bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation and Differentiation Within a Natural Community of Five Oak Species (Quercus spp.)
Authors: Curtu A. L. , Gailing O. , Leinemann L. , Finkeldey R.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Chloroplast DNA and two categories of nuclear markers ‐ isozymes and microsatellites ‐ were used to examine a very rich natural community of oaks (Quercus spp.) situated in west‐central Romania. The community consists of five oak species: Q. robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens, and Q. frainetto ‐ that are closely related ‐, and Q. cerris. A total of five chloroplast haplotypes was identified. Q. cerris was fixed for a single haplotype. The other four species shared the two most common haplotypes. One haplotype was confined to Q. robur and a very rare one was restricted to Q. petraea. Both types of nuclear markers revealed a larger genetic variation for Q. pubescens and Q. petraea than for Q. frainetto and Q. robur, although the differences between species are in most cases not significant. At the nuclear level, Q. cerris could be clearly separated from the other four oak species confirming the taxonomic classification. Regardless of the estimate used, the levels of polymorphism revealed by microsatellites were much higher than those based on isozymes. For the four closely related species the overall genetic differentiation was significant at both categories of nuclear markers. Several loci, such as Acp‐C for isozymes, and ssrQpZAG36 and ssrQrZAG96 for microsatellites were very useful to discriminate among species. However, the level of differentiation varied markedly between pairs of species. The genetic affinities among the species may reflect different phylogenetic distances and/or different rates of recurrent gene flow at this site.
Phenology and Pollination Biology of EightPeperomiaSpecies (Piperaceae) in Semideciduous Forests in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: de Figueiredo R. A. , Sazima M.
Published: January 2007

Abstract:Data on flowering phenology and pollination ofPeperomiaspecies are virtually non‐existent. This study presents data on the pollination biology of eightPeperomiaspecies from south‐eastern Brazil, including the flowering phenology, pollination system, and reproductive success. Data on flowering phenology were recorded weekly and exclusion experiments on inflorescences provided data on autonomous self‐ and wind pollination. Direct visual observations were made and insect visits were recorded. FourPeperomiaspecies showed continuous flowering, while the others were seasonal and flowered in the wet season. Pollination by wind and Syrphidae was confirmed for two self‐incompatiblePeperomiaspecies. The remaining species are self‐compatible and their high fruit set may be accounted for by autonomous self‐pollination and perhaps agamospermy. Although the floral morphology ofPeperomiaspecies suggests wind‐ and/or insect pollination, most of the species studied exhibit autogamy and perhaps agamospermy as the main method of reproduction.
Dietary fibre and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Authors: Walker K. Z.
Published: January 2007

This paper reviews the evidence from long-term clinical studies indicating the utility of added fibres or fibre from various whole food sources in improving metabolic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Higher-Order Nonlinearities in the Theory of Parametric Decay Instabilities
Authors: L Stenflo
Published: January 2007

The mode coupling coefficients for a magnetized turbulent plasma have been calculated within the electrostatic approximation.
Hyperfine Structure in the 5s (3/2) [3/2]20and 5p (3/2) [1/2]1Levels of85Rb+and87Rb+using `in-flight' Saturated Absorption Laser Spectroscopy
Authors: F Beguin-Renier  , J Désesquelles  , M L Gaillard
Published: January 2007

The "in flight" saturated absorption technique is extended to the measurement of hyperfine structure splittings of a non-resonant transition in a free ion. Structures spreading over several ten gigahertz are analysed with an instrumental linewidth of 150 MHz. The measured hyperfine structure constantsAandBfor the (4p55s) 3/2 [3/2]20and (4p55p) 3/2 [1/2]1levels of Rb+are interpreted with resonable accuracy within the traditional semi empirical framework. Further theoretical development will however become necessary as soon as more results of the same precision will be available for several levels of the same configurations.
The use of biocides with regard to the new Biocidal Products Directive – future aspects
Authors: Siegert Wolfgang
Published: January 2007

Focuses on the use of biocides to combat the growth of microorganisms in coolant systems and oils. Outlines measures which can limit or prevent mcrobial growth and provides a brief summary of the European Biocidal Products Directive.
Continuing the connections
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: January 2007

