bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding transition performance during offshore IT outsourcing
Authors: Beulen Erik , Tiwari Vinay , van Heck Eric 
Published: November 2011

PurposeWithin an IT outsourcing relationship, transition represents a critical and complex phase that starts immediately after contract signing. Transition involves handing over outsourced activities from client firm to service provider firm and accompanies a new way of operating. The purpose of this paper is to determine and detail factors influencing the performance of transition phase within global IT outsourcing relationships.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors present a framework for transition performance that includes four factors: transition planning, knowledge transfer, transition governance and retained organization. This framework is tested and enriched by utilizing a single, in‐depth case study involving over 25 interviews with a global offshore IT outsourcing engagement.FindingsIt was found that knowledge transfer and transition governance are more critical factors than transition planning and retained organization for transition performance. This was due mainly to two reasons: the critical challenges faced, within the scope of these factors, had higher potential to disrupt transition; and both these factors and their related issues required a significant joint and coordinated effort from client and service provider firms, thereby, making implementation challenging for transition.Originality/valuePractitioners have suggested that over two‐thirds of failed outsourcing relationships are due to transition‐related challenges. This paper represents one of the first in‐depth studies that provides insights from a real‐life global outsourcing engagement, which contributes to and complements existing literature on IT outsourcing by providing a greater understanding of transition. Furthermore, it provides practitioners with insights and best practices that can be used to guide transitions in real‐life engagements.
An exploratory study on job and demographic attributes affecting employee satisfaction in the Indian BPO industry
Authors: Sengupta Santoshi 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in India has always been characterized by ungodly hours, monotonous job, low perceived value, dispirited efficiency resulting to high attrition level. Notwithstanding the ever rising attrition rate, it has become critical for the companies to satisfy their employees in order to retain them. The purpose of this paper is to determine what and how job‐related and demographic variables are associated with employee satisfaction of the BPO employees.Design/methodology/approachData collected from 500 middle level BPO employees was analyzed using SPSS 16.0. T‐tests and Duncan's post hoc tests were done to compare the various dimensions of employee satisfaction across selected demographic variables such as gender, marital status, education, age and tenure. Correlation was done to find out the relationship between employee satisfaction and various job characteristics as well as demographic variables and finally, regression was done to find out the actual determinants of employee satisfaction.FindingsThere is difference of perception towards the job‐related variables on the basis of gender, marital status, education, age, and tenure. Correlations revealed that interpersonal relationships, career progression, salary, company policies, working conditions, and authority have significant positive relationship with employee satisfaction and only accountability had a significant negative relationship with employee satisfaction. Regression revealed the significant determinants of employee satisfaction which were interpersonal relationships, career progression, salary, gender, accountability, and authority.Research limitations/implicationsThe study exclusively used surveys to poll work‐related satisfaction from the employees working only in BPO in India and considers only ten job‐related variables and five demographic variables for the study.Practical implicationsThe comprehensive study of employee satisfaction is helpful for both practitioners and academicians as it helps in disentangling the perceptions about employee satisfaction and also explains the variances among various groups of demographic characteristics. This will enable organizations to correctly gauge employee satisfaction based on the job‐related and demographic characteristics.Social implicationsNow that the study has revealed the dimensions of employee satisfaction and the crucial determinants of satisfaction, each of these factors can be individually tackled to ensure employee retention.Originality/valueThe present study illuminates the existing theoretical foundations regarding employee satisfaction by exploring the detailed and ample responses provided by BPO employees in Indian industry; this can help practitioners to make robust managerial decisions.
The service machine as a service operation framework
Authors: Lillrank Paul , Särkkä Minni 
Published: November 2011

