bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural diversity of polynuclear Mg
x
O
y
cores in magnesium phenoxide complexes
Authors: Minyaev Mikhail E. , Churakov Andrei V. , Nifant'ev Ilya E.
Published: October 2017

The binuclear complex bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolato)-1κO,2κO-(1,2-dimethoxyethane-1κ2
O,O′)bis(μ-phenylmethanolato-1:2κ2
O:O)(tetrahydrofuran-2κO)dimagnesium(II), [Mg2(C7H7O)2(C15H23O)2(C4H8O)(C4H10O2)] or [(BHT)(DME)Mg(μ-OBn)2Mg(THF)(BHT)], (I), was obtained from the complex [(BHT)Mg(μ-OBn)(THF)]2 by substitution of one tetrahydrofuran (THF) molecule with 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) in toluene (BHT is O-2,6-
t
Bu2-4-MeC6H4 and Bn is benzyl). The trinuclear complex bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolato)-1κO,3κO-tetrakis(μ-2-methylphenolato)-1:2κ4
O:O;2:3κ4
O:O-bis(tetrahydrofuran)-1κO,3κO-trimagnesium(II), [Mg3(C7H7O)4(C15H23O)2(C4H8O)2] or [(BHT)2(μ-O-2-MeC6H4)4(THF)2Mg3], (II), was formed from a mixture of Bu2Mg, [(BHT)Mg(
n
Bu)(THF)2] and 2-methylphenol. An unusual tetranuclear complex, bis(μ3-2-aminoethanolato-κ4
O:O:O,N)tetrakis(μ2-2-aminoethanolato-κ3
O:O,N)bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolato-κO)tetramagnesium(II), [Mg4(C2H6NO)6(C15H23O)2] or Mg4(BHT)2(OCH2CH2NH2)6, (III), resulted from the reaction between (BHT)2Mg(THF)2 and 2-aminoethanol. A polymerization test demonstrated the ability of (III) to catalyse the ring-opening polymerization of ∊-caprolactone without activation by alcohol. In all three complexes (I)–(III), the BHT ligand demonstrates the terminal κO-coordination mode. Complexes (I), (II) and (III) have binuclear rhomboid Mg2O2, trinuclear chain-like Mg3O4 and bicubic Mg4O6 cores, respectively. A survey of the literature on known polynuclear Mg
x
O
y
core types for ArO–Mg complexes is also presented.
An arsenate with the α-CrPO4structure type, NaCa1–xNi3–2xAl2x(AsO4)3(x= 0.23): crystal structure, charge-distribution and bond-valence-sum analyses
Authors: Ben Smail Ridha , Zid Mohamed Faouzi
Published: October 2017

Since the discovery of electrochemically active LiFePO4, materials with tunnel and layered structures built up of transition metals and polyanions have become the subject of much research. A new quaternary arsenate, sodium calcium trinickel aluminium triarsenate, NaCa1–xNi3–2xAl2x(AsO4)3(x= 0.23), was synthesized using the flux method in air at 1023 K and its crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. This material was also characterized by qualitative energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and IR spectroscopy. The crystal structure belongs to the α-CrPO4type with the space groupImma. The structure is described as a three-dimensional framework built up of corner-edge-sharing NiO6, (Ni,Al)O6and AsO4polyhedra, with channels running along the [100] and [010] directions, in which the sodium and calcium cations are located. The proposed structural model has been validated by bond-valence-sum (BVS) and charge-distribution (CHARDI) tools. The sodium ionic conduction pathways in the anionic framework were investigated by means of the bond-valence site energy (BVSE) model, which predicted that the studied material will probably be a very poor Na+ion conductor (bond-valence activation energy ∼7 eV).
A three-dimensional supramolecular framework based on the interlinkage of an interpenetrating diamondoid coordination network
Authors: Hou Yi-Xuan , Liu Dong
Published: October 2017

