bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participation of Leaky Ribosome Scanning in Protein Dual Targeting by Alternative Translation Initiation in Higher Plants
Authors: Wamboldt Yashitola , Mohammed Saleem , Elowsky Christian , Wittgren Chris , de Paula Wilson B.M. , Mackenzie Sally A.
Published: January 2009

Postendosymbiotic evolution has given rise to proteins that are multiply targeted within the cell. Various mechanisms have been identified to permit the expression of proteins encoding distinct N termini from a single gene. One mechanism involves alternative translation initiation (aTI). We previously showed evidence of aTI activity within the Arabidopsis thaliana organellar DNA polymerase gene POLγ2. Translation initiates at four distinct sites within this gene, two non-AUG, to produce distinct plastid and mitochondrially targeted forms of the protein. To understand the regulation of aTI in higher plants, we used Polγ2 as a model to investigate both cis- and trans-acting features of the process. Here, we show that aTI in Polγ2 and other plant genes involves ribosome scanning dependent on sequence context at the multiple initiation sites to condition specific binding of at least one trans-acting factor essential for site recognition. Multiple active translation initiation sites appear to operate in several plant genes, often to expand protein targeting. In plants, where the mitochondrion and plastid must share a considerable portion of their proteomes and coordinate their functions, leaky ribosome scanning behavior provides adaptive advantage in the evolution of protein dual targeting and translational regulation.
Differences in retail strategies on the emerging organic market
Authors: Aertsens Joris , Mondelaers Koen , Van Huylenbroeck Guido
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The organic product market can be considered as an emerging market. Since the 1990s it has experienced rapid growth, and supermarket chains have become the sales channel with the largest market share and are the main driver for further growth. However, different supermarket retail groups have very different strategies concerning the marketing of organic products. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the different strategies of retailers who are active in the organic product market and to explain the drivers which may underlie them.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategies of the three most important Belgian retailers that market organic products, and in particular organic beef, are analyzed. Data were collected through interviews with the retailers' staff and through observations in retail outlets. Also, GfK‐household panel data which recorded all purchases of 3,000 Belgian households and a postal survey with 529 respondents were used as data sources.

Findings

The different strategies used by retailers to market organic foods are associated with the overall characteristics and marketing strategies of the retail groups. Some retail groups have clear “first mover” advantages from engaging in the organic product line, while for others an adaptive strategy is more appropriate.

Research limitations/implications

The insights from this paper will help the understanding and facilitate the development of future strategies for organic and other high‐value or premium products, which will be of interest to researchers and stakeholders who are active in these markets.

Practical implications

The retail sector is not a single homogeneous block, but instead consists of retailers who pursue quite different strategies. This concept may have major implications for the future development of high‐value markets.

Originality/value

Existing relevant theories were applied to the adoption of the organic product line, a segment in the portfolio of retailers that is becoming more important. The empirical material collected sheds new light on the drivers behind retail strategies.
Development and quality evaluation of low‐cost, high‐protein weaning food types
Authors: Omueti Olusola , Jaiyeola Olayinka , Otegbayo Bolanle , Ajomale Kayode , Afolabi Olukayode
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The objective of this study is to develop two nutrient‐dense and acceptable weaning foods – Prowena and Propalm – using high‐protein food ingredients: crayfish (Macrobachium spp), soybeans (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) to enrich the sole starch based weaning food locally known as “ogi”.

Design/methodology/approach

The weaning food mixture was formulated by mixing yellow maize ogi flour, soyflour, groundnut meal and crayfish flour for Prowena (PROW) while palm oil was added to the mixture for Propalm (PROP). PROW and PROP were compared with the commercial weaning food Nutrend (NUTR) and the traditional weaning food, yellow maize gruel, or ogi (YOG), in terms of energy, nutrients and sensory scores.

