bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right to privacy? The protection of personal data in UK public organisations
Authors: Warren Adam
Published: January 2003

Aims to investigate and analyse the extent to which individual privacy is being protected by recent legislation in the UK – in particular, the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998 and the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998. Employees are monitored for compliance with the law, company policy and morality reasons. The HRA 1998 introduced a legal right to privacy. The DPA 1998 included manually processed data in addition to the computerised records covered by previous legislation. Such change poses considerable challenges to organisations. Information concerning employees can be excessive, inaccurate and kept for longer than necessary. It can also be insecure – for example, being held in unprotected directories. Investigates the legal challenge facing public organisations. Assesses the level of awareness and informed opinion of the recent information privacy legislation within such organisations. Refers to PhD fieldwork, and to the implications of the changes for libraries. Finally, draws conclusions about the advisability of good practice models.
Communicative campaigns to effect anti‐slavery and fair trade
Authors: McDonagh Pierre
Published: January 2003

This inquiry examines the challenge for marketers to foster both anti‐slavery and fair trade. Analyzes communicative work to enhance both. Describes underlying issues and public misunderstanding; draws on specific themes by illustrating the Anti‐Slavery International campaigns to end child labour via the Rugmark label, and the work of a fair trade coffee company, Cafédirect Ltd; and furnishes a link between societal marketing and the emergent theory of sustainable communication to effect anti‐slavery and global fair trade. Concludes with a discussion, implications for societal marketing and suggestions for further research.
Elegy on the death of marketing
Authors: Holbrook Morris B. , Hulbert James M.
Published: January 2003

Considers the past, present and future of marketing. Whimsically but not without seriousness, concludes that marketing faces something of a Y2K problem. Indeed, as the next millennium begins, concludes that, though the marketing concept may survive, the marketing function itself is dead. Nonetheless, cautions against the concomitant extermination of marketing scholars.
Commentary
Authors: McKenzie C.J. , Wright S. , Ball D.F. , Baron P.J.
Published: January 2003

The current environment in higher education drives faculty members towards research and publication. What the system values most is publication in refereed journals, preferably those which have achieved high reputation. Examines the extent to which academic research informs practitioners engaged in marketing. Clear evidence was obtained that academic marketing journals are neither read nor recognised by the great bulk of the sample. The consequence for academics and other writers in the subject area is significant. They can either strive to meet the demands of academically rated journals and publications which will undoubtedly further their career or they can publish their work in outlets more likely to be read by the practitioner. In the latter case, they then risk their colleagues and superiors taking them less seriously. Finally, they can attempt to achieve both, although this is a somewhat difficult task. The evidence from this study confirms, however, that whatever efforts are made by marketing faculty to publish their work, their readership, most likely, will be disappointingly exclusive.
The antecedents of Web site performance
Authors: Huizingh Eelko K.R.E.
Published: January 2003

Much of the current understanding of the effectiveness of Web sites is anecdotal and contained in case studies. Building on a review of these case studies, this study has two objectives: to evaluate systematically the relevance of the antecedents for which anecdotal evidence is available, and to determine the relative importance of these to uncover factors that are crucial for successful Web sites. Measures performance of Web sites in terms of the number of visitors and the managerial satisfaction with the site. The results indicate that both performance indicators refer to different dimensions of Web site performance and that they are influenced by different antecedents. The results show that most antecedents identified in literature indeed somehow influence the performance of Web sites. Multivariate analyses indicate that customization of the Web site is an important determinant of both Web performance indicators. Evidence was also found that a too strong focus on short‐term financial benefits has a negative impact on Web site satisfaction. Extensive sites tend to attract more visitors, while building sites merely for learning related goals tend to decrease the number of visitors.
Understanding consumer reactions to premium‐based promotional offers
Authors: d’Astous Alain , Jacob Isabelle
Published: January 2003

Reports the results of a three‐study research program whose purpose is to gain a better understanding of consumer reactions to premium‐based promotional offers. In the first study, elaborates and evaluates a comprehensive typology of premium‐based promotional offers with respect to its content and predictive validity. In the next study, explores the semantics that are used by consumers when they are presented with premium promotions and develops a series of research hypotheses from qualitative interviews with 12 consumers. In the final study, conducts a survey of 182 adult consumers to test these research hypotheses. The results reveal that consumer appreciation of premium‐based promotional offers is more positive when the premium is direct than when it is delayed, when there is a relatively lower quantity of product to purchase, when the value of the premium is mentioned, when brand attitude is positive, when interest in the premium is great, and when consumers are characterized by deal‐proneness and compulsive buying tendencies. Consumers’ perception of manipulation intent is affected mainly by directness of the premium, mention of the value of the premium, interest in the premium, and deal‐proneness.
Consumer evaluations of extensions and their effects on the core brand
Authors: Grime Ian , Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Smith Gareth
Published: January 2003

