bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consequences of outsourcing for organizational capabilities
Authors: Agndal Henrik , Nordin Fredrik 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe research on effects of outsourcing tends to focus on financial effects and effects at a country level. These are not the only consequences of outsourcing, though. When firms outsource functions previously performed in‐house, they risk losing important competencies, knowledge, skills, relationships, and possibilities for creative renewal. Such non‐financial consequences are poorly addressed in the literature, even though they may explain financial effects of outsourcing. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model that enables the study of non‐financial consequences of outsourcing.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the literature on interdependencies between organizational functions, a main proposition is developed: given that savings gained from outsourcing are not reinvested in the organization, outsourcing of any function will negatively impact the capabilities of that and other functions in the organization. This proposition is broken down into sub‐propositions, which are tested through a focus group study. Respondents include purchasing professionals with experience from best practice outsourcing.FindingsThe initial proposition is developed through identification of variables mediating the proposed negative consequences of outsourcing. Mediating variables are broken down into four categories: variables relating to the outsourcer, the outsourcee, the relationship between the parties, and the context.Research limitations/implicationsBy developing a model for the study of non‐financial consequences of outsourcing, this paper takes a step towards opening up an important avenue for future research.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the outsourcing field by not only considering non‐financial effects, but also by drawing on examples of best practice outsourcing to identify ways in which potentially negative consequences of outsourcing may be managed.
A framework for BPML assessment and improvement
Authors: Tsironis Loukas , Anastasiou Kiriakos , Moustakis Vassilis 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate and improve two popular business process modelling languages (BPMLs) the Integration definition for function modelling (IDEF0) and event‐driven process chain (eEPC).Design/methodology/approachThe paper aims to select, compare and evaluate against a proposed criteria framework two popular BPMLs. In order to meet end‐user requirements, it suggests concrete improvements for either language. Evaluation findings and improvement attempts are documented over a case study within the context of a large European aerospace industry. The languages are applied through the use of appropriate software such as BPWin and Arena Simulation Software for IDEF0 and Architecture of Integrated Information Systems (ARIS) Toolset for eEPC.FindingsImproved languages seem to overcome several deficiencies and increase their modelling performance. Improvements in IDEF0 include: classification of component information and insertion of logical operators. In this approach the language describes not only the information flow within the process, but also the time sequences via component discrimination. Improvements in eEPC include event chain diagram in ARIS house of business engineering methodology, which represents the interrelations between functions of different diagrams and the linkages among components and resources to include resources planning.Practical implicationsResults showed that language deficiencies were clarified. Thus, the improvements made, constitute better modelling performance and the development of more reliable models.Originality/valueThe paper outlines a systematic evaluation framework with concrete criteria. Furthermore, the improvements made, are a further step towards increased modelling performance, lean and comprehend diagrams.
An analytical tool for evaluating the impacts of sea level rise response strategies
Authors: Jones Russell , Strange Elizabeth 
Published: May 2009

PurposeOver the past century, the rate of sea level rise (SLR) has increased more than twice the average historical rate and the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that by 2100 the sea level will increase nearly two feet in many coastal areas. Property owners and municipalities typically respond to SLR by constructing seawalls and similar structures to protect shoreline property (a practice known as “armoring”). The degree to which SLR and armoring threaten key coastal habitats has not been well studied, however. This study, aims to develop an inundation model on behalf of Stratus Consulting to examine anticipated habitat changes in coastal Ocean County, New Jersey.Design/methodology/approachThe model used a geographical information system to map predicted changes in coastal habitats under two alternative SLR scenarios and six different shoreline armoring scenarios. The paper then used information from local experts and the scientific literature to predict changes in the relative abundances of fish and bird species under the different scenarios.FindingsUnder all scenarios, the model predicted substantial declines in the areal extent of Spartina marshes and in the annual production of finfish and shrimp. Declines in these marsh‐dependent species would have significant impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries. The study also predicted substantial declines in bird species such as songbirds and dabbling ducks.Originality/valueThe results of the study can help local stakeholders and decision‐makers plan responses to SLR. Conventional armoring responses could result in substantial and irreversible losses of coastal habitats and the species dependent on these habitats.
