bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upward mobility for women managers: styles and perceptions: part two
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Shapiro Barbara T. , Didus Katherine , Luongo Tanya , Paz Bethsabeth
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this two‐part article is to discover why gender plays a significant role in attaining leadership positions. More specifically this article provides a thorough review of the different gender leadership styles, next it outlines the findings regarding whether one gender is more effective than the other on certain dimensions. The article presents the findings of how certain leadership perceptions have evolved. Finally the article will review the challenges faced by women in business contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed a wide array of published works on “gender and leadership” to gain insight on this broad topic. Next, the authors narrowed down their review to focus on four specific aspects of the said topic: gender leadership styles, gender effectiveness on certain dimensions, leadership perceptions and challenges women face.

Findings

The literature on the reviewed four aspects suggests that the most effective leadership style is transformational leadership – the style of leadership that is most often associated with women. It was also found that certain behavioral traits found in female managers are considered to be more effective when dealing with employees, such as empathy, supportiveness, and relationship building. However, there are other traits such as vision where male managers tend to rank better than female managers.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a literature review may be perceived as limiting but the scope and breadth of contemporary data and empirical finding utilized in this article has more than compensated for this issue.

Practical implications

The number of working women has and continues to increase, yet the number of women in senior positions of organizations remains nearly unchanged as women are still perceived as inferior leaders when compared to men.

Social implications

Women are perceived as being less capable than men in leadership roles, thus hindering their aspirations to climb the corporate ladder. What is more, women also find themselves struggling with issues such as the glass ceiling and glass cliff effect as well as balancing both motherhood and career obligations, limiting their workplace advancements.

Originality/value

A useful source to provide arguments as to how and why women demonstrate excellent managerial skill sets. Also, the ill‐conceived communication silos regarding the perceived notion that women are deemed inferior leaders when compared to their male counterparts are challenged.
Leader as storyteller
Authors: Kuran Evrim
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to address the importance of storytelling in the twenty‐first century business context where the emphasis has shifted from the trainer to the learner, from the producer to the consumer and from the leader to the follower! The article underlines the human side of management business and introduces the ancient tool “storytelling” for inspirational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The article aims to provide the author's insight and practical advice on storytelling in leadership communication rather than a theoretical approach. The insights are also supported exemplifying real life storyteller leaders.

Findings

The article provides insights about how storytelling skill supports leaders in their communication. It suggests that leadership communication should focus not only in the content of the message but also the context as well. It also recommends leaders to excel at the art of metaphor to become a skillful storyteller leader.

Research limitations/implications

The opinions expressed in this article represent the author's own point‐of‐view.

Practical implications

The article includes implications for developing the storytelling skills of leaders which is required in order to establish a sustainable leadership communication in the fast pace of change of the twenty‐first century business context.

Social implications

The article includes implications for authentic leadership with its approach to address the human aspect of management.

Originality/value

This article addresses the need for leaders to study how storytelling can be used as a tool in their leadership communication.
Compensation‐based incentives, ERP and delivery performance
Authors: da Silveira Giovani J.C. , Snider Brent , Balakrishnan Jaydeep
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of compensation‐based incentives in relationships between enterprise resource planning (ERP) usage and delivery performance in manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carry out two studies exploring links between ERP, incentives, and performance from alternative perspectives: first, of incentives tied to regular production activities, and their relationship with delivery performance advantage over competitors; second, of incentives tied to improvement activities and their relationship with delivery performance improvements. Statistical analysis is carried out on data from 698 metal‐working manufacturers from 22 countries, giving a broad cross‐sectional view of a global industry.

Findings

The studies indicate that ERP usage relates positively with both delivery advantage and delivery improvements. Furthermore, incentives tied to improvement initiatives may explain delivery improvements, both directly and as moderators in the relationship between ERP and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that ERP adoption can be framed as a principal‐agency phenomenon where performance outcomes are partially influenced by incentives.

