bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
iBIRA – integrated bioinformatics information resource access
Authors: Ram Shri , Laxman Rao N. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeBioinformatics is an emerging discipline where the interdisciplinary research holds great promise for the advancement of research and development in many complex areas. The research output generates a huge amount of data and information. Because of the heterogeneous nature of bioinformatics resources, difficulty in accessing pertinent information is the biggest challenge for the bioinformatics community. The integration of bioinformatics resources in a comprehensive manner is advocated by the bioinformatics user community as well as by information scientists serving this community. There are have already been some efforts made for integration of bioinformatics resources by the discrete bioinformatics community, but these are based on the requirement of their own area and arena. This paper aims to discuss the design and development of a tool for the integration of various heterogeneous bioinformatics information resources available over the internet.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have developed a tool with the acronym “iBIRA” (Integrated Bioinformatics Information Resource Access) that associates the bioinformatics community with the bioinformatics “resourceome” (the term suggested for the “full set of bioinformatics resources” by Cannataet al.). Available over the internet.iBIRA (www.ibiranet.in) integrates bioinformatics resources in a way such that it is possible to locate, connect and communicate different categories of resources in a cohesive manner. A software engineering and database‐driven approach was used for the integration and organization of bioinformatics resources. Computational programming such as Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), a server‐side dynamic web programming language, and MySQL as a database management system have been used. Dublin Core Metadata Standards have been used for the design of metadata for bioinformatics resources..FindingsThe term “resource” in the area of bioinformatics covers various entities such as journals, molecular biology databases, online annotation tools, patents, published documents (articles, books, etc), protocols, software tools, and web servers. It has been found that bioinformatics resources are heterogeneous in nature and available over the internet in different forms and formats. The fact that bioinformatics resources are scattered over the internet makes resource discovery difficult for the bioinformatics community, and there is need for a system that reorganizes these resources. The integration of all the resources of bioinformatics at a single platform (called “iBIRA”) provides significant “value added” to the bioinformatics community, those serving this population.Originality/valueTheiBIRA tool is a meta‐server developed to provide information service about the availability of various bioinformatics resources to the bioinformatics community. This will provide a value‐added benefit to the population in helping them to locate relevant resources for their education, research and training.
The flexibility and benefits of operating a diverse fleet: an analysis using real options
Authors: Treanor Stephen D. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a simple model illustrating the benefits of operating a diverse fleet of aircraft.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is theoretical. It describes how real options are beneficial to the firm in both capital budgeting and risk management. It illustrates the use of real options in the airline industry, and how real options are used as a risk management tool. Then the model is developed which illustrates how a diverse fleet can provide an airline protection against fuel price risk.FindingsThe results of the model show that a diverse fleet is value enhancing to an airline during periods when fuel prices are high or uncertain. Furthermore, this paper shows that a diverse fleet provides an airline with an operational hedge to jet fuel prices. Though the paper focuses on the airline industry, the results are applicable to those industries vulnerable to volatile input costs, and prohibitive abandonment and re‐entry costs.Originality/valueThe paper uses real option analysis to show the benefits for an airline deriving from operating a diverse fleet of aircraft.
Strategic management: the case of NGOs in Palestine
Authors: Analoui Farhad , Samour Akram 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore whether non‐governmental organizations' (NGOs') managers think and use strategy in their daily operations, to assess the impact of its applications on the performance of NGOs and to test the validity of the “dynamic model of strategic management” originally used for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical study is concerned with NGOs' managers located in the Gaza Strip in Palestine. Survey questionnaire was the main data collection instrument. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, triangulation, is employed for data analysis.FindingsIt was discovered that most NGOs used strategic management systems and perceived strategic management as an important tool for increasing the quality of service delivery, achieving goals and increasing overall organizational performance. Moreover, the principles of the “dynamic model” developed for SMEs are applicable to the NGOs in Palestine.Research limitations/implicationsThis research focused on local NGOs in Gaza Strip, while the contribution and significance of local NGOs and the civil society sector as a third sector is recognized around the world, inclusion of a number of international NGOs in the study would have yielded more significant results and would have helped to identify best practices in the sector.Practical implicationsNGOs in Palestine and elsewhere must become more strategic in their planning and operations in order to increase their performance, productivity and efficiency in providing quality service.Originality/valueThis first‐time study contributes to the current stock of knowledge and our present understanding of strategic management, as perceived by NGO managers, by contextualising its use in Palestine.
