bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International business ethics
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: September 2010

Purpose

While international corporate unethical behaviors seem to permeate uncontrollably, it is nevertheless, not an incurable dilemma. The paper aims to address the key steps in achieving such governance: chief ethics officer, tone‐at‐the‐top, and whistle‐blower hotlines. With that said, this paper will also address the value of unethical behavior, both from a macro and a micro perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an archival literature review to date on international corporate governance, and its challenges to achieve international corporate ethics compliance governance are analysed.

Findings

One of the greatest challenges for international corporations is establishing a setup that involves more than the board of directors and senior management, but every employee within the corporation. A key compliance challenge is creating an international corporate culture that tolerates and encourages employees to come forward and report improper conduct.

Originality/value

International corporate unethical behaviors are not myths, should not remain taboo, and should be addressed immediately, for it is not an incurable dilemma. Those who do not learn from one's corporate unethical behaviors are deemed to repeat it. Those who do not learn from others' corporate unethical behaviors are deemed to commit it. Reputation takes time to establish but takes less time to ruin.
FSA imposes largest ever fine on an individual
Authors: Bremner Elisabeth , Subramanian Sumitra
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the reason for the FSA's largest‐ever fine on an individual, for the FSA's continued emphasis on credible deterrence, and the likelihood of significant fines as a matter of course.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes Simon Eagle's role in a share ramping scheme, the FSA's findings in the Eagle case, and the upward trend in penalties imposed by the FSA in recent years.

Findings

The regulator has shown that it does not shy away from levying swingeing fines on individuals as well as firms, particularly in the case of those deemed not to have co‐operated.

Practical implications

In light of these developments, both individuals and firms should pay heed to the potentially heavy consequences they face should they fall foul of the rules.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
The new UK Financial Services Act 2010 makes significant reform; if trumped by recently elected coalition government proposals for a new regulatory structure
Authors: Yonge William
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize and explain the recently enacted UK Financial Services Act 2010 (the FS Act) and the coalition government's proposals for a new regulatory structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the purpose of the FS Act, the statutory objectives of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and the FS Act's provision of the FSA with: an explicit financial stability objective, extensive powers to require information, extended enforcement powers, the power to prohibit or require disclosure of short selling, the duty to require authorized firms to prepare and maintain recovery and resolution plans, the obligation to make remuneration rules and the requirement to establish a new consumer education body. Explains proposals dropped from the FS Bill to secure its enactment during the “wash‐up” process. Summarizes the recently announced coalition government proposals for reform of the UK financial services regulatory structure.

Findings

The FS Act is a legislative response by the predecessor government to the causes of the global financial crisis, delivering significant reforms that seek to enhance financial regulation. The FS Act mainly amends the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the FSMA) in order to give the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) new objectives and duties and extend its powers variously. The recently elected coalition government has announced proposals for a new regulatory structure likely to take effect in 2012.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
The influence of corporate image, relationship marketing, and trust on purchase intention: the moderating effects of word‐of‐mouth
Authors: Lin Long‐Yi , Lu Ching‐Yuh
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of corporate image and relationship marketing on trust, the impact of trust on consumer purchase intention, and the moderating effects of word‐of‐mouth between the influence of trust on consumer purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumers of an online travel agency in Taiwan aged over 18 were taken as the research sample. Primary data were collected through convenience sampling. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The main findings are: corporate image has a significantly positive influence on trust, and commodity image has the most significant influence on trust, followed by functional image and institution image; structural and financial relationship marketing has significantly positive influence on trust, and structural relationship marketing has greater influence on trust compared with financial relationship marketing; trust has a significantly positive influence on consumer purchase intention; and positive word‐of‐mouth has a moderating effect between the influences of trust on consumer purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include: the data obtained in this study only reflected the correlations and cause and effect among the variables studied during a specific period of time; this paper only focused on tour agencies; consumers who used only the most popular online tour agencies were selected. Therefore, the samples might involve some bias. The implications of this study include: different types of corporate image will have different levels of influence on consumer trust. There is a need to support the previous study that relationship marketing has a significantly positive influence on consumer trust. The moderating effects of positive word‐of‐mouth between the influences of trust on consumer purchase intention must be examined. The influence of trust on purchase intention must be considered.

