bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does human resource management influence organisational performance? An integrative approach-based analysis
Authors: Katou Anastasia A. 
Published: May 2017

PurposeDrawing on the contingency perspective between business strategies and human resource (HR) practices, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of human resource management (HRM) system (which integrates both content and process of HR practices) on both proximal organisational outcomes (such as job satisfaction, motivation, and organisational commitment) and distal organisational outcomes (such as employee engagement, organisational citizen behaviour (OCB), co-operation among employees, intention to quit, and operational performance).Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a sample of 996 Greek employees working in 108 private organisations and the statistical method employed is structural equation modelling with bootstrapping estimation.FindingsThe results indicate that HRM content is more positively related to job satisfaction and motivation and less related to organisational commitment than HRM process. Moreover, HRM system is sequentially related to organisational outcomes (both directly and indirectly) and significantly influences employee job satisfaction and motivation, as well as OCB and co-operation among employees, and operational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected using a questionnaire at a single point in time, and thus, not allowing dynamic causal inferences. Considering that Greece is experiencing a severe financial crisis, the findings from this unique context may not generalise across other contexts.Practical implicationsThe core messages to decision makers are that employee development and rewards are the major dimensions of the content of an HRM system and that consistency and distinctiveness are the principal features of the process of an HRM system, even in cases where the organisation is operating under an economic crisis environment.Originality/valueInvestigations into the relationship between HRM systems and organisational performance have become increasingly common. Nevertheless, empirical studies that measure the impact of HRM systems, which being contingent on business strategies integrate both content and process of HR practices on organisational performance are still rare. This paper partially fills this gap.
Impact of organizational citizenship behavior on job performance in Indian healthcare industries
Authors: Basu Eeman , Pradhan Rabindra Kumar , Tewari Hare Ram 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and job performance. It also examines the mediating role of social capital in influencing the relationship between OCB and job performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study explores the dynamic relationship among the variables of OCB and job performance and social capital. Data were collected from 501 respondents working in 15 healthcare organizations in Kolkata, India, through questionnaire survey. Likert-type rating scales of OCB, job performance and social capital with sound reliability and validity were used to carry out the survey. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results of the present study show that OCB significantly predicts job performance in healthcare organizations. Social capital found to be a significant mediator between OCB and job performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study have a number of implications for organizations in acknowledging and leveraging social capital and encouraging OCB to facilitate superior performance of employees. The generalization of the findings of the study should be restricted to the healthcare organizations in Kolkata due to its own style of functioning, workforce and work environment. The role of demographic variables in influencing the outcome measures has not been considered for the present study. Further research on these aspects may reveal more interesting results with regard to the dynamics among organizational citizenship behavior, social capital and job performance.Practical implicationsEmployee-friendly management practices should be adopted in organizations to facilitate the formation of network building and development of social capital which serves as an asset to organizations and creates competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe research findings enrich our understanding of voluntary social participation and citizenship behavior of employees for influencing performance at work. The study also provides useful and unique insight on the benefits of networking in healthcare organizations particularly helping employees to cope with emergency situations. The findings as well as methodology used in this study are original and unique.
An empirical investigation on lean supply chain management frameworks in Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Jasti Naga Vamsi Krishna , Kurra Suresh 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
Supply chain management plays a vital role in deciding the final cost of products. A huge number of non-value-added activities are performed throughout supply chain process. Lean principles are useful to identify and eliminate waste activities across the supply chain management processes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity and reliability of the existing lean supply chain management (LSCM) frameworks in the Indian manufacturing industry through questionnaire survey methodology.

Design/methodology/approach
The present study collected empirical data from 180 top- and middle-level management personnel from the Indian manufacturing industry. Factor analysis was performed to check unidimensionality of LSCM frameworks by using empirical data. Cronbach’s α value of each selected LSCM framework was calculated to find out its reliability. Finally, frequency distribution analysis was performed on the selected framework to identify and reveal critical constructs of LSCM.

Findings
It was found that nine LSCM frameworks show unidimensionality. The study established that most of the selected frameworks exposed a high level of reliability. The frequency distribution analysis revealed that the larger part of the constructs had a high mean score and mode. It is concluded that there is a need for a new LSCM framework to fulfill the requirements of the Indian manufacturing industry.

