bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing transnational leaders: five paradoxes for success
Authors: Fisher‐Yoshida Beth , Geller Kathy
Published: February 2008

Purpose

As consultants working with multinational organizations predominantly in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the authors frequently find themselves working with clients to create strategies for building their talent pipeline and developing leaders at multiple managerial levels. The purpose of this article is to introduce a model and approach for developing transnational leaders that will serve as a basis for learning design going forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce the reader to five paradoxes: presenting a continuum for each dilemma; listing the key aspects of the dilemma; describing a situation in which this particular paradox has manifested itself; and posing a provocative question to stimulate thinking and dialogue to address the paradox.

Findings

The five paradoxes leaders and managers in the twenty‐first century need to consider to effectively manage for organization success are the: paradox of knowing (self and other); paradox of focus (individual and communal); paradox of communication (direct and indirect); paradox of action (doing and being); and the paradox of response (time focus: short and long‐term).

Practical implications

Leading transnationally is a continuing dilemma to be considered and managed. It requires a willingness to understand the system in which one is operating and requires adaptability and flexibility in response.

Originality/value

Previous leadership development efforts have been primarily designed to offer competency based skills and tools. The authors instead propose that transnational leadership development needs to focus on paradox management, which will develop abilities to manage these dilemmas.
How a general and a specific thesaurus cover expressions in patients' questions and physicians' answers
Authors: Eerola Johanna , Vakkari Pertti
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine the degree to which General Finnish Thesaurus (GFT) and FinMeSH cover various semantic expressions of medical concepts in patients' questions and physicians' answers concerning cardiovascular diseases. The former represents lay persons' information needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 question‐answer pairs were collected in a medical web site. Concepts and their expressions (terms) with their semantic relations were identified in questions and answers.

Findings

FinMeSH covered 65 per cent and GFT 41 per cent of all medical terms in texts. The expressions of patients and physicians matched better with FinMeSH than GFT regardless of the type of expression. The difference in favour of FinMeSH was typically about 25 per cent‐units.

Originality/value

The low fit with users' vocabularies makes GFT a poor tool for supporting searching, whereas the relatively high fit of FinMeSH suggests that it is a reasonable tool in assisting searching. Conclusions concerning the bridging of these two thesauri are discussed.
Organizational disasters: why they happen and how they may be prevented
Authors: Wei Choo Chun
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at why organizational disasters happen, and to discuss how organizations can improve their ability to recognize and respond to warning events and conditions before they tailspin into catastrophe.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of research on organizational disasters suggests that there are a number of information difficulties that can prevent organizations from noticing and acting on warning signals. The paper describes these difficulties using recent examples of organizational mishaps from: 9/11, Enron, Merck Vioxx withdrawal, Barings Bank collapse, Columbia Space Shuttle breakup, and Children's Hospital Boston.

Findings

The paper identifies three types of information impairments that could lead to organizational disasters: epistemic blind spots, risk denial, and structural impediment. It examines common information and decision practices that make it hard for organizations to see and deal with warning signals. Finally, the paper suggests what individuals, groups, and organizations can do to raise their information vigilance.

Originality/value

The paper shows that organizational disasters have a structure and dynamic that can be understood, and proposes a number of strategies by which organizations can become better prepared to recognize and contain errors so as to avert disaster.
Anti‐climate change management (ACCM)
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an initial seed of anti‐climate change management (ACCM) in business practices and theory generation.

Design/methodology/approach

An approach of ACCM is coined and a framework is outlined.

Findings

Two interconnected levels of ACCM may be distinguished.

Research limitations/implications

A recent UN‐report indicates the timing is ripe to link the global and business levels together on the agendas of practitioners and scholars.

Practical implications

ACCM suggests a major twist in business practices and theory generation from being only business‐oriented, and in part environment‐oriented, to being planet‐oriented as well.

Originality/value

ACCM assists in repositioning and expanding the boundaries of current chain management approaches considered in business practices and theory generation. It also contributes to linking business and non‐business research disciplines together. Furthermore, it stresses the requirement of “bottom‐up” and “top‐down” approaches so as to highlight the connection between local practices and global sustainability.
Performance improvement of Al‐alloyed materials via plasma spray coating
Authors: Salman Serdar , Topal Ali , Findik Fehim
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The aim of the research is to increase piston and engine performance by using ceramic coated pistons instead of pistons which are manufactured from aluminum alloys and having a coated flame chamber.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal torch and thermal shock tests were performed on the pistons and some specimens of 1.5 mm thick were prepared according to ASTM standards; both have the same material characteristics. In the present work, plasma spray technique was used for ceramic coating.

