bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dermal HOX transcriptional program regulates site-specific epidermal fate
Authors: Rinn John L. , Wang Jordon K. , Allen Nancy , Brugmann Samantha A. , Mikels Amanda J. , Liu Helen , Ridky Todd W. , Stadler H. Scott , Nusse Roel , Helms Jill A. , Chang Howard Y.
Published: February 2008

Reciprocal epithelial–mesenchymal interactions shape site-specific development of skin. Here we show that site-specific HOX expression in fibroblasts is cell-autonomous and epigenetically maintained. The distal-specific gene HOXA13 is continually required to maintain the distal-specific transcriptional program in adult fibroblasts, including expression of WNT5A, a morphogen required for distal development. The ability of distal fibroblasts to induce epidermal keratin 9, a distal-specific gene, is abrogated by depletion of HOXA13, but rescued by addition of WNT5A. Thus, maintenance of appropriate HOX transcriptional program in adult fibroblasts may serve as a source of positional memory to differentially pattern the epithelia during homeostasis and regeneration.
Modeling Hox gene regulation in digits: reverse collinearity and the molecular origin of thumbness
Authors: Montavon Thomas , Le Garrec Jean-François , Kerszberg Michel , Duboule Denis
Published: February 2008

During the development of mammalian digits, clustered Hoxd genes are expressed following a collinear regulatory strategy, leading to both the growth of digits and their morphological identities. Because gene dosage is a key parameter in this system, we used a quantitative approach, associated with a collection of mutant stocks, to investigate the nature of the underlying regulatory mechanism(s). In parallel, we elaborated a mathematical model of quantitative collinearity, which was progressively challenged and validated by the experimental approach. This combined effort suggested a two-step mechanism, which involves initially the looping and recognition of the cluster by a complex including two enhancer sequences, followed by a second step of microscanning of genes located nearby. In this scenario, the respective rank of the genes, with respect to the 5′ extremity of the cluster, is primordial, as well as different gene-specific affinities. This model accounts for the quantitative variations observed in our many mutant strains, and reveals the molecular constraint leading to thumbness; i.e., why a morphological difference must occur between the most anterior digit and the others. We also show that the same model applies to the collinear regulation of Hox genes during the emergence of external genitalia, though with some differences likely illustrating the distinct functionalities of these structures in adults.
Preparation and Hydrolysis of Digoxygenin-Labeled Probes for In Situ Hybridization of Plant Tissues
Authors: Ferrandiz Cristina , Sessions Allen
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION

Antisense RNA is typically labeled using digoxygenin (DIG), which is subsequently detected with an anti-DIG antibody coupled to alkaline phosphatase. This protocol describes the synthesis and hydrolysis of a DIG-labeled probe to be used for in situ hybridization.
Immunohistochemistry on Sections of Plant Tissues Using Alkaline-Phosphatase-Coupled Secondary Antibody
Authors: Sessions Allen
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION

Like RNA, proteins can be localized in situ on tissue sections. In situ localization or immunohistochemistry provides information on the cellular and subcellular distribution of proteins in different tissues. This protocol describes an alternative to the use of ABC (a preformed Avidin:Biotinylated enzyme Complex used in conjunction with a biotinylated secondary antibody) for non-fluorescent detection in immunohistochemistry. Here, an alkaline-phosphatase-coupled secondary antibody is used with colorimetric substrates for antigen detection.
Herbivore-Induced Callose Deposition on the Sieve Plates of Rice: An Important Mechanism for Host Resistance
Authors: Hao Peiying , Liu Caixiang , Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Rongzhi , Tang Ming , Du Bo , Zhu Lili , He Guangcun
Published: February 2008

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål; BPH) is a specialist herbivore on rice (Oryza sativa) that ingests phloem sap from the plant through its stylet mouthparts. Electronic penetration graphs revealed that BPH insects spent more time wandering over plants carrying the resistance genes Bph14 and Bph15, but less time ingesting phloem than they did on susceptible plants. They also showed that their feeding was frequently interrupted. Tests with [14C]sucrose showed that insects ingested much less phloem sap from the resistant than the susceptible plants. BPH feeding up-regulated callose synthase genes and induced callose deposition in the sieve tubes at the point where the stylet was inserted. The compact callose remained intact in the resistant plants, but genes encoding β-1,3-glucanases were activated, causing unplugging of the sieve tube occlusions in susceptible plants. Continuing ingestion led to a remarkable reduction in the susceptible plants' sucrose content and activation of the RAmy3D gene, leading to starch hydrolysis and ultimately carbohydrate deprivation in the plants. Our results demonstrate that BPH feeding induces the deposition of callose on sieve plates in rice and that this is an important defense mechanism that prevents insects from ingesting phloem sap. In response, however, the BPH can unplug sieve tube occlusions by activating β-1,3-glucanase genes in rice plants.
Robust stabilization of input‐delayed systems with design example for rocket motor control
Authors: Jafarov Elbrous M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to use a new design approach based on a Lagrange mean value theorem for the stabilization of multivariable input‐delayed system by linear controller.