Extensions as forms of new product development strategy have been discussed to a great extent during the last decade, however, there have been limited reviews of the literature. This article reassesses the work on brand and line extensions and integrates it into a conceptual framework. The latter shows that extension and core brand evaluations are affected by consumer perceptions of fit. Moderating factors that influence the relationship between fit and consumer evaluations of the extension and the core brand are also identified. The framework is subsequently used to develop concrete research propositions to guide further research in the area.
European female expatriate careers: critical success factors
Authors: Linehan Margaret , Scullion Hugh
Published: January 2003

The particular focus of this paper is female expatriates in Europe, which is a relatively under‐researched area. A total of 50 senior female expatriate managers were interviewed, representing a wide range of industry and service sectors. The aims of the paper are to highlight a number of critical factors which are necessary for successful female expatriate assignments. The results of the study show that female expatriates are disadvantaged in their careers because of the lack of organizational support which is readily available to their male counterparts. This lack of organizational support, together with the invisible barriers which constitute the glass ceiling, explain the relative scarcity of female expatriate managers.
Development in the learning factory: training human capital
Authors: Barton Harry , Delbridge Rick
Published: January 2003

Examines innovation, labour and human resource management in contemporary manufacturing. Case study data are presented from automotive plants in the USA and the UK. Reports on the human resource practices in use and considers the relationship with the plants’ manufacturing and innovation activities. In particular, focuses on current developments in the roles of employees and their training and development implications.
Future challenges for human resource development professionals in European learning‐oriented organisations
Authors: Buyens Dirk , Wouters Karen , Dewettinck Koen
Published: January 2003

Within the scope of the Targeted Socio‐Economic Research (TSER) project (1998‐2000), that aimed to examine new human resource development (HRD) initiatives in learning‐oriented organisations throughout Europe, this paper confronts the Belgian findings with the European outlook. The study examines how HRD departments in learning‐oriented organisations envision their new role in stimulating and supporting employees to learn continuously, what strategies HRD departments adopt to realise their envisioned role and what inhibiting factors they encounter when tying to realise their new role. The results of a survey of 165 companies, of which 39 are located in Belgium, showed a paucity of innovative HRD practices. However, professionals indicate that strategies to support the business and to stimulate learning and knowledge sharing will become increasingly important strategies in the future. The factors that appear to significantly hinder the change process are also discussed.
Long‐term unemployment and the “employability gap”: priorities for renewing Britain’s New Deal
Authors: Lindsay Colin
Published: January 2003

This paper reviews recent reforms to the UK’s main active labour market policy for the long‐term unemployed aged over 25: the so‐called New Deal 25 Plus. It discusses the appropriateness of the New Deal’s approach to the activation of these long‐term unemployed people, by drawing upon evidence from interviews with 115 job seekers in one urban labour market characterised by generally low unemployment rates. It is argued that these job seekers face a combination of personal and circumstantial barriers to work, best characterised as an “employability gap”. It is acknowledged that following recent reforms to the New Deal 25 Plus, the programme is better equipped to address some aspects of the employability gap faced by many long‐term unemployed people. However, it is argued that a stronger commitment to training within a “real work” environment and a more flexible approach to the administration of some social security benefits is required if the long‐term detachment from the labour market experienced by these job seekers is to be overcome.
Management development – a model for retail business
Authors: O’Dwyer Michèle , Ryan Eamon
Published: January 2003

This paper focuses on the development and evaluation of a management development programme for owner/managers of independent retail businesses in Limerick City. It describes the objectives of the programme, the selection mechanism for participants, the programme content and an extensive evaluation of the programme focusing on pre‐, interim and post‐course evaluation.
Addressing ICTs skill challenges in SMEs: insights from three country investigations
Authors: Duan Yanqing , Mullins Roisin , Hamblin David , Stanek Stanislaw , Sroka Henry , Machado Virgilio , Araujo Joao
Published: January 2003

The rapid advancement in information and communication technologies (ICTs) has brought enormous business opportunities as well as challenges. One of these challenges is the demand for ICTs skills and expertise in adopting and implementing these emerging technologies. Coping with skills shortage poses a serious challenge across all European countries. Lack of ICTs skills and knowledge is more evident in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). As training is regarded as the most effective way of improving skills and enhancing knowledge, this paper attempts to address skills shortage at pan‐European level by identifying SMEs’ needs on ICTs training in the UK, Portugal and Poland. The investigation focuses on the most needed training areas, the required training levels and the preferred training delivery channels. The paper summarises findings from three‐country investigations and highlights the implications of findings for the design and development of a Web‐based training system for the use of ICTs in SMEs.
Training issues associated with COTS‐based information intensive systems
Authors: Farr John V. , Verma Dinesh
Published: January 2003

