bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stealth KM: how to make KM successful in any organization
Authors: Sinclair Niall
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The knowledge economy presents new demands for government departments and agencies to deliver improved levels of service to their clients. Citizens expect services to be delivered effectively and economically, and at the same time they expect the knowledge that government holds will be shared with them, to be part of the products government delivers. To meet this increased level of expectation, departments and agencies have begun focusing more on the need to manage their corporate knowledge with the same diligence with which they manage their other organizational assets. This article seeks to look at ways to help organizations and individuals to meet these business objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The article presents a strategy and approach for implementing knowledge management (KM) successfully in any organization, one that takes KM right back to its basics.

Findings

Despite the pressure to address knowledge‐related issues, it appears that government institutions are not adopting KM as an organizational imperative. In fact some of the early KM adopters have fallen by the wayside, and the public sector in general is struggling to make the connection between its desired business outcomes and the benefits of doing KM.

Originality/value

The article examines: why governments are having a problem with KM; what can be done to make the KM connection in public sector organizations; and what comprises a winning strategy for KM programs in the public sector.
A suggested systems approach to a KM solution for improving an Internet bank's customer response
Authors: Calabrese Francesco A. , Remshard Jo Ann
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The Institute for Knowledge and Innovation at the George Washington University advocates “theory to practice – a continuum” in the University's knowledge management (KM) graduate programs. At the practice end, guidelines for “eight easy steps to a KM system for improving business performance” were initiated as a tool for their students in the Fall of 2000. Aims to address the issues surrounding this.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies the eight step guidelines to a hypothetical internet bank to create a knowledge collaborative environment and integrated repository to improve the effectiveness of the bank's customer response team function.

Findings

Correlating changes in business processes to take advantage of benefits from a collaborative knowledge sharing environment can be enhanced using a systems approach to tie the knowledge facets to the enterprise's purpose for being. Employees will more readily accept changes in their work habits if there are clearly defined processes that assist in getting improved results with subsequent positive performance recognition for the employee. Managers will more readily embrace KM if a clear “cause and effect” trail leads to overall improved effectiveness fostering the enterprise's growth, stability and positive image.

Originality/value

This paper helps all those involved with KM to identify knowledge gaps, opportunities and risks.
Expanding the knowledge paradigm
Authors: Bennet David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the changing patterns of learning, thinking and acting to help identify and describe the need for new frames of reference in a complex world.

Design/methodology/approach

Looking at our changing environment, the question is asked: are these changes superficial or transformative? This questions leads to exploring the frame of reference from which we view reality, and then the sequence from our frame of reference to learning to thinking to action.

Findings

The author offers that as our world speeds up and becomes more complex, with less time for learning and thinking and more information than anyone can process, we need to move from the mechanical perspective to a new organic frame of reference and reconsider how we learn, think and act. Each of these areas is then expanded upon, with the end result of asking even more questions.

Originality/value

This paper will help leaders and researchers recognize the need to – and importance of – reframing their perspective to better match the complexities of the problems and opportunities they face.
Using knowledge management principles to solve organizational performance problems
Authors: Starns John , Odom Cynthia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical framework for employing knowledge management (KM) principles to improve organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To combine the disciplines of soft systems analysis and organizational development and provide tailored KM solutions to performance deficiencies.

Findings

Most of the literature on KM focuses on what it is but not on how to do it. It is almost as if KM just happens. In practice, the installation of a viable KM capability must be integrated into an organization's management structure and business strategy

Research limitations/implications

Use of this framework and its related diagnostic techniques have been successfully used by KM practitioners in more than 70 government and commercial organizations. However, more rigorous business case techniques are needed to fully validate the methodology.

Originality/value

There is little written on how to build and implement an organizational KM system. This paper describes how the three fundamental organizational system components can be balanced to achieve good organizational health and effect organization‐wide change.
Experiences with peel strength
Authors: Wiechmann Rudolf
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Peel strength numbers are part of a laminate's specifications and should characterize the specific bond performance (copper adhesion) under test conditions. Unfortunately, from both a theoretical and a practical point of view they are not able to do that. This study seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been written to show the main impacts on the measured peel strength numbers in the IPC‐TM‐650 peeling test. From an extensive database regarding peel numbers for diverse foil types, foil thicknesses and treatment roughnesses it is possible to show the influence of prepreg type, foil thickness and roughness on the measure peel strength.

