bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitive intelligence process and tools for intelligence analysis
Authors: Bose Ranjit
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this survey research is twofold. First, to study and report the process that is commonly used to create and maintain a competitive intelligence (CI) program in organizations. And second, to provide an analysis of several emergent text mining, web mining and visualization‐based CI tools, which are specific to collection and analysis of intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published research literature on CI processes, applications, tools and technologies to collect and analyze competitive information within organizations is reviewed to explore their current state, issues and challenges learned from their practice.

Findings

The paper provides executive decision makers and strategic managers a better understanding of what methods are available and appropriate to the decisions they must make and the steps involved in CI undertaking.

Originality/value

The findings of this research provide the managers of CI programs a context for understanding which tools and techniques are better suited to their specific types of problems; and help them develop and evaluate a usable set of tools and best practices to apply to their industry.
New measures of stereotypical beliefs about older workers' ability and desire for development
Authors: Maurer Todd J. , Barbeite Frank G. , Weiss Elizabeth M. , Lippstreu Michael
Published: May 2008

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to introduce new measures of stereotypical beliefs about older workers' ability and desire for learning and development and test relationships with key antecedents and outcomes.Design/methodology/approach– In a sample of workers over 40 years of age from across the US workforce, a two‐wave survey study was unique in that it examined stereotypes held by aging workers themselves in relation to their own behavior.Findings– The psychometric qualities of the scales were positive and findings tied the stereotype measures to important outcome constructs involving retirement, interest in development, and self‐efficacy/concept for development. Relationships of the stereotype measures also existed with antecedent variables, including experience with the stereotyped behavior and general beliefs about changes with aging.Research limitations/implications– These are critical constructs for managerial psychology in the coming decades, and the findings and measures presented here can contribute to future research, not only on older workers themselves but also on younger workers' stereotypes and behavior toward older workers, which were not addressed here.Practical implications– The measures can be used as diagnostic tools and the findings offer potential ideas for organizational policy or interventions to target stereotypes.Originality/value– Because employee development is increasingly important and the workforce is rapidly aging, there is a need to understand development behavior by aging workers. While stereotypes can be a problem in this area, there is a lack of measures of these stereotypes and there is no research on the stereotypes by aging workers themselves.
Age and creativity at work
Authors: Binnewies Carmen , Ohly Sandra , Niessen Cornelia
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purspose of this study is to examine the interplay between job resources (job control and support for creativity from coworkers and supervisors), age and creativity at work. Job control and support for creativity are assumed to benefit idea creativity and to moderate the relationship between age and idea creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 117 nurses completed questionnaire measures and reported a creative idea they recently had at work. Three subject matter experts rated the creativity of the ideas. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test hypotheses.

Findings

Job control and support for creativity as well as age were unrelated to idea creativity. However, job control and support for creativity moderated the relationship between age and idea creativity. Age was positively related to idea creativity under high job control and negatively related to idea creativity under low job control and low support for creativity.

Research limitations/implications

A potentially selective sample due to systematic drop‐outs and a selection effect of older nurses might limit the generalizability of our results. Future research should examine the mechanisms that explain the moderating effect of job resources in the relationship between age and performance.

Practical implications

Older employees' creativity at work can be raised by fostering support for creativity from coworkers and supervisors. Younger employees should get support to deal with a high level of job control, because their creativity is lowest under a high level of job control.

Originality/value

Using data from multiple sources the study shows that different constellations of job resources benefit older and younger employees' creativity at work.
Robust damping control system design for TCSC using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Khan Laiq , Saeed Tariq , Lo K.L.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Modern power systems suffer from a well‐known problem of low‐frequency oscillations. Flexible AC transmission systems devices are used to overcome this problem. The aim of this paper is to develop a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based supplementary damping control system design for thyristor control series compensator (TCSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is formulated as an optimization problem with an eigenvalue‐based multi‐objective function. PSO is then used to find optimal set of controller parameters by minimizing the objective function.

Findings

The performance and robustness of the proposed approach is validated through small signal and large signal for different loading conditions of a multi‐machine power system.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel PSO‐based control system design that exhibits robustness and excellent damping performance.
Intension and structure of actually infinite, rigid sets
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Gong Ningsheng , Du Guoping
Published: May 2008

Purpose

On the basis of previous work, the authors aim to further study the problem of infinity existing in between predicates and sets.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is taken in the paper.

