bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RX for excessive turnover: lessons in communicating a vision (part 2)
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Carrière David , Abi Chaker Marwan , Benmoussa Kamal , Elghawanmeh Basim , Shash Suzanna
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate causes of high staff turnover among production workers at a large‐scale retail case meat processor. The paper aims to cover the field research that was subsequently conducted to determine if the relationship outlined in the hypotheses in part 1 of the paper could be confirmed and provide insight into the relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hypotheses were developed to investigate six independent variables as possible factors of high job turnover. The research is based on a two‐step process consisting of a literature review and field research. The literature review served to establish empirical links among the variables and construct an appropriate questionnaire for the field research. The field research consisted of 38 employees (out of 475) completing a 41‐question survey. Individual interviews were also conducted with 20 of the 38 respondents.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the employees' organizational commitment affects employee turnover. The findings also suggest that organizational commitment can be improved through increased effective communication between management and employees and ensuring that the organization's vision is shared and understood by employees. The link between job satisfaction and turnover was not supported by the research.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size was affected due to the limited availability of employees during production hours. Increased sample size would allow further investigation within specific departments and shifts. Additional research could also have been done on how the company's HR policy mandated from their US head office fits the needs of a Canadian based workforce.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight on the causes of employee turnover and low organizational commitment. The paper recommends four actions to address communication and vision sharing to improve organizational commitment and ultimately turnover.
Immersed in learning
Authors: Little Bob
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the preliminary results of the IRMOS Project – an EC project to “extended geo‐learning”, delivered “in‐class”, “in‐house”, “in campus and in building” on an urban, suburban and global GPS basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The IRMOS Project research is being carried out by 13 European organisations. The basic premise behind their collaborative efforts is that today's service orientated infrastructures (SOIs) lack real‐time capabilities. IRMOS aims to design, develop and validate an SOI using interactive real‐time applications – enabling time‐constrained operation and dynamic service control and adaptation as well as their efficient integration into the infrastructure.

Findings

Using the IRMOS Project to blend open source learning platforms with mobile learning technologies, can produce a real time “extended” location‐based learning experience to learners active both in real and virtual learning worlds. This can make available both context and location sensitive learning experiences. In addition, this can personalise learning to a degree previously unknown except in one‐to‐one tuition.

Practical implications

The results of the IRMOS Project should change the way that: educators develop learning materials and teach; learners interact with technology‐delivered learning materials; films – especially special effects – are made; and people interact via virtual worlds.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the preliminary results of groundbreaking research, which allies the real and virtual worlds to enhance learning experiences. This has value for all students – of any age – anywhere.
Institution building and active labour market policies in Vienna since the 1990s
Authors: Atzmüller Roland
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of local institution building in active labour market policies (ALMP) in Vienna (Austria). The focus of the study is the WAFF (“Wiener ArbeitnehmerInnenförderungsfonds” – Vienna employee support fund) which was created in 1995.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study was conducted for the Capright‐project (Resources, rights and capabilities). It is based on a documentary analysis, interviews with experts, policy makers and managers of the WAFF and the Public Employment Service.

Findings

While the national system of labour market policy is increasingly moving towards workfare, the analysis shows that the WAFF aims to implement a more inclusive approach to secure social cohesion through programmes and measures to help people to cope with economic restructuring – in particular through training and skill development but also measures to fight social exclusion. A strong reliance on Social Partnership and cooperation pervades the self‐understanding of the WAFF even though institution building was not evolving without conflicts.

Research limitations/implications

The research sheds some light on social and economic developments in Vienna. Further research is needed to come to an in‐depth analysis of the effects of the WAFF's labour market policy activities, e.g. in relation to the national Public Employment Service.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the research about the evolution of labour market policies in cities in the context of recent economic, political and social changes.
Lending Kindle e‐book readers: first results from the Texas A&M University project
Authors: Clark Dennis T.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the reception of the Amazon Kindle e‐book lending program at the Texas A&M University Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analysis of genre of titles requested to be loaded onto the e‐book readers as well as a general review of the e‐book lending model.

Findings

The Kindle e‐book readers were extremely popular, and users selected titles for them that were mostly of a general reading nature; academic titles were rarely selected. The Texas A&M lending service has been successful and will continue. Other libraries should investigate e‐book readers to supplement their bestseller and new book collections.

Practical implications

E‐book devices offer sophisticated users a reading option that fits many needs. This is a relatively new way that libraries can offer sophisticated users options for reading; libraries must continue to invest in new ways of delivering content.

