bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for a system of corporate knowledge
Authors: Bayou Mohamed E. , Reinstein Alan
Published: November 2002

Many corporate managers and researchers now frequently rank intellectual assets ahead of physical assets in developing a competitive edge, primarily due to such factors as shorter life cycles, frequent changes, adoption of advanced technologies and increasing global competition. Given the accounting literature’s inadequate attention to these important resources, this paper develops a systemic view called a “system of corporate knowledge”. This system includes the components, environment and structure of intellectual assets. Components include critical thinking, creative thinking and innovation. The environment includes organization climate and organization learning into which the system’s components operate and culminate through the integration of all applied thinking types. The system’s structure is shown mathematically by a dynamic equation. The mathematical model is a form of reductionism necessary to bring such a complex system of corporate knowledge to a manageable level. Controllers and managers can then use the system to explain the mechanism of the knowledge development or lack thereof. Since the system operates dynamically, spiral functions are applied to help controllers and managers graphically present the trends in the system.
Assurance of functionality of tax in the e‐business world: the Hong Kong experience
Authors: Ho Daniel , Mak Aldous , Wong Brossa
Published: November 2002

Electronic business has changed the way of conducting business and raises a number of tax issues and problems internationally. The challenge is for the tax authorities to assure the functionality of tax, including the determination of taxable transactions, taxable quantum and which government has the right to levy tax. The Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development has played the leading role in the study of taxation issues arising from electronic transactions. The purpose of this paper is to study the tax issues and problems raised by electronic transactions and in particular, its impact on the tax base in Hong Kong. The popular view among many tax authorities is that the current taxing rules are sufficient to deal with Internet trading and that it does not require a fundamental rewriting of international or domestic tax principles even for source‐based jurisdictions like Hong Kong. However, it is important for the Hong Kong tax authority to lead the way on the challenges and the opportunities posed by e‐business in order to assure the functionality of tax in Hong Kong.
E‐commerce in a Web‐based environment: auditing relative advantages in the Australian health sector
Authors: Gaertner Nikki , Smith Malcolm
Published: November 2002

The increased use of the Internet has suggested that there may be many advantages to both suppliers and consumers in using e‐commerce in a Web‐based environment. However, numerous concerns and disadvantages have also been expressed, mainly in the academic literature. The importance placed on these disadvantages by suppliers has not yet been studied. This study determines whether or not the advantages and disadvantages of e‐commerce revealed in the literature are deemed to be important by sample firms. This enables conclusions to be drawn about the level of insight these firms have into the technology, and their preparedness for the implementation of e‐commerce functions. This study provides evidence to suggest that there is no significant difference between the advantages of e‐commerce perceived by the responding suppliers and those presented in the literature, but that there is a significant variation with respect to the perceived disadvantages.
Audit and self‐assessment in quality management: comparison and compatibility
Authors: Karapetrovic Stanislav , Willborn Walter
Published: November 2002

In recent years, two performance evaluation methodologies have received significant attention in managerial circles: quality audit and self‐assessment. While the quality audit examines the compliance of a quality system with ISO 9000 standards and its suitability to achieve stated objectives, the self‐assessment measures organizational performance against a selected business excellence model. In a continuous improvement effort, an organization can lay out the groundwork by establishing an ISO 9000 quality system, and subsequently use an excellence model to enhance performance, thereby effectively applying both evaluation methodologies. This paper compares the principles and practices of quality audits and self‐assessments, for the purpose of examining their compatibility and providing the basis for integration. Numerous differences in the concepts, purpose, scope and methodology are illustrated, and self‐assessments are found to be more advantageous in enabling continuous improvement. However, it is concluded that audits and self‐assessments are compatible, and further research into the issues of enhancing both methodologies is suggested.
Forensic accounting skills: will supply finally catch up to demand?
Authors: Carnes Kay C. , Gierlasinski Norman J.
Published: November 2002

This paper examines the mismatch between the supply of and demand for auditors with forensic accounting skills. Regulators continue to increase the responsibility for auditors to detect fraudulent financial statements, and several accounting organizations have responded with calls for more stringent attention to fraud detection. However, universities have been slow to respond with courses designed to improve students’ understanding of fraud or their abilities to detect it. New accounting accreditation standards and the need to revise curricula to meet increased CPA licensing requirements give hope that more attention will finally be given to increasing university coverage of fraud and forensic auditing skills.
A symbiosis of quality and innovation in SMEs: amultiple case study analysis
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Armstrong Gren
Published: November 2002