Coastal adaptation and economic tipping points
Authors: Franck Travis 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effects of levee construction and tropical storms on regional economic growth of a coastal community. The study's goal is to highlight feedbacks important to climate change adaptation in the coastal zone.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes a dynamic feedback model that includes coastal engineering, urban economic development, and natural ecosystem response. The model is a tool to help discuss important long‐term issues and to highlight areas of policy intervention. The data for the model come from US Census data, the global DIVA coastal database, and IPCC projections.FindingsThe results show urban areas facing elevated levels of exposure because of residents' low understanding of climatic risks. Coastal managers may actually increase long‐term exposure by attempting to protect coastal regions from long‐term sea‐level rise. Coastal defenses lead to a false sense of safety, increasing economic development in the short term, but causing larger economic losses in the long term, especially after a storm. Storm intensity and levee protection are important in determining an “economic tipping point” of long term growth – whether a community continues to grow or faces economic stagnation or decline. If storm damage is large enough, the community passes the tipping point and economic growth never recovers. The presence of levees changes the tipping point dynamic, making communities more resilient as long as there is no levee breach.Originality/valueCoastal communities face increasing risk from accelerated sea‐level rise and tropical storms. Understanding the long‐term dynamics of protection decisions is important for creating effective adaptation policies.
Vulnerability of coastal urban settlements in Jamaica
Authors: Ishemo Amani 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the issue of vulnerability of coastal urban settlements in Jamaica in the context of rapid urbanization, poverty and institutional incapacity. It also aims to provide a case study that demonstrates the precarious situation faced by the most vulnerable coastal urban communities in Jamaica.Design/methodology/approachA literature review preceded in‐depth but informal interviews with the directors of planning of the cities of Kingston, Port Antonio and Port Maria on a variety of issues related to hazards in conjunction with their municipal operational capacities. Informal interviews were also carried out with a community leader and five more persons who have resided in the African Gardens community since its inception in the 1980s. Interviews were based on issues such as hazards, government involvement in the development of the site and demographic characteristics of the area. Archival information on the Hope River corridor was also utilized to enhance the understanding of the site‐specific hazard issues in relation to the surrounding environment. The field verification, which was carried out in September 2008, updated the 1994 topographic map of the area at a scale of 1:5,000.FindingsThe results suggest that the conditions for the vulnerability of coastal towns in Jamaica are overwhelmingly man‐made. The problems of vulnerability have been worsened by the incapacity of the central and local governments in terms of their limitations of financial and technical resources, and the lack of government sensitivity to tackle the issue in a sustainable approach.Originality/valueThe matter of vulnerability of coastal urban settlements is a complex settlement problem of Jamaica's entire landscape. The solution to this problem requires an integrated and long‐term action programme regardless of the political party in power.
Lessons from history: coastal cities and natural disaster
Authors: Dyl Joanna 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to connect the history of San Francisco's urban development, particularly the use of artificial fill along the coast, with the city's seismic history in order to explore whether San Franciscans have learned from recurrent natural disasters.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses historical analysis of primary sources, particularly scientific reports related to the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. The theoretical approach draws on environmental history and natural disaster studies.FindingsSan Franciscans failed to learn lessons from earthquakes in 1868 and 1906. After the 1989 earthquake, experts reported that much of the damage had been predictable. Both policymakers and laypeople were surprised to discover the extent of scientific knowledge, given the poor preparation and outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe brief treatment by no means represents a thorough review of the literature; the paper is intended to be provocative rather than comprehensive.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that coastal residents need to develop a new paradigm for viewing environmental change, including natural disasters, as an inherent element of dynamic coastal ecosystems. This mindset would help cities to better prepare for both future disasters and more gradual change to coastal landscapes, such as that likely to occur as a result of global climate change.Originality/valueThe study connects insights from the discipline of history to those of the earthquake sciences. It seeks to disseminate concepts from environmental history, such as the unnaturalness of natural disasters and the relationship of cities to nature, to an audience of policymakers and scientists.
