncharacterized members of a histone H1 gene family. In addition, this method resolved nearly identical paralogs, as illustrated by two auxin-repressed, dormancy-associated (Arda) transcripts, which showed reciprocal mRNA abundance in wild-type and mutant samples. Our results demonstrate the potential of 3′-UTR profiling for resolving gene- and allele-specific transcripts.
Combined Metabolomic and Genetic Approaches Reveal a Link between the Polyamine Pathway and Albumin 2 in Developing Pea Seeds
Authors: Vigeolas Helene , Chinoy Catherine , Zuther Ellen , Blessington Bernard , Geigenberger Peter , Domoney Claire
Published: November 2007

Several legume seed proteins that are potentially allergenic, poorly digested by farm animals, and/or have undesirable functional properties, have been described. One of these is the albumin protein in pea (Pisum sativum) called PA2. A naturally occurring mutant line that lacks PA2 has been exploited in studies to determine the biological function of this nonstorage protein in seed development. The mutant, which has a small seed, a tall plant phenotype, and lacks most of the PA2-encoding genes, has been crossed with a standard cultivar, ‘Birte,’ which contains PA2 to give rise to a recombinant inbred (RI) population. An F3 line carrying the mutation and having a short plant phenotype has been used to generate backcross (BC) lines with ‘Birte.’ Despite having a lower albumin content, seeds from the mutant parent and RI lines lacking PA2 have an equivalent or higher seed nitrogen content. Metabolite profiling of seeds revealed major differences in amino acid composition and polyamine content in the two parent lines. This was investigated further in BC lines, where the effects of differences in seed size and plant height between the two parents were eliminated. Here, differences in polyamine synthesis were maintained as was a difference in total seed protein between the BC line lacking PA2 and ‘Birte.’ Analysis of enzyme activities in the pathways of polyamine synthesis revealed that the differences in spermidine content were attributable to changes in the overall activities of spermidine synthase and arginine decarboxylase. Although the genes encoding spermidine synthase and PA2 both localized to the pea linkage group I, the two loci were shown not to be closely linked and to have recombined in the BC lines. A distinct locus on linkage group III contains a gene that is related to PA2 but expressed predominantly in flowers. The results provide evidence for a role of PA2 in regulating polyamine metabolism, which has important functions in development, metabolism, and stress responses in plants.
Genomic Changes in ResynthesizedBrassica napusand Their Effect on Gene Expression and Phenotype
Authors: Gaeta Robert T. , Pires J. Chris , Iniguez-Luy Federico , Leon Enrique , Osborn Thomas C.
Published: November 2007

Many previous studies have provided evidence for genome changes in polyploids, but there are little data on the overall population dynamics of genome change and whether it causes phenotypic variability. We analyzed genetic, epigenetic, gene expression, and phenotypic changes in ∼50 resynthesized Brassica napus lines independently derived by hybridizing double haploids of Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa. A previous analysis of the first generation (S0) found that genetic changes were rare, and cytosine methylation changes were frequent. Our analysis of a later generation found that most S0 methylation changes remained fixed in their S5 progeny, although there were some reversions and new methylation changes. Genetic changes were much more frequent in the S5 generation, occurring in every line with lines normally distributed for number of changes. Genetic changes were detected on 36 of the 38 chromosomes of the S5 allopolyploids and were not random across the genome. DNA fragment losses within lines often occurred at linked marker loci, and most fragment losses co-occurred with intensification of signal from homoeologous markers, indicating that the changes were due to homoeologous nonreciprocal transpositions (HNRTs). HNRTs between chromosomes A1 and C1 initiated in early generations, occurred in successive generations, and segregated, consistent with a recombination mechanism. HNRTs and deletions were correlated with qualitative changes in the expression of specific homoeologous genes and anonymous cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphisms and with phenotypic variation among S5 polyploids. Our data indicate that exchanges among homoeologous chromosomes are a major mechanism creating novel allele combinations and phenotypic variation in newly formed B. napus polyploids.
Measuring organizational responsiveness: the development of a validated survey instrument
Authors: Hoyt James , Huq Faizul , Kreiser Patrick
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to develop the survey utilized in this research as a data collection tool for the study of organizational responsiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the operations and strategic management literature, measurement scales were developed in order to empirically test five proposed enablers of organizational responsiveness: environmental scanning, strategic planning, flexible manufacturing infrastructures, supply chain governance mechanisms, and multi‐skilled workers.

