bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conducting culturally appropriate qualitative market research in the Native American landscape
Authors: Haring Rodney 
Published: January 2008

PurposeQualitative research in the field of market research is ever‐growing and has the capability of changing from sunrise to sunset. This paper aims to add a Native American perspective, one that peers from inside the reservation community outwards, into the non‐native qualitative market research environment.Design/methodology/approachIntroductory description of an indigenous‐based qualitative market research protocol is discussed. A native‐based elder care facility in the reservation environment is used as an example to facilitate conversation on developing an indigenous‐based model as it relates to non‐native qualitative market research methods.FindingsThe paper provides information that is useful when preparing proposals and/or selecting firms to employ in the Native American landscape. The roots of this paper can aid readers to build, implement, and understand culturally sensitive processes in developing a native relevant qualitative model that interacts with current and future market systems.Practical implicationsA list of questions is provided for native committees to use when selecting firms to provide qualitative market research services. The question list also provides a template for non‐native consulting firms to use in the proposal development process.Originality/valueThis paper provides an indigenous model of qualitative market research. It is proposed as a valuable tool for both First Nation communities and non‐native consulting firms world‐wide.
CAQDAS: a supplementary tool for qualitative market research
Authors: Rettie Ruth , Robinson Helen , Radke Anja , Ye Xiajiao 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe aims of the paper are twofold: to assess the usage of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) in the UK market research industry; and to evaluate the use of CAQDAS as a supplement to paper‐coding in market research.Design/methodology/approachCAQDAS usage was assessed by a questionnaire, sent to a sample of 400 UK market researchers. The second part of the research is a case study of a research experiment. The authors conducted focus group research into online grocery shopping, supplementing a paper‐coding‐based analysis with a further analysis based on computer coding.FindingsUsage of CAQDAS in commercial market research is very low at only 9 percent. The research suggests that CAQDAS can be a useful supplement to traditional methods. Using computer software, the paper was able to mine the data for more detail; clearly identify minority views; and produce a useful resource for future research.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey response rate was 38 percent, but only 13 respondents used CAQDAS. Generalisation from a single experiment is problematic; the findings are affected by the research topic, research briefs and the two research analysts.Practical implicationsThe study has important implications for commercial qualitative market research. Repositioning CAQDAS as supplementary, rather than as an alternative, circumvents arguments about time pressure, and highlights its data management role.Originality/valueThis is the first large‐scale survey of qualitative research analysis in the UK market research industry. The case study describes an approach to CAQDAS that is innovative and relevant to commercial market research.
Jargon as imagining: Barthes' semiotics and excavating subcultural communication
Authors: de Burgh‐Woodman Hélène , Brace‐Govan Jan 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to expand existing qualitative parameters in current marketing research discourse by integrating Barthesian theory into the study of subcultural marketplaces.Design/methodology/approachWhile essentially conceptual in nature, this paper adopts a comprehensive intertextual, semiotic approach which argues for the substantive investigation of the marketing text as a foundation for understanding consumption in a subcultural context.FindingsTo date, the integration of Barthesian intertextual theory has proved to be an effective method of interrogating subculturally‐oriented materials.Practical implicationsMarketers, in commercial contexts, will access a greater depth of insight into the subcultural market by applying an intertextual, semiotic framework as demonstrated in this paper.Originality/valueWhile marketing discourse has taken interest in semiotics, this has typically occurred via the work of US semiologists, rather than the French school in their organic form. This is one of the first papers to locate Barthes within the marketing paradigm as a potential analytical framework. The paper suggests ways in which his influential theories may be applied as a viable analytical tool in qualitative research.
A novel solid freeforming method using simultaneous part and mould construction
Authors: Yang S. , Mohebi M.M. , Evans J.R.G. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new powder‐based solid freeforming method based on conventional furnace sintering after co‐deposition of mould and part powder materials.Design/methodology/approachBased on acoustic powder deposition, both mould and part powder materials are delivered simultaneously into the forming area according to the cross section of the 3D computer file. The part is formed in the form of loose powder surrounded by the mould powder again in a loose state. The whole assembly can then be sintered by a conventional method and the mould powder, which has a higher sintering temperature than that of part powder, remains in the loose state after sintering and can be removed.FindingsComplex‐shaped components containing re‐entrant cavities and the capability of being made with 3D functional gradients can be rendered directly as a powder preform suitable for subsequent compaction or direct sintering in a conventional furnace. The flowability and compatibility of the powders need to be selected carefully and the track distance between part/mould powders is important for forming a vertical wall.Research limitations/implicationsThe main factors affecting building from powder tracks are identified, including the effect of track distance at an interface on integrity, discontinuous feeding on bends and the effects of fill strategies. The flow rates of the part and mould powder as well as their geometrical maps are controlled computationally. Materials and instrumental aspects are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper describes a method to produce complex‐shaped object without residual stress and expensive lasers and the process could be modified to include 3D functional gradients.
