bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mestiçagem e imigração: triagem e mistura em um discurso do século XIX
Authors: Bueno Alexandre Marcelo
Published: March 2017

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo discutir o processo de mestiçagem em sua relação com as discussões sobre a imigração no Brasil do século XIX. Para isso, utiliza elementos conceituais da semiótica tensiva, em particular os conceitos de triagem, mistura e campo de presença para examinar como se constroem as características passionais dos diferentes grupos imigrantes sobre as quais recai a moralização. Como parte da análise, depreendeu-se dois diferentes processos de mestiçagem que envolvem questões como a aspectualidade do processo, que determina a rapidez ou a lentidão da mistura, e a tonicidade ligada aos aspectos biológicos que orienta a interrupção do processo. Além disso, considerou-se também os elementos características de cada grupo imigrante envolvidos na mistura proposta pelo texto como uma forma de se perceber as variações aspectuais dadas. Por meio da noção de campo de presença, foi proposta a sua relação com a moralização como um modo de compreender as simpatias e as antipatias do enunciador em relação aos diferentes grupos imigrantes presentes em seu discurso. Procura-se assim discutir algumas questões sobre o fenômeno da mestiçagem que aparentemente não são observadas em outras áreas do saber que tratam do mesmo assunto.
A pesquisa qualitativa fenomenológica: olhos para ver a criatividade cotidiana
Authors: Wehmann Hulda Erna
Published: March 2017

Entender a paisagem como a apreensão sensível do espaço implica uma revisão de metodologias de trabalho: como indagar sobre essas percepções, e a quem? Como trabalhar imaginários diversos para espaços sempre em transformação? São estas as questões que estruturam este texto, sobre as possibilidades trazidas pela pesquisa qualitativa de inspiração fenomenológica para o tema. A partir de uma aproximação inicial ao campo, investiga-se as contribuições trazidas pelo campo às inquietações teóricas iniciais. Essa sondagem realizou-se entre outubro de 2015 e janeiro de 2016, e incluiu 14 entrevistas em profundidade nas Comunidades do Lagamar e do Serviluz, em Fortaleza-CE.
Effects of laparotomy or laparoscopicprocedures for cholecystectomy on diaphragmatic and thoracoabdominal mobility
Authors: Pedrini Aline , Saltiél Rossana V. , Gonçalves Márcia A. , Leal Bruna E. , Matte Darlan L. , Paulin Elaine
Published: March 2017

Design of the study: Observational descriptive and cross sectional study. Objective: To verify the effects of laparotomy or laparoscopicprocedures for cholecystectomy on lung function, diaphragmatic and thoracoabdominal mobility. Methods: We evaluated 18 individuals who underwent cholecystectomy by either laparotomy (CLG n=9) or by a laparoscopic procedure (LCG, n=9). The participants were evaluated in preoperative and in the 2nd postoperative day: anthropometrics measures, cardiorrespiratory parameters, intensity of pain, pulmonary function, diaphragmatic mobility and thoracoabdominal mobility. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon test was applied to compare the pre and postoperative of both groups, Mann-Whitney test was applied to comparison between groups (p≤0.05). Results: Diaphragmatic mobility was reduced in both groups whereas thoracoabdominal mobitity al all levels were reduced only in CLG (p<0.05). In LCG, there was a significant decrease of thoracoabdominal mobility only in the umbilical region (p<0.008). By comparing the values of thoracoabdominal mobility between groups postoperatively, there was a difference only in umbilical mobility (p=0.02). We found a significant reduction in vital capacity (VC) in LCG only (p=0.05). Conclusion: Laparotomy and laparoscopic procedures for cholecystectomy reduce the mobility of the diaphragm, but only laparotomy impairs thoracoabdominal mobility in the three levels, axillary, xiphoid and umbilical
An unusual presentation of Epstein-Barr Virus induced hepatitis in a 15-month-old child
Authors: Tofani Gabriel B. , Ferreira Tadeu S. , Irffi Gustavo P. , Valle Daniela C. S. M. do
Published: March 2017

