bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient and accurate numerical treatment of Huxley equation
Authors: El Danaf Talaat S.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how numerical solutions of the nonlinear Huxley equation are obtained by collocation‐based method using cubic B‐spline over finite elements.

Design/methodology/approach

For the numerical procedure, time derivative is discretized using usual finite difference scheme. Solution and its principal derivatives over the subintervals are approximated by the combination of the cubic B‐spline and unknown element parameters.

Findings

The numerical results are found to be in good agreement with the exact solution. Also the method is very accurate and conditionally stable; the results are very accurate at a small h (discretization) of x so this method can be applied for any nonlinear partial differential equations.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how numerical solutions of the nonlinear Huxley equation are obtained by collocation‐based method using cubic B‐spline over finite elements.
Heat transfer in composite materials using a new truly local meshless method
Authors: Ahmadi Isa , Aghdam M.M.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a micromechanical model based on a new truly local meshless method for analysis of heat transfer in composite materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented meshless method is based on the integral form of energy equation in the sub‐particles in the material. In the presented meshless method due to elimination of domain integration the computational efforts are decreased substantially.

Findings

Numerical results are presented for temperature distribution, heat flux and thermal conductivity. Numerical results show that the presented meshless method is simple, effective, accurate and less costly method in micromechanical modeling of heat conduction in heterogeneous materials.

Research limitations/implications

A small area of the composite system called representative volume element is considered as the solution domain. The fully bonded fiber‐matrix interface is considered and contact thermal resistant is neglected from the fiber matrix interface and so the continuity of temperature and reciprocity of heat flux is satisfied in the fiber‐matrix interface.

Originality/value

For the first time a new truly local meshless method based on the integral form of energy equation for the sub‐particles in the materials is presented for analysis of heat transfer in composite materials.
A numerical simulation of modified Boussinesq and seven‐order Sawada‐Kotara equations
Authors: Soliman A.A.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the variational iterations method to solve two difference types such as the modified Boussinesq (MB) and seven‐order Sawada‐Kotara (sSK) equations and to compare this method with that obtained previously by Adomian decomposition.

Design/methodology/approach

The variational iteration method is used for finding the solution of the MB and sSK equations. The solution obtained is an infinite power series for appropriate initial condition. The numerical results obtain fornth approximation and compare with the known analytical solutions; the results show that an excellent approximation to the actual solution of the equations was achieved by using only three iterations.

Findings

The comparison demonstrates that the two obtained solutions are an excellent agreement. The numerical results calculated show that this method, variational iteration method, can be readily implemented to this type of nonlinear equation and excellent accuracy can be achieved. The results of variation iteration method confirm the correctness of those obtained by means of Adomian decomposition method.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper show that the variational iteration method is a powerful mathematical tool for solving the MB and the sSK equations; it is also a promising method for solving other nonlinear equations.
A pressure‐correction procedure with high‐order schemes implemented on unstructured meshes
Authors: Lai Huanxin , Xing Gailan , Tu Shantong , Zhao Ling
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a pressure‐correction procedure for incompressible flows using unstructured meshes. A method of implementing high‐order spatial schemes on unstructured grids was introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure used a collocated cell‐centered unstructured grid arrangement. In order to improve the accuracy of calculation, the widely used high‐order schemes for convection, developed for structured grids and in the form of either the normalized variable and space formulation (NVSF) or the total variation diminishing (TVD) flux limiters (FL), were introduced and implemented onto the unstructured grids. This implementation was carried out by constructing a local coordinate and introducing a virtual upstream node.

Findings

The procedure was validated by calculating the lid‐driven cavity flows which had benchmark numerical solutions. For comparison, these flows were also computed by a commercial package, the FLUENT. The results obtained by the present procedure agreed well with the benchmark solution although very coarse grids were used. For the FLUENT, however, worse agreements with the benchmark solutions were obtained although the grids used for computation were the same. These demonstrated the robustness of the presented numerical procedure.