Originality/value

This is the first study on e‐book reader lending services in libraries.
The Fridge: internal communications at the State Library of Victoria
Authors: Honeyman Greg
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advise the Library sector about the existence of a new approach to internal communications, in the form of an intranet which delivers “fresh news daily”, similar in format to a major online newspaper.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2007, and prior to the launch of its redeveloped intranet, the State Library of Victoria revolutionised its internal communications with the introduction of The Fridge – a new, online, daily news service. A small icon – in the shape of a fridge – was posted on the desktop of every Library staff member.

Findings

Today, The Fridge has become a widely used and highly trusted Library tool. It has demonstrated an enhanced commitment to “real‐time” employee communication through the ability to deliver fresh news and important information daily. It has demonstrably increased morale, productivity, performance and retention of valued staff, and has played a key role in quantifiably lifting the operating “climate” of the workplace. It has helped to build a stronger workplace community.

Research implications

Because of its “real‐time” capabilities, The Fridge is used as an internal market research tool. It has been used to gauge employee opinions and feelings on a range of subjects, the responses to which can be fed back within hours.

Practical implications

Recent Fridge research has asked staff for their opinions on a range of topics, including their favoured subjects for future articles. The Fridge is used daily by the CEO and Executive to pass on critically important information about the organization, thus avoiding the dreaded “everyone” e‐mails. The Fridge is also used to post daily updates on current events and “What's on” activities.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a revolutionary and unique new approach in internal communications to Libraries, with the ability to transform internal communications.
A new model of faculty‐librarian collaboration: the faculty member as library specialist
Authors: Yu Ti
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the library at Jinwen University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Taiwan introduced the use of a new model “Faculty member as library specialist”. This is done in an attempt to determine the value of a new approach of faculty‐librarian collaboration for promoting the library's resources and services. In addition, some ideas and suggestions are proposed regarding the issue of faculty‐librarian collaboration for library staff around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing some background information regarding the JUST Library, the process of the project implementation and the approaches used are described in detail. In addition, the effectiveness of the project is reviewed based on the results of the interviews with some of the teaching faculty and the statistics reports of the usage of the JUST Library from 2006 to 2008. Finally, some conclusions are drawn and some suggestions are made, proposing that the library staff establish a faculty‐librarian collaborative model.

Findings

After reviewing the effectiveness of the project, it is hard to say whether or not it is the best way to promote the library's services and resources. However, the paper finds that the proposed approach provides a new idea and an example of faculty‐librarian collaboration in promoting the library's resources and services to the students.

Originality/value

Hopefully the model of faculty‐librarian collaboration in the JUST Library in Taiwan will provide some new ideas and inspirations that can be shared with library staff around the world.
Interim leadership after the administrator leaves
Authors: Topper Elisa F.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the concept of interim leadership for an organization when the administrator leaves.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and commentary on this topic culled from the experiences of nonprofit organizations are used in this paper.

Findings

The paper finds that by using an interim leader an organization may be able to bring on change to the organization prior to a permanent leader being hired.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is bringing to the attention of exiting leaders and their Boards, the concept that they have the responsibility of selecting a permanent administrator.
Third IFLA‐Presidential Meeting: access to knowledge: networking libraries
Authors: Koren Marian
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the third IFLA Presidential Meeting held in Berlin, Germany in 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

An outline description of the issues, contents and participants of this conference is presented in the paper.

Findings

The meeting follows the issues of Libraries for Access to Knowledge: Information Services and Information Literacy Today, The Digital Library as Social Challenge, Building Infrastructures in a Global Knowledge Society, and Digital Knowledge and Cultural Heritage.

Originality/value

The paper provides a conference report of value to all library and information professionals regarding access to knowledge.
Web sites of R. Vallée and Elizabeth R.
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce important new web sites, one of them providing data on the WOSC President and the other on the Queen of the UK and her family. Also discussed is a video demonstrating human neural plasticity and two sites having relevance to ecology. The demonstration of neural plasticity is contrasted with a quite different demonstration of its operation in the adult rat.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

Both of the major web sites reviewed are valuable sources of information, the second being also of special technical and aesthetic interest. Both demonstrations of plasticity may be useful in guiding speculation about underlying mechanisms. The first of the two sites dealing with ecology allows quantitative appreciation of the seriousness of the world situation, and the second describes a research facility in which partial remedies are sought.

Practical implications

Data on Robert Vallée is valuable both as a source of reference to his publications as such and in revealing the personality behind them. The “royal” web site also reveals personality and has the special technical and aesthetic interest already mentioned. It is also valuable in showing the working of a constitutional monarchy in a parliamentary democracy. The attempt to understand neural plasticity has long been a major challenge in neuroscience. The seriousness of the world ecological situation is powerfully demonstrated and the research facility described offers some amelioration.

