bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process Capability Assessment with Tool Wear: An Investigative Study
Authors: Jagadeesh R. , Subash Babu A.
Published: July 2002

Manufacturing systems are gearing up to meet the challenges of
quality‐based competition. Process capability study and analysis have
become critical issues in process control and a number of guidelines are
available for process capability assessment. However, certain conditions
like normally distributed output, statistical independence of observed
values and existence of only random variation due to chance causes are
stipulated for this assessment. All these conditions may not be
completely satisfied in a practical set‐up and departures from these
conditions are quite likely to occur. Tool wear is one such dominant and
inseparable component in many of the machining processes, and hence it
constitutes a systematic assignable cause. Process capability assessment
in such cases becomes tricky as the usual procedure will not give
accurate results. A real life case study has been considered for
detailed analysis. Various approaches of process capability assessment
are used. Analyses the results obtained to bring forth a number of
critical issues common to such situations. Presents the salient details
of the results obtained and various analyses made.
Accounting for Specifications in Statistical Process Control
Authors: Gélinas René
Published: July 2002

Usually, statistical process control uses control charts for monitoring
the evolution of a manufacturing process. Traditionally, control limits
are computed without considering another aspect of statistical process
control: the process capability (PC). This is essential information
because it indicates the propensity of a manufacturing process of
respecting the specifications (nominal and tolerances). The main problem
when separating the PC from control charts is that the latter are not
suitable for monitoring the manufacturing process evolution with respect
to the specifications. Thus proposes a new approach for computing
control limits: simultaneously accounts for the specifications and the
PC, and leads to control charts useful not only for identifying a
possible non‐random behaviour of the monitored process but also an
erratic behaviour with respect to the specification limits. The main
results are: (1) the control limits are no longer established using an
interval of 3 standard deviation around a centre line (•); (2) the
control limits are no longer restricted to be symmetric; and (3) there
is no possibility for the control limits to stand outside the
specification limits (which might be the case with the traditional
approach).
On the Production Rate of a Merge Production System
Authors: Gopalan M.N. , Dinesh Kumar U.
Published: July 2002

A merge production system which has parallel stations in the first stage
followed by a single station in the second stage is analysed in
connection with the production rate of the system. A mathematical model
is developed using semi‐regenerative process and a system of convolution
integral equations satisfied by various state probabilities is obtained.
An iterative numerical technique is used to solve the system of integral
equations obtained to evaluate the production rate of the system.
Customer satisfaction measurement and analysis using six sigma
Authors: Behara Ravi S. , Fontenot Gwen F. , Gresham Alicia
Published: July 2002

Six sigma is a way to measure the probability of manufacturing a
product or creating a service with zero defects. Presents a case study
to illustrate how the concept of zero defects, measured by six sigma,
can be applied to customer satisfaction measurement and to examine the
impact of customer expectations on the company’s strategies for
improving satisfaction. The information presented is based on actual
studies conducted for a high‐tech manufacturing company in the USA
during 1991 and 1992. The performance and expectations values and some
of the attributes have been altered for reasons of confidentiality.
Quality management in civil and structural engineering consulting
Authors: Oakland J.S. , Aldridge A.J.
Published: July 2002

Looks at the construction industry’s approach to quality management
by focusing on the sector of civil and structural engineering
consulting, with an in‐depth study of one company in particular.
Examines the premiss that the industry does not really understand total
quality management, but merely considers the management of quality to be
the gaining of BS 5750 registration. The study was carried out on a
literature review and interview basis in six offices of a
multi‐disciplinary firm of consulting engineers. Comparison of the case
study findings with Oakland’s model for TQM and the literature review
provide a résumé of the current status of understanding
and management of quality in construction.
Analysis of an n‐unit cold‐standby system with general
failure and repair time distributions
Authors: Gopalan M.N. , Dinesh Kumar U.
Published: July 2002

Analyses an n‐unit cold‐standby system with a single repair
facility under the assumption that the failure and repair times are
arbitrarily distributed. Develops a mathematical model using
semi‐regenerative processes. Obtains a system of integral equations
satisfied by various state probabilities corresponding to different
initial conditions. Obtains explicit expressions for the expected number
of failures and expected number of visits to down state in a specified
interval of time. Discusses two special cases when either the failure or
repair rate is constant. Analyses numerically and compares particular
cases with one, two and three units by assuming Weibull distribution for
failure time and normal distribution for repair time.
The long view of total quality management pays off
Authors: Patel Anoop
Published: July 2002