Findings

The survey produced a total of 66 responses from 59 companies in three industries: automotive suppliers, instrumentation equipment, and semiconductor components. Three of the five enablers were found to be bi‐dimensional, which produced a survey instrument with eight separate measurement scales. Coefficient alpha was observed to be within the acceptable range for all construct scales and factor analysis confirmed unidimensionality for each construct.

Research limitations/implications

The survey instrument presented in this paper provides a better understanding of the processes that enable organizational responsiveness. This measurement scale will serve as a tool that will allow future researchers to more accurately operationalize the enablers of organizational responsiveness.

Practical implications

The ability of firms to quickly respond to changes in their external environment is a primary determinant of firm performance. This research provides important practical implications for firms wishing to maximize their levels of agility and flexibility in responding to changing environmental conditions.

Originality/value

Few measurement scales currently exist that can be utilized to measure and predict rates of organizational responsiveness. The survey instrument developed as part of this research provides important insights into various organizational factors that enable organizational responsiveness.
Ethnicity and decision making for internationalisation
Authors: Slater Stephanie , Paliwoda Stan , Slater Jim
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to review the internationalisation strategies of Japanese and Singaporean firms within the context of Dunning, Hymer and Rugman.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature pertaining to culture, environment and Asian management is reviewed and the question is posed whether the management style is changing in response to global market convergence. The study used a mail questionnaire to explore the FDI factors deemed motivational for Japanese and Singapore managers.

Findings

The paper finds that managers need to consider the impact that environment and culture exerts on the decision‐making process as corporations expand their international reach.

Practical implications

One approach to explaining the theory as to why firms expand and perform at different speeds could be to suggest that the cognitive rationale that drives management thinking is environmentally dependent. This would appear plausible given that when the way in which managers make decisions across countries of the same region are compared, differences in thinking do occur. This then exerts an effect on the internationalisation paths pursued by firms.

Originality/value

This research questions the suitability of a “one size fits all” approach to internationalisation given the cultural variables that exist between markets. This builds on the literature that examines the suitability of market convergence but at the same time enables the evaluation of the extent to which Asian managers are driven by market capitalism theory at the organisational level.
Disabling the context for knowledge work: the role of managers' behaviours
Authors: Erik Sveiby Karl
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse issues that prevent knowledge sharing in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper contains content analysis of 691 free text comments about the climate for knowledge sharing provided by 848 employees, primarily knowledge workers, in 92 business units and departments.

Findings

The paper finds that two main issues that prevent knowledge sharing are the attitudes of the nearest supervisor and a lack of context‐building information. Apathetic managers, who do not actively encourage business/organisational information, and hypocritical managers, who do not “walk the talk”, are the main management behaviours that prevent knowledge sharing according to their subordinates in the sample. The study also suggests that a lack of organisational context‐building information and knowledge impacts the context negatively and makes knowledge workers less prone to share knowledge also in their work groups.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is too small to draw conclusions valid beyond the sample organisations. Respondents in the sample are primarily non‐managers in Europe and Australia. Context‐building knowledge and information have been largely ignored in the knowledge sharing literature. Also, non‐managers tend not to be targeted as respondents in studies on knowledge sharing. The study suggests that managers' apathy should be considered a disabling behaviour with regard to context.

