bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Plasma Membrane of the Cyanobacterium Gloeobacter violaceus Contains Segregated Bioenergetic Domains
Authors: Rexroth Sascha , Mullineaux Conrad W. , Ellinger Dorothea , Sendtko Esther , Rögner Matthias , Koenig Friederike
Published: June 2011

The light reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis almost invariably take place in the thylakoid membranes, a highly specialized internal membrane system located in the stroma of chloroplasts and the cytoplasm of cyanobacteria. The only known exception is the primordial cyanobacterium Gloeobacter violaceus, which evolved before the appearance of thylakoids and harbors the photosynthetic complexes in the plasma membrane. Thus, studies on G. violaceus not only shed light on the evolutionary origin and the functional advantages of thylakoid membranes but also might include insights regarding thylakoid formation during chloroplast differentiation. Based on biochemical isolation and direct in vivo characterization, we report here structural and functional domains in the cytoplasmic membrane of a cyanobacterium. Although G. violaceus has no internal membranes, it does have localized domains with apparently specialized functions in its plasma membrane, in which both the photosynthetic and the respiratory complexes are concentrated. These bioenergetic domains can be visualized by confocal microscopy, and they can be isolated by a simple procedure. Proteomic analysis of these domains indicates their physiological function and suggests a protein sorting mechanism via interaction with membrane-intrinsic terpenoids. Based on these results, we propose specialized domains in the plasma membrane as evolutionary precursors of thylakoids.
Malonyl-CoA Synthetase, Encoded by ACYL ACTIVATING ENZYME13, Is Essential for Growth and Development of Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Hui , Kim Hyun Uk , Weng Hua , Browse John
Published: June 2011

Malonyl-CoA is the precursor for fatty acid synthesis and elongation. It is also one of the building blocks for the biosynthesis of some phytoalexins, flavonoids, and many malonylated compounds. In plants as well as in animals, malonyl-CoA is almost exclusively derived from acetyl-CoA by acetyl-CoA carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.2). However, previous studies have suggested that malonyl-CoA may also be made directly from malonic acid by malonyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.14). Here, we report the cloning of a eukaryotic malonyl-CoA synthetase gene, Acyl Activating Enzyme13 (AAE13; At3g16170), from Arabidopsis thaliana. Recombinant AAE13 protein showed high activity against malonic acid (K  m = 529.4 ± 98.5 μM; V  m = 24.0 ± 2.7 μmol/mg/min) but little or no activity against other dicarboxylic or fatty acids tested. Exogenous malonic acid was toxic to Arabidopsis seedlings and caused accumulation of malonic and succinic acids in the seedlings. aae13 null mutants also grew poorly and accumulated malonic and succinic acids. These defects were complemented by an AAE13 transgene or by a bacterial malonyl-CoA synthetase gene under control of the AAE13 promoter. Our results demonstrate that the malonyl-CoA synthetase encoded by AAE13 is essential for healthy growth and development, probably because it is required for the detoxification of malonate.
Gibberellin Regulates PIN-FORMED Abundance and Is Required for Auxin Transport–Dependent Growth and Development inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Willige Björn C. , Isono Erika , Richter René , Zourelidou Melina , Schwechheimer Claus
Published: June 2011

Plants integrate different regulatory signals to control their growth and development. Although a number of physiological observations suggest that there is crosstalk between the phytohormone gibberellin (GA) and auxin, as well as with auxin transport, the molecular basis for this hormonal crosstalk remains largely unexplained. Here, we show that auxin transport is reduced in the inflorescences of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants deficient in GA biosynthesis and signaling. We further show that this reduced auxin transport correlates with a reduction in the abundance of PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin efflux facilitators in GA-deficient plants and that PIN protein levels recover to wild-type levels following GA treatment. We also demonstrate that the regulation of PIN protein levels cannot be explained by a transcriptional regulation of the PIN genes but that GA deficiency promotes, at least in the case of PIN2, the targeting of PIN proteins for vacuolar degradation. In genetic studies, we reveal that the reduced auxin transport of GA mutants correlates with an impairment in two PIN-dependent growth processes, namely, cotyledon differentiation and root gravitropic responses. Our study thus presents evidence for a role of GA in these growth responses and for a GA-dependent modulation of PIN turnover that may be causative for these differential growth responses.
Simulation training methods to develop cultural awareness
Authors: Hurn Brian J.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review the simulation methods that are available for training to develop cultural awareness for business people, members of international NGOs, diplomatic staff and others working in the international environment, as well as teachers of international business subjects at universities. It provides examples of good practice with analysis of the effectiveness of the different training methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a critical review of existing methods with comments on suitability, advantages and disadvantages and examples of good practice.

