bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phospholipase D and Phosphatidic Acid-Mediated Generation of Superoxide in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sang Yongming , Cui Decai , Wang Xuemin
Published: October 2002

Phospholipase D (PLD), which hydrolyzes phospholipids into free head groups and phosphatidic acid (PA), may regulate cellular processes through the production of lipid and lipid-derived messengers. We have genetically abrogated PLDα, the most prevalent isoform of PLD in plants, and the depletion of PLDα in Arabidopsis decreased the levels of PA and superoxide production in Arabidopsis leaf extracts. Addition of PA promoted the synthesis of superoxide in the PLDα-depleted plants, as measured by chemiluminescence and superoxide dismutase-inhibitable, NADPH-dependent reduction of cytochrome c and nitroblue tetrazolium. The PA-enhanced generation of superoxide was associated mainly with microsomal membranes. Among various lipids tested, PA was the most effective stimulator with the optimal concentrations between 100 and 200 μm. The PA-promoted production of superoxide was observed also in leaves directly infiltrated with PA. The added PA was more effective in stimulating superoxide generation in the PLDα-depleted leaves than in the PLDα-containing, wild-type leaves, suggesting that PA produced in the cell was more effective than added PA in promoting superoxide production. These data indicate that PLD plays a role in mediating superoxide production in plants through the generation of PA as a lipid messenger.
Isolation and Characterization of Kinase Interacting Protein 1, a Pollen Protein That Interacts with the Kinase Domain of PRK1, a Receptor-Like Kinase of Petunia
Authors: Skirpan Andrea L. , McCubbin Andrew G. , Ishimizu Takeshi , Wang Xi , Hu Yi , Dowd Peter E. , Ma Hong , Kao Teh-hui
Published: October 2002

Many receptor-like kinases have been identified in plants and have been shown by genetic or transgenic knockouts to play diverse physiological roles; however, to date, the cytosolic interacting proteins of relatively few of these kinases have been identified. We have previously identified a predominantly pollen-expressed receptor-like kinase of petunia (Petunia inflata), named PRK1, and we have shown by the antisense RNA approach that it is required for microspores to progress from the unicellular to bicellular stage. To investigate the PRK1-mediated signal transduction pathway,PRK1-K cDNA, encoding most of the cytoplasmic domain of PRK1, was used as bait in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) two-hybrid screens of pollen/pollen tube cDNA libraries of petunia. A protein named kinase interacting protein 1 (KIP1) was found to interact very strongly with PRK1-K. This interaction was greatly reduced when lysine-462 of PRK1-K, believed to be essential for kinase activity, was replaced with arginine (the resulting protein is named PRK1-K462R). The amino acid sequence of KIP1 deduced from full-length cDNA contains an EF-hand Ca2+-binding motif and nine predicted coiled-coil regions. The yeast two-hybrid assay and affinity chromatography showed that KIP1 interacts with itself to form a dimer or higher multimer.KIP1 is present in a single copy in the genome, and is expressed predominantly in pollen with a similar temporal pattern toPRK1. In situ hybridization showed thatPRK1 and KIP1 transcripts were localized in the cytoplasm of pollen. PRK1-K phosphorylated KIP1-NT (amino acids 1–716), whereas PRK1-K462R only weakly phosphorylated KIP1-NT in vitro.
Characterization of Rice Anthranilate Synthase α-Subunit GenesOASA1 and OASA2. Tryptophan Accumulation in Transgenic Rice Expressing a Feedback-Insensitive Mutant of OASA1
Authors: Tozawa Yuzuru , Hasegawa Hisakazu , Terakawa Teruhiko , Wakasa Kyo
Published: October 2002

Anthranilate synthase (AS) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of tryptophan (Trp), indole-3-acetic acid, and indole alkaloids. Two genes, OASA1 and OASA2, encoding AS α-subunits were isolated from a monocotyledonous plant, rice (Oryza sativa cv Nipponbare), and were characterized. A phylogenetic tree of AS α-subunits from various species revealed a close evolutionary relationship among OASA1 and Arabidopsis ASA2,Ruta graveolens ASα2, and tobacco ASA2, whereas OASA2, Arabidopsis ASA1, and R. graveolens ASα1 were more distantly related. OASA1 is expressed in all tissues tested, but the amount of its mRNA was greater in panicles than in leaves and roots. The abundance of OASA2 transcripts is similar among tissues and greater than that of OASA1transcripts; furthermore, OASA2 expression was induced by a chitin heptamer, a potent elicitor, suggesting that OASA2 participates in secondary metabolism. Expression of wild-typeOASA1 or OASA2 transgenes did not affect the Trp content of rice calli or plants. However, transformed calli and plants expressing a mutated OASA1 gene,OASA1(D323N), that encodes a protein in which aspartate-323 is replaced with asparagine manifested up to 180- and 35-fold increases, respectively, in Trp accumulation. These transgenic calli and plants were resistant to 300 μm 5-methyl-Trp, and AS activity of the calli showed a markedly reduced sensitivity to Trp. These results show that OASA1 is important in the regulation of free Trp concentration, and that mutation of OASA1 to render the encoded protein insensitive to feedback inhibition results in accumulation of Trp at high levels. The OASA1(D323N) transgene may prove useful for the generation of crops with an increased Trp content.
Harpin Induces Activation of the Arabidopsis Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases AtMPK4 and AtMPK6
Authors: Desikan Radhika , Hancock John T. , Ichimura Kazuya , Shinozaki Kazuo , Neill Steven J.
Published: October 2002