In the development of coordination-driven crystalline materials, O- and N-atom donors from carboxylate and pyridyl-based ligands are widely used classes of multidentate bridging ligands composed of several terminal coordinating groups linked by either rigid or flexible spacers. The rigidity of the ligands can play a vital role in the determination of the structures formed. A new CdII supramolecular compound, namely poly[μ-adipato-κ2
O
1:O
4-μ-adipato-κ4
O
1,O
1′:O
4,O
4′-diaquabis[μ-1,4-bis(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3-butadiene-κ2
N:N′]dicadmium(II)], [Cd2(C6H8O4)2(C14H12N2)2(H2O)2]
n
, (I), has been synthesized by the self-assembly of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O, adipic acid (hexane-1,6-dioic acid; H2adp) and the dipyridyl ligand 1,4-bis(pyridin-4-yl)buta-1,3-diene (1,4-bpbd) under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that each CdII centre is located in a distorted octahedral coordination environment, coordinated by one water O atom, three carboxylate O atoms from two different adp2− ligands and two N atoms from two different 1,4-bpbd ligands. The Cd(H2O) units are interconnected by the μ2,κ2-adp2−, μ2,κ4-adp2− and 1,4-bpbd ligands, which lie across centres of inversion, to give a 66-dia network. Large cavities within a single diamondoid network permit the mutual threefold interpenetration of crystallographically equivalent frameworks. Hydrogen-bonding interactions between the coordinated water molecules and adp2− carboxylate O atoms anchor the interpenetrating networks into a unique three-dimensional supramolecular structure. Topologically, taking the coordinated water molecules and CdII centres as nodes, the whole architecture can be simplified as a binodal (3,7)-connected supramolecular framework. The identity of (I) was further characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. The solid-state photoluminescence properties of (I) were also investigated.
A new two-dimensional polymeric cadmium(II) complex containing dicyanamide bridging ligands
Authors: Lu Yang , Liao Wei-Qiang , Hua Xiu-Ni
Published: October 2017

As part of an exploration of new coordination polymers, a cadmium-dicyanamide complex, namely poly[benzyltriethylammonium [tri-μ-dicyanamido-κ6
N
1:N
5-cadmium(II)]], {(C13H22N)[Cd(C2N3)3]}
n
, has been synthesized by the reaction of benzyltriethylammonium bromide, cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate and sodium dicyanamide in aqueous solution, and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature. In the crystal structure, each CdII cation is coordinated by six nitrile N atoms from six anionic dicyanamide (dca) ligands to furnish a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. Neighbouring CdII cations are linked by dicyanamide bridges to construct a two-dimensional anionic layer coordination polymer. One amide N atom in the bridging dca ligand is disordered over two sites. The cations lie between the anionic frameworks and there are no hydrogen-bond interactions between the cations and anions. The organic cations are not involved in the formation of the supramolecular network.
Halogen bonding in a series of Br(CF2)
n
Br–DABCO adducts (n = 4, 6, 8)
Authors: Brisdon Alan K. , Muneer Abeer M. T. , Pritchard Robin G.
Published: October 2017

Halogen bonding (XB) is a highly-directional class of intermolecular interactions that has been used as a powerful tool to drive the design of crystals in the solid phase. To date, the majority of XB donors have been iodine-containing compounds, with many fewer involving brominated analogues. We report the formation of adducts in the vapour phase from a series of dibromoperfluoroalkyl compounds, BrCF2(CF2)
n
CF2Br (n = 2, 4, 6), and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the colourless crystals identified 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane–1,4-dibromoperfluorobutane (1/1), C4Br2F8·C6H12N2, (I), 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane–1,6-dibromoperfluorohexane (1/1), C6Br2F12·C6H12N2, (II), and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane–1,8-dibromoperfluorooctane (1/1), C8Br2F16·C6H12N2, (III), each of which displays a one-dimensional halogen-bonded network. All three adducts exhibit N...Br distances less than the sum of the van der Waals radii, with butane analogue (I) showing the shortest N...Br halogen-bond distances yet reported between a bromoperfluorocarbon and a nitrogen base [2.809 (3) and 2.818 (3) Å], which are 0.58 and 0.59 Å shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii.
Synthon preference in the cocrystal of 3,4,5-trifluorophenylboronic acid with urea
Authors: Kopczyńska Karolina , Marek Paulina H. , Banaś Bartłomiej , Madura Izabela D.
Published: October 2017

The comprehensive description of the crystal structure of a novel 1:1 cocrystal of 3,4,5-trifluorophenylboronic acid with urea, C6H4BF3O2·CH4N2O, is presented. Both components are good candidates for crystal engineering as they can create a variety of supramolecular synthons. The preference for the formation of different hetrosynthons is verified based on theoretical calculations. The syn–anti conformation of boronic acid has been found to be the most favourable in the formation of intermolecular interactions with urea. Moreover, the distortions present in the boron coordination sphere have been described quantitatively based on experimental data according to bond-valence vector model calculations. The results revealed that the deformation of the sphere is typical for a syn–anti conformation of boronic acids. The supramolecular structure of the cocrystal is composed of large synthons in the form of layers made up of O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The layers are joined via N—H...F hydrogen bonds which are unusual for urea cocrystal structures.
1-{(E)-[(2E)-3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-ylidene]amino}-3-phenylurea: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Tan Ming Yueh , Crouse Karen A. , Ravoof Thahira B. S. A. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: October 2017