Findings

The development of cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity is of fundamental importance for those working in the international community. Various methods of simulating cultural scenarios can be used to prepare those going to live and work in this environment. The most effective methods involve experiential learning in real‐life scenarios.

Practical implications

The methods described involve simulation exercises for use at various levels of business training. They are examples of real‐life cross‐cultural problem areas experienced by those working internationally.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive review of existing methods of simulation with examples of good practice and a statement of learning outcomes.
Accepting the challenge of leadership: a hero's journey
Authors: Steinhouse Robbie
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a powerful coaching intervention for leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the writer's experience as an executive coach working in leadership development.

Findings

The Hero's Journey intervention is especially powerful for work at the level of identity, for clients who feel at a deep, personal level that a new (or existing) role is not “really them”.

Practical implications

The tool will make it easier to promote staff within an organisation. It will help people with potential, but who have “attitude problems”, to accept responsibility. As a formal process, it needs to be carried out by a professional coach or trainer, though the implications of it are of interest to anyone managing others through (or themselves undergoing) a process of personal change.

Originality/value

The process itself is not original to the author, but its use in business coaching is still uncommon. The point of the paper is to stress its ease of use, power and wide range of applications, and to make it more commonly used.
ST‐IM model: a whole brain approach to implementation
Authors: Deshpande Prasad , Baxi Suhas
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present a practical case study of a mid‐size Indian organisation, where the whole brain thinking (WBT) approach has been successfully used to align strategy to development needs, based on a simple but powerful model, the ST‐IM™; the authors also share how WBT has been useful in increasing the effectiveness of the implementation of key strategic projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach was to engage the wider team (leadership and managers) in the formulation and implementation of strategic goals by making them aware of their thinking preferences/mindsets through a collaborative approach to working. Project teams were then formed and the project plan – right from the project definition to the milestones – was created, using the whole brain walk around. This approach helped managers to identify “gaps” and bridge these gaps. The Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI®) was used as a tool to “colour” the organisation (the leadership team and all managers).

Findings

There was a high degree of acceptance of the WBT concept and the HBDI profiles generated among managers at all levels. This acceptance of their own thinking preferences as well as avoidances has led to managers being willing to become more flexible in their thinking – to become more “situationally whole brained” when required, leading to a visibly higher degree of success of implementation of projects.

Originality/value

The ST‐IM model demonstrates a practical way for organisations to engage the potential of a much wider team in the implementation of strategies.
Embedding collaboration through standards – part 2:the key aspects of BS 11000
Authors: Hawkins David , Little Bob
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand the debate around the catalysts required to develop, promote, implement and maintain effective collaborative practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the benefits of business collaboration and partnering, with special reference to the world's first national standard in the world to address collaborative business relationships, BS 11000.

Findings

If appropriately integrated and executed, collaboration provides a valuable business model and enhanced performance. The adoption of a standard – BS 11000 – provides the foundation against which organisations can develop the right strategy and encourage sustainable relationships that can deliver value‐based performance. The BS 11000 standard provides consistency in developing a collaborative approach.

Originality/value

This paper explores the interdependence between operational practices and the behaviours that underpin performance and outcomes.
Evaluating effectiveness of a training programme with trainee reaction
Authors: Ghosh Piyali , Prasad Joshi Jagdamba , Satyawadi Rachita , Mukherjee Udita , Ranjan Rashmi
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with evaluation of different parameters of an induction programme conducted by a transmission and distribution major in India. The study aims to indicate which aspects of the training programme need to be emphasised when devising induction programmes for managers and non‐managers, and to ascertain whether there is any significant difference in their reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluation has been done with the help of trainee reaction measured by a questionnaire. The statistical tools used include factor analysis to generate factors that influence trainee satisfaction and a t‐test to test the hypothesis that there will be a significant difference between managerial and non‐managerial levels in their satisfaction with different aspects of the programme.