Reflects on the selected papers from the 2004 LOEX‐of‐the‐West Conference to note the importance of collaboration and connections to advance information literacy goals with college and university faculty and students.
Fibre reinforced polymer materials for prestressed concrete structures
Authors: Leung H.Y. , Balendran R.V. , Maqsood T. , Nadeem A. , Rana T.M. , Tang W.C.
Published: January 2007

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are currently used for concrete structures in areas where corrosion problems are serious. Recent applications of FRP rebars in normal reinforced concrete structures in fact cannot fully utilise the strength of FRP. A more rational use of FRP would be in the area of prestressed concrete (PC) structures. In spite of the superb strength provision of FRP tendons over steel tendons, use of FRP PC members is often questioned by practising design engineers. This is largely due to the brittleness of FRP tendons and lack of ductility in FRP RC structures. Recent research has demonstrated some important findings in promoting the confidence of adopting FRP RC beams. This paper reviews some recent work on the use of FRP in PC structures. Future possible research areas are also highlighted.
Integration of relationships and business network development in the Russian transition economy
Authors: Hallén Lars , Johanson Martin
Published: January 2007

The transition to market economy in Russia in the 1980s and 1990s is analysed in terms of fragmented and integrated relationships in business networks. A longitudinal case study of the relationships of a Russian company shows that integrated relationships are replacing fragmented ones, that is, relationships which only include either exchange connections or resource use dependence are phased out in favour of relationships which include both these dimensions. This development towards a network of integrated relationships is driven by the pressure of change generated by the incompleteness of fragmented relationships but slowed down by the complexity of multilateral use dependence.
Gordon Pask
Authors: Price Cedric
Published: January 2007

The author and Gordon Pask first met at Cambridge. Later, they worked together on Joan Littlewood’s Fun Palace project. Here are some memories of those days.
Model following PID control system
Authors: Skoczowski Stanisław , Domek Stefan , Pietrusewicz Krzysztof
Published: January 2007

The paper deals with robustness to plant parameter perturbations and sensitivity to disturbances of two‐loop control structures containing a model of the controlled plant and two PID controllers. Special attention is paid to high robustness of considered structure to perturbations of the controlled plant in relation to its nominal model and to good reduction of disturbances. On the basis of presented simulation results one can compare properties of the proposed structure with properties of the Smith predictor and classic control system structure with single feedback loop. The proposed model following control structures may find wide application to robust control of parameter‐varying plants.
The impact of the corporatization process on the financial performance of Canadian state‐owned enterprises
Authors: Bozec Richard , Breton Gaétan
Published: January 2007

State‐owned enterprises (SOEs) have been described as being inefficient and losing money. The theories pretend that private property rights will solve the problem. In practice, SOEs are reorganized to follow the model of the private firm, a period known as the public sector corporatization. One critical element of this reform is an important modification of the mission of the firm away from social and toward profitability goals. Most SOEs become profit‐seeking organizations. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the corporatization process on the financial performance of SOEs. From theFinancial Post500, we selected the largest SOEs in Canada. For each firm, the critical year of the mandate revision has been set as the beginning of the corporatization period. We covered the years between 1976 and 1996. The performance is measured from a multi‐criteria approach including measures of profitability and productivity. The results suggest that the financial performance of SOEs improves significantly when firms are corporatized. Therefore, the main difference in the financial performance is caused by the difference in the objectives of the firm, not the property or some dubious political activities.
Environmental accounting and change in UK local government
Authors: Ball Amanda
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explore environmental accounting in terms of long‐term societal transition towards “sustainable development”.

Design/methodology/approach

Accordingly, the paper uses an abstracted and generic framework of antecedents to “deinstitutionalisation” (the erosion or discontinuity of institutionalized organisational activities or practices) to analyse a case study of how a UK local government council is responding to an environmental agenda in the context of an array of gradual political, functional and social pressures to change its activities.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate how, in different ways, environmental accounting is pressed into use to promote such change.