Findings

Copper adhesion to laminating resin is insufficiently described by peel strength data because of the impacts of foil thickness, stiffness on bending (physical bending work, stress distribution underneath the peeling line) and the treatment roughness. The latter works reinforcing regarding the (low) resin strength and this influence is measured on resin strength instead of real bond. Fracture due to peeling is cohesive, mostly with a totally intact copper‐resin interface. This is especially true in high performance laminates that show low peel strengths not because of bad copper bonding but because of brittle resins (filled and unfilled).

Originality/value

Users have to understand the limited benefit of the IPC peel test in characterizing copper‐resin bonds. Peel increase on (low bond) high performance resins by increased foil roughness is not a practical way in the field because of no bond improvement (interface) and heavy disadvantages in dielectric thickness (HiPot tests at thin core laminates), respectively.
A framework for the governance of social enterprise
Authors: Low Chris
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the appropriateness of two contrasting models of governance to organisations within the social enterprise sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve this aim the paper draws on theories of for‐profit governance, particularly the stewardship model, and theories of non‐profit governance, particularly the democratic model. Theoretical insights from these literatures are then combined with the emerging literature on social enterprise.

Findings

Two propositions result from this which posit that social enterprise, despite being located within the non‐profit sector, may be more likely to exhibit for‐profit forms of governance.

Practical implications

Practitioners within social enterprises, and those operating in advisory roles to the sector, could benefit from the argument advanced in the paper in that it offers a potential governance solution to the distinctive management challenges being faced by social enterprises.

Originality/value

The paper contributes a framework for examining governance within social enterprises, and offers a guide for future research into social enterprise governance.
Social entrepreneurship: a different model?
Authors: Spear Roger
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper is concerned with developing a framework which allows both economic and social entrepreneurship to be analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is developed to accommodate the often neglected collective or pluralistic dimension of entrepreneurship. It draws on the behavioural approach to adopt a straightforward definition of social entrepreneurship – focusing on the creation of a social enterprise (co‐operative, mutual or voluntary organisation). The paper is exploratory, developing a conceptual framework, based on some case studies of social enterprises in a range of business sectors, in the UK.

Findings

The findings from this small scale study provide interesting models of entrepreneurship that contrast with conventional models for SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The research has implications for research on conventional entrepreneurship, as well as creating a basis for developing the new field of social entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

The paper provides policy implications for more effective support of social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The paper establishes the importance of some distinctive factors in social entrepreneurship for policy and further research.
Applying sustainability indicators to the social enterprise business model
Authors: Darby Lauren , Jenkins Heledd
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to briefly assess social accounting methods and tools to measure business and social enterprise (SE) contributions to sustainability in relation to their usefulness and applicability to SEs. Using a case study example, the paper aims to describe and evaluate the process of developing and applying indicators to measure contributions to sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers worked with three senior members of staff at Wastesavers to develop a set of sustainability indicators. First a literature review of existing sustainability indicator sets and sustainability tools was undertaken. Then a scoping exercise was undertaken to understand what the company wanted out of the process and to decide on which indicators to use. A list on eight key indicators was developed and data on each of these collected and collated and a report was written. Discussion is focussed on the requirements, difficulties, appropriateness and potential pitfalls of such an approach, including commentary on the integration of indicators into working practices, organisational change and strategic development.

Findings

No one method of social accounting has been universally accepted in the UK. This requires greater coordination by those developing such models and a common research agenda on this area for SEs in the UK.

Originality/value

The development of social accounting methods in SE is a relatively new field and undertaking a pilot study such as this is an excellent means of identifying the organisational capacity limits present and identifying the changes that need to take place if such tools are to be developed further.
Paul Craig Roberts on empirical measures of economic freedom: a rejoinder
Authors: Block Walter
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to counter the misunderstanding by Paul Craig Roberts of empirical measures of economic freedom.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective is achieved by citing Roberts' criticisms of the Fraser and Cato studies of economic freedom and demonstrating the fallacies in his analysis.

Findings

The result of the present analysis is that Roberts misunderstands and misconstrues empirical measure of economic freedom. He conflates economic freedom with other desiderata, such as political freedom, personal liberties.