Practical implications

The results imply that incentives tied to improvement initiatives may foster employee engagement with the new ERP, leading to stronger delivery performance benefits.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first research to explore ERP usage as a principal‐agency problem, and to analyse its relationships with incentives under alternative performance perspectives. The results may significantly contribute to the knowledge of ERP‐performance relationships and the role of incentives.
Economic behavior of medicine retailers and access to anti‐malarials
Authors: Eme Ichoku Hyacinth , Ataguba John E. , Fonta William M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The subsidization of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) at supranational level to avoid undermining the private distribution system in sub‐Saharan Africa and elsewhere, as advocated by Committee on the Economics of Antimalarial Drugs board on Global Health, requires the appraisal of the economic behaviour of relevant private agents in these regions, in order to assess their potential influence on access to ACT. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the economic behaviour of informal medicine retailers and how this effects access to ACT, using data generated from a primary survey in southeast Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey was carried out which included health providers and households. A market price survey was undertaken to generate primary data, using closed and semi‐open questionnaires, and there were focus group discussions in two south‐eastern states in Nigeria. A standard two‐stage method was used for the design of the survey.

Findings

The study demonstrates that the economic behaviour of informal medicine affects market prices of ACT, facilitates information diffusion, improves availability and acceptability dimensions of access to ACT. However, their clinical practices are weak and require policy interventions.

Originality/value

This paper brings to the fore the influence of economic behaviour of retail agents in the medical market, which needs to be taken into account when considering alternative distributional channels for ACT, if the WHO goal of universal access in malaria‐endemic regions is to be achieved.
Characterisation of poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) mixed with anthocyanin pigment from hibiscus sabdariffa l.
Authors: Lee S.V. , Vengadaesvaran B. , Arof A.K. , Abidin Z.H.Z.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new water based coating system composed of poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) and anthocyanin colourant extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and characterise the system.

Design/methodology/approach

Anthocyanin from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) calyxes was extracted using optimised water extraction method with ratio of calyxes to water being 1:2. UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy was conducted on the anthocyanin extract to monitor its degradation. Poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) was mixed with the extracted anthocyanin solution in two different weight ratios. The mixtures were coated on glass substrate and let to cure for approximately one day. FTIR spectroscopy was conducted on the samples to determine their functional groups and identify the compounds in the samples. Cross hatch test was performed on the samples to determine the adhesion properties. Thermal degradation of the samples was determined through thermogravimetric analysis. Surface roughness of the samples was studied by atomic force microscopy. Colour stability was determined before and after UV irradiation.

Findings

Anthocyanin pigment from roselle extracted with water was found to be stable with 6.0 per cent drop in absorbance value over the 15 day period. The reaction rate was found to be 0.000181 h−1, and the half life was calculated to be 3,850 hours. Better adhesion of the samples to the glass substrate was due to the higher concentration of poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed similar thermal stability of the samples. Surface roughness study revealed that sample with higher anthocyanin content has higher surface roughness. Colour stability of the 20PBR was found to be better than 10PBR.

Research limitations/implications

Usage of poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) as coating is limited by its weak water resistance property. Improvement could be made in this direction for future applications.

Practical implications

Mixture of water‐based polymer and anthocyanin colourant from roselle has been developed into coating for the first time. Commercialisation is possible if more research is conducted towards water resistance property of poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid), storage condition for the pigment and coating, and mass production of the pigment.

Originality/value

Incorporation of anthocyanin pigment into water based coating is the first of its kind.
Evaluation of heat resistant properties of silicone‐acrylic polyol coating by electrochemical methods
Authors: Vengadaesvaran B. , Ramis Rau S. , Kasi Ramesh , Arof A.K.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the heat resistance properties of silicone‐acrylic hybrid system on cold rolled mild steel panel.

Design/methodology/approach

The presence of Si−C bonds in hydroxyl functional solid phenyl‐methyl silicone should be able to improve heat resistance properties of silicone‐acrylic polyol coating. Different weight ratios of silicone resin and acrylic polyol resins were blended in order to obtain the composition for optimum thermal properties. Thermal stability of silicone based protective coatings has been investigated by means of potential time measurement (PTM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques.

Findings

The blending of silicone intermediate resin with acrylic polyol resins. The coating consisting of 30 per cent silicone resin and 70 per cent acrylic resin showed significant improvement of heat resistivity compared to pure acrylic polyol resins on cold roll mild steel panels. This study demonstrates an interesting correlation between PTM and EIS studies.

Research limitations/implications

Findings may be useful in the development of heat resistant paints.

