Competition, competitive advantage, and clusters:the ideas of Michael Porter

Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Michael Porter's works Contributions from leading authorities across the disciplines Contains response from Porter Harvard professor, Michael Porter has been one of the most influential figures in strategic management research over the last three decades. He infused a rigorous theoretical framework of industrial organization economics with the then still embryonic field of strategic management and elevated it to its current status as an academic discipline. Porter's outstanding career is also characterized by its cross-disciplinary nature. Following his most important work on strategic management, he then made a leap to the policy side and dealt with a completely different set of analytical units. More recently he has made a foray into inner city development, environmental regulations, and health care services. Throughout these explorations Porter has maintained his integrative approach, seeking a road that links management case studies and the general model building of mainstream economics. With expert contributors from a range of disciplines including strategic management, economic development, economic geography, and planning, this book assesses the contribution Michael Porter has made to these respective disciplines. It clarifies the sources of tension and controversy relating to all the major strands of Porter's work, and provides academics, students, and practitioners with a critical guide for the application of Porter's models. The book highlights that while many of the criticisms of Porter's ideas are valid, they are almost an inevitable outcome for a scholar who has sought to build bridges across wide disciplinary valleys. His work has provided others with a set of frameworks to explore in more depth the nature of competition, competitive advantage, and clusters from a range of vantage points.

The impact of general intellectual ability and white matter volume on the functional outcome of patients with bipolar disorder and their relatives

Background: There is substantial evidence that cognitive deficits and brain structural abnormalities are present in patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) and in their first-degree relatives. Previous studies have demonstrated associations between cognition and functional outcome in BD patients but have not examined the role of brain morphological changes. Similarly, the functional impact of either cognition or brain morphology in relatives remains unknown. Therefore we focused on delineating the relationship between psychosocial functioning, cognition and brain structure, in relation to disease expression and genetic risk for BD. Methods: Clinical, cognitive and brain structural measures were obtained from 41 euthymic BD patients and 50 of their unaffected first-degree relatives. Psychosocial function was evaluated using the General Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. We examined the relationship between level of functioning and general intellectual ability (IQ), memory, attention, executive functioning, symptomatology, illness course and total gray matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid volumes. Limitations: Cross-sectional design. Results: Multiple regression analyses revealed that IQ, total white matter volume and a predominantly depressive illness course were independently associated with functional outcome in BD patients, but not in their relatives, and accounted for a substantial proportion (53%) of the variance in patients' GAF scores. There were no significant domain-specific associations between cognition and outcome after consideration of IQ. Conclusions: Our results emphasise the role of IQ and white matter integrity in relation to outcome in BD and carry significant implications for treatment interventions. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

Evaluating the use of IT by the third party logistics in South East Asia to achieve competitive advantage and its future trend

As the number of using 3PL providers are increasing rapidly in recent years, 3PL providers play a major role in the logistics industry. Due to customers demands are raising and changing, it has facilitated 3PL providers to invest IT systems that could meet customer requirements and create competitive advantage. The use of IT systems could assist 3PL providers to achieve supply chain visibility and enhance supply chain collaboration with business partners. In this paper, it is mainly focus on the Europe and Far East 3PL providers in terms of current and future IT systems, IT motivators and barriers, as well as the future supply chain demands that address by IT systems. The common IT system that implemented in both regions is information technology, which is mainly used to collaborate and share information with supply chain partners. Some of the common motivations and barriers were existed and 3PL providers need to be understood. Given the future demands of IT implementation and supply chain collaboration, IT systems such as RFID and integration systems would be strongly focus in the future. The suggestion about the advanced integration system such as business process management (BPM) could be the next key IT systems in the future logistics industry. © 2012 AICIT.

Recognition on Finite Set of Events: Bayesian Analysis of Generalization Ability and Classification Tree Pruning

The problem of recognition on finite set of events is considered. The generalization ability of classifiers for this problem is studied within the Bayesian approach. The method for non-uniform prior distribution specification on recognition tasks is suggested. It takes into account the assumed degree of intersection between classes. The results of the analysis are applied for pruning of classification trees.