The title compound, C23H21N3O2, is constructed about an almost planar disubstituted aminourea residue (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0201 Å), which features an intramolecular amine-N—H...N(imine) hydrogen bond. In the `all-trans' chain connecting this to the terminal methoxybenzene residue, the conformation about each of the imine and ethylene double bonds isE. In the crystal, amide-N—H...O(carbonyl) hydrogen bonds connect centrosymmetrically related molecules into dimeric aggregates, which also incorporate ethylene-C—H...O(amide) interactions. The dimers are linked by amine–phenyl-C—H...π(imine–phenyl) and methoxybenzene-C—H...π(amine–phenyl) interactions to generate a three-dimensional network. The importance of C—H...π interactions in the molecular packing is reflected in the relatively high contributions made by C...H/H...C contacts to the Hirshfeld surface,i.e. 31.6%.
Structural characterization of two solvates of a luminescent copper(II) bis(pyridine)-substituted benzimidazole complex
Authors: Geiger David K. , DeStefano Matthew R. , Lewis Robert A.
Published: October 2017

Copper(II) complexes of benzimidazole are known to exhibit biological activity that makes them of interest for chemotherapeutic and other pharmaceutical uses. The complex bis(acetato-κO){5,6-dimethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-κ2N2,N3}copper(II), has been prepared. The absorption spectrum has features attributed to intraligand and ligand-field transitions and the complex exhibits ligand-centered room-temperature luminescence in solution. The acetonitrile monosolvate, [Cu(C2H3O2)2(C20H18N4)]·C2H3N (1), and the ethanol hemisolvate, [Cu(C2H3O2)2(C20H18N4)]·0.5C2H6O (2), have been structurally characterized. Compound2has two copper(II) complexes in the asymmetric unit. In both1and2, distorted square-planar N2O2coordination geometries are observed and the Cu—N(Im) bond distance is slightly shorter than the Cu—N(py) bond distance. Intermolecular π–π interactions are found in1and2. A weak C—H...π interaction is observed in1.
Synthesis and crystal structure of [Pd{C6H4(CH2NHCH2Ph)-2-κ2C,N}(μ-I)]2
Authors: Bautista Delia , Benitez-Benitez Sergio J.
Published: October 2017

The binuclear title complex, di-μ-iodido-bis({2-[(benzylamino-κN)methyl]phenyl-κC1}palladium(II)), [Pd2I2(C14H14N)2], was prepared by reaction of [Pd{C6H4(CH2NHCH2Ph)-2}(μ-OAc)]2with NaI. It crystallizes with one discrete molecule in the asymmetric unit. The molecule presents an iodide-bridged dimeric structure with acisoidarrangement with respect to theC,N-cyclopalladated ligands. Both PdIIatoms have a slightly distorted square-planar coordination environment. Weak intermolecular contacts of the type C—H...Pd seem to have a significant influence on the arrangement of the molecules along thebaxis in the crystal.
5-(5-Chloro-2-hydroxybenzoyl)-1-methyl-3-nitropyridin-2(1H)-one
Authors: Bargavi Srinivasan , Poomathi Nataraj , Maheswari Narayanan Uma , Lakshmi Srinivasakannan
Published: October 2017

In the title compound, C13H9ClN2O5, the dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene and pyridine rings is 55.30 (13)°. The nitro group is tilted by 38.21 (10)° with respect to the mean plane of the pyridine ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional framework. The crystal packing is further stabilized by π–π stacking interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.5877 (17) Å].
Acetylhydroxamic acid
Authors: Dziuk Błażej , Zarychta Bartosz , Ejsmont Krzysztof , Daszkiewicz Zdzisław
Published: October 2017

There is one independent molecule in the asymmetric unit of the title compound (alternatively namedN-hydroxyacetamide), C2H5NO2. It crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space groupP43. The structure is an anhydrous form of acetylhydroxamic acid with typical geometry that corresponds well with the hydrated structure described by Bracher & Small [Acta Cryst.(1970), B26, 1705–1709]. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the molecules into chains in thec-axis direction.
(5R,6R)-rel-9-tert-Butyl-trans-5,6-dimethoxy-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzocycloheptene
Authors: Lough Alan J. , Carlson Emily , Tam William
Published: October 2017

The relative stereochemistry of the title compound, C17H24O2, has been confirmed by the X-ray analysis. The seven-membered ring is in a pseudo-boat conformation with both methoxy substituents in equatorial sites.
tert-ButylN-[(1R*,2R*,4R*,5S*)-rel-4-tert-butoxybicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-yl]-N-hydroxycarbamate
Authors: Lough Alan J. , Tait Katrina , Horvath Alysia , Tam William
Published: October 2017

In the title compound, C15H27NO4, the cyclopentane ring adopts an envelope conformation with the methylene group as the flap. The dihedral angle between the cyclopropane ring and the cyclopentane ring (all atoms) is 77.54 (13)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds, formingC(7) chains propagating along [010].
How to develop brand attachment in various product categories?
Authors: Shabani Nashtaee Mitra , Heidarzadeh Hanzaei Kambiz , Mansourian Yazdan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the best interactions between sales promotion and advertisement plans as the resources of the brand attachment and its consequences in durable and fast-moving consumer goods.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed methods research in the form of qualitative approach, using a phenomenological method and quantitative approach, using three experimental studies of factorial design types and a structural equation modeling method, have been used in this research.

