bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Widespread cis-regulatory convergence between the extinct Tasmanian tiger and gray wolf
Authors: Feigin Charles Y. , Newton Axel H. , Pask Andrew J.
Published: September 2019

The extinct marsupial Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, and the eutherian gray wolf are among the most widely recognized examples of convergent evolution in mammals. Despite being distantly related, these large predators independently evolved extremely similar craniofacial morphologies, and evidence suggests that they filled similar ecological niches. Previous analyses revealed little evidence of adaptive convergence between their protein-coding genes. Thus, the genetic basis of their convergence is still unclear. Here, we identified candidate craniofacial cis-regulatory elements across vertebrates and compared their evolutionary rates in the thylacine and wolf, revealing abundant signatures of convergent positive selection. Craniofacial thylacine–wolf accelerated regions were enriched near genes involved in TGF beta (TGFB) and BMP signaling, both of which are key morphological signaling pathways with critical roles in establishing the identities and boundaries between craniofacial tissues. Similarly, enhancers of genes involved in craniofacial nerve development showed convergent selection and involvement in these pathways. Taken together, these results suggest that adaptation in cis-regulators of TGF beta and BMP signaling may provide a mechanism to explain the coevolution of developmentally and functionally integrated craniofacial structures in these species. We also found that despite major structural differences in marsupial and eutherian brains, accelerated regions in both species were common near genes with roles in brain development. Our findings support the hypothesis that, relative to protein-coding genes, positive selection on cis-regulatory elements is likely to be an essential driver of adaptive convergent evolution and may underpin thylacine–wolf phenotypic similarities.
Transcriptional alterations in glioma result primarily from DNA methylation–independent mechanisms
Authors: Court Franck , Le Boiteux Elisa , Fogli Anne , Müller-Barthélémy Mélanie , Vaurs-Barrière Catherine , Chautard Emmanuel , Pereira Bruno , Biau Julian , Kemeny Jean-Louis , Khalil Toufic , Karayan-Tapon Lucie , Verrelle Pierre , Arnaud Philippe
Published: September 2019

In cancer cells, aberrant DNA methylation is commonly associated with transcriptional alterations, including silencing of tumor suppressor genes. However, multiple epigenetic mechanisms, including polycomb repressive marks, contribute to gene deregulation in cancer. To dissect the relative contribution of DNA methylation–dependent and –independent mechanisms to transcriptional alterations at CpG island/promoter-associated genes in cancer, we studied 70 samples of adult glioma, a widespread type of brain tumor, classified according to their isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) mutation status. We found that most transcriptional alterations in tumor samples were DNA methylation–independent. Instead, altered histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) was the predominant molecular defect at deregulated genes. Our results also suggest that the presence of a bivalent chromatin signature at CpG island promoters in stem cells predisposes not only to hypermethylation, as widely documented, but more generally to all types of transcriptional alterations in transformed cells. In addition, the gene expression strength in healthy brain cells influences the choice between DNA methylation- and H3K27me3-associated silencing in glioma. Highly expressed genes were more likely to be repressed by H3K27me3 than by DNA methylation. Our findings support a model in which altered H3K27me3 dynamics, more specifically defects in the interplay between polycomb protein complexes and the brain-specific transcriptional machinery, is the main cause of transcriptional alteration in glioma cells. Our study provides the first comprehensive description of epigenetic changes in glioma and their relative contribution to transcriptional changes. It may be useful for the design of drugs targeting cancer-related epigenetic defects.
Motivations to consume ecological foods in alternative food networks (AFNs) in Southern Spain
Authors: Escobar-López Sttefanie Yenitza , Espinoza-Ortega Angélica , Lozano-Cabedo Carmen , Aguilar-Criado Encarnación , Amaya-Corchuelo Santiago
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the motivations to consume ecological foods in alternative food networks (AFNs).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 150 questionnaires were applied; the questionnaire was adapted from Food Choice Questionnaire (Steptoe et al., 1995). Data were analyzed by means of multivariate statistics with factor and cluster analysis. In order to identify statistical differences (p<0.05), Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney nonparametric tests were performed.