One key aspect of commercial‐off‐the‐shelf (COTS) based systems pertains to operations and maintenance training. Therein lies the focus of this paper. Factors necessary in the development of a training program to support rapid COTS insertion at the system and platforms levels are initially identified. Thereafter, this paper summarizes the results of best training practices and metrics survey and presents a rational methodology to support the development and assessment of training programs for this type of environment. The results of a survey focused on assessing and identifying training delivery methods, trainee learning, and training results are also presented. Finally, a framework for evaluating candidate training program alternatives is presented.
On the variety of imprecise probabilities
Authors: Klir George J.
Published: January 2003

Presents an overview of currently recognized theories of imprecise probabilities and their possible extensions. It is shown how the theories are ordered by their levels of generality. A summary of current results regarding measures of uncertainty and uncertainty‐based information is also presented.
Pansystems philosophy and its mathematical principles
Authors: Wu Xuemou , Feng Xiangjun , Guo Dinghe
Published: January 2003

A new expression of the philosophy framework of pansystems theory is stated. Some generalized quantification formulae are developed. Concrete contents include: new forms of panderivative and pansymmetry, meta‐equation, eight‐counter methodology, pansystems relativity, dialectical logic, panbox principle, complex systems, systems engineering, analytic hierarchy process, general living systems, economy‐sociology, clustering, topology, morphology, master equation, approximation‐transforming theory, equivalence theory of dynamics of electromagnetic media, etc.
Backpropagation
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: January 2003

The popular backpropagation algorithm for training neural nets is a special case of an earlier principle of significance feedback, which in turn has much in common with Selfridge’s “Pandemonium” and a connection with McCulloch’s “redundancy of potential command”. Ways in which the effects might operate in real neural nets are reviewed, and the ideas are related to the current interest in heterogeneous agents. The tendency to restrict attention to numerical optimisation is regretted.
Some aspects on modelling as a base for scientific recommendations
Authors: Grubbström Robert W.
Published: January 2003

Argues that the Hempel‐Oppenheimian logical scheme for explanations and predictions also applies to prescriptive statements (recommendations) derived from theoretical models in the normative sciences. Presents ideas concerning the allocation of effort in developing normative models for such purposes. Three characteristics of the model and the model‐building process, together with a suggested qualitative relationship between these properties, are discussed, namely the “applicability” of the model, the “simplicity” of the principle derived from the model, and the “level of technique” applied, a discussion similar to that of Bronfenbrenner. It is proposed that the subjective value to the model‐builder may be envisaged as a function of these three main characteristics and that the model‐design process then may be interpreted as a constrained optimisation problem.
Economics and cybernetics
Authors: Billeter‐Frey Ernst P.
Published: January 2003

Considers that cybernetics could be used more often in economics. Questions the use of econometrics, but sees a cybernetical approach as being fruitful.
Evolution of group consciousness – a cybernetic approach
Authors: Roy Prasun K. , Dutta Majumder D.
Published: January 2003

The approach of biocybernetics and non‐equilibrium systems dynamics is used to analyse biological, psychological, anthropological and cultural evolution. Using experimental data, positive feedback of biological activation and Prigogine‐Einstein fluctuation analysis, the energy dissipation equations for biological and anthropological evolution are developed.
Creative idea generation via interpretative approach to analogical reasoning
Authors: Badie Kambiz
Published: January 2003

To add the flavor of creativity to analogical reasoning, an intermediate space has been proposed to be included between source and target, so that the inputs in the source can be interpreted in terms of some navigating concepts in this layer for further reinterpretation in the target space. In this paper, as the extension of this approach, interpretation schemes have been addressed emphasizing on the co‐working of interpretation and reinterpretation mechanisms for idea generation with respect to different types of situations in the source. Within this respect, hypothesis generation in the scientific domains, has been emphasized as a tangible application of an interpretative approach to interdomain analogical reasoning. As the final remarks, the proposed approach has been compared with both the classical approach to analogical reasoning and the related works as well.
CLCR optimal input design for IS and IU plants
Authors: Bányász Cs. , Keviczky L.
Published: January 2003

The paper deals with the optimal reference signal excitation for closed‐loop‐control‐relevant (CLCR) identification for inverse stable (IS) and inverse unstable (IU) processes. For the IS case the optimal excitation depends only on the performance design goal, however, for the IU case it depends on the invariant factors of the plant, so only learning algorithms can be applied.
A synergetics approach to disruptive innovation
Authors: Broekstra Gerrit
Published: January 2003