Practical implications

The study findings reveal the need and importance for a company to improve corporate image continuously. The study indicates the need to emphasize the use of critical relationship marketing and to realize the nature and importance of the moderating effect of word‐of‐mouth.

Originality/value

The value of this study is combined theory and practical and finding four management implications and three practical implications.
A meta‐analysis of hotel performance. Continental or worldwide style?
Authors: Sainaghi Ruggero
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the focal points of “research styles” which emerge from segmenting previous studies above all on the (continental) geographic basis of the empirical evidence employed and in particular according to their European, American or Asiatic origin. These three areas account for 88 percent of the articles identified. Geographic importance is primarily related to contextual differences and consequently to diverse research designs, in terms both of the dependent and independent variables used.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a meta‐analysis of the literature. The databases for the observations proposed are made up of the main studies published in international journals in the last 20 years dealing with hospitality management, tourism and service management, despite having strategic management or special business functions as their focus, and using the hotel industry as their empirical basis. Bibliographical research made it possible to identify 180 articles.

Findings

The findings confirm the relevance of context in order to understand the research streams. 88 percent of the papers use evidence drawn from European (37 percent), Asian (32 percent), and North and Central American (19 percent) countries; five nations were taken as the basis for 67 percent of the articles examined. The present paper shows the strong link existing between the type of evidence used, research design (sample, kind of data, number of years), the choice of dependent and independent variables, thereby identifying three different research styles: European, American and Asiatic.

Originality/value

The conclusions show the strong influence which the source of evidence brings to bear on research design and hence on the factors characterizing the choice of dependent and independent variables. The conclusions also describe some evolutionary lines in the research which might reveal new perspectives in the studies of performance determinants.
Identifying future challenges for productivity research: evidence from Finland
Authors: Käpylä Jonna , Jääskeläinen Aki , Lönnqvist Antti
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to identify future challenges for productivity research.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was explorative and qualitative by nature. It was carried out using two approaches: literature review and empirical analysis based on 38 interviews. All the interviewees were well‐known Finnish productivity experts, including both practitioners and academics. Literature review included a systematic examination of a selected set of international productivity articles, Finnish doctoral dissertations, research reports and studies related to productivity projects.

Findings

The paper offers a view of the current status of the productivity research field, especially from the Finnish perspective. The key productivity challenges as well as research themes and questions, which were seen relevant in the light of these challenges, are presented. In addition, some recommendations for how to go forward in the productivity research are brought out.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to a Finnish point of view, and further research is needed to examine whether these findings apply also to other countries. There is a vast amount of existing productivity research available and, for practical reasons, the literature review focuses only on selected materials.

Practical implications

By bringing out productivity‐related opportunities and challenges, the paper creates understanding about the applicable means to improve productivity in the future.

Originality/value

The paper helps researchers to develop productivity research forwards to grab at future opportunities and challenges.
Training design and transfer: contributions of Six Sigma
Authors: Chow Alan F. , Gillespie Finney Treena , Woodford Kelly C.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to bring together the concepts of Six Sigma into the process of training design and training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts of the paper are supported with an actual example of their application to practice. The industrial example shows where the inclusion of the concepts of Six Sigma can make positive contributions to the design and transfer of training processes.

Findings

The application of the concepts to training design and transfer showed a positive contribution through a more structured process. Including the concepts of Six Sigma within the process of training design and transfer will provide the organization with additional support and structure to improve the overall success of the training design process, and improve the impact and effectiveness of the training itself.

Research limitations/implications

The single example of application may limit the successfulness of the overall concept to training design overall. Based on the successful application in one industrial training setting, the impression that the concepts will adequately translate to additional applications is favorable.

Practical implications

The success of the application shown in this paper suggests that further success is likely in other similar industrial applications. Expanding the application to other job training design processes should improve the overall process of training design in other areas and industries.

Originality/value

Training design and transfer are critical components to all areas of an organization that conducts any type of training. Application of these and other improvement methods and tools will improve the overall performance of the training process and the effectiveness of the training.
Total quality management practices and results in food companies
Authors: Psomas Evangelos L. , Fotopoulos Christos V.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to focus on the concept of total quality management (TQM) in a specific sector: the food sector. The purpose of this paper is to factorize the TQM concept by analyzing the TQM practices implemented and the results achieved from implementing such practices. It also aims to determine the means by which the quality management results are optimized.

