bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do supplier development programs affect suppliers?
Authors: Arroyo‐López Pilar , Holmen Elsebeth , de Boer Luitzen
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of supplier development programs on the short‐term performance of suppliers and the more long‐term development of their capabilities given the relational learning context of the dyad.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of strategic suppliers from original equipment manufacturers of the automotive industry located in Mexico.

Findings

Results suggest that basic and widely used forms of supplier development hardly lead to improved operational and financial performance of suppliers. More demanding and less frequently used forms of supplier development may lead to improved supplier performance given the suppliers have sufficient absorptive capacity and the presence of an adequate collaborative and relational learning context.

Research limitations/implications

Only suppliers of firms in the automotive industry were surveyed; participant suppliers were referred by buying firms operating in Mexico.

Practical implications

When designing supplier development activities, buying firms need to take into consideration that high involvement and investment on supplier development activities is required when their goal is to improve the supplier base.

Social implications

Governments organizing supplier development programs should consider the importance of promoting knowledge transfer activities above evaluation and feedback to assure the success of their efforts to develop the national supply industry.

Originality/value

The value of supplier development programs is explored in this paper, taking into account the efforts of the buying firms to transfer knowledge and the moderating effect of the relational and learning context. Relevant recommendations for the design of such programs to buyers, suppliers and government are discussed.
National intellectual capital performance: a strategic approach
Authors: Käpylä Jonna , Kujansivu Paula , Lönnqvist Antti
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The paper concerns the research problem of how to analyse the performance of a knowledge society as a whole, and in particular, of how to analyse national intellectual capital. The paper aims to build a conceptual foundation for national intellectual capital performance, and based on this, to construct a multidimensional measurement system for Finland and to investigate its usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework and measurement system of national intellectual capital performance is constructed on the basis of the intellectual capital and knowledge management research literature. The illustration of the measurement system is carried out using empirical data from various institutions.

Findings

The paper argues for the strategic, dialogic and societal measurement of national intellectual capital.

Research limitations/implication

There was neither an exact purpose of measurement nor a detailed strategy for the knowledge society to aim at. Because of this, the measurement system serves as an illustrative example that provides a starting point for more in‐depth case studies on national intellectual capital.

Practical implications

This paper is targeted at policymakers and government officials concerned with questions related to national knowledge‐based development. The framework and measurement system constructed can serve as a basis for the strategic measurement of knowledge societies.

Originality/value

The paper shows how to apply the concept of national intellectual capital performance to analyse knowledge society. The approach proposed takes into account the strategic nature of national intellectual capital that has been ignored in earlier studies.
Value relevance of voluntary disclosure: evidence from Turkish firms
Authors: Uyar Ali , Kılıç Merve
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not listed Turkish companies’ voluntary disclosure practices are value‐relevant in the capital market.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 129 manufacturing companies listed in the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) for the year 2010. Data regarding voluntary disclosure level and other variables have been collected by analyzing the contents of annual reports. Through multiple regression analysis, the authors investigated whether or not voluntary disclosure level impacts firm value.

Findings

The main finding of the study is that voluntary disclosure is value‐relevant; i.e. impacts firm value. This implies that market participants value voluntary disclosure. The more information firms disclose voluntarily, the higher value they have in the eyes of investors. Therefore, this finding might be accepted as a signal to corporations to disclose more information to the stakeholders. However, the finding varied based on the dependent variable used; hence, the result was not supported by all models.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper are based on the study conducted on the ISE including manufacturing industry. Thus, the results might not be valid for non‐listed and non‐manufacturing companies.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of studies regarding how the marketplace perceives voluntary disclosure. The paper evaluates comprehensively the value relevance of overall voluntary disclosure as well as of 12 sub‐categories of disclosure. It contributes to the relevant literature, particularly in an emerging market context.
What makes a “research star”? Factors influencing the research productivity of business faculty
Authors: White Charles S. , James Karen , Burke Lisa A. , Allen Richard S.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors influencing extremely high or low research productivity for business faculty members.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data originating from a random sample of 236 faculty members across a wide range of accredited business schools and a web‐based survey, main effects are hypothesized and explored. The authors examine only extreme data points of high (and low) research productivity to focus on high‐performing research “stars.”

Findings

It is found that research “stars” hold higher academic rank, possess greater time management skills, individually place a high value on research, report higher time available to conduct research, enjoy higher institutional support in the form of graduate assistants and summer research support, have fewer course preparations, and work for departments with a similar priority placed on research.