The challenges of supply strategy selection in a project environment: evidence from UK naval shipbuilding
Authors: Sanderson Joe , Cox Andrew 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThere is a view that firms should decide between a lean or agile approach to supply management primarily on the basis of whether their product offering is “functional” (predictable demand, low variety and a long life cycle) or “innovative” (unpredictable demand, high variety and a short life cycle). This paper aims to present and test the proposition that this dichotomy is less useful in complex, one‐off project environments, such as shipbuilding or construction, because projects typically require the assembly of many different, largely functional, products in a unique or innovative configuration.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports a case study focusing on one of the supply chains serving a major UK shipyard. The case study data were gathered by means of semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews with key personnel (procurement, sales, production, materials management and engineering/design) from each company within the defined supply chain.FindingsThe case study reveals that the design and build process used in the shipyard introduces radical unpredictability into the demand for “functional” components of naval vessels.Originality/valueThe paper raises important questions as to the conceptual robustness and the empirical generalisability of some of the extant literature on supply strategy selection. In particular, the case study suggests that a core assumption – that the demand for functional products is relatively predictable – is not sustainable in the context of project specific supply chains where the ultimate demand is generated by an active organisational buyer.
Facilitating learning and knowledge transfer through supplier development
Authors: Giannakis Mihalis 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how supplier development programmes can be adapted to create value for organisations through generation and transfer of knowledge between supply chain partners.Design/methodology/approachBased on the existing literature on supplier development, knowledge transfer and learning and on the interaction model of the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing group, certain factors that condition learning and knowledge transfer through supplier development programmes are discussed and a conceptual framework for improving knowledge transfer is developed. Empirical research is conducted in four large multinational organisations, exploring how supply chain partners can better utilise their capabilities and facilitate knowledge transfer through these programmes.FindingsSeveral organisational and relational factors that affect the success of knowledge transfer in supplier development programmes are identified and discussed and several management practices are proposed to enhance the knowledge transfer process within these programmes.Research limitations/implicationsThe research provides evidence that knowledge transfer requires not only financial commitment and strategic decision making, but also appropriate design and execution of certain processes and a distinctive governance structure. Based on the findings a research agenda is proposed to investigate the impact of knowledge transfer on suppliers' productivity and the associated risk arising from knowledge leakages.Practical implicationsA systematic methodology is proposed to explore how supplier development programmes can achieve their potential among supply chain partners, by examining how certain factors influence the knowledge transfer process.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an innovative framework for analysing knowledge transfer among and between organisations and a knowledge‐based perspective in the design and management of supplier development programmes, so that a learning and knowledge transfer environment can be fostered.
Serving under‐serviced areas in South Africa: the potential for Wi‐Fi community network deployment and the role of regulation
Authors: van Gorp Annemijn , Morris Chris 
Published: January 2008

PurposeWi‐Fi technologies enable small‐scale, bottom‐up development of community networks in (rural) under‐serviced areas in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine: the constraints and opportunities that small Wi‐Fi providers have faced to date in their endeavors to develop Wi‐Fi community networks in South Africa; and the extent to which the newly introduced Electronic Communications Act of 2006 might alleviate any of the constraints.Design/methodology/approachThrough interviews and document analysis the paper analyzes regulations and license application procedures in South Africa, and exemplifies the impact of both through discussion of experiences of a municipal and small private Wi‐Fi provider.FindingsWhile formal regulation prohibits community network deployment due to low power limits and restriction of the use of Wi‐Fi within private premises, informal regulatory constraints as a result of lack of clarity on licensing requirements as well as time‐consuming application processes further prevent small Wi‐Fi providers from entering the market. In order to further stimulate universal access strategies, regulators may find incentives to ease these constraints, particularly as innovations in wireless technologies will continue to increase bottom‐up development of ICT networks by small local entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs, without extensive expertise in law and regulation, will increase the burden and workload of regulators that, particularly in developing countries, frequently face under‐capacity.Originality/valueThis paper extends the debate about spectrum‐licensing barriers for Wi‐Fi community network development in developing countries by providing insight into not only formal but also informal regulatory constraints that impede Wi‐Fi community network provision.