Findings

The authors modify the conventional rule of thinking that each predicate determines a unique set, and establish a principle regarding the relationship between predicates and sets. Then, the authors study the structures of actually infinite, rigid sets.

Originality/value

The structure of actually infinite sets is detailed.
Word of mouth and viral marketing: taking the temperature of the hottest trends in marketing
Authors: Ferguson Rick
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study examples of emerging marketing trends like word‐of‐mouth and viral marketing, and attempt to determine their measurability in terms of return on investment (ROI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines real life campaigns from well‐known companies and attempt to measure consumer response beyond merely viewing or participating in the campaign. How much of an actionable response can be evoked and measured from viral and word‐of‐mouth campaigns? Testimonials and commentary from marketers practicing these methods and the pundits that attempt to gauge the effectiveness.

Findings

The paper finds that word‐of‐mouth or viral marketing efforts are not always a sure bet. But a well‐placed, calculated and provocative campaign can spark a firestorm of buzz that sometimes can be effective for years in non‐terminal new mediums like the internet. While the jury is still out on finding hard quantitative ROI measurements for these campaigns, they can produce hefty returns for brand awareness.

Research limitations/implications

Tracking ROI for viral marketing and word‐of‐mouth marketing campaigns remains an inexact and difficult science.

Practical implications

The paper suggest following the included Viral Commandments when creating a word‐of‐mouth campaign to ensure marketing resources are put to highest and best use. It also suggests focusing on identification of the consumer as a vital step to build advocacy. Viral marketing should not anchor marketing strategy, but when used effectively can be an important ace‐up‐the‐sleeve.

Originality/value

The paper explores some recognizable viral marketing campaigns and studies the effects they had on product sales, consumer advocacy and brand awareness. It teaches important factors to consider when developing word‐of‐mouth marketing: who is doing it well, who is not, what lasting effects can a campaign deliver, and are there any effective ways to measure return on investment?
Electronic Resources and Libraries, 2nd Annual Conference 2007 – a Final Perspective
Authors: Hogarth Margaret
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the “Electronic resources and libraries” 2nd annual conference.

Design/methodology/approach

Topics discussed include license management through the ERMS, vendor usage data, and reorganization at UCLA.

Findings

The paper describes how Florida Gulf Coast University Libraries uses Serials solutions” ERMS to manage their electronic resources and their licences. It also describes the MaxData project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and how UCLA reorganized their print and electronic groups.

Originality/value

The paper offers valuable insights into topics presented at the conference.
A cross‐cultural examination of relationship strength in B2B services
Authors: Barry James M. , Dion Paul , Johnson William
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to specify and test factors surrounding relationship strength between buyers and suppliers in a global, business‐to‐business (B2B) services context. In so doing, the paper helps extend relationship marketing theories to this under‐researched domain.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review, along with results of field interviews and surveys, provide a conceptual framework for the relationship strength formation process in the context of multi‐cultures. The research then tests a model of hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The paper confirms the influence of perceived value, switching costs and relationship quality (satisfaction, trust and affective commitment) on relationship strength. As predicted, relationship quality mediates the influence that perceived value has on relationship strength. Switching costs further mediate the influence that relationship quality has on relationship strength which, in turn, influences substitution scarcity. No support, however, was offered for the proposed moderating influence that national culture (as measured by a buyer's country masculinity and individualism) has on quality/strength linkages and value/strength linkages.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of buyers in 42 countries includes a higher share of buyers from individualist than collective countries. Consequently, a more balanced cultural sample may have supported the otherwise rejected proposition that culture has a moderating impact on relationship building.

Practical implications

The study provides managerially relevant (“actionable”) results which may help buyers execute customer retention strategies that lead to higher customer profitability.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited literature on building B2B service relationships in a global context. The paper seeks to provide a balanced account of the social and economic aspects of relationship strength formation.
Seamless healthcare delivery systems
Authors: Parnaby John , Towill Denis R.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Taking the physician sourced observation that “wasting time is always more expensive than saving it” leads naturally to the conclusion that effective and efficient patient‐centred healthcare delivery systems are highly desirable targets for the National Health Service (NHS) and similar providers. But has “joined up healthcare” even been achieved, and if so, how? What procedures must be in place to maximise the chances of its occurrence? This paper aims to investigate these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper answers these questions experientially via “Insider Action Research” projects plus careful critique of published case studies.

Findings

Recurring themes for effective improvement of healthcare delivery organisations emerge in the paper, as do identification of the inevitable barriers to change.

