bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Civil Law Tradition and Universal Banking Crowd out Securities Markets? Pre-World War I Germany as Counter-Example
Authors: Fohlin Caroline
Published: August 2007

This article poses three main questions: Does the civil-law tradition favor large, concentrated, universal banking systems? Does this sort of legal system work against the development of active securities markets? Do powerful universal banks (whether or not legal tradition lies at the root of bank power) replace securities markets or prevent them from operating efficiently? Based on evidence from Pre-World War I Germany, this paper argues that the answer to all three questions is “no.”
Introns play an essential role in splicing-dependent formation of the exon junction complex
Authors: Ideue Takashi , Sasaki Yasnory T.F. , Hagiwara Masatoshi , Hirose Tetsuro
Published: August 2007

Pre-mRNA splicing specifically deposits the exon junction complex (EJC) onto spliced mRNA, which is important for downstream events. Here, we show that EJC components are primarily recruited to the spliceosome by association with the intron via the intron-binding protein, IBP160. This initial association of EJC components occurs in the absence of the final EJC-binding site on the exon. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of IBP160 arrested EJC association with cytoplasmic RNAs following nonsense-mediated decay. We propose that the intron has a crucial role in the early steps of EJC formation and is indispensable for the subsequent formation of a functional EJC.
A charge-based interaction between histone H4 and Dot1 is required for H3K79 methylation and telomere silencing: identification of a new trans-histone pathway
Authors: Fingerman Ian M. , Li Hui-Chun , Briggs Scott D.
Published: August 2007

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking Dot1 exhibit a complete loss of H3K79 methylation and defects in heterochromatin-mediated silencing. To further understand the mechanism of Dot1-mediated methylation, the substrate requirement of Dot1 was determined. This analysis found that Dot1 requires histone H4 for in vitro methyltransferase activity and the histone H4 tail for Dot1-mediated methylation in yeast. Mutational analyses demonstrated that the basic patch residues (R17H18R19) of the histone H4 N-terminal tail are required for Dot1 methyltransferase activity in vitro as well as Dot1-mediated histone H3K79 methylation in vivo. In vitro binding assays show that Dot1 can interact with the H4 N-terminal tail via the basic patch residues. Furthermore, an acidic patch at the C terminus of Dot1 is required for histone H4 tail binding in vitro, histone H3K79 di- and trimethylation in vivo, and proper telomere silencing. Our data suggest a novel trans-histone regulatory pathway whereby charged residues of one histone are required for the modification of another histone. These findings not only provide key insights into the mechanism of Dot1 histone methylation but also illustrate how chromatin-modifying enzymes engage their nucleosomal substrates in vivo.
Architectures of somatic genomic rearrangement in human cancer amplicons at sequence-level resolution
Authors: Bignell Graham R. , Santarius Thomas , Pole Jessica C.M. , Butler Adam P. , Perry Janet , Pleasance Erin , Greenman Chris , Menzies Andrew , Taylor Sheila , Edkins Sarah , Campbell Peter , Quail Michael , Plumb Bob , Matthews Lucy , McLay Kirsten , Edwards Paul A.W. , Rogers Jane , Wooster Richard , Futreal P. Andrew , Stratton Michael R.
Published: August 2007

For decades, cytogenetic studies have demonstrated that somatically acquired structural rearrangements of the genome are a common feature of most classes of human cancer. However, the characteristics of these rearrangements at sequence-level resolution have thus far been subject to very limited description. One process that is dependent upon somatic genome rearrangement is gene amplification, a mechanism often exploited by cancer cells to increase copy number and hence expression of dominantly acting cancer genes. The mechanisms underlying gene amplification are complex but must involve chromosome breakage and rejoining. We sequenced 133 different genomic rearrangements identified within four cancer amplicons involving the frequently amplified cancer genes MYC, MYCN, and ERBB2. The observed architectures of rearrangement were diverse and highly distinctive, with evidence for sister chromatid breakage–fusion–bridge cycles, formation and reinsertion of double minutes, and the presence of bizarre clusters of small genomic fragments. There were characteristic features of sequences at the breakage–fusion junctions, indicating roles for nonhomologous end joining and homologous recombination-mediated repair mechanisms together with nontemplated DNA synthesis. Evidence was also found for sequence-dependent variation in susceptibility of the genome to somatic rearrangement. The results therefore provide insights into the DNA breakage and repair processes operative in somatic genome rearrangement and illustrate how the evolutionary histories of individual cancers can be reconstructed from large-scale cancer genome sequencing.
Human gene organization driven by the coordination of replication and transcription
Authors: Huvet Maxime , Nicolay Samuel , Touchon Marie , Audit Benjamin , d'Aubenton-Carafa Yves , Arneodo Alain , Thermes Claude
Published: August 2007

