bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communications and forum
Authors: Ćirović Goran , Cekić Zoran
Published: September 2002

Discusses a solution to a growing need for Industry Knowledge Base in the construction industry. This paper shows a Case Based Reasoning model based on the Rough Sets Theory and applied as a decision support in the preliminary design phase of construction projects.
How to run an effective improvement collaborative
Authors: Øvretveit John
Published: September 2002

States that the NHS is using a “collaborative” method as part of its plans to carry out widespread improvements in care. Explains that a collaborative is a group of practitioners from different sites who meet periodically to exchange ideas and methods of making changes while maintaining quality. Gives ten suggestions for leaders who want to run an effective collaborative. Concludes that, by following these suggestions, a successful collaborative is not certain, but that waste of time and money will be less likely.
Assessing the quality of physiotherapy services using Servqual
Authors: Curry Adrienne , Sinclair Emma
Published: September 2002

This paper continues to test the hypothesis as to the applicability of the Servqual model to the public sector. Research was undertaken using the model to assess the quality of three different types of physiotherapy service provision in Dundee, Scotland. The findings indicate that the services were much appreciated by patients in spite of the perceptions‐minus‐expectations scores being slightly negative. Information relating to patients’ conditions could be improved and, as has been found in previous similar healthcare research, the dimensions of assurance and empathy were highlighted as important. A critique of the Servqual model pinpoints and confirms certain weaknesses that need to be addressed but the study nonetheless confirms the potential usefulness and relevance of Servqual in the public sector context to determine consumer priorities and measure service performance.
Service quality measurement in a medical imaging department
Authors: Wong Joseph C.H.
Published: September 2002

This project evaluates the quality of service provided for ambulatory clients at the Bone Densitometry Unit in the Royal Brisbane Hospital using the Servqual instrument. Every adult outpatient visiting the Bone Densitometry Unit over a six‐month period was invited to participate in the survey. On each of the five measured dimensions of service quality: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy, there were high satisfaction ratings with both perception scores and expectation‐minus‐perception gap scores. Of the five dimensions, responsiveness, assurance and empathy factors were more important predictors of overall service satisfaction. Perception scores better predict overall satisfaction than gap scores. Therefore, Servqual is useful if knowledge of the pattern of expectation trends is important in managerial decision making. Otherwise, the measurement of perception scores appears sufficient to assess service quality for ambulatory clients in a medical imaging department.
Managing complexity: acknowledge the attraction patterns by supporting sensemaking and allowing the quality system to serve as the panoptic system
Authors: Lindberg Eva
Published: September 2002

This paper is of a theoretical type ending with a model describing the frame and function of a quality system. Quality in health care is largely dependent on the behaviour and action of the health care staff. Furthermore behaviour and action emanate from the individual and group sensemaking. When viewing the organisation as a complex adaptive system, the necessity of becoming aware of, and co‐evolving with the process of sensemaking becomes very clear. It has potential to view the individual’s attraction patterns as the channel for creativity. The quality system can serve as the framework on which to enlighten this vital dimension. The concept of meaning status in the group is useful when it comes to managing a complex system through a quality system. When so, the core objective of the quality system is to support and enhance the awareness of all the disparate meanings (future‐perspective), stimulate reflection upon them and transform them into a collective meaning status (presence) in order to make effective decisions and a successful adaptation to change.
Improving through inspecting: pharmaceutical inspectors in nursing homes
Authors: Paxton Roger , Asghar M.N.
Published: September 2002

English health authorities are required to inspect pharmaceutical practice in registered nursing homes within their area. The inspection process provides opportunities to improve as well as monitor practice. An exploratory study is reported in which the verbal and non‐verbal behaviour of pharmaceutical inspectors was recorded. Brief questionnaires explored the views of the staff inspected on the inspection process. Marked differences between inspectors were found, and these were associated with different views on the process on the part of the nurses under inspection. The observation process was acceptable to the inspectors, and feedback was able to convey information which could guide them towards a style of inspection likely to improve practice in the homes in relation to medicines. The inspection process in this setting (and more widely in health care) should seek to provide constructive feedback so that improvement becomes a routine feature of inspection.
The quality must be on record: a survey of organisations having an ISO 9000 certification in Iceland
Authors: Gunnlaugsdóttir Jóhanna
Published: September 2002

