bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating ground fault current distribution on overhead transmission lines using an iterative nodal analysis
Authors: Zou Jun , Lee Jae‐bok , Li JunJie , Chang Sughun
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an original iterative nodal approach to calculate the fault current distribution on overhead lines.

Design/methodology/approach

By changing the mutual couplings among different conductors into the equivalent voltage sources, node voltages are updated iteratively by using conventional nodal analysis with those additional sources until the convergence is achieved.

Findings

The proposed algorithm can handle the complicated topology of a power transmission line and has no difficulties in taking all physical couplings into account. The fault current distribution calculated by this method is in good agreement with those published in the literature. Although the proposed approach is iterative, the CPU time needed is still reasonable compared to the direct solution approach. The memory requirement is low because the coefficient matrix is highly sparse for the nodal analysis of each iteration loop.

Originality/value

The proposed approach can serve as an alternative in calculating the fault current because of its efficiency and ease of implementation.
Design of magnetic thrusts using topology optimization methods
Authors: Labbé Thibaut , Dehez Bruno
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The paper aims at optimizing magnetic thrusts in the framework of the design of high‐dynamics linear actuators. The goal is to find the optimal topology of the permanent magnets in order to maximize the velocity of the actuator.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization is performed by a topology optimization method. The design space is divided in cells in which the method have to distribute permanent magnets and determine their magnetization directions.

Findings

Several aspects of the optimization are discussed in the paper, such as the effect of the introduction of a weight constraint on the thrust. Some issues are highlighted regarding the length of design space for the moving part and the presence of local minimizers in the optimization problem.

Research limitations/implications

Having different magnetization directions in each cell makes the manufacturing harder. The results could thus be completed either by the design of a system able to create such permanent magnets or by the introduction of a constraint limiting the number of magnetization directions.

Practical implications

Finding the optimal topology of magnetic thrusts is motivated by the interest in avoiding the shocks related to mechanical thrusts.

Originality/value

This paper applies the topology optimization approach for the design of magnetic thrusts in order to increase the performances of high‐dynamics linear actuators.
Analytical closed‐form solution for transient analysis of boost DC‐DC converters
Authors: Tricoli Pietro
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a new analytical methodology for transient analysis of DC‐DC power converters. The closed‐form solution obtained following this methodology is suitable both for design of passive elements of the converter and for the development of control techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a mixed use of Laplace transform and z‐transform. The expressions of variables of the set of equations, characteristic of a DC‐DC converter, are first evaluated in the Laplace domain for the generic switching interval. The solutions obtained are then z‐transformed in order that they match in each contiguous time interval, to form the complete transient response.

Findings

The new solution methodology allows the analytical determination of time constants of DC‐DC converters, also in presence of large duty‐cycle variations. Moreover, it is possible to evaluate easily the influence of passive elements on converter's behaviour, without several numerical simulations.

Originality/value

The analytical solution of linear systems is well known both in transient and in steady‐state conditions. However, when there is an infinite number of poles in the Laplace transform of the input signals, such as the case of switching power converters, the inversion in a closed form of the Laplace transform of the solution can be cumbersome. The methodology presented tries to overcome this problem by using an approach based on the z‐transform. Operating in this way, a closed‐form solution can be obtained both in transient and in steady‐state conditions, for all the main topologies of switching power converters. The procedure has been explained in detail for the sample case of boost DC‐DC converters.
Alternative numerical modeling of a superconducting charge qubit as an eigenvalue problem
Authors: Canturk Mehmet , Kurt Erol , Askerzade Iman N.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ an alternative numerical approach to analyze the characteristics of superconducting charge qubit based on a single Cooper pair box (SCB), also to study the influence of the bias current.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with the circuit model of a charge qubit system based on Josephson junction using Hamiltonian formalism. Corresponding Schrodinger eigenvalue problem with periodic boundary condition is converted to the Mathieu type eigenvalue problem. By applying finite difference technique, energy spectrum of charge qubit is obtained and the solutions in the lowest band are obtained in the form of Bloch waves whose superposition provides a wave packet to investigate the effect of bias current to the Coulomb blockade.