Findings

The fit of plans to achieve the brand attachment is similar in both product categories. The financial gift, with the ability of liquidity and variety of shopping, fits with the advertisement messages at a high construal level and high argument strength. However, the financial gift, with the ability of purchase from particular stores, fits with the advertisement messages at the low construal level and high argument strength. Moreover, in both product categories, the brand attachment leads to the emotional and cognitive consequences.

Originality/value

This research provides experimental support with actual experiences to create a fit in marketing communication plans in order to achieve a lasting and strong relationship. Therefore, this paper offers a valuable insight relating to financial gifts and advertisement messages and their effects on consumers’ behavior. It can also be used by other managers and researchers to assess their communication options.
Evaluation of impediments to the competitiveness of the rail sector in Australia
Authors: Ghaderi Hadi , Cahoon Stephen , Nguyen Hong-Oanh
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to empirically evaluate the key impediments to the competitiveness of the rail sector in Australia; and second, to provide relevant transport management and policy recommendations for enhanced competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has adopted an empirical approach. A survey was developed and distributed among rail stakeholders in Australia. Accordingly, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to evaluate the key impeding areas.

Findings

This paper found four areas that are impeding rail development, these being infrastructure management, shortage of freight data and poor information sharing, service delivery and organisational and commercial interactions.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical approach of this thesis can be applied to any freight market where competition exists between different transport modes. However, the specific strategies provided in this research in terms of transportation management, infrastructure planning and policy were made according to the specific market condition, infrastructure quality and regulation that exist in Australia.

Practical implications

The findings provide important implications for both industry and government in terms of making transport planning and policy decisions, but also useful insights by identifying the weak parts of the rail sector and directions to target them.

Originality/value

The notion of the rail stakeholder does not appear to have been previously defined in the literature. Therefore, this research takes a broader view of rail stakeholders to include various interest groups within the rail sector and its operational environment.
Current context of transport sector in South Asia
Authors: Liyanage Champika , Dias Nuwan , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Given the current focus on sustainable development, there is a need to identify the current status of the transport sector in developing countries and the obstacles to the development of a sustainable transport system. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review on what needs to be done in such countries towards a sustainable transportation system. The focus of the paper will be on the South Asian context. In order to achieve the aim, the paper examines the current issues, the policy context and the key actions required in the countries selected in South Asia (i.e. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal).

Design/methodology/approach

The main method used for the project was a combination of semi-structured interviews and focus groups. In addition, a policy analysis was also carried out with a use of secondary data. Altogether, 348 interviews and 16 focus groups (with 157 participants) were carried out in the selected six countries. Although the purpose of the research methods was to carry out a situational analysis of each country mentioned above on seven societal challenges identified under the EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme, this paper only focusses on presenting the findings relating to sustainable transport.

Findings

Findings reveal that South Asian countries need to improve different aspects of their transportation sector, starting from national-level transportation policies. Sustainable transportation is not merely about mobility but also about creating safer, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation systems. Some key actions needed for these include introducing driver and passenger safety regulations, establishing vehicle emissions test centres to reduce CO2 emissions, and introducing public-private partnerships where useful.

Originality/value

This study provides a robust policy direction towards the introduction/improvement of a sustainable transportation system in South Asian countries.
Simulation techniques for cost management and performance in construction projects in Malaysia
Authors: Alashwal Ali Mohammed , Chew Min Yi
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Simulation techniques for cost management are useful for modeling uncertainties, making decisions, and improving the accuracy of cost estimation. Despite their usefulness, the application of these techniques in construction projects seems to be uncommon in the construction sector in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to determine the application of simulation techniques for cost estimation and control and to assess their influence on project cost performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 83 government agencies, consultant firms, and contractor firms in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Findings

The findings revealed that knowledge of respondents and usage of cost simulation techniques in the Malaysian construction industry is low. In addition, main barriers of implementing cost simulation techniques are identified. Cost performance of construction projects in Malaysia is satisfactory; however, there is no association between this performance and the application of simulation techniques.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to construction management field by highlighting the main simulation techniques for cost management and drawing the attention of construction professionals and contractors to implement these techniques in construction projects.
Project delivery attributes influencing green building project outcomes
Authors: Ahmad Tayyab , Aibinu Ajibade A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

