bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal of Mingxiaea gen. nov. for the anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast species in the Bulleribasidium clade (Tremellales) based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, with six new combinations and four novel species
Authors: Wang Qi-Ming , Bai Feng-Yan , Fungsin Bundit , Boekhout Teun , Nakase Takashi
Published: February 2010

The distinction and monophyletic property of the basidiomycetous yeast species in the Bulleribasidium clade of the order Tremellales was resolved by molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the combined sequences of the 18S rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including 5.8S rRNA gene and 26S rRNA gene D1/D2 domain. The addition to the clade of new anamorphic species identified among ballistoconidium-forming yeasts isolated from China confirmed and strengthened the separation of this clade from other clades or lineages in the order Tremellales. A new anamorphic genus, Mingxiaea gen. nov. (type species Mingxiaea variabilis comb. nov.) is therefore proposed to accommodate the anamorphic species in the Bulleribasidium clade. Six new combinations are proposed for the described species of this clade which were formerly assigned to the genus Bullera. Four novel species in the new genus were identified among 16 ballistoconidium-forming yeast strains isolated from plant leaves collected in Hainan province, southern China, by D1/D2 and ITS sequence analyses. The novel species are described as Mingxiaea sanyaensis sp. nov. (type strain SY-3.23T =AS 2. 3623T =CBS 11408T), Mingxiaea hainanensis (type strain WZS-8.13T =AS 2.4161T =CBS 11409T), Mingxiaea foliicola (type strain WZS-8.14T =AS 2.3518T =CBS 11407T) and Mingxiaea wuzhishanensis (type strain WZS-29.8T =AS 2.4163T =CBS 11411T).
Streptococcus ursoris sp. nov., isolated from the oral cavities of bears
Authors: Shinozaki-Kuwahara Noriko , Takada Kazuko , Hirasawa Masatomo
Published: February 2010

Three Gram-positive, catalase-negative, coccus-shaped organisms were isolated from the oral cavities of bears. The isolates were tentatively identified as a streptococcal species based on the results of biochemical tests. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies confirmed that the organisms were members of the genus Streptococcus, but they did not correspond to any recognized species of the genus. The nearest phylogenetic relative of the new isolates was Streptococcus ratti ATCC 19645T (98.6 %), however, DNA–DNA hybridization analysis showed that the isolates displayed less than 15 % DNA–DNA relatedness with the type strain of S. ratti. Colonies of the novel strains grown on mitis salivarius agar showed an extracellular polysaccharide-producing colony morphology. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that the novel isolates are classified in the genus Streptococcus as Streptococcus ursoris sp. nov. The type strain of S. ursoris is NUM 1615T (=JCM 16316T=DSM 22768T).
Scardovia wiggsiae sp. nov., isolated from the human oral cavity and clinical material, and emended descriptions of the genus Scardovia and Scardovia inopinata
Authors: Downes Julia , Mantzourani Maria , Beighton David , Hooper Samuel , Wilson Melanie J. , Nicholson Ainsley , Wade William G.
Published: February 2010

Six strains of anaerobic, pleomorphic Gram-positive bacilli, isolated from the human oral cavity and an infected arm wound, were subjected to a comprehensive range of phenotypic and genotypic tests and were found to comprise a homogeneous group. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolates were most closely related toScardovia inopinataCCUG 35729T(94.8–94.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The isolates were saccharolytic and produced acetic and lactic acids as end products of fermentation. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0(49.8 %) and C18 : 1ω9c(35.8 %). Polar lipid analysis revealed a variety of glycolipids, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified phosphoglycolipid. No respiratory quinones were detected. The peptidoglycan was of the type A4αl-Lys–Thr–Glu, withl-lysine partially replaced byl-ornithine. The DNA G+C content of one of the strains, C1A_55T,was 55 mol%. A novel species,Scardovia wiggsiaesp. nov., is proposed to accommodate the six isolates, with the type strain C1A_55T(=DSM 22547T=CCUG 58090T).
Larkinella bovis sp. nov., isolated from fermented bovine products, and emended descriptions of the genus Larkinella and of Larkinella insperata Vancanneyt et al. 2006
Authors: Anandham Rangasamy , Kwon Soon-Wo , Weon Hang-Yeon , Kim Soo-Jin , Kim Yi-Seul , Gandhi Pandiyan Indira , Kim Yong Ki , Jee Hyeong Jin
Published: February 2010