Findings

Factor analysis generated six factors, namely clarity of trainer, other facilities, venue of the programme, food served, practical application, and communication of trainer. The t‐test run on these factors shows a significant difference in means for only one factor, namely communication of trainer, which implies that managers could relate better to the trainer, given their intellectual superiority.

Research limitations/implications

A larger sample size covering more units of the organisation would help in generalising the findings.

Practical implications

The findings could help in developing an induction programme customised to meeting the needs of managers and non‐managers.

Originality/value

Practitioners may use this paper to plan a common orientation programme for the healthy integration of managers and non‐managers and to ensure that there is a minimal gap between the satisfaction levels of the two groups.
Group mentoring best practices
Authors: Emelo Randy
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe best practices for designing and implementing mentoring groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers used a 12‐question survey and personal interviews to assess the relevancy and success of group mentoring. Best practices for design and implementation evolved out of this research.

Findings

Learners would like more opportunities to engage in group mentoring and peer learning. This practice offers an attractive alternative to traditional training because it is fast and flexible, it is cost‐effective, and it fosters relational learning. Groups should be formed that focus on relevant topics related to learners' needs, without concern if groups meet face‐to‐face or virtually. Advisors should set the direction for the groups, create an engaging atmosphere, and provide good resources.

Research limitations/implications

Further research with a larger survey population would be valuable, particularly as the use of group mentoring expands.

Practical implications

Allowing employees to spend more time on peer learning through group mentoring can provide organizations with a low‐cost method for sharing practical, contextualized knowledge that people can rapidly apply back on the job.

Originality/value

All content in this paper is new. Readers will discover best practices based on the latest research in group mentoring and collaborative learning.
The impact of organizational changes on psychological contracts
Authors: Freese Charissa , Schalk Rene , Croon Marcel
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to add to the existing literature on the impact of organizational changes on psychological contracts by examining the exchange between employer and employee obligations and organizational commitment and intention to turnover in a causal model.

Design/methodology/approach

Psychological contracts of 450 health care workers were assessed in a three‐wave longitudinal design, covering a one‐year period. The Tilburg Psychological Contract Questionnaire measures perceived obligations with respect to Job Content, Career Development, Social Atmosphere, Organizational Policies and Rewards (perceived organizational obligations) and In‐role and Extra‐role Obligations (perceived employee obligations). Linear structural equation modeling was used to test the changes in psychological contracts and outcome variables over time, and also to investigate the changes in the relationships between the dependent and independent variables over time.

Findings

The results show that organizational changes negatively affect the fulfilment and violation of perceived organizational obligations. However, perceived employee obligations are not affected. The perceived fulfilment of Organizational Policies and violations of the psychological contract in general are most strongly affected.

Originality/value

Empirical longitudinal field research on the effects of organizational changes on psychological contracts is virtually non‐existent. This study is a valuable contribution to psychological contract research, because of the longitudinal nature of the study and the linear structural equation models that are used.
Transformational leadership, learning, and employability
Authors: Camps Joaquín , Rodríguez Hannia
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Numerous empirical works have found evidence to support a positive relationship between managers' transformational leadership behaviour and employees' individual performance. Studies have also begun to examine the process by which the effects on performance ultimately take place. This research aims to move forward in this direction. The paper aims to analyse the mediating role of a contextual variable (organizational learning capability) and a subordinate characteristic (employability) in the relationship between transformational leadership and individual performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesis was tested through a sample of 795 workers from 75 university departments, using a multilevel path analysis with a two‐level data structure.

Findings

Empirical evidence was found to show that: there is a positive relationship between worker‐perceived organizational learning capability in a firm and his/her own employability perception; the worker‐perceived transformational leadership of his/her leader, and his/her own employability perception; the worker‐perceived organizational learning capability of a firm and his/her performance; the worker's perception of his/her own employability, and his/her performance; transformational leadership, OLC, and individual performance have a significant influence on the group, while employability can be considered only as an individual phenomenon; and at group level, the effects of transformational leadership on performance are mediated by organizational learning capability.

