bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal procurement strategies from multiple suppliers with total minimum commitments and order constraints
Authors: Li Wu , Yue Chaoyuan , Han Shoudong , Zhu Mingfu
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive the optimal procurement policy of an item for a buyer and reduce the total cost to the buyer.

Design/methodology/approach

In a multi‐supplier setting and from the perspective of the buyer, the paper addresses long‐term supply contracts for a single item with total minimum commitments and order constraints each period. Under the conditions, the buyer agrees to procure at least a certain quantity of an item from every selected supplier over the predetermined plan horizon and the order constraints specify the minimum and maximum of the quantity purchased each period. An optimization model is developed minimizing the total cost to the buyer, including purchase, transportation, and storage cost of all periods. To derive the optimal procurement policy for the buyer, a two‐phase solution is proposed integrating multidimensional dynamic programming with heuristic method.

Findings

The optimal procurement policies can be computed easily and result in a certain decrease on the total cost to the buyer. There may be multiple optimal procurement strategies resulting in the same total cost to the buyer. The commitments to the suppliers result in an increase on the total cost to the buyer.

Research limitations/implications

Sensitivity analysis should be provided and uncertain demands should be considered.

Practical implications

This paper presents a very useful approach to derive optimal procurement strategy for such buyers as project owners.

Originality/value

The paper extends the total minimum commitment to a multi‐supplier setting.
Research on performance simulative models of gas turbines
Authors: Liang Qian‐chao , Lin Wen‐you , Huang Rong‐hua , Jia Sheng‐wei , Huang Jin‐ming
Published: July 2010

Purpose

In order to further improve the accuracy of nonlinear simulation models, the purpose of this paper is to make some improvements to the general mode.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the calculation method of variable specific heat, taking the variation of gas‐oil ratios and discharge pressure into account, and establishes a nonlinear dynamic simulative model of biaxial gas turbine considering about the inertia of volume based on MATLAB/SIMULINK.

Findings

The simulation result, compared with test data, shows that this simulative model is more accurate to reflect the system's dynamic characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The hot inertial has not been taken into account. Meanwhile, the quantity of data is less, so this paper adopts interpolation method.

Practical implications

It is used to simulate calculation of gas turbines.

Originality/value

This paper adopts the calculation method of variable specific heat, considering the effect of the gas‐oil ratio variation and the discharge pressure variation (the total pressure of discharge duct) on the system.
Developing measurements of success for performing musical groups
Authors: Fisher Caroline , Pearson Michael M. , Goolsby Jerry R. , Onken Marina H.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Previous studies of musical group performance have suggested the need for reliable and valid measures of success. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Nunnally's methodology, this study developed 18 items that might indicate relative success of performing musical groups. These items were administered to 338 musical groups from Louisiana.

Findings

Significant correlations were found among most of the measures. Factor analysis yielded two distinct success scales, one objective and one subjective scale.

Research limitations/implication

While this study sampled only Louisiana‐based musical groups, the formulated scales provide a needed basis for success measurement in research on performing groups, such as musical groups, theater companies, dance and other group performance companies.

Practical implications

A musical group could track their objective measures over time to determine the group's continual improvement. Subjective items could be gathered using a questionnaire given to the band members on a regular basis. Decreases in subjective ratings would indicate decreasing satisfaction among group members, and would alert the band that changes might need to be made.

Originality/value

Research on performing service groups, such as musical groups, is often limited because of lack of accepted measures for the dependent variable of success. This research study has developed two success scales that can help measure success in these groups. The authors suggest that future research could use these success scales and the criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards Program to better research the marketing and management of performing service groups.
Corporate entrepreneurship in the face of changing competition
Authors: Sebora Terrence C. , Theerapatvong Titikorn , Lee Sang M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper sought to extend previous research on factors associated with corporate entrepreneurship (CE) by surveying operating managers and top executives in Thai manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used an expanded case method that combined face‐to‐face interviews with the top executives and results of responses to the corporate entrepreneurship assessment instrument (CEAI) by middle managers in three large and three medium Thai manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results of this paper suggest that management support for CE, their use of rewards and recognition, and their allowing workers discretion in their jobs all are significantly related to improving competitiveness, as indicated by internal performance improvement and firm financial improvement. Unlike previous studies, time allocated to idea generation/innovation activities and cross‐boundary communication are not found to be significantly associated with CE in Thai manufacturing firms. These quantitative results are augmented by the interview results, which suggest that CE in Thai manufacturing firms is affected by global competitiveness, technology, and government policies.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings are limited by the size of the sample and the use of a single industry.

