bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of mycoprotein on blood cholesterol levels: a pilot study
Authors: Ruxton Carrie H.S. , McMillan Brian
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Research has shown that mycoprotein, a vegetable protein ingredient, can lower blood cholesterol. This paper aims to test this in a consumer setting.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 21 healthy, free‐living adults, who were not usually mycoprotein consumers, were asked to eat mycoprotein, as Quorn™ products, daily for six weeks. Ten control group participants followed their habitual diets. Fasting lipids, blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, body mass index and waist circumference were measured at baseline and after six weeks.

Findings

A significant reducing effect of the intervention on total cholesterol levels was found among those participants with higher baseline blood cholesterol level. No significant differences were seen between the intervention and control groups for the sample as a whole, although there were compliance issues in the control group that may have reduced its validity. Good compliance with the mycoprotein‐rich diet also appeared to have a significant lowering effect on total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The findings confirm that mycoprotein may be a useful food ingredient for helping to manage blood cholesterol levels.

Research limitations/implications

There was no randomisation or blinding, which may have influenced compliance with a habitual diet in the control group. The sample size was small and so further work in a larger population is warranted, particularly to determine optimal mycoprotein intakes and likely mechanisms of action.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on a trial that used commercially available products in a free‐living sample.
Furthering an understanding of West African plant foods
Authors: Glew R.S. , Amoako‐Atta B. , Ankar‐Brewoo G. , Presley J. , Chuang L‐T. , Millson M. , Smith B.R. , Glew R.H.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to determine the content of amino acids, fatty acids and minerals in seven indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Leaves from plants growing near Kumasi were milled to a fine powder, dried to constant weight in a vacuum desiccator, and analyzed for their content of the afore‐mentioned nutrients. The plants were: Hibiscus sabdarifa, Hibiscus cannabinus, Amaranthus cruentus, Corchorus oliforius, Solanum macrocarpon, Xanthomosa sagittifolium and Vigna unguiculatus.

Findings

All seven ILVs contained a large amount of protein (15.5‐22.8 percent), which compared favorably to the essential amino acid pattern of a WHO standard. They all contained nutritionally useful amounts of α‐linolenic acid and had an omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio of 0.1‐0.9. The seven ILVs contained quantities of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum and zinc that could contribute significantly to satisfying an individual's need for these elements.

Research limitations/implications

The presence of relatively large amounts of various nutritionally essential macro‐ and micronutrients in these seven ILVs does not necessarily mean these nutrients are bioavailable. Future research is required to determine the amounts of anti‐nutrients (e.g. protease inhibitors, chelators) in these vegetables, and the extent to which their protein, lipid and mineral constituents are digested and/or absorbed.

Originality/value

Since malnutrition (e.g. iron‐deficiency anemia, rickets, zinc deficiency, protein‐calorie malnutrition) is common in sub‐Saharan Africa, the information which is provided should increase awareness among agricultural and public health officials of the nutritional value of seven underappreciated and underutilized ILVs that are indigenous to Ghana and many other parts of Africa.
Attitudes of women towards food safety
Authors: Talas Canan , Uçar Asli , Özfer Özçelik Ayşe
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to determine the attitudes of women, who are mainly in charge of preparing food at home, towards food safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out among 250 married women who were chosen from those enrolled in five Public Education Centers affiliated to the Ministry of Education. The research data were collected through a questionnaire and face‐to‐face interviews.

Findings

The mean food safety attitude score was determined to be 29.97+2.91. The food safety attitudes of women varied according to education and age. Therefore, it is important that food safety education provided is continuous in order for the effects of the education to be lasting.