Findings

Ten factors or motivations were found: social ecological concern, nutritional content, sensory aspects, certifications, naturalness, specialized consumption, trust in the seller, economic aspects, health and availability. Four groups were obtained and called: citizen consumers, in-process citizen consumers, conscious social consumers with no interest in certifications and conscious pragmatic consumers. It is concluded that differentiated consumers visit these establishments and their motivations are diverse, albeit they concur, to a varying extent, with the objectives of AFNs, finding a mixture of hedonic and ethical motivations.

Practical implications

This sort of works about specific places of consumption as well as specific consumers, in this case ecological, contributes to the development of future social research on other contexts, different consumers and products.

Originality/value

This sort of research has been carried out in various European cities, with a number of foods and over various sales channels; however, at present there is a debate around AFNs and the veracity of their goals. This way, the present work can contribute with an answer to whether the goals match the motivations of consumers.
Effects of thermal pasteurization on jambolan tropical juice bioactive compounds
Authors: Albuquerque Gilciane Américo , Carvalho Ana Vânia , Faria Lênio José Guerreiro de , Chisté Renan Campos , Martins Luiza Helena da Silva , Lopes Alessandra Santos
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Jambolan has be used as a diabetes-treatment aid, and it has become quite popular; studies have been carried out over the years on this fruit because it presents high activity against superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals due to the bioactive compounds that may play an important role against oxidative stress. No studies have been reported on the effects of pasteurization on the bioactive compounds of jambolan tropical juice. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

For evaluation of the effects of pasteurization on jambolan juice bioactive compounds, a complete compound and rotational experimental design was carried out by varying temperature (80–90°C) and time (45–75 s). The bioactive compounds (total phenolic, total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity) and the enzymatic activity of enzymes (enzymatic browning) were assessed.

Findings

The study of bioactive compounds in the pasteurized juice of jambolan, showed that the total phenolics (TP) and ABTS antioxidant activity presented statistical significance (p<0.05). The action of enzymes causing enzymatic browning was only observed in the standard sample. The optimization of the pasteurization process with the maximum bioactive compound retention was 91.65°C for 69.45 s. The optimal point found is in agreement with studies on thermal treatment that recommend using short times at high temperatures for better retention of food constituents.

Originality/value

The incidence of chronic diseases in humans has increased significantly over the years, some bioactive phytochemicals present in fruits may help against these diseases, so the production of tropical jambolana juices can help to nourish and regulate the consumer health. Therefore, studying the maintenance of bioactive compounds present in this product could be an alternative for the production of healthier foods.
Experiences of international tourists with healthy signature foods: a case study in Malacca
Authors: Kunasegaran Mageswari , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Kadar Khan Sofiah
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of international tourists with healthy signature food at a tourist destination, and explore the perceptions of food providers regarding the preparation of healthy signature foods. Healthy signature food at tourist destinations has become a crucial factor that can determine whether tourists revisit a tourist destination. The relevant literature review and Urry’s tourist gaze theory indicate that there is a lack of previous research on healthy signature foods among international tourists and food providers. The current study addresses this gap by providing a holistic understanding of healthy signature foods and how they have led to a culture of healthy eating in the tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted in Malacca, a World UNESCO Heritage Site, to identify the experiences of international tourists with local signature foods. A purposive sampling method was selected to gather information from international tourists and food providers. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews to gain a detailed perspective of healthy signature foods.

Findings

The results revealed four thematic analysis outcomes, namely, memorable food experiences, food hygiene consciousness, cultural values and tourist happiness, which directly impact tourists’ satisfaction and intention to revisit. Additionally, aspects such as type of trip, trip frequency and the purpose of the trip influenced tourists’ experiences with healthy signature food. Furthermore, it was found that the selected food providers prepared their meals according to the standard procedures.