Findings

It was found that the ceramic coating, which, when performed properly, has compatible expansion coefficient with the aluminum alloy pistons, increases performance of pistons and engines.

Research limitations/implications

Coatings were limited with one type of bonding and two ceramics, and coated parts were subjected to thermal torch and thermal shock tests.

Practical implications

For future work, instead of using other coating materials, stable yttria is used as the best coating material with optimum thermal resistance. By this process, working life of the machine parts can be extended and a number of economical advantages may also be obtained.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the identified information and offers practical help to the industrial firms working with ceramic coatings and also to the academicians working on wear of materials.
The role of heavyweight product manager in new product development
Authors: Rauniar Rupak , Doll William , Rawski Greg , Hong Paul
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to empirically investigate how a heavyweight product manager (HW) can impact the cross‐functional team and project performance (PP) through actively influencing the ways and the extent of strategic alignment (SA), shared project mission, and clarity of project targets in the early front‐end stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on past studies on leadership role theory and goal‐setting theory for teams, this study hypothesizes that the role of the HW for SA of the project, shared project mission, and clarity of the project target are positively related. The study further hypothesizes that these roles of the HW can have a positive impact on PP measures such as product cost, time, and customer satisfaction.

Findings

Primary data collected from 191 new product development (NPD) projects from the US automotive industry were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques. All the hypotheses presented in this study regarding the role of the HW in a cross‐functional team are supported. These roles of the HW also seem to indicate a positive relationship with overall PP.

Practical implications

Rather than blindly subscribing to generic and prescriptive “best practices” for the HW, the causal relationship detailed in this study makes it now possible to rationalize the role of HW in cross‐functional product development teams. Through formal and informal influence of the HW, the project and the team gain SA, shared mission, and clear project targets that can drive better PP.

Originality/value

This is the first study to focus specifically on the role of HW in NPD in a cross‐functional team environment.
Enhanced fluorescence‐based bio‐detection through selective integration of reflectors in microfluidic lab‐on‐a‐chip
Authors: Chandrasekaran Arvind , Packirisamy Muthukumaran
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper proposes to examine a simple and cost‐effective method of integrating a reflector surface with a silicon‐based microfluidic channel for enhanced biosensing through the method of fluorescence in a microfluidics and nanofluidics‐based lab‐on‐a‐chip device.

Design/methodology/approach

Herein, the reflector is integrated with silicon‐based microfluidic channels and fluorescence measurements were carried out using alexafluor 647 particles. Two types of microfluidic channel surfaces were used, with and without reflector integration, for the experiments.

Findings

The experimental results prove that the proposed technique of partial reflector integration within microfluidic or nanofluidic channel surfaces is highly suitable for fluorescence‐based detection of single molecules and low concentration fluorophore‐tagged receptors.

Originality/value

It is believed that this is a novel work of integrating a reflector with a microfluidic channel surface for fluorescence‐based biodetection. This method will be very useful for fluorescence‐based biosensors in detecting low concentration fluorophores and single molecules.
Novel X‐ray imaging and segmentation of root structures
Authors: Page David , Koschan Andreas , Abidi Mongi , Michaels Ron , McDonald Dan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a novel X‐ray system and associated image segmentation algorithm for imaging the below‐ground root structures of plants.

Design/methodology/approach

A matched filter design for segmenting the important root structures from the background clutter in the X‐ray images was presented.

Findings

The feasibility of root imaging and the applicability of matched filters to this problem domain have been demonstrated.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel approach over existing methods for in situ monitoring of root structures through the application of matched filters for image segmentation.
Gender, professions and public policy: new directions
Authors: Kuhlmann Ellen , Lynn Bourgeault Ivy
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This article aims to provide an overview on key trends in public sector policy and professional development and how they intersect with gender and diversity. It seeks to explore new configurations in the relationship between gender and the professions and to develop a matrix for the collection of articles presented in this volume.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors link social policy and governance approaches to the study of professions, using the health professions and academics as case studies. Material from a number of studies carried out by the authors together with published secondary sources provide the basis of our analysis; this is followed by an introduction of the scope and structure of this thematic issue.

Findings

The findings underline the significance of public policy as key to better understand gender and diversity in professional groups. The outline of major trends in public sector professions brings into focus both the persistence of gender inequality and the emergence of new lines of gendered divisions in the professions.

