bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A decision analysis model for maintenance policy selection using a CMMS
Authors: Labib Ashraf W.
Published: September 2004

In this paper, an investigation of the characteristics of computerised maintenance management systems (CMMSs) is carried out to highlight the need for them in industry and identify their current deficiencies. A proposed model provides a decision analysis capability that is often missing in existing CMMSs. The proposed model employs a hybrid of intelligent approaches. This hybrid system is analogous to the Holonic concept. The distinction between these two features is important. The rules function automatically. Practical implications. The main practical implication of this paper is the proposal of an intelligent model that can be linked to CMMSs to add value to data collected in the form of provision of decision support capabilities. A further implication is to identify the need for information to aid maintenance, followed by the provision of reasons for current deficiencies in existing off‐the‐shelf CMMSs.
Technology policy: childhood immunization
Authors: Sanger Bryna , Levin Martin A.
Published: September 2004

The recent Childhood Immunization Initiative of the Clinton Administration was a dramatic and ambitious policy response to what we will show is a case of significant management and implementation failure. Interpreted by the Administration as a policy failure, low rates of early childhood immunization met with an aggressive and targeted policy response which ultimately diverted attention away from significant evidence of fundamental problems of service delivery, infrastructure, and parental knowledge and behavior. Analyzes and seeks to evaluate the reasons for the poor fit between the diagnosis of the problem of existing childhood immunization policy and the ultimate policy prescription of the Clinton Administration which relies almost exclusively on reducing the price of vaccines.
William Edwards Deming: the man
Authors: Greisler David S.
Published: September 2004

W. Edwards Deming was revered as a technical genius in the areas of mathematics, statistics, and statistical variation. Though largely known for his professional achievements, the core of Deming was his quality of character. He was raised by his parents under austere conditions in the heartland of the USA. The values ingrained in him by his parents included spiritual beliefs, a love of learning, devotion to family, commit‐ment to friends, and a strong work ethic. With an intense loyalty and love for his wife and children, he balanced his life so that family remained a priority. An accomplished writer of music, a grammarian, and a person with spiritual interests, Deming was much more than a public figure recognized as an icon of the “quality” movement.
Taught and enacted strategic approaches in young enterprises
Authors: Harris Simon , Forbes Tom , Fletcher Margaret
Published: September 2004

The relevance of the planning approach for innovative and for young entrepreneurial firms had been subject to debate. It has been argued that planning dampens the realisation of entrepreneurial vision. This study examines the enacted strategy approaches of entrepreneurs who had studied on a Graduate Enterprise programme that aimed to help them to start a business. The approaches they used to strategy formation were compared to the planning approach that had been emphasised to them seven to 12 years earlier. Data were gathered through non‐directive interviews, and were analysed using survey and case study methods. The formation of strategy by these entrepreneurs relied more on emergent than planning approaches, but some elements of the planning approach were strongly associated with growth. Some key resources were essential for the firms and their strategy formation processes. These were key personal relationships, with whom and through whom the entrepreneurs found ways of enacting their visions – the essence of their strategy process. Implications for curriculum and course development are given.
Entrepreneurial learning and mentoring
Authors: Sullivan Robert
Published: September 2004

Discusses the importance of learning to the survival and growth of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Considers research from a support programme using previous or existing entrepreneurs as mentors to support and advise new‐start entrepreneurs. The paper discusses the issues around learning, entrepreneur development, mentoring and the matching of mentors to client entrepreneurs. In particular the paper considers the role of life‐cycle development approaches in planning entrepreneurial development, the importance of double‐loop learning and learning from experience or critical incidents. The paper then considers whether “just‐in‐time”, targeted training and support provided directly or facilitated by a mentor may be more cost‐effective in the long run than a more traditional up‐front prescribed training approach.
The Chinese family business as a strategic system: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Fu‐Lai Yu Tony
Published: September 2004

Utilises recent advances in the evolutionary theories of the firm to analyse the competitive strategies of small Chinese family firms in Asian latecomer economies such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Nangyang. Begins with an examination of the distinctive features of a Chinese family firm. Argues that the unique features of these establishments form firms’ resource bases and contribute to their competitive advantages. The two notable competitive advantages are: the capability to maintain a high degree of flexibility; and reducing transaction costs. These arguments are analysed from two aspects: first, the organisational structure and internal communication methods (internal capabilities), and second, the subcontracting networks (external capabilities). Furthermore, given the organisational structure and the resource bases, most Chinese family firms choose not to upgrade their technological bases within global competition. Rather, they tend to pursue guerrilla entrepreneurship, imitative follower‐my‐leader and specialise in international co‐ordination. These strategies enable them to compete and survive in the world market.
Immigrant transnational entrepreneurs in New York
Authors: Morawska Ewa
Published: September 2004