PurposeUnderstanding and depicting service operations is important, as the contractual agreements have become more complex, particularly in offshore outsourcing. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Service Machine as a metaphor and a parsimonious conceptual framework for analyzing outsourced service operations in a Business‐to‐Business‐to‐Consumer context. Conventional machines have frames or platforms that connect various components. The equivalent of a machine in services is a system of contracts linking a client, a service provider, and the end‐users. Clients have the interest to know how, when, where, by whom and with what instructions are their operations being produced. As a result depicting both the service operations and the contractual framework becomes increasingly important.Design/methodology/approachThrough a review of the existing theoretical literature on outsourcing, operations management, contracting and governance, the paper explores a new conceptual model for governing outsourcing arrangements using an inbound voice call center as an example.FindingsThe paper argues that although several theoretical domains indirectly shed light on governing outsourcing and offshoring relationships, they typically approach the issue either from a contractual, governance, or process level. The paper elaborates on the assumptions that governance is needed in outsourced services, service production processes and contractual relations both need to be mapped, and the possibility of process‐contract co‐evolution studied.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the outsourcing literature and to operations management research by developing a new conceptual framework, the Service Machine, for governing service operations in an outsourcing arrangement.
Testing for adverse selection of crop insurance in northern China
Authors: Hou Linging , Hoag Dana L.K. , Mu Yueying 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the efficiency of current subsidized crop insurance products (SCIPs) in Miyun county, in northern China, by testing the existence of adverse selection.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine the efficiency of SCIPs from a farmers' point of view by testing the existence of adverse selection using nonparametric tests and logit regression on data from individual interviews in Miyun County. Due to adverse selection, producers with more risk should be more likely to buy crop insurance in pursuit of the benefits from SCIPs.FindingsHowever, both methods conclude no existence of adverse selection, which indicates that the programs are inefficient. This may not be surprising based on the issues of concern cited above. The opportunities and challenges of a growing interest in weather index insurance are discussed toward the end of the paper.Originality/valueThis paper weaves together literature on traditional and weather index insurance, along with primary data from a survey, to examine the pros and cons of each type of insurance. Implications for policy makers are to compare the tradeoffs between concerns of the two types of insurance examined here, traditional and weather index insurance. Ultimately, the political goals might best determine which option is most desirable.
Is contract farming a risk management instrument for Chinese farmers?
Authors: Holly Wang H. , Zhang Yanping , Wu Laping 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate contract farming in China, using vegetable production as a case. Specifically, the authors analyze farmers' contract decisions for different types of contracts, their contract compliance behaviors, and their profitability affected by the contracts both analytically and empirically.Design/methodology/approachThe authors assume growers with alternative risk preferences make the contract decisions to maximize their expected utilities, under exogenous market price risks and contract terms determined by the processor or wholesaler. Both fixed price and floating price contracts are analyzed. Two surveys of 185 and 85 farm households, respectively, are obtained in Shandong province in 2010, and econometric analyses with both Logit and least square regressions are conducted.FindingsThe results indicate that the determining factors for contract farming are related to farmers' risk attitude, gender, yield, farm size and labor availability. However, contrary to the common belief that contracts are a risk management tool for risk averse farmers, the risk lovers tend to use contract farming instead of risk averters. Female household heads and farms with more labors tend not to use contracts, but larger farms with more acreage are more likely to contract. These suggest Chinese farmers' primary motivation of contracting is not market price risk management, but rather seeking better offers and marketing transaction cost reduction.Originality/valueThe authors believe that this is the first econometric study to analyze contract farming allowing different types of contracts in China. The scenarios include cases without contracts, with fixed price contracts, and with floating price contracts, where the contract price changes to reflect the market price, a very unique yet popular situation in China. Each of the cases is also considered under the situation whether default is possible.
Impacts of agricultural public spending on Chinese food economy
Authors: Xu Shiwei , Zhang Yumei , Diao Xinshen , Chen Kevin Z. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic computable general equilibrium (DCGE) model to analyze economy‐wide impacts of different types of public spending in China. A particular focus is placed on their impacts on food economy.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, DCGE model is developed to analyze economy‐wide impacts of different types of public spending in China. The effects of increased agricultural subsidies, agricultural R&D, and irrigation are simulated by using China DCGE model.FindingsThe results show that public spending has significant impact on food production, price, and trade. The increased public spending on agricultural R&D, irrigation, and agricultural subsidy also has modest impacts on other sectors such as industry, service, and GDP growth.Originality/valueThe paper constructs the China dynamic CGE model and analyzes economy‐wide impacts of different types of public spending in China, especially for the food economy.
Lean Six‐Sigma application in business process outsourced organization
Authors: Ray Sanjit , John Boby 
Published: November 2011

