bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evolutionarily ‘young’ lysine residue in histone H3 attenuates transcriptional output in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hyland Edel M. , Molina Henrik , Poorey Kunal , Jie Chunfa , Xie Zhi , Dai Junbiao , Qian Jiang , Bekiranov Stefan , Auble David T. , Pandey Akhilesh , Boeke Jef D.
Published: June 2011

The DNA entry and exit points on the nucleosome core regulate the initial invasion of the nucleosome by factors requiring access to the underlying DNA. Here we describe in vivo consequences of eliminating a single protein–DNA interaction at this position through mutagenesis of histone H3 Lys 42 to alanine. This substitution has a dramatic effect on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome in both the transcriptional output and landscape of mRNA species produced. We attribute this in part to decreased histone H3 occupancy at transcriptionally active loci, leading to enhanced elongation. Additionally we show that this lysine is methylated in vivo, and genetic studies of methyl-lysine mimics suggest that this modification may be crucial in attenuating gene expression. Interestingly, this site of methylation is unique to Ascomycota, suggesting a recent evolutionary innovation that highlights the evolvability of post-translational modifications of chromatin.
Analysis of protein dynamics at active, stalled, and collapsed replication forks
Authors: Sirbu Bianca M. , Couch Frank B. , Feigerle Jordan T. , Bhaskara Srividya , Hiebert Scott W. , Cortez David
Published: June 2011

Successful DNA replication and packaging of newly synthesized DNA into chromatin are essential to maintain genome integrity. Defects in the DNA template challenge genetic and epigenetic inheritance. Unfortunately, tracking DNA damage responses (DDRs), histone deposition, and chromatin maturation at replication forks is difficult in mammalian cells. Here we describe a technology called iPOND (isolation of proteins on nascent DNA) to analyze proteins at active and damaged replication forks at high resolution. Using this methodology, we define the timing of histone deposition and chromatin maturation. Class 1 histone deacetylases are enriched at replisomes and remove predeposition marks on histone H4. Chromatin maturation continues even when decoupled from replisome movement. Furthermore, fork stalling causes changes in the recruitment and phosphorylation of proteins at the damaged fork. Checkpoint kinases catalyze H2AX phosphorylation, which spreads from the stalled fork to include a large chromatin domain even prior to fork collapse and double-strand break formation. Finally, we demonstrate a switch in the DDR at persistently stalled forks that includes MRE11-dependent RAD51 assembly. These data reveal a dynamic recruitment of proteins and post-translational modifications at damaged forks and surrounding chromatin. Furthermore, our studies establish iPOND as a useful methodology to study DNA replication and chromatin maturation.
Biological significance of 5S rRNA import into human mitochondria: role of ribosomal protein MRP-L18
Authors: Smirnov Alexandre , Entelis Nina , Martin Robert P. , Tarassov Ivan
Published: June 2011

5S rRNA is an essential component of ribosomes of all living organisms, the only known exceptions being mitochondrial ribosomes of fungi, animals, and some protists. An intriguing situation distinguishes mammalian cells: Although the mitochondrial genome contains no 5S rRNA genes, abundant import of the nuclear DNA-encoded 5S rRNA into mitochondria was reported. Neither the detailed mechanism of this pathway nor its rationale was clarified to date. In this study, we describe an elegant molecular conveyor composed of a previously identified human 5S rRNA import factor, rhodanese, and mitochondrial ribosomal protein L18, thanks to which 5S rRNA molecules can be specifically withdrawn from the cytosolic pool and redirected to mitochondria, bypassing the classic nucleolar reimport pathway. Inside mitochondria, the cytosolic 5S rRNA is shown to be associated with mitochondrial ribosomes.
Unusually effective microRNA targeting within repeat-rich coding regions of mammalian mRNAs
Authors: Schnall-Levin Michael , Rissland Olivia S. , Johnston Wendy K. , Perrimon Norbert , Bartel David P. , Berger Bonnie
Published: June 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate numerous biological processes by base-pairing with target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), primarily through sites in 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), to direct the repression of these targets. Although miRNAs have sometimes been observed to target genes through sites in open reading frames (ORFs), large-scale studies have shown such targeting to be generally less effective than 3′ UTR targeting. Here, we show that several miRNAs each target significant groups of genes through multiple sites within their coding regions. This ORF targeting, which mediates both predictable and effective repression, arises from highly repeated sequences containing miRNA target sites. We show that such sequence repeats largely arise through evolutionary duplications and occur particularly frequently within families of paralogous C2H2 zinc-finger genes, suggesting the potential for their coordinated regulation. Examples of ORFs targeted by miR-181 include both the well-known tumor suppressor RB1 and RBAK, encoding a C2H2 zinc-finger protein and transcriptional binding partner of RB1. Our results indicate a function for repeat-rich coding sequences in mediating post-transcriptional regulation and reveal circumstances in which miRNA-mediated repression through ORF sites can be reliably predicted.
Gorilla genome structural variation reveals evolutionary parallelisms with chimpanzee
Authors: Ventura Mario , Catacchio Claudia R. , Alkan Can , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Sajjadian Saba , Graves Tina A. , Hormozdiari Fereydoun , Navarro Arcadi , Malig Maika , Baker Carl , Lee Choli , Turner Emily H. , Chen Lin , Kidd Jeffrey M. , Archidiacono Nicoletta , Shendure Jay , Wilson Richard K. , Eichler Evan E.
Published: June 2011