Originality/value

It is hoped that this paper is a valuable periodic review.
On excitable dynamic systems with delays
Authors: De la Sen Manuel
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the properties of transparency and excitability of positive linear time‐invariant systems under internal point delays.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is solved by combining the algebraic conditions for positivity, excitability, and transparency for the case of linear and time‐invariant dynamic systems in the presence of discrete lags.

Findings

It is shown that the excitability independent of delay is guaranteed if an auxiliary delay‐free system is excitable. Necessary and sufficient conditions for excitability and transparency are formulated in terms of the parameterization of the dynamics and control matrices, and equivalently, in terms of strict positivity of a matrix of an associate system obtained from the influence graph of the original system. Such conditions are testable through simple algebraic tests involving moderate computational effort.

Practical implications

The practical implications mainly rely on some biological and medical problems where delays are present by nature, excitability means the activation of all the state components under positive controls after a short time in the sense that it cannot remain identically zero. In the same way, it relays on the activation of all the output components under zero controls and non‐negative initial conditions.

Originality/value

The paper extends the concepts of excitability and transparency to dynamic systems with point time‐lags which are very common in nature and some practical problems.
Why is interest prohibited in Islam? A statistical justification
Authors: Zakir Hossain Mohammad
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical justification from statistical view point about why Islam has strictly forbidden interest for the humankind.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a theoretical paper that looks into analytical views of justification in order to investigate the motivation of prohibiting interest.

Findings

The results of the paper suggest that interest has a great negative impact on the society, economy and morality of human beings. Analysis found some solid reasons which proved that interest has been really an evil system for the humankind and society as a whole for all times in the history of civilizations. On the other hand, from the statistical information given in the paper it was found that interest‐free financial institutions have been very successful in terms of their deposit, investment, foreign exchange business, financial stability and popularity as compared to the interest based financial institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of interest‐free financial institutions in development financing and in establishing sustainability of a welfare community remains a potential problem due to our shortage and/or lack of proper knowledge.

Practical implications

It is, therefore, very important to be aware of the exact stance of Islam on interest first. Then more extensive networking and complementary relations are needed among the financial and socio‐economic development goals in accordance with the tenets of the Islamic Shariah.

Originality/value

The paper shows its originality in substance and makes a unique contribution to the literature on systems and ethics.
Are consumer surveys valuable as a service improvement tool in health services?
Authors: Patwardhan Anjali , Patwardhan Prakash
Published: October 2009

Purpose

In the recent climate of consumerism and consumer focused care, health and social care needs to be more responsive than ever before. Consumer needs and preferences can be elicited with accepted validity and reliability only by strict methodological control, customerisation of the questionnaire and skilled interpretation. To construct, conduct, interpret and implement improved service provision, requires a trained work force and infrastructure. This article aims to appraise various aspects of consumer surveys and to assess their value as effective service improvement tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The customer is the sole reason organisations exist. Consumer surveys are used worldwide as service and quality of care improvement tools by all types of service providers including health service providers. The article critically appraises the value of consumer surveys as service improvement tools in health services tool and its future applications.

Findings

No one type of survey is the best or ideal. The key is the selection of the correct survey methodology, unique and customised for the particular type/aspect of care being evaluated. The method used should reflect the importance of the information required.

Research limitations/implications

Methodological rigor is essential for the effectiveness of consumer surveys as service improvement tools. Unfortunately so far there is no universal consensus on superiority of one particular methodology over another or any benefit of one specific methodology in a given situation. More training and some dedicated resource allocation is required to develop consumer surveys. More research is needed to develop specific survey methodology and evaluation techniques for improved validity and reliability of the surveys as service improvement tools. Measurement of consumer preferences/priorities, evaluation of services and key performance scores, is not easy.

Practical implications

Consumer surveys seem impressive tools as they provide the customer a voice for change or modification. However, from a scientific point‐of‐view their credibility in service improvement in terms of reproducibility, reliability and validity, has remained debatable.

Originality/value

This artcile is a critical appraisal of the value of consumer surveys as a service improvement tool in health services – a lesson which needs to be learnt.
When your heart isn't smart
Authors: Crotty Susan K. , Thompson Leigh
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the decision‐making implications of “regrets of the heart” versus “regrets of the head” in economic decision making.