While the general trends in green building (GB) research are known, there is not yet a detailed review of studies on project delivery attributes (PDAs) influencing GB project outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature to understand the contributions of existing research in this area and to identify the challenges, gaps, and lessons for the future research relating GB project delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

For the systematic review, specially developed coding based on Boolean operators is used to search for relevant studies in major databases, i.e. Web of Science and Scopus. The studies from the initial search (443) are subjected to two rounds of scrutiny for shortlisting only relevant publications. Using a qualitative review of the shortlisted studies (20), the research objectives and findings of the studies are synthesized and critically analyzed. The contributions and challenges facing research in this area are identified. Future research directions are proposed.

Findings

Studies in the area have established association between PDAs and various GB project success criteria. In the literature, some PDAs such as project delivery method have been given greater attention than others. Challenges facing PDA research in GB include: the limited number of GB project cases and the complexity of GB project delivery process involving an overwhelmingly large number of variables, thereby limiting scientific rigor and creating some gaps in knowledge. The interaction among PDAs and their cumulative effect on various project performance outcomes/metrics have not been studied, limiting the validity of the existing studies. Scope exists to apply a combination of non-linear, dynamic, probabilistic, explicit, and implicit modeling as well as inductive and deductive approaches to research in this area.

Research limitations/implications

Existing research findings have limited application in practice. Non-linear, dynamic, probabilistic, deductive, and inductive research techniques and approaches can substantially advance knowledge and lead to plausible findings that can be applied in practice.

Originality/value

Considering the critical role of PDAs in the successful delivery of GBs, the review provides clear directions for future research.
Cultural change and lodestones in the British police
Authors: Grint Keith , Holt Clare , Neyroud Peter
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider a challenge to an occupational jurisdiction in the British police. Historically, street cops have defended the importance of operational credibility as a way of sustaining the value of experience, and inhibiting attempts to introduce external leaders. This has generated a particular form of policing and leadership that is deemed by the British Government as inadequate to face the problems of the next decade.

Design/methodology/approach

The project used the High Potential Development Scheme of the British police to assess the value of operational credibility and the possibilities of radical cultural change. Data are drawn from participants on the program, from those who failed to get onto the program, and from officers who have risen through the ranks without access to a fast-track scheme.

Findings

Most organizational changes fail in their own terms, often because of cultural resistance. However, if we change our metaphors of culture from natural to human constructions it may be possible to focus on the key point of the culture: the lodestone that glues it together. Operational credibility may be such a cultural lodestone and undermining it offers the opportunity for rapid and radical change.

Research limitations/implications

The scheme itself has had limited numbers and the research was limited to a small proportion of the different categories outlined above.

Practical implications

If we change our metaphors for culture and cultural change – from natural to constructed metaphors – (icebergs and webs to buildings), it may be possible to consider a much more radical approach to organizational change.

Originality/value

Most assessments of cultural change focus on those charged with enacting the change and explain failure through recourse to natural metaphors of change. This paper challenges the convention that cultural change can only ever be achieved, if at all, through years of effort.
Valuing different shades of blue
Authors: McLeod Abby , Herrington Victoria
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Australian efforts to promote gender equality in policing, suggesting that future police leaders will be confronted with the challenge of ensuring that their organisations are not only demographically diverse, but more importantly, that they are inclusive.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises current Australian efforts to promote gender equality (case study), as a means of examining the way in which the conceptual distinction between diversity and inclusion plays out in practice.

Findings

The paper finds that current efforts to promote gender equality are being used as a proxy for diversity more broadly and are overly focussed upon demographic diversity. Less attention is being paid to the development of inclusive work environments, which will present a challenge to future leaders who are required to manage more heterogenous workforces.

Research limitations/implications

Research into the efficacy of existing strategies, which will further theoretical debate, is proposed, with a call for research by those from a wider range of disciplines, in addition to psychology and management studies, being made.

Practical implications

It is recommended that policing organisations utilise language focussed upon inclusion rather than diversity and foster cultures of learning, beginning at the academy.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the global debate on workforce diversity by drawing on a Southern Hemisphere perspective on contemporary efforts in policing. This complements extant studies on diversity which emanate primarily from the UK and USA, and provides an important reflection for police organisations across the world as they proceed with good intentions around creating much needed cultures of difference in thinking and operating.
Serving from the top: police leadership for the twenty-first century
Authors: Martin Helen Clare , Rogers Colin , Samuel Anthony John , Rowling Martyn
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The police service in England and Wales faces unprecedented challenges as it moves further into the twenty-first century. Globalisation, increases and changes in types of crime, including cybercrime alongside perennial terrorist threats, coupled with budgetary constraints, mean that the way the police service has traditionally operated needs to change. In part, the police service sees the drive for professionalisation as assisting in providing an efficient and effective answer to the challenges ahead. Previous approaches to leadership styles, based upon hierarchy and rank, may not be the best approach for leaders in such a dynamic and professional organisation. The purpose of this paper is to argue for a debate and a rethink regarding the leadership styles employed by the police in their current role in the context of the influx of new graduate officers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a discursive argument based upon servant leadership (SL) models that aspire to address the multi-faceted challenges faced by the police service.