Structural variation has played an important role in the evolutionary restructuring of human and great ape genomes. Recent analyses have suggested that the genomes of chimpanzee and human have been particularly enriched for this form of genetic variation. Here, we set out to assess the extent of structural variation in the gorilla lineage by generating 10-fold genomic sequence coverage from a western lowland gorilla and integrating these data into a physical and cytogenetic framework of structural variation. We discovered and validated over 7665 structural changes within the gorilla lineage, including sequence resolution of inversions, deletions, duplications, and mobile element insertions. A comparison with human and other ape genomes shows that the gorilla genome has been subjected to the highest rate of segmental duplication. We show that both the gorilla and chimpanzee genomes have experienced independent yet convergent patterns of structural mutation that have not occurred in humans, including the formation of subtelomeric heterochromatic caps, the hyperexpansion of segmental duplications, and bursts of retroviral integrations. Our analysis suggests that the chimpanzee and gorilla genomes are structurally more derived than either orangutan or human genomes.
Phosphorylation of SOS3-Like Calcium-Binding Proteins by Their Interacting SOS2-Like Protein Kinases Is a Common Regulatory Mechanism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Du Wenming , Lin Huixin , Chen She , Wu Yisheng , Zhang Jun , Fuglsang Anja T. , Palmgren Michael G. , Wu Weihua , Guo Yan
Published: June 2011

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome encodes nine Salt Overly Sensitive3 (SOS3)-like calcium-binding proteins (SCaBPs; also named calcineurin B-like protein [CBL]) and 24 SOS2-like protein kinases (PKSs; also named as CBL-interacting protein kinases [CIPKs]). A general regulatory mechanism between these two families is that SCaBP calcium sensors activate PKS kinases by interacting with their FISL motif. In this study, we demonstrated that phosphorylation of SCaBPs by their functional interacting PKSs is another common regulatory mechanism. The phosphorylation site serine-216 at the C terminus of SCaBP1 by PKS24 was identified by liquid chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis. This serine residue is conserved within the PFPF motif at the C terminus of SCaBP proteins. Phosphorylation of this site of SCaBP8 by SOS2 has been determined previously. We further showed that CIPK23/PKS17 phosphorylated CBL1/SCaBP5 and CBL9/SCaBP7 and PKS5 phosphorylated SCaBP1 at the same site in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the phosphorylation stabilized the interaction between SCaBP and PKS proteins. This tight interaction neutralized the inhibitory effect of PKS5 on plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity. These data indicate that SCaBP phosphorylation by their interacting PKS kinases is a critical component of the SCaBP-PKS regulatory pathway in Arabidopsis.
Maize opaque5 Encodes Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol Synthase and Specifically Affects Galactolipids Necessary for Amyloplast and Chloroplast Function
Authors: Myers Alan M. , James Martha G. , Lin Qiaohui , Yi Gibum , Stinard Philip S. , Hennen-Bierwagen Tracie A. , Becraft Philip W.
Published: June 2011