Originality/value

The paper takes stock of NHS service developments in a broader theoretical light.
Sustainable tourism development in Niagara
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana , Patterson Daniel J. , Choi Chris , Brain Ryan
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights to the relevant past discussions, theories and projects; and sustainable tourism development in the Niagara region.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the key four sections of this paper zooms in to specific areas. Outcomes from elite discussions involving 47 experts are followed by a concise literature review on sustainable tourism. The paper then analyses the concept of economic sustainability and reviews the outcomes from a blueprint for sustainable tourism development.

Findings

This paper discusses the economic pillar of sustainable tourism by outlining the negative and positive economic effects of the worldwide travel and tourism industry. In addition to reviewing the relative competitiveness of the world's travel destinations; with a focus on Canada's performance, it outlines strategies for Niagara region to enhance its competitiveness to support sustainable tourism.

Originality/value

In the recent years not much research has been carried out on the topic of sustainable tourism specific to the Niagara region. Therefore, this paper should be useful to a range of tourism stakeholders in Niagara region as well as readers involved in regional tourism development in other parts of the world. The versatility of the four authors – an administrator who chaired the Niagara Gateway Project, an academic researcher who has focused on sustainable tourism for a long period, a partner of a leading consulting firm and an applied researcher with significant international experience, makes the paper interesting.
Benefiting from customer and competitor knowledge
Authors: Loon Hoe Siu
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the organizational learning, market orientation and learning orientation concepts, highlight the importance of market knowledge to organizational learning and recommend ways in adopting a market‐based approach to organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The extant organizational learning and market orientation literature was reviewed, and the salient points on how adopting a market‐based approach to organizational learning promotes competitive advantage are discussed.

Findings

Organizational behavior scholars have devoted a lot attention on the factors and conditions affecting organizational learning. The end outcome, of course, is to improve organizational performance. Marketing scholars, on the other, focused on the effect of market orientation on organizational performance. Regardless of the different perspectives, both disciplines agree that an organization's long‐term survival depends on its ability to generate new knowledge and continuously learn from the external environment.

Practical implications

The paper offers recommendations to practicing managers ways to combine market and learning orientation for organizational learning which can lead to sustained competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The paper provides a fresh perspective on how organizational learning is enhanced by acquiring, disseminating and utilizing market knowledge that is externally focused on customers and competitors.
Transferring codified knowledge: socio‐technical versus top‐down approaches
Authors: Guzman Gustavo , Trivelato Luiz F.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse and evaluate the transfer process of codified knowledge (CK) performed under two different approaches: the “socio‐technical” and the “top‐down”. It is argued that the socio‐technical approach supports the transfer of CK better than the top‐down approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study methodology was used, in the explanatory and qualitative study. The empirical evidence focused on the development of work standards following ISO 9000 norms at a Steelworks plant. This process was examined as a process of CK transfer.

Findings

First, the socio‐technical approach supports the process of CK transfer better than the top‐down view. Second, CK is a dynamic concept that may need different varying amounts of tacit knowledge in order to enable knowledge codification and assimilation. Three, the examination of the degree of context and task similarity between sender and receiving units needs to be detailed, since small variations in organizational processes might imply significant alterations on informal work practices, a key issue that affects the CK transfer process.

Research limitations/implications

This study, on the one hand, might assist to further develop theories of knowledge transfer, such as Argote'set al.integrative knowledge management framework. On the other hand, it complements Szulanski's research since he did not explore the approach used during the implementation process.

Practical implications

Research finding contain practical advice that can the taken up by practitioners.

Originality/value

By focusing on different approaches to transfer CK, this study has filled a research gap in the CK transfer literature.
Cross‐cultural social intelligence
Authors: Evelina Ascalon Ma. , Schleicher Deidra J. , Born Marise Ph.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to discuss the concept of cross‐cultural social intelligence (CCSI), its relevance for both selecting and developing expatriates and other employees working in cross‐cultural contexts, the development of a situational judgment test to assess CCSI, and practical “lessons learned” in each of these areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The four phases of the development and validation of the CCSI measure (using a total of 184 cross‐cultural SMEs) were developing the scenarios and the response alternatives, the content analysis, and establishing construct validity.

Findings

The results from the content analysis and construct validation provide support for the use of the CCSI in cross‐cultural situations.

Research limitations/implications

The CCSI has not yet been validated in a criterion‐related way (i.e. based on relations to job performance). This should be done before using for selection.