Uses a review of literature to examine quality in the context of
its current understanding thinking by advocates of total quality
management (TQM). It must be realized that TQM is not a short‐term fix.
It demands thorough preparation, unbending commitment, clear direction
from management and, above all, patience. Rising consumer expectations
are forcing industries to reevaluate existing practices and improve
them. To achieve competitive supremacy all organizations in Europe and
worldwide will need to take a long‐term strategic view of TQM. Looks at
a manufacturing company in the North of England which is laying down the
foundations for implementing TQM.
Assessing the outcomes of quality improvement interventions
Authors: Sulek Joanne M. , Lin Mary R. , Marucheck Ann S.
Published: July 2002

Assessing the impact of a quality improvement intervention on an
organization is particularly difficult in a high contact service
operation where the intangible service encounter is the unit of output.
Frequently, accounting or financial data must be used to evaluate the
effectiveness of the intervention; however, these data may be
problematic with respect to sample size and masking effects due to
aggregation. Presents a systems model which describes metaphorically how
an unstable process can continue to show no performance gains despite
continued input of resources into improvement initiatives. A special
type of Shewart control chart, known as the X‐chart, is developed as a
methodology for assessing process performance after an improvement
programme has been implemented. An X‐chart is used to analyse
performance data collected in a real service setting where service
quality standards were deployed in the front line phase of the
operation. Although traditional analysis of variance concluded that
there was no significant improvement in performance, the X‐chart
indicates that real performance gains were occurring. The X‐chart
provides management with an easy‐to‐use decision tool which can help
assess the effectiveness of many different types of organizational
change initiatives.
A mismatch of cultures: a pitfall of implementing a total quality
approach
Authors: Kekäle Tauno , Kekäle Jouni
Published: July 2002

Looks at the concept of organizational culture according to Schein,
where the system of basic assumptions is developed by the organization
during its history. These assumptions are bound to influence the
management’s choice of TQM approaches and quality training methods.
First, presents a model of different kinds of assumptions about the
nature of the human being, about the concept of quality, and about the
nature of learning, held by the management. Suggests how they should be
considered in choosing the total quality approaches for optimal results.
Second, tests the model and gives an illustration of each of the three
types of basic assumptions by giving outlines of selected case studies.
The cases featured seem to support the opin‐ion that choosing the
“match” approach, where the assumptions included are similar
to those that constitute the historic base of the culture of the
organization, leads to good results with less resource utilization.
Again, cultural mismatch seems to be one of the reasons for friction or
direct failures in implementing a TQM approach.
A roadmap to implementing ISO 9000
Authors: Motwani Jaideep , Kumar Ashok , Hung Cheng Chun
Published: July 2002

Technical specifications may not in themselves guarantee that a customer’s requirements will be consistently met, if there happen to be any deficiencies in the specifications or in the organizational system designed to produce the product or service. It was in this context that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) started its work on quality standardization. Offers an overview of the key concepts underlying the quality management and quality assurance standards that have come to be known as the “ISO 9000 series”. Presents the main themes of the ISO 9000 literature followed by a case study of a large manufacturing organization that has recently achieved the ISO 9000 certification. Explains the eight‐step process used by the company to achieve its registration. Although the certification process was lengthy and the documentation extensive, ISO can help the company gain substantial operational and financial benefits.
An application of Taguchi’s robust experimental design technique to improve service performance
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Motwani Jaideep , Otero Luis
Published: July 2002

Manufacturers in Europe, Japan, and the USA have widely employed the Taguchi methods of robust experimental design in optimizing product designs and manufacturing/assembly processes. However, these methods have made relatively little inroads into the service industries, for rather obscure reasons. Develops a robust experimental design to study the variabilities of a service process, namely, a customer complaint correction process, used by a small export company. The goal of the study is to reduce system response time to failures resulting from human or equipment error, equipment malfunction or damage, or unspecified abnormalities in the hardware or software modules of the system. Successfully identifies factors that affected the system response time in a statistically significant manner and yielded the optimum combination of factor levels that produce best results as measured in terms of system response time. Also demonstrates the usefulness and applicability of Taguchi methods in a service environment ‐ thus chipping away at the myth that Taguchi methods work only in a manufacturing environment.
Statistical analysis of the impact of air pollution on the quality of inventory
Authors: Jung Lyu Jr , Gunasekaran A. , Ding Jyh‐Hong
Published: July 2002