The maize (Zea mays) opaque5 (o5) locus was shown to encode the monogalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase MGD1. Null and point mutations of o5 that affect the vitreous nature of mature endosperm engendered an allelic series of lines with stepwise reductions in gene function. C18:3/C18:2 galactolipid abundance in seedling leaves was reduced proportionally, without significant effects on total galactolipid content. This alteration in polar lipid composition disrupted the organization of thylakoid membranes into granal stacks. Total galactolipid abundance in endosperm was strongly reduced in o5- mutants, causing developmental defects and changes in starch production such that the normal simple granules were replaced with compound granules separated by amyloplast membrane. Complete loss of MGD1 function in a null mutant caused kernel lethality owing to failure in both endosperm and embryo development. The data demonstrate that low-abundance galactolipids with five double bonds serve functions in plastid membranes that are not replaced by the predominant species with six double bonds. Furthermore, the data identify a function of amyloplast membranes in the development of starch granules. Finally, the specific changes in lipid composition suggest that MGD1 can distinguish the constituency of acyl groups on its diacylglycerol substrate based upon the degree of desaturation.
Capturing consumer heterogeneity in loyalty evolution patterns
Authors: Yoon Kanghyun , Tran Thanh V.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a finite‐mixture brand‐choice model, which relaxes the common dichotomous assumption in market segmentation based on consumer loyalty. The model can be used to estimate the optimal number of consumer segments and capture both across‐ and within‐household heterogeneity in consumers' evolutional patterns of loyalty behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is empirically calibrated on a scanner panel data of two product categories, i.e. liquid detergent and toilet tissue obtained from the ERIM scanner panel of AC Nielsen.

Findings

Empirical results suggest that: the dichotomous classification of consumers into loyal and non‐loyal groups is sub‐optimal in capturing the heterogeneity in consumer loyalty. Two evolutional patterns of loyalty behaviors exist, showing that past experience with a particular brand may either increase or decrease the current level of loyalty, and consumers' sensitivity to various marketing variables differs between repeat and switching decisions (i.e. within‐household heterogeneity).

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model does not capture consumers' inertia/variety‐seeking tendencies. Furthermore, it does not account for the role of scale parameter in capturing consumer heterogeneity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the stream of research on consumer loyalty and provides important marketing implications for practitioners in designing effective targeting programs as well as attraction/retention strategies.
Mixed methods: a research design for management doctoral dissertations
Authors: Jogulu Uma D. , Pansiri Jaloni
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine two management doctoral research projects to highlight the advantages in mixed methods as the primary research design.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarises the methods of data collection and analysis which were used by two doctoral students in their management research. The researchers used mixed methods approaches (quantitative and qualitative) to explore different areas of management.

Findings

The paper supports the view that triangulation of research methods strengthens the findings and inferences made for understanding social phenomena in more depth, compared to using a single method.

Research limitations/implications

The paper relies excessively on two doctoral research projects which utilise sequential mixed methods. Therefore, arguments made in the paper are specific because other doctoral projects that have used different methods from those employed in the two projects were not considered.

Practical implications

Early researchers, in particular students commencing doctorate studies, should apply mixed methods research because it develops skills in the two most dominant data collection methods used in management research. This paper is a practical guide on how this could be done effectively.

Originality/value

The paper is drawn from two unique doctoral research projects. The paper's originality and value is in providing experiences and practical insights on how mixed methods research is undertaken.
The effects of Belgian outward direct investment in European high‐wage and low‐wage countries on employment in Belgium
Authors: Cuyvers Ludo , Soeng Reth
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The paper aims at providing evidence on the impact on employment of outward foreign direct investment, particularly from developed countries into low‐wage countries, which is a major concern in many developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of foreign production undertaken by Belgian foreign‐oriented companies on employment in Belgium are investigated by performing econometric tests for complementarity or substitution between home and affiliate employment. The data are from the Amadeus database and consist of a sample of 254 Belgian parent companies with foreign affiliates in low‐wage and other high‐wage European countries during the 1999‐2007 period.