Practical implications

The silo walls in organisations are built of apathy. Few managers actively prevent or resist sharing of knowledge. However, knowledge sharing requires enabling management behaviours. Sharing business/organisational information not related to tasks communicates priority and provides context necessary also for sharing in the work groups.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on issues that prevent knowledge sharing in organisations.
Defining the most desirable outsourcing contract between customer and vendor
Authors: Platz Leah A. , Temponi Cecilia
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to identify commonalities that exist within the contracts between customer and vendor companies, the nature of the problems commonly associated with these contracts, and to provide a theoretical model that exists between customer and vendor companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses multiple sources of previous research to isolate the key elements and form a theoretical model for the ideal outsourcing contract. The common problems identified were also derived from previous research.

Findings

The paper finds that there is a common set of key contractual elements that exist between most outsourcing contracts. The nature of the particular industry the companies exist within and the specific needs within each customer‐vendor relationship can be accommodated within the contract by tailoring these key elements to fit each scenario. A set of common problems may arise when any of the key elements are not sufficiently addressed. These problems can greatly devalue the customer‐vendor relationship and supply chain as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should examine the theoretical model presented within the context of various industries. Each of the key elements presented and its implications for the customer‐vendor relationship should also be further examined.

Practical implications

This research may provide a better understanding of the importance of the outsourcing contract to the customer‐vendor relationship and/or the contract itself for management.

Originality/value

Previous research has not fully addressed the nature of the outsourcing contract and its associated problems. Where this research attempts to identify all key elements of the contract, previous research usually addresses a single contractual element at a time. There has also been little research that discusses the problems that commonly arise within the contractual relationship. The theoretical model within this research may be useful.
The building of the kitchen table
Authors: Sigaloff Chris , Nabben Iselien , Bergsma Erwin
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative model of a leadership‐development program.

Design/methodology/approach

A leadership‐development program based on a “closure‐type description” instead of an “input‐type description” (Varela) was designed and executed for an organization. The results were later evaluated.

Findings

The study finds that application of the closure‐type description enhanced the possibility of supporting real change and innovation within an organization.

Originality/value

The “kitchen table” approach can serve as a model for leadership‐development programs; for such a program to function optimally it must have sufficient authority and should not focus on a top‐down transmission of knowledge but on creating a setting in which all levels of management are in conversation with one another. In describing the kitchen table program in detail the paper gives clear guidelines for creating closure‐type programs in general.
Sodium: can infants consume too much?
Authors: Derbyshire E. , Davies G.J.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Although small levels of sodium may be beneficial during infancy, high intakes may be detrimental to infant health. The aim of this paper is to give an overview on how sodium can influence infant health status in the short and long term.

Design/methodology/approach

The most up‐to‐date and pertinent studies within the literature have been included and summated in this paper.

Findings

The findings from this review indicate that high sodium intakes during infancy can have short‐ and long‐term health implications. Predominant sources of sodium include: cow's milk, formula diluted with high‐sodium bottled water and home‐prepared foods. Dietary advice needs to be imparted to parents with regard to “safe sodium” intakes for infants and how these can be achieved.

Originality/value

This paper gives a concise, up‐to‐date overview evaluating sodium intake and infant health.
To sip or not to sip: the potential health risks and benefits of coffee drinking
Authors: Taylor Sarah R. , Demmig‐Adams Barbara
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of current research on the health risks and benefits associated with coffee drinking.

Design/methodology/approach

This review includes up‐to‐date information from the original literature on coffee drinking and health and presents findings in a manner accessible to both experts and non‐experts.

Findings

Coffee contains caffeine, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals, all of which affect disease risks. There is evidence that coffee drinking may not be suitable for certain individuals. Overall, however, coffee drinking seems to be a non‐harmful habit for those who drink it regularly and in moderation, and recent studies indeed suggest that it may even be beneficial for most people. The most currently available evidence suggests that coffee drinking can help reduce the risk of several diseases, most notably type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, although the underlying mechanisms for this effect are still being investigated.