A novel bacterial strain, designated M2T2B15T, was isolated from fermented bovine products and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Colonies were reddish pink and circular with entire margins. Cells were strictly aerobic, Gram-reaction-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive rods that lacked flagella and were motile by gliding. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain M2T2B15T was related most closely to Larkinella insperata LMG 22510T (94.4 % similarity) but shared <87 % similarity with other members of the phylum Bacteroidetes. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 1
ω5c, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, two unidentified aminophospholipids and two unidentified polar lipids. Menaquinone 7 (MK-7) was the major respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the DNA of strain M2T2B15T was 52 mol%. The phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data presented clearly indicate that strain M2T2B15T represents a novel species of the genus Larkinella, for which the name Larkinella bovis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M2T2B15T (=KACC 14040T =NBRC 106324T). Emended descriptions of the genus Larkinella and of Larkinella insperata Vancanneyt et al. 2006 are also proposed.
The DMM complex prevents spreading of DNA methylation from transposons to nearby genes in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Honda Shinji , Lewis Zachary A. , Huarte Maite , Cho Lucy Y. , David Larry L. , Shi Yang , Selker Eric U.
Published: February 2010

Transposable elements are common in genomes and must be controlled. Many organisms use DNA methylation to silence such selfish DNA, but the mechanisms that restrict the methylation to appropriate regions are largely unknown. We identified a JmjC domain protein in Neurospora, DNA METHYLATION MODULATOR-1 (DMM-1), that prevents aberrant spreading of DNA and histone H3K9 methylation from inactivated transposons into nearby genes. Mutation of a conserved residue within the JmjC Fe(II)-binding site abolished dmm-1 function, as did mutations in conserved cysteine-rich domains. Mutants defective only in dmm-1 mutants grow poorly, but growth is restored by reduction or elimination of DNA methylation using the drug 5-azacytosine or by mutation of the DNA methyltransferase gene dim-2. DMM-1 relies on an associated protein, DMM-2, which bears a DNA-binding motif, for localization and proper function. HP1 is required to recruit the DMM complex to the edges of methylated regions.
The Arabidopsis rcn1-1 Mutation Impairs Dephosphorylation of Phot2, Resulting in Enhanced Blue Light Responses
Authors: Tseng Tong-Seung , Briggs Winslow R.
Published: February 2010

Phototropins (phot) sense blue light through the two N-terminal chromophore binding LOV domains and activate the C-terminal kinase domain. The resulting phototropin autophosphorylation is essential for biological activity. We identified the A1 subunit of Ser/Thr protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as interacting with full-length phot2 in yeast and also interacting with phot2 in an in vitro protein binding assay. Phenotypic characterizations of a phot1-5 rcn1-1 (for root curling in n-naphthylphthalamic acid1) double mutant, in which phot2 is the only functional phototropin and PP2A activity is reduced, showed enhanced phototropic sensitivity and enhanced blue light–induced stomatal opening, suggesting that PP2A activity is involved in regulating phot2 function. When treated with cantharidin, a chemical inhibitor of PP2A, the phot1-5 mutant exhibited enhanced phot2-mediated phototropic responses like those of the phot1-5 rcn1-1 double mutant. Immunoblot analysis to examine phot2 endogenous phosphorylation levels and in vitro phosphorylation assays of phot2 extracted from plants during dark recovery from blue light exposure confirmed that phot2 is more slowly dephosphorylated in the reduced PP2A activity background than in the wild-type PP2A background, suggesting that phosphorylated phot2 is a substrate of PP2A activity. While reduced PP2A activity enhanced the activity of phot2, it did not enhance either phot1 dephosphorylation or the activity of phot1 in mediating phototropism or stomatal opening.
SLOW MOTION Is Required for Within-Plant Auxin Homeostasis and Normal Timing of Lateral Organ Initiation at the Shoot Meristem inArabidopsis
Authors: Lohmann Daniel , Stacey Nicola , Breuninger Holger , Jikumaru Yusuke , Müller Dörte , Sicard Adrien , Leyser Ottoline , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Lenhard Michael
Published: February 2010