ISO 9000 certification is a necessary entry ticket for an organisation for selling its products abroad in new markets. The costs involved in establishing a quality system and having it certified can be substantial, but all the respondents found the investment in the certification to be paying off. The area needing most improvement before the quality system could be introduced was records management (RM). It is also what seems to go wrong most frequently as detected by the quality auditors. The ISO 9000:2000 standard places no less emphasis on RM than its predecessor, and the demand for well designed RM programmes will not diminish. The new ISO 15489 standard on RM is an excellent guide for this work.
One size does not fit all: developing records management in higher education
Authors: Procter Margaret
Published: September 2002

The phased implementation of the UK Freedom of Information (FoI) Act means that higher education will be one of the last parts of the public sector to be affected by the legislation. In an environment where records management (RM) is not a generally recognised function, the implications of compliance may not be fully realised. This article examines the reasons for a growing awareness of RM issues within the higher education environment, work that has already been done in this area, and explains how a combination of factors is raising the profile of RM, leading to increased job opportunities. It considers the development of a sector‐specific Model Action Plan for FoI Code of Practice compliance, noting some of the issues that need particular attention.
Towards a theoretical construct for records management
Authors: Yusof Zawiyah M. , Chell Robert W.
Published: September 2002

Records managers often complain that records management is undervalued, suffers from the influence of irrelevant traditional concepts, and is therefore theoretically flawed. The findings of several surveys attest to this situation, but do not explain the many reasons that contribute to the lack of understanding and acceptance of records management as a separate discipline. For any field or discipline to be accepted, it must possess a strong foundation in theory. This article will examine whether there is an accepted body of theory underlying records management methods and practices. An attempt is made to develop a conceptual model that the authors believe records managers need in order to explain the present “state of the art” of the discipline and justify their contribution to the management of organisations.
A generic tool for the selection and management of supplier relationships in an outsourced manufacturing environment: the application of case based reasoning
Authors: Choy K.L. , Lee W.B.
Published: September 2002

Many companies that were once centrally involved in the actual manufacture of products, and the delivery of their supporting services, now find themselves primarily engaged in integrating a number of other organizations, some of which they may own but many of which will be independent, each of which goes to make up a particular supply network. Consequently, continuously tracking performance of suppliers and an appropriate selection mechanism is one of the crucial activities in managing this supply network. This paper presents an intelligent generic supplier management tool (GSMT) using the case‐based reasoning (CBR) technique for outsourcing to suppliers and automating the decision‐making process when selecting them. The development of GSMT and how the CBR technique is applied is then given, followed by an application of GSMT in Honeywell Consumer Products (Hong Kong) Limited.
IT/IS projects selection using multi‐criteria utility theory
Authors: Stewart Rodney , Mohamed Sherif
Published: September 2002

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness that most decision makers are not only concerned with the financial implications of information technology/system (IT/IS) projects, but they are also concerned with other objectives such as competitive advantage, market share and future growth. Nowadays, multi‐criteria decision‐making methods are gaining importance due to their inherent ability to judge different alternative scenarios for possible selection of the best alternative. This paper provides a decision‐making framework for senior executives when selecting innovative IT/IS projects. The proposed framework is based on the multi‐criteria utility theory (MCUT) combined with information economics principles to select IT/IS project(s) based on “business value” and “risk” criteria. MCUT has the advantage of taking into consideration the decision maker’s preferences in the form of utility functions defined over a set of tangible and intangible criteria. To illustrate the application of the proposed framework, a hypothetical case study is provided, where input elicited from four engineering professionals is used to develop utility functions for a predefined set of selection criteria.
A simulation approach to manage finished goods inventory replenishment economically in a mixed push/pull environment
Authors: Bertolini Massimo , Rizzi Antonio
Published: September 2002

In this paper we introduce a simulative model, designed and developed to optimally manage an integrated finished goods inventory system, and suitable for adoption in a wide range of make to stock manufacturing firms. The goal of the model is to manage optimally finished goods inventory levels, in order to minimize costs deriving from holding inventory and from adjustment to the master production schedule (MPS) to prevent stock‐outs. A trade off is sought between these costs components. The input variables of the model are: safety stock levels, assessed through coefficients k1, k2 and k3, and the stochastic distribution functions of products demand. The model performances are assessed considering the annual total cost for the inventory management. The model is then tested by a numerical application. The case considered refers to a major firm operating in the zootechnical feeds production industry.
Information systems outsourcing: reasons, reservations and success factors
Authors: Claver Enrique , González Reyes , Gascó José , Llopis Juan
Published: September 2002

The aim of this paper is to determine the main reasons that lead to information systems outsourcing, the reservations that are initially present in front of this kind of contract and the factors considered necessary for the success of outsourcing in the case of Spanish public universities. With this aim, a survey has been made among information systems managers in those universities. The results show the possibility of establishing a typology of universities depending on the position they have adopted with respect to outsourcing.
Telemedicine and its role in improving communication in healthcare
Authors: Baldwin Lynne P. , Clarke Malcolm , Eldabi Tillal , Jones Russell W.
Published: September 2002

