bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slow and steady wins the race: encounters of myosin-5 and myosin-6 on shared actin filaments
Authors: Santos Alicja , Kalita Joanna , Rock Ronald S.
Published: November 2016

In the cellular environment multiple myosins use the same filamentous actin (F-actin) tracks, yet little is known about how this track sharing is achieved and maintained. To assess the influence that different myosin classes have on each other, we developed an assay that combines two dynamic elements: elongating actin filaments with identified barbed and pointed ends, and myosins moving along these filaments. We studied two different myosins, myosin-5 and myosin-6. These myosins have distinct functions in the cell and are known to travel in opposite directions along actin filaments. Myosin-5 walks towards the barbed end of F-actin and generally into dynamically rearranging actin at the cell periphery. Myosin-6 is a pointed-end directed myosin that generally walks towards the cell center. We successfully reconstituted simultaneous bidirectional motility of myosin-5 and myosin-6 on single polymerizing filaments of actin. We report and provide statistical analysis of encounters between myosin-5 and myosin-6 walking along the single filaments. When myosin-5 and myosin-6 collide, myosin-5 detaches more frequently than myosin-6. The experimental observations are consistent with a stochastic stepping model based upon known myosin kinetics, which suggests that faster motors are more likely to detach.
Somatic Mutations and Neoepitope Homology in Melanomas Treated with CTLA-4 Blockade
Authors: Nathanson Tavi , Ahuja Arun , Rubinsteyn Alexander , Aksoy Bulent Arman , Hellmann Matthew D. , Miao Diana , Van Allen Eliezer , Merghoub Taha , Wolchok Jedd , Snyder Alexandra , Hammerbacher Jeff
Published: November 2016

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising treatments for patients with a variety of malignancies. Toward understanding the determinants of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, it was previously demonstrated that somatic mutation burden is associated with benefit and a hypothesis was posited that neoantigen homology to pathogens may in part explain the link between somatic mutations and response. To further examine this hypothesis, we reanalyzed cancer exome data obtained from a previously published study of 64 melanoma patients treated with CTLA-4 blockade and a new dataset of RNA-Seq data from 24 of those patients. We found that the predictive accuracy does not increase as analysis narrows from somatic mutation burden to predicted MHC Class I neoantigens, expressed neoantigens, or homology to pathogens. Further, the association between somatic mutation burden and response is only found when examining samples obtained prior to treatment. Neoantigen and expressed neoantigen burden are also associated with response, but neither is more predictive than somatic mutation burden. Neither the previously-described tetrapeptide signature nor an updated method to evaluate neoepitope homology to pathogens were more predictive than mutation burden.
Crystal structure oftrans-diaquabis(4-cyanobenzoato-κO)bis(N,N-diethylnicotinamide-κN)cadmium
Authors: Akduran Nurcan , Sertçelik Mustafa , Aydoğdu Ömer , Necefoğlu Hacali , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: November 2016

The mononuclear title cadmium complex, [Cd(C10H14N2O)2(C8H4NO2)2(H2O)2], is centrosymmetric and contains two water molecules, two 4-cyanobenzoate (CB) ligands and two diethylnicotinamide (DENA) ligands. All the ligands are coordinated to the CdIIatom in a monodentate mode. The four nearest O atoms around the CdIIatom form a slightly distorted square-planar arrangement, with the distorted octahedral coordination sphere being completed by the two pyridine N atoms of the DENA ligands at distances of 2.3336 (13) Å. The dihedral angle between the carboxylate group and the adjacent benzene ring is 8.75 (16)°, while the benzene and pyridine rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 57.83 (5)°. The water molecules exhibit both intramolecular [to the non-coordinating carboxylate O atom, enclosing anS(6) hydrogen-bonding motif, where O...O = 2.670 (2) Å] and intermolecular [to the amide carbonyl O atom, enclosing anR22(16) ring motif, where O...O = 2.781 (2) Å] O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The latter lead to the formation of supramolecular chains propagating along [110].
Women directors, family ownership and earnings management in Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Shamsul Nahar , Ismail Ku Nor Izah Ku
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the representation of women on the boards (WOMBDs) and audit committees is associated with a reduction in the practice of earnings management and whether women are associated with income reducing (conservative) rather than income-increasing (aggressive) earnings management. The authors further argue that family ownership moderates the relationship between the presence of WOMBDs and audit committees and earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses non-finance firms listed on Bursa Malaysia over a period of four years, i.e. from 2008 until 2011.

