bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction between distinct actin pools controls activity-dependent actin dynamics in the dendritic spine
Authors: Glebov Oleg O. , Burrone Juan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractActin cytoskeleton is composed of functionally distinct pools of filamentous (F)-actin defined by their regulatory machinery and dynamics. Although these networks may compete for actin monomers and regulatory factors1–4, the interaction between them remains poorly understood. Here, we show that disruption of the labile F-actin pool in neurons by limited actin depolymerization5,6unexpectedly triggers rapid enhancement of the F-actin content at the dendritic spine. Long-term blockade of NMDA-type receptors decreases spine actin polymerization, which is specifically restored by the labile pool ablation. Increase in the spine actin is triggered by blockade of formin-induced actin polymerization in a manner dependent on Arp2/3 complex activity. Finally, limited actin depolymerization increases F-actin levels in a cultured cell line, suggesting the generality of the two-tiered actin dynamics. Based on these findings, we propose a model whereby the labile pool of F-actin controlled by formin restricts the polymerization state of the Arp2/3-regulated stable spine actin, suggesting a feedback principle at the core of cytoskeletal organization in neurons.HighlightsDisruption of labile F-actin by limited depolymerization rapidly increases the synaptic F-actin content;The depolymerization-induced F-actin boost reverses decrease in synaptic F-actin induced by long-term NMDA receptor blockade;Blockade of formin-dependent actin polymerization boosts synaptic F-actin in an Arp2/3-dependent manner;Limited actin depolymerization enhances overall F-actin content in a mammalian cell line.
“Carrot and stick” leadership style
Authors: Dartey-Baah Kwasi , Ampofo Emmanuel 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of “carrot and stick” (transactional) leadership style in predicting employees’ job satisfaction in a modern business organization.Design/methodology/approachThe study was cross-sectional in nature and made use of structured questionnaire to collect data. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. In total, 215 questionnaires were returned by respondents out of the 220 administered. Taylor and Bowers (1974) overall job satisfaction questionnaire and Bass and Avolio (2004) multifactor leadership questionnaire, were used to measure job satisfaction (α=0.812) and transactional leadership style (α=0.761), respectively. Simple linear regression was also used to predict the relationship between the constructs.FindingsResults indicated significant and positive relationship between managers transactional leadership style and employees overall job satisfaction (β=0.292,p<0.001). Moreover, contingent reward (β=0.313,p<0.001) and management by exception (active) (β=0.208,p<0.001) were, respectively, found to be statistically significant and positively related with job satisfaction. However, there was no significant relationship between management by exception (passive) and job satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study adds to research that transactional leadership is broadly ideal for employees of manufacturing firms in Ghana where tasks are routine, objectives are clearly stated and work outputs can easily be measured.
The impact of institutional culture on change initiatives in an electric utility company in Africa
Authors: Jumbe Moses , Gerwel Proches Cecile N. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
Organisational culture is increasingly being recognised as a critical determinant of the success or failure of organisational change efforts. A power utility company in Africa was undergoing planned change driven by its ambitious vision of becoming one of the top five performing utilities in the world. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the organisation’s culture was impacting on the change initiatives of one of the organisation’s operating units. The study also sought to investigate the robustness of the change model employed to inform the change process.

Design/methodology/approach
The study employed qualitative research methods for data collection, sampling and analysis. Ten semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with managers, supervisory and non-supervisory staff in the operating unit. Data analysis was by means of thematic analysis.

Findings
Organisational culture was found to be impacting the operating unit’s change efforts. According to the participants, cultural analysis to determine organisational readiness for change was not adequately undertaken. The cultural factors of, among others, communication, feedback, involvement, and consultations negatively impacted the change efforts. The participants’ perceptions were that leadership failed to connect employees to the vision.

Originality/value
The paper provides insight into the importance of leadership’s understanding and consideration of organisational culture in change initiatives. Cultural analyses before embarking on change assists leaders in identifying and then strengthening or changing cultural tenets implicated by the change initiatives.
Performance measures for road managers facing diverse environments
Authors: Richmond Craig M. , Kielhauser Clemens , Adey Bryan T. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
A key difficulty that plagues benchmarking in the public sector is heterogeneity in the production process. The purpose of this paper is to present a strategy for overcoming that difficulty using physical production models and demonstrate it using road renewal management as an example.