Findings

Chemical analysis showed that PROW contained 2.71 per cent moisture, 22.95 per cent protein, 5.86 per cent fat, 3.75 per cent fibre, 62.39 per cent carbohydrate, 4.31 per cent ash and 3.75 kcal of energy, while PROP had 2.78 per cent moisture, 21.99 per cent protein, 8.86 per cent fat, 3.89 per cent fibre, 59.29 per cent carbohydrate, 4.77 per cent per cent ash and 3.78 kcal of energy. The sensory evaluation showed that both PROW and PROP were equally acceptable as NUTR and more acceptable than YOG in terms of taste, flavour and texture (p<0.05). However, there was no significance difference (p>0.05) in acceptability of PROW, PROP, NUTR and YOG in terms of colour.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the two weaning foods would be suitable for the commercial market to increase the protein intake and to combat protein energy malnutrition (PEM) amongst infants.
Corporate citizenship in football: delivering strategic benefits through stakeholder engagement
Authors: Walters Geoff , Chadwick Simon
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain that corporate citizenship refers to the specific activities that an organisation engages in to meet social obligations, and which has become an issue of growing importance within the business community. A key area in academic literature concentrates on justifying corporate citizenship initiatives to the corporate sector by illustrating a range of strategic benefits that a firm can achieve. This study is located within this body of work and aims to illustrate the strategic benefits that a football club can gain from the implementation of corporate citizenship activities through the community trust model of governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws from qualitative primary and secondary data gathered from Charlton Athletic and Brentford football clubs.

Findings

Analysis of the data resulted in the identification of six strategic benefits that a football club can realise through the creation of a community trust model of governance. These are the removal of commercial and community tensions; reputation management; brand building; local authority partnerships; commercial partnerships; and player identification.

Research limitations/implications

The paper considers the importance of these findings for a generic business audience, discussing how organisations can also benefit from the creation of partnerships with football clubs focused on the delivery of corporate citizenship initiatives.

Practical implications

The paper provides information regarding the application of management practice evident in football to other forms of business organisation.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to consider how corporate citizenship initiatives in football can assist firms in other sectors to achieve a range of strategic benefits.
The impact of salary dispersion and performance bonuses in NFL organizations
Authors: Mondello Mike , Maxcy Joel
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of both salary dispersion and incentive pay on team performance using data complied from the National Football League over the years 2000‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider the effect of pay structure on both in terms of on‐field and financial performance. Salary disparity and its subsequent consequences has been a topic of economic research on corporate pay structure and also professional team sport organizations. Analysis of pay structures incorporating the effects of incentive pay on performance is also recurrent in the literature. The paper uses regression analysis and incorporates both fixed and random effects models.

Findings

A relationship between improved on‐field performance and increased payroll, lower levels of salary dispersion, and increased incentive payments is found. However, when employing team revenue production as the measure of performance, a positive relationship with salary dispersion is found.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are of particular interest because a conflict of objectives is seen. When financial incentives are primary, hierarchical pay structure is optimal. It is shown that more compressed pay structures improve on‐field performance.

Practical implications

This study is unique in addressing how salary dispersion in combination with incentive pay correlates to team success as measured by both winning and revenue production. While the authors used the NFL as the organization of interest, this type of analysis could be applied to other professional sport leagues incorporating some type of salary cap. In addition, future research could also involve a mixed methods approach to help gain an additional understanding of the decision making of those in managerial positions of influence within sport and non‐sport organizations.

Originality/value

The study is unique in that most previous empirical work analyzing payroll structure in sport organizations does not consider disparity in conjunction alternative methods of improving performance through structure of compensation.
Understanding customer loyalty through system dynamics
Authors: Martínez García Jose Antonio , Martínez Caro Laura
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose a model for understanding a complex management issue – the customer loyalty in a public sports service.

Design/methodology/approach

Customer loyalty is discussed through the methodology of system dynamics. The proposed model considers the dynamic, non‐linear, asymmetric, and reciprocal relationships between its elements, and permits the analysis of the evolution of the system under hypothesized conditions.

Findings

The model reproduces historical data of abandonment and consumers' attitude toward the service (ATS). The achieved simulations showed how the future entry of new competitors can severely threaten public service performance. Furthermore, it was also found that the consumers' ATS was not a very good predictor of the consumers' behavior.

Research limitations/implications

System dynamics methodology can also be applied to understand the loyalty in the remaining services offered by the public institution. Other services, such as fitness, aerobics, martial arts, can be analyzed by considering their respective different competitive environments.

Practical implications

The new competitive environment can dramatically affect the number of consumers per year if a public institution does not differentiate its service. In addition, the entry of new competitors will affect the evolution of the system, as the customer satisfaction rates will be modified.