Small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are coming under increasing market pressures due to larger more agile companies encroaching on their markets and increasing integration in the supply chain. Thus SMEs need to increase their innovativeness to improve and survive. The aim of this paper is to see how quality practices can be used to instill innovation within SMEs. The research methodology involved a statistical analysis of over 60 SMEs to determine their approach to quality and innovation. This approach was followed up with ten in‐depth case studies to determine deep rich data. The case study data, presented in this paper, show that quality is an essential foundation for progressing to large scale innovation and also continues to act as a catalyst for innovation.
Auditing of environmental management systems: alegitimacy theory perspective
Authors: Taylor Dennis W. , Sulaiman Maliah , Sheahan Michael
Published: November 2002

Provides findings from a survey of environmental management systems (EMS) auditors at ISO
14001‐certified sites of Australian enterprises. Taking a legitimacy theory perspective, this study investigates the way in which enterprises with certified sites are meeting their implied social contract with stakeholders (also termed “relevant publics”) on environmental conduct. Investigates whether EMSs, and related environmental audit functions, are being treated as quality assurance tools for the betterment of environmental performance, or as impositions to be complied with so as to maintain the credential of ISO 14001 certification per se. Seeks to throw light on this legitimacy theory issue by providing evidence about management’s motivation behind, and strength of support for, the EMS auditing function at ISO 14001‐certified sites. Obtains evidence about the objectives for the EMS auditing function, the resources committed to it and the perceived benefits arising from meeting the requirements for certification. Results point consistently to the conclusion that management have emphasised having enough compliance to maintain their site’s ISO 14001 certification credential.
Clinical governance: a convincing strategy for quality improvement?
Authors: Roland Martin , Campbell Stephen , Wilkin David
Published: November 2002

Clinical governance is a new policy introduced by the UK government to improve quality of care in the National Health Service; it imposes a “duty of quality” on all NHS organisations, and aims to bring together managerial, organisational and clinical approaches to improving quality of care. Infrastructures have been established to support quality improvement in NHS organisations and priorities for quality improvement have been established. Initial approaches are largely educational. However, information on quality of care is starting to be shared, and experiments are being conducted with a range of financial and contractual incentives for quality improvement. For widespread cultural change to occur, a “no blame” approach to quality improvement will be necessary; this may be incompatible with the need to identify and eliminate bad practice. Other tensions include the rapid pace of change being centrally driven and uneven development of the infrastructure to support clinical governance. What has not yet been shown is that quality of care has improved. It is too early to say this yet. Given the magnitude both of the vision and the work required, it is unlikely that change will be rapid, or seen on a widespread scale.
Theorising the social within physician decision making
Authors: Mano‐Negrin Rita , Mittman Brian
Published: November 2002

Explores the underlying behavioral processes influencing the clinical behavior of physicians toward their patients. Utilizing educational and social influence explanatory models as a baseline, we sought how each, through peer group settings, would affect clinical specific practice decisions. Focusing on family physicians in Israel who were engaged in ongoing professional peer group meetings, it is suggested that health decisions affecting clinical practice are not universal but particularistic and depend a great deal on the transfer of clinical knowledge through selective social networks. Health managers, utilizing these findings, can therefore intervene in the formation of clinical practice decisions. This can be done primarily through management policy to induce the formation of specific types of peer group social networks.
Health care management: models for evidence‐based practice
Authors: Farmer Jane , Chesson Rosemary
Published: November 2002

Presents models suggesting how research evidence can best be operationalised within health care commissioning. Models were derived from data gathered from surveys of Scottish health board managers and GP fundholders regarding the use of information in commissioning from 1995 to 1997. Feedback on the models was obtained subsequently from practitioners in 1998. Two models, one for health board managers and the other for GPs, are presented. These include critical success factors in achieving evidence‐based commissioning and factors that are likely to predispose and precipitate evidence‐based practice. Given a culture demanding transparency, accountability and continuing improvement, the models provide tools for reflection, evaluation and planning. In addition, they identify a pragmatic role for managers in evidence‐based commissioning and provide a framework for audit.
Gatekeeping: a challenge in the management of primary care physicians
Authors: Gross Revital , Tabenkin Hava , Brammli‐Greenberg Shuli
Published: November 2002