Findings

The evidence reveals that the presence of WOMBD or audit committee is not associated with a propensity for earnings management. In addition, the evidence also reveals that family ownership does not interact either with WOMBD or with women on the audit committee (WOMAC) to influence the propensity for earnings management. Nevertheless, the additional analyses show that, while women on boards are not associated with income-decreasing accruals, the presence of women on audit committees leads to income-reducing earnings management. The evidence further reveals that family ownership does not interact with either WOMBD or WOMAC to influence income-decreasing earnings management.

Originality/value

This study extends prior research on the role of women directors and women audit committee members on earnings management focussing on family ownership. Further, the study also examines the direction of earnings management as opposed to the most prior studies, which mainly focus on the propensity of earnings management.
Six Sigma improvement project in a concrete block plant
Authors: Noriega Morales Salvador , Valles Ch. Adán , Torres-Argüelles Vianey , Martínez G. Erwin , Hernández G. Andrés
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the application of several Six Sigma tools to explain the improvement changes needed in a company that manufactures concrete blocks. The paper explains the methodology and the tools of the Six Sigma system, their use in the project, the application of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) process for the identification and definition of the problems, the related performance variables and the results obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the research made to improve the production of concrete blocks, specifically, the application of the DMAIC process, which is part of the Six Sigma methodologies; DMAIC stands forDefinition of the problem,Measurement of the performance,Analysis using specific statistical methods and tools,Improvement the factors that cause the problem andControl the processes to ensure that the problem will not occur again. Each of those steps is explained in detail in the paper, which also presents the application of other improvement techniques.

Findings

The results show the adaptability and relevance of Six Sigma for the improvement of production operations. It is clearly demonstrated that it leads to benefits such as the elimination of machine downtime, reduction of scrap from 18 to 2 per cent and the improvements made in plant layout and production facilities to increase the productivity.

Research limitations/implications

In improvement projects, the differential between the initial and final conditions varies, depending on the magnitude of the problems or potential opportunities. Although this paper describes only the application of Six Sigma, the methodology has a wide potential application in most manufacturing industries.

Practical implications

With the Six Sigma and DMAIC tools’ application and the improvement process, the agility obtained is driving a more mechanized perspective of production operations. The customer service level was increased, through fast deliveries of complete orders. This project shows that the application of the Six Sigma methodology is feasible and produces attractive financial and operational results in this segment of the construction industry.

Originality/value

The companies dedicated to the production of concrete blocks commonly reproduce the systems and standards of the industry, which are commonly designed around civil engineering and technical issues. Thus, the application of improvement tools is exceptional in manufacturing environments. Although this paper is just one application of the methodology, it explains in detail the DMAIC use for companies that are committed to the development of new competencies to increase their competitiveness.
Exploring the relationship among human resource flexibility, organizational innovation and adaptability culture
Authors: Do Ben-Roy , Yeh Pi-Wen , Madsen Jean
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Human resource (HR) flexibility is a firm-level capability that consists of employee skill flexibility, employee behavior flexibility, and HR practice flexibility. HR flexibility allows organizations to adapt and be responsive to changes in their environments. Findings from this paper indicate that if the organization is highly innovative and has flexible HR policies, then that influences organizational culture, risk-taking and experimentation within a firm. This paper has also revealed that process innovation mediates between adaptability culture and product innovation. It also revealed that managers should emphasize processes to improve efficiency for resource exploitation. The lessons learned from process innovation activities indicated that having a strong knowledge base assists a firm in developing innovative technology such as automation for manufacturing, handling and testing or simply smart manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were sent to employees at 23 Taiwanese companies in high-tech industries, where innovation is the key to their survival, and 293 valid surveys were collected. Structural equation modeling, (SEM) using IBM SPSS Amos, was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results fully support the hypotheses that HR flexibility positively influences adaptability culture and contributes to organizational innovation. Furthermore, it was found that adaptability culture has a direct impact on process innovation and an indirect impact on product innovation through process innovation.