Air pollution is a problem that concerns many of us all over the world. Developing countries are also facing this problem. For the most part, air pollution is a negative side‐effect of industrial development. As such, it primarily concerns industrialized countries. However, it has also great impact on those countries in the developing world that have steady growth in industrial development. Taiwan is one of the developing countries that has to deal with this problem. Air pollution is not just an environmental problem, but also a social problem. It has a particular impact, for example, on the quality of inventory. Discusses and demonstrates the application of a statistical method for studying the effect of air pollution on the quality of inventory and how results can be used to reduce costs. Provides a method to resolve the air pollution problem that pertains to the quality of inventory using a scientific approach. Since most of the enterprises in Taiwan are small or medium‐sized enterprises, the application of statistical methods such as the ANOVA model or regression techniques are not common. However, these statistical methods do have application for small or medium enterprises. Employs a statistical method using a sample of data collected from an aluminium extrusion plant in Taiwan. Shows that this statistical design can be used to identify pollution sources effectively, thus helping the managers of the plant to take preventive measures for the purpose of eliminating industrial pollution.
A cost optimization model for determining optimal burn‐in times at the module/system level of an electronic product
Authors: Genadis Themis C.
Published: July 2002

Presents a cost‐optimization model for determining optimal burn‐in times at the module/system level of an electronic product. Optimum burn‐in is determined as that which will be most cost‐effective when considering burn‐in cost, field failure savings and the impact on system reliability.
The use of probability limits for process control based on geometric distribution
Authors: Xie M. , Goh T.N.
Published: July 2002

Control charts based on geometric distribution have shown to be useful when this is a better approximation of the underlying distribution than the Poisson distribution. The traditional c‐chart, if used, will cause too many false alarms. It is noted that for geometric distribution, the control limits are based on k times standard deviation which has been used previously, will cause a frequent false alarm, and cannot derive any reasonable lower control limits. Studies the use of probability limits to resolve these problems. Also discusses the use of geometric distribution for process control of high‐yield processes.
Assessing service quality in schools of business
Authors: Pariseau Susan E. , McDaniel J.R.
Published: July 2002

Business schools are under mounting pressure to decrease the cost of delivering education while improving programmes and services for students. Total quality management (TQM) provides a way to improve quality while reducing costs. However, since TQM involves fact‐based continuous improvement, data must be collected to allow for measurement of current levels of student and faculty satisfaction. Uses SERVQUAL, an instrument for measuring service quality, to assess both the quality and importance of each of the dimensions: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy, at two universities in the north‐east region of the USA. Also tests for agreement between the views of faculty (providers) and students (consumers). Finally, demonstrates how SERVQUAL may be used as a tool for benchmarking performance in order to improve service quality.
A situational maintenance model
Authors: Riis Jens O. , Luxhøj James T. , Thorsteinsson Uffe
Published: July 2002

The role that effective maintenance management plays in contributing to overall organizational productivity has received increased attention. Presents the development of a situational maintenance model that may be used to analyse and design the elements of a maintenance system. The situational approach to maintenance builds on contingency theory and considers both internal and external corporate dynamics. Using ideas from total productive maintenance (TPM), discusses how this model may be used to link corporate goals with maintenance policies. Defines design variables for maintenance systems that include the perspectives of individual behaviour, decision support systems, management systems and organizational structure, and corporate culture.
A model for institutionalizing TQM in a state government agency
Authors: Loomba Arvinder P.S. , Spencer Michael S.
Published: July 2002

Reports that pressures to address citizens’ needs amid growing financial constraints have led government agencies to consider adopting total quality management (TQM) philosophy as a change agent in the public sector. Examines one state agency’s attempt to institutionalize TQM and explores the effectiveness of TQM implementation in the agency by assessing the perceptions of management and employees. Also, offers a conceptual model that identifies TQM elements essential for success in both implementation and post‐implementation phases in all federal, state, and local government agencies. Believes that by examining the TQM elements identified in the model (internal/external environment, learning, and teamwork), public administrators can anticipate opportunities, avoid barriers to change, and improve agency performance.
Supervisors’ role in TQM and non‐TQM firms
Authors: Golhar Damodar Y. , Deshpande Satish P. , Ahire Sanjay L.
Published: July 2002

In the total quality management (TQM) environment, a major responsibility of TQM implementation rests with supervisors who translate the top management strategies into short‐term execution. Hence, the role of supervisors in the quality improvement efforts warrants a serious examination. Presents a comparison of the roles of supervisors in quality improvement strategies in TQM and non‐TQM firms. Based on a survey of 232 manufacturing firms in the USA and Canada, analyses the role of supervisors in TQM and non‐TQM firms using eight quality constructs. Major results indicate that, as compared with non‐TQM firms, supervisors in TQM firms receive more support and encouragement from top management, are under less tension, and possess a higher level of satisfaction. Also, participation of supervisors in the firm’s quality efforts is higher in TQM firms. The higher level of supervisors’ involvement, coupled with the top management commitment, results in higher quality of manufacturing processes and products for TQM firms than non‐TQM firms. Further, when implementing TQM strategies, non‐unionized firms are found to provide a better work environment for supervisors than the unionized firms.
Benchmarking the quality of hotel services: managerial perspectives
Authors: Min Hokey , Min Hyesung
Published: July 2002

