bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of purpose, people and technology on the virtual project team
Authors: Stockdale Rosemary , Kühne Sven 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing body of research into virtual teams by using empirical data to validate existing theory. It analyses a project in the travel and tourism industry to determine the key elements that contributed to a successful outcome.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnographic approach is used in this case of a multi‐national, multi‐organisational virtual project tasked with market validation of an ontology management system. Participant observation is supported by a range of primary and secondary data.FindingsThe importance of key factors changes over the time of the project. The early emphasis on constructs relating to technology and purpose moves towards those related to people as the project matured. The caretaker/gatekeeper role of the project leader made a significant contribution to overcoming problems of complexity. A lack of commitment to a range of information technologies heightened the reliance on periodic face‐to‐face meetings to support team interactions.Research limitations/implicationsCultural diversity is common in the travel sector and related issues may play a more significant role in other industries. Further research is needed to fully assess the impact of context on virtual team outcomes.Practical implicationsRecommendations for practitioners include the need to establish a framework of rules and identify training needs. A socialising period, virtual or face‐to‐face, is an essential requirement for successful virtual teamwork.Originality/valueA conceptual framework, drawn from previous studies, adds clarity to the importance and relevance of the constructs of people, purpose and technology in virtual teamwork.
Internet banking in Jordan
Authors: AbuShanab E. , Pearson J.M. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the key determinants of the adoption of internet banking in Jordan. The paper also attempts to validate the appropriateness of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) within the context of internet banking.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed based on previous work in the areas of technology acceptance and internet banking. The questionnaire was distributed through three banks in Jordan to customers as they enter each bank's main office. Multiple regressions were utilized to evaluate the collected data.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that UTAUT provides a good foundation for future technology acceptance research. The three main predictors relevant to this study (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence) were significant and explained a significant amount of the variance in predicting a customer's intention to adopt internet banking. The results also indicate that gender moderated the relationships between the three independent variables and the dependent variable (behavioral intention).Research limitations/implicationsThis study did not follow‐up with respondents to determine if they actually adopted internet banking. Therefore, the results do not measure actual adoption.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to utilize the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to the technology acceptance domain. It also provides a broader view of the technology acceptance decision in that the study took place in a non‐English speaking culture (Arabic – Jordan).
Agile supply chain transformation matrix: an integrated tool for creating an agile enterprise
Authors: Baramichai Manisra , Zimmers Emory W. , Marangos Charalambos A. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a tool, the Agile Supply Chain Transformation Matrix (ASCTM), and the implementation methodology for a systematic approach to achieve agility in the supplier‐buyer supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual framework for agile capability creation is developed based on literatures in the supply chain management and manufacturing agility field and the ASCTM tool is constructed using the quality function deployment (QFD) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. The implementation methodology including the tools to support the implementation of the ASCTM tool are developed based on the QFD/AHP approach and the agility concepts established through the Agility Program at Lehigh University. A practical case study is used to illustrate the applicability of the ASCTM tool.FindingsThis tool can help companies create and improve their agility by relating the business changes with the appropriate approaches for supplier‐buyer supply chain configuration and supplier‐buyer relationship establishment and determine the business processes and the infrastructures needed to support the creation of agile capability.Research limitations/implicationsThe ASCTM tool constitutes an important effort to bridge the gap between theory and practice as it is used to achieve supply chain agility in practice. Additional case studies need to be conducted to validate the practicability of the ASCTM tool.Originality/valueThe ASCTM tool is developed with the aim to help companies identify the most appropriate way to improve their supply chain agility by contrasting the environmental dynamics and changes to the company's ability to keep pace using the systematic approach. This tool is necessary because different companies experience different sets of changes and require different degree of agility and combination of strategies and practices to achieve agility. For practitioners, the ASCTM tool provides a basis for assessing their business situations and a guideline for identifying capability required for creating/improving supply chain agility.