The structuration model linking macro‐ and micro‐level societal structures and individual actions in a reciprocal causality is applied to the analysis of the relationship between immigrants' transnational entrepreneurship and their assimilation to the host society. Depending on immigrants' economic and sociocultural resources and their location in the economic and political structures of the host city/country where they reside and the home‐country/region they originate from, their transnational business engagements may combine with assimilation and ethnic entrepreneurship may not lead to integration into the host society. This argument is empirically illustrated by comparing three kinds of entrepreneurship and the (trans)national/ethnic commitments they generate. These three types are represented by New York Chinese global traders, Jamaican ethnic entrepreneurs, and Dominican small‐scale investors in home‐country businesses. Although these entrepreneurial activities do not exhaust the types of business pursued by these immigrants (there are also in New York local Chinese and Dominican entrepreneurs, and Jamaicans involved in business in their home‐country), they have been recognized and investigated in each group.
Cyberentrepreneurship:A multiple case study
Authors: Carrier Camille , Raymond Louis , Eltaief Anissa
Published: September 2004

New information technologies have become the source of a new form of entrepreneurship known as cyberentrepreneurship. The cyberentrepreneur creates a firm that is essentially founded upon electronic commerce (e‐business start‐up), and whose main activities are based on exploiting networks using Internet technologies. So far, researchers have tended to study entrepreneurship as it is expressed in more traditional business models, even though there is recent interest in technology‐based entrepreneurs. Given that cyberentrepreneurship is still in its emergent phase, further research is needed on the subject. The study described in this paper, an in‐depth exploratory study of five cyberentrepreneurs, was designed to throw more light on cyberentrepreneurial processes and on the competitive elements applied by cyberentrepreneurs in starting up their business.
Fashion change and fashion consumption: the chaotic perspective
Authors: Ming Law Ka , Zhang Zhi‐Ming , Leung Chung‐Sun
Published: September 2004

Previous researches have considered that the impact of fashion change and fashion consumption is linear. Therefore, one reason was found as the ultimate source to explain why a fashion style/ trend was spread to the mass market. However, the existing market is complex and difficult to find out the holistic reason to explain fashion consumption. In this study, the chaotic perspective is taken into account to investigate the relationship between fashion change and fashion consumption. By using the grounded theory method, 33 in‐depth interviews were conducted. A chaotic fashion consumption model is developed from the findings to explain how different fashions are consumed and rejected while fashion changes. It is found that the interaction of being fashionable, perceived fashionability and system participation affects the ultimate decision on fashion consumption. It is also found that a pattern can be traced to forecast the degree of fashion consumption even when the fashion change phenomenon is chaotic. Thus, it is similar to the principle of chaos theory that short‐term prediction is possible in relation to the degree of fashion acceptance among consumers. Marketing implications are suggested with reference to the chaotic fashion consumption model.
Profiling fashion innovators
Authors: Phau Ian , Lo Chang‐Chin
Published: September 2004

As fashion innovators are the chief buyers of fashion at the introductory stage, they have significant influence on the product at the later stages. Building on this, this study attempts to achieve four main objectives. First, it provides a demographic profile of fashion innovators. Second, it identifies the differences in self‐concepts between innovators and non‐innovators. Third, it attempts to discover if innovators are impulse purchasers. Finally, it investigates if fashion innovators will purchase impulsively online from Internet stores. The results show that innovators were found to have a unique self‐image. They are more excitable, indulgent, contemporary, liberal and colourful. Compared to the results in Goldsmith et al.'s study, only two of the characteristics were found to be identical (contemporary and colourful). The differences in other self‐ascribed characteristics are excitable and indulgent (this study) and comfortable, pleasant and vain. The results also seem to suggest that innovativeness is related to marital status. Fashion innovators generally exhibit impulsive behaviour. They might be able to expand their scope of fashion knowledge through the Internet, not just merely through fashion magazines. However, the findings of this study showed that there is no difference between fashion innovators and non‐innovators in Internet purchase. Despite this finding, the Internet can still be used as an advertising tool to appeal to the innovators.
Women's career types: attributions of satisfaction with career success
Authors: O'Neil Deborah A. , Bilimoria Diana , Saatcioglu Argun
Published: September 2004