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays an increasingly important role in delivering healthcare today. Healthcare professionals, including consultants, doctors and nurses, are engaged in what is seen as a radical action plan for improving the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. A major focus of this plan is the greater empowerment of the patient, and providing them with more information about their health needs and care. Information and communication technology has the potential to effectively support the complexities involved in the communication that takes place both amongst healthcare workers themselves and between healthcare workers and their patients in both primary and secondary care both in the UK and elsewhere. This paper explores the challenges involved in human interaction and describes how AIDMAN, a clinical information system, allows for richer communication between the patient and those involved in their health.
Implementing information supply chains: the IST Adrenalin project
Authors: Koutsakas Filippos , Hatzaras Panos , Vontas Apostolos , Koumpis Adamantios
Published: September 2002

Presents the most recent work carried out in the wider context of IST‐Adrenalin project, dealing with the facilitation, formation and lifecycle management of networked enterprises and organisations. In this respect, how information supply chains and routes can be organised and navigated across networked enterprise activities is specified, designed and realised in a conceptual way within the context of a branch independent model that builds on the fractal idea by supporting self‐similarity, self‐organisation, self‐optimisation and dynamic organisational behavior. The approach described places heavy emphasis on the need for interoperable, integrated, and cost‐effective business practices and capabilities within each individual organisation and across the supply as well as the value chains with respect to information technology. A reflection of the above approach will be realized by the efficient optimisation of the information supply chain and fractal company concepts which will in turn significantly affect the design and performance of the industry concerned (and particularly networked organisations).
SAE 8C corporate culture model for business competitiveness
Authors: Hung Ng Wai
Published: September 2002

It has been claimed that the prosperity of an organization does not lie in its tough management program or management tools, but in its cultural elements rooted in an organization and its distinctive corporate culture. Asks how organizations can fully inspire the passion of all employees and deploy their strengths and talents and what organizations can do to assist employees in pursuing their career path. In order to survive and thrive, any organizations, independent of their size, should form their own beliefs, values and work ethics. Presents the SAE 8C corporate culture model, which has a strong base of ancient Chinese wisdom ofThe Analects of Confucius. This model influences the employee step‐by‐step in a progressive way and has four levels: infancy, childhood, adulthood, and parenthood. Describes also another add‐on self‐initiated continuous benchmarking process, the SAE 6C self‐actualization, used for further self‐advancement.
A study on Sun Pin’s art of business management strategies matching the MBNQA criteria for business competitiveness
Authors: Tsang Y.S. , Lee Stephen F.
Published: September 2002

The recent growth of interests in applying the Chinese art of warfare to complement the Western style of management process suggested that an integrated business model that combined the Western scientific management and ancient Chinese wisdom could be an effective tool for gaining strategic advantages, especially for companies that want to share the newly opened markets in mainland China. Among all, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War has been widely adopted and applied in various business areas. However, there are few presentations with strategic models. Moreover, works on his successor, Sun Pin, are limited particularly to the area of applying his art of warfare in gaining strategic advantages and transforming business crisis into opportunities. While various business and quality management models at national level have been established by various countries to emphasise their differences in economic development and culture, models of similar type that make use of the ancient Chinese wisdom are not available either in Hong Kong or in China. As China has become a member of the WTO, a national model that framed both the Chinese management philosophy and Western management wisdom would certainly help in driving local and international enterprises for business competitiveness. This paper is therefore a first attempt to investigate the applicability of Sun Pin’s The Art of Warfare for business management strategies by amalgamating the Western wisdom and the Chinese art of warfare.
National productivity and competitive strategies for the new millennium
Authors: Shurchuluu P.
Published: September 2002

Globalization and national competitiveness are popular issues in our economic policy debates. This paper seeks to clarify these pressing issues facing government, private sector and trade unions and focuses on alternative productivity and competitive strategies and benchmarking for competitiveness. It examines approaches to national competitiveness during globalization, the factors affecting the competitiveness policy framework and recommends a holistic national approach for competitiveness and higher productivity under globalization. This approach is to be based, among others, on an understanding of the nature of technological change in manufacturing enterprises so far. The pace at which enterprises acquire technological and other manufacturing capabilities is to be reflected in shifts in comparative advantage at the country level. Thus, national competitiveness can be proxied by manufactured export performance relative to competitors. For the economy to be more competitive and productive there are strong needs for rapid manufactured export growth, combined with sustained technological upgrading and diversification.
Implementing strategies successfully
Authors: Aaltonen Petri , Ikävalko Heini
Published: September 2002