Design/methodology approach

The phenomenon in three empirical studies is examined. Study 1 is a protocol analysis of people's “regrets of the heart” and “regrets of the head”. Study 2 uses the same recall prompt and examined decision makers' choices in an ultimatum bargaining game. Study 3 tests regrets of heart versus the head in an interactive face to face negotiation setting.

Findings

Overall, it is found that people who were prompted to recall a time in which they regretted “not following their heart” were more likely to recall situations in which they experienced a loss or lost opportunity compared to people who recalled a time when they regretted “not following their head”. Recalling a regret of the heart prompts decision makers and negotiators to put a greater value on maintaining relationships and avoid loss in an interpersonal exchange situation.

Research limitations/implications

These findings contribute to the literature on how emotions affect economic decision making and provide a more nuanced examination of regret.

Practical implications

Focusing on “regrets of the head” may lead to greater economic gains in economic decisions.

Originality/value

This article examines a different type of regret and demonstrates how this type of regret impacts economic decision‐making behavior.
Negotiation role‐play exercise: “what's in a name?”
Authors: Loersch Joseph , Ross William
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a classroom negotiation exercise. A case involving controversy over the naming of a sports stadium containing a university football field and track is described. A local municipality, representing veterans groups, negotiates with university officials over a university plan to rename “Veteran's Memorial Stadium” after a recently‐retired football coach.

Design/methodology/approach

The negotiation activity is adapted from an actual case. It requires little advance preparation and can be used with either pairs or small groups of participants. “Teaching notes” provide instructions for using the activity.

Findings

The “Teaching Notes” examine how this controversy illustrates several concepts related to conflict, integrative bargaining, power and negotiating on behalf of constituents.

Originality/value

The case differs from many published cases in that one side's position is apparently rooted in values and matters of principle whereas the other side's position is interest‐based. The student must grapple with these dynamics, while seeking an integrative solution to the issues.
A QFD‐, concurrent engineering‐, and target costing‐based methodology for ODM companies to formulate RFQs
Authors: Ho Ying‐Chin , Lin Chih‐Hsin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The problem that original design manufacturing (ODM) companies encounter with the request for quotation (RFQ) process is that there is no effective and efficient methodology for them to formulate accurate and profitable RFQs. The purpose of this paper is to present a quality function deployment (QFD)‐, concurrent engineering (CE)‐, and target costing‐based methodology for ODM companies to formulate accurate and profitable RFQs.

Design/methodology/approach

From eight Taiwan electronics ODM companies, 15 people are interviewed to understand their current methods for formulating RFQs and the problems of these methods. Based on the interview results, it was decided to make use of the merits of QFD, CE, and target costing by integrating them into the proposed methodology.

Findings

A case study is presented to illustrate a successful application of the proposed methodology in a case company. The case study shows integrating QFD, CE, and target costing into the proposed methodology allows the authors to effectively and efficiently formulate an accurate and profitable RFQ for the case company.

Research limitations/implications

The interview sample quantity of this study is limited to eight Taiwan electronics companies, which is insufficient to represent all ODM companies in various industries. For the future research, it is suggested researchers collect more samples from different industries in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in ODM companies from different industries.

Originality/value

This paper aims to integrate QFD, CE, and target costing to come up with a systematic ten‐step approach that can accurately formulate the three parts of an RFQ: the product specifications proposal, the product price quotation, and the product development schedule. By adopting this methodology, ODM companies can provide accurate and profitable RFQs to ODM customers, thus increasing their chances of obtaining ODM business.
Trust or distrust in the web‐mediated information environment (W‐MIE)
Authors: Nuraihan Mior Ibrahim Emma , Laila Nor , Mehad Shafie
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The proliferation of the internet as the means for knowledge and information exchange gives rise to new issues of sustaining trust within web‐mediated information environments. However, researchers have not studied trust on websites that evoke emotionally charged topics that are culturally and ethically oriented as much as they have studied e‐tailing trust. Hence, this paper aims to explore the notion of trust within the web‐based information for Islamic content environment and how consumers' trust evaluations on topics that are sensitive to their cultural norms would give different a connotation of trust and its guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the notion of trust, its dimensions, conceptualisation and operationalisation in the online environment. The paper presents the results of a descriptive study conducted via an online survey distributed to online Muslim users through the mailing list of the Federation of Universities in the Islamic World (see www.fuiw.org) database.

Findings

The analysis highlights issues surrounding trust among 605 respondents from different continents. The outcome of the findings indicates the importance of third‐party seals and overall site presentation in mediating the interaction of trustworthy communication.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the huge population of Muslims from different ethnic groups, the research is unable to capture a general order of the perceptions of trust. In addition, what are presented here are “possible issues” of trust that exist amongst Islamic communities and not something definitive.