Differential effects of single -sex versus coed education on the mathematical reasoning ability, verbal reasoning ability, and self-concept of high school girls

This study explored the differential effects of single-sex versus coed education on the cognitive and affective development of young women in senior year of high school. The basic research question was: What are the differential effects of single-sex versus coed education on the development of mathematical reasoning ability, verbal reasoning ability, or self-concept of high school girls?^ This study was composed of two parts. In the first part, the SAT verbal and mathematical ability scores were recorded for those subjects in the two schools from which the sample populations were drawn. The second part of the study required the application of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale to subjects in each of the two sample populations. The sample schools were deliberately selected to minimize between group differences in the populations. One was an all girls school, the other coeducational.^ The research design employed in this study was the causal-comparative method, used to explore causal relationships between variables that already exist. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the data produced by this research, no significant difference was found to exist between the mean scores of the senior girls in the single-sex school and the coed school on the SAT 1 verbal reasoning section. Nor was any significant difference found to exist between the mean scores of the senior girls in the single-sex school and the coed school on the SAT 1 mathematical reasoning section. Finally, no significant difference between the mean total scores of the senior girls in the single-sex school and the coed school on the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale was found to exist.^ Contrary to what many other studies have found in the past about single-sex schools and their advantages for girls, this study found no support for such advantages in the cognitive areas of verbal and mathematical reasoning as measured by the SAT or in the affective area of self-concept as measured by the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. ^

Precompetition dietary practices of competitive male and female bodybuilders

A comprehensive analysis of precompetition dietary beliefs and behaviors of competitive bodybuilders has yet to be documented in the literature. The purposes of this study were (a) to quantify and document types of supplements competitive male and female bodybuilders consume, (b) to document how much money they spend on them each month, (c) to describe what dietary modifications and behaviors they follow in preparation for a contest and (d) to describe their nutrition beliefs associated with these habits. Three hundred and nine competitive male and female bodybuilders completed questionnaires regarding their precompetition dietary practices. It was found that bodybuilders consume a wide variety of supplements and use a multitude of dietary training practices which vary depending on the training phase. A large percentage of bodybuilders agreed with statements on supplement use and training practices that are unsubstantiated by scientific research.

Differential ability and attainment in language and arithmetic of Dutch primary school pupils.

Background. In pre-school and primary education pupils differ in many abilities and competences (‘giftedness’). Yet mainstream educational practice seems rather homogeneous in providing age-based or grade-class subject matter approaches. Aims. To clarify whether pupils scoring initially at high ability level do develop and attain differently at school with respect to language and arithmetic compared with pupils displaying other initial ability levels. To investigate whether specific individual, family or educational variables co-vary with the attainment of these different types of pupils in school. Samples. Data from the large-scale PRIMA cohort study including a total of 8258 grade 2 and 4 pupils from 438 primary schools in The Netherlands. Methods. Secondary analyses were carried out to construct gain scores for both language and arithmetic proficiency and a number of behavioural, attitudinal, family and educational characteristics. The pupils were grouped into different ability categories (highly able; able; above average; average and below). Further analyses used Pearson correlations and analyses of variance both between and within ability categories. Cross-validation was done by introducing a cohort of younger pupils in pre-school and grouping both cohorts into decile groups based on initial ability in language and arithmetic. Results. Highly able pupils generally decreased in attainment in both language and arithmetic, whereas pupils in average and below average groups improved their language and arithmetic scores. Only with highly able pupils were some educational characteristics correlated with the pupils’ development in achievement, behaviour and attitudes. Conclusions. Pre-school and primary education should better match pupils’ differences in abilities and competences from their start in pre-school to improve their functioning, learning processes and outcomes. Recommendations for educational improvement strategies are presented in closing.

The Clinical Impact and Molecular Biology of del(17p) in Multiple Myeloma Treated with Conventional or Thalidomide-Based Therapy

Hemizygous deletion of 17p (del(17p)) has been identified as a variable associated with poor prognosis in myeloma, although its impact in the context of thalidomide therapy is not well described. The clinical outcome of 85 myeloma patients with del(17p) treated in a clinical trial incorporating both conventional and thalidomide-based induction therapies was examined. The clinical impact of deletion, low expression, and mutation of TP53 was also determined. Patients with del(17p) did not have inferior response rates compared to patients without del(17p), but, despite this, del(17p) was associated with impaired overall survival (OS) (median OS 26.6 vs. 48.5 months, P <0.001). Within the del(17p) group, thalidomide induction therapy was associated with improved response rates compared to conventional therapy, but there was no impact on OS. Thalidomide maintenance was associated with impaired OS, although our analysis suggests that this effect may have been due to confounding variables. A minimally deleted region on 17p13.1 involving 17 genes was identified, of which only TP53 and SAT2 were underexpressed. TP53 was mutated in <1% in patients without del(17p) and in 27% of patients with del(17p). The higher TP53 mutation rate in samples with del(17p) suggests a role for TP53 in these clinical outcomes. In conclusion, del(17p) defined a patient group associated with short survival in myeloma, and although thalidomide induction therapy was associated with improved response rates, it did not impact OS, suggesting that alternative therapeutic strategies are required for this group. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Age, growth, tagging of tilapia spp. and reproductive biology of siluroid catfishes in Lake Victoria