Findings

The paper identifies a periodic tridiagonal Hermitian matrix form of the eigenvalue problem that is believed to be a special eigenvalue problem. The paper emphasizes that Schrodinger formalism is very useful to model superconducting qubits systems. The investigations indicate that the bias current strongly influences the Coulomb blockade and expectation value of supercurrent (as well as number of Cooper pairs) are affected by gate voltage and energy scale.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, Schrodinger eigenvalue problem is time independent, therefore, current‐voltage characteristics of the charge qubit system could not be considered. The solution technique applied here can also be used to apply other type of Josephson junction based qubits and circuits.

Practical implications

The paper includes theoretical findings for the development of superconducting qubit that can be valuable for experimentalist. The result obtained in this study is useful for the comparison of experimental study with the expectation value of number of Cooper pairs as function of gate voltage. Working parameters of a SCB can be determined from the findings.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the contribution of the numerical study of Schrodinger equation for the investigation of superconducting qubits under the influence of bias current.
A stochastic perspective of RL electrical circuit using different noise terms
Authors: Farnoosh Rahman , Nabati Parisa , Rezaeyan Ramazan , Ebrahimi Morteza
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the white, colored and mixture noise perturbations as Gaussian process on the parameters of the RL electrical circuit including potential source and resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

By adding different noise terms in the voltage and resistance parameters of an RL electrical circuit, the deterministic model is replaced by a stochastic differential equation (SDE).

Findings

Owing to the application of multiple Ito's formula the analytical solutions of resulted SDEs have been obtained. Furthermore, based on a numerical method involving Euler‐Maruyama scheme, the solution of the problem at the point of interest as a continuous time stochastic process has been obtained. Also shown is that the confidence interval for mean of solutions with colored and mixture noises is better than white noise.

Practical implications

Numerical tests via Matlab programming are performed in order to show the efficiency and accuracy of the present work. Numerical experiments show that an excellent estimation on the solution can be obtained within a couple of minutes time at Pentium IV‐2.4 GHz PC.

Originality/value

It is believed that the stochastic model of an RL circuit with colored and mixture noises in potential source has not been studied before. Furthermore, according to latest information from the research works, two stochastic parameters in voltage and resistance of RL circuit including colored and mixture noise processes have been investigated for the first time in this paper.
The role of social capital and knowledge transfer in selling center performance
Authors: Yang Jing , Brashear Alejandro Thomas G. , Boles James S.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how organizational and interpersonal relationships influence selling centers, and how to form an effective selling center to establish cooperation among the functional departments to satisfy customer needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The selling center and social capital literatures are reviewed. A social network perspective is employed to explore the internal and external relationships of corporate selling centers.

Findings

Building upon social capital literature and team literature, the authors propose that selling center performance is influenced by its internal and external social capital. Social capital influences selling center performance through facilitating knowledge transfer and absorption within and across the selling center.

Practical implications

The findings help sales managers diagnose the problems of the social networks among their selling center members, to improve their selling center performance in the future.

Originality/value

The paper investigates the relationships among social capital, knowledge transfer and absorption and team performance in the selling center context. By considering both intra‐firm relationships and inter‐firm relationships, this study provides a relatively complete picture of selling center performance and adds knowledge to the field.
The role of wholesale brands for buyer loyalty: a transaction cost perspective
Authors: Kenning Peter , Grzeskowiak Stephan , Brock Christian , Ahlert Martin
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Marketing channels are changing dramatically as the world economy becomes networked. Buyers who are likely to only have limited insight into a wholesaler's sourcing decisions may be uncertain about product and/or service quality. This paper aims to show that a credible quality signal provided by the wholesaler, the wholesale brand, can effectively reduce buyer uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structural equation modelling methodology in the context of 569 buyers across 52 locations of a home improvement wholesaler the authors investigate the key mediating role of transaction costs for the effect of wholesale brand knowledge on buyer loyalty.

Findings

The results suggest that wholesaler brand knowledge effectively reduces ex‐post transaction costs incurred by the buyer. These lower quality control costs and price verification efforts increase buyer loyalty. Interestingly, however, the data show that this bonding effect of the wholesale brand may not affect buyer search costs.

Research limitations/implications

The research on the role of supplier brands for supply network management is an early effort. Clearly more research is needed to fully explore the role of wholesale brand knowledge for wholesaler selection.