Objective: We report an atypical case of hepatitis in an infant that could be helpful to physicians of various specialties, as it demonstrates an atypical clinical and laboratorial manifestation of a disease not so common at that age and that could have gone undiagnosed. Case Description: A 15-month-old female, immunocompetent patient was referred to the hospital with a 3-day history of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient presented with alternation between sleepiness and irritation associated with rapid increase in serum liver enzymes levels, but no jaundice. Neurologic evaluation showed no meningeal signs and no encephalic morphological abnormalities were observed in a cranial CT scan. Treatment consisted of symptomatic medication and daily evaluation for signs of hepatic encephalopa- thy or bleeding. A serological panel showed negative IgM but positive IgG reactivity against Cytomega- lovirus (CMV) and IgM and IgG negative immunoreactivity against HAV. She was not tested for Hepatits B (HBV) or Hepatits C (HCV). Positive immunoreactivity against the Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen (EBV VCA) IgM and negative reactivity against IgG, indicated a diagnosis of EBV-induced acute hepatitis. The patient was discharged asymptomatic after 11 days, with decreasing serum liver enzymes levels. A 15-day follow up evidenced complete remission of symptoms and normalized laboratory tests. Comments: Hepatic involvement in infections by Epstein-Barr Virus is common, presenting with moderate and transient increase in liver enzymes. It can go undetected and resolve spontaneously, while clinical manifestations of hepatitis are infrequent. In this report, we present an unusual case of a pediatric patient with hepatitis induced by EBV infection, along with a review of the literature. According to our search, no other EBV-induced hepatitis case reports have been published involving an immunocompetent patient under 2 years of age
Tuberous sclerosis associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: Case report about of the TSC2/PKD1 contiguous gene syndrome
Authors: Queiroz Rodolfo M. , Gomes Michela P. , Valentin Marcus V. N. , Miyake Cecília H. , Abud Lucas G. , Silva Marcio de Castro e
Published: March 2017

We present a case of a young woman with chronic kidney disease, with a history of seizures, episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax and left nephrectomy. The retrospective study of the image exams showed liver, kidney and lung cysts; in addition to cortical tubers and subependymal nodules in the brain. The pathologic evaluation of kidney surgically removed characterised adult renal polycystic disease. The clinical review also with these tests revealed the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, suggesting contiguous gene syndrome TSC2/PKD1
O imaginário utópico brasileiro nas práticas festivas europeias
Authors: Dozena Alessandro
Published: March 2017

Ao analisar a presença brasileira nas práticas festivas em cidades europeias, enquanto táticas cotidianas que revelam a capacidade utópica e inventiva dos sujeitos participantes, realizamos uma reflexão acerca da dimensão territorial da cultura brasileira, tendo como fundamento algumas práticas culturais festivas. Abordamos em específico a estruturação de alguns espaços festivos, a exemplo do Samba-Festival (Coburg – Alemanha), da Lavage de Madeleine (Paris – França) e do Carnaval de La Grande Motte (La Grande Motte – França). A noção de utopia nos possibilitou o entendimento do imaginário cultural brasileiro apresentando um potencial de ação e para a ação, uma condição para a produção de novas consciências com um caráter lúdico e transgressor, consciências que nem sempre pertencem à lógica produtivista, mas à da imaginação e sensibilidade.
Processos de requalificação das áreas centrais das cidades de Belém, Marabá e São Paulo
Authors: Alves Glória Da Anunciação
Published: March 2017

O processo de requalificação urbana de áreas centrais de grandes cidades mundiais como Baltimore, Nova York, Londres e Barcelona, entre outras, serviu de modelo para grandes metrópoles nacionais latino-americanas como Buenos Aires e São Paulo, e mesmo regionais como Belém e Marabá. Discutem-se aqui esses processos e suas implicações, ressaltando o que há de semelhante e particular, sobretudo no que tange às ações, destacando consequências que, embora com peculiaridades, tendem à segregação socioespacial.
Sustentabilidade na agricultura familiar e a influência dos atores regionais: estudo de caso da região de Parauapebas-PA
Authors: Thery Neli Aparecida De Mello , Leite Camila Ferreira
Published: March 2017

Este texto analisa o papel dos atores regionais na sustentabilidade da agricultura familiar da área de proteção ambiental do Igarapé Gelado, tomando como base os resultados do programa Duramaz-1 (Determinantes do Desenvolvimento Sustentável na Amazônia), e atualiza alguns dados dessa experiência. Entre 2009 e 2013, tendo mudado a função de alguns atores, a situação evoluiu, resultando no êxito da produção agrícola sustentável e do extrativismo de frutos nativos para um pequeno grupo, enquanto a maioria dos moradores da APA se vê privada de tais iniciativas, seja por desinteresse ou por dependência e falta de empoderamento, exclusão ou dificuldade financeira, reduzindo a possibilidade de ampliação desse tipo de ação, fatores que potencialmente ameaçam a produção sustentável em uma APA.
Reestruturação metropolitana na Amazônia oriental: empreendimentos econômicos e dispersão urbana na área de influência imediata de Belém
Authors: Trindade Júnior Saint-Clair Cordeiro da , Barbosa Estêvão José da Silva
Published: March 2017

O trabalho discute a repercussão de um complexo industrial-urbano-portuário instalado no município de Barcarena (estado do Pará), na Amazônia oriental brasileira, e as mudanças que imprime à área de influência imediata da metrópole belenense e em sua relação com ela. Constata-se que tais repercussão e mudanças têm concorrido para dar uma nova feição à metrópole de Belém, marcada simultaneamente por concentração e dispersão urbana e cujo dinamismo atual não mais se circunscreve aos limites da região metropolitana oficialmente reconhecida.
Caminhando em direção da metropolização do espaço
Authors: Ferreira Alvaro
Published: March 2017