Originality/value

The critical role of HR flexibility and adaptability culture on organizational innovation in the high-tech sector were highlighted. The importance of HR flexibility is emphasized to provide managerial hints to top managers.
Board size, ownership concentration and future firm risk
Authors: Haider Junaid , Fang Hong-Xing
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was first to find out whether the negative relationship between board size and future firm risk persists in China while contemplating all sorts of endogeneity. Second, the authors have investigated the role of large shareholders in influencing the managerial decisions concerning future firm risk via board size. Finally, the authors examined whether the moderating role of large shareholders is any different in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included all the A-listed firms listed on the Shanghai and the Shenzhen stock exchanges over a sample period from 2008 to 2013. The authors used fixed effects regression and the generalized method of moments (GMM) to test the three hypotheses.

Findings

The authors found that board size is negatively associated with future firm risk when measured as volatility in future stock prices and future cash flows. Second, large shareholders directly influence managerial decisions about future firm risk, irrespective of board size. Third, the moderating role of ownership concentration is insignificant in both SOEs and NSOEs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which has analyzed the role of large shareholders in the relationship between board size and future firm risk. This study provides valuable insights, particularly in the context of a developing country, into the role played by large shareholders in influencing managerial decisions concerning future firm risk.
Numerical verification of Turowski’s coefficient
Authors: Rodriguez-Ignacio Hugo , Lopez-Fernandez Xose M.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the numerical verification of the linearization coefficient ap proposed by Turowski for the calculation of the electromagnetic field distribution and therefore the stray losses inside magnetically saturated solid steel conductors.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical verification is performed on a case study consisting of a simple current conductor sheet parallel to a solid steel plate. Numerical computations are compared with analytical calculations with and without inclusion of the semi-empirical Turowski’s coefficient.

Findings

Results confirm a good agreement between numerical values for steel with non-linear permeability and analytical ones applying Turowski’s coefficient. This is particularly powerful in the case of analytical calculation of the magnetic surface impedance (SI) to increase precision when hybrid methods are used. The concept of SI enables the establishment of hybrid approaches for the calculation of stray losses, combining the numerical methods (finite difference method, finite element method (FEM), etc.) together with the analytical formulation, gaining from the advantages of both methods.

Originality/value

Previous numerical analysis was focused on the field dependence on time for several depths inside solid steel. The aim of this paper is to investigate the electromagnetic field distribution inside solid steel on a representative FEM model and verify how the linearization coefficient ap proposed by Turowski works.
Vibration and acoustic noise of industrial inductors associated to converters in the railway domain
Authors: Iamamura Bruno , Rossi Mathieu , Hecquet Michel , Lanfranchi Vincent , Recorbet Sylvain , Tridon Florence
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an original study of industrial inductors with different air-gap materials in order to reduce the vibration and noise of inductors. Acoustic comfort is an increasingly important factor at the design stage of industrial inductors associated to converters. In addition, power converters in the railway domain are more and more compact and powerful.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments, simulations and test devices were used to determine the main physical phenomena that generate the undesirable audible noise. Electric and vibratory measurements (modal and operational analysis) were compared with the numerical calculations. PWM and sinusoidal supply were taken into account and different prototypes with different materials in the air-gap were built.

Findings

This study analyzes and details the origin of the electromagnetic noise due to the vertical mode, in order to reduce the vibration and noise of inductors. A detailed analysis using finite element simulation and experimental measurements of free-free mode or forced mode under electrical excitation was conducted to interpret the vibrations of the structure. In addition, in order to observe trends and the impact of magnetostriction effect, the authors propose a simplified model.

Practical implications

Electric and vibratory measurements (modal and operational analysis) are compared with the numerical calculations.

Originality/value

This paper gives a response about the origin of the noise with different experimental measurements. Changing the air-gap material is beneficial for the deflection of the inductor. However, it has been presented that, following the shape of the inductor, it is beneficial to reduce or increase the stiffness of the material depending on the column height. For a fixed Young’s modulus air-gap, a ratio Column height/air-gap thickness exists, which makes it possible to cancel the deflection.
Voltage distribution in inorganic insulation windings for high-temperature motors
Authors: Roger Daniel , Iosf Vadim , Babicz Sylvain
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method for computing voltage spikes endured by the insulation of the first coils of high-temperature (HT°) synchronous machines fed by PWM inverters that deliver fast-fronted voltage pulses.

