bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The b Gene of Pea Encodes a Defective Flavonoid 3′,5′-Hydroxylase, and Confers Pink Flower Color
Authors: Moreau Carol , Ambrose Mike J. , Turner Lynda , Hill Lionel , Ellis T.H. Noel , Hofer Julie M.I. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The inheritance of flower color in pea (Pisum sativum) has been studied for more than a century, but many of the genes corresponding to these classical loci remain unidentified. Anthocyanins are the main flower pigments in pea. These are generated via the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, which has been studied in detail and is well conserved among higher plants. A previous proposal that the Clariroseus (B) gene of pea controls hydroxylation at the 5′ position of the B ring of flavonoid precursors of the anthocyanins suggested to us that the gene encoding flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H), the enzyme that hydroxylates the 5′ position of the B ring, was a good candidate for B. In order to test this hypothesis, we examined mutants generated by fast neutron bombardment. We found allelic pink-flowered b mutant lines that carried a variety of lesions in an F3′5′H gene, including complete gene deletions. The b mutants lacked glycosylated delphinidin and petunidin, the major pigments present in the progenitor purple-flowered wild-type pea. These results, combined with the finding that the F3′5′H gene cosegregates with b in a genetic mapping population, strongly support our hypothesis that the B gene of pea corresponds to a F3′5′H gene. The molecular characterization of genes involved in pigmentation in pea provides valuable anchor markers for comparative legume genomics and will help to identify differences in anthocyanin biosynthesis that lead to variation in pigmentation among legume species.
From chalk and talk to walking the walk
Authors: Gilbert David H. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of designing and developing applied, industry‐engaged learning environments that embrace ambiguity and uncertainty in overcoming pedagogical inertia in educating young entrepreneurs and innovators. The research reported on proposes a solution to the dual expectations of producing entrepreneurship graduates who can either hit the ground running in driving innovation for employers, or create, launch and sustain their own ventures.Design/methodology/approachThe research is longitudinal in nature, employing a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative instruments in measuring outcomes, along with development and validation of the proposed Create‐Substantiate‐Activate (CSA) scale.FindingsSignificant triangulated evidence is provided that validates the proposed dynamic, industry‐engaged learning model. The skill and capability development of the entrepreneurship students, as well as the positive impacts upon self‐confidence and self‐efficacy, support the approach adopted in moving beyond the business planning paradigm into rapid innovation prototyping.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reports on one program within an undergraduate Entrepreneurship degree at one Australian university. Therefore, the suitability for adoption of the proposed model will be subject to factors germane to particular contexts.Practical implicationsThe research provides direction for designing and managing collaborative industry‐engaged learning programs for students of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Critical elements of the learning process are identified that foster contexts for producing Entrepreneurship graduates that are both highly valued by employers and capable of launching and sustaining innovative new businesses.Originality/valueThe Innovation Fastrack Program reported on in this paper is ground‐breaking in the way it engages industry, promotes rapid and deep learning contextualised by creativity, curiousity, uncertainty and volatility and in the way it fosters social interaction in dealing with real‐world problems and opportunities.
Industrial training of construction students: perceptions of training organizations in Ghana
Authors: Ayarkwa Joshua , Adinyira Emmanuel , Osei‐Asibey Dickson 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe industrial training component in a university's curricula adds tremendous value to a degree programme by enhancing the employable skills of graduates. The purpose of this paper is to assess the perception of organisations that have trained construction students from the Department of Building Technology of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, as part of its industrial training programme.Design/methodology/approachThrough a structured questionnaire survey of 120 organisations which have offered industrial training to construction students in the Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast metropolitan areas of Ghana, the paper assessed industry's views on issues relating to the nature and objectives of industrial training, preparation towards training, performance of students during training, effectiveness of the training and areas of improvement. Data collected through the survey were analysed using largely descriptive statistics and content analysis.FindingsIn the opinion of the training organisations, industrial training exposes students to real work environment and helps them to apply theory to practice. During industrial training, the trainees showed high level of performance achievement in their ability to carry out instructions, ability to function as team players and ability to apply knowledge gained from the university among others. However, they showed a low level of performance achievement in negotiation skills, independence, social and multi‐racial awareness and ability to make decisions. Major areas requiring improvement in the way industrial training is currently organised include: the need for learning institutions to provide guidelines for industrial training for use by host organisations and to monitor trainees during industrial training; training organisations should design training programmes which emphasise all competencies, appoint industrial supervisors and submit industrial feedback to learning institutions.Practical implicationsThe findings from the study will not only make industrial training programmes in Ghana and other developing countries more effective and successful towards the improvement of skills of trainees and thereby increase their chances of employment after graduation but also provide a reliable source of highly skilled and educated workers and an expanded pool of qualified future employees.Originality/valueThe paper provides a basis for enhancing and developing effective IT practices as well as providing indicators for evaluating existing IT practices in Ghanaian and other universities in developing countries to positively influence future employees of the construction industry.