Assesses the degree of self‐reported implementation of gatekeeping in clinical practice, and gains insight into primary care physicians’ attitudes toward gatekeeping and their perceptions of necessary conditions for implementation of gatekeeping in daily practice. A self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to a national sample of 800 primary care physicians in Israel, with a response rate of 86 per cent. Multivariate analysis indicated that sick fund affiliation was the main predictor of self‐reported implementation of gatekeeping, while specialty training predicted primary care physicians’ attitude toward this role. Close communication with specialists, continuous medical education, and management support of physician decisions were identified by respondents as being important conditions for gatekeeping. Discusses strategies to gain the cooperation of primary care physicians, which is necessary for implementing an effective gatekeeping system.
Clinical governance and professional restratification in general practice
Authors: Mahmood Kashifa
Published: November 2002

Examines the professional stratification in general practice in the UK National Health Service. Looks in particular at the reforms implemented by New Labour – the introduction of primary care groups and their transition to primary care trusts. Concludes that the key to restratification lies in understanding the agenda being pursued.
ED photo resist technology becomes a manufacturing process
Authors: Hertlein Walter G. , Törnkvist Kent , Smith Kevin
Published: November 2002

The ever‐increasing miniaturization and integration of additional functions in the electronics industry – in particular in the next generation telecomm technologies – needs a paradigm shift in manufacturing technologies in order to achieve the results along the roadmaps of the industry. Handling of thin substrates, doing finest line circuitry, working on non‐flat surfaces and having to protect metallized holes during etching processes, are asking for conformal resist coatings. Electrophoretically deposited positive working photo resists encompass these requirements. The principles of electrophoretic photo resists, the necessary equipment, the cooperation between customer, the supplier of process chemistry and the supplier of the equipment to start such a complex project, and start‐up results of the new major production line for ED‐resist in Europe are discussed.
Methods for achieving high speed acid copper electroplating in the PCB industry
Authors: Cobley A.J. , Gabe D.R.
Published: November 2002

Significant reductions in the cycle time for the desmear, “making holes conductive” and imaging stages of the printed circuit board manufacturing process have been achieved by the use of horizontal conveyorised techniques. If these savings in time are to be fully realised, it is also necessary to have a high‐speed acid copper electroplating process that, by implication, must be capable of operating at very high current densities. This paper outlines the fundamental electrochemical principles of acid copper electroplating and explains how these impact on high speed electroplating in terms of the electrolyte chemistry, the construction of the plating cell and the method in which the current is delivered (i.e. DC or pulse).
Reliability of flip chips on FR‐4 assembled with reduced process steps
Authors: Zhong Zhaowei
Published: November 2002

This paper discusses processes of flip chip on FR‐4 using eutectic solder bumps with possible fewer process steps compared to the full assembly process. Some interesting results in terms of the reliability performance of flip chip on FR‐4 assemblies using eutectic solder have been obtained after an almost‐one‐year temperature cycling test. The process steps of underfilling and curing of underfill can be omitted when a suitable epoxy is used for encapsulation. When underfill is conducted, encapsulation is not necessarily needed from a reliability point of view.
Market trends of sequential build‐up (SBU) printed wiring boards (PWB) in Japan
Authors: Matsui Norie
Published: November 2002

Reports on the market trends of sequential build‐up board, based on the survey and analysis conducted by Japan Marketing Survey Co. Ltd.
Lithographic film circuits – a review
Authors: Evans P.S.A. , Harrey P.M. , Ramsey B.J. , Harrison D.J.
Published: November 2002

Conductive lithographic films (CLF) are an emerging fabrication process for electronic interconnect and a range of passive component structures. This paper reviews the manufacture, properties and applications of CLF conductors, and discusses other lithographically deposited electronic materials including resistive, dielectric and ferrite films. Recent developments in CLF technology, including multilayer structures and concurrent printing of interconnect with printed passive components, are presented.
Let users judge the quality of faculty library services
Authors: Snoj Boris , Petermanec Zdenka
Published: November 2002

The introduction stresses the role of the library in the environment and the importance of marketing thinking in the management practice of libraries. The main characteristics of library services as well as the importance and the definition of the perceived quality of services are dealt with. Reveals the current situation concerning research into service quality in libraries, and focuses on the structure of importance and the level of the service quality components in the library at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Maribor, Slovenia. Discusses the reasons for the project and its goals, analyzes the results and submits proposals for the improvement of the overall service quality in libraries.
Portal proliferation: an Indian scenario
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi
Published: November 2002

