bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing learning technology to succeed in business
Authors: Little Bob
Published: April 2007

Businesses need to make money and/or save money if they want to be successful. Organisations are now realising that they can do both if they implement software systems – known as learning management systems (LMS) – to collect and analyse data relating to the skills of their workforce. While, once, it was enough to have transferred some training materials from the classroom to CD‐ROM, people soon began to wonder whether anyone actually used the CD‐ROMs. With that realisation, the concept of a learning management system was born. One of the most advanced LMSs in the world – and a market leader, with some 2,500 users world‐wide – is the LMS produced by Pathlore. It lets companies plan, deliver and manage e‐learning, then assess learning performance by student, group, line of business or across the entire extended enterprise. The system also lets companies manage their organisational skills and competencies: employees assess themselves online and then go directly to prescribed online or classroom learning. Although this technology is not a panacea and will not pay dividends for every company, it can offer great benefits to those organisations with a large and/or widely geographically dispersed workforce.
The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Mentoring Scheme
Authors: Carter Stephen
Published: April 2007

Argues that, although the move away from traditional qualifications
towards vocational learning programmes led to UK studies which have
focused on a re‐examining of the roles that are necessary in support of
the learner, there has been, however, an absence of a thorough analysis
of the role of the “mentor”. Seeks to redress this by using an action
research methodology to record the establishment of a mentoring support
scheme for the Institute of Management Certificate in Management. This
has developed seven key elements of competence for mentors involved in
such programmes, which have aided the development of selection and
training programmes. Responses from 72 NVC candidates to these elements
have been surveyed and all were related between “important” and “very
important”. Concludes that the results should be viewed in the light of
the limitations of the instrument as a single source of information, and
therefore further research should be undertaken.
Towards a Comprehensive View of the Case Method in Management
Development
Authors: Richardson Bill
Published: April 2007

Hypothesizes numerous views of what a case study is and what outcomes
case studies, as aids to the management development process, might be
expected to facilitate. Presents a configuration of case design
characteristics which, together with the accompanying discussion, is
intended to be helpful to would‐be case designers and case teachers.
What is the true value of a public library?
Authors: McMenemy David
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To examine the different discourses put forward on how the value of a public library can be measured and question their efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses some of the methodologies used to evaluate public libraries and offers a viewpoint on the desirability of valuing public libraries from an economic standpoint.

Findings

The paper argues that focussing on the economic value of an institution like the public library runs the risk of demeaning its social and intellectual foundations. Additionally that obsession with issue statistics leads to an incorrect focus for libraries about their potential impact on their community.

Practical implications

The paper should be of interest to anyone researching the topic of public libraries and how they are perceived, as it offers a viewpoint on how libraries should be valued by society.

Originality/value

The paper offers an alternative viewpoint regarding the effectiveness of some of the mainstream evaluation methods used to justify the value of public libraries.
From the compleat librarian to the InfoLiterate citizen?
Authors: Poulter Alan
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Discusses the nature of Raymond Irwin's notion of the “compleat librarian” and develops this theme into the present day and the current stat of the library profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is a literary essay.

Findings

The “compleat librarian” concept is useful as a tool to view the current state of the profession.

Practical implications

This article would be of interest to anyone interested in the perceptions of librarians of old vs today.

Originality/value

Novel view of an old concept.
The Expansion of Local History: Its Impact on Libraries
Authors: Paul Derryan
Published: April 2007

The growth of interest in local history shows no sign of dying
down. Public libraries have clearly been affected by the increasing
number of people who use them and by the foundation of new societies and
journals. Equally great, but perhaps less obvious, is the impact made by
certain specific developments. Local history is now integrated into the
educational curriculum at all levels, it is the subject of radio and
television programmes and has grown in popularity with publishers of
monographs. The ways in which local studies libraries have been affected
by these factors are examined. Public libraries are concentrated on,
though there is some reference to local collections in academic
libraries. In conclusion, it is suggested that staff should be
specifically allocated to an education service and to media liaison
work, and that one librarian should specialise in acquisitions.
Books ‐ life or art? University of Paisley Library/John Smith & Son Bookshops Ltd: Scottish Schools Essay Competition
Authors: Catterson Victoria , Robb Angela , Semple Catriona
Published: April 2007

