bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of self-efficacy and self-leadership within USA accredited sales programs: an exploratory study on sales career preparedness
Authors: Knight Peter , Peesker Karen , Mich Claudia C. 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate the impact of sales education on recent graduates' career preparedness and understand how sales programs might prepare students better for successful sales careers. We investigate the known competencies leading to sales success that were, or were not, adequately developed by their university sales programs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected and analyzed qualitative data from in-depth interviews with a sample of 20 recent university sales graduates working in a sales career. Over 23 h of interviews were transcribed and analyzed via NVivo. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework was applied in this study to code the data.FindingsThe study identifies that while respondents are positive about their overall sales education and feel confident about their knowledge of the sales process, they are not always confident in their ability to deal with ambiguity and the unknown. This study revealed that constructs of self-leadership and career choice self-efficacy deserve further consideration as components of the university sales program curriculum.Research limitations/implicationsAs with all exploratory research, there are limits to generalizability; however, this study revealed that the constructs of goal setting, self-leadership and self-knowledge hold promise for further study as a means to increase sales-related self-efficacy and career readiness.Practical implicationsRespondents were positive about their overall sales education experience but identified a need for more effective sales education in cold calling, prospecting and the inherent level of rejection to be prepared for inside sales positions in which sales graduates increasingly start their careers.Social implicationsLower turnover and better educational preparedness of sales program graduates clearly will accrue socioeconomic benefits.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the impact of sales education on recent graduates’ career preparedness and the first study for this journal to focus on sales as an area of professional competency and related sales pedagogy. Further, the qualitative methodology, which is relatively unique in sales research, provides rich data that is particularly useful for exploratory research to help provide a structure for universities to strengthen their sales programs through targeted training to help students enhance self-leadership and career preparedness.
Internet of services-based business model: a case study in the livestock industry
Authors: Reis Jacqueline Zonichenn , Goncalves Rodrigo Franco , Lage Epaminondas de Souza , Nääs Irenilza de Alencar 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
Considering the relevance of innovative business models in the digitally transformed market and the lack of clarity on the internet of services (IoS) contribution for a business model deployment in current literature, this study aims to fill this gap by evaluating a business model that converges to an IoS adoption in a direct sale of free-range eggs from farmers to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach
From the bibliographical research regarding the IoS and business model, the authors developed an IoS-based model framework. The framework has been evaluated in a real business scenario by using a single case study through an interview with the entrepreneur and documental analysis.

Findings
As the main result, a framework with the attributes can be considered a tool for an IoS-based business model deployment. The case study concluded that the business is aligned with the IoS adoption, and the framework presents adherence to it.

Research limitations/implications
The case study was limited to only one company owing to the IoS’s novelty and the lack of correlated business models. Although the case study limits to the agriculture field, the proposed framework may be broadly applied.

Originality/value
Considering that the lack of a comprehensive business model causes new businesses to face challenges, it is relevant bringing up the present case study of the IoS-based business model, which correlates these two subjects, still poorly explored in the scientific literature: IoS and business models.
The effects of leader expectation and coworker pressure on research engagement in higher education: the moderating role of achievement value
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Lan 
Published: June 2021

PurposeWhile being largely studied in organizational research, job engagement has rarely been empirically investigated in the context of higher education. In this study, this paper aim to examine the effects of leader performance expectation and coworker pressure on research engagement of lecturers and the moderation of achievement value.Design/methodology/approachThe authors based the survey on the data collected from public higher educational institutions in Vietnam.FindingsThe findings contribute to the literature of job engagement in higher education from an organizational behavior perspective by explaining the mid-level impacts of departmental factors affecting research engagement.Originality/valueThe authors develop an organizational behavior perspective related to middle-level factors to understand factors influencing one specific research job of lecturers in higher education in a non-Western developing nation.
E-commerce websites, consumer order fulfillment and after-sales service satisfaction: the customer is always right, even after the shopping cart check-out
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis research identifies the critical factors of online service delivery of electronic commerce (e-commerce) websites, including website attractiveness, website functionality, website security and consumer fulfillment during an unprecedented Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 430 online respondents who were members of popular social media groups. The survey instrument relied on valid and reliable measures relating to electronic service quality (e-SERVQUAL) to better understand the participants’ satisfaction with shopping websites, as well as their loyal behaviors and word-of-mouth activities.FindingsThe findings reported that consumers valued the e-commerce websites’ features and their consumer order fulfillment capabilities. These factors increase the consumers’ satisfaction with online shopping experiences, generate repeat business, as well as positive reviews on social media.Research limitations/implicationsThis study addresses a knowledge gap in academia. To date, little research has focused on the consumer order fulfillment aspect of e-commerce transactions and on after-sales of online businesses.Originality/valueThis contribution posits that e-commerce websites ought to be appealing, functional and offer secure transactions. More importantly, it suggests that merchants should consistently deliver personalized service in all stages of an online purchase, including after the delivery of the ordered products.
Effective storytelling: leadership’s magic motivational methodology
Authors: Denning Stephen 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
If leaders really want to change people’s minds and enlist them in existential endeavors, they need an understanding of the dynamics of persuasion and the craft of leadership storytelling.