Practical implications

The findings are important to marketing channel managers because they provide a viable alternative to ever‐increasing relationship marketing costs. They suggest that a close wholesaler‐retailer relationship may not be necessary to realize the benefits of a trusting exchange environment. In fact, they show that high wholesale brand knowledge may act as a substitute and reduce uncertainty effectively.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to introduce a transaction cost perspective on the relationship between wholesale brand knowledge and wholesale loyalty. It demonstrates how wholesale brand knowledge can reduce uncertainty in the wholesaler‐retailer dyad and substitute for more costly relationship building efforts.
Assessing competitive advantage of emerging markets in knowledge intensive business services
Authors: Javalgi Rajshekhar (Raj) G. , Gross Andrew C. , Benoy Joseph W. , Granot Elad
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The dramatic growth and international scope of knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS) are evident in emerging markets such as China and India. Nations, like firms, seek to capitalize on their available resources and capabilities (e.g. people, technology, skills) in order to build and maintain core competencies in certain industry sectors. This paper has the following objectives: to discuss the classification of KIBS, to marshal conceptual and statistical evidence on KIBS in major emerging markets, to compare and contrast selected major emerging markets in regard to their KIBS activities, and to discuss policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, extant literature is reviewed and discussed pertaining to the KIBS sectors. Several existing data sources are used to assess the comparative performance of major emerging markets in the KIBS sectors.

Findings

The emphasis is on finding comparative longitudinal statistics that are useful for comparison and contrast among major emerging markets. The analysis indicates that while the major emerging markets are building competitive advantage by focusing on knowledge‐intensive business services, their progress differs sharply. For example, China shows the lead, followed by India, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Turkey, and Indonesia. Smaller nations lag behind these in most indicators. It is evident that leading major emerging nations have not reached parity with highly industrialized countries.

Research limitations/implications

The results show ranking and contribution of various major nations in the global knowledge economy, but additional time series and analysis are needed to assess comparative rankings. However, the classification and the indicators illustrated here offer a panoramic, comparative picture over the past decade. Using international business theories, research can develop statistical models to explain foreign market entry strategies of knowledge‐intensive service firms.

Practical implications

The paper is of value to managers considering entry and/or expansion into major emerging markets in various sub‐sectors of knowledge‐intensive sectors. The specific industry and function pursued by a firm need to be identified and matched up with host nation characteristics (e.g. more software design and pharmaceutical research in India v. more manufacturing design and R&D facility in China). The paper also provides guidelines to policy makers to sustain their country's competitive advantage in the KIBS sectors.

Originality/value

The paper looks at knowledge‐intensive business services in major emerging markets. It offers both conceptual contributions and statistical evidence that key nations differ in their activities in regard to such high‐level and complex service offerings.
Managing industrial service offerings in global business markets
Authors: Kowalkowski Christian , Kindström Daniel , Brehmer Per‐Olof
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Despite the increased focus on industrial services in manufacturing companies, little research to date has focused on understanding the roles of local and central organizations in global service management. In order to address this research gap, the paper aims to investigate how industrial service offerings are developed and managed in multinational manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study with respondents from two internationally leading manufacturers was conducted. Eight industrial service offerings with different characteristics serve as units of analysis.

Findings

A broad portfolio of industrial service offerings implies having a very wide range of skill sets, including both global efficiency and local responsiveness. With specialized and extensive offerings, it becomes more important to have a high level of central‐local and product‐service integration and to internalize service provision. Furthermore, with global customers, the central service organization needs to assume a more prominent role, initiating both an organizational exploitation of current service capabilities and the exploration of new ones.

Research limitations/implications

The main focus was on service offerings performed by high‐volume manufacturing companies operating primarily in developed markets.

Originality/value

Previous studies of industrial service management in manufacturing companies have not explicitly considered the roles of central and local organizations. Thus, the authors were able to complement the existing theory. The paper promotes a deeper understanding of the complexity of managing service offerings on a global basis.
A model of product‐to‐service brand extension success factors in B2B buying contexts
Authors: Brown Brian , Sichtmann Christina , Musante Michael
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Business‐to‐business (B2B) manufacturing firms increasingly integrate services into their product portfolios under the same brand umbrella. This article aims to develop a conceptual model of the drivers of success for such B2B product‐to‐service brand extensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research considers the drivers of product‐to‐service brand extensions success from an organizational buying behavior, branding, and service‐dominant logic (SDL) perspective.

