bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing Virtual Organizations
Authors: Williams Alex , Wise Adrian
Published: September 2010

Within the UK, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been widely introduced. A recent survey, however, indicates that ICT integration into SMEs has had varied success. Statistics suggest that businesses lack the expertise to identify and integrate ICTs into their organization and processes. A US survey has concluded that 50% of implementations fail when the process they are to support is reengineered to accommodate the technology. Significantly, there is limited support for predicting the consequences that changes to an organization incur. The design and implementation of ICTs must consider those who will use the system, their organization and the process it is to support. To facilitate this, an approach has been developed at the University of Salford that illustrates an organization in terms of its communication relationships, resources, and business practices. A software application has been developed and tested which both collates the large amounts of data involved and represents relationships. This is supported by an expert system that informs the selection and implementation of ICTs. A case study has been conducted with regional SMEs, the results of which are presented.
Technology Acquisition and the Changing Face of Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Reed Fiona M. , Walsh Kathryn
Published: September 2010

The structure of the UK manufacturing industry is shifting. The current trend is for large companies to focus on their core competencies and to reduce their supplier base. They now expect suppliers to provide modules and sub-assemblies with increasing integration and functionality. A review of the quantitative literature about knowledge inflows to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) indicates that small companies are heavily reliant upon customers for information for technological innovation. Further understanding of this relationship is gained in this study by qualitative means, through a series of semi-structured interviews with senior managers in SMEs. Their strategies for technology acquisition are explored, and the influence of customers on technology is observed to centre on short-term requirements, rather than future technology needs. SMEs may have to re-examine their strategies for evolving their technologies if they are to capitalize on the opportunities of manufacturing in the future.
Innovation and SMEs
Authors: Carmichael C. , Turgoose C. , Gray M. Older , Todd C. , Nadin S.
Published: September 2010

In this paper the authors describe the ongoing development of a specialized advisory service aimed at promoting innovation in local manufacturing SMEs. The first stage studies the levels of process and product innovation, and level of innovation need, through a telephone survey of 156 small and medium-sized manufacturing companies and a number of follow-up interviews. The following stage involves the development of audit tools designed to identify gaps in innovation capability, and a change methodology to help companies become more innovative. These tools will be piloted with a number of local SMEs and then disseminated more widely to companies and business support agencies. The paper focuses on issues related to innovation in small and medium-sized manufacturing companies and explores these in relation to the initial findings of the survey.
Towards Concurrent Processes Technology Transfer
Authors: Sackett Peter J.
Published: September 2010

Technology transfer has been largely undertaken as an isolated, an individual, a geographically local, and a sequential process. The global interest in technology transfer has led to substantial practitioner experience and the emergence of alternative structures to support the process. Currently it is hard to exploit the available diverse and dispersed knowledge base in support of realizing good practice in specific technology transfer applications. In this paper a ‘Technology Transfer Operations Envelope’ is presented. Good practice for selected zones of the envelope is described in regional, large company, and small and medium-sized enterprise domains. Critical success factors in these domains are identified. By recognizing the characteristics of the technology transfer environment and relating these to good practice in these domains, the scope for success is increased. Concurrent engineering strategies can be applied to technology transfer. The Technology Transfer Operations Envelope is a step in this direction. Concurrent technology transfer will become increasingly important as the competitive opportunities available from good technology transfer are better recognized, the time to break even in technology transfer decreases, and the tacit knowledge element in the technology transferred increases.
Online Learning, Innovation and Knowledge Management
Authors: Roffe Ian
Published: September 2010

Online learning, innovation and knowledge management are examined as emerging tools for both enterprises and educational organizations. The value of developing intellectual capital is highlighted, as are the conceptual and practical issues for developing expertise. The author argues that educational institutions have certain inherent advantages and some disadvantages for the professional development of their employees, and that the optimum response lies in the integration of well tested techniques: self-profiling, personal development planning, the development of an individual curriculum vitae and systematic staff appraisal. To secure support for development, it is suggested that the focus for professional self-development should be on building competencies that are aligned with the institutional or industrial need, since this will bring the organization key benefits such as more students, improved quality, greater financial contributions, etc. In those circumstances in which support is not achievable, the opportunities offered by access to the Internet mean that professional development can continue through online learning and electronic networking.
Extending the Long-Term Strategic Benefits of a TCS Programme
Authors: Brunn P. , Davies C. , Methven J.
Published: September 2010