This study, examines women's career types and their effects on women's satisfaction with their career success and their attributions of the sources of this career success. The study proposes a typology of four career types that are determined by the manifestation of a woman's career pattern and career locus. It finds empirical evidence of three distinct career types for women: achievers, navigators and accommodators. Women having accommodator career types are significantly less satisfied with their career success than women having navigator career types and achiever career types.
Contracting and careers: choosing between self and organizational employment
Authors: Peel Simon , Inkson Kerr
Published: September 2004

Explores worker choices to become self‐employed contractors. Adopts a qualitative method and uses data from in‐depth interviews with workers from two contrasting occupational groups. Reveals five sets of factors which appear to be central to worker decision making. Contrasts the perspectives of the workers and draws conclusions relating to the impact of skill and labor market power on the choice of employed/self‐employed status, and subsequent career prospects. Suggests that recent views of “boundaryless careers” are more relevant to highly‐skilled groups of workers, and discusses the tensions between structural forces that constrain individuals’ career autonomy and the desire of many workers to be proactive agents in the construction of their own careers. The findings suggest that a balanced examination of “new careers” should account for the complexity of a new world of work that advantages only some. Argues for greater understanding of the choice between different modes of employment rather than just occupational choice. Finally, suggests that researchers and career practitioners need to be able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of employment from a sound knowledge base.
Leader‐follower dynamics: developing a learning environment
Authors: Agashae Zoe¨ , Bratton John
Published: September 2004

Explores leader‐follower dynamics within a context of a learning organization. Examines the influence of leaders’ behaviours on their followers’ learning in an energy company based in western Canada. Using survey data gathered from 400 full‐time employees the researchers assessed Senge’s proposition in The Fifth Discipline (1990) that leadership behaviour, conceptualized in terms of three roles: steward, designer and teacher, facilitated informal learning. Using a learning questionnaire to measure supportive leadership practices for learning in the workplace, it is argued that the results revealed the presence of all three roles in the case study. Of the three, the “designer” role was the weakest at 57 percent agreement from respondents followed by 63 percent for “steward” and 67 percent for “teacher”. Significant differences in the level of agreement were found within duration of employment and occupational group. The data will encourage organizational leaders to reflect critically upon their activities if they are committed to the strategy of developing their intangible assets: people.
Educating for competency and reflective practice: fostering a conjoint approach in education and training
Authors: Hackett Stephen
Published: September 2004

Looks initially at the theoretical foundations of both competency‐based training (CBT) and reflective practice, then at current approaches to CBT and reflective practice. The compatibility of these two in educational practice, and the extent to which they might be combined in an educational or training context is discussed. CBT and reflective practice are not regarded as having a mutual equivalence in adult education and training. Rather, it is argued that they constitute two approaches within this educational field which function at different levels of teaching and learning and, as such, there exists at least the potential for them to be designed and developed so as to be complementary.
Managing intellectual leadership in corporate value
Authors: Dealtry Richard
Published: September 2004

Takes a further step forward in defining the strategic role of the corporate university. Describes an approach for appraising and managing the consequences of management’s present style of intellectual leadership on a company’s market value. It describes two robust management indices that are being used to facilitate this process of appraisal and management – the intellectual equity index (IEI) and the intellectual capital index (ICI) – which when combined together provide a basis for defining the quality of intellectual leadership in a company, i.e. the intellectual leadership indicator (ILI). The ILI directly reflects the quality, direction and trend in the company’s ability to achieve or maintain intellectual leadership in its business sectors. This is the state of development on which its competitive position and future business success depend. The outcome of the ILI appraisal produces a penetrating insight into the state of management’s business orientation and organisational readiness. It also defines the baseline position from which a bespoke portfolio of corporate university properties can be properly formulated and managed.
Rewarding service success
Authors: Macaulay Steve , Cook Sarah
Published: September 2004

Explores the role of reward and recognition schemes in motivating groups and individuals to keep their energies focused on the customer. Examines the practical steps necessary to introduce and maintain successful initiatives, both financial and non‐financial. These steps involve taking time to clarify the aims of the scheme and ensuring there is a good “fit” through taking full account of the organisational and customer context. Stresses the need to measure the right things and emphasises the importance of buy in through involvement of employees and customers, plus linking rewards to customer satisfaction and taking account of the needs of internal customers. Concludes with a checklist to enable readers to assess their reward and recognition processes and pinpoint areas which need attention in order to give more customer focus. Short company examples are given throughout to illustrate key points.
Performance measurement in not‐for‐profit and public‐sector organisations
Authors: Macpherson Malcolm
Published: September 2004