Temos como objetivo deste artigo, a reconstrução do caminho trilhado por Sandra Lencioni até chegar ao desenvolvimento do seu debate acerca da metropolização do espaço. Nessa trajetória passamos pela relação urbano-rural, pela reestruturação urbano-industrial, pela centralização do capital e pela desconcentração da metrópole; é esse movimento que leva à chegada à metropolização do espaço. Posteriormente, procurando apontar possibilidades novas de pesquisa a partir daquela construção teórica, abordamos as categorias cotidiano, espaço e ação na tentativa de escapar da alienação.
Na busca pelo campo, o encontro com os fundamentos da cidade: Sandra Lencioni, um capítulo na história da Geografia Crítica uspiana
Authors: Verdi Elisa Favaro
Published: March 2017

O presente artigo objetiva analisar a dissertação de mestrado de Lencioni (1985) inserida na produção do Departamento de Geografia da Universidade de São Paulo durante as décadas de 1970 e 1980. A dissertação em tela é aqui interpretada como parte fundamental de um processo de consolidação de uma Geografia materialista e dialética que trouxe novos conteúdos para as pesquisas na disciplina e que transformou a leitura que essa ciência parcelar realiza da forma como a sociedade e o espaço se relacionam. O entendimento de que essa relação é dialética, de que o espaço é produzido socialmente e de que a cidade, o urbano e a metrópole são reveladores das contradições dessa produção foi uma longa construção que se desenvolveu em diálogo com a produção da Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas da USP e a sua chamada tradição crítica.
A dimensão musical na minissérie O brado retumbante: princípios e articulações
Authors: Guerrini Junior Irineu
Published: March 2017

Este trabalho procura analisar a trilha musical da minissérie O brado retumbante (2012), produzida pela Rede Globo, e demonstrar a importância da criação musical para a construção de significados nesse gênero específico de ficção televisiva. Para tanto, primeiramente é fornecida uma noção do argumento da minissérie. Em seguida, logo após a enumeração de algumas publicações importantes que tratam de trilhas musicais, são apresentados alguns conceitos desenvolvidos em Unheard melodies: narrative film music (Claudia Gorbman, 1987), uma conhecida obra desse campo. Na sequência, é apresentada uma análise da trilha musical e parte do primeiro capítulo dessa minissérie. Em seguida, busca-se relacionar certas características da articulação audiovisual com os conceitos vistos anteriormente.
Repulsa visceral ao terror mutilado: Halloween, adequado à classificação indicativa
Authors: Paganotti Ivan
Published: March 2017

Para adequar-se a uma faixa etária da audiência mais jovem, os distribuidores brasileiros do filme de terror Halloween – O início (2007) excluíram 26 minutos do longa-metragem – quase um quarto de sua extensão original. A partir do inusitado reposicionamento da classificação estatal na crítica aos cortes, este artigo analisa como as cenas cortadas comprometem a obra, considerando que a violência é o cerne de “slasher films” e não pode ser descartada como excesso pela autocensura. Este texto também critica o modelo de cortes promovidos por produtores privados e induzido pela classificação indicativa governamental, sugerindo um novo mecanismo para apresentar maior transparência ao processo que foi considerado como uma prática inconstitucional de censura pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal.
Uma análise de reportagem fora da “agenda do dia”: Gibby Zobel é o repórter
Authors: Ferraz Nivaldo
Published: March 2017

Após uma definição de reportagem e de reportagem no rádio, uma análise de reportagem do jornalista britânico radicado no Brasil Gibby Zobel demonstra uma amplitude radiofônica, social e política da expressividade desse gênero, a expandir o conceito de reportagem exposto em manuais de radiojornalismo. Novos elementos estéticos e de conteúdo justificam essa expressividade, entre eles uma narração impressionista do repórter, mesclada com sons ambientes, música e silêncio; além do conceito de estrutura de sentimento de Raymond Williams, que leva a encontrarmos espaços sociais ainda não ocupados no “agora”, para além do histórico e do social que já se reconheçam.
Sensitivity of Simulated Urban–Atmosphere Interactions in Oklahoma City to Urban Parameterization
Authors: Reames Larissa J. , Stensrud David J.
Published: March 2017

The world’s population is increasingly concentrated in large urban areas. Many observational and modeling studies have explored how these large, population-dense cities modify local and mesoscale atmospheric phenomena. These modeling studies often use an urban canopy model to parameterize urban surfaces. However, it is unclear whether this approach is appropriate for more suburban cities, such as those found in the Great Plains. Thus, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model was run for a week over Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and results were compared with observations. Overall, four configurations were examined. Two simulations used the Noah LSM, one with all urban areas removed (CTRL), and the other with urban areas parameterized by a modified Noah land surface model with three urban categories (LSMMOD). Additional simulations utilized a single-layer urban canopy model (SLUCM) either with default urban fraction values (SLUCM1) or with urban fractions taken from the National Land Cover Database (SLUCM2). Results from the three urban runs compared favorably to high-density temperature observations of the urban heat island. The SLUCM1 run was the most realistic, although the urban fractions applied were the least representative of Oklahoma City. All urban runs also produced a drier and deeper planetary boundary layer over the city. The prediction of near-surface winds was most problematic, with the two SLUCM runs unable to correctly reproduce reduced wind speeds over the city. The modified Noah LSM provided best overall agreement with observations and represents a reasonable option for simulating the urban effects of more-suburban cities.
Toward Quantifying the Climate Heat Engine: Solar Absorption and Terrestrial Emission Temperatures and Material Entropy Production
Authors: Bannon Peter R. , Lee Sukyoung
Published: March 2017