The paper presents the key findings of a study on strategy implementation. A qualitative study of 298 interviews was conducted in 12 service organizations. In the paper, the key findings are introduced, and the challenges of strategic communication and action, the identification of and support for strategic actors, and structure and systems aligned with strategy, are discussed.
Innovation as the basis of ownership and the creation of wealth?
Authors: Li Gregg , Tricker Robert , Wong C.Y.
Published: September 2002

Puts forward the view that the creative and innovative process with which wealth is created should also belong to the innovators, not just the financial investors. Innovation processes primarily arise from the hearts of the innovators, who over the years have not been adequately compensated in terms of share ownership, and only in recent years the influx of stock options to these generators of growth and wealth has been seen as one means of making up for that difference. In entrepreneurial firms this arrangement is well understood and the founder‐entrepreneur is compensated with stocks. As the organizations become larger, this innovative perspective begins to dissipate, to the extent that one forgets to pay attention and identify innovators in one’s organization, who have been innovating products to meet the demands of the market and, in turn, allow the organization to continue for another day. As a result, it has been forgotten that one key role of the board of directors should be the harnessing of the innovative energies in the workforce, such that wealth can continue to be created. Presents a perspective with regard to innovation and how, by rewarding and tightening the link between innovation and share ownership, one is in fact rewarding the creation of wealth, particularly in this ever‐changing knowledge economy.
Labour productivity: an important business strategy in manufacturing
Authors: Sahar Sauian Mohd.
Published: September 2002

This paper attempts to highlight the importance of productivity and efficiency in creating wealth or value added, particularly in manufacturing. The essential element is the measuring of “labour productivity” in selected manufacturing sectors in the economy. In essence, the approach is the calculation of labour coefficients as rough estimates of labour productivity. Hypothetical examples of a number of selected manufacturing sectors in three ASEAN countries are presented. This enables one to make a comparison between labour coefficients of different sectors or of the same sectors in different countries. Since labour productivity can also relate to efficiency and technological usage, it is prudent that this approach will at least show an indication of a country’s competitive advantage vis‐à‐vis other countries. Finally, it helps leaders of large organisations to make investment decisions particularly with respect to plant location.
Multi leisure complexes
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David
Published: September 2002

Purpose built multi leisure complexes have become an increasingly common feature in the urban landscape in many parts of the UK. This paper describes the principal characteristics of these complexes and provides an outline of their rather catholic pattern of locational development in and out of town and on both greenfield and brownfield sites. The paper then goes on to explore a number of the planning issues – trade impact, accessibility and transport considerations, environmental concerns and urban regeneration – raised by proposals for the development of multi leisure complexes.
The Retail Planner’s Bookshelf
Authors: Findlay Anne , Sparks Leigh
Published: September 2002

Reflects on the origins and development of The Retail Planner’s Bookshelf and outlines the composition of the 2002 version. Concludes that the updated version, by providing common language all round, will enable progress at the national and local level.
Jet impingement onto a cavity
Authors: Yilbas B.S. , Shuja S.Z. , Budair M.O.
Published: September 2002

Jet impingement onto surface finds wide application in industry. In laser processing an assisting gas jet is introduced either to shield the surface from oxidation reactions or initiating exothermic reaction to increase energy in the region irradiated by a laser beam. When an impinging gas jet is used for a shielding purpose, the gas jet enhances the convective cooling of the cavity surface. The convective cooling of the laser formed cavity surface can be simulated through jet impingement onto a cavity with elevated wall temperatures. In the present study, gas impingement onto a slot is considered. The wall temperature of the cavity is kept at elevated temperature similar to the melting temperature of the substrate material. A control volume approach is used to simulate the flow and temperature fields. The Reynolds Stress Turbulence model (RSTM) is employed to account for the turbulence. To examine the effect of cavity depth on the heat transfer characteristics, the depth is varied while keeping the cavity width constant. It is found that impinging jet penetrates into a cavity, which in turn, results in a stagnation region extending into the cavity. An impinging gas jet has considerable effect on the Nusselt number along the side walls of the cavity while the Nusselt number monotonically changes with varying cavity depth.
Laminar‐turbulent transition for low Reynolds number mixed convection in a uniformly heated vertical tube
Authors: Behzadmehr A. , Galanis N. , Laneville A.
Published: September 2002