Originality/value

Understanding customer loyalty is one of the most important concerns for academics and practitioners in the areas of management and marketing. The system dynamics approach is an under‐utilized methodology in the field of sports management, which overcomes simplistic linear approaches. The paper shows how system dynamics can provide attractive insights into the field of sports management.
A social identity perspective on the job attitudes of employees in sport
Authors: Todd Samuel , Kent Aubrey
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a foundation for future research pertaining to establishing the distinctness of the sport industry from an employee psychology perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is rooted in social identity theory which maintains that certain levels of self‐esteem and psychological fulfillment can be derived from one's membership in particular groups. The authors have developed a model of positive social identity in sport organizations that details the benefits and consequences of psychological fulfillment related to employment in the sport industry.

Findings

Within the proposed model, the paper outlines how particular elements of social identity derived from one's employment in sport may play an active role in particular job attitudes by enhancing the employee's self‐esteem and contributing to overall self‐evaluation. It further explains how social identity in the workplace may influence individual outcomes such as organizational citizenship, commitment, satisfaction, and job involvement, depending on the strength of the attitude. The elements of the model are explored and future research directions are given.

Originality/value

A key question to be addressed is whether or not sport is a distinct context within which to apply management theory. This paper proposes a conceptual model and research agenda surrounding the idea that one critical area of distinction may be the psychology of employees.
Eating behaviours and general practices used by Taekwondo players in order to make weight before competition
Authors: Fleming Sarah , Costarelli Vassiliki
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Taekwondo (TKD) is a weight‐classified combat sport. Athletes are required to make weight in order to compete in their chosen weight division. However, the weight management strategies that are often employed are frequently at the expense of nutritional health and sporting performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate eating behaviours and general practices used by Taekwondo (TKD) athletes in order to make weight before competition.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 30 male, international and national, TKD athletes (average age: 23.4 years±4.6) were recruited from a known TKD Club in London, UK. Weight management behaviours, beliefs and attitudes were investigated with the use of a specially designed questionnaire.

Findings

A total of 87 per cent of the TKD athletes surveyed stated that they would try to reduce body weight before competition to make weight classification and 47 per cent of the athletes reported that, in their effort to reduce weight, they would use a combination of restricting energy and fluid intake and increasing energy expenditure. A total of 80 per cent of the athletes stated that they would attempt to make weight on average six to nine times a year.

Originality/value

Food and fluid restriction in combination with increased energy expenditure were the preferred methods of weight loss employed by TKD athletes in the sample.
Effects of wheat germ on a population of hyperlipidemic patients
Authors: Reza Zakeri Hamid , Ataie Jafari Asal , Rajabi Mohammad , Hosseini Saeed
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Reducing fat intake or inhibiting fat absorption is a useful solution for blood lipid reduction. It is shown that there are some proteins in wheat germ with pancreatic lipase inhibiting properties that have hypolipidemic effects. This paper aims to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of a daily intake of 30 g of raw wheat germ in a population of Iranian hyperlipidemic subjects with their special dietary habits.

Design/methodology/approach

This experimental trial was conducted on 15 hyperlipidemic patients with the average age of 45.7±7 years. They were not on lipid‐lowering drugs for the previous three months. They were asked to consume 30 g of raw wheat germ each day for four weeks, and continue their normal diet (follow‐up period) for the following four weeks. Dietary records were taken for three days prior to the study and at the end of a four weeks intervention and follow‐up period. Data were analysed using repeated measurement analysis. If the statistical significance was detected, a paired‐t‐test was used.

Findings

The consumption of wheat germ for four weeks lowered the serum total cholesterol (p<0.002), triglyceride (p<0.001) and VLDL‐C (p<0.001). These levels were significantly increased after the follow‐up period, but they did not reach the baseline level. HDL‐C level was not significantly changed.

Practical implications

Consumption of wheat germ may lower the risk of CHD by reducing the serum lipids.