Presents the three winning entries from the 1998 Scottish Schools Essay Competition, organized by the University of Paisley Library and sponsored by John Smith & Son Bookshops Ltd. Victoria Catterson’s first prize winning entry discusses Jeanette Winterson’s Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit which explores the major themes of the novel: self‐identity, love and betrayal. Angela Robb discusses the theme of avariciousness, and the misfortunes that befall a family as a result of it, from John Steinbeck’s The Pearl. Catriona Semple discusses Jostein Gaarder’s The Solitaire Mystery where a Magic Island, Rainbow Fizz, the indigenous dwarfs and a pack of cards are found to be more akin to life on earth than you might at first expect.
Book sufficiency and press efficiency: necessary tools for man, nation and development
Authors: Adewale Ogunrombi Samuel , Adio Gboyega
Published: April 2007

This paper discusses book sufficiency and press efficiency as necessary tools for man, nation and development in Nigeria. The study concludes that: there is book scarcity at all levels of the educational system in Nigeria due to the non‐encouragement of local publishers and authors; the western part of the country has most of the textbooks available (in English, maths and science) in the country, followed by the eastern part where book piracy is at about 50‐70 per cent, while it is grossly inadequate in the northern part of the country. Uneven distribution of the few available books in the country results in non‐functional libraries in primary schools and few functional ones in secondary schools. The heavy dependency on foreign textbooks and journals at the tertiary level of the educational system should be discouraged, so that indigenous technology is encouraged. Recommendations are made to the Federal government of Nigeria.
The tyranny of the volunteer: the care and feeding of voluntary workforces
Authors: Wilson Aubrey , Pimm Gina
Published: April 2007

Examines the huge voluntary sector contribution and shows that vast numbers of the population involve themselves in voluntary work at some time or another. Estimates that the value of their contributions could be as high as £40 billion. This huge sum is generated by dedicated people who nevertheless are for the most part not managed or badly managed, are a constantly shifting group and are not subject to the normal disciplines of business. Sets out how human resource management, as adopted by industry, can be adapted sensitively for the volunteer work‐force, despite the fact that normal levels of management ‐ control and direction ‐ are either unusable or so weak that they can be accepted or ignored, according to mood and conditions.
Organisational sicknesses and their treatment
Authors: Randell Gerry
Published: April 2007

Organisations can become sick, just as people do. A great deal about the nature, diagnosis and treatment of organisational maladies can be learned from a study of how individuals can become mentally ill. The diagnosis and treatment of mental illness is much more advanced than the study of organisational ills. Like people, organisations can be structurally sick or behaviourally sick. The various “symptoms” can be studied, hopefully, within a diagnostic framework that would enable an accurate diagnosis to be made and treatments prescribed to bring about a healthy, productive and successful organisation. The implications of these ideas are that HRM directors in the next millennium should take the lead in organisational diagnosis and be the guardians of the organisation’s medicine chest!
Competitive forces are also subject to change
Authors: Thurlby Bob
Published: April 2007

Reporting on original research, this paper takes a new look at classical theory on the nature of competition. Using the electricity sector as a case study, this work develops an outline set of “new” competitive forces centred on the reinvention of individual organisations, rather than wide‐scale interactive competition.
Influence of dietary choline and tryptophan on motivational state
Authors: Robins Anna , Davies Don
Published: April 2007

This article concludes that dietary choline and tryptophan could influence motivational state. Investigates the link between diet and motivational state. In particular, examines how the neurotransmitter precursors choline and tryptophan are derived from the diet, how an increase in these precursors can enhance the production of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5‐HT) in the brain, and finally how the increase in these neurotransmitters can increase neuronal function and, as a result, brain activity. Increased synaptic release of both ACh and 5‐HT was found to be associated with increased brain activity. A new “neurotransmitter binding theory” is hypothesised, which is then used to associate increased brain activity with elevations in mood and an increased ability to concentrate, think and make rational decisions.
Industry labelling guidelines for allergens and food safety advice
Authors: Sadler Michèle , Gatenby Sue
Published: April 2007

Two sets of voluntary labelling guidelines for the food industry have been developed under the auspices of IGD. Voluntary Labelling Guidelines for Food Allergens and Gluten are aimed at manufacturers and retailers of packaged foods. The guidelines aim to ensure a consistent approach to labelling, across industry, such that the use of allergenic foods as ingredients in food products will always be labelled in the ingredients list, and advisory labelling for the adventitious presence of traces of peanuts and tree nuts will be based on an assessed risk of the manufacturing processes and ingredients supply. Voluntary Guidelines for the Provision of Food Safety Advice on Product Labels aim to supplement statutory requirements and to reinforce food safety messages to assist consumers in their domestic environment.
The Meals on Wheels Service: A Consumer Survey
Authors: Tilston C.H. , Gregson K. , Neale R.J. , Tyne C.
Published: April 2007