Practical implications

The research presented here highlights a need for new models of public sector management and professional development that are more sensitive to equality and diversity.

Originality/value

This article focuses on the “making” of inequality at the interface of public policy and professional action. It introduces a context sensitive approach that moves beyond equal opportunity policies and managerial accounts and highlights new directions in research and policy.
Procuring professional housing maintenance services
Authors: Lam Terence Y.M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This study aims to develop an evaluation model for public managers in Hong Kong to assist in the procurement of best value consultants for professional housing maintenance services as part of the privatisation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The model developed is termed the “strategic evaluation model”, in which the strategic objective of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of resources through privatisation is used as the basis for evaluation. A value for money (VFM) ratio can represent both efficiency and effectiveness. This ratio refers to the output service quality versus the input costs, which are assessed independently. Production and transaction costs are quantitative figures, and as such the key issue in the analysis is the forecast of the output quality. It was hypothesized that there was a correlation between output quality and input management and economic factors. A triangulation methodology was used to develop and test out the correlation whereby the literature review and qualitative interviews with the maintenance consultancy management practitioners of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) were used to generate the hypothesis, which was then tested by quantitative regression, using data from the maintenance consultancies of the Authority. The hypothesis was validated, and hence an authentic, objective evaluation model was substantiated.

Findings

The main hypothesis was “In evaluating the competitive consultants for providing professional services for housing maintenance, the decision approach to ensuring the optimum use of resources can be determined by an objective comparison of the value for money of the respective services”. The sub‐hypotheses considered the relationships between output service quality and individual input factors of competition level, past performance, project leadership and quality benchmarking. The results of the qualitative and quantitative studies confirmed and validated the hypotheses, and hence substantiated the strategic evaluation model which is based on objective VFM assessment.

Research limitations/implications

While the model was developed in the context of housing maintenance in the Hong Kong Housing Authority, it can form the baseline from which further research can build to provide an evaluation model for procuring property management and construction professional and contractor services in many other public‐ and private‐sector settings.

Practical implications

The weighted quality and price assessment method previously used is unable to obtain value services. This combined assessment method should therefore be replaced by the strategic model in order to achieve an optimum use of resources.

Originality/value

This paper establishes an evaluation framework for public managers to obtain best value services and hence ensure optimum use of resources in outsourcing of those facilities management (FM) services.
A review of the effectiveness of urban renewal in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Eddie C.M. , Wong Joe T.Y. , Wan Janice K.M.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the progress of rehabilitation and redevelopment and review the effectiveness of the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance (LCSRO) (Cap. 545) and proposals that influence the urban renewal process in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The study largely relies on the review of the LCSRO and the Government's proposal, and the urban renewal progress. Rehabilitation and redevelopment data was collated and analyzed to assess how effective the renewal process and the Government legislation have been in tackling the urban decay problem in Hong Kong. This study benchmarks the good practices of Singapore.

Findings

The pace of urban renewal activities in Hong Kong is lagging behind its policy goal. The implementation of the urban renewal programme has not adequately resolved the serious problem of ageing buildings. The existing legislation has not been effectively attracting private sector's participation either. The proposed relaxation of the compulsory sale threshold for specified classes of lots under the LCSRO aims to assist private sector‐led redevelopment. However, it is not a panacea for urban decay. Whilst the private sector's participation is facilitated, the Government should consider complementary measures, e.g. the relaxation of such criteria as the building age, plot ratio and height limitation for a more effective and efficient process, particularly in less attractive sites. A careful balance should be maintained in redeveloping different regions in the city. The Government should also be cautious about the negative externalities that might affect to the community.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the implementation gap of urban renewal in Hong Kong. Practical suggestions are made to the Government and related organizations to expedite urban renewal works.

Originality/value

The paper assesses Hong Kong's urban decay problem in a quantitative way. This approach has hardly been applied in a local context. It also highlights important issues relating to private sector involvement in urban renewal activities and various concerns over the proposed changes to the LCSRO. The paper will benefit local policy makers, property developers and professionals in the area. Its results will form a basis for further research on the impact of the proposals on land supply and housing prices after its implementation.
Rent control revisited: effects on property management
Authors: Klingenberg Beate , Brown Roger J.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how an optimization model previously published by the authors is employed to study the effects of rent control on income optimization for the owner and the manager, as well as on the principal‐agent relationship. The model explains effects on management, maintenance and housing quality observed under rent control.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization model is developed by applying a transaction cost framework to the context of income structures in investment properties and their management. Rent control is introduced into the model as a rent maximum.