Design/methodology/approach

The delay‐dependent asymptotical stability conditions are derived by using augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals and formulated in terms of conventional Lyapunov matrix equations and some simple matrix inequalities. Proposed design approach is extended to robust stabilization of multi‐variable input‐delayed systems with unmatched parameter uncertainties. The maximum upper bound of delay size is computed by using a simple optimization algorithm.

Findings

A liquid monopropellant rocket motor with a pressure feeding system is considered as a numerical design example. Design example shows the effectiveness of the proposed design approach.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approach can be used in the analysis and design of the uncertain multivariable time‐delay systems.

Originality/value

The paper has a great potential in the stability analysis of time‐delay systems and design of time‐delay controllers and may openup a new direction in this area.
Food processing: barriers to, or opportunities for, organic foods in the catering sector?
Authors: Post Anna , Shanahan Helena , Jonsson Lena
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The aim of this article is to examine whether food processing is a limitation when using organic potatoes and tubers and to suggest which catering category is most likely to purchase processed organic products.

Design/methodology/approach

A nationwide questionnaire was distributed by post to 808 Swedish catering managers in five categories: commercial restaurants, fast food restaurants, school canteens, day care centres, and homes for the elderly. The results were analysed on the basis of size and category.

Findings

The demand for processed organic potatoes and tubers differs between sizes and categories, and various catering units require different types of processing. Catering units in the public food sector also face a dilemma in terms of rationalised production systems and the ideological concerns about organic foods.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies on ideological concerns and rationalised production systems are required.

Originality/value

The paper shows that product development should take place in cooperation between all actors in the food supply system and be adjusted to fit each specific catering category.
Wine origin and organic elaboration, differentiating strategies in traditional producing countries
Authors: Bernabéu Rodolfo , Brugarolas Margarita , Martínez‐Carrasco Laura , Díaz Mónica
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This article aims to analyse various wine differentiation strategies (price, origin, type and production system) to counteract the commercial success of new wine producers compared to traditional ones.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consisted of a survey of 400 Castilla‐La Mancha wine consumers during the month of March 2004, whose preferences were determined through several multivariate techniques.

Findings

Three consumer segments were identified: the first shops for wine mainly by price, the second, by origin and the third, by a combination of price and type of wine. In this sense, except for the first segment, where competition by a cheaper wine from other places could endanger the local market, possible strategies would be to continue emphasising origin in a traditional approach and to search for a new wine differentiation based on organic production. Both strategies, which can be carried out jointly, would require government backing in addition to support from the business sector.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a greater knowledge of Spanish consumer habits by analysing the degree of influence that various factors have on attitudes towards the purchasing of wine.
Grocery lists: connecting family, household and grocery store
Authors: Bassett Raewyn , Beagan Brenda , Chapman Gwen E.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate grocery list use in the lives of participant families in a study on decision making about food choices and eating practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 46 families from three ethno‐cultural groups living in two regions in Canada participated in the study: in British Columbia, 12 Punjabi Canadian and 11 European Canadian families; in Nova Scotia, 13 African Canadian and ten European Canadian families. In each family, at least three individuals over the age of 13 years, one of whom was a woman between the ages of 25 and 55 years, were interviewed. Researchers participated in a meal and accompanied each family on a grocery trip.

Findings

Most family members contributed to a grocery list. The shopper(s) in the family may take the written list with them, have the list in memory, use a combination of both memory and written list, or shop without a list. Finds the articulation of taken‐for‐granted, intersecting knowledge about family, household and grocery store, necessary to the compilation of a list, were largely unseen, unrecognised, and undervalued.