In this work, we investigated a large-scale organization of the human genes with respect to putative replication origins. We developed an appropriate multiscale method to analyze the nucleotide compositional skew along the genome and found that in more than one-quarter of the genome, the skew profile presents characteristic patterns consisting of successions of N-shaped structures, designated here N-domains, bordered by putative replication origins. Our analysis of recent experimental timing data confirmed that, in a number of cases, domain borders coincide with replication initiation zones active in the early S phase, whereas the central regions replicate in the late S phase. Around the putative origins, genes are abundant and broadly expressed, and their transcription is co-oriented with replication fork progression. These features weaken progressively with the distance from putative replication origins. At the center of domains, genes are rare and expressed in few tissues. We propose that this specific organization could result from the constraints of accommodating the replication and transcription initiation processes at chromatin level, and reducing head-on collisions between the two machineries. Our findings provide a new model of gene organization in the human genome, which integrates transcription, replication, and chromatin structure as coordinated determinants of genome architecture.
A Predicted Interactome for Arabidopsis
Authors: Geisler-Lee Jane , O'Toole Nicholas , Ammar Ron , Provart Nicholas J. , Millar A. Harvey , Geisler Matt
Published: August 2007

The complex cellular functions of an organism frequently rely on physical interactions between proteins. A map of all protein-protein interactions, an interactome, is thus an invaluable tool. We present an interactome for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) predicted from interacting orthologs in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), nematode worm (Caenorhabditis elegans), fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster), and human (Homo sapiens). As an internal quality control, a confidence value was generated based on the amount of supporting evidence for each interaction. A total of 1,159 high confidence, 5,913 medium confidence, and 12,907 low confidence interactions were identified for 3,617 conserved Arabidopsis proteins. There was significant coexpression of genes whose proteins were predicted to interact, even among low confidence interactions. Interacting proteins were also significantly more likely to be found within the same subcellular location, and significantly less likely to be found in conflicting localizations than randomly paired proteins. A notable exception was that proteins located in the Golgi were more likely to interact with Golgi, vacuolar, or endoplasmic reticulum sorted proteins, indicating possible docking or trafficking interactions. These predictions can aid researchers by extending known complexes and pathways with candidate proteins. In addition we have predicted interactions for many previously unknown proteins in known pathways and complexes. We present this interactome, and an online Web interface the Arabidopsis Interactions Viewer, as a first step toward understanding global signaling in Arabidopsis, and to whet the appetite for those who are awaiting results from high-throughput experimental approaches.
A Downstream Mediator in the Growth Repression Limb of the Jasmonate Pathway
Authors: Yan Yuanxin , Stolz Stéphanie , Chételat Aurore , Reymond Philippe , Pagni Marco , Dubugnon Lucie , Farmer Edward E.
Published: August 2007

Wounding plant tissues initiates large-scale changes in transcription coupled to growth arrest, allowing resource diversion for defense. These processes are mediated in large part by the potent lipid regulator jasmonic acid (JA). Genes selected from a list of wound-inducible transcripts regulated by the jasmonate pathway were overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the transgenic plants were then assayed for sensitivity to methyl jasmonate (MeJA). When grown in the presence of MeJA, the roots of plants overexpressing a gene of unknown function were longer than those of wild-type plants. When transcript levels for this gene, which we named JASMONATE-ASSOCIATED1 (JAS1), were reduced by RNA interference, the plants showed increased sensitivity to MeJA and growth was inhibited. These gain- and loss-of-function assays suggest that this gene acts as a repressor of JA-inhibited growth. An alternative transcript from the gene encoding a second protein isoform with a longer C terminus failed to repress jasmonate sensitivity. This identified a conserved C-terminal sequence in JAS1 and related genes, all of which also contain Zim motifs and many of which are jasmonate-regulated. Both forms of JAS1 were found to localize to the nucleus in transient expression assays. Physiological tests of growth responses after wounding were consistent with the fact that JAS1 is a repressor of JA-regulated growth retardation.
TheArabidopsisTranscription Factor MYB77 Modulates Auxin Signal Transduction
Authors: Shin Ryoung , Burch Adrien Y. , Huppert Kari A. , Tiwari Shiv B. , Murphy Angus S. , Guilfoyle Tom J. , Schachtman Daniel P.
Published: August 2007