Understanding managers of businesses in desert Australia
Authors: Vilkinas Tricia , Cartan Greg , Saebel Judith 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand what was important to managers of businesses in desert Australia, and in particular, what they needed for the businesses to be successful.Design/methodology/approachThere were two studies. In Study 1, 88 managers of business in remote desert Australia were interviewed. In Study 2, 112 managers who had business in regional desert Australia participated in an on‐line survey.FindingsIn both studies, the respondents claimed that their businesses were reasonably successful. In Study 1, the interviewees said that making a living and seeing the business grow were important indices of success. In Study 2, customer/client satisfaction was the strongest indicator of business success. Factors such as safe and all‐weather roads, internet/e‐mail access and reliable power supplies were important to this success. The importance to business success of a number of leadership behaviours was also identified.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research needs to encourage a larger number of managers to participate. In addition, suppliers and customers of the businesses need to be included.Originality/valueThis is the first study in which managers were included, because normally, only owner‐managers are involved. It is also the first study of its kind to be undertaken in desert Australia.
Patronage factors of Malaysian local customers toward Islamic credit cards
Authors: Amin Hanudin 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the probability of Islamic credit card usage intention among Islamic banks' customers. Financial cost, knowledge of Islamic credit card, attitude, financial recommendation and demographic items were examined in order to determine whether these factors are influencing the Islamic credit card usage intention or not.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon the theory of reasoned action (TRA), this study proposes a conceptual model to examine the factors determining the Islamic credit card usage intention. The research model is evaluated using survey data from 354 respondents with the help of a questionnaire.FindingsThe results reveal that “financial recommendation”, “knowledge on Islamic credit card”, “age (young)”, “marital status”, “religion” and “education level” are significantly affecting the Islamic credit card usage intention. The research also concludes that “attitude on Islamic credit card” appears to have no effect on the Islamic credit card usage intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has two limitations. The limitations however provide support for future researches in the area of Islamic credit card. Despite the limitations, the study contributes to the body of academic knowledge by shedding more light onto the factors affecting Islamic credit card usage intention.Practical implicationsInsights reported from this study are of particular importance to bank managers, providing them with an improved understanding pertaining to the Malaysian bank customers' usage intentions for Islamic credit cards. The research helps them to better plan for Islamic credit card facilities, in order to cater for the financial needs of Malaysia bank customers.Originality/valueThe contribution of the research lies in achieving a more profound understanding of Malaysia bank customers' usage intentions for Islamic credit cards. The research manages to discover the factors which particularly determine the use of Islamic credit cards. It also expands the literature on Islamic credit cards.
Designing for commitment in regional strategic networks
Authors: Andrésen Edith , Lundberg Helene , Roxenhall Tommy 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the impact of structural factors and activities on commitment in a regional strategic network (RSN) context.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal case study examines two regional strategic networks acting in different business areas in mid Sweden.FindingsCompetition‐neutral, social, and personal goals were found to be powerful drivers promoting shared values and commitment among competitors, whereas business‐related goals worked well for complementary firms, providing a more stable basis for network commitment. In the RSN with a large number of members, sensitivity to absence was low, but it took longer for members to get to know one another, slowing commitment development. The RSN including members with complementary resources proved a more favorable setting than did the RSN including competitors, and frequent activities that favored social relationship development increased commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study identifies important factors influencing the development of commitment in network contexts, but is limited to two cases. The topic merits further research: other factors need consideration, and the factors discussed here should be evaluated in other contexts.Practical implicationsThe impact on network commitment of the factors discussed here needs to be considered by RSN initiators and hubs.Originality/valueFew studies treat commitment in RSN contexts. This paper addresses this deficit by identifying structural factors and activities that influence commitment development.