Combines a marketing study of the Meals on Wheels (MoW) service in
Leicester, with a study of food consumption patterns in 1,500 elderly
persons by the use of a self‐completed questionnaire, which aimed to
evaluate the consumer characteristics, service provision and degree of
satisfaction of MoW recipients and identify specific areas of
dissatisfaction. Overall 88 per cent said they were very satisfied or
satisfied with the service. Food consumption patterns showed that the
majority of the elderly ate other food besides MoW but 26 per cent of
recipients provided no information, suggesting that little other food
was eaten. Further research is required on preference ratings for
various types of meals and on the attitudes of the elderly to certain
food types, e.g. fruit, vegetables, milk and other dairy products.
Eat Well Is the Message for the Nation
Authors: Wells Dilys
Published: April 2007

Looks at recommendations from COMA regarding gains to improvements in
cardiovascular diseases. Advertising is seen as having an important
influence on this. Fat reductions in the diet are required and needed
for the nation′s health.
MAFF’s research programme on food acceptability and choice
Authors: Jardine Nicholas J.
Published: April 2007

Briefly outlines main objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) research programme Food Acceptability and Choice. Looks at the project portfolio and lists recent, current and future research topics by author. Concludes by listing relevant literature from the MAFF programme.
Vegetables and fruits: barriers and opportunities for greater consumption
Authors: Cox David N. , Reynolds J. , Mela D.J. , Anderson Annie S. , McKellar Susan , Lean M.E.J.
Published: April 2007

Reports on a three‐phase Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food‐funded study which aimed to identify beliefs and attitudes that may act as barriers to increased fruit and vegetable consumption and to identify strategies which could be used to encourage increased consumption through public health messages.
The Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition at the University of Reading
Authors: Williams Christine , Walker Ann
Published: April 2007

Reports the award, to the University of Reading, of an endowment in accordance with the wishes of the late Dr Hugh Sinclair for a unit devoted to the research and teaching of human nutrition. Outlines the work currently taking place within the unit and its plans for the future. Describes the life, work and legacy of Dr Hugh Sinclair.
Food science at South Bank University
Authors: Chaplin Martin , Coultate Tom
Published: April 2007

Focuses on teaching and research in the field of food science and technology at South Bank University, featuring the content of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level as well as the areas of food science research.
The vegan dairy
Authors: Lightowler Helen , Davies Jill
Published: April 2007

Discusses the non‐dairy alternatives to milk and dairy products. Looks at a range of products suitable for the “vegan dairy” and compares the nutrient profiles with those of traditional milk and dairy products. Concludes that vegans should choose non‐dairy alternative products which have been fortified. The way forward is to expand the range of fortified “vegan dairy” products, to increase the availability of these foods and, in time, to reduce their price.
Labelling genetically modified soya and maize in the EU
Authors: Sadler Michele
Published: April 2007

European regulations for labelling the genetically modified commodity crops Round‐up Ready Soya and Bt Maize have been agreed and came into force on 1 September 1998. The regulation requires labelling of ingredients that contain genetically modified DNA or modified protein. Labelling is not required where processing has resulted in modified DNA or protein being destroyed. With the aim of providing consumer information and ensuring consumer choice, UK industry had phased in labelling of genetically modified soya and maize protein since January 1998, ahead of the EU regulation being agreed. This voluntary labelling was on the basis of guidelines drawn up by an IGD Working Group. The voluntary guidelines are very similar to the EU labelling regulation. Under the terms of the labelling regulation, further discussions are necessary in Europe to agree a list of ingredients that will not require labelling on the basis that no modified DNA or protein is present, with the aim that these ingredients do not need to be tested each time they are used. Where efforts have been taken to source the non‐genetically modified varieties, the concept of a threshold has been put forward to allow for adventitious mixing with the genetically modified crop. Further discussions are necessary to agree where the threshold should be set. It is expected that the regulation will be the basis for labelling future genetically modified products.
Benefiting from Partnerships
Authors: Churchill Sue
Published: April 2007

Posits that now we are emerging from a recession it is important to have
education and industry working together. Examines several initiatives
in South London. Concludes that the benefits to both education and
industry vary from project to project, and because of this are greater
and more far‐reaching.
Internet service providers in India
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi
Published: April 2007

Provides a broad view of the role of an Internet service provider (ISP) and the factors to be considered before entering the ISP market. Describes the Internet/ISP scene within India and discusses the configuration of local, regional and national level ISPs, and the supporting infrastructure. Identifies success factors. Concludes that though many companies entered the nascent ISP business in India due to deregulation, many of them are unlikely to survive in the longer term.
Asian management style versus western management theories: a case study in construction project management
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Leong Christopher H.Y.
Published: April 2007

