Exploring the role of market learning capability in competitive strategy

It has been argued that a firm's capacity to learn from its market is a source of both innovation and competitive advantage. However, past research has failed to conceptualize market-focused learning activity as a capability having the potential to contribute to competitive advantage. Prior innovation research has been biased toward technological innovation. However, there is evidence to suggest that both technological and non-technological innovations contribute to competitive advantage reflecting the need for a broader conceptualization of the innovation construct. Past research has also overlooked the critical role of entrepreneurship in the capability building process. Competitive advantage has been predominantly measured in terms of financial indicators of performance. In general, the literature reflects the need for comprehensive measures of organizational innovation and competitive advantage. This paper examines the role of market-focused learning capability in organizational innovation-based competitive strategy. The paper contributes to the strategic marketing theory by developing and refining measures of entrepreneurship, market-focused learning capability, organizational innovation and sustained competitive advantage, testing relationships among these constructs.

Quantitation of alternatively spliced NMDA receptor NR1 isoform mRNA transcripts in human brain by competitive RT-PCR

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-selective subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor is of importance in neuronal differentiation and synapse consolidation, activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity, and excitatory amino acid-mediated neuronal toxicity [Neurosci. Res. Program, Bull. 19 (1981) 1; Lab. Invest. 68 (1993) 372]. NMDA receptors exist in vivo as tetrameric or pentameric complexes comprising proteins from two families of homologous subunits, designated NR1 and NR2(A-D) [Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 185 (1992) 826]. The gene coding for the human NR1 subunit (hNR1) is composed of 21 exons, three of which (4, 20 and 21) can be differentially spliced to generate a total of eight distinct subunit variants. We detail here a competitive RT-PCR (cRT-PCR) protocol to quantify endogenous levels of hNR1 splice variants in autopsied human brain. Quantitation of each hNR1 splice variant is performed using standard curve methodology in which a known amount of synthetic ribonucleic acid competitor (internal standard) is co-amplified against total RNA. This method can be used for the quantitation of hNR1 mRNA levels in response to acute or chronic disease states, in particular in the glutamatergic-associated neuronal loss observed in Alzheimer's disease [J. Neurochem. 78 (2001) 175]. Furthermore, alterations in hNR1 mRNA expression may be reflected at the translational level, resulting in functional changes in the NMDA receptor. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitation of human brain GABAA receptor isoforms by competitive RT-PCR

We have developed a competitive RT-PCR assay, adapted from Lewohl et al. [Brain Res. Brain Res. Protoc. 1 (1997) 347]. for the quantitation of GABA, receptor beta isoforms in human brain using an internal standard that shares high sequence homology to the targets. The internal standard is identical to the beta(1) sequence except for a 61 bp deletion and the incorporation of a Hind III restriction enzyme site. Unlike traditional competitive RT-PCR, which requires a range of internal standard concentrations to be titrated against a constant amount of unknown, this method relies on a standard curve for quantitation of each sample and thus permits increased sample throughput. This method is suitable for the quantitation of beta(1), beta(2) and beta(3) isoforms of the GABA(A) receptor in human alcoholic and control brain. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Geometric nonlinear analysis of thin plates by a refined nonlinear non-conforming triangular plate element

Based on the refined non-conforming element method for geometric nonlinear analysis, a refined nonlinear non-conforming triangular plate element is constructed using the Total Lagrangian (T.L.) and the Updated Lagrangian (U.L.) approach. The refined nonlinear non-conforming triangular plate element is based on the Allman's triangular plane element with drilling degrees of freedom [1] and the refined non-conforming triangular plate element RT9 [2]. The element is used to analyze the geometric nonlinear behavior of plates and the numerical examples show that the refined non-conforming triangular plate element by the T.L. and U.L. approach can give satisfactory results. The computed results obtained from the T.L. and U.L. approach for the same numerical examples are somewhat different and the reasons for the difference of the computed results are given in detail in this paper. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

International transfer pricing restrictions: impact on corporate financial policy

Transfer pricing is a pervasive issue that presents significant tax savings potential concerning international enterprises. The authors discuss company incentives to manage transfer prices in an article appearing in the preceding issue of this journal. In response to these incentives, governments have increasingly enacted and enforced domestic restrictions on transfer prices. In this article, contemporary norms restricting transfer pricing are analyzed. The OEGO and US pricing standards are assessed and Brazil's recent application of these standards is considered. Transfer pricing methods are described and evidence of their use is presented. We conclude by describing an intercompany transfer pricing policy intended to facilitate internaI financiaI management and minimize externaI tax threats.

Designing competitive international compensation programs

Over the past 25 years, expatriate managers have voiced increased disenchantment with their compensation packages whíle abroad. This paper takes a prescriptive approach, outlíning severa I elements of a successful human resources strategy and stressing key ingredients of effective international compensation programs. Particular ettention is given to the adherence of cultural values and distrlbutive justice when working across nations and cultures.