bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interest in maximisation and value‐added produce
Authors: Alonso Abel D. , O'Neill Martin A. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeContemporary studies and reports point to the potential of value‐added products as an alternative income stream as well as a means of extending the product line of many agriculturalists. While there is a well documented growth of initiatives and interest in the establishment of commercial kitchen technologies to develop value‐added products in many rural communities, such growth has not been accompanied by research, particularly relating to the producers' perspective on such developments. This study seeks to examine the extent to which small farm operators in one rural Alabama community are interested in becoming involved with value‐adding their product line.Design/methodology/approachA total of 33 small growers from Chilton County, Alabama, participated in this study by completing a questionnaire.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that much of what respondents grow could be further processed into value‐added products. Also, while almost one‐fourth of the participants acknowledge the need for a commercial kitchen, the majority are interested in both selling blemished/unmarketable produce for processing and forming a group to work towards adding value to their produce. The findings also point to the fact that the concept of value‐adding produce and the implications for the same area are little understood amongst many rural farmers.Research limitations/implicationsBoth the chosen geographical/physical location of the farms – that is, in one single farming community – and the low number of participating businesses limit the generalisability of the findings. However, the study's overall findings could be of assistance to future research efforts and, in particular, replication studies in other rural areas.Practical implicationsMany farmers could maximise their produce by means of developing value‐added products and could potentially increase their revenues in the process. However, other gains may be of equal or more importance. For instance, extending an area of their business and fully utilising their produce's intrinsic rewards, learning experiences and increased motivation could have important implications for many rural communities and farming industries.Originality/valueThis study seeks to fill the existing gap of knowledge with regard to small farmers' perceptions on maximisation of their produce, an area closely related to value‐added product development. To date, research on the farm operator perspective with regard to these dimensions continues to be limited.
SCAR markers for adulterant detection in ground chilli
Authors: Dhanya K. , Syamkumar S. , Siju S. , Sasikumar B. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study aims to treat the development and application of sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR) markers for the detection of plant based adulterants (dried red beet pulp and powdered Ziziphus nummularia fruits) in traded ground chilli.Design/methodology/approachAdulterant‐specific DNA fragments (red beet pulp specific – “Beet 01” and Z. nummularia specific – “Ziz 01”) identified by random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD‐PCR) analysis were cloned and sequenced for SCAR marker development. Red beet pulp specific SCAR primer pair, B1, and Z. nummularia specific SCAR primer pair, Z1, were designed from the corresponding RAPD marker sequences to amplify SCAR markers of 320 bp and 389 bp, respectively. The utility of the SCAR markers for adulterant detection was verified in model blends of chilli powder with the adulterants. Six commercial samples of ground chilli powder were analysed using the SCAR markers.FindingsSCAR markers could detect the adulterants at a concentration as low as 10 g adulterant kg−1 of blended sample. The Z. nummularia SCAR marker could detect the presence of Z. nummularia fruit adulteration in one of the commercial samples. All the market samples tested were free from red beet pulp adulteration.Practical implicationsThe PCR‐based method developed in the study is simple, rapid, and sensitive and has the potential to be developed into a quantitative analytical method and for commercial PCR kits for the large‐scale screening of ground chilli to detect and prevent plant‐based adulterants. The work has public health significance too, as ground chilli is one of the major spices consumed worldwide.Originality/valueThe study is the first report on the development of SCAR markers for adulterant detection in ground chilli. This work has relevance, as adulteration is a major concern of the sanitary and phytosanitary issues of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement.
The price premium for wine quality signals: does retailers' information provision matter?
Authors: Boatto Vasco , Defrancesco Edi , Trestini Samuele 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis research aims to explore whether quality signals, such as grape variety names explicitly used by “quality wines produced in specified regions”, affect wine retail prices in different ways in large‐scale retail and specialised shops.Design/methodology/approachTocai wine, which is produced in Northeastern Italian regions and is involved in a dispute with the Hungarian geographical indication Tokaj, is taken as a case study. A hedonic price model has been estimated based on retail prices observed in local markets.FindingsThe research shows that consumers buying at large‐scale retailers are willing to pay a higher price premium for quality signals than those buying in specialised shops, ceteris paribus. For the latter, willingness to pay for quality signals is reduced by the information provided by the specialised shop retailer, which decreases the customer's uncertainty about wine quality; quality signals appearing on wine labels generally have a more relevant positive effect on wine price than brand reputation, confirming the findings available in the current literature.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by proving, in a real market situation, that consumers are willing to pay a higher price premium for quality signals when information is supplied only by wine labels, as in a large‐scale retail environment, than when it is provided by the assistance of a knowledgeable seller, as in specialised shops. The paper confirms that the information transmitted to the consumer during purchase affects price in a way similar to that reported in the literature for simulated markets in the case of expert consumers.