Originality/value

As far as is known, there has been no attempt to connect transformational leadership and employability and organizational learning capability and employability theoretically and/or empirically.
Competence development and career advancement in professional service firms
Authors: Pinnington Ashly H.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to learn about professional employees in the early stage of their careers, particularly, their understanding of competence development and career advancement. Law firms have a relatively low rate of turnover of professional staff when compared with employee flow rates that are standard in other organisations and industries. In law firms, the collective stock of embodied knowledge changes gradually influenced by recruitment cohort phases and employee departures. This paper aims to analyse lawyers employed in a reasonably munificent internal labour market context, seeking to understand their accounts of how their competencies can be developed and how their careers may be advanced.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the competences and careers of a group of junior professional knowledge workers employed full‐time in a large law firm and conceptualises their competence development and professional career advancement through an existential ontological conceptualisation using a qualitative interpretive research methodology.

Findings

The findings from interviews with lawyers in the Planning and Environment area of specialisation are reported concentrating on employees' perspectives. Lawyers' self‐understanding is strongly influenced by career stage and position in the organisation. Their understanding of work in contrast reveals more individual and idiosyncratic clusters of work activities and distinctive ways of acknowledging and developing technical and professional expertise. They express a preference for a focal group of other people at work selecting from primary orientations to either clients or peers or self.

Originality/value

It is concluded that policy makers, practitioners, and academic researchers all have roles to play in assisting people at an early stage in their career to reflect on their existing expertise, assess current work practices, and develop and pursue strategies for competency development and career advancement.
Predictors of career preferences of MNC knowledge professionals
Authors: Manolopoulos Dimitris , Dimitratos Pavlos , Sofikitis Emmanouil
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to find out the influence of the roles of Research and Development (R&D) laboratories of Multinational Corporations (MNCs); and of employee‐related characteristics on future career preferences of knowledge professionals in these laboratories. Career preferences include managerial, technical, project‐based and entrepreneurial paths.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on a large scale study of 921 professionals employed in 70 R&D units of MNC subsidiaries operating in Greece. Four ordered probit regression models were run with employee career preferences forming the dependent variables.

Findings

Two R&D laboratory roles (Support Laboratory and Locally Independent Laboratory); and age and education of the employee stand out as predictors of career preferences of examined professionals.

Research limitations/implications

Notwithstanding that this is a study that took place in a country with an advancing economy, it is seemingly the first that incorporates the roles of R&D laboratories as potential predictors of career paths. Moreover, the idiosyncrasies of the Greek national context are provided as possible explanations that justify why some hypotheses based on prior literature were not supported.

Practical implications

MNC knowledge professionals employed in R&D units are a special group of employees whose career paths may be different from those of other groups. Thus, MNC management should tailor‐make career preferences for them.

Originality/value

This research is one of the few empirical studies providing evidence on career paths of employees in MNC R&D units; and suggests possible predictors that have not been put forward hitherto.
Factors affecting intention to quit among IT professionals in Turkey
Authors: Calisir Fethi , Gumussoy Cigdem A. , Iskin Ibrahim
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of stressors (role ambiguity, role conflict, work‐overload, work‐family conflict), job stress, job satisfaction and organizational commitment on the information technology (IT) professionals' intention to quit their jobs in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation modeling approach was employed to identify the variables that significantly affect the decision to quit. Using LISREL 8.54, data collected from 204 IT professionals were used to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The results revealed that intention to quit one's job is explained by job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Besides, role ambiguity and job stress exert negative indirect effects on the intention to quit one's job. Additionally, organizational commitment is strongly explained by job satisfaction, and job satisfaction is predicted by role ambiguity and job stress.

Practical implications

The study offers several significant suggestions for the continuity of IT professionals in companies.

Originality/value

There are two contributions of this paper. First, this study provides evidence for the impact of stressors, job stress, job satisfaction and organizational commitment on intention to quit jobs among IT professionals in Turkey. Second, it also provides insight into the importance of stress factors by dividing the stressors into specific stress factors such as work‐family conflict, work‐overload, role conflict, and role ambiguity.
Empirical study of public sector employee loyalty and satisfaction
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ali , Akman Gulsen , Ozkan Coskun , Pastuszak Zbigniew
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors which determine the level of public employees' job satisfaction and as result help to have effective and efficient management system in the public sector, in developing countries such as Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on theoretical considerations, a model was proposed linking the employee satisfaction and loyalty (ESL) constructs. The paper exhibits the findings of a satisfaction and loyalty survey of employment factors within the Turkish public sector. The survey was conducted in 2009 and covered 220 employees within the Istanbul Branch of a Social Security Institution in Turkey. A model was developed by including effecting factors of employee satisfaction, their relations and effects of employee satisfaction on employee loyalty. Partial least squares structural equation model was employed to test the model in the public insurance sector in Turkey.