Upward mixed convection flow of air in a uniformly heated vertical tube was studied numerically using the three‐dimensional elliptic conservation equations and the Launder and Sharma low Reynolds number k–ε turbulence model. For Re=1,000 the fully developed flow field undergoes two transitions as the Grashof number increases: thus, this flow field is laminar for Gr<8×106, turbulent for 8×106<Gr<5×107 and again laminar for Gr>5×107. In the entry region, turbulent kinetic energy decays monotonically for Gr≤3×106 and Gr≥7.1×107. For Gr between these two values it initially increases from the imposed inlet condition and then decreases towards its calculated fully developed value. The mean velocity profiles as well as the axial evolution of the skin friction coefficient are presented for representative values of Gr.
Effect of aspect ratio and eccentricity on heat transfer from a cylinder in a cavity
Authors: Humaira Tasnim Syeda , Mahmud Shohel , Das Prodip Kumar
Published: September 2002

This paper presents the hydrodynamic and thermal behavior of fluid that surrounds an isothermal circular cylinder in a square cavity. Simulations were carried out for four aspect ratios (defined by L/D), i.e. 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0. An incompressible flow of Newtonian fluid is considered. Prandtl number is assumed constant and equal to 1. Effect of eccentric positions (ε=−0.5 and 0.5) of the cylinder with respect to the cavity was carried out at L/D=2.0. Predicted results for eccentric cases are compared with concentric (ε=0.0) case. Grashof number is based on the diameter of the cylinder and ranges from 10 to 106. The control volume based finite volume method is used to discretize the governing equations in cylindrical coordinate. SIMPLE algorithm is used. A collocated variable arrangement is considered and SIP solver is employed to solve the system of equations. Parametric results are presented in the form of streamlines and isothermal lines for both eccentric and concentric positions. Heat transfer distribution along the perimeter of the cylinder is presented in the form of local Nusselt number. Predicted results show good agreement with the results described by Cesini et al. (1999).
Investigation into a confined laminar swirling jet and entropy production
Authors: Shuja S.Z. , Yilbas B.S. , Budair M.O.
Published: September 2002

A confined laminar swirling jet is an interesting research topic due to flow and temperature fields generated in and across the jet. In the present study, a confined laminar swirling jet is studied, and flow and temperature fields are simulated numerically using a control volume approach. In order to investigate the influence of the jet exiting (exiting the nozzle and inleting to the control volume) velocity profiles on the flow and heat transfer characteristics, eight different velocity profiles are considered. To identify each velocity profile, a velocity profile number is introduced. Entropy analysis is carried out to determine the total entropy generation due to heat transfer and fluid friction. Merit number is computed for various swirling velocities and velocity profiles. It is found that swirling motion expands the jet in the radial direction and reduces the jet length in the axial direction. This, in turn, reduces the entropy generation rate and improves the Merit number. Increasing velocity profile number enhances the entropy production rate, but improves the Merit number.
Formal entrepreneurial mentoring: the efficacy of third party managed programs
Authors: Bisk Leonard
Published: September 2002

Addresses the effectiveness of the matching process of third party managed entrepreneurial mentoring programs. The role of government in encouraging enterprise development has been the subject of much debate. Examines one frequently utilized component of development agency involvement in assisting entrepreneurs – matching mentors and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs, who were assigned mentors by Ireland’s industrial development agency, responded to a mail questionnaire. Evaluates their satisfaction with the mentoring relationship, and their perception of the effectiveness of their assigned mentors. The results suggest the entrepreneurs’ age and education are factors that impact on whether they benefited from the engagement. The initial findings also suggest that mentors need not have experience in the industry of their mentee for the entrepreneur to benefit from the interaction. Also discusses socio‐cultural issues in the mentoring process and how they might impact the selection of a formal versus an informal entrepreneurial mentoring program by an economic development agency.
Mentoring at the Halifax plc (HBOS) – a small beginning in a large organisation
Authors: Garvey Bob , Galloway Kevin
Published: September 2002

This paper offers a description of mentoring within the context of a large organisation. Mentoring is increasingly employed in many occupational settings in relation to induction, career development and change. It is becoming recognised on both sides of the Atlantic as a highly effective human resource development process. Examples of mentoring activity can be found in many diverse organisations – the voluntary sector, schools, the private and public sector, large and small businesses. The Halifax plc is one such organisation and we aim to offer a description of the beginnings of mentoring within the Halifax. We present a detailed account of how the mentoring arrangements were started, matched and developed, and attempt to draw some early conclusions from this ongoing process.
Mentor supervision and development – exploration of lived experience
Authors: Barrett Roger
Published: September 2002