Originality/value
The present study is focused on checking the suitability of existing LSCM frameworks in the Indian manufacturing sector. It is anticipated that the study will be helpful to the professionals who wish to execute appropriate LSCM framework in the manufacturing organization.
Formal human resource practices in family firms
Authors: Steijvers Tensie , Lybaert Nadine , Dekker Julie 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThe importance of formal human resource (HR) practices is widely recognized in management literature, but under-researched in the small business and family firm domain. Previous research indicates that family firms rely more on informal HR practices, based on social networks. However, given the heterogeneity of family firms, one cannot assume that all family firms are reluctant to formalize their HR. As the CEO is the key decision maker who covers HR management in family firms, the effect of the CEO type on formal HR practices will be studied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachBased on a large-scale survey, resulting in a response of 532 family SMEs, the authors perform a hierarchical regression analysis studying the effect of a family/nonfamily CEO on the use of formal HR practices, introducing several moderating effects: CEO generational stage, tenure and education.FindingsResults indicate that family firms with a family CEO have more formal HR practices than those managed by a nonfamily CEO due to higher levels of goal alignment and intentional trust between the owning family and family CEO. Moreover, family firms managed by first generation family CEOs and family CEOs with a higher education have more formal HR practices.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that family CEOs can be equally or even more able as nonfamily CEOs to run a family firm in a formalized/professionalized manner.Originality/valueGiven the scant amount of research on HR formalization in family firms, even though literature documents performance increasing effects, this study fulfils the need to study the effect of the CEO on HR formalization.
Healthcare managers’ perception of economies of scale
Authors: Svarts Anna 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how healthcare managers perceive economies of scale and the underlying mechanisms for how scale/size affects performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected in 20 in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals from 13 healthcare delivery organizations and from a public authority that finances and contracts healthcare services. Data were coded and analysed using content analysis.

Findings
The study concludes that the impact of scale on performance is perceived by healthcare professionals to be different for different types of healthcare services: For surgery, significant scale effects related to spreading of fixed cost, the experience curve, and potential for process improvement. For inpatient care, moderate scale effects related to spreading of fixed costs and costs of doctors on on-call duty. For outpatient care, small or no scale effects.

Research limitations/implications
The small sample of interviewees from a single geographical region and healthcare system limits the applicability of the findings.

Originality/value
The paper provides insights into how healthcare managers experience scale effects and how they consider economies of scale when planning hospital configuration. Also, past studies of economies of scale in hospitals proffer mixed results and the findings in this paper indicate a possible explanation for this inconclusiveness, i.e. differences in service mix between different hospitals.
Rethinking compassion fatigue
Authors: Gerard Nathan 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to argue for a revision of the concept of compassion fatigue in light of both its history and psychodynamics.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper calls into question conventional interpretations of compassion fatigue and the assumptions underlying them. As an alternative, a psychoanalytic interpretation is offered that sheds light on the phenomenon’s unconscious and organizational dynamics. This interpretation also aligns with the concept’s historical use in media and politics.

Findings
In contrast to the assumption that compassion fatigue arises from too much compassion, historical use of the term suggests just the opposite: compassion fatigue is the result of too little compassion. Healthcare literature on compassion fatigue has not only failed to account for this opposing view, but also the underlying psychodynamics at play. By attending to these neglected dimensions, healthcare scholars and practitioners can gain new insights into compassion fatigue and devise more sustainable interventions.

Originality/value
This paper reveals hidden dimensions to compassion fatigue that call into question conventional interpretations and offer novel perspectives on a core concern of healthcare work.
Occupational health and safety management practices and musculoskeletal disorders in aged care
Authors: Oakman Jodi , Bartram Timothy 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether occupational health and safety (OHS) management used to manage musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the aged care sector reflects contemporary research evidence of best practice to reduce the incidence of these disorders.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 58 interviews were conducted with managers and supervisors in the aged care sector across four organisations in Australia. Policies and procedures relating to MSDs were reviewed for each organisation.

Findings
Policies and procedures for managing MSDs do not reflect contemporary evidence, which supports a complex aetiology, related to a range of physical and psychosocial workplace factors. Despite strong evidence that psychosocial factors contribute to MSD development, these were not included in the policies and procedures reviewed. Findings from the interviews management practices including leadership and various components of HRM were functioning well but fragmentation was evident due to the challenging nature of the aged care sector.