Practical implications

Designers of information artefacts should consider the cultural aspect in which the information domain resides, because the culture within which a person operates will shape his or her perception of trust. Hence, creating the right appearance on the web by imposing online legitimacy, appropriate communication styles and appearance are integral issues for designers to consider in developing information systems for a sensitive information context.

Originality/value

The research should be of value to those who have an interest in exploring, enquiring and communicating knowledge or information pertaining to a Muslim user group within the wider human‐computer interaction scope.
An empirical investigation of the moderating effects of BPR and TQM on ICT business value
Authors: Loukis E. , Pazalos K. , Georgiou St.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate and compare the moderating effects of the two basic business process change paradigms – business process reengineering (BPR) and total quality management (TQM) – on the business value generated for firms by their information and communication technologies (ICT) investment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected through a survey of 271 Greek firms, moderated regression models founded on the Cobb‐Douglas production function are estimated, which have as the dependent variable the firm value added (objective measure of business performance), and as independent variables the yearly labour expenses, the value of the non‐computer capital, the value of the computer capital and BPR (TQM) measures.

Findings

From the above models it is concluded that both BPR and TQM have considerable positive moderating effects of a similar magnitude on the relationship between ICT investment and firm value added. Also, different BPR and TQM activities have different moderating effects on ICT business value; process simplification, process improvement and the creation of a horizontal interdepartmental process are the BPR activities with the largest moderating effects, while measurement of employee satisfaction and simplification of work methods for quality improvement are the TQM activities with the largest moderating effects.

Research limitations/applications

The basic limitation of this study is that it is based on data from Greek firms. Another limitation is that only one business performance measure, although quite important and theoretically fundamental (i.e. firm value added), is used.

Practical implications

Both BPR and TQM are important ICT “complementary factors”, which, if combined with ICT, can increase the business value it generates. Therefore ICT should not be used simply as a tool for automating existing business processes, but for creating and supporting new business processes and practices, such BPR and TQM.

Originality/value

This study investigates and compares the moderating effects of the two main business process paradigms – BPR and TQM – based on reliable measurement of both through validated multi‐item scales, and also on theoretically sound models, founded on the Cobb‐Douglas production function.
The evolution of institutional arrangements to support the internationalisation of real estate involvements
Authors: D'Arcy Éamonn
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the evolution of institutional arrangements to support the internationalisation of real estate involvements in European markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a broadly institutional economics approach to markets the paper first outlines a market rational for institutional arrangements to support internationalisation and then examines how such arrangements have evolved in the context of European real estate markets.

Findings

Significant new institutional arrangements have evolved to support the internationalisation of real estate involvements in Europe. The need to address the information costs and new information requirements necessitated by internationalisation has been a key driver of institutional formation. Both regulatory and informal barriers to internationalisation have also been important drivers of the evolution of new institutional arrangements to support internationalisation. Taken collectively the new institutional arrangement identified should be viewed as a significant step change in the structure of European real estate markets. Broad market evidence points to the success of these arrangements.

Originality/value

The paper provides the first systematic account of the evolution of new institutional arrangements to support the internationalisation of real estate involvements in Europe. It identifies the key drivers of institutional formation and provides a sketch of the key characteristics of the institutions which have evolved.
Integrating e‐learning in real estate education: the iLearn and ULearn case studies
Authors: Doak Joe , Khan Osama S.M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide two contrasting case studies of the integration and application of e‐learning in real estate education.

Design/methodology/approach

The two cases presented in this paper provide good practical illustrations of the integration of e‐learning practice into real estate education. The first examines integration at the programme level through the use of iLearn as a mechanism for personal development planning (PDP). The second examines the use of a technologically enhanced learning and teaching environment at the level of an individual module.

Findings

Both case studies report some degree of success in achieving specific learning objectives using e‐learning techniques. With respect to PDP, it is too early to fully evaluate the exact contribution of iLearn. The evidence from the second case study suggests that use of a technologically enhanced class room set‐up to solve simulated cases in the context of a real finance and investment module, facilitates creative learning, promotes team work and increases interaction within and across the participant group.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into current best practice in the use of e‐learning techniques in real estate education as a mechanism for enhancing the teaching and learning experience.
A content analysis of gaming research: 1994‐2008
Authors: Kwon Eunjin , Back Ki‐Joon
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to overview and summarize all articles published in the UNLVGaming Research & Review Journal(GRRJ) from 1994 to 2008, in order to understand the gaming research trend.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis is performed on a total of 129 articles in 24 issues ofGRRJ.