Highlights how the World Wide Web paved the way for the information age. Defines the portal as a gateway to information and a one‐stop Web site that tries to satisfy most personal daily Web needs. Lists the core functions, applications and priorities of a portal. Categorizes portals into three major types: horizontal, vertical and corporate, based on specific application or area. Presents the Asian scenario of Internet growth and popping up of portals with a country wide portal list. Despite the constraints of infrastructure, Net access and low awareness, the Indian portal scenario resembles a gold rush with the phenomenon of “get‐online, get‐rich”. Lists the major Indian portals: rediff.com, indiainfo.com, expressindia.com, indiatimes.com, sify.com, ciol.com, etc. Identifies the factors for portal success as access route, strategic alliance, content route, alternative content route and examines general versus specialized portals, with examples. Concludes that the future is for niche portals that cater for sophisticated users, provide knowledge for competitiveness, and adopt new Internet technologies, connective issues and local content.
Future teaching roles for academic librarians: a review
Authors: Revill Don
Published: November 2002

The reviewer argues that the future roles for academic librarians envisaged by the authors have always been the ideal intention. Librarians, at least in the UK, have long regarded their proper role as being that of partners of academic staff and as facilitators of learning in a research model, resource based, learning environment, rather than merely as providers of information services in a “supporting” role simply reacting to overt demands. Librarians have particular attitudes towards information use and skills within learning yet these cannot be separated entirely from subject content which is the jealously regarded province of academic staff. Librarians must become more like faculty in order to fulfil their role and potential, demonstrating their ability to contribute at all levels in the educational process. The book fails to explore adequately the practical, psychological, human, political and administrative problems involved in reaching this ideal.
Using the AHP to determine the correlation of product issues to profit
Authors: Muller Mark H. , Fairlie‐Clarke A.C.
Published: November 2002

Discusses a new application of the AHP to a problem where the alternatives are not independent. It is used as an integral part of a method to evaluate the likelihood of successful outcomes from current or proposed product development processes. The AHP is used to determine correlation factors to estimate the impact on profit of the various product issues that must be addressed by a company during the product development process. Owing to interactions between the “alternatives”, finds, as expected, that the AHP cannot be used directly to determine these correlation factors. A procedure to overcome this has been developed, whereby the correlation factors are determined first by assuming independence between alternatives, and then modifying the factors to take account of any interactions. Test results are promising, and further refinements to improve the method are suggested.
The permanent campaign ‐ The integration of market research techniques in developing strategies in a more uncertain political climate
Authors: Sparrow Nick , Turner John
Published: November 2002

Discusses how political parties in Europe, following the trend in the USA, have entered a new era of the permanent election campaign. Describes the more integrated role played by market research and how this process is changing the nature of political parties. Provides an example of such a trend in British politics. States that political parties’ campaign strategies and party leaderships increasingly need market research to construct a more comprehensive picture of an uncertain political environment. Parties are using qualitative research to enhance the information they have traditionally obtained from quantitative polls. Discusses why there is now a greater use of qualitative research and a greater integration of market research information. Attempts to show how such methods can be brought together and how parties can start to build integrated political marketing strategies.
Political marketing ‐ An investigation of the political marketing concept and political market orientation in Australian politics
Authors: O’Cass Aron
Published: November 2002

The connections between political parties, the electorate (individual voters) and society at large, that may be achieved through applying marketing is an important area in need of research. Understanding such connections is vitally important for effective and efficient use of marketing in politics and also for improvement in the delivery of the political offering to society. This paper presents the findings of an exploratory research project carried out in Australia on the philosophical basis and operationalisation of marketing in politics. A survey and in‐depth interviews were undertaken to explore issues related to the application of market orientation and its relationship to the marketing concept in political marketing. The results highlight unique dimensions and relationships of marketing in politics.
Who sets the agenda? ‐ An analysis of agenda setting and press coverage in the 1999 Greek European elections
Authors: Harris Phil , Kolovos Ioannis , Lock Andrew
Published: November 2002

News media have been shown to have a significant influence in the selection and perception of issues in political campaigns. This has become known as “agenda‐setting”. The evolution of the agenda‐setting literature is traced and the links with political campaigning and political marketing are identified. Although the term is widely used in Australasia, Europe and North America, there is no previous empirical research on agenda‐setting in Greece. The article outlines a content analysis of press coverage over the period of the campaign for the European elections in Greece in 1999. The results are contrasted with an analysis of party manifestos and press releases and with public opinion prior to the campaign. Differences between the three agenda groups are identified.
The marketing of political marketing
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Nicholas
Published: November 2002