Higher education for sustainability: seeking affective learning outcomes
Authors: Shephard Kerry 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to interpret aspects of education for sustainability in relation to educational theories of the affective domain (values, attitudes and behaviours) and suggest how the use of these theories, and relevant experience, in other educational areas could benefit education for sustainability.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis based on a literature review of relevant educational endeavours in affective learning.FindingsThis paper suggests that most teaching and assessment in higher education focus on cogitative skills of knowledge and understanding rather than on affective outcomes of values, attitudes and behaviours. Some areas of higher education, however, have effectively pursued affective outcomes and these use particular learning and teaching activities to do so. Key issues for consideration include assessing outcomes and evaluating courses, providing academic credit for affective outcomes, key roles for role models and designing realistic and acceptable learning outcomes in the affective domain.Practical implicationsEducators for sustainability could use this relevant theoretical underpinning and experience gained in other areas of education to address the impact of their own learner‐support activities.Originality/valueEducators have traditionally been reluctant to pursue affective learning outcomes but often programmes of study simply fail to identify and describe their legitimate aims in these terms. This paper emphasises the application of a relevant theoretical underpinning to support educators' legitimate aspirations for affective learning outcomes. It will also help these educators to reflect on how the use of these approaches accords with the liberal traditions of higher education.
Impact of the internal business environment on knowledge management within construction organisations
Authors: Chen Le , Mohamed Sherif 
Published: January 2008

PurposeRecent knowledge management (KM) literature suggests that KM activities are influenced by the elements of the internal business environment (BE) of organisations. This paper attempts to provide some unique insights into the contextual input of the KM process through empirically identifying the major factors (i.e. “forces”) within the internal BE of construction organisations operating in Hong Kong, and investigating their impact on the intensity of KM activities.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of construction contractors operating in Hong Kong to elicit opinions on the internal BE and intensity of KM activities as executed by targeted organisations. A total of 149 usable responses were received from 99 organisations representing about 38 percent of the research population. In parallel, to the survey, a total of 15 semi‐structured interviews were undertaken to provide more insights into the phenomenon under investigation.FindingsSupported by the empirical and qualitative evidence, this study established that firstly, both organisational and technical environments have the capacity to either positively or negatively impact the intensity of KM activities, and both environments serve as stimuli in increasing each other's dynamism; secondly, certain types of KM activities are stronger “energy receivers” and easily to be “powered up” by manipulating factors representing these two environments. Then, through interactions between KM activities, the intensity of the whole strategic KM cycle will be increased thus helping to strengthen organisational competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe impact of internal BE on KM activities was both empirically and qualitatively investigated, from a strategic perspective, within the construction business context.
User perceptions of software with embedded spyware
Authors: Sipior Janice C. , Ward Burke T. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a research model and hypotheses that explores software users' perceptions of privacy, trust, and US legal protection in using application software with embedded spyware.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental study was undertaken requiring subjects to use an online analytical processing software product. After use, the experimental group was told spyware was embedded in the software. Questionnaire responses for the experimental and control group were compared using independent samples t‐test. Multiple regression was used to determine significant predictors of overall trust in the software vendor.FindingsUsers of software with spyware, versus users of software without spyware, have lower trust perceptions of a software vendor. Further examination of trustworthiness as a multi‐dimensional construct, reveals trustworthiness‐ability and trustworthiness‐integrity are important influences of overall trust of a vendor.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the findings is the use of a convenience sample, limiting the generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsThe results may provide guidance to software vendors and government regulatory agencies in addressing the concerns associated with spyware.Originality/valueSoftware vendors should rethink the practice of embedding spyware in software applications, unless user trust can be maintained.
Population Diversity of Yeasts and Lactic Acid Bacteria in Pig Feed Fermented with Whey, Wet Wheat Distillers' Grains, or Water at Different Temperatures
Authors: Olstorpe Matilda , Lyberg Karin , Lindberg Jan Erik , Schnürer Johan , Passoth Volkmar 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT

The diversity of populations of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in pig feeds fermented at 10, 15, or 20°C was characterized by rRNA gene sequencing of isolates. The feeds consisted of a cereal grain mix blended with wet wheat distillers' grains (WWDG feed), whey (W feed), or tap water (WAT feed). Fermentation proceeded for 5 days without disturbance, followed by 14 days of daily simulated feed outtakes, in which 80% of the contents were replaced with fresh feed mixtures. In WWDG feed,
Pichia galeiformis
became the dominant yeast species, independent of the fermentation temperature and feed change. The LAB population was dominated by
Pediococcus pentosaceus
at the start of the fermentation period. After 3 days, the
Lactobacillus plantarum
population started to increase in feeds at all temperatures. The diversity of LAB increased after the addition of fresh feed components. In W feed,
Kluyveromyces marxianus
dominated, but after the feed change, the population diversity increased. With increasing fermentation temperatures, there was a shift toward
Pichia membranifaciens
as the dominant species.