Findings

In their product‐to‐service brand extensions, B2B firms are more likely to attain success if they have well‐regarded brand reputations, relevant service competencies, and strong buyer‐seller relationships. In addition, shared innovativeness, an ability to enhance utility and/or create transaction efficiencies, and effective marketing support are proposed to positively affect brand extension success.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies need to test the proposed model.

Practical implications

The propositions encourage managers to develop product‐to‐service brand extensions according to their ability to add customer value and reduce risk rather than on the basis of the perceived fit between the service extension and the existing brand name.

Originality/value

Relatively few existing studies consider brand extension success, and virtually none of them address product‐to‐service brand extension success in a B2B context.
Value for money and the rule of law: the (new) performance audit in Sweden
Authors: Grönlund Anders , Svärdsten Fredrik , Öhman Peter
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a classification scheme of different types of value for money (VFM) audits with different degrees of compliance audit, and to classify the performance audits carried out by the Swedish National Audit Office (SNAO) during its first six years as an independent state audit organization reporting to parliament.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were gathered from all of the 150 audit reports published by the SNAO from its establishment in 2003 to the end of 2008. Seminars were arranged to discuss the classifications for validation.

Findings

The focus on traditional VFM audits (the “Three Es”) is unusual. Most audits carried out by the SNAO combine different types of extended VFM audits with compliance audit. On the one hand, they audit how the government and/or central agencies fulfil their mandates (from good to bad). On the other, they audit how the government and/or central agencies adhere to legislation, rules and policies (right or wrong). In some cases, the SNAO equates compliance audit with performance audit.

Practical implications

The authors have verbalised and visualised performance audit activities of interest not only to state auditors, but also to external stakeholders. One practical implication is that the Swedish national audit committee has conducted an evaluation of the SNAO that is partly based on the national report of this study, and has proposed a stronger focus on the Three Es.

Originality/value

The study addresses a new approach in terms of a classification scheme for performance audits, consisting of eight types of VFM audits and three degrees of compliance audit, and creating 24 possible combinations.
Challenges, issues and change: what's the future for UK policing in the twenty‐first century?
Authors: Barton Lisa C. , Barton Harry
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review calls on the UK police service to respond to the dual challenge of increasing governmental/public demands for improvements in police efficiency and effectiveness in the likely context of decreasing real time increases in financial resources. Specifically it aims to highlight the reform of police organizational structures, a greater focus on performance management and people development initiatives as areas that have the potential to bring about significant benefits for future UK policing.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the results of Government‐sponsored research and other secondary data the approach is to explore the potential for implementation of new approaches to policing.

Findings

There would appear to be a consensus between the Government and the police service of the need for reform. The mechanics of successful implementation, however, face institutional, cultural and financial obstacles.

Research limitations/implications

The complexity of policing and its interaction with government and the public requires significant analysis. The success of future initiatives can only be judged through analysis following implementation.

Practical implications

The paper identifies that there may be tangible areas of policing activity that could benefit from the implementation of new techniques such as the “lean” principles of management as a means of focusing on more cost effective ways of utilising future police resources.

Originality/value

This paper draws together and contextualises specific areas of police practice that could benefit from new ways of working and posits improvements in efficiency for the future.
Challenges of disaster vulnerability reduction in Lagos Megacity Area, Nigeria
Authors: Offia Ibem Eziyi
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The aim of this research is to identify the factors responsible for the inability of authorities in rapidly growing megacities in developing countries to integrate disaster risk vulnerability reduction strategies effectively with their development plans.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a qualitative research strategy. A survey research approach with pre‐tested questionnaires as key data collection instrument was used in eliciting responses from 135 randomly selected built environment professionals in academics and disaster management practitioners in government and non‐governmental organizations in Lagos Megacity Area, Nigeria.

Findings

A number of factors militating against the adoption of effective disaster vulnerability reduction strategies in the area were identified. The most critical were faltering institutions and governance, weak infrastructure base and a low level of disaster education.

Research limitations/implications

The sample population comprised mainly built environment professionals in academics and disaster managers across the city. Therefore, the views presented in the paper may not be considered generalizable within the context of multiplicity of stakeholders in disaster studies. However, the research presents the perception of experts and key stakeholders in disaster vulnerability reduction in the study area.

Practical implications

The findings can form the basis for addressing these challenges, most particularly in generating and adopting new approaches to policy formulation and implementation by the public and private sectors.