The Asian financial crisis snowballed in July 1997 following the devaluation of the Thai Baht. This triggered off a chain reaction which led to similar crises in many countries in Asia, including Singapore. One of the arguments that has been put forward to explain the financial crisis in Asia relates to the Asian style of management, which purportedly includes kinsmanship and guanxi or family connections. This paper seeks to discover whether the Asian management style is significantly different from the western style of management. This is achieved through a case study in construction project management for a typical family‐run building firm in Singapore. Field observations on the construction site suggest that the style of management in Asia can be related to modern management theories from the West.
Visuospatial cognition and the communication of production concepts
Authors: Moore David R.
Published: April 2007

Examines the factors that may affect, both positively and negatively, the nature of visuospatial cognition. These factors are considered within the context of the level of cognition (which follows on from the act of visual perception) achieved by individual students with regard to concepts concerning construction industry production processes. The key production concept in this paper is that of interdependency. Results in a hypothesis relating to the enhancement of communication of concepts such as interdependency through utilisation of structured entities. This hypothesis will be evaluated in future research.
The impact of leadership style on organizational growth
Authors: Adeyemi‐Bello Tope
Published: April 2007

Leadership style is a variable that has received significant attention in the management literature. This study suggests that effective leadership style may not be dependent on whether an organization is for‐profit or not‐for‐profit. The findings of this study indicate that even in a not‐for‐profit context, effective leadership is defined not only by task and people orientations but also the interaction between them. Therefore, in developing the psychological profile of effective not‐for‐profit leaders, as is the case in the for‐profit sector, management researchers should explore both their task and people orientations.
Transient transfusion; or the wearing‐off of the governance of the soul?
Authors: Beech Nic , Cairns George , Robertson Tom
Published: April 2007

This paper critically examines an approach to employee development which breaks with the tradition of systematic training. The training event discussed here, Transfusion, was a dramatic and evangelical experience which aimed to impact on “the whole person” rather than specific training needs. It used a number of unconventional techniques and was reported by participants to have a high impact. However, despite its innovative qualities and apparent success, the approach can be criticised, both theoretically and on the basis of data gathered from participants and non‐participants. The criticisms highlight tensions around the integration of employees into the organization, and the potential displacement of systematic training by post‐modern development events.
Greenfield recruitment and selection
Authors: Hallier Jerry
Published: April 2007

The recruitment of young, “green” workers has long been recognised as a defining characteristic of the greenfield site. Extends understanding of how person‐centred recruitment, with its emphasis on employee acceptability, disadvantages the older greenfield applicant. Whether it be a new high commitment or customer service site, worker age is shown to combine with the conventional recruitment criteria of skill, class and gender to constitute an excluded labour segment. In its superior capacity to shape workforce composition, greenfield person‐centred recruitment is shown to be important to understanding the ways in which managerial control is pursued and exercised more widely than within the labour process. Leopold and Hallier’s framework of greenfield types is also modified to encompass new customer service sites where acceptability recruitment is critical to greenfield employers’ labour relations strategies. Concludes that person‐centred recruitment should be studied as a critical feature of greenfield workplace politics and practices.
Managing job stress
Authors: Murphy Lawrence R.
Published: April 2007

Starts from the premisses that stress at work is a significant and costly problem, and that the challenge for companies is to manage work stress in order to reduce health‐care costs and improve productivity. Suggests that this challenge can be met by greater collaboration among company departments, bringing expertise from different areas to bear on the problem. Describes the conceptual basis for such collaboration and presents a case study of an ongoing partnership between an employee assistance programme and a human resource management group.
The postmodern condition: students, the Web, and academic library services
Authors: Harley Bruce , Dreger Megan , Knobloch Patricia
Published: April 2007

More than ever before, academic librarians are re‐evaluating reference and bibliographic instruction services. A framework for this re‐evaluation is proposed that focuses attention on two significant variables affecting these services: student attitudes and the World Wide Web. These variables exemplify the postmodern condition, characterized by consumerism, superficiality, and knowledge fragmentation. Within this framework, academic librarians can devote more attention to facilitating student critical thinking than to training students in the use of library resources to find information. They can choose from a suite of recommended strategies in reference and instructional settings in and outside the library, their primary goal being to enhance librarian‐student interaction.
Knowledge management in academic libraries: special tools and processes to support information professionals
Authors: Jantz Ron
Published: April 2007