A heat-engine analysis of a climate system requires the determination of the solar absorption temperature and the terrestrial emission temperature. These temperatures are entropically defined as the ratio of the energy exchanged to the entropy produced. The emission temperature, shown here to be greater than or equal to the effective emission temperature, is relatively well known. In contrast, the absorption temperature requires radiative transfer calculations for its determination and is poorly known.

The maximum material (i.e., nonradiative) entropy production of a planet’s steady-state climate system is a function of the absorption and emission temperatures. Because a climate system does no work, the material entropy production measures the system’s activity. The sensitivity of this production to changes in the emission and absorption temperatures is quantified. If Earth’s albedo does not change, material entropy production would increase by about 5% per 1-K increase in absorption temperature. If the absorption temperature does not change, entropy production would decrease by about 4% for a 1% decrease in albedo. It is shown that, as a planet’s emission temperature becomes more uniform, its entropy production tends to increase. Conversely, as a planet’s absorption temperature or albedo becomes more uniform, its entropy production tends to decrease. These findings underscore the need to monitor the absorption temperature and albedo both in nature and in climate models.

The heat-engine analyses for four planets show that the planetary entropy productions are similar for Earth, Mars, and Titan. The production for Venus is close to the maximum production possible for fixed absorption temperature.
Land–Ocean Shifts in Tropical Precipitation Linked to Surface Temperature and Humidity Change
Authors: Lambert F. Hugo , Ferraro Angus J. , Chadwick Robin
Published: March 2017

A compositing scheme that predicts changes in tropical precipitation under climate change from changes in near-surface relative humidity (RH) and temperature is presented. As shown by earlier work, regions of high tropical precipitation in general circulation models (GCMs) are associated with high near-surface RH and temperature. Under climate change, it is found that high precipitation continues to be associated with the highest surface RH and temperatures in most CMIP5 GCMs, meaning that it is the “rank” of a given GCM grid box with respect to others that determines how much precipitation falls rather than the absolute value of surface temperature or RH change, consistent with the weak temperature gradient approximation. Further, it is demonstrated that the majority of CMIP5 GCMs are close to a threshold near which reductions in land RH produce large reductions in the RH ranking of some land regions, causing reductions in precipitation over land, particularly South America, and compensating increases over ocean. Recent work on predicting future changes in specific humidity allows the prediction of the qualitative sense of precipitation change in some GCMs when land surface humidity changes are unknown. However, the magnitudes of predicted changes are too small. Further study, perhaps into the role of radiative and land–atmosphere feedbacks, is necessary.
Orographic Land–Atmosphere Interactions and the Diurnal Cycle of Low-Level Clouds and Fog
Authors: Wilson Anna M. , Barros Ana P.
Published: March 2017

Previous work illuminated landform controls on moisture convergence in the southern Appalachian Mountains (SAM) promoting heterogeneity in the vertical structure of low-level clouds (LLC) and seeder–feeder interactions (SFI) that significantly impact warm season precipitation. Here, the focus is on elucidating orographic land–atmosphere interactions associated with the observed diurnal cycle of LLC and fog in the region. Three distinct hydrometeorological regimes during the Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment (IPHEx) are examined using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Sensitivity to the choice of planetary boundary layer parameterization was investigated in the light of IPHEx observations. Simulations using the Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino scheme exhibit LLC and fog patterns most consistent with observations, albeit without capturing SFI. Independently of synoptic regime, the simulations reveal two distinct modes of orographic controls on atmospheric moisture convergence patterns that explain the diurnal cycle of LLC and fog. First, a stationary nocturnal mode at the meso-α scale associated with an extended flow separation zone supports low-level pooling and trapping of cold, moist, stable air in the inner mountain on the lee side of the western topographic divide. Second, a dynamic daytime mode that results from the coorganization of ridge–valley circulations at the meso-γ scale and Rayleigh–Bénard convection at the meso-β scale is associated with widespread low-level instability below the envelope orography. Orographic decoupling results in the formation of a shallow stagnation zone between the western and eastern topographic divides at night that contracts westward during daytime. Predominantly easterly and southeasterly low-level moisture convergence patterns support early afternoon LLC formation in the inner SAM.
Achilles and the Astronaut: What Heroism Humanities Can Teach Heroism Science
Authors: Curry Ruth Martin
Published: March 2017