Variance vs average: supply chain lead‐time as a predictor of financial performance
Authors: Christensen William J. , Germain Richard N. , Birou Laura 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of supply chain lead‐time averages and variability on an organization's financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe “executive” list for manufacturers, consisting of 1,264 individuals of the Institute of Supply Management provided the study's sampling frame, with surveys sent to 402 firms and responses obtained from 210 firms. The empirical model is tested using LISREL.FindingsThe results show that as variance in supply chain lead‐times increases, the financial performance of the organization decreases. Of equal significance, the results show that average supply chain lead‐times have no direct impact on financial performance. The results also indicate that demand uncertainty associates with greater supply chain lead‐time variance and that production technology routineness associates with lower supply chain lead‐time variance. Product complexity and organizational size have no impact on supply chain lead‐time variance or supply chain lead‐time average.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is an initial effort to understand variance in supply chain systems. An ongoing challenge in this area is operationalization of measures and data collection techniques that go beyond a single firm and examine a network of organizations cooperating in a value‐added supply chain.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that managing the variance in a supply chain system may be more important to an organization's financial performance than managing averages.Originality/valueThis is particularly significant since organizations often act contrary to these findings, focusing scarce resources on reducing average lead‐times rather than on reducing variability in supply chain lead‐times.
Information sharing and supply chain performance: the role of connectivity and willingness
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Osterhaus Paul , Magnan Gregory M. , Brau James C. , McCarter Matthew W. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how information technology (IT) is used to enhance supply chain performance.Design/methodology/approachA large‐scale survey and semi‐structured interviews were used to collect industry data.FindingsTwo distinct dimensions to information sharing – connectivity and willingness – are identified and analyzed. Both dimensions are found to impact operational performance and to be critical to the development of a real information sharing capability. However, many companies are found to have placed most of their emphasis on connectivity, often overlooking the willingness construct. As a result, information sharing seldom delivers on its promise to enable the creation of the cohesive supply chain team.Research limitationsDespite the extensive data collection, the research represents a snapshot of practice. Replication from a longitudinal perspective would help define how IT is evolving to enable supply chain management.Practical implicationsA roadmap is presented to help guide IT development and investment decisions.Originality/valueThe research presents a two‐by‐two matrix to help managers and academics understand the related nature of connectivity and willingness. A roadmap is presented to help guide IT development and investment decisions.
The impact of culture on accounting: does Gray's model apply to Iran?
Authors: Noravesh Iraj , Dianati Dilami Zahra , Bazaz Mohammad S. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between cultural values (as defined by Hofstede) and accounting values (as described by Gray) in Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe appropriate data for a period of ten years (1993‐2002) were compiled from economical magazines, the Iran Statistical Yearbook, financial statements, and auditors’ reports of the firms listed in Tehran Stock Exchange. LISREL was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results of this research show the relationships among cultural and accounting values in Iran and found support for more than one‐half of Gray's hypotheses. Numerous issues, such as the abnormal evolution of accounting in Iran, the impact of unstable economics, inappropriate use of accounting methods and procedures which are common among developing countries, the impact of governmental ownership, and the lack of well developed capital market tradition may be some determining factors as to why several of Gray's hypotheses were not supported through this research.Originality/valueThis paper analyzes the effect of Iran's cultural changes on accounting practice and encourages research that examines all dimensions of accounting in Iran and other developing countries.
Evidence on factors affecting the relationship between CEO stock option compensation and earnings management
Authors: Meek Gary K. , Rao Ramesh P. , Skousen Christopher J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the relationships between CEO stock option compensation and earnings management.Design/methodology/approach – Regression of CEO stock option compensation and other factors on measures of discretionary accruals.Findings – A positive relationship between CEO stock option compensation and discretionary accruals was found, implying that earnings management is more likely where stock options are a larger part of CEO compensation. Earnings management is found to be moderated in large firms with stock option compensation and the relationship between stock options and earnings management has intensified in recent years. It was also found that stock options exacerbate earnings management in firms with growth opportunities.Research limitations/implications – Beyond the scope of this paper, these findings raise the following questions: What does the evidence of a size effect mean? Does it reflect information asymmetry, governance, external monitoring, or political risk? Why has the stock option effect on earnings management become more pronounced in recent years? Is it possible to mitigate the negative effects of option compensation on earnings management through the presence of stronger governance structures? Is it possible to mitigate the negative effects of option compensation on earnings management through the presence stronger governance structures? There are implications for compensation policies for corporate executives.Originality/value – This paper extends prior research on the relationship between CEO stock option compensation and earnings management. It provides new insight into the factors affecting this relationship.