Research limitations/implications

To the extent the widely publicized Roberts findings are believed by scholars, there will be less research conducted in this vitally important arena. To the extent that his errors are exposed, as, for example, by the present essay, there will be more research conducted in this vitally important arena.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this research initiative is to improve economic freedom around the world. If citizens are not even aware that there is such a thing as economic freedom, this will lessen the chances of it being implemented. Roberts' creation of red herrings and muddying of the waters around this topic, thus, unintentionally, diminishes economic freedom. One of the implications of the present article is to counter Roberts' influence in this matter.

Originality/value

What is new in the paper is that the fallacies in Roberts' critiques of empirical measures of economics are dissected.
Revitalizing the contribution non‐profit organizations can make to the provision of human services
Authors: Wallis Joe , Dollery Brian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

At present no satisfactory economic theory of non‐profit organizational leadership exists. The purpose of this paper is to develop an economic theory of non‐profit leadership and apply this theory to the problem of non‐profit failure or “voluntary sector failure.”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the economic literature on the non‐profit sector to critically examine this approach to theorizing about non‐profit organizations (NPOs). It then considers the contribution that Lester Salamon has made to the understanding of NPOs. It is argued that the very sources of non‐profit “distinctiveness” identified by Salamon are also simultaneously associated with “voluntary sector failure.” An economic theory of non‐profit leadership is developed and it is held that appropriate leadership can reduce voluntary failure.

Findings

The major comparative advantages of NPOs make these agencies particularly prone to various forms of “voluntary failure” that present challenges not only to NPOs, but also public policy makers. This paper presents a theory of non‐profit leadership that seeks to demonstrate that appropriate forms of non‐profit leadership can overcome, or at least ameliorate, voluntary failure.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could determine empirically whether leadership plays a decisive role in the performance of the non‐profit sector. This would assist in assessing the empirical validity of the presented in this paper.

Originality/value

The literature on non‐profit failure is incomplete without an adequate theory of non‐profit leadership. This paper develops a theory of non‐profit organizational leadership and argues that appropriate leadership can reduce the extent and severity of non‐profit failure.
A putative East Asian business model
Authors: Low Linda
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to distill from both the Asian “miracle” and the “meltdown” since the Asian crisis, a generic East Asian business model which is changing in the context of globalisation, information communication technology, knowledge‐based economy, deregulation and emerging new competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The generic business model considers the creative and innovative nature of intellectual capital in a qualitative macroeconomic development model rather than a quantitative or econometric micro‐level business modeling for the firm or industry. Diverse and heterogeneous both within the whole of East Asia and distinguished as Northeast and Southeast Asia, the putative generic business model is further differentiated in terms of customised idiosyncratic models in more mature Northeast developmental states in Japan, Korea and Taiwan contrasted with Southeast “captured” developmental states as in Indonesia and Malaysia entrapped by ethnic politics.

Findings

City‐states Hong Kong and Singapore are exceptional because of their size and resultant globalised states. To each its own may be the conclusion in terms of customised national systems and models, but East Asian ethical and moral dimensions of integrity may generally offer a version moral capitalism of which is suited to global capitalism not of the brute Darwinist kind. In the final analysis, East Asia is increasingly exposed to the global marketplace, competition and globalisation backlash, such that some common denominator comes from DFI and MNCs from multicultural political economy dimensions.

Originality/value

The paper presents a putative East Asian business models.
Stock prices response to real economic variables: the case of Germany
Authors: Merikas Andreas G. , Merika Anna A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This is a research paper aiming to re‐examine Fama's proxy hypothesis which states that inflation is negatively related to real economic activity and the negative relationship between stock returns and inflation reflects the positive impact of real variables on stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

Two issues are addressed, first if there is a relationship between the real and financial sectors and once this is established the next step is to investigate the type of relationship present. The study uses annual data covering the years 1960‐2000, on the German economy, and builds a VAR model to test the hypothesis of the negative impact of real economic activity on stock returns.

Findings

The findings suggest that in Germany employment growth has a negative effect on stock returns and influences positively inflation. The rational lies in the fact that employment growth forecasts inflation which is expected to erode firm's profits. This is expressed through falling stock returns.