Measuring performance is increasingly important in not‐for‐profit and public sector organisations from those as large as the US federal government to the smallest volunteer group. Human resource metrics are the most relevant – spanning function, operations and strategy. Function measures include employee efficiency and effectiveness (turnover, sick leave, insurance and recruitment costs, for example). Operational measures include specifics like revenue per employee, as well as broad measures of effectiveness that link management to performance and returns on investment. Future‐oriented strategic measures match capability against anticipated need, and are increasingly a key part of core planning activities. Barriers to effective measurement include fear (of retribution, variation and loss of control). Data may be gathered using top‐down or bottom‐up approaches. Issues to be considered when implementing a metrics methodology include linking outputs to outcomes, data quality, leading vs lagging indicators, indicator maturity, and imperfection.
The balanced scorecard and intangible assets: similar ideas, unaligned concepts
Authors: Marr Bernard , Adams Chris
Published: September 2004

With their most recent publications on the balanced scorecard, Kaplan and Norton have focused on the learning and growth perspective in an attempt to clarify its constituent parts, as they acknowledge that many organizations struggle with what to include in this perspective. For that reason Kaplan and Norton introduce the concept of intangible assets as the content of the learning and growth perspective. They classify intangible assets into human capital, information capital, and organization capital. However, it is believed that this latest attempt to evolve the balanced scorecard might have an adverse effect. This article outlines how Kaplan and Norton failed to acknowledge the large body of literature on intangible assets and, therefore, produced an inconsistent, incomplete, and potentially very confusing classification of intangible assets.
Avoiding the fate of the dotbombs: lessons from three surviving dotcom start‐ups
Authors: Barnes David , Hinton Matthew , Mieczkowska Suzanne
Published: September 2004

This paper reports on research that investigates how three start‐up dotcoms, founded at the height of the Internet boom avoided joining the many dotbombs of the subsequent crash of the Internet economy. The paper describes how the companies made use of Internet‐based information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their business operations. It draws lessons from their experiences that might be applied more generally to other dotcom start‐ups. These centre on the need to use the technology to manage business processes to meet the clearly definable needs of a targeted niche of customers. The desirability of suitable in‐house ICT expertise is stressed.
Identifying the adoption of e‐business and knowledge management within SMEs
Authors: Koh S.C.L. , Maguire S.
Published: September 2004

This paper presents results on the extent to which e‐business and knowledge management approaches are being used by SMEs in the UK. The questionnaire survey and interview results identify the main issues that should concern SMEs if they want to prevail in the emerging business environment and knowledge economy. The main finding is that SMEs have increasingly applied e‐business for B2B and B2C activities, but SMEs are not generally aware of how knowledge can be created through the use of e‐business applications and daily operations. It is envisaged that the findings from this study will provide the main step forward in developing a reference framework and a management model for SMEs to assess, manage and make use of the existing and new e‐business tools and knowledge reflecting the e‐business and knowledge management era.
The e‐commerce race for Wales: another Aesop's fable?
Authors: Putterill Laura G.
Published: September 2004

The Office for National Statistics revealed that in 2001 Wales had the lowest number of businesses with access to the Internet compared with the rest of the UK, whilst the number of businesses in Wales using e‐commerce was well exceeded by other regions. But is it time for Aesop to take another bow? According to the Interactive Bureau many of the FTSE‐100’s Web sites are “wallowing in mediocrity”, more than half “have serious problems that need fixing” and a further 16 “should be taken down” and “rebuilt from scratch”. Seeks to widen the policy debate, from one that concentrates solely on the adoption of e‐commerce by Welsh firms, to one that includes reflection on usability research world‐wide and promotes such research regionally to obtain and retain sustainable competitiveness. The current state of the Welsh economy in terms of the information and communications technology (ICT) revolution is examined, as is the scope and detail of the present policies that promote adoption and growth of e‐commerce by firms.
A turning point for the better or for the worse? The current outlook for international order
Authors: Hieronymi Otto
Published: September 2004

As at the end of the Cold War, today there is no desirable or superior alternative to a universal liberal international order. However, a liberal order is not automatic and today we are at a major turning point where we face two alternative scenarios: a turn for the worse or a turn for the better. The crisis in Iraq underscores the need to reaffirm and strengthen the democratic liberal international order. Concludes that the chances of a turn for the better are higher than those of a turn for the worse, i.e. the strengthening of the liberal international order is more likely than its disintegration and breakdown. There is a need for new initiatives, solidarities, consensus, intellectual and political leadership from all the countries that share the same vision of a universal order. It must, however, be a “voluntarist” endeavor.
The new warfare and cooperative international security
Authors: King John
Published: September 2004