Design/methodology/approach
A physical production model is used to linking required prices, inputs and exposures to environmental factors to the desired services to be delivered. A measure is derived from this that adjusts for the additional expected costs from operating in a more difficult environments. A case study is used to present methods for addressing specific parameterization issues that arise in an empirical application.

Findings
The method was found to be implementable and empirically better than naïve ratio measures commonly found in practice.

Research limitations/implications
Data and modeling issues were identified that can be addressed by public supervisors that are expected to greatly improve the quality of the measures.

Social implications
According to the raw data and simple ratios, a very large degree of inefficiency can potentially be eliminated by applying the recommended measures. In all likelihood the real potential is much smaller, but still significant.

Originality/value
Most applied benchmarking exercises use simple ratios as KPI’s. These are easily dismissed where environments are heterogeneous. Data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier analysis are generally difficult to relate to KPI’s. The use of an explicit and specific process model with an engineering content is therefore exceptional.
A qualitative investigation of benchmarking barriers in Nigeria
Authors: Adewunmi Yewande Adetoro , Koleoso Hikmot , Omirin Modupe 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine benchmarking barriers among Nigerian facilities management (FM) practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach
Data collection were through semi-structured interviews with 34 FM heads from three selected cities in Nigeria. Out of this number, 16 were from Lagos, ten from Abuja while eight managers were from Port Harcourt, respectively. These managers were selected using purposive sampling based on their experience in the field of FM across the various sectors of the economy. The interviews were analysed with Nvivo 10 software qualitative computer software.

Findings
Those that do informal benchmarking face challenges with data, employees lack of confidence in new initiatives and poor support of senior management, the companies that use best practice benchmarking face constraints of access to information and employees unwillingness to change and comply to company set standards, unwillingness of benchmarking partners to understand the usefulness of the project, and problems that emanate from the quality of data obtained.

Practical implications
The results therefore suggest that to improve the practice of best practice benchmarking there is need to improve both quantity and quality of data for the exercise and enhance standard practice.

Originality/value
The study established a new category of benchmarking barriers called the market category of benchmarking barriers and further distinguished benchmarking barriers based on two forms of benchmarking which is informal and formal benchmarking. Also there are limited studies on benchmarking barriers in developing countries.
Supplier selection in agile supply chain
Authors: Matawale Chhabi Ram , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra S.S. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The recent global market trend is seemed enforcing existing manufacturing organizations (as well as service sectors) to improve existing supply chain systems or to take up/adapt advanced manufacturing strategies for being competitive. The concept of the agile supply chain (ASC) has become increasingly important as a means of achieving a competitive edge in highly turbulent business environments. An ASC is a dynamic alliance of member enterprises, the formation of which is likely to introduce velocity, responsiveness, and flexibility into the manufacturing system. In ASC management, supplier/partner selection is a key strategic concern. Apart from traditional supplier/partner selection criteria; different agility-related criteria/attributes need to be taken under consideration while selecting an appropriate supplier in an ASC. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
Therefore, evaluation and selection of potential supplier in an ASC have become an important multi-criteria decision making problem. Most of the evaluation criteria being subjective in nature; traditional decision-making approaches (mostly dealing with objective data) fail to solve this problem. However, fuzzy set theory appears an important mean to tackle with vague and imprecise data given by the experts. In this work, application potential of the fuzzy multi-level multi-criteria decision making (FMLMCDM) approach proposed by Chu and Velásquez (2009) and Chu and Varma (2012) has been examined and compared to that of Fuzzy-techniques for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Fuzzy-MOORA in the context of supplier selection in ASC.

Findings
It has been observed that similar ranking order appears in FMLMCDM as well as Fuzzy-TOPSIS. In Fuzzy-MOORA, the best alternative appears same as in case of FMLMCDM as well as Fuzzy-TOPSIS; but for other alternatives ranking order differs. A comparative analysis has also been made in view of working principles of FMLMCDM, Fuzzy-TOPSIS as well as Fuzzy-MOORA.

