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A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON MARKETING/SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CROSS-FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE
No full textA substantial body of literature is written on the benefits of cross-functional integration between marketing and Supply Chain Management (SCM), nevertheless, a major gap was identified regarding concrete actions needed to be taken to effectively implement such integration and measures to realise and evaluate the integration's impact on performance. Previous research has failed to support the claim about the positive impact of marketing/SCM cross-functional integration on performance. This research proposes a framework to conceptualise marketing/SCM cross-functional integration in order to optimise Supply Chain Performance (SCP) and overall business performance through identifying a set of integrative marketing capabilities and a measurement taxonomy to assess the impact on performance. Due to the novelty of the research, scarce studies and limited cross-functional effective practices, purposive sampling of specific case studies had to be followed. The case studies were selected from the Egyptian Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market. Five Multinational Companies (MNC) fulfilled a set of criteria to be used as the research case studies and to reflect a global perspective. The research was divided into three phases, exploratory, explanatory and descriptive. The exploratory phase used a semi-structured research approach. At the exploratory phase, the cross-functional integration status between the marketing department and the SCM departments was examined. Moreover, a set of integrative marketing capabilities was explored. These capabilities are claimed to have the ability to impact SCP and business performance if well aligned between the demand creation side of the organisation (marketing and sales) and the demand fulfilment side (SCM). In addition, a list of integrative practical SCP measurements were investigated at this phase in an attempt to compile a measurement taxonomy capable of assessing the impact of integrating/aligning the identified marketing capabilities with SCM. At the second phase, the explanatory phase, the study attempted to support the results of the exploratory phase. The explanatory phase was divided into two parts, Part A and Part B. This phase employed a more structured approach. Part A resulted in defining the strength of the relationship/influence between each identified marketing capability and each SCP attribute (reliability, agility, responsiveness, cost and asset management). Part B resulted in a proposed comprehensive measurement matrix of 28 Performance Indicators (PI) capable of assessing the impact of marketing/SCM cross-functional integration on SCP and business performance. Thus, a conceptual framework was developed to visualise the measured impact of marketing/SCM cross-functional integration on performance through illustrating the influence of integrating each marketing capability on each SCP attribute and that this influence can be measured by specific corresponding PI. Moreover, in order to practically illustrate a cross-functional integration process, a descriptive research phase was conducted. The integration processes of each case study were mapped and in-depth observations were undertaken to follow and understand the level and scheme of cross-functional integration between the marketing department and the SCM department at the case studies. The descriptive phase resulted in a practical cross-functional integration process model based on the best practices of the five MNCs. This research phase followed an unstructured research approach to fully comprehend the cross-functional integration phenomenon. Finally the cross-functional integration process of Unilever Mashreq, a core case study, was demonstrated and the results of its integrative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were shown in order to serve as a real life example reflecting the integration impact on performance. The research provides an original contribution to knowledge by developing a conceptual framework that can benefit companies by offering a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing/SCM cross-functional integration leading to improved SCP and overall business performance. Moreover, this research also presents a practical integration model to marketing and SCM executives with key cross-functional processes that facilitate implementing successful practices between the demand creation side of the organisation, the marketing department, and the demand fulfilment side of the organisation, the SCM department
Palynology of surface sediments from caves in the Zagros Mountains (Kurdish Iraq): patterns and processes
No full textCave palynology has been widely used to reconstruct past vegetation in areas where other conventional sources of pollen are scarce. However, the mechanisms involved in pollen transport, deposition and accumulation in caves are still poorly understood, mostly because of the number of interplaying factors that affect these processes. In this paper we explore some of these factors further by assessing differences in pollen assemblages in transects of surface samples from six caves in the Zagros Mountains of Kurdish Iraq. Simple sac-like caves show a clear pattern in pollen distribution with anemophilous taxa declining from the highest percentages near the front of the cave to lower percentages at the rear of the cave and entomophilous taxa showing the opposite trend. There is a tendency for this pattern to be most marked in caves which are narrow in relation to their length. It is less clear at Shanidar Cave, most probably because of the geometry of the cave but also because of the disturbance and mixing of the superficial sediments caused by the large numbers of people visiting the cave. Only one of the sampled caves shows a different pattern, which is likely to reflect its geomorphological complexity and, consequently, its air circulation. Other factors, such as the presence of a cave entrance flora, are considered but here they seem to have little influence on the pollen assemblages, contrary to that found in temperate-zone caves
