bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Effects of Letter-spacing in Alexia: Further Evidence that Different Strategies Generate Word Length Effects in Reading
Authors: Price Cathy J. , Humphreys Glyn W.
Published: September 2011

The reading behaviour of two alexic patients (SA and WH) is reported. Both patients are severely impaired at reading single words, and both show abnormally strong effects of word length when reading. These two symptoms are characteristic of letter-by-letter reading. Experiment 1 examined the pattern of errors when the patients read large and small words. Further experiments examined the effects of inter-letter spacing on word naming (Experiments 2a and 2b) and the identification of letters in letter strings (Experiment 3). For both patients, letter identification was better for widely spaced letters in letter strings, and this effect was most pronounced for the central letters in the strings. This is consistent with abnormally strong flanker interference in letter identification. However, inter-letter spacing affected word reading behaviour in the two patients in different ways. SA's word reading improved with widely spaced letters; WH's word reading was disrupted. This suggests that these patients adopted different strategies when reading words. We conclude that several reading behaviours can elicit word length effects, and that these different behaviours can reflect strategic adaptation to a common functional deficit in patients. We discuss the implications both for understanding alexia and for models of normal word identification.
Testing the Mental Model Theory of Propositional Reasoning
Authors: Klauer Karl Christoph , Oberauer Klaus
Published: September 2011

Johnson-Laird, Byrne, and Schaeken (1992) present a theory of propositional reasoning by mental models. The present study provides a comprehensive test of the predictions of that theory for the difficulty of simple disjunctive and conditional inferences. The results are largely consistent with the complex pattern of predictions. They are discussed in the light of recently proposed modifications of the original theory.
Implicit Learning and Concept Learning
Authors: Frick Robert W. , Lee Yuh-Shiow
Published: September 2011

In Experiments 1 and 2, subjects were exposed to letter strings that followed a pattern—the second letter was always the same. This exposure was disguised as a test of immediate memory. Following this training, subjects could discriminate new letter strings following the pattern from letter strings not following the pattern more often than would be expected by chance, which is the traditional evidence for concept learning. Discrimination was also better than would be predicted from subjects’ explicit report of the pattern, demonstrating the co-occurrence of concept learning and implicit learning. In Experiment 3, rules were learned explicitly. Discrimination was worse than would be predicted from subjects’ explicit report, validating the implicit learning paradigm. In Experiment 4, deviations from a prototypical pattern were presented during training. In the test of discrimination, prototypes were as familiar as old deviations and more familiar than new deviations, even when considering only implicit knowledge. Experiment 5 found implicit knowledge of a familiar concept. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the distinguishing features of a concept can be learned implicitly, and that one type of implicit learning is concept learning.
Effects of Prime Type and Delay on Multiplication Priming: Evidence for a Dual-process Model
Authors: Meagher Paul D. , Campbell Jamie I. D.
Published: September 2011

Two experiments investigated effects of numerical primes on production of simple multiplication facts (e.g. 4 × 8 = ?). In Experiment 1, a correct (32), related (24), unrelated (27), or neutral (##) prime appeared for 200 msec and was followed by a target problem at an ISI of 0, 750, or 1500 msec. Relative to neutral primes, correct primes produced constant RT and accuracy benefits across ISIs, and unrelated primes produced constant RT costs. Related primes produced costs compared to unrelated primes at the 0-msec ISI only. In Experiment 2, eliminating correct-answer primes from the stimulus set eliminated all the false-prime effects except the costs of related primes at the 0-msec ISI. We propose a dual-process account incorporating a familiarity-based name-the-prime strategy that produces benefits and costs insensitive to ISI and an automatic retrieval-priming process that is measurable only at short ISIs.
Inducing a Rule in Wason's 2–4–6 Task: A Test of the Information-Quantity and Goal-Complementarity Hypotheses
Authors: Vallée-Tourangeau Frédéric , Austin Neville G. , Rankin Sandra
Published: September 2011