This article examines important issues of knowledge management within academic libraries, and how reference librarians can become more effective as information intermediaries. Exploiting knowledge can be a major competitive advantage for libraries, which can translate into better service to users. This article focuses on librarians and the information they use in carrying out the tasks for reference librarianship, and in organizing a multi‐campus library to effectively meet the needs of a large and diverse group of faculty, students, and staff. Specifically, a new tool for managing and using informal knowledge will be described, along with the team‐based approach that was used to develop and introduce the tool into the New Brunswick Libraries at Rutgers University.
The challenge of unattended children in the public library
Authors: Arrighetti Julie
Published: April 2007

Public libraries will continue to be challenged by the presence of unattended children in the library as long as parents struggle to provide adequate childcare arrangements. This article discusses some typical library responses to the presence of unattended children and identifies elements that are shared by the most successful programs. Many libraries have found that offering programs for children is an excellent way to strengthen the relationship between the library and its community. In addition, innovative programs that encourage young library users provide an opportunity to foster a new generation of library users, which is critical if libraries are to survive as an institution in the coming years.
Factors explaining debt capacity
Authors: Woodruff Gregg S.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical support for micro‐economic theory respecting debt capacity and develop a practically useful model for assessing debt capacity for firms seeking to minimize credit risk and the cost of debt (interest rate).

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically important factors explaining the variation in debt capacity are identified and tested, namely: the proportion of property, plant and equipment over total assets, industry group (highlighting asset specificity), sales variability, and the depreciation method. Data were collected from the SEC Disclosure Database. Using the SPSS software, this paper's theoretically based constructs were tested by developing a linear regression model.

Findings

The regression results indicate that the theoretical model explains a statistically significant portion of the variation across firms in the proportion of debt to total assets a firm is willing (and is allowed by the financial market) to carry. However, a major portion of the variation in debt capacity is not explained. Future research can identify and test other factors to develop a better explanatory model.

Research limitations/implications

Subject to the above limitation, the model developed provides a basis for firms to assess their debt capacity. Firm's whose actual debt to asset ratio is less than their debt capacity can borrow more if needed and if additional leverage is justified. Creditors can also use the estimated debt capacity when deciding the terms (including the interest rate) of extending credit. Investors can shy away from companies with very little or no unused debt capacity to reduce their portfolio risk.

Originality/value

This paper's academic and practical contributions, respectively, are to empirically test debt capacity's theoretical constructs and provide a practically useful and theoretically based model for assessing debt capacity by creditors, investors, and the companies.
The impact of the Employment Relations Act 1999 on Scotland’s voluntary sector
Authors: Jackson John , Cunningham Ian , Dutton Alistair
Published: April 2007

Since the 1980s, public policy developments have promoted the role of the voluntary sector in a variety of UK settings. In parallel, there has been a growing interest in the impacts of employment relations regulation. This paper combines these themes by exploring the impact of the Employment Relations Act (1999) on the Scottish voluntary sector. Provides evidence, based on data from larger voluntary organisations, that the legislation has potential impacts, particularly regarding unfair dismissals, trade union recognition and parental leave. An underlying issue is the emergence of personnel management capability in conditions of increasingly complex labour market regulation.
The Institute of Management’s Management Information Centre moves to full‐text on the Web in the new millennium
Authors: Norton Bob
Published: April 2007

Describes the extended information services to be provided to members of the Institute of Management from 2000 when full‐text databases of management and marketing literature will be available in a new Web‐based format.
Diversity matters 3: the Quality Leaders Project – youth programme
Authors: Ward Patricia
Published: April 2007

Describes the second stage of an action research project to develop black library workers and extend their management skills involving the development of innovative services to youth, with a special emphasis on young refugees and asylum seekers.
Springboard Women′s Development Programme
Authors: Fawcett Valerie
Published: April 2007

The Springboard Women′s Development Programme has been helping many
women in library and information work to fulfil their potential. Women
who have taken part in this personal development course have become more
confident and assertive, and their managers have found them more willing
to put forward their ideas, take the initiative and take on additional
responsibilities. Many achieve promotion, but women set their own agenda
on the course, so they decide what they want to achieve and the steps
they need to take. Describes issues which have arisen in connection
with selecting participants, initial negative reactions from male
colleagues, and scepticism from line managers, and how these have been
overcome. Also gives details of the style and content of the course and
explains why it needs to be for women only.
Burning Books: The Work of DOCUMENT SOS
Authors: Thorburn Georgine
Published: April 2007