Originality/value

Contrary to other frameworks which emphasise how environmental accounting is potentially constructive/empowering or captured/colonized, drawing on this case study the paper argues that environmental accounting may in contrast be mobilised to contribute to a process of deinstitutionalisation, even when attempts to develop such accounting are not entirely successful.
Social reporting in the tobacco industry: all smoke and mirrors?
Authors: Moerman Lee , Van Der Laan Sandra
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of social reporting as a proactive management strategy to bridge the divide between the social and the economic.

Design/methodology/approach

In July 2002 British American Tobacco (BAT) launched its first social report coinciding with the release of the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. A case study, utilizing textual analysis of publicly available documents examined through a legitimacy perspective, was used to explore this issue.

Findings

This paper asserts that the process, guidelines and assurance employed by BAT for its social report are a management strategy to enter the contested domain of public policy.

Research limitations/implications

Since this research is limited to BAT's 2001/2002 Social Report and supporting documents, further research could include interviews with key players or a longitudinal study to compare and contrast the social reporting practices of BAT over time.

Originality/value

The tobacco industry has been heavily criticised and is now facing control via global regulation. In this context the WHO, as a multilateral body exercising regulatory powers, extends the notion of stakeholders that have the potential to exert pressure on the “legitimacy” of an organisation.
Accounting for the public interest: a Japanese perspective
Authors: Sawabe Norio
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To expand one's understanding about how accounting helps to shape, mediate and constitute the public interest, the private interest, and their relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive approach is utilized to analyze the documents that have both informed and legitimized the Japanese financial regulatory changes since the end of 1970s.

Findings

The paper finds that the concepts of private and public interest, and their relationships have been mutable in the deployment of accounting rhetoric. The concept of private interest was given more concrete shape as the market‐oriented reform advanced in the name of public interest.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the constructing role of accounting in society, which in turn helps to understand changing conceptualizations of the public interest, the private interest, and their relationships.
Accounting and the public interest
Authors: Lehman Cheryl R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to explore the interplay of accounting and the broad social roles and contexts in which it is manifested.

Design/methodology/approach

By mapping the origins of our current place in the world, a cacophony of ideas and philosophies emerge, and thus many possible trajectories for our future. Why (for example) are we witnessing “corporate” crime, environmental degradation, and mal‐distributions of wealth? As these are the complicated acts of individual people while simultaneously the interactions of broad social histories, we see two pieces of this puzzle – one “grand,” one “small,” and view accounting as a part of these social practices creating relationships, collaborations, and conflicts. The micro piece of the puzzle is the inner psyche of each person, while the macro aspect appeals to the legacy of critical theory * we are socially constructed and inexorably linked to our social environment. In this paper, we link these two pieces of our puzzle illustrating with examples that the personal is political.

Findings

Concludes that “Like the salt in the stew, you cannot separate the two” aspects of who we are (from the song “Salt” by Lizz Wright 2003). Psychologically and socially we are presented with impressions, discourses, beliefs and interpretations; we act upon these, and we are mediated by “private” and “public” social practices.

Practical implications

As part of the environment, we re‐create the world, offering new forms of signification and through this humans can re‐conceive new social realties and negotiate “the public interest.”

Originality/value

The use of psychology to reflect on accounting's origins in “personae” and the illustrations of broader social conscience illuminates the connectedness of individual and social values, the complexities of “who we are” and “why we are,” and the power in creating alternative social constructions.
The adoption of international accounting standards in Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman Mir Monir , Shiraz Rahaman Abu
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to evaluate the recent decision of the Bangladeshi Government and accounting profession to adopt international accounting standards (IASs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a variety of archival data and interviews with key actors, including preparers and users of annual reports, members of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and members of the professional accounting bodies: ICAB and ICMAB.

Findings

The paper finds that institutional legitimisation is a major factor that drives the decision to adopt IASs because of the pressure exerted by key international donor/lending institutions on the Bangladeshi Government and professional accounting bodies. Such pressure results from not only the need to provide credibility to foreign investors but also the need for strong accountability arrangements with lending/donor agencies. However, the perceived undemocratic nature of the adoption process appears to be creating and enhancing conflict among various constituencies, resulting in very low compliance with these standards.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of the diffusion of International Accounting Standards and the role of global agencies, such as the World Bank, within this process.
Photography and voice in critical qualitative management research
Authors: Warren Samantha
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to discuss how photography might help give research participants a louder voice in (qualitative) critical accounting and management research, enabling their multiple voices to be better represented/performed through the technique of “native image making”. A secondary aim is to familiarise the reader with key developments and debates in the field of “visual research” more generally.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief overview of the field is offered, and, drawing on examples from the author's visual research practice, how the concept of “photo‐voice” might increase participants' involvement in research in two ways is discussed.

