bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An empirical examination of the contribution of capabilities to the competitiveness of logistics service providers
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Grant David B. , McKinnon Alan C. , Feng Yuanhua 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to report on an investigation of logistics service provider (LSP) capabilities and how these capabilities contribute to LSP competitiveness in the context of China.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on work from economics and strategy on firm‐level competitiveness, particularly the resource‐based view, to develop and empirically examined 13 firm‐specific capability constructs based on a survey of Chinese LSPs.FindingsExploratory factor analysis and factor analysis regression indicated all 13 constructs are critical to a Chinese LSP's competitiveness and are interlinked in contributing to it. The findings also revealed the most critical capability is service quality; this capability was further assessed and two sub‐constructs of operations and relationship management emerged.Practical implicationsThe results of the empirical study provide a useful way for LSP managers to identify and appraise their firm's capabilities and competitiveness.Originality/valueThis study contributes by addressing a gap of empirical research concerning LSP competitiveness and capabilities.
Improving export performance of contractors from China
Authors: Ling Florence , Huay Lim Siew 
Published: November 2010

PurposeConstruction firms in the People's Republic of China (PRC) have been exporting their services to foreign countries. The aim of this research is to study how PRC contractors can improve their export performance. The specific objectives are to: ascertain the performance outcomes of projects undertaken by PRC contractors; identify strategies that PRC firms adopt to enable them to export effectively; and recommend areas in which PRC firms can improve their export performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is a multi‐pronged approach, comprising industry‐wide postal/e‐mail survey using a structured questionnaire, in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with PRC firms operating in Singapore and Singaporean firms that had worked with PRC firms in Singapore. Open‐ended questions were administered for the interviews.FindingsThe results show that PRC firms adopt cost leadership, diversification and networking strategies effectively. They generally have strong financial capacity and receive strong government support in their export activity. They offer low bids through low profit margins, low labour cost and satisfactory quality. They are not operating at the optimum level and there is room for improvement, if they wish to improve their export performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the present findings is that PRC firms' export activities are investigated from the Singapore context, which may not be generalizable. Only nine PRC firms were interviewed, but this nevertheless represents 69 per cent of registered PRC contractors in Singapore. The qualitative data from the interviews precluded statistical analysis, but provided rich and comparable insights.Practical implicationsThe study presents recommendations on how PRC firms may improve their export performance. Non‐PRC firms would be informed of the strategies and actions that PRC firms take or will take, and will be better prepared to compete with them internationally.Originality/valueThe study is of value because it identifies the strengths of PRC firms as exporters of construction services. Recommendations on how PRC firms can improve their export performance are also offered. PRC firms may leverage on their strengths, and take in some of the recommendations, so that they can further improve their export performance.
A dynamic model of the systemic causes for patient treatment delays in emergency departments
Authors: Cooke David , Rohleder Thomas , Rogers Paul 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a qualitative systems model developed to understand why average emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) was rapidly increasing while the number of ED visits was relatively constant. The paper's focus was to identify systemic causes for poor patient flow so that the model could then be used to evaluate improvement options using a more complete view of the causal structure for the ED delays.Design/methodology/approachIn this case study, a disciplined system dynamics approach was used that included development of a dynamic hypothesis, causal loop and stock and flow diagramming, interviews with system experts, and data collection and analysis.FindingsResults support the dynamic hypothesis that an aging population and shortages of resources to treat chronically ill patients (among other dynamics) were causing longer average LOS. Older and sicker patients were consuming more ED resources and causing less acute patients to leave without being seen or to avoid visiting the ED in the first place. In essence, the ED was acting as a safety valve for the wider health care system as many parts of this wider system became overloaded.Practical implicationsOwing to the systemic causes for the patient treatment delay problem in the ED, simple local solutions are unlikely to be effective. The system model can be used as a basis to understand the underlying dynamics of the systemic causes for poor patient flow and identify robust and long‐term solutions.Originality/valueThe paper presents a process for developing a dynamic model to engage the various participants in a health care system in understanding the causes for delays and poor patient flow. The modeling approach can be used as a means for health care managers/administrators to identify improvement options that address the systemic problems.