Emery and Trist were the first to design an influential taxonomy of four social fields to accommodate the perceived emergence of a new type of business environment, the type 4 turbulent field. This captured the predicament of leading companies suddenly confronted with, what Christensen called much later, disruptive change. Their taxonomy was based on the study of adaptive behavior on linear dynamical systems. This paper proposes a modification of the taxonomy on the basis of Synergetics to enable dealing with the nonlinear evolutionary dynamics of complex probabilistic business systems. Synergetics focuses on what happens in phase transitions or bifurcations which appear to be the essential nature of turbulent fields. Furthermore, Haken's slaving principle and the concept of the order parameter are remarkably well‐suited to review the Christensen's findings of companies held captive by customers and, particularly, the puzzling delay shown by leading companies in responding to newcomers. These newcomers typically change the nature of the order parameters of type 3 established fields, as represented by Christensen's product performance characteristics, which may cause customers to switch their preferences and buying behavior. Thus the apparent stability of an established field can be quite deceptive. As such, this paper suggests the existence of a lock‐out principle complementary to the lock‐in principle described by Arthur in his work.
Control synthesis of a class of DEDS
Authors: Čapkovič František
Published: January 2003

A new control synthesis method suitable for a special kind of discrete event dynamic systems (DEDS) is presented in this paper. The systems to be controlled are modelled by a special class of Petri nets (PN) named state machine (SM). The class is distinctive by the fact that each PN transition has only one input place and only one output place. Bipartite directed graphs (BDG) are utilized in the control synthesis process. Namely, PN in general are (from the structure point of view) the BDG. Both the state reachability tree and the corresponding control one are developed in the straight‐line procedure starting from the given initial state and directed to the desirable terminal one as well as in the backtracking procedure starting from the terminal state and directed to the initial one. After a suitable intersection of both the straight‐lined state reachability tree and the backtracking one the state trajectories of the system are obtained. After the intersection of both the straight‐lined control reachability tree and the backtracking one the control interferences corresponding to the state trajectories are obtained.
Incentives: mechanisms for the consistency of the Colombian educational system
Authors: Castillo Mario , Duque Gabriel , Beltrán Fernando
Published: January 2003

This paper focuses on a project to develop a methodology for diagnosing and designing incentives to improve the Colombian basic education system's performance. We describe the system and then the model identifying the agents characterized and the relationships between them. With these elements we construct an Incentives map. In order to connect the decisions of the individual or institution agents to the performance of the system, we build a way of illustrating them. Finally, we present the results.
Fuzzy algorithms of problem solving
Authors: Chorayan O.G. , Chorayan G.O.
Published: January 2003

Labyrinth test psychophysiological experiment is elaborated to analyze possible mechanism of the probabilistic prognosis forming and realizing in the condition of essential information uncertainty. The dynamics of the probabilistic prognosis construction and improvement during multi‐stage labyrinth test solving is established. This dynamics is characterized by considerable changes of the subjective probabilities and membership function quantitative indices apparently used in the fuzzy logic of mental activity being applied in decision‐making processes realized in the condition of uncertainty. The possible link between probabilistic prognosis efficiency and some functional peculiarities of cortical hemisphere asymmetry has also been studied.
Towards autonomous application interfaces
Authors: Courant Michèle , Le Peutrec Stéphane
Published: January 2003

A global change resulting from a convergence between communication technologies – namely Internet, and other devices technologies – namely robotics, mobile communication, and domotics – is presently affecting Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This situation, denoted by the so‐called Intelligent Networks and Ubiquitous Computing fields, is characterized by a high diversity and promiscuity of equipments and applications, together with a great variability of using contexts. In order to address this variability, we propose a new kind of interaction schema, separating the application interface from the application itself. The paper describes this schema and its central concept of virtual instrument, allowing the users to initiate observation processes with the running applications, and to construct their own points of view upon their activities.
The bridge to humanity’s future: text of a multimedia address
Authors: Fey Willard R. , Lam Ann C.W.
Published: January 2003

Human life on Earth is threatened by the growth of world human consumption which quadruples every 35 years. Major environmental imbalances may soon severely deplete our planetary life‐support system. However, the world economy is designed to create and depend on consumption growth. If this growth were to stop, major economic, social and military crises could result. We call this tragic dilemma the Ecocosm Paradox. Powerful human instincts drive the positive feedback‐loop processes that generate consumption growth. This growth involves many human, technological, and natural environmental variables whose separate study has given rise to specialized intellectual disciplines. However, in order to address our current dilemma, these variables must be analyzed together as a single, complex process. A new method of analysis, synthesis, and implementation based on a new transdisciplinary field, “Ecocosm Dynamics”, is herein proposed for this analysis.
Epidemiologic modelling of HIV and CD4 cellular/molecular population dynamics
Authors: Habtemariam T. , Tameru B. , Nganwa D. , Ayanwale L. , Ahmed A. , Oryang D. , AbdelRahman H.
Published: January 2003