Practical implications

Current studies suggest that coffee drinkers can help protect themselves from neurodegenerative and other diseases by drinking an average of two cups of regular, filtered coffee per day.

Originality/value

This article provides accessible and comprehensive information to researchers, nutritionists, and consumers who are interested in the potential health risks and benefits of regular and moderate coffee drinking.
Do fasting and life style eating habits in Ramadan affect headache?
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Azhar Abdulaziz , Bessisso Mohammed
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The aim of the study is to investigate whether fasting and lifestyle habits in Ramadan have any effect on headaches.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross‐sectional study was carried out in the state of Qatar for a period from 13 October to 13 November 2004. A total of 1,200 fasting Muslims aged between 18 to 65 years were approached and 898 subjects participated. The International Headache Society [IHS] questionnaire and another questionnaire were used to collect the data.

Findings

Of the total 898 subjects, 54.2 per cent were males and 45.8 per cent females. The prevalence of the headache during the month of Ramadan was 76.6 per cent and after Ramadan was 73.7 per cent.

Originality/value

The study did not find any negative effects of fasting during Ramadan on headache frequencies.
Preliminary study into the production of non‐wheat bread from acha (Digitaria exilis)
Authors: Jideani Victoria A. , Alamu Rasheedat , Jideani Israel A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the production of wheatless bread from acha flour and to determine consumer acceptability of the product.

Design/methodology/approach

Wheatless bread was baked from acha (Digitaria exilis) and Irish potato starch blends of 80:20 respectively with varying (1‐4 per cent) quantity of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The loaves were assessed for loaf volume (LV) and specific loaf volume (SLV) as well as consumer acceptability.

Findings

The addition of CMC gave an increase in LV of 40.0 per cent in acha bread (AB) with 1 per cent CMC to 59.5 per cent in AB with 4 per cent CMC. The SLV of the acha loaves did not differ significantly from one another. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between AB without CMC, AB with 1‐3 per cent CMC and wheat bread in appearance, crust colour, crumb texture, crumb colour and general acceptability (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the AB with 4 per cent CMC and wheat bread in crumb texture, crumb colour and general acceptability. AB with 4 per cent CMC compared favourably with wheat bread in sensory characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

This work was a preliminary work to determine the possibility of producing bread with acha. Further research will investigate the functional and nutritional qualities of AB with 4 per cent CMC found to be comparable with wheat bread.

Practical implications

The study demonstrated the possibility of producing AB using CMC.

Originality/value

Acha has been identified as a major food for diabetic patients in Nigeria by medical practitioners. The AB developed will be of great benefit to countless diabetic patients in Nigeria.
Enterprise education: the frustration of a pure contest
Authors: Jones Colin
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the development of a strategy game for enterprise education. It is argued that requiring students to initially struggle with the game's rules and strategies results in a worthwhile test of their persistence and ability to manage ambiguity. Further, that in the absence of uncertainty, students will not benefit from the game's potential contribution to their overall learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is constructed around the infusion of student narratives and the author's self‐reflective thoughts. The papers explores the process of developing a game that: provides the students with access to an enterprise reality; strengthens their engagement with the theoretical foundations of their studies; and provides a process for serious self‐reflection.

Findings

Despite the mixed views presented in this paper, the game's development thus far has been very successful. Students do enjoy and benefit from enduring the frustration of a pure contest. Having to work through uncertainty is a good practice for students in higher education, especially those engaged in enterprise education.

Practical implications

Whilst the use of games in experiential education is not uncommon, consideration of how and why they are developed is not always well understood. This paper suggests that enterprise educators have significant opportunities to develop games that genuinely provide student access to the entrepreneur's way of life.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence of how a game can be constructed to add significant value to an existing curriculum. It also provides evidence of the inner thoughts of students frustrated by a challenge on which they refuse to give up. As such, it provides a valuable window through which to contemplate the minds of tomorrow's nascent entrepreneurs.
Connecting enterprise and graduate employability
Authors: Rae David
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the rationale for connecting enterprise education with employability and career development in the design of curricula and learning experiences within UK higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects on the experiences of practitioners, including the author, in embedding enterprise education and in seeking to develop a holistic approach which connects enterprise and employability through personal and career development.