PurposeIn the service sector, reduction of cycle time is one of the key issues. Lean concepts and techniques are applied to increase the speed of operations. In many cases, improvement projects need to leverage a combination of Lean and Six‐Sigma approaches and tools. The purpose of this paper is to present a Lean Six‐Sigma case study for reducing cycle time in a BPO operation and to demonstrate application of Lean Six‐Sigma methodology in BPO and ITeS industries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents an application of Lean Six‐Sigma methodology for cycle time reduction in BPO organizations.FindingsLean Six‐Sigma is found to work very well in BPO industries for reducing process cycle time by carrying out process changes. “Improve result by improving the process” – this motto of Six‐Sigma is very well demonstrated by this approach of Lean Six‐Sigma for BPO organizations.Originality/valueThis paper utilizes fundamental Lean and Six‐Sigma approaches and presents applications. The main idea behind this paper is to utilize Lean concepts/techniques to speed up Six‐Sigma projects. Apart from the paper's value for managers, it can also help researchers to extend this for other areas of business processes.
Asperger syndrome and arson: a case study
Authors: Radley Jane , Shaherbano Zakia 
Published: November 2011

PurposePeople with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) may offend as a result of social skills deficits, co‐morbid mental health problems, abuse of drugs and alcohol, or because of their special interests. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate these issues by describing a patient in whom all of these factors contributed to fire‐setting behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThis paper briefly summarises the literature in relation to ASD and offending, then describes the case of a young man with Asperger syndrome who set a fire in his home.FindingsThe paper concludes that late diagnosis and the consequent lack of intervention may increase the risk of offending. Adults with ASD who offend can benefit from treatment in specialist secure units and the prognosis following such treatment may be good.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the risk of offending in people with ASD, the factors which may contribute to offending, and possible approaches to treatment.
Towards a science of the art of teaching
Authors: Lo Mun Ling , Marton Ference 
Published: November 2011

PurposeOne important contribution of variation theory to learning study is that it brings the focus of the learning study sharply on the object of learning and provides a theoretical grounding to understand some of the necessary conditions of learning. The purpose of this paper is to argue that variation theory can serve as a guiding principle of pedagogical design.Design/methodology/approachData from two case studies are used to support the argument.FindingsThis paper shows that variation theory is indeed a guiding principle; what the teacher is supposed to do in the classroom does not follow mechanically, as exemplified by two learning study cases. The first example shows that the principles of variation theory imply what features of the object of learning has to be invariant and what should vary in the students' experience. However, this is a necessary but not sufficient condition for learning. The second example shows also that even if one is aware of the pattern of variation and invariance needed, still it might take quite a bit of ingenuity to bring it about.Originality/valueTeachers need a sound theory to help them make wise decisions about teaching. Variation theory provides a theoretical grounding to understand some of the necessary conditions of learning, so that wise pedagogical decisions can be made. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of variation theory and its application in practice. Furthermore, the paper also shows that while a learning theory enhances the quality of a lesson study, a lesson study can also provide a platform for the testing and application of a learning theory.
Critical conditions for pre‐service teachers' learning through inquiry
Authors: Po Yuk Ko 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a “Learning Study” program developed in Hong Kong that attempted to foster the learning of pre‐service teachers through a new, collaborative, inquiry‐based approach.Design/methodology/approachA case study is used to illustrate how and what was learnt in this way by the student teachers attending the program.FindingsThe paper explains how the Learning Study approach, with its particular structure and conceptual framework, can meet some of the critical conditions of a successful inquiry‐based approach to an initial teacher education program, as identified in the literature.Originality/valueThe paper also explores the challenges of the approach and its potential for development into a sound pedagogy for initial teacher education.
Lesson Study development in England: from school networks to national policy
Authors: Dudley Peter 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development of Lesson Study (LS) in England through a Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP) project – from early ideas, to a national pilot and national support from the National Strategies, a new labour government agency supporting improvement in educational standards.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the early development of LS in England as a process to improve teaching and learning and pupil progress in networks of schools and local authorities, between 2003 and 2006, going on to describe the entrance of LS onto the English national educational policy landscape in 2008.FindingsThe paper finds that LS has a place in the repertoire of teacher learning approaches and there is evidence that its use can improve teaching, learning and pupil learning outcomes in a range of school contexts. LS works successfully in a system that expects teachers and school leaders to improve professional knowledge and practice through systematic use of collaborative, enquiry based teacher learning approaches.Originality/valueThe paper provides some examples of the evidence of impact that Lesson Study has had on pupil learning outcomes.
Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: update on monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: the role of interleukin (IL)-1 and an emerging role for cytokines beyond IL-1
Authors: Goldbach-Mansky R 
Published: November 2011