Findings

Under rent control, the manager is forced to optimize income solely through cost control, without motivation to provide above minimum services. The owner is unable to optimize income. Income and funds available for management and maintenance are reduced by costs uncontrollable by the owner. Consequently, management and maintenance are reduced, if not eliminated, resulting in deterioration of the housing stock, notwithstanding minimum habitability standards imposed by regulators. This dilemma argues against dropping management entirely and interferes with the owner's quest to find the right incentive structure for the agent.

Research limitations/implications

Rent control is modeled as a cap on rents. Many rent control policies employ a maximum in rent increase instead, with the maximum often linked to inflation. As the results of the model are in line with real‐world observations, this simplification seems to be non‐critical.

Practical implications

Rent control was implemented with the intent to provide affordable housing to the less fortunate in society. Economic and social effects of rent control have since been heatedly discussed, in the public arena and in academia. This paper supports the view that rent control has unintended, negative consequences not only for the property owner, but also for the property manager (who is at the brink of elimination) and for the tenant (as housing quality deteriorates). This paper therefore encourages a renewed discussion and review of rent control policies.

Originality/value

The paper expands existing literature by analyzing the effects of rent control on property management. By using an optimization model, theory‐based results are provided that supplements real‐word observations, which is interesting for both academics and practitioners. Furthermore, the applicability of the previously developed optimization model is strengthened.
Design of a new finite element programming environment
Authors: Cardona A. , Klapka I. , Geradin M.
Published: February 2008

This paper presents the architecture for a new finite element program written in the C++ programming language. A powerful command interpreter allows the user not only to introduce data, but also to define
the algorithms that will treat this data to obtain the desired results. In this way, the program can be very easily configured to new computational strategies. By following an object‐oriented programming technique, we expect the program would not fall into the “stagnation” state that affects large finite element codes currently in use.
Numerical analysis of discretized elastoplastic systems using the
generalized mid‐point time integration
Authors: Corigliano A.
Published: February 2008

The finite element quasi‐static analysis of elastoplastic systems
is studied by making use of a generalized variable approach for the spatial
discretization and a generalized mid‐point rule for the time
integration. Both the classical form of the constitutive law and the convex
analysis formulation are presented. The relation between the mid‐point
time integration and the extremal path theory is discussed. Extremal
properties for the finite‐step solution are formulated.
Parallel computation schemes for dynamic relaxation
Authors: Topping B. H. V. , Khan A. I.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes a parallel algorithm for the dynamic relaxation
(DR) method. The basic theory of the dynamic relaxation is briefly
reviewed to prepare the reader for the parallel implementation of the
algorithm. Some fundamental parallel processing schemes have been explored
for the implementation of the algorithm. Geometric Parallelism was
found suitable for the DR method when using transputer‐based systems.
The evolution of the parallel algorithm is given by identifying the steps
which may be executed in parallel. The structure of the parallel code is
discussed and then described algorithmically. Two geometrically
non‐linear parallel finite element analyses have been performed using
different mesh densities. The number of processors was varied to investigate
algorithm efficiency and speed ups. Using the results obtained it
is shown that the computational efficiency increases when the computational
load per processor is increased.
A transputer routing algorithm for non‐linear or dynamic finite element
analysis
Authors: Khan A. I. , Topping B. H. V.
Published: February 2008

This paper presents a routing method for two dimensional transputer
arrays particularly designed for parallel non‐linear and dynamic
finite element analysis. Some general routing strategies with their strengths
and weaknesses are discussed. The need for problem specific routing
algorithms in transputer systems is considered and the communication
requirements for parallel finite element analysis described. From the
communication requirements the design parameters for the routing method are
specified and the architectural design of the Router presented. An example of
the use of the Router in the parallel non‐linear finite element
analysis is given and the robustness of the routing methodology is
illustrated by using arbitrary mappings of finite element subdomains
distributed over a transputer array.
On the effect of fibre directions in laminated composite torispherical
shells
Authors: Sorić J. , Smojver I.
Published: February 2008

