bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of small business performance in Syria
Authors: Alasadi Rami , Abdelrahim Ahmed 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model that evaluates the performance and assesses the success of small business enterprises in the service sector in Syria.Design/methodology/approachA logistic regression model based on a comprehensive questionnaire with a response rate of 58 percent that examines the contribution of several factors to the success of small business enterprises; a sample of 340 firms; implied by three performance measures: owner/manger satisfaction with performance, profitability, and sales turnover. These factors are: planning, firm size, source of capital, owner/manager age, and training for company management and staff.FindingsProvides information about each factor, indicating their significance and contribution to the success of small business enterprises. Recognizes that trained self‐financed young owners/managers are better able to run their business successfully. However, lack of training and insufficient planning were found to be common among the surveyed sample.Research limitations/implicationsA higher response rate could have added better significance to the examined factors. The investigation is limited to the small business service sector in established in Syria. Self‐administered interviews could have given a better insight on the significance of the findings.Practical implicationsThis paper could prove helpful to young entrepreneurs willing to start their businesses in growing economies such as the Syrian economy.Originality/valueThis paper satisfies the need for young entrepreneurs who lack the proper knowledge, based on scientific research, for small business development. Also introduces a fair representation of the small business economy in a developing country, most likely similar in behavior to other countries in the region.
Management development as learning within the Middle East public sector
Authors: Dixon Christopher 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest one approach to achieve a better connection between industry and academia. Some definitions of staff development, to better understand the complex process of learning in terms of a functionalist, performance improvement and self‐development perspective are outlined. Some operational dilemmas that face both the manager and educationalist are considered in terms of a need to deliver quality, productivity and cost effective goods and services.Design/methodology/approachThe topic examines the need to bridge the process of management and academic staff development such that both managers and academics can experience a common understanding of critical thinking. As both become more involved in complex activities that cannot be addressed by purely technical solutions a critical perspective is described that questions and examines the underlying assumptions, commonsense, taken for granted aspects of the working environment. This critical perspective provides a common arena and shared connection between industry and academia for mutual benefit, shared understanding and exploitable opportunities.FindingsThe notion of single and double loop learning is proposed with the latter being considered as a successful way to address some of the common incompatible norms, structures and procedures encountered by both industry and academia. Learning is examined in terms of knowledge, research, theory and application. A critical perspective involving reflection, emancipation, the use of dialogue and the sharing of tensions and dilemmas is described that challenges the rational and prescriptive nature of what stands for much of industry and academic work.Practical implicationsPractitioners involved in the staff development process will have an interest in such an approach.Originality/valueThe critical learning theory described in this paper can be used to draw closer the management and education arenas in such a way that can ensure industry and academia are better informed and challenged.
Horizontal and vertical spillover effects of foreign direct investment in Chinese manufacturing
Authors: Wang Chengqi , Zhao Zhongxiu 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine foreign direct investment (FDI) spillovers accruing to Chinese local industry at both intra‐ and inter‐industry levels and how such effects vary with the nationality of the investor.Design/methodology/approachA panel dataset for Chinese industry over the period 2000‐2002 is employed for an augmented production function with external factors being defined as the influences of externalities in production.FindingsThe paper provides evidence of positive spillovers working both within industries and between industries, and evidence of vertical effects being more important than horizontal effects. The results also show that Western multinational enterprises (MNEs) generate more vertical spillovers than their overseas Chinese counterparts. This latter finding confirms that it is necessary to break down inward FDI by foreign ownership, as this makes a significant improvement over previous findings.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to data constraints, the design of the empirical framework does not allow a tightly defined source of potential vertical spillovers, i.e. a distinction of vertical spillovers through backward or forward linkages.Practical implicationsGiven the strong evidence of vertical spillovers, the role of foreign MNEs in bringing local suppliers up‐to‐date with best practices should be counted amongst the policy benefits when judging whether it is appropriate to provide policy incentives to FDI. Policy effectiveness could be maximized at targeting specific types of foreign investor.Originality/valueThe paper assesses the relative importance of horizontal and vertical spillovers in a unified framework and the role of nationality of the investor.