Originality/value

The current study extends Urry’s tourist gaze theory by exploring tourists’ perceptions of healthy signature food as well as exploring the way the food is prepared. Healthy signature food has much potential as a means of attracting and sustaining international tourists at tourist destinations. Furthermore, it strengthens the supply chain relationship between international tourists (customers) and food providers (suppliers) in the food tourism industry.
Corporate social responsibility and SMEs
Authors: Colovic Ana , Henneron Sandrine , Huettinger Maik , Kazlauskaite Ruta
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate corporate social responsibility (CSR) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transition and developed economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on social capital theory, the creating shared value approach and institutional theory, the authors study why and how six SMEs in the food sector implement CSR.

Findings

The authors show that CSR adoption by SMEs is motivated by company values and beliefs, relationships with the local community, a desire to abide by rules and regulations and business motives. They also show that SMEs are involved in various CSR-related activities such as respecting their employees, infusing CSR in the supply chain and philanthropy.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that although there are similarities between the CSR motives and activities of SMEs in developed and transition countries, there are also some differences, which can be explained by differences in institutions and related to the maturity of the CSR construct in each setting. The authors consequently call for a more holistic approach when investigating CSR across countries, in particular when such investigation concerns SMEs.
Enterprise resource planning and business model innovation: process, evolution and outcome
Authors: Rodriguez Rocio , Molina-Castillo Francisco-Jose , Svensson Göran
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the implementation process of enterprise resource planning (ERP), the evolution of business model innovation (BMI) and the organizational outcome. This research analyses how ERP and BMI are related and, in turn, what is the final the impact on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted on 104 organizations from different industries, all of which used an ERP software. A structural equation model was used to test the six hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that the BMI constructs considered (i.e. value-generation and organizational complexity) mediate the impact of the ERP constructs (organizational adaptation and organizational resistance), in organizational performance. Successful ERP implementation is not an end itself for this companies, but merely a path and a process for improving the business model with the aim improving performance in the marketplace.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers a new outlook on how a company should leverage the ERP adaptation, and any resistance in the organization to innovating in the business model. This study is rooted in the evolutionary perspective of BMI, but it also integrates into an overall model other points of view such as the rational positioning view and cognitive view.

Practical implications

Organizations must understand the ERP flows in depth, each ERP flow is the work result of a multitude of companies over several years. All departments, and in particular the research and development department must participate actively in the ERP implementation. Organised complexity means opportunities for success in the market. Organizations must train their departments in ERP and not just teach them how the ERP works. ERP implementation needs consider improvements to the business model and ultimately the performance, but not separately.

Originality/value

BMI has received contributions from several domains such as entrepreneurship, management organization and strategic management among others. Nonetheless, the role of ERP in BMI is far from being understood and the few contributions focus only on technologyper se. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that has explored the connections of ERP and BMI and in turn the final outcome in organizational performance.
Factors contribute in development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia
Authors: Zahari Nurul Fadzila , Che-Ani Adi Irfan , Abdul Rashid Robiah Binti , Mohd Tahir Mas Ayu , Amat Suzana
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the significant factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility to National Heritage Buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was conducted via semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit) through selected multiple case studies to reveal the main factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair users in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia. There are four National Heritage Buildings (gazetted under National Heritage Act, 2005) selected for this research.

Findings

The findings revealed a few significant factors comprising the physical built environment, organizational behavior and structure, financial resources, and existing legislation.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to wheelchair users and National Heritage Buildings, which was conducted through semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit).

Practical implications

This research investigates the standpoints of both the National Heritage Building operators and the wheelchair users pertaining to accessibility in National Heritage Buildings with regard to their respective roles as management and users.

Social implications

The research demonstrates the importance of social participation effects on the accessibility in National Heritage Buildings based on empirical evidence in highlighting operators’ and wheelchair users’ challenges toward enhancing their accessibility.

Originality/value

This research will be a great contribution to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia, including accessibility for pushchair, elderly, and pregnant women.
Developing a new framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance
Authors: Gupta Rajat , Gregg Matthew , Cherian Rohini
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The field of building performance evaluation (BPE) forms a fragmented whole with tools and methods that are not widely applicable. In response, the purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a novel BPE framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically reviews and evaluates existing BPE methods and techniques and situates them in different building life stages. Using a hierarchical approach, a “BPE framework” is devised for new and existing buildings as well as refurbishments. The working of the BPE framework is demonstrated by applying it to four discreet BPE studies to enable cross-comparison of different BPE approaches based on their stage of application, depth and duration of BPE investigations.

