bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses to song playback vary with the vocal performance of both signal senders and receivers
Authors: Moseley Dana L. , Lahti David C. , Podos Jeffrey
Published: August 2013

Mating signals of many animal species are difficult to produce and thus should indicate signaler quality. Growing evidence suggests that receivers modulate their behaviour in response to signals with varying performance levels, although little is known about if and how responses are affected by receiver attributes. To explore this topic we conducted two experiments with swamp sparrows,
Melospiza georgiana
, in which we challenged territorial males with playback of songs with trill rates that were natural, digitally reduced, or digitally elevated (control-, low- and high-performance stimuli, respectively). In our first experiment, we found that males responded more aggressively to control songs than to low-performance stimuli, that low-performance stimuli with the most severe trill-rate reductions elicited the weakest aggressive responses, and that the subjects' own trill rates predicted aggressive responses. In our second experiment, we found that male responses to high-performance stimuli varied significantly, in ways predicted by two factors: the degree to which we had elevated stimulus performance levels of high-performance stimuli, and subjects' own vocal performance levels. Specifically, males were less aggressive towards stimuli for which we had elevated performance levels to higher degrees, and subject males with higher vocal performances themselves responded more aggressively. These findings together offer a novel illustration of how responses to aggressive signals may rely not just on signal attributes, but also on attributes of responding animals themselves.
Finding the ‘lost years’ in green turtles: insights from ocean circulation models and genetic analysis
Authors: Putman Nathan F. , Naro-Maciel Eugenia
Published: August 2013

Organismal movement is an essential component of ecological processes and connectivity among ecosystems. However, estimating connectivity and identifying corridors of movement are challenging in oceanic organisms such as young turtles that disperse into the open sea and remain largely unobserved during a period known as ‘the lost years’. Using predictions of transport within an ocean circulation model and data from published genetic analysis, we present to our knowledge, the first basin-scale hypothesis of distribution and connectivity among major rookeries and foraging grounds (FGs) of green turtles (
Chelonia mydas
) during their ‘lost years’. Simulations indicate that transatlantic dispersal is likely to be common and that recurrent connectivity between the southwestern Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic is possible. The predicted distribution of pelagic juvenile turtles suggests that many ‘lost years hotspots’ are presently unstudied and located outside protected areas. These models, therefore, provide new information on possible dispersal pathways that link nesting beaches with FGs. These pathways may be of exceptional conservation concern owing to their importance for sea turtles during a critical developmental period.
Rates of dinosaur limb evolution provide evidence for exceptional radiation in Mesozoic birds
Authors: Benson Roger B. J. , Choiniere Jonah N.
Published: August 2013

Birds are the most diverse living tetrapod group and are a model of large-scale adaptive radiation. Neontological studies suggest a radiation within the avian crown group, long after the origin of flight. However, deep time patterns of bird evolution remain obscure because only limited fossil data have been considered. We analyse cladogenesis and limb evolution on the entire tree of Mesozoic theropods, documenting the dinosaur–bird transition and immediate origins of powered flight. Mesozoic birds inherited constraints on forelimb evolution from non-flying ancestors, and species diversification rates did not accelerate in the earliest flying taxa. However, Early Cretaceous short-tailed birds exhibit both phenotypic release of the hindlimb and increased diversification rates, unparalleled in magnitude at any other time in the first 155 Myr of theropod evolution. Thus, a Cretaceous adaptive radiation of stem-group birds was enabled by restructuring of the terrestrial locomotor module, which represents a key innovation. Our results suggest two phases of radiation in Avialae: with the Cretaceous diversification overwritten by extinctions of stem-group birds at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary, and subsequent diversification of the crown group. Our findings illustrate the importance of fossil data for understanding the macroevolutionary processes generating modern biodiversity.
Strigolactones Stimulate Internode Elongation Independently of Gibberellins
Authors: de Saint Germain Alexandre , Ligerot Yasmine , Dun Elizabeth A. , Pillot Jean-Paul , Ross John J. , Beveridge Christine A. , Rameau Catherine
Published: August 2013