Experience of a wide range of university–industry strategic partnerships, such as TCS Programmes, has shown that, while such programmes are very effective in meeting their tactical objectives (solving specific problems, transferring clearly defined skills, and meeting individual training requirements), many do not achieve their full potential in fulfilling the long-term strategic objectives of the partner companies. The benefits are often short-lived and the skills and experience gained can be lost to the organizations involved. This paper discusses the reasons for this, based on four sample TCS Programmes, of which the authors have direct experience. It concludes with recommendations for simple changes to the management committee meeting arrangements for such Programmes, which would enhance their long-term effectiveness.
Industry — Higher Education Collaborations within Small Business Clusters
Authors: Matlay Harry
Published: September 2010

The beginning of modern industry–education collaboration in the UK can be conveniently dated to the turn of the twentieth century, when the economic imperatives of the ‘industrialized economy’ began to exert growing pressure upon both employers and educators. At the same time, the considerable contribution made by the small business sector to the development and stability of the British economy also began to be noted and acknowledged. This article analyses instances of industry–higher education collaborations within small business clusters. Based on longitudinal case studies involving seven cluster formations, it details the extent, contents and intensity of small business collaboration with local and regional universities. The author concludes that, in order to be successful, the leaders of a small business cluster must believe in the inherent benefits of collaborative projects with institutes of higher education. Furthermore, all partners and stakeholders must be fully committed and should be prepared to invest time, effort and money in pursuing various collaborative and research projects of mutual interest and benefit.
Knowledge in Inter-Firm Relationships in an Industrial District
Authors: Albino Vito , Carbonara Nunzia , Schiuma Giovanni
Published: September 2010

In this article, a cognitive approach, arising from the resource-based view of the firm, is adopted to investigate how inter-firm relationships are changing in industrial districts, and how the characteristics of knowledge involved in these networking processes can affect change. Assuming that the content of any inter-firm relationship may be defined as ‘transferred knowledge’ that is required for the purpose of facilitating coordination between the firms, there are two problem areas of complexity: the complexity caused by uncertainty and the complexity caused by ambiguity. Starting from this assumption, the relations between the complexity of the ‘transferred knowledge’ and the specific types of inter-firm relationships are examined. Then, the impact of the knowledge codification process and the value of social interactions for the effectiveness and efficiency of coordination between firms are given particular attention.
Approaches to Clustering and Market Creation in the Dot-Com Economy
Authors: Formica Piero , Mitra Jay
Published: September 2010

Clustering is high on the agenda of policy makers these days. Much of the attention has stemmed from the apparent success of firms linked together in a Porterian mould in specific regions. Hence the range of examples from the traditional industrial districts in Italy, the innovative milieux in France and Switzerland, and Silicon valley in the USA. The clusters agenda has moved on from consideration of spatial agglomeration issues to discussions on the convergence of technologies, skills, and resources, learning and knowledge, and interconnectedness between disparate industries resulting from convergence and learning opportunities. In the complex web of dynamic socialization and technological sophistication that characterizes clusters, a relatively new player, the Internet, has started to redefine cluster-based interconnectedness. Paradoxically, the Internet both challenges the role of space and geography in clusters and reinforces the value of human interaction between customers and suppliers, buyers and producers, and between consumers and sellers in defined spaces. The ‘net’ effect is often the creation of a new space of virtual interconnectedness for both physical buying and selling and intangible value generation in a ‘new economy’.
Demand Modelling Methodologies: Integration and other Issues
Authors: Morley Clive
Published: September 2010

The exponential growth in tourist numbers motivates serious analysis of this phenomenon. The econometric methods commonly used do not take this central feature of demand seriously in the form and estimating of tourism demand models. Cointegration analysis has been used in recognition of the problem as a technical estimation issue. But this is unsatisfactory, due to both technical methodological concerns with the use of cointegration analysis and because it overcomes the growth issue rather than incorporating it into the model. A model form which does incorporate growth is proposed. Other, newer methods – neural networks and structural equations modelling – are sometimes applied, but these too are not unproblematic.
Tourists' Perceptions of Security: The Risk—Fear Paradox
Authors: Mawby R. I.
Published: September 2010