Megamarketing an event using integrated marketing communications: the success story of TMH
Authors: Vel K. Prakash , Sharma Ricky 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe choice of a well‐planned integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategy is crucial for the successful launch of an event. This paper is a case‐study based description of how a brand management consultancy house, TMC, used IMC to launch a world music festival event in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2009, registering a visitorship of five‐times their target, 89 per cent satisfaction and a staggering 99 per cent of the visitors planning to visit the festival again in 2010.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on event marketing, megamarketing and integrated marketing communications is conducted to illustrate the challenges involved in launching communication campaigns in the marketing of events. Primary research was conducted by way of in‐depth interviews with TMH and the case study is developed based on the information furnished.FindingsEvent marketing requires the support of a well‐crafted IMC plan to realise the objectives set for the event. This paper brings out the role of public relations, direct marketing, social media networking, advertising and media planning in the IMC campaign launched by a brand management consultancy house and how it successfully achieved the objectives for the event.Practical implicationsTraditional communication media may not be sufficient to succeed in the current media clutter and over‐communicated market place. In this context, social networking media are emerging as a new media type and are an important addition to the current media. Understanding the target audience and preparing a customised media mix involving traditional and modern media may have a synergistic effect on end results.Originality/valueThe paper provides the marketers with an IMC perspective to analyse traditional and emerging media types and integrate them with a communications plan to optimise end results. In particular, the paper brings out the need for total customisation of media mix for different market conditions.
Does your pricing hide your company's true value to customers?
Authors: Myrna John 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis article illustrates how companies can render themselves vulnerable to inappropriate price comparisons if their pricing structure hides the true value of their services from customers, and offers strategies for overcoming pricing problems.Design/methodology/approachThe examples cited all stem from the author's extensive experience helping companies become more effective at strategic planning and implementation in many areas, including pricing.FindingsCompanies can avoid getting “McKinseyed” by unbundling their services and making a strategic decision to charge for everything.Practical implicationsCompanies must make sure their value proposition correlates with their customers' reality, and make that value clear to customers by refusing to allow it to be obscured by the mechanics of billing. The executive team must also understand the company's customers and what elements of the service they value.Originality/valueThe value of this article to corporate executives lies in its reality‐based perspective on the pitfalls associated with pricing services and its practical recommendations for avoiding or overcoming pricing problems.
Organizational and accounting change within the context of the environmental agenda
Authors: da Silva Monteiro Sónia Maria , Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the process of organizational change undergone by a large Portuguese business group within the context of the environmental agenda and the role of accounting as a mechanism for change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports the results of a case study conducted between 2006 and 2009. Information was obtained from semi‐structured interviews and secondary sources. Organizational changes were analyzed using Laughlin's model in order to identify which category reflected most of the changes introduced to address environmental matters.FindingsThis paper offers evidence that change is not a homogeneous phenomenon. Additionally, it confirms previous studies' findings which found that accounting did not play a significant role in the process of organizational change within the context of the environmental agenda.Originality/valueThis paper seeks to complement the research in this area by integrating observations from a case study into an existing model of levels of organizational change according to how a Portuguese business group incorporated environmental issues into its processes, policies and corporate culture.
Towards a better understanding of capital investment decisions
Authors: Emmanuel Clive , Harris Elaine , Komakech Samuel 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the capital investment process, guided by concepts from cognitive and social psychology. The intention is to gauge the extent to which managerial judgement can be detected by applying a psychological lens to the process. Initial fieldwork is subsequently reported on the extent to which managerial judgement is managed. Discovery of variations suggest an alternative perspective on understanding capital investment decisions (CIDs) that may be potentially worthwhile in understanding the long‐term success and survival of modern commercial enterprises.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a systematic review, employing the psychological concepts of heuristics, framing and concensus to prior case and fieldwork studies, the CID process in three companies engaged in new market/site development projects is reported. The participants initially responded to a survey and subsequently agreed to be interviewed about their processes and involvement.FindingsThe psychological concepts provided a satisfactory gauge of managerial judgement. The fieldwork revealed variety in the management of the CID process and the influence of managerial judgement.Research limitations/implicationsThere is an increasing call to examine the CID by case or fieldwork but, to date, the role managerial judgement plays has not been directly addressed. Applying psychological concepts to the CID process offers an opportunity to focus enquiries and improve understanding of corporate practices.Practical implicationsThe relative reliance companies place on heuristics, framing and consensus within their specific organizational contexts ultimately may provide insights to the long‐term survival of companies.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the cognitive and social psychology in the capital investment process.
HAPPINESS AND HEALTH: TWO PARADOXES
Authors: Borghesi Simone , Vercelli Alessandro 
Published: November 2010

Abstract This paper aims to establish systematic relationships between the two rapidly growing research streams on the socio‐economic determinants of happiness and health. Although they have been pursued quite independently by different communities of researchers, empirical evidence points to very similar underlying causal mechanisms. In particular, in both cases per capita income seems to play a major role only up to a very low threshold, beyond which relative income and other relational factors become crucial for happiness and health.On the basis of these structural analogies, we argue that a process of cross‐fertilisation between these two research streams would contribute to their development by clarifying the relationship between happiness, health and their determinants. Finally, we observe that the two literatures have converging policy implications: measures meant to reduce poverty and inequality and invest in social and environmental capital may improve both health and happiness of the individuals.