Is there fire? Executive compensation and employee attitudes
Authors: Welsh Elizabeth T. , Ganegoda Deshani B. , Arvey Richard D. , Wiley Jack W. , Budd John W. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationship between CEO compensation and employee attitudes.Design/methodology/approachBased upon equity/organizational justice theories and the CEO compensation literature, hypotheses were developed which suggest that executive compensation and employee attitudes will be related. These hypotheses were tested by linking a large‐scale survey of employee attitudes to CEO compensation data for public companies based in the USA.FindingsEmployee attitudes appear to be related to some measures of CEO compensation, although sometimes the relationship that was found was negative and sometimes it was positive, but in all cases the effect size was quite small. Specifically, change in CEO salary was negatively related to evaluation of senior management and general satisfaction. However, change in total CEO compensation was positively related to evaluation of senior management and general satisfaction, while CEO bonus level was positively related to general satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of this study include the inability to show a causal relationship, limited external validity, equations that explain only a small amount of variance and attitudinal measures that are single source. Future research which helps understand what employees know and why differences across organizations exist would be helpful.Practical implicationsFrom an employee attitude perspective, changing performance‐based components of CEO compensation (e.g. bonus) is better than changing CEO salary. However, if salary is going to be increased, a communication plan for employees should be developed.Originality/valueWhether executive compensation has an impact on employees' attitudes has not been explored previously.
Intellectual capital and organizational commitment
Authors: Yi‐Ching Chen Mavis , Shui Wang Yung , Sun Vicky 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine whether personal assets or organizational investments from an intellectual capital perspective have an influence on employee commitment in the Taiwanese cultural creative industries.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a cross‐level design to conduct a questionnaire survey. The research variables covered two levels: individual level (personal human capital and organizational commitment); and organizational level (organizational intellectual capital). The authors contacted 39 small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan's cultural creative industries, requesting their participation in the study, and 27 managers and 86 employees in 27 cultural creative firms provided research information. The response rate was 69 percent for managers and 44 percent for employees, respectively.FindingsThe research results indicate that both personal human capital and organizational intellectual capital were antecedents of organizational commitment. For personal human capital, employees with higher levels of education are less committed to organizations. Tenured employees were found to be more committed to organizations. However, the authors did not find a significantly positive effect of personal age on commitment. In regard to organizational intellectual capital, the stocks of human capital and social capital increased organizational commitment. Interestingly, organizational capital reduced organizational commitment for employees in cultural creative industries.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the cross‐level antecedents of organizational commitment from an intellectual capital perspective. In addition, the authors provide some empirical evidence focusing on one emerging industry in Taiwan, i.e. cultural creative industries.
Comparison between the Spanish and Italian early work retirement models
Authors: Alcover Carlos‐María , Crego Antonio , Guglielmi Dina , Chiesa Rita 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe aim of this study is to compare the Spanish and Italian early work retirement (EWR) models in a sample comprising individuals from both countries based on the level of voluntariness involved in labour market exit, psychosocial outcomes, perceived consequences, socio‐demographic variables and motivation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a cluster analysis approach to carry out a cross‐sectional study based on a total sample of 1,131 early retirees (605 Spaniards and 526 Italians) drawn from different industries.FindingsIn the Spanish but not in the Italian case, EWR was predominantly perceived as forced. K‐means cluster analysis identified four groups of early retirees in both countries based on perceived outcomes of EWR. Two of these clusters represent extreme positive and negative assessments of early retirement consequences, while the remaining two reflect intermediate positions.Research limitations/implicationsThese results show that the involuntary Spanish EWR model is associated with a significant negative outcomes cluster, whereas voluntary early retirees in Italy are significantly grouped in the positive outcomes cluster. Variables referring to early exit motives, attitudes towards work and post‐working life and psychosocial adjustment are employed to define the clusters.Originality/valueThis study reveals the existence of significant differences in the level of voluntariness between EWR in Spain and its Italian counterpart, in line with the findings obtained by other researchers. The findings support the conclusions of studies that suggest the existence of differences in post‐employment life depending on the level of voluntariness concerned in retirement from the labour market.