General interstate warfare, that characterized so many twentieth century conflicts is increasingly becoming obsolete, except for some rare cases. Indeed, the nature of warfare has greatly shifted into something new, and perhaps into something even more dangerous for international security with the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the emergence of extremist groups, the access and use of WMD by terrorists, and the small deterrent effect of current military establishments towards these groups. The new warfare that has emerged is perhaps the most difficult type to respond to given its secrecy, its non‐territorial base, its “nihilist” characteristic, and the extraordinary dedication of its adherents to achieve their goals. New security requirements are urgently needed at this point and the essence of the response to this new warfare today lies in international cooperation, since the new opponents to the current world order are building a global organized presence.
The Atlantic Community: new traditions, new roles
Authors: King John
Published: September 2004

The First World War and the Second World War provided the initial impetus for the formation of a cooperative bond between Europe and North America. The Cold War enabled the Atlantic Community to firmly establish itself and to construct the institutions that were to define its existence. The Community's role was to preserve the existence and democratic freedoms of its members against totalitarianism. The end of the Cold War did not change its underlying goal, but strains and disparities have emerged. Despite questions about its future, the Atlantic Community's existence is as strong as ever, reinforced by new and continuing threats to democracies. However, new roles and traditions must be developed in accordance with each nation's strengths, in turn strengthening the institutions of the Atlantic Community and the bonds among its members and enabling it to do what the United Nations is unable to do.
The role of the USA in meeting global challenges
Authors: Warner Daniel
Published: September 2004

As after the Second World War, the USA today plays a dominant role in the world following the end of the Cold War. Since 1989, and up to this day, two main theories of history's unfolding, the circular view and the linear view, clash as far as the future role and position of the USA is concerned. On the one hand, Paul Kennedy's The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers (1987) and advocates of the circular theory predict the decline of the USA, as history has shown that all empires that have risen have ultimately fallen. On the other hand, advocates of the linear theory, such as Nye and Fukuyama, postulate the continuation of USA leadership in the world and the inevitable spread of liberalism sooner or later. Both views, however, are mechanical and deterministic. The alternative is the realization that global challenges can only be met globally by global actors.
The new urgency of effective arms control cooperation
Authors: Lewis Patricia
Published: September 2004

The Nuclear Non‐Proliferation Treaty (NPT), signed in 1968, is a treaty of three main agreements concerning both nuclear weapons states and non‐nuclear weapons states, with the ultimate goal of nuclear disarmament. A number of safeguards and inspections conducted by the IAEA have been set up to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and until about the time of the Persian Gulf War, the monitoring and inspection regime had been successful. Since the beginning of the 1990s however, the system has been seriously shaken with the non‐compliance of a number of countries and the relevance and effectiveness of the NPT are greatly put into question. A number of tools, however, are at the disposal of the international community to deal with arms control; it is a question of cooperation, effective use of these tools and choice of direction.
Ubiquitous visions and opaque realities: professionals talking about mobile technologies
Authors: Sørensen Carsten , Gibson David
Published: September 2004

It is essential for professionals to have flexible access to information sources and interaction with clients and colleagues. Mobile phones, e‐mail, pagers, laptops, and PCs all aim to facilitate the flexibility necessary for conducting their work. Ideally, professionals with intense demands on their time should not be supported by various information and interaction technologies, they should embed core domesticated technologies. This paper examines how the vision of iniquitous ICT support for professional work meets the harsh realities through interviews with 16 individual professionals from 16 different organisations. The paper aims to answer the question of the applicability and reality of ubiquitous computing in today's work environment and where technology is in terms of limitations for the professional. The study demonstrates that the joint life of professionals and their technologies is not one best characterised by the technical and the social merging seamlessly. It is instead one burdened by constant attention.
The management of the scientific information environment: the role of the Research Library Web site
Authors: Arte Assunta
Published: September 2004

Describes the experience of the Italian National Research Council Library staff in the successful implementation of its Web. Suggests that small working groups of professional librarians can manage their own agenda to help the Research Library achieve its mission more effectively. Discusses key technological and managerial issues emerging from this project. Describes how the Research Area of Potenza of the Italian National Research Council is using the Web to manage information.
Image search engine feature analysis
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2004