Findings

The results show that, given the size of parent production in the home country, Belgian multinational enterprises with foreign affiliates in higher‐wage European countries tend to employ more labour at home the more they produce in the host country. This probably reflects the needs of foreign affiliates in higher‐wage European countries for management and supervisory services from parent companies. Another explanation might be that Belgian outward FDI is largely vertical. In contrast, no evidence is found about employment reallocation between parents and affiliates operating in lower‐wage European countries.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence on overall effects on employment in Belgium of its outward foreign direct investment for the period 1999‐2007, i.e. using the most recent data available. In contrast to many other studies, statistical diagnostic tests were carried out to choose the appropriate model to best fit the data.
Understanding leader development: learning from leaders
Authors: McDermott Aoife , Kidney Rachel , Flood Patrick
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate senior managers' personal experiences of leadership development with theory to provide insights into leadership development for aspiring and developing leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was adopted. Empirical data were gathered from 11 semi‐structured interviews with senior leaders in the Irish public, voluntary (non‐profit) and private sectors.

Findings

The analysis led to the identification of development‐oriented themes in the leadership literature, and the provision of insights regarding the developmental influences, core activities (vision and mobilisation) and the contextual influences (sectoral and societal) which affect appropriate leadership behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study is limited by its small sample it provides a basis for further research and draws attention to personal leader development processes. In particular the importance of formative experiences on leaders' development, their struggle to attain balance, the need for advanced emotional management skills, the capacity to work with collectives of people and to adapt to contextual demands are emphasised. The study suggests that future research investigate how contextual factors influence the adoption of certain leadership styles.

Practical implications

The study explores personal perspectives on fundamental leadership development themes, of pragmatic value to established and aspiring leaders interested in enhancing their capacity to lead.

Originality/value

This paper considers leader development from the viewpoint of front‐line actors. As such it adopts an intrapersonal focus, considering the development journeys of individual leaders. The paper extends the traditional focus on the transactional and relational dimensions of leadership behaviours to incorporate the formative experiences and contextual factors that influence leadership.
How can leaders achieve high employee engagement?
Authors: Xu Jessica , Cooper Thomas Helena
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Organizations aspire to have engaged employees, and spend considerable resources to measure and improve employee engagement. Theoretically, leadership is a key antecedent of engagement, yet there is no research directly linking leader behaviors and follower engagement. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the evidence for such a link.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was conducted with a large New Zealand insurance organization, using data from direct reports. A pilot study was first conducted (n=236), in which the JRA 360‐degree feedback instrument was factor analyzed. Subsequently, a linkage analysis (n=178) was conducted to establish the relationship of the resultant leadership factors with JRA's employee engagement measure.

Findings

Three factors emerged from the JRA 360: supports team, performs effectively, and displays integrity. Correlation and regression results showed that supports team was the strongest predictor of engagement; semi‐partial correlations showed that the three leadership factors overlapped in their relationships with engagement, with supports team predicting most unique variance.

Research limitations/ implications

Additional research is needed to assess the generalizability of the findings, and to establish causality.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate that there are multiple ways in which leadership behaviors are associated with employee engagement. The primacy of supports team suggests that leader behaviors in this domain should be a priority. Although our design does not establish causality, we suggest that leaders should capitalize on their strengths to improve engagement among their followers.

Originality/value

The design of this study is superior to previous research, in particular using a clear measure of employee engagement. The results suggest that team‐oriented behaviors are the most important for leaders in achieving high employee engagement. Importantly, the results also indicate that other leadership behaviors – relating to effective performance and displaying integrity – may also facilitate employee engagement.
The effect of ISO 14001 certification announcements on stock performance
Authors: Paulraj Antony , de Jong Pieter
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study aspires to explore how the US stock market reacts to ISO 14001 certification announcements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs an event‐study methodology on a sample of 140 announcements and matching control firms to study the impact of ISO 14001 certification announcements.

Findings

The results suggest that ISO 14001 certification announcements have a negative impact on stock performance. More importantly, they show that the shareholder wealth reduced due to these certifications announcements.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on short‐term stock market reaction. Future studies should consider the entire sample of ISO 14001‐certified firms within the USA and use certification date to evaluate short‐ as well as long‐term improvements in shareholder wealth.

Practical implications

The results suggest that firms will need to educate shareholders about their actions towards the betterment of the environment. Such coordinated communication will ensure that the ISO 14001 standard is highly regarded, widely adopted, and even requested by shareholders.