The regular arrangement of leaves and flowers around a plant's stem is a fascinating expression of biological pattern formation. Based on current models, the spacing of lateral shoot organs is determined by transient local auxin maxima generated by polar auxin transport, with existing primordia draining auxin from their vicinity to restrict organ formation close by. It is unclear whether this mechanism encodes not only spatial information but also temporal information about the plastochron (i.e., the interval between the formation of successive primordia). Here, we identify the Arabidopsis thaliana F-box protein SLOW MOTION (SLOMO) as being required for a normal plastochron. SLOMO interacts genetically with components of polar auxin transport, and mutant shoot apices contain less free auxin. However, this reduced auxin level at the shoot apex is not due to increased polar auxin transport down the stem, suggesting that it results from reduced synthesis. Independently reducing the free auxin level in plants causes a similar lengthening of the plastochron as seen in slomo mutants, suggesting that the reduced auxin level in slomo mutant shoot apices delays the establishment of the next auxin maximum. SLOMO acts independently of other plastochron regulators, such as ALTERED MERISTEM PROGRAM1 or KLUH/CYP78A5. We propose that SLOMO contributes to auxin homeostasis in the shoot meristem, thus ensuring a normal rate of the formation of auxin maxima and organ initiation.
Embryo and Endosperm Inherit Distinct Chromatin and Transcriptional States from the Female Gametes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pillot Marion , Baroux Célia , Vazquez Mario Arteaga , Autran Daphné , Leblanc Olivier , Vielle-Calzada Jean Philippe , Grossniklaus Ueli , Grimanelli Daniel
Published: February 2010

Whether deposited maternal products are important during early seed development in flowering plants remains controversial. Here, we show that RNA interference–mediated downregulation of transcription is deleterious to endosperm development but does not block zygotic divisions. Furthermore, we show that RNA POLYMERASE II is less active in the embryo than in the endosperm. This dimorphic pattern is established late during female gametogenesis and is inherited by the two products of fertilization. This juxtaposition of distinct transcriptional activities correlates with differential patterns of histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation, LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 localization, and Histone H2B turnover in the egg cell versus the central cell. Thus, distinct epigenetic and transcriptional patterns in the embryo and endosperm are already established in their gametic progenitors. We further demonstrate that the non-CG DNA methyltransferase CHROMOMETHYLASE3 (CMT3) and DEMETER-LIKE DNA glycosylases are required for the correct distribution of H3K9 dimethylation in the egg and central cells, respectively, and that plants defective for CMT3 activity show abnormal embryo development. Our results provide evidence that cell-specific mechanisms lead to the differentiation of epigenetically distinct female gametes in Arabidopsis thaliana. They also suggest that the establishment of a quiescent state in the zygote may play a role in the reprogramming of the young plant embryo.
Structure of a Heterotetrameric Geranyl Pyrophosphate Synthase from Mint (Mentha piperita) Reveals Intersubunit Regulation
Authors: Chang Tao-Hsin , Hsieh Fu-Lien , Ko Tzu-Ping , Teng Kuo-Hsun , Liang Po-Huang , Wang Andrew H.-J.
Published: February 2010

Terpenes (isoprenoids), derived from isoprenyl pyrophosphates, are versatile natural compounds that act as metabolism mediators, plant volatiles, and ecological communicators. Divergent evolution of homomeric prenyltransferases (PTSs) has allowed PTSs to optimize their active-site pockets to achieve catalytic fidelity and diversity. Little is known about heteromeric PTSs, particularly the mechanisms regulating formation of specific products. Here, we report the crystal structure of the (LSU · SSU)2-type (LSU/SSU = large/small subunit) heterotetrameric geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS) from mint (Mentha piperita). The LSU and SSU of mint GPPS are responsible for catalysis and regulation, respectively, and this SSU lacks the essential catalytic amino acid residues found in LSU and other PTSs. Whereas no activity was detected for individually expressed LSU or SSU, the intact (LSU · SSU)2 tetramer produced not only C10-GPP at the beginning of the reaction but also C20-GGPP (geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate) at longer reaction times. The activity for synthesizing C10-GPP and C20-GGPP, but not C15-farnesyl pyrophosphate, reflects a conserved active-site structure of the LSU and the closely related mustard (Sinapis alba) homodimeric GGPPS. Furthermore, using a genetic complementation system, we showed that no C20-GGPP is produced by the mint GPPS in vivo. Presumably through protein–protein interactions, the SSU remodels the active-site cavity of LSU for synthesizing C10-GPP, the precursor of volatile C10-monoterpenes.
Building‐blocks of strategic management
Authors: Fuller Mark
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to address the lack of consistent means through which business strategies are identified and discussed across theoretical perspectives in the field of business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A stakeholder‐based approach is used to facilitate the standardized referencing of strategies at the business‐level of analysis.

Findings

A taxonomy is developed that facilitates the identification and naming of business‐level strategies in a pan‐theoretical manner. A standardized referencing system is offered to codify the means by which strategies are identified.

Practical implications

Practitioners are provided a taxonomy for identifying stakeholder strategies gaps and determining gaps and opportunities.