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are key enzymes that mediate adaptive responses to various abiotic and biotic stresses, including pathogen challenge. The proteinaceous bacterial elicitor harpin (secreted by Pseudomonas syringae pvsyringae) activates two MAPKs in suspension cultures of Arabidopsis var. Landsberg erecta. In this study, we show that harpin and exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activate myelin basic protein kinases in Arabidopsis leaves. Using anti-AtMPK4 and anti-AtMPK6 antibodies, we identify the harpin-activated MAPKs in both leaves and suspension cultures as AtMPK4 and AtMPK6, and show that H2O2, generated by Arabidopsis cells in response to challenge with harpin, activates only AtMPK6. However, treatments with catalase, which removes H2O2, or diphenylene iodonium, which inhibits superoxide and H2O2 production, do not inhibit harpin-induced activation of AtMPK4 or AtMPK6. In addition, activation of AtMPK4 but not AtMPK6 is inhibited by the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059. Neither harpin nor H2O2 has any effect onAtMPK4 or AtMPK6 gene expression. In addition, the expression of AtMEKK1,AtMEK1, or AtMKK2, previously shown to be potential functional partners of AtMPK4, were not affected by either harpin or H2O2 treatments. These data suggest that harpin activates several signaling pathways, one leading to stimulation of the oxidative burst and others leading to the activation of AtMPK4 or AtMPK6.
Cold Acclimation-Induced WAP27 Localized in Endoplasmic Reticulum in Cortical Parenchyma Cells of Mulberry Tree Was Homologous to Group 3 Late-Embryogenesis Abundant Proteins
Authors: Ukaji Norifumi , Kuwabara Chikako , Takezawa Daisuke , Arakawa Keita , Fujikawa Seizo
Published: October 2002

We have shown that two 27-kD proteins, designated as WAP27A and WAP27B, were abundantly accumulated in endoplasmic reticulum-enriched fractions isolated from cortical parenchyma cells of mulberry tree (Morus bombycis Koidz.) during winter (N. Ukaji, C. Kuwabara, D. Takezawa, K. Arakawa, S. Yoshida, S. Fujikawa [1999] Plant Physiol 120: 480–489). In the present study, cDNA clones encoding WAP27A and WAP27B were isolated and characterized. The deduced amino acid sequences of WAP27A and WAP27BcDNAs had 12 repeats of an 11-mer amino acid motif that was the common feature of group 3 late-embryogenesis-abundant proteins. Under field conditions, transcripts of WAP27 genes were initially detected in mid-October, reached maximum level from mid-November to mid-December, and then gradually decreased. The transcript levels ofWAP27 genes in cortical parenchyma cells harvested in October was drastically induced by cold treatment within a few days, whereas those in cortical parenchyma cells harvested in August were low even by cold treatment for 3 weeks. Immunocytochemical analysis by electron microscopy confirmed that WAP27 was localized specifically in vesicular-form ER and also localized in dehydration-induced multiplex lamellae-form ER. The role of WAP27 in the ER is discussed in relation to acquisition of freezing tolerance of cortical parenchyma cells in mulberry tree during winter.
Sequence Architecture Downstream of the Initiator Codon Enhances Gene Expression and Protein Stability in Plants
Authors: Sawant Samir V. , Kiran Kanti , Singh Pradhyumna K. , Tuli Rakesh
Published: October 2002

Nucleotide positions conserved on the 3′ side of the initiator codon ATG and the corresponding N-terminal amino acid residues in a number of highly abundant plant proteins were identified by computational analysis of a dataset of highly expressed plant genes. The reporter genes uidA and gfp were modified to introduce these features. Insertion of GCT TCC TCC after the initiator codon ATG augmented expression for both the reporter genes. The insertion of each successive codon improved the expression of β-glucuronidase (GUS) in an incremental fashion in transient transformation of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves. The insertion of alanine-serine (Ser)-Ser resulted in about a 2-fold increase in the stability of GUS. However, this did not account for the 30- to 40-fold increase in GUS activity between the constructs coding for methionine-alanine-Ser-Ser-GUS and the native enzyme. Substitution of the codon for Ser at the third amino acid residue with synonymous codons reduced GUS expression. The results suggest a role for the conserved nucleotides in the +4 to +11 region in augmenting posttranscriptional events in the expression of genes in plants.
Phylogenetic Relationships within Cation Transporter Families of Arabidopsis
Authors: Mäser Pascal , Thomine Sébastien , Schroeder Julian I. , Ward John M. , Hirschi Kendal , Sze Heven , Talke Ina N. , Amtmann Anna , Maathuis Frans J.M. , Sanders Dale , Harper Jeff F. , Tchieu Jason , Gribskov Michael , Persans Michael W. , Salt David E. , Kim Sun A , Guerinot Mary Lou
Published: October 2002