Originality/value

Research on this subject‐matter is very limited in Nigeria. It is, however, very relevant in efforts at addressing the challenges of sustainable development in developing countries from the human and policy dimensions.
Climate change: an emergency management perspective
Authors: Schneider Robert O.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the utility of an emergency management perspective as a guide for policy makers as they respond to the challenges of global climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

This analytical paper begins with a review of scientific literature in an effort to highlight the consensus about risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change or global warming. Applying the terminology and techniques of natural disaster planning, preparedness, response, and mitigation to climate change, an emergency management perspective is articulated as a viable framework for policy development.

Findings

Based on the evidence of a growing consensus in the scientific assessment of climate change, and the need for policy interventions to address the risks and vulnerabilities associated with it, the need for a unifying perspective for policymakers at all levels is apparent. An emergency management perspective is offered herein and holds the potential to provide a foundation for meeting that need.

Research limitations/implications

An emergency management perspective for global climate change highlights the linkages between the challenges it poses and natural disaster preparedness in general. This may enable policy analysts to draw on the natural hazards literature and techniques as a guide for planning and policy development.

Practical implications

The effort to create a consensus of approach that will enable policy makers to speak the same language, participate in the same analysis, contribute to the same dialogue, and pursue the same goals may be advanced by this discussion.

Originality/value

An emergency management perspective on climate change may offer the potential for developing the least problematic model for policy makers to incorporate as they seek to make their efforts more consistent and more responsible in the face of a global challenge.
A comparative study on community‐based disaster management in selected countries and designing a model for Iran
Authors: Jahangiri Katayoun , Izadkhah Yasamin O. , Jamaledin Tabibi Seyed
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Iran is located among the top disaster‐prone countries in the world and, therefore, disaster management is considered to be one of the most important issues in this country. One of the existing and worldwide approaches for managing disasters is the so‐called community‐based disaster management (CBDM). Community participation means that people's contribution in the disaster management cycle can be started from the basic steps of a process and ends in the achievement and institutionalization in the community. The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative study on the CBDM in various selected countries in order to design a model for Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive‐comparative study was undertaken through a methodology including six steps in which a few countries have been chosen based on their contribution to issues such as policy making, planning, coordination, and control and organizing of disasters as well as their experience in disaster management and access to related information.

Findings

The results of the study show that, in order to achieve a successful disaster management, there is a need for the participation of the community in various disaster management lifecycles. However, it is evident that the type of contribution may differ according to the characteristics of each specific country.

Practical implications

By using the CDBM, it is hoped that, with updating and implementing this model, the government's capability enhances in order to encounter disasters more effectively in the future.

Originality/value

On the basis of these findings, a model was designed to use CDBM in Iran. The issue most emphasized by this model is the presence and contribution of community at the local level in villages and neighborhoods in a city.
On the relationship between weather and stock market returns
Authors: Floros Christos
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between weather (temperature) and stock market returns using daily data from Portugal; also, to examine whether the temperature is driven by calendar‐related anomalies such as the January and trading month effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily financial and weather data from Lisbon Stock Exchange (PSI 20 index) and Lisbon capital for the period 1995‐2007 are considered. The paper employs an AR(1)‐TGARCH(1,1) model under several distributional assumptions (Normal, Student's‐t and GED) for the errors.

Findings

Empirical results show that temperature affects negatively the PSI20 stock returns in Portugal. Moreover, temperature is dependent of both January and trading month effects. Stock returns were found to be positive in January and higher over the first fortnight of the month. Lower temperature in January leads to higher stock returns due to investors' aggressive risk taking.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should investigate the impact of other meteorological variables (humidity, amount of sunshine) and other calendar anomalies on the course and behaviour of major international stock indices using data before and after the recent crisis.

Practical implications

The findings are helpful to financial managers, investors and traders dealing with the Portuguese stock market.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is to provide evidence on the empirical linkages between temperature and stock market returns using GARCH models. To better understand the relationship between the temperature and stock market returns, the paper also examines whether the returns are higher in winter (January effect) and during the first or second fortnight of the month (trading month effect). To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first empirical investigation on weather and stock market returns relationship for Portugal.
Volatility transmission and asymmetric linkages between the stock and foreign exchange markets
Authors: Yong Fu Tian , Holmes Mark J. , Choi Daniel F.S.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze volatility transmission between the Japanese stock and foreign exchange markets.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast to the existing literature, industry‐level stock data are applied to a trivariate Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner‐generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (BEKK‐GARCH) model that also includes comparable US industrial stocks returns as a control variable.