Originality/value

Food safety requires correct handling from production through consumption. Poor food‐handling practices in the home kitchen are thought to cause a significant number of food borne illnesses. The paper highlights the importance of education that affects food safety practices in the home.
Effects of milk phospholipid on memory and psychological stress response
Authors: Hellhammer Juliane , Waladkhani Ali‐Reza , Hero Torsten , Buss Claudia
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Phosphatidylserine (PS) extracted from both bovine cortex and soya beans has been previously reported to positively affect cognitive functioning, mood, and the capacity to cope with stress. The present paper aims to investigate whether the daily intake of phospholipid concentrate (PL) rich in phosphatidylserine (PS) and sphingomyelin (SM) has similar beneficial effects on working memory, allostastic load and the acute stress response.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 46 healthy men (average 41.5 years) received either placebo or 13.5 g per day PL over a three‐week period. On the 21st day of PL intake, subjects' working memory performance and their psychological and endocrine responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) were tested.

Findings

Compared to placebo‐exposed individuals, there was a tendency for shorter reaction times in the working memory task, suggesting better performance in PL‐treated subjects. The two treatment groups did not significantly differ in their endocrine stress response. However, PL‐treated subjects with a higher stress load showed a blunted psychological stress response.

Practical implications

Results of the present study show beneficial effects of PL intake on cognitive performance. Under acute stress, benefits of PL may only be visible in chronically stressed subjects.

Originality/value

This paper provides new information for practitioners, academics and food supplement industries interested in possible beneficial effects of a milk phospholipid product on memory and mental stress.
Resource intensity in global food chains: the Hot Spot Analysis
Authors: Liedtke Christa , Baedeker Carolin , Kolberg Sandra , Lettenmeier Michael
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The Hot Spot Analysis developed by the Wuppertal Institute is a screening tool focussing on the demand of reliable sustainability‐oriented decision‐making processes in complex value chains identifying high priority areas (“hot spots”) for effective measures in companies. This paper aims to focus on this tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The Hot Spot Analysis is a qualitative method following a cradle‐to‐cradle approach. With the examples of coffee and cream cheese hot spots of sustainability indicators throughout the entire life cycle are identified and evaluated with data from literature reviews and expert consultations or stakeholder statements. This paper focuses on the indicator resource efficiency as an example of how the methodology works.

Findings

The identified hot spots for coffee are the raw material procurement phase in terms of abiotic material, water and energy consumption, the production phase concerning biotic material and the energy consumption in the use phase. For cream cheese relevant hot spots appear in the raw material procurement phase in terms of biotic materials and water as well as biotic materials and energy consumption during the production phase.

Research limitations/implications

Life cycle analyses connected to indicators like resource efficiency need to be applied as consequent steps of a Hot Spot Analysis if a deeper level of analysis is eventually aimed at which is more cost and time intensive in the short term. The Hot Spot Analysis can be combined with other sustainability management instruments.

Practical implications

Research and management can be directed to hot spots of sustainability potential quickly which pays off in the long term.

Originality/value

The paper shows that companies can address sustainability potentials relatively cost moderately.
The impact of regulation and policy on radical eco‐innovation
Authors: Leitner Alexander , Wehrmeyer Walter , France Chris
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to review how current policy instruments drive (or not) environmental innovation and, by doing so, to reinvestigate the relationship between innovation and regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review on innovation and environmental regulation created a theoretical foundation of the paper. Using the grounded theory, a model was developed and evaluated using interviews. This is a timely topic as the new shape of recent environmental regulation appears to be fairly strict. A new model is presented to encapsulate highly dynamic interaction of environmental innovation and regulation to provide results that reflect on the present innovation behaviour and its implications.

Findings

The model highlights various diffusion pathways that are triggered by the main three drivers of innovation namely government (regulation), market (competition and cost) and technology which has the possibility of an autonomous diffusion.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical data are limited to 13 qualitative experts' interviews within industry, consultancies and governmental departments.

Practical implications

The suggested model is particularly useful for policy makers to better understand the innovation dynamics and its diffusion pathways to design smarter regulations that incentivise rather than force organisations to comply with regulation.

Originality/value

The paper shows how regulation drives (or not) innovation and how various diffusion pathways can be used by external stakeholders to direct and promote innovation.
Encouraging sustainable business practices using incentives: a practitioner's view
Authors: Goetz Kimberly S.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to present a new framework for the use of incentives when encouraging small businesses to adopt more sustainable business practices. It seeks to identify and categorize various types of incentives.