Computational models can facilitate the understanding of complex biomedical systems such as in HIV/AIDS. Untangling the dynamics between HIV and CD4+ cellular populations and molecular interactions can be used to investigate the effective points of interventions in the HIV life cycle. With that in mind, we have developed a state transition systems dynamics and stochastic model that can be used to examine various alternatives for the control and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The specific objectives of our study were to use a cellular/molecular model to study optimal chemotherapies for reducing the HIV viral load and to use the model to study the pattern of mutant viral populations and resistance to drug therapies. The model considers major state variables (uninfected CD4+ lymphocytes, infected CD4+ cells, replicated virions) along with their respective state transition rates (viz. CD4+ replacement rate, infection rate, replication rate, depletion rate). The state transitions are represented by ordinary differential equations. The systems dynamics model was used for a variety of computational experimentations to evaluate HIV mutations, and to evaluate effective strategies in HIV drug therapy interventions.
Application of systems analysis in modelling the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
Authors: Habtemariam T. , Tameru B. , Nganwa D. , Ayanwale L. , Ahmed A. , Oryang D. , AbdelRahman H. , Gray G. , Cohen J. , Kreindel S.
Published: January 2003

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), widely known as “mad cow disease”, has virtually crippled the British livestock industry. Even though, no cases of BSE have been reported in the United States (US), a similar epidemic in the US would be catastrophic. The added concern for the risk of introduction of the human disease called variant Creutzfeldt‐Jacob disease that has been linked to eating meat of BSE infected cattle compounds the risk of BSE. Systems dynamics models based on the underlying transmission pathways of BSE can help to anticipate the spread of this disease in different cattle populations and assist in the evaluation of potential risk mitigations for preventing its introduction or controlling its spread if it was introduced. With this in mind, an age and health status structured systems dynamics model was developed. By making assumptions and setting up feasible scenarios, the model can be used to examine potential prevalence and incidences rates of BSE; the effect of mitigations including changes in feeding habits or rendering processes and/or other policies and regulations designed to prevent the introduction of BSE. The systems dynamics simulation model enabled us to create virtual experiments whose real‐world analogues would otherwise be expensive, dangerous, or even impossible to carryout.
Tools for creation of multimodels
Authors: Hrubý Martin , Kočí Radek , Peringer Petr , Rábová Zdena
Published: January 2003

The process of creating complex models often requires different modelling methods and tools to be integrated. This paper provides a concise description of an object‐oriented environment for creating composite models. The proposed approach is based on using simulation abstractions as basic model building blocks. The basic environment is built up of a Prolog interpreter, SIMLIB and object‐oriented Petri nets.
Mathematical bios
Authors: Kauffman Louis , Sabelli Hector
Published: January 2003

In this paper we report on a mathematical pattern that we call bios, and its generation by recursions of bipolar feedback. Bios is a newly found form of organization, that resembles chaos in its aperiodic pattern and its extreme sensitivity to initial conditions, but has additional properties (diversification, novelty, nonrandom complexity, life‐limited patterning, 1/f power spectrum) found in natural creative processes, and absent in chaos. The process equation At+1=At+gtsin(At) generates convergence to π, a cascade of bifurcations, chaos, bios and infinitation, as the value of the feedback gain gt increases. In the complex plane, series generated by orthogonal process equations display fractal organic patterns.
On the reachable robustness limits for time delay control systems
Authors: Keviczky L. , Bánaýsz Cs.
Published: January 2003

The paper presents a new decomposition method to handle optimal control design for two‐degree of freedom time delay control systems. In this approach exact relationships between the actuator, process and design parameters and also robustness measures are developed. The ultimate robustness limit of any control can be explicitly calculated by this approach.
“Physics” approach to general systems theory
Authors: Korn J.
Published: January 2003

A number of empirical statements intended to capture features of “systems” considered to be pervasive, is given. A symbolism based on processed natural language is outlined. The symbolism can be used for analysis of scenarios with predominantly qualitative properties i.e. human activity situations. It is capable of carrying the appropriate mathematics and uncertainties associated with operation of human and other types of components, is based on a kind of predicate logic and exhibits changes of states in time. The approach has led to a definition of information and product and systems design.
A systems approach to self‐organization in the dreaming brain
Authors: Krippner Stanley , Combs Allan
Published: January 2003