A study of corporate market and non‐market behaviors in Chinese transitional environment
Authors: Tian Zhilong , Fan Shuai 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to integrate the corporate market and non‐market behaviors (such as social, legal, and political activities) into the research of competitive interaction.Design/methodology/approach“Structured content analysis” is used in analyzing the longitudinal data of five real estate enterprises from an industrial journal during the last seven years.FindingsCompetitive interactions with market and non‐market contents involve the expanded competitive scope, behaviors, and relationships. New explanations beyond previous literatures are provided to explain the expanded competitive behaviors (especially in resource‐oriented and mixed scope) by analyzing the characteristics of actions and responses.Practical implicationsFirms must effectively focus on the interaction of market and non‐market competitive behaviors. Industrial competitors in the market environment can engage in collaborative or cooperative actions with non‐market issues in order to obtain collective benefits.Originality/valueThis paper expands on previous studyies of competitive interaction by integrating the important non‐market content, especially categorizing it in the Chinese transitional environment with typical evidence.
Structural and social dimensions of an international joint venture
Authors: Charlebois Sylvain 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge in the area of international joint ventures, more specifically in China.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis considers events prior to 26 April 2006, when the joint venture was announced. Organizations involved are considered as units of analysis for the current study. Using Yin's methodology for exploratory theory development, this study builds on existing theories through a case study that explores the execution of international joint ventures. This study analyzes holistic data in relation to Hypor Canada, Sichuan South Hope Company Ltd, and Shangdong Liu He Group Ltd.FindingsThe findings suggest that strategic intents and resources need to be aligned between parties involved, and that foreign‐based North American firms should cultivate both the structural and social dimensions of a relationship with a Chinese‐based company.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was limited to one case in swine genetics. The findings of this research may only be fully applicable for explaining joint venture operations in this particular area.Practical implicationsThe Hypor and New Hope agreement shows that a project needs to address both structural and social dimensions at once. Managers and marketers need to be aware of this and to consider both dimensions when assessing situations that may lead to a new joint venture.Originality/valueFor various reasons, many joint ventures between North American and Chinese companies fail. On 26 April 2006, however, Hypor Canada, a leader in swine genetics headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, signed what would prove to be a successful joint venture with China‐based New Hope (Sichuan South Hope Company Ltd). The agreements with Sichuan South Hope Company Ltd (New Hope) and Shandong Liu He Group Company Ltd (Liu He) were at the production and distribution of breeding pigs in China.
Market structure of China's network industry
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Zhang Minghong 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to study network effects and the impacts on market structure in the specific context of China's network industries.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is organized in the mode of “concept‐model analysis‐empirical examination”. Starting from the concept of “network effect”, it is then extended to the theoretical analysis of market structure and the examination of China's representative network industries.FindingsThe data for China's representative network industries produce mixed findings. Some prove the theoretical estimation quite well, while others do not follow the theoretical conclusion so closely.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for China's network industry are relatively limited. The depth of the data is especially inadequate, which prevents more systematic econometrical analysis.Practical implicationsThe paper can serve as a reference for private decision makers of network industries and for regulators with antitrust concerns.Originality/valueThis paper may be the first of its kind to study the market structure of China's network industries from the perspective of network effects theory. It could be a good reference for those interested in learning the current status of China's network industries.
The unstated consensus of leadership approaches
Authors: Mackenzie Kenneth D. , Barry Barnes F. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to report on the underlying consensus in the major leadership approaches. This led to an assessment of the comprehensiveness of 11 leadership approaches and the role of place in achieving it.Design/methodology/approachOverall, 11 leadership approaches are analyzed and coded according to their emphasis and purpose and their organizational place (organizational content/context and the follower content/context).FindingsA total of eight consensus items are found which range from “leadership is a good thing and more of its is better” to “leadership is a type of holonomic process”. In addition, ten of the 11 leadership approaches lack comprehensiveness, and that this lack is possibly the reason for their popularity.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper does not include all possible leadership approaches. The analysis and coding of those selected leave room for different interpretations and possibly different conclusions.Practical limitationsThe inability of most leadership approaches to incorporate actual content of the work and the context of the group or organizations limits their usefulness to actually improve leadership. Theorists need to consider and incorporate place in their formulations.Originality/valueThis paper uses the philosophical concept of place to analyze leadership approaches. This paper also introduces the LAMPE approach to organizational leadership because it points the way to having more comprehensive leadership approach.