Design/methodology/approach

The incentives framework was designed as a practical tool for use during the development of a small business sustainability program. Although conceptual in nature, the framework is based on research conducted by the Washington State (USA) Department of Ecology that used, in part, a modified grounded theory approach.

Findings

In addition to identifying and categorizing potential incentives, the paper presents an overview of mainstream thought on incentives and argues that incentives and disincentives are significantly different concepts. The paper identifies seven potential barriers to implementing incentives and summarizes potential solutions to those barriers. It also explains how incentives can be used to encourage sustainable behavior and corporate social responsibility reporting.

Practical implications

The framework presented is intended to assist practitioners develop and structure incentive programs. It is also intended to provide guidance to practitioners regarding the current mainstream paradigm on incentives and recommends changes to that paradigm.

Originality/value

The framework presented is entirely original. No similar framework appears to currently exist.
Internet‐supported sustainability reporting: developments in Germany
Authors: Herzig Christian , Godemann Jasmin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to explore trends in the use of internet‐supported sustainability reporting for German DAX30 companies. Particular focus is to be given to the question of the extent that these companies use the more effective internet‐specific methods of provision, accessibility, comprehensibility and dialogue compared to print‐based reporting systems in the dissemination of information to, and communication with, stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data from three studies in 2004, 2005 and 2007. The research is based on quantitative content analysis from these studies and on an additional e‐mail survey in 2005.

Findings

Analysis shows an overall increase in the use of internet‐specific approaches on sustainability web sites between 2004 and 2007. Particular attention has been paid to developments to improve the access and comprehensibility of information on sustainability. There remains a great deal of potential for improvement in the use of tools for stakeholder dialogue, in the introduction of customised reporting elements and in the use of other internet technologies to improve the dissemination of past and present information. It seems that companies increasingly consider internet features to be useful for reducing information costs for companies and stakeholders but not for enhancing corporate value through more intensive and credible dialogue. The findings also indicate a shortfall in communicating trade‐offs and conflicts between environmental, social and economic impacts of businesses.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to outline trends in the use of corporate sustainability reporting via the internet. The paper also extends previous empirical research in Germany that focused on printed sustainability reports.
Sustainable development management systems in global business organizations
Authors: Sealy Ian , Wehrmeyer Walter , France Chris , Leach Matt
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify a requirement for a new sustainable development management system (SMS) model for global business organizations (GBOs) and proposes some essential features for such a model.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept is developed in four stages. First, a definition of a GBO is developed, after reviewing existing definitions and identifying their limitations. The characteristics of GBOs are reviewed, with emphasis on their implications for the management of sustainability programmes. A review of SMS literature and of existing SMS codes and standards has been made, and the limitations of existing SMSs are critically reviewed. Drawing on this three‐part analysis, a new model of an SMS suitable for use in GBOs is described.

Findings

Existing definitions of global business organizations are inadequate. Existing sustainability management systems standards and codes do not meet the requirements of global businesses (or indeed of other, regional businesses) in several respects.

Originality/value

The paper shows that there are special requirements for SMSs in GBOs, and that these are not met by any of the existing models or proposals in the literature. The paper proposes a new model, which combines best‐practice from existing literature with new features.
Learning to lead: evaluating leadership and organizational learning
Authors: Atwood Meredith A. , Mora Jordan W. , Kaplan Abram W.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate leadership diffusion in a federal agency within the context of organizational learning and culture change.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an innovative 360 degree survey assessment method, the impact of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Leadership Program (LP) was examined. A series of statistical tests was performed to analyze the role of familiarity and exposure in predicting leadership behavior and to compare the level of leadership behavior among co‐workers based on exposure to the LP.

Findings

The findings indicate that familiarity is a critical predictor of behavior change across all co‐worker subgroups. Increased exposure to the LP results in stronger, more consistent predictive models. Finally, co‐workers with higher exposure to the LP have increased levels of leadership behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The results in the study suggest that, in order to promote leadership and organizational learning, familiarity with leadership skills is essential. Furthermore, the greater the familiarity with leadership through at‐work interaction, the more likely co‐workers are to learn and apply leadership techniques.