Uptake and translocation of cationic nutrients play essential roles in physiological processes including plant growth, nutrition, signal transduction, and development. Approximately 5% of the Arabidopsis genome appears to encode membrane transport proteins. These proteins are classified in 46 unique families containing approximately 880 members. In addition, several hundred putative transporters have not yet been assigned to families. In this paper, we have analyzed the phylogenetic relationships of over 150 cation transport proteins. This analysis has focused on cation transporter gene families for which initial characterizations have been achieved for individual members, including potassium transporters and channels, sodium transporters, calcium antiporters, cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, cation diffusion facilitator proteins, natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMP), and Zn-regulated transporter Fe-regulated transporter-like proteins. Phylogenetic trees of each family define the evolutionary relationships of the members to each other. These families contain numerous members, indicating diverse functions in vivo. Closely related isoforms and separate subfamilies exist within many of these gene families, indicating possible redundancies and specialized functions. To facilitate their further study, the PlantsT database (http://plantst.sdsc.edu) has been created that includes alignments of the analyzed cation transporters and their chromosomal locations.
A Novel Superoxide Dismutase with a High Isoelectric Point in Higher Plants. Expression, Regulation, and Protein Localization
Authors: Karpinska Barbara , Karlsson Marlene , Schinkel Helga , Streller Steffen , Süss Karl-Heinz , Melzer Michael , Wingsle Gunnar
Published: October 2002

Several isoforms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) with a high isoelectric point (pI) have been identified by isoelectric focusing chromatography in protein extracts from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) needles. One of these isoforms, a CuZn-SOD with a pI of about 10 and thus denoted hipI-SOD, has been isolated and purified to apparent homogeneity. A cDNA encoding the hipI-SOD protein was cloned and sequenced. Northern hybridization of mRNA isolated from different organs and tissues showed that hipI-SOD has a markedly different pattern of expression compared with chloroplastic and cytosolic SOD. Furthermore, the transcript levels of hipI-SOD and cytosolic SOD were found to respond differently to mechanical wounding, treatment with oxidized glutathione, paraquat, and ozone. Immunogold electron microscopy localized the hipI-SOD in the plasma membrane of sieve cells and the Golgi apparatus of albuminous cells. Moreover, high protein density was also detected in extracellular spaces such as secondary cell wall thickenings of the xylem and sclerenchyma and in intercellular spaces of parenchyma cells.
Formation of Rhamnogalacturonan II-Borate Dimer in Pectin Determines Cell Wall Thickness of Pumpkin Tissue
Authors: Ishii Tadashi , Matsunaga Toshiro , Hayashi Noriko
Published: October 2002

Boron (B) deficiency results in inhibition of pumpkin (Cucurbia moschata Duchesne) growth that is accompanied by swelling of the cell walls. Monomeric rhamnogalacturonan II (mRG-II) accounted for 80% to 90% of the total RG-II in B-deficient walls, whereas the borate ester cross-linked RG-II dimer (dRG-II-B) accounted for more than 80% of the RG-II in control plants. The results of glycosyl residue and glycosyl linkage composition analyses of the RG-II from control and B-deficient plants were similar. Thus, B deficiency does not alter the primary structure of RG-II. The addition of10B-enriched boric acid to B-deficient plants resulted within 5 h in the conversion of mRG-II to dRG-II-10B. The wall thickness of the 10B-treated plants and control plants was similar. The formation and possible functions of a borate ester cross-linked RG-II in the cell walls are discussed.
A Medicago truncatula Homoglutathione Synthetase Is Derived from Glutathione Synthetase by Gene Duplication
Authors: Frendo Pierre , Jiménez Marı́a Jesús Hernández , Mathieu Christel , Duret Laurent , Gallesi Daniela , Van de Sype Ghislaine , Hérouart Didier , Puppo Alain
Published: October 2002

Glutathione (GSH) and homo-GSH (hGSH) are the major low-molecular weight thiols synthesized in Medicago truncatula. TwoM. truncatula cDNAs (gshs1 andgshs2) corresponding to a putative GSH synthetase (GSHS) and a putative hGSH synthetase (hGSHS) were characterized. Heterologous expression of gshs1 and gshs2 cDNAs in anEscherichia coli strain deficient in GSHS activity showed that GSHS1 and GSHS2 are a GSHS and an hGSHS, respectively. Leucine-534 and proline-535 present in hGSHS were substituted by alanines that are conserved in plant GSHS. These substitutions resulted in a strongly stimulated GSH accumulation in the transformed E. coli strain showing that these residues play a crucial role in the differential recognition of β-alanine and glycine by hGSHS. Phylogenetic analysis of GSHS2 and GSHS1 with other eukaryotic GSHS sequences indicated that gshs2 and gshs1are the result of a gene duplication that occurred after the divergence between Fabales, Solanales, and Brassicales. Analysis of the structure of gshs1 and gshs2 genes shows they are both present in a cluster and in the same orientation in the M. truncatula genome, suggesting that the duplication ofgshs1 and gshs2 occurred via a tandem duplication.
Transpiration Rate. An Important Factor Controlling the Sucrose Content of the Guard Cell Apoplast of Broad Bean
Authors: Outlaw William H. , De Vlieghere-He Xiaoyi
Published: October 2002