This report encompasses the time period 1 September 1973 through 31 July 1975. The research Officer's tour of duty officially terminated 30 September 1975, consisting of a regular 2-year tour of duty with three month extension of contract. During this time research into age and growth of several tropical species of fishes was conducted. In addition a closely related tagging program was initiated in order to determine both growth and movements of fishes. Lastly, some effort was directed towards aspects of the basic biology of several of the siluroid catfishes. This report delineates the relative effort into and success of the various research projects; presents results of research not previously offered, summarizes findings, and makes recommendations for future research endeavour. Two annual reports along with quarterly reports up to 30 June 1975 have been produced and are on file both at Headquarters in Jinja and the Kisumu Sub-station. These only will be referred to in some instances and built upon in others. Opinions offered, conclusions drawn and recommendation given within this report are solely those of the research officer employed in an official capacity for E.A.F.F.R.O.

An examination of the dynamic validities of cognitive ability and personality measures with performance

Prior research shows that both cognitive ability (Schmidt & Hunter, 1998) and personality measures (Poropat, 2009; Hough & Furnham, 2003) are valid predictors of job performance. The dynamic nature of the relationships between cognitive ability and personality measures with performance over time spent on the job is less understood and thus this paper explores their relationships. Although there is much research to suggest that the predictive relationship between cognitive ability and performance decreases over years of tenure (e.g., Hulin, Henry, & Noon, 1990), other research suggests that the relationship between cognitive ability and performance will increase over time (Kolz, McFarland, & Silverman, 1988). In regard to personality, this study provides a critical test of two competing theories. The first position holds that the validity of personality degrades over time. Support for this position comes from the “ubiquitous” nature of the simplex pattern in individual differences (Humphreys, 1985). It follows that personality validities should perform like cognitive ability in this respect, and thus decline over time. In contrast to this viewpoint, the alternative position contends that the predictive relationship between personality variables and performance increases over time, with the correlation becoming larger in magnitude and more positive in direction over years of tenure. The results of this study support the latter position; personality validities predicted long term performance outcomes.

Life-history constraints in grassland plant species : a growth-defence trade-off is the norm

Plant growth can be limited by resource acquisition and defence against consumers, leading to contrasting trade-off possibilities. The competition-defence hypothesis posits a trade-off between competitive ability and defence against enemies (e.g. herbivores and pathogens). The growth-defence hypothesis suggests that strong competitors for nutrients are also defended against enemies, at a cost to growth rate. We tested these hypotheses using observations of 706 plant populations of over 500 species before and following identical fertilisation and fencing treatments at 39 grassland sites worldwide. Strong positive covariance in species responses to both treatments provided support for a growth-defence trade-off: populations that increased with the removal of nutrient limitation (poor competitors) also increased following removal of consumers. This result held globally across 4 years within plant life-history groups and within the majority of individual sites. Thus, a growth-defence trade-off appears to be the norm, and mechanisms maintaining grassland biodiversity may operate within this constraint.