Buyer‐supplier relationships in a servitized environment
Authors: Bastl Marko , Johnson Mark , Lightfoot Howard , Evans Steve 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine a buyer's adoption of servitization and the associated implications for the relationships with its suppliers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the case study approach to examine the tripartite relationship between a manufacturing company and two of its two suppliers. The paper explores the perspectives of employees on multiple organisational levels, and collects evidence on both sides of a relationship. The authors use template analysis utilising Cannon and Perreault's relationship connectors framework to analyse the data.FindingsThere are overarching implications of servitization adoption for buyer‐supplier relationships. The implications are notable in all five relationship connectors. Parties expected more open exchange of information, operational linkages were strengthened and changes in the structural arrangements of relationships were witnessed. Legal contracts are complemented by relational norms. The authors also observed a departure away from a win‐lose mentality and increased levels of supplier adaptation to support the buyer's provision of integrated solutions.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are confined to this tripartite relationship and to an extent are context specific.Practical implicationsThe study unveils buyer‐supplier relationships in a servitized context and provides managers with a better understanding of some of the potential implications that the adoption of a servitization strategy may have for managing buyer‐supplier relationships.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study that explores the implications of servitization on buyer‐supplier relationships. It advances the understanding of the implications that the adoption of servitization has on the manner in which two parties interrelate and conduct commercial exchange.
Supply chain collaboration for improved forecast accuracy of promotional sales
Authors: Ramanathan Usha 
Published: May 2012

PurposeIn general, demand for functional products is dependent on a range of promotions offered in various retail outlets. To improve promotional sales many retailers collaborate with manufacturers for planning, forecasting and replenishment. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesize that collaborative forecasting will improve the forecast accuracy if all the partners can relate their demand forecast with underlying demand factors.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the author uses a case study approach to study various demand factors of soft drink products of the UK based company which offers frequent promotions in retail outlets. The paper represents the case study findings in a conceptual framework called Reference Demand Model (RDM). Further, the case study findings are validated empirically by means of multiple linear regression analysis using actual sales data of the case company.FindingsSurprisingly, some of the demand factors specified as very important by the case company are not found to be highly significant for actual sales. The paper uses the identified demand factors to suggest levels of collaboration.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the importance of product specific demand factors through regression models and incorporating the same in managerial decision making will aid managers to identify the necessary information to make accurate demand forecasts.Originality/valueThis approach unveils the presence of three levels of collaboration namely preparatory, progressive and futuristic levels among supply chain partners based on the information exchange. The proposed method will aid decision making on information sharing and collaborative planning among manufacturer and retailers for future promotional sales.
Trends in production relocation and backshoring activities
Authors: Kinkel Steffen 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an empirical investigation of recent trends and changes in companies' production relocation and backshoring behaviour against the background of the global economic crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical research is based on a large data set of 1,484 German manufacturing companies as part of the European Manufacturing Survey (EMS). The paper employs a structured set of probit analyses to identify the differences of production relocation and backshoring determinants before and within the crisis.FindingsAgainst common belief the paper finds that not only the relocation of production to emerging countries, but also thebackshoringof once offshored manufacturing capacities to the home base is a relevant phenomenon. Since the emergence of the global economic crisis, relocation activities declined significantly, whereas the level of backshoring activities has remained stable. Far‐shore destinations in Asia gain in attractiveness over near‐shore locations in Eastern Europe. Particularly export‐intensive companies tended recently towards (re‐)concentrating of their production capacities, trying to exploit the benefits of higher capacity utilisation and a superior relation of variable costs to fix costs at their existing locations.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough covering a significant range of industrial sectors in Germany, more empirical evidence is needed from other branches and countries. Looking forward it is proposed to systemically integrate scenarios on the future development of the most influential environmental factors in future research frameworks for global production decisions and value chains.Practical implicationsThe findings strongly recommend a revision of established decision‐making schemes for production relocations based on pure cost efficiency considerations. Decision‐making should integrate qualitative environmental factors and dynamic considerations using scenario‐based tools. Companies need to understand and prepare for dynamic developments at different locations which can strategically necessitate backshoring after a certain time.Originality/valueThe research considerably widens the empirical knowledge on recent trends in relocation activities and their inherent risks, which in a dynamic perspective are sometimes forcing backshoring activities.