Originality/value

Past empirical studies indicate that certified environmental management systems help organizations to reduce waste and pollution, thereby ultimately resulting in superior environmental and economic performance. At the same time, given its focus on the process rather than performance outcomes, opponents criticize ISO 14001 suggesting that it is just a label for image building. Owing to this dilemma, it is pertinent to evaluate how shareholders perceive a firm's attainment of ISO 14001 certification announcements.
The relationships between organizational culture, total quality management practices and operational performance
Authors: Baird Kevin , Jia Hu Kristal , Reeve Robert
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to conduct an empirical analysis of the association between the dimensions of O'Reilly et al.'s organizational culture profile (OCP) measure with the extent of use of total quality management (TQM) practices, measured using Kaynak's four core TQM practices (quality data and reporting, supplier quality management, product/service design, process management). In addition, the study examines both the direct and indirect association of Kaynak's four core TQM practices with operational (quality and inventory management) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data obtained from a survey of 364 business units encompassing both the manufacturing and service industries in Australia.

Findings

The findings suggest that the cultural dimension teamwork/respect for people is the most important factor in enhancing the use of TQM practices, while more outcome oriented and innovative business units were also found to use TQM practices to a greater extent. While all four TQM practices were found to be interrelated, only three of the factors (supplier quality management, process management, and quality data and reporting) were found to help to achieve the operational performance goals.

Practical implications

A major implication of this study is that managers need to recognize the interdependencies between the core TQM practices and their relationships with operational (inventory management and quality) performance. Furthermore, the findings assist organizations by providing guidance as to the organizational culture that is conducive to TQM, thereby contributing to the achievement of desired operational outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper uses O'Reilly et al.'s OCP to empirically examine the association between organizational culture and TQM. In addition, the paper provides an insight into the multidimensionality of TQM practices and their effect on operational performance in Australia.
The rise of the global small business
Authors: Priestley Daniel
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Addresses how business is changing and becoming more global, and looks at some of the ways in which small businesses can remain competitive.

Design/methodology/approach

Highlights seven key areas that will be affected by the rise of global small business.

Findings

A GSB isn't like a big global business and it's not like a traditional small business either. As the name suggests, these are businesses that have less than 10 staff but aren't limited by geography. They have reach into cities all over the world and could easily be making millions in sales despite a relatively small headcount.

Practical implications

The Global Small Business is an exciting new category of business to look out for in the decade ahead as the barriers to entry drop for doing business across borders.

Social implications

Just as the steam engine moved people from farms to factories, the internet will move people from factories and office buildings to home offices and coffee shops.

Originality/value

Daniel Priestley draws on his experiences as successful entrepreneur to influence his theories on ‘the rise of the global small business.’
Interview with Christian Stadler, author of Enduring Success
Authors: by Juliet Harrison Interview
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Christian Stadler, author of Enduring Success: What We Can Learn From Outstanding Corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

Targets nine of Europe's oldest and most stellar companies that have survived for over 100 years and assesses what it is that sets them apart from other businesses.

Findings

The basic framework for enduring success is for corporations to make sure that their organizational structures and strategies are in line with the environment in which they operate.

Practical implications

Addresses a key question in business today: how can companies succeed over time?

Social implications

Discusses how companies can address more recent management concerns, such as corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and incorporate them into their long‐term strategy.

Originality/value

For the past decade, Christian Stadler has investigated long‐lived corporations. His research incorporates fresh insights from management science and provides the first non‐US perspective on long‐range success.
Cross‐cultural challenges in product placement
Authors: Lee Taejun (David) , Sung Yongjun , de Gregorio Federico
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine US and Korean college student consumers' attitudes towards product placements in three different media (films, TV shows, and songs), and product placement acceptability based on media genre and product type.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study employed a self‐administered online survey of 471 college students in the USA and South Korea.

Findings

Korean young adult consumers express greater ethical concerns about product placement, particularly in TV shows, and more strongly support governmental regulation than their American counterparts. In contrast, American young adults respond more favorably to product placement's enhancement of setting realism than Korean consumers. Findings also reveal cultural differences in product placement acceptability across a range of media genres and product/service types.

Research limitations/implications

Only two countries were used as a proxy to characterize their respective cultural values and levels of contextuality. In addition, respondents are limited geographically to southwestern and southeastern regions in the USA, and to Korea's capital, Seoul.