Originality/value

Studies on grocery lists have focused on who uses lists, how they are used, and what their use says about consumers. In the literature, non‐list use is conflated with the absence of a tangible grocery list. Shows that lack of a tangible list does not mean absence of a list in all cases. Further, extends and contextualises existing literature, showing that grocery list compilation relies upon interrelated knowledge of family, household and store.
Dietary fibre in human nutrition: the problem of providing nutrition advice
Authors: Sibbel Anne
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper to explain the difficulties associated with applying the science of nutrition in formulating advice to protect public health, using the example of dietary fibre.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on this review of relevant literature published between 1953 and 2006, the first section traces the history of attempts at constructing useful definitions of dietary fibre. Then the problems of measurement of the fibre content of foods, measurement of fibre intake in individuals and with testing for correlations with disease, are outlined.

Findings

The equivocal nature of current definitions of dietary fibre, and the lack of accuracy, validity or reliability of methods of determination, have been major limitations to developing an understanding its role in protecting human health. Perhaps more than for any other dietary constituent, the elucidation of the science describing the role of dietary fibre in human nutrition has been confounded by both known and unidentified variables.

Practical implications

This paper reflects an increasing scientific awareness that developments in nutrition are subject to the limitations of methods of analysis and research design. It explains why the processes of scientific investigation are often slow to reveal important relationships between dietary factors and health. This presents some difficulties for authorities charged with promoting health protective eating behaviours.

Originality/value

Although it has not been possible to unequivocally quantify dietary fibre or its effects on human metabolism, the research provides strong support for choosing a wide range of fresh or minimally intact plant food sources to protect health, as recommended in the FBDG's promoted in many countries around the world. The health protective effects may be achieved with moderation of the information disseminated about dietary fibre, particularly via the marketing of manufactured foods supplemented with fibre isolates.
Different roles, different perspectives: perceptions about the purpose of training needs analysis
Authors: Bowman Jill , Wilson John P.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the experiences of managers who underwent a training needs analysis (TNA) within a large bus transport company. It compares their perceptions of the TNA process with two external groups of training managers and training consultants. Recommendations are made to address and reconcile the differing interpretations and misunderstandings which occur between the different groups about TNA.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach uses qualitative grounded theory to identify the main perspectives about the purpose of training needs analysis.

Findings

The findings are that business needs are the main focus of the TNA. The various actors in the TNA process should be aware of their part in the process. Line managers should receive instruction in TNA.

Originality/value

The article addresses the similarities and differences which are found among training managers, training consultants, and managers who were recipients of training needs analysis.
Information science: an interdisciplinary effort?
Authors: Adam Holland George
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of collaboration within information science, to argue for distinct meanings for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research and to answer two questions: What philosophic distinction can be made between inter‐ and multi‐disciplinary efforts? Is one more valuable than the other to information science research?

Design/methodology/approach

The semantic inconsistency for describing collaboration is identified in information science. Philosophic analysis of the terms interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary is conducted, arguing for distinct meanings. A case study through cognitive science exploring the philosophic meanings is developed.

Findings

Interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity are very distinct in terms of methods and frameworks. Interdisciplinary research has longer‐term benefits for information science, but multidisciplinary research can also fulfil valid collaborative roles in information science.

Research limitations/implications

A brief technical discussion of cognitive science theory lends itself to those interested in cognitive science. The paper is philosophic in nature.

Practical implications

The inconsistencies surrounding the terms interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary have impact on professional practice. The argument for more consistent terminology will introduce more semantic integrity and reduce miscommunication. There is a challenge to engage in more interdisciplinary research and practice within information science.

Originality/value

Collaboration is a common term used, but little research into what it precisely means within information science has been conducted. The paper argues for a clear distinction between various types of collaboration, and provides a case study with cognitive science.
Negotiations on information‐seeking expertise
Authors: Sundin Olof
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how different approaches to information literacy, such as are mediated through web‐based tutorials, are used as tools in negotiating the information‐seeking expertise of university librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

A textual analysis of 31 web‐based Scandinavian tutorials for information literacy has been conducted. The similarities and differences identified are analysed as linguistic expressions of different approaches to information literacy. The approaches are seen as constructions based on a dialogue between the empirical data and the theoretical departure points.

Findings

Four approaches to information literacy emerge in the results: a source approach, a behaviour approach, a process approach, and a communication approach. The approaches entail different perspectives on information literacy. They impart diverging understandings of key concepts such as “information”, “information seeking” and the “user”.