Research limitations/implications

Germany is the largest economy in the European Union, the findings suggest that over the period under examination, the economy operated close to its potential level of output and this has implications for policy formulation. It would have been of interest to use quarterly data, so that the unification factor could be tested. More case studies to this direction should be undertaken.

Originality/value

It adds to the understanding and knowledge on a debate that is as current as ever from the point of view of the macroeconomist as well as the politician.
The impact of foreign cross‐listings on the home Dutch equities
Authors: Koulakiotis Athanasios , Angelidis Dimitrios , Tolikas Konstantinos , Molyneux Phil
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper develops the approach suggested by Howe et al. to examine the impact of cross‐listings on stock price volatility in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified generalized autoregressive conditional hetero‐skedasticity (GARCH) modeling approach as suggested by Li and Engle is used taking into account different regulatory structures across the range of markets using LaPorta et al.'s stock market regulatory classification.

Findings

It is found that information spillover effects are important for the Dutch market for cross‐listed equities and that a different regulatory environment may have a noteworthy impact on symmetric information spillovers.

Research limitations/implications

The focus is 11 cross‐listing equities and on an event window of 12 years. This implies that the results may be biased on the data sample and the length of the period that used.

Practical implications

The findings are important for the shareholders of cross‐listed companies as the various impacts of regulatory differences between markets (as a result of low and high shareholder protection rules) from foreign markets to the Dutch home market are identified.

Originality/value

A primary focus of this paper is to provide a different methodology than the one adopted by Howe et al. using a modified GARCH modeling approach as suggested by Li and Engle, to examine the impact of the cross‐listings of Dutch firms on symmetric volatility spillovers. The analysis also takes into account the influence of different regulatory structures across the range of markets where Dutch firms are cross‐listed. In particular, we use LaPorta et al.'s stock market regulatory classification is used to analyze the magnitude and persistence of symmetric volatility spillovers from the foreign listing to the home equity of cross‐listed companies in the Dutch stock exchange.
Sub‐Saharan Africa's debt crisis: analysis and forecast based on Nigeria
Authors: Omotoye Richard O. , Sharma Hari P. , Ngassam Christopher , Eseonu Maxwell
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper sets out to focus the attention of scholars and policy‐makers on the urgency of Nigeria's worsening debt crisis, with a view to suggesting initiatives which can be instrumental in preventing a further deterioration of the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The recommendations suggested specifically addressed stated research objectives. The research framework attempted to evaluate the role played by Nigeria's past administrations in the evolvement of the crisis. It also appraised the crisis in the context of the new international environment surrounding it. The study suggested improvement to the methodological flaws inherent in modern‐day debt resolution framework, which, so far, has only undermined the implementation of past resolution initiatives at the practical level.

Findings

Among other findings, the study uncovered the following: without their modification to suit the peculiar needs and circumstances facing individual countries, modern‐day debt resolution initiatives will only continue to further impoverish Nigeria and sub‐Saharan Africa; over time, Nigeria's successive administrations‐through corruption and inconsistent administrative policies‐significantly contributed to the crisis; creditors establishments‐by knowingly favoring fraudulent administrations with huge, questionable loans (in their self‐serving interest to benefit from reverse resource transfer)‐in no small measure contributed to the crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The projections into the future are only based on trends observed in the past. They do not include unexpected events which might dramatically affect the course of the crisis in the long or distant future.

Practical implications

In order to ensure a successful implementation of resolution strategies suggested here and elsewhere, all the concerned parties will have to be actively involved‐both Nigeria and other indebted African countries, and all their external creditors.

Originality/value

Nigeria's external debt crisis was re‐appraised in the context of the new environment of the crisis. The findings and initiatives suggested for resolution here have a tremendous research value for scholars in the field. They also have an immense practical value for implementation by policy‐makers.
Sssh! The quiet revolution
Authors: Childs Paul
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to look at the influence of modern social behaviour on library provision, with specific reference to how interior display and complementary furniture play their part in fulfilling customer needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence of library evolution and its impact on customer popularity is found through case studies taken from across the UK and from Point Eight's own experience as a manufacturer of products for this sector. Specific reference is made to Coventry's Arena Park Library. Location, architecture, infrastructure and services are highlighted and discussed as factors contributing to increased footfall and a general resurgence of library popularity. References are identified through domain links.

