Spinal pseudarthrosis is an important mechanical complication in longstanding ankylosing spondylitis. Thirty-five patients with 40 lesions were studied. Three lesions through vertebral bodies resulted from complete fractures. The rest occurred at interspaces, more common at the lower thoracic and upper lumbar segments. Double pseudarthrotic lesions were observed in 5 patients. Progressive osteolysis of the anterior elements was prominent, with variable sclerosis, osteophytes, vacuum phenomenon, subluxation and fragmentation. A posterior element weak link, as a bony break or facet joint non-fusion, was an essential component in every lesion, playing an initiating or perpetuating role in its pathogenesis. Mechanical derangement from trauma, severe round kyphosis, spondylodiscitis, hip disease, spinal operation and unusual activities may be contributing factors. Initial treatment is conservative, but 16 patients required operative stabilisation.

Purpose -This paper offers an effective model for increasing professionals' competence, enthusiasm and success in writing and publishing. Design/methodology/approach -Recent articles on writing groups in the field of library and information science are reviewed and a case study of a group at RMIT University Library is presented. The authors were the facilitator and group members who were librarians, most with relative inexperience in research, writing, presenting, and getting published. A self-rating confidence survey was created to establish developmental priorities which were then addressed through input from experts, practical application and reflection, and constructive advice and support from group members. Group effectiveness and outcomes were evaluated at mid-and end-point review meetings, through a post-intervention confidence survey and by tracking publication output. Findings -The group became a cohesive, task-focused and productive team. A post-intervention confidence survey evidenced improvements on all survey items at a team level. Each member affirmed that they had gained substantial knowledge of writing, presentation and research techniques and understanding of the publication process. Publication output increased over the benchmark year of 2010, and in 2011 and 2012 exceeded initial targets. Practical implications -The model presented offers a practical and effective approach to increasing competence and output in writing, presenting, research, and getting published and can be easily adopted by others. Originality/value -Most literature reviews on library professional writing groups relate to professionals required to publish. The Get Published Group comprised Australian librarians writing voluntarily.

PurposeThe paper demonstrates a range of approaches to promoting innovative thought and action which can be applied in a variety of organizational contexts. Design/methodology/approachIt describes strategies adopted by one large academic library which sought to increase employee engagement and levels of innovation. Included is the background situation, a description of cultural change activities undertaken, information on provision of a suite of practical innovation process tools, and reference to relevant literature. FindingsThe leadership framework of RMIT University, and associated developmental opportunities, benefit the library which also offers a tailored developmental programme for its leadership group. Specific purpose groups are used in the library to build capacity and promote cultural change. The library promotes involvement in professional associations and supports innovation through the provision of practical tools and techniques which can be used by staff at all levels. Building an innovative culture is challenging in a large organization, but sustaining effort over time, utilizing a variety of approaches and developing positive sub-cultures among motivated staff have been found to be beneficial. Originality/valueBy describing strategies to promote an innovative organizational culture, this article has originality. Most related library literature addresses specific innovations.

Purpose -The exploration and description of the interface between the customer component of a market orientation and the accounting information used in making productlevel decisions.Design/methodology/approach -Exploratory/descriptive organisational case study of a multi-function product decision-making setting. Development of a model of the customeraccounting information requirements of a market orientation.Findings -Describes how customer-orientated product decisions are guided by managers' shared understanding of product-attributes and conceptions of a "product" as a "bundle of attributes, benefits or characteristics". Describes the limited accounting function involvement in product-decisions and the use of customer-orientated and non-financial decision criteria.Practical implications -A market-orientated approach to business has been associated with increased business performance. The identification and integration of information from the management accounting discipline facilitates the understanding of the resource costs of satisfying individual customer needs and assists in operational level decisions. We highlight potential barriers to the integration of customer-orientated accounting information in product decisions.Originality/value -There remains a scarcity of marketing and management accounting interdisciplinary case research at the product-attribute decision-making level. Our organisational study provides an insight into the decision-making information and processes at the market orientation and management accounting interface. We provide a framework and suggestions for the further development of interfunctional product-level decision-making.

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of a combination of alignment with organisational directions, methodical organisation and more informal and creative efforts to generate purposeful learning in organisations, and provides examples of innovative practice. It describes how a large academic library provides its staff with extensive and purposeful learning opportunities aligned to the strategic directions of the university and its expectations of staff. The staff development planning process is outlined and the approach to creating a common vision of the importance of continuous learning and sharing learning is discussed. RMIT University Library's structured and methodical approach has been successful in creating a positive and energetic learning culture. The library uses a variety of continuing education approaches and, in particular, recognises the value of experience-based learning. Examples of innovative approaches include: an effective library Cross Unit Work Experience (CUE) programme; team building workshops; specific purpose groups; development of an Innovation Process Model and practical tools to improve creativity; and a Reference Competencies project. Even with a positive learning culture in place it remains challenging to maintain staff's currency, particularly in the area of technology.