Practical implications

The blending method provides a simple and practical solution to improve the heat resistance properties of acrylic polyol resins.

Originality/value

Durability and functionality of the coating, critically depend on the strength and adhesion properties of the materials. This may be a useful source of information for the development of organic‐inorganic coatings.
Techniques to tackle the workplace bully
Authors: Sandler Catherine
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the psychology behind one of the most common forms of bullying and to suggest how it can best be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the author's first‐hand experience of working in this area.

Findings

The paper identifies two main types of bully: the psychopathic and the explosive. It describes the former as entirely focused on their own interests, lacking integrity and an internal moral compass or the capacity to empathize. They persistently distort reality to serve their own ends. Their behavior is highly manipulative, ranging from charmingly charismatic to ruthlessly aggressive. Explosive bullies, meanwhile, are characterized by low emotional intelligence and poor self‐control. Task‐focused and driven, easily overwhelmed by their emotions when stressed, they lack the capacity to manage their feelings and lash out at others.

Practical implications

The paper claims that, by understanding what drives bullying, an organization can tackle the problem effectively and avoid the high costs that can be associated with this challenging problem.

Social implications

The paper hints that there can be positive results for society as a whole from tackling bullying behavior.

Originality/value

The paper takes a psychological and coaching approach to bullying behavior.
Teamwork makes the team work
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Dr Meredith Belbin.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an interview with Dr Meredith Belbin.

Findings

The paper explores Belbin's thoughts on current issues including HR management, organizational structure and geographical dispersion.

Originality/value

The interview offers insight for HR professionals from the founder of Team Roles theory.
Performance measurement of an automotive BIW robotic assembly
Authors: Pandian Annamalai , Ali Ahad
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper focuses on assembly line performance of an automotive body shop that builds body‐in‐white (BIW) assembly utilizing about 700+ process robots. These robots perform various operations such as welding, sealing, part handling, stud welding and inspection. There is no accurate tool available for the plant personnel to predict the future throughput based on plant's data. The purpose of this paper is to provide future throughput performance prediction based on plant data using Box‐Jenkins' ARMA model.

Design/methodology/approach

The following data were collected for five major assembly lines. First, the assembly machine‐in‐cycle time: the assembly line machines include robots that perform various functions like load, welding or sealing and unloading parts; the manual operators loading cycle time to the production fixtures. The conveyors act as buffers in between stations, and also feed to the production cells, and carry parts from station to station. The conveyors' downtime and uptime were also part of the machine‐in‐cycle time; second, the number of units produced from the beginning to the end of the assembly line; third, the number of fault occurrences in the assembly line due to various machine breakdowns; fourth, the machine availability percentage – i.e. the machine is readily available to perform its functions (the machine blocked upstream (starving) and blocked down (downstream) state is considered here); fifth, the actual efficiency of the machine measured in percentage based on output percentage; sixth, the expected number of units at designed efficiency.

Findings

In summary, this research paper provided a systematic development of a forecast model based on Box‐Jenkin's ARMA methodology to analyze the complex assembly line process performance data. The developed ARMA forecast models proved that the future prediction can be accurately predicted based on the past plant performance data. The developed ARMA forecast models predicted the future throughput performance within 99.52 percent accuracy. The research findings were validated by the actual plant performance data.

Originality/value

In this study, the automotive assembly process machines (robots, conveyors and fixtures) production data were collected, statistically analyzed and verified for viable ARMA model verification. The verified ARMA model has been used to predict the plant future months' throughput with 99.52 percent accuracy, based on the plant production data. This research is unique because of its practical usage to improve production.
Managing a network by utilizing performance measurement information
Authors: Pekkola Sanna
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how different network members utilize and use network‐level performance measurement information. This is an important approach when discussing the management and development of a network by utilizing a performance measurement system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a single‐case study, where a collaborative network forms the case. The data of the study have been gathered from an action research process of network performance measurement system design and its implementation phase in 2009, interviews in 2010, and discussions with the interviewees in 2012 to re‐evaluate the results.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that the use of the network‐level performance measurement system increased communication, trust, and commitment in the whole network, as well as in a single reselling unit. The performance measurement information also helped the companies create better alignment with their network partners.

Practical implications

The paper presents the main uses, utilizations and benefits of network‐level performance measurement and management from the perspectives of the different network members.