Effects of the physical work environment on the creation of individual‐ and group‐level social capital
Authors: Zagenczyk Thomas J. , Murrell Audrey J. , Gibney Ray 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe aim of this article is to examine how office designs influence social capital or the value inherent in relationships. More specifically, this article attempts to better understand the level to which the value of social capital accrues, either to the individual or to the group.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review theoretical and empirical research on the physical work environment and social capital to develop propositions that relate the effects of open office environments on the development of group‐ and individual‐level social capital.FindingsIt is argued that an open‐office environment, defined as an office design that attempts to maximize functional communication among organization members by removing physical barriers that hinder the flow of work and communications, can positively affect the development of social capital within an organization. Specifically, it is suggested that open office designs will foster the development of group‐level social capital (i.e. social capital that benefits the group, the result of network closure) but reduce individual‐level social capital (i.e. social capital that benefits individuals who connect otherwise unconnected groups in the network, or structural holes).Practical implicationsBy effectively managing the physical work environment, organizations can better control and/or influence the frequency and nature of interactions between employees, which may result in desirable outcomes for both the organization and employees.Originality/valueThe article integrates two streams of literature – social capital and physical work environment – and will be of interest to researchers in both literature groups. In addition, office managers and designers can benefit from the discussion in an effort to foster group level social capital.
The influence of situational constraints on the perceived value of consulting services
Authors: Plenge Nicole E. , Adair Erickson Robin , Roloff Michael E. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis article aims to examine how situational constraints impact clients' valuations of the task and socio‐emotional resources exchanged when interacting with consultants. In consultant‐client relationships, the emphasis on economic resources has commodified these interactions into explicit exchanges of time, money, and deliverables.Design/methodology/approachA total of five hypotheses were tested using a within‐subjects experimental design. Subjects consisted of 110 adult professionals who were presented with five different scenarios in a random sequence and asked to rank order and evaluate a list of professional‐service resources.FindingsThe valuation of resources was found to change when situational constraints were present. Regardless of the context, task resources were generally valued more than socio‐emotional resources. When relational constraints were salient, socio‐emotional resources were valued more in long‐term than short‐term relationships. When faced with time pressure or budgetary constraints, task needs were valued more than socio‐emotional needs.Research limitations/implicationsThere is potential bias due to snowball sampling, and the hypothetical nature of the experimental scenarios limits the generalizability of this study.Practical implicationsFor clients, this research indicates that the context surrounding consultant‐client interactions plays an important role in shaping clients' valuation of resources, both individually and collectively. For consultants, these findings suggest that a “one‐size‐fits‐all” strategy is not the most effective way to approach consultant‐client interactions.Originality/valueThis study contributes to our knowledge about how situational constraints impact clients' valuation of the task and socio‐emotional resources offered by consultants.
The shifting pattern of cause‐specific mortality in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus‐infected and non‐infected injecting drug users
Authors: Ferreros Inmaculada , Lumbreras Blanca , Hurtado Isabel , Pérez‐Hoyos Santiago , Hernández‐Aguado Ildefonso 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To monitor changes in cause‐specific mortality before and after 1997 according to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serological status in a cohort of injecting drug users (IDUs) observed for a 17‐year period (1987–2004).Design  Community‐based prospective cohort study of IDUs recruited in three acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) prevention centres (1987–96) and followed‐up until to 2004.Methods  We obtained annual overall mortality rates and mortality rates by specific causes according to HIV status. Poisson regression models were adjusted to compare mortality rates between calendar periods. Significant changes in slope trends were evaluated by join‐point regression. Disease‐specific mortality rates were estimated using competing risk models.Findings  From 7186 IDUs recruited (80 677.218 person‐years), 1589 deaths were observed with an overall mortality rate of 19.7 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI, 18.8–20.7). This rate decreased from 22.9 per 1000 (95% CI, 21.4–24.7) before 1997 to 17.4 per 1000 (95% CI, 16.3–18.6) after 1997 [relative risk (RR) 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–0.92]. Risk of death for HIV‐positive was four times higher than for HIV‐negative (RR 4.08; 95% CI, 3.63–4.58). Among HIV‐positive individuals a significantly decreased change point in trend was found in 1997 for both total and AIDS mortality. HIV‐negative individuals showed a similar pattern for drug overdose, suicide and accident mortality. Both groups showed an increase in proportional mortality by liver‐related causes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Furthermore, a progressively increasing trend was observed for the three causes. However, there were no significant differences according to serological groups.Conclusions  Cardiovascular and cancer mortality are increasing among IDUs, but the increases are not related to HIV infection. We have not found a link between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) introduction and increases in mortality for specific causes.