Findings

Findings are based on information and figures published by library services and local authorities. Evidence suggests that many libraries are winning their fight against new and evolving competition through reinvention. Examples of embracing change positively, rather than seeking an alternative vision, are discussed.

Practical implications

The article provides information on the effective use of library space, shelving solutions and furniture.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the power of consumer behaviour in the reshaping of public services. Readers are provided with examples of innovation in library service provision that will help those involved in future planning to challenge old concepts, and encourage new and original ideas.
The basis for evidence‐based practice: evaluating the research evidence
Authors: Anne Clyde Laurel
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article is based on a paper presented at the 2005 IFLA World Library and Information Congress. It brings together the findings to date of the author's research project on research quality, to address issues related to research quality as a basis for the use of research evidence in evidence‐based practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods used include a literature review, a review of existing models for evaluating research evidence, and a pilot project based on a qualitative, naturalistic research design that employed content analysis and statistical techniques.

Findings

While a number of strategies have been developed for the evaluation of published research, all have their limitations. The same is true for the models that have been proposed for assisting practitioners to evaluate research evidence as a basis for evidence‐based practice. The literature review identified four different approaches to the assessment of quality in research reporting. The pilot study identified three different “value perceptions” held by experienced research evaluators that affected their research evaluations.

Practical implications

Although practitioners need to be able to evaluate research reports as a basis for evidence‐based practice, there is currently no one strategy that can be recommended as a fail‐safe tool to support this activity.

Originality/value

The article highlights the variety and limitations of existing strategies or models for evaluating research quality and suggests possible steps forward.
Library student shelvers at Waterford Institute of Technology
Authors: Hayden Helen , Blount Clare
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper traces the context of, and outlines the reasoning for, the use of student shelvers in an Irish higher education academic library (Waterford Institute of Technology).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study report on use of student assistants to carry out the shelving function at Waterford Institute of Technology Library Service. It describes the rationale behind the employment of student assistants, the evolution of their incorporation into the library and the management of this now vital element of the library service, and also includes a short survey on the use of student shelvers at other academic libraries in Ireland.

Findings

Student shelvers are an important resource in the WIT Library Service, freeing up staff time to concentrate on other projects. In order to make an effective contribution to the library service, the management of this resource is quite time‐consuming.

Research limitations/implications

The review of available literature revealed little about the situation in Ireland. The survey of other Irish academic libraries was on a small scale. There is scope for further research on both an Irish and an international scale.

Practical implications

This account of one academic library's experience of using student shelvers to supplement regular library staff is of potential interest and help to other libraries embarking on or considering a similar initiative.

Originality/value

This paper is of potential value to other libraries considering embarking on a similar initiative, or indeed to libraries who already have such schemes in operation and who are interested in making comparisons with other institutions.
Legal incentives to economic growth – the case of the Israeli R&D Law
Authors: Porath Amiram
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose is to better understand the way legal mechanisms follow up and support or repress economic growth

Design/methodology/approach

The case of the Israeli R&D Law is presented, and the development of the law is compared to changes in the environment

Findings

The findings show that the legal aspect of economic support laws is significant and that better adaptation to the environment is required.

Practical implications

Areas / countries seeking to enact laws regarding economic growth and R&D support should analyze this example and draw conclusions for their law formulation systems.

Originality/value

This paper is a case study article showing the example of a well documented impact of the legal system on economic growth, and how changes in the environment should be translated without delay, or with minimum delay into the legal framework. It could help policy makers and legal decision makers better understand the impact of such laws.
The quest for competitive, business and marketing intelligence
Authors: Wright Sheila , Calof Jonathan L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to examine three empirical studies carried out in Canada, the UK and Europe with comparisons drawn on their approach and findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The studies were compared using a framework, developed by the authors, along four central elements and two influencing drivers.

Findings

Little measurement consistency or output value was evident. The current focus on isolated studies, carried out at a macro level, is discouraged.

Practical implications

Future studies need greater rigour, and consequently might be of more value to academics and practitioners.

Originality/value

The lack of research consistency is highlighted. Recommendations are made for stronger adhesion with other disciplines to develop a robust research agenda.
The six identities of marketing: a vector quantization of research approaches
Authors: Franke Nikolaus , Mazanec Josef A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article seeks to provide an empirical identification of groups of marketing scholars who share common beliefs about the role of science and the logic of scientific discovery.