Originality/value

With the present method, high‐order schemes in either NVSF or TVD FL forms for structured grids can be easily implemented onto unstructured grids. This provides more choices of high‐order schemes for calculating complex flows.
Multi‐objective optimization design of a micro‐channel heat sink using adaptive genetic algorithm
Authors: Baodong Shao , Lifeng Wang , Jianyun Li , Heming Cheng
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how, with a view to the shortcomings of traditional optimization methods, a multi‐objective optimization concerning the structure sizes of micro‐channel heat sink is performed by adaptive genetic algorithm. The optimized micro‐channel heat sink is simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, and the total thermal resistance is calculated to compare with that of thermal resistance network model.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the thermal resistance and the pressure drop as goal functions, a multi‐objective optimization model was proposed for the micro‐channel cooling heat sink based on the thermal resistance network model. The coupled solution of the flow and heat transfer is considered in the optimization process, and the aim of the procedure is to find the geometry most favorable to simultaneously maximize heat transfer while obtaining a minimum pressure drop. The optimized micro‐channel heat sink was numerically simulated by CFD software.

Findings

The results of optimization show that the base convection thermal resistance contributes to maximum the total thermal resistance, and base conduction thermal resistance contributes to least. The width of optimized micro‐channel and fin are 197 and 50 μm, respectively, and the corresponding total thermal resistance of the whole micro‐channel heat sink is 0.838 K/W, which agrees well with the analysis result of thermal resistance network model.

Research limitations/implications

The convection heat transfer coefficient is calculated approximately here for convenience, and that may induce some errors.

Originality/value

The maximum difference in temperature of the optimized micro‐channel cooling heat sink is 84.706 K, which may satisfy the requirement for removal of high heat flux in new‐generation chips. The numerical simulation results are also presented, and the results of numerical simulation show that the optimized micro‐channel heat sink can enhance thermal transfer performance.
Leading after a crisis
Authors: O'Callaghan Shaun
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Shaun O'Callaghan draws on work from book: Turnaround Leadership, which gives managers and leaders the tools they need to make decisions that will help them to lead and motivate their staff, and better communicate with customers, investors, lenders and teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines the steps that have to be taken in order to successfully lead in times of crisis.

Findings

In the normal course of business, a leader is constantly making and trying to deliver on a set of promises to key stakeholders. The choices of what promises to make and, critically, the delivery against those promises is the fundamental core of what a business does. In many ways, you could say that the principal role of a leader is to make, balance and deliver business promises.

Practical implication

Offers a practical guide to making decisions and managing stakeholders when business conditions become tough.

Originality/value

When things go badly wrong, it is your role, as leader, to decide what promises (if any) you make, and to which of your stakeholders. In periods of disruptive change, people crave more certainty, even when you can probably provide less. In these circumstances, it is important to consider a 360 degree view of the problem, including the perspectives of your customers, investors, lenders, employees and suppliers. What do they really need to know and want to hear? This will help you to devise, communicate and deliver a successful recovery plan and make promises that balance.
Businesses must “adapt or die”, warns industry expert
Authors: Mayson Stephen
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Discusses the need for businesses to adapt or die. This theme was explored at a pro.manchester – the membership organisation for the financial and professional services sector – meeting held in 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

By way of example, this article describes how changes, brought about by irreversible economic and technical developments, are about to transform the predominantly conservative legal industry.

Findings

The thought leaders in every business need to wake up one morning soon, clear their desks, take the phone off the hook, hang out the “NOT NOW” sign and ask themselves why their business is where it is, doing what it does and where it will be in three/five years' time.

Practical implications

The authors have all stepped into a new economic and technological landscape where most of the accepted goalposts seem to have moved. This article gives advice on what CEOs can be doing about it?

Originality/value

Professor Stephen Mayson is a leading strategic adviser and business coach. He serves on the Legal Services Board's research strategy group, the Solicitors Regulation Authority's ABS (Alternative Business Structures) reference group, he has a PhD in law firm valuation, is a fellow of the College of Law Practice Management, and is the director of the Legal Services Institute at the College of Law.
Theoretical framework of strategic behaviors in Thai contractors
Authors: Hastheetham Arthasith , Hadikusumo Bonaventura H.W.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differences of the influence of implication of perceptions of business environment on Thai contractors' strategic behaviors and strategic performances.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study methodology, the paper extensively documents nine case studies interviewing the CEOs or senior executives, functional managers, senior project managers, and some of their clients regarding research questions developed from strategy theories with evidence that has appeared in various strategy researches in construction.

Finding

A generic theoretical framework of contractor's strategic alignment has been developed to address different strategic alignments illustrating an interaction between implication of perceptions of business environment, strategic behaviors, and strategic performances.