The article explores the process of mentor development and the benefits that can accrue, both to the mentor and the mentee. Using personal experience, underpinned by theory, the author sets out to research the fundamental question posed – “How can a mentor effectively help another to explore their hidden behaviours and patterns of action, if they have not done that for themselves?” The use of supervision as a means to support mentors in their work is discussed and examined. The framework described places a value on the need for individual mentors to be able to understand their own process when working with a mentee, thus ensuring that mentees will receive the best possible support themselves.
Coaching for a change with Vodafone
Authors: Eaton John , Brown Duncan
Published: September 2002

Discusses the organizational culture of Vodaphone in the mid‐1990s and the company’s attempts to bring about organizational change. In an attempt to change the culture from one of “command and control” to one of “coaching and collaboration”, a coaching programme was designed. This coaching programme is examined in some detail and the broader implications of coaching in the cultural change process are discussed.
The smarter they are the harder they fail
Authors: Newell Diane
Published: September 2002

A common issue in leadership development is the high flyers who reach a position where their lack of “soft” skills hampers their performance and proves a barrier to their continued progression to higher levels of responsibility. This paper sets out some observation and learning of my own and my colleagues, gained from our work in coaching and mentoring leaders, and incorporates the insights gained from an interactive workshop at the EMC in November 2001.
AIB’s learning and development programme for graduates – a case study of a strategic initiative
Authors: Murphy Judy
Published: September 2002

This paper describes AIB’s Learning and Development Programme (LDP) for graduates, developed in 1999. AIB saw it as imperative to ensure that the investment being made by the organization on the recruitment front was well used to ensure that graduates were developed and retained within the organisation and that the return on investment was maximised. The LDP had to be compatible with the existing culture of the organisation and support both the short‐term objectives of the individual and long‐term business needs of the organisation. The research into, implementation of, and outcomes following the introduction of the LDP are discussed.
A study of the mentoring scheme at Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education: issues of equity and justice
Authors: Hetherington Clare
Published: September 2002

This paper discusses the mentoring scheme developed at the Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education. The author, while working on her MA dissertation, was asked to join the College Mentor Scheme Working Group, which had been formed to improve the mentoring scheme. The specific questions addressed, issues raised by managers, the remit of the group and research conducted by the author are all discussed. Findings and specific recommendations are also presented and, finally, more general conclusions are discussed.
Creating patterns of meaning: a collaborative approach to sensemaking
Authors: Borredon Liz , Blake Anthony
Published: September 2002

The objective of the final plenary session of the 8th European Mentoring Conference was to establish a new understanding of mentoring through a collaborative approach to creating patterns of meaning about the subject. We wanted to use participants’ insights from the sessions they attended. Each insight could then be seen as an “ingredient” or as a “particle”, “cell” or “molecule” of meaning that, when seen in relation to other such “molecules”, would evoke a deeper insight into what we already recognise as a complex mentoring process. Clearly phrases such as “molecules of meaning” are relevant to approaching the science of making patterns of meaning and chosen because such expressions are not part of our everyday vocabulary. They have us stretch our attention and imagination, and are helpful in the stages of a methodology suggested to participants. This paper is an account of what participants did leading up to the final plenary, what we as facilitators did in preparation for this session, what happened during the plenary and what emerged as a result of collaborative sense making.
Developing preparedness for flexible delivery of training in enterprises
Authors: Smith Peter J. , Robertson Ian , Wakefield Lyn
Published: September 2002

On a basis of research and literature review, Smith, in 2001, suggested a model for the development of preparedness of learners and their workplaces to support the flexible delivery of training in enterprises. Using the model as a framework, he then developed a detailed set of strategies that may be used in operating workplaces to develop learners and workplaces for effective flexible delivery. The research reported here was designed to test that strategy set in 12 different enterprises to assess the feasibility of their implementation in operating workplaces. The research shows that a majority of suggested strategies are feasible for implementation; some are feasible with qualification; and a minority were not seen as feasible.
An exploration of learning, the knowledge‐based economy, and owner‐managers of small bookselling businesses
Authors: Paige Helen
Published: September 2002

Learning and knowledge in all its various forms have always played an important role in economic development. A major focus however, has been on the impact of the knowledge‐based economy on big, rather than small businesses. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine whether a group of small business owner/managers participated in a range of learning activities, and if so, what those learning activities were. At the same time, the extent to which owner/managers of small businesses were aware of the knowledge‐based economy was also explored, as was the degree to which they participated in it. It was found that, participation in learning did occur, but that greater reliance was placed on informal rather than formal learning. It was also found that the understanding of the knowledge‐based economy varied considerably from those who had some knowledge of the concept, to those who had no understanding at all. While this study is regional in nature, it makes a valid contribution to the study of small business learning from a global perspective.
The troublesome relationship between action learning and organizational growth
Authors: De Loo Ivo
Published: September 2002