Research limitations/implications

The authors found that certain person‐ and situation‐level factors differentiate high and low performing faculty members’ research output.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for university administrators regarding recruiting, selecting, and managing faculty members’ research performance.

Originality/value

Research productivity and intellectual contributions continue to dominate much of higher education as a primary measure of faculty members’ success. One area that remains under‐explored in the business literature is what “makes a research star” and, to the contrary, what factors predict extremely low faculty research productivity? Shedding light on this research question provides practical benefits for universities by enabling administrators to better recruit, select, motivate, and develop productive faculty members.
Framework for performance measurement and management in a collaborative business environment
Authors: Sena Ferreira Pedro , Shamsuzzoha A.H.M. , Toscano Cesar , Cunha Pedro
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide practical justification for performance measurement and management within a collaborative business network. The basic performance measurement indicators are elaborated within the scope of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

Performance measurement techniques are highlighted through the application of an ICT‐based solution approach, with special focus on business collaboration among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Findings

From the basic need to measure the performance of individual partners within a business network, this research proposes a generic framework and process flow with the objective of evaluating the individual partners in terms of various performance indicators such as key success factors (KSF), key performance factors (KPF) and key performance indicators (KPI). The outcomes from this framework or process flow will help partners in the network to build valuable trust, cooperation and coordination.

Originality/value

The focus of this paper is to demonstrate the methodological approach of measuring the performance through identifying and prioritizing the performance indicators (KSF, KPF, KPI) among collaborative partners and to highlight their importance for successful business operations.
Evaluation of government e‐tax websites: an information quality and system quality approach
Authors: Saha Parmita , Nath Atanu K. , Salehi‐Sangari Esmail
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Despite the growth in adoption of technology by governments, the assessment of quality in electronically delivered public services has been relatively lacking. Past researches on information systems have identified information and service quality, system use, playfulness, and system design quality as critical factors of successful service delivery in e‐commerce. The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the applicability of system and information quality criteria in evaluating government e‐services websites. The main research problem identified in this study was “what are the system and information quality characteristics of government service delivery websites?”

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey of 97 Municipalities from all the 21 regions of Sweden, the authors examine the presence of system quality features, specifically functionality, navigation, and accessibility; and measures of information quality in government websites. A systematic random sampling was chosen as the suitable approach; 290 municipalities are organized in 21 counties and we have chosen every 3rd number of municipalities from the list. An online survey was conducted, with 408 valid responses taken. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for system and information quality.

Findings

Results indicate that accessibility and the navigation facility are important in determining a citizen's perceived system quality. Information preciseness, timeliness, and sufficiency were found to be key measures of information quality in government e‐services. Furthermore, an important finding from this research is that theories from information systems (IS), e‐commerce, and marketing were found to be applicable in assessing government e‐tax services within the broader area of government‐to‐citizen (G2C) service delivery systems. In addition, a quantitative study was conducted among citizens to determine system and information quality characteristics.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper can help the authorities to identify key quality criteria for e‐tax services that are valued by citizens and consequently improve service levels. Taking the context into consideration, additional variables are incorporated from literature that spans several disciplines (IS, e‐commerce, and marketing), and some re‐specifications are made to identify system and information quality criteria in the context of an e‐tax filing service, which was the main theoretical contribution of this study.
Junior doctors and service improvement
Authors: Garrard Francesca
Published: July 2012

Purpose

In these cash‐stricken times, healthcare commissioners are calling for all staff to deliver more for less. In the UK, there is a growing focus on involving junior doctors in this change. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This article considers the barriers in involving doctors in training in change and mentoring future clinical leaders, based on the observations of a junior doctor.

Findings

There are many barriers between management and junior doctors, including the invisibility of junior doctor work and the transient nature of their employment. However, the next step is to go beyond a simply audit requirement, to encourage service improvement training as part of the postgraduate curriculum. This will only happen if journals, conference organisers and other agencies incentivise complex service evaluation projects, by providing opportunities for presentation and publication.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to look beyond a four‐month rotation and consider the many years service doctors will give to the NHS. Junior doctors need to be mentored through projects that focus more on the process of change, rather than completion of the audit cycle. This will mentor future leaders, but also give juniors an understanding of their organisational role and the demands of service.

