bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumer preferences of wine in Italy applying best‐worst scaling
Authors: Casini Leonardo , Corsi Armando Maria , Goodman Steve 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on measuring the importance of the attributes, which influence the wine choice of Italian consumers when they buy wine either in a retail or an on‐premise setting, identifying significant behavioural differences across geo‐demographic subgroups of the sample.Design/methodology/approachThe best‐worst (BW) method was applied together with simple statistical methods to measure the degree of importance given by respondents to attributes, avoid rating bias problems, and compare potential market segments.FindingsA general analysis of BW scores showed that direct, personal and sensorial experiences are the most important attributes when choosing wine. The statistical analysis evidenced that, while choosing wine in retail stores, the level of involvement respondents have toward wine, the age of the interviewees and the geographical provenance of the respondents showed the greatest differences in attribute importance. Respondents in the on‐premise sector were more similar across the socio‐demographic groups compared to the retail respondents, with differences in the age and involvement having the greatest effect compared to other variables.Originality/valueThe BW method has never been applied in Italy so far. Moreover, it has never been used to measure preferences of Italian consumers for wine, either in the retail or in the on‐premise setting. The BW method allowed researchers to identify the attributes able to influence consumers choices for wine at most (and at least). Compared to other methodologies, this has been done avoiding problems of rating bias, favouring a cross regional comparison of the way diverse populations judge similar attributes.
The Gilbreths' quality system stands the test of time
Authors: Mousa Fariss‐Terry , Lemak David J. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the work of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and how it is still a fundamental part of business in the twenty‐first century. It is also proposed that the system developed by the Gilbreths could be added as a supplement, or even considered as a replacement to certain modern process management systems.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology is used and the Gilbreths' system as described in their original works are compared and contrasted with modern process management systems appearing in contemporary literature.FindingsIt is found that most modern process management systems are based on the work of the Gilbreths and other seminal thinkers. However, it is suggested that by paying more attention to the human element, the Gilbreths might have developed a more comprehensive system in comparison with current ones.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to reemphasize the role and importance of Frank and Lillian's work as foundational to modern process management systems and to suggest that more attention needs to be given to the human interface in such systems.
The Übermensch meets the “One Best Way”
Authors: Bedeian Arthur G. , Taylor Shannon G. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on the eugenic beliefs of behavioral geneticist Barbara S. Burks and scientific‐management pioneers B. Frank and Lillian M. Moeller Gilbreth.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on personal communications with the Gilbreths' daughter, Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, and archival records, this paper clarifies the relationship between Barbara S. Burks and the Gilbreth family.FindingsThis research establishes that the unnamed psychologist described in an unflattering manner in the best‐selling book on the Gilbreth family, Cheaper by the Dozen, was not Barbara S. Burks.Originality/valueBased on information that only Ernestine Gilbreth Carey could have provided, this paper sets the record straight regarding the Gilbreths' involvement with eugenicist Barbara S. Burks.
Management policies of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies: critical factors in international competition (Part 1)
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Fischer Thomas , Fleisch Elgar 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to illustrate the management policies behind the success of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies in international competition.Design/methodology/approachThe study included a few multinational corporations as well as a large number of “hidden champions”.FindingsThe study has led to three management policies that are currently driven by their top management. The three management policies were: extension of the service business; entering the medium market; and optimising the global footprint.Practical implicationsThe paper provides effective guidance for managers seeking to extend the service business and to enter the medium market segment. The management policies are complementary perspectives to many existing ideas advocated by practitioners.Originality/valueShifting management attention towards the service business and the medium market segment is not easy. There are several barriers limiting management attention.
Management policies of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies: critical factors in international competition (Part 2)
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Fischer Thomas , Fleisch Elgar 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to illustrate the management policies behind the success of Swiss product‐manufacturing companies in international competition.Design/methodology/approachThe study included a few multinational corporations as well as a large number of “hidden champions”.FindingsThis part of the study focuses on one management policy that is currently driven by the top management. The management policies capture the optimisation of the global footprint.Practical implicationsThe paper provides effective guidance for managers seeking to optimise the global value chain activities. The management policies are complementary perspectives to many existing ideas advocated by practitioners.Originality/valueShifting management attention towards the service business and the medium market segment is not easy. There are several barriers limiting management attention.