Practical implications

A reflective awareness of different approaches to information literacy is important for both researchers and LIS practitioners, since the approaches that come into play have practical consequences for the operation of user education.

Originality/value

The present study supplements the information literacy research field by combining empirical findings with theoretical reflections.
What do citation counts measure? A review of studies on citing behavior
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , Daniel Hans‐Dieter
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a narrative review of studies on the citing behavior of scientists, covering mainly research published in the last 15 years. Based on the results of these studies, the paper seeks to answer the question of the extent to which scientists are motivated to cite a publication not only to acknowledge intellectual and cognitive influences of scientific peers, but also for other, possibly non‐scientific, reasons.

Design/methodology/approach

The review covers research published from the early 1960s up to mid‐2005 (approximately 30 studies on citing behavior‐reporting results in about 40 publications).

Findings

The general tendency of the results of the empirical studies makes it clear that citing behavior is not motivated solely by the wish to acknowledge intellectual and cognitive influences of colleague scientists, since the individual studies reveal also other, in part non‐scientific, factors that play a part in the decision to cite. However, the results of the studies must also be deemed scarcely reliable: the studies vary widely in design, and their results can hardly be replicated. Many of the studies have methodological weaknesses. Furthermore, there is evidence that the different motivations of citers are “not so different or ‘randomly given’ to such an extent that the phenomenon of citation would lose its role as a reliable measure of impact”.

Originality/value

Given the increasing importance of evaluative bibliometrics in the world of scholarship, the question “What do citation counts measure?” is a particularly relevant and topical issue.
Searching for digital images on the web
Authors: Jansen Bernard J.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the way in which end user searching on the web has become the primary method of locating digital images for many people. This paper seeks to investigate how users structure these image queries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the structure and formation of image queries on the web by mapping a sample of web queries to three known query classification schemes for image searching (i.e. Enser and McGregor, Jörgensen, and Chen).

Findings

The results indicate that the features and attributes of web image queries differ relative to image queries utilized on other information retrieval systems and by other user populations. This research points to the need for five additional attributes (i.e. collections, pornography, presentation, URL, and cost) in order to classify web image queries, which were not present in any of the three prior classification schemes.

Research limitations/implications

Patterns in web searching for image content do emerge that inform the design of web‐based multimedia systems, namely, that there is a high interest in locating image collections by web searchers. Objects and people images are the predominant interest for web searchers. Cost is a factor for web searching. This knowledge of the structure of web image queries has implications for the design of image information retrieval systems and repositories, especially in the area of automatic tagging of images with metadata.

Originality/value

This is the first research that examines whether or not one can apply image query classifications schemes to web image queries.
Understanding the information and communication technology needs of the e‐humanist
Authors: Toms Elaine G. , O'Brien Heather L.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the needs of humanists with respect to information and communication technology (ICT) in order to prescribe the design of an e‐humanist's workbench.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based survey comprising over 60 questions gathered the following data from 169 humanists: profile of the humanist, use of ICT in teaching, e‐texts, text analysis tools, access to and use of primary and secondary sources, and use of collaboration and communication tools.

Findings

Humanists conduct varied forms of research and use multiple techniques. They rely on the availability of inexpensive, quality‐controlled e‐texts for their research. The existence of primary sources in digital form influences the type of research conducted. They are unaware of existing tools for conducting text analyses, but expressed a need for better tools. Search engines have replaced the library catalogue as the key access tool for sources. Research continues to be solitary with little collaboration among scholars.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on a self‐selected sample of humanists who responded to a web‐based survey. Future research needs to examine the work of the scholar at a more detailed level, preferably through observation and/or interviewing.

Practical implications

The findings support a five‐part framework that could serve as the basis for the design of an e‐humanist's workbench.

Originality/value

The paper examines the needs of the humanist, founded on an integration of information science research and humanities computing for a more comprehensive understanding of the humanist at work.
Research journal articles as document genres: exploring their role in knowledge organization
Authors: Montesi Michela , Mackenzie Owen John
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline how article genres, or article types, are classified and described in the disciplines of biology, education, and software engineering. By using the expression article genres, emphasis is placed on the social role of journal articles that, as such, accomplish specific communicative functions and are intended for a certain context and audience.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on this idea, the instructions to authors of the research journals cited in the Journal Citation Reports for each of the three disciplines are analysed.