Evaluation of quality of Coalho cheese produced with endogenous Lactococcus spp.
Authors: Viana A.C. , Teshima E. , Chaves A.C.S.D. , Mamede M.E.O. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of Coalho cheese produced using two different strains of Lactococcus spp. that were isolated from artisanal Coalho cheese in Bahia, Brazil.Design/methodology/approachThree different batches of cheeses were produced using lactic acid Lactococcus spp. strains named “LA‐02”, “RE‐02” and “Blend” (LA‐02 plus RE‐02). To study the quality of these products the paper uses quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), a test of acceptability and an analysis of physical‐chemical parameters.FindingsFor the flavor attribute, the highest acceptabilities were for LA‐02 (7.38) and Blend (6.92). The panelists found that 13 attributes were important to describe Coalho cheese. The Blend cheese was characterized by its yellow color, hardness, consistency, chewiness, typical Coalho cheese aroma and flavor. The LA‐02 cheese was characterized by its acid flavor, homogeneity and softness. All the samples analyzed showed values of moisture and fat that were in line with Brazilian legislation.Practical implicationsCoalho cheese is a typical Brazilian artisanal cheese that is normally produced with raw milk, even though legislation does not allow this. Pasteurization of the milk used to produce cheeses guarantees the microbiological safety of the product and, in this case, the cheese needs the addition of lactic acid bacteria in order to improve the sensorial quality and to give typical characteristics.Originality/valueCoalho cheese, as produced in the artisanal form, is widely appreciated for its sensorial characteristics. The Coalho cheese proposed in this research retains the typical sensory characteristics by using different strains of Lactococcus spp. that were isolated from artisanal Coalho cheese but according to the specification of good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Results based leadership
Authors: Orey Maureen 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the impact of vision on leadership and organizational success. Identify the questions you need to answer before you move your organization forward, explore the six key elements to effectively communicate your vision, review the conditions that can derail your organization. This paper is informed by Resource Associates Corporation and is modeled from a leadership seminar provided to member associates. Additionally, the paper is influenced by the book Fail Safe Leadership authored by Linda Martin and Dr David G. Mutchler.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the aspects of leadership, vision and organizational success. It discusses why creating a powerful vision is not enough, and how to get everyone focused on the right results. The paper offers a simple exercise that can transform your organization.FindingsThe three most common mistakes organizations make: failure to clearly articulate a vision, failure to communicate the vision effectively, and the misalignment of goals and actions. This paper offers questions, analysis and activities to help the reader discover key strategies for overcoming the barriers to success, and achieving the vision of their organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe sources quoted are from the book Fail Safe Leadership authored by Linda Martin and Dr David G. Mutchler.Practical implicationsThe paper details key aspects of vision and organizational leadership.Originality/valueThis paper gives a fresh perspective to the importance of vision, leadership and improving performance. It is of value to senior HR professionals and executive teams in companies concerned about aligning vision with action and achieving more effective organizational results.
Throw away that leadership competency model
Authors: Patching Keith 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper was written for the attention of organisations wanting to develop leaders and create leadership programmes and it aims to highlight the fact that a leadership competency model will have an adverse effect on potential leaders.Design/methodology/approachResearch has been carried out through analysing existing literature on leadership and reading autobiographies and biographies on leaders. Furthermore, the author has over 20 years' hands‐on experience of creating and leading development programmes and has used his personal experience from these courses to add to his findings.FindingsThere are numerous successful management development models and tools. Many organisations have subsequently wanted to use leadership competency models to achieve the same positive results for helping to develop leaders. There are two main areas of research into leadership; focussed and broad‐based. Focussed research has consisted of concentrating on existing leaders and looking at their behaviours and styles. This produces models of the “ideal” leader in different categories, such as leader‐as‐hero, or leader‐as‐explorer. Broad‐based research has looked at different styles leaders use and picked the “best” qualities. These qualities are then used as a programme to follow and complete. These blueprints are unsuccessful however as they hinder individuals rather than allow them to develop. The whole concept of a leader is that they stand out from the crowd rather than following others. By trying to follow existing models, these individuals end up copying rather than leading. The most important element of a leader is integrity; it is not taking on a role, but is instead about the person.Originality/valueThis article will be of great value to organisations wanting to develop leaders. It will demonstrate that following a competency model will act as more of a hindrance than a help, and that the organisation needs to encourage the individual to develop his or her self‐awareness rather than copying existing blueprints.