In the standard 2–4–6 induction task, subjects are instructed to discover the rule generating sequences of three numbers by inventing number triples for which they receive immediate feedback. The rule is “ascending numbers”. Performance is greatly aided with Dual Goal (DG) instructions that ask subjects to discover two rules, one that generates “Dax” triples (equivalent to “yes” instances with Single Goal [SG] instructions) and another that generates “Med” triples (equivalent to “no” instances). The present study eliminates two explanations for this effect suggested by Wharton, Cheng, and Wickens (1993). Experiment 1 tested their Information-Quantity hypothesis that the effect results simply from the DG subjects testing more triples prior to proposing a rule. Our DG subjects were more likely to solve the problem and produced more “negative” triples than SG subjects when both groups generated exactly 15 triples. Two further groups received feedback only after generating all 15 triples, and again DG subjects were more likely to solve the problem and to generate more “negative” triples. Experiment 2 tested Wharton et al.'s Goal-Complementarity hypothesis that success under DG instructions hinges on preserving the complementary representation of the two rules. We compared SG instructions with three types of DG instructions that suggested different types of triples (Dax, Med, both Dax and Med, neither Dax nor Med). DG instructions were more effective in promoting successful rule discovery regardless of differences in rule complementarity. Our analysis of the heterogeneity of the examplars generated with DG instructions in both experiments suggest that success on the 2–4–6 task is as much a consequence of the breadth of hypotheses that subjects entertain as it is a consequence of the testing strategy.
Reasoning from Suppositions
Authors: Byrne Ruth M.J. , Handley Simon J. , Johnson-Laird Philip N.
Published: September 2011

Two experiments investigated inferences based on suppositions. In Experiment 1, the subjects decided whether suppositions about individuals’ veracity were consistent with their assertions—for example, whether the supposition “Ann is telling the truth and Beth is telling a lie”, is consistent with the premises: “Ann asserts: I am telling the truth and Beth is telling the truth. Beth asserts: Ann is telling the truth”. It showed that these inferences are more difficult than ones based on factual premises: “Ann asserts: I live in Dublin and Beth lives in Dublin”. There was no difference between problems about truthtellers and liars, who always told the truth or always lied, and normals, who sometimes told the truth and sometimes lied. In Experiment 2, the subjects made inferences about factual matters set in three contexts: a truth-inducing context in which friends confided their personality characteristics, a lie-inducing context in which business rivals advertised their products, and a neutral context in which computers printed their program characteristics. Given the supposition that the individuals were lying, it was more difficult to make inferences in a truth-inducing context than in the other two contexts. We discuss the implications of our results for everyday reasoning from suppositions, and for theories of reasoning based on models or inference rules.
Lexical Anomia: Or the Case of the Missing Lexical Entries
Authors: Howard David
Published: September 2011

This paper reports the case of an aphasic patient, EE, with a problem in word retrieval. He is consistently unable to produce specific lexical items, which tend to be items of low rated familiarity. His retrieval of these words is not aided by the provision of phonemic cues or extra time for word retrieval. His errors consist primarily of failures to respond, and the provision of semantic information without any attempt at the target. It is argued that this pattern of performance is consistent with the loss of specific lexical items from a phonological lexicon for speech production.

EE is shown to have no impairment in auditory recognition and comprehension of the lexical items that are unavailable for naming. This dissociation is problematic for theories that propose a single phonological lexicon for both word recognition and production, but is easily accounted for by separate input and output lexicons.
Description of Xenorhabdus magdalenensis sp. nov., the symbiotic bacterium associated with Steinernema australe
Authors: Tailliez Patrick , Pagès Sylvie , Edgington Steve , Tymo Lukasz M. , Buddie Alan G.
Published: September 2011

A symbiotic bacterium, strain IMI 397775T, was isolated from the insect-pathogenic nematode Steinernema australe. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, this bacterial isolate was shown to belong to the genus

Xenorhabdus

, in agreement with the genus of its nematode host. The accurate phylogenetic position of this new isolate was defined using a multigene approach and showed that isolate IMI 397775T shares a common ancestor with

Xenorhabdus doucetiae

FRM16T and

Xenorhabdus romanii

PR06-AT, the symbiotic bacteria associated with Steinernema diaprepesi and Steinernema puertoricense, respectively. The nucleotide identity (less than 97 %) between isolate IMI 397775T,

X. doucetiae

FRM16T and

X. romanii

PR06-AT calculated for the concatenated sequences of five gene fragments encompassing 4275 nt, several phenotypic traits and the difference between the upper temperatures that limit growth of these three bacteria allowed genetic and phenotypic differentiation of isolate IMI 397775T from the two closely related species. Strain IMI 397775T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Xenorhabdus magdalenensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain IMI 397775T ( = DSM 24915T).
Variovorax defluvii sp. nov., isolated from sewage
Authors: Jin Long , Kim Kwang Kyu , Ahn Chi-Yong , Oh Hee-Mock
Published: September 2011

