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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine a contextualized local government case study of the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in conjunction with the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF) to highlight the importance of a good strategic fit between LSS and organizational objectives before implementation. Design/methodology/approach A local government council is used in a case study-based approach. Organizational artefacts and documents were used for data collection in conjunction with interviews from senior executives within the organization. Findings Results indicate that when used in conjunction with the ABEF, LSS provides focus on organizational learning practices embedded within the implementation of continuous improvement. Research limitations/implications The purpose of this paper is to contribute to discourse regarding the effective application and implementation of LLS in local government. Practical implications LSS tools and techniques are known to local government, but are applied in isolation of the overarching LSS framework. This paper emphasizes the importance of comprehensive implementation of these tools, guided by the inclusion of an external contextualized framework (ABEF) in conjunction with the LSS to achieve sustainable continuous improvement. Originality/value Business excellence frameworks are widely used in the public sector as a reference/means for improvement. This paper highlights the importance of LSS in operationalizing strategic direction provided by such frameworks and providing the focus on learning practices critical for sustainable improvements.

Delirium is characterized by acute and fluctuating cognitive decline, which is often missed in older adults who are assumed to be experiencing age-related changes or dementia. Delirium affects up to 50% of hospitalized older adults. The aim of the current study was to (a) explore current practices of RNs in assessing and identifying delirium in hospitalized older adults and (b) inform new educational initiatives. Qualitative methods were adopted using eight semi-structured group interviews with 24 RNs. Thematic analysis revealed a dichotomy in practice where RNs described delirium assessment and identification as (a) It's Not My Job, (b) It is My Job, and (c) It's Complex. The imperative to improve delirium assessment and identification to create safer and more caring health care environments means the current findings provide important evidence to build into practice and education strategies. The current authors have developed engaging educational interventions and begun implementation at the study site to develop delirium assessment and identification capacity, which moves clinicians beyond awareness and aims at practice adherence or the consistent application of evidence-based delirium assessment.

Young adults experience faster weight gain and consume more unhealthy food than any other age groups. The impact of online food marketing on "digital native" young adults is unclear. This study examined the effects of online marketing on young adults' consumption behaviours, using energy drinks as a case example. The elaboration likelihood model of persuasion was used as the theoretical basis. A pre-test post-test experimental research design was adopted using mixed-methods. Participants (aged 18-24) were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups (N = 30 each). Experimental group participants' attitudes towards and intended purchase and consumption of energy drinks were examined via surveys and semi-structured interviews after their exposure to two popular energy drink brands' websites and social media sites (exposure time 8 minutes). Exposure to digital marketing contents of energy drinks improved the experimental group participants' attitudes towards and purchase and consumption intention of energy drinks. This study indicates the influential power of unhealthy online marketing on cognitively mature young adults. This study draws public health attentions to young adults, who to date have been less of a focus of researchers but are influenced by online food advertising.

Delirium is characterized by acute and fluctuating cognitive decline, which is often missed in older adults who are assumed to be experiencing age-related changes or dementia. Delirium affects up to 50% of hospitalized older adults. The aim of the current study was to (a) explore current practices of RNs in assessing and identifying delirium in hospitalized older adults and (b) inform new educational initiatives. Qualitative methods were adopted using eight semi-structured group interviews with 24 RNs. Thematic analysis revealed a dichotomy in practice where RNs described delirium assessment and identification as (a) It's Not My Job, (b) It is My Job, and (c) It's Complex. The imperative to improve delirium assessment and identification to create safer and more caring health care environments means the current findings provide important evidence to build into practice and education strategies. The current authors have developed engaging educational interventions and begun implementation at the study site to develop delirium assessment and identification capacity, which moves clinicians beyond awareness and aims at practice adherence or the consistent application of evidence-based delirium assessment.

The purpose of this study is to explore expectations in information technology skills for organizations in Vietnam, a developing country in South East Asia. Previous research in Vietnam has mainly focused on information technology adoption; this study offers an insight into the demands of information technology skills in Vietnam. A theoretical framework consisting of five domains of expertise is used to examine the nature and structure of information technology profession in Vietnam. Results from the study show that there is an anticipated increase in demand for information technology professionals who possess deep skills in a broad scope of roles and experience both in information technology and other business domains. Technical skills in the technology infrastructure and services domain in combination with strong communication and problem solving qualities are highly valued by Vietnamese employers.

Social media has become very powerful nowadays as an easy way to approach, connect, share or exchange information all around the world. Many of the social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are being used as engaging and communication tools by corporations including newspapers. This is done to enhance the quality of services and to attain new customers. Facebook and other social media have also become the primary source of news for readers. Six local UAE Newspapers - Al Bayan, Al Emarat Al youm, Al Itihad, The Khaleej Times, The Gulf News and The National- have been analysed to find out the impacts of their Facebook pages on readers' engagement. The findings confirm the importance of having a newspaper account on Facebook to positively impact customer engagement and increase ROI and brand awareness.