Practical implications

The results suggest that Thai firms can affect change in their CE activities and that these changes will impact the bottom line. CE activities are influenced by competition and government policy.

Originality/value

The paper combined the insights of personal interviews with top managers and the feedback from top managers in their firms to gain an overview of CE activity.
Autonomy, market orientation and performance in Indian retail banking
Authors: Barnabas Nattuvathuckal , Mekoth Nandakumar
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to find out whether superior autonomy at boundary spanning levels in service organizations results in better market orientation and performance and whether autonomy and decentralization, though conceptually different, have similar practical implications. Researchers developed a theoretical model and tested it in the post‐liberalized Indian retail banking context to address these concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

Bank branches constituted the unit of analysis. Further to getting initial insights on market orientation in retail banking through interviews researchers conducted a survey among branch managers. A total of 305 branch managers were contacted of which 122 cooperated.

Findings

Regression results suggest that superior personnel related and goal setting autonomy at boundary spanning levels have positive market orientation as well as performance implications. Marketing autonomy did not have significant impact on market orientation. Autonomy and decentralization though conceptually different displayed similar implications on market orientation and performance. Formalization while negatively impacting market orientation did not directly impact performance.

Practical implications

As firm performance is dependent on subunit performance, managers should naturally be interested in factors that enhance performance at subunit level. Current research finds evidence for superior personnel and goal setting autonomy as well as less rigid rules facilitating market orientation and performance at the subunit level.

Originality/value

This is the first effort to study market orientation at the boundary spanning levels in service organizations. Besides providing evidences from the Indian retail banking context about the impact of autonomy on market orientation and performance the paper also presents primary evidence for clarifying the similarities and differences between autonomy and decentralization.
Enhancing brand preference through corporate social responsibility initiatives in the Thai banking sector
Authors: Chomvilailuk Rojanasak , Butcher Ken
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of three corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on brand preference in the Thai banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 × 2 between subject experimental design was used to test the hypotheses in a bank setting. Three CSR initiatives were tested against a predictor variable of perceived brand quality and moderated by age, CSR predisposition and cultural values. The CSR initiatives comprised commitment to CSR; type of CSR programme; and transparency. Written vignettes disguised as press releases by the bank were used as stimulus materials and a survey completed by 219 consumers in Thailand.

Findings

Overall, all three CSR initiatives had a modest but significant effect on brand preference. The level of influence varied according to age, CSR predisposition and cultural values. While older customers placed more emphasis on perceived brand quality overall it was also found that the type of CSR programme could significantly affect brand preference. In those groups high on the cultural value of individualism, commitment to CSR was found to be a strong contributor to brand preference. Similarly in those groups with a high power distance, brand preference was more influenced by CSR initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

While CSR initiatives make modest improvements to brand preference overall, more substantial impacts occur under situational conditions. Discovering and exploiting such situations is critical to any firm making substantial investments in CSR.

Practical implications

The differential impact of CSR initiatives on brand preference highlights the importance of carefully targeting stakeholders to optimise CSR investments. Communication strategies need to ensure that the appropriate message is designed for particular audiences.

Originality/value

A specific dependent variable of brand preference is used in this study, together with three specific CSR initiatives and three moderating influences. In addition, perceived brand quality is utilised as a benchmark variable to test the strength of CSR initiatives.
Reflections on civil culpability and accountability in the destabilization of financial institutions
Authors: Serio Mario
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to try and trace a new itinerary in the matter of the destabilization of financial institutions, i.e. the identification of a catalogue of measures that private law can offer in order to make sure that all unlawful initiatives resulting in the loss of credibility of financial markets and prejudice to the public at large do not escape the imposition of all possible liabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The matter here applied consists of the recourse to a number of experiences deriving from European legal systems that have tackled the phenomenon of unlawful attacks on the integrity of the financial markets through individual or organized acts. This comparative approach also benefits from the scrutiny of both legislation and judicial decisions: the latter are also looked at from the perspective of legal authors.

Findings

The most striking result of the research is that the instruments provided for by the private law remedies seem to be very efficient in the contrast of unlawful practices adversely affecting financial markets: the new spirit emerging from this survey is that it is imperative to set aside all contracts and agreements aimed at creating illicit ways to make profits and hide their origins.