Points out that the highest rate of library arson in the world is in the
UK. Aims to heighten awareness of the risk and to dispel myths and
misinformation given in manuals and videos by non‐professionals in the
field of disaster reinstatement. Suggests that, though disaster planning
and preparedness are critical, effort is often concentrated on
irrelevant issues. Draws on the experience of DOCUMENT SOS, the only
company in the world which specializes in library disasters. The
organization′s Library Disaster Centre Database collates information
from libraries which have experienced disaster, which can then be used
to guide further operations. Suggests that an average fire‐damaged
library stock of 30,000 books can be reinstated in six weeks, that
damaged books should never be moved and that freeze/vacuum drying is
only required for water‐damaged antiquarian or irreplaceable books.
Managing courses in countries of Central and Eastern Europe:
experiences during two German seminars about library and information
management
Authors: Simon Elisabeth , Stroetmann Karl A.
Published: April 2007

Since the opening up of the Soviet bloc countries, help given to
libraries from the West has mainly taken the form of donation of
material. It has been difficult for Western colleagues to appreciate the
full extent of the problems experienced by their counterparts in the
former Soviet bloc. The most pressing problems concerned library
management. Describes two seminars on library and information management
set up by the Foreign Relations Bureau, Berlin, in former Soviet bloc
countries. The seminars tackled the problem of management from different
angles. Outlines the learning and benefits received by both Western and
Eastern participants.
Catching the tide: environmental pressures for an emphasis on management in the library and information sciences curriculum
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: April 2007

This paper considers the impact of the emerging “information society” on the education and development of information professionals, particularly in the area of management. It identifies those features of the “information society” which are significant for teaching and learning: the new information and communication technologies; users’ growing expectations of information services; the changing job market; and convergence in the information sector. It outlines some steps which schools of library and information sciences in the UK have taken to respond to the challenges presented by the new environment: revising the existing curriculum and teaching methods; expanding the range of curricula; and improved support for continuing professional development. It describes some obstacles to progress: particularly the lack of research into the value of information; isolation from other disciplines, such as political science; potential challenges from business schools; and the shortcomings of current distance learning provision.Introduction
New organisational forms, learning and incentive‐based inequality
Authors: Crifo‐Tillet Patricia , Villeval Marie‐Claire
Published: April 2007

In relation to the analysis of inequality and skill‐bias innovation, this article develops a theoretical model for determining the influence of work organisation on incentives and earnings. In a linear agency model, which explains innovative work organisation practices from an incentive perspective, we show that the static impact of organisational forms on expected earnings can be decomposed into two effects (a risk premium effect and a task complementarity effect originated in learning and information diffusion). Such effects drive productivity and expected pay‐offs upward, as observed in many recent empirical studies. Thus, the development of new work practices based on a greater degree of delegation contributes to the increase of earnings inequality. In a dynamic perspective, the model shows that knowledge dissemination will in general sustain the same trend. However, when initial efforts and productivity are relatively high, output and pay‐offs will decline during the transition to the steady‐state. The overall impact of organisational forms on earnings and inequality may therefore be ambiguous, depending on the importance of learning.
Trends and emerging values in human resource management ‐ The Spanish scene
Authors: Valle Ramón , Martín Fernando , Romero Pedro M.
Published: April 2007

Spanish firms have undertaken significant internal changes, including those related to human resources management, in order to adapt to new circumstances of market competitiveness. Length of the contractual relationship is one of the most important of these changes (contracts for an unlimited versus limited period). Available data show that the human resources management departments of Spanish firms have retained some traditional perspectives, while adopting some newer ones.
Minimum Wage Protection in Industrialized Countries
Authors: Bazen Stephen
Published: April 2007

Minimum wage fixing came to be increasingly questioned during the 1980s
owing to high unemployment and the rise of liberal economic thinking.
This led many countries to dilute minimum wage protection by freezing
the rates or altering the coverage. However, close examination of the
relevant research reveals that empirical support for the criticisms of
minimum wages is fairly weak and fragmented. At the end of the 1980s and
beginning of the 1990s, many countries, Great Britain being a notable
exception, pursued a more active minimum wage policy. Concludes with a
re‐examination of the goals and form of minimum wage legislation in the
light of recent history.
Australia’s ageing population: implications for human resource
management
Authors: Patrickson Margaret , Hartmann Linley
Published: April 2007

Considers the implications of Australia′s ageing population for
future human resource management practice. Acknowledges that downsizing
practices which initially targeted older workers may have contributed to
raising the profile of their vulnerability and suggests reforms will be
needed in all key human resource functions to reduce bias, improve
equity, and focus on the potential benefits older staff can contribute.
Differences in health and safety records indicate that age alone does
not differentiate between staff, and hence dismisses perceptions of
older staff as more accident prone. Stereotypes which militate against
hiring older staff need to be addressed and training practices will need
restructuring to accommodate alternative training methods which
encourage older staff to reskill. Discusses potential new mentoring
roles. Proposes that performance criteria which measure contribution
need to be developed for all employees so that rewards can be
disentangled from length of service and ensure that jobs, not
individuals, become the basis of evaluation.
Relative productivity levels
Authors: O′Mahony Mary , Wagner Karin
Published: April 2007