Strigolactone (SL) mutants in diverse species show reduced stature in addition to their extensive branching. Here, we show that this dwarfism in pea (Pisum sativum) is not attributable to the strong branching of the mutants. The continuous supply of the synthetic SL GR24 via the root system using hydroponics can restore internode length of the SL-deficient rms1 mutant but not of the SL-response rms4 mutant, indicating that SLs stimulate internode elongation via RMS4. Cytological analysis of internode epidermal cells indicates that SLs control cell number but not cell length, suggesting that SL may affect stem elongation by stimulating cell division. Consequently, SLs can repress (in axillary buds) or promote (in the stem) cell division in a tissue-dependent manner. Because gibberellins (GAs) increase internode length by affecting both cell division and cell length, we tested if SLs stimulate internode elongation by affecting GA metabolism or signaling. Genetic analyses using SL-deficient and GA-deficient or DELLA-deficient double mutants, together with molecular and physiological approaches, suggest that SLs act independently from GAs to stimulate internode elongation.
Benchmarking the state of humanitarian aid and disaster relief
Authors: Fawcett Amydee M. , Fawcett Stanley E.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

A review of relief‐and‐recovery glitches related to natural disasters revealed four main issues that hinder the effectiveness of relief efforts. A common theme across these issues is a need for a more holistic systems design to provide better coordination within humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR). This paper addresses this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper using systems design theory to frame the extant literature and delineate the challenges and opportunities in HADR with respect to environment, processes, and goals. With the focus on systems design, the authors use fundamental principles of systems thinking to identify core issues and questions that require the attention of future research.

Findings

HADR supply chains are made up of a complex set of players. By answering the questions the paper have proposed using systems thinking, these organizations can be motivated to coordinate efforts in the HADR supply chain to create a more cohesive response effort.

Research limitations/implications

Progress is needed to transition from temporary to synchronized, “borderless” HADR supply chain networks. The result would be that HADR supply chains would more effectively reduce suffering and operate at lower total costs – two goals that are worth pursuing.

Originality/value

This paper is written in response to Richey's call for a more theoretical base in HADR research. Addressing the proposed research questions introduced in this paper will increase HADR system transparency, allowing us to better evaluate theoretically the governance and synchronization mechanisms required to enhance collaboration and improve HADR effectiveness.
Time‐based competition
Authors: Tammela Iara , Canen Alberto G. , Helo Petri
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The strategic aim of this paper is to investigate whether time‐based competition (TBC) strategies are related to cultural aspects. In addition, the influences of company decision‐making and the success of competitive strategies in diverse globalised markets will be examined. Based on a multicultural perspective, the way time is considered depends on different assumptions among countries and cultures, as well as organisational patterns of decision‐making for a variety of business areas and services. TBC and its relationship to logistics and multiculturalism through the international benchmarking of furniture companies are then explored.

Design/methodology/approach

TBC and cultural perceptions in furniture manufacturing companies located in Brazil and Scandinavia were investigated. Data were collected from furniture companies by questionnaires and were analysed through descriptive statistics and multivariate techniques. The research presented here is part of a larger study that focuses on TBC strategies and multiculturalism in the furniture industry.

Findings

Data were collected from furniture companies located in different countries. The findings illustrate that there is a correlation between TBC strategies and cultural variables, as well as between TBC and seeking for local partnerships.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in addressing relationships between TBC strategies, cultural aspects and the role of partnerships to improve logistics management competitiveness. To date, this area has received little attention in the literature. Likewise, the results point to partnerships being necessary to improve TBC and logistics strategies.
The grey textures of practice and knowledge: review and framework
Authors: Guzman Gustavo
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper was to review the knowledge and practice‐related literature, as well as to develop a theoretical framework that functions like a sorting device, in order to improve our understanding about how theories are turned into practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper that discusses the relationships between practice and knowledge using practice‐based lenses.

Findings

This paper discusses the relationships between diverse forms of knowledge and practice, and it elaborates the cognitive mechanisms used to know how to shift from the inside to the outside view, andvice versa.

Research limitations/implications

By organising a wide range of knowledge‐ and practice‐related concepts into meaningful categories, this paper contributes to overcoming the use of the concepts of knowledge and practice as universal.

Practical implications

By recognising the implicit epistemological stance associated with the diverse theories and concepts, the framework may be useful in selecting the most suitable practice concepts and theories for specific situations, especially since they are not universal and are usually developed with different purposes.