Practical implications

This generic framework can systematically help Thai contractors in improving strategic behaviors and yield better strategic performance. The findings can also be applied to contractors in other developing countries.

Originality/value

This paper is a strategic management study in construction that holistically emphasizes the customer and the firm as the key instead of solely emphasizing the project. The study in this area is slowly gaining recognition in the construction industry.
Approaches to managing global sourcing risk
Authors: Christopher Martin , Mena Carlos , Khan Omera , Yurt Oznur
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Global sourcing can bring many benefits to organisations, but it can also expose them to a number of risks. The purpose of this study is to understand how managers assess global sourcing risks across the entire supply chain and what actions they take to mitigate those risks.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study approach was used, involving 15 cases in seven different industries. Each case consisted of interviews with managers directly involved in the global sourcing decision, supported by documentary evidence. A cross‐case analysis was conducted to analyse patterns across different industries.

Findings

The study revealed that most companies do not have a structured supply chain risk management and mitigation system. Nevertheless they do use a number of informal approaches to cope with risk. The paper proposes that a multidisciplinary approach is required when dealing with global sourcing risks. It presents a classification of risks covering four categories: supply risk, process and control risks, environmental and sustainability risks, and demand risks.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a research gap concerning managers' approaches to assessing and mitigating supply chain risk in a global context. In this context, this study proposes a new categorisation for global sourcing risks and offers a characterisation of global sourcing risk mitigation strategies applicable to different industries.
A method to compare supply chains of an industry
Authors: Jalalvand F. , Teimoury E. , Makui A. , Aryanezhad M.B. , Jolai F.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a method to compare supply chains (SCs) of an industry in the scope of supplier's supplier to customer's customer.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based on five processes provided in SCOR model version 9.0 (plan, source, make, deliver and return) and main business stages of the industry. It uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and PROMETHEE II, a multiple criteria decision‐making technique, as tools to compare SCs in the process level, business stage level and SC level. Therefore, the method is basically a new combination of existing models and methods including SCOR model, DEA and PROMETHEE II. To show the applicability and strength of the method in comparing SCs, it has been implemented in the seven SCs of the Iran broiler industry as a case study.

Findings

Comparing SCs of an industry via the proposed method results in process benchmarking, business stage benchmarking and SCs ranking in the scope of supplier's supplier to customer's customer.

Originality/value

The suggested method provides realistic and attainable information for SCs' owner/managers to find out the strengths and weaknesses of their SCs and improve their performance by process benchmarking and business stage benchmarking. Also they could identify their competitive position in the industry by SCs ranking.
How standards compete: comparative impact of coffee certification schemes in Northern Nicaragua
Authors: Ruben Ruerd , Zuniga Guillermo
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Smallholder farmers are increasingly subject to different types of standards that offer specific conditions for their market incorporation. The proliferation of private and voluntary (civic) standards raises questions regarding their impact on farmers' welfare and their role in the upgrading of value chains. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on extensive fieldwork and careful matching of 315 farmers in Northern Nicaragua who produce coffee under Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance and Café Practices labels or deliver to independent traders, the effects on income, production and investments are compared. Moreover, the implications of different contract conditions for risk behaviour, organizational force, loyalty and gender attitudes are assessed.

Findings

The paper finds that Fair Trade provides better prices compared with independent producers, but private labels out‐compete Fair Trade in terms of yield and quality performance. While Fair Trade can be helpful to support initial market incorporation, private labels offer more suitable incentives for quality upgrading.

Research limitations/implications

Civic standards exhibit major effects on local institutions' and farmers' behaviour, while B2B standards are more effective for improving production and management practices. Dynamic improvement standards may bridge the gap between both.

Practical implications

Fair Trade standards are useful to provide initial market access to small‐holders, but private standards offer better prospects for subsequent quality upgrading.

Originality/value

This is the first large‐scale comparative impact assessment of coffee standards that delivers unbiased empirical results.
Ethical procurement strategies for International Aid Non‐Government Organisations
Authors: Wild Nigel , Zhou Li
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The objective this paper is to develop and describe a conceptual framework for collaborative Ethical Procurement Due Diligence (EPDD) between International Aid Non‐Government Organisations (IANGOs) in Humanitarian Supply Chains (HSCs). Second, to explore EPDD relationships with IANGOs, IANGOs and their suppliers, IANGOs and their suppliers' suppliers, donors, IANGOs and IANGO suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of qualitative research in the shape of a number of in‐depth interviews, and the collection of secondary information across 11 IANGO organisations with senior logistics and purchasing managers.