Evaporation of water from the guard cell wall concentrates apoplastic solutes. We hypothesize that this phenomenon provides two mechanisms for responding to high transpiration rates. First, apoplastic abscisic acid is concentrated in the guard cell wall. Second, by accumulating in the guard cell wall, apoplastic sucrose (Suc) provides a direct osmotic feedback to guard cells. As a means of testing this second hypothesized mechanism, the guard cell Suc contents at a higher transpiration rate (60% relative humidity [RH]) were compared with those at a lower transpiration rate (90% RH) in broad bean (Vicia faba), an apoplastic phloem loader. In control plants (constant 60% RH), the guard cell apoplast Suc content increased from 97 ± 81 femtomol (fmol) guard cell pair−1 to 701 ± 142 fmol guard cell pair−1 between daybreak and midday. This increase is equivalent to approximately 150 mm external, which is sufficient to decrease stomatal aperture size. In plants that were shifted to 90% RH before daybreak, the guard cell apoplast Suc content did not increase during the day. In accordance, in plants that were shifted to 90% RH at midday, the guard cell apoplast Suc content declined to the daybreak value. Under all conditions, the guard cell symplast Suc content increased during the photoperiod, but the guard cell symplast Suc content was higher (836 ± 33 fmol guard cell pair−1) in plants that were shifted to 90% RH. These results indicate that a high transpiration rate may result in a high guard cell apoplast Suc concentration, which diminishes stomatal aperture size.
X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of the non-linear optical compounds MBANP and MBADNP at 20 K: charge-density and hydrogen-bonding analyses
Authors: Cole Jacqueline M. , Goeta Andrés E. , Howard Judith A. K. , McIntyre Garry J.
Published: October 2002

Neutron-diffraction studies of the compounds 5-nitro-2-{[1-phenylethyl]amino}pyridine (methylbenzylaminonitropyridine, hereafter MBANP) and 3,5-dinitro-2-{[1-phenylethyl]amino}pyridine (methylbenzylaminodinitropyridine, hereafter MBADNP) are presented, and a charge-density study of the latter is reported. The studies were conducted in order to relate the structural attributes of these materials to their physical properties. MBANP exhibits a second-harmonic generation (SHG) output, χ(2), over eight times higher than that of MBADNP, despite their very similar molecular characteristics and the seemingly more SHG-favourable molecular features present in MBADNP. The neutron-diffraction studies show that intramolecular hydrogen bonding is responsible for this apparent discrepancy. The charge-density study on MBADNP confirms this and reveals that the pyridine group is the principal moiety responsible for the SHG effect on the molecular scale. Moreover, the strong intramolecular hydrogen bond present in MBADNP is proven to result from an electrostatic interaction. The dipole moment of MBADNP is also deduced from the charge-density study.
Structure and phase transitions of LiTaOGeO4
Authors: Malcherek Thomas
Published: October 2002

The structure of LiTaOGeO4 has been refined using X-ray diffraction data collected at 293 K and at 173 K. The low-temperature structure is isostructural with LiTaOSiO4 and closely related to the low-temperature structure of titanite, CaTiOSiO4. Li occurs in a distorted tetrahedral coordination. The transition to the disordered structure, with space group symmetry C2/c, occurs at T
c = 231 (1) K. Li is disordered across two symmetry-equivalent positions and Ta is located at the centre of its coordination octahedron in this paraphase. The transition is continuous, and the thermal evolution of the order parameter is well approximated using a tricritical mean-field model. Anharmonic thermal displacement of the Li cation has been analyzed and its one-particle potential has been determined. The height of the potential barrier separating the two Li positions across a curved trajectory is close to RT
c, where R is the universal gas constant.
Electron density and energy density view on the atomic interactions in SrTiO3
Authors: Zhurova Elizabeth A. , Tsirelson Vladimir G.
Published: October 2002

The results of topological analysis of the electron density in an SrTiO3 crystal based on the experimental (at 145 K) and theoretical data are presented and discussed. The features of the electron density lead to the conclusion that the Ti—O interaction is of the partly polar covalent (or intermediate) type. Complicated atomic shapes defined by the zero-flux surfaces in the electron density are revealed. It is found that, in general, they are far from spherical and have very slight asphericity in the close-packed layers. The topological coordination numbers of Sr and Ti are the same as the geometrical numbers, whereas the topological coordination for the O atom (6) differs from the geometrical value (12). The latter results from the specific shape of the Ti-atom basin, which prevents bond-path formation between the O atoms. The analysis of the kinetic and potential energy densities derived from the electron density using the density functional theory formulae revealed the stabilizing crystal-forming role of the O atoms in SrTiO3. Structural homeomorphism between the experimental electron density and the potential and kinetic energy densities is observed.
Federating access to digital objects: PictureAustralia
Authors: Campbell Debbie
Published: October 2002