The 21st century has witnessed India undergo sweeping economic changes. Riding on a host of factors, India today stands at the cusp of becoming one of the top four economies in the world. A growth rate of over 8%, prior to the slowdown, was despite the inadequacies of infrastructure. Yet, one organisation, which has shouldered the infrastructural burden of the transportation sector in India's growth story, is the 160 year old Indian Railways (IR). IRs profits - $5 billion over the last four years - are a far cry from its loss making days, which tempted the government of India to consider privatisation in 2001. The transformational turnaround would not have been possible but for IRs employees who are its true assets. The objective, therefore, was to understand the 'people side' of IR - the world's largest commercial employer. The study, while looking to increase awareness of contemporary HR challenges in India, is an attempt to first study the HR practices in the Indian Railways and second, to investigate changes in its HR practices and the role of HR in its turnaround strategies.

Over centuries, extensive work has been done in the area of entrepreneurship and its impact on economic performance. Gradually, policy makers have realized that women can also contribute in the spur of economic development. Women have always made a visible and lasting impact of their economic participation in rural households. They have always contributed, in part or whole, to the earnings in the family. Economic dependency will bring confidence among women, which will further bring about an awareness of their rights and privileges. For the prosperity of the nation it is important for the women to be educated, self-supporting and are positive self-image. The best way to make Women socially and economically independent is by effectively generating self-employment opportunities in their own areas. Entrepreneurship is a Herculean task that is fraught with struggle, entailing both risk and effort. No one can truly understand the triumphs, trials and tribulations of an entrepreneur other than the entrepreneurs himself or herself. Women have to go through the same stage of setting up an enterprise as men. No doubt, women do have certain distinct set of factors that first impede their entry as entrepreneurs and later their survival as successful business-women. The paper is an attempt, to do exploratory study in respect to the support system provided by the government in countries like India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China, Uganda and Russia. This work can be used for further empirical research to compare and understand better international statistical comparability of SME's.

The UAE has an internet penetration rate of over 80% and has utilised social media for social and commercial purposes. This exploratory study is aimed at understanding the experiences of Emirati business women who chose Instagram to market their small businesses. Nine successful businesswomen were identified and their experiences were recorded during in-depth interviews and focus group sessions. The study found that Instagram is extensively used by Emirati women entrepreneurs, especially for home-based businesses. Numerous Instagram specific marketing strategies were created to ensure brand awareness and audience engagement. The respondents favoured Instagram as it was in-expensive and user friendly; it also provided high exposure for their products. Instagram users rely on relatives and friends to spread information about their products and this mirrors Emirati culture that is based on tribal communities. Instagram also provides a secure private platform for Emirati women where they do not have to mix with strangers, especially from the opposite sex, and this allows them to engage in business freely without any social pressures.

A fall in Singapore's transparency rankings from number one in 2010 (least corrupted) to number 5 in 2012 has led to the growing concern that Singaporeans are demonstrating a lack of values and social capital and that the tension between wealth accumulation and ethics has caused some Singaporean leaders to make poor ethical decisions. Incidents of corruption and bribery have become more frequent in Singapore, which is puzzling because Singapore has always been governed using stringent rule-based policies. The question that this research would like to answer is if rule-based governance needs to be coupled with character development, so that Singaporean leaders will be able to draw on their personal values when faced with challenging decision-making dilemmas.

A fall in Singapore's transparency rankings from number one in 2010 (least corrupted) to number 5 in 2012 has led to the growing concern that Singaporeans are demonstrating a lack of values and social capital and that the tension between wealth accumulation and ethics has caused some Singaporean leaders to make poor ethical decisions. Incidents of corruption and bribery have become more frequent in Singapore, which is puzzling because Singapore has always been governed using stringent rule-based policies. The question that this research would like to answer is if rule-based governance needs to be coupled with character development, so that Singaporean leaders will be able to draw on their personal values when faced with challenging decision-making dilemmas.

This exploratory study investigates the adoption and use of information and communication technologies in Myanmar by examining the nature and structure of the information technology profession. The investigation is based on a theoretical framework consisting of three components: domains of information technology professional expertise; the scope of the information technology professional's knowledge, skills and experience; and specific knowledge and skills associated with the domains of professional expertise. The findings show that specialist skills in systems development, database, network and communications are important. This paper also provides insights that are not found in current literature which investigates information technology skills in Myanmar.