In its ambition to become a “transdisciplinary” field of study, heroism science should leverage the expertise of the “heroism humanities.” This article uses humanistic knowledge to address one of the thorniest issues in the field: Who counts as a hero? After summarizing the “subjective” versus “objective” approach to defining heroism, I suggest the problem exists because we conflate two distinct conceptual categories: “Heroes,” or the ascription of heroic status to persons and “heroism,” or the ascription of heroic status to behavior. “Hero,” with deep roots in classical antiquity, generates a far more diverse web of associations than “heroism,” a modern construction. Using four examples from a recent news cycle of persons deemed “heroes” (a dictator, an astronaut, a victim of abuse, and an athlete), I demonstrate that a deeper appreciation of the Greek heroic tradition reveals that contemporary ascription of “hero” status is often a continuation, rather than a “diminution” of the word’s historic meanings. Finally, I suggest that heroism science shift its focus from the study of heroic actors as natural objects to the study of how heroes function, discursively and symbolically, within their communities.
Internet Ethics for Users and Providers
Authors: Ben-Jacob Marion G.
Published: March 2017

This article deliberates concepts of Internet ethics from the perspectives of user and providers. It discusses concerns of the users from different disciplines. It addresses issues and corresponding regulations of service providers. It considers matters of privacy. The culmination is an exercise for students that incorporates usage of the Internet that will promote awareness of Internet ethics.
Integrating Shared Services with the Strategy and Operations of MNEs
Authors: Davis Tim R. V.
Published: March 2017

A growing number of multinational enterprises (MNEs) are reaping advantages from consolidating functions into regional shared service centres (SSCs). Some of the benefits include more efficient transaction processing, better systems integration, more uniform policy administration, improved co-ordination of marketing and better supply chain management. This article describes the varied uses of SSCs by MNEs in different regions of the world. It examines the origins, development and management of SSCs.

Shared service centres (SSCs) are becoming an essential component of the global and regional strategy of MNEs (multinational enterprises) (Forst, 1997). An increasing number of MNEs are now integrating their operations in different countries through a centrally located SSC (Hirshfield, 1996; Jarman, 1998; Miller, 1999). SSCs are helping MNEs achieve economies of scale and scope across the business units of the firm and realise synergies in the supply chain.

This article traces the development of regional SSCs in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, as well as the emergence of global SSCs. It explains the diverse functions that they perform. The conversion of decentralised services to a centralised shared services unit is a complex organisational change project. The steps that leading MNEs have taken to set up regional SSCs are described. They provide useful guidelines for other firms to follow.
How do Top Teams Succeed? Factors that Contribute to Successful Senior Management Team Performance
Authors: Higgs Malcolm
Published: March 2017

For many years consultancy assignments on team-working have been growing in popularity as a means of building competitive advantage. However, this popularity has not been underpinned by rigorous, organisationally-based research (West and Slater, 1995), and the research which has been undertaken has not adequately addressed the issues (Lorsch, 1989, Higgs, 1999; Higgs et al., 2005). It is therefore important to support the rhetoric about teams with systematic research.

The relationship between top team performance and organisational performance was given a clear focus and a sense of direction as long ago as the 1980s by Hambrick and Mason's ‘Upper Echelon Theory’ (Hambrick and Mason, 1984). This promoted a stream of demographically-based research, but the results have been limited and sometimes contradictory (Pettigrew, 1992; Higgs et al., 2005), in part as a result of the absence of direct data relating to the impact of teams on performance (Pettigrew, 1992; Lawrence, 1991). Moreover, both team and group research have failed to analyse the importance of the mix of personalities and team processes in achieving high performance (Higgs, 1998; 1999).

This paper presents the results of a research programme involving 54 senior management teams using direct data. The research assesses the importance of the mix of personalities in a team, and the processes they employ in working together, in determining performance outcomes. It identifies the benefits of successful team processes, many of which relate also to Higgs and Dulewicz's parallel studies of board processes (Higgs and Dulewicz, 1997). Finally, the paper explores practical implications of the research findings, in particular in relation to developing senior management team performance.
Internal Networking and Organisational Capability: Towards a New Perspective of the Firm
Authors: Tsai Terence , Zhou Changhui , Cheng Borshiuan
Published: March 2017

As firms evolve in an ever-changing environment, new perspectives are needed to explain management practices. Partnership – a relationship that emphasises equality, shared responsibility and co-operation – and the concept of internal networking (which characterises an organisational structure that is catalysed by and embedded in partnership relations), form the central theme of this paper in examining the success of an Asian high-tech giant. Given the existence of other similar Western models deploying the partnership concept, the paper also questions the importance of contextual factors in corporate management.
Commitment in Sponsorship Relationships
Authors: Chadwick Simon , Thwaites Des
Published: March 2017