A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out on 2C1-bT and 2C-21, two strains isolated from sewage flowing into River Geumho in Korea. Cells of the two strains were Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, motile and oval or rod-shaped. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed a clear affiliation of these two isolates with members of the

Betaproteobacteria

; they were most closely related to

Variovorax boronicumulans

KCTC 22010T,

Variovorax dokdonensis

KCTC 12544T,

Variovorax ginsengisoli

KCTC 12583T,

Variovorax paradoxus

ATCC 17713T and

Variovorax soli

KACC 11579T showing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.4–98.8 % with these strains and shared 100 % similarity with each other. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains 2C1-bT and 2C1-21 were 65.5 and 65.2 mol%, respectively. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data [Q-8 as the major ubiquinone; C16 : 0, summed feature 4 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C17 : 0 cyclo and summed feature 7 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or ω9t and/or ω12t) as major fatty acids] supported the affiliation of strains 2C1-bT and 2C-21 to the genus

Variovorax

. Based on evidence derived from this polyphasic analysis, it is proposed that strains 2C1-bT and 2C1-21 represent a novel species for which the name Variovorax defluvii sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is 2C1-bT ( = KCTC 12768T = JCM 17804T).
Genomic basis of endosymbiont-conferred protection against an insect parasitoid
Authors: Hansen Allison K. , Vorburger Christoph , Moran Nancy A.
Published: September 2011

Bacterial endosymbionts exert a variety of beneficial effects on insect hosts. In pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), several inherited endosymbiont species protect their hosts against parasitoid wasps, which are major natural enemies. However, strains of these symbiont species vary in their ability to confer protection against parasitoids, with some conferring almost complete protection and others conferring almost none. In this study, two strains of the endosymbiontRegiella insecticola(R. insecticola5.15 andR. insecticolaLSR1) were found to differ in ability to protect pea aphids attacked by the parasitoidAphidius ervi. Parasitism trials reveal thatR. insecticola5.15, but notR. insecticolaLSR1, significantly reduced parasitoid success and increased aphid survivorship. To address the potential genetic basis of protection conferred byR. insecticola5.15 we sequenced the genome of this symbiont strain, and then compared its gene repertoire with that of the already sequenced nonprotective strainR. insecticolaLSR1. We identified striking differences in gene sets related to eukaryote pathogenicity. The protective strainR. insecticola5.15 encoded five categories of pathogenicity factors that were missing or inactivated inR. insecticolaLSR1. These included genes encoding the O-antigen biosynthetic pathway, an intact Type 1 Secretion System and its secreted RTX toxins, an intact SPI-1 Type 3 Secretion System and its effectors, hemin transport, and the two-component system PhoPQ. These five pathogenicity factors and translocation systems are hypothesized to collectively play key roles in the endosymbiont's virulence against parasitoids, resulting in aphid protection. Mechanisms through which these factors may target parasitoids are discussed.
Theglossyhead1Allele ofACC1Reveals a Principal Role for Multidomain Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase in the Biosynthesis of Cuticular Waxes by Arabidopsis
Authors: Lü Shiyou , Zhao Huayan , Parsons Eugene P. , Xu Changcheng , Kosma Dylan K. , Xu Xiaojing , Chao Daiyin , Lohrey Gregory , Bangarusamy Dhinoth K. , Wang Guangchao , Bressan Ray A. , Jenks Matthew A.
Published: September 2011

A novel mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), having highly glossy inflorescence stems, postgenital fusion in floral organs, and reduced fertility, was isolated from an ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized population and designated glossyhead1 (gsd1). The gsd1 locus was mapped to chromosome 1, and the causal gene was identified as a new allele of Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase1 (ACC1), a gene encoding the main enzyme in cytosolic malonyl-coenzyme A synthesis. This, to our knowledge, is the first mutant allele of ACC1 that does not cause lethality at the seed or early germination stage, allowing for the first time a detailed analysis of ACC1 function in mature tissues. Broad lipid profiling of mature gsd1 organs revealed a primary role for ACC1 in the biosynthesis of the very-long-chain fatty acids (C20:0 or longer) associated with cuticular waxes and triacylglycerols. Unexpectedly, transcriptome analysis revealed that gsd1 has limited impact on any lipid metabolic networks but instead has a large effect on environmental stress-responsive pathways, especially senescence and ethylene synthesis determinants, indicating a possible role for the cytosolic malonyl-coenzyme A-derived lipids in stress response signaling.
Arabidopsis RTNLB1 and RTNLB2 Reticulon-Like Proteins Regulate Intracellular Trafficking and Activity of the FLS2 Immune Receptor
Authors: Lee Hyoung Yool , Bowen Christopher Hyde , Popescu George Viorel , Kang Hong-Gu , Kato Naohiro , Ma Shisong , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma , Snyder Michael , Popescu Sorina Claudia
Published: September 2011