Originality/value

The paper evaluates the possible beneficial effects of a daily intake of 30 g of raw wheat germ in a population of Iranian hyperlipidemic subjects with their special dietary habits.
High prevalence of the risk of overweight and overweight among Qatari children ages 9 through 11
Authors: Kerkadi Abdelhamid , Hassan Abdelmonem S. , Eltayeb M. Yousef Adil
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the prevalence of the risk of overweight and overweight in Qatari children ages 9 through 11 and to compare the prevalence using CDC and IOTF cut‐offs.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional study in a randomly selected sample of 1,213 Qatari children was carried out. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated for all children. The risk of overweight and overweight were defined using as references both the CDC BMI percentiles for age and gender and IOTF cut‐off values.

Findings

Weight, height, and BMI increased with age and differences were significant (p<0.0001). According to the CDC and IOTF references, the overall prevalence of the risk of overweight affected 15.8 and 21.1 per cent respectively, while overweight was prevalent in 21.8 and 17.7 per cent respectively. Using either reference, the prevalence of the risk of overweight was higher among girls compared with boys (22.4 per cent, 19.4 per cent respectively), while overweight was higher among boys than among girls (20.6 per cent, 15.5 per cent respectively) but the differences were not statistically significant for both.

Originality/value

This study focused on children aged 9‐11 years, which represents a transition period between childhood and adolescence. Studying overweight in childhood is important since identification of children who may become obese adults can facilitate early intervention and avoidance of the morbidity and mortality associated with adult obesity. Limited studies on the prevalence of overweight have been conducted in Qatar.
Term‐time employment and the student experience
Authors: Greenbank Paul , Hepworth Sue , Mercer John
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which term‐time employment influences two specific aspects of the student experience in higher education: working collaboratively and preparing for entry into the graduate labour market. The paper also aims to consider the extent to which the students are able to appreciate the inter‐relationships that exist between activities such as these.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on three research projects: an ongoing piece of action research into the factors influencing student engagement in collaborative activities for examination preparation; a related study into attitudes to group work; and a study into how students make career decisions.

Findings

In all of these studies term‐time working was identified as a factor influencing student engagement in collaborative/group activities and career planning and preparation. However, the research found that term‐time is often “blamed” by the students for their failure to engage in these activities when other factors are more influential.

Practical implications

This research argues that students should try and obtain term‐time jobs that benefit both their academic studies and their prospects in the graduate labour market. The students need to appreciate the inter‐relationships that exist between the different activities they are engage in. They should be supported in this by both higher education institutions and employers. The government ought to monitor the situation, and if necessary, introduce legislation to protect students from the negative effects of term‐time employment.

Originality/value

This research suggests that the negative effects of term‐time employment may be exaggerated by students looking for an excuse for not engaging in particular activities.
Education and training in ethical decision making: comparing context and orientation
Authors: Perri David F. , Callanan Gerard A. , Rotenberry Paul F. , Oehlers Peter F.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of his paper is to present a teaching methodology for improving the understanding of ethical decision making. This pedagogical approach is applicable in college courses and in corporate training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants are asked to analyze a set of eight ethical dilemmas with differing situational contingencies and to choose from among alternatives for handling the dilemma. Group discussion then focuses on a comparison of participants' choices relative to their personal ethical orientations as measured by a standardized self‐report instrument.

Findings

The experiences of the authors with this methodology indicates that participants are able to gain a better understanding of the factors, both individual and situational, that frame an ethical dilemma. This methodology can also show how individuals can be influenced to make unethical choices based on the presence of certain contextual factors.

Originality/value

This paper describes a novel instructional approach for improving the understanding of the factors that frame and influence ethical decision making. This approach is innovative in that it uses vignettes describing real‐life ethical dilemmas in conjunction with an assessment of individual differences in ethical orientation.
The quest for business excellence: evidence from New Zealand's award winners
Authors: Angell Linda C. , Corbett Lawrence M.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the progression of business excellence (BX) in 13 repeat applicants for the New Zealand Business Excellence award over the period 1993‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case approach analyses quantitative scoring data along with qualitative interview and secondary data.

Findings

Formal, external assessments play a critical role in promoting continuous improvement toward BX. However, effective responses to feedback differ for enabler processes vs results. Achieving improved results requires a fundamental review of measurement approaches, as well as better alignment of performance measures to overall activities. Successful paths to continuous improvement vary depending on the starting point for this journey. Organisations starting with a relatively strong position can use external feedback to target improvement efforts for maximum benefit. Organisations starting at a more basic level of performance need to generalise improvement efforts across their full range of business activities. The research also identified the existence of hurdles along the road to BX.