Originality/value

This article provides an interesting perspective on the difficulties faced by a junior and view on steps to improving the links between service and training.
A rapid matrix mentoring pilot
Authors: Finney Sherry , MacDougall Judy , Lou O'Neill Mary
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This case study aims to report on the effectiveness of a matrix mentoring pilot project in a healthcare setting and its ability to build managerial competencies and enhance levels of employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed‐method design with pre and post pilot evaluation phases. Focus groups were held with both mentee and mentor groups. Mentees also completed questionnaires that assessed their levels of managerial competency and engagement.

Findings

Mentees who engaged in a matrix mentoring pilot reported increased levels of managerial and leadership competencies, and employee engagement. Additionally, mentees realized greater exposure to managerial roles and responsibilities and experienced personal development and growth as a result of individual project assignments.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size is the main limitation of this project. However, it was a pilot within a case study organization and one of the objectives was to learn from the experience.

Practical implications

Mentors and mentees reported positive feedback. Mentors were able to assess the capacity and interest of future potential leaders and mentees gained exposure to managerial competencies.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is found in the application of a matrix mentoring approach. Typically, mentoring programs match one mentor with one mentee. A team of mentors worked with each of the mentees and engaged in exposing the participants to a range of competencies. The literature suggests that managerial competencies in a complex setting, like healthcare, need to be diverse. This research presents one possibility for building such a range of abilities.
Jordanian nurses' job satisfaction and intention to quit
Authors: Abu Raddaha Ahmad H. , Alasad Jafar , Albikawi Zainab F. , Batarseh Khulood S. , Realat Eman A. , Saleh Asia A. , Froelicher Erika S.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aimed to identify factors that influenced job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and the intention of staff nurses to quit nursing in three Jordanian healthcare delivery sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional design was used to answer the research aims. A purposive sample of 180 critical care nurses in three hospitals during 2007 was used. Nurses completed a self‐administered questionnaire consisting of demographic items, a job satisfaction survey, as well as a question eliciting the intention to quit. The authors used descriptive and inferential statistics, ANOVA, correlational, regression and post‐hoc tests to analyze the data.

Findings

The grand mean for satisfaction for all nurses was 3.44 (±0.51) out of 6. They reported being highly satisfied with the item “I like the people I work with”, and reported the least satisfaction with the item “I have too much to do at work”. The mean value for nurses' intention to quit was 2.56 (±0.89) out of 4, with 59 per cent reporting that they “Likely” or “Very Likely” intended to leave their workplace. The nurses' level of job satisfaction significantly predicted their intention to leave their workplace (F=32.1, p < 0.001).

Practical implications

The results can be used as a basis for decision making and future planning. Results also highlight the need to emphasize positive factors to enhance employees' satisfaction and to brainstorm solutions for improving job satisfaction and retaining nurses.

Originality/value

The study addressed an important clinical concern at a time of sparse research literature in Jordan. The findings are noteworthy and important for the delivery of proper nursing care that would lead to improved health status for the society.
Measuring the affordability of housing association rents in England: a dual approach
Authors: Tang Connie P.Y.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare relative levels of rental affordability across the English housing association sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of two methods, rent‐to‐income ratio and residual income standards (poverty‐line and budget standard), are used to maximise their strengths and complement their weaknesses in measuring rental affordability.

Findings

The rent‐to‐income ratio analysis identified that housing association rents were generally affordable. However, the residual income analyses using two different minimum acceptable standards suggested some scepticism in this regard. In particular, both analyses confirmed the affordability problem in London where nearly half of existing housing association tenants had disposable household incomes that were well below the poverty‐line as well as the largest rent‐to‐income ratio. Both analyses also confirmed that lone parents were more likely than average households to have an affordability problem.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study are the small sample size of existing housing association tenants and different definitions of incomes, and subsequently different residual income measures for existing and new tenants. However, this study demonstrates that when examining the affordability of housing for the poorest households, multiple overlapping measures of affordability are likely to be more reliable than any single measure.

Originality/value

The paper is an empirical attempt to use a combination of two affordability measures to examine the affordability problem of social tenants in the English housing association sector. It is also unusual in the scientific literature to use different data sources to obtain household incomes for different types of housing association tenants.
Does China face a housing affordability issue? Evidence from 35 cities in China
Authors: Kuang Weida , Li Xiaowei
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree of housing affordability in China's 35 large and medium cities. Furthermore, this paper investigates the relationship between housing affordability and the house prices using data from China's 35 large and medium cities from 1996 to 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constructed the housing affordability index and classified cities in terms of their housing affordability degree. OLS, unit root test and cointegration test have also been used in the empirical test section.