This article discusses the successful Australian service, PictureAustralia, a collaboration which utilises the Web as a delivery mechanism for enhanced access to unique cultural materials. PictureAustralia has been a very useful platform for exploring the benefits and disadvantages of federated searching with an emphasis on interoperability, and it continues to provide opportunities to explore new protocols in the future.
High performance ester lubricants from natural oils
Authors: Kodali Dharma R.
Published: October 2002

Lubricants impact on the environment at all stages of production, usage and disposal. The awareness and concern over the usage of petroleum‐based products and their impact on the environment have created an opportunity to produce environmentally acceptable lubricants from agricultural feedstocks. A new class of bio‐based esters derived from vegetable oils that exhibit excellent low temperature flow properties and oxidation stability are discussed. One of the major advantages of bio‐based synthetic esters in better performance at a lower cost compared to synthetic esters. This is possible due to recent advances in the biotechnology of vegetable oils and the chemical modifications that could be applied to convert these natural esters into high performance biolubricants.
Six sigma and lifelong learning
Authors: Man John
Published: October 2002

Briefly outlines the six sigma methodology and shows how it might be adopted as a model that can enable “adult learners” to engage in “lifelong” learning within their organizations and within their personal lives.
Past work experience, present opportunities and turnover decisions
Authors: Kirschenbaum Alan , Mano‐Negrin Rita
Published: October 2002

This paper explores the combined impact of past job histories and present job opportunities on turnover decisions. We predict turnover decisions on the basis of the structural approach, emphasizing previous work experiences (time spent in past job positions) and the organizational approach (focusing on objective and perceived internal and external employment positions opportunities). A cross‐sectional analysis of employees from four occupational groups in eight medical institutions and a follow‐up sample of 81 “quitters” formed the database for the study. The results suggest that past work history and present employment opportunities produce occupation‐dependent differences in turnover behavior. It is shown that differences in employees’ perception of opportunities, modified by the occupation’s “market viability”, influence turnover. These results demonstrate that integrating the structural and organizational approach, involving both past job histories and present opportunities, improve the prediction of turnover decisions.
Liking and similarity as predictors of multi‐source ratings
Authors: Bates Reid
Published: October 2002

This study explored the ability of liking and two forms of rater‐ratee similarity to predict multi‐source proficiency ratings of managerial competencies. Findings from the regression model that included all raters indicated that technical proficiency, rater‐ratee liking, demographic and attitudinal similarity about work all were significant predictors of proficiency ratings. For these ratings, attitudinal similarity was the strongest predictor of ratings after technical proficiency. Liking, attitudinal and demographic similarity combined increased explained variance by about one‐third over technical proficiency. Regression models, run for each rating source separately, suggested that supervisors, subordinates and peers may weigh performance and interpersonal elements differently, when making performance ratings.
Recent trends and challenges in personnel selection
Authors: Lievens Filip , van Dam Karen , Anderson Neil
Published: October 2002

The aim of this article is to identify recent developments in personnel selection and to review existing research with regard to these recent developments. To this end, 26 human resource representatives were asked to list current or future trends in personnel selection. In addition, existing academic reviews of recent research in personnel selection were scrutinized. As a result, the following four main trends are identified: labour market shortages, technological developments, applicant perceptions of selection procedures, and construct‐driven approaches. Per trend, relevant existing research is reviewed and avenues for future research are discussed.
Examining white‐collar downsizing as a cause of change in the psychological contract
Authors: Beaumont Philip B. , Harris Richard I.D.
Published: October 2002

The “old” psychological contract, with its emphasis on employment security, has been held to have been violated because of extensive downsizing among white‐collar employees from the late 1980s and early 1990s. This proposition is tested here using multivariate analysis based on a large‐scale, nationally representative dataset for five leading industries in the UK manufacturing sector for the years 1978‐1995. The results obtained provide little real support for this hypothesis, thus casting doubt on its role in having produced a major change in the psychological contract.
Patterns of the use of information for decision making by administrative staff of a university in Nigeria
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E.
Published: October 2002

Reports a study of the use of information for decision making by administrative staff at the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. It explores the working experience of the respondents, sources of information for official decision making, areas of decisional information use, frequency of utilisation of adequate and relevant information for decision making, and problems encountered by the administrators while seeking information for making decisions. Concludes with recommendations which could help administrative staff improve their use of information for decision making.
Canada’s employment equity legislation and policy, 1987‐2000
Authors: Agocs Carol
Published: October 2002