Originality/value

The case study contributes to the literature of performance measurement and management in a network environment. It presents the main uses and utilization of network‐level performance management and measurement.
Making care homes part of the community? An evaluation of the Gloucestershire Partnerships for Older People Project
Authors: Evans Simon , Means Robin , Powell Jane
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper report on the evaluation of a project that aimed to improve the integration of care homes with health and social care services and with the wider community.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative performance data with semi‐structured stakeholder interviews and emergency bed use costings.

Findings

The evaluation suggests that the project made significant steps towards integrating care homes with the health and social care community and demonstrated cost savings through reduced hospital bed use.

Practical implications

Health and social care interventions aimed at upskilling care home staff can increase standards of care and quality of life for residents; they are also likely to highlight unmet needs.

Originality/value

The project demonstrated the need for better integration of health and social care services with care homes in order to improve quality of life for residents.
Barriers and challenges in the application of Six Sigma in the hospitality industry
Authors: Kokkranikal Jithendran , Antony Jiju , Kosgi Hasib , Losekoot Erwin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present some of the fundamental barriers and challenges in the use of Six Sigma as a business improvement methodology in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was to collate data through observations made by the third author during the execution of the research project within the case study company as well as collating data from company story boards and interviewing relevant and appropriate staff members in the case study company.

Findings

The challenges of “data collection”, “defining projects” and “getting group consensus” can be considered to be somewhat very challenging in the context of hospitality industry.

Research limitations/implications

Due to limited time constraints, the number of people participated in the study was relatively small. Perhaps a simple survey questionnaire could also be distributed to a number of people at the top management level, middle management level and front‐line staff personnel in the case study company.

Originality/value

The paper provides an excellent resource for many researchers and practitioners equally who are engaged in research and applications of Six Sigma in the hospitality industry. Moreover there is a dearth of literature on the use of Six Sigma in the hospitality sector.
The moral entrepreneurship of anti‐khat campaigners in Sweden – a critical discourse analysis
Authors: Nordgren Johan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This article aims to analyse the discourse about khat in the Swedish newspaper media and to present the concept of moral entrepreneurship as a useful analytical tool for understanding mobilisation against khat use in the Somali diaspora.

Design/methodology/approach

The material analysed consists of daily newspaper articles about khat published between 1986 and 2012. The method of analysis is inspired by the critical discourse analysis framework developed by Norman Fairclough. Drawing on Howard S. Becker's concept of moral entrepreneur, the article focuses on anti‐khat campaigners who speak out against khat in the media. These are often representatives from Somali voluntary associations or organisations, who sometimes employ moral entrepreneurship. The article discusses these actors' role in framing khat use as a tangible threat to the Somali community in Sweden.

Findings

When employing moral entrepreneurship, anti‐khat campaigners spread a certain type of knowledge about khat that is presented to the general public via the media. The key issues that repeatedly are of concern are how khat destroys Somali families and how the use might spread to other groups. In this manner khat use is constructed as a threat to Somali social cohesion. The knowledge produced could potentially influence policy makers to introduce stricter punishments for possession, sale and use of khat, thereby possibly increasing stigma and marginalisation in relation to the Somali immigrant community.

Originality/value

The literature about khat has pointed to the centrality of Somali organisations mobilising against khat in the diaspora. This article presents moral entrepreneurship as a theoretical tool to further the understanding of the mobilisation against khat and its use.
Identifying success factors for implementation of ERP at Indian SMEs
Authors: Saini Shashank , Nigam Siddhartha , Misra Subhas C.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the success factors for implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) at Indian small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and to provide a comparative study with the trend in Indian large organizations and the global trend.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors propose a hypothetical success factors model to address the research questions and validated the hypotheses using large‐scale survey‐based methodology. In this research the authors evaluated the success factors for implementation of ERP in Indian SMEs and then compared them with large Indian organizations and the global trends. In this paper, the authors have also tried to give some intuitive explanation to the possible reasons of difference between factors for SMEs compared to large organizations and global trends.