Findings

First, it is argued that accessibility of the method, control of the research agenda and ownership of the images give a louder voice in the process of research. Second, and following Barthes, it is contended that through their iconic and quasi‐representational nature, photographic images can communicate participants' views of their worlds with more primacy than language alone, raising their voices in the dissemination of research.

Practical implications

The paper has especial implications for researchers engaged in critical studies of accounting and management seeking to give voice to marginal groups of people traditionally disregarded by mainstream organization/management studies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the development of a novel qualitative methodology for accounting and management research.
Increasing diversity as an HRM change strategy
Authors: Ernst Kossek Ellen , Markel Karen S. , McHugh Patrick P.
Published: January 2007

In order to manage strategic demographic change in economic and labor markets, a common human resource (HR) change strategy is to increase the diversity of the workforce through hiring over time. This study examined department level consensus and valence regarding an organizational HR strategy to shift demography toward greater diversity in race and sex composition over an eight‐year period. Though the organization had experienced significant change in organizational demography: an increase in the overall representation of white women (36 percent) and minorities (41 percent) over time; work group members in units with the greatest change did not necessarily agree nor hold positive perceptions regarding these HR changes. The results show that HR strategies that focus on structural change without working to develop supportive group norms and positive climate may be inadequate change strategies.
Management of e‐mails as official records in Singapore: a case study
Authors: Bee Seow Bee , Ramaiah Chennupati K. , Foo Schubert
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To assess the understanding of the management of e‐mails as official records in Singapore and the mindset of e‐mail users.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory survey was conducted among corporate e‐mail users in Singapore. A total of 76 responses from users in financial services, government industries and information technology industries were obtained and analysed.

Findings

The results show that e‐mails are recognised as important business records and that the establishment of an e‐mail policy and guidelines defining use of e‐mail, as well as systems for managing them, are deemed essential. Most employees recognize the criticality of e‐mail in their work and practise compliance on their organisations’ e‐mail policy, guidelines and technical considerations.

Originality/value

E‐mail has become so prevalent in today's business environment that it is now used as the de facto tool for business‐wide communication and collaboration. Many organisations have realized that e‐mail repositories represent an increasingly large part of an organisation's “knowledge assets” that must be retained and managed securely. Hence, the management of e‐mails as official records has become essential to organisations.
A new medium for data collection: online news discussions
Authors: Poria Yaniv , Oppewal Harmen
Published: January 2007

This paper explores the possible uses of online news discussions that emerge following the publication of news on the Internet. It is suggested that this medium provides those investigating consumer behaviour with a new, previously unavailable, source of information (at almost no direct cost). The unique attributes of this medium are presented, and examples of discussions are provided that emphasise possible implications for hotel managers and marketers.
Mixed convection with flow reversal in the entrance region of inclined tubes
Authors: Maré Thierry , Galanis Nicolas , Prétot Sylvie , Miriel Jacques
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To determine the axial evolution of the hydrodynamic and the thermal fields for mixed convection in inclined tubes and to investigate the presence of flow reversal.

Design/methodology/approach

The elliptical, coupled, steady state, three‐dimensional governing partial differential equations for heated ascending laminar mixed convection in an inclined isothermal tube were solved numerically using a finite volume staggered grid approach.

Findings

The axial evolution of the velocity profiles and fluid temperatures show that upstream diffusion has an important effect near the inlet of the heating region. As a result, both the wall shear stress and the Nusselt number are affected upstream of the heating zone. Flow reversal occurs of GF≥9 × 105. The shape and size of the region with negative velocities depends strongly on the value of the Grashof number. The effect of the Grashof number on the axial evolution of the wall shear stress and the Nusselt number is shown to be very important in the region of developing flow.

Research limitations/implications

The results have been calculated for one Reynolds number (Re=100), a single fluid (air) and one tube inclination (45°).