E‐books: the future for publishers and libraries
Authors: Lynch Kelly 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a conference report on the issues surrounding the emergence of e‐books discussed during panels and presentations at the 2011 Frankfurt Book Fair (October 12‐16).Design/methodology/approachThis report was generated based on the author's personal observations at the Book Fair, combined with research into the topic of e‐book pricing and purchasing models.FindingsThe paper finds that publishers have not yet developed an appropriate business model for pricing and distributing e‐books, which will affect libraries. While this business model is still “up in the air,” libraries should communicate their needs to publishers. Ideally, this can help in creating a model that benefits both publishers and libraries, and therefore the public.Originality/valueThis paper provides a look at the issues publishers are facing from the perspective of one of their major markets – libraries. The unique perspective of a librarian at a publisher's trade fair is given through the hot topic of e‐books – which will continue to be a hot topic in the world of publishers and libraries, at least until a solid business model is established.
Use of blended learning to enhance the student learning experience and engagement in property education
Authors: Poon Joanna 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to report the detailed findings of a Centre for Education in the Built Environment (CEBE) funded study into good practice in the use of blended learning in property education. “Blended learning” is a combination of face‐to‐face learning experiences and online learning experiences which aim to complement each other in order to support and enhance student learning. The aim of this paper is to examine the benefits that blended learning provides to students' learning experience and engagement in property education. It also seeks to discuss lessons learnt from academics who deliver Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) accredited property‐related courses, in developing blended learning and students' interaction with the blended learning environment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the research findings from interviews and questionnaire surveys of RICS and CIOB accredited property‐related course providers and the students who currently study these courses. Eight course directors of property‐related courses were interviewed and through discussion with the academic interviewees a questionnaire was developed and sent to all RICS and CIOB undergraduate and postgraduate course directors in the UK. The eight interviewed course directors were requested to send out a questionnaire to their students, and 442 completed students' questionnaires were returned. Further telephone interviews with seven students were conducted. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded to identify similar themes. The frequency of the answer in the questionnaire and comments from interviewees is presented.FindingsBoth academics and students find that blended learning gives greater flexibility for student learning in terms of learning style and study pace. With the adoption of a wide range of delivery methods, blended learning can successfully improve students' experience and enhance their engagement. It is also important to ensure that blended learning is really “blended” and includes a good mix of delivery methods. “Face‐to‐face interaction” with students is important as students require reassurance and on‐going support from lecturers. Providing training for students to use specialist software in order to equip them to fully utilise blended learning is also essential. Finally, allocation of sufficient time and resources for the development and maintenance of blended learning programmes is also key to its success.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to investigate the lessons learnt from academics in developing blended learning and also students' interaction with the blended learning environment in property‐related courses in the UK. Property‐related course providers can use the results of this study to inform the design of blended learning in their programme in order to enhance students' learning experience and engagement.