Receptors localized at the plasma membrane are critical for the recognition of pathogens. The molecular determinants that regulate receptor transport to the plasma membrane are poorly understood. In a screen for proteins that interact with the FLAGELIN-SENSITIVE2 (FLS2) receptor using Arabidopsis thaliana protein microarrays, we identified the reticulon-like protein RTNLB1. We showed that FLS2 interacts in vivo with both RTNLB1 and its homolog RTNLB2 and that a Ser-rich region in the N-terminal tail of RTNLB1 is critical for the interaction with FLS2. Transgenic plants that lack RTNLB1 and RTNLB2 (rtnlb1 rtnlb2) or overexpress RTNLB1 (RTNLB1ox) exhibit reduced activation of FLS2-dependent signaling and increased susceptibility to pathogens. In both rtnlb1 rtnlb2 and RTNLB1ox, FLS2 accumulation at the plasma membrane was significantly affected compared with the wild type. Transient overexpression of RTNLB1 led to FLS2 retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and affected FLS2 glycosylation but not FLS2 stability. Removal of the critical N-terminal Ser-rich region or either of the two Tyr-dependent sorting motifs from RTNLB1 causes partial reversion of the negative effects of excess RTNLB1 on FLS2 transport out of the ER and accumulation at the membrane. The results are consistent with a model whereby RTNLB1 and RTNLB2 regulate the transport of newly synthesized FLS2 to the plasma membrane.
Block shareholder identity and firm performance in New Zealand
Authors: Boone Nicholas , Colombage Sisira , Gunasekarage Abeyratna
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the influence of block ownership on firm performance depends on the identity of the largest investor.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse the data for New Zealand companies for the period from 2002 to 2007 and develop multiple regression models which test the influence of block ownership on firm performance subject to the identity of the investor. A two‐stage least square approach is employed to test the effect of possible reverse causality between block ownership and firm performance on the relationship found in multiple regression models.

Findings

The authors find that the concentrated ownership has a positive, albeit decreasing, association with firm performance. This relationship is conditioned on the identity of the largest investor. Those companies whose block investors were financial institutions performed better than their peers. The superior influence of financial investors on corporate performance did not disappear even when the endogeneity of this relationship was accounted for.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the finding of a differential influence of various identities of block investors on firm performance. It questions the role that some domestic block investors play in the governance of New Zealand companies and the reason why the financial system has allowed corporate entities to be the main shareholders of the majority of firms when they underperform relative to their peers.
Impacts of information technology on mass customization capability of manufacturing plants
Authors: Xiaosong Peng David , Liu Gensheng (Jason) , Heim Gregory R.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The impact of information technology (IT) on mass customization (MC) capability has been implied in the literature but seldom subjected to empirical examination. This study seeks to theoretically relate four types of IT applications with MC capability and empirically examines these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identifies four types of IT that potentially support MC capability, including product configurator IT, new product development IT, manufacturing IT, and supplier collaboration IT. Drawing on organizational information processing theory, this study associates the four IT types with a manufacturer's MC capability. A structural equation model is tested using survey data collected from a sample of manufacturing plants that focus on product customization.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that two of the four IT types strongly support a manufacturer's MC capability.

Research limitations/implications

No strong relationship between configurator IT and MC was observed, which calls for further investigation. Data used are cross‐sectional in nature. A set of refined IT measures should be developed in future studies. In addition, future studies could control for the effects of more variables that may impact IT use by mass customizers.

Practical implications

The paper identifies managerial opportunities for investing in IT to support or enhance MC capability.

Originality/value

This study provides a theoretical foundation for the IT‐MC relationship and develops a classification framework of IT applications in manufacturing plants. The study is one of the first efforts that empirically examines the impact of multiple types of IT applications on MC.
Businesswomen in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zamberi Ahmad Syed
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight findings from the dialogue and proceeding research report presented by the Gender and Public Policy Programme partnered with Al‐Sayedah Khadijah Bint Khuwailid Businesswomen Center and Monitor Group at the 2010 Dubai School of Government.