Originality/value
Application feasibility of FMLMCDM approach has been verified in comparison with Fuzzy-TOPSIS and Fuzzy-MOORA in the context of agile supplier selection.
Prioritization of Six-Sigma project selection
Authors: Adebanjo Dotun , Samaranayake Premaratne , Mafakheri Fereshteh , Laosirihongthong Tritos 
Published: September 2016

PurposeWith increasing choice from a range of programs, improvement project selection within broader supply chain context and resource constraints has become a major research challenge. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different criteria for selecting Six-Sigma (SS) projects based on previous studies. The study is supported by two grounded theories: resource-based view and institutional norms. The criteria include: first, business drivers for improvement and the common performance metrics deployed; second, the organization’s stakeholders needs; and third, process owner’s needs.Design/methodology/approachTo determine the relative importance of influencing factors, opinions were collected from 30 experienced practitioners including SS champions/master black-belts, company directors, consultants, and process owners through a series of interviews in small, medium, and large organizations including multi-national organizations. The evaluation of criteria is based on analytical hierarchy process.FindingsThe results show that impact on customer, financial impacts, and impact on operational goals are the most significant factors in selecting SS improvement project.Originality/valueThis study is a first attempt to determine the relative weight among SS project selection criteria, which help the practitioner to allocate their limited resources in implementing SS project.
An analysis of financial inclusion initiatives at Odisha Gramya Bank
Authors: Bapat Dhananjay , Sidharthan S. , Yogalakshmi C. 
Published: September 2016

Subject area
Financial Services Marketing, Financial Inclusion, Emerging Market Studies.

Study level/applicability
The case is suitable for graduate management students in courses such as general management and marketing courses. It is also suitable for a specialised rural marketing course and marketing of financial services. In business schools outside India, the case can be used in a course on marketing strategies for emerging economies. The case is suitable for executive development programmes for the areas pertaining to rural banking, marketing of banking services and financial inclusion programmes.

Case overview
The case analyses the financial inclusion initiative by Odisha Gramya Bank, a regional rural bank set up after amalgamation of three banks in the state of Orissa, India. The topic of financial inclusion has been the attraction from bankers, policymakers and academia in light of linkage between formal financial system and inclusive growth. To harness the fortunes at the bottom of pyramid, the case looks into the development of financial inclusion, business strategies and strategies for various customer segments.