Design/methodology/approach

A research project was carried out in 92 Greek food companies that were certified to ISO 9001:2000 and ELOT 1416 standard (hazard analysis critical control points, HACCP system certification). The data collection method used in this study was that of the questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to assess the reliability and validity of the latent constructs/factors (unobserved variables) of the TQM practices implemented and the respective results. The latent constructs/factors that had significant impact on the results achieved were determined through multiple linear regression analyses.

Findings

The analysis revealed four latent constructs/factors regarding the TQM practices and three latent constructs/factors regarding the results achieved through implementing such practices. According to the findings, a company's quality improvement is equally influenced by the adoption of quality practices by the top management as well as process and data quality management. A company's quality improvement was found to be the factor that primarily contributes to customer satisfaction, while the customer focus is proved to be of secondary significance. Finally, the findings showed that market benefits are derived from customer satisfaction and a company's internal quality improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size of the food companies participating in this study, the observed variables that were removed from the analysis for the benefit of the measurement model validity (convergent and discriminant) and finally the subjective character of the data collected are the limitations of the present study. However, these limitations suggest future research orientations.

Practical implications

The determination of reliable and valid latent constructs/factors of the TQM practices implemented may help food companies to focus their efforts in specific directions, in order to build and implement a robust TQM model. Furthermore, detecting reliable and valid latent constructs/factors of the results achieved through TQM practices implementation may motivate the food companies to strengthen their efforts in broadening their management system towards the TQM philosophy and business excellence. This may help food companies withstand the current business downturn.

Originality/value

The paper describes in a reliable and valid manner a framework that consists of the main pillars of the TQM practices implemented and the results achieved in a specific sector: the food sector.
Performance measurement and intranets: a natural partnership
Authors: Denton D. Keith
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how the intranet can be used to improve performance measurement and management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a reflective in nature with a need tool to help managers manage.

Findings

The importance of measuring performance and setting standards is well known. A good performance measurement system helps groups, departments, or organizations communicate their current situation and future needs. Therefore, it is critical to measure the right things and to provide critical real‐time information to decision makers. Today's intranets have the potential solve these issues.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into how intranets can aid performance measurement.
Talking the talk and walking the walk
Authors: Bradley Lisa , Brown Kerry , Lingard Helen , Townsend Keith , Bailey Caroline
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The construction industry in Australia is characterised by a long work‐hours culture, with conditions that make it difficult for staff to balance their work and non‐work lives. The objective of this paper is to measure the success of a work‐place intervention designed to improve work‐life balance (WLB) in an alliance project in the construction industry, and the role the project manager plays in this success.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on an alliance case study. Interviews were conducted at two points in time, several months apart, after the interventions were implemented.

Findings

Results showed that staff on the whole were more satisfied with their work experience after the interventions, and indicated the important role that managers' attitudes and behaviours played.

Originality/value

Managerial support for work‐life initiatives is a critical element in achieving WLB and satisfaction with working arrangements. The fact that the manager “talked the talk and walked the walk” was a major contributing success factor, which has not previously been demonstrated.
Effects of organizational support on components of virtual project teams
Authors: Drouin Nathalie , Bourgault Mario , Gervais Caroline
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Virtual project teams are teams whose members use technology to varying degrees in working across locational, temporal, and relational boundaries to accomplish an interdependent task. Work in virtual project teams is a challenge for many organizations. Having studied the issue for several years, the authors propose in this paper to delve deeper into the question from the point of view of organizational support. More specifically, this paper seeks to focus on the organizational support systems and mechanisms provided by firms to their virtual project teams and their impacts on the components of these teams. The objective is to identify the structural factors and processes related to virtual teams that are affected by organizational support systems and mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports exploratory empirical case studies of two Canadian‐based international high‐tech companies. In‐depth interviews were conducted with managers with experience in virtual project team management.

Findings

The same organizational support systems and mechanisms were found to exist in both companies. Functional processes were found to be the virtual team components that were most affected by the implementation of support systems and mechanisms. They are followed by communicational processes, which were substantially supported by various support systems and mechanisms in Company A but less supported in Company B. To a lesser extent, the relational processes of both firms were also affected, while structural factors affecting virtual project teams were almost entirely unsupported.