Issue addressed: Populations in many developed countries continue to fail to meet vegetable consumption recommendations despite ongoing health promotion activities supported by public health policies. Novel ways to encourage vegetable consumption may help address this concern. The aim of the present study was to describe female consumers' perceptions about leafy green vegetables and identify consumption issues. Methods: Three age-stratified semistructured focus groups were conducted with 23 female participants. Food shopping habits, reported consumption and/or knowledge, and the perceived benefits of and/or issues associated with the consumption of leafy green vegetables were explored. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim. Two researchers examined each transcript in conjunction with accompanying observers' notes. Content and thematic analysis was conducted to identify final themes. Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) food selection is influenced by time limitations, convenience factors and quality considerations; (2) the repertoire of vegetables is influenced by acceptability within households, familiarity and culinary confidence; and (3) connection with nutritional value is influenced by existing beliefs and knowledge of the nutrient content of leafy green vegetables. Variations found on self-reported intake and acceptability were related to life stage and needs. Conclusions: Leafy green varieties were perceived as important contributors to a healthy diet. Key barriers to consumption identified in the thematic review related to time constraints, culinary skills and variations in nutritional knowledge. So what?: Primary awareness of vegetables as being critical to a healthy diet has been established. Future health promotion activities could focus more on convenience, nutrient quality and versatility of leafy green vegetables, and other similar vegetables, as a way to increase total consumption.

Issue addressed: Populations in many developed countries continue to fail to meet vegetable consumption recommendations despite ongoing health promotion activities supported by public health policies. Novel ways to encourage vegetable consumption may help address this concern. The aim of the present study was to describe female consumers' perceptions about leafy green vegetables and identify consumption issues. Methods: Three age-stratified semistructured focus groups were conducted with 23 female participants. Food shopping habits, reported consumption and/or knowledge, and the perceived benefits of and/or issues associated with the consumption of leafy green vegetables were explored. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim. Two researchers examined each transcript in conjunction with accompanying observers' notes. Content and thematic analysis was conducted to identify final themes. Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) food selection is influenced by time limitations, convenience factors and quality considerations; (2) the repertoire of vegetables is influenced by acceptability within households, familiarity and culinary confidence; and (3) connection with nutritional value is influenced by existing beliefs and knowledge of the nutrient content of leafy green vegetables. Variations found on self-reported intake and acceptability were related to life stage and needs. Conclusions: Leafy green varieties were perceived as important contributors to a healthy diet. Key barriers to consumption identified in the thematic review related to time constraints, culinary skills and variations in nutritional knowledge. So what?: Primary awareness of vegetables as being critical to a healthy diet has been established. Future health promotion activities could focus more on convenience, nutrient quality and versatility of leafy green vegetables, and other similar vegetables, as a way to increase total consumption.

By deepening our understanding of the use of Web 2.0 for reflective practice, knowledge co-construction and project based learning this paper aims to contribute to our understanding of collaborative learning. The paper investigates a case study of a post-graduate system development subject to increase student learning through the development of students' personal reflection and collaboration skills. The project aims to develop key foundational knowledge and skills identified in the IS 2010 curriculum guidelines, i.e. the ability to work collaboratively. Of particular interest was the ability of student collaboration combined with personal reflective learning to lead to negotiation of meaning and co-construction of knowledge. A case study approach was used to investigate the use Web 2.0 tools of wikis and blogs to facilitate online collaborative project development. Our result shows that individual learning experience can influence contribution made to team project.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been widely acknowledged as an emerging technological and procedural shift within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. BIM represents a methodology to manage the building design and project data in digital format throughout a building lifecycle. With the implementation of BIM, the design, construction and operation processes can be better streamlined to improve project efficiency. Because of its far-reaching benefits, there is a current push for BIM by governments worldwide, including Australia. However, a significant lack of the understanding of BIM and industry readiness has been identified as a major hindrance; hence, there is a growing demand for tertiary institutions to incorporate BIM into their architecture and engineering curricula to equip new graduates with such knowledge. A number of universities around the world are offering courses for various BIM applications. However, there remain numerous issues associated with the development and delivery of appropriate BIM courses that require careful considerations. This study presented in this paper was developed to answer the following question: what are the current issues perceived as critical by BIM professionals on the integration of BIM into universities' engineering curricula? METHOD An exploratory analysis was conducted by using a qualitative analysis of the data obtained from a popular online social network platform for professionals - LinkedIn. Data in the form of discussion posts and comments associated with BIM in education were captured from a BIM-specific discussion group using NVivo 10 software. To carry out the analysis, discussion posts and comments were coded to identify important themes emerging from the data. These themes were then examined, interpreted and discussed. The results showed that the themes emerged from the selected discussion posts were concentrated on the recommendations on how BIM can be integrated into a curricul