Findings

The article presents “connected” models of individual learning and of the institutional integration of enterprise, personal and career development. These are located within a critique of existing approaches to graduate employability, including examples of innovative practices.

Research limitations/implications

The article builds on the early experiences of connecting graduate enterprise and employability in the UK and proposes that further research is required as the field develops in experience and complexity.

Practical implications

The article provides models, strategies and examples of effective practices for embedding enterprise and employability in higher education.

Originality/value

The article is innovative at a conceptual level in arguing for a “connected” and holistic approach to employability and enterprise development for students and graduates.
Supporting e‐learning in enterprise: the TE3 project
Authors: Smith Kelly
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The Technology Enhanced Enterprise Education project (TE3) promotes the use of learning technologies to enhance enterprise and entrepreneurship education in the 12 HEI partners of the Mercia Institute of Enterprise (MIE). This paper describes the formal processes and procedures underpinning TE3, describes issues around material development and use, and comments on the lessons learned and added value outcomes experienced by community members.

Design/methodology/approach

TE3 works as a community of practice with regular events and online support for the sharing of materials and experience. Materials developed with TE3 funds are made available to all partners to download, adapt, and use for educational or research purposes. Community learning is captured via quarterly progress and end‐of‐project forms which ask educators to reflect on the lessons they have learned, and to note any added‐value benefits that have emerged as a result of material development.

Findings

Since its creation in August 2003, over 13,000 students have been registered to learn about enterprise using TE3 developed materials, and over 500 members of staff have been involved with TE3 through projects or training events. Educators have reported that TE3 has led to increased skills and knowledge for both themselves and their students, and increased the pool of resources available. Added‐value outcomes include increased research output, increased links with small firms, and links between academics and educators from different institutions that may not otherwise have arisen.

Practical implications

TE3 demonstrates how enterprise educators can work together to share resources and expertise, whilst embedding enterprise education within a sustainable local context, either as a dedicated module, or within a student's normal programme of study. The lessons learned by TE3 as a whole will be of use to those supporting enterprise educators, and those learned by individual TE3 projects can inform good practice in the use of e‐learning to support enterprise students.

Originality/value

TE3 has successfully supported educators and facilitated the spread of enterprise education to students in West Midlands HEIs across all subject disciplines. It is now moving into a second phase which will concentrate on dissemination of the materials produced and in supporting the community of educators that has emerged.
Vocational education and training in small ethnic minority businesses in the UK
Authors: Hussain Javed , Matlay Harry
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the provision of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Small Ethnic Minority Businesses (SEMBs) operating in the West Midlands region of the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is employed, involving in‐depth, face‐to‐face interviews with 66 owner/managers of small ethnic minority businesses located in the West Midlands region of the UK. The research sample included 26 graduate entrepreneurs and 40 non‐graduate respondents.

Findings

Most of the SEMB owner/managers in this study exhibited a positive attitude towards VET. A large proportion of the respondents, however, admitted not to have provided any training during the previous 18 months of trading. Training provision appears to be affected by both “directly” and “indirectly” relevant factors. The majority of the SEMB owner/managers in the research sample do not have specific human resource strategies, audits, plans or related budgets, and training was offered largely on a reactive rather than proactive basis.

Research limitations/implications

Caution is advised in the use and generalisation of results that emerge from qualitative research that involved a small sample of respondents chosen from a restricted area of the UK.

Originality/value

The paper makes an original contribution of exploring the area of vocational education and training in small ethnic minority businesses that is at the forefront of discussion in academic and industry in the UK.
Training approaches in manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Macpherson Allan , Jayawarna Dilani
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of a range of contingent factors that moderate the approaches to training in manufacturing SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a regression analysis of data from a survey of 198 manufacturing SMEs.