Findings

The results exhibit that the housing price has played a more important role in housing affordability than household income. Thereby, decreasing housing price is more important than household income to alleviate the housing affordability problem. Meanwhile, housing size has exerted a great impact on housing affordability. Accordingly, developing more affordable houses is an alternative to mitigate the housing affordability issue in China. In addition, it is also found that the housing reform facilitates the housing affordability issue due to the low sale price of the public houses; the population growth rate and geographic locations have no significant impact on the housing affordability.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of the research limitations, the heterogeneity factor may be introduced considering the regional heterogeneity of cities in China. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the propositions with enriched datasets.

Practical implications

Practical implications are that decision‐makers in government should pay close attention to the risk of the housing bubble. That is, the soaring house price was driven by investment instead of by the demand side.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to defining the dynamic upper boundary of the percentage of housing expenditure to income ratio via Engel's coefficient using the housing market data of 35 large and medium cities in China from 1996 to 2007.
A better method to estimate price change in single family housing
Authors: Epley Donald
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate that price appreciation for single‐family sales data for the complete population of deed recordings in one metro area using median comparisons is statistically more accurate in capturing local fluctuations than the repeat sale sample approach published by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The median comparison method becomes the optimal method of choice due to its simplicity and ease in interpretation. The electronic access to court house records means that the complete population of data should be used to extract a community price trend in lieu of samples.

Design/methodology/approach

Local deed recordings for residential housing were compared to repeat sale results from the Federal Finance Housing Admin. The goal is to measure housing price appreciation.

Findings

Appreciation measured by local deed recordings captures house price variance better than repeat sales taken from mortgage applications.

Research limitations/implications

A median to median comparison with local sales prices should be used in lieu of a national statistic using mortgage applications.

Practical implications

This project provides a more accurate method to assess price appreciation. Repeat sales are not appropriate especially in smaller metro areas.

Social implications

Every individual and financial institution needs to know the value of its housing asset. The method shown is the best available.

Originality/value

The results have huge implications for the academic community where many regression equations are based on repeat sales.
Film making and government management: an exploratory international study
Authors: Jensen Rodney
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research has been to compile an up to date survey of the management methods of the film and television industries used by local and regional government agencies in international production centres. It was intended that the results of the survey would clarify differences in mode of operation and governance and the factors that may contribute to their “attractiveness” from the point of view of the film production market.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used a combination of written questions and telephone interviews to elicit responses from selected agencies in English‐speaking countries. A typology of different management approaches has been prepared on the basis of the survey data.

Findings

The main findings are that the primary government role is connected with film production management, yet very limited evidence has been found for proactive spatial/economic planning support for the industry by local or regional government.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research relate to the smallness of the sample and the difficulty, in some cases, of eliciting meaningful responses. The implications of the findings are considered to be of considerable relevance to desirable modes of governance, the need for planning reform, and ways in which production management processes can be better streamlined. The potential role for local or regional government in adopting practices more in tune with market requirements has considerable implications for the creative and cultural economy, and the findings are of relevance to government decision makers and senior policy staff.

Social implications

The social implications are indirect and theoretical as they relate to improvements in the cultural landscape of spatial industry clusters. They have not been examined in this paper.

Originality/value

This research program is considered to have originality in that it bridges distinct areas of inquiry usually dealt with by separate professions or skill‐sets (film production, governance and management). Its originality is supported by the limited data discovered in the literature on this combination of topics.
Is Tehran a knowledge city?
Authors: Monnavarian Abbas , Mosakhani Mohammad , Akbari Mahdie
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify general success factors (GSFs), key success factors (KSFs) and critical success factors (CSFs) needed to change Tehran to a Knowledge City (KC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper briefly reviews the literature related to KCs, and especially the factors necessary for a KC. Through the review of the literature GSFs are identified, followed by statistical evidence to determine which one of the GSFs are KSFs and which can be considered as CSF or competency factors (CF).

Findings

The findings of the research indicate that there are 27 relevant items and seven main factors as GSFs for changing Tehran to a KC. Also, the authors find that all seven GSFs are both KSFs and CSFs.