Design/methodology/approach
Stories that do change minds and inspire different behavior tend to have a particular narrative pattern. The author offers a set of key elements.

Findings
To inspire customer-focused, continuous innovation, leadership storytelling has untapped potential.

Practical implications
Leadership storytelling, when done right, at least gives company change agents a fighting chance of success.

Originality/value
The ongoing reinvention of management to transform workplaces of the 20th century into the lively centers of inspiration and creativity that are needed for the creative economy of the 21st century necessitates the elevation of change-agent storytelling to the central place in leadership that it deserves. The author offers a primer.
Consumer characteristics and incentives to buy labelled regional agricultural products
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Abele Steffen 
Published: June 2021

PurposeRooted in the social identity theory (SIT), the study analysed the effect of consumer ethnocentrism as well as other factors on the purchase of labelled regional agricultural products together with the readiness to purchase the labelled regional products at a premium price in Germany.Design/methodology/approachThe determinants of the consumption of labelled regional agricultural products and the readiness to pay a premium price for the same in Southwestern Germany were analysed via both probit and ordered probit regressions, respectively.FindingsConsumer ethnocentrism influences the purchase of labelled regional agricultural products as well as the readiness to purchase at a premium price. Also, consumer socioeconomic and product characteristics and knowledge and perceived benefits of regional products had a divergent influence on the purchase and readiness to purchase labelled regional agricultural products at a premium price.Research limitations/implicationsIn terms of limitation, even though the sample size was proper, it could be improved in other studies to validate the findings. Also, the study was limited to a limited number of counties in Southwestern Germany; hence future studies could explore a more extensive geographical space within the region.Practical implicationsThe results can serve as a good source of information for improving the marketing of regional agricultural products. This study recommends that regional producers and marketers brand regional products with the region's name to capitalise on consumers' ethnocentric tendencies in the region. Further, regional products have to be sold in places where consumers with a certain degree of ethnocentrism are present. Results provided by this study are commonly applicable for all products, regardless of the type and regional origin, so that product-specific studies are no longer necessary, which reduces redundancy and marketing research costs, which are difficult to bear for small producers.Originality/valueGermany has benefited immensely from the boom of regional marketing in Europe. Likewise, in Southwestern Germany, there is a growing interest in the production and marketing of regional products. As a result, several studies have investigated the factors influencing the purchasing of regional products in Germany. Nevertheless, literature and studies on the effect of ethnocentrism on the purchasing of regional agricultural products in Southwestern Germany are scanty.
An objective‐based prioritization approach to support trophic complexity through ecological restoration species mixes
Authors: Ladouceur Emma , McGowan Jennifer , Huber Patrick , Possingham Hugh , Scridel Davide , van Klink Roel , Poschlod Peter , Cornelissen Johannes Hans C. , Bonomi Costantino , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Reassembling ecological communities and rebuilding habitats through active restoration treatments require curating the selection of plant species to use in seeding and planting mixes. Ideally, these mixes should be assembled based on attributes that support ecosystem function and services, promote plant and animal species interactions and ecological networks in restoration while balancing project constraints. Despite these critical considerations, it is common for species mixes to be selected opportunistically. Reframing the selection of seed mixes for restoration around ecological objectives is essential for success but accessible methods and tools are needed to support this effort.

We developed a framework to optimize species seed mixes based on prioritizing plant species attributes to best support different objectives for ecosystem functions, services and trophic relationships such as pollination, seed dispersal and herbivory. We compared results to approaches where plant species are selected to represent plant taxonomic richness, dominant species and at random. We tested our framework in European alpine grasslands by identifying 176 plant species characteristic of the species pool, and identified 163 associated attributes affiliated to trophic relationships, ecosystem functions and services.