Effects of wine and grape polyphenols on blood pressure, endothelial function and sympathetic nervous system activity in treated hypertensive subjects
No full textIn a randomized double-blind crossover trial, the effect of 8 week supplementation with grape and wine polyphenols on functional and structural vascular parameters and autonomic activity was evaluated in 40 essential hypertensive patients treated with diuretic monotherapy. Ambulatory blood pressure, brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) were measured at baseline and after each 8-week intervention. Forearm resistance artery endothelial function and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) response to mental stress and cold-pressor test were measured in two separate sub-groups. No statistically significant differences were found across time or between groups in either blood pressure, FMD, PWV, or resistance artery endothelial function. The MSNA response to the two stressors was non-significantly attenuated after grape-wine polyphenol supplementation. These results do not support the hypothesis that daily consumption of a high dose of grape and wine polyphenols lowers blood pressure or affects vascular function in patients already on antihypertensive medication. © 2016 Elsevier Lt
Cytotoxic acridone and indoloquinazoline alkaloids from Zanthoxylum poggei
Full text linkTwo new alkaloids, poggeicridone (1) and 2-methoxy-7,8- dehydroruteacarpine (6), together with nine known compounds, were isolated from the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of the bark of Zanthoxylum poggei (Engl.) P. G. Waterman. The structures of all compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR and EI- and ESI–MS). Compounds 5-9 exhibited strong suppressive effects on the phagocytosis response upon activation with serum opsonized zymosan in the in vitro oxidative burst studies using whole blood. The IC50 values were in the range of 12.0–25.9 μM. These compounds displayed a moderate level of cytotoxic activity against the human Caucasian prostate adenocarcinoma cell line PC-3, with IC50 values of 15.8 and 22.1 μM (the IC50 value of the positive control standard doxorubicin was IC50 0.9 μM). All isolated compounds were also tested against plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi and oomycetes using the paper disk agar diffusion assay, resulting in no significant activities (MICs > 1 mg/mL). © 2016 Phytochemical Society of Europ
A study of ‘Site BIM’ impact on health and safety in construction sites
Full text linkAccording to the 2014 report of HSE, the construction industry in the UK is the second most dangerous industry in terms of fatal and minor injuries of site workers. The use of the mobile devices such as tablets or smart phones on the construction projects is also on the increase in the UK after the 2016 - Level 2 BIM target, set by the UK Government. Hence, the use of such devices may become a distraction from work activities on the construction sites and will cause a major risk to the end users. The subject of improving safety of BIM use is widely researched, but there is a gap in knowledge about the actual use of mobile devices and perception of ‘Site BIM’, on the construction site activities. The main gap identified in the ‘Site BIM’ is the safety aspect of using such mobile devices on the live construction sites. A safer way of working with tablets needs to be identified to avoid any potential site risks and fatalities before the widespread use of those devices is seen on projects. Hence, the paper is aimed to highlight the safety issues that are required to address for the successful implementation of the mobile devices, which are key tools for safer use of ‘Site BIM’. Questionnaire survey was used to collect the site information among construction professionals in the UK. The findings suggested that a proactive approach may potentially stop any harm and potential improvements need to be identified before any injuries occur. The paper concluded that training, changing size of mobile devices and ensuring a separate induction for ‘Site BIM’ tools will improve the safety of the end users at the construction site
The future of Quiet Eye research – comment on Vickers
No full textThe Quiet Eye (QE) phenomenon has a robust literature base. However, the specific mechanisms by which the QE enables athletes to be more accurate are still not fully understood. Furthermore, QE has been shown to negate the negative effects of anxiety, but similarly, the specific role it plays is unknown. A more systematic and strategic approach to future research is needed to delineate the different theories and develop a stronger, more concrete understanding. There is also the question of QE training, which appears to have a significant impact on performance in a relatively short time period. Limitations to current studies as well as suggestions for future projects are outlined. Technological advances are also discussed in relation to enabling researchers to better understand the neural underpinnings of the QE advantage