Practical implications

The practical implication should be to encourage all institutions with the task of checking the good functioning of financial markets to avail themselves of the tools here described to stabilize markets and deprive illegal contracts of their ill effects: it would be most desirable if such an approach were to be taken.

Originality/value

The novelty lies in the new approach described above (practical implications).
From white‐collar crime to red‐collar crime
Authors: Brody Richard G. , Kiehl Kent A.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of violence with respect to white‐collar criminals.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is conceptual, focusing on the historical underpinnings of white‐collar crime and reviewing the evolution of white‐collar criminals.

Findings

Findings suggest that white‐collar criminals do display violent tendencies and, contrary to popular belief, can become dangerous individuals.

Practical implications

The paper represents an extremely useful and practical source for fraud examiners and other white‐collar crime investigators. Raising the awareness of investigators dealing with white‐collar criminals may prevent them from becoming victims of a violent act.

Originality/value

The paper fulfills a need to highlight a dangerous trend with white‐collar criminals in that they may be driven to violence against those involved in investigating their crimes.
Development of MBA with specialisation in sustainable development
Authors: Amran Azlan , Nabiha Abdul Khalid Siti , Abdul Razak Dzulkifli , Haron Hasnah
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experience of the Graduate School of Business at Univeristi Sains Malaysia (USM) in developing the new MBA programme, specialising in sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the urgency for a source of education for sustainable development, particularly in the Malaysian business context. The justifications and rationale for incorporating sustainability issues in postgraduate business education is also described in this paper. Additionally, the process involved in developing the programme is also explained.

Findings

This is the first programme of its kind in Malaysia. USM, which aims to be a sustainability led university, has introduced many significant changes. One of the significant initiatives is to develop an MBA programme that specialises in sustainable development. This programme aims to be the catalyst for changes to sustainability from the business context. The whole process appeared to gain support from the University community with less bureaucratic challenges than were anticipated.

Practical implications

This paper provides various examples and ideas for others on how to promote sustainable development for the business community, with a focus on the contribution that can be made by a University.

Originality/value

This is the first effort contribution to the education for sustainable development for business in a less developed country.
Analysis of labour productivity of formwork operations in building construction
Authors: Moselhi Osama , Khan Zafar
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Labour productivity plays an important role in the successful delivery of engineering, procurement and construction projects. This paper aims to present a field study that determines the effects of a set of variables on daily and/or short‐term jobsite labour productivity, using artificial neural network model.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this paper were collected over a period of ten months, directly from the job sites of two building construction projects in Montreal. A neural network model was used to study a number of factors considered to impact labour productivity on daily basis. These included temperature, relative‐humidity, wind speed, precipitation, gang size, crew composition, height of work, type of work and construction method employed. The data were then analyzed to determine the influence of these parameters on site labour productivity.

Findings

Among the nine parameters studied, temperature was found to have the most significant impact on productivity, closely followed by the height then by the type of work. Given the range of the collected data available on the variables considered, temperature, humidity and crew composition were found each to have a similar trend, with an optimum value that corresponds to the normalized maximum productivity.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper will provide awareness and better understanding of parameters that impact labour productivity in building construction.
Contractor selection innovation: examination of two decades' published research
Authors: Holt Gary
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The “problem” of selecting a contractor has attracted significant academic research endeavour over the last two decades. The principal aim here is to examine that research via published academic outputs for the period circa 1990‐2009.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of published contractor selection (CSn) research is critically appraised. Aspects highlighted include: stated aims and research justification; methodological approaches employed; research tools used; and products of CSn research.

Findings

Main research foci are observed as: modelling the CSn process; studying selection criteria; and “interrogation” of existing CSn systems. Foci justifiers are linked mainly to the “importance” and “difficulties” of CSn decision making. Deterministic modelling of CSn is the favoured methodological approach, followed by documentary synthesis then questionnaire surveys. Preferred research tools are found to be system interrogation, rank order analysis and Likert scale/importance indices, with hypothesis testing and “other” methods used less so. Almost two‐thirds of research products are CSn models, with derived or proffered processes, and knowledge relating to CSn criteria, between them representing approximately the remaining third of output.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that many of the CSn models exhibit as much complexity as the original “problem” they sought to resolve, while the reliability and longevity of suggested “cocktails” of CSn criteria (in practice), might be questioned. A call for future research products to more closely consider end‐user impact and potential for “take‐up” by industry is made. An empirical follow‐on study to assess (inter alia) practitioner use and “value” of CSn research is proposed.