This exploratory study investigates the adoption and use of information and communication technologies in Myanmar by examining the nature and structure of the information technology profession. The investigation is based on a theoretical framework consisting of three components: domains of information technology professional expertise; the scope of the information technology professional's knowledge, skills and experience; and specific knowledge and skills associated with the domains of professional expertise. The findings show that specialist skills in systems development, database, network and communications are important. This paper also provides insights that are not found in current literature which investigates information technology skills in Myanmar.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to aim in general to understand the perception of industries in India – a fast growing economy, towards green philosophy and to investigate further what initiatives those industries have taken for becoming green. Design/methodology/approach – The study is exploratory in nature and attempts to understand the behaviour of three types of industries, namely, durable, non-durable and services towards green philosophy. Findings – Results of the study reflect that industries in India, in general have a positive view for practicing green philosophy. They feel becoming green will help them in gaining the competitive advantage and will support them in sustainable growth. Also the industries that have a positive attitude towards greening have taken some measures and initiatives in this direction to establish a sustainable competitive advantage for succeeding in today’s highly challenging and dynamic global markets. Research limitations/implications – The present exploratory study provides a starting-point for further research. Researchers can further explore whether industries using green philosophy were able to register a competitive advantage and could gain added market share and profits by becoming green. They can investigate the reason behind this green attitude, whether industries are using green practices for cutting costs in turn to increase their profits or whether they have a genuine concern for environmental protection and society’s welfare and therefore adopting green practices in their industry. Originality/value – Most of such studies in thefield of green marketing and social economics are done in developed countries and remain conspicuously missing in the context of fast developing Asian countries. This research is a step to filling this gap and providing a platform for further research in this area.

Background: Consumer-defined recovery from schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other recurring psychotic illnesses (“serious mental illness”, “SMI”) emphasize re-establishment of a personally meaningful life. The working alliance (“the alliance”) is highlighted as important in facilitating recovery, however there is little empirical evidence concerning the relationship between the alliance and recovery in populations with SMI. Aims: The aim is to explore the relationship between the alliance and recovery over time in a sample with SMI. Method: Sixty-one individuals with SMI receiving case management support from mental health services in Australia were recruited by their mental health workers and completed measures of working alliance and recovery. Measures were collected by the workers during regular counselling sessions on two separate occasions. The average time between measurement times was 6 months apart. Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that changes in the alliance predicted recovery, but changes in recovery also predicted the alliance. No definitive conclusions regarding the causal direction of the relationship between the alliance and recovery could be drawn. Conclusions: The results provide preliminary evidence that improvement in the alliance positively influences gains in recovery and that gains in recovery also facilitate stronger alliance in SMI. These findings support an emphasis on the alliance.

This paper is based on the findings of empirical research conducted in 110 Slovenian companies. Using statistical methods, we examine the effect of the EFQM Excellence Model on the institutionalization of total quality management (TQM) tools and approaches, as well as financial results to motivate TQM implementation. Within the whole group of companies, special attention was paid to the results of applicants for the Slovenian Business Excellence Prize (SBEP), which were compared with other companies. The SBEP group showed better results compared with the other companies with regards to benchmarking, peer assessment, participation in quality and excellence awards, knowledge sharing, self-assessments and financial results.

This paper is based on the findings of empirical research conducted in 110 Slovenian companies. Using statistical methods, we examine the effect of the EFQM Excellence Model on the institutionalization of total quality management (TQM) tools and approaches, as well as financial results to motivate TQM implementation. Within the whole group of companies, special attention was paid to the results of applicants for the Slovenian Business Excellence Prize (SBEP), which were compared with other companies. The SBEP group showed better results compared with the other companies with regards to benchmarking, peer assessment, participation in quality and excellence awards, knowledge sharing, self-assessments and financial results.

Background: Consumer-defined recovery from schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other recurring psychotic illnesses (“serious mental illness”, “SMI”) emphasize re-establishment of a personally meaningful life. The working alliance (“the alliance”) is highlighted as important in facilitating recovery, however there is little empirical evidence concerning the relationship between the alliance and recovery in populations with SMI. Aims: The aim is to explore the relationship between the alliance and recovery over time in a sample with SMI. Method: Sixty-one individuals with SMI receiving case management support from mental health services in Australia were recruited by their mental health workers and completed measures of working alliance and recovery. Measures were collected by the workers during regular counselling sessions on two separate occasions. The average time between measurement times was 6 months apart. Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that changes in the alliance predicted recovery, but changes in recovery also predicted the alliance. No definitive conclusions regarding the causal direction of the relationship between the alliance and recovery could be drawn. Conclusions: The results provide preliminary evidence that improvement in the alliance positively influences gains in recovery and that gains in recovery also facilitate stronger alliance in SMI. These findings support an emphasis on the alliance.