Findings

It was found that four of the five hypothesized technological factors are significantly related to the success of ERP implementation. They are: comprehensiveness of software development/process integration plan; significance of age of IT infrastructure; comprehensiveness of data migration plan; and extensiveness of system testing. Also, four of the nine hypotheses/sub‐hypotheses amongst the people factors are significantly related to the success of ERP implementation. They are: blend of cross‐functional employees in the team; extent of empowerment of decision‐making team; significance of morale of the implementation team; and exhaustiveness of user training. The authors have found that ten of the 11 hypothesized organizational factors are significantly related to the success of ERP implementation. They are: organisation's adaptability to changes; involvement of top management; degree of customization; efficiency of business process re‐engineering; exhaustiveness of contingency plans; clarity in definition of milestones; clarity in evaluation of milestones; alignment of ERP package with business processes; comprehensiveness of implementation strategy; involvement of consultant in implementation strategy; clarity of project status disclosure; and appraisal of clients about ERP strategy.

Originality/value

Though enough work has been done on implementing ERP systems in large organizations across the globe, the small and medium‐sized firms of India are largely left untouched. Through this paper, the authors aim to find out the various critical factors that any of these SMEs should keep in mind when planning the implementation of an ERP system.
A conceptual model for demand forecasting and service positioning in the airline industry
Authors: Srinidhi S. , Manrai Ajay K.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to develop a traffic demand forecasting model specifically on international sectors from the USA. Also, in this paper, the authors formulate the service positioning matrix (SPM) that enables airlines to accurately position their services and improve their process efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors explore international sectors and present a traffic demand model specifically for the same. The distribution of demand is assumed to follow a normal distribution and non‐service variables are introduced in the model. The behavior of the passenger has been captured by deriving the zonal income function. The variables have been drawn from microeconomic theory and the traditional gravity model of physics. The key innovations of the paper are fusion of the gravity model and microeconomic theory to develop the traffic demand model, and transformation of income to zonal income by deriving the aggregate zonal demand function; and development of a service positioning matrix for the airline industry.

Findings

In this paper, first, the authors have presented a conceptual model for demand forecasting through usage of zonal income. Second, in recognition of the value add the firm receives by identifying the nature of service and derived customer satisfaction levels, the authors have presented the SPM – a framework to help service providers to position themselves on any one of the four defined states. The empirical work is underway to solidify the conceptions and would provide a robust route demand forecasting model for international route contemplation for airlines operating from the USA and a service positioning matrix.

Originality/value

Although many airline companies and professional bodies are involved in developing forecasts of air transport demand, detailed analysis of the characteristics of demand for air transport over long‐haul or international routes are less researched. This paper attempts to provide a framework for the airlines to forecast demand specifically on international routes operated from major metros of the USA and position their services by designing the service positioning matrix. The model fuses concepts from physics and micro‐economics to enhance the forecasting capabilities. Major benefits include route contemplation, effective fleet scheduling, decisions on aircraft and fuel purchases, improving service efficiency and developing optimal fare policies.
Reducing antipsychotic prescriptions in primary care: a healthcare perspective
Authors: Mavrodaris Angelique , Philp Ian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

One in 14 people over 65 years suffer from dementia in the UK. Over 25 per cent are receiving antipsychotics, which cause increases in mortality and cerebrovascular events. The need for a reduction and the use of alternative supportive strategies has been advocated. Risperidone at six‐week intervals is the only antipsychotic licensed for treatment with regular review. The majority of management occurs at primary care level and in care homes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate antipsychotic prescribing practices and patient review in these settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, two surveys comprising questions addressing prescribing practices were developed and distributed electronically to all GP practices and care homes in Coventry and Warwickshire, West Midlands, England.

Findings

The majority of GPs (75 per cent) reported only “occasional” discontinuation of antipsychotics due to concerns at reducing drugs on their own, expectations of regulation from secondary care and resistance from care home staff. Poor reduction levels were reported in care homes, attributing low numbers to reluctance among GPs. History of cardiovascular risk factors did not appear to influence withdrawal. Only 40 per cent of GP practices maintained sole use of risperidone. At least six‐monthly reviews were reported by 63 per cent of GPs and 64 per cent of care homes, with very few conducting reviews at least three‐monthly. The importance of non‐pharmacological alternatives was emphasized, yet access was limited and highly resource‐dependent.