Forget teambuilding – data analysis will get you better results
Authors: Briggs Hilary 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to demonstrate how delving into the data that measures business performance generates a detailed understanding of the issues that provides a platform for improved business results and teamwork in parallel.Design/methodology/approachAn initial event, focused on improving client satisfaction, highlighted issues that were limiting it, such as processes, which were not able to deliver in line with expectations, and different departmental priorities. A detailed review of key business processes was undertaken department by department. Two areas were used as a pilot to test the approach – which involved initial interviews with key staff, data collection and analysis, followed by feedback and brainstorming with staff to develop and prioritise actions.FindingsThe key outcomes of the project were that using the data to generate a more detailed understanding of problems within the business processes led to increased staff engagement, increased focus on improving performance and specific cost savings, as well as identifying further potential savings.Originality/valueThe case study shows how staff can be involved with developing solutions to performance issues such as poor process reliability, thereby increasing their engagement, making a positive contribution to client satisfaction and reducing costs. It would be of particular benefit to HR directors and managers seeking ideas on how to increase the engagement and team performance of their people.
External experiential learning programmes for today's apprentices
Authors: Ritchie David 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to explore the relevance of experiential learning to apprentices in the current commercial and industrial market.Design/ methodology/ approachThrough exploring the history of The Outward Bound Trust and of experiential learning namely David A Kolb's summary of its relevance in education, Priest and Gass's encouragement for active questioning and the practical application of experiential learning by The Trust on behalf of major companies within the UK, this study aims to encourage and enlighten readers of its benefits. The four elements or phases of the experiential learning cycle: experiencing, reviewing, concluding and planning are explained and explored within this case study. The case study outlines how Airbus and the Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Ltd use apprentice training programmes as effective extensions of their own in‐house training.FindingsExperiential learning has been found to be a cost‐effective extension of in‐house apprentice development programmes with attendees benefiting from an increase in motivation, improvement in self‐awareness and personal responsibility, enhanced team work and improved communications skills. The results of these new and enhanced skills have been found by The Trust's clients to transfer effectively back to the workplace.Originality/valueThis paper is of value and relevance to in‐house or external HR directors who may wish to consider experiential learning programmes for training apprentices.
Social reproduction and exclusion in subject indexing
Authors: Bates Jo , Rowley Jennifer 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight limits to the dominant model of social inclusion under which UK public libraries operate, to analyse how and to what extent processes of socio‐cultural exclusion emerge in the subject representation and discoverability of “non‐dominant” resources in public library OPACs, and to consider folksonomy as a solution to any issues raised.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first develops a critique of the dominant model of “inclusion” within UK public libraries, drawing on feminist and critical theories of identity. It then considers how this critique overlaps with and offers fresh insights into major debates within subject indexing, and develops a theoretical rationale for considering the potential of folksonomy to intervene in more inclusive subject‐indexing design. A user‐based critical interpretive methodology which understands OPACs as texts open to multiple interpretations is developed, and a comparative reading of standard OPACs and LibraryThing folksonomy is undertaken to evaluate the discoverability and subject representation of LGBTQ and ethnic minority resources.FindingsLibraryThing folksonomy offers benefits over LCSH subject indexing in the discoverability and representation of LGBTQ resources. However, the folksonomy is dominated by US taggers, and this impacts on the tagging of ethnic minority resources. Folksonomy, like traditional indexing, is found to contain its own biases in worldview and subject representation.Originality/valueThe importance of subject indexing in developing inclusive library services is highlighted and a new method for evaluating OPACs is developed.