Practical implications

Despite the widespread use of standardized product placement practices in different cultural settings, it is recommended, from the findings of this study, that managers should take caution when considering TV for placement in Korea when targeting young adults given their relatively strong concerns regarding the practice. Specific and usable information regarding appropriateness of genre and product type is also provided.

Originality/value

This exploratory cross‐cultural study builds upon and contributes to previous work by serving as a quantitative comparison of attitudinal responses to product placement across three media in the USA and Korea.
Branding and product evaluation across Chinese regions
Authors: Tam Charles , Elliott Greg
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore two fundamental aspects of branding in emerging markets. First, are there significant differences in product evaluation behaviour between regions within a large emerging market such as China? Second, how important is branding relative to other product cues in the product evaluation among consumers in emerging markets?

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of respondents in three Chinese cities (Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Chongqing). Respondents were asked to evaluate combinations of a hypothetical product (domestic air conditioning) varying in brands, prices and country of origin (COO). ANOVA, t‐tests and regression were conducted to test for significant differences in ratings brand, price and COO, perceived product quality and purchase intention.

Findings

The results show significant differences between the three regions in product evaluation processes and outcomes. In addition, the study identifies a general preference across regions for global brands over local brand competitors.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings may be due to the particular Chinese locations and/or the product chosen, nevertheless, the differences identified in the product evaluation processes and outcomes point to the importance of considering the potential differences between regions in diverse emerging countries like China. In addition, the general preference for international brands suggests important implications for foreign and local manufacturers.

Practical implications

Managers will develop an improved awareness of the importance of brands in emerging markets and of the regional differences in diverse markets such as China.

Originality/value

By focussing on regional differences within diverse emerging markets (rather than treating such markets as homogeneous), this study extends understanding of the complexities facing international and domestic marketers.
Variance in residential property valuation in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Babawale G.K. , Ajayi C.A.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Quantitative commentaries in the UK, Australia and other developed economies have generally suggested a high level of valuation accuracy. These important findings need to be developed in other parts of the world to facilitate cross‐border property business transactions which globalization promotes. In countries like Nigeria where the property market and valuation practice are just evolving, the one‐to‐one relationship between valuations and transaction prices observed in more developed economies may not necessarily hold. This paper aims to focus on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews major empirical studies on valuation accuracy with particular reference to the methodology and statistical analyses employed, the results obtained and their limitations. The paper also includes the results of an empirical study on valuation accuracy involving 250 residential properties in metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria. The paper employs error metric and econometric statistical techniques.

Findings

The study reveals, among others, that residential property valuation in Lagos metropolis exhibits inaccuracy below industry's acceptable minimum standards.

Practical implications

The credibility problem engendered by inaccurate valuation has far reaching consequences on the relevance and future of the valuation profession in the study area. Greater collaboration between professionals and academia in research, information procurement and analysis, improvement in valuers' task environment, a well articulated and encompassing mandatory national valuation standards incorporating effective enforcement machinery are some of the suggested remedial measures.

Originality/value

The study draws attention to the potentially grave implications of this result on bank solvency and the attendant negative impact on various aspects of the economy.
Assessment of the qualitative adequacy of newly constructed public housing in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibem Eziyi O. , Amole O.O.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present research assessing the level of qualitative adequacy of newly constructed public housing in urban centres in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/ approach

The study followed a quantitative research strategy. A survey of 517 housing units constructed through four different strategies and selected based on quota of their existence in nine public housing estates was conducted with a questionnaire as the key data collection instrument. A five‐point Likert scale was used in measuring the level of qualitative adequacy of four key housing sub‐components. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

Residents found the overall housing to be inadequate; they indicated that housing unit attributes were the most adequate and thus contributed most, while neighbourhood facilities were the least inadequate and contributed the least to qualitative housing adequacy.

Research limitations/implications

The sample population comprised mainly house heads in public housing constructed between 2003 and 2009 therefore, the findings may not be considered to be applicable to all the public housing in the study area. However, the findings can form the basis for judging the performance of public housing in the current democratic dispensation in the study area.