Compares the productivity record of 30 manufacturing industries in
UK and Germany in 1979 and 1989. Discusses the relative stocks of three
forms of capital: physical capital, human capital and R&D
expenditure. Standard growth accounting framework is used to estimate
relative multi‐factor productivity levels. Concludes that, although
Germany had a strong labour productivity advantage in 1989, Britain′s
relative position had improved considerably since 1979. By 1989 German
superiority could largely be explained by greater capital resources.
ORiN: Open Robot Interface for the Network, a proposed standard
Authors: Mizukawa Makoto , Matsuka Hideo , Koyama Toshihiko , Matsumoto Akihiro
Published: April 2007

The Japan Robot Association (JARA) has been conducting standardization activities (ORiN: Open Robot Interface for the Network) in which the main subject is the network interface in the robot controller. In the 1999 international robot exhibition, our activities and results were opened and demonstrated to the public. In this demonstration, industrial robots from 13 Japanese domestic robot manufacturers, that had different specifications and structures, were connected to each other with a communication network. Using ORiN API, applications for production system management and 3‐D robot motion monitoring were demonstrated. The purpose of this demonstration is to verify the openness of the networked robot and to certify the proposed de facto standard protocol and robot model. The background of those activities, the outline of the design guidelines, the demonstration for verification, a schedule and plan towards the de facto and/or ISO standard are all mentioned.
Paint robots in the automotive industry – process and cost optimization
Authors: Grohmann Udo
Published: April 2007

Reviews the current use of paint robots in the automotive industry and looks at the further development of robot control which has extended its reach into the area of process control. Summarizes the potential of the developing technologies.
Robot‐based thermoplastic fibre placement process
Authors: Ahrens Markus , Mallick Vishal , Parfrey Karl
Published: April 2007

The excellent specific stiffness and strength of carbon fibre reinforced composites make them especially interesting for applications in rotating machines. Unfortunately, these materials have the disadvantage that their manufacturing process is labour‐intensive, and thus slow and expensive. This drawback is overcome by the highly automated thermoplastic fibre placement process, in which impregnated thermoplastic tape is heated and then consolidatedin situunder pressure. ABB has implemented the process in the laboratory with a six‐axis robotic system and is using it to develop new components for turbomachinery. The process is also of interest for applications in the aircraft and automotive industries.
Robotic milkmaids to become a commercial reality
Authors: Spencer Sue
Published: April 2007

Reports on the first ever automatic milking system, known as VMS, or voluntary milking system, which has been unveiled on a farm in Sweden. The article goes on to outline the history and development of VMS, and its current operating processes.
Organisational culture and quality improvement
Authors: Maull R. , Brown P. , Cliffe R.
Published: April 2007

This article has two main sections. The first section presents the theoretical underpinnings for the development of a cultural analysis model that companies should undertake prior to embarking on a TQM programme. The PCOC model (Personal, Customer orientation, Organisational and Cultural issues) which is derived from the Hofstede approach to cultural analysis, was used to determine whether the development of a questionnaire to measure the culture and the organisational environment could be achieved. The model also provides an organisational climate analysis which can then be compared with results from the cultural analysis. Describes a seven step approach whereby companies can operationalise the PCOC model to their organisation. The second section of the article presents the findings from the use of an organisational culture assessment model, PCOC, within four financial services organisations (FSOs). The returns for each of the FSOs were analysed against the returns for the four organisations as a whole. The results for each FSO are presented separately. The major issues for each FSO are drawn out using a “t” test to analyse the differences for the FSOs as a whole.
Restructuring supply chains through information channel innovation
Authors: Croom Simon
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the optimisation of purchasing for maintenance, repair and operating supplies (MRO) through purchase process re‐engineering. In particular, the use and development of the Internet as a channel for procurement of MRO items was examined from a transaction cost perspective. The focus of this paper is on the impact of Web/Internet based electronic commerce on the structure of MRO supply chains. The paper provides a discussion of the theoretical basis for analysis of the impact of e‐commerce on supply chain structure, and presents existing literature in the area. The empirical research involved a series of semi‐structured interviews with UK, European and US based manufacturers, retailers, government bodies, and service organisations. Respondents ranged from experienced users of e‐procurement to organisations just starting out on their pilot investigations of the contribution of Internet trading to their purchasing efficiency. The impact on supply chain configuration of greater information transparency may be posited to be one which will lead to increased outsourcing, improved procurement processes and more strategic management of MRO purchases.
Dühring’s “socialitarian” model of economic communes and its influence on the development of socialist thought and practice
Authors: Chilosi Alberto
Published: April 2007