Findings

The information provided by the instructions to authors of major publications in the fields studied allows one to describe the following article genres: major articles, theoretical articles, review articles, short articles, practice‐oriented articles, case studies, comment and opinion, and reviews.

Research limitations/implications

Results show that article genres reflect the nature of research in each field to the extent that using them to describe items along with topic may improve management and retrieval of scientific documents. In addition, article genres perform specific communicative functions within disciplinary communities, which accounts for both emerging types of articles and variations in traditional types.

Originality/value

The paper summarizes the information on article genres available in the instructions to authors of scientific journals in the disciplines of biology, education and software engineering. It attempts to show how results can mirror the nature of research in each field as well as current debates within each discipline on the state and quality of research. Also it shows how article genres convey specific communication needs within disciplinary communities, which proves that genres are social and evolving objects.
Competitive strategy and performance measurement in the Malaysian context
Authors: Jusoh Ruzita , Parnell John A.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of competitive strategy and performance measurement in the Malaysian context by applying a modified version of Conant et al's generic strategy scale and categorizing Malaysian firms along the Miles and Snow business strategy typology.

Design/methodology/approach

Competitive strategy and performance measurement were assessed via survey. A total of 975 firms were randomly selected from the directory of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) as listed in 2003. Overall, 133 surveys were returned, 120 of which were usable for analysis.

Findings

Results suggest that Malaysian firms view competitive strategy differently and are more likely than their Western counterparts to emphasize the use of financial measures of organizational performance. Findings also highlight the difficulties faced when Western measurement scales are employed in non‐Western emerging nations.

Research limitations/implications

Because greater emphasis was placed on financial rather than non‐financial measures, results indicate a statistically significant different improvement only in sales growth and ROI performance among the three strategy categories. Strategy researchers should focus their attention to the use of multiple performance measures in assessing firm's performance as shown by the significant different in the use of customer satisfaction and loyalty measures, as well as employee satisfaction and training measures.

Originality/value

These findings hold relevance for executives responsible for the formulation and implementation of business strategy. A better understanding of the relationship between business strategy and performance measures using the BSC perspectives of measures has been provided. The study provides some useful insights into the role of performance measures. In addition, this study conveys the message to top managers and designers of performance measurement tools–most notably the balanced scorecard– should pay particular attention to non‐financial performance measures in implementing their organization's strategy.
Value innovation management and discounted cash flow
Authors: Carter Tony , Diro Ejara Demissew
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to export the idea of “Core Competency Based Valuation”. Wireless network operations services companies have exploded in importance and face unprecedented challenges in valuing them. This article considers how one firm's managers are enhancing their value through better performance and decision making to input long‐term value, along with the industry growth and highly favorable customer response to their quality products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

This fairly extensive, yet focused paper, was based on accepted financial valuation procedures, due diligence from visit with managers and relevant market data. This paper also reflects other critical valuation quantitative information concerning their considerable business activity and excellent future prospects in the “sales deals pipeline” such as Nokia, a key customer development, that should be reflected in any detailed report regarding valuation.

Findings

Effective management requires that the emphasis return to fundamentals, even if it makes analysts unhappy in the short‐term. For managers, DCF tools will continue to be important. However, history also shows that on occasion market valuations can and do deviate. They can benefit that way only if they understand the real underlying values. Managers need to keep their focus on discounted cash flow and all those factors in the company and marketplace that reflect the firm's capabilities and opportunities.

Originality/value

What makes wireless firms, and especially new wireless firms, different? First, they usually have not been in existence for more than a year or two, leading to a very limited history. Second, their current financial statements reveal very little about the component of their assets – expected growth – that contributes the most to their value. Third, these firms often represent the first of their kind of business. In many cases, there are no competitors or a peer group against which they can be measured.
Leverage and IPO under‐pricing: high‐tech versus low‐tech IPOs
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Pukthuanthong‐Le Kuntara , Walker Thomas
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The extant literature on initial public offerings (IPOs) generally assumes that a high degree of pre‐IPO leverage serves as a positive signal of firm quality as it forces a firm's managers to adhere to tough budget constraints. The purpose of this paper is to question the validity of this assumption when it is indiscriminately applied to all firms, while other potentially important determinants of a firm's optimal capital structure are ignored. High‐tech versus low‐tech firms are specifically focused on.

