Eutrophication and arsenic speciation in lake waters

Arsenic (As) is widely distributed in aquatic environments in various forms. In natural waters, the dominant inorganoarsenicals (iAs) are incorporated into microorganisms such as phytoplankton, and are converted to methylarsenicals and/or more high order organoarsenicals. In addition, the organoarsenicals are mineralized to iAs and methylarsenicals by bacteria. The cycling of As species would depend on the bioactivity of organisms. Microorganisms, such as phytoplankton and organisms of higher trophic levels, produce methylarsenicals in natural waters with maximum concentrations in summer. The degradation and mineralization of organoarsenic compounds are thought to depend mostly on bacterial activities, which influence the As cycling in aquatic environment. Arsenic metabolism in aquatic organisms results in the occurrence of thermodynamically unstable arsenite and methylarsenic compounds in natural waters. The inorganic forms (As(V) and As(III)) and the methylated forms (methylarsonic acid (CH3AsO(OH)2); MMAA(V) and dimethylarsinic acid ((CH3)2AsO(OH)); DMAA(V)) are the main arsenic species present in natural waters. Although the predominant form of methylarsenicals is consistently DMAA(V) followed by MMAA(V), the existence of trivalent methylarsenic species in the environment has also been reported.Researchers reported the correlation between As(III)/methylarsenicals and chlorophyll-a concentrations and/or phytoplankton density, while others found that the seasonal changes of DMAA concentration is related to the temperature rather than the biological activity of phytoplankton. Eutrophication increases the concentration of nutrient salts and multiplies the primary producers, such as phytoplankton, in lake water. Lakes progress through the oligotrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic process in the natural environment, and these transitions are very slow. Recently, the transition speed became faster because of discharged pollutants and nutrients from human activities, and the eutrophication affects the As circulation in lakes. Very recently, reports showed that the eutrophication influences As speciation in lake water too. In this chapter, the influence of eutrophication on arsenic speciation will be discussed. © 2010 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved

Information technology for supply chain performance: a mediated covariance modelling based on the Dynamic Capabilities Theory

Information technology is an important supply chain innovation typology that enhances the integration of people and processes. Although, there is large body of literature on information technology, supply chain capabilities and supply chain performance, empirical studies on how innovation capability relates with information technology and supply chain performance is unknown. To cover this important research gap, the study proposes four hypotheses on the relationship between information technology and supply chain performance, information technology and innovation capability, innovation capability and supply chain performance and the mediation effect of innovation capability between information technology and supply chain performance. The study followed post-positivism epistemology based on the methodology of cross-sectional survey. A cross-section of 286 top managers of manufacturing companies in Nigeria was examined based on cluster and stratified random sampling. A four-stage regression analysis in two models was performed to test the proposed hypotheses using structural equation modelling with Amos graphics. Result in model 1 found a significant relationship between information technology and supply chain performance. The findings in model 2 suggest that the relationship between information technology and innovation capability (X→M) as well as innovation capability and supply chain performance (M→Y) are both significant. The initial positive and significant relationship between information technology and supply chain performance became non-significant with the introduction of innovation capability as mediating variable. Therefore, it is concluded that innovation capability is a full mediator between information technology and supply chain performance. The study has both implication for the theory and practice. It, thus, provide guidelines to managers of manufacturing companies on strategies to improve supply chain performance

Effect of advanced manufacturing technology, concurrent engineering of product design, and supply chain performance of manufacturing companies

As competition shifts away between competitors to supply chains, simultaneous sharing of technical expertise on product design is key to manufacturing success. Thus, purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of concurrent engineering of product design (CEPD) on the relationship between advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and supply chain performance (SCP). The paper is a cross-sectional study, and data was collected among top managers of manufacturing companies. Cluster and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Structural equation modeling (Amos graphic) was used for analysis. The study found a positive relationship between advanced manufacturing technology and supply chain performance, advanced manufacturing technology and concurrent engineering of product design, and concurrent engineering of product design and supply chain performance. It also concluded that concurrent engineering of product design is a full mediator between advanced manufacturing technology and supply chain performance

Measurement for supply chain collaboration and supply chain performance of manufacturing companies

Supply chain management (SCM) has changed from a strategically decoupled to strategically coupled area of research, as such partners have to improve relationships with one another. Although success of a supply chain (SC) depends on the integration of people, technology, and information, collaboration remains critical to these capabilities and processes. Thus, the aim of this study is to model and measure the relationship between the trust-intertwined SC collaborative process and supply chain performance (SCP) of manufacturing companies. This study followed a post-positivism epistemology based on a crosssectional survey. Previous measurements of SC collaborative process were investigated, integrated, and tested among 286 top managers of manufacturing companies. These companies are members of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN). Questionnaires were distributed through face-to-face methodology with aid from trained research assistants. Cluster and stratified random sampling were used to select the respondents. SPSS was used during the exploratory factor analysis while covariance structural equation modeling was used to confirm the study’s measurement and structural models. Both models had satisfied recommended threshold values. This study found a significant and statistical relationship between supply chain collaboration (SCC) and SCP. The data and findings of this study fit the social exchange theory (SET). Thus, this study has implications for theory testing in SCC as well as guidance on ways to pursue collaboration by managers of manufacturing companies

Effect of advanced manufacturing technology, concurrent engineering of product design, and supply chain performance of manufacturing companies

