bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of skills as a major driver of corporate R&D
Authors: Piva Mariacristina , Vivarelli Marco 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of R&D investment at the level of the firm.Design/methodology/approachA balanced panel of 215 Italian manufacturing firms over the 1995‐2000 period has been used to test the technology‐push, the demand‐pull and the endogenous skill‐bias hypotheses. Econometrically, both the GMM‐SYS estimator and the Least Squares Dummy Variable Corrected (LSDVC) estimator (a recently‐proposed panel data technique particularly suitable for small samples) have been used.FindingsResults support the well‐established technology‐push and demand‐pull hypotheses and, furthermore, supply evidence for the role of skill endowment in increasing a firm's R&D investments.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study concerns the measure of skills which is here, as in previous economic literature, simply the ratio between productive (blue‐collar) and non‐productive (white‐collar) workers. Another limitation of this contribution concerns its limited generalisability: data come from relatively large Italian manufacturing firms, i.e. the service sector and SMEs are not considered.Practical implicationsConsistently with the related managerial and economic literature, the basic result is that current skill endowment may significantly and positively influence a firm's current R&D decision; therefore, adequate education and training policies may indirectly induce an increase in corporate R&D investment. In terms of managerial implications, this means that HRM may be seen as an indirect strategy for improving a firm's R&D effort and ultimately for improving its performance through innovation.Originality/valueWhile there is a well‐established literature investigating the so‐called Skill Biased Technological Change, few microeconomic empirical studies have been devoted to test the reverse relationship. The paper aims to fill this gap, testing whether higher skills may induce higher R&D expenditures.
Expatriate CEO assignment
Authors: Tseng Cher‐Hung , Liao Yao‐Sheng 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the factors influencing whether a multinational corporation (MNC) appoints an expatriate or a local national as the CEO of its subsidiary.Design/methodology/approachThe study proposes a framework comprising ownership‐specific, location‐specific and internalization‐specific factors to examine determinants of expatriate CEO assignment. MNCs' subsidiaries in Taiwan were selected for the study.FindingsFor the effect on the assignment of an expatriated CEO to a subsidiary, the factors of a subsidiary's capability and size, MNC's global strategy and internalization motivation are positive; in contrast, the factor of the host country's locational advantages is negative. In addition, in circumstances of large cultural distances, the effect of high internalization motivation is positive and that of low internalization motivation is negative.Research limitations/implicationsThe research does not differentiate between two different types of expatriates and focuses on advanced countries' MNCs' subsidiaries in Taiwan. The theoretical implication of the study lies in the application of the perspectives of resource‐based view and transaction cost theory on an MNC's decision concerning the assignment of an expatriated CEO for subsidiaries.Practical implicationsMNCs could make a subsidiary's staffing decision by taking into account ownership‐, location‐, and internalization‐specific factors. Failure to do so will lead to poor operation of the subsidiary.Originality/valueThe research contributes to knowledge about the determinants of expatriate CEO assignment, and illuminates the importance of ownership, location and internalization factors for MNCs.
Supply chain information flow strategies: an empirical taxonomy
Authors: Vanpoucke Evelyne , Boyer Kenneth K. , Vereecke Ann 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify different information flow strategies to enhance integration in strategic alliances and studies these strategies with respect to contextual factors and the impact on performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines empirical data gathered from 56 manufacturing companies, describing 112 supply chain relationships. An empirical taxonomy is created based on cluster analysis.FindingsBased on a parsimonious description of inter‐firm information flows in the literature and this paper's empirical findings, three types of alliances are identified: Silent; Communicative; and IT intensive. While Silent alliances have the poorest overall performance, substantial similarities are found between Communicative and IT intensive alliances. In particular, the analysis suggests that IT intensive alliances, albeit performing better on operational capabilities, are not performing better on relationship satisfaction compared to Communicative alliances. Additional analyses indicate that partners of an IT intensive alliance are substantially more interdependent and larger in size.Research limitations/implicationsThis research presents a taxonomy of information flow strategies in a supply chain context. This research is not describing causality, since the data are not longitudinal in nature.Practical implicationsManagers need to selectively invest in IT according to an overall supply chain integration strategy, which also takes softer, less technological forms of integration into consideration.Originality/valueThis research provides insight into inter‐firm information flows from a contingency perspective, recognizing heterogeneity of firms and supply chain practices.