Total acquisition cost of overseas outsourcing/sourcing: a framework and a case study
Authors: Song Ninghua , Platts Ken , Bance David 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework of total acquisition cost of overseas outsourcing/sourcing in manufacturing industry. This framework contains categorized cost items that may occur during the overseas outsourcing/sourcing process. The framework was tested by a case study to establish both its feasibility and usability.Design/methodology/approachFirst, interviews were carried out with practitioners who have the experience of overseas outsourcing/sourcing in order to obtain inputs from industry. The framework was then built up based on combined inputs from literature and from practitioners. Finally, the framework was tested by a case study in a multinational high‐tech manufacturer to establish both its feasibility and usability.FindingsA practical barrier for implementing this framework is shortage of information. The predictability of the cost items in the framework varies. How to deal with the trade off between accuracy and applicability is a problem needed to be solved in the future research.Originality/valueThere are always limitations to the generalizations that can be made from just one case. However, despite these limitations, this case study is believed to have shown the general requirement of modeling the uncertainty and dealing with the dilemma between accuracy and applicability in practice.
Wireless technologies for logistic distribution process
Authors: See Win‐Bin 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the integration of logistic management with information and communication technologies to largely improve the effectiveness of logistic fleet operations. The work presented here shows a real‐world fleet management system that integrates mobile communication and supports real‐time logistic information flow management.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the application of information and mobile communication technologies in providing effective logistic distribution service is introduced. Then, the proposed real‐time fleet management system (RTFMS) architecture is depicted, the technology profiles for mobile data terminal (MDT) and logistic information system are described, and the considerations of various wireless mobile communication technologies for logistic distribution process are also addressed. Finally, the implications of this paper are discussed and plans for further work are outlined.FindingsThe proposed architecture for a real‐world logistic fleet management system, the RTFMS, can be served as reference architecture for real‐time logistic fleet management design. The major components of the RTFMS have been described in UML use cases to facilitate reuse of this design. This paper presents the RTFMS architecture with associated information flows and timing considerations could be used for the architecture adaptation in similar applications. Wireless technologies provide the logistics feet management with bi‐directional real‐time information flows as shown in this paper, and this would stimulate new ideas in logistics management and services models.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides a reference model with implementation in adopting wireless technologies in logistics distribution process. However, the services provided by each specific system would depend on all stakeholders in specific chain of logistics service provider and consumer.Originality/valueThe work presented here shows a real‐world fleet management system that integrates mobile communication and supports real‐time logistic information flow management.
Pre‐structured motifs in the natively unstructured preS1 surface antigen of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Chi Seung‐Wook , Kim Do‐Hyoung , Lee Si‐Hyung , Chang Iksoo , Han Kyou‐Hoon 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe preS1 surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to play an important role in the initial attachment of HBV to hepatocytes. We have characterized structural features of the full‐length preS1 using heteronuclear NMR methods and discovered that this 119‐residue protein is inherently unstructured without a unique tertiary structure under a nondenaturing condition. Yet, combination of various NMR parameters shows that the preS1 contains “pre‐structured” domains broadly covering its functional domains. The most prominent domain is formed by residues 27–45 and overlaps with the putative hepatocyte‐binding domain (HBD) encompassing residues 21–47, within which two well‐defined pre‐structured motifs, formed by Pro32–Ala36 and Pro41–Phe45 are found. Additional, somewhat less prominent, pre‐structured motifs are also formed by residues 11–18, 22–25, 37–40, and 46–50. Overall results suggest that the preS1 is a natively unstructured protein (NUP) whose N‐terminal 50 residues, populated with multiple pre‐structured motifs, contribute critically to hepatocyte binding.