Background: Consumer-defined recovery from schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other recurring psychotic illnesses (“serious mental illness”, “SMI”) emphasize re-establishment of a personally meaningful life. The working alliance (“the alliance”) is highlighted as important in facilitating recovery, however there is little empirical evidence concerning the relationship between the alliance and recovery in populations with SMI. Aims: The aim is to explore the relationship between the alliance and recovery over time in a sample with SMI. Method: Sixty-one individuals with SMI receiving case management support from mental health services in Australia were recruited by their mental health workers and completed measures of working alliance and recovery. Measures were collected by the workers during regular counselling sessions on two separate occasions. The average time between measurement times was 6 months apart. Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that changes in the alliance predicted recovery, but changes in recovery also predicted the alliance. No definitive conclusions regarding the causal direction of the relationship between the alliance and recovery could be drawn. Conclusions: The results provide preliminary evidence that improvement in the alliance positively influences gains in recovery and that gains in recovery also facilitate stronger alliance in SMI. These findings support an emphasis on the alliance.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to aim in general to understand the perception of industries in India – a fast growing economy, towards green philosophy and to investigate further what initiatives those industries have taken for becoming green. Design/methodology/approach – The study is exploratory in nature and attempts to understand the behaviour of three types of industries, namely, durable, non-durable and services towards green philosophy. Findings – Results of the study reflect that industries in India, in general have a positive view for practicing green philosophy. They feel becoming green will help them in gaining the competitive advantage and will support them in sustainable growth. Also the industries that have a positive attitude towards greening have taken some measures and initiatives in this direction to establish a sustainable competitive advantage for succeeding in today’s highly challenging and dynamic global markets. Research limitations/implications – The present exploratory study provides a starting-point for further research. Researchers can further explore whether industries using green philosophy were able to register a competitive advantage and could gain added market share and profits by becoming green. They can investigate the reason behind this green attitude, whether industries are using green practices for cutting costs in turn to increase their profits or whether they have a genuine concern for environmental protection and society’s welfare and therefore adopting green practices in their industry. Originality/value – Most of such studies in thefield of green marketing and social economics are done in developed countries and remain conspicuously missing in the context of fast developing Asian countries. This research is a step to filling this gap and providing a platform for further research in this area.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to aim in general to understand the perception of industries in India – a fast growing economy, towards green philosophy and to investigate further what initiatives those industries have taken for becoming green. Design/methodology/approach – The study is exploratory in nature and attempts to understand the behaviour of three types of industries, namely, durable, non-durable and services towards green philosophy. Findings – Results of the study reflect that industries in India, in general have a positive view for practicing green philosophy. They feel becoming green will help them in gaining the competitive advantage and will support them in sustainable growth. Also the industries that have a positive attitude towards greening have taken some measures and initiatives in this direction to establish a sustainable competitive advantage for succeeding in today’s highly challenging and dynamic global markets. Research limitations/implications – The present exploratory study provides a starting-point for further research. Researchers can further explore whether industries using green philosophy were able to register a competitive advantage and could gain added market share and profits by becoming green. They can investigate the reason behind this green attitude, whether industries are using green practices for cutting costs in turn to increase their profits or whether they have a genuine concern for environmental protection and society’s welfare and therefore adopting green practices in their industry. Originality/value – Most of such studies in thefield of green marketing and social economics are done in developed countries and remain conspicuously missing in the context of fast developing Asian countries. This research is a step to filling this gap and providing a platform for further research in this area.

Visualization can help a lot to understand the huge amounts of data created in computer simulations and benchmark experiments. In Eugster et al. (Technical report 30, Institut fur Statistik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Germany 2008) we presented a comprehensive toolbox for exploration and inference on benchmark data, including the bench plot. This plot visualizes the behavior of the algorithms on the individual drawn learning and test samples according to a specific performance measure. In this paper we show that an interactive version of the bench plot can help to uncover details and relations unseen with the static version.

Cross-functional relationships during NPD projects have received considerable researchattention with an emphasis on achieving successful integration and avoiding harmfulconflict. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an exploratory model examiningthe effects of managerial signalling behaviour, at top management and functional level,on conflict in cross-functional working relationships. Focussing on working relationshipbetween marketing managers and R&D managers in 184 new product developmentprojects in Australia this study examines the antecedents of conflict as reported by theR&D Manager. This study provides empirical support for the proposition that while topmanagement actions are useful in facilitating integration, the way a manager perceivestheir functional counterparts motives and intentions is a greater predictor of conflictwithin NPD projects.

Reading and comprehension form an integral part of educational practice. Thisstudy explores students¿ learning experience in reading journal articles for aMarketing class. Two broad aims are considered: 1) to reflect on students¿reading capacity of journal articles, and 2) to investigate students¿ reflection ontheir use of a learning framework developed to assist them in reading. Data werecollected as part of an explorative pilot study from 31 students in Marketingtutorial classes at a university in Australia during a summer semester. Theparticipants were asked about their learning experience in reading a Marketingjournal article and their experience of using the learning framework as they readthe given article. Findings indicate that students were positive about the value ofthe learning framework in assisting them to read, to understand the Marketingjournal articles and to extract relevant learning themes from them.

Observational studies on tea consumption and prostate cancer (PCa) risk are still inconsistent. The authors conducted a metaanalysis to investigate the association between green tea and black tea consumption with PCa risk. Thirteen studies providing data on green tea or black tea consumption were identified by searching PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion. A random-effects model was used to calculate the summary odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For green tea, the summary OR of PCa indicated a borderline significant association in Asian populations for highest green tea consumption vs. non/lowest (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38–1.01); and the pooled estimate reached statistically significant level for case-control studies (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25–0.73), but not for prospective cohort studies (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.66–1.53). For black tea, no statistically significant association was observed for the highest vs. non/lowest black tea consumption (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82–1.20). In conclusion, this meta-analysis supported that green tea but not black tea may have a protective effect on PCa, especially in Asian populations. Further research regarding green tea consumption across different regions apart from Asia is needed.