Practical implications

Virtual project teams require various kinds of commitments by corporate management. For example, we find that top management supports virtual project teams by means of human resources (HR), resource allocation, coordination, and communication support systems. These support systems facilitate project coordination and monitoring, information exchange and access, trust building and cohesion between team members. These findings enable practitioners to better understand the effects of organizational support on the components of virtual teams, so that greater attention is paid to the configuration of these components and support systems can be better designed to improve virtual project team performance.

Originality/value

Organizational support is considered to have a strong impact on project success. Few publications have examined organizational support for virtual project teams, and even fewer have focused on its effects on such teams. This paper should contribute to fostering a better understanding of the effects of organizational support on the components of virtual project teams.
An epistemological inquiry on the definition of law and justice
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the question posed in the literature: “What is the definition of law and justice?”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses the question from the vantage point of contrasting epistemological premises of liberalism and unity of knowledge.

Findings

Only the epistemology of unity of knowledge can answer the question as posed above. Rationalism and liberalism are unable to answer this question.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical section could be elaborated further, but this is beyond the scope of the paper.

Practical implications

The paper opens up a vista of applications in the area of institutional change and the moral and ethical edicts of law and justice for purposes of intellection and application.

Originality/value

The epistemological inquiry under unity of knowledge has answered the otherwise impending quest for an answer to the question that has remained unanswered.
Calling for independence
Authors: Doli Dren , Korenica Fisnik
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of regulators’ independence, with a special focus on the competition authorities’ independence. The aim of the paper is to present a broader view of the competition authorities’ independence, by specifically questioning the Western Balkans’ competition authorities’ independence.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context discussed, the politicization of competition authorities does commonly result in decisions with uncompetitive nature, whose interference in the functioning of the market economy is fundamental. In that line, this paper discusses and argues in favour of non‐politicized competition authorities’ membership, whose structure should be determined by the law. Therefore, this paper goes on to argue that, when the competition laws determine the appointment of competition authorities’ members biased by and conditional on political factors, it is likely that the competition in the market will be crucially harmed, meanwhile the market mechanism would be insufficient in performance.

Findings

The paper finds that the competition policy's independence can be assured through a competition authority whose membership is freed from political appointments, and whose membership represents a plural environment of interests.

Research limitations/implications

The paper limits itself to the organizational bases that precondition the competition authorities’ independence.

Originality/value

The paper provides/contributes for a new concept on competition authorities’ independence, and clarifies the limited role that the government can have in this regard. The paper can serve as a source of academic knowledge to both academicians and practitioners whose field of interest is market regulation.
Management by chance
Authors: Chowdhury Utpal Kumar
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an outline for conceptualizing an unprecedented factor responsible for awesome success or awful failure of every managerial course of action (COA). This typical factor is coined as “the unforeseen or unknown chance cause” (z) in this paper which aims at focusing on the constant interaction between known causes and z that resultantly shape failure or success of a COA.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to this critical topic is primarily based on the method of simple demonstration of z along with its main contender, knowledge factor, following the method of elementary geometric configurations for lucid representation. Finally, this study advocates a regulatory method which may help chief executive officers (CEOs) in their dealings with z in a proactive manner.

Findings

The outcomes of this course of research are: first, there are some unique features of z, namely, omnipresence, variability and regularity. Second, it is the tolerance limit factor (TLF) which, if properly empowered by knowledge quality, can regulate z. Third, management by chance (MBC), philosophically, is an eternal journey to the unforeseeable land of z.

Originality/value

This study enlightens the following new and original thoughts which are equally important for academics and for practitioners. First, z is no longer an exogenous factor as commonly believed, rather it dwells in the core of a firm's survival. Next, the pivotal point is identifying z promptly without any excuse. Finally, only z can provide freedom of thoughts otherwise impossible in this computerized internet bound world.
Environmentally sensitive disclosures and financial performance in a European setting
Authors: Dragomir Voicu D.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Is the natural environment a stakeholder of the firm? And is there a business case for achieving sustainability? The purpose of this paper is to trace a tripartite relationship, involving environmental disclosure, environmental performance, and financial performance of environmentally sensitive activities of companies in a European setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 60 of the largest European Union industrial business groups, extracted from the FTSEuroFirst 300, and an environmental disclosure index inspired by the Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines, form the basis for the content analysis of the most recent sustainability reports published before the end of 2008.

Findings

A significant association is found between contemporaneous environmental performance and disclosure, in that bigger polluters tend to disclose more on their activities, but only to a moderate statistical effect. However, no association is found between environmental performance and financial performance, as well as between environmental disclosure and contemporaneous firm performance.