Findings

Using daily data over the study period 1994‐2007, it was found that news shocks in the Japanese currency market account for volatility transmission in eight of the ten industrial sectors considered. Evidence was also found of significant asymmetric effects in five of these industries.

Research limitations/implications

While the BEKK‐GARCH model enables analysis of volatility transmission between the stock and foreign markets against a background of conditional correlation and asymmetries, the model requires the estimation of a large number of parameters, which can be problematic for a limited dataset.

Originality/value

The paper's findings have important implications for understanding international volatility transmission involving the stock and foreign exchange markets. This in turn can provide insight into investor behaviour.
Central bank Islamic monetary instruments: a theoretical approach
Authors: Ismal Rifki
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the Islamic monetary instruments as an Islamic approach for the central banking monetary operation. It is assumed that the central bank may not deal with the uncertain return of the project (asset) and its ultimate monetary policy target is to stabilize the economy by utilizing the excess (idle) liquidity in the economy. This theoretical study benefits the central bank from the assessment of the usage of every proposed Islamic monetary instrument with respected to the monetary operation purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper exercises four feasible Islamic monetary instruments based on the characteristics of Sharia contract which suit the nature of the current central banking monetary operation. Every instrument is elaborated mathematically to analyze its monetary impact and the possible reaction of depositors. Finally, the paper suggests the deterministic factors to successfully offer such Islamic instruments.

Findings

The exercises find the unique operation of every Islamic monetary instrument. Based on the monetary impact of each instrument, the central bank can now have an alternative monetary policy based on the Sharia principles and operation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has so far found the feasibility of four Islamic monetary instruments. There might be other Islamic monetary instruments which can be viable to be exercised.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first paper trying to exercise the alternative of the Islamic instruments for monetary operation.
Social media and corporate dialogue: the response of global financial institutions
Authors: Bonsón Enrique , Flores Francisco
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse the extent to which global financial institutions are using Web 2.0 technologies and social media initiatives to transform the way in which they perform their corporate disclosure, that is, if these entities are opening a real corporate dialogue.

Design/methodology/approach

The web sites of 132 major global financial entities – in Europe (54 entities), the Asia‐Pacific region (55) and the Americas (23) – have been scored according to a Sophistication Index, considering various relevant Web 2.0 technologies and social media implementations. The analysis, by means of least squares and logistic regression models, is consistent across both techniques.

Findings

Web 2.0 technologies and social media are not fully available in the corporate reporting arena. Nonetheless, a significant influence is detected. The size of each entity and the region in which it operates influence the scored utilisation of Web 2.0 and social media initiatives.

Research limitation/implications

Web 2.0 tools and social media initiatives have been researched via corporate web sites. Corporate visibility in the major social networks, and also the use of advanced web metrics, will remain topics for further research.

Practical implications

A lack of strategy for implementing an effective corporate dialogue is clearly observed. Based on these findings the banking industry and the supervisory authorities, which are under special scrutiny due to the recent global crisis, can take much greater advantage of the potential of social media to open a real corporate dialogue, increasing the level of transparency.

Originality/value

As social media are becoming more useful and ubiquitous, both academics and practitioners need some initial and reliable background data on this preliminary situation. The extraordinary role of protagonist that the banking industry has played in the recent economic upheavals justify its selection as a first sample for this exploratory study.
Traditional agricultural landscapes and community conserved areas: an overview
Authors: Brown Jessica , Kothari Ashish
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to offer an overview on the theme of “Traditional agricultural landscapes and indigenous and community conserved areas.” It aims to explore questions related to the special values of these landscapes, the threats facing them and ways to sustain them in the future. It also aims to discuss recent developments in conservation, particularly related to governance of protected areas and the emerging recognition of “indigenous and community‐conserved areas” in diverse regions worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a collection of conceptual papers and case‐studies presented at a workshop (Cusco, Peru, 2008) and compiled in the present issue of this journal, this overview paper explores key issues and challenges related to community stewardship of traditional agricultural landscapes. It synthesizes a few common themes emerging from these papers and the discussions in Cusco, and reviews these in the context of global developments in protected areas and conservation.