Design/methodology/approach

The transient state following each steep edge is computed by SPICE using the global high-frequency (HF) equivalent circuit of the motor winding. This equivalent circuit is automatically built using the proposed elementary coil model. Two inorganic HT° technologies are compared: the first one uses a round copper wire insulated by a thin ceramic layer and the second one is made with an anodized aluminum strip.

Findings

The winding made with an anodized aluminum strip, which has a higher turn-to-turn capacitance, yields a better voltage distribution between coils of the machine.

Research limitations/implications

The elementary coil equivalent circuit is computed from impedance measurements performed on an elementary coil. Another starting point could be developed with an FE analysis to determine the parameters of the HF equivalent circuit, which would avoid the need for a prototype coil before the machine design.

Practical implications

For inorganic motors, the insulation layers have poorer electrical characteristics compared with standard organic ones. Therefore, the computation of voltage spikes distribution along the coils of each phase represents a major issue in the design of HT° machines.

Originality/value

The presented approach is a step toward the design of HT° (400-500°C) actuators fed by PWM inverters based on fast SiC electronic switches.
Programmable omega-based complex medium for beam steering applications
Authors: Christodoulou Michail G. , Lalas Antonios X. , Kantartzis Nikolaos V. , Tsiboukis Theodoros D.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Metamaterials have been utilised in several exciting configurations such as tuneable reflectors, reconfigurable absorbers, and programmable modulators, triggering intense research efforts. Among them, the ability to steer the radiation pattern of a single antenna component by employing a metamaterial-based superstrate is considered crucial for the development of advanced beam forming applications. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an adjustable omega-inspired metamaterial module to facilitate the design of beam steering implementations, involving beam forming capabilities, as well.

Design/methodology/approach

A variable capacitive diode is properly positioned at the novel omega element, hence advancing the controllability of its electromagnetic performance and circumventing the requirement of extra bias networks. When an array of these particles is placed in front of an antenna, several negative refractive index profiles can be realised, allowing the manipulation of the beam direction. Furthermore, a pyramidal horn antenna, loaded with this complex medium superstrate, is thoroughly investigated in terms of programmable beam steering and beam forming attributes. Several numerical data derived via the finite element method unveil the merits of the featured configuration.

Findings

The proposed structure allows programmability of the electromagnetic behaviour, but also circumvents the necessity of complicated bias networks, while minimising interference. The numerical assessment of a standard gain pyramidal horn antenna, associated to the featured metamaterial superstrate, sufficiently proves the controllable beam steering and beam forming attributes. Several parametric studies clarify the principal characteristics of the proposed setup, facilitating the design of high-end systems.

Originality/value

Development of tuneable metamaterial, which utilises variable capacitive diodes to enable controllability. Incorporation of reconfigurable metamaterials into antenna technology. Design of a pyramidal horn antenna, loaded with a complex medium superstrate exhibiting programmable beam steering and beam forming attributes. The proposed device circumvents the necessity of complicated bias networks, while minimising interference.
Ariika – a successful implementation of information and communication technology by Egyptian entrepreneurs
Authors: Azab Nahed , Mekkawy Amira Nabil
Published: November 2016

Subject area

This case shows an example of the opportunities opened by the internet that drove young entrepreneurs to start their business, in May 2011, as a premium beanbag supplier in Egypt.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate students studying management.

Case overview

The case examines the use of information and communication technology (ICT) by young Egyptian entrepreneurs, and how technology could open for them a broad horizon for continuous development, creativity and innovation. It presents the experience of a group of four undergraduate students who established a virtual company producing and selling beanbags through their website. The main objective of the case is to highlight the business challenges faced by entrepreneurs and possible opportunities in emerging economies and the effective role of ICT in reacting to these business environment changes. The case also provides a strategic analysis of the various factors that may impact the organization and explains how technology can contribute to improving the company’s standing. Finally, recommendations are provided to serve as basis for any future strategic plans.