Originality/value

The study is especially unique and valuable due to the advanced 360 degree assessment which acts as a tool to measure the diffusion of leadership principles from LP participants to co‐workers, while also analyzing the role of participant interaction with co‐workers following their participation in a leadership class.
Conceptualising spiritual leadership in secular organizational contexts and its relation to transformational, servant and environmental leadership
Authors: Crossman Joanna
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept and context of spiritual leadership in secular organizational contexts and to highlight some ways in which spiritual leadership relates to other existing value‐based theories such as transformational, servant and the emerging environmental leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of scholarly works on spiritual leadership is presented.

Findings

The paper concludes that, while some synergies exist between spiritual leadership and other value‐based theories, a deepening of the theoretical understandings of spiritual leadership in relation to other leadership theories is necessary.

Practical implications

Having identified the qualitative and quantitative benefits of spiritual leadership as well as some possible dangers in implementation strategies, a clarification of its nature in relation to other leadership theories will assist organizations considering its role and how it might be developed among personnel.

Originality/value

The paper makes an unusual contribution in highlighting and clarifying the relationship of spiritual leadership to other value‐based leadership theories and contributes to critical and theoretical understandings, essential in developing spiritual leadership from its status as a concept to one as a potential workable paradigm within organizations.
Servant leadership as antecedent of trust in organizations
Authors: Sendjaya Sen , Pekerti Andre
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This study sets out to examine the impact of servant leadership (SL) on followers' trust in their leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 555 employees of two educational institutions were obtained using measures of servant leadership behaviors and followers' trust in their leader.

Findings

Servant leadership is a significant predictor of trust with covenantal relationship, responsible morality and transforming influence as the key servant leadership behaviors significantly contributing to followers' trust in their leaders. Subordinates who perceived high servant leadership behavior in their leaders had significantly higher trust levels compared with those who perceived low servant leadership behavior in their leaders.

Research limitations/implications

While the relationship between leadership and trust has attracted scholarly interests for many years, the underlying process of how trust in the leader‐follower relationships is developed remains unknown. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by empirically testing the linkages between servant leadership behavior and followers' trust in their leaders.

Practical implications

The study suggested specific trust‐building behaviors in which leaders should continually engage: articulation of a shared vision, role‐modeling, demonstration of concern and respect for followers, and integrity‐infused decisions and actions.

Originality/value

The current study represents the first large‐scale attempt that empirically tests the linkages between servant leadership behavior and followers' trust in their leaders.
The glass ceiling of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Nijhof André H.J. , Jeurissen Ronald J.M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify that corporate social responsibility (CSR) has come a long way by the prevailing business case approach, but increasingly hits a glass ceiling. The glass ceiling metaphor refers to the inherent limitations created by a business case approach towards CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The main findings are based on an analysis of existing literature on strategies for CSR. The findings are illustrated with a case from the Dutch National Research Program on CSR.

Findings

The very term corporate socialresponsibilitysuggests that the debate about CSR is all about responsibilities of corporations. Maybe it once was, but nowadays it is much more about new market opportunities and a business‐wise approach to ecological and social problems. CSR has evolved into a marketable asset of companies, in which profit‐oriented managers and entrepreneurs are willing to invest. This “commodification” of CSR has helped to make it acceptable in the business world, but this comes at a considerable price from the perspective of the social responsibility of business. It is especially argued in the paper that a business case approach results in opportunism, leaves institutional blockades intact and drives out the intrinsic motivation for engaging in CSR.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen conceptual research approach, the propositions put forward in the paper need further grounding in empirical research.

Practical implications

In order to shatter this glass ceiling, managers have to deal with a paradoxical situation. They should maintain their appreciation of economic constraints and at the same time combine this with a sincere recognition of moral values. This at least requires that managers should show commitment to certain social values, be able to defend it in good and bad times and prepare all employees to deal with the inherent dilemmas of bearing different responsibilities.