Findings

The paper suggests thematic content analysis and the trend of the research in order to better understand the scope of gaming research area.

Practical implications

The overview ofGRRJhelps identify research gaps to suggest future research.

Originality/value

This paper is the first review of theGRRJ. It provides an overview of the research that is available to managers and researchers interested in the gaming business.
Quality management systems and value creation
Authors: Rönnbäck Åsa , Witell Lars , Enquist Bo
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of a quality management system (QMS) for the assurance and improvement of value in an inter‐organizational business relationship. The study is carried out in the public transportation industry where service provision has been outsourced.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews are conducted with 26 participants from two organizations involved in an inter‐organizational business relationship. From the interview material, the authors identified the drivers that create value for the inter‐organizational business relationship and for the customers of public transportation. All value drivers are categorized according to the central areas in a QMS.

Findings

The results show that internal processes and management responsibility are central areas where value is destroyed. Since service provision has been outsourced, this means that the intended value is never experienced by the customer.

Research limitations/implications

The identified value creators and destroyers originate from the suppliers' view and focus on how the different suppliers create value for customers.

Practical implications

Managers should acquire knowledge about the value they create or destroy and focus on improving the value‐creation processes. The QMS can be used to assure and improve value creation in an inter‐organizational business relationship.

Originality/value

The research sheds light on the difficulties and possibilities in value creation where service provision has been outsourced.
Competitive inhibition of renal tubular secretion of ciprofloxacin and metabolite by probenecid
Authors: Landersdorfer Cornelia B. , Kirkpatrick Carl M. J. , Kinzig Martina , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Holzgrabe Ulrike , Jaehde Ulrich , Reiter Andreas , Naber Kurt G. , Rodamer Michael , Sörgel Fritz
Published: October 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Probenecid inhibits the active transport of both anionic and cationic drug molecules at various sites in the body.

• Probenecid has been reported to decrease the elimination of several quinolones.

• We are not aware of any reports where a mechanism‐based model for the interaction of quinolones and probenecid in humans or animals has been developed.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Pharmacokinetic modelling indicates competitive inhibition of the renal tubular secretion of ciprofloxacin and its metabolite M1 by probenecid.

• The affinity for the renal transporter was 4.4 times higher for ciprofloxacin and 3.6 times higher for M1 compared with probenecid, based on molar concentrations.

• Probenecid did not affect volume of distribution of ciprofloxacin or M1, nonrenal clearance or intercompartmental clearance of ciprofloxacin.

AIMS

Probenecid influences transport processes of drugs at several sites in the body and decreases elimination of several quinolones. We sought to explore extent, time course, and mechanism of the interaction between ciprofloxacin and probenecid at renal and nonrenal sites.

METHODS

A randomized, two‐way crossover study was conducted in 12 healthy volunteers (in part previously published Clin Pharmacol Ther 1995; 58: 532–41). Subjects received 200 mg ciprofloxacin as 30‐min intravenous infusion without and with 3 g probenecid divided into five oral doses. Drug concentrations were analysed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Ciprofloxacin and its 2‐aminoethylamino‐metabolite (M1) in plasma and urine with and without probenecid were modelled simultaneously with WinNonlin®.

RESULTS

Data are ratio of geometric means (90% confidence intervals). Addition of probenecid reduced the median renal clearance from 23.8 to 8.25 l h−1[65% reduction (59, 71),P < 0.01] for ciprofloxacin and from 20.5 to 8.26 l h−1(66% reduction (57, 73),P < 0.01] for M1 (estimated by modelling). Probenecid reduced ciprofloxacin nonrenal clearance by 8% (1, 14) (P < 0.08). Pharmacokinetic modelling indicated competitive inhibition of the renal tubular secretion of ciprofloxacin and M1 by probenecid. The affinity for the renal transporter was 4.4 times higher for ciprofloxacin and 3.6 times higher for M1 than for probenecid, based on the molar ratio. Probenecid did not affect volume of distribution of ciprofloxacin or M1, nonrenal clearance or intercompartmental clearance of ciprofloxacin.

CONCLUSIONS

Probenecid inhibited the renal tubular secretion of ciprofloxacin and M1, probably by a competitive mechanism and due to reaching >100‐fold higher plasma concentrations. Formation of M1, nonrenal clearance and distribution of ciprofloxacin were not affected.
Effects of nicotine on cytochrome P450 2A6 and 2E1 activities
Authors: Hukkanen Janne , Jacob III Peyton , Peng Margaret , Dempsey Delia , Benowitz Neal L.
Published: October 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Smoking slows the metabolism of nicotine and accelerates the metabolism of chlorzoxazone.