Originality/value

Key benefits to academics are the improved dialogue in the strategic management field from empirical findings and conceptual discourse that employ a universal lexicon for the identification and categorization of business‐level strategies. Managers will benefit from a more transparent strategic design process that reduces ambiguity, aids in identifying and correcting gaps in strategic planning, and fosters enhanced strategic analysis.
The sharing, protection and thievery of intellectual assets
Authors: Solitander Maria , Solitander Nikodemus
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the Intellectual Capital perspective can be altered in order to include ethically questionable practices of knowledge acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the relationship between formal and illicit forms of intellectual capital acquisition through a case study of the Formula 1 industry. The paper is based on secondary data from public sources.

Findings

Ethically questionable practices are a part of the knowledge economy. In the case study, the view on what was ethical and accepted was changed due to uncovered practices of espionage.

Practical implications

Firms in knowledge‐intensive industries often employ unrecognized informal channels for intellectual capital acquisition. Managers should consider the boundary between right and wrong in their particular industry, and whether they have the tools for dealing with ethically questionable practices.

Originality/value

The paper suggests a complementary interpretation of the Formula 1 industry not only as a best‐practice case of how community and trust knowledge spillovers facilitate innovation, but also how ethically questionable practices of intellectual capital acquisition exist as an accepted part of the process.
Solving business problems using a lateral thinking approach
Authors: Butler Stephen A.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Basing one's business decision on an approach that relies on experience may work sometimes. Experience is a useful part of the process, but it may also lock the decision maker into a method that cannot lead to an innovative solution. An alternative to this experience‐based (linear) way of problem solving is a certain skillful way of thinking known as lateral thinking. This paper aims to present a simple alternative approach to managerial decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Here lateral thinking is defined as methods of thinking concerned with changing concepts and perception. Various tests are suggested that show how it might be measured. These tests were originally developed to identify creative thinking ability. One of these tests is used in an illustrative decision aid to reduce a common decision‐making “bias” labeled “hindsight bias”.

Findings

The simple decision aid reduced the hindsight effect for those decision makers who were deemed to be limited in their lateral thinking ability. Those who could already think laterally were not affected by the decision aid. The decision aid was decision‐making neutral for them.

Originality/value

Often, when attempting to improve decision making, the focus is on providing better information or models. Rarely is the cognitive ability of the manager specifically considered. Here, a simple decision aid has been suggested that appears to help managers adopt a different perception of the decision situation. For managers and organizations this is a low cost opportunity to achieve better results.
Employee‐driven innovation: extending the license to foster innovation
Authors: Kesting Peter , Parm Ulhøi John
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the “grand structure” of the phenomenon in order to identify both the underlying processes and core drivers of employee‐driven innovation (EDI).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. It particularly applies the insights of contemporary research on routine and organizational decision making to the specific case of EDI.

Findings

The main result of the paper is that, from a theoretical point of view, it makes perfect sense to involve ordinary employees in innovation decisions. However, it is also outlined that naïve or ungoverned participation is counterproductive, and that it is quite difficult to realize the hidden potential in a supportive way.

Research limitations/implications

The main implication is that basic mechanisms for employee participation also apply to innovation decisions, although often in a different way. However, the paper only identifies the grand structure of the phenomenon. The different identified drivers have to be further elaborated and empirically tested.

Practical implications

EDI is a helpful tool to gain competitive advantage by utilizing the knowledge and creative potential of employees.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that gives a systematic overview of the grand structure of EDI and derives the most important moderating factors from that.
Organizational paradoxes: dynamic shifting and integrative management
Authors: Bloodgood James M. , Chae Bongsug (Kevin)
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of viewing paradoxes, which are commonly‐accepted logical perspectives that appear contradictory, as being useful for organizational learning and to show why organizational paradoxes need to be managed integratively.

Design/methodology/approach

The cultural industries (those that promote art, music and entertainment) are used as a backdrop for developing propositions that explain the benefits of dynamically shifting between poles of a paradox and the relationship between elements of managing multiple paradoxes integratively and organizational outcomes.

Findings

It is expected that organizations which move between the poles of paradoxes are more likely to increase organizational knowledge about their capabilities and to enhance their ability to deal with paradoxes.

Research limitations/implications

Organizational researchers should consider identifying the direction and rate of movement along the poles of paradoxes by organizations when studying the appropriateness of various organizational methods for achieving outcomes such as growth or performance. Future research should examine a larger variety of paradoxes in order to increase understanding of the appropriateness of their integrative management.

Practical implications

Managers should become familiar with the speed and direction of movement (organizational change) between the poles of organizational paradoxes before making operational and strategic decisions. In addition, managers should be cognizant of the variety of paradoxes present in their organization and of the need for their integrative management.