Considerable attention has been paid within tourism management and the tourism academic community to tourists' fear of crime and disorder. However, with few exceptions, this attention has focused predominantly on the impact of high-profile crimes and terrorist incidents on choice of destination. Moreover, although, again, there is an established tradition of interviewing residents of tourist locations about their perceptions of the (negative) impacts of tourism, little emphasis has been placed on asking tourists themselves. The research discussed in this paper attempted to fill these two voids by deploying a victim survey with a national sample of British people, focusing on their last holiday. The findings confirm the high victimization rates experienced by tourists. However, although many people took notions of safety into account in choosing a holiday area or country, few saw crime or disorder as a problem when they subsequently went on holiday. These findings are explored in the context of the risk–fear paradox that is acknowledged in the victimological literature. But, while in that context the paradox is that fear exceeds risk, in the case of tourism and crime it appears that risk exceeds fear. The results underline the importance of crime prevention and community safety as policy priorities.
Creating Safe and Secure Communities in Economically Challenging Times
Authors: Tarlow Peter E.
Published: September 2010

This paper addresses the relationship between economic decline and crimes against tourists. Through a theoretical examination of the possible impacts of an economic downturn on tourism-related crime, the author develops a series of ideas and recommendations for the formulation of a strategic approach to combat the potential negative effects. In his theoretical analysis, the author first looks at some of the sociological theories that have contributed towards the development of tourism science. He then relates these to the disciplines of economics and criminology. Through these connections, the paper develops taxonomies that merge sociological tourism profiles with theories of economic decline.
Investment in Familiar Territory: Tourism and New Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Sanford Douglas M. , Dong Huiping
Published: September 2010

This article investigates the influence of tourism on foreign direct investment. Firms' foreign direct investment (FDI) decisions require detailed information about the host country's competitors, regulatory environment, work ethic, and culture. Incorporating tourism improves on existing research into FDI, which does not include measures for this complex information. Empirical analysis using a TOBIT methodology shows a positive and significant relationship between tourism and subsequent new foreign direct investment in the USA. Surprisingly, the analysis does not support expected industry-specific effects, which suggests that tourism associates with increased investment in capital-intensive as well as service industries.
The Size—Age—Growth Relationship in Not-for-Profit Tourist Attractions: Evidence from UK Museums
Authors: Johnson Peter
Published: September 2010

The size–age–growth relationship in private-sector firms has been very widely studied. This paper examines the same relationship in not-for-profit tourist attractions, focusing attention on UK museums. The current scale and structure of the UK museums sector, including the extent of entry and exit, are described. The author then briefly discusses the nature of the size–age–growth relationship in the for-profit sector, and assesses the relevance of this relationship for museums. He then presents empirical findings for UK museums. The evidence suggests that, outside the government sector, both the mean growth and the standard deviation of growth tend to decline with size, a finding consistent with evidence for the for-profit sector. No significant effect of age was detected. Finally, there is evidence – again, outside the government sector – that the net impact of charging is negative. The closing section of the paper concludes the study and suggests avenues for further work.
The Demand for Day-Visits: An Analysis of Visitor Spending
Authors: Downward Paul , Lumsdon Les
Published: September 2010

A tourism destination comprises a number of elements and features, which combine to attract staying or day visitation or, in some cases, transitory visitors. Various factors which determine the degree of attractiveness of any place promoted for tourism purposes have, in recent years, been the subject of more detailed analysis. However, studies have concentrated primarily on pre-trip motivational factors, destination selection, imagery and levels of visitor satisfaction. Within the context of visitor management studies the emphasis has been placed on the quality of the physical environment. In contrast, there has been little discussion on visitor spending at a destination level, and the consequent marketing implications for tourism practitioners following from this type of analysis. This paper presents the findings of a study of day visitors to Cheddar, a small-scale, well-known inland destination in the UK. The authors conclude that while market attractors are important in encouraging visitation, the level of spending at the destination is very closely related to duration of stay and composition of party; a number of implications are drawn for those responsible for marketing destinations.
WTO's Preliminary Data for 1999 and Revised Forecasts to 2020 by Region: South Asia by Country
Authors: Bar-On Raphael Raymond
Published: September 2010

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) reported revised data for 1998 totalling 637 million international tourist arrivals worldwide, 3.0% above 1997. Its preliminary estimates for 1999 indicate an increase of 4% to 663 million tourist arrivals worldwide. Receipts reported from international tourism totalled US$440 billion (milliard) in 1998, with preliminary estimates for 1999 indicating an increase of about 3% on 1998 (in current US$) to US$453 billion worldwide (including receipts from day-visitors, excluding international fares). WTO's revised forecasts for 2010 and 2020 are also presented for the six WTO regions, as are the global estimates of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Tourist arrivals, receipts, travel and tourism expenditures abroad and hotel capacity are presented for the nine countries of the South Asia region.
Enterprise in Recession
Authors: Beaver Graham , Ross Caroline
Published: September 2010