Auxin is a key plant hormone that regulates plant development, apical dominance, and growth-related tropisms, such as phototropism and gravitropism. In this study, we report a new Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor, MYB77, that is involved in auxin response. In MYB77 knockout plants, we found that auxin-responsive gene expression was greatly attenuated. Lateral root density in the MYB77 knockout was lower than the wild type at low concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and also under low nutrient conditions. MYB77 interacts with auxin response factors (ARFs) in vitro through the C terminus (domains III and IV) of ARFs and the activation domain of MYB77. A synergistic genetic interaction was demonstrated between MYB77 and ARF7 that resulted in a strong reduction in lateral root numbers. Experiments with protoplasts confirmed that the coexpression of MYB77 and an ARF C terminus enhance reporter gene expression. R2R3 MYB transcription factors have not been previously implicated in regulating the expression of auxin-inducible genes. Also it was previously unknown that ARFs interact with proteins other than those in the Aux/IAA family via conserved domains. The interaction between MYB77 and ARFs defines a new type of combinatorial transcriptional control in plants. This newly defined transcription factor interaction is part of the plant cells' repertoire for modulating response to auxin, thereby controlling lateral root growth and development under changing environmental conditions.
A Germ Cell–Specific Gene of theARGONAUTEFamily Is Essential for the Progression of Premeiotic Mitosis and Meiosis during Sporogenesis in Rice
Authors: Nonomura Ken-Ichi , Morohoshi Akane , Nakano Mutsuko , Eiguchi Mitsugu , Miyao Akio , Hirochika Hirohiko , Kurata Nori
Published: August 2007

The rice (Oryza sativa) genome contains 18 copies of genes of the ARGONAUTE (AGO) family. Although AGO members play important roles in RNA-mediated silencing during plant development, a family member that is specifically involved in sexual reproduction has not been identified in plants. We identified the rice AGO gene MEIOSIS ARRESTED AT LEPTOTENE1 (MEL1) from the analysis of seed-sterile mutants. In the mel1 mutant, chromosome condensation was arrested at early meiotic stages and irregularly sized, multinucleated, and vacuolated pollen mother cells (PMCs) frequently appeared in developing anthers. In addition, histone H3 lysine-9 dimethylation of pericentromeres was rarely reduced and modification of the nucleolar-organizing region was altered in mel1 mutant PMCs. The mutation also affected female germ cell development. These results indicate that the germ cell–specific rice MEL1 gene regulates the cell division of premeiotic germ cells, the proper modification of meiotic chromosomes, and the faithful progression of meiosis, probably via small RNA–mediated gene silencing, but not the initiation and establishment of germ cells themselves.
Marketing and corporate social responsibility within food stores
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory case study of how the UK's top ten food retailers are employing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a means of marketing to customers while they are within stores.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a short review of the characteristics and origins of CSR and it is followed by a literature review of current thinking on the relationships between marketing and CSR and a brief outline of the structure of food retailing in the UK. Data obtained from an internet search and a simple walk through visual inspection and information collection survey conducted within the largest store operated by each of the top ten retailers within the towns of Cheltenham and Gloucester, UK provides the empirical material for the case study.

Findings

The survey revealed that the principal CSR themes being employed within stores were value for money, support for local food producers, Fairtrade, healthy living and healthy eating, commitment to organic products, charitable donations and initiatives to support the local community.

Practical implications

That there was considerable variation in the extent to which the top ten retailers were using CSR themes in marketing communications within stores.

Originality/value

Outlines the relationships between marketing and CSR and gives a brief summary of the structure of food retailing in the UK and will be of interest to those involved in those fields.
Service quality and training: a pilot study
Authors: Monk Des , Ryding Daniella
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper represents an initial investigation into the strategic implications of providing training to all employees of coffee shops in the UK, including baristas (coffee makers) on temporary or part‐time job contracts. In particular, the paper aims to investigate whether service quality can be significantly improved by devoting substantial resources to staff training.

