Constant rank-distance sets of hermitian matrices and partial spreads in hermitian polar spaces

In this paper we investigate partial spreads of $H(2n-1,q^2)$ through the related notion of partial spread sets of hermitian matrices, and the more general notion of constant rank-distance sets. We prove a tight upper bound on the maximum size of a linear constant rank-distance set of hermitian matrices over finite fields, and as a consequence prove the maximality of extensions of symplectic semifield spreads as partial spreads of $H(2n-1,q^2)$. We prove upper bounds for constant rank-distance sets for even rank, construct large examples of these, and construct maximal partial spreads of $H(3,q^2)$ for a range of sizes

Multisector Collaboration: An Action Research Approach

This article provides an overview of the action-oriented research literature – making a case for a methodological approach that endeavors to lessen the gap between theory and practice in the context of a multisector collaborative effort. A brief description of the first author’s involvement in an action-oriented research project illustrates this point from the perspectives of the board of directors of a (then) newly-created joint venture with thirteen partner organizations representing the academic, pharmaceutical industry and government sectors. The contribution lies in demonstrating the utility of an action research approach when the overall objective of the research is to gain insights into the phenomenon of interest while simultaneously having these insights available to directly inform management practice

Understanding structures and practices of meaning-making in industrial networks

Purpose: To propose an approach for exploring industrial marketing network environments through a social semiotic lens. Design/methodology/approach: This conceptual paper introduces social semiotic perspectives to the study of business/industrial network interaction. Findings: We describe how structures of meaning derived from a cultural history of signification and interpretive processes of meaning in action are co-determined in social semiosis. We emphasise the meaning of environments using this social semiotic approach, leading us to explore the idea of the ‘atmosemiosphere’ - the most highly complex business network level, in illustrating how meaning is made through structuration between structures of meaning and their enactments in interactions between actors within living business networks. Practical Implications: Figurative language plays an important role in the structuration of meaning. This facilitates establishing plots and, therefore, in the actors’ capability to tell a story, which starts with knowing what kind of story can be told. By implication, the effective networker must be a consummate moving ‘picture maker’ and to do so, she must have competences in narrative, emplotment, myth-making, storytelling and figuration in more than one discursive repertoire. Originality/Value: In employing a structurational discourse perspective informed by social semiotics, our original contribution is a ‘business networks as discursive constructions’ approach in that discursive nets, webs of narratives and stories, and labyrinths of tropes are considered just as important in constituting networks as networks of actor relationships and patterns of other activities and resources

APPLYING BOURDIEU’S PRACTICE THEORY TO SOCIAL COMMERCE: TOWARD A DYNAMIC PROCESS-ORIENTED RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

In this paper, we introduce an analytical lens for studying the process and social dynamics of social commerce. By critically reviewing social commerce literature, we propose a dynamic processoriented approach to complement the traditional one-way prediction-based research approach. Moreover, we introduce a theoretical framework that brings together economic, social and cultural perspectives to fully understand individual’s practices in social commerce. Drawing on Bourdieu’s practice theory, we attempt to reveal the different benefits pursued by the diverse types of individuals who participate in social commerce and elaborate on their practices for achieving particular benefits. For ease of discussion, we elaborate on our research approach and framework under the context of dietary supplements (DS) social commerce. We expect to uncover the differential social distinctions and the logic of practice in social commerce. Our paper may contribute to our knowledge of the impacts of social and cultural factors on social commerce business model. It may help extend and adapt Bourdieu’s practice theory to the social media age. More importantly, our research may have implications for the design of social commerce platforms. By understanding the social status distinctions in social commerce, designers of platforms could attract and retain the targeted audiences by providing corresponding status markers that appeal to these groups of people and by actively participating in formulating the logic of practice in the field

Exploring the perceived value of social practice theories for business-to-business marketing managers