Practical implications

Further results of this type can be mapped and would be useful for heat exchanger design.

Originality/value

This is the first time that flow reversal has been calculated numerically for inclined tubes. Most previous studies concern horizontal or vertical tubes and use axially parabolic equations which are easier to solve but can not calculate the flow field in the region with backflow.
The evaluation of vulnerability to flooding
Authors: Green Colin
Published: January 2007

From a systems perspective, vulnerability can be defined as the relationship between a purposive system and its environment, where that environment varies over time. Which environmental perturbations are significant therefore depends upon the objectives of the system as only those perturbations that can inhibit the achievement of these objectives are significant. That system must decide whether to adjust in advance to each potential perturbation or to rely upon a recovery path when that perturbation occurs. In each case, it must then decide upon the adjustment or recovery path to adopt. In particular, the basic resources available to a household are time and energy where the rates at which these can be directly or indirectly, through earning income, converted to consumption are crucial. Perturbations can reduce the energy available as well as reduce the efficiencies with which time and energy can be converted to income.
Art in the community for potentially vulnerable mental health groups
Authors: Argyle Elaine , Bolton Gillie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Drawing on literature and the evaluation of a UK community Arts in Health project, this article aims first to demonstrate that, in spite of the common association in mental health practice between art and the use of psychotherapeutic techniques, involvement in art creation can, in itself, have a sustained and positive impact on the mental and social wellbeing of participants and, second, to give an analysis of the different forms of arts involvement in health.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative evaluation of a successful process‐based arts in health‐care provision to existing vulnerable mental health community groups is discussed.

Findings

While the implementation of traditional forms of art therapy tends to be the preserve of those with specialist training, process‐orientated art for health projects have been found to be more versatile and are developments in which many practitioners potentially play an important part. Arts in Health provision in a community setting can offer positive health benefits, and aid health promotion.

Practical implications

More widespread, sustained funding and further evaluation and research for this accessible, cost‐effective means of health promotion in a community setting are needed.

Originality/value

Arts in Health, in institutions (such as prison and hospital) as well as community, is a rapidly expanding, successful and attractive, yet severely under‐funded provision. Descriptive in‐depth evaluations and critical analyses of the field, such as that presented here, need to be made available in order to develop the field practically and theoretically.
Discourses of change ownership in higher education
Authors: Boxer Lionel
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper demonstrates how the positioning of self and others affects change in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The discourse of various educators was collected during various interviews and discussion groups. A positioning theory framework was used to analyse the data and derive conclusions.

Findings

It is shown that if individuals are understood in terms of their agendas in relation to the organisational context that they can be better led.

Research limitations/implications

The quantity and quality of data available has limited the integrity of conclusions drawn from this paper. Further research is proposed that will provide a more robust understanding.

Practical implications

An approach to understand how to deal with various stakeholders is presented for leaders. There is a need to deal with each person as an individual depending on how their personal agendas influence their priorities.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a social constructionist perspective to leading academics.
Use of process maps to develop a management briefing sheet for a design consultancy
Authors: Matsumoto Isao T , Stapleton John , Glass Jacqueline , Thorpe Tony
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Process mapping can lead to a more holistic understanding of how an organisation works. This paper seeks to discuss how an engineering design consultancy, which had developed a series of process maps on the design of steel frame buildings, developed a powerful management tool, the Management Briefing Sheet which has yielded numerous additional benefits enabling practice to be improved and quality procedures more easily accessed.

Design/methodology/approach

To maximise the knowledge and expertise of its supply chain partners and to better understand how it designed steel‐framed buildings, the engineering design consultancy undertook a process‐mapping exercise. Various techniques for documenting the process were considered, but a modified IDEF notation was chosen for its ability to capture the iterative nature of the design process and its methodical approach for deconstructing complicated activities.

Findings

Process‐mapping exercises can change the way organisations work and make them more efficient, but to do this the changes that would lead to improvements need to be implemented successfully. Carrying out a process‐mapping exercise in isolation from the end‐user can lead to complications.

Research limitations/implications

The key obstacle to implementing change identified by the engineering design consultancy, with whom the MBS was developed, was delivering the knowledge acquired from the process analysis in a format that end‐users could understand easily and adopt effectively.