Originality/value

The proposed framework contributes to improve our understanding about how theories are turned into practice.
Differences and similarities of the internationalization processes of multinational companies from developed and emerging countries
Authors: Amal Mohamed , Baffour Awuah Gabriel , Raboch Henrique , Andersson Svante
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper aims, by a direct comparison, to address the differences and similarities of the internationalization processes of multinational companies both from developed and emerging countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed qualitative approach, using an integrated model of internationalization process. Multiple case studies, with two companies with significant involvement in foreign markets and originating in countries with different levels of development, were carried out.

Findings

The results reveal that the case companies show some differences with regards to their use of ownership advantages to facilitate their internationalization. On the other hand, learning and experience of internationalization, coupled with the use of networks, have been factors that have influenced the pace and the pattern of the case companies' internationalization. An integrated model, which includes variables related to networks and learning/experience, may contribute to the understanding of the case of multinational companies from emerging economies.

Originality/value

Although the research field of emerging multinationals has been growing lately, very few attempts have been made in the sense of directly comparing the internationalization process of firms from both developed and emerging countries. The authors proposed an integrated analytical model that draws on insights from the eclectic paradigm and the Uppsala internationalization model.
Rethinking differences and inequality at the age of globalization
Authors: Ada Cheng Shu‐Ju
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the case of white immigrant women domestics’ experiences in migration to demonstrate that their work experiences are different due to their whiteness. While their racial identity provides them with white privileges, they still face discrimination based on their occupational and immigrant statuses. The case study adds to existing literature on domestic service.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study is based on several years of ethnographic work. The author conducted in‐depth interviews with Polish immigrant women and white female employers. The author also held focus groups with Polish women.

Findings

White immigrant women from Poland do not automatically assume the white racial identity in the USA. Their whiteness is constructed and reinforced through their interactions with their white female employers. Their whiteness renders their experiences different from racial minority women and immigrant women of color. However, Polish domestics construct their positive work identity to counteract the negative images about them and domestic service as an occupation.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation the author sees is that the author could have conducted interviews with Mexican immigrant women to compare the differences in terms of their working conditions.

Practical implications

While Polish domestics seem to have better experiences than other groups of immigrant women, domestic workers are excluded from the labor law. They are thus without the protection of labor law. It is important for us to work for the right of immigrant workers to eradicate the inequality in society.

Social implications

This case shows that the transnational labor migration contributes to further inequality in society since it is usually the migrant workers who take up the low skilled or unskilled work that has few possibilities for promotion and has few benefits. The government needs to address the transnational migration process and the exploitation of migrant workers ensuing from the process.

Originality/value

Polish immigrant women are a unique group of women mainly because they are among the few white women who perform domestic service. Their experiences are different from racial minority women and immigrant women of color. Merging the whiteness approach and domestic service is an innovative approach.
Collective employee representation in German companies
Authors: Hauser‐Ditz Axel , Hertwig Markus , Pries Ludger
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the distribution and the contextual conditions of statutory and non‐statutory forms of employee representation in Germany (works councils and non‐statutory employee representation (NSRs) respectively). It aims to contribute to the debate by proposing a theoretical model which improves our understanding of why works councils and NSRs exist in companies and by presenting an empirical analysis of the explanatory factors based on representative data.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a representative survey of 3,254 German private‐sector companies, descriptive statistics and regression models are calculated in order to identify the contextual conditions which promote or prevent the establishment of the different forms of employee representation.

Findings

The data show that the distribution of works councils and NSRs differs considerably between industries. Works councils are more likely to be found in large and relatively old traditional‐sector companies with a high union density, while NSRs have a stronghold in (new) service sectors and smaller companies. NSRs are also more likely to be found in companies where management has a positive attitude towards employee involvement.

Research limitations/implications

Although case studies indicate that there is a huge variety of NSRs, this study could only use a relatively broad category. Future survey research should analyse the various types of NSRs and works councils.

Social implications

Works councils are still the main form of employee representation and the German model of industrial relations appears to be stable in terms of firm‐level employee representation. However, with new service sectors becoming increasingly important (due to socio‐economic development), this model may be in jeopardy.