Practical implications

Possible uses for the CCSI in organisations include selection and/or promotion of expatriates and other employees in cross‐cultural contexts and several types of training and development initiatives. This instrument is offered (free of charge) to any interested managers or HR practitioners.

Originality/value

Despite the expressed need for instruments of this sort, nothing similar currently exists (especially not a theoretically grounded and empirically sound instrument). In addition, the “lessons learned” provide practical advice to others engaged in similar undertakings.
A proposed model of expatriates in multinational corporations
Authors: Liu Ching‐Hsiang , Lee Hung‐Wen
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between job satisfaction, family support, learning orientation, organizational socialization and cross‐cultural training and cross‐cultural adjustment in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method was used, and correction and regression were employed. The study undertook a multidimensional approach in its assessment of the adjustment of Taiwanese financial institution expatriates.

Findings

This study found that job satisfaction played an important role in the proposed model of expatriate adjustment in an international assignment. Also found to be of importance was the role of organization socialization.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions of this study pertain only to Taiwanese financial institution expatriates in the USA, and cannot be generalized for cross‐cultural adjustment in other countries.

Practical implications

Given the associations between job satisfaction and cross‐cultural adjustment, multinationals should ensure that they have human resource policies and practice to support the job satisfaction of expatriates. Modifying socialization policies and practices can have a positive influence on expatriates' adjustment.

Originality/value

This study both replicates and extends previous research on cross‐cultural adjustment. It provides objective information for expatriate selection, management and socialization.
Howard Roark and the ghost of Admiral Rickover
Authors: Langbert Mitchell , Stanchina Michael , Grunewald Donal
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This case study aims to illustrate the interaction of organizational culture, human resource (HR) policy and firm performance. It contrasts the cultures of two science‐driven organizations – the Navy's nuclear submarine force and Merck, the large pharmaceutical firm – and traces the reaction of one individual to two organizations – the United States nuclear navy and Merck & Co., a large pharmaceutical firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a case study based on field interviews and secondary sources.

Findings

The task‐oriented culture of the submarine fleet is compared to Merck's relations and team‐oriented corporate environment. Management skills such as flexibility, power and influence, interpersonal communication, self‐awareness and goal setting can influence career outcomes. Managerial skills are important in all settings, but a given style's efficacy is contingent upon organizational context. Adaptability is important, as is personal mission. Thus, the case examines how organizational culture, HR policies and leadership interact with an individual's career outcomes and organizational performance as well.

Research limitations/implications

Because this is a case study it is not generalizable. However, the issues depicted in the case have been recognized in the managerial skills literature. The case study serves to illustrate and deepen managerial skills concepts.

Practical implications

This case study has illustrative value as well as hypothesis and theory‐building value, but is not generalizable.

Originality/value

There is relatively little research on the specifics of how to apply managerial skills in a corporate setting. Hence, the case covers important, sensitive material of practical and theoretical value.
Exploring Buddhist influence on the entrepreneurial decision
Authors: Valliere Dave
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role that socio‐religious context plays in the decision of whether to become and entrepreneur, and what type of new business venture to create.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretivist development from qualitative data obtained by interviews of entrepreneurs in Nepal and Canada.

Findings

Conceptions of Right Livelihood play an important role in the evaluation and exploitation of entrepreneurial opportunities and in the day‐to‐day operations of the resultant new businesses.

Originality/value

Links the literatures of social economics and entrepreneurship to explore how entrepreneurs must balance economic, social, and religious objectives when launching and operating new businesses.
Experimental and numerical analyses of thick‐film piezoceramic structures for miniaturised sensors and actuators
Authors: Santo Zarnik Marina , Belavic Darko , Macek Srecko
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The successful use of piezoceramic thick films in sensors and actuators requires a thorough understanding of their electrical and electromechanical characteristics. Since these characteristics depend not only on the material's composition but also on its compatibility with various substrates and a number of processing parameters, accurate measurements of the material's parameters are essential. Here, the aim of this paper is to present a procedure for characterising lead‐zirconate‐titanate (PZT) thick films on pre‐fired low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates performed in order to determine the material parameters for numerical modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

Owing to the lack of standard procedures for measuring the elastic and piezoelectric properties of the films, the compliance parameters were evaluated from the results of nano‐indentation tests, and a substrate‐flexure method was used to evaluate the transverse piezoelectric coefficients.