Expected learning outcomes
To introduce students to analyse and compare various financial inclusion options. The case is useful to comprehend the various methods of financial inclusion. To analyse the evolution of regional rural banks and Odisha Gramya Bank after its amalgamation. To appreciate the issues faced by Odisha Gramya Bank. To understand various market segment and to evaluate its potential. To suggest appropriate strategies for each market segment. To appreciate how technology can be harnessed for business correspondents. To recommend the roadmap for financial inclusion to Mr Sidharthan, Chairman, Odisha Gramya Bank.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
Improving patient and staff outcomes using practice development
Authors: Hennessey Catherine Elizabeth , Fry Margaret 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a practice development program, “Essentials of Care” (EOC), on patient and staff outcomes, workplace culture and service delivery.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive study design was used to explore the impact of EOC in a district hospital rehabilitation ward. EOC focuses on embedding a person-centered culture within clinical areas and is structured from practice development methodologies. EOC was implemented in a metropolitan district hospital rehabilitation, older person 20-bed, ward.FindingsTwo projects were implemented during EOC. These projects led to nine significant patient and staff outcomes for medication and continence care practices. Outcomes included a reduction in older person complaints by 80 percent, pressure injuries by 62 percent, ward multi resistant staphylococcus aureus infection rates by 50 percent, clinical incidents by 22 percent, older person falls by 14 percent (per 1,000 bed days) and nursing sick leave by 10 percent. There was also a 13 percent improvement in the post nursing workplace satisfaction survey.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a single site study and findings may not be suitable for generalizing across ward settings and broader population groups.Originality/valueThe EOC program led to significant improvements for and in clinical practices, staff satisfaction and ward culture. Specifically, the EOC program also identified significant cost savings and brought together the healthcare team in a cohesive and integrated way not previously experienced by staff. Practice development strategies can champion service quality improvement, optimal patient outcomes and consistency within healthcare.
Health providers’ perception of quality of care for neonates in health facilities in a municipality in Southern Ghana
Authors: Elikplim Pomevor Kokui , Adomah-Afari Augustine 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess available human resources for neonatal care and their skills, in order to explore health providers’ perceptions of quality of neonatal care in health facilities in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered using qualitative interviews with health providers working in the maternity and paediatric wards and midwives; direct observation; and documentary review at a regional hospital, a municipal hospital and four health centres in a municipality in a region in Southern Ghana. Data were analysed using thematic framework through the process of coding in six phases to create and establish meaningful patterns.FindingsThe study revealed that health providers were concerned about the number of staff available, their competence and also equipment available for them to work more efficiently. Some essential equipment for neonatal care was either not available or was non-functional where it was available, while aseptic procedures were not adhered to. Moreover, personal protective equipment such as facemask, caps, aprons were not used except in the labour wards where staff had to change their footwear before entering.Research limitations/implicationsLimited number of health providers and facilities used, lack of exploration of parents of neonates’ perspective of quality of neonatal care in this study and other settings, including the teaching hospitals. The authors did not examine issues related to the ineffective use of IV cannulation for neonates by nurses as well as referral of neonates. Additionally, the authors did not explore the perspectives of management of the municipal and regional health directorates or policy makers of the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service regarding the shortage of staff, inadequate provision of medical equipment and infrastructure.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests the need for policy makers to redirect their attention to the issues that would improve the quality of neonatal health care in health facilities in Ghana and in countries with similar challenges.Social implicationsThe study found that the majority of nursing staff catering for sick newborns were not trained in neonatal nursing. Babies were found sleeping in separate cots but were mixed with older children. The study suggests that babies should be provided with a separate room and not mixed with older babies.Originality/valueThere seemed to be no defined policy framework for management of neonatal care in the country’s health care facilities. The study recommends the adoption of paediatric and neonatal care nursing as a specialty in the curricula of health training institutions. In-service trainings should encompass issues related to management of sick babies, care of preterm babies, neonatal resuscitation and intravenouscannulation, among others.
The impact of Lean bundles on hospital performance: does size matter?
Authors: Al-Hyari Khalil , Abu Hammour Sewar , Abu Zaid Mohammad Khair Saleem , Haffar Mohamed 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effect of the implementation of Lean bundles on hospital performance in private hospitals in Jordan and evaluate how much the size of organization can affect the relationship between Lean bundles implementation and hospital performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research is considered as quantitative method (descriptive and hypothesis testing). Three statistical techniques were adopted to analyse the data. Structural equation modeling techniques and multi-group analysis were used to examine the research’s hypothesis, and to perform the required statistical analysis of the data from the survey. Reliability analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the construct validity, reliability and measurement loadings that were performed.FindingsLean bundles have been identified as an effective approach that can dramatically improve the organizational performance of private hospitals in Jordan. Main Lean bundles – just in time, human resource management, and total quality management are applicable to large, small and medium hospitals without significant differences in advantages that depend on size.Originality/valueAccording to the researchers’ best knowledge, this is the first research that studies the impact of Lean bundles implementation in healthcare sector in Jordan. This research also makes a significant contribution for decision makers in healthcare to increase their awareness of Lean bundles.
Significant themes in developing the theory and practice of lesson study
Authors: Elliott John 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to pull together articles published in the journal over the last five years in terms of their relevance to the main themes and issues that have shaped its development.

Design/methodology/approach
The idea is that the paper enables teachers and researchers in schools and higher education institutions to access a substantial and unique collection of lesson and learning studies, and articles about the theoretical and methodological issues they raise, in the context of a rapidly globalising phenomenon.

Findings
The paper sets a framework for evaluating the growth and development of lesson studies as a form of practice-based teacher research.

Originality/value
This paper, authored by the founding chief editor of the IJLLS, establishes conceptual links between the theory and practice of lesson study and the wider field of practice-based pedagogical research.
The learning study approach to comparing two typologies of the cost concept for project management teaching
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe epistemology of project management has been considered imperfect because the gap between theory and practice has not become closer due to unsatisfactory project performance. Without effective learning, the transfer of learning to the workplace would be uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to use the learning study approach, exploring the value of Variation Theory in comparing two typologies of the cost concept for project management teaching.Design/methodology/approachTo illustrate the application of the theory of variation, a case of teaching the two major cost typologies was demonstrated. A pedagogical setting was designed from the theory for helping students discern the object of learning.FindingsStudents of the target cohort had much fewer errors than previous cohorts in transforming the costs of the first typology used in project management textbooks to those of the second typology used in Microsoft Project.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the first case study to appreciate the use of Variation Theory in project management teaching. Apparently, thinking of how to induce learning and facilitate the transfer of learning should be a productive way for creating excellence in practice.