The converging forces of globalization, technology, deregulation, economic restructuring and the present threat of recession in many parts of the small business sector, make strategy and strategic thinking an essential prerequisite if business survival is to remain on the agenda for many entrepreneurs and owner-managers. This paper examines the actions and responses of a sample of small firms in the Midlands region of the UK, currently facing adverse trading conditions or the threat of recession. In an earlier study conducted by one of the authors (Beaver, 1997) these firms described themselves as ‘practitioners of strategic management’. Whilst there is no guarantee of immunity for any business from the effects of deteriorating economic conditions, it can be expected that those firms that engage in strategic management, better understand and respond to the changing nature of industry positioning and competitive advantage, and make timely and appropriate adjustments to preserve or enhance their market position (Bracker, Keats and Pearson, 1988; Jennings and Beaver, 1997). Put another way, it is generally well accepted that suboptimal performance and potential business failure are closely correlated with a lack of attention to business strategy (Birley and Westhead, 1990; Wheelen and Hunger, 1992 and 1998; Jennings and Beaver, 1997). It follows therefore, that those firms facing tough trading conditions should fashion their competitive responses in accordance not only with any contingency plans that may have been developed, but should act in a positive and timely manner to underpin their chosen strategic position. Given that many small businesses experience a measure of disadvantage (Beaver and Harrison, 1994; Jennings and Beaver, 1996 and 1997), due not only to the size of the enterprise, but also to their resource-base and operating context, the need to embrace strategic management thinking and actions, especially in a recessionary environment, has never been more necessary.
Becoming an Entrepreneur
Authors: McMullan W. Ed , Vesper K. H.
Published: September 2010

A single case study of a student was elaborated upon to illustrate the process of change through education. By choosing to study a graduate who had minimal background preparation and minimal interest in entrepreneurship before the education programme, the researchers have attempted to address some of the limits of change possible through entrepreneurship education. A structured interview was used to provide the initial ‘before and after’ account, after which extended and repeated probing was employed as the primary tool for exploring the personal development process involved. The case history was then used as a basis for developing a model of personal development required to make the transition from non-entrepreneur to entrepreneur. This case study was further intended to illustrate some of the relative merits of conducting in-depth case analysis over survey research in the domain of entrepreneurship education. Without in-depth case studies of individuals it is hard to know how much entrepreneurship programmes can change individuals. The possibility remains that entrepreneurship programmes just take potential entrepreneurs and give them a few more tools. Case studies of the change process can provide educators with a more complete understanding not only of what changes are possible within the confines of an education programme, but also of what programme interventions are more likely to produce the desired changes.
Ben Wallace
Authors: McMullan Ed
Published: September 2010

The Case Study section of the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation serves two purposes. First, the case studies presented are concerned with problematical issues that are pertinent to students of entrepreneurship. Thus they constitute appropriate teaching and learning vehicles on a variety of postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. Each case study is accompanied by a set of guidelines for the use of tutors. Second, it is envisaged that those engaged in entrepreneurial activities will find the cases both interesting and useful.

Submissions for this section will be welcome. Cases will deal with contemporaneous issues. When necessary they will be anonymous, but where direct reference is made to specific individuals or organizations authors will be asked to acquire permission to use names. The editors reserve the right to ask for written permission from any named person or ogranization. Case studies should be no longer than 3,000 words. A glossary of terms should be provided where appropriate.
Business Advisers' Assessments of SMEs
Authors: Mole Kevin , Hassall John
Published: September 2010

This paper reports research on business advisers' advice to small firms in the context of the UK attempt to target small business advice, through personal business advisers (PBAs), to growth firms. The study employed qualitative methods to elicit heuristics (‘rules of thumb’) that reflect business advisers' experience. The study corroborated the interview findings with a self-administered questionnaire to 175 personal business advisers employed in UK Business Links. The research reveals heuristics that advisers Use in an attempt to assess the management capability within the small firm. Advisers' responses emphasized control within the business, signalled by, for example, visible tidiness. The paper develops a systems model of small business management incorporating owner-manager objectives, strategies (including growth) and control (including profitability). Finally, the paper considers the implications for government policies aimed towards support for growth-oriented small firms.
Innovation, Risk and Entrepreneurial Strategy
Authors: Sonfield Matthew C. , Lussier Robert N.
Published: September 2010