With escalating competition in the hotel industry, a growing number of hotels have considered service quality their top priority in maintaining competitiveness. To maintain competitiveness, the hotel management often needs to develop reliable service quality standards. Perhaps one of the best ways of developing such standards is to compare the hotel’s service performance with that of the service leader and reassess its service performance continuously through competitive benchmarking. In an effort to establish practical guidelines for competitive benchmarking, proposes the use of an analytic hierarchy process and a competitive gap analysis. These methods can help the hotel manager formulate viable service improvement strategies in the increasingly competitive hotel industry. Illustrates the usefulness of the proposed benchmarking methodology using the case of Korean luxury hotels.
A systematic approach to improving quality: a framework and a field study
Authors: Czuchry Andrew J. , Hyder Carroll , Yasin Mahmoud , Mixon David
Published: July 2002

Explores the dynamic relationships involved in achieving a strategic quality orientation in a business setting. The relevant literature was revived. A methodology for implementing a strategic quality perspective was developed and tested in a field study. The methodology stresses both the technical and cultural aspects of the implementation process and provides a road map for other businesses pursuing ISO 9000 and total quality management.
Technique for pre‐implementation assessment in total quality programs
Authors: Wright C.M. , Riggle C.G. , Wright B.G.
Published: July 2002

This paper shows that the current quality literature does not consider all factors that affect quality program implementations. Employee perceptions of quality differ across organizational levels. It is clear that these differing perceptions of quality affect the success of a quality program implementation. Therefore, we propose the use of Q methodology as an effective method for understanding the perceptions of those individuals who will be taking part in a quality program implementation as well as for identifying supplemental training needs. In addition, we give an actual example of how this method can be used in a quality program implementation. This research is important because it shows the need for pre‐implementation assessment within the company and a generalizable tool that readily accomplishes this task.
A survey of applications of computer‐based technologies in support of quality
Authors: Nga E.W.T. , Cheng T.C.E.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the findings based on a survey conducted to examine the status and extent of the use of computer‐based technology (CBT) to support “quality”, including such aspects as quality control, quality assurance and quality management, in Hong Kong. Five main categories of CBTs, namely decision support systems (DSSs), group support systems (GSSs), executive information systems (EISs), expert systems (ESs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), in support of quality are surveyed. The survey findings indicate that CBT usage to support quality in Hong Kong is low, particularly ESs and ANNs. This is partly due to a lack of awareness regarding the potential of CBTs in supporting quality among their potential users, and partly because of a lack of availability of suitable software to support their use. This paper represents a first attempt to examine the real‐life use of CBTs in support of quality. Based on the research findings, we have identified several opportunities for further research and suggested a number of research directions for CBTs to support “quality”in practice.
Lower confidence limits of process capability indices for non‐normal process distributions
Authors: Tong Lee‐Ing , Chen Jann‐Pygn
Published: July 2002

When the process probability distribution is non‐normal or is unknown, the process mean and standard deviation may not properly describe the distribution’s shape. Consequently, the traditional process capability indices (PCI) Cp, Cpk, Cpm and Cpmk cannot express the actual process capability. This paper presents a procedure to construct lower confidence limits for PCIs when the process distribution is unknown. First, the order statistics are utilized to find the estimators of Cp, Cpk, Cpm and Cpmk. Bootstrap simulation method is then utilized to construct the lower confidence limits of PCIs, thereby allowing the process’s capability to be evaluated. A numerical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed procedure.
Quality system design and information planning
Authors: van Nistelrooy P.P.J. , van de Water H.
Published: July 2002

The different steps in the development of a new quality management system resemble the phases known within information planning. However, there is one substantial difference: the methods of information planning are in an adult stage and have been supported by computerized aids for years because of their affinity with information technology. This article illustrates the way in which existing similarities between quality control and information control can lead to a model for mutual support. A general model has been designed from information planning, which can serve as an aid in developing quality management systems. Moreover, it goes into the application of the ideas described in an existing organization.
Product’s technical quality profile design based on competition analysis and customer requirements: an application to a real case
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Zappulli Mauro
Published: July 2002