Originality/value

This study reveals the perspectives of staff delivering healthcare for people with dementia and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Potentially inappropriate antipsychotic principles were reported. A lack of communication and uncertainty of roles was evident. The development of understandable guidelines for healthcare workers and care home staff managing behavioural issues in patients with dementia is necessary.
How stakeholders view stakeholders as CSR motivators
Authors: Ditlev‐Simonsen Caroline D. , Wenstøp Fred
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptions of the relative importance of different stakeholders (owners, employees, customers, non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental authorities) as agents motivating managers to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The aim is to determine which stakeholders are viewed as key motivators and which the respondents think ought to be key stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study. Three stakeholder groups – corporate leaders, MSc business students and NGOs – were consulted through a paper survey (n = 264).

Findings

The findings reveal that the three stakeholder groups roughly agree that owners are the main motivators for managers to pursue CSR, followed by customers, governments, employees and NGOs, in that order. The paper then turned from perceptions of how things are to opinions about how things ought to be, asking who should be the main motivator. In this case, customers moved up to first place, followed by employees, owners, government and NGOs. Age, but not gender, was a significant variable. The older the respondents, the smaller the discrepancy between perceptions of what is and opinions about what ought to be.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in Norway and generalization is therefore limited. By replicating the study in other countries cultural differences can be investigated.

Practical implications

The findings are applicable for evaluating different avenues for understanding and influencing managerial and stakeholder CSR behaviour.

Originality/value

Several studies have concluded that stakeholders are of key importance in the CSR setting. However, few studies so far have compared the perceived relative “power” held by stakeholders. This type of knowledge can provide a key to understanding the development of CSR.
College‐aged young consumers' interpretations of product placement in social games
Authors: Chen Huan , Deterding Audrey
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore how college‐aged consumers perceive and interpret product placement in the context of social games.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical perspective guiding the study is phenomenology, and the essay assignment and in‐depth interviews were used to collect data.

Findings

The themes emerged from the current data regarding the participants' interpretations of product placement in social games are: freedom of choice; subtleness and unobtrusiveness; and connection to real world consumption.

Originality/value

No study to date has been designed to explore the product placement in social network sites (SNSs), especially in the context of social gaming. The study fills the research gap by exploring college‐aged consumers' interpretation of product placement in the context of social games.
Diverging approaches to benefits realization from public ICT investments
Authors: Hellang Øyvind , Skiftenes Flak Leif , Päivärinta Tero
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore practical methods for benefits realisation, with the intention of investigating if they are variance of a theme or rather can be classified as different approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a document study of Norwegian methods‐in‐use, this study uses an analytical comparison following an assimilation‐accommodation procedure to categorize the chosen methods as instances of approaches to benefits realisation.

Findings

This study documents the emergence of several methods from practice in the last half decade. This analysis suggests the existence of three distinct approaches to benefits realisation and defines these according to their central features.

Research limitations/implications

This is a document study that could have been enhanced by empirical data on first‐hand experiences from the use of these methods. The findings of this study document a critical investigation of methods for benefits realisation, providing an enhanced base framework of three approaches for future research to build on.

Originality/value

This study provides fresh perspectives on benefits realisation by suggesting that existing methods differ to an extent that the authors argue they belong to different approaches that are likely to cause quite different results in practical use. This has important implications for both research and practice, as research should analyse benefits realisation efforts according to approach, and practice needs to carefully consider their choice of method based on their actual needs. Further, the paper employs an established analytical framework for a novel definition of approaches to the field of benefits realisation in the public sector.
Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – re‐invigorated
Authors: Dobson Alexandra
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to seek to examine the operation of S.37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in the context of the debate about director's duties for health and safety. It goes on to consider whether its increased use is indicative of an inclination on the part of regulators to more readily target senior officers within companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper.

Findings

The section has received much attention in recent years because unlike the bulk of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 from which it derives, it imposes no positive duties. Its use arises via a secondary duty and only comes into operation following proof of organisational fault. However, this indirect duty is imposed typically against directors and the section is therefore of great interest as part of a wider debate on the imposition of liability at board level.