Findings

Data analysis reveals that there is a strong relationship between ESL in a branch of a public sector Social Security Institution in Turkey. Training and personal development was found the most effecting factor of customer satisfaction. The study also finds a positive relationship between working conditions and satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper reveals the relationship between the employee satisfaction and affecting factors in the public sector in Turkey. These factors are developed only incidentally in the public sector in Turkey. Human resource management (HRM) applications such as measuring employee satisfaction, performance development are widely used in private sector. Specifically, in developing countries such as Turkey, these applications are rarely used in the public sector. Therefore, the paper advocates the use of HRM applications in the public sector in a developing country.
Enterprise internationalisation by foreign investments and technical cooperation
Authors: Bojnec Štefan
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the internationalisation of enterprises by specific forms of foreign direct investments (FDI) and international technical cooperation in the defence sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of defence FDI and international technical cooperation activities on the Slovenian economy are investigated using the input‐output modelling approach.

Findings

The author finds important direct and indirect effects on the Slovenian economy from the FDI and international technical cooperation inflows into enterprises. These positive effects are directly and indirectly linked to enterprises in different statistically classified industrial activities by predominance of the civil sector, which is important for the development of defence and civilian high‐technological base products in different regional parts of Slovenia.

Originality/value

The presented findings can be used to arrange industrial and regional development strategy and policy measures aimed at accelerating the internationalisation of enterprises and different industrial activities.
Warehouse contextual factors affecting the impact of RFID
Authors: Karagiannaki Angeliki , Papakiriakopoulos Dimitris , Bardaki Cleopatra
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Empowered by the possibility to automatically identify unique instances, radio frequency identification (RFID) is expected to revolutionize warehouse processes. However, every warehouse differs from each other in several ways. Given such dimensionality, a credible assessment of the true value of RFID requires that the contextual factors that differentiate one warehouse from another are taken into account. The same RFID implementation may generate high productivity in one warehouse but not in another, because the former warehouse may have characteristics that may influence the impact of RFID. As a result, the purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for identifying key contextual factors that appear to be contingent on the link between RFID and warehouse performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework derived from a two‐phase research design. The first phase incorporated two case studies. This was an exploratory study and, therefore, there was a great deal of iteration between the cases studies and the literature. The objective was to identify important contextual factors that may moderate the impact of RFID. The second phase incorporated simulation modelling. This was a confirmatory study. The objective was to develop two simulation models of the cases from the previous phase, and as a result, verify the effects of particular contextual factors on process performance.

Findings

As an outcome of this research, an initial subset of “warehouse contextual factors” is developed that may moderate the impact of RFID on warehouse performance. The framework is not an evaluating technique, but is a useful starting point for examining the value of RFID in the warehouse context.

Research limitations/implications

Further work is required to support the significance of the moderating effects of the proposed contextual factors.

Practical implications

For practicing managers the paper directs attention to key warehouse contextual factors that appear to be contingent on the link between RFID and warehouse performance. It also confirms that the achievement of RFID value is attainable only in combination with the redesign of business processes.

Originality/value

The paper integrates both theoretical and practical considerations regarding formalization of the contextual factors that may moderate the impact of RFID on warehouse performance. Therefore, it represents an initial step in building theory to develop guidelines for understanding the variance in the performance between different RFID‐enabled warehouse settings.
Corporate performance of ICT‐enabled business process re‐engineering
Authors: Lee Ya‐Ching , Chu Pin‐Yu , Tseng Hsien‐Lee
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate information and communications technology (ICT) adoption and its impact on business changes and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a model interconnecting ICT adoption, ICT‐enabled business process re‐engineering (BPR), and performance in terms of external and internal organizational motivations with a balanced scorecard approach. The framework is tested using survey data from a sample of 377 chief information officers and senior information system managers.