As competition shifts away between competitors to supply chains, simultaneous sharing of technical expertise on product design is key to manufacturing success. Thus, purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of concurrent engineering of product design (CEPD) on the relationship between advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and supply chain performance (SCP). The paper is a cross-sectional study, and data was collected among top managers of manufacturing companies. Cluster and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Structural equation modeling (Amos graphic) was used for analysis. The study found a positive relationship between advanced manufacturing technology and supply chain performance, advanced manufacturing technology and concurrent engineering of product design, and concurrent engineering of product design and supply chain performance. It also concluded that concurrent engineering of product design is a full mediator between advanced manufacturing technology and supply chain performance

The Potential Moderating Role of Supply Chain Capabilities on the Relationship between Supply Chain Technology and Concurrent Engineering in Product Design

Todays business and competitive environment put pressures on firms to adopt new technologies, processes, and competences. Firms with strong technological capabilities generates more value from technology investment and achieve higher order of collaborative gains in product design. The aim of this paper is to improve a conceptual framework of the influential determinant of product design in supply chain. Through an intensive literature review, the paper develops a conceptual model of the relationships between supply chain technology, capabilities, and concurrent engineering in new product design. The study has practical implications to managers and practitioners in supply chain management. The study also contributes to existing literature and theory of product design and development. Key words: Supply chain technology, advanced manufacturing technology, information technology, supply chain capabilities, concurrent engineering, product design Paper type: Conceptual pape

Training and organizational effectiveness: moderating role of knowledge management process

Purpose – Training alone is not sufficient to enhance organizational effectiveness to a greater level because not all knowledge obtained from the training is properly transferred and applied to the organization. This study aims to investigate whether efforts invested by Malaysian manufacturers in employee training and knowledge transfer affect organizational effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a quantitative research design. The questionnaire developed for this study captured the training related to individual/managerial skills, the knowledge management process in place to capture and apply the knowledge obtained through training, and the organizational effectiveness. A closed-ended online survey was sent to 1,000 members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) throughout Malaysia and 88 manufacturers responded. The unit of analysis was an organization. Findings – The study found the following: training employees to acquire individual/managerial skills and process skills helps in improving organizational effectiveness; knowledge application and knowledge protection interact with individual/managerial skills training to improve organizational effectiveness; and knowledge acquisition, knowledge application and knowledge protection interact with process skills training to enhance organizational effectiveness. Practical implications – Organizations are urged to devise training modules depending on the needs of individual employees, create an environment that will encourage the trained employees to apply their skills (knowledge), and develop policies to retain these employees. Originality/value – This paper addresses an important and not so well researched issue. It analyzes the interactions between the dimensions of knowledge management practices and type of training in improving the organizational effectiveness of manufacturing firms in Malaysi

The influence of SMEs employees' intention towards innovative behaviour

Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurs (SMEs) need to be prepared for external challenges that are mostly beyond their control. SMEs need to improve their internal strength in terms of improving work processes. This, however, can only be effective if employees are innovatively improving their work. This study aims to look at the role of the employee's intention to engage in innovative behaviour based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The research employs the predictors of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control to affect employee's intention to engage in innovative behaviour. This study also investigates the relationship between intention and engagement in innovative behaviour. A sample of 201 SME employees working in Electrical and Electronic (E & E) SMEs in Malaysia took part in the survey assessment. The results indicate that the three antecedents of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control affect employee's intention and innovative behaviour. This study provides an understanding of employee intention and innovative behavior that serves as guidance for managers of SMEs and researchers to enhance and capitalise on the capacity of innovative employees

How Memorable is Halal Tourism in Japan and the United Kingdom?

Abstract The provision of halal products and services for Muslim tourists would be a competitive edge for tourism destinations as the Muslim population is increasing. This research examines halal-friendly attributes provided by non-Muslim country destinations (Japan and UK) and determines their roles in creating memorable tourism experiences and driving behavioral intentions. The questionnaire was collected from 349 Muslim tourists who have visited UK or Japan once in the last two years. Underpinned by Script theory and Stimulus-Organism-Response theory, the proposed structural model was found to adequately describe the variance in memorable tourism experience and behavioral intention of Muslim tourists; four attributes (halal food & beverages, enhancement of halal experiences, halal-friendly hotels, and halal-friendly social environment) were positively related to memorable tourism experience and recommend intention, and all five attributes including halal-friendly services information had a significant influence on revisit intention of Muslim tourists. In addition, a memorable tourism experience is a significant mediator linking four halal-friendly attributes (except halal-friendly services information) and behavioral intention.    

Determinants Of Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions (Cbmas) Performance in Five East Asian Countries

This study aims to investigate the determinants that caused the variations in the post-CBMA performance of the target firms in the five East Asian countries, namely Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea. Using a sample from 1998 to 2004, the ownership and target firms' characteristics are examined. A four-step hierarchical analysis was used with EFCFS (Excess free cash flow per share) as a dependent variable for the post-CBMA performance and independent variables including characteristics of targets (pre-CBMA) and ownership characteristics of the acquired (post-CBMA). The results show that the average EFCFS improved after CBMAs. The target characteristics such as pre-CBMA performance, the size of the targets, and the business relatedness between targets and acquirers have a significant effect on EFCFS. The positive effect of foreign majority control on post-CBMA performance nevertheless is contingent on the target characteristics