Practical implications

The paper signals a possible need for greater industrial engagement in the research domain.

Originality/value

The findings are novel to this paper.
The marketing/entrepreneurship interface: a report on the “Charleston Summit”
Authors: Hansen David J. , Eggers Fabian
Published: July 2010

Purpose

A group of researchers met in Charleston, South Carolina, USA to discuss the past and future of the marketing/entrepreneurship interface. The purpose of this paper is to summarize main discussions from the three‐day summit.

Design/methodology/approach

Roughly 16 hours of presentations and discussions were digitally recorded. The lead author reviewed the recordings making copious notes, which were organized into 17 themes for further analysis. Future research directions based on discussion around the most poignant themes are reported.

Findings

The paper presents nine categories of discussions around the interface including: the four research perspectives; “the future is in the past;” marketing; entrepreneurship; small business marketing; entrepreneurial marketing; practical significance; context of research; and modeling.

Research limitations/implications

Throughout the nine sections, this paper highlights considerations for future research. It suggests that scholars conducting research at the interface consider the theoretical perspective of their research to improve collective theory building and better positioning. It suggests that scholars also consider the firm and industry context of their empirical research. Finally, it suggests a number of research questions.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that during the research design phase, scholars make efforts to consider the practical significance that will result from their research. In particular, they should consider that research in start‐ups (all businesses start somewhere) and small businesses (the vast majority of all enterprises) can have widespread impacts.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique approach to conceptually organizing marketing/entrepreneurship interface research and provides an abundant source of ideas for future research.
Entrepreneurial burnout: exploring antecedents, dimensions and outcomes
Authors: Shepherd C. David , Marchisio Gaia , Morrish Sussie C. , Deacon Jonathan H. , Miles Morgan P.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptually and empirically explore the antecedents and consequences of entrepreneurial burnout – that is burnout related to the process of discovery or creation of attractive economic opportunities, the assessment of these opportunities, and the decision on the exploitation of opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a survey of entrepreneurs in New Zealand who were alumni of a university sponsored executive development course for owner‐managers of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises.

Findings

It is found that role stress is positively related to burnout and that burnout has a negative impact on organizational commitment, organizational satisfaction, and relative perceived firm performance. In addition, implications for entrepreneurs are offered with the objective of providing suggestions to mediate the negative consequences of entrepreneurial burnout.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is limited by culture – the sample was drawn from New Zealand entrepreneurs; survivor bias – only successful owner‐managers who self‐selected for executive education were in the sampling frame; and the limits of the metrics. The first additional questions would be how widespread is the problem, and how does that vary by type of entrepreneurial endeavor? The secondary research priority concerns the antecedents of burnout in the entrepreneurial context.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurial burnout may have significant social and economic costs that can be minimized with proper treatment and prevention.

Originality/value

Burnout has not been extensively explored in the context of entrepreneurs.
Suitability of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) as asset management tools for institutional buildings
Authors: Shankar Kshirsagar Anurag , El‐Gafy Mohamed A. , Sami Abdelhamid Tariq
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for institutional (higher education) buildings as a predictor of actual realised facility costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review to identify issues, best practices and implementation of LCCA in the construction industry. A case study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of LCCA in predicting facility costs.

Findings

Notwithstanding the benefits of LCCA, its adoption has been relatively slow for institutional buildings. The case study revealed that the average difference between estimated and actual construction cost is 37 per cent, whereas the average difference between the actual and estimated maintenance cost is 48 per cent. There is an average difference of 85 per cent in the actual and estimated administration cost.

Research limitations/implications

While limited to a few buildings, the case study underscores that LCCA methods should not be used for cost predictions of facility performance but rather for comparing total costs of alternative building features and systems, as well as building types. Sensitivity analysis also revealed that the selection of a discount rate would have less impact on recurring costs estimates compared to non‐recurring cost estimates. Facilities managers' involvement in LCCA technique developments and implementations will likely improve its performance during programming phases.

Practical implications

The value of LCCA procedures is limited as a predictor of actual realised facility costs. Educational institutions can use the methods described in this paper to replicate the study and arrive at their own conclusions regarding the LCCA techniques and their potential use in programming stages.

