Functional-level transformation in multi-domestic MNCs: transforming local purchasing into globally integrated purchasing integrated purchasing

This paper revisits Bartlett and Ghoshal’s transnational theory of the MNC in relation to multi-domestic MNCs. We argue that the aggregate level of analysis adopted by Bartlett and Ghoshal is unhelpful for identifying significant changes in multi-domestic MNCs at the level of discrete functions. We argue that a more disaggregated level of analysis is required. Our analysis of two cases of multi-domestic MNCs that have undertaken the global integration of their locally distributed purchasing functions indicates that while significant change to the purchasing function has occurred, at the aggregate level both MNCs remain multi-domestic. In both cases the decision to integrate local purchasing was regarded as having more obvious benefits than integrating other functions such as marketing. While both of our case multi-domestic MNCs may in future choose to integrate other functions and develop into full-fledged transnational companies we argue that there is no inevitability to this. Indeed global integration may cease with the purchasing function. A second theme in this paper is that we argue that Bartlett and Ghoshal’s transnational theory has a biased view of what constitutes effective governance mechanisms for achieving global integration, local responsiveness and worldwide learning and that it would greatly benefit from a more balanced application of hierarchical and relational governance mechanisms

Horizon formation and far-from-equilibrium isotropization in supersymmetric Yang-Mills plasma

Using gauge/gravity duality, we study the creation and evolution of anisotropic, homogeneous strongly coupled $\mathcal N=4$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills plasma. In the dual gravitational description, this corresponds to horizon formation in a geometry driven to be anisotropic by a time-dependent change in boundary conditions.Comment: 4 pages, typos corrected, published versio

Dual-mode room temperature self-calibrating photodiodes approaching cryogenic radiometer uncertainty

The room temperature dual-mode self-calibrating detector combines low-loss photodiodes with electrical substitution radiometry for determination of optical power. By using thermal detection as a built-in reference in the detector, the internal losses of the photodiode can be determined directly, without the need of an external reference. Computer simulations were used to develop a thermal design that minimises the electro-optical non-equivalence in electrical substitution. Based on this thermal design, we produced detector modules that we mounted in a trap structure for minimised reflection loss. The thermal simulations predicted a change in response of around 280 parts per million per millimeter when changing the position of the beam along the centre line of the photodiode, and we were able to reproduce this change experimentally. We report on dual-mode internal loss estimation measurements with radiation of 488 nm at power levels of 500 μW, 875 μW and 1250 μW, using two different methods of electrical substitution. In addition, we present three different calculation algorithms for determining the optical power in thermal mode, all three showing consistent results. We present room temperature optical power measurements at an uncertainty level approaching that of the cryogenic radiometer with 400 ppm (k = 2), where the type A standard uncertainty in the thermal measurement only contributed with 26 ppm at 1250 μW in a 6 hour long measurement sequenc

The ambivalence of losing weight after bariatric surgery

This study is grounded in a phenomenological lifeworld perspective. It aims at providing rich descriptions of lived experience of the process of losing weight after obesity surgery. Two women participated in in-depth interviews four times each during the first postoperative year. Based on the women's experiences, a meaning structure—the ambivalence of losing weight after obesity surgery—was identified across the women's processes of change. This consisted of five core themes: movement and activity—freedom but new demands and old restraints; eating habits and digestion—the complexity of change; appearance—smaller, but looser; social relations—stability and change; and being oneself—vulnerability and self-assurance. These core themes changed over time in terms of dominance. The experience of ambivalence is discussed according to a phenomenological perspective of the body as lived experience

Inter-organizational governance and trilateral trust building: a case study of crowdsourcing-based open innovation in China

In a case study of a Chinese crowdsourcing intermediary, we explore the impact of inter-organizational governance on trilateral trust-building. We show that formal control and relational governance mechanisms are essential for swift and knowledge-based trust in R&D crowdsourcing. The case also indicates that Chinese businesses continue to use guanxi (informal personal connections) as a relational and contingent mechanism to maintain affect-based trust, but guanxi is shown to inhibit the growth of Internet-based crowdsourcing for open innovation in China

IT Outsourcing in Finnish Business

This paper reviews the characteristics and magnitude of information technology (IT) outsourcing as well as studies its labor productivity effects with a representative sample of Finnish businesses. Depending on the IT task in question, on average from one-third to two-thirds of IT has been outsourced; of the ten categories considered, the development of non-Internet business-to-business applications (e.g., EDI) is the leading activity in this respect. The various dimensions of IT outsourcing are all highly positively correlated. After controlling for industry and regional effects as well as characteristics of firms and their employees, it is found that an externally-supported computer user is about 20% more productive than an otherwise similar worker without a computer, which corresponds to about 5% output elasticity of outsourced IT; the effect of internally-supported computer use is not statistically significantly different for zero, and it is also several times smaller in magnitude. While the issues of causality, timing, self-selection, and unobserved firm heterogeneity are not fully addressed, the findings nevertheless suggest that IT outsourcing may have significant economic consequences

Macromolecular Characterization of Three Barley β-Glucan Standards by Size-Exclusion Chromatography Combined With Light Scattering and Viscometry: An Inter-Laboratory Study

Six (1→3)(1→4)-β-D-glucan standards (A-F) isolated from barley were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) in five different laboratories with varying columns, solvent conditions and detector systems (low- and multi-angle light scattering and viscometry). Static (batch) measurements by capillary viscometry and laser light scattering were included. Fairly consistent results were obtained for the weight average molecular weights (Mw), radii of gyration (RG) and intrinsic viscosities [η], demonstrating that the β-glucans may serve as useful standards or reference materials in the study of cereal β-glucans. Average values for Mw were: A,E: 114,000 (±11%); B,C: 374,000 (±9%), D,F: 228,000 (±13%). Some inconsistencies regarding the polydispersity (Mw/Mn) could be ascribed to the influence of peak broadening in certain column/solvent systems. The study further demonstrated that individual researchers tended to use different processing parameters, especially refractive index increments (dn/dc), due to ambiguities in the literature or to differing experimental values. The need for consistent parameters and processing methods is clearly demonstrated

Quality Interactions in Early Childhood Education and Care Center Outdoor Environments

Quality interactions are crucial for children\u27s learning and development. Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centers have the opportunity to support children\u27s learning and development, yet the quality of interactions and influences on the quality of interactions in outdoor environments is not known. Research findings: this study assessed the quality of educator interactions in outdoor environments using the CLASS Pre-K assessment tool. 11 ECEC centres participated in the study, which included 110 educators and 490 children. 87 observations were collected to measure the CLASS Pre-K domains (1-lowest to 7-highest). Mean domain scores were 6.02 (emotional support), 5.23 (Classroom Organization) and 4.46 (Instructional Support). Regression analyses show free routines had significant relationships with Teacher Sensitivity (p = 0.03) and Instructional Learning Formats (p = 0.03), and increased amounts of time spent outside had the most significant relationships with Teacher Sensitivity (p = 0.001) and Behavior Management (p = 0.001). Practice or Policy: The major recommendations that would serve to improve the quality of interactions in outdoor environments include providing a free routine and increasing the amount of time spent in outdoor environments. As these recommendations are modifiable practices, they are potentially the easiest to alter and therefore, with minimal change, could enhance the quality of interactions between educators and children