Purpose: Drawing on sociological theories of Giddens, Bourdieu and Goffman, the purpose of this paper is to explore how different relationships are characterized between actors in interaction and determine whether social theories of practice resonate as being practical to managers. Design/methodology/approach: In the empirical investigations, the authors employ the Delphi method whereby the authors elevate six highly experienced marketing practitioners in Dubai and Bangkok, each in different industries and from different cultural backgrounds, to designated expert positions in exploring the practical relevance of the practice-based theories of Bourdieu, the dramaturgy of Goffman and the structuration theory of Giddens in understanding practical experiences of managing in business-to-business networks. Findings: The results show that aspects of these theories are consistent with practitioners\u27 experiences in many ways but the theories themselves do not appear to resonate with the modernist practical consciousness of the participants as being particularly pragmatic or practically useful except as resources they could selectively borrow from as bricoleurs of changing action. Originality/value: Social practice theories appear rather too abstract and complex to practical actors. It is therefore paradoxical that social practice theories do not appear as sufficiently handy or ready to hand in Heidegger\u27s (1962) terms; being in need of translation into practical usefulness. It would appear that social practice theories can be a useful analytical vehicle for the academic analyst but cannot resonate with the modernist consciousness of the practical actor

Ethnic identity, consumer ethnocentrism, and purchase intentions among bi-cultural ethnic consumers: "divided loyalties" or “dual allegiance”?

Consumer ethnocentrism has been studied extensively in international marketing in the context of one's country of residence. This paper investigates for the first time the notion of "dual ethnocentrism", which may be encountered among ethnic consumers who have an allegiance toward, or divided loyalties between, two countries: One with which they are ethnically linked, or "home", and one where they presently live and work, or "host". The study examines the relationship between ethnic identity, dual ethnocentrism, and purchase intentions among ethnic consumers, a market segment of growing importance in research and practice. The analysis focuses on differences in the respondents' home- and host-related ethnocentrism and finds that indeed ethnocentric feelings and their effects differ depending on the country of reference. In this light, the study suggests that ethnocentrism is a considerably more complex construct than previously thought, advances our understanding of ethnicity and ethnocentrism, and discusses the theoretical and managerial implications arising from dual ethnocentrism

The Market Potential of Grape Waste Alternatives

During wine production, approximately 25% of the grape weight results in by-product/waste (termed ‘pomace’ which is comprised of skins and seeds). Currently, most pomace is being composted to be reintroduced into the vineyards to complete the carbon cycle. Due to the increasing consumer demand for the use of natural over synthetic compounds, and because of increased attention to sustainability of agricultural practices (Fontana, Antoniolli, & Bottini, 2013), there is a vast array of applications for grape pomacebioactives including: functional foods (dietary fiber + polyphenols), food processing (biosurfactants), cosmetics (grapeseed oil + antioxidants), pharmaceutical/biomedical (pullulan) and supplements (grape pomace powder). To date, there has been no assessment as to the market potential for value-added usage of grape pomace. This paper seeks to address this gap. The annual production of grape pomace along with its multitude of applications, create an opportunity to discover an unexploited market with great commercial potential

An Analysis of the Composition, Health Benefits, and Future Market Potential of the Jerusalem Artichoke in Canada

This article presents an overview of the Jerusalem artichoke and its potential uses in consumer food products. Jerusalem artichoke, native to North America, is characterized by its sunflower-like appearance and carbohydrate-rich tubers. For centuries, Jerusalem artichoke tubers were a food source for Aboriginal Canadians and early European settlers. Today, Jerusalem artichoke is used to obtain inulin for addition into food products. Inulin is a polysaccharide that provides several health benefits when consumed. Due to its unique structure of fructose and glucose molecules, inulin is indigestible by the human digestive system. Its benefits are realized when it enters the large intestine and is fermented by microorganisms. This process stimulates prebiotic and dietary fibre effects that improve the growth of beneficial bacteria and promote greater digestive health. Additionally, inulin can act as a sugar or fat substitute in foods, and even facilitates the absorption of minerals in the large intestine. Currently, the use of Jerusalem artichoke inulin in commercial food products is limited. However, trends focusing on healthy living and supporting local industry indicate that Canadian consumers will positively view products made with Canadian-grown Jerusalem artichoke. The advantage that Jerusalem artichoke has over other inulin-rich products is that it can grow on poor land and is also more resistant to extreme weather conditions relative to corn and/or sugar beet; this is significant in the Canadian context. Given these trends and supplementary market data, the potential market size for Jerusalem artichoke-enriched products has been determined. Additionally, prices of currently available inulin-enriched products have been used as guidelines to determine total market potential. Market potential for baked goods, particularly muffins, was found to be $CAD 8,721,788 while market potential for beverages, namely soda, was found to be$CAD 11,707,098. These numbers, though imperfect, indicate that there is strong potential for Jerusalem artichoke-enriched products to be marketed to Canadian consumers