Practical implications

This result suggests that even though big polluters tend to report more, the transparency level of their activities may not be sufficient for a viable assessment of sustainability. For such “environmentally challenged” companies, their reputation‐building strategy is mainly focused on preserving or repairing legitimacy.

Originality/value

The paper considers two complementary aspects: first, that the relationship between sustainability commitment and financial performance may be so weak that it is barely detectable; and second, that cross‐sectional studies may fail in capturing a relationship that is normally shaped over longer periods of time.
The Political Economy of Trust
Authors: Korczynski Marek
Published: September 2010

There has been a considerable rise in discourses concerning trust from a range of academic disciplines and perspectives. Unfortunately, many of these literatures have talked past, rather than to, each other. This paper develops an analysis of trust in economic activity through a dialogue between the disciplines of economics and sociology. It outlines the relationship of trust to economic co–operation and identifies a number of types of trust. The potential benefits of these different types of trust to advanced capitalist economies are identified. Consideration is given to the processes of trust creation and destruction in market economies. Particular emphasis here is on how far trust can be symbiotic with, or contradictory to, power and the market. With an analysis of the key properties of individual agents which make them more or less prone to trusting behaviour, the paper is then able to identify the critical factors likely to underlie high–trust and low–trust economies. This has important public policy implications given the potential benefits which trust can have for advanced economies.
Penrose’s Resource‐Based Approach: The Process and Product of Research Creativity
Authors: Kor Yasemin Y. , Mahoney Joseph T.
Published: September 2010

As this paper documents, Edith Tilton Penrose’s (1959) classic The Theory of the Growth of the Firm is one of the most influential books of the second half of the twentieth century bridging economics and management. Yet, there is little understanding of the process by which this classic came about and the lessons to be learned concerning research creativity. This paper explores Penrose’s (1959) ‘resources approach’ to the growth of the firm as an iterative process of scientific discovery via induction and scientific justification by deductive reasoning. We focus on: (1) the research process that led to Penrose’s (1959) classic; (2) the book’s contributions to management; (3) the generative nature of Penrose’sresearch for current resource‐based theory; and (4) future research building on Penrose’s ‘resources approach’.
Resources, Knowledge and Influence: The Organizational Effects of Interorganizational Collaboration*
Authors: Hardy Cynthia , Phillips Nelson , Lawrence Thomas B.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT Inter‐organizational collaboration has been linked to a range of important outcomes for collaborating organizations. The strategy literature emphasizes the way in which collaboration between organizations results in the sharing of critical resources and facilitates knowledge transfer. The learning literature argues that collaboration not only transfers existing knowledge among organizations, but also facilitates the creation of new knowledge and produce synergistic solutions. Finally, research on networks and interorganizational politics suggests that collaboration can help organizations achieve a more central and influential position in relation to other organizations. While these effects have been identified and discussed at some length, little attention has been paid to the relationship between them and the nature of the collaborations that produce them. In this paper, we present the results of a qualitative study that examines the relationship between the effects of interorganizational collaboration and the nature of the collaborations that produce them. Based on our study of the collaborative activities of a small, nongovernmental organization (NGO) in Palestine over a four‐year period, we argue that two dimensions of collaboration – embeddedness and involvement – determine the potential of a collaboration to produce one or more of these effects.
Sensemaking on the Shop Floor: Narratives of Knowledge in Organizations*
Authors: Patriotta Gerardo
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the role of narratives in organizational inquiry and knowledge work. Following the tenets of the phenomenological method, the paper digs into the ‘life world’ of organizations in order to capture the taken for granted stream of everyday routines, interaction, and events that constitute both individual and social practices. An empirical case study examines the narrative‐based processes of sensemaking and knowledge acquisition in the setting of a traditional pressing plant at Fiat Auto, Italy. The focus of analysis is on how a best performing team engages in the resolution of disruptive occurrences on the shop floor. Through the deconstruction of narratives underlying problem‐solving activities, the case identifies a distinctive mode of investigation conceptualized as ‘detective stories’. The detective's method highlights the interplay between time and narrative in shaping the interconnected processes of organizational knowledge creation, utilization, and institutionalization. More generally, the findings of the paper stress the importance of conjectural knowledge and common‐sensical wisdom in the everyday life of organizations.
Environmental Uncertainty and Product–Process Life Cycles: A Multi‐level Interpretation of Change Over Time
Authors: John Caron H. St , Pouder Richard W. , Cannon Alan R.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT Product‐process life cycle models are often used to describe long‐term change in organizations. Such models generally assume a deterministic trajectory of long‐run industry evolution and production core transformation that lead to standardization over time. Typical interpretations of these models do not explain the short and intermediate term choices and competitive dynamics that lead to the longer‐term changes, or explain viable ‘off‐trajectory’ positions and post‐stabilization complications that can arise. In this paper, we use multiple theory streams to augment discussions of product‐process life cycle models in ways that allow interpretation of the role of uncertainty and management decision‐making for the typical trajectory of standardization as well as off‐trajectory and post‐standardization phases.
Executives’ Orientations as Indicators of Crisis Management Policies and Practices*
Authors: Sheaffer Zachary , Mano‐Negrin Rita
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT The paper examines effects of executives’ orientations on crisis management awareness and practices, drawing on the simplicity and paradox management theories. It is suggested that a focus on single‐sided management constitutes an antecedent of crisis proneness. Employing a set of key corporate domains and based on a holistic organizational approach, the study aims at assessing the extent to which companies are crisis prone or prepared. In a sample of 82 Istaeli business and not‐for‐profit organizations it was found that human resource management, strategy, structure, and unlearning factors significantly predicted crisis preparedness. These results suggest that unlearning, despite a mere allusion to this correlate in the simplicity and paradox management theories, correlates better with crisis preparedness. By contrast, traditional strategy‐related and structural effects were marginally related to crisis management policies. Implications and suggestions for further research are proposed.
Revisiting Basic Color Terms
Authors: Saunders Barbara
Published: September 2010