Research limitations/implications

The New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation, which administers the award scheme in New Zealand (NZ) had adopted the US Baldrige criteria as a whole, and no work has yet been done to validate the criteria for NZ conditions. This paper uses changes in scores between applications as a measure of progress to BX, so there is the possibility of applicants “gaming” the system (e.g. one research participant admitted they gained a large one‐off scoring improvement largely on the basis of writing a better application). Future research could extend this work by: studying the performance over time of a control group using Baldrige‐type criteria for internal assessment only; comparing one‐time applicants with repeat applicants; and studying the extent to which Baldrige criteria are appropriate within other national contexts such as NZ.

Practical implications

This research provides insight and advice into what works and what does not in implementing the Baldrige BX criteria.

Originality/value

This paper analyses a unique data source and contributes to the literature on drivers and barriers to continuous improvement, a key literature within operations management.
Project manager‐project (PM‐P) fit and project success
Authors: Malach‐Pines Ayala , Dvir Dov , Sadeh Arik
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of a fit between project managers' (PMs) personalities and the “personalities” of their projects, for project success; taking a psychological rather than a project management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 289 Israeli PMs responded to a specially designed questionnaire that classified projects along three dimensions: Novelty, Complexity and Technological Uncertainty, analyses PM's personality traits that were identified as relevant to these dimensions and assessed the projects' success. It was hypothesized that the greater the PM‐P fit, the greater the projects' success.

Findings

Results supported the hypothesis: PMs whose personality profile was close to the ideal PM profile for a particular project type were more successful in impact on the customers, benefit to the organization and overall success.

Research limitations/implications

A cross‐sectional design and a self report measure.

Practical implications

The findings can be translated into recommendations for improving the fit between PMs and the projects assigned to them to increase project success.

Originality/value

The study extends Person‐Organization (P‐O) fit theory to the case of projects, viewing projects as temporary organizations. It also introduces to project management the psychological perspective on PM‐P fit and demonstrates its relevance.
Demand categorisation in a European spare parts logistics network
Authors: Syntetos A.A. , Keyes M. , Babai M.Z.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Spare parts have become ubiquitous in modern societies and managing their requirements is an important and challenging task with tremendous cost implications for the organisations that are holding relevant inventories. An important operational issue involved in the management of spare parts is that of categorising the relevant stock keeping units (SKUs) in order to facilitate decision‐making with respect to forecasting and stock control and to enable managers to focus their attention on the most “important” SKUs. This issue has been overlooked in the academic literature although it constitutes a significant opportunity for increasing spare parts availability and/or reducing inventory costs. Moreover, and despite the huge literature developed since the 1970s on issues related to stock control for spare parts, very few studies actually consider empirical solution implementation and with few exceptions, case studies are lacking. Such a case study is described in this paper, the purpose of which is to offer insight into relevant business practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The issue of demand categorisation (including forecasting and stock control) for spare parts management is addressed and details reported of a project undertaken by an international business machine manufacturer for the purpose of improving its European spare parts logistics operations. The paper describes the actual intervention within the organisation in question, as well as the empirical benefits and the lessons learned from such a project.

Findings

This paper demonstrates the considerable scope that exists for improving relevant real word practices. It shows that simple well‐informed solutions result in substantial organisational savings.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into the empirical utilisation of demand categorisation theory for forecasting and stock control and provides some very much needed empirical evidence on pertinent issues. In that respect, it should be of interest to both academics and practitioners.
Attitudes and behaviour in everyday finance: evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Fünfgeld Brigitte , Wang Mei
Published: January 2009

Purpose

In order to classify individuals based on their needs, this paper aims to consider both self‐stated attitudes and behaviours in a comprehensive range of daily financial affairs. Furthermore, it aims to study the impacts of socio‐demographic variables such as gender, age, and education.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was answered by 1,282 respondents in the German‐speaking part of Switzerland. Factor analysis revealed five components. Based on these components a two‐step cluster analysis (Ward and K‐means analyses) identified distinct subgroups. Linear regressions were used to investigate the impacts of socio‐demographic variables.