Has political marketing been over‐marketed? This article – taking a definition of political marketing that (controversially) excludes news management and “spin” control – does not seek to “prove” that it has, merely to suggest that the impact of marketing in politics is not directly analogous to its effectiveness in business because of differences between a business context and a political one. We argue specifically that political marketing programmes can sometimes do harm, and two case studies – from Canada and Britain – are examined to illuminate this. The claim is that marketing is thus less relevant in politics, both at the level of description and prescription. The broader aim of the article is to sensitise students and researchers alike to the differences in commercial and political contexts, differences of which practitioners must be aware if they are to utilise political marketing to its best advantage.
Graduate recruitment: implications for business and management courses in HE
Authors: Stewart Jim , Knowles Vanessa
Published: November 2002

Draws on previous research undertaken by the authors which examined the notion of graduate careers from the perspective of three stakeholders, namely students, higher education institutions and small businesses. Central to the research was the notion of transferable skills and qualities which provided a shared interest for all three stakeholders. Presents two models which suggest a role for HE in facilitating students’ career management. Provides some examples which illustrate how the models may be applied within HE institutions.
The role of postgraduate education in management development
Authors: Monks Kathy , Walsh James S.
Published: November 2002

This article considers the role of postgraduate education in the process of management development. The article argues that most management education has to date concentrated on providing managers with a knowledge and understanding of specific organisational issues as defined by academics and that there are few attempts to provide managers with the skills to solve organisational problems as defined by managers. It is suggested that there is a need to rethink the structure and content of management education and that there are opportunities within specialist postgraduate programmes to experiment with new approaches and techniques. The article describes two Masters programmes in Ireland in which attempts are being made to move from a pedagogical to an andragogical approach in teaching and learning. The results to date indicate that there are positive results to be gained from this approach for both managers and lecturers.
On managing cultural integration and cultural change processes in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Bijlsma‐Frankema Katinka
Published: November 2002

This article discusses success factors of cultural integration and cultural change processes in mergers and acquisitions. The focus of the project is on the effects of frictions between structure and cultures, and frictions between different cultures, on the functioning of the organisation. The factors discussed are based on empirical findings, and on literature that, in the analysis, proved to corroborate these findings, or insights based on these findings. It is argued that cultural integration is furthered by mutual trust. Trust can be built by shared goals, by dialogue, by looking for shared norms, monitoring and handling deviance. Cultural change processes were found to be dependent on legitimisation of the changes, clarification of goals and changes in what is expected of organisational members, monitoring and guidance, conditions of psychological safety, and feedback on success and failure outcomes that is worked upon in a learning mode.
Managing to manage? Stories from the call centre floor
Authors: Houlihan Maeve
Published: November 2002

Call centres are centralised operations where trained agents communicate with customers via phone and using purpose built information and communication technologies. The normative model of call centre organisation is that tasks are tightly prescribed, routinised, scripted and monitored. What are the implications for managers and management? Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, this article focuses on middle management in call centres: how they work, how they talk about their work and what alternatives they see. It describes an emerging understanding of a manager who is as constrained as a worker under this mass customised bureaucracy. Lack of strategic support and development, a powerfully normative focus on micromanagement and deeply embedded goal conflicts combine to undermine these managers’ scope to truly manage. Like the agents they supervise, call centre managers are engaged in a coping project. In this context, they perform their identity with ambivalence: sometimes role embracing, sometimes resisting.
New thoughts on action learning
Authors: De Loo Ivo , Verstegen Bernard
Published: November 2002

In theory, action learning programs should lead to personal growth, and thereby also to organizational growth. Especially the occurrence of organizational growth can be questioned however. Three explanations are offered to explain the lack of organizational growth that seems to result when action learning programs are evaluated in practice: differences in perspectives, group problems, and hold‐up effects. They all turn out to serve as valuable explanations.
Human resource management – a survey of practices within family and non‐family firms
Authors: Reid Renee S. , Adams John S.
Published: November 2002

Much of the literature relating to human resource management (HRM) has attempted to demonstrate that the “Human resource” is the most valued asset in a company. Large companies have revolutionised their approach to the training and development of their personnel in order to maximise their “competitive edge”. Hotly debated is whether investment in “good HRM” is linked to commercial success. However, very little is known about HRM practices within the small‐ to medium‐size business (SME) and even less is known about the practice within a family business. This survey describes the HRM practices of SMEs (both family and non‐family businesses) in Northern Ireland. Comparisons between the groups are made and findings suggest that family businesses practice HRM differently than their non‐family counterparts. Implications for the training and development of these two groups question whether family businesses need to be treated as a “special case”.
Customer satisfaction with training programs
Authors: Mulder Martin
Published: November 2002