Design/methodology/approach

Multivariate regression controlling is used for various firm and offer characteristics, market and industry returns, and potential endogeneity between investment bank rankings, price revisions, and under‐pricing.

Findings

It is found that debt only serves as a signal of better firm quality for low‐tech IPOs, as reflected in smaller price revisions and lower under‐pricing. For high‐tech IPOs, the effect of leverage is reversed: for these firms, higher leverage is associated with increased risk and uncertainty as reflected by higher price revisions and greater under‐pricing. The results remain significant after controlling for various firm variables as mentioned above.

Practical implications

The research results allow managers of high‐tech firms that contemplate going public to better understand the effect their company's capital structure will have on the pricing of their IPO. Prior research generally suggests that – irrespective of a firm's underlying characteristics – higher financial leverage results in lower under‐pricing. The findings highlight the falsity of this generalization and point out that it only holds for low‐tech firms. Firms that operate in a high‐tech sector, on the other hand, will leave less money on the table if they use equity rather than debt financing.

Originality/value

It is shown that leverage only serves as a positive signal for low‐tech firms. The IPOs of these firms generally undergo smaller price revisions and are less under‐priced than the IPOs of low‐tech firms that use little debt in their capital structure. While this result is consistent with earlier studies, it is show that the relationship between these variables reverses for high‐tech IPOs. Specifically, it is found that high‐tech IPOs with high leverage undergo larger price revisions and are more under‐priced than high‐tech firms with low leverage. In contrast to earlier findings, this suggests that for high‐tech IPOs, higher leverage implies increased ex‐ante uncertainty and risks.
A new framework for global expansion
Authors: Moon Hwy‐Chang , Kim Min‐Young
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a comprehensive model explaining the global expansion of firms and to find out viable strategies for firms to survive global competition.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the critical review over existing literature, this study first introduces a new framework explaining the global expansion of firms at the level of functional activities in the value chain, and then empirically tests the predictions of the new framework with data in the motor industry.

Findings

Empirical findings confirm the new model's predictions. First, each function in the value chain has a unique way of global expansion: the global strategy is suitable for the production function, while the multidomestic strategy is applicable to the marketing function. Second, each function follows a dynamic path of global expansion from domestic to transnational via either global or multidomestic, according to the innate characteristics of corresponding function. Finally, the degree of global expansion of a firm is positively correlated with its financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

Focusing on developing a new framework on global expansion, this study utilizes a rather small number of data and, therefore, requires readers' discretion when interpreting the results of statistical analyses.

Practical implications

With the dynamic diversification‐coordination model, managers can recognize the level and characteristics of their firms' global expansion, not only at the firm level but also at the functional level. This allows managers to establish a global strategy tailored to each function, thus reconciling possible conflicts generated from different interests among different functions in the firm.

Originality/value

First, this article introduces a new perspective of analyzing the global expansion of firms by shifting the level of analysis from the firm level to the functional level where the new framework can reconcile the constant debates on globalization. Second, this article suggests an intuitive and theory‐based index measuring the degree of global expansion of firms.
Zero wear concept using bionotox and polymer‐free engine oils with triboactive materials
Authors: Woydt Mathias , Criqui Bernard , Desplanches Gérard , Linneman Tom
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to underline the future need for OEMs to receive lowSAP, polymer‐ and metal‐free engine oils with high‐viscosity indices and to illuminate for other OEMs the technical feasibility for application of alternative engine oils based on esters or blends of hydrocarbons with esters or polyglycols.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategic goal depends technically on the use of intrinsic properties of alternative base fluids, thus substituing some additives, like anti‐wear, extreme pressure and viscosity index improvers. The prone wear resistance of novel triboactive/‐reactive materials enables higher portions of mixed/boundary lubrication generated by oils with a lower viscosity.

Findings

Overall, the different bionotox and low‐ash prototype engine oils with reduced additive contents displayed isoperformance regarding the tribological behaviour against cast iron and triboreactive materials. APS‐Tin−2Cr2O2n−1displayed an overall wear resistance comparable with grey cast iron with high‐carbon content and liner wear reduction of one order of magnitude when mated with Mo‐based rings. Both tests confirmed the potential for substituing molybdenum‐based rings by APS‐Tin−2Cr2O2n−1. The most significant reduction in “system wear” down to “zero wear” was demonstrated by mating the APS‐Tin−2Cr2O2n−1coated piston rings with smooth machined HVOF‐(Ti,Mo)(C,N) liner coatings.