Originality/value

Although the paper builds on earlier articles on limitations of a business case approach, it is the first paper to argue for a glass ceiling of CSR created by the inherent limitations of such an approach.
Giving with one hand
Authors: Coronado Gabriela , Fallon Wayne
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the political dimensions in the relationships between mining companies and their aboriginal stakeholders in Australia. Practical applications of stakeholder approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) can overlook indigenous people at the local level of those who are most affected by mining.

Design/methodology/approach

Informed by critical discourse analysis, the paper reports on a critical web‐based study that synthesises disparate community and business perspectives to explore the representations of CSR relationships between mining companies and aboriginal stakeholders.

Findings

Through their rhetorical manipulation of the CSR discourse, mining companies construct a homogeneous representation of aboriginal peoples, for strategic purposes. Companies maintain a public image as good corporate citizens, while using the rhetoric to divert their CSR activities to less problematic indigenous groups, thus ignoring the claims of stakeholders who are more directly affected by mining.

Research limitations/implications

While web‐based research of CSR relationships can incorporate disparate perspectives to reveal the critical complexities of the relationships, the resultant interpretations cannot be conclusive. Thus more comprehensive on‐site ethnographic fieldwork is required, and the web‐based studies can be used to identify issues and contradictions to be investigated in the field.

Originality/value

This critical evaluation of the CSR relationships between mining companies and their indigenous stakeholders offers an independent appreciation of those relationships and the political nuances in them. The paper provides evidence of the corporate appropriation of the CSR discourse for corporate image‐enhancing purposes and shows how the mining companies adopt this approach in their practice of the CSR rhetoric.
Outward FDI and economic growth
Authors: Herzer Dierk
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of outward foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Two econometric approaches are used: cross‐country regressions for a sample of 50 countries and time‐series estimators for the USA.

Findings

Both approaches tell the same story: outward FDI is positively associated with growth. This finding is robust to several model specifications, potential outliers, and different estimation techniques. In addition, Granger‐causality tests for the USA indicate that causality is bidirectional, suggesting that increased outward FDI is both a cause and a consequence of increased domestic output.

Originality/value

Previous studies have primarily examined the firm‐ and industry‐level effects of outward FDI – for example, on domestic investment, employment, and productivity. This paper, in contrast, deals with the effects of aggregate outward FDI on the economy as a whole.
Employment and unemployment duration in less developed regions
Authors: Theodossiou Ioannis , Zarotiadis Grigoris
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the distribution of labor market experience among the unemployed in a less developed area in Greece (the north‐western region of Epirus), where unemployment has severe detrimental repercussions on the local workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a dataset, obtained through purpose built questionnaires used to assist the local authority in carrying out a regional, pilot, active labor market policy project financed by the European Commission and the Greek Government.

Findings

An ordinary least square regression was applied correcting for incidental truncation, in order to show that the duration of the prior unemployment spell negatively affects the duration of the current employment spell and vice versa, which highlights the phenomenon of an “unemployment trap”. Furthermore, those personal and socioeconomic characteristics which are responsible for causing jobless individuals to be “trapped” in the unemployment state are identified. Workers aged above 45, women, employees in sales and other service occupations, face significantly shorter complete spells of employment, along with longer duration of unemployment, hence suffering from self‐reinforcing unemployment.

Originality/value

The results show that a “scarring effect” appears to be in operation, as the duration of prior unemployment spell has deleterious effects on the duration of the subsequent employment and vice versa. This evidence provides additional insights for policymakers, who design measures for individuals vulnerable to unemployment in the less developed regions of the European Union.
Intellectual property rights and development: the spatial relationships
Authors: Briggs Kristie
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence that the U‐shaped relationship between intellectual property rights (IPRs) and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) observed in the past literature using a panel of data is not a consequence of longitudinal forces, as has been previously postulated, but instead a consequence of cross‐sectional influences.

Design/methodology/approach

Differences in the longitudinal and cross‐sectional relationship between IPRs and per capita GDP are analyzed through a variety of methods, including pooled regression analysis that isolates the regional differences that are critical in making an accurate longitudinal analysis from the panel data.