Originality/value

This paper extends previous research on the distribution and contextual conditions of works councils by providing a comprehensive analysis of works councils and NSRs, based on a representative survey that includes a variety of variables which have strong effects, but have not previously been examined in other studies.
The promised land? Why social inequalities are systemic in the creative industries
Authors: Ruth Eikhof Doris , Warhurst Chris
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of why social inequalities and discrimination remain in the creative industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper synthesizes existing academic and industry research and data, with a particular focus on the creative media industries.

Findings

The paper reveals that existing understanding of the lack of diversity in the creative industries’ workforce is conceptually limited. Better understanding is enabled through an approach centred on the creative industries’ model of production. This approach explains why disadvantage and discrimination are systemic, not transitory.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that current policy assumptions about the creative industries are misguided and need to be reconsidered. The findings also indicate how future research of the creative industries ought to be framed.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel synthesis of existing research and data to explain how the creative industries’ model of production translates into particular features of work and employment, which then translate into social inequalities that entrench discrimination based on sex, race and class.
The perception of undergraduate students towards accountants and the role of accountants in driving organizational change
Authors: Nga Joyce K.H. , Wai Mun Soo
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This study aims to bridge the research gap on the perception of accountants, intention to pursue an accounting career and the role of accountants in driving organizational change among undergraduates in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample comprises 279 undergraduate students from a business school in Malaysia. The constructs of the study are leadership, ethical values, professionalism and role of accountants as drivers of change. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha are used to assess validity and reliability. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression are employed for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The study found that students perceive accountants positively in leadership, professionalism and ethical values. However, only leadership and professionalism exert a significant positive influence on the role of the accountant as a driver of change. Ethical values was not only insignificant but had a negative relationship.

Practical implications

The study suggests that there may be avenues for the profession to improve its branding to engage and retain future talent. It is imperative to embed greater emphasis of ethical values, as well as make business education more engaging.

Originality/value

The study explores the perception of the accounting profession among future business leaders in a developing nation. The findings show that students appear to perceive extrinsic characteristics (leadership and professionalism) as more important than intrinsic (ethical values) in driving organizational change.
Creating future leaders: an examination of youth leadership development in Australia
Authors: Eva Nathan , Sendjaya Sen
Published: August 2013

Purpose

In light of the research‐practice gap in youth leadership development, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of youth leadership development in Australia, on the basis of a multidimensional and holistic framework of servant leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, three separate studies were conducted to achieve the above purpose, namely 33 interviews with student leaders; ten interviews with secondary college teachers and principals, as well as youth leadership facilitators; and 97 survey responses from recent secondary college graduates.

Findings

There exists a significant gap between the perceptions of the students and those of the teachers/facilitators on what is being taught and what is required in youth leadership development programs. The study reveals that students have little exposure to ethics training throughout their leadership programs. The application of a holistic framework of servant leadership in youth leadership development programme is recommended and discussed.

Originality/value

A framework in which to develop holistic leadership concepts, characteristics and competencies within students was developed from the findings. This framework can be used as the basis for teaching and developing young leaders in particular, as well as in more general leadership programs.
Progress in female education and employment in the United Arab Emirates towards Millennium Development Goal (3): gender equality
Authors: Kemp Linzi J.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the progress in the United Arab Emirates towards achievement of Millennium Development Goal (3), “gender equality”, by the target date of 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Demographic, social, and labor force statistics are collected from United Arab Emirates' government reports, the World Economic Forum, and UNESCO. Analysis is conducted to investigate current trends of gender equality in education and employment.

Findings

Results for the education of women have been at a consistently high level for some years. Two themes are found for such progress: a government strategy to increase women's access to education; societal acceptance of educated women. Gender equality in employment is slow due to three themes: study choice dictates employment potential; recruitment within a narrow range of occupations; employment more likely within public sector employment. The future of gender equality in the United Arab Emirates will continue to be more positive for women in education than for employment.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is the paucity of academic study about gender equality in education and employment in the United Arab Emirates. Reliability and validity of the study is somewhat limited by unverified, non‐specific, and older data on education and employment.

Practical implications

Improved strategies to increase study choice are required to enlarge the scope of women's careers. Management of the talent pool of educated females can increase women's share of paid employment in the future.