Reading and comprehension form an integral part of educational practice. Thisstudy explores students¿ learning experience in reading journal articles for aMarketing class. Two broad aims are considered: 1) to reflect on students¿reading capacity of journal articles, and 2) to investigate students¿ reflection ontheir use of a learning framework developed to assist them in reading. Data werecollected as part of an explorative pilot study from 31 students in Marketingtutorial classes at a university in Australia during a summer semester. Theparticipants were asked about their learning experience in reading a Marketingjournal article and their experience of using the learning framework as they readthe given article. Findings indicate that students were positive about the value ofthe learning framework in assisting them to read, to understand the Marketingjournal articles and to extract relevant learning themes from them.

Observational studies on tea consumption and prostate cancer (PCa) risk are still inconsistent. The authors conducted a metaanalysis to investigate the association between green tea and black tea consumption with PCa risk. Thirteen studies providing data on green tea or black tea consumption were identified by searching PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion. A random-effects model was used to calculate the summary odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For green tea, the summary OR of PCa indicated a borderline significant association in Asian populations for highest green tea consumption vs. non/lowest (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38–1.01); and the pooled estimate reached statistically significant level for case-control studies (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25–0.73), but not for prospective cohort studies (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.66–1.53). For black tea, no statistically significant association was observed for the highest vs. non/lowest black tea consumption (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82–1.20). In conclusion, this meta-analysis supported that green tea but not black tea may have a protective effect on PCa, especially in Asian populations. Further research regarding green tea consumption across different regions apart from Asia is needed.

The role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in any economy has been widely acknowledged. Particularly in Dubai, the Government has highlighted that its future direction is to leverage on its existing strengths and focus on growth and development of SMEs in key sectors. In this paper, we report the findings of an exploratory study that has been conducted in order to investigate the factors influencing SME growth in the context of Dubai. Fifty nine face-to-face interviews were conducted with owners/CEOs of SMEs in Dubai, resulting in a framework that identifies the main structural, policy, and external factors that influence the growth SMEs. In addition to that, the findings resulted in developing better understanding of how SMEs define growth.

The role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in any economy has been widely acknowledged. Particularly in Dubai, the Government has highlighted that its future direction is to leverage on its existing strengths and focus on growth and development of SMEs in key sectors. In this paper, we report the findings of an exploratory study that has been conducted in order to investigate the factors influencing SME growth in the context of Dubai. Fifty nine face-to-face interviews were conducted with owners/CEOs of SMEs in Dubai, resulting in a framework that identifies the main structural, policy, and external factors that influence the growth SMEs. In addition to that, the findings resulted in developing better understanding of how SMEs define growth.

Observational studies on tea consumption and prostate cancer (PCa) risk are still inconsistent. The authors conducted a metaanalysis to investigate the association between green tea and black tea consumption with PCa risk. Thirteen studies providing data on green tea or black tea consumption were identified by searching PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion. A random-effects model was used to calculate the summary odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For green tea, the summary OR of PCa indicated a borderline significant association in Asian populations for highest green tea consumption vs. non/lowest (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38–1.01); and the pooled estimate reached statistically significant level for case-control studies (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25–0.73), but not for prospective cohort studies (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.66–1.53). For black tea, no statistically significant association was observed for the highest vs. non/lowest black tea consumption (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82–1.20). In conclusion, this meta-analysis supported that green tea but not black tea may have a protective effect on PCa, especially in Asian populations. Further research regarding green tea consumption across different regions apart from Asia is needed.

Observational studies on tea consumption and prostate cancer (PCa) risk are still inconsistent. The authors conducted a metaanalysis to investigate the association between green tea and black tea consumption with PCa risk. Thirteen studies providing data on green tea or black tea consumption were identified by searching PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion. A random-effects model was used to calculate the summary odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For green tea, the summary OR of PCa indicated a borderline significant association in Asian populations for highest green tea consumption vs. non/lowest (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38–1.01); and the pooled estimate reached statistically significant level for case-control studies (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25–0.73), but not for prospective cohort studies (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.66–1.53). For black tea, no statistically significant association was observed for the highest vs. non/lowest black tea consumption (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82–1.20). In conclusion, this meta-analysis supported that green tea but not black tea may have a protective effect on PCa, especially in Asian populations. Further research regarding green tea consumption across different regions apart from Asia is needed.

Home country re-entry from cross-cultural missionary work abroad may be associated with psychological distress. Re-entrants experience multiple losses including loss of identity which may be associated with personal/relational identity gaps and depersonalization/dehumanization. However, research suggests that some re-entrants are resilient with good mental health, while others are fragile with poor mental health. The aims of this paper are to explore the nature and frequency of re-entering missionaries’ identity gaps and their depersonalization/dehumanization in resilient and fragile re-entrants. Fifteen re-entering adult Australian cross-cultural missionary workers from four interdenominational Australian mission organizations completed semi-structured interviews. Results were analysed using modified Consensual Qualitative Research methods. Links were established between personal/relational identity gaps, depersonalization/dehumanization and resilience on re-entry. Implications for re-entrants’ care are discussed with suggestions for further research.