Acute myeloid leukaemia blast cells with a tyrosine kinase domain mutation of FLT3 are less sensitive to lestaurtinib than those with a FLT3 internal tandem duplication
Authors: Mead Adam J. , Gale Rosemary E. , Kottaridis Panagiotis D. , Matsuda Satomi , Khwaja Asim , Linch David C. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryFLT3 tyrosine kinase domain mutations (FLT3/TKDs) are associated with a favourable prognosis in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), unlike FLT3 internal tandem duplications (FLT3/ITDs) that have a poor prognosis. Whilst FLT3/ITD+ cells are more susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of FLT3 inhibitors than wild type (WT) cells, the sensitivity of FLT3/TKD+ cells to therapeutic agents is unclear, as is the importance of the mutant level. We therefore studied the effect of cytarabine and the FLT3 inhibitor lestaurtinib, either alone or in combination, on in vitro survival of blast cells from 36 cases of AML (14 FLT3/WT, 11 FLT3/ITD+ and 11 FLT3/TKD+). All three groups showed similar sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of cytarabine but FLT3/ITD mutant level was inversely correlated with cytarabine cytotoxicity (P = 0·04) whereas FLT3/TKD mutant level had no impact. FLT3/TKD+ cells showed a similar response to lestaurtinib as FLT3/WT cells, whereas FLT3/ITD+ cells were more sensitive (P = 0·004). There was no correlation between mutant level and lestaurtinib sensitivity for either FLT3/ITD+ or FLT3/TKD+ cells. Synergistic cytotoxicity of lestaurtinib plus cytarabine was demonstrated in all three groups. These results suggest that FLT3/TKD+ and FLT3/WT cases should not be differentiated when considering patients for treatment with FLT3 inhibitors.
Significant inverse relationship between serum free T4 concentration and body mass index in euthyroid subjects: differences between smokers and nonsmokers
Authors: Makepeace Ashley E. , Bremner Alexandra P. , O’Leary Peter , Leedman Peter J. , Feddema Peter , Michelangeli Valdo , Walsh John P. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryObjective  There are conflicting data regarding the relationship between thyroid function and body mass index (BMI) in euthyroid subjects, and it is uncertain whether tobacco smoking modifies this relationship. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between thyroid function, BMI and smoking in euthyroid subjects.Design  Linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between serum free T4, serum TSH, BMI and smoking in a cross‐sectional, community‐based sample of 1853 euthyroid subjects in Busselton, Western Australia.Results  There was a significant negative relationship between free T4 and BMI: after adjustment for age and sex, each 1 pmol/l increase in free T4 was associated with a decrease in BMI of 0·12 kg/m2 (95% CI 0·06, 0·18; P < 0·001). The mean BMI ± SD of subjects in the highest quintile of free T4 concentration was 24·4 ± 3·5 kg/m2, compared with 26·1 ± 3·8 kg/m2 for the lowest quintile. The relationship between free T4 and BMI was statistically significant (adjusted for age and sex) in subjects who had never smoked (P = 0·001) and former smokers (P = 0·011), but not in current smokers (P = 0·77). There was no significant relationship between TSH and BMI: after adjustment for age and sex, each 1 mU/l increase in TSH was associated with an increase in BMI of 0·08 kg/m2 (95% CI –0·16, 0·32; P = 0·53).Conclusions  In euthyroid subjects, small differences in free T4 are associated with differences in BMI. This relationship is not present in current smokers. We speculate that this may be relevant to weight changes associated with smoking cessation.
Effect of xylitol and xylitol–fluoride lozenges on approximal caries development in high‐caries‐risk children
Authors: STECKSÉN‐BLICKS CHRISTINA , HOLGERSON PERNILLA LIF , TWETMAN SVANTE 
Published: March 2008

Aim.  To evaluate the effect of xylitol‐ and xylitol/fluoride‐containing lozenges on approximal caries development in young adolescents with high caries risk.Study design.  A 2‐year double‐blind trial with two parallel arms and a nonrandomized reference group.Material and methods.  One hundred and sixty healthy 10‐ to 12‐year‐old children with high caries risk were selected. After informed consent, they were randomly assigned into a xylitol and a xylitol/fluoride group. They were instructed to take two tablets three times a day (total xylitol and fluoride dose 2.5 g and 1.5 mg, respectively). The compliance was checked continuously and scored as good, fair, or poor. A reference no‐tablet group was also selected (n = 70) for group comparison. The outcome measure was approximal caries incidence.Results.  The dropout rate was 28%, and 41% exhibited a good compliance with the study protocol. No statistically significant differences in caries incidence could be found between the study groups (P > 0.05). Among a subgroup of children who demonstrated good compliance, the mean ΔDMFSa value was significantly lower in the xylitol/fluoride group compared to the xylitol group, 1.0 ± 2.3 vs. 3.3 ± 4.6 (P < 0.05), while no difference could be displayed between any of the study groups and the reference group (P > 0.05).Conclusion.  The results from this 2‐year trial did not support a self‐administered regimen of xylitol‐ or xylitol/fluoride‐containing lozenges for the prevention of approximal caries in young adolescents with high caries risk.