Findings

Supply chain co‐opetition strategies are being enacted by IANGOs to explore the formulation of EPDD. Concerns surrounding ethical risk in HSCs differ from commercial supply chains (CSCs) in relation to NGO relationships with donors and supplier networks. EPDD by IANGOs beyond the first tier of suppliers in HSCs is limited to Lead IANGO(s).

Research limitations/implications

The case study approach adopted restricts the generality of findings; however, the research explores ethical behaviour in a new direction, that of IANGOs in HSCs, and their relationships with donors and supplier networks. This has implications for the management of ethical risk strategies in HSCs.

Practical implications

The paper determines barriers and enablers to collaboration between NGOs and as such assists in the process of developing risk‐rating systems for ethical procurement in NGO HSCs.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate the issues surrounding collaborative ethical procurement in IANGO HSCs, and associated ethical procurement risk management strategies in relation to donors and supplier networks.
Natural hedging as a risk prophylaxis and supplier financing instrument in automotive supply chains
Authors: Hofmann Erik
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Supply chain risks significantly endanger small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME‐) suppliers in different currency areas in purchasing and sales. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to describe the concept of natural hedging in supply chains, and to highlight the potentials of natural hedging as a risk prophylaxis and a supplier financing approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a brief literature review and a conceptual research design, taking the financial and physical component of natural hedging (in this case between an OEM and its SME‐suppliers in the automotive industry) into consideration.

Findings

Natural hedging of currency and commodity price fluctuations can contribute to the reduction of SME‐suppliers' supply chain vulnerability, also benefiting an OEM.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses exclusively on relationships between SME‐suppliers and large OEMs in the automotive industry. Studies of other types of companies and industries, such as the capital goods industry, might reveal divergent practices.

Practical implications

With the natural hedging approach, the paper promotes an innovative concept for better managing risks in supply chains, especially in recessionary times. The concept is a source for supplier financing.

Originality/value

This research shows that a globally active focal firm – an OEM in the automotive industry, for instance – can hedge currency and commodity price risks (financial components), as well as operational supply risks (physical components), by centralizing commodity supply with its SME‐suppliers. It can serve as a basis for future research.
Embedding “insights from industry” in supply chain programmes: the role of guest lecturers
Authors: van Hoek Remko , Godsell Janet , Harrison Alan
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Guest lecturers (GLs) are a popular mechanism for transferring insights from industry into supply chain programmes. With a scarcity of capable supply chain (SC) talent in today's labour market, there is real value in executives contributing to SC programmes at schools and universities. By guest lecturing they can “light the fire” in students about how exciting the field and practice are and how much potential there is in considering a career in SC management. Students on SC programmes can be shown part of the way towards modern SC practice for which there is a real need for more talent. However, it may be difficult to ensure GL effectiveness; it is neither the executive's job nor his/her profession and academics often find it hard to recruit GLs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the hands‐on experience of GLs and academics from multiple backgrounds, this paper develops both a framework that can help ensure effective use of the GL, and 11 specific tips and suggestions for recruiting and using GLs in SC programmes.

Findings

It was found that there are more creative ways to use GLs in programmes than typically considered, as well as a wider recruitment of different types of GL than those most commonly sought after and most hard to recruit.

Originality/value

This paper aims to assist educators in curriculum development and to help to ensure that, when executives offer up scarce time and experience, they maximise the impact of their service.
Notions for the successful management of the supply chain: learning with Carrefour in Spain and Carrefour in China
Authors: Cambra‐Fierro Jesús , Ruiz‐Benítez Rocío
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This paper proposes a framework that considers some key concepts to design and manage supply chains in both national and international contexts. For a better understanding, it is intended to illustrate this framework with the case of Carrefour in both Spain and China.

Design/methodology/approach

In the form of a case study the paper explains global strategies in both countries. The paper also discusses similarities and differences in the supply chain management in both contexts.

Findings

The paper found application of core SCM concepts to a leader distribution firm. “Thinking global and acting local” is also pertinent to application in the management of supply chains.