Social implications

A faster rate of change is required towards societal acceptance of women in employment to match female educational attainment.

Originality/value

The research is important for two reasons relevant for achievement of MDG (3) by 2015. Remarkable progress has been made on gender equality in education, and awareness is raised on limitations in the future for the employment of women.
UN Millennium Development Goals and gender equality in employment in the Middle East
Authors: Frederick Littrell Romie , Bertsch Andy
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address issues relating to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG) in the Middle East, analysing socio‐cultural issues having direct relevance to the region's progress toward “Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women”.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ meta‐analyses with data from the United Nations, the Arab Human Development Report, and various sources of measurement of national means for Hofstede's five‐dimensional model of cultural value.

Findings

The authors find that the percentage of women in employment, excluding the agricultural sector, in their sample of Middle East countries has declined since 2000, while in the samples of other Muslim‐majority and all other countries the percentage employed has increased.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the authors' research are that complete sets of data for women in employment are not available for all years for all countries in their samples.

Practical implications

Implications for practice for governments and businesses in Middle East countries are that women are a valuable economic resource which is being excluded from contribution and for the past decade the change in the Middle East has been in a negative direction.

Social implications

The economic contributions and rights of women in the Middle East lag behind most of the developed and developing nations, including other Muslim‐majority nations.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence from publicly available data concerning the employment status of women in Middle Eastern nations. The authors found no similar empirical studies in the literature. The study is of value to planners and policy‐makers in business, government, and non‐governmental organisations.
Use of self-organizing suppression and q-Gaussian mutation in artificial immune systems
Authors: Shimo Helder Ken , Tinos Renato
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose two operators for diversity and mutation control in artificial immune systems (AISs).

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed operators are applied in substitution to the suppression and mutation operators used in AISs. The proposed mechanisms were tested in the opt-aiNet, a continuous optimization algorithm inspired in the theories of immunology. The traditional opt-aiNet uses a suppression operator based on the immune network principles to remove similar cells and add random ones to control the diversity of the population. This procedure is computationally expensive, as the Euclidean distances between every possible pair of candidate solutions must be computed. This work proposes a self-organizing suppression mechanism inspired by the self-organizing criticality (SOC) phenomenon, which is less dependent on parameter selection. This work also proposes the use of the q-Gaussian mutation, which allows controlling the form of the mutation distribution during the optimization process. The algorithms were tested in a well-known benchmark for continuous optimization and in a bioinformatics problem: the rigid docking of proteins.

Findings

– The proposed suppression operator presented some limitations in unimodal functions, but some interesting results were found in some highly multimodal functions. The proposed q-Gaussian mutation presented good performance in most of the test cases of the benchmark, and also in the docking problem.

Originality/value

– First, the self-organizing suppression operator was able to reduce the complexity of the suppression stage in the opt-aiNet. Second, the use of q-Gaussian mutation in AISs presented better compromise between exploitation and exploration of the search space and, as a consequence, a better performance when compared to the traditional Gaussian mutation.
Task‐technology fit for reverse logistics performance
Authors: Huscroft Joseph R. , Hazen Benjamin T. , Hall Dianne J. , Hanna Joe B.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Information technology is a key enabler of logistics performance. Unfortunately, most logistics information systems are implemented with forward logistics processes in mind, with little, if any, consideration for the reverse channel. Informed by task‐technology fit theory, the authors aim to explore how use of complementary information technologies to support reverse logistics processes can lead to enhanced process performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a survey method to gather data from logistics professionals who are positioned within various reverse logistics functions. Using reverse logistics processing effectiveness and reverse logistics cost effectiveness as dependent variables, the authors use multiple regression to examine the relationships between indicators of task‐technology fit and reverse logistics performance.

Findings

The authors’ models explain 49 percent and 30 percent of the variance in reverse logistics cost effectiveness and processing effectiveness, respectively. Information technology use and reverse logistics technology innovativeness are shown to enhance levels of reverse logistics cost effectiveness; information system compatibility and reverse logistics technology innovativeness are shown to enhance levels of reverse logistics processing effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Although limited by the sample frame, the authors’ findings remain consistent with task‐technology fit theory and suggest that employing information technologies that are designed to complement reverse logistics processes can lead to increased reverse logistics process performance.