Findings

Analyzing the country data reveals that a longitudinal U‐shaped relationship is counterfactual, as countries generally do not weaken their IPRs once they are in place, barring a regime change or other alteration in their political economy. The significant U‐shape link between IPRs and per capita GDP empirically observed in preliminary analysis of the panel data is instead a result of cross‐sectional influences.

Originality/value

Making the distinction between the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationship between IPRs and per capita GDP provides a more accurate insight about how IPRs change in a country as it develops.
Fifty years of the laser: its role in material processing
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a review of the use of lasers in industry, with an emphasis on applications in manufacturing and material processing.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction to lasers and their development, this paper considers a selection of key material processing applications.

Findings

This shows that, since their invention in 1960, lasers have emerged to play a vital role in numerous industrial processes. Gas (CO2), solid‐state, excimer, semiconductor and fibre lasers are used in welding, soldering, drilling, cutting, micromachining, marking, engraving, heat treatment, material deposition and adhesive curing.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed review of the uses of lasers in industrial material processing and also places these applications in an historical context.
Improving inventory accuracy using RFID technology: a case study
Authors: Hellström Daniel , Wiberg Mathias
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore and describe the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology on inventory accuracy within a production and assembly plant, and to propose a model for assessing the impact of the technology on inventory accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical investigation, based on case study research, focuses on an RFID implementation at a supplier of injection‐moulded, surface‐treated plastic to the automotive industry. This implementation is one of the few item‐level, open‐loop RFID implementations in the automotive industry.

Findings

The empirical paper provides insights into, how inventory accuracy has been improved and made attainable in practice by implementing RFID, and indicates that the technology ensures inventory inaccuracy will be kept at a minimum. As a result, an analytical model is presented which identifies the impact of RFID technology on inventory accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The case study and context need to be considered when generalising upon the findings. Furthermore, it is hoped future research could further develop the model presented and test it against implementation practice.

Practical implications

RFID technology provides practitioners with the opportunity to eliminate waste, and improve production and assembly performance. The research provides practitioners with experience of, and insights into how a production and assembly plant has improved inventory accuracy by implementing RFID technology. In particular, practitioners are provided with a model which enables them to assess the impact of RFID on inventory accuracy.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the RFID community by providing empirical insights into the impact of RFID technology on inventory accuracy, but also more broadly into logistics and operations management research.
Grid‐enabled collaborative virtual assembly environment
Authors: Hu Yong , Wu Dianliang , Fan Xiumin , Zhen Xijin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Owing to the numerous part models and massive datasets used in automobile assembly design, virtual assembly software cannot simulate a whole vehicle smoothly in real time. For this reason, implementing a new virtual assembly environment for massive complex datasets would be a significant achievement. The paper aims to focus on this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

A new system named “Grid‐enabled collaborative virtual assembly environment” (GCVAE) is proposed in the paper, and it comprises three parts: a private grid‐based support platform running on an inner network of enterprise; a service‐based parallel rendering framework with a sort‐last structure; and a multi‐user collaborative virtual assembly environment. These components would aggregate the idle resources in an enterprise to support assembly simulation with a large complex scene of whole vehicle.

Findings

The system prototype proposed in the paper has been implemented. The following simulations show that it can support a complex scene in a real‐time mode by using existing hardware and software, and can promote the efficient usage of enterprise resources.

Practical implications

Using the GCVAE, it is possible to aggregate the idle resources in an enterprise to run assembly simulations of a whole automobile with massively complex scenes, thus observably reducing fault occurrence rates in future manufacturing.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new grid‐enabled methodology into research on collaborative virtual assembly system which can make the best use of idle resources in the enterprise to support assembly simulations with massively complex product models. A video‐stream‐based method was used to implement the system; this enables designers to participate ubiquitously in the simulation to evaluate the assembly of the whole automobile without hardware limitations.
Key accounting value drivers that affect stock returns: evidence from Greece
Authors: Florou Christie , Chalevas Constantinos
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the accounting factors that affect the value of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐sectional analysis is employed to investigate the association between critical accounting ratios and stock returns.