Design/methodology/approach

Topology is used representing network quantization to identify empirically classes of marketing researchers within a representative sample of marketing professors.

Findings

Six distinct classes of marketing scholars were found. They differ with regard to popularity (size) and productivity (levels of publication output). Comparing the sub‐samples of German‐speaking and US respondents shows cross‐cultural differences.

Originality/value

The study enhances understanding of the current scientific orientation(s) of marketing. It may help to motivate marketing scholars to ponder on their own positions and assist them in judging where they may belong. Future comparisons over time would give an indication about the future of the academic discipline of marketing.
Frameworks of managerial competence: limits, problems and suggestions
Authors: Ruth Damian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To offer a coherent critique of the concept of managerial frameworks of competence through the exploration of the problems of generalizability and abstraction and the “scientific” assumptions of management.

Design/methodology/approach

Employs the ecological metaphor of intellectual landscape and extends it to examining the development of the field of management, its early contours which traversed a diversity of conceptualisations such as management as an art, or an expression of personality, or as a vocation, the search for coordinates and a scientific image, and finally, a comparison of agri‐business and market gardening. The argument is illustrated by reference to particular management development programmes.

Findings

The argument is made that frameworks of competence impose conceptual limitations – “monocultures of the mind” – that are destructive. Justifying coordinates in an activity that is always particular, contextual and socially constructed faces the problem of finding stable evidence in a turbulent ecology and “frameworks of competence” are beset with problems of definition. However, with an understanding of power and discourse, and the application of the landscape metaphor such frameworks can be productively illuminated. What seems to be required is a wholesale shift in values and a re‐evaluation of the meaning and purpose of work.

Practical implications

Useful to curriculum designers and programme developers to analyse their work.

Originality/value

Provides a detailed coherent account of the emergence of the concept of competency, and subjects the concept to wide‐ranging critical review.
Training and learning in the knowledge and service economy
Authors: Sloman Martyn , Philpott John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider whether the shift from training to learning is related to employment categories using a categorisation popularised by Robert Reich.

Design/methodology/approach

Collation and analysis of existing CIPD research information and assessment of labour statistics.

Findings

An examination of the national data on training reveals an uncertain picture. There is a problem surrounding data capture. In short, what is measured is training, particularly off‐the‐job training. If the definition of learning as a process is accepted, there are both conceptual and practical problems involved in measuring the move to learning in different sectors.

Practical implications

The testing of this proposition and analysis of its consequences is of critical importance. It will affect public policy – what interventions promote learning as opposed to training? It should assist in determining the research agenda. Finally it central to the role of HRD practitioners in organisations: how do they develop and implement strategies for learning as opposed to delivering training?

Originality/value

As far as the authors are aware no‐one else has explored this topic using this approach. It is a speculative investigation at an early stage but the implications are considerable.
The training of university lifelong learning professionals as researchers
Authors: Chivers Geoff
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine an effective approach to developing university vocational lifelong learning (VLL) professionals as researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two quite different approaches to developing VLL professionals as researchers were piloted, one involving face‐to‐face training and the other distance learning. These approaches were evaluated by the VLL professionals who underwent the training, and the organisers of the training. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed in the evaluation.

Findings

Evaluation of the two development methods revealed that the fact‐to‐face method was more successful due to its greater impact in the affective domain of learning, although some VLL professionals are able to develop through distance learning with close tutor support via electronic communication. Overall, the evaluation findings indicate that a combination of face‐to‐face and distance learning methods is likely to prove most effective.

Research limitations/implications

The pilot national research study involved small numbers of trainees across the UK. The training may be more effectively carried out at an institutional level.

Practical implications

VLL professionals in higher education are increasingly called upon to conduct and to manage research. There are many calls on their time, and this research project has demonstrated an effective approach to their training in VLL research within a very limited time period.