Resin coated copper capacitive (RC3) nanocomposites for multilayer embedded capacitors: towards system in a package (SiP)
Authors: Das Rabindra N. , Rosser Steven G. , Papathomas Konstantinos I. , Antesberger Tim , Markovich Voya R. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeEmbedded passives account for a very large part of today's electronic assemblies. This is particularly true for products such as cellular phones, camcorders, computers, and several critical defence devices. Market pressures for new products with more features, smaller size and lower cost demand smaller, compacter, simpler substrates. An obvious strategy is to reduce the number of surface mounted passives by embedding them in the substrate. In addition, current interconnect technology to accommodate surface mounted passives imposes certain limits on board design which constrain the overall system speed. Embedding passives is one way to minimize the functional footprint while at the same time improving performance. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a thin film technology based on ferroelectric‐epoxy polymer‐based flake‐free resin coated copper capacitive (RC3) nanocomposites to manufacture multilayer embedded capacitors.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses thin film technology based on RC3 nanocomposites. In particular, recent developments in high capacitance, large area, thin film passives, and their integration in system in a package (SiP) are highlighted.FindingsA variety of RC3 nanocomposite thin films ranging from 8 to 50 microns thick were processed on copper substrates by liquid coating. Multilayer embedded capacitors resulted in high capacitances of 16‐28 nF. The fabricated test vehicle also included two embedded resistor layers with resistances in the range of 15 Ω to 100 kΩ. To enable high performance devices, an embedded resistor must meet certain tolerances. The embedded resistors can be laser trimmed to a tolerance of <5 percent, which is usually acceptable for most applications. An extended embedded passives solution has been demonstrated, both through its high wireability designs and package performance, to be perfectly suited for SiP applications.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study designed and fabricated an eight layer high density internal passive core and subsequently applied fine geometry three buildup layers to form a 3‐8‐3 structure. The passive core technology is capable of providing up to six layers of embedded capacitance and could be extended further.Originality/valueA thin film technology based on ferroelectric‐epoxy polymer‐based flake‐free RC3 nanocomposites was developed to manufacture multilayer embedded capacitors. The overall approach lends itself to package miniaturization because capacitance can be increased through multiple layers and reduced thickness to give the desired values in a smaller area.
Proposing semantic‐oriented agent and knowledge base product data management
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to briefly discuss the concept of product data management (PDM) describing the contributions, objectives and some currently existing challenges.Design/methodology/approachBy targeting the described challenges, it proposes a new semantic‐oriented agent and knowledge base approach and presents its conceptual and implementation designs. The available prototype version of the proposed approach is also briefly discussed.FindingsThe PDM community is facing some challenges especially in intelligent PDM development, i.e. unfriendly graphical machine interface, unintelligent search and unstandardized‐based platform independent PDM system deployment and deployment framework.Originality/valueAn intelligent semantic‐oriented agent‐based search is an original and new solution.
Management control systems: a model for R&D units
Authors: Silaen Parulian , Williams Robert 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a proposal for a new conceptual framework for management control systems (MCS) in R&D units.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a descriptive study that reviews the control literature and proposes an MCS framework in the light of four key elements: desired ends, actors, control implementation, and control tools.FindingsThe study found two sub‐elements of desired ends (directional and yardstick) to be complementary in a low level of uncertainty, while directional should be emphasized more in a high level of uncertainty. Five sub‐elements of actors are used differently along the levels of uncertainty. The timing and use of formal and informal control types are found to be different regarding the level of uncertainty. Finally, the dimension and the value of control tools are used differently in those two distinctive situations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to a descriptive study that may have further implication for research by using the framework to investigate the MCS applied by R&D units.Practical implicationsThe four key elements of MCS may be used in practice by developing a detail measure of each element to suit the condition of the unit.Originality/valueThe paper is a new way of looking at MCS, broadening the comprehension, and introducing new MCS key elements.