Introduction: Training general practice registrars (GPRs) to meet the challenges of an ageing population is hampered by their relatively reduced contact with older patients and a paucity of suitable research to inform training models. This paper describes an exploratory factor analysis of a survey instrument assessing the attitudes of older patients to GPRs, as part of a project to address these concerns. Methods: The instrument was developed on the basis of a qualitative study and a literature review and distributed to 500 patients aged 60 years and over from 10 training practices in regional Australia. Responses to 22 of the survey’s Likert scale items were examined, including inter-item correlations and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha). Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify domains of patients’ attitudes. Results: The response rate was 39.2% (n=196). None of the items were redundant and the scale had appropriate levels of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.76). The exploratory factor analysis identified three factors. Factor one, labelled ‘interpersonal trust’, explained 26.2% of the variance. Factor two accounted for 11.4% of the variance and was labelled ‘system trust’. Factor three, labelled ‘interpersonal continuity’, explained 7.5% of the variance. Conclusion: The instrument demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and three distinct factors reflecting older patients’ attitudes toward GPRs, with trust appearing to be particularly important. The instrument appears effective in obtaining valid data, which should assist in developing improved training models. These findings warrant confirmation with a larger sample and exploration of adaptations of the instrument to be used in other contexts. Keywords: general practice registrar; post-graduate training; patient attitudes

Observational studies on tea consumption and prostate cancer (PCa) risk are still inconsistent. The authors conducted a metaanalysis to investigate the association between green tea and black tea consumption with PCa risk. Thirteen studies providing data on green tea or black tea consumption were identified by searching PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion. A random-effects model was used to calculate the summary odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For green tea, the summary OR of PCa indicated a borderline significant association in Asian populations for highest green tea consumption vs. non/lowest (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.38–1.01); and the pooled estimate reached statistically significant level for case-control studies (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25–0.73), but not for prospective cohort studies (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.66–1.53). For black tea, no statistically significant association was observed for the highest vs. non/lowest black tea consumption (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82–1.20). In conclusion, this meta-analysis supported that green tea but not black tea may have a protective effect on PCa, especially in Asian populations. Further research regarding green tea consumption across different regions apart from Asia is needed.

Location based social networking (LBSN) applications are part of a new suite of social networking tools. LBSN is the convergence between location based services (LBS) and online social networking (OSN). LBSN applications offer users the ability to look up the location of another “friend” remotely using a smart phone, desktop or other device, anytime and anywhere. Users invite their friends to participate in LBSN and there is a process of consent that follows. This paper explores the potential impact of LBSN upon trust in society. It looks at the willingness of individuals to share their location data with family, friends, co-workers, the government, commercial entities and even strangers. The study used focus groups to collect data, and a qualitative approach towards analysis. The findings of the paper indicate that while most people are willing to share their real-time physical location with persons that they trust (e.g. family and close friends), they are generally reluctant to share such data with co-workers, government agencies and commercial entities. Even within the family context, people set limits to transparency depending on their personal circumstances (e.g. the parent-child relationship is quite different to the sibling relationship).

Cross-functional relationships during NPD projects have received considerable researchattention with an emphasis on achieving successful integration and avoiding harmfulconflict. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an exploratory model examiningthe effects of managerial signalling behaviour, at top management and functional level,on conflict in cross-functional working relationships. Focussing on working relationshipbetween marketing managers and R&D managers in 184 new product developmentprojects in Australia this study examines the antecedents of conflict as reported by theR&D Manager. This study provides empirical support for the proposition that while topmanagement actions are useful in facilitating integration, the way a manager perceivestheir functional counterparts motives and intentions is a greater predictor of conflictwithin NPD projects.

Visualization can help a lot to understand the huge amounts of data created in computer simulations and benchmark experiments. In Eugster et al. (Technical report 30, Institut fur Statistik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Germany 2008) we presented a comprehensive toolbox for exploration and inference on benchmark data, including the bench plot. This plot visualizes the behavior of the algorithms on the individual drawn learning and test samples according to a specific performance measure. In this paper we show that an interactive version of the bench plot can help to uncover details and relations unseen with the static version.

Reading and comprehension form an integral part of educational practice. Thisstudy explores students¿ learning experience in reading journal articles for aMarketing class. Two broad aims are considered: 1) to reflect on students¿reading capacity of journal articles, and 2) to investigate students¿ reflection ontheir use of a learning framework developed to assist them in reading. Data werecollected as part of an explorative pilot study from 31 students in Marketingtutorial classes at a university in Australia during a summer semester. Theparticipants were asked about their learning experience in reading a Marketingjournal article and their experience of using the learning framework as they readthe given article. Findings indicate that students were positive about the value ofthe learning framework in assisting them to read, to understand the Marketingjournal articles and to extract relevant learning themes from them.