Practical implications

Managers may identify key processes and consider the possible contributions of each to the efficiency of their own chains. This case study could be also used as an example of the successful management of the supply chain of a company leader in its sector.

Originality/value

The present paper illustrates a leader company based on real data.
Measuring police impact on organised crime
Authors: Mackenzie Simon , Hamilton‐Smith Niall
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse and critique common performance indicators for the policing of organised crime, and to propose a new approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was based on key respondent interviews with staff at an organised crime‐policing agency; literature review; analytical work and construction of a new model.

Findings

KPIs and other targets drive the policing of organised crime. Often these ultimately constitute numerical targets – amount of drugs seized; number of key nominals arrested, etc. – which are crude and which the research evidence base on the reduction or prevention of organised crime activity does not support as being suitable measures of success. Success in contemporary organised crime policing is increasingly becoming defined in terms of “harm reduction” (often at the “community level”). A new performance management framework for organised crime‐policing agencies is proposed, which is more sensitive than traditional measures to harm reduction. The proposed model comprises three components: programme logic; a pathway approach; and the use of evaluation panels.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical research was only conducted in one organised crime agency and therefore provides a case study approach to performance management. The literature review suggests that the performance management framework of that agency was similar to other comparable agencies around the world, but more comparative research would be needed to confirm that. The model proposed would benefit from piloting and evaluation.

Practical implications

The analysis and modelling provided in this paper create the groundwork for the development of more effective performance indicators and targets in organised crime policing.

Originality/value

This lies in the attempt to tie business model drivers into policing that is more sensitive to reducing the adverse social outcomes of organised crime than traditional drivers that tend to create formal, rather than substantive, police interventions.
Effects of officers' cynicism and their perception of managerial leadership on COP activities among South Korean police officers
Authors: Lee Chang‐Hun , Moon Junseob
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to address limitations identified in the literature on officers' attitudes and their effects on community policing activity. Prior studies are limited in that attitudes toward COP strategy were treated as outcome variables and that factors affecting officers' attitudes were under‐investigated. The current study employed officers' attitudes toward individual and departmental policing as well as perception of community relationship to investigate path mechanisms among these exogenous variables and their direct and indirect effects on COP activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The data utilized for structural equation modeling were collected from 206 South Korean police officers, who were designated as COP officers or who were under COP training at the time of the survey. Variables were measured by an organizational survey developed by the Michigan Regional Community Policing Institute. Based on results of the literature review, a hypothesized structural model was proposed and tested to identify a best‐fitting model, explaining the greatest amount of variance in COP activity.

Findings

The results of SEM indicated that officers' positive attitude toward managerial leadership was one of the direct influences on COP activity, and cynicism toward departmental policing and its effectiveness directly and negatively influenced COP activity. In addition, cynicism was negatively influenced by community ownership and job satisfaction, and it in turn negatively influenced commitment to COP. Finally, community ownership directly and positively influenced strategic commitment among South Korean police officers.

Research limitations/implications

Although the current study utilized data collected from a random sample, the number of data are relatively small, so as to make generalization of the findings to the entire population of South Korean police departments.

Originality/value

The current study investigated attitudinal factors that have not been examined in previous studies on COP implementation. In addition, using SEM, the current study attempted to identify a path mechanism among various attitudinal variables relevant to COP activity.
Stress and burnout in policing: does military experience matter?
Authors: Ivie Don , Garland Brett
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Expanding on earlier research, this paper aims to develop a more complete understanding of military experience as it relates to stress and burnout in law enforcement. The current study examines whether influences on stress and burnout vary between officers with military experience and officers without a military background.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were obtained from earlier research on police staff at a Northeastern metropolitan city. A combination of analytic methods, including t‐tests and multivariate regression analysis, were used to explore the effects of variables on stress and burnout among military and non‐military officers.

Findings

The results indicate that negative exposures to demanding events influenced burnout for all officers. In contrast, negative exposures affected stress levels for those officers with no military experience. Coping techniques were important predictors of stress and burnout for both groups; however, contrary to expectations, police experience in years was not significant in any model. Demographic controls had no influence on stress and burnout for either group, with the exception of gender, which was a significant predictor of stress only for the non‐military group.