Student centered distance learning experiments over a communication and collaboration platform
Authors: Baudin Véronique , Villemur Thierry 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present two classes of distance learning experiments, with feedbacks. The experiments are based on constructivism theory.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an experimental approach. Experiments are made with students. The assessments come from an analysis of questionnaires.FindingsThe results show technical evaluations and pedagogical evaluations of the e‐learning platform.Research limitations/implicationsThere are functional improvements of the developed platform.Practical implicationsThere are technical improvements of the developed platform.Originality/valueThis paper presents a student centered pedagogical approach supported by distant e‐learning platform.
Learning management systems
Authors: Wuttke Heinz‐Dietrich , Henke Karsten 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe content, provided in learning management systems (LMS), is often text oriented as in a usual textbook, extended by some animations and links. Hands on activities and experiments are not possible. The paper aims to give an overview about the concept to couple smart simulation and assessment tools with an LMS to provide a more explorative approach to the learning content.Design/methodology/approachInteractive components, such as smart design tools and online laboratories are added to an LMS that allow exploring the learned content additionally to text parts interactively. The objective of this teaching concept is to empower the students to solve complex design tasks for digital systems and to validate the results. This requires on the one hand site knowledge about the mathematical background of the algorithms used by design tools, and on the other hand, experience from as much as possible examples. Commercial tools are too complex for teaching purposes and hide mostly the algorithms they use for the several design steps. That is why we have developed smart special tailored tools for each single design step that should be learned during a lesson.FindingsThese smart tools are very useful to support the process of understanding and learning by doing. Learners can explore the several design steps with own examples and get immediately feedback about the correct solutions.Practical implicationsThe connection to an LMS allows us to record all students' relevant actions in the design process and to evaluate the student or to give individual tailored hints.Originality/valueThe paper introduces a new teaching concept that allows exploring the learned content interactively additionally to text parts.
Consumer web page search, clicking behavior and reaction time
Authors: Hofacker Charles F. , Murphy Jamie 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain why visitors click the last several menu items on a web page at a higher rate than middle items in the menu, a menu recency effect. A secondary goal is to test the use of visitor reaction time data as routinely collected by live web servers on the internet and the use of such data in understanding consumer response to direct marketing efforts at the level of an individual web page.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a field experiment on a live web site belonging to a medium sized hospitality business, specifically a restaurant. Data, including visitor reaction time, come from the standard web log files routinely collected on all web sites. The sample consisted of more than 40,000 visitors to the web site.FindingsThe reasons for the recency effect seem more likely to pertain to short‐term memory advantages for later menu items and less likely to relate to eye movements in which the visitor's gaze prematurely jumps to the end of a menu.Originality/valueThe first contribution of this paper is to bring to bear a very large sample in order to explain a paradox of search behavior, namely that consumers are more likely to click on the last link in a menu than middle links. Understanding this phenomenon will allow web site managers to better optimize their sites according to their marketing goals. The second contribution is to demonstrate the usefulness of reaction time data in a direct marketing context. Web log servers automatically collect such data. Such data represent an ideal opportunity to leverage the direct connection between marketers and consumers that exists online.
Strategic decision making in Chinese SMEs
Authors: Huang Xueli 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the process and characteristics of strategic decision making (SDM), and their influencing factors in Chinese small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a case‐study research design. It collected data from 20 Chinese SMEs with multiple approaches, including interviews with owners/managers, focus groups, gathering of internal documents and access to their web site.FindingsSeveral important conclusions can be drawn. First, the steps involved in the SDM process in Chinese SMEs are less complex than the theoretical models; second, Chinese SME owners/managers rely heavily on their personal networks for identifying opportunities in the business environment, and for information search and advice; third, a firm's ownership significantly influences the degree of participation and the level of political activities in the SDM process; and fourth, decisions made in Chinese SMEs can be implemented quickly partly due to slack legal enforcement in China.Practical implicationsFor SME owners/managers, a better understanding of the decision‐making routes provides a basis for enhancing the quality of the decision‐making process. They can expand and/or improve the steps in executing their decision‐making process. For Chinese government policy‐makers, they can better sponsor training programs in strategic management and develop mentoring programs among SME owners/managers for better connecting them with peers and external advisors. For SME researchers, this paper has pointed out several important areas for future research.Originality/valueThis research is one of the pioneering studies on SDM in Chinese SMEs. It provides a detailed description of the SDM process and several important characteristics associated with this process in Chinese SMEs, and thus contributed significantly to our understanding and potential improvement of SDM in Chinese SMEs.