Findings

Leaders in the police service may well consider SL for its ability to release the potential and manage the aspirations of graduate officers. SL is also recognised for its potential in helping the police to better engage with important societal changes that will impact on its organisation and its structure in the future.

Social implications

Previous approaches to leadership styles, based upon hierarchy and rank, may not be the best approach for leaders in such a dynamic and professional organisation. This is discussed in relation to a suggested style of leadership.

Originality/value

This paper considers the problems faced in leading a professionalised police service and the suitability of a novel approach to leadership, that of the “Servant Leader”.
Shifting the blame: towards a self-reforming police service in England and Wales
Authors: Metcalfe Tim
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The police service has been encouraged to become a “self-reforming sector”, yet there is an acknowledgement of a “blame culture” within the policing. The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers to “self-reform”, as identified by chief officers, and propose a series of strategies to help inform the future of police leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is primarily underpinned by a series of semi-structured interviews with chief constables and a series of four workshops.

Findings

The paper argues that contemporary police cultures, and approaches to failure, are not conducive to the realisation of a “self-reforming” sector. It is proposed that strategic future leaders should consider establishing a common process for organisational learning whilst simultaneously encouraging cultural change that de-stigmatises failure and supports the development of adaptive and networked learning organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by exclusively drawing on the perspective of chief officers and does not engage a representative cross section of the police service. The absence of detailed analysis of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary findings to complement the review of IPCC recommendations is a limitation that weakens subsequent conclusions. Finally, this research would benefit considerations of potential structural and organisational changes that would support the realisation of a “self-reforming sector”.

Practical implications

This research supports work by the National Police Chiefs’ Council to deliver police reform.

Originality/value

The paper is informed by new and original qualitative research explicitly focused on the perspective of senior police leaders.
Resilient leadership
Authors: Farrar Jeff John
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges faced in leading a UK police force through a period of complex and competing political, financial, cultural, structural and operational constraints. It explores the personal skills, qualities and capabilities leaders need to respond to such challenges, both now and in the future and argues that the greatest test for police leaders in the next decade will be personal and organisational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a personal account of the resilience required in a challenging and senior police leadership role and is underpinned with relevant literature in the field of resilient leadership.

Findings

It identifies that whilst resources are diminishing, demand is increasing, public expectation continues to grow and police leaders are now openly criticised in a way that they would never have encountered in the past, understanding this in itself is not enough. What is needed is a tailored plan for both individual police leaders and organisations if they are going to survive. It argues that failure to do so will result in increasingly diminishing health and well-being and a drain of talent at all levels of the police service.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique insight into leadership in a complex period in Policing in the UK.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Women Network: leadership and adaptability
Authors: Chirambwi Kudakwashe
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw lessons from the important contributions of appreciative inquiry leadership in shaping the future people aspects to police leadership. A practice model of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Women Network (ZRP WN) illuminates how the future of policing in a context of mutually reinforcing confluence of increasing rate of crime, state decay, and economic decline is contingent upon shifting from the current preoccupation of “what works” to “what is important.”

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by the organising principles of the 4-D cycle involving discovery, dream, design and destiny/delivery, the appreciative inquiry leadership model illuminates a sustainable future-oriented policing.

Findings

The case study of ZRP WN reveals the resilience and adaptability of female police officers to policing challenges as they constantly designed people-oriented policing operations and activities.

Practical implications

Of importance is the exponential influence of communis and phronesis in rethinking and redesigning police roles in decades to come.

Originality/value

The ZRP WN, through its shared vision of values, gives us a leaf on how to respond to the ever-changing values of justice and police leadership altering contexts.
Exploring the attractiveness of manufacturer brands and retailer own-brands in supermarket context
Authors: Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to explore the effects of brand credibility, brand familiarity and brand image on brand attachment and brand attitude; and to test how a grocery product category and the perception of quality of own-label brands vs manufacturer brands moderate the inter-relationship of brand credibility, brand familiarity and brand image on brand attachment and brand attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is administered to a quota sample of Portuguese supermarket shoppers via a face-to-face personal interviewing method. The survey was conducted in Lisbon, Amadora and Sintra. The three municipalities were chosen for being the most densely populated and for having the largest number of grocery retailers in Portugal. From a total of 800 questionnaires collected using a face-to-face personal interviewing method in low-, medium- and high-peak shopping days, 756 were usable for data analysis. The respondents’ profile is according to the last Censos in Portugal conducted by the National Statistical Institute of Portugal, representing a quota sample.