Findings

Factor analysis revealed five underlying dimensions of financial attitudes and behaviour: anxiety, interests in financial issues, decision styles, need for precautionary savings, and spending tendency. Cluster analysis segmented the respondents into five subgroups based on these dimensions with an ascending order of specific needs for financial products. Gender, age, and education were found to have significant impacts.

Research limitations/implications

Real consumption behaviour cannot be observed through the survey, which limits the external validity of the study.

Practical implications

The segmentation identifies different levels of financial competence and needs for financial products. It allows financial service providers to offer more effective advice and to meet customers on their own level to improve personal financial management.

Originality/value

Attitudes and behaviours in daily financial affairs are examined to reveal individuals' financial competence and consequential product needs. A heterogeneous sample covers a variety of demographic groups.
The influence of customer perceptions on financial performance in financial services
Authors: Liang Chiung‐Ju , Wang Wen‐Hung , Dawes Farquhar Jillian
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a model examining the relationship between customer perceptions (product attributes, benefits, customer satisfaction, trust, commitment and customer behavioral loyalty) and financial performance of a merchant bank.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the SEM tool of Linear Structure Relation (LISREL), this study develops and empirically tests a model examining the relationships between customer perspectives (product attributes, benefits, customer satisfaction, trust, commitment and customer behavioral loyalty) and the financial perspective (financial performance). A cross‐department study in the financial services industry was conducted based on three consumer samples (department of Loans, Deposits, and Credit Cards) drawn from XYZ bank, one of the most famous banks providing merchant banking services in Taiwan.

Findings

SEM results indicate that: customer perceptions positively affect financial performance; and customers purchase financial services with dissimilar benefits, all of which come with corresponding attributes, and hence result in different levels of customer satisfaction and behavioral sequence, which is important in reinforcing customers' trust, commitment, repurchase intentions and corporate financial performance.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that financial service managers could consider treating consumers as partners in their provision of existing services or their quest to develop successful new services. Reciprocal behavior will foster a positive atmosphere, remove barriers arising from risk, and enable relationships to progress, ultimately improving financial performance.

Originality/value

The research proposes an empirical model of the customer perceptions in the consumption of financial services that has a positive impact on the financial performance of the company. The findings are based on data from one company across three product departments.
Redemption behavior for credit card reward programs in China
Authors: Tingchi Liu Matthew , Brock James L.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors affecting the redemption of reward points, a form of customer loyalty program used by many Chinese credit card issuers. In addition it also assesses Chinese credit card users' level of awareness about the reward‐point programs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 401 telephone surveys were conducted in five major cities in China in 2007. Regression analysis was also conducted in the exploratory study.

Findings

Results show both low customer awareness about point‐based reward programs and, not surprisingly, low redemption rates. More specifically, lack of awareness about the reward points programs and the redemption procedure was shown. The important conditions positively affecting redemption of reward points were found to include awareness of the reward point program, a positive attitude about the incentives, and average frequency of credit card usage. Also, redemption rates were higher for cards that had been issued more recently.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that credit card marketers could communicate with their customers more effectively in order to spread and reinforce awareness about point‐based reward programs and encourage them to experience their benefits.

Originality/value

The study provides an original insight into an important element of consumer behavior with credit card reward programs in the banking industry serving a lower‐middle‐income segment in a developing region such as China. Guidance is also offered for marketing managers responsible for promoting credit card usage and reward programs.
Infrastructure and core quality management practices: how do they affect quality?
Authors: Zu Xingxing
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This empirical study seeks to resolve the conflicting findings in the quality management (QM) literature about how different QM practices, specifically, infrastructure QM practices and core QM practices, affect quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Socio‐Technical Systems theory and research related to QM implementation and performance, the study proposes a research model of the relationship between infrastructure and core QM practices and their direct and indirect effects on quality performance. The empirical data were drawn from 226 manufacturing plants in the USA. The research model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique.

Findings

In the structural model, two integrated factors were used to represent the two types of QM practices: the infrastructure QM includes top management support, customer relationship, and supplier relationship, and workforce management; and the core QM consists of quality information, product/service design, and process management. The analysis of the structure model shows that the core QM directly leads to improved quality performance, and the infrastructure QM contributes to quality performance by supporting the core QM.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines the roles of infrastructure QM practices and core QM practices in improving quality performance. It confirms that QM should be implemented as an integrated approach of different practices.