Both new and ongoing ventures require good strategies. But how does an entrepreneur determine the best strategies for a venture? What is necessary for high-level performance? Management research and theory have a great deal to say about how strategy leads to performance, but much of this theory is difficult for business practitioners to apply to their companies. This article presents the Entrepreneurial Strategy Matrix, a model that is based on theory yet is uncomplicated and easy to use: the business manager identifies the levels of innovation and risk inherent in the venture and the Entrepreneurial Strategy Matrix then identifies strategies that are most likely to be effective in that particular situation.
Spin-In or Spin-Out?
Authors: Tidd Joe , Barnes Simon
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the variety of corporate venturing activities in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors, identifies the range of initiators, motives and structures, and evaluates the potential opportunities for professional venture capital firms. On the one hand, pharmaceutical companies need to maintain the new product pipeline that has increased the demand for technology acquisition, and on the other, mergers and rationalization within the sector have resulted in a significant growth in technology divestment. Both trends have boosted corporate venturing activity. The study examines the venture activities of nine pharmaceutical firms, fourteen life science companies and seven corporate venture capital funds. The authors conclude that, while there is a wide range of venturing options, there is considerable confusion in the industry over ends and means. Specifically, many firms have failed to differentiate sufficiently between strategic, financial and operational goals, and have therefore created inappropriate forms of corporate venture.
Geo Search Co Ltd and the Mine Eye Project
Authors: Gilinsky Armand
Published: September 2010

The Case Study section of the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation serves two purposes. First, the case studies presented are concerned with problematical issues that are pertinent to students of entrepreneurship. Thus they constitute appropriate teaching and learning vehicles on a variety of postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. Each case study is accompanied by a set of guidelines for the use of tutors. Second, it is envisaged that those engaged in entrepreneurial activities will find the cases both interesting and useful.

Submissions for this section will be welcome. Cases will deal with contemporaneous issues. When necessary they will be anonymous, but where direct reference is made to specific individuals or organizations authors will be asked to acquire permission to use names. The editors reserve the right to ask for written permission from any named person or organization. Case studies should be no longer than 3,000 words. A glossary of terms should be provided where appropriate.
Governance and Goal Formation among Family Businesses
Authors: Davis Peter S. , Pett Timothy L.
Published: September 2010

This paper reports the results of a survey of over 600 family businesses, examining the influence of organizational governance processes consisting of external participation and operating policies on the importance ascribed to various organizational and family goals. Working from a base of resource dependency, the relationships between organizational and family goals are presented as partially mediated by firms' dependency on extraorganizational sources of capital. The results suggest that the inclusion of outsiders on firms' boards may increase the access to external capital, and that increasing dependency on external capital resources may exert significant influence on organizational goals and objectives. Finally, family control of internal governance mechanisms seems to impact on family goals.
Through the Eyes of the Beholder
Authors: Dumas Colette , Goel Sanjay , Zanzi Alberto
Published: September 2010

This study posed several questions about the determinants of family business CEOs' perceptions of the board of directors. Specifically, the authors investigated whether the following factors played a role in determining the positive perception of their contribution by the family firm's CEO: the compensation structure of the board of directors of a family firm; the number of outside directors; the size of equity held by the board; and the directors' formal efforts for the benefit of the firm. It was found that the number of outside directors and their formal efforts for the firm played a significant role in determining the CEOs' perceptions of their contribution, whereas their compensation and size of equity had no effect on how they were perceived. This suggests that family business owners value the independent perspective that outside board members bring to a board. In addition, the results suggest that family business owners value (and are sensitive to) the effort board members put into the discharge of their duties. The evidence that independence in the board is highly valued provides reason for optimism about the continued survival, growth and adaptability of family businesses. Other research and practical implications of this study are also described.
The Role of the Social Entrepreneur
Authors: Sheerman Barry
Published: September 2010

In Notes from the Front, practising entrepreneurs offer personal perspectives on significant issues in the light of their own business experience. This issue's author is Barry Sheerman, a UK Member of Parliament for Huddersfield since 1983. Currently, he is Joint Chair of the Education and Employment Select Committee, Chairman of Networking for Industry Ltd, Co-Chairman of the Parliamentary Manufacturing Industry Group, and Secretary of the Parliamentary Sustainable Waste Group. Formerly, he was the Opposition front bench spokesman on Education, Employment, Home Affairs and Disability. In this article he reflects on the concept of social entrepreneurship, and discusses the establishment of Urban Mines Limited, a not-for-profit environmental organization concerned with the development of practical approaches to sustainable waste management.
The Future of the World Food System
Authors: Martin Marshall A.
Published: September 2010