Investigates image search engines (ISEs) on the Internet. A total of 23 ISEs were examined in an attempt to investigate, evaluate, and characterise their common features. Each individual ISE was evaluated against the common features. Attempts to summarise the most comprehensive and complete ISE by looking at their significant features.
A content analysis of university library Web sites in English speaking countries
Authors: Still Julie M.
Published: September 2004

In a study of university library Web sites in four English speaking countries (Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA), the visual display of information was found to be similar across all countries. However, there were some differences in the content supplied. All of the 150 library Web sites examined provided access to their own catalogue and some databases. Most also provided access to other library catalogues, a description of services and an update date. There was much less information provided on instructional material and remote access, and there were discrepancies in the availability of encyclopaedias, request forms and pathfinders.
EMIS 2000: The European Mathematical Information Service and its developments
Authors: Wegner Bernd
Published: September 2004

The European Mathematical Information Service (EMIS) is a cooperative venture between several international partners under the umbrella of the European Mathematical Society (EMS). The main purpose of EMIS is to provide access to freely available information on mathematics in the Web. As an important part of EMIS an electronic library is stored on the main server and its mirrors, collecting all freely accessible electronic journals in mathematics combined with electronic versions of printed journals. It also contains electronic proceedings, volumes and monographs. This core content is embedded in, and linked with, an environment of comprehensive facilities for accessing mathematical research papers: literature information databases, projects for one‐stop shopping sites for mathematics on the Web, freely available digital content of classical mathematical publications and access to electronic grey literature. The aim of this article is to describe this part of EMIS in some detail.
Web users' information retrieval methods and skills
Authors: Bond Carol S.
Published: September 2004

When trying to locate information on the Web people are faced with a variety of options. This research reviewed how a group of health related professionals approached the task of finding a named document. Most were eventually successful, but the majority encountered problems in their search techniques. Even experienced Web users had problems when working with a different interface to normal, and without access to their favourites. No relationship was found between the number of years' experience Web users had and the efficiency of their searching strategy. The research concludes that if people are to be able to use the Web quickly and efficiently as an effective information retrieval tool, as opposed to a recreational tool to surf the Internet, they need to have both an understanding of the medium and the tools, and the skills to use them effectively, both of which were lacking in the majority of participants in this study.
Combining article content and Web usage for literature recommendation in digital libraries
Authors: Hwang San‐Yih , Chuang Shi‐Min
Published: September 2004

In a large‐scale digital library, it is essential to recommend a small number of useful and related articles to users. In this paper, a literature recommendation framework for digital libraries is proposed that dynamically provides recommendations to an active user when browsing a new article. This framework extends our previous work that considers only Web usage data by utilizing content information of articles when making recommendations. Methods that make use of pure content data, pure Web usage data, and both content and usage data are developed and compared using the data collected from our university's electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) system. The experimental results demonstrate that content data and usage data are complements of each other and hybrid methods that take into account of both types of information tend to achieve more accurate recommendations.
Information exchanges associated with Internet travel marketplaces
Authors: Smith Alan D.
Published: September 2004

The traditional means of procuring airline tickets and associate travel arrangements are rapidly changing. The advent and proliferation of computers, coupled with the increasingly acceptable leveraging of the Internet has caused some major changes in the travel industry. These changes are primarily being facilitated by Internet travel marketplaces (such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelvelocity) that claim to provide an easier, less expensive alternative to traditional methods of ticket procurement without sacrificing service quality. If travel marketplaces are to be successful then they need to understand their customers and what the motivations behind their actions when it comes to shopping for discount travel. However, there are required information exchanges on the part of both the service provider and the consumer that are not without perceived risks and required a sense of mutual trust. This paper looked at online consumer behavior as it pertains to e‐travel through the theoretical perspectives of expectancy theory and the technical acceptance model by inspecting selected motives and experiences of the consumer and specifically what these Web sites offer.
Supply chain management and the Internet
Authors: Lankford William M.
Published: September 2004

Supply chain management (SCM) encompasses all activities associated with a firm moving its composite flow of information, materials and services from the raw materials stage through production and on to the end customer. This includes sourcing and procurement, production scheduling, order processing, inventory management, transportation, manufacturing, warehousing, customer service and the information systems used to monitor these activities. The sudden increase in electronic commerce and the Internet have resulted in new opportunities to improve the performance of the supply chain. Potential internet‐based opportunities and problems related to SCM will be discussed.
Modeling relationship dynamics in GM's research‐institution partnerships
Authors: Sengir Gülcin H. , Trotter Robert T. , Briody Elizabeth K. , Kulkarni Devadatta M. , Catlin Linda B. , Meerwarth Tracy L.
Published: September 2004