Comparing the leadership styles of functional and project managers
Authors: Rodney Turner J. , Müller Ralf , Dulewicz Vic 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the differences between leadership competences of project managers and those of functional managers.Design/methodology/approachLeadership styles of 414 project managers were assessed using a validated research instrument, the leadership development questionnaire. The results were compared with the leadership profiles of over 1,000 functional managers, assessed with the same instrument. Quantitative analysis techniques were used to identify significant differences in the leadership styles of project managers when compared to functional managers. Correlations between leadership competences and leadership performance and follower commitment of project managers were compared with those of functional managers.FindingsThe paper finds that project managers score higher than functional managers on conscientiousness, sensitivity, and critical analysis, but they score lower on communication and development competencies. The correlation between the fit of project managers to their organizational context and their leadership performance and follower commitment was calculated.Research limitations/implicationsComparisons show differences in leadership competences for functional and project managers. Managers in general management roles should be trained to a lesser extent in managerial and intellectual competences than those in project management roles. However, solid training in emotional competences is needed for success in both managerial roles.Originality/valueThe differences in leadership competences of project managers and line managers from industry and government are identified.
Formulation of robust strategies for project manufacturing business
Authors: Fox Stephen , Jokinen Tero , Lindfors Niklas , Ylén Jean‐Peter 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to inform of the development and use of comprehensive system dynamics model for the formulation of robust strategies in project manufacturing business.Design/methodology/approachExperiences from action research involving field study with project manufacturing businesses are reported.FindingsIt is possible, using readily available resources, to develop comprehensive system dynamics model for project manufacturing business which can be used to facilitate the formulation of robust strategies.Research limitations/implicationsField study involved only five businesses serving three project manufacturing sectors.Practical implicationsThe need for better approaches for dealing with dynamic complexity in project business is recognized in the literature. However, extant models deal with single projects or a few aspects of multiple projects. The research suggests that companies can develop system dynamics models that go beyond multiple projects to encompass broader business issues which cause effects within their projects. Further, such comprehensive models can be used to formulate robust strategies.Originality/valueThe originality of the research reported in this paper is that both immediate sources, and ultimate sources, of dynamic complexity are described. Extant system dynamics models are concerned with either, but not both. Hence, extant models are not comprehensive. That is, they do not encompass the full extent of sources of dynamic complexity in project business. The value of this paper is that it offers practical examples to inform the development of comprehensive system dynamics model for project manufacturing business. Moreover, the use of comprehensive model to facilitate the formulation of robust strategies is explained.
Project autonomy in complex service development networks
Authors: Martinsuo Miia , Lehtonen Päivi 
Published: April 2009

PurposeEarlier research has investigated project autonomy only in the context of one parent organization, and not sufficiently in complex stakeholder environments. This paper aims to examine project autonomy and its formation in a complex stakeholder environment. The purpose is to increase understanding on project autonomy, its formation, enablers, and barriers in a complex stakeholder environment, particularly in service development networks.Design/methodology/approachAn embedded case study strategy of 11 service development projects are employed within the same non‐profit parent organization, each with their unique, complex stakeholder networks. Data were collected through interviews with key informants both in the projects and their parent organization and content analyzed.FindingsThe results reveal that project autonomy appears in constant interplay with the surrounding stakeholder environment. Four types of context‐dependent autonomy are characterized in the projects: isolated, privileged, networked, and embedded. How the parent organization enables and constrains autonomy is also reported by moderating the level of attention given to projects more or less deliberately.Research limitations/implicationsThe alleged connection between project autonomy and success needs to be questioned in complex stakeholder environments. Further research is suggested on the dynamics of project autonomy throughout the project lifecycle, and the effects of contingency factors such as project type. As the embedded single‐case strategy has its limitations for generalizability, further research should test and verify the findings in other contexts.Practical implicationsProject manager and owner capabilities should be aligned with the type and degree of project autonomy.Originality/valueThe results contribute to the literature on project autonomy by drawing attention to the complexity of a project's stakeholder environment and by lending empirical support to recent conceptual research on context‐bound project strategies.
Efficiency of conventional versus Islamic banks: evidence from the Middle East
Authors: Hassan Taufiq , Mohamad Shamsher , Khaled I. Bader Mohammed 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the differences in mean cost, revenue and profit efficiency scores of conventional versus Islamic banks. It also aims to examine the effect of size and age on cost, revenue and profit efficiency of the sampled banks.Design/methodology/approachThis study evaluates a cross‐country level data compiled from the financial statements of 40 banks in 11 Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) countries over the period 1990‐2005. The data were collected for each year available from the BankScope database. The DEA nonparametric efficiency approach originally developed by Farrell was applied to analyse the data.FindingsThe findings suggest no significant differences between the overall efficiency of conventional and Islamic banks. However, it was noted that, on average, banks are more efficient in using their resources compared to their ability to generate revenues and profits. The average bank lost an opportunity to receive 27.9 percent more revenue, given the same amount of resources. Similarly, the average bank lost the opportunity to make 20.9 percent more profits utilising the same level of inputs. Clearly there is substantial room for improvement in cost minimisation and revenue and profit maximisation in both banking systems. The size and age factor did not significantly influence the efficiency scores in both banking streams.Originality/valueThis research is substantially different from the prior work in this area in three main ways. First, it investigates cost, revenue, and profit efficiency, whereas previous studies focus on cost, profit, or cost and profit efficiency. Also, no previous studies have compared conventional and Islamic banks. Second, this study distinguishes differences among big versus small, and old versus new banks, which allows more detailed insights on the efficiency issue. Third, the age issue in Islamic banks has been addressed, so far undocumented.