This paper concerns the problem of product’s technical quality profile design based on competition analysis and customer requirements. A modified version of Qbench algorithm has been developed aiming to support the engineering design process. A set of values for the technical/engineering product characteristics is selected by means of a comparison with competitors’ products (benchmarking), and customer expectations. A numerical application is also provided.
A maintenance inspection model: optimal and heuristic solutions
Authors: Ben‐Daya M. , Hariga M.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, we develop a model for machine maintenance inspection problem. Conditions under which an economical solution exists are derived. An optimal solution procedure yielding the optimal inspection interval length in few iterations is proposed as well as a closed form heuristic solution which provides a very good approximation. An example is used to illustrate both approaches.
Key factors predicting effectiveness of cultural change and improved productivity in implementing total quality management
Authors: Abraham Morris , Crawford John , Fisher Tom
Published: July 2002

Fourteen companies who were winners of the Australia Quality Award between 1989 and 1993 were surveyed regarding the dynamics of the change processes, which led to their achievement of the awards. It was hypothesized that the organizations which won the award successfully managed the process of complex organizational change. The survey was designed to test various system models and change guidelines that deal with the dynamics of successful change. The authors examine relationships between the effectiveness of the various change processes covered in the questionnaire on the one hand and the perceived success of the total quality management (TQM) program on the other. This study is thus relevant to the question of the relative importance of the different factors which impact on the successful introduction of a TQM program in an organization. It was found that a number of factors were important for successful transformation to a quality culture and practice. Although clarity of vision, participation, cultural communications, and resource support were all important, the critical factor appeared to be active management support for the change.
A study of TQM implementation in Thailand
Authors: Krasachol Ladawan , Tannock James. D.T.
Published: July 2002

Describes research which has been carried out using case‐study analysis to investigate how three Thai companies have adopted TQM. As Japanese and US companies are major investors in Thailand, one purpose of the study was to compare approaches to TQM implementation between three ownership categories: Thai, Japanese, and US‐owned companies operating in Thailand. A framework of TQM implementation developed from change management theory has been adopted for this study. The methodology used involved structured interviews with key staff throughout the selected organisations. The data collected were analysed for content using interview phrase‐matching. This method of analysis proved effective and can form the foundation for an in‐depth understanding of TQM implementation. The case study analysis illustrates that the companies studied have adopted distinct approaches to the implementation of TQM, which are described and placed in the context of the theoretical framework. Also describes the common characteristics of the TQM company which were found in the companies investigated.
Human resource maintenance? – Organisational rationales for the introduction of employee assistance programmes
Authors: Alker Linda , McHugh David
Published: July 2002

This article addresses the rationales employed for the introduction of employee assistance or advisory programmes (EAPs) in UK organisations. It examines typological conceptions of rationales for the introduction of EAPs which are appraised in relation to a study of the introduction of UK based EAP programmes and the literature on organisational interventions. The article concludes that more support is offered for organisational change as a rationale for EAP introduction than for more humanistic considerations, which appear to be better related to managers’ work roles. An extended discussion examines the residual role that welfare seems to play in modern HRM strategies and how current explanations of EAP programmes based on counselling models would benefit from input from models of consultancy processes.
The influence of employee‐supervisor interactions upon job breadth
Authors: Klieman Rhonda S. , Quinn Julie A. , Harris Karen L.
Published: July 2002

Examines the merits of job breadth as a construct reflecting discretionary work behavior, and the influence that a supervisor is likely to have on an employee’s developing job breadth. Surveys were completed by employees from long‐term care facilities in the mid‐western USA. Results indicated that job breadth was most strongly, and positively, related to the quality of employee‐supervisor relationship. Further, evidence suggested that a worker and supervisor do not necessarily perceive the boundaries of a job in an identical manner.
Does privatization affect corporate culture and employee wellbeing?
Authors: Cunha Rita C. , Cooper Cary L.
Published: July 2002

This article analyses how privatization influences corporate culture and employee wellbeing in the privatized companies. We hypothesized that the change process initiated with privatization and preparation for privatization would lead to a change in corporate culture and also to an increase in employees’ perceptions of occupational stress and symptoms of mental and physical ill health, as well as a decrease in job satisfaction. In the long term, these symptoms should be reversed. The study was carried out in three companies, one of them with two data collections, which allowed for a cross‐sectional analysis and a quasi‐longitudinal one. The two types of analyses supported most of the hypotheses. In general, corporate culture changed towards a greater emphasis on performance and people orientation and on organizational integration. Occupational stress was found to be higher and job satisfaction lower before privatization. Mental and physical ill health, however, were found to be higher in the companies that had already been privatized for some time.
“The Rule of Benedict” and its relevance to the world of work
Authors: Tredget Dermot
Published: July 2002