Findings

The results indicate that environment capacity fit and a dynamic environment positively affect technology adoption, which in turn directly triggers business processes changes, organizational learning and growth, while indirectly affecting improvement of customer satisfaction and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by its sample size due to the complexity of the questionnaire.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence to examine how intra‐ and extra‐organizational factors influence ICP adoption, how ICT shapes BPR, and business performance from a dynamic resources‐based view. These findings will be valuable in understanding various motivations of ICT adoption, and predicting outcome of business performance stemming from ICT‐enabled BPR.
A selection model for auditing software
Authors: Lin Ching‐Wen , Wang Chih‐Hung
Published: June 2011

Purpose

With the advancement in information technology, many companies have become heavily dependent on computer‐assisted systems, and implemented various computer‐based business activities and document system, among which computer‐assisted auditing tools and techniques (CAATTs) is an important choice. CAATTs can assist auditors in conducting control and confirmation tests, analysis and verification of financial statement data, and continuous monitoring and auditing. When constructing computer‐assisted auditing systems, enterprises must take many factors into consideration to determine whether to develop the software or purchase professional software packages. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to construct an auditing software assessment model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first conducted a focus group interview to determine the auditing software criteria and decision‐making factors, and then identified the main decision‐making factors. Finally, analytic network process was employed to evaluate the weights of the criteria and decision‐making factors in order to construct an auditing software decision‐making model upon both objective and subjective factors.

Findings

The most important auditing software criterion is the system functions, followed by data processing, and technical support and service provided by the software company. The most important factor of auditing software is cost and system stability, followed by data processing accuracy, technical support, and purchase cost.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the construction of an auditing software assessment model, which can be applied to other decision‐making topics. Moreover, this study applies the model on audit command language, interactive data extraction and analysis, and Focaudit as examples. In addition to determining project priority sequences, the advantages and disadvantages of the model are presented in order to provide references to businesses on decision making regarding software purchases.
Value, supplier dependence and long‐term orientation
Authors: Gil‐Saura Irene , Ruiz‐Molina Maria‐Eugenia , Arteaga‐Moreno Francisco
Published: June 2011

Purpose

In organizational markets, many companies tend to reduce the number of providers to focus on establishing relationships with few of them. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of relationship value and dependence of supplier on long‐term orientation and customer loyalty in the setting of relationships between travel agencies and their main providers.

Design/methodology/approach

A partial least square regression is performed to test a proposed model that links several relational variables with outcomes in terms of customer loyalty.

Findings

Results provide support for the positive indirect influence of relationship value on long‐term orientation, while customer dependence of the main provider does not seem to exert a significant effect. These findings support the importance of value creation for providers in their relationships with their customers.

Practical implications

This study allows us to suggest that service companies, such as travel agents, should concentrate on investing in generating benefits for customers through offering value‐added services, thus providing evidence that the supplier has no incentives to opportunistic behaviors.

Originality/value

Although literature has reported the importance of both relational and market conditions for customer‐supplier relationships that involve physical distribution of goods and might require important investments in technological solutions to coordinate their relationships, little attention has been paid to service companies.
Solution of transfer alignment problem of SINS on moving bases via neural networks
Authors: Xinlong Wang , Liangliang Shen
Published: June 2011

Purpose

In order to accomplish real‐time alignment of Shipborne strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) on moving bases, a novel solution method of utilizing neural networks for rapid transfer alignment of Shipborne SINS was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The system error state equations and measurement equations of the Shipborne transfer alignment were established. Based on the nonlinear and time‐variant SINS model on moving bases, a neural network learning algorithm based on Kalman filtering was presented, and the methods of constructing and training of neural networks input‐output sample pairs suitable for Shipborne SINS were proposed.

Findings

Velocity and attitude errors between the master and slave inertial navigation system (INS) are chosen as network's inputs, and the information of sample pairs is affluent, which can advance the stability and generalization of the neural networks. The neural networks algorithms based on Kalman filtering not only have the self‐learning ability, but also remain recursive optimal estimation capability of Kalman filtering. Through the introducing of the local level trajectory frame, the trained neural networks can be independent on a ship heading, and only dependent on the relative position errors between master with slave INS and the inertial sensor errors.