Originality/value

This article will be of significant use to any organisation wishing to maximise the knowledge and expertise of its supply chain partners and identify inefficient working practices.
Changes in the Danish construction sector: the need for a new focus
Authors: Kristiansen Kristian , Emmitt Stephen , Bonke Sten
Published: January 2007

Purpose

It was the aim of the analysis to draw an overall picture of the trends towards change in the construction industry, thereby forming a foundation for further analysis and appropriate future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐method approach was taken to the data collection exercise comprising data collection from published sources, interviews with knowledgeable representatives of the Danish construction industry and direct observation of what was happening on construction projects in Denmark.

Findings

The work reported here has shown that there is some benefit in looking at the internal changes in the construction sector from the point of view of the various actors, an approach that has provided contrasting information to the government‐sponsored reports. The understanding of the industry as being backward and locked‐in does not provide an accurate description of the Danish construction sector. The research has shown a dynamic industry that is changing relatively quickly as it responds to competition and new opportunities.

Originality/value

The results of this research are reported and comparisons made with the less positive reports. From this a number of questions are raised about the scope of reports and the focus of future research into the Danish construction sector.
Are hypermarket prices different from discount store prices?
Authors: Rondán Cataluña Francisco Javier , Sánchez Franco Manuel J. , Villarejo Ramos Angel Francisco
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to effect a comparison of the pricing strategies followed by hypermarkets, compared with those that discount stores carry out.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the direct observation of the supermarket shelves of nine frequent purchase product categories in several hypermarkets and discount stores. Diverse statistical analyses were applied to these picked up data, such as mean comparisons, ANOVA and correspondence analysis.

Findings

The article concludes that the hypermarkets tend to have higher mean prices, and use promotional tools more profusely than the discount stores.

Research limitations/implications

For future research, it would be very important to examine consumer price evaluations based on a theoretical approach in the same formats, and in this way consumer reactions to price changes could be understood. Also, examining the cross‐country differences in retail stores may be quite interesting.

Practical implications

Relationships between hypermarkets and hi‐lo pricing, plus discount stores and EDLP pricing, have been found. Therefore, retail managers of both formats have to know all about these pricing strategies. In this way, the managers of these firms would know the kind of customers that can be attracted and the signals and image that can be projected in the market.

Originality/value

This paper directly compares the pricing and promotional activities of hypermarkets versus discount stores. Researching into whether price and promotional differences exist between the two format retailers will help consumers and managers to know the true price level of each format.
Moderating effect of type of product exchanged in long‐term orientation of firm‐supplier relationships: an empirical study
Authors: Polo Redondo Yolanda , Cambra Fierro Jesús J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Taking the Spanish agro‐food sector as reference, the current work seeks to examine the moderating effect of the type of input exchanged; specifically, to analyze the potential differences in temporal orientation of the relationships established between companies and suppliers of “core” and “auxiliary” inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was obtained by means of a postal survey of managers responsible for the supply function from a random sample of Spanish agro‐food companies, specifically wine producers. The reason for approaching these professionals was to obtain responses from individuals who are directly in contact with the firm's suppliers, and who negotiate the purchasing agreements.

Findings

The findings show that, although communication, trust and satisfaction are always important as evaluated elements, their importance is higher when “core” products are considered. The data also indicate that for the case of products that are considered “core”, the relation between commitment and the long‐term orientation of the relationship is not significant. In this way, the more relevant the input is, more important are communication, trust and satisfaction, and the less important is commitment.

Originality/value

Although many studies have analyzed the long‐term orientation of buyer‐seller relationships, very few have considered the influence of the type of product exchanged. And furthermore, no previous works have analyzed the moderating effect of product type on the factors determining this long‐term orientation.
Redirecting under‐utilised computer laboratories into cluster computing facilities
Authors: Atkinson John S. , Spenneman Dirk H.R. , Cornforth David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide administrators at an Australian university with data on the feasibility of redirecting under‐utilised computer laboratories facilities into a distributed high performance computing facility.