This systems model of dreaming consciousness examines the self‐organizing properties of the sleeping brain, offering a step towards reconciling brain‐based and content‐based attempts to understand the nature of dreaming. The brain can be understood as a complex self‐organizing system that, in dreaming, responds to subtle influences such as residual feelings and memories. The hyper‐responsiveness of the brain during dreaming is viewed in terms of the tendency of complex chaotic‐like systems to respond to small variations in initial conditions and to the amplification of subtle emotional and cognitive signals through the mechanism of stochastic resonance, all in combination with psychophysiological changes in the brain during both slow wave and rapid eye movement (REM) dreaming. These changes include the active inhibition of extroceptive stimulation and, especially in REM sleep, alterations in the brain's dominant neuromodulatory systems, bombardment of the visual cortex with bursts of PGO activity, increases in limbic system activity, and a reduction of activity in the prefrontal regions.
Nonionic surfactants based on copolymers of dioctyl itaconate with dioxypropylated itaconic acid
Authors: Azab M.M. , Bader S.K. , Shaaban A.F.
Published: January 2003

Four series of nonionic copolymer surfactants have been prepared by the free radical copolymerizations of dioctyl itaconate (DOI) with dioxypropylated itaconic acid. Copolymerization reactions were carried out in solution at 70°C using 1mol. percent azopisisoputyronitrile as a free radical initiator. The copolymers were obtained by reprecipitation from petroleum ether (40‐60) and finaly dried in vacuum at 60°C. The structural features of these nonionic copolymer surfactants have been confirmed by IR and 1HNMR spectra. The surface active properties of these polymers were compared and evaluated, including solubility, cloud point, surface properties, interfacial tension, foaming emulsification and biodegradability. Most of the products are good biodegradable surfactants; which manifested the importance of their application in pollution problems.
The myth of the ethical consumer – do ethics matter in purchase behaviour?
Authors: Carrigan Marylyn , Attalla Ahmad
Published: January 2003

Marketing ethics and social responsibility are inherently controversial, and years of research continue to present conflicts and challenges for marketers on the value of a socially responsible approach to marketing activities. This article examines whether or not consumers care about ethical behaviour, and investigates the effect of good and bad ethical conduct on consumer purchase behaviour. Through focus group discussions it becomes clear that although we are more sophisticated as consumers today, this does not necessarily translate into behaviour which favours ethical companies and punishes unethical firms. The article concludes by some thoughts on how marketers might encourage consumers to engage in positive purchase behaviour in favour of ethical marketing.
Buyer beliefs, attitudes and behaviour: foods with therapeutic claims
Authors: Bhaskaran Suku , Hardley Felicity
Published: January 2003

Builds on past studies in the USA and assesses the market potential for functional goods through investigating consumer needs and attitudes. Aims to add to past research through: assessing consumer knowledge and beliefs on nutrition and diet‐health relationships; analysing the influence of such knowledge and beliefs of information and sources of information; and evaluating the effectiveness and implications of government preventative health campaigns on purchase behaviour. Concludes that issues regarding personal and national health are extremely important because of the financial costs and human suffering that could be involved; and that functional goods, as a relatively new phenomenon, still need to be examined further with regard to their influence on trust and legitimacy in buyer behaviour.
Using data mining/data repository methods to identify marketing opportunities in health care
Authors: Rafalski Edward
Published: January 2003

Using data mining techniques, opportunities for improving continuity of care, improving patient satisfaction, and enhancing system revenue were discovered at Sinai Health System, Chicago by analyzing the compliance of patients in prenatal care and subsequent delivery at the hospital with which their primary care clinic was affiliated. This led to the development of a telephone survey used to determine why patients who were receiving prenatal care at the health system’s affiliated primary care sites chose to deliver their baby at other non‐affiliated hospitals. The results of the survey are being used by management and marketing in order to improve processes in ways that would minimize the lost business.
E‐book devices and the marketplace: in search of customers
Authors: Burk Roberta
Published: January 2003

Since the introduction of the rocket e‐book several years ago, e‐books have promised to revolutionize the way we read. Corporate giants Microsoft and Adobe Systems have developed sophisticated e‐book reader software that enhances the electronic reading experience. Hardware manufacturers such as Gemstar, Franklin, and Cytale continue to produce new reading devices. Yet despite the numerous advantages offered by various e‐book readers and despite the widespread popularity of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and pocket PCs capable of reading electronic books, the e‐book market has thus far failed to materialize. Aside from institutional purchases of netLibrary titles, sales figures for e‐books have been disappointing, due in large part to digital rights management barriers that have adversely affected available content. Publishers, fearing Napster‐like piracy of digital content, seem reluctant to develop a viable e‐book business model whose success could undermine the traditional, paper‐based publishing industry.
Serving XML: practical techniques for the dissemination of structured electronic information
Authors: Gilmour Ron
Published: January 2003