A linear and geometrically non‐linear computation of a laminated
composite torispherical shell subjected to internal pressure was performed by
using the layered finite element whose formulation is based on degeneration
principle. Geometric non‐linearity in terms of large deformations with
total Lagrangian formulation was taken into account. The effect of the
lamination schemes on geometric non‐linear behaviour and stress
resultant distributions was analysed. The fibre directions have not a great
influence on the shape of the load‐displacement curves. In contrast to
the hoop stress resultant distribution, the moment distribution is
significantly influenced by the lamination schemes. The influence of the
lamination schemes on bending moments is greater in non‐linear
than in linear computations. Likewise, the effect of the fibre orientation is
greater on the hoop than on the meridional moment distribution. In
unsymmetric laminated shells the values of the hoop moments exceed
those of the meridional moments which is a considerable difference
from metallic isotropic shells.
Vibration and damping analysis of laminated composite plates by the
finite element method
Authors: Rikards R. , Chate A. , Korjakin A.
Published: February 2008

The present investigation is concerned with the utilisation of the
finite element technique for predicting the natural frequencies and the modal
damping factor (also called the loss factor) of anisotropic
fibre‐reinforced composite laminated plates. The simple definition of
the modal damping factor is defined as the ratio of the strain energy
dissipated per radian of vibration, in the mode of interest, to the total
strain energy of the entire laminate at maximum displacement during the same
cycle. Results for the vibration and damping analysis of multi‐layered
plates obtained by the present methods are compared with the results obtained
by other authors and with the results of experiments.
Visualization of dynamic fluid simulations: waves, splashing, vorticity, boundaries, buoyancy
Authors: Foster Nick , Metaxas Dimitri
Published: February 2008

A software package is developed for the modelling and animation of viscous incompressible fluids. The full time‐dependent Navier‐Stokes equations are used to simulate 2D and 3D incompressible fluid phenomena which include shallow and deep fluid flow, transient dynamic flow, vorticity and splashing in simulated physical environments. The package also allows the inclusion of variously shaped and spaced static or moving obstacles that are fully submerged or penetrate the fluid surface. Stable numerical analysis techniques based on finite‐differences are used for the solution of the Navier‐Stokes equations. To model free‐surface fluids, a technique based on the Marker‐and‐Cell method is presented. Based on the fluid’s pressure and velocities obtained from the solution of the Navier‐Stokes equations this technique allows modelling of the fluid’s free surface either by solving a surface equation of by tracking the motion of marker particles. The latter technique is suitable for visualization of splashing and vorticity. Furthermore, an editing tool is developed for easy definition of a physical‐world which includes obstacles, boundaries and fluid properties such as viscosity, initial velocity and pressure. Using the editor, complex fluid simulations can be performed without prior knowledge of the underlying fluid dynamics equations. Finally, depending on the application fluid rendering techniques are developed using standard Silicon Graphics workstation hardware routines.
Numerical validation of a constitutive theory for an arbitrarily fractured solid
Authors: Trent B.C. , Margolin L.G.
Published: February 2008

We have developed a general constitutive theory that estimates the effective elastic moduli of a cemented granular material by applying statistical mechanical averaging to a purely micromechanical model. We have also constructed a distinct element model of a cemented granular material, based on the same micromechanical model, which accounts for the elastic forces due to bonding between pairs of spherical particles, and which allows for the possibility of anisotropic damage to the bonds. In this paper, we use a model based on the distinct element method (DEM) to validate the predictions of the theory for various prescribed patterns of damage. In particular we impose several anisotropic patterns of damage on the bonds of a randomly generated assembly of particles. We then undertake numerical experiments, sending both p‐waves and s‐waves through the samples and measuring the wave velocities. The predictions of the theory for these velocities agree well with the results of the numerical model for a variety of damage patterns. We discuss the implications of our theory, as well as potential applications.
External penalized mixed functional algorithms for unilateral contact
and friction in a large strain finite element framework
Authors: Lochegnies Dominique , Oudin Jerome
Published: February 2008

New contact boundary modelling is achieved with a basic set of 2 and 3
dimension contact primitives. Contact constraints are originally introduced
in the variational equations and associated Newton—Raphson scheme via
an external penalty formulation using primitive equations. Consequently,
penalty part of external load vector and tangent stiffness matrices are
developed for all contact primitives. In this way, contact prescribed
boundary displacements are also taken into account. Contact treatment is then
completed with Newton—Raphson elements for elastic and plastic
regularized friction constitutive models. In this paper, the process is
extended to elastoplastic models. Finally, we propose a self acting procedure
with contact algorithms (interiority, sliding and contact loss) and
related subroutines for implementation in finite element framework. We
illustrate these developments by means of two‐dimensional open die
forging and three‐dimensional plate coining typical benchmarks with
reference to bulk elastoplastic and viscoplastic constitutive
models.
Efficiency of modal analysis to compute the seismic response of
dam—foundation systems with non—proportional damping
Authors: Mehai Lotfi , Paultre Patrick , Léger Pierre
Published: February 2008