On entering the twenty-first century, the world agricultural and food system is undergoing remarkable change. For agribusiness to engage successfully in this emerging system, an understanding of the drivers of this change is essential. Agricultural production and processing are resource-intensive. Hence, societal desires for enhanced environmental quality, often through government regulations, constitute a key driver of change. A second key driver is the industrialization of agriculture as farming shifts from a rural lifestyle to an agribusiness sector with a supply chain mentality. Third, firms that can effectively ‘link’ the food chain and add value will benefit economically. Historically, farmers produced bulk commodities, but increasingly the market is demanding differentiated, specific-attribute products. Biotechnology is accelerating this trend. Also, agriculture is becoming increasingly knowledgeintensive with the evolution of site-specific and information-based decision systems. Ultimately, consumer food demand and global markets will determine the demand for products from livestock and crop production systems.
Livestock to 2020: The Next Food Revolution
Authors: Delgado Christopher , Rosegrant Mark , Steinfeld Henning , Ehui Simeon , Courbois Claude
Published: September 2010

A revolution is taking place in global agriculture that has profound implications for human health, livelihoods and the environment. Population growth, urbanization and income growth in developing countries are fuelling a massive increase in demand for food of animal origin. These changes in the diets of billions of people could significantly improve the well-being of many rural poor. Governments and industry must prepare for this continuing revolution with long-term policies and investments that will satisfy consumer demand, improve nutrition, direct income growth opportunities to those who need them most, and alleviate environmental and public health stress.
Molecular Farming of Medicines: A Field of Growing Promise
Authors: Fischer Rainer , Schillberg Stefan , Emans Neil
Published: September 2010

Man has been using plants as a source of medicines for millennia. From the earliest stages of civilization, herbs and plant extracts have been sought that ease suffering and cure disease. In the last half of the twentieth century, molecular biology research has identified many molecular medicines that can treat illness, such as recombinant antibodies, vaccines and growth hormones. Widespread use of molecular medicines has been hampered by the difficulty in producing them outside animals or animal cells, making them expensive and in short supply. In the 1990s, the fusion of molecular medicine and plant biotechnology showed that many molecular medicines or vaccines could be grown in plants. This new field is called ‘molecular farming’, and the molecular medicines made in plants are safer, easier to produce and less expensive than those produced in animals or microbes. Molecular farming is already being used to grow new cash crops rich in molecular medicines and it will have a profound impact on the economics of both agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry. Through modern technology, science has once again made plants a source of new medicines, albeit molecular ones tailored to treat the diseases of the twenty-first century. The farmers of the future could be growing crops to provide the medicines that governments and pharmaceutical companies require.
Virus and Phytoplasma Detection in Fruit Trees
Authors: Adams A.N. , Davies D.L. , Kirby M.J.
Published: September 2010

Efficient detection methods are vital for the control of viruses and phytoplasmas in fruit and other perennial crops. This paper reviews the diagnostic tests currently available for detecting such pathogens. Biological tests are generally slow and results may be difficult to interpret. Serological assays are reliable and easy to conduct and some are very rapid. An abundance of molecular techniques offers higher sensitivity and facilitates the introduction of laboratory tests for diseases that currently have to be assayed biologically.
Tropical Vegetables and Spices: Potential Value and Contributions to Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria
Authors: Olasantan F.O.
Published: September 2010

Tropical vegetables and spices have an important contribution to make to sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria. A high proportion of these plants are cultivated, mainly in mixtures under rainfed conditions, and they are significant assets for farmers and society as a whole. They are conserved for use by people as food, medicines, fuel, fodder and building and industrial materials, contributing to the ecophysiology and biodiversity of mixed systems. But, despite these valuable attributes, current levels of productivity are well below those necessary to help create a strong, healthy Nigerian economy, and there is limited research work on their production in mixed systems. Improvements in their productivity will depend on increased efficiency in the conservation and use of these plants, targeting the smallholders, wider use of appropriate improved technologies at farm level, and greater attention to their ecophysiological values. Agricultural research aimed at these specific areas is essential for sustainable agricultural development in the country. Implications for future research in plant breeding and agronomy are highlighted.
Science, Governance and Multifunctionality of European Agriculture
Authors: Tait Joyce
Published: September 2010

The European Research Area (ERA) initiative is particularly relevant to agriculture and to the issues of science and governance. European policy development for agriculture increasingly focuses on multifunctionality as its target and its organizing principle. At all levels — regional, national, European and international — Europe will need creative and constructive policy thinking based on evidence from both social and natural sciences, integrated across the various research disciplines. This will provide the internal coherence and consistency that will give Europe the important voice it warrants in international negotiations. This paper notes some of the challenges and opportunities faced by European agriculture, particularly in coping with the major issues of enlargement of the EU, reform of the CAP and WTO negotiations on trade liberalization for agricultural products. The concept of multifunctionality, with its close links to sustainable development, will be an important strand in decision making on all these issues. However, Europe's agricultural system as a whole needs to be not just sustainable, but thriving on all levels if we are to achieve genuine multifunctionality. This will require a more constructive approach to technological innovation than is currently the case.
Agriculture and Environment in Relation to the European Research Area
Authors: Mikkelsen Søren A.
Published: September 2010