Research limitations/implications

As the research is limited to a specific city, the findings cannot be generalized. Also, limited familiarity of the concept of KCs by practitioners and academic members can be considered as another limitation of the study.

Practical implications

This study is of benefit to those authorities/agencies trying to change Tehran to a KC.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights to different dimensions of KCs, and has identified GSFs, KSFs and CSFs for a city that intends to become a KC.
Expo 2010 Shanghai China: a signature chapter of the Huangpu Riverfronts Trilogy
Authors: Deng Ying , Poon S.W.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Over decades, mega‐events have enjoyed increasing global popularity as catalysts of significant urban renewal both on and beyond the event grounds. Nevertheless, although some mega‐events are exemplary in their transformation of some places, post‐event failure of others highlight a lack of long‐range planning. Yet, such a paradoxical relationship between spectacularity and sustainability has, so far, received little in‐depth analysis. Building upon the Yin‐Yang theory, the purpose of this paper is to identify the Triple‐C gap and argues that planning for mega‐event led renewals (MELRs) is an issue of dualism rather than dichotomy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the multiple‐case study approach. Two methodological steps are taken to seek a greater understanding of the issue at global and local scales. One is a review of eight mega‐event cases in the West to identify post‐event sustainability challenges. The other explores these challenges through an examination of the Expo 2010 development as a chapter of the Huangpu Riverfronts Renewal in Shanghai China.

Findings

The eight historical cases and Expo 2010 unanimously challenge the dichotomy between event staging and post‐event sustainability. It is therefore high time for future client organizations to rethink how to find a convergence.

Practical implications

With lessons drawn, the article concludes that planning an MELR should be pre‐post oriented and serve as a catalyst for broader‐scale improvements.

Originality/value

This pioneering study constitutes a much‐needed reference for future mega‐event hosts to rethink their commitment to MELDs, which will hopefully spark more interdisciplinary interest.
Human competences that facilitate adaptation to climate change: a research in progress
Authors: Kerry Jackie , Pruneau Diane , Blain Sylvie , Langis Joanne , Barbier Pierre‐Yves , Mallet Marie‐Andrée , Vichnevetski Evgueni , Therrien Jimmy , Deguire Paul , Freiman Viktor , Lang Mathieu , Laroche Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2012

Purpose

For communities threatened by current or impending climate change, adaptation is becoming a necessity. Although little research has been done on human competences so far, this research shows that some appear to facilitate the adaptation process. The purpose of this multiple‐case study is to identify adaptive competences demonstrated by two groups of Canadian citizens: municipal employees in a coastal community and farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of workshops based on a problem solving process, the two groups analyzed the impacts of climate change in their field of work and geographical area, chose a problem related to these impacts, suggested and then implemented adaptation measures. The municipal employees worked on sea level rise, whereas the farmers focused on poor soil quality, which makes it vulnerable to bad weather.

Findings

By thematically analyzing the verbatim transcripts of the workshops and by building narratives, the authors were able to identify similar adaptive competences in both groups: local knowledge, futures thinking, hindsight, risk prediction, critical thinking, decision‐making, and problem solving (highlighting key problem components, suggesting solutions, and identifying constraints). However, two competences were chiefly found in the group composed of farmers: optimism and openness to novelty.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to lead to recommendations regarding the pedagogical support of citizens during an adaptation process to climate change. These recommendations might be helpful in many communities where adaptation to climate change is a pressing issue.
Social and institutional dimensions of climate change adaptation
Authors: Peñalba Linda M. , Elazegui Dulce D. , Pulhin Juan M. , Victor O. Cruz Rex
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The Philippines is among the countries vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. However, many local government units (LGUs) and the people themselves are not aware of the climate change phenomenon and do not have the capacity to undertake appropriate climate change adaptation measures. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the climate change adaptation strategies of communities and LGUs and the barriers and recommendations to enhance their adaptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covered five communities vulnerable to climate change impacts. Information on extreme climatic events and their impacts and adaptation strategies undertaken were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews. LGU staff members were assisted in the preparation of their climate change adaptation plan (CCAP).

Findings

The LGUs and communities have low adaptive capacity and employed temporary adaptation strategies. Strong social cohesion and spontaneous collective action are factors that could enhance the communities' adaptive capacity. The pursuit of awareness raising and capacity building activities on climate change phenomena, alternative livelihood, preparedness and adaptation possibilities, technology and infrastructure development and collective action, which are critical adaptive capacity enhancement factors were laid‐out in the CCAP.