Design/methodology/approach

The individual log‐in records for each computer located in the computer laboratories at the university were investigated. The log‐in data were investigated over a 24‐hour/seven day a week period between June 2001 and August 2003. The data were analysed in terms of student access to the computer facilities during “normal” business hours, weekend times, and the semester breaks.

Findings

The computer laboratories were hugely under‐utilised, with less than 10 per cent of all log‐ins occurring during off peak times (7 pm‐8 am). Similarly, only weekends were likewise under‐utilised. This strongly suggests that this spare computer capacity could be used for alternate means during these times.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to determine whether the needs of the general computer laboratory user who requires a stable and secure system can coexist with the users of a high performance computer facility where different software and differently configured computer systems are required.

Practical implications

This research has the potential for universities to utilise more effectively their computer laboratory resources by allocating under‐utilised resources into other projects, such as to a high performance computing facility (HPCF). The cost of these re‐allocated resources would be a fraction of the cost compared to a scenario in which a separate dedicated HPCF had to be provided.

Originality/value

This paper suggests an alternate utilisation of the spare computing laboratory resources available at many universities.
Cognitive task analysis
Authors: Li Ping
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To introduce a cognitive approach – cognitive task analysis (CTA) – for the usability evaluation of evidence‐based nursing (EBN) websites.

Design/methodology/approach

With the justification of the need for new evaluation methodologies for the usability of EBN websites and the provision of the theoretical framework and implications of CTA, the author proposes detailed steps for the usability evaluation of EBN websites.

Findings

CTA is a new approach that can be used for the evaluation of the usability of EBN websites. It has the advantages that conventional evaluation methods lack in characterizing the aspects of websites useful to nurses in carrying out evidence‐based practices.

Originality/value

This paper, with the introduction of a new cognitive approach, helps ensure the effective evaluation of the EBN websites, which can then be improved to adequately meet the requirements and information processing needs of the nurses practising evidence‐based nursing.
Issues in moving from web services to service orientation
Authors: Phippen A.D. , Taylor J. , Allen R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To carry out a practical experiment into the feasibility of service orientation to achieve a dynamic, late‐binding service architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature view to provide a foundation in standards and measure anecdotal opinion regarding service orientation. The review informed an architectural design based on real world requirements from a multinational mobile telecommunications organisation moving toward portal‐based services. The architectural implementation took place in a lab‐based setting and tested with third‐party services that were integrated into the architecture dynamically to test the late bound requirements of the infrastructure. The experimental approach also enabled the testing of the opinions formed regarding service orientation.

Findings

The main outcome of the study related to the open, standards‐based nature purported to be possible with service orientation. The findings on the study highlighted some major problems in interoperability and operational efficiency of service‐oriented technologies when applied to a complex architecture framework.

Research limitations/implications

Currently this represents the findings of a single study based on a specific set of requirements. In order to generalise, further study is needed and currently ongoing.

Practical implications

The study has high implications for people wishing to approach service orientation as a means to integrate both new and legacy systems. The work raises a lot of questions about the supposed ease of integration.

Originality/value

The work contributes to a growing body of work examining and evaluating the usefulness of service orientation.
A process model for educonsulting
Authors: Dunn Steven C. , Jasinski Dale , O'Connor Matthew
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The rapid rise of corporate universities, online degree programs, and the explosive growth in executive education all serve as signals to universities that the concept of a learning organization continues to gain momentum in the business community. This paper has the objective of describing a new model for academic/industry partnerships that utilizes traditional professional aspects of higher education (research, teaching, and consulting) to assist individual businesses in their quest to build a sustainable competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first describes the model, discusses implications for business and the academy and then describes its application in an organization.

Findings

The educonsulting (EC) model gives businesses a method linking their investment in education programs to their business strategy, in turn providing a potentially greater return on the investment in human capital development. In addition, the model provides a school of business with a systemic means of professionally developing its faculty and improving its stakeholder relationships.

Originality/value

The EC model described in this paper provides a blueprint for innovative colleges of business and their business partners to link individual development and organizational development to achieve their respective strategic goals.
Reflection as a key component in faculty development
Authors: Clayton Patti , Ash Sarah
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Reflection is key to learning from experience, including the experience of teaching. Aims to investigate whether critical reflection is as important in faculty development as it is in student learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Offers the authors' experience with a service‐learning program as a case study of the benefits and challenges of structuring faculty development around reflection.