Findings

The framework is designed to have four graduated levels starting at the “basic” level and developing incrementally to “core”, “comprehensive” and “advanced” levels, thereby focussing on “need to know” rather than “nice to have”. The framework also offers a mechanism to map different types of BPE studies with varying scope and content.

Practical implications

As we enter a world of smart meters and smart buildings, we are transitioning into a new future of understanding building performance. The study helps to better understand which BPE method can be used to study what aspect of building performance and in what building lifecycle stage, against time, cost and user expertise.

Originality/value

The graduated and flexible framework helps to bring consistency in evaluating building performance in an otherwise fragmented field, to help improve building performance.
Post-conflict housing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Elkahlout Ghassan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the feasibility of using the agency-driven housing approach in a post-conflict context. This paper aims to identify the challenges in applying the agency-driven approach within the context of post-conflict housing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a qualitative research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and representatives of project beneficiaries. Secondary data drawn from academic papers, articles, technical reports and media reports were also obtained.

Findings

The findings support doubts in the literature about the feasibility of using the agency-driven approach in post-conflict housing reconstruction. The paper concludes that an agency-driven housing project successfully constructed a few thousand housing units and provided thousands of temporary job opportunities. The project encountered challenges in beneficiary selection; affordability of housing units; access to building materials; governance issues; and delays in implementation.

Practical implications

This paper offers valuable lessons for decision-makers, planners and architects to build on in future endeavours in Gaza and in similar contexts.

Originality/value

This paper particularly confirms the challenges of using the agency-driven housing approach in a post-conflict setting. These findings are useful for policy-makers to develop relevant strategies to address housing needs in the Gaza Strip.
Rural bank efficiency and loans for micro and small businesses: evidence from West Java Indonesia
Authors: Anwar Mokhamad , Nidar Sulaeman Rahman , Komara Ratna , Layyinaturrobaniyah Layyinaturrobaniyah
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between rural banks’ efficiency and their lending provision for micro and small businesses (MSBs) in West Java Indonesia. Rural banks are special banks that are generally located in the district and sub-district areas and they are very involved in providing loans to MSBs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes 212 rural banks in various districts in West Java province over the 2012–2016 period. Data envelopment analysis is employed to obtain banks’ technical efficiency and panel data analysis is used to reveal the impact of rural banks’ efficiency on their loan provision to MSBs.

Findings

The findings reveal that technical efficiency of the rural banks has a significant positive impact on their loan provision to MSBs in West Java Indonesia. These results have underscored the importance of rural banks in maintaining and increasing their bank efficiency levels to enhance their capacity in providing loans to MSBs.

Practical implications

The results of this study have brought some implications for practitioners (rural bank management) to maintain and improve their efficiency in order to expand their capacity to lend to MSBs. The roles of Otoritas Jasa Keuangan or the Indonesia Financial Services Authority in monitoring the efficiency of rural banks and overseeing the provision of their loans to MSBs are also very necessary in ensuring good performance of rural banks in terms of both aspects, respectively.

Social implications

This study highlights the importance of rural banks in providing loans to MSB segments. The contribution of rural banks in stimulating the development of MSBs is believed to be able to produce positive social implications in terms of empowering the economic and social life of MSBs in their local communities.

Originality/value

The study fills the literature gap by revealing a significant relationship between bank efficiency and loan provision for MSBs in the context of rural banks.
Optimising opioid substitution therapy in the prison environment
Authors: Alam Farrukh , Wright Nat , Roberts Paul , Dhadley Sunny , Townley Joanne , Webster Russell
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current provision of opioid substitution therapy (OST) during and immediately following release from detention in prisons in England and Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of experts was convened to comment on current practices and to make recommendations for improving OST management in prison. Current practices were previously assessed using an online survey and a focus group with experience of OST in prison (Webster, 2017).