L
.
plantarum
was the most prevalent LAB in W feed. The WAT feed had a diverse microbial flora, and the yeast population changed throughout the whole fermentation period.
Pichia anomala
was the most prevalent yeast species, with increasing occurrence at higher fermentation temperatures.
Pediococcus pentosaceus
was the most prevalent LAB, but after the feed change,
L. plantarum
started to proliferate. The present study demonstrates that the species composition in fermented pig feed may vary considerably, even if viable cell counts indicate stable microbial populations.
CcpA Regulates Central Metabolism and Virulence Gene Expression in
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Abranches Jacqueline , Nascimento Marcelle M. , Zeng Lin , Browngardt Christopher M. , Wen Zezhang T. , Rivera Mercedes F. , Burne Robert A. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT

CcpA globally regulates transcription in response to carbohydrate availability in many gram-positive bacteria, but its role in
Streptococcus mutans
remains enigmatic. Using the fructan hydrolase (
fruA
) gene of
S. mutans
as a model, we demonstrated that CcpA plays a direct role in carbon catabolite repression (CCR). Subsequently, the expression of 170 genes was shown to be differently expressed (≥2-fold) in glucose-grown wild-type (UA159) and CcpA-deficient (TW1) strains (
P
≤ 0.001). However, there were differences in expression of only 96 genes between UA159 and TW1 when cells were cultivated with the poorly repressing substrate galactose. Interestingly, 90 genes were expressed differently in wild-type
S. mutans
when glucose- and galactose-grown cells were compared, but the expression of 515 genes was altered in the CcpA-deficient strain in a similar comparison. Overall, our results supported the hypothesis that CcpA has a major role in CCR and regulation of gene expression but revealed that in
S. mutans
there is a substantial CcpA-independent network that regulates gene expression in response to the carbohydrate source. Based on the genetic studies, biochemical and physiological experiments demonstrated that loss of CcpA impacts the ability of
S. mutans
to transport and grow on selected sugars. Also, the CcpA-deficient strain displayed an enhanced capacity to produce acid from intracellular stores of polysaccharides, could grow faster at pH 5.5, and could acidify the environment more rapidly and to a greater extent than the parental strain. Thus, CcpA directly modulates the pathogenic potential of
S. mutans
through global control of gene expression.
Regulation of Expression and Secretion of NleH, a New Non-Locus of Enterocyte Effacement-Encoded Effector in
Citrobacter rodentium
Authors: García-Angulo Víctor A. , Deng Wanyin , Thomas Nikhil A. , Finlay B. Brett , Puente Jose L. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT

Together with enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
and enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
,
Citrobacter rodentium
is a member of the attaching-and-effacing (A/E) family of bacterial pathogens. A/E pathogens use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to translocate an assortment of effector proteins, encoded both within and outside the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), into the colonized host cell, leading to the formation of A/E lesions and disease. Here we report the identification and characterization of a new non-LEE encoded effector, NleH, in
C. rodentium
. NleH is conserved among A/E pathogens and shares identity with OspG, a type III secreted effector protein in
Shigella flexneri
. Downstream of
nleH
, genes encoding homologues of the non-LEE-encoded effectors EspJ and NleG/NleI are found. NleH secretion and translocation into Caco-2 cells requires a functional T3SS and signals located at its amino-terminal domain. Transcription of
nleH
is not significantly reduced in mutants lacking the LEE-encoded regulators Ler and GrlA; however, NleH protein levels are highly reduced in these strains, as well as in
escN
and
cesT
mutants. Inactivation of Lon, but not of ClpP, protease restores NleH levels even in the absence of CesT. Our results indicate that the efficient engagement of NleH in active secretion is needed for its stability, thus establishing a posttranslational regulatory mechanism that coregulates NleH levels with the expression of LEE-encoded proteins. A
C. rodentium nleH
mutant shows a moderate defect during the colonization of C57BL/6 mice at early stages of infection.