Originality/value

This article presents an innovative solution method of utilizing neural networks for rapid transfer alignment of Shipborne SINS.
Hybrid charged system search and particle swarm optimization for engineering design problems
Authors: Kaveh A. , Talatahari S.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Meta‐heuristic methods are powerful in obtaining the solution of optimization problems. Hybridizing of the meta‐heuristic algorithms provides a scope to improve the searching abilities of the resulting method. The purpose of this paper is to provide a new hybrid algorithm by adding positive properties of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms to the charged system search (CSS) to solve constrained engineering optimization problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The main advantages of the PSO consisting of directing the agents toward the global best (obtained by the swarm) and the local best (obtained by the agent itself) are added to the CSS algorithm to improve its performance. In the present approach, similar to the original CSS, each agent is affected by other agents considering the governing laws of electrical physics. However, the kind of the forces can be repulsive and attractive. In order to handle the constraints, the fly‐to‐boundary method is utilized as an improved feasible‐based method.

Findings

Four variants of hybrid methods are proposed. In these algorithms, the charged memory (CM) is changed to save the local best positions of agents. Utilizing this new CM to determine the direction and amount of movement of agents improve the power of the algorithms. When only this memory is utilized (method I), exploitation ability of the algorithm increases and when only two agents from CM in addition to other agents in the current iteration are used, then the exploration ability increases (method II). In order to have a good balance between exploration and exploitation of the algorithms, methods III and IV are proposed, where some agents of the memory and some other from the current agents are utilized. Method IV in which the numbers of used agents from the CM increase linearly, has a better search ability in addition to a powerful exploitation making this variant superior compared to the others.

Originality/value

In this paper, four hybrid methods are presented and applied to some benchmark engineering optimization problems. The new algorithms are compared to those of the other advanced meta‐heuristic methods to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Modeling of random aerodynamic loads applied on fluid‐structure coupled systems using rain‐on‐the‐roof equivalent excitation
Authors: de Rochambeau Marie , Ichchou Mohamed , Troclet Bernard
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend statistical energy analysis (SEA)‐like modeling to fluid‐structure coupled systems.

Design/methodology/approach

An equivalent approach of aerodynamic loads is applied to a SEA‐like modeling of a panel‐cavity coupled system with rain‐on‐the‐roof excitation. Two aerodynamic excitations are presented: turbulent boundary layer (TBL) and diffuse field excitation. The energetic description of the coupled system is studied with both aerodynamic excitations, taking in account the coincidence effects. In order to extent the approach to more general systems, some parameters of the coupled system are also modified and the accuracy of the coupled system modeling is investigated.

Findings

The boundary conditions of the panel and the coupling strength between the panel and the cavity have been modified. As it was expected, the accuracy of equivalent approach is shown to be independent of such modifications. The interest of such calculation is thus highlighted: modelings of systems and aerodynamic excitations are independent, and can be treated separately.

Originality/value

This result is interesting in the space industry, for launch vehicles are excited by different types of random excitations. Those excitations can be modeled by SEA‐like with low calculation time and memory and applied to a unique system modeling.
Effects of ethical context and Machiavellianism on attitudes toward earnings management in China
Authors: Shafer William E. , Wang Zhihong
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Chinese industry accountants' perceptions of the ethical context in their organization and Machiavellianism on attitudes toward earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a survey of professional accountants employed by companies in Mainland China.

Findings

The results indicate that perceptions of a strong organizational emphasis on serving the public interest (benevolent/cosmopolitan climate) significantly reduced professional accountants' willingness to condone accounting earnings management. Professionally certified accountants also judged accounting earnings management more harshly. Consistent with our expectations, high Machiavellians judged earnings management more leniently, although this effect was only marginally significant in the case of accounting earnings management. In contrast to prior studies of earnings management in the USA, the participants judged accounting earnings management more leniently, but judged operating earnings management more harshly.

Originality/value

This is the first study to document that an organizational emphasis on serving the public interest can restrain aggressive behavior among industry accountants. Claims of serving the public interest in accounting have traditionally focused on the role of the independent auditor in protecting the public from misleading financial reporting. The results indicate that appeals to public interest obligations also have resonance for professional accountants in industry. The fact that certified accountants were less tolerant of accounting earnings management also has important implications, demonstrating the practical value of professional certification programs and their associated training and socialization processes. The contrast observed between the ethical judgments of our Chinese participants and US accountants surveyed in previous studies raises important questions for further research.
Agency theory and managerial ownership: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Mustapha Mazlina , Che Ahmad Ayoib
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of managerial ownership in relation to agency theory in the Malaysian business environment. In addition to examining the total managerial shareholdings, this study also investigates the association between direct and indirect managerial shareholdings with agency costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study is obtained from two sources, namely primary (questionnaire) and secondary (annual reports) data. The sample companies are 235 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia for the financial year ended 2006. Multiple regression analysis is used to estimate the relationship between the variables.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that managerial ownership in various segments has an inverse relationship with total monitoring costs as predicted in agency theory. This finding is consistent with earlier studies in western countries and supports the convergence of interest hypothesis.