Over the past 16 years, a legislative and policy framework has evolved in Canada to address systemic discrimination in employment in the federal jurisdiction, and in organizations that sell goods or services to the federal government. Data collected pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, as well as published literature and government documents, are reviewed in order to provide a critical analysis of the federal policy framework as set out in 1987 and revised in 1996. This review is the basis for assessing both progress and lack of improvement in the employment status of racial minority, aboriginal, and disabled women and men, as well as white women, within the federal sector. Reasons for limited results are proposed, and issues posed by contemporary labour market trends are identified. It is argued that the results of employment equity policy are disappointing because the policy is not being implemented by employers and effectively enforced so that there are consequences for employers’ failures to comply. In other words, there is a persisting gap between employment equity policy and practice. This gap presents difficulties in evaluating the content of employment equity policy, since it is not possible to evaluate a policy that is not implemented.
The impact of executive coaching and 360 feedback on leadership effectiveness
Authors: Thach Elizabeth C.
Published: October 2002

Does executive coaching really work? Does it help improve leadership effectiveness and productivity? This action research study answers these questions by tracking the progress of 281 executives participating in a six‐month coaching and 360 feedback process. The results suggest that the combination of multi‐rater feedback and individual coaching do increase leadership effectiveness up to 60 per cent ‐‐ according to direct report and peer post‐survey feedback. Implications of the results for future executive development programs are discussed, and specific recommendations are provided.
Leading the learning organization: portrait of four leaders
Authors: Johnson James R.
Published: October 2002

The phrase “learning organization” has existed in the literature for several decades. Senge popularized the term in the 1990s; however, other writers have made significant contributions to this topic. The leadership literature, although vast, lacks specificity. At the intersection of these two concepts, the literature lacks a needed link that describes the specific actions that a leader can take to achieve the transformation to a learning organization. This paper examines the actions that a leader can take in order to transform an organization into a learning organization and studies four leaders of widely diverse organizations. The research indicated that leaders who were successful in implementing the learning organization concept used it as the solution to a business problem, while devoting time and attention to the transformation. The findings have widespread implications for practitioners, adult educators and for future research.
Five years on – the organizational culture saga revisited
Authors: Lewis Dianne
Published: October 2002

The paper presents a follow‐up to the saga of organizational culture, first chronicled in two issues of the Leadership & Organization Development Journal in 1996 and tracing culture’s development from the organization development model through to the interest in total quality management (TQM), forming a link between the three concepts. Since the 1996 articles, culture as a concept has proceeded to develop in many new directions. In revisiting organizational culture after five years, this paper attempts to show how it has branched out from TQM and has since been associated with business process reengineering, organizational learning, and knowledge management; all of which claim to involve either changing a culture or working with an existing culture. Discusses also the role of culture in the emerging ideas and perspectives of strategic alliances, sustainability and future organizations. It is argued that the culture saga is far from finished. While many of its components may turn out to be no more than passing fads and fashions, culture has proven itself to be an enduring concept that, as it has travelled many paths in the past, will travel many different paths in the future.
Do foreign‐owned firms manage advanced manufacturing technology better?
Authors: Beaumont Nicholas , Schroder Richard , Sohal Amrik
Published: October 2002

This paper uses regression analysis of factors obtained from measured variables to find statistical relationships between investment in advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), the planning effort associated with that investment and operational performance of manufacturing firms operating in Australia and Canada. We used this data to test the proposition that foreign firms manage the implementation of AMT better than their domestic counterparts. Several reasons have been advanced for this largely untested proposition. Three hypotheses derived from it were supported by statistical analysis even when the effect of different organisational sizes is taken into account; lending some support to the persistent idea that Australian managers are not as effective as their overseas counterparts.
Effect of the characteristics of the purchased products in JIT purchasing implementation
Authors: González‐Benito Javier
Published: October 2002

JIT purchasing, like many other trends in supply management, is not applicable to just any circumstances; rather, its implementation responds to particular factors. Focusing on the characteristics of the purchased products, this paper contributes to identifying some of these factors. Seven variables – the volume, specificity, technological complexity, essentiality, fragility, variability and economic value of procured products – have been analysed and their effects on JIT purchasing implementation have been tested over a sample of 152 Spanish auto component manufacturers. In order to specify such effects, four dimensions of JIT purchasing have been distinguished: operational, relational, involvement, and quality practices. Results show that companies do not pursue the minimisation of inventory maintenance costs, but they seem to be motivated by objectives such as quality, responsiveness, innovation or minimisation of circulating capital. Thus, operational JIT purchasing practices are mainly applied to fragile and expensive products, whereas the other complementary practices are applied to specific, technologically complex and essential purchases.
Technological knowledge maturity, innovation and productivity
Authors: Skilton Paul F. , Dooley Kevin
Published: October 2002

This paper develops theory about the relationship between innovation and productivity improvements when technological knowledge is mature. By combining theory about organizational learning and the development of technological knowledge hypotheses concerning innovation and productivity improvements are developed that are counter‐intuitive to conventional thinking. Qualitative and quantitative data are used, collected over a six‐year period from the cotton‐ginning division of a large agribusiness firm to test the hypotheses. Support is found for the hypotheses that the connection between innovation and productivity improvements will be weak, when technological knowledge is mature.
Application of FRP bars as reinforcement in civil engineering structures
Authors: Balendran R.V. , Rana T.M. , Maqsood T. , Tang W.C.
Published: October 2002