Design/methodology/approach

Two focus groups were conducted to obtain a demand side picture of this market. One of these groups comprised customers under the age of 30 years and the other was made up of customers between 30‐50 years of age. Managers of two coffee shops were interviewed to get a supply side view.

Findings

The attitudes of the two focus groups were surprisingly similar. Generally, customers did not expect more than basic product knowledge from their baristas. On the supply side, it emerged that the coffee chains provided basic training to all of their employees. This training was firm specific and revolved around a workbook that employees completed in a matter of weeks.

Research limitations/implications

This market is a highly volatile one and customer expectations may well change in the near future. Moreover, future research will compare the UK coffee market with other countries, to further contextualise the results.

Practical implications

Current spending by firms on front line staff typically amounts to approximately £200/person per year. This research suggests that coffee shops are behaving rationally in providing limited training to their staff. There is no evidence, on the demand side, that perceptions of service quality would be enhanced by spending significantly more on training baristas.

Originality/value

This paper adds insight to the discussion surrounding consumer perception of service quality in the context of a rapidly growing market.
In search of greener pastures
Authors: Asad Sadi Muhammad , Henderson Joan C.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to concentrate on management responses in terms of marketing and is intended as a basis for discussion of the effectiveness of actual policies, possible alternatives and future prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

There is much research that investigates the functioning of dairy food business, however, little attention is given to the responses of executives of the industry. This research aims to narrow this gap in the literature by focussing on the largest dairy food company in Saudi Arabia and its subsequent responses related to marketing. A case research of Saudi Arabian dairy food company, one of the market leaders in the entire Middle East, is advanced and discussed in detail. In addition, the paper highlights future challenges of its future expansion goals which would have implications for its operational, marketing and distribution strategies. Other important factors to consider are market differences, cultural conflicts, fluctuating exchange rates, cross‐border invoicing and financial transactions, tariffs and taxes and host country government regulations.

Findings

A number of dairy food companies in Saudi Arabia have been using varied competitive strategies over the last few years, but this study reveals how Al‐Marai uses strategy of market penetration to beat the competition. Promotion emphasises brand strengths across segments and an intensive distribution network is maintained locally, with new channels sought in Middle Eastern as well as South East Asian markets.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique perspective of a dairy food company, which uses market penetration to beat the nationwide competition, thus stand high in offering quality merchandise across Middle East.
Changes in family dynamics predict purchase and consumption
Authors: Herbst Kenneth C. , Stanton John L.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the changes that have taken place in the family and relate these changes to where and how people eat.

Design/methodology/approach

Female heads of household were surveyed via telephone interviews to identify the characteristics of how the modern family dines. The telephone interview was conducted by a commercial research organization and used random digit dialing methods to identify potential respondents. The personal telephone interview was conducted by trained interviewers provided by the research supplier. The respondents were screened to insure that the respondent was a head of household.

Findings

Data revealed that families are reacting to time pressures in a way that changes the way they prepare foods while not affecting the end result. Overall, 75 percent of families eat as a family in the home five or more nights per week. In addition, 85 percent of those who eat together four nights a week or fewer, claim they would like to eat at home more often with their families. Today, families are eating together, even if it means making mealtime part of the daily multi‐tasking ritual. The extent to which families actually make a point to eat meals together could be an invaluable and irreplaceable component of healthy family relations. Culture, economy, and society have changed and people have again started ensuring that eating together occurs on a daily basis.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how the changing role of the family can dramatically influence the food industry.
From quality management to socially responsible organisations: the case for CSR
Authors: Hazlett Shirley‐Ann , McAdam Rodney , Murray Lisa
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the growing interest of the role of business in society, commonly referred to as CSR. Historically CSR can be traced back to the 1950s, although in very recent times there has been a virtual explosion of interest in its use and applicability in organisations. However, there are many unresolved issues, most notably in terms of how CSR should or can be implemented and embedded in an organisation. This paper therefore seeks to explore the relationship and potential synergies between quality management and CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative exploratory study in this paper represents the first stage of an ongoing research programme, and is based on an in‐depth analysis of quality award submission documentation from six case organisations that have recently been recognised as winners in relation to their quest for business improvement.