Findings

Disruption to the management of addiction and reduced treatment choice for OST adversely influences adequate provision of OST in prison. A key concern was the routine diversion of opiate substitutes to other prisoners. The new controlled drug formulations were considered a positive development to ensure streamlined and efficient OST administration. The following patient populations were identified as having concerns beyond their opioid use, and therefore require additional considerations in prison: older people with comorbidities and complex treatment needs; women who have experienced trauma and have childcare issues; and those with existing mental health needs requiring effective understanding and treatment in prison.

Originality/value

Integration of clinical and psychosocial services would enable a joint care plan to be tailored for each individual with opioid dependence and include options for detoxification or maintenance treatment. This would better enable those struggling with opioid use to make informed choices concerning their care during incarceration and for the period immediately following their release. Improvements in coordination of OST would facilitate inclusion of strategies to further streamline this process for the benefit of prisoners and prison staff.
Predictive analytics in facilities management
Authors: Roskams Michael , Haynes Barry
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Advancements in wireless sensor technology and building modelling techniques have enabled facilities managers to understand the environmental performance of the workplace in more depth than ever before. However, it is unclear to what extent this data can be used to predict subjective environmental comfort. This study aims to pilot test a methodological framework for integrating real-time environmental data with subjective ratings of environmental comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

An open-plan office was fitted with environmental sensors to measure key indoor environmental quality parameters (carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound pressure level). Additionally, building modelling techniques were used to calculate two spatial metrics (“workspace integration” and workspace density) for each workspace within the study area. In total, 15 employees were repeatedly sampled across an 11-day study period, providing 78 momentary assessments of environmental comfort. Multilevel models were used to explore the extent to which the objective environmental data predicted subjective environmental comfort.

Findings

Higher carbon dioxide levels were associated with more negative ratings of air quality, higher “workspace integration” was associated with higher levels of distractions, and higher workspace density was associated with lower levels of social interactions.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first field study to directly explore the relationship between physical environment data collected using wireless sensors and subjective ratings of environmental comfort. The study provides proof-of-concept for a methodological framework for the integration of building analytics and human analytics.
Improving SME performance through organizational memory
Authors: Kmieciak Roman
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Specific research on the meaning of organizational memory (OM), including databases, for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their performance is limited. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between open-mindedness culture (OMC), OM, SME innovativeness and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Five hypotheses were formulated and tested using the partial least squares method. The survey data were collected from 120 Polish SMEs.

Findings

A positive and significant relationship between OMC and OM was found. OM has both direct and indirect impacts on customer satisfaction through firms’ innovativeness. The results confirmed the correlation between firms’ innovativeness and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on SMEs in a single country limits the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The findings of this research can inform SME managers who are willing to improve operational performance. This study suggests that OMC is a prior stage in building, updating and using OM in the form of databases. Leveraging databases is a way to incrementally increase firms’ innovativeness and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by empirically testing the relationship between OMC, OM, firms’ innovativeness and customer satisfaction. This study is the first ever to study these relationships within the context of SMEs.
A spatial analysis of Los Angeles County’s burden of serious mental illness in relation to public mental health service providers
Authors: Simmons Sarah
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify regions of Los Angeles County with high burdens of serious mental illness and determine whether these regions align with those experiencing the greatest economic hardship.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study analyzed the estimated prevalence of serious mental illness and the locations of publicly funded mental health service providers within each census tract of Los Angeles County. The burden of serious mental illness was calculated for each census tract using these variables and an optimized hot spot analysis was conducted to determine which regions were the most underserved in terms of serious mental illness.

Findings

There is a significantly higher burden of serious mental illness in Southeastern Los Angeles and Pomona Valley than in the rest of Los Angeles County (p = 0.01). The same can be said regarding the Lancaster-Palmdale area and San Fernando Valley (p = 0.05). These areas do appear to align with the areas of Los Angeles County with an economic hardship index in the fourth quartile.

Originality/value

Mental health initiatives targeting the four hot spot regions should be given priority by the County of Los Angeles. This is especially true when allocating funds from Proposition 63, which aims to address mental health disparities in underserved, unserved or inappropriately served populations.
Non-instantaneous deteriorating inventory model under the joined effect of trade-credit, preservation technology and advertisement policy
Authors: Md Mashud Abu Hashan , Hasan Md. Rakibul , Wee Hui Ming , Daryanto Yosef
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to simultaneously consider an inventory model with price and advertisement dependent demand, non-instantaneous deterioration rate with preservation technology investment, partially backlogged shortages and trade credit.