Findings

The validation of the material model and the finite‐element (FE) analysis of the demonstrator sensor/actuator structures are shown to be in agreement with the FE model, even if not an exact fit.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on a characterisation of PZT thick films screen‐printed on pre‐fired LTCC substrates.
The role of trust in organisational innovativeness
Authors: Ellonen Riikka , Blomqvist Kirsimarja , Puumalainen Kaisu
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of the dimensions of organisational trust on organisational innovativeness in a relatively large survey sample of the information and communication technology (ICT) and paper and pulp industries in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

Organisational trust is deemed to consist of both interpersonal and impersonal types of trust. The empirical part of the study shows the relationship between various types of trust and dimensions of organisational innovativeness. Quantitative empirical analysis is based on a survey of 40 organisational units and 214 respondents within the ICT and paper and pulp industries.

Findings

The impact of different types of organisational trust on dimensions of organisational innovativeness was analyzed. The results imply that the impersonal form in particular, namely institutional trust, has an important role in determining organisational innovativeness.

Research implications

This study contributes both to the literature on organisational innovativeness, as well as to the emerging theory on trust, in its approach to trust as not only an interpersonal issue, but also as something with impersonal aspects.

Practical implications

It is suggested that managers should pay special attention to impersonal forms of trust, i.e. to the institutional dimension of organisational trust. Above all, institutional trust and its development could be seen as a strategic question for companies.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant theoretical contribution by examining the linkages between various dimensions of organisational trust and organisational innovativeness, which have previously been studied only to a very minor extent. It thus provides a richer understanding of the relationship between organisational trust and innovativeness.
Distractions in the workplace revisited
Authors: Roper Kathy O. , Juneja Parminder
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a holistic and systematic understanding of a fundamental issue within open plan office designs: the sustainability of two extremely contrasting requirements, concentration and collaboration, in the same workspace and work environment at a given time. A literature review is presented, along with initial suggestions for potential improvements in knowledge work organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough range of fields, including those outside the built environment, are investigated for their contribution to findings on distractions, especially auditory distractions and their impacts.

Findings

This research underpins the need for cost analysis of the impact that distractions have on knowledge workers. Provisions for appropriate and adaptable workspaces are needed to meet the dual needs of collaboration and concentration on complex tasks in order to maximize worker contribution and value.

Research limitations/implications

Additional field research on improved workspace is needed to confirm the hypothesis of savings from reduced or adaptation from auditory distractions.

Practical implications

As knowledge work grows, the evaluation of workplace architecture and design must include analysis of the needs of knowledge workers. The sole consideration of cost savings in real estate and facilities ignores the tremendous cost of human capital. This reduces overall value and profitability of the organizations choosing to ignore the workspace needs of their workers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new and original review of multi‐disciplinary research on the impact of distractions, especially auditory distractions, providing the groundwork for analysis of total costs of auditory distractions in the workplace.
Comparing the performance of national public sectors: conceptual problems
Authors: Van de Walle Steven
Published: May 2008

Purpose

A number of studies and indicators have ranked European countries in terms of the performance of their public sectors. This paper aims to demonstrate that there are important conceptual problems with such rankings and comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the existing indicators, the paper first shows how European countries' public sectors are ranked. It then goes on to show how conceptual problems with these indicators may lead to incorrect conclusions.

Findings

Countries' public sector performance cannot be summarised using a single indicator because of inability to define “the public sector” and the disagreement on what it means for public sectors to perform.

Practical implications

Despite increasing demand and supply in policy circles for international public sector indicators, the existing ones are unreliable.

Originality/value

This paper extends the assessment of international public sector indicators beyond a mere technical evaluation.
Economic influences on child migration decisions
Authors: Edmonds Eric V. , Salinger Philip
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons that children migrate without a parent.

Design/methodology/approach

The economic components of the answer to this question are considered by examining the correlates of out‐migration for children under 15 whose mothers reside in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India.

Findings

In this data 1 million children appear to have migrated away from home. On average 3 per cent of living children aged 5‐14 in the communities are away from home, but the fraction of out‐migrant children ranges between 0 and 29 per cent. The data are found to be consistent with a classical view of migration: children on average appear to migrate out of competitive, rural child labor markets for net financial gain.

Practical implications

The costs of migration are important. Children are less likely to migrate from more remote locations. Children are less likely to migrate from locations where child wages are higher. Overall, patterns of child migration away from their mothers look similar to what other researchers have observed in adult populations in different social and economic contexts.