Originality/value

The paper evaluated the accuracy of LCCA for institutional buildings and the potential of LCCA as an asset management tool for institutional buildings and provided suggestions to improve its adoption in facilities management.
Understanding the service provider perspective towards better service quality in local authorities
Authors: Zahari Wan Yusoff Wan , Ismail Maziah , Shah Ali Azlan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to provide better understanding of internal customer perspectives, i.e. the employees of local authorities (LAs) as a service provider in Malaysia. The research attempts to identify the contributing and the constraining factors affecting the quality of the services to the public.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a qualitative approach of primary data collection. Data were obtained through semi‐structured interviews and open‐ended question interviews. The study conducted involved service providers and officials from Johor Bahru City Council in the capital of Johor state, Malaysia.

Findings

The paper revealed that substantial measures should be taken to ensure that the service provider is able to provide better service quality in the delivery system. It was also found that before the service providers are able to offer quality services to the public, the service providers have to first overcome the problems they face.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that it is equally important to understand internal customer satisfaction in advance before the authors expect the service providers to offer better service delivery processes to the service receiver's, i.e. external customers in LAs.
The efficacy of principle‐based corporate governance practices and firm financial performance
Authors: Reddy Krishna , Locke Stuart , Scrimgeour Frank
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to address the effect that principle‐based corporate governance practices have on the financial performance of large publicly‐listed companies. In 2004, the New Zealand Securities Commission (NZSC) promulgated nine high level principles and guidelines for all business entities with an aim of improving corporate governance practices and boosting investor confidence in the New Zealand capital market. This event provides a point for empirically testing companies' responses.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data for the NZX top 50 companies over the period 1999‐2007 are analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) and two stage least squares (2SLS) regression techniques to evaluate whether: those firms that were continuously compliant with the NZSC requirements perform better; and the firm performance post‐NZSC recommendations is better than pre‐NZSC recommendations. Tobin's Q, market‐to‐book (MB) and return on assets (ROA) metrics are used as dependent variables..

Findings

The findings indicate that large listed companies have universally adopted the Securities Commission recommendations, establishing subcommittees for audit and remuneration, and having a majority of non‐executive/independent directors on the board which, on average, have seven members. There is support for the view that the NZSC recommendations have had positive influence on firm performance measured by Tobin's Q, MB and ROA. The results show that the presence of a remuneration committee has had a positive influence on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides empirical support for the corporate governance recommendations made by the NZSC in 2004, giving support to the principle‐based corporate governance practices to be adopted in New Zealand. The sequential testing of each NZSC recommendation provides a comprehensive picture of performance outcomes which has not been achieved in prior research. The interdependency issues are of interest and the correlation between recommendations provides useful insights.

Originality/value

This study offers insights for policy makers interested in adopting principle‐based corporate governance practices within their country. Within New Zealand, public policy developments and stock exchange listing requirements/regulatory issues with associated compliance burdens are better informed as a consequence of the research.
Retail physicality and identity change as innovation strategies: the case of Better Life
Authors: Vel K. Prakash , Dayal Ajay , Eastaugh Dayne
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Retailers, irrespective of their scale of operation, face the tough challenge of standing out from their competition; a major driver to ensure success and progress in the retail industry is differentiation. This paper is a case study based description of how a retail house in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, used retail physicality and identity change as sources of innovation and differentiation and revived its retail operation.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on retailing, retail physicality and identity change is presented to illustrate the challenges faced by retailers and the current trends in retailing. Primary research was conducted by way of in‐depth interviews with Better Life, a retail house of the Al‐Gurg group of companies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to understand the retail strategies employed by Better Life.

Findings

Retailers are constantly looking for sources of innovation and differentiation to differentiate themselves from others. This paper shows the role played by retail physicality and identity change as sources of innovation and differentiation and how a retailer has applied them to repositioning its retail identity in the market and revived its operations.

Practical implications

Traditional retail strategies may not provide the necessary competitive advantage needed for survival and progress in competitive markets. Understanding customers, calculated targeting, and focussed positioning using various dimensions are important aspects to be planned by retailers. Among the relevant positioning strategies available, retail physicality and identity change are two prime strategies and drivers, and are hence a source of retail innovation in competitive markets.