Practical implications

This study supports the notion that more attention should be given to reverse logistics processes. In order to achieve maximum return on investment, managers should consider allocating resources toward information technologies and systems that directly support reverse logistics.

Originality/value

This research employs a theory that has seen little attention in the logistics literature to provide insight into how use of complementary information technology can enhance reverse logistics processes.
Six days on the road
Authors: Kemp Elyria , Kopp Steven W. , Kemp Eramus
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This research aims to examine the stressors that professional truck drivers experience and the impact these stressors may have on road safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Both quantitative and qualitative data gathered from 435 professional drivers measured attitudes and behaviors related to safety and compliance. Interviews with professional truck drivers provided an assessment of the stressors that they experience. The insights offered from these individuals were then integrated into a conceptual model. The model was tested via data collected through surveys administered to drivers using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results from the interviews, as well as the results from the survey administered to professional drivers, suggest that truck drivers experience severe time pressures. Such time pressures create stress which can lead to physical fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Further, both of these debilitating conditions are related to negative attitudes about safety compliance and the current CSA regulation. Additionally, negative attitudes about safety compliance standards are positively related to violation of hours of service regulations.

Originality/value

Findings call into question the effectiveness of the new regulation with regard to commercial transportation as well as possibly suggesting that drivers of automobiles might play a role in helping to ameliorate vehicular crash rates.
SME supply chain portfolios: firm satisfaction and organization resources
Authors: Tokman Mert , Glenn Richey R. , Morgan Tyler R. , Marino Louis , Dickson Pat H.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the combination of relational and organizational resource factors that influence small‐to‐medium‐sized firm satisfaction with their supply chain portfolio performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs two complementary theoretical lenses frequently used in the explanation of relationship performance, resource‐based view of the firm and strategic behavior theory. The authors then used an international survey based in three Northern European countries to test their hypotheses with hierarchical linear regression.

Findings

The quantitative analysis supports all three hypotheses indicating that supply chain portfolio flexibility is an important determinant for small‐to‐medium‐sized firm satisfaction with supply chain portfolio performance. Additionally, firm alliance orientation and entrepreneurial orientation both significantly influence the relationship between supply chain flexibility and performance satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the categorization of the supply chain portfolio flexibility types as high and low resource linkages by the researchers. Future research may look at additional ways to measure individual agreements and have firms categorize them according to resource requirements. However, the findings of this research provide a theoretical and empirical foundation through the application of resource‐based view of the firm and strategic behavior theory for future research in the area of small‐to‐medium‐sized firms and their satisfaction with supply chain portfolios.

Practical implications

Important managerial implications are found for small to medium‐sized firms and larger firms that work with them when managing portfolio satisfaction. This research indicates that it makes sense for managers to consider categorizing supply chain relationships similar to the way they categorize their end‐user relationships. This allows small‐to‐medium‐sized firms across the portfolio to be segmented into groups where appropriate relationship maintenance can take place and where more suitable satisfaction goals can be defined in terms of operational metrics.

Originality/value

The framework developed in this paper provides insights on small‐to‐medium‐sized firm satisfaction with supply chain portfolio performance. This research stimulates a new research stream towards an integrated theory of supply chain portfolio management.
Leadership style and organizational innovativeness drive motor carriers toward sustained performance
Authors: Overstreet Robert E. , Hanna Joe B. , Byrd Terry A. , Cegielski Casey G. , Hazen Benjamin T.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the complex relationships between transformational leadership, organizational innovativeness, and motor carrier performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A covariance‐based structural equation model was developed, tested and validated to explain the effect of leadership style and innovativeness on motor carrier performance. The authors’ hypotheses were tested using responses from 158 North American motor carriers.

Findings

The results support a direct as well as an indirect positive relationship between transformational leadership and organizational performance. Through the theoretical lens of dynamic capabilities theory, the results indicate that leaders motivate organizational change based on their own idiosyncrasies and perceptions of the environment.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited by its focus on the motor carrier industry and may limit the generalizability of the findings. While the sample of motor carriers was selected at random, the individuals within each of the organizations were purposively selected based on their positions.