Expected learning outcomes

This study highlights the value of ICT in general and the internet in particular in driving young entrepreneurs to start their own business. It also presents the best practices in conducting a successful online business, and approaches undertaken by internet entrepreneurs to address rising challenges. It understands the variety of tools that could be used to market business online. It indicates the role of information technology in supporting business strategies at any organizational stage to improve different processes, to assist in decision-making, and to create new customer-centric services and products.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email
support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Assessing IT disaster recovery plans
Authors: El-Temtamy Osama , Majdalawieh Munir , Pumphrey Lela
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to assess information technology (IT) disaster recovery plans (DRPs) in publicly listed companies on Abu Dhabi securities exchange (ADX) in the United Arab Emirates. The authors assessed, among other things, DRP preparedness, documentation, employees’ preparedness and awareness and the most significant physical and logical risks that pose the most threads to drive the development of the DRP, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed publicly listed companies on the ADX using a questionnaire adapted from past research papers as well as from audit programs published by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. The surveys were completed through interviews with middle and senior management familiar with their firm’s IT practices.

Findings

The majority of the respondents reported having a DRP, and a significant number of the respondents reported that their top management were extremely committed to their DRP. Employees were generally aware of their role and the existence of the DRP. The greatest risk/threat to their organization’s IT system was logical risk followed closely by power and network connectivity loss as the second highest physical risk. The most highly ranked consequence of an IT disaster was loss of confidence in the organization.

Research limitations/implications

Because this paper only examined publicly listed companies on ADX, the research results may lack generality. Therefore, further research is needed in this area for determining the extent of the deployment of the DRP in the region.

Practical implications

Results of this paper could be used for IT DRP planning bench-marking purposes.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to research by investigating the current IT DRP practices by public companies listed on ADX.
Risk assessment of high schools in Lebanon for potential terrorist threat
Authors: Naja Mohamad K. , Baytiyeh Hoda
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Terrorist attacks on schools and colleges have disrupted educational processes and caused fear, deaths and tragedies. Considering the recent increase in terrorist attacks on educational facilities in different parts of the world, vulnerability and risk assessments have assumed crucial importance in the design and evaluation of mitigation plans to reduce the traumatic impacts of such events. This paper aims to assess the vulnerability and risk of Lebanese high school assets to terrorism.

Design/methodology/approach

Through site visits to various high schools in Lebanon, the authors evaluated specific features common in the majority of Lebanese high schools and identified six categories of schools. Using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA 428) guidelines, one high school from each category was surveyed and analysed.

Findings

The results reveal a relatively high vulnerability to and risk of the threat of terrorism and a lack of protective plans and mitigation measures to minimise this risk among the majority of the investigated high school facilities.

Originality/value

This paper should alert school administrators, public leaders and government officials regarding the terrorist threats and their subsequent effects on the structural safety of school buildings in Lebanon. The risk assessment of schools to terrorism has rarely been performed or even discussed in the Lebanese-related literature.
Impact of corporate social performance on financial performance of manufacturing companies (IMC) listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Sadeghi Ghazal , Arabsalehi Mehdi , Hamavandi Mahnoosh
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate social performance (CSP) on financial performance of manufacturing companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange and thus contributes to understanding the significance of socially responsible investments for companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The CSP was measured by a questionnaire composed of 53 items related to customers’ social performance of the firm, workers and environmental and community dimensions. Besides, corporate financial performance was measured by two measures, return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). In this study, 74 observations were investigated from 2006 to 2012. The data were analyzed using the multiple regression method.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that customers’ social performance of the firm has a negative impact on ROA of the firm. Besides, social performance of the workers dimension of the firm has a positive impact on ROA. The results, also, showed that none of the CSP dimensions affected the ROE of the firms.