This paper presents an overview and discusses the applications of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bars as reinforcement in civil engineering structures. Following a discussion of the science underpinning their use, selected case studies where FRP reinforcement has been used are presented. The use of FRP reinforcement is rapidly gaining pace and may replace the traditional steel due to its enhanced properties and cost‐effectiveness. In addition, FRP reinforcement offers an effective solution to the problem of steel durability in aggressive environments and where the magnetic or electrical properties of steel are undesirable.
The realities of applying total quality management in the construction industry
Authors: Abdul‐Aziz Abdul‐Rashid
Published: October 2002

Japanese contractors have been successful in adopting total quality management (TQM) practices in their domestic operations. By examining Japanese contractors in a foreign country, the research presented in this paper shows that the implementation of TQM in the construction industry is constrained by national markets where the clients, subcontractors and site operatives are not imbued with the same quality culture. The location‐bound nature of the production process, competitive bidding which emphasises cost, dependence on subcontractors and the non‐direct link between the main contractors and site operatives are some of the constraining factors. Nonetheless, as demonstrated by the Japanese contractors, TQM routines can still be implemented, provided local norms and contracting practices are accommodated.
Technology selection in airport passenger and baggage systems
Authors: Pitt Michael , Kok Wai Fong , Chai Teck Phua
Published: October 2002

Design errors in an airport passenger building can be extremely costly. Failure to plan may result in configurations and systems that are inappropriate for the future. The performance of an optimal building configuration depends to a large extent on the kind of technology provided for the transportation of passengers and baggage. Poorly selected technology can undermine the operational efficiency of a good configuration and vice versa. With massive growth in air travel and the scale of modern passenger buildings, more reliance will be placed on transport technology to achieve acceptable walk distances and travel times. Therefore it is critical to consider in the overall design strategy how a particular building configuration and its associated technology will perform under conditions of change. Good design practice dictates that performance be assessed using multiple criteria over a broad range of possible conditions. The difficulty in predicting future conditions makes the selection of a robust system critical to the long‐term success of an airport. This paper examines the various systems available and concludes that different system combinations are appropriate for airports with different levels of passenger throughput.
Perspectives on facilities management for industrial districts
Authors: Meneghetti Antonella , Chinese Damiana
Published: October 2002

The possible evolution of facility management (FM) in industrial districts, which characterise Italian industrial system, is analysed. The paper investigates structural features of industrial districts, mainly formed by small sized enterprises, and how they influence the attributes of the FM market. An aggregation matrix is introduced to identify technical opportunities such as replicated, centralised and distributed facilities and management for industrial districts. A positioning matrix for a district‐oriented FM is proposed, allowing FM providers to seize technical opportunities and to reap economies of scale and scope. Requisites and obstacles to the evolution of potential FM providers towards more competitive positions are outlined. The role of co‐operation with and among potential clients, in particular, together with information, is clarified. Considering the client’s perspective, the paper describes the forms of competitive advantage that can be gained through a district‐oriented FM by single enterprises and by an industrial district as a whole.
Customer satisfaction and retail banking: an assessment of some of the key antecedents of customer satisfaction in retail banking
Authors: Jamal Ahmad , Naser Kamal
Published: October 2002

Understanding the antecedents to and outcomes of customer satisfaction is a critical issue for both academics and bank marketers. Previous research has identified service quality, expectations, disconfirmation, performance, desires, affect and equity as important antecedents of customer satisfaction. The current paper reports findings from a survey which looked into the impact of service quality dimensions and customer expertise on satisfaction. A sample of 167 respondents took part in this study. Findings indicate that both core and relational dimensions of service quality appear to be linked to customer satisfaction. Findings also indicate that expertise is negatively related to satisfaction. The paper discusses implications for bank managers.
Managing in a psychoanalytically informed manner
Authors: Carr Adrian
Published: October 2002

Introduces Freud’s discovery of an active unconscious as at the heart of many psychodynamic processes. Also introduces the papers in this special issue.
Management demands on information and communication technology in process‐oriented health‐care organizations
Authors: Andersson Anna , Vimarlund Vivian , Timpka Toomas
Published: October 2002

There are numerous challenges to overcome before information and communication technology (ICT) can achieve its full potential in process‐oriented health‐care organizations. One of these challenges is designing systems that meet users’ needs, while reflecting a continuously changing organizational environment. Another challenge is to develop ICT that supports both the internal and the external stakeholders’ demands. In this study a qualitative research strategy was used to explore the demands on ICT expressed by managers from functional and process units at a community hospital. The results reveal a multitude of partially competing goals that can make the ICT development process confusing, poor in quality, inefficient and unnecessarily costly. Therefore, from the perspective of ICT development, the main task appears to be to coordinate the different visions and in particular clarify them, as well as to establish the impact that these visions would have on the forthcoming ICT application.
Service loyalty
Authors: Caruana Albert
Published: October 2002