The study identifies three key determinants of commitment in sponsorship relationships: perceived benefits of a sponsorship relationship, the values shared by sponsorship partners and the tendency towards opportunistic behaviour that a partner might display. Based on these determinants, the study identifies four sponsorship commitment types, namely ‘Calculators and Commercials’, ‘Carers and Communals‘, ‘Cynics and Short-Termers’ and ‘Innocents and Indifferents’. It also highlights three stages through which commitment develops: the engagement stage, the retention phase and the dissolution phase (identified here as the ERD model). The study considers the nature of each commitment type using the ERD phases, then discusses relevant issues for each of these phases. This research enables prospective partners to assess the compatibility of a partner's commitment intentions and helps contribute to the development of more stable and value-adding programs.
Knowledge Resources, Learning Orientation and Firm Performance: The mediating effect of organisational capability
Authors: Wei Li-Qun , Wu Long-Zeng , Cheung Yu Ha , Chiu Randy K.
Published: March 2017

Based on the perspective of organisational capability and learning orientation, this study posits that knowledge resources influence firm performance through a positive effect on organisational capability. Tests on a sample of 133 Chinese firms show that organisational learning orientation moderates in a positive relationship between knowledge resources and firm performance. A mediated moderation model is further tested and it is found that organisational capability mediates in the relationship linking the interaction between knowledge resources and learning orientation with firm performance. Discussions of theoretical and practical implications are included as well.
What Factors Influence the Adoption of Workplace Policies in African Organisations?: An Exploratory Study of Private Sector Companies' Adoption of Workplace Policies in Malawi
Authors: Mamman Aminu , Bakuwa Rhoda
Published: March 2017

Given the dearth of research on management innovation in Africa, this paper explores the factors influencing the adoption of workplace policies in African companies. The paper used a random sample of 152 private sector companies in Malawi to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies. The hierarchical regression results indicate that organisational factors are the better predictors of the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies in Malawi. Specifically, top management support and organisational size have been found to be the main predictors. However, the study also found significant correlations between the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies and institutional factors. One of the main implications of the findings is that organisational factors might provide improved explanatory power in predicting the adoption of HIV/AIDS workplace policies in African companies.
Entrepreneurial Growth and Ownership under Market Socialism in China: A Longitudinal Case Study of Small Business Growth
Authors: Zheng Ping
Published: March 2017

How firms grow is still a mystery and a definitive explanation remains elusive. This is especially the case for emerging economies, where the development of research into business growth has been notably slow whilst emerging business ventures are developing at hyper speed. Since most empirical studies have focused on the quantitative differences in growth across firms, this paper adopts a longitudinal case study approach to explore the qualitative differences in terms of how various types of firm achieve their growth outcomes in the organisational development process over a prolonged period of time. Through a theoretical lens which focuses on growth process approaches, this study not only demonstrates that entrepreneurial processes take different forms and dimensions in different contexts, but it also provides insight into the interactions of various organisational factors underpinning the strategies and changes that lead to contrasting growth outcomes. Case study findings assert that the ownership factor is a key contingent factor that shapes management structure and resources which, in turn, affect particular entrepreneurial outcomes. Furthermore, a combination of leadership style and the approach to knowledge management also play critical roles in the learning process which tends to determine the strategy choice of either high or low value added product strategy. The findings of this research are that small firms with a low value product strategy can improve their survival chances and growth through the vertical broadening of a product portfolio in synchrony with increasing production and technology advancement. The case study companies show a tendency to reinforce their industry position by adopting contrasting choices for growth. The paper addresses the challenges and managerial implications for Western company managers in different growth contexts.
Can Product Elimination Support Post-Downsizing Success Aspirations?
Authors: Harness David R. , Harness Tina
Published: March 2017

Organisations implement downsizing to overcome difficult and uncertain trading conditions, reduce complexity and gain strategic fit. Academic theory tends to focus on the human resource implications of downsizing. Whilst such articles may acknowledge the role of product elimination, there is limited understanding of either how it can be accomplished or of the customer retention benefits that may be derived. Service deletion theory promotes the use of partial or full elimination strategies as a means to gain positive outcomes. This study utilised interviews and questionnaires to examine product elimination success in the UK financial services industry. It identified that customer retention could be achieved post elimination if the desire to accomplish this was built into the removal process. The implication is that strategically aligning the objectives and implementation of a downsizing activity is more likely to result in positive elimination outcomes that can support the company's longer-term commercial objectives.
A Contingency Approach to the Strategic Management of Intangible Resources
Authors: Zigan Krystin
Published: March 2017

Not with standing the increasing awareness of the importance of intangible resources for the success of organisations, there is a paucity of research investigating the impact of contingent factors on the strategic management of such resources. This research therefore aims to address this issue by investigating the contingencies which come into play in hospital organisations. It does so by using a case study approach to examine the impact of industry-specific and organisation-specific factors on management activities. It was found that factors such as task complexity and staff profile play a significant role in regulated management contexts making the adjustment of existing approaches an indispensable task for general managers who aim to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The paper contributes to various disciplines. For example, it contributes to the literature on resource management, by proposing a framework for the effective management of intangible resources in the light of the impact of contingent factors.
The Brand Likeability Effect: Can Firms make Themselves more Likeable?
Authors: Nguyen Bang , Melewar T. C. , Chen Junsong
Published: March 2017