Design/methodology/approach

A selected paper on women entrepreneurship activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was chosen from the proceedings report at the conference for this paper. The programme participants included prominent business leaders and experts from the Gulf region.

Findings

The findings presented in this paper clearly illustrate that Saudi female entrepreneurs are generally confident, educated, optimistic about the future and resourceful. However, they face several main challenges such as gender‐specific obstacles in the regulatory environment, limited access to and use of formal capital and financing mechanisms, and the need for increased integration of sophisticated marketing and technology tools into business operations and greater availability of key support services.

Research limitations/implications

The paper mainly focuses on women entrepreneurs in the KSA. To give a clear picture of the women's entrepreneurial activities in Middle East and North Africa region, the opinions of women located in other countries need to be investigated.

Practical implications

The research has implications for government and non‐governmental organisations, financial institutions or other related business development agencies to formulate effective policy and appropriate strategy to motivate Saudi women to become entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

There are few Arab studies that have focused on growth‐oriented, women‐owned and operated businesses. The selected research paper gives some insight into the issues of women entrepreneurs from an Arab world.
Career management strategies among IT professionals in offshore outsourced IT firms in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Jayaweera Mayura
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is explore career management strategies used by information technology (IT) professionals full‐time employed in offshore outsourced IT firms in Sri Lanka; and to evaluate those against hierarchical plateau, job content plateau, firm size, and individual demographic characteristics that may predict the use.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was used and a random sample of 119 IT professionals responded. Multiple regression was used for the data analysis.

Findings

Career management strategies used by IT professionals could be broadly categorised into four areas. Hierarchical career plateau and age significantly predict the use of career strategies.

Originality/value

The study provides useful information for both practitioners and academics to better understand career strategies used by IT professionals in managing their own careers and factors that predict the use of career strategies.
CO2 emissions and GDP
Authors: Lane Jan‐Erik
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how CO2 equivalent emissions are closely linked with economic development, over time and also across countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Emissions data from energy information administration were subjected to macro analysis, regressed upon GDP data, longitudinally and cross‐sectionally.

Findings

The conversion factor linking energy to output to pollution is estimated over time and between economies. It is today far too high, making global climate change almost certain.

Practical implications

Global environmental coordination is very difficult to achieve, given the nature of this gigantic PD game in combination with weak institutions for policy making and implementation. The only way to stabilise CO2 emissions is to focus upon the conversion factor linking energy to output to pollution.

Originality/value

The paper shows the clear and Juggernaut type connections between energy‐economic output‐CO2 emissions.
Are TQM practices supporting customer satisfaction and service quality?
Authors: Ooi Keng‐Boon , Lin Binshan , Tan Boon‐In , Yee‐Loong Chong Alain
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and customer satisfaction and also to investigate the association between TQM practices and service quality within the context of Malaysia's small service organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data from the perceptions of sales and marketing managers in 108 small service organizations in Malaysia. Data were analyzed by employing correlation and multiple regression analysis to test the relationship between TQM practices, customer satisfaction and service quality.

Findings

The results showed that TQM practices are significantly and positively linked to customer satisfaction and service quality of the small service business firms. It was further confirmed that the dimensions of customer focus and information and analysis were strongly linked to customer satisfaction and service quality.

Practical implications

The results of this paper can be used by marketing/sales managers to prioritize the adoption of the dimensions for TQM practices. For instance, those dimensions that are found to have positive influence on customer satisfaction and service quality can be recommended to marketing/sales managers so that they can allocate resources to improve these practices to achieve higher customer satisfaction and quality of service.

Originality/value

This paper identifies two dimensions of TQM namely, customer focus and information and analysis that can influence customer satisfaction and service quality in Malaysia's small service business firms.
The consumer anger phenomena: causes and consequences
Authors: Funches Venessa
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore consumer anger phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilized the critical incident technique and three different samples to thoroughly explore the consumer anger phenomena.

Findings

The research identified three causes of consumer anger: broken promises, unfair treatment and expressed hostility, and detailed the effects of consumer anger beyond decisions to continue or terminate service provider relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could examine the role switching barriers play in consumer anger episodes.

Practical implications

Angering consumers comes with an array of damaging consequences that extend beyond the decision to continue or terminate the service provider relationship. As a result, managers must realize that the absence of switching behavior does not necessarily constitute success.