Relative and Absolute Quantitative Real-Time PCR-Based Quantifications of
hcnC
and
phlD
Gene Transcripts in Natural Soil Spiked with
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain LBUM300
Authors: DeCoste Nadine J. , Gadkar Vijay J. , Filion Martin 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Transcriptional analysis of microbial gene expression using relative quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) has been hampered by various technical problems. One such problem is the unavailability of an exogenous standard robust enough for use in a complex matrix like soil. To circumvent this technical issue, we made use of a recently developed artificial RNA (myIC) as an exogenous “spike-in” control. Nonsterile field soil was inoculated with various concentrations of the test bacterium
Pseudomonas
sp. strain LBUM300, ranging from 4.3- to 8.3-log bacterial cells per gram of soil. Total soil RNA was extracted at days 0, 7, and 14 postinoculation, and using two-step TaqMan assays,
phlD
(encoding the production of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol) and
hcnC
(encoding the production of hydrogen cyanide) gene expression was monitored. For relative quantification, a defined quantity of
in vitro
-synthesized myIC RNA was spiked during the RNA extraction procedure. Absolute qRT-PCR was also performed in parallel. Both the absolute and relative quantifications showed similar transcriptional trends. Overall, the transcriptional activity of
phlD
and
hcnC
changed over time and with respect to the bacterial concentrations used. Transcripts of the
phlD
and
hcnC
genes were detected for all five bacterial concentrations, but the
phlD
transcript copy numbers detected were lower than those detected for
hcnC
, regardless of the initial bacterial concentration or sampling date. For quantifying a low number of transcripts, the relative method was more reliable than the absolute method. This study demonstrates for the first time the use of a relative quantification approach to quantifying microbial gene transcripts from field soil using an exogenous spike-in control.
The N-Terminal Domain of the Flo1 Flocculation Protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae Binds Specifically to Mannose Carbohydrates
Authors: Goossens Katty V. Y. , Stassen Catherine , Stals Ingeborg , Donohue Dagmara S. , Devreese Bart , De Greve Henri , Willaert Ronnie G. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
cells possess a remarkable capacity to adhere to other yeast cells, which is called flocculation. Flocculation is defined as the phenomenon wherein yeast cells adhere in clumps and sediment rapidly from the medium in which they are suspended. These cell-cell interactions are mediated by a class of specific cell wall proteins, called flocculins, that stick out of the cell walls of flocculent cells. The N-terminal part of the three-domain protein is responsible for carbohydrate binding. We studied the N-terminal domain of the Flo1 protein (N-Flo1p), which is the most important flocculin responsible for flocculation of yeast cells. It was shown that this domain is both O and N glycosylated and is structurally composed mainly of β-sheets. The binding of N-Flo1p to
d
-mannose, α-methyl-
d
-mannoside, various dimannoses, and mannan confirmed that the N-terminal domain of Flo1p is indeed responsible for the sugar-binding activity of the protein. Moreover, fluorescence spectroscopy data suggest that N-Flo1p contains two mannose carbohydrate binding sites with different affinities. The carbohydrate dissociation constants show that the affinity of N-Flo1p for mono- and dimannoses is in the millimolar range for the binding site with low affinity and in the micromolar range for the binding site with high affinity. The high-affinity binding site has a higher affinity for low-molecular-weight (low-MW) mannose carbohydrates and no affinity for mannan. However, mannan as well as low-MW mannose carbohydrates can bind to the low-affinity binding site. These results extend the cellular flocculation model on the molecular level.
The C-Module-Binding Factor Supports Amplification of TRE5-A Retrotransposons in the Dictyostelium discoideum Genome
Authors: Bilzer Annika , Dölz Heike , Reinhardt Alexander , Schmith Anika , Siol Oliver , Winckler Thomas 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Retrotransposable elements are molecular parasites that have invaded the genomes of virtually all organisms. Although retrotransposons encode essential proteins to mediate their amplification, they also require assistance by host cell-encoded machineries that perform functions such as DNA transcription and repair. The retrotransposon TRE5-A of the social amoeba
Dictyostelium discoideum
generates a notable amount of both sense and antisense RNAs, which are generated from element-internal promoters, located in the A module and the C module, respectively. We observed that TRE5-A retrotransposons depend on the C-module-binding factor (CbfA) to maintain high steady-state levels of TRE5-A transcripts and that CbfA supports the retrotransposition activity of TRE5-A elements. The carboxy-terminal domain of CbfA was found to be required and sufficient to mediate the accumulation of TRE5-A transcripts, but it did not support productive retrotransposition of TRE5-A. This result suggests different roles for CbfA protein domains in the regulation of TRE5-A retrotransposition frequency in
D. discoideum
cells. Although CbfA binds to the C module
in vitro
, the factor regulates neither C-module nor A-module promoter activity
in vivo
. We speculate that CbfA supports the amplification of TRE5-A retrotransposons by suppressing the expression of an as yet unidentified component of the cellular posttranscriptional gene silencing machinery.