Action learning is one of the “action science” or “action oriented research methods” one finds in the literature. The method is to be used when a firm or a manager is confronted with complex, non‐routine problems for which no standard solutions exist. As a result of applying the method, new problem solving strategies may be identified and personal growth may be realized. The action learning literature suggests that thereafter, organizational growth will occur as well. However, transferring personal into organizational growth is a process that is less clear‐cut than is mostly thought. Knowledge management systems have to be set up in order to avoid moral hazard from appearing, so that an organization may reap the full benefits of an action learning program. The institutions that shape an organization, and organizational culture in particular, influence the structure of such a system. Unless these elements are sufficiently taken into account, they may explain why action learning fails to achieve its wider potential, as is sometimes proclaimed in the literature.
Managing the corporate university watershed
Authors: Dealtry Richard
Published: September 2002

This article emphasises the need to achieve thought leadership and a proactive response in the evolution of the corporate university concept during times of business turbulence. It describes process innovations to enhance corporate university performance during those adverse periods in the corporate decision environment when the consequences of top management’s contemporary strategic thinking and aspirations are undermined by the reality of the market place and economic factors. It describes the development of an organisational process model intervention as a stimulant for new thinking and action when scaling the corporate university learning curve in a turbulent decision environment. It describes the need to apply real‐time methodologies and dynamic models by which means the benefits of the overarching integration role of the corporate university can be sustained in a very positive business orientated vision. The outcome of the corporate university organisational development intervention brings many benefits, including increasing levels of confidence by top management in its role and purpose both for the good times and the bad, through demonstrable assurances that the firm’s key strategic and organisational issues are being comprehensively identified and thoroughly managed.
Association of Plasma Viral RNA Load with Prognosis in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Goto Yuko , Nishimura Yoshiaki , Baba Kenji , Mizuno Takuya , Endo Yasuyuki , Masuda Kenichi , Ohno Koichi , Tsujimoto Hajime
Published: September 2002

We measured the quantity of plasma feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) RNA using a real-time sequence detecting system. Plasma viral RNA load was shown to correlate with the clinical stage, survival time, and disease progression in naturally FIV-infected cats. The present study indicates that the plasma viral RNA load can be used as a clinical marker representing the impairment of the immune system and predicting the clinical outcome in FIV-infected cats.
The Upstream Regulatory Region of Human Papillomavirus Type 31 Is Insensitive to Glucocorticoid Induction
Authors: Bromberg-White Jennifer L. , Meyers Craig
Published: September 2002

The upstream regulatory region (URR) of various types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) has been shown to contain functional glucocorticoid response elements (GREs), including HPV type 11 (HPV11), HPV16, and HPV18. Glucocorticoids have been demonstrated to induce the transcriptional activity of the early promoters of these HPV types. Although it has been assumed that the URR of HPV31 contains at least one GRE, no functionality has been demonstrated. We attempt to show here inducibility of the URR of HPV31 by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (dex). By sequence analysis we identified three potential GREs in the URR of HPV31. Gel shift analysis indicated that each of these three sites has the potential to be a functional GRE. However, constructs containing the full-length URR, 5′ deletions of the URR, and an internal fragment of the URR containing all three putative GREs were only weakly inducible by dex. Linker scanning mutants, whereby each potential GRE was replaced individually, in double combination, or in triple combination by a unique polylinker, had no effect on dex inducibility. Replacement of each of the three HPV31 GREs with the GRE of HPV18 failed to induce a response to dex. Placement of the HPV18 GRE into the URR of HPV31 in a region similar to its location in the HPV18 URR was also unable to result in a strong dex induction of the HPV31 URR. These data suggest that the lack of dex inducibility is due to the overall context of the HPV31 URR and may be dependent on the requirements of the major early promoter for transcriptional activation. Finally, replacement of the HPV18 GRE with each of the HPV31 GREs in HPV18 only showed weak inducibility, indicating that the three GREs of HPV31 are in fact only weak inducers of dex. Overall, these data suggest that dex responsiveness, along with oncogenic potential, may provide a possible explanation for the classification of HPV31 as an intermediate-risk virus and demonstrate the complexity of transcriptional regulation of the URR of HPV.
In Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Tegument Forms in the Cytoplasm of the Cell Body
Authors: Miranda-Saksena Monica , Boadle Ross A. , Armati Patricia , Cunningham Anthony L.
Published: September 2002