Originality/value

This study extends previous research by using a grounded theory approach to uncover three broad causes of consumer anger. In addition, this study reveals consumer use of additional consequences (i.e. reducing patronage, changing locations, avoiding certain employees) in response to anger evoking encounters.
Utilizing the brand ecosystem framework in designing branding strategies for higher education
Authors: Pinar Musa , Trapp Paul , Girard Tulay , Boyt Thomas E.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

In today's complex and highly competitive marketplace, universities and colleges, realizing a need to develop sustainable strategies, have turned to branding as a solution. However, because of their unique service characteristics, universities' branding attempts may not always result in success. The aim of this paper is to present a brand ecosystem framework in order to develop branding strategies for colleges and universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The key elements of the framework include: student experiences as the driving force of the university branding strategies, academic services as the core value creation activities in delivering student learning experiences that are co‐created with students and faculty, and supporting activities that are important in creating the core value.

Findings

The framework suggests that both core and supporting value‐creating activities are dynamically inter‐related and work jointly in creating student learning experiences, and ultimately, a strong university brand.

Originality/value

The paper presents the crucial elements and the relationships among them for building successful brands in higher education.
Auditor appointment in compulsory audit tendering
Authors: Butcher Kym , Harrison Graeme , McKinnon Jill , Ross Philip
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what auditor and audit environmental attributes affect auditor appointment decisions in compulsory audit tendering, and whether the attributes affecting appointment of a new auditor (rotation) are consistent with or different from those affecting reappointment of the incumbent (retention).

Design/methodology/approach

New South Wales (NSW) local council finance managers were surveyed for importance ratings of 48 attributes. An hypothesis for differential ratings between rotators and retainers was formulated. Confirmatory factor analysis, tests of mean differences and logistic regression were used.

Findings

Consistent with the sample's high retention rate, the most important attributes for all respondents related to the quality of previous experience with the incumbent. Consistent with hypothesis, attributes proxying for a quality auditor (technical competence, independence and reputation) were more important for rotators.

Research limitations/implications

The authors proxied rotation/retention by intention. Given the importance of audit quality attributes in the appointment decision and the high retention rate in compulsory audit tendering, future research could examine the relation between audit service quality attributes and retention.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine attributes affecting auditor appointment decisions in a mandatory choice setting. NSW local councils provide a unique opportunity to do so as it is one of few jurisdictions in which compulsory audit tendering operates. Compulsory tendering may be implemented if current legislation aimed at improving audit independence and quality through mandatory partner rotation proves infeasible.
Class absenteeism: reasons for non‐attendance and the effect on academic performance
Authors: Schmulian Astrid , Coetzee Stephen
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Other business education literature, particularly in the field of economics, has developed theories in respect of the reasons for non‐attendance of lectures and the positive correlation between class attendance and academic performance. The aim of this paper is to determine the generalizability of these theories to a large accounting class in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a differentiated replication of the study by Paisey and Paisey, who provided initial evidence of the generalizability of these theories to a small accounting class in Scotland, employing a research questionnaire and the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.

Findings

The reasons given for the non‐attendance of lectures generally correspond with those previously reported. Certain differences that are identified are likely a result of specific country or economic factors. This study found a significant positive correlation between class attendance and academic performance; however, the correlation is low and not very meaningful. Further analysis reveals some difference between language groups suggesting that culture and ethnicity may have an effect on the relationship between class attendance and academic performance.

Originality/value

This paper raises questions as to the generalizability of prior research on class attendance and academic performance. The findings of this study suggest other factors, including students' economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, are likely to affect associations between class attendance and academic performance.
Stakeholder theory approach to technology incubators
Authors: Agnete Alsos Gry , Hytti Ulla , Ljunggren Elisabet
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Using stakeholder theory the paper seeks to investigate how technology incubators manage and balance the expectations of stakeholders, and the effect on the shaping of technology incubators and their chances of success.

Design/methodology/approach

Incubator programmes have been introduced with multiple goals. A case study is conducted in order to examine stakeholders based on their power to influence, the legitimacy of the relationship and the urgency of claim, and how incubators deal with stakeholder expectations.

Findings

Incubator management involves balancing a complex set of conflicting goals. Expectations are interdependent, hierarchically organised, and involve sub‐processes related to different stakeholders. Goals are not fitted to an operational context. Consequently, suboptimal solutions are chosen to balance and fulfil expectations sufficiently to ensure survival. Three strategies to balance stakeholder expectations are identified.

Research limitations/implications

The stakeholder theory approach adopted shows how incubators manage the expectations of their various stakeholders, and so may explain why studies on incubator performance produce diverse results.