Findings

Across diverse settings, traditional agricultural landscapes, created by indigenous peoples and local communities, have been shaped by the dynamic interaction of people and nature over time. These landscapes, rich in agro‐biodiversity as well as inherent wild biodiversity and cultural and spiritual values, embody human ingenuity and are continually evolving. Key points emerging from this review include the role of traditional ecological knowledge systems, cultural practices and social institutions in creating these landscapes and ensuring their stewardship; the importance of securing customary governance; and need for dynamic socio‐ecological indicators to measure the resilience of different landscapes.

Originality/value

The paper shows that these “living landscapes” play a vital role in sustaining agro‐biodiversity as well as inherent wild biodiversity values, ensuring ecosystem function, and supporting livelihoods and food security. These landscapes and their associated management systems have much to teach us about sustainability and resilience in the face of global change.
Relational knowledge systems and their impact on management of mountain ecosystems
Authors: Pajares Garay Erick , Llosa Larrabure Jaime
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how Andean knowledge and culture have shaped mountain ecosystems by building cultural landscapes where agrobiodiversity is created and recreated, water is domesticated (seeded and harvested), and where a harmonious relationship with the Earth and the Universe is kept.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use of primary and secondary sources, the information is then organized detailing a synthesis of thoughts and joint research studies conducted by various authors regarding the valuable contributions made by the Andean culture.

Findings

This paper finds that strategies for facing the ecological crisis affecting planet Earth are being developed: the Pleiades and the Andean Cross continue to be observed in order to predict the weather and climate and make decisions related to traditional agricultural systems; cultural landscapes are being created and maintained; and water continues to be domesticated.

Originality/value

The tropical Andes of Peru would be in the third country most affected by global climate change worldwide. The severe impacts of the global phenomenon on mountain ecosystems and cultural landscapes are many, all of which are affecting food security of large human groups and traditional lifestyles of communities and farmers.
The conservation of the agrobiodiversity of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
Authors: Bassols Isamat Emili , Perramon Ramos Bernat , Mallarach Carrera Josep M. , Falgarona Bosch Jordi
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the situation of the agrobiodiversity in La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, a protected area in which the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors play a significant role. It also aims to discuss the activities promoted by the park and by other institutions aimed at conserving and promoting local agrobiodiversity.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the three lines of work in the Natural Park in the field of agriculture is the recuperation, conservation and divulgation of notable and/or endangered agricultural species and varieties. This paper describes some of the work carried out in this field.

Findings

The institutions are vital in the recovery of interesting species and varieties, and in order to ensure their conservation it is essential to promote projects in which the agrarian sector can participate.

Research limitations/implications

Collaboration between the institutions and the agrarian sector is essential for the conservation of the agrobiodiversity, although the interests of farmers and the use of certain species and varieties do not always coincide.

Practical implications

The commercial interest and the knowledge of the use and management of some of the conserved species and varieties may have been lost over time, which makes their implantation difficult. Thus, it is important to restore popular knowledge associated with all species and varieties.

Originality/value

In light of increasingly homogeneous agricultural and stock‐raising practices, activities such as those implemented by the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park have a vital part to play in the conservation of agrobiodiversity.
QFD as a Tool to Improve Quality Control in a Complex Manufacturing Environment
Authors: Bäckström Mikael , Wiklund Håkan
Published: February 2011

The paper outlines a comprehensive three‐step approach to the development of advanced strategies for quality control of a complex machining process. The research framework is a developed concept for Integrated Supervisory Process Control. The promising results obtained demonstrate a non‐traditional approach to the deployment of quality and productivity requirements set by the system users, whereby the efficiency and systematization of the development of quality control strategies can be significantly improved.
A Hybrid Approach to Statistical Process Control
Authors: Giorgio Massimiliano , Staiano Michele
Published: February 2011

Successful implementation of statistical process control techniques requires for operational definitions and precise measurements. Nevertheless, very often analysts can dispose of process data available only by linguistic terms, that would be a waste to neglect just because of their intrinsic vagueness. Thus a hybrid approach, which integrates fuzzy set theory and common statistical tools, sounds useful in order to improve effectiveness of statistical process control in such a case. In this work, a fuzzy approach is adopted to manage linguistic information, and the use of a Chi‐squared control chart is proposed to monitor process performance.
The Compensation of Machine Vision Image Distortion
Authors: Chung Yi‐Chin , Hsu Yau‐Wen , Lin Yu‐Tang , Tsai Chih‐Hung
Published: February 2011