Findings

The findings suggest that there will be times when formal training is appropriate for SMEs. Dependent on size, product, market and organizational structures, formal training will be both required and/or encouraged by SME management. The challenge will be to understand specific organizational conditions, and to target the right type of intervention at a particular small firm based on its specific characteristics and needs. This will require a deeper understanding of the context and issues facing a specific firm.

Practical implications

Because of the diversity of small firms' structures, product and market conditions and leadership and management approaches, generic support policies are unlikely to be effective. Research, management and policy instruments of training support will need to interact with, and be responsive to, the subtle distinctions of context that will moderate what is more appropriate, and more likely to be welcomed, in the small business sector. There does appear to be a demand for formal training in certain types of firms, but other learning initiatives will have to be supported where formal training is not appropriate or not welcome.

Originality/value

The empirical analysis and the tentative conceptual framework make an important contribution towards a demand‐led policy framework in the area of development and training support for SMEs.
Current changes in labour management and industrial relations in Japan and their impact on its “stakeholder‐oriented” governance model
Authors: Miles Lilian
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider how recent changes in Japanese labour management and industrial relations are affecting its traditional “stakeholder‐oriented” governance model, where special recognition was given to company employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically analyses a range of recently published (2000‐2006) works on Japanese labour management and industrial relations with a view to predicting future trends in Japanese employment practices.

Findings

The paper finds that Japanese firms are breaking with tradition and experimenting with Western style employment practices. Changes in such practices indicate a move away from the traditional model of governance. It may be that a hybrid model of governance is emerging.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and contributes to the study of recent changes and developments in corporate governance in South East Asian countries.
Corporate governance after the Asian crisis
Authors: Dercon Bruno
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The article sets out to search for an appropriate questionnaire querying corporate governance attitudes in Indonesia. Many surveys query governance issues, as strengths and weaknesses, but do not identify attitudes to governance. A new approach is required.

Design/methodology/approach

The article focuses first on the governance environment of post‐crisis Indonesia and questions the extent to which vulnerability has decreased.

Findings

Vulnerability is related to issues of prevention and preparedness, which relate to normative and behavioural governance. It appears that recent governance instruments introduced in Indonesia may not so much bring along change – in response to earlier failure – as encourage a benign approach through increased layers of requirements of internal and external information provision and disclosure. The crisis may, however, have initiated or caused changes in terms of ownership and control of the corporations in Indonesia.

Originality/value

A taxonomy is proposed identifying how business leaders think about these issues. Governance policies can then track the changes in attitudes and ensure adequate societal checks and balances.
Neuromarketing: a layman's look at neuroscience and its potential application to marketing practice
Authors: Fugate Douglas L.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to briefly cover the origins of neuromarketing, explain the process in layman's terms, enumerate some of the findings in anecdotal form, and suggest future consumer behavior research directions based on these findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion of neuromarketing in this paper is based on reports of both a theoretical and applied nature. Their contents have been synthesized and placed into context by showing how they relate to traditional marketing research approaches and assumptions.

Findings

While there are no concrete findings, preliminary assessments suggest that traditional, inferential assumptions about consumer behavior might be less powerful and explanatory than once believed. Combining neural activity images with conventional tools may produce more effective marketing practices.

Research limitations/implications

Because this is an emerging field and still controversial, some of the key information is proprietary and/or fairly presumptive at this time. Cautions and criticisms have been included to counterbalance that point.

Practical implications

Understanding what is happening in this emerging field of inquiry is essential for anyone who believes that marketers can change the probability of a favorable response from consumers. The use of neuromarketing, if proven through use, has the capability of fundamentally changing how we design, promote, price, and package our products.