Service loyalty, with its final effect on repurchasing by customers, appears to have received relatively little attention. This study starts by first delineating the concept of service loyalty and proceeds to distinguish between service quality and customer satisfaction. A mediational model that links service quality to service loyalty via customer satisfaction is proposed. Appropriate measures are identified and a postal survey is undertaken among 1,000 retail banking customers. A response rate of 20.5 per cent is obtained. Results indicate that customer satisfaction does play a mediating role in the effect of service quality on service loyalty. The effects of a number of demographic indicators on service loyalty are also reported. Implications are discussed, limitations of the study are noted and possible areas for further research are indicated.
Misplaced marketing The real reason for the real bad advertising
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack
Published: October 2002

Focuses on “bad” advertising commercials and asserts that such advertising is not because of a lack of creativity, entertainment value or money for production. Bad advertising is often because advertising creators fail to focus on potential end customers, and what they need to see and hear.
Collecting and using personal data: consumers’ awareness and concerns
Authors: Graeff Timothy R. , Harmon Susan
Published: October 2002

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the privacy of their personal information and information about their purchase behaviors. The current study examines the extent to which consumers are concerned with how their personal information is collected and used, their awareness and knowledge of data collection practices using discount (loyalty) cards, the relationship between demographics and privacy concerns, and the relationship between privacy concerns and purchase behaviors. Results from a telephone survey of 480 consumers suggest that even though consumers are concerned about how personal information is collected and used, very few consumers are aware of how discount (loyalty) cards are used to collect personal level purchase data. Results also suggest that concerns about the use of personal information vary by demographic market segments, and that privacy concerns are significantly related to consumers’ purchasing behaviors on the Internet.
Market‐based success, organizational routines, and unlearning
Authors: Sinkula James M.
Published: October 2002

Information, whether it is acquired from an external source or generated internally, is subjected to perceptual filters made up of the organization’s norms, procedures, and beliefs that influence what information the organization attends to and ultimately accepts. This paper examines the role which these organizational filters play in unlearning; viewed here as a specialized form of organizational learning. Unlearning is defined as the “process by which firms eliminate old logics and make room for new ones” by Prahalad and Bettis. The author argues that firms which engage in unlearning activities are better able to cast aside established routines in order to replace them with ones that ultimately result in superior value to their customers.
Putting people back into organizational learning
Authors: Hurley Robert F.
Published: October 2002

There is an overemphasis on an outside‐in, macro‐organizational view of learning and an under‐emphasis on the inside‐out view which recognizes that people are the main agents of learning and change. Attempts at building a learning organization should start with an understanding of how adults learn and develop rather than elaborate ideas about competitive strategy, market research and information dissemination. Adult learning theory tells us that people learn primarily by being encouraged to tackle challenges, experiment, fail and correct failures and reflect on their experiences. The challenge in building learning organizations is fighting the bureaucratization that often replaces experimentation with control and routine. This paper examines the literature on market orientation, organizational learning and adult learning theory to identify how individual level learning can be maximized as a mechanism for enhancing organizational learning. Recommendations are made to integrate these streams of research and offer suggestions for further research.
Relationships and project marketing success
Authors: Anne Skaates Maria , Tikkanen Henrikki , Lindblom Jarno
Published: October 2002

Project operations are a dominating mode of international business. Managing relationships and networks is crucial to project marketing success both at the level of the individual project and at the level of multiple projects. This article first defines key characteristics of project business, identifies potentially relevant actors in the project marketing milieu, and emphasizes the importance of constantly nurturing project business relationships, also in “sleeping relationship” periods where concrete projects are not expected. Thereafter the points made are illustrated with a Finnish‐Chinese turnkey project case at the level of the individual project and a Danish‐German professional service project case at the level of multiple projects. It is concluded that project managers and marketers should focus their attention on the management of project relationships before, during, and after projects, as well as on relevant environmental factors in the project marketing milieu, instead of using resources on sporadic or last minute running after potential projects.
Measurement equivalence and applicability of core marketing concepts across Nigerian, Kenyan, Japanese and US firms
Authors: Dadzie Kofi Q. , Johnston Wesley J. , Yoo Boonghee , Brashear Thomas G.
Published: October 2002

Establishing the validity and measurement equivalence of core marketing concepts in the emerging market economies of Africa is a key step in assessing the transferability of modern marketing theory and managerial practice to these countries. However, measurement equivalence issues are rarely addressed in studies of marketing practices in Africa. Accordingly, this study examines the equivalence of core marketing concepts based on interviews of 459 marketing managers from Kenya, Nigeria, Japan and the USA. The results show that optimal scaling analysis of the managers’ evaluations provide more valid and meaningful assessment than that of the raw data. The managers’ evaluations of the concepts revealed amazingly similar or prototypical perceptions of marketing’s core concepts and its applicability in their organizations, despite the profound country environmental differences. It appears that the concepts fall into two cross‐national categories of applicability that permeate the industrialized and developing country categorization. Managerial and research implications are discussed.