Originality/value

The present study is useful for managers to develop future social performance policies that may lead to better financial performance in the long-term. The paper, also, contributes to the corporate social responsibility literature, as it presents empirical evidence of the effects of CSP on the financial performance in the manufacturing sector of developing countries.
An analysis of beginning mentors’ critical incidents in English post-compulsory education
Authors: Eliahoo Rebecca
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This qualitative study explores the barriers and dilemmas faced by beginning and novice mentors in post-compulsory education in the Southeast of England. It analyses critical incidents (Tripp, 2012) taken from the everyday practice of mentors who were supporting new teachers and lecturers in the Southeast of England. It categorises different types of critical incidents that mentors encountered and describes the strategies and rationales mentors used to support mentees and (indirectly) their learners and colleagues. The purpose of this paper is to explore ways in which mentors’ own values, beliefs and life experiences affected their mentoring practice.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of a specialist master’s-level professional development module, 21 mentors wrote about two critical incidents (Tripp, 2012) taken from their own professional experiences, which aimed to demonstrate their support for their mentee’s range of complex needs. These critical incidents were written up as short case studies, which justified the rationale for their interventions and demonstrated the mentors’ own professional development in mentoring. Critical incidents were used as units of analysis and categorised thematically by topic, sector and mentoring strategies used.

Findings

The research demonstrated the complex nature of decision making and the potential for professional learning within a mentoring dyad. The study of these critical incidents found that mentors most frequently cited the controversial nature of teaching observations, the mentor’s role in mediating professional relationships, the importance of inculcating professional dispositions in education and the need to support new teachers so that they can use effective behaviour management strategies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the central importance of mentoring for professional growth within teacher education. It identifies common dilemmas that novice mentors face in post-compulsory education, justifies the rationale for their interventions and mentoring strategies and helps to identify ways in which mentors’ professional development needs can be met. It demonstrates that mentoring is complex, non-linear and mediated by mentors’ motivation and values.
Mentoring for educators’ professional learning and development
Authors: Castanheira Patricia Susana Pinho
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and highlight key findings, themes and ideas from selected published academic papers on mentoring in education, with a specific focus on how mentoring can foster the professional learning and development of educators at all stages of their professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a literature review of all the papers published in the International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, from Volume 1, Issue 1 (2012) to Volume 4, Issue 4 (2015), that contained the word “mentoring” in either the title, abstract and/or keywords and with a discussion of mentoring in the main text. In total, 37 papers were analysed in order to create a meta-synthesis of the primary findings.

Findings

The findings present factors that foster mentoring success or failure. The purposes and components of mentoring programmes are diverse and contextually bound. Additionally, there is a tendency to view mentoring as a developmental relationship in which the mentor shares knowledge and expertise to support the mentee’s learning and professional development.

Research limitations/implications

As this meta-synthesis literature review is focussed on articles published in a single journal on mentoring, it has limited scope. However, the range of countries in which the authors of the reviewed empirical studies reside (13 countries), and the diversity of papers included in this review allowed the author to summarize and synthesize unique information for researchers and practitioners who are seeking to understand the process, outcomes and issues related to mentoring for the professional development of educators.

Practical implications

The review provides information for those seeking to study and implement mentoring programmes. It focusses on mentoring for professional development of educators, identifies primary concepts in the literature reviewed and highlights new research areas in mentoring in education.

Originality/value

This literature review discusses mentoring definitions from 37 different papers and contributes important knowledge to produce a picture of the intricacy of mentoring. Complex issues linked with mentoring are addressed, generating a critical systematization of mentoring research likely to have a lasting influence in the field.
Toward a process and situated view of compromises
Authors: Hussenot Anthony
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To understand how collaborative work practices emerge and evolve throughout activities, the purpose of this paper is to comprehend the making of compromises from a process view. Compromises are here understood as constantly evolving throughout activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The author relies on the Actor-Network Theory to define two dynamics participating in the making of compromises: the translation and the association. These two dynamics are then illustrated with a case study about the development of a Human Resource Management device that took place in a bank in Luxembourg. From this case, the author focuses on the emergence of various compromises about the project’s purpose.

Findings

Based on the insights brought by the theoretical framework and case studies, compromise is understood as a temporary result of the translations and associations between humans and non-humans. Compromise is also anything that is shared by actors (meaning, categories, objectives, etc). that enables them to make their collective activity possible. This process view of compromises makes three contributions: it fully recognizes that compromise is not stable but situated in practices, it highlights the mediating role of compromises and it insists on the interrelation between compromises throughout the activity.