Research limitations/implications

This research has implications for police departments interested in developing group‐based strategies for reducing stress and burnout among officers. The findings are limited in their capacity for wide geographical generalization, however, because this study represents the views of only one department.

Originality/value

In contrast with previous empirical work, the findings here demonstrate that military experience can have a favorable influence on the work outcomes of police officers. This study suggests that officers with military backgrounds are less stressed when faced with demanding situations and that military experience provides female officers with an edge in handling work‐related stressors.
Mandatory retirement in the police service
Authors: Flynn Matt
Published: March 2011

Purpose

It is common for police services to set mandatory retirement ages at a relatively young level. The aim of this paper is to discuss the reasons for, and workforce planning implications of, mandatory retirement within the context of the London Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on in‐depth interviews with seven senior human resource managers and two trade union representatives in the MPS.

Findings

Workforce planning issues shaped managers' perceptions of the need for a mandatory retirement age of 60 for police constables. On the one hand, they were under pressure to increase the number of constables, and the possibility of extending working life was seen as one means to that end. On the other, it was feared that the retention of older police officers would lead to career blockages for younger police constables rising through the ranks.

Practical implications

Owing to labour and skills shortages, MPS managers were looking for ways to encourage older police officers to delay retirement. Innovative practices, such as offering flexible working hours, mentoring roles and pension incentives as alternatives to retirement were identified.

Originality/value

The qualitative data put the discussion of mandatory retirement in police services within the context of workforce planning rather than capability. For police authorities that maintain mandatory retirement policies, raising or abolishing retirement age would change the workforce planning paradigm in which police officers are recruited from, and retire at, young ages.
Decision‐making styles, stress and gender among investigators
Authors: Salo Ilkka , Allwood Carl Martin
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between police investigators' decision‐making styles, degree of judgmental self‐doubt and work conditions, on the one hand, and their wellbeing, stress, burnout tendency and sleep quality, on the other.

Design/methodology/approach

The study concerns investigative police officers (n=203). Decision‐making styles were measured by Scott and Bruce's General Decision Making Style scale (GDMS), and judgmental self‐doubt by Mirels et al.'s Judgmental Self‐Doubt Scale (JSDS). Wellbeing was measured by the Satisfaction With Life scale (SWL), and stress and burnout tendency by the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and a scale for Performance Based Self‐Esteem (PBS). Questions on sleep quality and work conditions were also used.

Findings

High values on the decision‐making styles Avoidant (tries to avoid making decisions) and Dependent (dependent on advice from others before important decisions) were associated with higher PBS, higher PSQ and poorer sleep quality. In addition, the Avoidant style was associated with lower SWL. Both the Dependent and the Avoidant styles were associated with higher influence experienced by others in the investigative work. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that JSDS explained the outcome measures better than the Dependent and the Avoidant decision‐making styles. Gender analyses showed that male investigators showed higher values on Rational decision‐making style (“exhaustive information search” and “logical evaluation of alternatives”) and female investigators higher values on the Dependent decision‐making style. Female investigators also evidenced a higher degree of stress and performance‐based self‐esteem.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected in a Swedish context and may not be fully generalizable to other countries.

Practical implications

These results suggest the need to individualize training programs that seek to ameliorate stress and burnout.

Originality/value

This paper furthers understanding of the relation between decision‐making styles and wellbeing and stress in police investigators.
Evidence‐based solution to information sharing between law enforcement agencies
Authors: Plecas Darryl , McCormick Amanda V. , Levine Jason , Neal Patrick , Cohen Irwin M.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to test a technological solution to two traditional limitations of information sharing between law enforcement agencies: data quality and privacy concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

Entity Analytics Software (EAS) was tested in two studies with North American law enforcement agencies. In the first test, duplicated cases held in a police record system were successfully identified (4.0 percent) to a greater extent than the traditionally used software program (1.5 percent). This resulted in a difference of 11,954 cases that otherwise would not have been identified as duplications. In the second test, entity information held separately by police and border officials was shared anonymously between these two organizations. This resulted in 1,827 alerts regarding entities that appeared in both systems; traditionally, this information could not have been shared, given privacy concerns, and neither agency would be aware of the relevant information held by the other. Data duplication resulted in an additional 1,041 alerts, which highlights the need to use technological solutions to improve data quality prior to and during information sharing.