In all cases, trophic relationships, ecosystem functions and services can be captured more efficiently through objective‐based prioritization using the functional identity of plant species. Solutions (plant species lists) can be compared quantitatively, in terms of costs, species or objectives. We confirm that a random draw of plant species from the regional plant species pool cannot be assumed to support other trophic groups and ecosystem functions and services.

Synthesis and Applications. Our framework is presented as a proof‐of‐concept to help restoration practitioners better apply quantitative decision support to plant species selection to efficiently meet ecological restoration outcomes. Our approach may be tailored to any restoration initiative, habitat or restoration targets where seeding or planting mixes will be applied in active treatments. As global priority and resources are increasingly placed into restoration, this approach could be advanced to help make efficient decisions for many stages of the restoration process.
Transcription activation of two clusters for exopolysaccharide biosynthesis by phosphorylated DctD in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Kang Sebin , Park Hana , Lee Kyung‐Jo , Lee Kyu‐Ho 
Published: June 2021

SummaryNtrC‐mediated production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), essential components for Vibrio vulnificus biofilms, is highly increased in the presence of dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids. Gel‐shift assays showed that regulation of the EPS‐gene cluster I (EPS‐I cluster) by NtrC was direct via binding of phosphorylated NtrC (p‐NtrC) to the regulatory region of the EPS‐I cluster. In contrast, p‐NtrC did not bind to the EPS‐II and EPS‐III clusters, suggesting that NtrC regulation was not direct and another transcription factor belonging to an NtrC‐regulon might play a role in activating their transcription. A candidate transcription factor, DctD, of which expression was induced by NtrC, activated the expression of the EPS‐II and EPS‐III clusters via direct binding to their upstream regions. Under growth conditions with either dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids, the expression of NtrC was induced and the transcription of dctD was activated. Furthermore, DctD exhibited higher transcriptional activity under the conditions with dicarboxylic acids than with tricarboxylic acids. Therefore, this study demonstrates that under dicarboxylate‐rich conditions, both the abundance and activity of DctD were markedly induced, which activates the expression of two EPS clusters to maximize biosynthesis of EPS facilitating biofilm maturation in V. vulnificus.
Training for Citizenship: The Women's Suffrage Movement and Modernising the State in Early Twentieth‐Century South Africa
Authors: Duff S. E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Women's Enfranchisement Association of the Union of South Africa (WEAU) was founded in 1911, only a year after the declaration of the Union of South Africa. While scholars of the South African women's suffrage movement have paid particular attention to the race politics of the WEAU and its allied organisations, comparatively little scholarship has focused on white suffragists’ claims to citizenship. This article addresses this scholarly lacuna and argues that the South African women's suffrage movement's demands for citizenship were entangled with a broader project to reform and modernise the South African state. In so doing, the article explores how members of the WEAU imagined what it meant to be ‘South African’ in the 1910s and 1920s, and particularly in relation to their framing of citizenship as a tool for shoring up white supremacy in South Africa.
Influence of protein content and profile on the processing characteristics and physical properties of model infant formula powders
Authors: Walshe Emma J , O’Regan Jonathan , O’Mahony James A 
Published: June 2021

Formulas were designed and produced with protein contents of 10, 14 and 18 g/100 g and whey protein:casein ratios of 60:40, 40:60 and 20:80. Protein content and whey protein:casein ratio did not significantly affect the volume mean diameter (D[4,3]) of milk fat globules during processing; however, increasing protein content and decreasing whey protein:casein ratio resulted in increased viscosity during processing. The free fat content of the powders decreased with increasing protein content. Particle and bulk densities of powders with whey protein:casein ratio of 20:80 were higher than that of powders with whey protein:casein ratio of 60:40.
Current practice, perceived barriers and resource needs related to measurement of dietary intake, analysis and interpretation of data: A survey of Australian nutrition and dietetics practitioners and researchers
Authors: Hutchesson Melinda , Rollo Megan , Burrows Tracy , McCaffrey Tracy A. , Kirkpatrick Sharon I. , Kerr Deborah , Truby Helen , Clarke Erin , Collins Clare E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimTo inform future training and professional development for individuals who measure, analyse and interpret dietary intake data.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was distributed via e‐newsletter to members of Dietitians Australia, Dietitian Connection and Nutrition Society Australia. The survey included 37 questions on three key areas of practice: (a) methods used to assess dietary intake, (b) barriers faced when conducting dietary intake assessment and (c) resources needed to optimise collection, analysis and interpretation of dietary intake data.ResultsOf 173 responses, 103 respondents provided complete data over 2 weeks. Of these, 76% were APDs. The majority (90%) indicated that dietary assessment was important in their role. Respondents (63%) undertook dietary assessments to inform individual/patient care. When assessing intakes, the majority (79%) were interested in examining food/food group intakes. Paper based methods were most commonly used and diet histories, food frequency questionnaires and 24‐hour recalls were the most frequently used methods. The biggest barrier identified to implementing dietary assessment methods into practice was participant burden. Over a third of respondents reported they had received specific training on selecting an appropriate dietary assessment method. The majority of respondents (83%) believed having access to a dietary assessment methods toolkit would be useful.ConclusionSurvey findings provide insight into the need for further capacity building strategies, including professional development to improve collection, analysis and interpretation of dietary intake for Australian nutritionists and dietitians. The creation of online resources could help overcome identified barriers and provide a link to best practice methodologies and contemporary tools.
The anoxic electrode‐driven fructose catabolism of Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Nguyen Anh Vu , Lai Bin , Adrian Lorenz , Krömer Jens O. 
Published: June 2021