Findings

The paper finds that substantial evidence from each of the case organisations demonstrates the breadth and depth of activities in which they are engaging under the broad headings of workplace, environment, social impact, and economic impact. However, whilst there is no doubting the sincerity of the actions, the approaches and activities, a strategic focus on CSR is still very much in its infancy.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper there is a paucity of empirical research examining how existing management tools, techniques and methodologies can be used to further the CSR debate. This paper represents an important first step in redressing this imbalance.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the quality management and business excellence frameworks can offer a strong foundation from which to develop CSR strategies, behaviours and activities in an organisation.

Originality/value

This paper represents an important first step in understanding how and where CSR “fits” into an organisation and potentially how existing quality methodologies, tools and frameworks can be used to aid the implementation of CSR.
Towards a third generation of quality management
Authors: Foster David , Jonker Jan
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the changes that have occurred in Quality Management to demonstrate that a generational change has occurred. It then seeks to establish a firm theoretical basis for the identified change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an analysis and critique of the quality management, stakeholder and management literature and is undertaken to identify emergent trends and themes. By questioning the basic assumptions underpinning the literature these trends and themes have been re‐conceptualised into a model that the authors believe helps with interpretation and explanation.

Findings

The findings in this paper are that the notion of quality, which has been around for more than a century, appears to be moving into a new phase. Having commenced as an object‐oriented measurement and control device focusing on the quality of the output (of either a product or service), it has experienced a profound expansion and reorientation to now encompass the overall management of the organisation (TQM). This paper suggests that society is now entering a third generation where notions of transparency, accountability and (social) responsibility are blending into the body of knowledge regarding quality management.

Research limitations/implications

The paper elaborates this idea further by exploring the way in which organisations engage with the broader society in which they operate. It also seeks to develop a theoretical understanding of that growing engagement. In doing this it uses the notion of transactivity, which underpins the connections between the organisation and its societal and business context. More importantly, it demonstrates how this notion provides a link between the changing concept of quality management and the increasingly significant notion of stakeholders. It finally aims to demonstrate that a transformed concept of quality management is emerging in which society plays a quintessential part.

Originality/value

The paper provides a perspective on the quality movement that will help people to identify that the many disparate individual developments in the field are in fact part of a wider, fundamental change that has major implications and consequences.
TQM and CSR nexus
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , Gallear David , Hopkins Michael
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Moreover, the paper considers the implications of these similarities and differences for the future development of TQM and CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a structured discourse analysis which is used to systematically explore these two discursive subjects. Both concepts encompass discursive ideas and practices.

Findings

The findings in the paper suggest that the two concepts share similar philosophical roots, that there is a substantial overlap between the elements of the two concepts, and that the ultimate expected outcome shows significant similarities. Despite these similarities, however, implementation of TQM will not necessarily result in CSR.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper the findings lead to the conclusion that it is important to recognise the specific needs of CSR and include them as an implicit part of TQM. This conclusion has an important practical and descriptive theoretical implication and the extent to which CSR is diffused as a part of TQM depends on it.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the need for the development of a descriptive theory, that is to say, the identification of the mechanism(s) through which elements of CSR could be developed and implemented alongside that of TQM.

Originality/value

The paper sees that the question of the intersection between CSR and TQM has attracted the interest of other researchers. The majority of the previous work is normative. The contribution to this developing literature is made by adopting a systematic discursive approach using philosophy, elements of TQM/CSR process and outcomes as the framework for the analysis.
CSR performance: driven by TQM implementation, size, sector?
Authors: Robson Andrew , Mitchell Ed
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider organisational performance relating to “sustainability and inclusion” and to assess four related indicators across the manufacturing and service sectors both in absolute performance terms and by level of TQM implementation and organisational size.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on two empirical studies (manufacturing and service) undertaken in North Eastern England, involving the application of a self‐assessed benchmarking tool. Data were collected from 128 manufacturers and 428 service organisations where performance measures relating to “sustainability and inclusion” were considered.