Practical implications

The major implication of the study is that both core and infrastructure QM practices are important in improving quality. It is important that companies allocate resources to establish both types of QM practices in order to achieve the effectiveness of the whole QM system.

Originality/value

The study utilized the SEM technique to empirically investigate the direct and indirect effects of infrastructure QM practices and core QM practices on quality performance. The SEM results help to clarify the mixed findings in the literature regarding the pattern of the QM practices‐performance relationships.
Maintenance of industrial equipment
Authors: Vijay Kumar Edwin , Chaturvedi S.K. , Deshpandé A.W.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain overall system health and maintenance needs with degree of certainty using condition‐monitoring data with hierarchical fuzzy inference system.

Design/methodology/approach

In process plants, equipment condition is ascertained using condition‐monitoring data for each condition indicator. For large systems with multiple condition indicators, estimating the overall system health becomes cumbersome. The decision of selecting the equipment for an overhaul is mostly determined by generic guidelines, and seldom backed up by condition‐monitoring data. The proposed approach uses a hierarchical system health assessment using fuzzy inference on condition‐monitoring data collected over a period. Each subsystem health is ascertained with degree of certainty using degree of match operation performed on fuzzy sets of condition‐monitoring data and expert opinion. Fuzzy sets and approximate reasoning are used to handle the uncertainty/imprecision in data and subjectivity/vagueness of expert domain knowledge.

Findings

The proposed approach has been applied to a large electric motor (> 500kW), which is treated as four subsystems i.e. power transmission system, electromagnetic system, ventilation system and support system. Fuzzy set of condition‐monitoring data of each condition indicator on each subsystem is used to ascertain the degree of match with the expert opinion fuzzy set, thus inferring the need for periodical overhaul. Subjective expert opinion and quantitative condition‐monitoring data have been evaluated using hierarchical fuzzy inference system with a rule base. It is found that the certainty of each subsystem's health is not the same at the end of 600 days of monitoring and can be classified as “very good”, “good”, “marginal” and “sick”. Degree of certainty has helped in taking a managerial decision to avoid “over‐maintenance” and to ensure reliability. Large volumes of condition‐monitoring data not only helped in assessing motor overhaul health, but also guide the maintenance engineer to suitably review maintenance/monitoring strategy on similar systems to achieve desired reliability goals.

Practical implications

Condition‐monitoring data collected for long periods can be utilized to understand the degree of certainty of degradation pattern in the longer time frame with reference to domain knowledge to improve effectiveness of predictive maintenance towards reliability.

Originality/value

The paper gives an opportunity to evaluate quantitative condition‐monitoring data and subjective/qualitative domain expertise using fuzzy sets. The predictive maintenance cycle “Monitor‐analyse‐plan‐repair‐restore‐operate” is scientifically regulated with a degree of certainty. Approach is generic and can be applied to a variety of process equipment to ensure reliability through effective predictive maintenance.
The mediating role of psychological contract violation on the relations between psychological contract breach and work‐related attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Suazo Mark M.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of psychological contract violation (PCV) as a mediating variable in the relations between psychological contract breach (PCB) and work‐related attitudes and behaviors. In addition, this study aims to expand the generalizability of psychological contract theories by examining service‐oriented employees rather than a population of managers as in most research on PCB.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 196 service‐oriented employees working in the USA. Factor analyses (principal components, varimax rotation) were conducted on all the variables in the study to determine the factorial independence of the constructs. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the main effects and mediating hypotheses.

Findings

The findings are consistent with the proposed mediation model of the study. PCV was found to fully mediate the relations between PCB and job satisfaction, organizational commitment, intentions to quit, perceived organizational support, service delivery, service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior, and participation service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior. PCV was found to partially mediate the relation between PCB and loyalty service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior. PCV was not found to mediate the relation between PCB and in‐role job performance.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a cross‐sectional non‐experimental design does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding causality and there is a possibility that the results may be influenced by common method variance.

Practical implications

Managers need to carefully consider and manage the psychological contracts of their subordinates from a cognitive perspective (PCB) and an affective perspective (PCV).