The relationship between agriculture and the environment is a subject of great public interest. It involves politicians, consumers, industry and farmers. Furthermore, it is a subject of specific European interest in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), CAP reform and the multifunctionality of agriculture. This makes agriculture and environment highly relevant subjects to discuss in relation to future joint European research. Research should aim at greater sustainability of agriculture, involving natural, economic and social sciences in an interdisciplinary approach. In this context, the further development of agri-environmental indicators is considered a valuable tool. Seven specific priority areas for joint European research, possibly by means of centres of excellence, are proposed.
Environmental Impacts of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling in Grassland Systems
Authors: Watson C.J. , Foy R.H.
Published: September 2010

Agricultural intensification of grassland has led to serious imbalances between inputs of nutrients (in purchased fertilizers, feeds and atmospheric deposition) and outputs (mainly milk and meat). Excess nutrients are lost into the wider environment with consequences for soil, water and atmospheric quality. This paper examines the environmental impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus use by the grassland-based agricultural industry of Northern Ireland. Results are presented from a recently completed experimental programme, which was undertaken to define the losses associated with nitrogen inputs to grazed grassland. Also examined is the contention that P use in grassland agriculture is now the major cause of the P enrichment of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles. A combination of strategies involving fertilizer management, manure management and dietary manipulation can have a significant impact on the flow and excesses of N and P in grassland systems. However, the rate at which improved management strategies will be introduced in practice depends on regulatory controls, the applicability of new techniques and the financial implications.
Should We Engage in Farmer-Participatory Research in the UK?
Authors: Edwards-Jones Gareth
Published: September 2010

Farmer-participatory research has become almost commonplace in many developing countries, but despite the apparent benefits of such a research approach, it has not been widely adopted in the UK or elsewhere in the developed world. This article briefly discusses the differences between participatory research and traditional research philosophies, and then goes on to explore whether or not participatory methods could be useful in the UK situation. It is concluded that no scientific or technical reasons appear to invalidate the use of participatory methods in the UK, and indeed some good examples of participatory research in the area of cooperative livestock breeding do exist. The main barriers to adoption are probably related to the functioning of existing institutions, the difficulty in obtaining funding for such research, and the prevalent attitudes of agricultural researchers (and their evaluators). In the short term, participatory research could be utilized in peripheral rural communities, funded by rural development money, or in other regions funded by agribusiness.
Nature's Fields: A Neglected Model for Increasing Food Production
Authors: Wood D. , Lenné J.
Published: September 2010

Natural ecosystems can offer attractive models for sustainable crop production, but hitherto only relatively complex vegetation has been considered. This review focuses on simple vegetation with a single dominant species. There are many reports of wild relatives of rice, sorghum and wheat in simple, extensive, often annual and apparently stable natural stands. These ‘wild fields’ could provide appropriate models for the ecologically sound management of cereal fields. The authors suggest that early farmers had a working knowledge of the ecology of wild cereal vegetation: this was important during cereal domestication and subsequently in crop management. There is a need for field research on monodominant wild cereal vegetation to confirm the value of simple natural models and to provide an ecological pedigree for the sustainable management of fields for food production.
Natural and Genetically Modified Baculoviruses: Environmentally Friendly Pest Control or an Ecological Threat?
Authors: Hails Rosemary
Published: September 2010

Insects are attacked by a wide range of pathogens, but the most well known group are the baculoviruses. There are several reasons why the baculoviruses are popular in agriculture as a means of pest control. Insects become infected by eating contaminated food, so spraying a crop is an effective means of transmitting the pathogen, and the infection is usually lethal. Baculoviruses do not infect vertebrates, and are therefore considered to be safe and selective. Nevertheless, their use has remained fairly limited due to the time taken for an infection to kill the insect. Genetic modification provides new potential to develop these pathogens as pest control agents, but what are the risks associated with their use?
The Functioning of European Grassland Ecosystems: Potential Benefits of Biodiversity to Agriculture
Authors: Minns Asher , Finn John , Hector Andy , Caldeira Maria , Joshi Jasmin , Palmborg Cecillia , Schmid Bernhard , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Spehn Eva ,   Andreas Troumbis and the BIODEPTH project
Published: September 2010