Global competitiveness in the Datang hosiery cluster, Zhejiang
Authors: Akoorie Michèle E.M. , Ding Qiang 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the development and characteristics of industrial clusters in the province of Zhejiang, China with particular emphasis on the hosiery industry in the town of Datang.Design/methodology/approachThe study used case study methodology and data triangulation techniques based on archival research and reports of statistical agencies both at central and local government level.FindingsIndustry clusters assist in regional economic development by increasing local competitive advantages and creating an industrial regional identity through specialisation which attracts resources, labour and capital for investment. The industrial cluster in Datang has been stimulated by the local entrepreneurial climate, effective local networks and support from local government.Practical implicationsThe hosiery industrial cluster in Datang is in a less‐developed rural region characterised by low‐level labour intensive industrial activity. Their ability to compete internationally is hampered by low levels of innovation. The global networks are controlled by buyers of product. Design and/or innovation capability could be improved by developing strategic alliances with Italian producers in the same industry.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to our understanding of the problems facing industrial clusters in provincial China which, as yet are unable to match the design and branding capabilities achieved by clusters in similar industries in Castel Goffredo (Italy) where outstanding design and branding have enabled them to build a dominant position in the European market in higher added‐value products.
Regulation of leaf organ size by the Arabidopsis RPT2a 19S proteasome subunit
Authors: Sonoda Yutaka , Sako Kaori , Maki Yuko , Yamazaki Naoko , Yamamoto Hiroko , Ikeda Akira , Yamaguchi Junji 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway plays a central role in the degradation of short‐lived regulatory proteins, to control many cellular events. To further understand this pathway, we focused on the RPT2 subunit of the 26S proteasome regulatory particle. The Arabidopsis genome contains two genes, AtRPT2a and AtRPT2b, which encode paralog molecules of the RPT2 subunit, with a difference of only three amino acids in the protein sequences. Both genes showed similar mRNA accumulation patterns. However, the rpt2a mutant showed a specific phenotype of enlarged leaves caused by increased cell size, in correlation with increased ploidy. Detailed analyses revealed that cell expansion is increased in the rpt2a mutant by extended endoreduplication early in leaf development. The transcription of genes encoding cell cycle‐related components, for DNA replication licensing and the G2/M phase, was also promoted in the rpt2a mutant, suggesting that extended endoreduplication was caused by increased DNA replication, and disrupted regulation of the G2/M checkpoint, at the proliferation stage of leaf development.
Interobserver agreement between primary graders and an expert grader in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme: a quality assurance audit
Authors: Patra S. , Gomm E. M. W. , Macipe M. , Bailey C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAims  To assess the quality and accuracy of primary grading in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme and to set standards for future interobserver agreement reports.Methods  A prospective audit of 213 image sets from six fully trained primary graders in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme was carried out over a 4‐week period. All the images graded by the primary graders were regraded by an expert grader blinded to the primary grading results and the identity of the primary grader. The interobserver agreement between primary graders and the blinded expert grader and the corresponding Kappa coefficient was determined for overall grading, referable, non‐referable and ungradable disease. The audit standard was set at 80% for interobserver agreement with a Kappa coefficient of 0.7.Results  The interobserver agreement bettered the audit standard of 80% in all the categories. The Kappa coefficient was substantial (0.7) for the overall grading results and ranged from moderate to substantial (0.59–0.65) for referable, non‐referable and ungradable disease categories. The main recommendation of the audit was to provide refresher training for the primary graders with focus on ungradable disease.Conclusion  The audit demonstrated an acceptable level of quality and accuracy of primary grading in the Bristol and Weston diabetic retinopathy screening programme and provided a standard against which future interobserver agreement can be measured for quality assurance within a screening programme.