The measured values of a same object should remain constant regardless of the object’s position in the image. In other words, its measured values should not vary as its position in the image changes. However, lens’ image distortion heterogeneous light source, varied angle between the measuring apparatus and the object, and different surroundings where the testing is set up will all cause variation in the measurement of the object when the object’s position in the image changes. This research attempts to compensate the machine vision image distortion caused by the object’s position in the image by developing the compensation table. The compensation is accomplished by facilitating users to obtain the correcting object and serves the objective of improving the precision of measurement.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Taiwan’s Traditional Industries
Authors: Yu Chi‐Yuang , Hsu Yau‐Wen , Chung Yi‐Chan , Tsai Chih‐Hung
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of self‐reported musculoskeletal symptoms among the three Taiwan’s traditional industries as lathe, electronics and food by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Moreover, the study was also to make a comparision among the aforesaid industries for revealing their differences. The result of the questionnaire indicated that the symptoms appeared on the three industries were all originated from four parts as neck, shoulders, elbows, and wrists/hands. More than 68 per cent of the interviewers’s thought that their symptoms might be related to their work. However, the rate of harmful influence resulted from life or job was over 50 per cent. As to the respect of the interviewers’ attitude in treating their symptoms, more than 80 per cent of them neglected or just treated the symptoms by massaging or cold/hot compressing and resting. From the questionnaire, the proportion of symptoms discussed in each item inicated that the distribution, in perceiving symptom, of interviewers were not quite identical; however the Chi‐square test discovered majority did not reach 0.05 levels, hence the difference among industries were not significant.
Customer Knowledge Management – A Case Study of Taiwan’s Plastic Industry
Authors: Ho Yung‐Ching , Fu Hsin‐Pin , Niu Chun‐Fa , Chien Pei‐Hsiang
Published: February 2011

This paper investigates customer knowledge management activities of Taiwan’s plastic industries. The results demonstrate that the bulk of customer knowledge comes from data related to customer purchase orders and complaints. Furthermore, marketing, production, and research and development are the main departments that developed and reuse customer knowledge. The benefits derived from knowledge management for enterprises do not vary with the position of the vendor on the business scope. In addition, the benefits derived by customers from knowledge management are directly related to the benefits gained by the five major business functions, while the benefits derived from the customer knowledge management are also directly related to customer satisfaction. Summarizing the above results, an Acquisition‐Development‐Reuse (ADR) model is proposed and can provide the enterprises with a systematic reference model when the business attempts to construct a customer knowledge management system.
Organisational Self‐Assesssment for Six Sigma Initiative
Authors: Park Young‐Taek , Kang Hyun‐Jung
Published: February 2011

Six sigma is much less of a technical program than it is a leadership and cultural change program. Nevertheless, most of literatures on six sigma have mainly focused on technical and tactical aspects. This paper introduces a self‐assessment for six sigma initiative in a major Korean software company. The self‐assessment gives a valuable clue to how to manage leadership and cultural aspects of six sigma initiative.
A Methodology for Integrating Business Process and Simulation for Business Process Redesign
Authors: Kim Joong‐In , Yim Dong‐Soon , Choi Jung‐Sang , Kim Keun‐Chong
Published: February 2011

IDEF0 is the IEEE standard for functional enterprise modeling and has been used for business process modeling or process mapping in US and Europe. But it does not reflect the potential benefits of modeling and simulation of the dynamic aspects of an enterprise or a system. On the other hand, simulation tools concentrate mostly on the simulation of material flows and are difficult to include information flows and control flows. Additionally, the simulation models that include elements such as queues, event generators and process nodes is a visual interactive representation for the model builder, but is inconvenient for the domain expert. In an attempt to fill that void, we provide an integration of business process and simulation models in this paper. an enhancement of the IDEF0, called parameterized IDEF0, is proposed and its conversion mechanism to network simulation model is developed. Using this methodology, business process models for alternative systems can be evaluated and compared through simulation on time, cost, and quality metrics. As an application of the proposed methodology, economic evaluation of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for time‐based BPR (Business Process Redesign) is demonstrated. In addition to BPR, the developed methodology may be further integrated with ABC (Activity Based Costing), TQM (Total Quality Management), and economic evaluation of information systems.