Revitalising Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme
Authors: Cheung Esther , Chan Albert P.C. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeHong Kong has undergone a rapid transformation from a small fishing village to one of Asia's top commercial cities. With the booming economic development that it has undergone, heritage has been criticised as largely neglected. To respond to this criticism proactively, the local government introduced a “Revitalising Historic Buildings through Partnership Scheme” which is considered an innovative social public‐private partnership initiative. However, it is still early stages and the effectiveness of this scheme is yet to be evaluated. The purpose of this paper is therefore to evaluate the success of this innovative scheme by means of a case study.Design/methodology/approachThe case study approach has been adopted to analyse the effectiveness of this scheme. The Mei Ho House is a Grade I listed building marking the history of early public housing in Hong Kong. This project was studied thoroughly by looking at the historical background, the selected service provider, project details, historical significance, social benefits and public opinion.FindingsThe findings indicate that the scheme has been implemented effectively to revitalize historical buildings such as Mei Ho House. Efforts have been made to preserve these buildings into innovative use, uplift local culture and social benefits. In addition, an effective partnership arrangement between the public and private parties has been established.Originality/valueThe analyses will help to assess whether the proposed scheme has been successfully implemented. As a result, the suitability of using this scheme for future projects in Hong Kong or even other jurisdictions will be recommended. The proposed scheme will be an innovative and alternative approach for preserving and restoring historical buildings if proved to be feasible.
The impact of expertise on the mediating role of the audit committee
Authors: Salleh Zalailah , Stewart Jenny 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine external auditors' perceptions of the impact of audit committee financial expertise and industry expertise on the mediating role played by the committee in resolving auditor‐client disagreements.Design/methodology/approachThe study is a 2×2 between subjects experimental design, using 61 Malaysian auditors as participants. The authors manipulate audit committee financial expertise and industry expertise at high and low levels.FindingsIt is found that external auditors perceive that audit committees play a greater mediating role and use mediating techniques to a greater extent when committee members' financial and industry expertise is high compared to when expertise is lower.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to examine the importance of audit committee expertise on the mediating role of the audit committee. The major contribution of the paper is the finding that auditors believe the audit committee's role as a mediator is strengthened not only by the committee members' accounting and auditing expertise but also by their industry expertise. The paper's findings have implications for practitioners and regulators who are concerned with the role of the audit committee in enhancing the integrity of the financial reporting and audit process.
Strategic account management programs: alignment of design elements and management practices
Authors: Storbacka Kaj 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe paper aims at generating a better understanding of the design elements and related management practices of strategic account management programs, in order to assist firms wishing to design such programs.Design/methodology/approachThe research process is based on systematic combining of literature, empirical data from interviews with nine multi‐national firms, interaction with the firms during the research, and the knowledge resource base of the Strategic Account Management Association.FindingsA strategic account management program (SAMP) is defined as a relational capability, involving task‐dedicated actors, who allocate resources of the firm and its strategically most important customers, through management practices that aim at inter‐ and intra‐organizational alignment, in order to improve account performance (and ultimately shareholder value creation). The research identified four inter‐organizational alignment design elements: account portfolio definition, account business planning, account‐specific value proposition, account management process; and four intra‐organizational design elements: organizational integration, support capabilities, account performance management, account team profile and skills. The management practices pertinent to each element are discussed.Practical implicationsFirms need to ensure that a SAMP is configured so that there is fit between the design elements discussed. Focus should be put on identifying framing elements that set the foundation for configuring effective programs, as they determine the prerequisites for other elements.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on strategic account management by summarizing extant research and developing an organizing framework, informed by an empirical study.
Affective commitment in industrial customer‐supplier relations: a psychological contract approach
Authors: Lövblad Mikael , Hyder Akmal S. , Lönnstedt Lars 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this conceptual paper is to develop the construct of affective commitment in business‐to‐business relationships between customers and suppliers, as well as to introduce the psychological contract as a central antecedent to affective commitment.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature on psychological contracts and relationship marketing relating to affective relationship commitment was conducted to make a theoretical contribution in a buyer‐supplier relationship context.FindingsBy focusing on the individual and incorporating relevant mental processes, theories on affective commitment have been developed. A model and propositions concerning the impact of psychological contracts on affective relationship commitment are suggested, where the psychological contract plays a central role in mediating the effects of several antecedents to affective commitment.Research limitations/implicationsBy focusing on the individual's role in affective relationship commitment, this paper contrasts with much of the earlier research, which has used the firm as the unit of analysis. For practitioners, using such an approach will provide a more realistic view of the dynamics in the relationship.Originality/valueThis study makes two main contributions. First, it develops conceptual clarity of the affective commitment construct by putting a clear focus on the individual. Second, it proposes a model that describes the influence of several antecedents to affective commitment, suggesting a central role of psychological contracts in explaining the presence of affective commitment in business‐to‐business relationships.