bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of two alternative interviewing techniques used within an integrated research design: a case study in outshopping using semi‐structured and non‐directed interviewing techniques
Authors: Jarratt Denise G.
Published: July 2002

Notes that many authors have supported the value of integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches within a research design to address research questions that aim both to develop or extend theory and test its application. Presents research which explores two alternative approaches to conducting qualitative interviews within an integrated research method. Aims to determine how those different approaches can enhance the design of the quantitative component of the research, and contribute to the interpretation of the quantitative data. Concludes that the findings indicate the importance of adopting both qualitative interview techniques within this combined approach, while completing a comprehensive review of the literature. Suggests that this will develop a theoretical framework and quantitative design, and assist in the interpretation of the quantitative data. The qualitative components of two outshopping studies, each study having a combined qualitative/quantitative research design, were selected to illustrate the nature of the data produced through each qualitative interviewing technique and the contribution of the data to the interpretation of the quantitative findings.
“Integrative” qualitative methods in a services context
Authors: Gilmore Audrey , Carson David
Published: July 2002

Discusses the advantages of using qualitative methods for services marketing research. Describes in particular the use of an “integrative” qualitative research methodology in relation to a study concerning quality in marketing in a services context. Suggests that the development of an “integrative” qualitative research methodology is built on the very practical need for researchers to develop the “best” possible methodologies for their own specific research problem or issues. Combines the notion of an integrative research methodology with the idea of a “stream of research”, or research which builds on earlier studies and explicitly allows the research to evolve and develop through distinctive stages over a given time period.
Consumer market research: does it have validity? Some postmodern thoughts
Authors: Thomas Michael J.
Published: July 2002

Based on an address to the Swedish Marketing Federation, considers how much longer conventional methods of consumer market research can be considered state of the art when academic study has moved into its postmodern phase.
Determinants of salesforce effectiveness: perceptions of field managers versus senior sales executives
Authors: Tansu Barker A.
Published: July 2002

A mail survey administered to sales managers investigates the factors that influence the effectiveness of their sales organizations. The most important factors found are building long‐term relations, inter‐departmental co‐ordination, training for both salespeople and field managers and information capabilities. Differences among the respondents are based on seniority as well as firm‐level performance. High performance firms and field managers consider team selling to be the most important determinant of salesforce effectiveness.
Implementing “quality” in a services marketing context
Authors: Gilmore Audrey
Published: July 2002

Given the inherent characteristics of services, the implementation of service delivery can be problematic. Looks initially at some of the more frequent implementation problems which occur in service organizations. Considers a framework for identifying and recognizing the details involved in implementing service quality by starting with the customer’s perspective. Uses this as a basis for identifying appropriate aspects of the company’s perspective during service delivery. Finally, following on from the earlier debate, considers the managerial implications for implementing consistent service quality.
Marketing feminism: reflections from a women’s reviewer
Authors: Gerrard Nicci
Published: July 2002

Takes a reflective look at the launch of Women’s Review, one of the many feminist projects of the 1970s and 1980s. Shows how the lack of marketing skills contributed to the magazine’s subsequent demise. Its idealistic editorial panel regarded marketing activities as inappropriate and associated with the patriarchal mainstream to which they were opposed.
It’s business doing pleasure with you: Sh! A women’s sex shop case
Authors: Malina Danusia , Schmidt Ruth A.
Published: July 2002

An exploratory case study of the features of the service encounter within the concept shop Sh! forms the starting‐point for building theory to describe and conceptualize such encounters. Sex shops exclusively targeted at women are a new and ground‐breaking phenomenon, challenging the traditional notion of sex shops as male domains. Illustrates a shift towards a postmodernist merging of production and consumption patterns. The participant observation study investigates the drama perspective of the servuction systems model as a potential framework applicable to the intersubjective construction of a postmodern feminist perspective of hedonistic consumption. Concludes that Sh! offers unique opportunities for co‐creations of a new service encounter ‐ a female playspace.
Building brands using direct marketing ‐ a case study
Authors: Gardiner Peter , Quinton Sarah
Published: July 2002