Originality/value

The paper provides retailers with a unique perspective to analyse sources of retail innovation taking retail physicality and identity change as innovation strategies. If the strategies are implemented properly they can serve as competitive advantages for retail sustenance and success.
When conflict happens: navigating difficult interactions in senior teams – fostering a culture of constructive engagement
Authors: Robinson Carl
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to identify common ways of dealing with conflict, specifically in C‐level teams, and how to confront them frankly and respectfully.

Design/methodology/approach

The author presents his views based on over 30 years' experience as an executive coach.

Findings

One of the most important ingredients for success in any business is to hire smart, confident and assertive people. However, it is impossible to put a bunch of smart, assertive people together without them bumping heads. Nothing creative ever happens in boring, non‐confrontational environments. A lack of overt conflict can be a symptom of apathy. In conflict avoidant or passive aggressive teams, conflict shows up in subversive ways, for example back stabbing, or failing to deliver a commitment on the date to which the requesting executive thought his fellow executives had agreed to deliver.

Practical implications

It is imperative for senior teams to be able to work well together and confront conflicts that arise. Rare is the person that is consistently comfortable addressing conflict. Some of the most seasoned CEOs often express sentiments such as “I don't know what it is about X, but it just hard talking to him. I know it's going to be a difficult conversation and find myself putting it off.” This article explains how to do so.

Originality/value

This article provides constructive, usable plans of action for confronting conflict in senior teams.
How knowledge and technology relate in creating value
Authors: Ippolito Adelaide , Zoccoli Paola
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the importance of managing outsourcing without allowing learning skills to become atrophied, but instead ensuring that the transfer of functions to external agents (by outsourcing) can actually be a source of new learning. From an organizational learning perspective, the issues addressed fall within the sphere of corporate strategy and play a critical role in value creation. Hypotheses are presented concerning the role of management, its leadership styles and its ability to trigger mechanisms of new knowledge creation with a consequent impact on value creation, even when production processes are performed by third parties.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's investigation is based on a positivist[1] philosophy, and follows a socio‐economic and knowledge‐based approach. The method used to verify the hypotheses involved a process of hands‐on research, with bank executives being asked to complete a structured questionnaire.

Findings

From the survey it emerged that in order to create value and allow the outsourcing output to be incorporated in a process of continual improvement of resources, a correct management of the relationship with the outsourcing service provider is most efficacious if the output is treated as shared, disseminated and incorporated knowledge. It was found that, in the presence of democratic styles, knowledge becomes learning and generates the maximum benefit in terms of distinctive resources.

Originality/value

This paper argues that it is possible to outline a procedure in which particular importance is given to control and leadership, which are the basis for dissemination and learning outcome.
The United Kingdom's Companies Act of 2006 and the capital asset pricing model
Authors: Paulo S.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the attainment of the corporate objective of the UK Companies Act of 2006 Section 172(1) from the perspective of financial valuations that are reliant on the cost of capital. The cost of capital plays an important role in many of the models and propositions that are routinely used for financial valuation and decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of financial valuations that are used to guide decision making that is in accordance with the corporate objective of the UK Companies Act of 2006 Section 172(1), managers and directors require a valid, reliable, and interpretable cost of capital. The theory, models, and propositions of financial management, whether they be investment, financing, or distributions (Sections 829‐853) decisions, are dependent on the cost of capital. This paper has three main tasks. First, the relevant sections of UK corporate statute with regard to the corporate objective need to be identified and presented. Second, a brief review of the function and role of the cost of capital for the valuations upon which investment, financing, and dividend decisions are based, is undertaken to ensure that the role and function of this key financial metric is clearly recognized. Third, since the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is so widely and exclusively used, often without recourse to other approaches to calculation of the cost of capital, an update of CAPM empirical evidence is undertaken to affirm the 2004 findings and subsequent recommendations by Fama and French that the CAPM is not an acceptable way of calculating the cost of capital.

Findings

It is doubtful whether directors, who use an empirically invalid and unreliable valuation model such as the CAPM to calculate the cost of capital, will be able to meaningfully and purposefully make decisions consistent with the “enlightened shareholder value”. Managers and directors need to use approaches to the cost of capital that are valid and can be empirically verified.

Practical implications

This paper recommends that directors of public companies who make decisions using financial valuations that embody the cost of capital should ensure that models other than the CAPM are used; otherwise, they may find it difficult unable to defend challenges to their statutory duty of attaining the corporate objective.