The self‐describing nature of data marked up using extensible markup language (XML) allows the XML document itself to act in a manner similar to a database, but without the large file sizes and proprietary software generally associated with database applications. XML data can be made directly available to users using a variety of methods. This paper explores methods for both server‐side and client‐side processing and display of XML‐encoded data, using an annotated bibliography as an example.
A Web‐based electronic book (e‐book) library: the netLibrary model
Authors: Silipigni Connaway Lynn
Published: January 2003

Despite some skepticism about the adoption of electronic books (e‐books) in libraries, there has been substantial growth in e‐book acquisitions and usage. The e‐book task force for the University of California digital library identified eight elements that are important to the evaluation of academic e‐book usage. The elements are: content, software and hardware standards and protocols, digital rights management, access, archiving, privacy, the market and pricing, and enhancements and ideal e‐book features. There are currently several e‐book models available to libraries that can be assessed and described in relation to the above‐mentioned elements or criteria. Using these elements, the netLibrary e‐book model will be described.
Growing competition for libraries
Authors: Gibbons Susan
Published: January 2003

This article begins with an analysis of Questia’s online collection of digitized books and articles. Although the collection is not found to be a strong one, Questia’s strength lies in its ability to utilize the digital format to overcome many of the barriers and inconsistencies that undergraduate students encounter in a traditional brick‐and‐mortar academic library. Librarians can learn a lot from Questia and perhaps use that knowledge to improve their own services.
Beyond print: reading digitally
Authors: Brown Gary J.
Published: January 2003

The development of reader devices and improvement of screen technology have made reading on screens less cumbersome. Our acts of reading are not univocal, as we read in many different ways with many different goals in mind. Reader software can provide different levels of navigation support for the manipulation of digital text, presenting capabilities for analytic reading not available in the print‐on‐paper reading experience and compensating for our lack of orientation and feeling of omnipotent dominance of text. The parameters of e‐text reading and the issues of access remain central to readers and researchers, whether the electronic text is designed and packaged as an “e‐book” for portable reading devices, or resides on a server for distribution to library terminals to be downloaded to desktop PCs, laptops or tablet PCs. The power and functionality of reading software – note‐taking, highlighting and indexing capabilities, robust open searching across databases – are ultimately linked to open access issues: interoperability, text standards, and digital rights management. These remain key questions for libraries, publishers and researchers.
A model for the distribution channels planning process
Authors: Fava Neves Marcos , Zuurbier Peter , Cortez Campomar Marcos
Published: January 2003

Research of existing literature reveals some models (sequence of steps) for companies that want to plan distribution channels. None of these models uses strong contributions from transaction cost economics, bringing a possibility to elaborate on a “distribution channels planning model”, with these contributions and organizing the steps according to a sequence that would be useful for companies when reviewing the distribution process. This sequence was refined through in‐depth interviews with companies. Presents the final version of our model incorporating the results from the interviews.
The effectiveness of service recovery in a multi‐industry setting
Authors: Mattila Anna S.
Published: January 2003

In today’s hyper‐competitive business environment, repeat customers are vital for success. Service failures, however, have the potential to destroy customer loyalty. In this study, we wanted to examine how two situational factors, the service type and magnitude of failure, moderate customer responses to service failures. Results from our experimental study indicate that the cost to mollify customers might vary tremendously for different types of services and for different magnitudes of failure. Effective service recovery (e.g. apology combined with a tangible compensation) had a strong positive influence on recovery satisfaction and loyalty for hair styling services whereas the magnitude of the impact was less pronounced for restaurants and dry‐cleaning services. Consistent with previous research, subjects who perceived the failure to be highly serious had lower perceptions of fairness or justice associated with service recovery than their counterparts who considered the failure to be less severe. In sum, our findings support the notion of context‐specificity of service recovery.
The hidden costs of implementing and maintaining information systems
Authors: Barreau Deborah
Published: January 2003

There are costs associated with the acquisition, implementation, and operation of information systems beyond the price of hardware and software. As these costs sometimes account for budget shortfall, it is important to recognize problem areas and minimize their impact on the organization. Potential hidden costs, including costs that may be hidden by managers, as well as costs that may be hidden from them, are identified and recommendations offered for avoiding serious consequences.
Library budgets and academic library rankings in times of transition
Authors: van Reenen Johann
Published: January 2003