Findings

The findings presented in this paper indicate the level of performance in “sustainability and inclusion”, together with the impact of size, world‐class status and specific individual and aggregated TQM enablers for both sectors. Both manufacturing and service have some way to go in terms of their performance, whilst organisational size and world‐class appear to influence attainment, as do certain individual and aggregated measures of business practice and internal performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that further research may involve revisiting the participating organisations to identify the extent of any improvement in their performance relating to “sustainability and inclusion”.

Practical implications

The results in this paper indicate the extent of the room for improvement within both manufacturing and service, but indicate how a greater level of TQM maturity and subsequent internal performance puts an individual organisation in a better position to a certain extent to do this.

Originality/value

The findings in the paper are based on benchmarking data, where the implementation of certain TQM practices and measures of internal business performance have been measured alongside a limited number of measures relating to CSR performance across manufacturing and service as part of a wider regional study. Providing these data together has allowed the exploration of the association between the two sets of measures.
A critical look on quality through CSR lenses
Authors: Castka Pavel , Balzarova Michaela A.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map the key challenges that quality management faces in order to meet the demands of CSR. The paper focuses on ISO 26000 – a newly emerging international standard for social responsibility – and discusses synergies (and divergences) between quality management (and ISO quality management and environmental management standards) and CSR as they emerged during the process of ISO 26000 development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws conclusions from the resolutions and working materials produced by ISO Committee on Consumer Policy, the Strategic Advisory Group on Social Responsibility and ISO/TMB/WG SR – a working group in charge of the development of ISO 26000. To add the quality management dimension to the discussion, the evidence is further expanded from the ISO documents by revealing the arguments posited by nominated experts during the development of ISO 26000.

Findings

The paper finds that the quality field can significantly contribute to the deployment and uptake of the corporate social responsibility agenda yet needs to reinvent and rejuvenate in key areas such as management systems; integration of strategy, operations, technology, CSR and quality; incorporation of corporate governance; and improvements in third‐party certification and internal auditing practices.

Research limitations/implications

The research in the paper is limited to the linkages between quality management and CSR stemming from the development of ISO 26000. Other CSR standards and tools are not included. However, as ISO 26000 is a global initiative, this paper provides a view from the perspective of one of the most significant initiatives in recent years.

Practical implications

The paper informs quality practitioners about the recent developments in international standardization of social responsibility and draws the linkages between quality management and corporate social responsibility that will enable them to adopt the CSR agenda and ISO 26000 in the future.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers that deals with the linkages and synergies between ISO 26000 and quality management. By doing so, key areas are also offered that practitioners and academics should further explore in order to demonstrate the contribution of quality management to CSR.
Ethics and values in Indian economy and business
Authors: Kanagasabapathi P.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to give an idea about the role of ethics and values in the Indian economy and business in ancient times and the changed nature of these factors in the contemporary period.

Design/methodology/approach

Books and writings from ancient times are used for discussions related to the earlier periods. Studies by the author and other scholars are used to analyze the contemporary situation.

Findings

Ethics and values have guided the Indian economy and business since ancient times. With the large‐scale destruction of the native systems in the eighteenth century, and the failure to recognize and revive them after independence, ethics and noble values ceased to guide the economic and business systems. At the local business and society levels, higher human qualities such as help, faith‐based business transactions and basic norms are present even today, especially at the non‐corporate level.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not discuss different aspects of ethics and values in detail. For contemporary times, it takes up only a few higher human values such as help, faith and broad‐based norms in business promotion and transactions.

Practical implications

It highlights the contribution of higher human values such as help, faith and unwritten norms to the business and economy of contemporary India.

Originality/value

It presents that, even in contemporary times, higher values such as help, goodwill and faith‐based transactions help in the economic and business development of India.
Financial development, trade and growth triangle: the case of India
Authors: Turan Katircioglu Salih , Kahyalar Neslihan , Benar Hasret
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the possible co‐integration and the direction of causality between financial development, international trade and economic growth in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Annual data covering the 1965‐2004 period have been used to investigate co‐integration and Granger causality tests between financial development, international trade, and growth after employing unit root tests to see if the variables under consideration are stationary.

Findings

Results reveal that there is a long‐run equilibrium relationship between financial development, international trade and real income growth in the case of India. Furthermore, unidirectional causality was investigated that runs from real income to exports and imports, from exports to imports, M2 and domestic credits, from M2 to imports, from imports to domestic credits. Bidirectional causality has also been obtained between real income and M2, and between real income and domestic credits. Finally, no direction of causality has been obtained between M2 and domestic credits.