Deconvolution of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-Microarray (ChIP-chip) Analysis of MBF Occupancies Reveals the Temporal Recruitment of Rep2 at the MBF Target Genes
Authors: Eshaghi Majid , Zhu Lei , Chu Zhaoqing , Li Juntao , Chan Chee Seng , Shahab Atif , Karuturi R. Krishna M. , Liu Jianhua 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

MBF (or DSC1) is known to regulate transcription of a set of G
1
/S-phase genes encoding proteins involved in regulation of DNA replication. Previous studies have shown that MBF binds not only the promoter of G
1
/S-phase genes, but also the constitutive genes; however, it was unclear if the MBF bindings at the G
1
/S-phase and constitutive genes were mechanistically distinguishable. Here, we report a chromatin immunoprecipitation-microarray (ChIP-chip) analysis of MBF binding in the
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
genome using high-resolution genome tiling microarrays. ChIP-chip analysis indicates that the majority of the MBF occupancies are located at the intragenic regions. Deconvolution analysis using Rpb1 ChIP-chip results distinguishes the Cdc10 bindings at the Rpb1-poor loci (promoters) from those at the Rpb1-rich loci (intragenic sequences). Importantly, Res1 binding at the Rpb1-poor loci, but not at the Rpb1-rich loci, is dependent on the Cdc10 function, suggesting a distinct binding mechanism. Most Cdc10 promoter bindings at the Rpb1-poor loci are associated with the G
1
/S-phase genes. While Res1 or Res2 is found at both the Cdc10 promoter and intragenic binding sites, Rep2 appears to be absent at the Cdc10 promoter binding sites but present at the intragenic sites. Time course ChIP-chip analysis demonstrates that Rep2 is temporally accumulated at the coding region of the MBF target genes, resembling the RNAP-II occupancies. Taken together, our results show that deconvolution analysis of Cdc10 occupancies refines the functional subset of genomic binding sites. We propose that the MBF activator Rep2 plays a role in mediating the cell cycle-specific transcription through the recruitment of RNAP-II to the MBF-bound G
1
/S-phase genes.
Examining smoking behaviours among parents from the UK Millennium Cohort Study after the smoke-free legislation in Scotland
Authors: Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Cole Tim J , Law Catherine 
Published: November 2010

ObjectivesTo investigate parental smoking behaviours between England and Scotland after the smoke-free legislation in Scotland came into effect in 2006 and examine inequalities in maternal smoking behaviours between countries.Methods5954 white mothers and 3757 fathers resident in England and 1522 white mothers and 904 fathers resident in Scotland who participated in the Millennium Cohort Study (a prospective nationally representative cohort study) when the cohort child was age 9 months (before legislation) and 5 years (after legislation in Scotland but not in England). The main outcome measures were smoking at 9 months and 5 years, quitting smoking by 5 years, starting smoking by 5 years.ResultsIn England and Scotland approximately 30% of parents reported smoking at 9 months with only a slight decrease in smoking at 5 years. There were no differences between countries in parental smoking after the smoke-free legislation in Scotland came into effect, taking into account prior smoking levels. Light smokers (1–9 cigarettes/day) from Scotland were less likely to quit by 5 years than those from England, but there were no differences between countries among heavy smokers (10+ cigarettes/day). Non-smoking mothers from Scotland (6.2%) were less likely to start smoking by 5 years than mothers from England (7.3%). Mothers from more disadvantaged circumstances in both countries were more likely to report that they smoked or started smoking. In England quitting was also socially patterned, but in Scotland, after the legislation was introduced, the gradients in quitting smoking were flatter across social groups.ConclusionsSmoking behaviours among parents with young children remained relatively stable, highlighting the need for additional tobacco control efforts to support smoking cessation. However, the smoke-free legislation does not appear to widen health inequalities and may even help reduce them by encouraging quitting across socioeconomic groups.