The Rule of Benedict is over 1,500 years old. In spite of its antiquity, what relevance does it have to the modern world of work? When Benedict complied his rule he envisaged a spiritual community, cut off from the world, that would pray, work and be economically sustainable. He had little idea that this “little rule for beginners” would become one of the most important documents in Western civilisation. Neither did he realise that he was laying the foundations for one of the oldest “multi‐national” organisations in existence today. This paper examines what has kept this spiritual “global community” alive and its relevance to the workplace.
Functionally Dependent Stress among Managers
Authors: Menon Nityamalyni , Akhilesh K.B.
Published: July 2002

Reports a study of managerial stress and its dependence on the
functional area of the manager. Nine stressors were identified through
(a) a literature search and (b) interviews with managers of the
different functional areas as well as with academicians as being
“functionally dependent”. Data were obtained from questionnaires completed
by 128 managers. Analysis revealed that eight of the nine stressors
(role ambiguity, pressure for performance, travel as part of the job,
being on the interface, responsibility for people, responsibility for
things, status of the functional area, and crisis situations) were
dependent on the functional area and not on age of the manager,
hierarchical level or tenure in the organization. Discusses the
managerial and organizational implications.
When the Show Must Go on
Authors: Bento Regina F.
Published: July 2002

Examines the relationship between “grief work” and “work life”. When, after a major personal loss, we re‐enter the world of work, we become involved in the complex process of trying to combine two types of role: our role as grievers, and our work role. The two are often found to be incompatible, and grief becomes disenfranchised, with important consequences for the organization and for the individual as a spiritual, physical and social being. Starts by discussing the conditions necessary for the normal resolution of grief, and what happens when the process of grief cannot be freely experienced, thus stunting the resolution process. Proposes a theoretical model which uses the analytical tools of role theory to understand the interplay of grief work and work life in organizations. Finally, discusses the implications of this study for theory and practice.
Trauma brought into the workplace
Authors: Johnson Pamela R. , Indvik Julie
Published: July 2002

Looks at how we bring the trauma of our childhood into the
workplace, considering our “family” at work, and probes more
deeply into traits which abused adults carry with them daily. Finally,
explores the long‐lasting effects with regard to communication patterns
in the workplace as they appear in conflict resolution, performance
appraisals, relationships with authority figures and co‐workers, and
suggests what employee assistance programmes can do to help adults who
have been abused as children.
Occupational stress in the ambulance service: a diagnostic study
Authors: Young Kathryn M. , Cooper Cary L.
Published: July 2002

The Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI) was used to investigate job
stress in an ambulance service in the north‐west of England. Seven
different aspects of the stress‐strain relationship were assessed and
the findings compared with those from the fire service. Ambulance
service employees were found to be experiencing major stress outcomes of
low job satisfaction and poor mental and physical health. Fire service
employees revealed significantly poorer physical health. Assesses the
sources of job stress, type A behaviour, locus of control and
coping styles and discusses them in the light of change in the public
services.
Legitimizing the gut feel: the role of intuition in business
Authors: Lank Alden G. , Lank Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2002

Organizations have never faced a more turbulent, complex or
changing environment. Traditional managerial approaches need to be
supplemented to enable business to survive. Making sense of complexity
requires holistic, lateral, intuitive thinking – right‐brain
skills that can be improved and developed. These skills need to become
legitimate features to identify, discuss and develop in business
settings. Argues that right‐brain skills are vital to the development of
the five main qualities of a continuously learning organization:
customercentred vision; systemic thinking; alignment; empowerment; and
openness. These five characteristics are identified as crucial to
organizational success and are explained more fully using practical
examples. Concludes that managers will be selected and developed using
quite different criteria from those used to build the bureaucracies of
the past.
Occupational stress in different organizations: a Saudi Arabian
survey
Authors: Ben‐Bakr Khaled A. , Al‐Shammari Id S. , Jefri Omar A.
Published: July 2002

Reports on a study which utilized responses from 442 employees
working in 23 different Saudi organizations to assess stress levels and
their differences with respect to nationality (Saudis, Arabs, Asians and
Westerners), age, tenure, type of organization (public, semi‐private,
private), and organizational size (small, medium, large). The findings
suggest that: the main source of stress for employees working in private
organizations is the lack of knowledge about their performance
evaluation results, while this is not the case for employees working in
public organizations; Saudi employees have the highest levels of stress,
with Arabs second, Asians third, while Westerners (Europeans and North
Americans) registered the lowest levels of stress; employees who are
less than 30 years old experience the highest levels of stress;
employees with six‐to‐ten years of experience show the highest levels of
stress; and there is a significant inverse relationship between
educational level and stress level.
Performance appraisal and true performance
Authors: Cook Mark
Published: July 2002