Criteria for the appropriate use of mediation in construction disputes
Authors: Brooker Penny 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the circumstances in which a refusal to refer a construction dispute to mediation may be judged acceptable in the English Technology and Construction Court (TCC), thus avoiding the imposition of a costs penalty.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses traditional doctrinal legal methodology in the evaluation of judicial statements in the TCC on the criteria for determining the appropriate use of mediation and combines this with a socio‐legal approach which examines empirical findings on settlement outcome.FindingsAn analysis of TCC cases indicates a significant steer from the judiciary on when construction cases are deemed appropriate for the process of mediation. Most cases are identified as suitable, particularly if they involve small sums compared to litigation and where there is uncertainty about factual and legal issues. Judges continue to emphasise the ability of skilled mediators to deal with intractable parties and the importance of continuing commercial relationships despite empirical evidence to the contrary. The personal experiences and perceptions of TCC judges continue to drive mediation “appropriateness criteria”. This could work negatively against its true potential if construction parties' actual experience of the mediation process involves less‐experienced mediators or a failure to achieve settlement.Originality/valueThe paper provides a detailed and scholarly analysis of the application of Court of Appeal's decision in Halsey in the TCC with specific reference to built environment cases. It evaluates empirical findings on the effectiveness of construction mediation on settlement outcome with the judicial steer on “appropriateness criteria”. It is of value to legal scholars, legal practitioners and researchers in the built environment.
Gender and the SME “finance gap”
Authors: Watson John , Newby Rick , Mahuka Annie 
Published: April 2009

PurposeWhile some previous research supports the existence of a finance gap within the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, particularly for female owned SMEs, the evidence is hardly unequivocal. Further, much of the prior research has focused on supply‐ rather than demand‐side issues. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate both supply‐ and demand‐side issues for female and male SME owners.Design/methodology/approachFrom the results of three focus groups and a review of the literature eight hypotheses were formulated for testing with a mail survey sent to 534 SME owners.FindingsBased on 123 responses, the findings provide no evidence to suggest that a supply‐side finance gap exists within the Australian SME sector. There is also no evidence that Australian SME owners (particularly female owners) are being discouraged from applying for loans from a financial institution because they believe their application will be rejected. The results suggest that other demand‐side issues (particularly risk‐taking propensity and desire to maintain control) play a more important role in the capital structure decision making of SME owners.Research limitations/implicationsThis study's major limitations are its reliance on a sample of solely Western Australian businesses that were not representative of the population of Western Australian SMEs and its relatively small sample size.Practical implicationsFinancial advisers need to be sensitive to various demand‐side issues when advising SME owners about the merits of applying for external funding.Originality/valueThis study adds to the limited available evidence concerning the importance of various demand‐side issues to SME owners considering accessing external funding.
Phylogenetics of scutigeromorph centipedes (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) with implications for species delimitation and historical biogeography of the Australian and New Caledonian faunas
Authors: Edgecombe Gregory D. , Giribet Gonzalo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPhylogeny of the centipede order Scutigeromorpha has received recent attention from combined analyses of molecular and morphological data. Denser generic sampling, an additional marker (12S rRNA), and multiple specimens for selected species are used to explore phylogeny, biogeography and taxonomy of this charismatic group of centipedes. Among 55 specimens/27 species analysed for six genes are the first molecular data for the genera Dendrothereua, Pilbarascutigera, and Tachythereua, and previously unsampled species of Scutigerinae from Madagascar. Sampling density is especially increased for Thereuoneminae from Australia and New Caledonia. At the base of Scutigeromorpha, the split of Pselliodidae from Scutigerinidae + Scutigeridae is favoured by the optimal parameter set in combined analyses, but most suboptimal parameter sets instead unite pselliodids and scutigerinids. Dendrothereua is re‐established for a Neotropical clade that variably resolves as sister to Tachythereua or separate from Scutigerinae, grouped with Pselliodidae and Scutigerinidae. As traditionally diagnosed, the genera that comprise most of Australian and New Caledonian diversity, Allothereua and Parascutigera, are mutually polyphyletic, though they unite as a well supported clade, sister to or including the Western Australian Pilbarascutigera. The main biogeographical signal within the Allothereua/Parascutigera clade is Western Australia as sister area to eastern Australia/New Caledonia, within which New Caledonian “Parascutigera” has a single origin under optimal parameter sets. Genetic variation within scutigeromorph species is appraised using samples of Scutigera coleoptrata throughout its native distribution plus presumed synanthropic records, and from the Allothereua/Parascutigera clade. Variation between six alleged narrow‐range endemic species of Parascutigera in north Queensland is consistent with a single species.