Research limitations/implications

Expanded data can be used for further comparison.

Practical implications

This study has shown that the supply‐leading and the demand‐following hypotheses cannot be inferred for the Indian economy alone themselves. And furthermore, the export‐led and the import‐led hypotheses again cannot be inferred for the Indian economy based on the sample period, 1965‐2004.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind which investigates the possible co‐integration and the direction of causality between the financial development, international trade and economic growth triangle not only in the case of India but also in the relevant literature to the best of one's knowledge.
Empirical analysis of the relationship between total consumption‐GDP ratio and per capita income for different metals
Authors: Focacci Antonio
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of the paper is to propose an empirical analysis of the relationship between total consumption of different key metals (aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin and zinc) and per capita income of some important developing countries (Brazil, China and India) today present in the international scenario with very different perspectives from in the past.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is carried out investigating a double aim. Mainly, whether the environmental Kuznets' Curve (EKC) model related to material consumption (and hence “renamed” as material Kuznets' Curve) could be used – in empirical terms – as a possible explanatory pattern of past and current trends for these three important countries. Second, whether the observable trends in industrialised countries is similar to those already implemented in the developing ones. After a brief, but ineluctable, premise considering the theoretical basic assumptions to define the issue and regarding general statements, the specific cases for Brazil, China and India are proposed.

Findings

Results do not closely fit the theoretical expectations but, as has already been seen for industrialised countries in previous research work, there is a prevailing trend in the lowering of material intensities with rising per‐capita income levels.

Originality/value

Without pretending to be exhaustive, this paper can be useful in improving the understanding of such developing economies, considering features not yet included in the international literature.
Enhancing competitiveness of India Inc.
Authors: Dutta Sanjib K.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Quality and business excellence awards that recognize excellent organizational performance have become a major driving force in enhancing the competitiveness of Indian firms in the global economy. While the frameworks underlying these awards have been used extensively by organizations, little empirical evidence exists regarding the validity of these frameworks as a predictor of building competitiveness. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study critically examines the framework of one of the leading awards of India by testing the relationship between stakeholder results and enabling practices using regression analysis, structural equation model and data envelopment analysis.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that the framework is used by the organizations to enhance firm level competitiveness but not as a tool to contribute to national competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

There is scope for further research to review the effectiveness and validity of this model by applying the model in selected organizations and to examine whether there is any significant improvement in results and practices over a period of time. The findings can also be compared with results and practices of those organizations not practising this model.

Practical implications

This study suggests a framework that not only helps an organization in positioning existing initiatives and identifying gaps in its journey of competitiveness but also links its enabling practices and planned results to the growth process of the country.

Originality/value

Global competitiveness serves as the starting‐point for instituting the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) theme of “Competitiveness of India Inc.” and initiating CII Institute of Quality's (IQ) task of developing a model of competitiveness that aspires to integrate the process of building competitiveness of an organization with that of a country. These two become the driving factors for forming a basis of the model of competitiveness that aims to build competitiveness at the organizational level contributing to competitiveness at the country level.
Protecting whistleblowers at work
Authors: Lewis David , Uys Tina
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper proposes to compare the relative success of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (UK) and the Protected Disclosures Act 2000 (South Africa) in providing protection for whistleblowers in the UK and South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment is conducted in the light of case law in both countries and empirical research previously conducted.

Findings

The most important feature of the relevant statutes in both countries is that they recognise the need to protect workers who disclose in the public interest. Although the current provisions are important first steps, it is believed that much more needs to be done.

Practical implications

In the light of this research, 14 suggestions are made for change.

Originality/value

The article makes proposals for reform to the legislation in both countries. It also attempts to provide guidance to practitioners by identifying good practice in handling concerns about wrongdoing.
Looking beneath the surface
Authors: Hall Kath
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This article aims to discuss some of the most common ways in which business decisions are affected by cognitive biases. It focuses on the individual level of decision making and discusses how biases are deeply entrenched in the way that many decisions are made. It also discusses how flaws in decision making can escalate when executives are under pressure, over‐confident or part of a group.

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on a range of research in cognitive and organizational psychology to show the potential effect of cognitive biases on corporate decision making.