In 2011, Lincoln Automobiles, part of the Ford Motor Company and named after President Lincoln, was voted as the most liked company in America. Lincoln's customer satisfaction ratings were the highest they had been in the past 15 years. Although brand managers implicitly emphasise the importance of likeability in branding strategies, brand likeability is a concept that is little researched, particularly at the firm level. The question of ‘what is likeable?’ has not yet been answered thoroughly and few studies have to date examined what causes a firm or brand to be perceived as liked or disliked. This paper aims to provide an understanding of the theories and concepts that explain brand likeability. The comprehensive literature review identifies two dimensions: source stimuli and psychological evaluations. Additionally, the authors propose several outcomes of brand likeability, extending existing knowledge on brand love and attitude research, offering managers defining principles of the Brand Likeability Effect. The proposed implications for managers are in four phases; implementing these into the firm's branding practices increases the likelihood that customers will perceive the firm as being more likeable.
The Impact of Human Resource Management Practices in the Entrepreneurial Process: Evidence from China
Authors: Wei Li-Qun
Published: March 2017

Does effective human resource management practice matter to entrepreneurship? The literature suggests that people are critical to entrepreneurship, so the management of people, such as how to motivate them to innovate, becomes important. In this study, HRM's influence in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the firm's new product introduction was investigated through a survey of senior managers in 154 Chinese firms. An emphasis on strategic human resource management was found to facilitate new product introductions in an entrepreneurially-oriented firm, and a facilitating role was found to be more prominent in firms operating in more uncertain environments.
The Role of Evidence in General Managers' Decision-Making
Authors: Francis-Smythe Jan , Robinson Laurie , Ross Catharine
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an overview of current academic theory on evidence-based management (EBM) and considers the extent to which the decision-making processes of 39 senior, general managers are consistent with this thinking. In the pursuit of this aim the study has utilised inductive reasoning, qualitative data, purposeful sampling and semi-structured interviews, based upon the critical incident technique (Flanagan, 1954), to obtain detailed information regarding the decision-making processes utilised by each of the interviewees in relation to their most challenging managerial situations. It has been shown that these interviewees utilised only one of the four main sources of evidence for management decision-making proposed by Briner and Rousseau (2011). In the light of this finding, ways are identified in which managers may be able to enhance their business practice by utilising more sources of evidence. In addition, the study has also identified ways in which current academic thinking needs to be developed so that it incorporates all of the practices that general managers have utilised. Finally, the implications for general managers are discussed.
Incomplete Contract, Agency Theory and Ethical Performance: A Synthesis of the Factors Affecting Owners' and Contractors' Performance in the Bidding Construction Process
Authors: Abdallah Abed Al-Nasser , Darayseh Musa , Waples Elaine
Published: March 2017

This paper builds on agency theory and contract incompleteness theory to explore the ethical relation between owners and contractors in the construction process. Using factor and multivariate analysis, it transpires that cost, quality, time/past performance, and information available about the project are important factors that should be taken into account in any future contract between the owner (the principle) and the contractor (the agent). The results provide important empirical and theoretical implications in identifying the contractual elements of incomplete contracts, which, if considered, are expected to reduce the agency theory problem, while at the same time enhancing the ethical relationship between owners and contractors.
Determinants of Strategic Performance Measurement System Disclosures in Australia's Top 100 Publicly Listed Firms
Authors: Elijido-Ten Evangeline O.
Published: March 2017

A strategic performance measurement system (SPMS) enables firms to translate strategies, objectives and targets into an integrated set of financial and non-financial measures covering a range of perspectives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of SPMS disclosures by examining whether significant relationships exist between voluntary SPMS disclosure practice and various corporate characteristics including profitability, age, size and industry. It also aims to explore whether uncertainty in the business environment arising from the onset of the global financial crisis may affect disclosure decisions. Content analysis of publicly available data is conducted focusing on the Top 100 publicly listed firms in Australia. Logistic regressions are used to test the hypotheses developed based on the predictions from voluntary disclosure and socio-political theories. The results show that firm age, size and industry prominence are significantly related to SPMS disclosures. However, the suggestion that business uncertainty may affect SPMS disclosures is not supported.
Is the Role of HRM Strategic in M&A Success? Exploring the Involvement of HRM in a due Diligence Process
Authors: Latukha Marina O. , Panibratov Andrei Yu.
Published: March 2017

Mergers and Acquisitions are a common means to achieve corporate growth, yet there is a high rate of failure. Recently, attention has turned to the key importance of HRM in the process, though there has been a surprising lack of empirical research into how Human Resources' involvement in due diligence affects M&A outcomes. This paper presents original research showing a strong positive correlation between HRM due diligence and the success of an M&A deal, and also develops a discriminant model of the leading ‘deal success factors’. Concentration on specific areas of HRM due diligence is shown to lead to the success of the deal. The paper draws conclusions on the significance of this research and its implications for practice.
The Effects of Experience on Managerial Decision-Making Uncertainty
Authors: Ashill Nicholas J. , Jobber David
Published: March 2017