Originality/value

No methods for developing university VLL professionals as researchers have previously been piloted or evaluated. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of a training method combining face‐to‐face and distance learning.
Delivering the “learning factory”?
Authors: Barton Harry , Delbridge Rick
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evidence the emergence of new forms of work organisation which if observed could be seen as consistent with the concept of the “learning factory”. This is attempted through reporting the views of those workers engaged in team based operations and reflects upon the emerging role of first‐line and team‐based supervisors. The implications of such developments are then considered from the perspective of the current HR plant managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a study of 18 US and UK automotive component suppliers. The information gathered included questionnaire data detailing management practices and giving plant level performance measures. The paper draws primarily on data gathered from interviews conducted with workers, team leaders and managers, including HR managers.

Findings

While the majority of plants may be some way from a “learning factory” model there is evidence of changing practices, structures and expectations in each that are in varying ways broadly consistent with elements of this approach. As a consequence of the prioritisation for increases in devolution of responsibility to other employees, the traditional role of the HR manager was seen to be evolving which to a number of managers was creating difficulties.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing evidence of the devolvement of traditional “managerial” responsibilities to lower levels within increasingly “lean” manufacturing organisations. It also comments on the evolving role of HR managers in contemporary manufacturing.
Numeric magnetic field calculation and field current calculation for synchronous generators
Authors: Kunckel Stephan , Liese M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to cover a numerical routine design calculation module for treating the magnetic circuit of hydrogenerators.

Design/methodology/approach

A leading manufacturer of hydrogenerators proposed to overcome the standstill in the development of conventional design calculation tools by replacing his existing program module for treating the magnetic circuit of hydrogenerators by a new one based on numerical algorithms. The new module should use the existing interfaces and not change the scope of the existing design program providing hundreds of additional design results. Fulfilling these requirements the numerical calculation module using an enhanced finite integral method had to be self‐organising with regard to everything, e.g. the grid system generation for discretising the calculation area, the handling of the input data including the currents driving the magnetic field, the handling of the boundary conditions and the iterative load case treatment providing the field current producing exactly the required terminal voltage and factor at the machine terminals. Efforts were made for employing grid generation techniques, numerical algorithms and various iteration strategies which were easy to handle and to minimize the calculation time.

Findings

The effort necessary for automating the calculation approach so that interference of a numerical field calculation expert is unnecessary was found to be more challenging than handling the numerical algorithms.

Practical implications

The program module is ready for implementation.

Originality/value

The paper describes the transfer of numerical field calculation software into existing tools for routine design calculations.
Automation of finite element aided design of induction motors using multi‐slice 2D models
Authors: Griffiths D.R. , Sykulski J.K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop a practical design tool employing a general purpose electromagnetic finite element (FE) software package to perform automated simulation and performance analysis of induction motors in a design and optimisation process.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent publications identified a suitable approach in applying 2D finite‐element analysis to 3D problems. This, together with other similar work carried out on brushless DC motors, set out a framework for program development. Performance of the program was validated against practical test data.

Findings

Finite‐element analysis‐based design tools can be realistically employed within a design office environment and are capable of providing solutions within acceptable time scales. Such tools no longer require user expertise in the underlying FE modelling method. The multiple slice technique was employed to model skew in three‐phase induction motors and it was established that a four‐slice model provides a good balance between accuracy and speed of computation.

Research limitations/implications

Program development was based on one commercial FE software package and comparison with practical test data was not exhaustive. However, the approach outlined confirms the practical application. Future work could consider alternative approaches to optimisation.

Practical implications

Computing hardware and commercially available 2D FE software have developed sufficiently to enable multi‐slice techniques and optimisation to be employed in the analysis and design of machines.

Originality/value

This paper provides a practical illustration of how commercial electromagnetic software can be employed as a design tool, demonstrating to industry that such tools no longer need to be bespoke and can realistically be used within a design office.
Finite element modeling of a two‐degree of freedom spherical actuator
Authors: Galary Grzegorz , Dehez Bruno , Grenier Damien
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Computational validation of the new concept of the rotor of the two‐degree of freedom spherical actuator is the aim of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The first approach study leading to optimize the rotor's structure and parameters, realized using finite element method‐based software is presented. Rotor with two layers and rotor with ferromagnetic so‐called “teeth” crossing external layer are discussed.

Findings

It is shown that the rotor with teeth ensures higher torque and efficiency, but a negative slot effect appears, which is, however, possible to reduce.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations in the 3D simulations, especially lack of the movement modeling possibility. For the future the study of some other parameters such as the influence of the magnetic material's saturation, the geometrical from of the tooth and the appearance of the higher harmonics in the signal connected to the non‐sinusodial coupling between the rotor and the stator is considered, as well as the experimental confirmation.