Findings

The current study demonstrated that EAS has the potential to merge data from different technologically based systems, while identifying errors and reducing privacy concerns through anonymization of identifiers.

Originality/value

While only one potential technological solution (EAS) was tested and organizations must consider the potential expense associated with implementing such technology, the implications resulting from both studies for improved awareness and greater efficiency support and facilitate information sharing between law enforcement organizations.
Retrospective analysis of violent crimes in Marmara, Turkey
Authors: Hulya Yukseloglu E. , Mestan Cumen Yasemin , Sebnem Ozcan S. , Tari Comert Itir , Petridis Gabriel , Abaci Kalfoglou Ersi
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the contribution of expert reports, which were prepared as a result of examining the evidence sent to Istanbul Criminal Laboratory, to the conclusion of judicial cases of burglary, homicide, and wounding in the provinces of Marmara Region between the years 2004‐2005.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, 6,249 judicial cases (murder, wounding, burglary) that occurred within the borders of Marmara Region during 2004‐2005 and were submitted to Istanbul Criminal Police Laboratory (KPL) have been subjected to evaluation according to the years (2004, 2005), the type of the case (murder, wounding, or burglary), whether any sexual assaults also occurred, the existence of the biological evidence (blood, saliva, skin residue, hair, tissue, semen, blood and similar biological material), and the conclusion of cases.

Findings

When analyzing the crime types, it was seen that wounding and burglary were committed the most, respectively in 2004 and 2005. Out of total committed crimes in this period, homicide held the lowest percentage. The most evaluated biological evidence was blood. Sexual assaults realized together with violent crimes were on an average of 0.8 percent. By analyzing the biological evidence, the success in identifying the perpetrators of the cases was only 16 percent, which has to be evaluated carefully.

Originality/value

Finding evidence at the crime scene and its proper investigation and submission to courts are extremely important. From this aspect, the expert reports of the Criminal Laboratories have an important level of impact on the conclusion of the cases. Commencing with the evidence collected from homicide, wounding and burglary crimes, which were committed in Marmara Region, it is necessary to evaluate the current situation and offer proposals for increasing its effectiveness.
A review of UK public sector real estate asset management
Authors: White Alan D.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of public sector real estate asset management in the UK from the 1980s to the present day.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a narrative based upon a chronology of a selection of the reports, studies and research of the subject by academics, audit bodies, consultants, government departments, eminent business people and economists. The principal findings of the referenced reports/research are drawn out and highlighted. It should be noted that the extensive reference schedule is arranged in date order and not in the usual alphabetic sequence.

Findings

The analysis shows cycles of asset management focus across the public sector over the 30 years of the narrative. The attention of government changes, often reflecting straitened economic times, from influencing local authority asset management to highlighting the better use of the assets used by its departments. A strategy to involve private sector‐generated solutions to improve efficiency and generate cash is currently under development.

Research limitations/implications

This is a narrative paper. In‐depth research of the referenced reports would produce valuable insights to inform future strategies.

Originality/value

Strategists should be aware that some asset management issues identified in the 1980s remain unsolved and are still evident today.
The characteristics of real estate assets management practice in the Malaysian Federal Government
Authors: Abdullah Shardy , Abdul Razak Arman , Hamid Kadir Pakir Abd
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The management of public real estate assets by government agencies has been in place for many years as government agencies own their real estate assets in order to provide services to their communities. The management process becomes progressively complex and difficult because real estate ownership by agencies increases in amount, value and diversity over time. The purpose of this paper is to explore the current characteristics of the real estate management practice that is being implemented by the Malaysian Government agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach has been used for this study where the data were collected through the use of interviews. The respondents to the study were government officers who execute real estate management functions within the ministries. The collected data were subsequently analyzed through the framework analysis method.

Findings

The results have shown that eight characteristics can be used to illustrate how the government's real estate assets are managed by the agencies. The characteristics include ad hoc management, a reactive approach, stages of implementation based on property life cycle, more focus on the maintenance management function, management by insufficient and non‐expert staff, management by fragmented departments, lack of information management systems and lack of performance measurement.

Practical implications

Most of these characteristics proved that the practice of real estate management by government agencies is not being carried out efficiently and is unsystematic. Therefore, the Malaysian Federal Government should plan, design and implement a strategic approach to ensure all the negative characteristics are eliminated because, if left unattended, this practice is bound to produce increasingly negative impacts over time.