Dynamics of fecal microbiota in hospitalized elderly fed probiotic LKM512 yogurt
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuharu , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Benno Yoshimi 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe comprehensive dynamics of intestinal microbiota including uncultured bacteria in response to probiotic consumption have not been well studied. The aims of this study were twofold: firstly to analyze the impact on intestinal microbiota of yogurt fermented by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LKM512, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LKM1759, and Streptococcus thermophilus LKM1742 (LKM512 yogurt) and placebo fermented by these lactic acid bacterial strains without LKM512; and secondly to investigate the changes in intestinal microbiota that influence the concentration of PA, one of the beneficial metabolites produced by bacteria in the intestine. The LKM512 yogurt/placebo trial was performed in six hospitalized elderly patients (three men and three women with an average age of 80.3 years) and lasted seven weeks with the following schedule: pre‐consumption for one week, LKM512 yogurt consumption for two weeks, washout period for two weeks, and placebo consumption for two weeks. The amount of ingested LKM512 yogurt or placebo was 100 g/day/individual. Fecal samples were analyzed using T‐RFLP and real‐time PCR. The T‐RFLP patterns in five of the six volunteers were changed in a similar fashion by LKM512 yogurt consumption, although these patterns were individually changed following consumption of placebo. It was confirmed that B. animalis subsp. lactis was increased dramatically and Lactobacillus spp. tended to be decreased by LKM512 yogurt consumption. Some indigenous uncultured bacteria were increased and some decreased by LKM512 yogurt/placebo consumption. The similar changes in the intestinal microbiota of the elderly caused by consumption of the LKM512 yogurt were found to be influenced by the LKM512 strain itself, and not by the lactic acid bacteria in the yogurt. Moreover, this study suggests that the increase in intestinal PA concentrations caused by LKM512 yogurt consumption is probably dependent on the LKM512 strain colonizing the intestine.
Development of recombinant OmpA and OmpB proteins as diagnostic antigens for rickettsial disease
Authors: Do Eun‐Ju , Kim Jung‐Eun , Park Jin‐Mi , Lee Kyung‐Min , Jung Mi‐Yun , Lee Haeng‐Jung , Cho Hyun‐Woo , Choi Yeon‐Joo , Lee Seung‐Hyun , Park Kyung‐Hee , Jang Won‐Jong 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTIn this study the diagnostic potential of Rickettsia conorii recombinant antigens was analyzed. For this, site‐specific PCR primers were used to clone the OmpA and OmpB genes of R. conorii into pMAL‐c2X plasmids. Six fragments of OmpA and four of OmpB were expressed as fusion proteins with maltose‐binding protein in Escherichia coli. OmpA1350‐1784, OmpB801‐1269, and OmpB1227‐1634 regions from truncated proteins were selected as diagnostic candidate antigens by ELISA using control sera. ELISA results of three antigens were compared to the results obtained by using a commercial ELISA kit which contained whole OmpA and OmpB antigens from R. conorii. For this analysis, 40 serum samples taken from febrile patients and uninfected controls were tested. Of the 20 R. conorii test results which were positive with the commercial kit, 18 were shown to be positive by ELISA using OmpA1350‐1784 (a sensitivity of 90%). The specificity of the ELISA was 100%; all of the 20 samples shown to be negative using the commercial kit were also negative in our assay. The sensitivities of the ELISA using the OmpB801‐1269 and OmpB1227‐1634 were 90% and 95%, respectively. The specificities of the OmpB801‐1269 and the OmpB1227‐1634 were 100% and 95%, respectively. These results suggest that specific regions of OmpA and OmpB effectively detect antibodies against R. conorii, and the truncated recombinant antigens could be used for development of diagnostic tools for rickettsial disease.