Design/methodology/approach

This model considered a non-instantaneous deterioration, which starts after a certain storage period with a constant rate. The proposed model focused on two things. The first one is to reduce the deterioration rate by preservation technology investment, and the second one is using an appropriate trade credit period to maximize the total profit. The classical optimization technique is used to solve the problem.

Findings

The authors found that trade credit, advertising cost, preservation technology affect the total cost and selling price is one of the most important decision variables affecting the model.

Practical implications

This study provides a reference for a manufacturer and a retailer on making inventory decisions under different pricing, advertisement expense, preservation technology investment and credit strategies. Four cases are presented to illustrate the inventory model. Sensitivity analyses are performed to gain managerial insights for decision-making.

Originality/value

The study simultaneously considers a non-instantaneous deterioration inventory model, trade-credit, and preservation technology and advertisement policy. From our literature search, no researcher has undergone this type of study.
A framework for the evaluation of the perceived value added by internal auditing
Authors: Botha Lise Muriel , Wilkinson Naomi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a framework for the evaluation of the perceived value internal audit functions add to their organisations. The framework is based on service quality measurement principles, specifically SERVPERF, which is applied to internal auditing.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights obtained from the literature on internal auditing and service quality disciplines were synthesised to identify and structure value-adding attributes of internal auditing. A thematic analysis of published profiles (by Protiviti) of various organisations’ internal audit functions were analysed and evaluated against those attributes identified in the literature to formulate an evaluation framework based on service quality measurement principles.

Findings

The identified value-adding attributes were categorised according to the dimensions of the SERVPERF service quality measurement instrument to formulate a framework for evaluation of the value added by internal audit functions. It was found that the SERVPERF dimensions appear to be relevant to internal auditing. The SERVPERF instrument was therefore adapted to evaluate the value added by internal auditing as a service.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to both the theory and practice of internal auditing by proposing formal dimensions of a value-adding internal audit service which can then serve as a reference point from which to evaluate the value added to an organisation. The framework can serve as a starting point for internal audit functions to develop their service offering and/or form the foundation of stakeholder satisfaction surveys.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by applying service quality principles to internal auditing. A holistic framework that can be used for the evaluation of the value added by internal audit functions based on stakeholder perceptions is proposed. The framework juxtaposes attributes of value-adding internal auditing with recognised service quality performance measures. The notion of value added is investigated to better understand the concept in the context of internal auditing services.
Recontextualizing Scandinavian practices in a Latin American regional office
Authors: Ramirez Jacobo , Søderberg Anne-Marie
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how Danish and Mexican communication and management practices are recontextualized at the Latin American office of a Scandinavian multinational corporation (MNC) located in Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study based on interviews, observations and company documents was conducted.

Findings

Well-educated Mexican middle managers appreciate the participative communication and management practices of Scandinavian MNCs, which transcend most experiences at local workplaces, but their interpretations and meaning system are influenced by the colonial legacy and political and socioeconomic context framing their working conditions.

Originality/value

This paper provides a contextualized analysis of a rich case study to further illustrate the challenges faced by MNCs in their quest to establish a regional office in a Latin American context and offers a theoretical model of the elements involved in complex recontextualization processes.
Psychological contract and attitudinal outcomes: multilevel mediation model
Authors: Estreder Yolanda , Tomás Inés , Chambel Maria José , Ramos José
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between employer psychological contract (PC) fulfillment and employee attitudes (job satisfaction, organizational commitment and intention to leave the organization) by using employees’ perceptions of PC violation and organizational justice as serial mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 44 managers and 880 employees from 44 Spanish organizations were analyzed through multilevel structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results showed that employees’ feelings of PC violation and justice perceptions mediated the relationships between the employers’ PC fulfillment assessed by managers and job satisfaction and organizational commitment assessed by employees. The mediation effect was not significant for employees’ intention to leave the organization.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understand the process through which PC influences work outcomes, outlining the relevance of organizational justice as social exchange theory and PC theory (Guest, 2004) stated. In addition, present results extend the influence of PC on work outcomes from the individual to the organizational level.
Precarious work, harassment, and the erosion of employment standards
Authors: Perry J. Adam , Berlingieri Adriana , Mirchandani Kiran
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine experiences of harassment within the context of precarious work, which in Canada is shaped by subnational legislative frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative inquiry approach to data collection and analysis was adopted. The paper draws from 72 interviews conducted with workers in precarious jobs from various industries in three cities in the Canadian province of Ontario, as well as 52 employment standards officers (ESOs) from 15 local Ministry of Labour offices in every region across the province. Placing workers’ stories in counterpoint to those of ESOs brings them into conversations about the law to which they would normally be left out.