Practical implications

The effectiveness of incubators is difficult to assess due to multiple, and often moving, targets. There is a great risk that incubators aim for the goals that are easiest to measure and focus on short‐term results. Social returns of incubators can be reduced if incubator managers choose suboptimal solutions to balance the demands of different stakeholders.

Originality/value

Rather than accepting normative assumptions, the paper contributes to the critical analysis of the technology incubator ideal. Through stakeholder analysis the paper demonstrates how incubators are shaped by the struggle to balance conflicting goals.
Business support for new technology‐based firms: a study of entrepreneurs in north Wales
Authors: Jones Rosalind , Parry Sara
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide insights into key areas of business support used by technology entrepreneurs who start businesses in north west Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative research approach and a purposive sample of eight small technology firms based on and off technology parks. A card research methodology is piloted in one firm and then incorporated into semi‐structured interviews with entrepreneurs.

Findings

Technology entrepreneurs access direct and indirect support including: grants from local and central government; help from, banks and professionals; universities; technology incubation units, and; collaborations and networks. Evidence also confirms some of the challenges that entrepreneurs face in accessing business support.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides clear indications to public sector organisations, universities and business support agencies as being the most important aspects of business support needed for new technology‐based firms.

Social implications

Successful development of technology firms is recognised as a driver for change, particularly in deprived regions. Solutions to issues faced by technology entrepreneurs in terms of business support and accessibility to grants may increase the likelihood of business success and the boosting of local economies.

Originality/value

Although researchers have explored the value and role of university incubator firms and the role of networks, and also the importance of geographically situated incubation units in relation to stimulation of innovation and entrepreneurial activity, there is a paucity of research in the area of business support for technology entrepreneurs which this paper addresses.
Publish or perish: academic life as management faculty live it
Authors: Miller Alan N. , Taylor Shannon G. , Bedeian Arthur G.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Although many in academe have speculated about the effects of pressure to publish on the management discipline – often referred to as “publish or perish” – prevailing knowledge has been based on anecdotal rather than empirical evidence. The aim of the present paper is to shed light on the perceptions of management faculty regarding the pressure to publish imperative.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed faculty in 104 management departments of AACSB accredited, research‐oriented US business schools to explore the prevalence, sources, and effects of pressure to publish.

Findings

Results indicate that pressure to publish affects both tenured and tenure‐track management faculty, although the latter, as a group, feel significantly more pressure than those who are tenured. The primary source of this pressure is faculty themselves who are motivated by the prospects of enhancing their professional reputation, leaving a permanent mark on their profession, and increasing their salary and job mobility. The effects of pressure to publish include heightened stress levels; the marginalization of teaching; and research that may lack relevance, creativity, and innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was intentionally restricted to faculty from management departments affiliated with research‐oriented US business schools and does not include faculty from departments that are less research‐oriented and, therefore, would be expected to put less pressure on their faculty to publish.

Practical implications

Although the effects of pressure to publish are not necessarily always negative, the paper offers some fundamental suggestions to management (and other) faculty who wish to mitigate the deleterious effects of pressure to publish.

Originality/value

Although the findings may not be surprising to more seasoned faculty, to the authors' knowledge this is the first time they have been documented in the published literature. As such, they advance discussions of “publish or perish” beyond mere conjecture and “shared myths” allowing management faculty to more rationally debate its consequences and their implications for academic life.
Leadership and fulfillment of the three basic psychological needs at work
Authors: Hetland Hilde , Hetland Jørn , Schou Andreassen Cecilie , Pallesen Ståle , Notelaers Guy
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and a transactional leadership component (management by exception‐active), and fulfillment of the basic needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on cross sectional data from 661 employees who completed validated questionnaires such as the the multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) and the basic need satisfaction at work (BNSW). The data were analysed using structural equation modeling in AMOS 18.0.

Findings

The results show that both transformational leadership and the transactional behavior management by exception active are significantly related to fulfillment of the basic needs. Significant regression weights of 0.50 (p<0.01) 0.46 (p<0.01), and 0.21 (p<0.01) from transformational leadership to relatedness, autonomy and competence were also found. Negative and smaller paths were revealed from management by exception to relatedness (=−0.12, p<0.01), competence (=−0.12, p<0.05), and autonomy (=−0.18, p<0.01). Squared multiple correlations (R2) for relatedness, competence and autonomy were 0.28, 0.06, and 0.27, respectively.