Research limitations/implications

As lubricants are today not part of the core business of automotive OEMs, the next steps have to be proposed by the petrochemical suppliers. It is recalled here that some OEMs in their history developed and produced lubricants.

Practical implications

The customer will appreciate any increase in longevity resulting in reduced maintenance. The OEM now owns, under increased solicitations, now a future‐oriented tool box in order to respond to environmental and CAFÉ demands with reasonable cost management.

Originality/value

This OEM report displays the complete methodology in order to adopt alternative engine oils in existing engine architectures.
Characterization and tribological properties of boride coatings of steels in a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: David K. , Anthymidis K.G. , Agrianidis P. , Petropoulos G.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The aim of the current research is to characterize boride coatings on steels and steel alloys produced in a CVD fluidized bed reactor.

Design/methodology/approach

Heat treatments of alloys in fluidized bed reactors have been carried out for more than 25 years. Recently, this technology has been used for surface engineering applications in the deposition of hard and/or corrosion‐resistant layers. The present paper used fluidized bed technology (FBT) to deposit boride coatings on to ferrous materials. The coatings were examined by means of optical microscopy, Vickers microhardness measurements and X‐ray diffraction in terms of coating thickness and morphology, phase formation and hardness determination. The coating's tribological properties were evaluated under dry wear. Impact tests were also carried out to determine the fatigue resistance of the examined coatings under dynamic impact loading.

Findings

Boriding in a fluidized bed reactor is a simple, environmentally friendly and fast‐coating process. The produced iron‐boride coatings are characterized by excellent quality and uniform tooth‐shaped morphology. Fe2B was the predominant boride phase formed, exhibiting superior tribological properties under dry wear conditions. Impact testing investigations revealed high‐fatigue strength of boride coatings in combination with limited deformable substrates.

Research limitations/implications

The investigated coatings were deposited only on some structural and tool steel substrates.

Practical implications

Boride coatings deposited using FBT are satisfactory abrasive wear‐ and fatigue‐resistant coatings in comparison with those produced using common boride coating methods.

Originality/value

The outcome of the research is of great importance for the industry using abrasive wear coatings.
Theorising under‐theorisation in research on the HRM‐Performance Link
Authors: Fleetwood Steve , Hesketh Anthony
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the conceptual underpinnings of the theoretical weaknesses of extant research investigating the HRM‐Organizational Performance Link (hereafter HRM‐P Link).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews a number of different empirical approaches to the HRM‐P Link and reflects upon, and defines, theory, focusing upon two important dimensions: prediction and explanation. The paper also discusses why the field in its current guise cannot sustain a commitment to explanation, so that under‐theorisation and lack of explanatory power go hand‐in‐hand. It then tackles the possibility that theoretical underpinnings for empirical research on the HRM‐P Link might come from other disciplines such as economics. The paper also begins to set out a meta‐theoretical alternative.

Findings

The paper finds that: theoretical underpinnings will not emerge and develop simply by doing more, and/or better, empirical work; meta‐theoretical problems besetting the paradigm are actually far worse than is usually recognised; and attempts to borrow theories from other disciplines have not been successful.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that this is a broad and complex field and it has been necessarily selective in its evaluation. It does, however, signpost additional writing in this area to complement the word limit it faces here.

Practical implications

The paper shows that both organizations and researchers need to think more robustly about the meta‐theoretical underpinnings of the relationship between HRM practices and their capacity to enable people to perform. It is hoped that renewed meta‐theoretical debate will be triggered in this direction.

Originality/value

This paper is the only critical review of the meta‐theoretical underpinnings of the HRM‐P field.
Global HRM integration: a knowledge transfer perspective
Authors: Smale Adam
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on HRM in MNCs from a knowledge transfer perspective, to identify some of the key weaknesses in extant research and to outline a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper key contributions to the literature on HRM in MNCs are reviewed and discussed in connection with the knowledge transfer literature. The review and discussion culminate in the presentation of an agenda for future research.

Findings

The paper finds that, by viewing global HRM integration in MNCs as a process of knowledge transfer, three weaknesses in the extant literature are identified: inadequate consideration of HRM's knowledge characteristics at different levels within the organisation – the “what”; insufficient attention paid to the organisational mechanisms through which HRM is transferred – the “how”; and a lack of rigour in assessing when HRM transfer can be viewed as successful – the “when”.