Practical implications

The findings imply that giving adequate attention to the provision of infrastructural facilities and maintenance of existing ones can enhance the qualitative adequacy of public housing.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneering effort at evaluating the qualitative adequacy of most recently constructed public housing in the study area.
A dynamic framework for understanding cross‐national segmentation
Authors: Cannon Hugh M. , Yaprak Attila
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for better understanding of cross‐national segmentation under the underlying forces of globalization and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is conceptual with illustrative examples, with a dynamic approach to cross‐national segmentation being considered.

Findings

Cross‐national segmentation can be better understood and better structured through closer examination of how segments evolve over time in response to the underlying forces of globalization and cultural evolution.

Research limitations/implications

The framework described in the paper should inspire research on value‐based segmentation schemes across markets.

Practical implications

International marketing managers should be able to construct and adapt segmentation strategies much more effectively through the use of the conceptual framework offered in the paper.

Originality/value

The framework offered in the paper is unique in that it blends consumer value orientations with product/service characteristics and functionally vs symbolically motivated segments and how these evolve over time.
Location choice and the internationalization sequence
Authors: Yeoh Poh‐Lin
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on emerging multinationals by studying the internationalization strategies of two established companies in the Indian pharmaceutical industry: Ranbaxy and Wockhardt.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a longitudinal case‐study approach to capture Ranbaxy's and Wockhardt's dynamic internationalization patterns. An extensive literature review using recently published works, government documents, and organizational reports was employed to give a clearer description of the two case companies.

Findings

The internationalization patterns of Ranbaxy and Wockhardt suggest that the mainstream internationalization models are more effective in explaining exploitative learning in terms of utilizing the firm's existing knowledge stock in the early stages of internationalization, while the emerging internationalization models (e.g. the LLL framework and accelerated internationalization) are more effective in explaining exploratory learning in terms of seeking novel knowledge flows in firms' later stages of internationalization.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical base is limited and the use of case studies has its shortcomings (e.g. in terms of sample size, generalizations, etc.). As such, the exploratory findings of this study must be further verified and extended at other sites, especially to firms operating in regulated industries in other emerging countries. Second, the author analyzed the decision to enter a foreign market, without studying subsequent performance and its effects on further entries. The accelerated international growth may have negative consequences for the two cases, as time compression diseconomies may emerge when the firm has a fast foreign expansion pace. Further research using data from other industries and countries, and taking into account entry mode and performance could shed more light into this controversial issue. Third, the author only compared an early‐mover and a latecomer in the comparative case analysis. One of critical topics for further study is to compare different three types of MNEs, e.g. latecomer, newcomer and early‐mover, from the same industry to understand how their geography of learning and knowledge acquisition are influenced by their internationalization and locational choices.

Practical implications

Overseas acquisition, as compared to greenfield investment (e.g. wholly owned subsidiaries), offers more benefits to Indian pharmaceutical firms. Overseas acquisition provides access to established marketing networks, augments Indian firms' ownership advantages with new products and other firm‐specific intangible assets and, offers economic gains from improved operational synergies.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the few which has dealt with an important aspect of firm internationalization, i.e. country selection, the sequence of internationalization across foreign markets and their modes of integration.
Measuring customers' portfolio concentration for rating agencies
Authors: Gibilaro Lucia , Mattarocci Gianluca
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to study the degree of independence of customers' portfolio concentration measure from the pricing policy adopted by rating agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests different measures of customers value (revenues or profits and customer lifetime value) and different concentration measure (top customer or Herfindahl‐Hirschman index) on the customers' portfolio of rating agencies in the time period 1999‐2008. Simulating different pricing models, the paper tests the sensitivity of these measures to discounted fees applied to best customers and identifies measures that are more and less sensitive to the discount applied.

Findings

Concentration measures that consider all the customers' portfolios and look at both cost and revenues related to the service on a multi‐period time horizon (CLV) are less sensitive to the discount policy respect to the others.

Research limitations/implications

Results point out some opportunities related to apply more complete approaches defined by marketing science on the financial service industry in order to construct better measures for the economic independence. The paper works only with publicly available data and more details about the fee applied to each customer could increase the significance of the results achieved.

Practical implications

The paper contributes to the current debate on the economic independence of rating agencies stressing the opportunity of rethinking the measures on economic independence that are currently considered by supervisory authorities.

Social implications

The paper is the first empirical application of standard marketing concepts of customers' concentration measure to the rating industry.