In a finite element model of typical
dam—foundation—reservoir systems, the presence of heterogeneous
material properties for the dam and the foundation produces a combined
damping matrix that is non‐proportional to the mass and/or the
stiffness matrices of the system. In this case, the undamped real
free‐vibration modes cannot uncouple the damping forces such that the
classical mode superposition method using real modes is not applicable. This
paper presents comparative analyses of recent coordinate reduction procedures
that have been developed to compute the response of linear systems with
non‐proportional damping. The comparisons are based on the numerical
efficiency and the accuracy of the displacement, acceleration and stress
response, and on the distribution of the damping energy in the
system.
On the loading/unloading conditions of infinitesimal discrete elastoplasticity
Authors: Papadopoulos Panayiotis , Taylor Robert L.
Published: February 2008

This paper addresses the loading/unloading conditions of thediscrete initial—value problem of plastic flow at infinitesimal deformations. As in the continuum problem, it is established that the strain—space formulation of the loading conditions is primary. Generalized trapezoidal and mid‐point rules are discussed. The loading conditions established for the general non‐associated flow problem are shown to naturally reduce to well‐known inequalities for flow rules obeying normality.
On assumed shear strain in finite rotation shell analysis
Authors: Ibrahimbegović Adnan
Published: February 2008

Implementation details of the assumed shear strain method in a novel
finite rotation shell theory are discussed. Careful considerations of the
pertinent aspects of the Newton solution procedure are given. The latter
results in a very robust performance of the presented 4–node shell
element in some challenging finite rotation problems.
An eccentrically stiffened shell element model with geometrically
non‐linear capability
Authors: Jiang L. , Chernuka M.W.
Published: February 2008

A stiffened shell element is presented for geometrically
non‐linear analysis of eccentrically stiffened shell structures.
Modelling with this element is more accurate than with the traditional
equivalent orthotropic plate element or with lumping stiffeners. In addition,
mesh generation is easier than with the conventional finite element approach
where the shell and beam elements are combined explicitly to represent
stiffened structures. In the present non‐linear finite element
procedure, the tangent stiffness matrix is derived using the updated
Lagrangian formulation and the element strains, stresses, and internal force
vectors are updated employing a corotational approach. The
non‐vectorial characteristic of large rotations is taken into account.
This stiffened shell element formulation is ideally suited for implementation
into existing linear finite element programs and its accuracy and
effectiveness have been demonstrated in several numerical
examples.
Adaptive quadtree subdividing contour plotting algorithms
Authors: Wang K.P. , Bruch J.C.
Published: February 2008

Two simple and efficient contour plotting algorithms are presented. The
first algorithm is a colour‐fill algorithm. The second algorithm is a
colour‐fill algorithm as well as a contour line plotting algorithm.
Using adaptive quadtree subdividing and linear interpolation, both algorithms
are easy to implement. In addition, the contour plotting for a given mesh can
be performed parallelly since plotting the contour of an element is totally
independent of any other element.
Population ageing: opportunities and challenges for retail banking
Authors: Lindbergh Jessica , Nahum Ruth‐Aïda , Sandgren Sofia
Published: February 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to shed light on the challenges and opportunities demographic transitions bring about to the banking sector. Increasing life expectancy, coupled with an increasing old age dependency ratio has implications for the demand for financial services. This opens a window of opportunity for the banking sector to adjust its services so as to meet these changes and reap the benefit of demographic changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses demographic forecasts made by the United Nations Population Division, to which are applied established economic models on life cycle behaviour. Based on the findings, light is shed on potential scenarios that banks may encounter.

Findings

The life cycle models predict a higher overall asset accumulation level and a higher savings level, at least initially, in an ageing population. Other life cycle behaviour models point out that individuals' risk aversion increases with age, while evidence shows that population ageing exposes individuals to greater risks. This increases the need for households to appropriately diversify and manage the risks they face, and encourages the development of products that are better tailored to these growing needs.