Argues that the conventional validation paradigm, which uses
subjective performance or appraisal ratings as criteria, may be of
doubtful validity. Discusses research into performance appraisal which
documents four sets of problems which may reduce the usefulness of
performance ratings as criteria. These problems include biases,
politicking, impression management and undeserved reputation. Describes
the inaccuracies to which these problems give rise and concludes that
instead of selecting the right people for management, selection methods
validated against appraisal will simply perpetuate an unsatisfactory
status quo.
Win/win research in the field: an innovative method without an
innovative methodology
Authors: Neck Christopher P. , Manz Charles G.
Published: July 2002

An important but commonly overlooked issue in field research design
is the balance of costs and benefits for academic researchers and
organizations (and their members) in which research is conducted.
Addresses the potential for the researcher and the organization to form
a research team from whose work both parties benefit. Based on an actual
quantitative field research study, suggests an approach to field
research which includes mechanisms for creating such a win/win situation
through innovative use of traditional methods.
Testing hypotheses of entrepreneurial characteristics
Authors: Chye Koh Hian
Published: July 2002

Investigates if entrepreneurial inclination is significantly associated with the following psychological characteristics: need for achievement, locus of control, propensity to take risk, tolerance of ambiguity, self‐confidence and innovativeness. A self‐administered, fixed‐alternative questionnaire is administered to 100 MBA students in Hong Kong, yielding a usable response rate of 54 per cent. χ2 tests of independence show that those who are entrepreneurially inclined and those who are not are homogeneous with respect to demographic and family characteristics. T‐test results and logit analysis indicate that those who are entrepreneurially inclined have greater innovativeness, more tolerance of ambiguity and higher propensity to take risk as compared with those who are not entrepreneurially inclined. The logit model has an overall holdout accuracy rate of 87.4 per cent. Although not statistically significant, descriptive statistics suggest that the entrepreneurially inclined also possess a higher need for achievement, greater (internal) locus of control and more self‐confidence.
Social decision schemes and group processes: some impacts on decision making
Authors: Nel Deon , Pitt Leyland F. , Berthon Pierre , Prendergast Gerard
Published: July 2002

Little research has been done on the impact of social decision schemes on group process variables. Green and Taber created a self‐report scale to provide five measures of the group process. These measures deal with the descriptions of an individual’s behaviour as well as others’ behaviour towards a specific person. The items within each measure also probe evaluative ratings of several specific group processes and outcomes. Evaluates the relationship between the process variables and a dependent performance variable ‐ the profit achieved by groups in a marketing simulation game ‐ in an attempt to shed further light on the group process in strategic marketing decision making. A factor analysis reveals a reasonably close concurrence of the experimental data and that of the Green and Taber instrument, leading to the conclusion that the two sets of data were of a similar structure. Attempts to establish a relationship between the Green and Taber process variables and profit. Concludes that negative socio‐emotional behaviour and solution satisfaction are positively related to group success. Therefore, the opportunities for negative socio‐emotional behaviours such as rejecting others’ positions, arguing and criticizing seem to be worthy of exploration. Since solution satisfaction returned a significant regression, finds that the give‐and‐take arguments of socio‐emotional behaviour contributed to solution satisfaction.
Managing survivors The experience of survivors in British Telecom and the British financial services sector
Authors: Doherty Noeleen , Bank John , Vinnicombe Susan
Published: July 2002

Explains that the extent and pace of change throughout British industry has been increasingly dramatically, resulting in major job losses, and the remaining employees or survivors of such change often experience the effects as deeply as those who are made redundant. Notes that, although many organizations invest time and resource in exiting people, they do little to help those who stay, and yet the successful transformation of organizations relies heavily on managing these people through the transitions. Examines data from a case study of British Telecom and survey data from the financial services sector. Illustrates, from the combination of case and survey data, the impact of such organizational change on the survivors. Indicates that few organizations appear to provide structured help at the appropriate level and intensity. Suggests that organizations will have to do more for their survivors to establish a new psychological contract.
The socialization of high‐potential graduates into the organization
Authors: Garavan Thomas N. , Morley Michael
Published: July 2002

Examines the expectations of those graduates recruited by organizations for their “high‐flyer” programmes. Looks at the socialization process that such graduates are exposed to once recruited and evaluates the adjustment and change processes that graduates experience.
Job satisfaction profiles of university teachers
Authors: Oshagbemi Titus
Published: July 2002