Findings

Credibility and familiarity seem to be more important to enhance attachment in the case of the manufacturer brands and image for retailer own-brands. Brand image is more effective in attach customer in the case of manufacturer brands. Grocery store (supermarket) brand managers should be more effective in communicating the extension of the store image to the image of the products; they should develop a consistent and differentiating brand image.

Originality/value

This paper provides an important contribution to supermarket retail service by shedding light about how consumers’ overall evaluation and attachment to a brand are affected by the grocery product category and the perception of the quality of an own-label brand vs a manufacturer brand.
Design of the “Up2U” domestic abuse perpetrator programme
Authors: Pearson Dominic A.S. , Ford Amy
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the development, structure, and implementation of a new programme for domestic abuse (DA) perpetrators.

Design/methodology/approach

A needs-led DA perpetrator programme is proposed, named as “Up2U: Creating Healthy Relationships” (Up2U). The background to Up2U, its aims, configuration, and delivery methods are presented in this paper. To illustrate Up2U, the targets for change and referral population in the development site are discussed. Furthermore, the paper reflects on some of the implementation decisions and the steps taken towards evaluating the impact of Up2U in the development site.

Findings

Research supports provision of treatment targeting perpetrators’ criminogenic needs, delivered with responsivity to their learning styles, at an intensity that matches their risk. Change on treatment targets can be evaluated in the context of differences in recidivism outcomes to help assess whether impact can be attributed to the programme. It can also serve as a more proximal index of success/failure for individual clients. Such implementation and evaluation decisions are a benefit of the present researcher-practitioner partnership.

Originality/value

Up2U is innovative by being risk-and needs-led rather than taking a gendered approach to DA treatment, and this new evidence-based approach may reduce partner abuse. This is the first paper to outline Up2U’s structure, content, implementation, and measurement.
The easy-money effect: credit card spending and hard-work reminders
Authors: Wong King-Yin , Lynn Michael
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This research paper aims to examine the proposed easy-money effect of credit cards, which stimulates consumers to overspend. This paper shows how such an easy-money effect can be weakened.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, an implicit association test was conducted with a sample of 169 participants to test the proposed credit card easy-money effect. In Study 2, experimental data were collected online from 365 participants to test the effectiveness of a hard-work reminder in weakening credit cards’ easy-money effect on consumer spending.

Findings

The proposed credit card easy-money effect exists, with spendthrift (ST) participants associating money with hard work less in the implicit association test after being presented with a credit card cue versus neutral cue. The results from Study 2 show that ST participants spent more on their dinner than tightwad participants when shown a credit card cue. However, this effect could be weakened when STs were also reminded of their hard work by a picture accompanied with words.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that credit cards’ spending-stimulating effect is due to consumers’ associations between credit cards and easy money. Based on this notion, this paper suggests conditions in which credit cards will stimulate more and less spending.

Originality/value

This is the first research attempt to examine the credit cards’ easy-money effect and the effectiveness of reminding consumers of their hard work to mitigate credit cards’ long-established spending-stimulating effect.
Investigating consumer ethics: a segmentation study
Authors: Arli Denni
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The plague of unethical practices in global businesses has sparked much research on the role of ethics in today’s business and society. One of the most effective tools to understand consumers’ motivation and behaviour is segmentation. Hence, the purpose of this study is segment ethical consumers based on consumer-ethics variables (i.e. actively benefiting, passively benefiting, questionable behaviour, no-harm, recycling and doing good).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample from the general population in Australia (N = 517), a TwoStep cluster analysis was conducted using baseline consumer ethics psychographic measures. The analysis resulted in three distinct segments: “The Good Samaritans”, “The Mainstream Ethical Consumers” and “The Unethical Consumers”.

Findings

The results clearly reveal that segments do exist among consumers in regards to their ethical beliefs. The study shows that a large percentage of consumers are ethical, there is also a segment consisting of unethical consumers.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows that only a small percentage of consumers are highly ethical (i.e. The Good Samaritans). This shows an opportunity for educators and public policy makers to push the “Mainstream Ethical Consumers” to become the “Good Samaritans”. The Good Samaritans are consumers who will go above and beyond to be ethical and more likely to do good toward the society.

Practical implications

Unethical consumers comprise a unique segment where researchers, educators and public policy makers need to focus on when addressing unethical consumer behaviour in the society.