Originality/value

The paper presents the barriers that constrain the adaptive capacity of communities and LGUs, the recommended adaptive capacity enhancement measures to overcome these barriers and the highlights of the CCAP jointly prepared by the partner LGUs and scientists.
Degree of openness and inflation targeting policy: model of a small open economy
Authors: Bousrih Jihene
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the dynamics of a Neo‐Keynesian model applied to a small open economy, in order to show the impact of commercial openness on the choice of the optimal inflation target.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses a neo‐Keynesian model with calibration for Chile.

Findings

The results show that there is a relation between the degree of openness and the type of inflation targeting policy.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is to use a neo‐Keynesian model to deal with a small open economy, which uses inflation targeting as a monetary rule.
US banks' capitalization speed‐of‐adjustment: a microeconometric approach
Authors: Drakos Konstantinos
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there are any differences in the capitalization speed‐of‐adjustment across regulatory capitalization buckets of commercial banks in the USA, for the period 2002‐2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) monitors banks' capital ratio using the bucketing approach. Thus, this discrete and ordered variable is modeled in the context of a partial adjustment specification, controlling for initial conditions and cross‐sectional heterogeneity. Parameters are estimated with the generalized dynamic random effects ordered probit technique that is flexible enough to allow for differential effects of covariates across capitalization categories.

Findings

The main result is that the speed of adjustment is monotonically increasing for banks belonging in lower capitalization buckets, after controlling for bank‐specific capitalization determinants. In addition, substantial differential impacts of capitalization drivers across regulatory buckets are uncovered.

Practical implications

This an important finding both for regulators and market participants since it sheds light on a very crucial aspect of banks' behaviour.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that adopts the FDIC bucketing in the actual modelling. In addition, it uses the generalized dynamic random effects ordered probit technique in order to explore potential differential impact of capital ratio determinants across buckets.
Shraddhanand Mahila Ashram: a quest for a future filled with dreams
Authors: Jha Sumi , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: July 2012

Subject area

Mission and vision for strategic management of non governmental organizations.

Study level/applicability

This case can be used for strategic management course (with a focus on vision and mission), particularly for the management of non governmental organizations (NGOs) (with a focus on discovering and defining directions).

Case overview

Shraddhanand Mahila Ashram completed 83 years of its existence in 2011. Sharadhanand Mahila Ashram has been managed by the Hindu women's welfare society. The organization for the last eight decades has been caring for destitute women, orphans up to six years old, and caring for girls till they reached 18 years of age. The Ashram has also been taking care of mentally and physically challenged orphans. The Ashram over the years changed its policies and practices to be in tune with the social requirements in the changing environment. Up to the close of the first decade of the 21st century the Ashram had been providing traditional training to the young ladies and then subsequently would marry them. In the last two decades beginning 1991, because of the economic development of India and the economic integration of India with the West, cultural changes had transpired in Indian society. Women in general have been becoming more empowered and economically independent. Given this context the committee members of the Ashram were contemplating on the future guidance to the girls of the Ashram for making them empowered and independent individuals. This would shift the established policies and practices of the Ashram and lead to a new vision.

Expected learning outcomes

The case would help students to reflect on the significance of mission and vision statement of an NGO. The case would further help students to understand the day to day working practices of an NGO as derived from mission and mission statements. The students will be able to comprehend the need for review and change in mission and vision statements. The students will also be able to understand how mission and vision statements aligned to the organizational practices and policies impact at ground zero and above.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available.
The dream's door: a case of a MNC in Poland
Authors: Bourne Dorota Joanna
Published: July 2012

Subject area

Leadership, change management, knowledge transfer, quality, car manufacture, organisational culture, staff training and development.

Study level/applicability

This case study is intended for undergraduate courses on principles of management, cross-cultural management and organisational behaviour; postgraduate and MBA courses as above in addition to leadership studies and change management courses.

Case overview

Globalisation inevitably led to attempts to transfer know-how and expertise to markets in different locations and cultures, where the particular organisation is willing to begin to operate. Hence, the need for understanding the conditions for successful knowledge transfer is especially important. The globalisation process in the Eastern bloc, which began in 1990, is a good example of knowledge transfer where the mutual meaning creation played a crucial role. This case study illustrates the process of international knowledge transfer between Western Europe and an emerging economy using the example of DAK Corporation and quality transfer to Poland. The case is especially useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including MBA students, studying general management as well as more specialised courses stemming from international management, for example, cross-cultural management and organisational behaviour. Since the material focuses on people management and development as well as organisational culture creation, current and future practitioners from the human resources department will find it particularly useful. Students considering a career in a multinational company can also use this case in their preparation for the challenges of operating in a global business environment.