Originality/value

This paper exposes the status of real estate management practice being implemented by the Malaysian Federal Government agencies. The findings will allow the federal government to determine the advantages and disadvantages of its real estate management operations and could be used to evaluate the capabilities of its agencies. The research output may also be utilized as a reference point by other countries with similar governance structures to assist in improving their public sector real estate management processes.
The application of public asset management in Indonesian local government
Authors: Hasbi Hanis Muhammad , Trigunarsyah Bambang , Susilawati Connie
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges faced by local government in Indonesia when adopting a public asset management framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study within the South Sulawesi provincial government was used as the approach to achieve the research objective. The case study involved two data collection techniques – interviews and document analysis.

Findings

The result of the study indicates there are significant challenges that the Indonesian local government need to manage when adopting a public asset management framework. Those challenges are: the absence of an institutional and legal framework to support the asset management application; the non‐profit principle of public assets; multiple jurisdictions involved in the public asset management processes; the complexity of local government objectives; the non‐availability of data for managing public property; and limited human resources.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to one case study. It is a preliminary study from larger research that uses multiple case studies. The main research also investigates opportunities for local government by adopting and implementing public asset management.

Originality/value

The paper's findings provide useful input for the policy makers, academics and asset management practitioners in Indonesia to establish a public asset management framework resulting in efficient and effective organizations, as well as an increase of public services quality. This study has a potential application in other developing countries.
The principles and practice of facilities maintenance in Botswana
Authors: Moseki Linda K. , Tembo Emmanuel , Cloete Chris E.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current practice of facilities management (FM) in Botswana, particularly as it relates to building maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods (observations made from visual inspection of buildings and questionnaires) were used to obtain data in order to meet the objective of the study. A survey involving a self‐administered questionnaire to facility managers was used.

Findings

The study revealed that there was generally a lack of information on facilities managed due to a number of factors. The study also found that maintenance expenditure was not in accordance with recommended best practice ratios, that there was a lack of knowledge on the different types of maintenance and that the focus was mostly on emergency and day‐to‐day maintenance. Top management in some organisations also seemed to lack an understanding of the importance of FM, while maintenance departments suffered from under funding and budget cuts.

Originality/value

From the key findings, recommendations are made in this paper to improve the practice of FM in Botswana.
Internal rents and the ownership of state properties: experiences from Sweden
Authors: Andersson Roland , Söderberg Bo
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that general‐ and special‐purpose properties have to be dealt with differently by the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Application of standard economic theory concerning pricing of properties and infrastructure. The issues are analyzed based on experiences from Swedish state‐owned properties.

Findings

The distinction results in quite different public property management strategies. Special‐purpose properties have no short‐run alternative use and have limited rental and capital values, unlike general‐purpose properties. Thus, to apply a required rate of return based on assumed capital values universally will lead to inefficient use. For special‐purpose properties, short‐run marginal costs (SRMCs) should be charged – no more.

Practical implications

General properties owned by the state represent a suitable case for privatization. For special‐purpose properties, only SRMCs should be charged.

Originality/value

The paper makes a distinction between two kinds of state‐owned properties; general‐ and special‐purpose properties, and analyzes the important consequences in property management.
Label design: impact on millennials' perceptions of wine
Authors: Henley Celia D. , Fowler Deborah C. , Yuan Jingxue (Jessica) , Stout Betty L. , Goh Ben K.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine specific label attributes impacting both the taste and quality perceptions of millennial wine consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A single‐blind study was developed to evaluate the direct implications labels have on millennial informants' taste and quality perceptions. A four‐stage research study tested the informants' reactions to the products both before and after evaluating the label and product packaging.

Findings

Perceptions differed significantly from the blind tasting to the second tasting after evaluating the product packaging and label information. When the producer provided specific fruit characteristics, the informant perceived they tasted those fruits much more than without this information in the blind tasting.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of this study was limited by the small population size (97 informants), the subject recruitment site, lack of ethnic diversity, and the high‐educational level of the respondents.

Practical implications

The informants in this study indicated several factors such as closure, font style, eye‐catching front label, color of the bottle, food pairings, and wine producer information, as affecting their purchase intention.

Originality/value

There have been previous studies involving wine tourism and segmentation of wine consumers but a sensory label study on millennials presents a different approach.