Findings

The main finding of this paper is that harassment and employment standards (ES) violations are interrelated phenomena experienced as abuses of power and as tactics of control occurring within a context that is shaped by legislative frameworks.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that for workers in precarious jobs legislative frameworks and labor market practices in Ontario do not provide adequate redress for harassment and ES violations. In so doing, legislative frameworks render invisible the power imbalances within the employment relationship and obscure the interrelatedness of harassment and the wider erosion of workplace norms.
Becoming academics: embracing and resisting changing writing practice
Authors: Katila Saija , Laamanen Mikko , Laihonen Maarit , Lund Rebecca , Meriläinen Susan , Rinkinen Jenny , Tienari Janne
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how global and local changes in higher education impact upon writing practices through which doctoral students become academics. The study explores how norms and values of academic writing practice are learned, negotiated and resisted and elucidates how competences related to writing come to determine the academic selves.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses memory work, which is a group method that puts attention to written individual memories and their collective analysis and theorizing. The authors offer a comparison of experiences in becoming academics by two generational cohorts (1990s and 2010s) in the same management studies department in a business school.

Findings

The study indicates that the contextual and temporal enactment of academic writing practice in the department created a situation where implicit and ambiguous criteria for writing competence gradually changed into explicit and narrow ones. The change was relatively slow for two reasons. First, new performance management indicators were introduced over a period of two decades. Second, when the new indicators were gradually introduced, they were locally resisted. The study highlights how the focus, forms and main actors of resistance changed over time.

Originality/value

The paper offers a detailed account of how exogenous changes in higher education impact upon, over time and cultural space, academic writing practices through which doctoral students become academics.
Application of lean manufacturing concept for redesigning facilities layout in Indonesian home-food industry
Authors: Putri Nilda Tri , Dona Lora Seprima
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to redesign the layout of production floor by considering lean manufacturing in order to eliminate the waste and using Block Layout Overview with Layout Planning (BLOCPLAN) algorithm to attain new layout of facilities in Indonesian home-food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The common problems that might be appearing in home-food industry, especially in the developing countries like Indonesia are unstandardized production process and unorganized work environment which could produce the waste. One of many solutions to handle this problem is improving the work area (work station) in production floor by rearranging and designing standard operating procedure (SOP) by using lean manufacturing concept. The initial data to minimize the waste is motion time study (data) to identify production standard time. The next step is identifying the common waste(s). Meanwhile, the production floor layout used in this research is designed by using BLOCPLAN algorithm.

Findings

The recommendation of shop floor facility layout is based on identified waste, which is excess transportation. Subsequently, standard operational procedure (SOP) is developed to support the recommended facility layout as the reference for cookie production process so it can minimize the waste.

Research limitations/implications

Lean concept is one of method that is widely implemented to reduce the occurrence of defective products and waste that do not provide added value. Based on previous researches, it was found that the concept of lean manufacturing can be applied in various types of service and manufacturing industries, both large companies and small and medium enterprises. Home-food industry competition nowadays is getting intense. This condition makes the stakeholders (of home-food industry, especially in Indonesia) need high performance and productivity to keep their business stable in winning the competition. The new layout can reduce the disadvantages of actual condition.