An integrative empirical approach to the predictors of self‐directed career management
Authors: Park Yongho 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effects of subjective career success, organizational learning climate, and the calling work orientation on the protean career.Design/methodology/approachFor this study employees of a Korean financial service company are encouraged to answer a web survey. To examine the hypotheses, structural equation modeling is used.FindingsThe results provide evidence of potential predictors of the protean career based on the empirical approach. Also, this study shows an integrative model for predictors of the protean career with the structural equation modeling method. All independent variables – subjective career success, the calling work orientation, and organizational learning climate – have a significant relationship with the protean career. Among the independent variables, the calling orientation has the strongest effect on the protean career.Research limitation/implicationThe generalization of the results may be limited to the research population. Also, as results are based entirely on cross‐sectional self‐report data, the causality of the findings cannot be confirmed.Originality/valueThe importance of the protean career concept has increased in the modern career context, underscoring the individual's self‐direction of career management. This study uses empirical evidence to examine the psychological and environmental predictors of the protean career.
Fresh and healthy?
Authors: Akkermans Jos , Brenninkmeijer Veerle , Blonk Roland W.B. , Koppes Lando L.J. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain more insight into the well‐being, health and performance of young intermediate educated employees. First, employees with low education (9 years or less), intermediate education (10‐14 years of education), and high education (15 years or more) are compared on a number of factors related to well‐being, health, and performance at work. Second, determinants of well‐being, health and performance are examined for the intermediate educated group, based on the Job Demands‐Resources model.Design/methodology/approachData from The Netherlands Working Conditions Survey 2007 are used: the largest working conditions survey in The Netherlands. ANOVAs with post hoc Bonferroni corrections and linear regression analyses are used for the analyses.FindingsYoung intermediate educated employees differ from high educated employees with regard to job demands, job resources and health. They report less demands, but these demands still have an effect on well‐being and performance. They also report less resources, while these resources are important predictors of their health and performance: both directly and indirectly via job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion.Limitations/implicationsCross‐sectional data are used and the theoretical model is tested using regression analyses. In a follow‐up study, longitudinal data and structural equation modelling will be used.Originality/valueThe study adds to the limited knowledge on young employees with intermediate education and gives insight into the processes that are important for their well‐being, health, and performance. The study shows that this group deserves the attention of both researchers and professionals.
“The Coke side of life” – an exploration of pre‐schoolers' constructions of product and selves through talk‐in‐interaction around Coca‐Cola
Authors: Freeman Olivia 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose the activity‐based focus group as a useful method with which to generate talk‐in‐interaction among pre‐schoolers. Analytically, it aims to illustrate how transcribed talk‐in‐interaction can be subjected to a discourse analytic lens, to produce insights into how pre‐schoolers use “Coca‐Cola” as a conversational resource with which to build product‐related meanings and social selves.Design/methodology/approachFourteen activity‐based discussion groups with pre‐schoolers aged between two and five years have been conducted in a number of settings including privately run Montessori schools and community based preschools in Dublin. The talk generated through these groups has been transcribed using the conventions of conversation analysis (CA). Passages of talk characterized by the topic of Coca‐Cola were isolated and a sub‐sample of these are analysed here using a CA‐informed discourse analytic approach.FindingsA number of linguistic repertoires are drawn on, including health, permission and age. Coca‐Cola is constructed as something which is “bad” and has the potential to make one “mad”. It is an occasion‐based product permitted by parents for example as a treat, at the cinema or at McDonalds. It can be utilised to build “age‐based” social selves. “Big” boys or girls can drink Coca‐Cola but it is not suitable for “babies”.Originality/valueThis paper provides insight into the use of the activity‐based focus group as a data generation tool for use with pre‐schoolers. A discourse analytic approach to the interpretation of children's talk‐in‐interaction suggests that the preschool consumer is competent in accessing and employing a consumer artefact such as Coca‐Cola as a malleable resource with which to negotiate product meanings and social selves.