Introduction: Training general practice registrars (GPRs) to meet the challenges of an ageing population is hampered by their relatively reduced contact with older patients and a paucity of suitable research to inform training models. This paper describes an exploratory factor analysis of a survey instrument assessing the attitudes of older patients to GPRs, as part of a project to address these concerns. Methods: The instrument was developed on the basis of a qualitative study and a literature review and distributed to 500 patients aged 60 years and over from 10 training practices in regional Australia. Responses to 22 of the survey’s Likert scale items were examined, including inter-item correlations and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha). Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify domains of patients’ attitudes. Results: The response rate was 39.2% (n=196). None of the items were redundant and the scale had appropriate levels of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.76). The exploratory factor analysis identified three factors. Factor one, labelled ‘interpersonal trust’, explained 26.2% of the variance. Factor two accounted for 11.4% of the variance and was labelled ‘system trust’. Factor three, labelled ‘interpersonal continuity’, explained 7.5% of the variance. Conclusion: The instrument demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and three distinct factors reflecting older patients’ attitudes toward GPRs, with trust appearing to be particularly important. The instrument appears effective in obtaining valid data, which should assist in developing improved training models. These findings warrant confirmation with a larger sample and exploration of adaptations of the instrument to be used in other contexts. Keywords: general practice registrar; post-graduate training; patient attitudes

Prior research investigating the relationships between immigrants’ linguistic abilities in the target language of the host country and their settlement experiences has done so largely from the perspective of language proficiency. Instead of language proficiency per se, we investigated this relationship from the perspective of a competency-based measure. The Certificate in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) is one such competencybased measure currently used in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) in Australia. We conducted an investigation to explore the strength of the relationships between CSWE level, employment and immigrant background (as socio-biographical information). Data were collected from 46 newly arrived adult immigrants enrolled in the AMEP over a 16-month period. The findings indicated that the use of a competencybased curriculum facilitated immigrants’ attainment of employment but only when they first arrived in Australia. Over time the outcomes of a competency-based curriculum became less relevant to immigrant employability. At the later stages of residency, socio-biographical factors, such as immigrants’ home country and educational experience, became strongly related to their ability to attain a job with little or no effect of competency-based curriculum.

Prior research investigating the relationships between immigrants’ linguistic abilities in the target language of the host country and their settlement experiences has done so largely from the perspective of language proficiency. Instead of language proficiency per se, we investigated this relationship from the perspective of a competency-based measure. The Certificate in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) is one such competencybased measure currently used in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) in Australia. We conducted an investigation to explore the strength of the relationships between CSWE level, employment and immigrant background (as socio-biographical information). Data were collected from 46 newly arrived adult immigrants enrolled in the AMEP over a 16-month period. The findings indicated that the use of a competencybased curriculum facilitated immigrants’ attainment of employment but only when they first arrived in Australia. Over time the outcomes of a competency-based curriculum became less relevant to immigrant employability. At the later stages of residency, socio-biographical factors, such as immigrants’ home country and educational experience, became strongly related to their ability to attain a job with little or no effect of competency-based curriculum.

[extract] The issues in measuring outcomes in community care can be characterised as being complex and technical, but addressing them is feasible if it is recognised that a number of key building blocks are already well known and if a longer term perspective on the issues is adopted.

Prior research investigating the relationships between immigrants’ linguistic abilities in the target language of the host country and their settlement experiences has done so largely from the perspective of language proficiency. Instead of language proficiency per se, we investigated this relationship from the perspective of a competency-based measure. The Certificate in Spoken and Written English (CSWE) is one such competencybased measure currently used in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) in Australia. We conducted an investigation to explore the strength of the relationships between CSWE level, employment and immigrant background (as socio-biographical information). Data were collected from 46 newly arrived adult immigrants enrolled in the AMEP over a 16-month period. The findings indicated that the use of a competencybased curriculum facilitated immigrants’ attainment of employment but only when they first arrived in Australia. Over time the outcomes of a competency-based curriculum became less relevant to immigrant employability. At the later stages of residency, socio-biographical factors, such as immigrants’ home country and educational experience, became strongly related to their ability to attain a job with little or no effect of competency-based curriculum.

[extract] The issues in measuring outcomes in community care can be characterised as being complex and technical, but addressing them is feasible if it is recognised that a number of key building blocks are already well known and if a longer term perspective on the issues is adopted.

The present paper represents an exploratory, dynamic and qualitative application of Social Network Analysis (SNA) for modelling the development of Islamist terror cells in the West. Two well-known case studies are systematically re-examined using this methodology as a supporting framework for interpreting the sequence of group development from a social psychological perspective. By drawing attention to salient features of evolving network structures, insight is gained into group functioning and underlying social-psychological mechanisms of radicalisation. This article represents a starting point for giving greater methodological and theoretical recognition to the dynamic structural properties of Islamist terrorist groups in the West. It is intended to stimulate discussion and ideas for future, more rigorous research.