Practical implications
To address the significant burden of MSDs in the aged care sector, policies and procedures need to include coverage of psychosocial and physical workplace factors. The development of systematic and integrated OHS management at the workplace level may play an important role in the effective management of MSDs.

Originality/value
This study offers insights into the previously unexplored area of MSD risk management and the role of management practices such as HRM in the aged care sector.
Forecasting the yield curve of government bonds: a dynamic factor approach
Authors: Ben Omrane Walid , He Chao , He Zhongzhi Lawrence , Trabelsi Samir 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
Forecasting the future movement of yield curves contains valuable information for both academic and practical issues such as bonding pricing, portfolio management, and government policies. The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic factor approach that can provide more precise and consistent forecasting results under various yield curve dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper develops a unified dynamic factor model based on Diebold and Li (2006) and Nelson and Siegel (1987) three-factor model to forecast the future movement yield curves. The authors apply the state-space model and the Kalman filter to estimate parameters and extract factors from the US yield curve data.

Findings
The authors compare both in-sample and out-of-sample performance of the dynamic approach with various existing models in the literature, and find that the dynamic factor model produces the best in-sample fit, and it dominates existing models in medium- and long-horizon yield curve forecasting performance.

Research limitations/implications
The authors find that the dynamic factor model and the Kalman filter technique should be used with caution when forecasting short maturity yields on a short time horizon, in which the Kalman filter is prone to trade off out-of-sample robustness to maintain its in-sample efficiency.

Practical implications
Bond analysts and portfolio managers can use the dynamic approach to do a more accurate forecast of yield curve movements.

Social implications
The enhanced forecasting approach also equips the government with a valuable tool in setting macroeconomic policies.

Originality/value
The dynamic factor approach is original in capturing the level, slope, and curvature of yield curves in that the decay rate is set as a free parameter to be estimated from yield curve data, instead of setting it to be a fixed rate as in the existing literature. The difference range of estimated decay rate provides richer yield curve dynamics and is the key to stronger forecasting performance.
‘Close the door on your way out’: parent perspectives on supported transition planning for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Ireland
Authors: Doyle Alison , Mc Guckin Conor , Shevlin Michael 
Published: May 2017

Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities encounter complex and circuitous transitions from post‐primary settings to Higher Education. In Ireland, inequitable access to Individual Education Plans, and a lack of policy infrastructure to provide formal transition planning, means that these journeys are varied and uncertain. This study presents findings from surveys completed by parents supporting students with disabilities in their final 3 years of mainstream secondary school (n = 69), and in‐depth interviews with a self‐selected subset of parents (n = 8). Results point to: (i) disparate levels and quality of support and guidance, (ii) fissures in communication channels between parents and schools, (iii) insufficient awareness and understanding of the interplay between disability and successful post‐school outcomes, and (iv) high levels of stress, anxiety and frustration experienced by students, parents and carers.
Detection of Contact Traces of Powdery Substances
Authors: Pawłowski Wojciech , Matyjasek Łukasz , Karpińska Monika 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe current practice in securing the contact traces of chemical substances taken from clothes belonging to a person suspected of manual handling explosives is focused on pockets and cuffs. The outerwear worn by people who had contact with fluorescent powders that simulate explosives and drugs was the subject of this study. Clothes were first exposed to the test substance for a period of time and then analyzed by fluorescence methods to determine the location of the highest quantity of traces. The results obtained from the study confirm that the areas with the highest concentration of powdery traces are different from those suggested by current forensic practice. They appear to be promising for a more efficient identification of the suspects involved in illegal manufacturing of drugs of abuse or explosives. Moreover, they may be helpful for developing the methodology for handling the evidence material in the forensic clothing examination process.
Molecular and functional characterization of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, Rab5: the first exopterygotan low molecular weight ovarian GTPase during oogenesis
Authors: Elmogy Mohamed , Mohamed Amr A. , Tufail Muhammad , Uno Tomohide , Takeda Makio 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe small Rab GTPases are key regulators of membrane vesicle trafficking. Ovaries of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) (Blattodea: Blattidae) have small molecular weight GTP/ATP‐binding proteins during early and late vitellogenic periods of oogenesis. However, the identification and characterization of the detected proteins have not been yet reported. Herein, we cloned a cDNA encoding Rab5 from the American cockroach, P. americana, ovaries (PamRab5). It comprises 796 bp, encoding a protein of 213 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 23.5 kDa. PamRab5 exists as a single‐copy gene in the P. americana genome, as revealed by Southern blot analysis. An approximate 2.6 kb ovarian mRNA was transcribed especially at high levels in the previtellogenic ovaries, detected by Northern blot analysis. The muscle and head tissues also showed high levels of PamRab5 transcript. PamRab5 protein was localized, via immunofluorescence labeling, to germline‐derived cells of the oocytes, very early during oocyte differentiation. Immunoblotting detected a ∼25 kDa signal as a membrane‐associated form revealed after application of detergent in the extraction buffer, and 23 kDa as a cytosolic form consistent with the predicted molecular weight from amino acid sequence in different tissues including ovary, muscles and head. The PamRab5 during late vitellogenic periods is required to regulate the endocytotic machinery during oogenesis in this cockroach. This is the first report on Rab5 from a hemimetabolan, and presents an inaugural step in probing the molecular premises of insect oocyte endocytotic trafficking important for oogenesis and embryonic development.
New insight into foregut functions of xenobiotic detoxification in the cockroach Periplaneta americana
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Hua , Zhang Song , Yang Yuan‐Xue , Zhang Yi‐Xi , Liu Ze‐Wen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe physiological functions of insect foregut, especially in xenobiotic detoxification, are scarcely reported because of unimportance in appearance and insufficient molecular information. The cockroach Periplaneta americana, an entomological model organism, provides perfect material to study physiological functions of foregut tissue due to its architectural feature. Through Illumina sequencing of foregut tissue from P. americana individuals (control) or insects treated with cycloxaprid, as a novel neonicotinoid insecticide, 54 193 166 clean reads were obtained and further assembled into 53 853 unigenes with an average length of 366 bp. Furthermore, the number of unigenes involved in xenobiotic detoxification was analyzed, mainly including 70 cytochrome P450s, 12 glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs), seven carboxylesterases (CarEs) and seven adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Compared to control, the expression of 22 xenobiotic detoxification unigenes was up‐regulated after cycloxaprid application, mainly containing 18 P450s, one GST, two CarEs and one ABC adenosine triphosphate transporter, indicating that the oxidation‐reduction was the major reactive process to cycloxaprid application. Through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, the expression of selected unigenes (six P450s, one GST and one CarE) was up‐regulated at least two‐fold following cycloxaprid treatment, and was generally in agreement with transcriptome data. Compared to the previous midgut transcriptome of P. americana, it looks like the expressive abundance of the xenobiotic detoxification unigenes might be important factors to the detoxifying functional differences between foregut and midgut. In conclusion, insect foregut would also play important roles in the physiological processes related to xenobiotic detoxification.
Can clinical factors predict the need for intervention after a positive intraoperative cholangiogram?
Authors: Kaif Mohammed , Agrawal Deepak , Sreenarasimhaiah Jayaprakash 
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVETo determine whether clinical factors such as the elevation or decline of biochemical liver tests and bile duct dilation can help to identify patients who will truly benefit from therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) following a positive intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) study.METHODSAll cholecystectomies during a 3‐year period were examined retrospectively for positive intraoperative cholangiograms. Sonographic findings of bile duct dilation and transaminase levels at admission, including trends during the course of hospitalization and prior to ERCP, were evaluated.RESULTSOf 369 patients with intraoperative cholangiogram studies, 80 (21.7%) were positive. Prior to surgery, a sonogram showed biliary dilation in 50 (62.5%) and ERCP demonstrated actual stones in 27 (61.4%) out of 44 patients. In 24 patients with persistent elevation in transaminases and no biliary dilation, ERCP revealed stones in 12 (50.0%). Sonographic finding of biliary dilation had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 61.4% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 60.0%. Persistent elevation in transaminases had a PPV of 59.3%. A 50% decline in transaminases had a NPV of 41.2%. Overall, only 39 (48.8%) of all patients with a positive intraoperative cholangiogram study required therapeutic ERCP.CONCLUSIONSElevated transaminases and sonographic biliary dilation have poor predictive values for choledocholithiasis. Thus, patients with a positive intraoperative cholangiogram may benefit from additional studies, such as endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography prior to ERCP.