Findings

Reflection on their teaching both deepens faculty's understanding of their roles as educators and allows them to model those abilities and perspectives they want their students to develop. Further, collaborating with our students in the reflective process promotes a strong sense of learning community, positioning students and faculty alike as engaged in collaborative inquiry.

Originality/value

Provides useful information on reflection as a means of development for faculty.
Serendipity or strategy? An investigation into entrepreneurial transnational higher education and risk management
Authors: Shanahan Peter , McParlane Jenny
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide a past, current and future perspective of transnational higher education for academics and managers engaged in this area of education provision, to heighten awareness of the current trends and issues involved.

Design/methodology/approach

An Australian/Hong Kong case study and reference to current literature are used to highlight the main issues concerning this rapidly expanding phenomenon in the provision of higher education.

Findings

Identifies and discusses the main issues for consideration when planning new transnational activities, including the need for strategic approaches and risk management.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on Australia and the Asian region, although material related to the UK and the USA is included in some sections. Whether a country is the provider or the receiver of transnational education, the issues raised will be relevant.

Practical implications

This paper provides a very useful source of information for those currently involved in or planning to become involved in a transnational higher education activity.

Originality/value

This paper is timely in that it addresses the recent proliferation of transnational higher education activities by considering the past and present, as well as providing discussion of potential future directions.
The MBA is dead – part 2: long live the MBL!
Authors: Blass Eddie , Weight Pauline
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Building on part 1 of this series, this paper aims to look at alternative ways in which business schools can develop the future managers and leaders needed by organisations. It draws attention to an emerging gap in the marketplace and suggests one possible model for addressing it.

Design/methodology/approach

A year‐long future study was undertaken at Cranfield School of Management combining a range of traditional research methods and samples including literature review, surveys of alumni, academics and futurists, interviews with recruiters and human resource (HR) managers, a Delphi study with international participants, and interviews and a focus group with business leaders. The results were then analysed and combined to form the pictures developed in this article and its counterpart.

Findings

Following on from Part 1, this paper proposes a new “élite” qualification for senior managers and leaders to replace the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the marketplace. This would allow the MBA to become the graduate conversion course in business necessary as an entry point into management. The Master's in Business Leadership (MBL) focuses on the individual rather than curriculum, and is a personal development journey rather than a functional knowledge‐based experience, as there is an assumption that this knowledge base is already there prior to the course being undertaken. This paper concludes with a comparative analysis of the MBA, the MBL and the International Master's in Practising Management which Mintzberg has proferred as his alternative to the MBA.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comparison of MBA offerings and potential substitutes. It also suggests a new curriculum for senior management education to prepare people for leadership in the future, while repositioning the MBA as a mass graduate conversion programme. By putting forward one possible way forward in the management education market, this paper hopes to open discussion for further development of the international management education sector.
Visible options
Authors: Linder Jane C.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Evaluating the potential payoff of an individual project in a portfolio, especially an innovative product development initiative, is a chronic problem with no satisfying solution. Because the commonly used tools to measure such opportunities provide limited insights, executives need better decision support technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Executives making difficult portfolio funding decisions must answer such questions as which of their projects seem to be most promising, whether they should act now or bide their time, and how much they should pay to stay in the game.

Findings

Executives can use the visible options approach to manage initiatives by taking the following steps: review the composition of the project portfolio; crosscheck the announced initiatives with the company's future value; don't leave upside‐intensive initiatives on the back burner; and use failure‐avoiding management to limit downside risk.

Research limitations/implications

The visual options method has yet to be extensively field‐tested and researchers need to collect feedback from early adopters.

Practical implications

Using visual options techniques, executives can scan a set of initiatives and quickly spot projects inspired by opportunities and those developed in response to threats; the projects with big potential future outcomes and those that have only modest prospects. They can now see urgent opportunities with windows that are closing rapidly as well as the proximate threats that are often easier to recognize.

Originality/value

First full description of the visible options technique. A visible options tool that displays the potential benefits of projects more graphically and gives a more complete picture of possible results over time could help managers make more effective decisions.