Findings

This study finds that the operating performance of a company, its growth opportunities and its capability to generate profits from its sales affect stock returns.

Practical implications

This study provides insights regarding the extent that policies concerning operating, investment and working capital management affect stock returns. The findings of this study can be helpful to managers for selecting and implementing the appropriate business policies. Besides, current shareholders and investors may find the results of this study useful in identifying the drivers of stock values.

Originality/value

The paper tests, empirically, the effect of the key value drivers on stock returns in a developing stock exchange.
The relevance of IFRS to an emerging market: evidence from Greece
Authors: Ballas Apostolos A. , Skoutela Despina , Tzovas Christos A.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relevance of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in emerging markets, with special reference to the case of Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a mixed methodology relying primarily on secondary sources such as the relevant legislation, published annual reports and reports on the effects of the application of IFRS by Greek firms as well as the results of a postal survey addressed to the finance managers of the top 100 Greek firms. For the postal survey, a modified version of the questionnaire used by Tyrall et al. was adopted.

Findings

Although the Greek environment was not appropriate for IFRS application, participants in the survey believe that their adoption improved the quality of financial reporting. The introduction of IFRS increased the reliability, transparency and comparability of the financial statements.

Practical implications

This study provides insights regarding the extent to which the introduction of IFRS influenced the accounting information supplied by firms operating within the European Union.

Originality/value

The paper empirically investigates the impact of the introduction of IFRS on the quality of financial statements within the context of emerging markets.
The persistence of earnings and earnings components after the adoption of IFRS
Authors: Doukakis Leonidas C.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the persistence of earnings and earnings components after the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses two years before and two years after the adoption of IFRS in order to examine whether the adoption of IFRS materially affects the persistence, as well as the explanatory power of earnings and earnings components.

Findings

The results confirm that disaggregating reported earnings into operating income, non‐operating income and extraordinary charge and credit, captures differences in the information content of the underlying events. Consequently, earnings disaggregation can be used to improve prediction of future profitability. The results suggest that IFRS measurement and reporting guidelines do not seem to improve the persistence of earnings and earnings components.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines whether the mandatory adoption of IFRS has an impact on the information content of earnings components for future profitability.
E‐books in academic libraries: how does currency affect usage?
Authors: Herlihy Catherine S. , Yi Hua
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study model(s) of acquiring e‐books to support: effective support of learning and teaching; and efficient use of collection budget.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was based on: five years of usage data from two e‐book packages: Net Library and Safari; two methods of acquisition: NetLibrary was a one‐time purchase; Safari was purchased on a subscription; usage difference or lack of difference over time between packages; and controlled for content subjects in both packages.

Findings

The research found that: Safari (with updates) showed increased usage over time; NetLibrary (without updates) showed generally declining usage over time; and controlling NetLibrary subject content showed that usage in the science and technology area declined noticeably over the years; while education, history, social sciences, literature and language usage decline was steady.

Research limitations/implications

Title counts in both packages were similar; however, after isolating for matching subject areas the numbers of titles in NetLibrary were small. Therefore, one or two titles in a small population may have skewed the pattern, making the results less accurate.

Practical implications

Understanding whether and in which subject areas students and faculty use e‐books means effective selection decision and good use of shrinking budgets.

Originality/value

Usage data over five years provided evidence on which to base subscription/purchase decisions to effectively support learning and teaching and use collection funds wisely. Analyzing the usage figures will inform selection of e‐books to support learning and teaching.
US academic librarians and community service: a case study
Authors: Wolverton Robert E. , Heiselt April K.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of community service in academic librarianship in the USA and models for developing local community service programs that encourage participation from academic librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing a review of literature related to academic librarianship and community service in the USA, a description of community service opportunities for librarians at Mississippi State University is presented. Suggestions are made regarding development of similar opportunities at other institutions.

Findings

Community service is an important element of academic librarianship, and the service opportunities available to Mississippi State University librarians offer a variety of long‐ and short‐term projects that allow for active participation.