GM has initiated partnerships with firms and research institutions at a rapid pace. One effort of the multi‐disciplinary research team involved the construction of a relationship dynamics model to assist in partnership planning and management. Earlier research on private‐sector partnerships indicated that partnership success is largely dependent upon the development and maintenance of strong, productive relationships between the partners. Therefore, modeling efforts focused on the relationship itself. To increase the likelihood that the resulting model is realistic, valid and representative, empirical data was combined with a systems‐dynamics approach, and the model is being validated with feedback from study participants.
The case for the organisational use of simulation
Authors: Greasley Andrew
Published: September 2004

This paper describes the use of simulation in a large manufacturing organisation and analyses how it could have been used more fully. Although the benefits from using simulation were clear, it was seen that the technique could have been deployed more effectively by considering the organisational context of the use. From the analysis of the case study, certain recommendations are made on how to maximise the benefits from simulation within the organisation, thereby extending the benefits from what is often a considerable investment in developing a simulation model. Recent developments in simulation software in terms of improvements in usability and integration with organisational data are seen to increase the feasibility of a wider role for simulation if the organisational barriers discussed can be overcome.
Knowledge management for manufacturing: the product and process database
Authors: Balogun Oluwatuminu , Hawisa Hisham , Tannock James
Published: September 2004

Manufacturing companies must have a good knowledge of their products and processes to be competitive. This is increasingly important as products become more complex. There are many recent developments in product representation, but these do not currently address manufacturing process issues, or integrate with techniques such as key characteristics and Variation Risk Management. This paper describes the development of a database which models complex product specifications, down to component feature detail. It allows the representation of manufacturing operations, process chains and costs, and maps these models. Key product characteristics are flowed down to the detailed feature level, and the associated variability and capability assessed. The paper commences by outlining some of the recent significant developments in product representation. The database structure and associated applications are described. Finally, an example is provided for the use of the database, based on the representation of gas turbine engine from a major aerospace manufacturing company.
Reducing uncertainty in European supply chains
Authors: Childerhouse Paul , Towill Denis R.
Published: September 2004

In this paper, we show that reducing supply chain uncertainty increases responsiveness and thereby benefits bottom line performance as assessed via total cycle time reduction. We term this effect as the uncertainty reduction principle. To enable uncertainty reduction we use the uncertainty circle to focus on the sources to be eliminated. We also show that these sources of uncertainty can react and magnify in a flywheel effect caused by poor supply chain management. A supply chain audit methodology is described for identifying and codifying uncertainty. The proposition advanced herein is that smooth material flow leads to and statistically correlates with uncertainty reduction. Examples are given of good real‐world supply chain practices thus identified and subsequently improved. Transferability of the uncertainty reduction principle is assured by establishing readily assimilated “best practice” guidelines via the study of “exemplar” operating characteristics.
Customer‐focused rating system of supplier quality performance
Authors: Chen Chee‐Cheng , Yeh Tsu‐Ming , Yang Ching‐Chow
Published: September 2004

This paper establishes an objective‐orientation driven supplier customer satisfaction performance rating system. The purpose is to provide a methodology for “integrating supplier and manufacturer capabilities and applying different strategies for quality improvement”. This study was undertaken to specify the interaction and mutual movement among three groups in the supply chain “Supplier‐Manufacturer‐Customer” and integrate the results from four factors: incoming inspection, line reject performance, supplier service quality and product reliability. These factors are transformed into measurable, quantitative, Just‐in‐time (JIT) parameters, utilized in planning and establishing a supplier performance rating system focused on satisfying both internal and external customers.
On the use of product data in the design of the materials supply system
Authors: Johansson Eva , Medbo Lars
Published: September 2004

There is an increasing focus on reducing time‐to‐market for new products and a prerequisite for succeeding in this is the ability to transfer and use information about the products early on in projects, thus facilitating early problem‐solving. This paper focuses on the use of product data and information systems for the design of materials supply systems in product development projects. The results from a case study show that there are product data available at an early stage in the project. However, the product data have to be retrieved from several information systems and from information systems, which the materials supply systems designers cannot use. In addition, product data can be obtained by means of personal communication much earlier than they can be retrieved from the information systems. It is concluded that research and development is required so that the information systems can be utilised for both early release and retrieval of preliminary information.
Defining ICT proposals
Authors: Heemstra Fred J. , Kusters Rob J.
Published: September 2004