Originality/value

An update of CAPM empirical evidence is undertaken to affirm the findings and subsequent recommendations by Fama and French (2004) that the CAPM is not an acceptable way of calculating the cost of capital.
The state of e‐commerce laws in India: a review of Information Technology Act
Authors: Sumanjeet
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the Indian IT Act 2000 and IT (Amendment) Act 2008 in the light of e‐commerce perspective to identify the present status of e‐commerce laws in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a critical reflection on the current e‐commerce laws in India. The paper is based on the Indian IT Act 2000 and IT (Amendment) Act 2008. The paper presents critical content analysis of various provisions of IT Act in e‐commerce prespective. The paper also highlights legal issues arising from e‐commerce.

Findings

There are many important issues which are critical for the success of e‐commerce that have not been covered or properly addressed by IT Act. The paper reveals that the present IT Act is weak on various fronts and in the absence of sound legal framework e‐commerce cannot create a success story in India. Indian Government must appreciate that for safe and secure business environment on cyberspace, a sound legal framework is needed. This paper suggests that there is strong need to introduce separate laws for e‐commerce in India.

Practical implications

The paper identified various loopholes/problems/weakness of existing e‐commerce laws in India. These issues should be addressed by Goverment of India to protect the interests of Indian software industries, BPO sector and other stakeholders.

Originality/value

The issue identified in the paper is somewhat new, timely and interesting, taking into consideration its importance to economic development in emerging economies such as India.
Reconciling the conflicting needs for flexibility and certainty
Authors: Zhuang Lee
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature concerning expatriates on overseas assignments. Based on an exploratory study examining the experiences of independent expatriates (IEs) in China, this paper seeks to add to the currently limited understanding of IEs by focusing on the particular issue of IE staff turnover in the Sino‐foreign Higher Education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the “Snowball” technique, a questionnaire survey is carried out electronically with 48 completed questionnaires received, representing 18 nationalities residing in 12 countries. A supplementary case study is also conducted on three Chinese institutions offering UK programmes.

Findings

This paper presents findings suggesting that IEs in China are more likely to move between jobs in different organisations within a shorter space of time than their counterparts in other countries. Possible contributing factors include the IEs' initial expectations, their experiences in the early stage of relocation, their ability to adapt to the local culture, and contractual arrangements. This paper also suggests that to reconcile the IEs' individual need for flexibility and their employing organisations' need for certainty and continuity, employers should consider taking a number of practical steps, such as language and culture training, shadowing and maintaining accurate written records.

Originality/value

This paper is relevant to any Chinese organisation that is relatively inexperienced in employing expatriate staff.
Thermoanaerobacteriaceae oxidize acetate in methanogenic rice field soil at 50°C
Authors: Liu Fanghua , Conrad Ralf
Published: July 2010

Rice field soils contain a thermophilic microbial community. Incubation of Italian rice field soil at 50°C resulted in transient accumulation of acetate, but the microorganisms responsible for methane production from acetate are unknown. Without addition of exogenous acetate, the δ13C of CH4 and CO2 indicated that CH4 was exclusively produced by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. When exogenous acetate was added, acetoclastic methanogenesis apparently also operated. Nevertheless, addition of [2‐13C]acetate (99% 13C) resulted in the production not only of 13C‐labelled CH4 but also of CO2, which contained up to 27% 13C, demonstrating that the methyl group of acetate was also oxidized. Part of the 13C‐labelled acetate was also converted to propionate which contained up to 14% 13C. The microorganisms capable of assimilating acetate at 50°C were targeted by stable isotope probing (SIP) of ribosomal RNA and rRNA genes using [U‐13C] acetate. Using quantitative PCR, 13C‐labelled bacterial ribosomal RNA and DNA was detected after 21 and 32 days of incubation with [U‐13C]acetate respectively. In the heavy fractions of the 13C treatment, terminal restriction fragments (T‐RFs) of 140, 120 and 171 bp length predominated. Cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA showed that these T‐RFs were affiliated with the bacterial genera Thermacetogenium and Symbiobacterium and with members of the Thermoanaerobacteriaceae. Similar experiments targeting archaeal RNA and DNA showed that Methanocellales were the dominant methanogens being consistent with the operation of syntrophic bacterial acetate oxidation coupled to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. After 17 days, however, Methanosarcinacea increasingly contributed to the synthesis of rRNA from [U‐13C]acetate indicating that acetoclastic methanogens were also active in methanogenic Italian rice field soil under thermal conditions.
Usefulness of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Descending Thoracic Aorta Graft Dehiscence
Authors: Aggarwal Himanshu , Singh Balwinder , Wade Marcus J. , Davies James E. , Nanda Navin C.
Published: July 2010