This article revisits the classic paradigm of Berlin and Kay (1969). First, four substantial revisions indicating the current position and appeal to evolution are outlined. Second, the work is placed in its historical context of scholarly thought. Third, the attempt to operationalize the Whorfian hypothesis is shown to establish a frame against which Berlin and Kay reacted, and an experimental practice they appropriated. Their programme is disclosed as a structure in which results are self‐evident, when in fact they are deduced from prior commitments. Berlin and Kay’s new alliance with colour science is then examined by showing how experiments cancel the life‐world, how a notion of ‘unmediated presence’ is methodologically exploited, how research techniques are effaced and data are ‘cleaned’. Finally, it is suggested that the thesis is built on layers of mistakes which produce misrepresentations both of colour science and of intercultural relations.
Getting out of the habitus: an alternative model of dynamically embodied social action
Authors: Farnell Brenda
Published: September 2010

Although Bourdieu’s theory of practice has drawn widespread attention to the role of the body and space in social life, the concept of habitus is problematic as an explanatory account of dynamic embodiment because it lacks an adequate conception of the nature and location of human agency. An alternative model is presented which locates agency in the causal powers and capacities of embodied persons to engage in dialogic, signifying acts. Grounded in a non‐Cartesian concept of person and ‘new realist’, post‐positivist philosophy of science, vocal signs and action signs, not the dispositions of a habitus, become the means by which humans exercise agency in dynamically embodied practices. Ethnographic data from the communicative practices of the Nakota (Assiniboine) people of northern Montana (USA) support and illustrate the theoretical argument.
Rains gone bad, women gone mad: rethinking gender rituals of rebellion and patriarchy
Authors: Sanders Todd
Published: September 2010

This article reconsiders the argument that ‘rituals of rebellion’ be seen as women’s ritual response to everyday patriarchal structures – an argument originally suggested by Gluckman, but recently evoked by Spencer, the Creiders, and others – in light of recent anthropological theorizing on gender. Using as an example one such women’s ritual among the Ihanzu of Tanzania, I show how this particular formulation reduces complex notions of gender and gender practices to unnuanced, monolithic, and all‐encompassing gender‐systems, both in everyday and ritual realms. This it does, first, by conflating gender ideals with gender behaviours and, second, by ignoring people’s conflicting ideas about gender. By problematizing these contradictions, I demonstrate how Ihanzu women’s rites are not about rebellion but gender complementarity, played out by women dancers embodying both genders simultaneously. Above all, this case compels us to rethink, fundamentally, ‘rituals of rebellion’ and ‘patriarchy’.
Monetary Policy with an Endogenous Capital Stock When Inflation is Persistent
Authors: Mash Richard
Published: September 2010