Originality/value

The matter of compromise has mainly been studied from a moral standpoint as a stable agreement, whatever the context. This article also provides an alternative approach to understanding compromise as situated in practices.
Coping with irrationality in orthodox economic theory
Authors: Styhre Alexander
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the assumptions regarding human behaviour in orthodox neoclassical economic theory. The orthodox neoclassical economic theory prescribes rational models of human behaviour, but the strictness of the criteria, developed to promote theoretical consistency and conceptual elegance, commonly fails to fully accommodate all of the empirical material. To save the core of the orthodox neoclassical economic theory research program and to neutralize and mute criticism regarding its predictive failures, its proponents engage in expedient theorizing, the expansion of the initial theoretical framework by adding ad hoc hypotheses and/or including additional explanatory factors; in many cases, dismissed as “unnecessary complications” (as in the case of morality and ethics – two conspicuously “non-economic” concepts) in the initial formulation of theoretical propositions of the core theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews a body of heterogeneous literature to introduce and examine the use of expedient theorizing in economic thinking.

Findings

In the present case, the hyperrationalist axiom regarding the efficacy of calculative practices to maximize individual utility is accompanied by moralist concerns (and, by implication, corrective and disciplinary action) regarding the failure to adhere to such prescriptions. Expedient theorizing, thus, becomes a key mechanism in the political economy of truth that currently grants orthodox neoclassical economic theory significant authority to inform policy-making in substantial ways and considerable prestige.

Originality/value

The orthodox neoclassical economic theory constitutes the blueprint for policy-making and institutional change, and, therefore, the key economic ideas being the constitutive elements of the contemporary economy demand scholarly attention. The paper thus points at theoretical inconsistencies in the orthodox neoclassical economic theory and introduces the concept of expedient theorizing as its remedy.
Strategies for developing a writing community for doctoral students
Authors: Roulston Kathryn , Teitelbaum Deborah , Chang Bo , Butchart Ronald
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present considerations for developing a writing community for doctoral students.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects on data from a self-study of a writing seminar in which the authors were involved. The authors examined students’ writing samples and peer-review comments, email correspondence, online discussion board postings, meeting minutes and participants’ reflections on their participation in the seminar.

Findings

While doctoral students described benefits from their participation in the writing seminar, the paper provides a cautionary tale concerning the challenges that can arise in the development and delivery of interventions that focus on developing writing communities involving doctoral students.

Research limitations/implications

This article draws on findings from an examination of a writing intervention to consider potential challenges that faculty and students face in developing writing communities. Findings may not apply to other kinds of settings, and they are limited by the small number of participants involved.

Practical implications

The paper discusses strategies that might be used to inform faculty in the development of writing communities for doctoral students.

Social implications

The authors’ experiences in developing and delivering a writing seminar highlight the importance of the process of trust-building for students to perceive the value of feedback from others so that they can respond to the technical demands of doctoral writing.

Originality/value

There is a growing body of work on the value of writing interventions for doctoral students such as retreats and writing groups. These are frequently facilitated by faculty whose area of expertise is in teaching writing. This paper contributes understanding to what is needed for faculty who are not writing instructors to facilitate groups of this sort. Participants must demonstrate a sufficient level of competence as writers to review others’ work; develop trusting, collegial relationships with one another; and be willing to contribute to others’ development and make a commitment to accomplishing the required tasks.
Becoming a PI: agency, persistence and some luck!
Authors: McAlpine Lynn , Turner Gill , Saunders Sharon , Wilson Natacha
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the experience of gaining research independence by becoming a principal investigator (PI) – an aspiration for many post-PhD researchers about whom little is known. It provides insight into this experience by using a qualitative narrative approach to document how 60 PIs from a range of disciplines in one European and two UK universities experienced working towards and achieving this significant goal.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the context of a semi-structured interview, individuals drew and elaborated a map representing the emotional high and low experiences of the journey from PhD graduation to first PI grant, and completed a biographic questionnaire.

Findings

Regardless of the length of the journey from PhD graduation to first PI grant, more than a third noted the role that luck played in getting the grant. Luck was also perceived to have an influence in other aspects of academic work. This influence made it even more important for these individuals to sustain a belief in themselves and be agentive and persistent in managing the challenges of the journey.