In this contribution, a model of evaluation of customer satisfaction about training programs is described. The model is developed and implemented for an association of training companies. The evaluation has been conducted by an independent organisation to enhance the thrustworthiness of the evaluation results. The model is aimed at determining the quality of training programs as perceived by project managers from the organisations that purchased in company training programs from the training companies. Reliability research showed satisfying results. The model is based on the methodology in effectiveness research, and the data was used to test a model of training effectiveness. The results show that this model is confirmed for two categories of projects: projects that were aimed at achieving learning results and changed job performance respectively. The model does not fit for projects aimed at supporting organisational change. Various questions as to the development of the evaluation model are discussed.
The learning organization in health‐care services: theory and practice
Authors: Vassalou Leda
Published: November 2002

Attempts to clarify the concept of the learning organization and examines the barriers to its application. Draws on a framework that encompasses the principles of the learning organization, based on literature in renowned academic journals. Explores learning mechanisms in the UK and Greek health organizations. Concludes that health organizations need to eliminate barriers to learning.
The evaluation of vocational training: a comparative analysis
Authors: Tomé Eduardo
Published: November 2002

Compares the evaluation methods of vocational training public programs. Studies the US case, the other national cases (mostly OECD countries), and the European Union case. Suggests that OECD countries, and especially the EU, should follow the US trend, and make impact microeconometric studies, in order to assess the training effects of those programs; thus, it will be possible to conduct better policies, and to spend public money in better ways. Additionally tries to explain why the USA is much more advanced in those studies than the EU and other countries; links the reasons to scientific history and to the administrative actions. Finally, presents some ideas about the Portuguese case, which is a fine example of the problem.
Evaluation of inverse field solutions with biomedical applications
Authors: Brauer H. , Ziolkowski M. , Haueisen J.
Published: November 2002

We applied minimum norm estimations using different regularization techniques to the solution of the biomagnetic inverse field problem. Using magnetic field data measured with a multi‐channel‐SQUID‐sensor‐system we computed reconstruction of the impressed current density distributions which were generated by extended current sources placed inside a human torso phantom. The common inverse techniques usually applied in modern biomedical investigations in bioelectricity or biomagnetism are compared, and their aptitude for reconstruction of 3D current sources in space was evaluated. We analyzed the impact of using magnetic data, electrical data, and combination of both respectively on the localization of an equivalent current dipole (ECD). Finally, we use a visualization tool which enables a comparison of current density reconstruction. The study is, in parts, related to the new TEAM problem No. 31.
An iterative linearized optimization technique for non‐linear ill‐posed problems applied to cardiac activation time imaging
Authors: Wach P. , Modre R. , Tilg B. , Fischer G.
Published: November 2002

A promising approach for the solution of the electrocardiographic inverse problem is the calculation of the cardiac activation sequence from body surface potential (BSP) mapping data. Here, a two‐fold regularization scheme is applied in order to stabilize the inverse solution of this intrinsically ill‐posed problem. The solution of the inverse problem is defined by the minimum of a non‐linear cost function. The L‐curve method can be applied for regularization parameter determination. Solving the optimization problem by a Newton‐like method, the L‐curve may be of pronged shape. Then a numerically unique determination of the optimal regularization parameter will become difficult. This problem can be avoided applying an iterative linearized algorithm. It is shown that activation time imaging due to temporal and spatial regularization is stable with respect to large model errors. Even neglecting cardiac anisotropy in activation time imaging results in an acceptable inverse solution.
Identification of hidden ferrous 3D objects using finite elements
Authors: Magele C. , Renhart W. , Brandstätter B.
Published: November 2002

The process of identifying unknown hidden objects by taking advantage of electromagnetic effects becomes more and more important. Clearing of mines or finding electrical conductors in concrete should be mentioned here. Magnetisation and eddy currents are the phenomena which are used in general. In this case, the layout and arrangement of the excitation coils and receiving coils influences the effectiveness and accuracy crucially. This design optimization process can be done by simulating the electromagnetic field with a 3D finite element method. Once a satisfying configuration has been found, the question arises, which quantities of the measured (and hence simulated) signals contain the most reliable information? Since the 3D finite element calculations are very time consuming, the inverse problem (detecting the ferrous object from some measured signals) is performed by approximating the corresponding electromagnetic signal by a neural network. Investigations on a ferrous conductive rod will be described in the paper.
Combined reconstruction techniques for geometrical and magnetic characteristics of thermonuclear plasmas
Authors: Bettini P. , Formisano A. , Martone R. , Stella A. , Trevisan F.
Published: November 2002