Summary
OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES
Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases.
The disease-based discovery of the molecular basis for autoinflammatory diseases has led not only to a rapidly growing number of clinically and genetically identifiable disorders, but has unmantled key inflammatory pathways such as the potent role of the alarm cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 in human disease. Following its initial failures in the treatment of sepsis and the moderate success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, IL-1 blocking therapies had a renaissance in the treatment of a number of autoinflammatory conditions, and IL-1 blocking therapies have been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the treatment of the autoinflammatory conditions: cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). CAPS and deficiency of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), both genetic conditions with molecular defects in the IL-1 pathway, have provided a pathogenic rationale to IL-1 blocking therapies, and the impressive clinical results confirmed the pivotal role of IL-1 in human disease. Furthermore, IL-1 blocking strategies have shown clinical benefit in a number of other genetically defined autoinflammatory conditions, and diseases with clinical similarities to the monogenic disorders and not yet identified genetic causes. The discovery that IL-1 is not only triggered by infectious danger signals but also by danger signals released from metabolically ‘stressed’ or even dying cells has extended the concept of autoinflammation to disorders such as gout, and those that were previously not considered inflammatory, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity and some degenerative diseases, and provided the conceptual framework to target IL-1 in these diseases. Despite the tremendous success of IL-1 blocking therapy, the use of these agents in a wider spectrum of autoinflammatory conditions has uncovered disease subsets that are not responsive to IL-1 blockade, including the recently discovered proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndromes such as chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatitis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperatures (CANDLE), Japanese autoinflammatory syndrome with lipodystrophy (JASL), Nakajo–Nishimura syndrome (NNS) and joint contractures, muscle atrophy, panniculitis induced lipodystrophy (JMP), and urge the continued quest to characterize additional dysregulated innate immune pathways that cause autoinflammatory conditions.
Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: inflammasomes: mechanisms of activation
Authors: Mankan A K , Kubarenko A , Hornung V 
Published: November 2011

Summary
OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES
Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases.
Initiation of a successful immune response requires a working set of sensors that detect any noxious agent within the cellular microenvironment and molecular platforms that process this signal to trigger an appropriate effector response. Pattern recognition receptors can engage different signalling cascades that lead to proinflammatory gene expression. At the same time, transcription-independent events such as activation of proteases and/or phagocytosis are also initiated. The inflammasome pathway constitutes a signalling platform that leads to the activation of so-called inflammatory caspases, most notably caspase-1, which plays a pivotal role in the cleavage and thus maturation of proinflammatory cytokines, but also in the induction of pyroptosis, a special type of cell death. In this review we elaborate on the currently known inflammasome complexes with a special focus on the mechanism behind their activation. Understanding these mechanisms could provide important information regarding the potential signalling nodes that might be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
Catching‐up but telomere loss: half‐opening the black box of growth and ageing trade‐off in wild king penguin chicks
Authors: GEIGER SYLVIE , LE VAILLANT MARYLINE , LEBARD THOMAS , REICHERT SOPHIE , STIER ANTOINE , LE MAHO YVON , CRISCUOLO FRANCOIS 
Published: November 2011

AbstractOne of the reasons for animals not to grow as fast as they potentially could is that fast growth has been shown to be associated with reduced lifespan. However, we are still lacking a clear description of the reality of growth‐dependent modulation of ageing mechanisms in wild animals. Using the particular growth trajectory of small king penguin chicks naturally exhibiting higher‐than‐normal growth rate to compensate for the winter break, we tested whether oxidative stress and telomere shortening are related to growth trajectories. Plasma antioxidant defences, oxidative damage levels and telomere length were measured at the beginning and at the end of the post‐winter growth period in three groups of chicks (small chicks, which either passed away or survived the growth period, and large chicks). Small chicks that died early during the growth period had the highest level of oxidative damage and the shortest telomere lengths prior to death. Here, we show that small chicks that grew faster did it at the detriment of body maintenance mechanisms as shown by (i) higher oxidative damage and (ii) accelerated telomere loss. Our study provides the first evidence for a mechanistic link between growth and ageing rates under natural conditions.