Originality/value

The paper empirically examines the PCB‐PCV Outcomes model using a sample of service‐oriented employees.
Global dual‐career exploration and the role of hope and curiosity during the process
Authors: Harvey Michael , Novicevic Milorad , Breland Jacob W.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use hope theory as a foundation from which to understand the global dual‐career exploration phenomenon. Additionally, the concept of curiosity is explored as a triggering mechanism for dual‐career couples to explore and learn about career options in a global context.

Design/methodology/approach

Hope theory is used to provide theoretical support for the proposed conceptual model.

Findings

It is concluded that hope and curiosity are important elements for dual‐career couples to leverage in order to reduce stress, maintain marital status, and allow the trailing spouse to resolve the potential dramatic and negative impact on their career path.

Practical implications

Both hope and curiosity have been argued to have developmental aspects, meaning that individuals can nurture and strengthen their level of hopefulness and curiosity. Organizations which aid individuals in developing these abilities will likely increase the probability that their global employees will successfully complete their foreign assignment.

Originality/value

The paper explicitly examines dual‐career exploration as it occurs in a global context. More specifically, it takes the perspective that global dual‐career exploration is a continuous and adaptive process in which individuals who are hopeful and curious will be more successful in exploring and adapting to career options.
Examining exchange relationships among high‐tech firms in the evolving global economy
Authors: Leach Mark
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper intends to further understanding of the world marketplace by examining the procurement practices of high‐tech suppliers across several countries in Central and Eastern Europe and in the USA. In particular, this examination will focus on the extent to which the smaller and less developed countries of Eastern Europe utilize IT procurement as an integral part of their purchasing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory qualitative interviews conducted with purchasing decision makers across various high‐tech industries in Eastern Europe are compared with those in Central Europe and the USA.

Findings

The findings suggest that information technology is perceived as being less valuable by European firms and is utilized to a lesser degree. In addition, multinational companies operating in Eastern Europe appear to be focused on developing the product quality and operational efficiency of local Eastern European suppliers and less concerned about facilitating their adoption of IT procurement systems.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are consistent with past research and theory development in the area of relationship marketing. Although one can argue with whether buyer perceptions of electronic procurement are accurate, their reasons for adopting or not adopting this technology center on reducing transaction costs, reducing uncertainty, and trust concerns. Interestingly, findings suggest that within the high‐tech sectors in Eastern Europe very little commerce is taking place electronically.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that organizations buying globally need to pay close attention to the business culture from which they intend to source. This is important for a large number of well‐researched reasons; however, the study expands on these by suggesting that various markets have differing exposure, knowledge, and comfort levels with electronic procurement.

Originality/value

As with most qualitative studies, evidence was found that supports many of the established and evolving theories of buyer‐seller relationships as well as a few more surprising insights. For example, the prevalence of the desire for local suppliers by global multinationals and the extent to which they were “developing” these suppliers form an interesting area deserving further research attention. The lack of interest in IT procurement systems among the firms interviewed was also surprising.
Relational governance in B2B electronic marketplaces: an updated typology
Authors: Chelariu Cristian , Sangtani Vinita
Published: January 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to apply the relational exchange framework, updated by insights on interimistic relationships, to analyze governance implications for the three types of e‐marketplaces currently in operation: independent exchanges, consortia, and private exchanges. These three archetypes are analyzed from a functional perspective and, more importantly, from a relationship governance perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual in approach.

Findings

The three e‐marketplace archetypes currently in existence correspond to different levels of operational integration and, in turn, to three different types of inter‐firm relationships. Moreover, the three types of relational structures proposed offer different solutions for governance processes such as partner qualification, monitoring, and enforcement.

Research limitations/implications

The network of relationships between firms is changing all the time as a result of dynamic industry conditions. The relational continuum proposed can explain the focal firm's shifting reliance on one or another of the e‐marketplace types as a result of industry volatility.

Practical implications

The analysis advocates a portfolio approach to e‐marketplace adoption, based on the varying strengths of their connections with different industry partners. This approach also implies a new type of segmentation, based on the place that the trading partner occupies on the relational continuum.

Originality/value

When analyzing e‐marketplaces, a focus on technology and functional parameters alone misses an essential aspect: when choosing among various e‐marketplace formats currently in operation, firms cannot overlook the inter‐firm relationships that characterize these marketplaces and give them their identity.