Originality/value

The paper proposes that banks can contribute to creating financial stability. Banks can participate in financial education and consequently increase households' motivation to save more and in better ways. Consumer demand encountered by banks is shifting from credit products to savings products. The investment packages currently offered by banks need to adapt to changing needs: combined annuity and life insurance packages are one option.
How subordinates exert pressure on their managers: Anglo and Confucian‐Asian comparisons
Authors: Braithwaite Jeffrey , Westbrook Mary T. , Mallock Nadine A.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate in an Anglo and a Confucian‐Asian nation how pressure is exerted on middle managers by their subordinate staff, and the managerial activities affected.

Design/methodology/approach

In a survey, Australian (n=251) and Singaporean (n=340) health managers rated the degree of pressure exerted on them by subordinate staff to devote additional time to various managerial activities. They described the influence strategies employed.

Findings

Ratings of the average pressure experienced regarding nine managerial activities were identical in both cultures. Australian managers reported significantly greater pressure affecting people and general organisational management. Singaporeans experienced more pressure affecting their quality and data management tasks. Australian subordinates used more direct‐assertive and direct‐persuasive influence strategies. Singaporeans employed more indirect‐assertive tactics, particularly poor work performance.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisability of the findings may be limited by having convenience samples from one occupational sector.

Practical implications

The cultural differences found are relevant to the increasing numbers of multinational organisations and expatriate and migrant workers. The information will inform discussions on factors affecting the assignment of managers' priorities, which can be at variance with their aspirations.

Originality/value

Managers' experiences of pressure from subordinates and how pressure is conveyed have been under‐researched, particularly cross‐culturally.
Perceived organizational support and performance
Authors: Byrne Zinta S. , Hochwarter Wayne A.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

Perceived organizational support is considered a resource capable of positively influencing performance by reducing stressors and encouraging commitment. However, only a modest relationship has been shown between support and performance, suggesting that moderators affect this relationship. To date, no research has examined moderators that might serve to predict non‐linear support‐performance relational forms. The purpose of this research is to examine how cynicism moderates the relationship between support and performance in a non‐linear form.

Design/methodology/approach

In study 1, 256 full‐time employees from a variety of industries and jobs completed surveys. In study 2, 143 full‐time state employees participated.

Findings

Those reporting high cynicism actually construe levels of support negatively. Specifically, performance for cynics was highest when perceived support was at moderate levels only. Conversely, performance for cynics was lowest when perceived support was either high or low.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of our studies was the use of survey methodology for data collection. Tests of multicollinearity suggest, however, that this did not result in method bias. Future research should consider other potential non‐linear relationships with organizational support to determine when support is not perceived favorably. Additionally, it may be informative to expand the scope of research on cynicism to include sources (e.g. decision makers, legal system) and an examination of the creation of cynical climates (e.g. frequent layoffs).

Practical implications

Recognizing that not all employees (specifically those who are cynical) will perceive support efforts as positive, managers can limit potential negative reactions to support efforts by clarifying their intentions and those of the organization. An increased awareness of possible aversive reactions to what is intended to be supportive, allows managers to better understand and react to cynical employees' behavior.

Originality/value

This study is a first to examine the non‐linear relationship between organizational support and performance as moderated by employee cynicism.
Should faith and hope be included in the employees' agenda?
Authors: Zoghbi‐Manrique de Lara Pablo
Published: February 2008

Purpose

Anomia (from the Greek, an‐: absence, and ‐nomos: law) describes pessimistic feelings such as social detachment and little faith in human relations. This study seeks to examine an explanation of how and why person‐organization fit (POF) – operationalized as value congruence – may influence organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) directed at the organization (OCB‐O) and individuals (OCB‐I). The thesis is that unfavorable POF will elicit employees' anomic feelings, which in turn will prompt them to reciprocate with decreased OCB.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 84 of the 198 (42.4 percent) employees of a provincial Spanish Social Security agency. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test mediation.

Findings

The results support that POF predicts anomic feelings that, in turn, fully mediate the link between POF and OCB‐O, but not with OCB‐I.

Research limitations/implications

The employees surveyed have job conditions inherent to the peculiarities of the public sector that may limit the ability to extrapolate the findings to the private sector.

Practical implications

The findings offer a better understanding of the way POF is able to affect OCB, and suggest that actions designed to promote POF may be useful in managing anomic processes in the workplace.