Originality/value

This study gives a unique contribution to corporate governance studies relating to the effect of ownership structure in relation to agency theory in Malaysian companies, one of the countries in Asia. Previous studies claimed that it is unknown whether the agency theory findings in western countries have equal impact in Asian organizations. Previous literature also indicates that there is a possibility that given the cultural differences, the typical nature of agents in agency theory may not be the case with regard to non‐western countries. Thus, this study provides evidence that support prior research findings in western countries relating to the effect of managerial ownership on the agency relationship which is reflected in its agency costs.
Audit quality and accrual persistence: evidence from the pre‐ and post‐Sarbanes‐Oxley periods
Authors: Chambers Dennis , Payne Jeff
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to examine whether the quality of accruals, as measured by accrual persistence, improved in the post‐Sarbanes‐Oxley (SOX) period, and second, to examine the degree to which SOX‐related improvement in accrual persistence varies across companies depending on the degree of their auditor's independence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares accrual persistence in the pre‐ and post‐SOX periods to test the first question. Then, partitioning on relative client importance as a measure of auditor independence, the paper compares the SOX‐based improvement for clients of low and high independence audit firms.

Findings

The study first demonstrates that accrual persistence increased significantly in the post‐SOX period. The study also finds evidence that in the post‐SOX period, the subsample of companies audited by Big‐N auditors with lower‐independence experienced the greatest improvement in accrual persistence.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to evaluate SOX‐related improvements in the quality of earnings as measured by accrual persistence. Prior studies test abnormal accruals and other earnings management metrics, however, persistence is a more general test of financial statement quality. This study also is the first to compare SOX‐related improvements for clients of firms with differing levels of independence.
Finite element analysis of transient electromagnetic‐thermal phenomena in a squirrel cage motor
Authors: Baranski Mariusz , Demenko Andrzej , Lyskawinski Wieslaw , Szelag Wojciech
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the method and algorithm for the analysis of electromagnetic and thermal transients in a squirrel cage induction motor.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the special software for transient finite element (FE) analysis of coupled electromagnetic‐thermal problems in a squirrel cage induction motor. The software has been prepared and is successfully applied in the design of special squirrel cage motors, e.g. the motors working in cryogenic conditions. A time‐stepping FE method and transients analysis of an induction motor has been applied. The nonlinearity of the magnetic circuit, the movement of the rotor and the skewed slots have been taken into account. The results of computations have been compared with measurements.

Findings

The method presented and the elaborated specialised software for FE analysis of electromagnetic and thermal transients are used to determine the dynamic performance of the squirrel‐cage induction motor. The results of simulations compared with measurements confirm the adequacy of this approach to the analysis of coupled electromagnetic‐thermal problems.

Research limitations/implications

3D effects have only been taken into account by quasi‐3D techniques (e.g. the multi‐slice for the skewed rotor slots).

Practical implications

The software developed can be useful in the analysis and design of squirrel cage motor, especially motors working in cryogenic conditions.

Originality/value

The paper offers appropriate software for transient analysis of coupled electromagnetic and thermal problems in squirrel cage motors with skewed slots.
Step response optimization method of switched reluctance motor
Authors: Stępień Sławomir , Bernat Jakub
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of modeling the variable reluctance stepper motor using the time‐stepping finite element technique. The proposed model is used to minimize the step response overshoots considering the stator and rotor tooth geometry.

Design/methodology/approach

A strongly coupled field‐circuit model considering magnetic nonlinearity of the stepper motor is presented. As the main contribution, the Nelder‐Mead method of the motor geometry optimization that minimize the step response overshoots and positioning error is proposed.

Findings

The proposed method can be applied to obtain the optimal tooth/pole geometry of the stepper motor which is efficient to perform the possibly accurate positioning.

Originality/value

The paper examines the application of the presented optimization method to minimize the positioning error of the four‐phased variable reluctance stepper motor.