• Nicotine is a useful probe for phenotyping cytochrome P450 2A6 activity and chlorzoxazone is a frequently used probe for CYP2E1 activity.

• The tobacco smoke constituents responsible for the reduced CYP2A6 and increased CYP2E1 activities are unknown.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

• This study demonstrates that CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 activities are not affected by nicotine dosing.

• High‐dose nicotine treatment has a low potential of interaction with CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 substrates.

• The mechanisms of tobacco smoke‐elicited changes in CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 activities are yet to be determined.

AIMS

Smoking slows the metabolism of nicotine and accelerates the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, which are probe reactions for cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) and CYP2E1 activities, respectively. We aimed to determine the role of nicotine in these metabolic effects of cigarette smoking.

METHODS

The study had a single‐blind, randomized, crossover two‐arm design. Twelve healthy smokers were given two transdermal patches with 42‐mg nicotine a day or placebo patches, each for 10 days. The subjects abstained from smoking during the study arms. Oral chlorzoxazone was given on day 7 and deuterium‐labelled nicotine‐d2and cotinine‐d4infusion on day 8.

RESULTS

There was no significant influence of transdermal nicotine administration on pharmacokinetic parameters of nicotine‐d2or on the formation of cotinine‐d2. Nicotine decreased the volume of distribution (62.6vs.67.7 l, 95% confidence interval of the difference −9.7, −0.6,P= 0.047) of infused cotinine‐d4. There were no significant differences in disposition kinetics of chlorzoxazone between the treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 activities are not affected by nicotine. The tobacco smoke constituents responsible for the reduced CYP2A6 and increased CYP2E1 activities remain unknown.
High resolution SNP array genomic profiling of peripheral T cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified, identifies a subgroup with chromosomal aberrations affecting the REL locus
Authors: Hartmann Sylvia , Gesk Stefan , Scholtysik René , Kreuz Markus , Bug Stefanie , Vater Inga , Döring Claudia , Cogliatti Sergio , Parrens Marie , Merlio Jean‐Philippe , Kwiecinska Anna , Porwit Anna , Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Pileri Stefano , Hoefler Gerald , Küppers Ralf , Siebert Reiner , Hansmann Martin‐Leo
Published: October 2009

Little is known about genomic aberrations in peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL NOS). We studied 47 PTCL NOS by 250k GeneChip single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and detected genomic imbalances in 22 of the cases. Recurrent gains and losses were identified, including gains of chromosome regions 1q32–43, 2p15–16, 7, 8q24, 11q14–25, 17q11–21 and 21q11–21 (≥5 cases each) as well as losses of chromosome regions 1p35–36, 5q33, 6p22, 6q16, 6q21–22, 8p21–23, 9p21, 10p11–12, 10q11–22, 10q25–26, 13q14, 15q24, 16q22, 16q24, 17p11, 17p13 and Xp22 (≥4 cases each). Genomic imbalances affected several regions containing members of nuclear factor‐kappaB signalling and genes involved in cell cycle control. Gains of 2p15–16 were confirmed in each of three cases analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and were associated with breakpoints at the REL locus in two of these cases. Three additional cases with gains of the REL locus were detected by FISH among 18 further PTCL NOS. Five of 27 PTCL NOS investigated showed nuclear expression of the REL protein by immunohistochemistry, partly associated with genomic gains of the REL locus. Therefore, in a subgroup of PTCL NOS gains/rearrangements of REL and expression of REL protein may be of pathogenetic relevance.
Coudability hairs: a revisited sign of alopecia areata assessed by trichoscopy
Authors: Inui S. , Nakajima T. , Itami S.
Published: October 2009

Background. We have previously reported several trichoscopic (dermatoscopic) characteristics, such as black dots, ‘exclamation-mark’ hairs, broken hairs, yellow dots and clustered short vellus hairs as being useful clinical indicators for alopecia areata (AA). ‘Coudability hairs’, which are normal-looking hairs tapered at the proximal end, have been previously reported as another sign of AA.

Aims. To use trichoscopy to evaluate coudability hairs as a clinical indicator for the disease activity of AA and a substitute-marker for the hair-pull test.

Methods. Trichoscopic examinations of hair loss and perilesional areas on the scalps of 100 East Asian patients with AA were performed using a dermatoscope. Using Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient by rank test, we examined the correlations of scores between coudability and AA disease activity, severity or duration and other trichoscopic features, and then evaluated the coudability score as a surrogate-marker for the hair-pull test.