Originality/value

The paper considers the determinants of child migration
The Commonwealth of Independent States Needs the Right Kind of Help
Authors: Enen Jack
Published: May 2008

It has finally happened in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): Political reforms have outrun economic reforms, but when the euphoria subsides and the dust settles, the same old problems will surface. The economic system known to the CIS for over 73 years is one driven by rules and directives, not by economic forces. For this reason, the start of any transition mandates educating the CIS people in market theory, economics, law, management, marketing, and technical skills. The CIS people are, and rightly so, initially frightened of “unknown new Western ideas” like incentive, risk, profit, loss, unemployment, and increasing hardships they face during the transition. Potential free marketeers in each of the newly independent States need to comprehend private sector economic and marketing skills to create a small to medium‐size private sector business infrastructure. The opportunity for quick economic reform to a free‐market economy in the CIS has been enormously enhanced.
THE CHANGING ROLE OF MIDDLE MANAGERS IN THE STRATEGY PROCESS
Authors: Das T.K. , Thakur Manab
Published: May 2008

The traditional role of middle managers has been evolving into one which is increasingly concerned with participation in the strategic management process. The reasons for this evolutionary change are discussed, along with problems facing middle managers today. Suggestions are offered for redefining the role of middle managers for more effective strategic management and planning in industrial organizations.
ON TEACHING MARKETING COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: Lesher Taylor Ruth
Published: May 2008

Competitive issues are comprehensive and global. Global competitiveness has driven U.S. technological competitiveness from being globally strong to globally losing or maybe lost (Shultz, 1991), and has caused U.S. manufacturing competitiveness to suffer (Enen, Jr., 1991). Although there is an immediate need for small and medium businesses in the United States to globalize, these same companies seem reluctant to get involved in overseas export opportunities (Mahone, Jr., 1991).
THE NECESSITY OF GLOBAL MANAGERS
Authors: Ali Abbas J.
Published: May 2008

New world business realities have emerged since the abatement of the Cold War. Business activities have become internationalized. International and regional organizations (e.g., UN agencies, World Bank, OPEC) have relied heavily on expatriate employees to conduct their business in the headquarters or abroad. The work‐place has become more diversified than ever. Business, rather than ideological motives, directs nations' behavior. And the quest for regional free trade blocks has been seen as necessary for a nation to counter national economic decline and to create a position as an influential global actor. Thus business organizations realize that to grow and prosper, they have to be global in their orientations and activities. A recent survey of the Conference Board confirms this. Corporations with global operations grew faster in every industry and in all size categories than those without such operations.
Research on Merger Performance: A Review and a Critique
Authors: Subramanian Ram , Ebrahimi Bahman , Thibodeaux Mary S.
Published: May 2008

In recent times there has been an explosion in the number and value of mergers and acquisitions. The pressing question that is argued by both managers and academicians relates to the performance of these high value decisions. This paper examines the literature relating to the performance of mergers and acquistions with a view to throwing some light on the question. Criticisms of the existing literature are provided, as also are specific recommendations for future research such as including more longitudinal instead of cross‐sectional studies.
Sources of (A) First (Class) Resort
Authors: Rettig James
Published: May 2008

All seventeen had graciously agreed to my proposal to gather for a small conference to seek consensus. A generous grant from the Pierian Press Foundation would cover all of our expenses for a long weekend at a resort hotel; the only condition of the grant was that we offer our results to Reference Services Review for first publication. Over the past five years each of the seventeen had in turn accepted my challenge to answer the following question:
Inventory and cash flow problems
Authors: Padden Keith
Published: May 2008

Inventory control is not the same as stock control ‐ it means control of each item that goes to make up the total inventory. In this exercise Keith Padden shows how his hypothetical range of crystal balls ‐ by which he means baked beans, soft drinks, instant coffee, or anything else ‐ can be rationalised. The result can be a release of working capital sufficient to make good the deficit in cash flow ‐ or to buy sites, build and fit out six 15,000 sq ft supermarkets.
The library of the future
Authors: Paton William B.
Published: May 2008

In the midst of the heat and turmoil of the first world war emerged the proposals for the progress in library provision which took place following the end of hostilities. Once more we are at war, and again the field of public library service is being surveyed and plans for post‐war development prepared. There are those who urge that all our energies should meantime be bent on winning the war, and that all other activities should be suspended for the duration. The war might thus be over more quickly, but in the process the worth‐while fruits of victory would be retarded. In the welter and flux of post‐war conditions opportunities for rapid progress will appear for the grasping, but unless we are prepared to seize them at the right moment, they may vanish for a generation or more. Collectively, therefore, librarians should have a clear idea of the changes they wish to effect, and should work out now the steps required to bring them about.
Social science primary documents in Nigerian libraries
Authors: Obasi John U.
Published: May 2008