Originality/value

The paper describes how movement along the poles of organizational paradox enhances organizational learning, as well as the importance of managing organizational paradoxes integratively.
Towards a sensed decision‐making approach
Authors: Ericson Mona
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to call attention to the relative neglect in strategic decision‐making research to include a sense dimension, proposing a broadened conceptualization of strategic decision making that accounts for the processes through which managers generate sense when exposed to turbulence in their environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on scholarly writing and empirical‐oriented examples, the paper illustrates how managers cope with unusual and unexpected situations, and discusses fruitful directions for future research.

Findings

When faced with turbulence, managers generate and communicate sense through believing in and arguing for a certain course of action, and through meeting talk and interaction that entwine with emotions. The focus on both retrospective and prospective orientation of action unfolds a sense dimension integral to which are belief and emotion.

Research limitations/implications

Important questions for future research concern the role “plausibility” plays in strategic action, the relationship between retrospective and prospective orientation of action, and the information conveyed by emotions.

Practical implications

The paper could contribute to an increased awareness among practitioners that they can act effectively when coping with turbulence simply by making plausible sense, and encourage reconciliation between calculative rationality and emotion, in practice promoting their complementarity.

Originality/value

The paper affords a broadened conceptualization of strategic decision making through interrelating scholarly writing on strategic decision making, sense‐making and emotion. It also draws inspiration from Polanyi's work on tacit dimension and knowing, furthering an understanding of how retrospective and prospective orientation unfold in connection with a tacit relation, constituting a so‐called sense‐made reality.
Examining social responsibility orientation gaps between society and industry executives
Authors: Thompson Derek W. , Panwar Rajat , Hansen Eric N.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the social responsibility orientation (SRO) gaps between the forest industry executives and societal members in the US Pacific Northwest.

Design/methodology/approach

Using mail survey responses to pre‐existing SRO scales, the two samples are grouped into distinct social orientation clusters and compared based on demographic and firm characteristic variables.

Findings

The forest industry executives were found to have a significantly lower SRO than societal members, indicating a more individualistic social orientation. Demographic analyses suggested that individualistic beliefs were more prominent in males and rural residents among general society respondents. However, SRO among business executives showed no significant differences based on demographics or firm characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted within a specific region of the USA and as such these findings may not be generalized to other regions. The paper argues that one's SRO may have an impact on one's corporate social responsibility orientation; however, this remains an area that must be empirically investigated, both within and beyond the geographic and industrial context presented here.

Practical implications

Previous research has shown that executives with more egalitarian orientations can be more successful and inclusive problem‐solvers and negotiators. As businesses continue to face the challenge of balancing multiple stakeholders' demands, an understanding of gaps in SRO between business executives and general society provides a preliminary basis for companies to understand their misalignment with societal values and to find appropriate ways to narrow these gaps, wherever feasible.

Originality/value

The study represents the first region‐specific assessment of SRO. Additionally, the originality of the study lies in examining the SRO gap between industry executives and general society. Results prompt discussion surrounding the influence of social responsibility orientation gaps on an executive's ability to balance the demands of the firm and stakeholders.
An evaluation of alert services: quantity versus quality
Authors: Zandian Fatemeh , Riahinia Nosrat , Azimi Ali , Poursalehi Nastaran
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Online information vendors currently offer a variety of additional services; among these are alert services which present requested information on recent publications to registered users. This paper aims to investigate a variety of alert services provided by four online information vendors.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of the alert services of major online information providers (Ebsco, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Scopus) used by the Central Library of Tarbiat Modares University in Iran was undertaken. These alert services were evaluated using a check‐list and their structure and service were compared with regard to the quantity and quality of received alerts. The subject area of library and information science was used for the study.

Findings

No relative significance was found between the total alerts' relevance and the size of the databases of journal articles. ProQuest was found to have a more reliable alert system and it provided more relevant alert results than the other services. Users should recognise that additional services, such as alert services, are a useful help to their information‐seeking behaviour. Library managers should regard alert services as an effective tool for current awareness purposes. However, careful attention should be given to the differences and structures of the services offered. Alert quantity does not necessarily mean good performance.