The equivalent currents method has proven to be particularly effective in the identification of plasma boundary in Tokamak fusion devices. Anyway, the ill‐posedness of the mathematical model to be inverted calls for the adoption of suitable regularization techniques to be adopted, in particular to reduce the influence of the measurement errors. In this paper the equivalent currents method is illustrated, together with some details on its application to the plasma identification. In addition, two algorithms for the optimal choice of the representation basis are presented, together with a discussion about the obtained numerical results.
Synthesis of linear actuators
Authors: Canova Aldo , Gruosso Giambattista , Repetto Maurizio
Published: November 2002

The synthesis of electro‐mechanic actuators is formulated as a constrained optimization problem where some performance function of the device is to be met, subject to the satisfaction of some constraints about its dimensions and supply conditions. The optimization problem is tackled by means of a genetic algorithm coupled to a multi‐objective definition of the objective function that merge together objectives and constraints in one single scalar objective function. A fast magnetic analysis tool has been developed so that the computational cost of the genetic optimization run is acceptable. Some results about the synthesis of a tubular linear motor in two sizes are presented and discussed.
Techniques for the automatic optimisation of active shields
Authors: Girdinio P. , Nervi M.
Published: November 2002

The present work is about the development of automatic techniques for the optimisation of active shields for stationary magnetic fields. An active magnetic shield is basically made by a number of coils, fed with suitably chosen currents. In this way a magnetic field as equal as possible to the disturbing one is generated. The resulting effect is the reduction of the disturbing field in the area of interest. To achieve reasonable results a stochastic optimisation procedure has been used to optimise the non linear part of the problem (i.e. the geometry of shielding coils); the linear part can be optimised “on the fly” in a much more straightforward way through the solution of a least squares problem. The stochastic optimiser used is based on the very fast simulated reannaling (VFSR), allowing to get a good optimum with a much reduced sampling of the objective function. It is used combining it with a deterministic optimiser (Nelder‐Mead simplex method), to get a faster optimisation process as soon as the valley of the global optimum is located. Basically the VFSR has a different point generating function and a different cooling schedule with respect to the standard Boltzmann annealing, but the concept is clearly the same.
A comparison of two generalized response surface methods for optimisation in electromagnetics
Authors: Rashid K. , Farina M. , Ramirez J.A. , Sykulski J.K. , Freeman E.M.
Published: November 2002

When dealing with problems entailing time consuming finite element solutions alternative methods are sought which can reduce the number of function calls whilst preserving solution accuracy. Two different strategies for practical electromagnetic design and optimisation are presented and compared. The main features and performance of each are described and evaluated on an analytical and a physical problem.
Identification of magnetic fields by charged projectiles data
Authors: de Magistris Massimiliano , Formisano Alessandro
Published: November 2002

The problem of direct measurement of magnetic fields is in several cases not trivial when the region of interest is not directly accessible, or when conventional probes could be of disturbance. There are several “indirect” schemes, based on different physical effects, proposed as alternative to direct probing. We discuss here a novel technique for the identification of 1‐D and 2‐D magnetic fields, based on the analysis of trajectories of charged projectiles crossing the region under analysis. The magnetic field map is obtained through an inverse formulation of the motion problem of charged particles in the field. The inverse problem is solved by minimization procedures that identify the coefficients of suitable representations for the field. In this way we are able to identify typical magnetic field configurations with great accuracy even in presence of noisy data. We give an overview on the method for the 1‐D and 2‐D cases, with reference to the field representation and the used optimization algorithms; moreover, the robustness of the technique in presence of noisy data is assessed via a numerical analysis.
A fast evolutionary method for identifying non‐inferior solutions in multicriteria shape optimization of a shielded reactor
Authors: Di Barba P.
Published: November 2002

When tackling the multicriteria optimization of an electromagnetic device, the accurate sampling of the Pareto optimal front implies the use of complex and time‐consuming algorithms. In several cases, however, the identification of a few non‐inferior solutions is often sufficient for the design purposes; as a consequence, the computational cost may be reduced. A simple evolutionary methodology is proposed to obtain a fast approximation of non‐inferior solutions; the optimal shape design of a shielded reactor is presented as a case study.
Analytical and finite element design optimisation of a tubular linear IPM motor
Authors: Bianchi N. , Canova A. , Gruosso G. , Repetto M. , Tonel F.
Published: November 2002