In 1977 questionnaires were sent to selected libraries and individuals in Nigeria in connection with a pilot survey which set out to investigate the state of printed social science ephemera in Nigerian libraries. The study became necessary following the increase in the amount of such material in recent years, the introduction of inter‐disciplinary African studies in Nigerian universities and the higher level of public awareness in African affairs vis‐à‐ris Nigeria. These circumstances thus made it pertinent that the materials be acquired and properly organized for future research.
Creating hospital environments that promote health
Authors: Richardson Joan
Published: May 2008

Hospitals in the United Kingdom have come in for a fair degree of criticism of late. Certainly the environments they provide would not seem to merit the much‐vaunted description of them as ‘centres of excellence’. It has been suggested that hospitals actually create ill health. There is concern about their kitchens and food hygiene; staff, patients and relatives alike are on edge about the insidious spread of legionella; there is ever‐present worry about accidents, especially fire, and about conditions which are conducive to insensitive handling of elderly patients — all creating a disturbing picture, which hardly conjures up an image of surroundings that promote health.
The management of measles in the UK — A cause for concern and suggestions for more effective control
Authors: Baxter D.
Published: May 2008

This paper highlights defects in the UK measles control programme, and identifies possible reasons for this. The consequences of continuing low uptake rates are predicted on the basis of modelling theory. Proposals that could be implemented by district and regional health authorities are made.
Patient Flows to Hospital — An Economist's Perspective
Authors: Normand Charles
Published: May 2008

The workload of acute hospitals in the United Kingdom is largely determined by referrals by general practitioners (GPs), and there have been studies that show great variation in the rate and pattern of referrals by different GPs. The other major route is to attend the accident and emergency department (A&E) without attending the GP. It is argued in this paper that the ‘problem’ of variations in GP must be seen in the general context of patient flows to hospital, since little is known of the relationship between referrals and self‐referrals. If it is the case that self‐referral behaviour depends on the likelihood of being referred by a GP, then differences in GP behaviour will not have a direct effect on hospital workload. Equally, changing their behaviour will not reduce the demand for hospital services. Two other options are worth considering — attempting to change the behaviour of patients by public education, and controlling access to hospital by triage. The paper sets out a research agenda to help resolve some of these issues.
Planning Health Care Services and the Views of the Consumer
Authors: Sutton MIPM Roxanne
Published: May 2008

The process of reviewing and changing health care services in the UK rarely takes account of the needs or preferences of the public as expressed by the consumers themselves. This is largely because no sufficiently sensitive mechanisms exist within the National Health Service for sounding out and obtaining consumer opinion; and health care professionals have traditionally felt that they know what is best for their patients and clients and anyway that the issues are too complicated for the public to grasp. This paper challenges this assumption and describes how one health region has embarked upon a direct approach to the consumer.
On Introducing Medical Audit
Authors: Brice Jason
Published: May 2008

Audit means many things to different doctors and managers. Formal clinical audit, involving the setting of clinical standards and peer review of the performance of clinicians, is what will be required in future. Expertise is the most important resource needed, both to guide doctors and managers, and to provide the back‐up staff needed to carry out data collection. It has not been found that money and/or computers pro‐duce true formal clinical audit. The UK National Health Service will need to look at the production of the medical record, and doctors at how to deal with persistent clinical ‘outliers’, if audit is to produce its ultimate aim — the improvement in patient care.
Acheson and the General Manager
Authors: Goose Margaret
Published: May 2008

A District General Manager offers some thoughts on the implementation of the Acheson Report and challenges community medicine specialists to be realistic about deployment of their scarce skills.
Back burner
Authors: Place Hillary
Published: May 2008

January: Special couriers are des‐patched from the Central Office of Information with the Folio edition of the Works of George Orwell. Book Marketing Council special promotion for National Book Sale is 101 answers to 1001 questions (Guinless Superlatives). Management buy‐out of British National Bibliography is followed by an agreed takeover of The Standard Book Numbering Agency Ltd. Avon County equips mobile libraries with CB radio. Aslib Marketing Group buys European rights in new personal computer for information managers, the Avocado. In a draughty ceremony at Walton Corner, Maurice Line is given the freedom of Thorp Arch Industrial Estate, and invested with a Gannex raincoat. Task Force to consider LA insignia merchandising operation meets at offices of Touche Ross. Unusual weather conditions at Heathrow delay departure of Royal Party for Trinidad and Tobago.
Possible involvement of caspase‐7 in cell cycle progression at mitosis
Authors: Hashimoto Toshiaki , Yamauchi Lisa , Hunter Tony , Kikkawa Ushio , Kamada Shinji
Published: May 2008