A genealogy of digital humanities
Authors: Dalbello Marija 
Published: May 2011

PurposeBy reconstructing the genealogy of digital humanities through examining digital humanities projects and evaluative writings, this paper aims to identify core arguments related to disciplinary transformation and pedagogy in the humanities fields. It also seeks to consider knowledge production and transformation of a general humanistic attitude (the Humanities Program) in relation to digital tools. The paper also seeks to examine its perceived impact on disciplinary development, pedagogy, and forms of digital text.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a literature‐based conceptual analysis of distinct and diverse aspects of the enterprise of digital humanities, by identifying their main foci together with implications of these preoccupations within larger discourses. The analysis is grounded in a close reading of 45 exemplary texts published from the 1980s to date, and 14 exemplary projects and initiatives. The analysis highlights several concepts with their underlying assumptions.FindingsThe perceived epistemological advantage of digital technology for new forms of reasoning is that community development has produced theoretical frameworks and shaped practical directions. The paper identified three distinct formations characterized by associated digital artifacts: prominent opinion leaders, foundational projects, and document forms (morphs).Research limitations/implicationsResearch data are not comprehensive. Selected texts and projects are exemplary. The results and findings are relevant for the English‐language context and limited by a selective corpus.Originality/valueThe paper outlines a historical trajectory of digital humanities and the formative stages of development from the discourses of that evolving field. It also identifies constructions of technological advantage with implications for knowledge production in the writing of humanities scholars. The paper contributes to practitioner awareness of the history of digital humanities practice.
Countering method bias in questionnaire‐based user studies
Authors: Gorrell Genevieve , Ford Nigel , Madden Andrew , Holdridge Peter , Eaglestone Barry 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss reliability problems associated with questionnaires, commonly employed in library and information science. It aims to focus on the effects of “common method variance” (CMV), which is a form of bias, and ways of countering these effects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper critically reviews the use of existing tools for demonstrating reliability in questionnaire‐based studies. In particular, it focuses on Cronbach's alpha, “Harman's single factor test” and Lindell and Whitney's “marker variable” approach. The paper introduces an illustrative case study based on the work on metacognition and web searching. It goes on to make recommendations for researchers considering using a questionnaire‐based approach.FindingsCMV is a problem affecting questionnaire‐based studies in different disciplines across social and information science. Where questionnaire items are more abstract, CMV has been found to be more of a problem. The widely used Cronbach alpha measure, of the reliability of a questionnaire, may often be affected by CMV. Where method bias dominates the results, a high alpha score may do no more than indicate that the questionnaire consistently allows participants to accede to their biases. “Harman's single factor test” is criticised as lacking sufficient foundation, and it is concluded that it should not be used. The marker variable approach is a useful option but must be applied with caution.Practical implicationsA number of practical implications for researchers are drawn. Questionnaire‐based work investigating abstract constructs should be assumed to carry a high likelihood of CMV, and therefore should attempt to avoid it and demonstrate the degree of success in this regard. Otherwise, interpretation of the results should assume CMV. A number of approaches to assessing and isolating CMV are discussed.Originality/valueThe paper draws attention to a problem that is arguably often overlooked in questionnaire‐based studies, namely method bias. It discusses a number of approaches whereby it may be identified and controlled.
Identifying service superiority, zone of tolerance and underlying dimensions
Authors: Hossain Shoeb Zahid 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to investigate the overall service quality of the library system of Independent University, Bangladesh, a top‐ranked private university in Bangladesh. A survey is conducted among the library users specifically faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachA modified version of the SERVQUAL questionnaire was used for data collection. The gap differences between perceived and desired services were calculated and ranked which could indicate what services meet, exceed or fall short of the users' expectations. The mean values of desired service levels were ranked and compared among three groups of users. A Kruskal‐Wallis test was done to examine the differences in desired level of service quality by different groups. The method zone of tolerance was applied to find out the range between perceived and minimum service levels. Finally, the underlying dimensions of service quality were identified through exploratory factor analysis of level of desired services.FindingsIt has been revealed that perceived services were lagging behind the desired services and attributes of service quality which fall short of user perception though the gaps were not much higher. It has also been observed that there were some significant differences in desired services received by the users. The overall scenario of tolerance zone was inside the tolerable level by all users and only one attribute was problematic.Originality/valueThe concept of library service quality and assessment is new in Bangladesh. The author of this paper first started to study on this area among public and private university libraries. This study will no doubt encourage and foster further research in this area for the effectiveness and the better performance of academic libraries in Bangladesh.