Originality/value

University libraries and information centres pay a lot of money annually to online information providers. Alert systems could reduce the time users spend seeking for information by providing quick access to new information. Therefore, performing a study to investigate the functionality of the alert systems seems appropriate.
Digitising the past
Authors: Levi Peter
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a project to digitise maps at the Royal Tropical Institute, or Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen (KIT), of The Netherlands. KIT has an extensive collection of maps and nautical charts of (sub‐) tropical regions, including general maps and topographical map series, city maps, thematic maps and national atlases. The collection comprises some 27,000 maps and over 1,000 atlases. Almost 12,000 maps are from the former Dutch colonies, Netherlands Indies (Indonesia), Surinam and The Netherlands Antilles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains how users have access to the maps via the Library's online catalogue. One of the future goals is combining the KIT collections in order to make it possible to search a map and to find accompanying documents, museum objects and photographs and to add more metadata.

Findings

The paper finds that the digitised collection of maps has been used by various researchers as well as by relief workers in the aftermath of the tsunami in Indonesia.

Originality/value

The innovative part of the project is the ability to search by location and to navigate through serial maps. A link with Google Earth makes it possible to compare an old map with a new satellite image.
Print and electronic resources
Authors: Kapoor Kanta
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the use of electronic journals in comparison with the print collections in the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Library.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed analysis was made of the use of lending services, the Xerox facility and usage of electronic journals such as Science Direct, Emerald Management Xtra, ACM, IEL Library, subscribed to by the Library.

Findings

The paper finds that, although many more users at the University are accessing electronic journals, it is not affecting the use of the print collection. The numbers of transactions and photocopy requests of print articles are continuously on the rise.

Research limitations/implications

More research can be done by carrying out a deep log analysis of usage statistics of e‐journals. Usage statistics of some of the resources could not be accessed.

Purpose

The paper provides useful information on the use of electronic journals in comparison with the print collections in a university library.
Enterprise education as pedagogy
Authors: Jones Brian , Iredale Norma
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to suggest that the most appropriate way to construe the concept of enterprise education is from a pedagogical viewpoint. Enterprise education as pedagogy is argued to be the most appropriate way to think about the concept and serves to demarcate it from entrepreneurship education, which is very much about business start‐up and the new venture creation process.

Design/methodology/approach

Enterprise education is underpinned by experiential action learning that can be in, outside and away from the normal classroom environment. It can be delivered across a range of subject areas throughout different phases of education.

Findings

Enterprise and entrepreneurship education are perceived to be conflated terms that for many in the education and business communities mean much the same thing. Adopting an enterprise education approach allows greater pupil/student ownership of the learning process.

Practical implications

Enterprise education as pedagogy advocates an approach to teaching where specific learning outcomes differ across and between different educational phases and subject areas but which has a clear and coherent philosophical underpinning.

Originality/value

Enterprise education should not be equated solely with business, as it is a broader, deeper and richer concept. The theoretical import of the paper is in part a plea for a more rigorous, practically informed analysis of the different strands (pedagogy, entrepreneurship, citizenship and civic responsibility) that make up enterprise education. The paper also sets out the case for a more critical analysis of enterprise education.
Entrepreneurship education: a review of its objectives, teaching methods, and impact indicators
Authors: Samwel Mwasalwiba Ernest
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to take stock of existing publications devoted to entrepreneurship education and assess the alignment existing between its generic objectives, target audience, teaching methods and impact indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi‐systematic literature review is applied; using six thematically separated excel data collection spreadsheets. Datasheets were used in order to reduce the author's bias. A total of 108 articles are reviewed in stages and by categorizing in terms of educational objectives, target audiences, community outreach activities, applied teaching methods and impact indicators.

Findings

Scholars in this field of study, though differing in a number of definitive issues, are converging towards a single framework of entrepreneurship education. There is a shift from a start‐up view to an attitude‐changing perspective of entrepreneurship education. However, with a diversity of target groups, there is still a non‐alignment between what educators and other stakeholders wish to achieve in educating for entrepreneurship with the applied pedagogical approaches, and success indicators.

Research limitations/implications

The work has some limitations involved with literature reviews. The main noticeable limitation is the inclusion of both empirical and theoretical literature; it would be more appropriate to use a meta‐analysis approach.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurship education is reviewed in its totality. This is beneficial to educators and policy‐makers that are involved in setting or facilitating entrepreneurship educational programmes. The work will, specifically, help to understand problems related to non‐alignment in setting entrepreneurship educational programmes; a common pitfall for most of education designers.

Originality/value

The novelty of the work is in the use of data collection sheets. This has minimized the author's own bias, and brought some logical quantification into drawing meanings and conclusions from the existing literature in entrepreneurship education.
Learning entrepreneurship in higher education
Authors: Taatila Vesa P.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

There is a constant need to produce more entrepreneurial graduates from higher education institutions. This paper aims to present and discuss several successful cases of entrepreneurial learning environments in order to suggest some important aspects that higher education institutions should consider.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a literature review and four previously published case studies. These are used for suggesting a hypothesis for further study.