Expected learning outcomes

These include: understanding of the process of international and cross-cultural knowledge transfer; identification of key cultural and organisational factors contributing to the success of international knowledge transfer; understanding of the organisational culture creation process; and exploration of the process of new staff development and training.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available.
International market expansion of “Jintan Nude” in Thailand
Authors: Racela Olimpia C. , Thoumrungroje Amonrat
Published: July 2012

Subject area

International marketing, new product development, international business expansion, small business management.

Study level/applicability

This case is intended for senior undergraduate or graduate MBA students taking a course in international business, international marketing, or small business management.

Case overview

Thai Jintan Company Limited (Thai Jintan) is a medium-sized importer, distributor, and marketer of premium confectionery and health care products in Thailand with the exclusive distribution arrangements of Morishita Jintan Company Limited (Morishita), one of Japan's oldest companies and a leader in the Japanese probiotic and confectionery industry. The case takes place in August 2009, approximately 18 months after Thai Jintan implemented its market launch of Morishita's technologically advanced breath and belly mint under the brand name of Jintan Nude. With a limited promotional budget of 8 million baht (€161,128) coupled with Thailand's regulatory environment for the marketing of food and drugs, Thai Jintan, a newcomer to the breath mint market, was faced with having to devise a resourceful marketing and promotional campaign. Thai Jintan management was confronted with assessing its past marketing plan and deciding on what to do to achieve its ambitious goal of capturing a 20 percent market share of the growing mint/menthol candy confectionery segment in Thailand.

Expected learning outcomes

After reading and discussing the case, students should have a better understanding of the following: the challenges faced by small businesses and new entrants; learning to apply different frameworks such as PEST or PESTEL, SWOT, and/or Five Forces to scan and assess a competitive environment; familiarizing themselves with different channels members’ roles in a distribution system; learning to evaluate a company's current marketing strategies and to recommend strategies to improve its segmentation, targeting, and positioning strategies and to design a new marketing mix for a new product launch in an overseas market; and learning how to effectively allocate a marketing budget.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available.
A cladistic reconstruction of the ancestral mite harvestman (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi): portrait of a Paleozoic detritivore
Authors: de Bivort Benjamin L. , Clouse Ronald M. , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: July 2012

Two character sets composed of continuous measurements and shape descriptors for mite harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi) were used to reconstruct the morphology of the cyphophthalmid ancestor and explore different methods for ancestral reconstruction as well as the influence of terminal sets and phylogenetic topologies. Characters common to both data sets were used to evaluate linear parsimony, averaging, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods on seven different phylogenies found in earlier studies. Two methods—linear parsimony implemented in TNT and nested averaging—generated reconstructions that were (i) not predisposed to comprising simple averages of characters and (ii) in broad agreement with alternative methods commonly used. Of these two methods, linear parsimony yielded significantly similar reconstructions from two independent Cyphophthalmi data sets, and exhibited comparatively low ambiguity in the values of ancestral characters. Therefore complete sets of continuous characters were optimized using linear parsimony on trees found from “total evidence” data sets. The resulting images of the ancestral Cyphophthalmi suggest it was a small animal with robust appendages and a lens‐less eye, much like many of today’s species, but not what might be expected from hypothetical reconstructions of Paleozoic vegetation debris, where Cyphophthalmi likely originated.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2012
Effects of caesarean section on serum levels of NT‐proBNP
Authors: Yamada Takashi , Koyama Takahiro , Furuta Itsuko , Takeda Masamitsu , Nishida Ryutaro , Yamada Takahiro , Morikawa Mamoru , Minakami Hisanori
Published: July 2012

Objective

To determine the effects of delivery by caesarean on serum levels of N‐terminal fragment of precursor protein brain‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP).

Methods

Serum NT‐proBNP levels were determined longitudinally at 24 and 36 weeks of gestation (GW) and on post‐partum day 3 and month 1 (PPD3 and PPM1, respectively) in 78 women with normotensive singleton pregnancies. Thirty‐nine women underwent caesarean delivery. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were determined on PPD3. Effects of maternal demographic characteristics on NT‐proBNP levels were also analysed.