Results. Coudability scores correlated positively with AA disease activity, hair-pull tests, short duration, black dots and exclamation-mark hairs, and correlated negatively with short vellus hairs.

Conclusions. Coudability hairs, more closely perceived by trichoscopy, are useful-markers for disease activity in AA and provide a surrogate-marker for the hair-pull test.
Effects of hyaluronan and iodine on wound contraction and granulation tissue formation in rat skin wounds
Authors: Slavkovsky R. , Kohlerova R. , Jiroutova A. , Hajzlerova M. , Sobotka L. , Cermakova E. , Kanta J.
Published: October 2009

Background. Hyaluronan (HA) plays an important role in the repair of damaged skin and has been used for the treatment of wounds. Iodine is a mild topical antiseptic.

Aim. A mixture of high molecular weight HA with the iodine complex KI3 (hyiodine) was reported to accelerate wound healing in patients with diabetes and patients after surgery. We investigated how this mixture affects wound contraction, granulation tissue (GT) and wound edges in excision skin wounds in rats.

Methods. Hyiodine was applied to full-thickness wounds made on the back of rats. The areas of the contracting wounds were calculated from digital photographs. The moving edges of the wound were studied by histological methods. The properties of GT were studied in wounds in which contraction was prevented by the insertion of plastic rings. The effects of hyiodine were compared with those of high molecular weight (1200 kDa) HA, low molecular weight (11 kDa) HA and KI3 solution.

Results. Hyiodine accelerated wound contraction significantly in the first 5 days of healing. On day 3, hyiodine-treated wounds had reduced to 63% of the original area, whereas the wound area in saline-treated animals was 75% of the original size. The proliferating epidermis was thicker in hyiodine-treated animals on day 7. In the wounds with inserted rings, hyiodine caused little change in GT, but the weight of the crust/exudate formed on the top of the wound was increased by 351% compared with only minor changes caused by the hyiodine components alone.

Conclusions. Hyiodine supports wound healing by stimulating wound contraction and epidermal proliferation and by keeping the wound moist through increased exudation.
Simple and rapid screening for HLA-Cw*06 in Polish patients with psoriasis
Authors: Rębała K. , Szczerkowska-Dobosz A. , Niespodziana K. , Wysocka J.
Published: October 2009

Background. The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) C allele Cw*06 is currently recognized as a major disease allele at the PSORS1 locus. It has been suggested that characterization of this gene could be used as a convenient criterion for classification of psoriasis phenotypes.

Aim. To design and optimize a DNA typing procedure, suitable for identification of HLA-Cw*06 and its zygosity status verification in large-scale analyses, and to test for its robustness in a case–control study.

Methods. PCR assays with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) were used for specific detection of HLA-Cw*06. PCR with analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to distinguish between patients homozygous and heterozygous for HLA-Cw*06. Additionally, those homozygous for HLA-Cw*06 were screened for nonspecific digestion by degenerated PCR-SSP. This three-step procedure was used in the examination of 383 patients with psoriasis that developed at the age of ≥ 30 years of age and of 143 healthy subjects from northern Poland.

Results. A simple and rapid procedure for screening of HLA-Cw*06 was produced. A significant difference in HLA-Cw*06 frequency between patients with psoriasis and controls was seen (P = 0.02). Detailed examination of the age of disease onset among patients with psoriasis revealed that involvement of HLA-Cw*06 in the genetic background of psoriasis developing as late as the age of 45 years cannot be neglected.

Conclusions. The low cost, high-throughput capacity and requirement for small sample amounts make this procedure a useful one for HLA-Cw*06 typing in clinical practice and large population studies. We recommend that patients with psoriasis diagnosed before 45 years of age should be considered for diagnostic HLA-Cw*06 typing.
Severe exacerbation of multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma (Ferguson–Smith disease) with radiotherapy, which was successfully treated with acitretin
Authors: Robertson S. J. , Bashir S. J. , Pichert G. , Robson A. , Whittaker S.
Published: October 2009

We describe the challenging case of a patient presenting with extensive, eruptive mid-facial squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and keratoacanthomas (KAs) consequent to radiotherapy. Our patient had a personal and family history of multiple KAs and SCCs. Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma, otherwise known as Ferguson–Smith disease, was diagnosed. This case presented a therapeutic challenge to preserve tissue and avoid severe facial disfigurement. We found oral acitretin to be the treatment of choice.