Originality/value

The paper studies the pricing policies adopted by ratings agencies.
The socio‐economic determinants of maternal health care utilization in Ghana
Authors: Aseweh Abor Patience , Abekah‐Nkrumah Gordon , Sakyi Kojo , Adjasi Charles K.D. , Abor Joshua
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The study aims to examine the socio‐economic determinants of maternal health services utilization in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Probit and ordered probit models are employed in this study.

Findings

The results generally indicate that most women in Ghana undertake the required visits for antenatal services and also take both doses of the tetanus toxoid vaccine as required by World Health Organization. However, the results show low levels of usage in terms of the other maternal health care services (i.e. prenatal care, delivery at a health facility, and postnatal care). There is clearly an urgent need to develop innovative strategies that will help upscale intervention especially for improvement in the use of these services by women in Ghana. The regression results reveal that utilization of maternal health services and intensity of use of antenatal services are influenced by age of mother, type of birth, education of mother, ethnicity, economic status, geographic location, residence, and religious affiliation. Obviously, this suggests that more than medical factors are responsible for the differences in the use of maternal health services by women in Ghana as well as the decision on the number of visits to undertake with respect to antenatal visits.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have important implications for health policy formulation targeted at improving maternal health care service utilization.
The effects of societal culture attributes on regional disparity
Authors: Malul Miki , Shoham Amir , Zolotoy Leon
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The main goal of this paper is to analyze the effects of societal culture attributes on regional disparity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses cross‐country data to identify the variables that determine the regional disparity and the gap between the richest and poorest regions in the economy.

Findings

The most interesting result of this study is that there exists a significant role played by societal cultural differences in the explanation of the regional disparity and the gap between rich and poor regions.

Originality/value

As far as we know, this paper makes the first attempt to explain inter‐regional disparity according to culture attributes. We estimate that cultural variables add about 5 percent to the explanation of the variation of the indices of inequality between regions.
Development of a regional education hub: the case of Hong Kong
Authors: Cheong Cheng Yin , Cheung Alan C.K. , Yeun Timothy W.W.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review and analyze the functions, strategies and related issues of developing a regional education hub in the trends of education development in China as well as the Asian Pacific region.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking Hong Kong as an emerging case, it examines through literature and international comparison the relationship between education hub development and higher education development as well as the strategic functions of an education hub to the future development of Hong Kong.

Findings

The development of an education hub was found closely linked to the demand for higher education in the Asian Pacific region as well as the internal dynamic of higher education and society in Hong Kong. The mode of education hub development in Hong Kong should be driven by soft‐power building instead of industrialization. The requirements for successful implementation include the huge demands for higher education in the region, the strengths of the higher education sector, the supporting policies and measures for international students and education service providers, and the leadership and support of central agencies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new typology of higher education developments and a new mode of education hub development to analyze the strategic functions and requirements of developing education hub in the context of Asia‐Pacific Region. The discussion and analysis in this paper will contribute to the related literature, policy development and initiative implementation in the areas of education hub and higher education not only in Hong Kong but also other parts of the world.
Performance evaluation of knowledge management among hospital employees
Authors: Chang Ying‐Ying , Hsu Pi‐Fang , Li Min‐Hua , Chang Ching‐Ching
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the cognition of knowledge management (KM) among hospital employees and the relationship between KM and the KM enabler activities (financial, customer, internal business processes, learning and growth) in a regional hospital in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative research were used in this study. The instrument was conducted using in‐depth interviews of three policy‐makers as participants. The quantitative data were collected from a regional hospital in the Northern part of Taiwan with a 77 percent effective response rate (n=154).

Findings

The findings in this paper indicate that the cognition and demand for KM in subordinates is close to the expectations of policy‐makers. The policy‐makers expect subordinates working in the hospital to be brave in taking on new responsibilities and complying with hospital operation norms. KM is emphasized as a powerful and positive asset. Moreover, understanding KM predicts good performance in an organization.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this paper can be generalized to other regional hospitals. The findings may be applied to a wider population.

Practical implications

This study can provide insights into the perceptions and cognitions of workers in a hospital about KM and the activities of KM enablers. The responses and perceptions observed in the interviews in this study, as well as the quantitative research results could be useful to other hospitals and individuals who engage KM as a new management trend.

Originality/value

This study suggested KM guidelines for policy‐makers who are experienced managers.