Results

NT‐proBNP levels (pg/ml) either in pregnancy or on PPM1 did not differ between women with vaginal and caesarean deliveries (44 ± 24 vs 41 ± 30, 24 GW; 37 ± 22 vs 29 ± 22, 36 GW; 43 ± 28 vs 39 ± 24, PPM1, respectively). Levels on PPD3 were significantly higher (94 ± 105 vs 247 ± 186, P < 0·0001) in women with caesarean delivery. Among women with caesarean delivery, a larger rise of NT‐proBNP on PPD3 occurred in nulliparous than in multiparous women (319 ± 232 vs 185 ± 107, P = 0·023), while no rise occurred among multiparous women with vaginal delivery (108 ± 115 vs 47 ± 27). NT‐proBNP levels on PPD3 were significantly and negatively correlated with PRA, PAC and maternal weight loss after childbirth on PPD3. These 3 variables on PPD3 were significantly lower in women undergoing caesarean than vaginal delivery (0·8 ± 0·4 vs 1·9 ± 1·4 ng/ml/h for PRA; 70 ± 38 vs 136 ± 88 pg/ml for PAC; 2·7 ± 1·2 vs 4·3 ± 1·1 kg for weight loss, each P < 0·0001).

Conclusions

The transient post‐partum rise in serum NT‐proBNP may reflect transient volume overload after parturition and is remarkable in nulliparous women, especially after caesarean section.
Leishmania amazonensis fails to induce the release of reactive oxygen intermediates by CBA macrophages
Authors: ALMEIDA T. F. , PALMA L. C. , MENDEZ L. C. , NORONHA‐DUTRA A. A. , VERAS P. S. T.
Published: July 2012

CBA mouse macrophages effectively control Leishmania major infection, yet are permissive to Leishmania amazonensis. It has been established that some Leishmania species are destroyed by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, other species of Leishmania exhibit resistance to ROS or even down‐modulate ROS production. We hypothesized that L. amazonensis–infected macrophages reduce ROS production soon after parasite–cell interaction. Employing a highly sensitive analysis technique based on chemiluminescence, the production of superoxide () and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by L. major‐ or L. amazonensis‐infected CBA macrophages were measured. L. major induces macrophages to release levels of 3·5 times higher than in uninfected cells. This production is partially dependent on NADPH oxidase (NOX) type 2. The level of accumulated H2O2 is 20 times higher in L. major‐than in L. amazonensis‐infected cells. Furthermore, macrophages stimulated with L. amazonensis release amounts of ROS similar to uninfected cells. These findings support previous studies showing that CBA macrophages are effective in controlling L. major infection by a mechanism dependent on both production and H2O2 generation. Furthermore, these data reinforce the notion that L. amazonensis survive inside CBA macrophages by reducing ROS production during the phagocytic process.
Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Resistant Soybean Leaves after Phakopsora pachyrhizi Infection
Authors: Wang Yun , Yuan Xiaozhuan , Hu Hao , Liu Yan , Sun Weihong , Shan Zhihui , Zhou Xinan
Published: July 2012

Soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi is a destructive foliar disease in nearly all soybean‐producing countries. Understanding the host responses at the molecular level is certainly essential for effective control of the disease. To identify proteins involved in the resistance to soybean rust, differential proteomic analysis was conducted in soybean leaves of a resistant genotype after P. pachyrhizi infection. A total of 41 protein spots exhibiting a fold change >1.5 between the non‐inoculated and P. pachyrhizi‐inoculated soybean leaves at 12 and 24 h postinoculation (hpi) were unambiguously identified and functionally grouped into seven categories. Twenty proteins were up‐regulated and four proteins were down‐regulated at 12 hpi, whereas 18 proteins were up‐regulated and eight proteins were down‐regulated at 24 hpi. Generally, proteins involved in photosynthesis were down‐regulated, whereas proteins associated with disease and defense response, protein folding and assembly, carbohydrate metabolism and energy production were up‐regulated. Results are discussed in terms of the functional implications of the proteins identified, with special emphasis on their putative roles in defense. Abundance changes of these proteins, together with their putative functions reveal a comprehensive picture of the host response in rust‐resistant soybean leaves and provide a useful platform for better understanding of the molecular basis of soybean rust resistance.