An analysis of the ability of a particular library to significantly increase its Association of Research Libraries (ARL) ranking in a reasonable time period is presented. A discussion follows to show why this is not a useful objective at a time when academic libraries are transitioning to new types of products and services made possible by emerging technologies. Various initiatives are under way in the USA and Europe to create more meaningful performance measures for academic libraries.
Using the statutory audit to support continuous improvement in Scottish local authorities
Authors: Wisniewski Mik , Stewart Derek
Published: January 2003

The new Labour Government elected in the UK in 1997 has a declared commitment to the modernisation of local government and has proposed radical change to the way councils plan and deliver local services through best value in service delivery. Best value emphasises the role of sound management as a means of delivering service improvements. Best value in Scotland has a core requirement for every council to develop an effective performance management and planning (PMP) framework. The Accounts Commission and Audit Scotland have developed a detailed audit approach to assess and support each council’s progress in developing and improving its PMP framework. The audit specified sets out the key features of a best value service grouped under ten criteria, requires each council service being audited to critically assess their current performance, and requires each service to implement performance improvements that are necessary to deliver best value services. The key findings from the first audit are presented together with an evaluation of councils’ reactions to the audit and an assessment of the contribution of the audit to continuous improvement in Scottish local government.
The information gap in annual reports
Authors: Hooks Jill , Coy David , Davey Howard
Published: January 2003

Following radical restructuring of the electricity industry in New Zealand since 1987, the government adopted a “light‐handed” regulatory regime that used market‐based methods involving competition and transparent accountability. This accountability is in part discharged through the provision of information in the corporate annual report. To assess the quality of that communication, a disclosure index was developed and applied to the annual reports of the 33 electricity retail and distribution companies which comprise the entire industry in New Zealand. The index was developed using the ideas and opinions of 15 experts representing broad stakeholder groups. This paper compares the resulting scores for the extent and quality of each index item with the level of importance of those items as stated by the panel. Many items are not adequately disclosed, resulting in an information gap between stakeholders’ expectations and the disclosures provided by the electricity companies. This paper identifies the items and the detail about them needed to close that gap.
Colour graphics and task complexity in multivariate decision making
Authors: So Stella , Smith Malcolm
Published: January 2003

Advancements in information technology and graphics software mean that colour graphics are an increasingly important part of the communication of business operations and corporate reporting. Unfortunately, the research literature on the effects of colour graphics on decision performance is sparse, and lends only limited and qualified support to the claims often made for colour coded graphics. There has been no research in the accounting environment of the impact of non‐redundant colour graphics (i.e. those not complemented by numerical or pattern support) on decision‐making performance. The existing literature suggests that gender, task complexity, field dependence and time constraints will all impact on the effectiveness of the use of colour, so this paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment designed to assess the interaction effects of non‐redundant colour coding in bar charts with information complexity, and with gender. A multivariate bankruptcy prediction decision is the task environment. Non‐redundant coding, rather than redundant coding, is used in this paper, to force subjects to use the actual colour coding in their decisions and in order to evaluate the effects of colour coding more fully. The results suggest that proponents of colour graphics must qualify their claims. Colour graphics improve decision making, though their impact is significant only when information complexity is low, and then for female subjects only.
Product quality, environmental accounting and quality performance
Authors: Dunk Alan S.
Published: January 2003

Quality has typically been regarded as a key strategic component of competitive advantage and, therefore, the enhancement of product quality has been a matter of prime interest to firms. Quality provides a basis for strategic advantage, and thus improvement in product quality may lead to enhanced performance. However, a frequent concern is that product quality no longer provides enduring competitive advantage; instead, it has become essentially a competitive prerequisite. Hence, an assessment of whether improvements in product quality are reflected in greater quality performance is likely to be of considerable interest to organizations. Suggestions have been made that the implementation of environmental accounting also contributes to the enhancement of quality performance. Argues that the greater the integration of environmental issues into financial decision processes, the better the performance of the firm. Investigates the extent to which product quality and the implementation of environmental accounting positively influence quality performance.
Genealogical method and analysis
Authors: Kearins Kate , Hooper Keith
Published: January 2003

This paper outlines and exemplifies the use of a method for analysing power relations based on the work of French social theorist, Michel Foucault. The overall research aim of genealogical analysis is to produce “a history of the present”, a history which is essentially critical with its focus on locating forms of power, the channels it takes and the discourses it permeates. Research combining Foucauldian theorisation and method necessarily involves a selective search for injustice and subjection to reveal plausible alternatives to more pervasively modernist histories, which tend to revere progress. Salient features of a genealogical research method are detailed in the context of an actual research project previously conducted by the authors and reproduced here for the purposes of exemplification explicitly as a genealogy.