SummaryPseudomonas putida (P. putida) is a microorganism of interest for various industrial processes, yet its strictly aerobic nature limits application. Despite previous attempts to adapt P. putida to anoxic conditions via genetic engineering or the use of a bioelectrochemical system (BES), the problem of energy shortage and internal redox imbalance persists. In this work, we aimed to provide the cytoplasmic metabolism with different monosaccharides, other than glucose, and explored the physiological response in P. putida KT2440 during bioelectrochemical cultivation. The periplasmic oxidation cascade was found to be able to oxidize a wide range of aldoses to their corresponding (keto‐)aldonates. Unexpectedly, isomerization of the ketose fructose to mannose also enabled oxidation by glucose dehydrogenase, a new pathway uncovered for fructose metabolism in P. putida KT2440 in BES. Besides the isomerization, the remainder of fructose was imported into the cytoplasm and metabolized. This resulted in a higher NADPH/NADP+ ratio, compared to glucose. Comparative proteomics further revealed the upregulation of proteins in the lower central carbon metabolism during the experiment. These findings highlight that the choice of a substrate in BES can target cytosolic and periplasmic oxidation pathways, and that electrode‐driven redox balancing can drive these pathways in P. putida under anaerobic conditions.
To Be or Not to Be: Blockchain and the Future of Accounting and Auditing*
Authors: Desplebin Olivier , Lux Gulliver , Petit Nicolas 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this article is to study the potential impact of blockchain technology on accounting systems and businesses. Blockchain technology characteristics and operating modes have the potential to bring about innovations to the fields of accounting and auditing. After describing the function of blockchain technology, we examine potential accounting transformations and identify how the deployment of this technology might impact accountants and external auditors. To that end, we review the literature and take a prospective approach to the use of blockchain in accounting and auditing. Three major issues regarding the future of blockchain in accounting and auditing emerge: (i) the transformation of accounting techniques; (ii) main evolutions in accounting and auditing; and (iii) main evolutions in the work, skills, and education of auditors.
Investors' Perceptions of Activism via Voting: Evidence from Contentious Shareholder Meetings*
Authors: Brochet Francois , Ferri Fabrizio , Miller Gregory S. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTMotivated by the increasing influence of shareholder votes on corporate policies, we examine investors' perceptions of activism via voting. To identify instances of activism via voting, we focus on annual meetings with at least one ballot item where a substantial fraction of shareholders is expected to vote against management's voting recommendation, indicating an increase in their monitoring activity. We define such meetings as “contentious.” Using a sample of almost 28,000 meetings between 2003 and 2012, we examine stock returns over the period between the proxy filing and the annual meeting. This period captures when investors learn about the contentious nature of the upcoming meeting and form expectations about its likely impact on firms' policies. We find that abnormal stock returns prior to contentious meetings are significantly positive and higher than those prior to noncontentious meetings. These higher abnormal returns increase with the contentiousness of the meeting; are more pronounced in firms with poor past performance, which are more likely to respond to shareholder pressure; and persist after controlling for firm‐specific news and proxies for risk factors. Our results are consistent with investors' expecting activism via voting to have a positive impact on firm value, on average, and cast doubts on regulatory attempts to restrict the use of shareholder votes.