Product platform replacements: challenges to managers
Authors: Sköld Martin , Karlsson Christer 
Published: May 2012

PurposeIt is argued in this article that too little is known about product platforms and how to deal with them from a manager's point of view. Specifically, little information exists regarding when old established platforms are replaced by new generations in R&D and production environments. To shed light on this unexplored and growing managerial concern, the purpose of this explorative study is to identify operational challenges to management when product platforms are replaced.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a longitudinal field‐study approach. Two companies, Gamma and Omega, fulfilled important sampling criteria and were selected as strategic samples for the study. The two companies were studied for 42 and eight months, respectively, and were chosen for their long and rigorous experiences of platform development. Together with managers from Gamma and Omega, one major platform replacement was chosen in each company.FindingsThe study shows that platform replacements primarily challenge managers' existing knowledge about platform architectures. A distinction can be made between “width” and “height” in platform replacements, and it is crucial that managers observe this in order to challenge their existing knowledge about platform architectures. Issues on technologies, architectures, components and processes as well as on segments, applications and functions are identified.Practical implicationsPractical implications are summarized and discussed in relation to a framework distinguishing between platform replacement “height” and “width”. Seven groups of managerial measures for dealing with the issues are recommended.Originality/valueThe study aims to contribute to the existing literature by taking a managers' perspective of product platform development. Its specific originality and value is achieved by focusing on product platform replacements believed to represent a growing management challenge.
Impure public technologies and environmental policy
Authors: Markandya Anil , Rübbelke Dirk T.G. 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the role of transfers as a means to overcome inefficiencies in the provision of impure public goods. The paper employs the example of international conditional transfers targeted to overcome suboptimal low climate protection efforts by influencing the abatement technology choice of countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies the Lancastrian characteristics approach and conduct numerical simulations for divergent degrees of substitutability between different characteristics. The paper takes into account climate‐protection benefits (global pollution reduction) as well as co‐benefits (local pollution reduction) of climate protection activities.FindingsThe analysis shows that individual country solution can be improved upon by making transfers from the richer countries to the poorer ones, if the latter have a lower relative preference for the global public goods (global pollution reduction) than the former. The magnitudes of such transfers will depend on the relative benefits of the global and local pollutants in the two countries. The authors also investigated the dependency of the potential for transfers on the degree of complementarity between global and local pollution characteristics. With a “Cobb Douglas” type of function used here the elasticity of substitution between the two is of course one. With a zero degree of substitutability the adjustment to a lower level of the global public good in fact starts to happen at a lower per capita income level. The scope for conditional transfers is still there, although the gains can be slightly smaller than when adjustment on the “global pollution characteristic – local pollution characteristic” margin is possible.Originality/valueThis paper is a contribution to the literature on impure public goods. In particular, the authors examine the role of international transfers in obtaining an efficient global allocation of resources in the presence of such public goods. To date the analysis of impure public goods has not examined the case of a continuum of technologies where an efficient solution requires conditional transfers, i.e. payments from one country to another to undertake a different supply of global and local public goods than the second country would wish to undertake.
Financial assets, linear and nonlinear policy rules
Authors: Kasaï Ndahiriwe , Naraidoo Ruthira 
Published: May 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) sets monetary policy rate.Design/methodology/approachGiven the controversial debate on whether central banks should target asset prices for economic stability, the authors analyse whether the SARB policy‐makers pay close attention to asset and financial markets in its policy decisions in the context of both linear and nonlinear Taylor type rule models of monetary policy.FindingsThe main findings are that the nonlinear Taylor rule provides the best description of in‐sample SARB interest rate setting behaviour as the financial crisis unfolds. The SARB policy‐makers pay close attention to the financial conditions index when setting interest rates. The SARB's response of monetary policy to inflation is greater during business cycle recessions with not much weight on output and seems to place high importance on inflationary pressures of output during boom periods. The 2007‐2009 financial crisis witnesses an overall decreased reaction to inflation, output and financial conditions amidst increased economic uncertainty.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a financial condition index into a Taylor monetary policy rule and examines whether nonlinear models can provide additional information over a linear model.