The paper presents a monetary policy model with an endogenous capital stock when a backward–looking element in wage setting causes inflation persistence. We analyse how the endogeneity of the capital stock changes the macroeconomic dynamics with which policy interacts and its implications for optimal policy and time inconsistency. Capital stock endogeneity makes inflation more persistent in reduced form. This makes the optimal contemporaneous policy response to shocks more vigorous but the subsequent return to steady state more gradual. Observed output becomes more serially correlated. Capital endogeneity can also give rise to disinflation bias under discretion for some parameter values.
THE EVOLVING INSTITUTIONAL EMBEDDEDNESS OF A LATE‐INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT IN TAIWAN
Authors: Hsu Jinn‐Yuh
Published: September 2010

The high‐technology industrial system in Taiwan is noted by its decentralisation and geographical agglomeration. It demonstrates varieties of features of industrial district: spin‐offs, collaborations, networking, and most importantly, institutional presences. At the initial stage, Taiwan's Govern‐ment did lead in the technology transfer, rendered new firms formation and pushed the private sector hard to bring the industry into being. However, as the industry became global, new redundant and complementary institutions, including dense social and professional connections and associations, joined the monotonic role of the state to make network learning in the decen‐tralised industrial system effective. It represented a developmental paradox: if the developmental state is argued to be a top‐down bureaucratic rationality based governance mechanism, how could it build up and articulate with the supposedly bottom‐up trust‐based social networks? How could the potential tension between the top‐down and the bottom‐up be settled? The research will explore the process of institutional embeddedness, de‐embeddedness, and re‐embeddedness in Taiwan's high‐technology region, and provide a lesson for the late‐industrialising countries in the globalisation era.
Signalling and entry deterrence: a multidimensional analysis
Authors: Bagwell Kyle
Published: September 2010

I consider whether a privately informed incumbent can use limit pricing and upward distortions in advertising to deter profitable entry. Profitable entry is not deterred when the incumbent is privately informed only about its cost type. Profitable entry may be deterred, however, if the incumbent is privately informed about its cost type and its patience level. An equilibrium foundation is thus provided for the traditional hypothesis that limit pricing and aggressive advertising by an incumbent may deter profitable entry. At a methodological level, the article contributes by characterizing the refined equilibria of a signalling model with multiple dimensions of private information and multiple signals.
Experts' agency problems: evidence from the prescription drug market in Japan
Authors: Iizuka Toshiaki
Published: September 2010

This article examines the physician‐patient agency relationship in the context of the prescription drug market in Japan. In this market, physicians often both prescribe and dispense drugs and can pocket profits in so doing. A concern is that, due to the incentive created by the markup, physicians' prescription decisions may be distorted. Empirical results using anti‐hypertensive drugs suggest that physicians' prescription choices are influenced by the markup. However, physicians are also sensitive to the patient's out‐of‐pocket costs. Overall, although the markup affects prescription choices, physicians appear more responsive to the patient's out‐of‐pocket costs than their own profits from markup.
Dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by a novel G2037R mutation and by a known G2028R mutation in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1)
Authors: IWATA Takako , NAKANO Hajime , NAKANO Aoi , TOYOMAKI Yuka , TAMAI Katsuto , TOMITA Yasushi
Published: September 2010

An autosomal dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB) is a hereditary mechanobullous disease characterized by blistering of the skin and the mucous membrane. DDEB is caused by a heterozygous mutation in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils, and phenotypically classified into several types. We experienced two boys with DDEB and examined the mutation analyses of the COL7A1 genes of the two patients and their fathers to clarify the relationship between the genotypes and phenotypes, that is, the mutation sites of COL7A1 gene and the clinical types of DDEB. The case 1 and 2 patients and their fathers revealed a heterozygous nucleotide G to A transition at position 6109 and 6082 in 73 exon of COL7A1, which resulted in a glycine to arginine substitution (G2037R and G2028R), respectively. G2037R found in the case 1 patient was a novel mutation. There was no clear relationship recognized between the two mutation sites in the COL7A1 gene and the clinical variations.
Clinical usefulness and patient satisfaction for treatment with low‐dose cyclosporin administration in patients with moderate psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: ABE Masatoshi , ISHIBUCHI Hirohisa , SYUTO Tomoko , SOGABE Yoko , YOKOYAMA Yoko , ISHIKAWA Osamu
Published: September 2010