Practical implications

This research is useful for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia especially for home-food industry. The BLOCPLAN layout (as the recommendation) has displacement moment with reduction of 40 percent.

Social implications

This research believed that it can help SMEs improve their productivity in producing cake and cookies in terms of better layout which can reduce worker movement and standardized working procedure. The design of the production facility layout is a method used to rearrange the production process area so that the distance between processes can be minimized. SOPs was provided as the direction and supervision of workers to work according to standards.

Originality/value

SOP design can support recommended layout as the reference on making the cake (product) to eliminate wastes, which are motion/movement (alternating in production process flow) and long waiting time due to process delays.
Engaging citizens in collective co-production
Authors: Cavallone Mauro , Palumbo Rocco
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Citizen engagement and public service co-production have been identified as essential ingredients of the recipe for public services’ quality improvement. However, the process of citizens’ involvement has rarely been investigated in the scientific literature. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on this issue, examining the expectations and perspectives of people involved in an ongoing process of collective public service co-production implemented in Val Brembilla, a small-sized municipality located in North-Western Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research strategy was designed. First, seven focus groups involving both citizens and entrepreneurs participating in public service co-production were established. Second, a semi-structured survey was administered to 463 co-producers (including both citizens and entrepreneurs), in order to elicit their perceptions and expectations.

Findings

An institutional trigger, namely, the decision of the municipality’s board to purchase the Kuwait Expo 2015 pavilion, initiated the process of public service co-production. Although citizens did not fully agree with the decision to buy the pavilion, due to its negative implications on the municipality’s finances, they were found to be willing to participate in public value co-creation. The opportunity to promote territorial identity through public value co-creation represented the main driver for citizens and entrepreneurs’ involvement.

Practical implications

Collective public service co-production is a sustainable and effective way to enhance the provision of public services. Several barriers are thought to prevent citizens’ engagement in collective public service co-production. First, people expect to be engaged from the initial steps of the process; second, the distinguishing role of territorial identity in influencing citizens’ behaviors and expectations should be recognized and properly addressed to avoid shortcomings in citizens’ engagement.

Originality/value

This paper investigates an ongoing collective public service co-production experience; moreover, it highlights the role of public service co-production in enhancing the public sector entities’ ability to recognize the evolving needs of the community.
Shoot flammability is decoupled from leaf flammability, but controlled by leaf functional traits
Authors: Alam Md Azharul , Wyse Sarah V. , Buckley Hannah L. , Perry George L. W. , Sullivan Jon J. , Mason Norman W. H. , Buxton Rowan , Richardson Sarah J. , Curran Timothy J.
Published: September 2019

Flammability is an important plant trait, relevant to plant function, wildfire behaviour and plant evolution. However, systematic comparison of plant flammability across ecosystems has proved difficult because of varying methodologies and assessment of different fuels comprising different plant parts. We compared the flammability of plant species at the leaf‐level (most commonly used in flammability studies) and shoot‐level (which retains aspects of plant architecture). Furthermore, we examined relationships between leaf functional traits and flammability to identify key leaf traits determining shoot‐level flammability.

We collated and analysed existing leaf‐ and shoot‐level flammability data from 43 common indigenous perennial New Zealand plant species, along with existing data on leaf morphological and chemical traits.

Shoot‐level flammability was decoupled from leaf‐level flammability. Moreover, leaf‐level rankings of flammability were not correlated with rankings of flammability of plants derived from expert opinion based on field observations, while shoot‐level rankings had a significant positive relationship. Shoot‐level flammability was positively correlated with leaf dry matter content (LDMC), phenolics and lignin, and negatively correlated with leaf thickness.

Synthesis. Our study suggests that shoot‐level measurements of flammability are a useful and easily replicable way of characterizing the flammability of plants, particularly canopy flammability. With many parts of the world becoming more fire‐prone, due to anthropogenic activities, such as land‐use change and global warming, this finding will help forest and fire managers to make informed decisions about fuel management, and improve modelling of fire‐vegetation‐climate feedbacks under global climate change. Additionally, we identified some key, widely measured leaf traits, such as leaf dry matter content (LDMC), that may be useful surrogates for plant flammability in global dynamic vegetation models.