Originality/value

Drawing on an a review of leading cases and the initial findings from analysis of the response to a Freedom of Information request made to the Health and Safety Executive in February 2012, the use of the section will be placed under the spotlight and considered in the context of other linked statutes.
The psychopathy of a Victorian serial killer: integrating micro and macro levels of analysis
Authors: Wilson David , Yardley Elizabeth
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to respond to a number of pleas for interdisciplinary – or integrative – approaches to psychology and criminology in exploring the value of simultaneously applying micro and macro analytical tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reported in this paper applies both the revised psychopathy checklist (PCL‐R) and structural analysis to the historical case of Mary Ann Cotton, a nineteenth century British serial killer.

Findings

Findings suggest that multi‐level approaches to analysis are valuable in developing holistic understandings into serial murder, which are appreciative of both the psychological characteristics of the individual offender and their location in the broader social and historical context. Micro analysis would now label Cotton a psychopath, but we need to broaden the analysis and to consider macro questions related to gender, poverty and the wider social structure in which Cotton operated.

Research limitations/implications

In the absence of an interview with the offender, this study has supplemented alternative materials and as such, prompts debate into the application of contemporary tools to historical cases.

Practical implications

The findings imply that the application of PCL‐R alongside structural analytical tools reveals more in‐depth and socially rooted insights into the study of historical cases of serial murder and as such, provide a valuable addition to both criminological and the psychological methodology frameworks.

Originality/value

This research prompts academic debate within psychology and criminology into the potential value of a combined, integrative approach to historical cases drawing upon both micro and macro analytical tools.
Microbial Contamination in Sprouts: How Effective Is Seed Disinfection Treatment?
Authors: Ding Hongliu , Fu Tong‐Jen , Smith Michelle A.
Published: March 2013

Microbial contamination of sprouts by Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157 : H7 has been a common cause of foodborne diseases and a continuing challenge to the sprout industry. Seed disinfection treatment has been recommended as a major intervention step in a multihurdle approach to reduce the risk of illness associated with contaminated sprouts. U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite as an example treatment in its recommendation for seed treatment and this treatment has been considered the reference standard for seed disinfection treatment for over a decade. However, promising new disinfection treatments have emerged in recent years. In this study, we summarized published data and compared the efficacies of different disinfection methods in the reduction of microbial contamination on seeds. Our findings suggest that while biological interventions such as competitive exclusion and certain chemical treatments appear to be similar to 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite for seed disinfection, physical methods especially high pressure may be more effective than the reference standard regardless of the type of bacteria or seed. The combination of 2 or more treatments, sequentially or simultaneously, may further improve disinfection results. Since treatments with high levels of chemical disinfectants, especially 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite, can pose environmental and worker safety risks, alternative intervention approaches should be considered. Additional studies to confirm the greater efficacy of certain physical and combined seed disinfection treatments and to identify other effective management strategies are needed to further improve sprout safety.
The SuperChip for microbial community structure, and function from all environments
Authors: Hazen Terry C.
Published: March 2013

We have the technology and capability to develop an all‐in‐one microarray that can provide complete information on a microbial community, including algae, protozoa, bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, antimicrobial resistance, biotoxins and functional activity. With lab‐on‐a‐chip, nanotechnology integrating a variety of the latest methods for a large number of sample types (water, sediment, waste water, food, blood, etc.) it is possible to make a desktop instrument that would have universal applications. There are two major thrusts to this grand challenge that will allow us to take advantage of the latest biotechnological breakthroughs in real time. The first is a bioengineering thrust that will take advantage of the large multidisciplinary laboratories in developing key technologies. Miniaturization will reduce reagent costs and increase sensitivity and reaction kinetics for rapid turnaround time. New and evolving technologies will allow us to port the designs for state‐of‐the‐art microarrays today to completely new nanotechnology inspired platforms as they mature. The second thrust is in bioinformatics to use our existing expertise to take advantage of the rapidly evolving landscape of bioinformatics data. This increasing capacity of the data set will allow us to resolve microbial species to greatly improved levels and identify functional genes beyond the hypothetical protein level. A cheap and portable assay would impact countless areas, including clean water technologies, emerging diseases, bioenergy, infectious disease diagnosis, climate change, food safety, environmental clean‐up and bioterrorism. In my opinion it is possible but it will require a very large group of multidiscplenary scientists from multiple institutions crossing many international boundaries and funding over a 5‐year period of more than $100 million. Given the impact that this SuperChip could have it is well worth the price!!!
Quad bike injuries in Waikato, New Zealand: an institutional review from 2007–2011
Authors: Wood Adam , Duijff Jan Willem , Christey Grant Robert
Published: March 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the burden of all‐terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries within the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Methods

From the local database of 13 400 trauma patients, 101 patients with ATV‐related injury or death were identified. We analysed data on demographics, location and mechanism of accident, helmet use, length of hospital stay, injury severity score and type of injury. Only admissions to Waikato Hospital trauma centre between February 2007 and March 2011 were included.