Originality/value

It is hoped that this case study – dealing with community service opportunities for academic librarians – will be used as a model by other librarians who wish to develop service options in their own communities.
Once you get them, how do you keep them? Millennial librarians at work
Authors: Gordon Shannon
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the unique characteristics of Millennial librarians. These characteristics are related to larger issues having current and future relevance to Millennial librarians, colleagues of other generations, as well as library administration.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores training, leadership and work‐life balance in relation to Millennial librarians.

Findings

Certain defining characteristics of the Millennial generation need to be recognized and discussed by library administration and librarians of all generations.

Practical implications

Surveying the literature related to Millennial librarians' possible implications can assist in creating increased awareness of this group.

Originality/value

Much research focuses on engaging and teaching Millennials as library users. Infrequently discussed, however, is the concept of Millennials as librarians and the paper attempts to fill this gap.
ICT‐supported communication of scientists and teaching staff at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb
Authors: Vrana Radovan
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Information and communication technology (ICT) has a great influence on the global system of scientific communication. The existing system is changing towards a new communication paradigm based on the exchange of scientific information in electronic information environment. Scientists are already experiencing changes in the ways they create, find, share, process, store and use scientific information. The aim of this paper is to present results from the research among scientists and teaching staff at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb (Croatia), regarding changes they experienced during the use of ICT in scientific communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper offers an introduction followed by a view on the impact of ICT on scientific communication in the second part. The third part presents the research among scientists and teaching staff at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, Croatia, and the findings of that research. An online survey consisting of 37 closed and open‐type questions was used as a method of research after an e‐mail invitation calling for participation was sent to scientists and teaching staff at the Faculty.

Findings

Participants in the research used ICT for the communication with their colleagues in Croatia and abroad and for the preparation of research, although much less for publishing of the results of their work.

Practical implications

The outcome of the research will serve as an orientation for the planning of a future research on communication into the electronic information environment among the members of the Croatian academic community.

Originality/value

The paper aims to demonstrate the influence of ICT on scientists and teaching staff at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, Croatia. As ICT has become more prevalent at universities in Croatia, it is necessary to investigate how it really influences daily activities of academic community members. Each new research contributes to a better understanding of the change of the old communication paradigm based on paper publications under the influence of ICT.
Periodicals: print or electronic?
Authors: Zimerman Martin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the tipping point may have been reached with regard to the transition of periodicals between print and electronic.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature search encompassed articles on the transition of periodicals between print and electronic status.

Findings

Libraries will soon have to decide, based on budget, what is affordable in terms of periodicals. Vendors are integral to this process and libraries need to negotiate skillfully with them in order to keep costs in line. Electronic resources will serve researchers well, since they provide easy computerized access (searching, cut and paste) to materials previously only found in print.

Research limitations/implications

There is a dichotomy of feelings represented in the literature on the transition of journals from print to electronic. Most of the literature seems to indicate that the move to electronic journals is good for researchers.

Practical implications

The move to electronic resources will provide a rich base of digital literature that was not available to researchers before, and this will result in upgraded efforts at publication. Searching electronically can be an enormous timesaver and provides a previously unknown range of searching.

Originality/value

The research includes examples of what experts in the field suggest to resolve this issue.
Librarians as providers of “legendary” customer service
Authors: Massis Bruce E.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

There has been a great deal of emphasis on the concept of “Legendary” customer service in the private sector these days. This concept has been reaching into more public sector organizations in recent years. Loosely defined as the pinnacle of outstanding service presently demonstrated by only a handful of recognized companies, when one examines many of the attributes of this model of service, many libraries have already adopted their own versions of it. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the environment in which librarians are providing the “Legendary” customer service model as emphasized in the private sector as a best practice, thus validating the profession's continued relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by colleagues.

Findings

With the increase in patron expectations fulfilled by librarians daily, the “Legendary” service model becomes even more important to validate the example of quality customer service, so that the debate regarding the relevance of the profession is silenced once and for all.

Originality/value

The value in addressing this issue is to recognize that the new model of customer service is already embedded into the work of today's librarians.