Findings

The pedagogical challenge is that entrepreneurial competencies are more holistic and psychologically oriented than traditional subject‐matter skills. Entrepreneurial skills are learned via pragmatic real life development projects. The paper presents several successful cases of entrepreneurial education programmes in higher education institutions. It proposes an entrepreneurial learning cycle that supports the development of entrepreneurial competencies.

Research limitations/implications

The evidence presented is case‐based, and the actual results are very difficult to measure. Further large‐scale research is needed to verify or falsify the hypothesis.

Originality/value

Entrepreneurial education in higher education institutions should be fully reviewed and changed. Clear goals should be set regarding the development of graduates who are more entrepreneurially oriented. Furthermore, the educational process will require much restructuring to enhance skill development for entrepreneurship.
Promoting employability skills development in a research‐intensive university
Authors: Baker Geoff , Henson Debra
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study aims to consider the place of employability in universities, with a focus on research‐intensive institutions, and to outline an initiative that was introduced to promote employability skills development at the University of Nottingham.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a discussion of literature on the promotion of employability in higher education, the development of the “Inside Employment” initiative is outlined. The project was developed using an action research methodology.

Findings

The major findings from each cycle are outlined here, demonstrating the different factors that informed the programme's establishment.

Practical implications

The paper makes a number of recommendations for developing opportunities for employability skills development in universities in general, and research‐intensive universities in particular.

Originality/value

The paper will be of value to those involved in developing employability initiatives in higher education, particularly at research‐intensive institutions.
Effects of business internships on job marketability: the employers' perspective
Authors: Gault Jack , Leach Evan , Duey Marc
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to report the results of an empirical investigation of the relationship between internship participation and student employment marketability. The study aims to identify the value that employers attribute to internships as a qualification for employment and as a factor in determining compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents the results of a survey of 185 employers of 392 interns enrolled in an AACSB‐accredited business college in a Northeastern US university. The survey examined the perceived value of the internship experience, the effect of intern performance on internship value perceptions, and the relationship between internship participation and employer selection and compensation decisions.

Findings

The survey results indicate significantly more full‐time opportunities for undergraduates with internship experience, corroborating earlier published empirical research. Additionally, while even average‐performing interns were significantly more likely to receive full‐time job offers than non‐interns, high‐performing interns were more likely to receive higher starting salaries. Finally, the study shows that high intern performance results in enhanced employer‐perceived value of the internship program.

Originality/value

Field internships are endorsed by business schools as an effective way to gain practical experience and enhance employment marketability. However, few studies have provided empirical evidence linking internship participation to success in postgraduation employment. The study confirms the value of an internship in job marketability. In addition, the study provides an estimate of the perceived value of internship experience in employee compensation. Finally, the paper affirms the internship as a component of experiential learning that can enhance the employability development opportunities offered by institutions of higher learning.
Moving from conceptual ambiguity to operational clarity
Authors: Sewell Peter , Dacre Pool Lorraine
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the terms “employability”, “enterprise” and “entrepreneurship” are currently being used, often interchangeably, within higher education, and to propose how to clarify this issue with the terminology.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to discuss the three terms and some of their current conceptualisations and suggest ways to clarify the terminology. Possible methods of operationalising the three concepts within higher education are also suggested.

Findings

Employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship are high on the agendas of many higher education institutions. There is a crucial need for agreement on definitions particularly when strategies are being implemented. It is suggested that currently the terminology is often used carelessly and interchangeably, resulting in confusion for HE staff, students and employers.

Originality/value

The paper offers a clear way of defining the concepts and will be of value to anybody with an interest in employability, enterprise or entrepreneurship within higher education.
What net generation students really want
Authors: Ismail Lizah
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Many academic libraries are trying a variety of innovative services to meet net generation users “on their own turf” and “on their own terms”. This paper aims to address the need for academic libraries to determine the wants and preferences of their institution's own net generation students before launching any new service that could be costly and ineffective, and to discuss a method for doing so.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of undergraduates was conducted at Marywood University to investigate if the net generation profile – being technologically savvy and desiring the quick and easy – applies to help‐seeking preferences at the library. Students were asked to rate their preference for a variety of research assistance options such as e‐mail, IM, Facebook and librarian assistance outside the library.

Findings

Results of the study run counter to expectations, and show that certain research assistance options, namely assistance via chat, Facebook, and course management software, are not a favorite among 18‐22 year‐olds at Marywood.