Originality/value

New structure of the spherical actuator's rotor and its advantages are presented.
Modelling and position control of voltage forced electromechanical actuator
Authors: Stępień Sławomir , Patecki Andrzej
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present modelling and control technique of an electromagnetic actuator.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3D modelling technique of voltage‐forced electromechanical actuator takes into account: motion, magnetic non‐linearity and eddy current phenomena. Control problem of closed loop system is described by coupled electro‐magneto‐mechanical equations and non‐linear PID controller equations.

Findings

Presented methodology offers a powerful tool for analysis of control systems with distributed parameters models and may contribute to the improvement of the electromechanical performance of electrodynamic devices.

Originality/value

As original contribution a position feedback control using conventional PID controller is applied for iterative determining inverse dynamic problem, that is finding input voltage for a given position of an actuator.
Acoustic simulation of an induction machine with squirrel‐cage rotor
Authors: Schlensok C. , van Riesen D. , Küest T. , Henneberger G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present results of research closely linked to real life applications and to resume the work of a period of a few years.

Design/methodology/approach

The combination of finite‐element method (FEM) and boundary‐element method is applied to simulate the electromagnetic, mechanical, and acoustic behaviour of an induction machine with squirrel‐cage rotor. The paper gives an overall view of the workflow and the implemented mathematics, starting off with the two‐dimensional, transient electromagnetic simulation and the succeeding three‐dimensional, static electromagnetic simulation. Theory and results of the mechanical and acoustic simulations are discussed.

Findings

A main result of the research work is that the simulation of the acoustic behaviour of an electrical machine is very time‐consuming. Furthermore, geometry adoption, especially of the mechanical model, is very sensible.

Research limitations/implications

Using the FEM for simulation of structure dynamic problems is often limited to how the boundary layers are handled. In real life materials are not “connected” but glued or clamped. Therefore, the behaviour can only be adapted by manipulating the material parameters. There are other methods known for simulation, which could be applied. On the other hand, measurements could be used for iterative parameter adoption.

Practical implications

A significant result of the work is that the results obtained only allow for comparison. Exactness is more a question of modelling the real behaviour than matching the results to measurement in terms of values.

Originality/value

This paper gives an overview of how to simulate the complete chain from electromagnetics to acoustics of an electric machine.
Open tools for electromagnetic simulation programs
Authors: Mora Javier , Otín Rubén , Dadvand Pooyan , Escolano Enrique , Pasenau Miguel A. , Oñate Eugenio
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to propose three computer tools to create electromagnetic simulation programs: GiD, Kratos and EMANT.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of numerical methods for solving electromagnetic problems and presentation of the main features of GiD, Kratos and EMANT.

Findings

The paper provides information about three computer tools to create electromagnetic simulation packages: GiD (geometrical modeling, data input, visualisation of results), Kratos (C++ library) and EMANT (finite element software for solving Maxwell equations).

Research limitations/implications

The proposed platforms are in development and future work should be done to validate the codes for expecific problems and to provide extensive manual and tutorial information.

Practical implications

The tools could be easily learnt by different user profiles: from end‐users interested in simulation programs to developers of simulation packages.

Originality/value

This paper offers an integrated vision of open and easily customisable tools for the demands of different users profiles.
3D topology optimization of magneto‐thermal systems
Authors: Shim Hokyung , Moon Heegon , Wang Semyung
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research aims to present a 3D multi‐objective approach regarding both magnetic and thermal characteristics associated with design of actuators.

Design/methodology/approach

The adjoint variable topology sensitivity equations are derived using the continuum method for 3D optimization. Convection interpolation function is proposed for density method of topologies such that convection term can be taken into consideration for practical design in the process of the optimization. In application of a C‐core actuator, the sensitivity is verified using the finite difference method (FDM). The proposed method is applied to the C‐core actuator and a single‐phase induction motor.

Findings

The thermal field is much more sensitive than electromagnetics that the weighing factor is investigated in the SPIM. Optimal topology result shows that cutting is needed.

Originality/value

A 3D topology optimization for magnetic and thermal systems using the finite element method is proposed.