We report the usefulness of live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography to identify endovascular graft showing leakage not visualized using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. (Echocardiography 2010;27:722‐723)
New readers start here
Authors: Wasserstein Ron , Dougherty Martin
Published: July 2010

This issue of Significance is the first to be published under the new joint arrangement between the Royal Statistical Society and the American Statistical Association. Members of both organisations will receive Significance; we hope that the magazine will prove as pleasurable as before to existing readers, and an enjoyable surprise to new ones. Ron Wasserstein of the ASA and Martin Dougherty of the RSS welcome new readers to Significance.
Truth and Death in Iraq Under Sanctions
Authors: Spagat Michael
Published: July 2010

Sanctions applied against Saddam Hussein's Iraq “caused 500 000 children to die”. The figure, and the causation, is quoted by politicians and pressure groups. Is it justified, or were the statistics manipulated by one of the nastiest regimes on earth? Michael Spagat looks at the evidence.
A user's guide to channelrhodopsin variants: features, limitations and future developments
Authors: Lin John Y.
Published: July 2010

Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light‐activated channels from algae that provide these organisms with fast sensors to visible light for phototaxis. Since its discovery, channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) has been used as a research tool to depolarize membranes of excitable cells with light. Subsequent chimeragenesis, mutagenesis and bioinformatic approaches have introduced additional ChR variants, such as channelrhodopsin‐2 with H134R mutation (ChR2/H134R), channelrhodopsin‐2 with E123T mutation (ChETA), Volvox carteri channelrhodopsin‐1 (VChR1), Volvox carteri channelrhodopsin‐2 (VChR2), channelrhodopsin‐2 with C128 or D156A mutations (ChR2/C128X/D156A), chimera D (ChD), chimera EF (ChEF) and chimera EF with I170V mutation (I170V). Each of these ChR variuants has unique features and limitations, but there are few resources summarizing and comparing these ChRs in a systematic manner. In this review, the seven following key properties of ChRs that have significant influences on their effectiveness as research tools are examined: conductance, selectivity, kinetics, desensitization, light sensitivity, spectral response and membrane trafficking. Using this information, valuable qualities and deficits of each ChR variant are summarized. Optimal uses and potential future improvements of ChRs as optogenetic tools are also discussed.
Experimental Physiology –Research Paper: Atrial arrhythmogenic properties in wild‐type andScn5a+/− murine hearts
Authors: Dautova Yana , Zhang Yanmin , Grace Andrew A. , Huang Christopher L.‐H.
Published: July 2010

Loss‐ and gain‐of‐function cardiac Na+channel (SCN5A) mutations are associated with the Brugada and long QT type 3 syndromes (LQT3), respectively. Both result in ventricular arrhythmias, but have differing atrial effects. We have recently reported decreased incidences of atrial arrhythmias in a murineScn5a+/Δ cardiac system used to model LQT3. We now explore for atrial arrhythmias in a murine Brugada syndrome model. Programmed electrical stimulation and burst pacing were applied to 10 wild‐type (WT) and 10Scn5a+/− Langendorff‐perfused murine hearts. These induced arrhythmias in similar proportions of theScn5a+/− and WT hearts, in contrast to their decreased incidences previously reported forScn5a+/Δ. Almost half of theScn5a+/− hearts displayed spontaneous atrial arrhythmias never observed in WT. Both these WT andScn5a+/− hearts showed positive critical intervals, given by the difference between action potential durations at 90% recovery (APD90) and atrial effective refractory periods, before pharmacological intervention. Both flecainide and quinidine then prevented both induced and spontaneous atrial arrhythmias in all the arrhythmic WT andScn5a+/− hearts, in contrast to their differing ventricular effects. However, flecainide prolonged APD90in WT but notScn5a+/−, whereas quinidine prolonged APD90in both WT andScn5a+/−. Nevertheless, addition of both agents markedly increased atrial effective refractory periods to values exceeding the corresponding values of APD90. This resulted in negative critical intervals in both WT andScn5a+/−. These findings demonstrate a clear‐cut relationship between critical interval and atrial arrhythmic tendency for the first time and extend previous reports that had related critical interval to ventricular arrhythmia.