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) tegument is the least understood component of the virion, and the mechanism of tegument assembly and incorporation into virions during viral egress has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the addition of tegument proteins (VP13/14, VP16, VP22, and US9) and envelope glycoproteins (gD and gH) to herpes simplex virions in the cell body of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons was examined by immunoelectron microscopy. All tegument proteins were detected diffusely spread in the nucleus within 10 to 12 h and, at these times, nucleocapsids were observed budding from the nucleus. The majority (96%) of these nucleocapsids had no detectable label for tegument and glycoproteins despite the presence of tegument proteins in the nucleus and glycoproteins adjacent to the nuclear membrane. Immunolabeling for tegument proteins and glycoproteins was found abundantly in the cytoplasm of the cell body in multiple discrete vesicular areas: on unenveloped, enveloped, or partially enveloped capsids adjacent to these vesicles and in extracellular virions. These vesicles and intracytoplasmic and extracellular virions also labeled with Golgi markers, giantin, mannosidase II, and TGN38. Treatment with brefeldin A from 2 to 24 h postinfection markedly inhibited incorporation into virions of VP22 and US9 but to a lesser degree with VP16 and VP13/14. These results suggest that, in the cell body of neurons, most tegument proteins are incorporated into unenveloped nucleocapsids prior to envelopment in the Golgi and the
trans
-Golgi network. These findings give further support to the deenvelopment-reenvelopment hypothesis for viral egress. Finally, the addition of tegument proteins to unenveloped nucleocapsids in the cell body allows access to these unenveloped nucleocapsids to one of two pathways: egress through the cell body or transport into the axon.
PROFESSIONAL BETTORS, ODDS-ARBITRAGE COMPETITION, AND BETTING MARKET EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: ADAMS BRIAN R. , RUSCO FRANK W. , WALLS W. DAVID
Published: September 2002

A slew of empirical evidence on horse racetrack betting markets points to betting biases and market inefficiency. More recent empirical work has documented the absence of betting biases in racetrack betting markets characterized by a high volume of betting. This paper offers a competition-based model of betting behavior that is consistent with the pattern of betting biases reported in the literature. We postulate the existence of professional bettors who, being better informed and/or having different objectives than the general betting population, engage in odds arbitrage when doing so is profitable. We evaluate the case of a single odds-arbitraging bettor first in order to establish the fundamental properties of odds arbitrage. We then examine the effects of entry of professional bettors who play a Nash game in odds arbitrage; the results show that professionals' participation causes the final track odds to converge to the level implied by the horses' true win probabilities when there is a high volume of betting.
TESTING ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF LABOUR SUPPLY: EVIDENCE FROM TAXI DRIVERS IN SINGAPORE
Authors: CHOU YUAN K.
Published: September 2002

In this paper, we use data from a survey of taxi drivers in Singapore to test two competing labour supply hypotheses: the standard intertemporal model and the income targeting model, where workers set an earnings target over some short time horizon. The former predicts positive wage elasticities of labour supply, while an extreme form of the latter implies an elasticity of -1. The estimated wage elasticities are persistently negative, even after correcting for measurement error using instrumental variables. However, these findings are consistent with those in Camerer et al. (1997)'s study of New York City's cab drivers.
TESTING DIFFERENT CLASSES OF ENDOGENOUS GROWTH MODELS: INDUSTRY EVIDENCE FOR THE NEW ZEALAND ECONOMY
Authors: ENGELBRECHT HANS-JÜRGEN , MCLELLAN NATHAN
Published: September 2002

The endogenous growth literature can be broadly separated into two classes of growth models: Rival human capital models and non-rival "idea" models. Both classes differ in their positive and normative implications for growth. Following Klenow's (1998) approach, this paper uses industry panel data to investigate which class of growth models might be the most appropriate for the New Zealand economy: Exogenous growth, or one of the two classes of endogenous growth models. In contrast to Klenow's findings for the United States, in the New Zealand case rival human capital models seem more applicable, though none of the models correctly predicts all of the empirical relationships.
THE WELFARE EFFECTS OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
Authors: ASAFU-ADJAYE JOHN , MAHADEVAN RENUKA
Published: September 2002

This paper analyses the effect of the Australian goods and services tax. First, we compute the social marginal cost per dollar revenue raised for nine broad commodity groups to determine whether a uniform flat rate is efficient. Second, we evaluate the welfare effects of the tax on the consumption of different income groups. The results indicate that a uniform tax may not be efficient and that the goods and services tax has adversely affected the distribution of purchasing power and thus, there is little scope for using the indirect tax system as a means to redistribute consumption towards the poor.