Originality/value

This is one of the first few studies to segment consumers based on the consumer ethics scales. By understanding different segments within consumers, the results of this study will assist researchers, managers and public policy makers address unethical behaviour in society.
Actual and ideal-self congruence and dual brand passion
Authors: Astakhova Marina , Swimberghe Krist R. , Wooldridge Barbara Ross
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between actual (ASC) and ideal self-congruence (ISC) and harmonious (HBP) and obsessive brand passion (OBP).

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 uses a sample collected via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to test a baseline conceptual model which links ASC and ISC to HBP and OBP. Study 2 employs a sample outsourced through Qualtrics. Study 2 had dual objectives: to replicate Study 1 using a larger and more diverse sample and to test whether hedonic brand characteristics may affect the hypothesized relationships between two types of self-congruence and two types of brand passion.

Findings

The findings suggest that different types of self-congruity influence different types of consumer passion for the brand. Specifically, a fit between brand personality and one’s true self (ASC) helps develop a passion for the brand that is self-affirming and in harmony with other facets of the consumer’s life. Fit between brand personality and one’s ideal self (ISC) leads to OBP. The results suggest that hedonic benefits of a brand do not moderate the relationship between ASC and HBP.

Originality/value

This research examines the duality of brand passion (harmonious and obsessive) and the relationships with consumers’ ASC and ISC. It provides insight into how a product-related context variable (hedonic nature of the product) can moderate these relationships and further augments the nomological network of the dual brand passion concept in the brand consumer context.
The effect of monetary policy announcements and government interventions on the US insurance industry during the 2007-2009 crisis
Authors: Grace Martin F. , Rauch Jannes , Wende Sabine
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The authors aim to analyze the impact of monetary policy interventions during the financial crisis of 2007-2009 on the stock prices of US insurance firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an event study methodology and a database of 89 policy announcements to analyze if monetary policy interventions could restore stability in the insurance sector. In addition, the authors conduct a second-stage analysis to identify the individual firms’ determinants of their stock market response.

Findings

The results indicate that the market reaction depends upon the type of policy intervention as well as the timing of the intervention. A second stage analysis examines firm level determinants of the insurers’ stock price responses and finds various firm specific factors also affect the insurers’ reaction to policy interventions.

Originality/value

First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the impact of non-conventional policy announcements on firms from the insurance sector during the financial crisis. Moreover, the authors add to the literature an analysis on how conventional central bank announcements affect insurance firms.
Financial distress cost of Italian small and medium enterprises
Authors: Quintiliani Andrea
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a theoretical model designed to predict the likelihood of financial distress of an enterprise and to quantify the damages whenever the financial crisis became full-blown.

Design/methodology/approach

Coherently with the objectives of the paper, the analysis considers the last seven exercises (period: 1999/2006) of a sample of 25.000 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (volume of sales: < 20 mlns; number of employees: < 250) organized in the form of Ltd. The empirical investigation has been affected through the use of BvD database: Aida and Mint Italy.

Findings

The analysis shows that the ex post costs of financial distress decrease in relation to the company’s increased ability to use intangible assets and in relation to the local roots of the banks (local banks rather than international banking groups).

Research limitations/implications

The instruments used for this study need to be subjected to more statistical tests to establish a more robust validity and reliability. Replication of this study using larger samples and a broader geographic base (extended at European level) is suggested.

Practical implications

The timely monitoring of investigated variables allows you to mitigate the costs of exit from the market.

Originality/value

Following the global financial crisis, this paper sheds new light on the financial distress cost of Italian SMEs.
Bond valuation for generalized Langevin processes with integrated Lévy noise
Authors: Paseka Alex , Thavaneswaran Aerambamoorthy
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Recently, Stein et al. (2016) studied theoretical properties and parameter estimation of continuous time processes derived as solutions of a generalized Langevin equation (GLE). In this paper, the authors extend the model to a wider class of memory kernels and then propose a bond and bond option valuation model based on the extension of the generalized Langevin process of Stein et al. (2016).

Design/methodology/approach

Bond and bond option pricing based on the proposed interest rate models presents new difficulties as the standard partial differential equation method of stochastic calculus for bond pricing cannot be used directly. The authors obtain bond and bond option prices by finding the closed form expression of the conditional characteristic function of the integrated short rate process driven by a general Lévy noise.

Findings

The authors obtain zero-coupon default-free bond and bond option prices for short rate models driven by a variety of Lévy processes, which include Vasicek model and the short rate model obtained by solving a second-order Langevin stochastic differential equation (SDE) as special cases.

Originality/value

Bond and bond option pricing plays an important role in capital markets and risk management. In this paper, the authors derive closed form expressions for bond and bond option prices for a wider class of interest rate models including second-order SDE models. Closed form expressions may be especially instrumental in facilitating parameter estimation in these models.