Originality/value

The paper empirically addresses the theoretically suggested link between transformational leadership and need fulfillment.
Dealing with an ageing workforce: current and future implications
Authors: Dumay John , Rooney Jim
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the reason for, and outcomes of, the New South Wales Land and Property Authority's (Lands) Vision 2013 plan designed to deal with a perceived impending human capital crisis in light of a rapidly ageing workforce. The research questions examined are “Did the perceived crisis eventuate?” and “What was the impact of implementing the plan to combat the threat of an ageing workforce?”

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach, the paper incorporates semi‐structured interviews, planning papers and annual reports to critically examine the impact of implementing the Vision 2013 plan. Lands was chosen because in 2005 the ageing workforce issue motivated Lands to investigate how it would successfully manage organisational knowledge then and into the future. With the purpose of promoting discussion and critical reflection, we examine how Lands addressed the perceived crisis and the impact it had on the management of knowledge and human capital.

Findings

The ageing workforce crisis appears not to have been as significant as anticipated because of the combination of improved processes and training of new employees, allowing for knowledge transfer, making some old knowledge redundant and creating new knowledge. However, a gap exists between the new processes and tacit knowledge that can only be filled through experience. While the ageing workforce crisis seems to have abated, a new crisis of retention looms on the horizon.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a longitudinal example of how a particular employer dealt with the threat of knowledge loss due to the retirement of older workers. It demonstrates that the threat cannot only be thwarted but can also help drive system and process improvements. The lessons learned, the authors argue, can be generalised to the public and private sector; however, they must be tempered within specific local, national and international contexts.

Originality/value

The paper provides a longitudinal observation of a public sector government business enterprise's implementation of a plan to address the issue of an ageing workforce. Many contemporary organisations face this issue so the results of the case study will be of value to those facing similar challenges.
Direct and indirect effects of human capital on firm value: evidence from Italian companies
Authors: Veltri Stefania , Silvestri Antonella
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether information on intellectual capital (IC) is value relevant for investors and the role played by the single components of IC (human capital, organizational capital, relational capital) in creating firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

The 1995 Ohlson model has been employed to investigate the relationship between the current accounting measures (book value and earnings) and future measures of profitability, proxied by IC. The Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC™) approach is used to determine the firm's efficiency in using IC resources. The sample analysis analyzed is constituted of financial sector companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange for the period 2006‐2008.

Findings

The findings fully confirm the existence of a positive relationship between accounting values and market value on the one hand and IC components as measured by VAIC™ and market value on the other. Results show that investors attach more value relevance to human capital efficiency (HCE) than to structural capital efficiency (SCE) and that HCE plays an indirect role in the relation between IC and market value.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is focused on one sector (financial) and one country (Italy). The focus on the entire financial sector allows the authors to validate results from an Italian perspective and to extend them for similar banking structures in other countries, and to favor comparisons with other similar studies.

Practical implications

The main implications for financial company managers are that, when developing a strategy aimed at strengthening IC, they should consider that human capital plays an indirect part with regard to the other components and that each investment in one of the IC subcategories should not be evaluated in isolation but in relation to its interactions.

Originality/value

The paper realizes a fusion between value relevance and IC literature. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper that examines the relationship between VAIC™ and the market value of the Italian financial sector, using an Ohlson model modified to include IC information, comprehensive of the human capital indirect effect.
Growth effect of foreign aid and volatility in South Asia
Authors: Bhavan T. , Xu Changsheng , Zhong Chunping
Published: September 2011

Purpose

South Asia has been an important destination of foreign aid over the past decades. Since a large part of aid is disbursed for social and economic infrastructure development in South Asian countries, and the volume of aid has tremendously increased in recent years, the purpose of this study is to investigate how far various categories of foreign aid affects economic growth rate in these countries. In addition, as the trend of each category of aid transfer appears to have been volatile, this study also investigates whether the volatilities inhibit growth rate in these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, South Asia refers to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Random effects approach is employed incorporating panel data for the period of 1995‐2008. The aggregate foreign aid is classified into various categories to have a comprehensive investigation.

Findings

Foreign aid positively associated with growth whereas the volatility of aid hurts it. Long‐impact aid promotes growth more than short‐impact aid does. The volatility of short‐impact aid hurts growth, whereas the volatility of long‐impact aid has no effect on it. Pure aid and its volatility have no effect on growth.

Originality/value

This study has identified the structure of foreign aid disbursed in these countries, and explored how far each category and respective volatility affects growth. These findings would be useful to the scholars and policy makers in the recipient countries as well as donors, to make foreign aid much more effective in future.