Findings

The article argues that it is necessary to develop a better understanding of the effect of cognitive biases on executive decision making. Whilst research suggests that many aspects of decision‐making processes operate outside one's conscious awareness, it is suggested that these flaws may be easier to monitor and control when one is aware of their potential impact on corporate decisions.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how a lack of awareness of the widespread operation of cognitive biases reduces the possibilities for good corporate governance.
A comparison of consumer decision‐making behavior of married and cohabiting couples
Authors: Razzouk Nabil , Seitz Victoria , Prodigalidad Capo Karen
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to compare the consumer decision‐making behavior between married and cohabiting couples.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 40 cohabiting couples and 53 married couples in a western state via a self‐administered questionnaire. The structure and the instrument used replicated the Gadis et al. study in exploring consumer decision‐making processes of married couples.

Findings

Married couples tended to be more syncratic than cohabiting couples in their decision to purchase forms of savings in this phase, but more autonomic when purchasing alcoholic beverages. Cohabiting couples were found to be more syncratic in their decision making for these products at this phase than married couples. The results, when compared to those of 18 years ago found that men and women of married couples make purchasing decisions separately, while men and women of cohabiting couples made most of theirs together. Implications of the findings were then discussed.

Practical implications

Marketers, when attempting to reach married couples today, should focus media and advertising communication efforts on two audiences rather than one since either the husband or wife may be making the decision. The communication strategy used should focus on the joint nature of both processes since cohabiters showed a propensity toward syncratic strategies in all three phases. Advertising and message strategies should focus on how single people of the opposite sex decide on product purchases together since cohabiters are more like single people in their decision‐making behavior.

Originality/value

This study compares consumer decision making among married and cohabiting couples.
Consumer reactance against loyalty programs
Authors: Wendlandt Mark , Schrader Ulf
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Although relationship marketing has developed into the prevailing marketing paradigm, it frequently encounters resistance from the demand side. Both management practitioners and academics indicate that at least some consumers show reactance against loyalty programs, i.e. against tactical instruments of relationship marketing. Nevertheless, relationship marketing has widely neglected reactance theory. This paper attempts to close this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the fundamental principles of loyalty programs and reactance theory the paper presents a set of hypotheses on the determinants and effects of situational consumer reactance against loyalty programs. It tests these hypotheses on the basis of 388 face‐to‐face interviews with bookstore customers. These interviews include a between‐subject manipulation on the reactance effect of economic, social‐psychological, and contractual bonding potentials. To test the proposed hypotheses, the paper applies structural equation modeling with PLS.

Findings

As expected, contractual bonds provoked reactance effects, while social‐psychological bonds neither increased reactance, nor the perceived utility of the program. Economic bonds raised perceived utility up to a certain threshold level, from which the reactance effect dominated thereafter.

Practical implications

As a consequence, a cautious and limited application of customer loyalty programs is advisable. The developed consumer reactance scale can help managers to evaluate the effects of planned or implemented customer retention measures.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to investigate situational reactance in a loyalty program setting.
Baby boom consumers and technology: shooting down stereotypes
Authors: Niemelä‐Nyrhinen Jenni
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Current stereotypes of aging consumers paint a picture of them as technology anxious and reluctant to adopt new technologies. This paper aims to show that the present 50‐to‐60 age group does not fit these stereotypes.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 620 Finnish baby boomers (aged between 50 and 60) responded to a mail survey.

Findings

Baby boom consumers are shown, in contrast to the stereotypes, to have low levels of technology anxiety and high levels of experience of internet and SMS usage. It is also shown that technology anxiety and experience have an inverse relationship in the age group.

Research limitations/implications

To some extent, the results provide evidence of the distortedness of current stereotypes that are used to describe 50‐plus consumers. However, data was gathered only in one country. Replications of this study in different countries would allow drawing broader conclusions.

Practical implications

Marketers of technological products and services are advised to let go of the outdated stereotypes, familiarize themselves with today's 50‐plus consumers and when applicable, invest effort in serving this market.

Originality/value

While there exists some research on aging consumers as Internet users, this study offers a more general view on aging consumers and their use of technological services by examining technology anxiety within this specific market. The results should be of value to both academicians and practitioners in realizing the potential of the mature market.