Diffusion of videos on US hospital web sites
Authors: Huang Edgar 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of videos on US hospital web sites in an attempt to find out how this new medium had been used by hospitals for marketing purposes.Design/methodology/approachBased on a systematic probability sample of the 6,456 US hospital web sites, a content analysis is conducted to measure the effects that hospital service quality, hospital size, hospital affiliation, and geographic population had on the diffusion of online videos.FindingsThe paper has found that, although the critical mass for using videos on hospital web sites has been reached, for the overwhelming majority of the hospitals, including those that are already using videos, there is still a long way to go in learning how to harness the power of video for marketing and to make videos an integral and routine part of their marketing strategy.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies need to be conducted to uncover hospitals' attitudes and users' attitudes toward new media adoption on hospital web sites for presenting healthcare information.Practical implicationsThe paper gives readers an overview of the current state of hospitals' efforts in adopting new media for marketing and can greatly help hospitals better position their marketing strategies to serve their patients, communities, and hospital staff, and invest in the right technology and new recruits.Originality/valueThe literature search indicates that this is the first study of its kind that has attempted to find out how hospitals have taken advantage of video, a salient Web 2.0 phenomenon, to present healthcare information on their web sites as a marketing strategy.
Valuing entrepreneurship in the informal economy in Senegal
Authors: Minard C. Sara L. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide a theoretical reflection on existing and emerging literature on social entrepreneurship as it applies to the developing country experience, and specifically to the informal economy in Senegal, West Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an exploratory, multi‐disciplinary approach grounded in economic and social theory, including open‐ended interviews and focus groups. The data are complemented by field observations and analysis.FindingsSocio‐religious networks in West Africa like Mouridism, with its strong emphasis on work and giving of one's personal financial gains back to the Muslim brotherhood, has actually created a non‐capitalist spirit of commerce, and to some degree entrepreneurialism, among Senegalese Mourids who are majority Wolof.Research limitations/implicationsAs an initial exploration into this topic, the paper lacks sufficient empirical data and therefore the research results may lack generalizability.Practical implicationsThe paper helps draw comparisons between what we know and what we do not know about social entrepreneurship in the informal economy, moving beyond the conventional neo‐liberal notions of competitive markets to explore entrepreneurial activities at the “Bottom of the pyramid” that establish economic exchange value which is socially embedded.Originality/valueThe paper seeks to address a perceived gap in the theoretical and empirical literature on the emerging phenomenon of social entrepreneurship. By analytically framing the debate on the role of markets in the social sector through a developing country lens, we are looking at social entrepreneurship as the intersection of embedded social and economic realities of the majority of workers who operate in the informal economy in Senegal.
A legal analysis of the Islamic bonds (sukuk) in Iran
Authors: Kordvani Amir 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a legal analysis of ijara sukuk in Iran which are expected to be issued in 2009. It reviews the proposed structure and the transactions entered into in respect of the sukuks and the legal engineering of those transactions to make them compliant with Shari'a. In so doing, this paper explores the rights and obligations that arise from the contracts on which the transactions in ijara sukuk are based.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis offered by this paper has both theoretical and doctrinal orientations. At a theoretical level, this paper concentrates on the traditional contract of lease, as well as the lease‐to‐purchase vehicle. At a doctrinal level, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the complications embedded in the ijara sukuk and the need to rationalize and harmonize various aspects of Islamic banking and project financing.FindingsIt is argued that, while the new sukuk structure complies with the requirements of Shari'a requirements against riba and gharar, it goes against a well‐established expectation of increasing the level of efficiency of the banking and financial sector.Originality/valueThis paper provides an original insight into understanding ijara sukuk in Iran. It also contributes to the literature on Islamic finance according to Shi'i jurisprudence.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor SU9516 enhances sensitivity to methotrexate in human T‐cell leukemia Jurkat cells
Authors: Uchiyama Hitoji , Sowa Yoshihiro , Wakada Miki , Yogosawa Mayumi , Nakanishi Ryoko , Horinaka Mano , Shimazaki Chihiro , Taniwaki Masafumi , Sakai Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 728–734)Methotrexate (MTX) has been used to treat various hematological malignancies. Since MTX prevents tumor cells from proliferating by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), DHFR expression is a key determinant of resistance to MTX in malignant hematological tumor cells. The antiproliferative effect of MTX was significantly enhanced by the knockdown of DHFR expression by siRNA in Jurkat cells. Therefore, a novel strategy down‐regulating DHFR expression seems promising for enhancing sensitivity to MTX. We found that SU9516, a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, reduced the expression of both DHFR mRNA and protein. Moreover, we found that DHFR promoter activity was attenuated by SU9516 dependent on the E2F site. Finally, pretreatment with SU9516 significantly enhanced sensitivity to MTX in a colony formation assay. We conclude that a combination of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors and MTX may be useful for overcoming resistance to MTX.