Originality/value

Anomia as a mediator in the relationship between POF, as value congruence, and OCB has not been empirically studied.
Exploring paradox in marketing: managing ambiguity towards synthesis
Authors: O'Driscoll Aidan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to explain the conceptual framework of paradox.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a theoretical approach. It outlines marketing's current and limited interest in the notion of paradox and highlights the difference between a classic paradox, the tension between transactional and relational marketing, and the Contemporary Marketing Practice (CMP) research program.

Findings

A future research agenda for paradox and marketing is speculated on, addressing issues such as likely domains for exploration, methodology, as well as the type of organizational structures and marketing leadership required. Finally, there is reflection on how paradox engineers a strong bridge between theory and practice.

Originality/value

The paper reveals useful information on paradox and marketing.
Social marketing: implications for contemporary marketing practices classification scheme
Authors: Domegan Christine T.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon social marketing and its implications for the contemporary marketing practices (CMP) classification scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a theoretical approach. Examples from the public engagement with science are used in the reflection.

Findings

A phenomenon not commonly associated with social marketing is the growing number of science communication, outreach and public activities to engage the public with science. These scientific initiatives, established to drive knowledge‐based societies around the world, are charged with changing the public's behaviour towards science. This analysis shows the application of the CMP classification explicitly to the broader context of social marketing.

Originality/value

This paper examines how complex multiple exchanges, and social and environment influences, associated with social marketing provide a broader context to examine marketing practice. Further investigation is needed as to whether a sixth aspect of marketing practice is required to fully capture social marketing practice.
A multilevel investigation of relationships between Australian teachers' career stages and locus of control
Authors: McCormick John , Barnett Kerry
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to posit and test hypotheses concerned with relationships between teachers' demographics, locus of control and career stages.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample consisting of 416 Australian non‐executive high school teachers was gathered from 40 randomly selected high schools. Multilevel regression analysis reflecting the nested nature of the sample of teachers within schools, and allowing for testing for school effects, was employed.

Findings

The paper finds that significant gender and years of teaching experience differences were identified for a number of career stages. There were positive relationships between years of teaching experience and later career stages. A number of multilevel models relating locus of control and demographic variables to career stage were developed and are reported.

Originality/value

The paper shows that teachers' generalized beliefs about personal control may be related to career stages and school practices should nurture beliefs in personal control, rather than dependence on powerful others in the school setting.
Teacher appraisal and its outcomes in Singapore primary schools
Authors: Ong Kelly Khim , Yun Angela Ang Shi , Ling Chong Wei , Sheng Hu Wei
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the attributes of the performance appraisal system used for primary school teachers in Singapore, and how those attributes affect satisfaction with the appraisal system, stress experienced with the appraisal system, attitudes towards performance bonus, job satisfaction and motivation, and perceived cooperativeness amongst teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from surveys of primary school teachers in Singapore (n=85). The researchers used factor analysis to identify factors of appraisal system attributes and factors of teacher attitudes and perceptions, and then employed step‐wise multiple regressions to relate appraisal system attributes to teacher attitudes and perceptions.

Findings

The findings indicate that fairness of the performance appraisal system and clarity of appraisal criteria are related to greater satisfaction with the appraisal system, more positive attitudes towards performance bonus, and higher job satisfaction and motivation. Using appraisal criteria that are controllable is associated with greater satisfaction with the appraisal system, less stress experienced with the appraisal system, and higher job satisfaction and motivation. Finally, teachers who report greater trust in their appraiser and more positive assessment of their appraiser's credibility also report more cooperativeness amongst teachers in their school.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights on how various attributes of the performance appraisal system in the Singapore educational context are related to important outcomes such as job satisfaction and motivation. The findings may help primary school administrators design and implement more effective performance appraisal systems.
The UK licensed trade
Authors: Pratten John Douglas , Lovatt Christopher John
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the need for the creation of a professional body whose membership would be essential for those wishing to hold a licence for the retailing of alcohol in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The Home Office and similar sources are employed to establish the problems of alcohol abuse. Trade information is utilised to consider the attitude of various stakeholders to this issue. Ethical texts examine expected responses from the sector. From these authoritative sources a solution has been proposed.

Findings

The results led to the proposal that the establishment of a compulsory professional body be considered.

Research limitations/implications

There is a lack of empirical research to investigate the proposal. This would be necessary to progress the idea.

Practical implications

The proposal for a professional body whose membership would be compulsory for a licence‐holder would be the subject of a major policy debate.

Originality/value

This embryonic proposal is original and would be of interest to all stakeholders.