An important contribution to the literature on perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) is Milliken's (1987, 1990) distinction between state uncertainty, effect uncertainty and response uncertainty. Although much is known about their conceptual underpinnings and measurement, there has been no empirical investigation of their antecedents. The purpose of this study is to begin to understand their antecedents by exploring the role of decision-maker experience in influencing state, effect and response uncertainty. There is also investigation as to how two personality variables – locus of control and tolerance for ambiguity – moderate the relationships between experience and decision-maker uncertainty. Data were obtained from a sample of senior marketing executives in New Zealand. Results suggest that decision-maker experience has a differential impact on the types of uncertainty experienced by managers as they scan, interpret and respond to change in the external environment. This study advances theoretical knowledge about uncertainty by revealing that locus of control and tolerance for ambiguity moderate the relationship between decision-maker experience and response uncertainty. The research findings are interpreted and future research opportunities discussed.
The use of Appreciative Inquiry in the Practices of Large-Scale Organisational Change a Review and Critique: A review and critique
Authors: Drew Stephen A. W. , Wallis Joseph Lyall
Published: March 2017

This paper describes how appreciative inquiry (AI) can be used to develop and sustain organisational change based on principles of positive psychology, leadership and complex systems theory. A framework is presented that explains the use of the Summit method in promoting large-scale change, such as organisation-wide strategic planning, cultural reorientation, globalisation, and disruptive technological innovation. The authors argue that while AI can be used as a stand-alone approach to change, it is also very effective as a complement to traditional top-down models, as well as to methods based on principles of emergence, complexity and organisational learning. Examples and lessons are provided for general managers and change agents in the practice of appreciative inquiry as a large-scale intervention. Finally, the domains of application, success factors and limitations of the AI method are discussed, drawing on evidence to date.
The Motives Underlying Multinational Banks' Entry into China
Authors: Wu Hsiu-Ling , Chen Chien-Hsun , Hsieh Chih-Yi
Published: March 2017

This paper explores the reasons why multinational banks choose (or choose not) to establish themselves in China, and identifies the factors that determine how aggressive multinational banks are in their development of the China market. The empirical results show that, the larger a multinational bank's total assets (TA), the more likely it is that the bank has already entered the China market. The major leading multinational banks certainly would consider that they must be in China to prove to their customers they are major players of international banks. Moreover, Asian banks are more likely to be operating in China than non-Asian banks. The factors that have a significant influence on how actively foreign banks seek to develop the China market depends on the bank's own characteristics – such as the non-interest income ratio, its ability to cope with risk, geographical closeness, and the need to follow important customers into China. In light of the empirical finding, the Taiwanese banks' strategies in the Chinese market should focus on exploiting the advantages of cultural and geographical proximity, and adopt a policy of ‘follow the customer’ to overcome their disadvantages when competing with multinational banks.
How the Hell could that Happen?! A Symbolic Perspective on Disaster
Authors: Drummond Helga
Published: March 2017

Disaster usually takes organisations by surprise. Yet in retrospect it is often predictable. Extant literature mainly focuses upon the psychological traps which may impede decision-makers' ability to recognise weak signals. Although this perspective is important, it is partial, as organisations are often culpable too. This mainly theoretical and conceptual paper suggests that the counter-measures organisations take to guard against risk and danger may be more symbol than substance, upholding comforting views of the world that are severely at odds with reality. Implications of a symbolic perspective for theory, practice, policy and research are discussed.
Electronic Word-of-Mouth for University Selection
Authors: Yang Hsiao-Pei (Sophie) , Mutum Dilip S.
Published: March 2017

This study explores the use of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) for university selection by prospective international students, a little understood phenomenon in the context of high-involvement decision making. A total of 34 in-depth interviews were conducted, with a Taiwanese student group based in Taiwan, and another Taiwanese group based in the UK. The findings reveal that the co-creating nature of eWOM increases perceived information quality and truthfulness from eWOM receivers, leading to reliance on eWOM to evaluate the performance of universities, rather than conventional marketing-dominated information sources. This study provides insights into the impact of cultural identity on eWOM usage and how eWOM receivers obtain both information and emotional support from online forums. As eWOM from current students and alumni directly affect prospective students' enrolment choices, academic leaders and recruitment managers at universities are advised to strengthen their Relationship Marketing with alumni to stimulate eWOM and facilitate student recruitment.
Competitiveness and Human Resource Management Policies
Authors: Poole Michael , Jenkins Glenville
Published: March 2017

Competitive strategy based on human resources can be less easy to copy.
Successful Firms through Hard Times: The 90s Depression in Finland
Authors: Kjellman Anders , Långström Stefan , Vest Tage
Published: March 2017

The firms who are most successfully surviving crisis in Finland emphasise growth and innovation and do less downsizing.
Riding out Corporate Turbulence
Authors: Reilly Anne H. , Stroh Linda K.
Published: March 2017

How do dramatic organization changes impact on the managers and employees who must see them through?