The optimisation of a tubular linear motor with interior permanent magnets is described. For a rapid design the whole process is divided in three parts: an analytical approach for the a preliminary investigation, a parametric analysis by means of a finite element method and an optimisation. The obtained results show that the adopted optimisation process is efficient for rapid and effective optimisation of the tubular linear motor.
An analytical process to size a flyback converter
Authors: Schutz J. , Gerbaud L. , Roudet J. , Larouci C.
Published: November 2002

The paper deals with the sizing of a flyback converter. The approach proposes to use symbolic calculation to perform sizing times, the accuracy and the number of parameters to size. So, it presents a symbolic model to size a flyback converter using optimisation techniques. Such an approach is preferred to a simulation approach thanks to the flexibility of symbolic models and their possibility to treat a great set of criteria in few seconds or minutes. The expressions of a great part of the criteria are made by an automatic symbolic process – model builders – and the others are carried out by the designer. Such a model is used in a gradient optimisation process well known for its convergence properties. From this model, a builder carries out automatically the building of a dedicated sizing tool, by automatically transforming it into an optimisation problem and by automatically giving the corresponding sizing tool with its GUI.
Optimisation of electromagnetic devices with uncertain parameters and tolerances in the design variables
Authors: Alotto P. , Molfino P. , Molinari G.
Published: November 2002

The common approach to continuous and discrete optimisation problems in electromagnetics does not take into account uncertainties and variations of the design variables. Local sensitivity analysis is usually performed only after the optimisation run to study the behaviour of the objective function in the neighbourhood of the optimum. However, this procedure may prove inefficient if the optimum has to be rejected due to sensitivity considerations and a new run has then to be performed. In this paper an alternative approach, which takes into account uncertainties in the design variables and physical data, is presented, and an analytical function is used to highlight the features of the proposed method. The essence of the technique is to couple the optimisation with a series of worst case analyses which are embedded in the optimisation loop. The method is fully general and can be applied to any optimisation method. The additional computational costs associated with the procedure maybe relatively high, but in the authors’ opinion the obtained gains in user confidence in the solution and the computational savings in some cases far offset the possible drawbacks of the method.
Optimization of large electrical salient pole synchronous generators
Authors: Mandić Ivan , Pužar Milica , Petrinić Marijan
Published: November 2002

The designs of salient pole generators may differ considerably from one hydroelectric plant to another. Automatic optimization procedure is highly desirable, because the designer may have little experience with a similar machine. The presented approach defines the design space by 12 variables which have the largest influence on the goal function. The design space is constrained by a number of linear and nonlinear constraints. The optimization process is based on successive linearizations of the goal function and the nonlinear constraints followed by a simplex procedure. The process is highly effective because the goal function is heavily constrained, so the optimum is virtually always on the boundary of the feasibility region. The procedure has been tested on a number of earlier designs. The goal function could have been reduced on average by some 8 percent, had this software been available at the time of the design of these machines.
Multi frequency electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Brandstätter Bernhard , Scharfetter Hermann , Magele Christian
Published: November 2002

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non‐invasive method to monitor conductivity changes in regions of the human body. Its robust, miniaturizable instrumentation makes EIT particularly suitable for online‐monitoring without too much inconvenience for the patient. A major methodological problem is the poor quality of the conductivity images, which is due to the low spatial resolution and low sensitivity for structures far away from the object’s surface as well as large qualitative errors in the reconstructed conductivity values. This paper outlines the advantages of multi‐frequency EIT for a simple two‐dimensional model. In the first part of the paper we assume that some a priori information from MR images is at hand, providing good starting values for the reconstruction process, while in the second part it is assumed that no a priori information about regions of different material values is available.
NDT image fusion using eddy current and ultrasonic data
Authors: Simone G. , Morabito F.C.
Published: November 2002

A data fusion approach to the classification of eddy current and ultrasonic measurements is proposed in a context of defect detection/recognition methods for non‐destructive testing/evaluation systems: the purpose is to demonstrate that a multi‐sensor approach that combines the advantages carried by each sensor is able to locate potential cracks on the inspected specimen. Different approaches have been compared: a pixel level data fusion approach, that distinguishes between the defect area and the no‐defect areas, by means of the information carried by the intensity of each pixel of the eddy current and ultrasonic data; a feature level data fusion approach that uses the features computed on the measured data; a symbol level data fusion approach that extracts symbols from the two sensors as complementary information and classifies the data by using these symbols. The experimental results, carried out on an aluminium plate, pointed out the ability of the symbol level proposed approach to classify the input images within a minimum overall error, by taking into account the probability of detection and the probability of false alarm for the defect.