Research limitations/implications

Because of a low response rate of about 10 percent, the library recognizes that it is not possible to generalize these results to all undergraduates at Marywood. However, findings do show an interesting trend that goes against the net generation profile. Another survey is planned in conjunction with focus groups.

Originality/value

The Marywood Library has discovered, through a survey, that one size does not necessarily fit all when catering to the net generation. Time, effort, and expense could be saved if academic libraries conducted a similar study to determine the preferences of their net generation students.
Why and how to mystery shop your reference desk
Authors: Kocevar‐Weidinger Elizabeth , Benjes‐Small Candice , Ackermann Eric , Kinman Virginia R.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to document how two university libraries determined whether mystery shopping is an effective and statistically feasible instrument for evaluating customer service at public service desks.

Design/methodology/approach

Mystery shopping exercises were conducted at both libraries during the 2008 spring and fall semesters. Trained mystery shoppers recorded staff behaviors and the answers given to their reference questions and open‐ended comments about their reference experience. Using ClinTools, Excel, and Atlas.ti, the authors conducted a meta‐analysis of the data.

Findings

Mystery shopping is an effective method for evaluating customer service in libraries. The shoppers observed staff behaviors that were generally in line with the libraries' guidelines, but their comments revealed suggestions for improvement. When the behavior rubric results were combined with the comments, the authors learned that shoppers were somewhat unsatisfied.

Research limitations/implications

The results are approximate since the two instruments used were not identical, requiring the combination of common elements with some loss of accuracy. In this study, the authors used meta‐analysis to compensate for the differences in the instruments. However, another solution would be to create one instrument for both institutions that contained common elements for inter library comparison and local elements for local customization.

Practical implications

Other libraries can adapt this mystery shopping methodology and data analysis to measure customer service in their libraries.

Originality/value

No other study of mystery shopping has included the questionnaires used at both institutions, the aggregated data, and the method of analysis for meaningful evaluation.
Reference models in the electronic library
Authors: Cason Barratt Caroline , Acheson Phoebe , Luken Emily
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study aims to describe reference service activity within a learning commons at a large research university. The researchers tested several reference models in order to explore new ways of providing research support to their patrons within the electronic library. The aim was to discover student responses to different models and to investigate patron need of, and desire for, research support at the learning commons.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers combined measurements of type and frequency of reference traffic both in person and through their online chat reference service. They also gathered quantitative and qualitative information during the reference model experiments and through a survey of patrons in order to discover patron use of, and thoughts concerning, reference service in the electronic library.

Findings

Results from reference model experiments and a survey of patrons show that there is indeed an audience for research assistance in the electronic library and that in‐person research support is the preferred method of service. To keep pace with student needs, the researchers will continue to experiment with reference models that support in‐person research assistance beyond the traditional reference desk.

Practical implications

The researchers provide examples and guidelines for introducing new reference services in a learning commons environment and suggest ideas for further experimentation with reference models in a predominantly electronic environment.

Originality/value

The results of this study will be of interest to academic librarians, especially those who have or are planning a learning commons. This research is also of interest to those studying student research behavior and attitudes towards library collections and services. Because this learning commons is a unique environment as a stand‐alone electronic library, computing, and classroom space, this study makes an original contribution to the literature. As planners of learning commons explore models that move away from the traditional library, this study will inform the possible implications of new designs for reference service.
The Research Center: creating an environment for interactive research consultations
Authors: Meyer Erin , Forbes Carrie , Bowers Jennifer
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the University of Denver Penrose Library's Research Center, a new reference service model created to respond to the changing needs of students and to strengthen the connection between research and writing.

Design/methodology/approach

An increase in reference questions requiring more time, a financial gift to the university which provided an opportunity to propose a new vision of integrating research and writing, and the opening of a new Writing Center in the library prompted the reference librarians to implement a consultation model in fall quarter 2008. A highly visible, dedicated space for one‐on‐one, in‐depth consultations, the Research Center reinforces skills learned in library instruction sessions and effectively promotes reference services.

Findings

A successful new Research Center reaches a larger segment of the university community, better serves student research needs, and enhances library instructional services. During the course of the academic year, 856 consultations were provided to students and faculty, attesting to the popularity of the service.

Research limitations/implications

More robust assessment data are needed to establish the impact of the Research Center on student learning.

Practical implications

The paper outlines a successful method of delivering research services that leverages existing staff resources, increases the visibility of library services, and provides more personalized, in‐depth research consultations to the university community.

Originality/value

Adapted from the Writing Center consultation model, the Research Center's prominent location and configuration encourage active learning interactions, complement the library instruction program, and actively promote consultations with subject‐specialist librarians.