克隆整合对植物竞争力和群落结构的影响

某些克隆植物通过克隆整合能够很好的适应逆境或快速扩张。基于克隆整合，研究克隆植物的抗逆性、入侵性及其对群落结构的影响在很多方面值得深入。本文主要应用实验生态学的方法，分别在野外或温室以沙鞭、空心莲子草和羊柴为主要研究对象，研究克隆整合对处于逆境生长条件下克隆植物生长的影响;克隆整合对入侵植物竞争力和被入侵植物群落组成的影响;克隆整合对沙地群落结构和初级生产力的影响，探讨克隆植物对风蚀和水淹的适应机制、入侵克隆植物的入侵机制以及对群落组成和结构的影响机制。主要结论如下： 1. 沙鞭分株的叶片数目和生物量跟沙鞭根状茎的埋藏深度高度正相关，当根状茎被暴露在空气中时，上面所依附的分株要么死亡，要么长势很弱。每样方内沙鞭的分株数目、叶片数目和总生物量随风蚀强度的增加而降低。在对照和短期风蚀中，根状茎连接并不影响上述指标，但是在长期风蚀下，根状茎连接的作用会增强。根状茎连接能够减轻风蚀对沙鞭的负面影响，这很有可能是因为遭受风蚀胁迫的分株从那些没有遭受风蚀侵害的分株那里获得了水分和光合产物的资助。本研究首次证实了保持根状茎连接有助于提高干旱区植物抵御风蚀的能力。 2. 水淹会降低空心莲子草先端分株的生长;克隆整合显著增强了空心莲子草先端分株的生长和繁殖，但降低了基端分株的生长和繁殖。最终，克隆整合并不影响整体空心莲子草克隆片段的生长表现，这预示当空心莲子草从陆地生境向水生生境扩散时，克隆整合对其总体没有净收益。我们认为空心莲子草在由陆地扩张到水域时，可能拥有一种“双刃剑”机制：当处于水生生境中的先端分株得到处于陆生生境中的基端分株的资源支持时，先端分株能够增强自身生长;当因外界扰动导致二者间相连匍匐茎断裂后，陆生生境中的基端分株能够快速增强自身的匍匐茎和分株生长。这种机制可能使得空心莲子草很好的适应高度干扰或高度异质生境，从而增强了其入侵性。 3. 竞争显著降低了空心莲子草先端分株的光系统II中的最大量子产额(Fv/Fm)和生长（生物量、分株数目、叶片数目、总匍匐茎长度和总叶面积），但并不影响高羊茅的生物量。匍匐茎连接显著增强了空心莲子草先端分株的最大量子产额和生长。然而，这种连接效应在竞争时的作用要比非竞争时的作用小的多，而且匍匐茎连接并没有改变空心莲子草的相对邻体效应。与非竞争环境相反，在竞争条件下匍匐茎连接会降低空心莲子草对根系的生物量投资。克隆整合可能对提高空心莲子草的竞争力帮助不大，但是对其开拓空旷领地却非常重要。这些结果预示空心莲子草的入侵性可能和其克隆整合作用有密切关系。 4. 克隆整合显著增强了空心莲子草在群落中的扩张能力，但并没有提高其抑制整体群落物种的能力。相比低密度播种群落，生长在高密度播种群落中的空心莲子草长势明显要弱，高密度播种群落具有更强的抵御入侵的能力。在低密度播种群落中，相比切断群落内外空心莲子草相连匍匐茎，如果保持其连接，优势物种的地上生物量会降低而次优势物种的地上生物量会增加，进而群落的丰富度会得到提高。实验结果预示克隆整合能够增强入侵物种在建植群落中的扩张速度，并能够修饰其在群落结构上的影响，改变群落中单个物种的生长表现。 5. 克隆整合显著增强了羊柴在沙地植物群落中的分株数目，但并没有提高其地上生物量。羊柴分株数目的变化受不同处理因素的影响，在加氮的处理中分株数目为最大，切断处理中为最小。在群落主要组成物种中，克隆整合显著影响了烛台虫实的地上生物量，而其它主要物种的地上生物量则不受处理因素影响。克隆整合并没有影响沙地群落的物种多样性，但会显著影响沙地群落的初级生产力，尤其是添加氮肥以后。

Identification of trade-offs underlying the primary strategies of plants

Question: What are the key physiological and life-history trade-offs responsible for the evolution of different suites of plant traits (strategies) in different environments? Experimental methods: Common-garden experiments were performed on physiologically realistic model plants, evolved in contrasting environments, in computer simulations. This allowed the identification of the trade-offs that resulted in different suites of traits (strategies). The environments considered were: resource rich, low disturbance (competitive); resource poor, low disturbance (stressed); resource rich, high disturbance (disturbed); and stressed environments containing herbivores (grazed). Results: In disturbed environments, plants increased reproduction at the expense of ability to compete for light and nitrogen. In competitive environments, plants traded off reproductive output and leaf production for vertical growth. In stressed environments, plants traded off vertical growth and reproductive output for nitrogen acquisition, contradicting Grime's (2001) theory that slow-growing, competitively inferior strategies are selected in stressed environments. The contradiction is partly resolved by incorporating herbivores into the stressed environment, which selects for increased investment in defence, at the expense of competitive ability and reproduction. Conclusion: Our explicit modelling of trade-offs produces rigorous testable explanations of observed associations between suites of traits and environments.