The paper presents an approach for defining ICT investment proposals. The approach was developed on the authority of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. The Ministry was confronted with a growing amount of ICT investment proposals. Since there was no format for describing a proposal and no procedure for obtaining the data on the basis of which a proposal was described, the decision to select proposals for funding missed any kind of rationality. Proposals differed enormously and hence were incomparable. The evaluation of existing ICT assessment methods showed that there was not any method that would meet the expectations and demands of the Ministry. The main points of criticism concentrated on the limitation of applying a fixed set of data for describing a project proposal and the absence of a process to support the selection of a meaningful set of data to describe a project. Inspired by the multi‐criteria score method of Parker a tailor‐made approach for defining ICT investment proposals was developed, taking into account the characteristics of the governmental organization. In this paper, the approach as well as the developmental process with regard to this approach are presented. The overall conclusion is that a tailor‐made approach, which is developed with the full cooperation of the user organization, has considerable advantages since local knowledge and expertise is incorporated in this type of approach.
Information systems evaluation and the information systems development process
Authors: Beynon‐Davies Paul , Owens Ian , Williams Michael D.
Published: September 2004

In this paper, we consider the synergy between two areas of information system (IS) literature: that concerned with the evaluation of IS and that concerned with explaining the phenomenon of IS failure. On the basis of an analysis of both areas, a model is presented which attempts to integrate IS evaluation into the life cycle of IS development. The model links the issue of failure assessment with the evaluation process and constitutes a strategy for stimulating organisational learning in relation to IS development. The paper concludes with a description of our attempts to validate aspects of the model and plans for further empirical work in this area.
Creating Customer Satisfaction through Partnership
Authors: Pudney Roger
Published: September 2004

In a major international research project sets out to find the reality
behind key customer supplier partnerships. Finds that partnerships are
not a soft option, but a fast emerging necessity if organizations are to
achieve competitive advantage and customer satisfaction.
The eyes have it
Authors: Womack Melvin
Published: September 2004

Describes a biometric security system, the EyeDentify retinal scanner,
which works by mapping the vascular pattern on the retinal portion of the
eyeball, using a specially designed camera. Outlines the three modes of the
retinal scanner: enrolment, verification and recognition and the
uniqueness and stability of retinal identification. Concludes that owing to
the unmatched accuracy and ability to run in a time
“recognition” mode, retinal scanners are utilized in the
world’s most secure areas.
The stannic oxide gas sensor
Authors: Watson J.
Published: September 2004

Outlines the characteristics and applications of the stannic oxide
sensor. Describes the manufacturing process and properties of stannic oxide
and concludes that with modern development in tin dioxide‐based
sensors their application is set to expand from their present role in
domestic, commercial and industrial alarms to monitoring instruments as
well.
Self‐diagnostic solid state gas sensors
Authors: McGeehin P , Moseley P T , Williams D E
Published: September 2004

Describes research into methods for treating solid state gas sensors to
create a multisensor system with both multi‐gas analysis and
self‐diagnostic capabilities. Outlines the three main categories of
solid state gas sensors and then discusses the need for a systematic approach
to semiconductor sensor design and the phenomenology of new sensor materials.
Concludes that theoretically a self‐diagnostic sensor array device can
be conceived for utilisation in gas sensing.
Electrochemical sensors
a modern success story for an old idea
Authors: Gilby J
Published: September 2004

Looks at modern electrochemical gas sensors: they way they work
and the range of gases they can detect. The largest application area is in
portable gas detection equipment where the emphasis is on small size and low
power demands. These sensors are also used for emissions monitoring,
specifically from combustion sources. Concludes that portable multigas
detectors will continue to get smaller with a consequent reduction in size of
sensors and that a wider range of gas sensors will be available with advances
in electrochemistry.
Gas sensors
Authors: Kocache Ray
Published: September 2004

Summarizes some of the most commonly used gas sensors and describes how
each one works. Covers solid state gas sensors; aqueous electrochemical
gas sensors; paramagnetic gas sensors, photometric gas sensors;
thermal conductivity gas sensors and fibre‐optic gas
sensors.
Philips bar dots and alphas: identification under tough
conditions
Authors: Mandos Thieu
Published: September 2004

Describes a variety of coding, reading, processing and optical
techniques available for non‐standard identification problems
associated with the marking and reading of products. Techniques covered are
vision processing systems to enhance the application of barcodes, optical
character reading, and the use of dotcodes. Outlines the advantages of
dotcodes and concludes that the combination of a tv‐camera, balanced
illumination and an intelligent vision processor allows creative solutions
for identification, product recognition, quality control, measuring and
positioning.