Practical implications

The results indicate that the proactive leader who makes calculated changes is likely to chart a course towards enhanced organizational innovativeness and performance that may provide the firm with a sustained competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This is one of the few works investigating leadership style and innovativeness in the motor carrier industry.
Default in a government‐sponsored agricultural loan programme in South‐Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Nwachukwu Jacinta
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The Imo State Supervised Agricultural Credit Loans Board (ISACLB) has outright default rates of more than 50 percent. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify the major characteristics of the Board's beneficiaries who completely failed to honour their repayment commitment as opposed to those who partially repaid.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on 36 potential causes of delinquency were collected through questionnaires distributed to 182 defaulters across ISACLB's three regional zones from 1987 to 1997; ISACLB's only completed loan cycle. Descriptive statistics were obtained using the odds ratio technique. Thereafter, a binary logistic regression estimated the marginal effect on the outright default probabilities of each factor.

Findings

ISACLB's large overdue problem was strongly linked to four key factors: age of borrowers, frequency of visits by loan officers‐cum‐extension agents, amount of savings deposits with informal clubs and total annual savings.

Research limitations/implications

The primary drawback is the small size of the sample study, as well as the failure to correctly classify the partial defaulters in terms of the stage in the loan cycle at which they actually ceased to repay.

Practical implications

In general, initiatives to attract young entrepreneurs, as well as to incorporate a FINCA‐type savings scheme into the design of ISACLB's future lending programme should help to resolve its overdue dilemma.

Social implications

Older traditional farmers are the principal defaulters. A targeted monitoring, training and information provision appears to be required.

Originality/value

There are very few econometric studies dealing specifically with the characteristics of outright and partial microcredit defaulters.
Twitter data collecting tool with rule‐based filtering and analysis module
Authors: Byun Changhyun , Lee Hyeoncheol , Kim Yanggon , Ko Kim Kwangmi
Published: August 2013

Purpose

It is difficult to build our own social data set because data in social media is generally too vast and noisy. The aim of this study is to specify design and implementation details of the Twitter data collecting tool with a rule‐based filtering module. Additionally, the paper aims to see how people communicate with each other through social networks in a case study with rule‐based analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a java‐based data gathering tool with a rule‐based filtering module for collecting data from Twitter. This paper introduces the design specifications and explain the implementation details of the Twitter Data Collecting Tool with detailed Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams. The Model View Controller (MVC) framework is applied in this system to support various types of user interfaces.

Findings

The Twitter Data Collecting Tool is able to gather a huge amount of data from Twitter and filter the data with modest rules for complex logic. This case study shows that a historical event creates buzz on Twitter and people's interests on the event are reflected in their Twitter activity.

Research limitations/implications

Applying data‐mining techniques to the social network data has so much potential. A possible improvement to the Twitter Data Collecting Tool would be an adaptation of a built‐in data‐mining module.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on designing a system handling massive amounts of Twitter Data. This is the first approach to embed a rule engine for filtering and analyzing social data. This paper will be valuable to those who may want to build their own Twitter dataset, apply customized filtering options to get rid of unnecessary, noisy data, and analyze social data to discover new knowledge.
Evaluating the corporate social performance of Islamic financial institutions: an empirical study
Authors: Salma Sairally Beebee
Published: August 2013

Purpose

In order to fulfill the Shari'ah objective of promoting the welfare of society, institutions offering Islamic financial services (IIFS) are expected to consciously align their decisions and actions so that they are “socially responsible”. An integral policy approach towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) would constitute assigning explicit social objectives to IIFS over and above their economic, legal, Shari'ah, and ethical responsibilities. Alternatively, the task of undertaking socially‐oriented projects could be argued to be a discretionary responsibility of IIFS, with the objective of CSR being sought merely as a peripheral practice. Recent debates on the evolution of the practice of Islamic finance highlighted the profit and economic efficiency motives of IIFS rather than their concern for socio‐economic equity and welfare. A divergence between the economics literature on Islamic finance and the course taken by the practical field of Islamic banking and finance has been argued to be arising over the years. An assessment of this contention motivates this study. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study seeks to assess the corporate social performance (CSP) of a sample of 46 IIFS, located worldwide, which have responded to a questionnaire survey and whose CSR practices have been further verified by content analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that the majority of the Islamic financial practitioners believed in attributing an integrated social role to IIFS. However, the practices of the IIFS reflected a more limited approach to CSR. Most of the IIFS were observed to be focused on meeting their legal, economic and Shari'ah responsibilities, that is, were concerned with the goals of profit maximisation and for their transactions to meet Shari'ah compliance. CSR was practised as a peripheral activity by the IIFS as opposed to being an integral, well thought‐out and deliberate policy decision of management.