Originality/value

The marriage of cognitive neuroscience and marketing practice is a new field of inquiry. This paper provides a useful, non‐technical introduction.
Firms' complaint handling policies and consumer complaint voicing
Authors: Huppertz John W.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of actions recommended by researchers for firms to encourage complaint voicing, and test the proposition that complaining by dissatisfied consumers would increase if only firms would make it easier to complain.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study assessed consumer reactions to scenarios in which a retailer made it easier or harder to complain by varying its refund policy, employee empowerment, access to call center representatives, and in‐store hassles to return merchandise. Consumers in an online panel completed questionnaires measuring perceived effort, likelihood of success, and complaint intentions.

Findings

Complaint‐friendly policies produced perceptions of lower anticipated difficulty and increased chances of successful redress. However, only lenient refund policy significantly influenced complaint voicing intentions. While most policies designed to make complaining easier had limited impact on complaint voicing, measured perceptions of complaint difficulty were significant predictors of complaining intentions.

Research limitations/implications

In future studies, researchers should examine these variables in non‐retail settings where getting a refund does not dominate the consumer's decision to voice a complaint.

Practical implications

The results call into question the proposition that complaint voicing would increase if only firms would make complaining easier. Managers should focus on assuring customers of liberal refund policies if they complain.

Originality/value

By focusing on actions that the firm can undertake to improve the probability of consumer complaining, this paper departs from the literature on antecedents of complaining behavior, which has focused on individual difference factors that affect the probability of complaining, variables that lie outside managerial control.
Empirical studies on institutions, governance and economic growth: a review
Authors: Sihag Balbir S.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Since the mid‐1980s focus has shifted from stabilization to economic growth as a national goal. A large number of studies have been undertaken to explain economic growth. It is intended to show that the current debate between those who claim only institutions matter to economic growth and others who claim that only governance matters is totally unproductive.

Design/methodology/approach

Econometric methods are used to evaluate the recent empirical studies on linking the quality of institutions or governance to economic growth.

Findings

It is shown that the empirical model specification as well as the estimation methods used by important studies are inappropriate.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to incorporate not only the institutions, and governance but also the desire to save, invest and innovate to explain economic growth.

Practical implication

The existing theories of economic growth do not fully capture the complex process of economic growth implying that these theories should not be used as a guide to the screening of developmental aid to the developing countries.

Originality/value

The researchers need to change direction away from data mining and towards developing a better understanding of the growth process. Policy makers should be careful in crafting their policies.
Capitalism, democracy and natural environment
Authors: Kaskarelis Ioannis A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mentality of our civilization, the structure of human life nowadays and to attempt to prove that under these the continual and progressive environmental deterioration is inevitable.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the ingredients of human life today, i.e. social political and economic aspects, combined all together.

Findings

Our civilization leads deterministically to an environmental deadlock.

Originality/value

The only reversal to the present situation is compulsory humanistic/classical education, which however is incompatible with the mentality of our civilization; the later heavily depended on technological progress.
Bank accounting and bank value: harmonising (d)effects of a common accounting culture?
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Buckland Roger
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to draw on the potential behavioural implications of the new (economic) measurement attributes initiated recently by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) in their efforts to reflect more relevant, “true” underlying economic values as opposed to historical.

Design/methodology/approach

Owing to lack of readily observable market prices (market values) for loans (retail and commercial operations) for statistical testing and initial conservatism on the part of banks for a survey to be conducted, 15 interviews were employed (from October 2005 to November 2006) with major bankers (CEOs and CFOs of major banks) and standard setters. The paper analyses the perceived benefits and costs associated with the application of two diametrically opposite measurement methodologies for banks. These can also have important implications for the “perceived” value/measurement profile of a bank – as argued in the concluding section – for bankers and their regulators, on the one hand, and accounting standard setters and investors, on the other.

Findings

The propositions constitute a significant departure from current accounting practices in that all financial assets and liabilities should uniformly be recognised and reported under a universally accepted “economistic” measurement framework.

Originality/value

The paper captures perceptions and attitudes as to the future “behavioural” direction of banks and provides a balanced argument between the rigours of historical cost accounting and fair value accounting.