Originality/value

In viewing global HRM integration as a process of knowledge transfer, the paper extends the HRM‐knowledge link and provides an alternative point of departure from which to study HRM in MNCs. In highlighting some of the weaknesses in extant research and in proposing a research agenda, it is also hoped that this paper can assist other scholars in making incremental improvements to a field reportedly in need of further theoretical development.
Constructing self‐efficacy at work: a person‐centered perspective
Authors: Tams Svenja
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a person‐centered perspective of self‐efficacy formation. Examining people's ways of thinking about self‐efficacy at work broadens one's perspective beyond training and feedback as principal means for developing self‐efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative paper analyses 145 interviews with 74 participants from six settings (management consulting, brand design, MBA job search, restaurant service, telemarketing, and financial trading).

Findings

The paper finds that the coding suggested ten specific ways of thinking about self‐efficacy. These were grouped according to two modes of thinking – attending and reflecting – and two focuses – one directed at doing one's task and the other directed at one's environment. In combination, they represent four types of thinking: attending to one's doing, attending to one's environment, reflecting upon one's doing, and taking a stance towards one's environment.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that further research needs to strengthen the validity of the identified ways of thinking about self‐efficacy and examine their determinants and outcomes.

Practical implications

The paper proposes two implications for HR development practice. First, people's self‐management capacity may be improved by coaching and training that raise mindfulness of one's ways of constructing self‐efficacy. Second, the effectiveness of performance appraisal and 360° feedback may be improved by managers, HR practitioners and people themselves giving more attention to co‐constructing relevant ways of thinking about self‐efficacy.

Originality/value

Adopting a person‐centered perspective, this paper proposes to view self‐efficacy formation as a constructivist process – that is proactive, self‐organizing and coherence‐building.
Patterns of human resource management in consulting firms
Authors: Richter Ansgar , Dickmann Michael , Graubner Michael
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the human resource management (HRM) policies and practices in consulting firms. The paper specifically investigates whether or not the HRM approaches in these firms mirror the two organisational archetypes of professional partnerships (P2) and manage professional businesses (MPB) found in the professional services sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on interviews with experienced consultants from a sample of 28 large and medium‐sized consulting firms with a presence in Germany and Switzerland. The paper uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the data.

Findings

The findings in the paper show that P2‐type consulting firms take fundamentally different approaches to HRM from MPB‐type firms. In P2‐type consulting firms, HRM is an integral part of the organisational system and is run in practice by consultants, rather than by specialised HR staff. P2‐type firms emphasise the notion of membership of individuals in an organisation tied together by extended socialisation processes and adherence to common values. In contrast, MPB‐type firms exhibit HRM systems with “corporate” features widely used in other large‐scale service organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that the organisational archetypes prevalent in professional service firms have significant implications for their HRM systems. Consulting firms' HRM practices and policies should be interpreted in the light of their respective organisational archetype.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that consulting firms should use HRM practices that fit the organisational archetype they embody.

Originality/value

The paper provides systematic evidence on the HRM policies and practices in an important yet under‐researched sector.
The effects of employee services on organizational commitment and intentions to quit
Authors: Lee Soo‐Hoon , Lee Thomas W. , Lum Choon‐Fong
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the provision of employee services on employees' organizational commitment and their intentions to quit as well as their underlying reasons.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that questionnaires were administered at two organizations in Singapore to evaluate employees' attitudes resulting from the provision of employee services. Mediator regression analyses and structural equation modeling were used to test the relationships between the provision of employee services with construed external image of the organization, valence for employee services, organizational identification, organizational commitment, and intentions to quit.

Findings

The paper found that positive employee attitudes arising from the provision of employee services were the result of a positive construed external image of the organization. It also shows that, when employees perceived that outsiders viewed their organization positively, their level of identification with their organization increased.

Research limitations/implications

The paper did not find a significant relationship between employees' valence for employee services and organizational identification, implying that receiving tangible benefits was less important to employees than working for an organization that is viewed positively by outsiders.

Practical implications

The results in this paper suggest that employees' attachment to their organization is enhanced when they perceive that outsiders view their organization positively.

Originality/value

The results in the paper were explained in terms of social identity theory, which suggest that firms must continually invest in socially responsible activities and practices to create a positive corporate image. Employees' perceptions pertaining to how stakeholders view their organization affect their work attitudes.