Practical implications

If the welfare of Muslim communities and general human well‐being are to be promoted by IIFS – in line with the maqasid al‐Shari'ah – this study questions whether the organisational structure of IIFS should be revisited and be re‐orientated to facilitate their efficient performance in terms of contribution towards social development and human well‐being. The question about the most appropriate business model of the Islamic finance practice that will bring about such a socially responsible outcome is yet to be resolved. This could be an important area for future research.

Originality/value

This study rises to the call of some Islamic researchers who voiced out the need to assess the performance of IIFS vis‐à‐vis their social objectives. The study is among the pioneers to quantify CSR practices of IIFS by conducting an empirical analysis on the CSP of the IIFS.
Ease of programming and sophisticated sensors see robots advancing in transport logistics, palletizing, order picking and assembly
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of the many recent innovations such as 3D vision, hydrogen power and autonomous mobility in robot technology such as logistics, order filling, product handling, and assembly for more efficient handling of products in warehouse as well as manufacturing situations.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted with both the exhibitors and integrators of robots at the recent dual Automate‐ProMat shows.

Findings

Robot developments, such as easier programming, cheaper, more autonomous, and more versatile (two‐armed) units continue to address a rapidly increasing number of applications to move products in warehouse and manufacturing environments, assemble orders, perform product assembly tasks, automated measurements and conduct inspection and other quality guarantee tasks.

Practical implications

Robot advances such as lower prices, much easier programming, better versatility and more autonomy are opening many new applications to robotic answers. Hydrogen power can make mobile robots run longer between energy recharging for more up time.

Originality/value

Readers will learn how others are rapidly applying robots to many new applications, saving money, getting a fast return on their investment and solving many old material handling and manufacturing problems even if they did not attend the ProMat/Automate 2013 exhibition in Chicago.
Robotic vision boosts automotive industry quality and productivity
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a background to the use of robots by the automotive industry and describe a number of applications which illustrate the capabilities and importance of robotic machine vision technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an historical background to the use of robots by the automotive industry, this paper discusses a selection of applications which involve the use of robotic machine vision. Brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

This shows that robotic vision technology is playing an important and growing role within the automotive industry and can yield improved product quality and greater productivity.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates how robots equipped with machine vision are contributing to the automotive industry's needs for greater productivity and improved quality.
Characterization and experimental evaluation of gear transmission errors in an industrial robot
Authors: Slamani Mohamed , Bonev Ilian A.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper proposes a simple technique for assessing the effect of gear transmission errors in a six‐axis industrial serial robot, as these errors can vitally affect the industrial robot's positioning accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental procedure is developed using a laser interferometer system to measure bidirectional linear position errors for an ABB IRB 1600 industrial robot. A simple technique based on fast Fourier transformation (FFT) analysis is devised and implemented for the characterization, evaluation, and quantification of gear transmission errors. Structural deformation and backlash error are also discussed.

Findings

The authors found that the major sources of error affecting the performance of the robot come from joints two and three. They also found that eccentricity errors, structural deformations, and backlash are the most important sources of error affecting the accuracy and the repeatability of the industrial robot studied. Additional tests show that the robot's first joint has relatively poor bidirectional repeatability.

Practical implications

The usefulness of a laser tracker (or any other large range portable 3D measurement system) is questionable for assessing – let alone analyzing in depth – the gear transmission errors of some of today's industrial robots. The authors demonstrate in this paper that a laser interferometer system can successfully measure gear transmission errors very accurately. The proposed methodology is simple, efficient, and easy to use for the characterization and quantification of the errors.

Originality/value

This work is the first to detail the use of the laser interferometer system for the characterization of the gear transmission errors of an industrial robot. A methodology has been developed and implemented for very accurately quantifying the effects of gear transmission errors, structural deformations, and backlash. The proposed methodology greatly simplifies the measurement set‐up and accelerates error quantification.