Caspases are suggested to play essential roles not only in apoptotic but also in non‐apoptotic functions. However, the contribution of caspases to the cell cycle regulation is unclear. Here we found that caspases including caspase‐3, caspase‐7, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 were activated during mitosis. Chemically synthesized caspase inhibitors delayed mitotic progression and induced accumulation of mitotic cells, which exhibited abnormal chromatin condensation and incomplete chromosome segregation. Furthermore, knockdown of caspase‐7 by using small interfering RNAs resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation, but knockdown of other caspases did not show a significant effect on cell growth. The expression of short hairpin RNA directed against caspase‐7 induced the cell cycle arrest at mitosis, which was rescued by the re‐expression of caspase‐7 containing silent mutations at the target site for the short hairpin RNA. These results revealed that caspase‐7 has a novel role during cell cycle progression at mitosis.
Spermatogenesis‐specific association of SMCY and MSH5
Authors: Akimoto Chihiro , Kitagawa Hirochika , Matsumoto Takahiro , Kato Shigeaki
Published: May 2008

The status of chromatin during spermatogenesis is dynamically regulated by specific histone codes or stage‐specific histone changes. The functional links between such epigenetic regulation and proteins regulating meiosis are largely unknown. In mammals, genes encoded on the Y chromosome are thought to possess male‐specific biological functions. While genes located within the azoospermia factor region (AZF) are known to be involved in spermatogenesis, the physiological function of individual genes is not known. SMCY is a gene mapped to the AZF, and in this report, we analyzed the function of SMCY protein during spermatogenesis. Biochemical identification of the proteins with which it interacted showed that SMCY formed a distinct complex with MSH5, a critical meiosis‐regulatory protein in the human testicular germ cell line, NEC8. As anticipated, histone H3K4 demethylase activity was detected. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the co‐localization of SMCY with MSH5 at a specific stage of meiotic prophase progression during murine spermatogenesis. Our results suggest that SMCY may have a male‐specific function as a histone H3K4 demethylase by recruiting a meiosis‐regulatory protein to condensed DNA.
Terrestrial nitrogen cycle simulation with a dynamic global vegetation model
Authors: XU‐RI  , PRENTICE I. C.
Published: May 2008

A global scale Dynamic Nitrogen scheme (DyN) has been developed and incorporated into the Lund–Posdam–Jena (LPJ) dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM). The DyN is a comprehensive process‐based model of the cycling of N through and within terrestrial ecosystems, with fully interactive coupling to vegetation and C dynamics. The model represents the uptake, allocation and turnover of N in plants, and soil N transformations including mineralization, N2 fixation, nitrification and denitrification, NH3 volatilization, N leaching, and N2, N2O and NO production and emission. Modelled global patterns of site‐scale nitrogen fluxes and reservoirs are highly correlated to observations reported from different biomes. The simulation of site‐scale net primary production and soil carbon content was improved relative to the original LPJ, which lacked an interactive N cycle, especially in the temporal and boreal regions. Annual N uptake by global natural vegetation was simulated as 1.084 Pg N yr−1, with lowest values <1 g N m−2 yr−1 (polar desert) and highest values in the range 24–36.5 g N m−2 yr−1 (tropical forests). Simulated global patterns of annual N uptake are consistent with previous model results by Melillo et al. The model estimates global total nitrogen storage potentials in vegetation (5.3 Pg N), litter (4.6 Pg N) and soil (≥67 Pg as organic N and 0.94 Pg as inorganic N). Simulated global patterns of soil N storage are consistent with the analysis by Post et al. although total simulated N storage is less. Deserts were simulated to store 460 Tg N (up to 0.262 kg N m−2) as NO3−, contributing 80% of the global total NO3− inventory of 580 Tg N. This model result is in agreement with the findings of a large NO3− pool beneath deserts. Globally, inorganic soil N is a small reservoir, comprising only 1.6% of the global soil N content to 1.5 m soil depth, but the ratio has a very high spatial variability and in hot desert regions, inorganic NO3− is estimated to be the dominant form of stored N in the soil.