The role of the turn in β‐hairpin formation during WW domain folding
Authors: Sharpe Tim , Jonsson Amanda L. , Rutherford Trevor J. , Daggett Valerie , Fersht Alan R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe folding of WW domains is rate limited by formation of a β‐hairpin comprising residues from strands 1 and 2. Residues in the turn of this hairpin have reported Φ‐values for folding close to 1 and have been proposed to nucleate folding. High Φ‐values do not necessarily imply that the energetics of formation are a driving force for initiating folding. We demonstrate by NMR studies and molecular dynamics simulations that the first turn of the hYAP, FBP28, and PIN1 WW domains is structurally dynamic and solvent exposed in the native and folding transition states. It is, therefore, unlikely that the formation of the β‐turn per se provides the energetic driving force for hairpin folding. It is more likely that the turn acts as an easily formed hinge that facilitates the formation of the hairpin; it is a nucleus as defined by the nucleation–condensation mechanism whereby a diffuse nucleus is stabilized by associated interactions.
Crystal Structure of human pyridoxal kinase: Structural basis of M+ and M2+ activation
Authors: Musayev Faik N. , di Salvo Martino L. , Ko Tzu‐Ping , Gandhi Amit K. , Goswami Ashwini , Schirch Verne , Safo Martin K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPyridoxal kinase catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to the 5′ alcohol of pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal. In this work, kinetic studies were conducted to examine monovalent cation dependence of human pyridoxal kinase kinetic parameters. The results show that hPLK affinity for ATP and PL is increased manyfold in the presence of K+ when compared to Na+; however, the maximal activity of the Na+ form of the enzyme is more than double the activity in the presence of K+. Other monovalent cations, Li+, Cs+, and Rb+ do not show significant activity. We have determined the crystal structure of hPLK in the unliganded form, and in complex with MgATP to 2.0 and 2.2 Å resolution, respectively. Overall, the two structures show similar open conformation, and likely represent the catalytically idle state. The crystal structure of the MgATP complex also reveals Mg2+ and Na+ acting in tandem to anchor the ATP at the active site. Interestingly, the active site of hPLK acts as a sink to bind several molecules of MPD. The features of monovalent and divalent metal cation binding, active site structure, and vitamin B6 specificity are discussed in terms of the kinetic and structural studies, and are compared with those of the sheep and Escherichia coli enzymes.
Discrimination of metabolic profiles of pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis by high‐resolution magic angle spinning 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and principal components analysis
Authors: Fang Fang , He Xinhong , Deng Huiwen , Chen Qun , Lu Jianping , Spraul Manfred , Yu Yihua 
Published: September 2007

The metabolic profiles of Sprague–Dawley rat pancreases were investigated by high‐resolution magic angle spinning proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) combined with principal components analysis (PCA) to discriminate pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis. Intact pancreatic tissue samples were obtained from Sprague–Dawley rats with histologically proven pancreatic cancer (n = 5), chronic pancreatitis (n = 5), and two matched controls (n = 5 per group). Two 1H NMR experiments, single‐pulse and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill, were carried out separately. Increases in phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine levels and decreases in leucine, isoleucine, valine, lactate and alanine levels were observed in chronic pancreatitis, whereas the opposite trends were observed in pancreatic cancer. Increasing taurine and decreasing betaine were found both in chronic pancreatitis and in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, the lipid content in pancreatic cancer was higher than that in chronic pancreatitis. PCA was carried out for the single‐pulse and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill 1H NMR spectra, respectively, to visualize separation among the samples and to extract characteristic metabolites of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. Decreased phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine were suggested as unique metabolite indicators of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, even with the disturbance of various quantities of lipid contents pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis could be differentiated well by the combination of high‐resolution magic angle spinning 1H NMR and PCA. Thus this combination was demonstrated to have the potential to improve magnetic resonance spectroscopy for positive early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in clinical settings. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1678–1682)