Workers, managers and academics had previously been classified on the basis of characteristics of their jobs, especially how they spend their time. Enquires whether university teachers can be meaningfully grouped on the basis of the satisfaction levels which they enjoy on various aspects of their jobs. Using a cluster analytical procedure, groups university teachers in the UK into three: happy workers, satisfied workers and unhappy workers. While the happy workers (67 per cent) and the satisfied workers (14 per cent) form a majority of the workforce, offers suggestions on how to reduce the percentage of unhappy workers (19 per cent) in higher education. In particular, focuses attention on this newer, and possibly very useful, approach of classifying workers, instead of the traditional method based on the criterion of rank alone. Discusses the implications of this new approach for grouping workers.
Corporate wellness programmes in Singapore: effect on stress, satisfaction and absenteeism
Authors: Ho Janice T.S.
Published: July 2002

The importance of corporate wellness programmes has been recognized by many countries. It is only in recent years that organizations in Singapore have begun to implement wellness programmes on an organization‐wide scale. This is also in line with the Singapore Government’s recent emphasis on healthy lifestyle and health campaigns for the public. Thus, there is a growing trend for organizations in Singapore to offer wellness programmes. Attempts to establish the benefits which may be reaped from such investment. Describes how findings from the study indicate that employees in organizations with wellness programmes generally have a more positive attitude towards their organizations, express higher job satisfaction and satisfaction with the fringe benefits provided for them. However, no significant differences were found between employees in organizations with and without wellness programmes in terms of level of work stress, self‐reported absenteeism rates, satisfaction with working conditions, co‐worker relations and accomplishment. As employees are becoming more health conscious, given the benefits of the wellness programmes, recommends that management should not hesitate to adopt health promotion activities in the workplace.
Patents ‐ a problem for information management
Authors: Rowland Glyn
Published: July 2002

Discusses the basic concepts of intellectual property, particularly as applied to patents; explains the monopoly granted to inventors in return for disclosing details of their inventions in applications for patent specifications. Expands on the problems such a system presents to the inventor, with comments on decisions the inventor must take on whether to patent his invention, and if so, where, and how the procedures should be approached. Presents a brief history of patents, with an explanation of what can and what cannot be patented under the Patents Act 1977. Notes arrangements for protection outside the UK ‐ through the European Patent Office, and other countries of the world. Discusses the main factors which affect the information value of patents, and comments on the major patent information tools ‐ printed, CD‐ROM and databases. Concludes with a brief discussion on the growing impact of the Internet and the World Wide Web, suggesting that such developments might increase the use of the valuable information contained in patent documentation.
Tactics to influence subordinates among Thai managers
Authors: Noypayak Watcharinpan , Speece Mark
Published: July 2002

A typology for assessing managerial roles was used to explore Thai managers’ self‐reported use of influence tactics with subordinates. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 16 Thai managers in the Siam Cement Group. Managers who viewed themselves as vision setters tended to use rational persuasion, consultation, and pressure most. Motivator managers used rationality and ingratiation. Analyzer managers used pressure. Task masters used rationality and pressure. However, all types of manager sometimes used other tactics besides the most common ones. Much of this behavior is similar to how managers in studies from the USA behaved. However, Thai managers showed some orientation toward “softer” methods, whether or not the managerial role is typically associated with “soft” or “hard” methods.
The scoop on Ben & Jerry’s Inc.: an examination of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Dennis Bryan S. , Neck Christopher P. , Goldsby Michael G.
Published: July 2002

We attempt to go beyond media representations as we explore the following question: Is Ben & Jerry′s Inc. a socially responsible organization? This exploration includes a description of the concept of corporate social responsibility, and an investigation of some specific actions by Ben & Jerry’s to ascertain whether or not these actions are indeed socially responsible in nature.
Drives and their vicissitudes in the management of human resources
Authors: Sala Florian
Published: July 2002

Human drives are well and truly present in organizations and undergo different vicissitudes. In the management of human resources, these vicissitudes emblematically take the form of modes of primary defence against the drives solicited by an increasingly restrictive labour market. Neither the fact that cases of abuse (guilt) do occur, nor the connivance that can exist amongst employees, diminishes the responsibility of directors of human resources (DHR) and researchers in this domain. Information, decision, arbitration and implementation can be seen here to define the fourfold process of inversion by which drives are transformed into their opposite. In the shift from activity to passivity, the repressed is never far away. Indeed, the return of the repressed implies a certain detour of the unconscious: namely an acting out that takes the form of a reversal onto the person’s own self. A good DHR is one that must disappear! Which furnishes us with a fine example of sadism turned upon the self, as in the self‐punishing of the obsessional neurotic.