‘I can’t accept that feeling’: Relationships between interoceptive awareness, mindfulness and eating disorder symptoms in females with, and at-risk of an eating disorder
No full textMindfulness based therapies (MBTs) for eating disorders show potential benefit for outcomes yet evidence is scarce regarding the mechanisms by which they influence remission from symptoms. One way that mindfulness approaches create positive outcomes is through enhancement of emotion regulation skills. Maladaptive emotion regulation is a key psychological feature of all eating disorders. The aim of the current study was to identify facets of emotion regulation involved in the relationship between mindfulness and maladaptive eating behaviours. In three cross-sectional studies, clinical (n=39) and non-clinical (n=137 and 119) female participants completed: 1) the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) eating specific scales (drive-for-thinness and bulimia) and the EDI psychological symptom scales (emotion dysregulation and interoceptive deficits); and 2) mindfulness, impulsivity, and emotion regulation questionnaires. In all samples mindfulness was significantly and inversely associated with EDI eating and psychological symptom scales, and impulsivity. In non-clinical samples interoceptive deficits mediated the relationship between mindfulness and EDI eating specific scales. Non-acceptance of emotional experience, a facet of interoceptive awareness, mediated the relationship between mindfulness and eating specific EDI scores. Further investigations could verify relationships identified so that mindfulness based approaches can be optimised to enhance emotion regulation skills in sufferers, and those at-risk, of eating disorders
Benefits and impacts of Active Lives groups for older people living in the community
Full text linkThere are an increasing number of older people globally and nationally. However this rise in life expectancy is not always paralleled with a good quality of life. Within the north west of England Age UK Lancashire was awarded three-year funding by the Big Lottery to undertake an Active Lives programme. This programme delivered a range of local activity groups aimed at promoting the health, activity, lifestyle and wellbeing of older people living within the community. This paper reports the findings of a three-year descriptive study which evaluated older people’s experiences of participating in the activity groups. The study identified the impact on their health, quality of life and wellbeing, use and benefits of the groups and suggestions for future service developments. Data were collected in three phases utilising focus groups and self-completed questionnaire surveys. Qualitative data were analysed by content analysis to identify key themes. Standard descriptive analysis was used for quantitative data. Key findings were benefits with general improvements in participants’ physical and mental health, their wellbeing and quality of life. It was concluded that Active Lives groups in the community presented an effective means of maintaining and improving older people’s health and social wellbeing
New developments with cold asphalt concrete binder course mixtures containing binary blended cementitious filler (BBCF)
Full text linkA weakness in early strength and the need for longer curing times in the case of cold bituminous emulsion mixtures (CBEMs) compared to hot mix asphalt have been cited as barriers to the wider utilization of these mixtures. A binary blended filler material produced from high calcium fly ash (HCFA) and a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FC3R) was found to be very effective in providing microstructural integrity with a novel fast-curing cold asphalt concrete for the binder course (CACB) mixture. Balanced oxide compositions within the novel filler were identified as responsible for an enhanced hydration reaction, resulting in a very high early strength and a significant improvement in permanent deformation and fatigue resistance. Improved water sensitivity for progressive hydration with the new binary filler was also established while SEM analysis confirmed the formation of hydration products after various curing ages. © 2016 Elsevier Lt
The Gaia-ESO Survey: Empirical determination of the precision of stellar radial velocities and projected rotation velocities
No full textContext. The Gaia-ESO Survey (GES) is a large public spectroscopic survey at the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope.
Aims. A key aim is to provide precise radial velocities (RVs) and projected equatorial velocities (v sin i) for representative samples of Galactic stars, that will complement information obtained by the Gaia astrometry satellite.
Methods. We present an analysis to empirically quantify the size and distribution of uncertainties in RV and v sin i using spectra from repeated exposures of the same stars.
Results. We show that the uncertainties vary as simple scaling functions of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and v sin i, that the uncertainties become larger with increasing photospheric temperature, but that the dependence on stellar gravity, metallicity and age is weak. The underlying uncertainty distributions have extended tails that are better represented by Student’s t-distributions than by normal distributions.
Conclusions. Parametrised results are provided, that enable estimates of the RV precision for almost all GES measurements, and estimates of the v sin i precision for stars in young clusters, as a function of S/N, v sin i and stellar temperature. The precision of individual high S/N GES RV measurements is 0.22-0.26 km/s, dependent on instrumental configuration
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