Results

A total of 84% of patients were male, 16% were female. The mean age was 38.8 years (range 4–82). Twelve per cent of patients were within the paediatric age range (<16 years). No age group was at particular risk for an ATV injury. An increase in ATV injuries year‐on‐year within the Waikato area was found. A large number of head injuries were found. Helmet compliance was low. Injury severity score was significantly higher in Maori than in NZ Europeans (mean 16.8 versus 10.0 (P = 0.04)) and was comparable between children and adults as well as men and women. Our results display a 42% rise in admission incidence from 2009 to 2010, resulting in increased hospital bed occupancy. If the current trend of a growing number of quad bike accidents was to continue, this could amount to a cost of NZ$1 467 344 in 2012 from ATV injuries in Waikato hospital alone.

Conclusions

Quad bike injuries are an increasing burden on Waikato health care. The best strategy to tackle this epidemic needs to be further debated.
Explosive border: Dwelling, fear and violence on the Thai–Burmese border along the Salween River
Authors: Hengsuwan Paiboon
Published: March 2013

The Salween borderlands can be conceptualised as spaces of exception where contradictory outcomes of state actions lead to state violence. The Burmese and Thai states have maintained their sovereign power and responded to economic regionalisation through violent practices in particular spaces. The political conflicts between the Burmese junta and ethnic minorities in the Salween borderlands have become war zones. The Burmese government in association with the Thai state and transnational dam investors has imposed the Salween dam projects on the Salween borderlands and people in the form of a terrorising state. The border people have experienced fear, danger and military violence, which has become part of the violence in everyday life. This paper provides an ethnographic study focused on specific events involving an explosion and death in a particular place and time on the Salween borderland. It shows the suffering of the border people in relation to sovereign power.
Phytosociology and ecology of the high‐alpine to subnival scree vegetation of N and NW Iran (Alborz and Azerbaijan Mts.)
Authors: Noroozi Jalil , Willner Wolfgang , Pauli Harald , Grabherr Georg
Published: March 2013

Questions

The vegetation of high‐alpine and subnival scree habitats in Iranian mountains has been poorly investigated so far despite the large variety of narrowly distributed vascular plant species and the expected vulnerability of these ecosystems to global warming. Which plant communities occupy these ecosystems and what is their syntaxonomic position? Which environmental factors determine the species composition of these habitats?

Location

Alborz and Azerbaijan Mountains in N and NW Iran.

Methods

A total of 141 phytosociological relevés were collected from 3200 to 4800 m a.s.l. This data set was classified using TWINSPAN, and the numerical classification was translated into a syntaxonomic system. Floristic differences between vegetation types were evaluated with detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). We determined the means and SD of measured environmental and vegetation parameters for all associations. Differences in the major environmental parameters among associations and alliances were analysed using ANOVA and post‐hoc tests. Moreover, we determined the mean cover percentage of life forms in all associations.

Results

All high‐alpine and subnival scree communities are arranged in one class (Didymophyso aucheri‐Dracocephaletea aucheri), two orders (Physoptychio gnaphalodis‐Brometalia tomentosi, Didymophysetalia aucheri), three alliances (Elymo longearistati‐Astragalion macrosemii, Erigerontion venusti, Didymophysion aucheri) and ten associations, which are new to science, except for one association. The territory of the class extends from Alborz to NW Iran and probably to E Anatolia, Transcaucasia and the Zagros Mountains. Altitude, aspect and edaphic qualities are the major ecological factors influencing the species composition and vegetation mosaic.

Conclusions

Our study introduces a formal syntaxonomic classification of the scree vegetation at high altitudes in Iran, thus providing a scheme for ongoing ecological surveys and monitoring programmes to assess the impacts of climate warming and of human land use on these unique ecosystems.