The Japanese guidelines for psoriasis therapy with cyclosporin microemulsion preconcentrate (CyA MEPC) has been revised, and the clinical application of CyA MEPC is being expanded to include mild to moderate psoriasis. In this study, we aimed to confirm the clinical efficiency of low‐dose cyclosporin therapy in patients with moderate psoriasis vulgaris. After informed consent was obtained, 19 patients with psoriasis vulgaris were enrolled in this study. Each patient basically administrated CyA MEPC, 2.5 mg/kg/day, orally over 12 weeks. When the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score showed a 75% reduction from the initial value, the dosage of CyA MEPC was reduced to 1.5 mg/kg/day and added a topical application of active vitamin D3 ointment. We interviewed the patients as to their satisfaction for the usefulness and cost of the treatment. All patients obtained improvement within 12 weeks. In 10 patients whose PASI score reduced over 75%, we could reduce CyA MEPC dosage. No adverse effects were noted in any patients during the treatment. It is of note that the cost for 1.5 mg/kg/day administration of CyA MEPC was accepted by all the patients. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that the CyA MEPC is effective, safe and would provide patients with acceptable costs.
Oxidative stress in patients with Behcet's disease: I correlation with severity and clinical parameters
Authors: NAJIM Rafid A. , SHARQUIE Khalifa E. , ABU‐RAGHIF Ahmed R.
Published: September 2010

The study was designed to investigate the possible correlation between some oxidative stress parameters in Behcet's disease and the clinical manifestations of the disease as well as the possible correlation with the disease severity. Seventy‐six patients diagnosed according to the International Study Group criteria for Behcet's disease were included in the study. Sixty patients had mild‐to‐moderate disease and 16 patients had severe disease. Sixty matched control subjects were also included. After a full history and examination from each subject, 10 mL blood was drawn from each for analysis. Serum malondialdehyde, glutathione, ceruloplasmin, copper and zinc levels were determined. Patients with Behcet's disease showed increased levels of serum malondialdehyde and copper while glutathione and zinc levels were decreased. Comparison between these parameters in patients with mild‐to‐moderate disease with those with severe disease showed only that serum zinc levels were lower in severe Behcet's disease. Serum malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly positively correlated with oral ulcer size, duration and frequency. Glutathione levels were found to be inversely correlated with the clinical manifestation index and all oral ulcer parameters. Zinc levels were found to be inversely correlated with the clinical manifestation index and pathergy test positivity grades. Copper levels were found to be positively correlated with oral ulcer number. Although the parameters of oxidative stress did not show correlation with disease severity, they were correlated with the disease manifestations. This points out the importance of oxidative stress in Behcet's disease.
Transverse twist flap for lip reconstruction in patient with lentigo maligna of the labial mucosa
Authors: MATSUSHITA Shigeto , UEMURA Tetsuji , TANABE Tsuyoshi , SAIGA Atsuomi
Published: September 2010

The transverse twist flap technique is used for secondary reconstruction of asymmetric volume‐deficits of the cleft lip. We present a patient with lentigo maligna of the labial mucosa who underwent reconstruction using this technique. The result was excellent and there was no postoperative complications. The transverse twist flap is a useful and effective option for the reconstruction of lip defects after excision of lentigo maligna.
Leukemia cutis originating in the extravasation site of i.v. gabexate mesilate infusion
Authors: MIYAKURA Takashi , YAMAMOTO Toshiyuki , KURASHIGE Yuta , NAGAI Ayako , IGUCHI Tomotaka , AOTA Yasuo , TSUBOI Ryoji
Published: September 2010

Leukemia cutis is a localized or disseminated skin infiltration by leukemic cells. A 64‐year‐old man was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation. During the course of treatment with gabexate mesilate, the substance accidentally leaked from the infusion site in his elbow. One month later, a dark red erythema and induration accompanied by severe pain appeared in the area proximal to the gabexate mesilate injection site. The biopsy specimen demonstrated not only inflammation but infiltration of leukemic cells as well. Immunohistochemical staining for intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 showed strong expression of endothelial cells and leukemic cells. We speculate that the gabexate mesilate might have played a role in the induction of leukemia cutis via adhesion molecules in our case.