About half the farmland of Europe is grassland pasture or hay meadow, and much is impoverished in plant species due to the addition of fertilizers and pesticides, agricultural re-sowing, habitat fragmentation, land abandonment and changes in grazing and mowing regimes. Given this widespread reduction, it is important to understand the effect that loss of biodiversity is having upon our wider environment. Here the authors summarize the main results from the BIODEPTH project, the first multinational, large-scale experiment to examine directly the relationship between plant diversity and the processes that determine the functioning of ecosystems. The results suggest that preserving and restoring grassland diversity may be beneficial to maintaining desirable levels of several ecosystem processes, and may therefore have applications in land management and agriculture.
The OX Ploughing System in Ethiopia: Can it be Sustained?
Authors: Aune Jens B. , Bussa Matewos Tera , Asfaw Fenta Gugsa , Ayele Abyie Alemu
Published: September 2010

In some areas of Ethiopia access to oxen is considered to be a more important production resource than land. The reasons for oxen's strong position there are related to the predominance of cereal cultivation, dry climate and heavy soils. In parts of Ethiopia there are more oxen than cows. Households with a pair of oxen are in general the richest households and those without oxen have to pay up to 50% of the harvest to have their land ploughed. Alternatives to ox ploughing, such as cow traction, hoe tillage or zero tillage, may develop in the future.
Enhancing Sustainable Production and Genetic Resource Conservation of Bambara Groundnut: A Survey of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge Systems
Authors: Anchirinah Vincent M. , Yiridoe Emmanuel K. , Bennett-Lartey S.O.
Published: September 2010

Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterranea) is so important in most of Africa, and potentially so in other tropical regions, that improvement of its production — especially on a commercial scale — and of its germplasm both deserve renewed and intensive scientific study. Yet, compared with other legumes (such as groundnuts, beans and cowpeas), bambara groundnut has received almost no research or extension attention, although in Ghana and other parts of Africa, it has a higher market value (on a per unit weight basis) than these other legumes. Improving indigenous farm management systems and methods that have resulted from age-old experience and tradition will be difficult for local farmers if they are completely entrenched in their habits. Thus, a survey was conducted to identify and document the traditional farm management practices and key considerations used in bambara groundnut production, along with indigenous knowledge systems linked to the conservation of bambara groundnut germplasm. The study was conducted in the Upper West region of Ghana, which is an area with considerable bambara groundnut genetic diversity. Valuable information on its production and genetic resources exists within the indigenous knowledge systems studied, and ranges from economic and agronomic criteria for peasant farmer selection of particular varieties and traditional uses of the crop, to strategies for the management and conservation of locally adapted varieties, pest and disease management, and environmental and ecological monitoring systems. Research and extension requirements for improving crop production were identified. In addition, germplasm was collected and characterized for conservation.
Cooperation between Technical Universities and Industry and Effects on Manufacturing in Russia
Authors: Mitin B. S. , Grabilnikov A. S.
Published: September 2010

This paper deals with historical and contemporary aspects of engineering education in Russia. The authors assess cooperation among Russian universities and industrial enterprises, using the aerospace industry as an example. They present the results of close cooperation between leading Russian aerospace companies during the national economic crisis of the past few years. Examples of positive results from international cooperation within the framework of the Russian–British International Aerospace School are analysed from the point of view of current and future international aerospace projects.
NHS Trusts, Universities and Industry
Authors: Chantler K.T. , Duff E.J. , Davies L.B.
Published: September 2010

The realization of market value from research outputs is increasingly an objective of the UK National Health Service (NHS), universities and industry. All recognize that this can be achieved more effectively through collaborative relationships, increasingly as equal partnerships, with each partner contributing its own expertise and facilities towards a common goal. The benefits are likely to be measured in more cost-effective research, job creation and increasing wealth. The benefits for the NHS include more cost-effective healthcare and quality of service. For industry, there are new products and processes with which to expand its product base and which are increasingly expensive to develop in-house. For universities, there is the potential for income generation to reinvest in further research. Severally, each type of organization can contribute; jointly, the development of synergistic interactions may provide a powerful argument to dispel the charge that the UK, whilst good at invention, is poor at innovation. This paper describes a model for university–NHS Trust collaboration in innovation management being evaluated in Northwest England by the ‘manIP’ project (a collaborative partnership between the three ‘Teaching’ NHS Trusts and the four Greater Manchester universities).