Originality/value

The study, unusual in its cross-national perspective, and its mixed mode data collection, offers a nuanced perspective on the interaction between agency and an environment where the “randomness factor” plays a role in success. The function of luck as a support for sustained agency and resilience is explored.
RFRA and the hospitality industry in Indiana: political shocks and empirical impacts on Indianapolis’ hospitality and tourism industry
Authors: Webster Craig , Yen Chih-Lun (Alan) , Hji-Avgoustis Sotiris
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is a controversial bill passed by the State of Indiana and signed into law in March 2015. The purpose of this paper is to look into whether there is empirical evidence that the political shock of RFRA had a negative empirical impact upon the hotel industry in Indiana’s major city, Indianapolis, and investigate how DMOs and other organizations in the tourism and hospitality industry worked in ways to counteract the threat of a great deal of loss of business caused by the national furor caused by the passing of the original bill in March 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

To fully examine the impact of RFRA on hospitality business in Indiana, secondary data were used in this study. The researchers used the Trend Market report created by Smith Travel Research (STR) (2016b) with a focus on the greater Indianapolis area, which include Indianapolis South East, Indianapolis Central Business District, Indianapolis Airport/Speedway, Indianapolis North Loop, and Indianapolis small towns. In the Trend Market report, hotel operation performance results are listed including occupancy percentage, average daily rate, revenue per available room, supply, demand, and revenue.

Findings

The findings from this investigation illustrate that there is no empirical reason to believe that the political shock of the RFRA controversy in Indiana in 2015 had a meaningful impact upon the hospitality and tourism industry in Indianapolis, despite concerns that it would make a big and negative impact upon the industry. While event planners may have a negative perception of the city of Indianapolis and the state, these perceptions do not seem to be enough to make a difference in terms of impacting upon the hospitality industry in Indianapolis.

Originality/value

There are lessons that could be learned from this, as many states in the USA continue to pass similar laws to RFRA, laws that are perceived as being problematic for those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. The most noteworthy lesson is that the passing of laws that seem to threaten people of the LGBT community will bring a national response and will likely be accompanied with threats that are economic in nature. There is a great deal of evidence to show that passing any legislation that may be interpreted as infringing upon the rights of members of the LGBT community will result in substantial responses that may be negative in nature.
The new office: how coworking changes the work concept
Authors: Leclercq-Vandelannoitte Aurelie , Isaac Henri
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Recent years have witnessed the birth and rapid development of “coworking” spaces that are likely to affect classic models of work and organizations. This paper aims to identify the crucial issues raised by this phenomenon, for both practitioners and researchers, in both management and organization theory.

Design/methodology/approach

To describe this growing phenomenon, the current paper presents an in-depth analysis of existing literature and identifies the social, organizational and managerial issues raised by the development of coworking.

Findings

A review of how organizational research has analyzed the rapid development of coworking spaces thus far reveals a conceptual framework for grasping the origins, nature and implications of this phenomenon. Such an assessment in turn sheds light on the issues and potential questions raised by the growth of this new type of organization.

Practical implications

Managers and practitioners can gain a better grasp of the phenomenon and the potential evolution of workplaces and organizations, as well as a better understanding of the extent to which developing coworking spaces might invoke evolution in organizations and management practices.

Originality/value

The rise of coworking spaces is unprecedented in its speed and scale. Yet, academic research has largely ignored this phenomenon, and practitioner studies have privileged a descriptive approach. This paper thus covers a topic that has attracted scant attention in prior academic research, despite its vast and growing importance.
Evaluation of a cognitive skills programme for male prisoners – exploring treatment effectiveness
Authors: Ireland Jane L. , Bates-Gaston Jackie , Markey Kevin , Greenwood Leah , Ireland Carol A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of a cognitive skills programme (Enhanced Thinking Skills) with adult prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre- and post-treatment design with 171 male prisoners, using self-report psychometric measures.

Findings

Significant differences were found in the direction expected. Clinical recovery using stringent methods was not indicated, although improvement/partial response was across a number of domains.

Practical implications

Expectations for treatment outcome for short-term interventions should be more realistic; cognitive skills programmes may be best considered as precursors to longer term therapies; treatment outcome should focus on improvement and not recovery.

Originality/value

This study represents the first prison study to distinguish between levels of positive change. It questions previous interpretations of treatment outcome.