This paper considers the influence of Eugen Dühring’s 1876 model of economic communes on the development of a peculiar non‐Marxian stream of market socialist models, characterized by the fact that the self‐managed production units are open. In the 1934 Breit and Lange model of market socialism, the organization of the economy is thought to be in the form of large self‐management trusts, whose market power is limited by openness. Very similar features can also be found in Franz Oppenheimer’s previous model of industrial cooperatives. Herztka’s Freeland model of settlement cooperatives represents another development of Dühring’s original blueprint. Through Oppenheimer, Dühring’s ideas paradoxically exerted an intellectual influence on the initial institutional form of Jewish settlements in Palestine. Otherwise Dühring’s model of economic communes shows remarkable similitude with Mao’s organization of the Chinese economy, pointing to a possible influence through the extensive quotes in Engels’ AntiDühring.
Modular assembly: more a process than an engineering technique
Authors: Bourn William
Published: April 2007

Describes the commercial and technical benefits of using a modular approach to system automation. Written by a supplier of modular automation systems.
Workpiece retention during machine processing
Authors: Monkman Gareth
Published: April 2007

Discusses the failings of conventional fixturing systems such as jigs and clamps and describes how electrorheological fluids can be used for flexible fixturing and workpiece retention.
A time‐triggered control network for industrial automation
Authors: Heffernan Donal , Leen Gabriel
Published: April 2007

The CAN (Controller Area Network) standard, ISO 11898, is now ubiquitous in industrial automation environments. CAN is used with defined application layers for implementing sensor/actuator level distributed control applications. Protocols such as Honeywell's SDS, ODVA's DeviceNet (Allen Bradley) and CANopen are well‐known device level networks which are based on the CAN protocol. A new time‐triggered protocol for CAN, referred to as TTCAN, is under development where the real‐time scheduling of the network traffic can be formally verified. This paper introduces the new TTCAN protocol and suggests that TTCAN has the potential to provide new solutions in industrial automation applications. TTCAN has the potential to replace some conventional pneumatic, hydraulic and other mechanical safety‐critical control systems with a reliable electronic network. The emergence of 42‐volt technology from the automotive world will further complement the TTCAN technology to provide some unique industrial automation solutions.
Electronic camming and gearing
Authors: van Gerwen Jan
Published: April 2007

Machine builders often use mechanical solutions to translate a rotation motion into linear motion, and to synchronize several axes with one another, or with other moving parts. Higher production speeds are usually obtained by faster machine cycles, but mechanical limitations are increasingly leading machine builders to use electronic camming and gearing.
A question of balance: the role of libraries in providing alternatives to the mainstream media
Authors: Kranich Nancy
Published: April 2007

Discusses the importance of the alternative press and what libraries can do to ensure a healthy alternative press. Argues that libraries must counter the illusion that the current media offers more choice. They need to: prioritize the acquisition and cataloguing of alternative press publications; encourage professional associations to promote the alternative press more actively; and “adopt” alternative publishers. Concludes that libraries can offer sanctuaries for alternative voices and should ensure that they have diverse collections that truly represent the full spectrum of published opinion.
Polymer films in sensor applications: a review of present uses and future possibilities
Authors: Harsányi Gábor
Published: April 2007

Polymeric materials have gained a wide theoretical interest and practical application in sensor technology. They can be used for very different purposes and may offer unique possibilities. The paper gives a broad summary about the sensor structures and sensing polymer films used in a wide variety of sensors. Finally, the present status and perspectives as well as the advantages of specific polymer based sensors are summarised.
Collective analogue computation in smart imaging sensors
Authors: Collins Steve
Published: April 2007

The understandable recent trend in sensor design has been to exploit the rapid advance in digital electronics to reduce reliance on analogue circuits. In contrast to this general trend some researchers have been inspired by biological systems to design smart imaging sensors based upon collective analogue computation in networks of resistors. This has resulted in sensor designs which efficiently extract information from a large volume of data whilst reducing manufacturing costs by improving yield.
Laser and electro‐optic based sensors
Authors: Marx Bridget
Published: April 2007

Looks at complex applications for lasers, optics and electro‐optics, including use in areas such as inspection and measurement. Features ESPI (electronic speckle pattern interferometry) systems and their use in the automotive industry and presents a case study involving specialist systems used in areas such as measuring print rollers and inspecting engine cylinder walls. Touches on other new techniques in the field such as chemical imaging and the recent use of Doppler vibrometry to quantify pure bending vibrations in rotating components.