Increasing competitiveness in the marketplace has led to pressure being applied to brands and past poor brand management in the 1980s saw brands suffering under short‐term, profitability‐based aims. The need for stability throughout the commercial environment in the 1990s has led to the longer‐term view now being adopted by marketing practitioners. This paper will highlight how direct marketing can be employed as a strategic marketing management tool to build a brand through the establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship. In this paper the authors will demonstrate the important role that direct marketing can play in establishing and building a brand through the in‐depth analysis of a single case study within the business‐to‐business arena. By using the case study approach the authors will combine relevant theory and practice to illustrate the potential of direct marketing in brand building.
The Consumer Resource Exchange Model: theoretical development and empirical evaluation
Authors: Bristow Dennis N. , Mowen John C.
Published: July 2002

An evolutionary approach is used to develop a resource exchange model of consumer needs and actions. Two studies are reported and differences in consumer resource needs are empirically tested. The results of the research program provided evidence of the underlying dimensions of the model and the internal reliability of the scale.
Determinants of Hong Kong manufacturing investment in China: a survey
Authors: Zhang Xiaohe , Po Yuk Ho
Published: July 2002

This paper aims to examine the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China by investigating Hong Kong’s manufacturing industries established in Guangdong province, and to compare the difference between market‐oriented and export‐oriented, and between capital intensive and labor intensive FDI in investment decision making. A questionnaire survey is used to verify our argument. It is found that most of Hong Kong’s manufacturing investments are labor‐intensive and export‐oriented. The most important determinants of Hong Kong’s manufacturing investment in China are cheap labor and land, stable political environment, government incentive policies and high investment return. The most important location‐specific advantages are geographical proximity to Hong Kong, better preferential treatment, good infrastructure, and absence of language barrier. It is also found that export‐oriented FDI tends to be efficiency‐seeking while market‐oriented FDI appears to be resource‐seeking.
Managerial mindsets and the symbiotic relationship between sponsorship and advertising
Authors: Zafer Erdogan B. , Kitchen Philip J.
Published: July 2002

Both advertising and sponsorship are key areas of marketing communications activity, though the latter has acted as a somewhat “Cinderella” subject. In the heightened and increasing consumer‐oriented marketing communications world of the 1990s, this paper asks whether these two marketing communications methods exist in an uneasy alliance or strategic symbiosis. Given the press (both practitioner and academic) coverage concerning integrated marketing communications, it may seem self‐evident that the latter alternative is preferred, but a rationale behind this preferstment is advanced. Notably, the shared conventions of the two communications activities constitute the text of their interactions. This sharing, or as we have termed it, a symbiotic relationship, leads in turn to the what can be described as the unity of a marketing communications culture, or its objective (managerial) mind.
The Consumer Resource Exchange Model: an empirical investigation of construct and predictive validity
Authors: Bristow Dennis N. , Mowen John C.
Published: July 2002

Using the work of earlier human needs researchers as a theoretical base, the Consumer Resource Exchange Model (CREM) has been developed. The model is based upon the concept that consumers seek to manage four fundamental resources in order to satisfy their needs. This paper is a partial replication of earlier work on the CREM and extends the stream of research to a diverse sample of “real world” consumers. The results of the study provided support for the dimensions of the model and the construct validity of a related paper and pencil assessment instrument.
Relationships in business‐to‐business marketing – how is their value assessed?
Authors: Blois Keith J.
Published: July 2002

An investigation which collected information within four countries sought to understand the views of marketing managers in industrial markets regarding their relationships with their organizational customers. The managers interviewed showed little awareness of the formal concept of relationship marketing. Their decisions as to which customers to approach and what costs to incur in building and maintaining contact with their customers appeared primarily to be based on subjective assessments of the situation, rather than accounting information. Evidence was also obtained that a lack of understanding typified the association between marketing and accounting staff.
Telecommunications issues: the marketing managers’ viewpoint
Authors: Willems John R. , Ketler Karen
Published: July 2002

Reports the results of a survey of marketing managers with respect to the importance of telecommunications issues and the quality of their telecommunications training. The responses of the marketing managers identified three categories of issues: standard or clerical applications, such as e‐mail or voice mail; advanced applications, such as conducting business on the Internet and EDI; and managerial and technical issues, such as the use of telecommunications to gain a competitive advantage. Surprisingly, marketing managers rated the standard applications as the most important. The explanation was found in the quality of their training. Marketing managers expressed major dissatisfaction with all areas of telecommunications training, but especially in the advanced applications and managerial issues. Rather than placing emphasis on the strategic, more training effort was spent on telecommunications training in the clerical functions. Without knowledge about the advanced or cutting‐edge applications, marketing managers do not understand the potential of these applications and issues in the organization.
Segmenting high‐tech markets: a value‐added taxonomy
Authors: Dunn Dan , Hulak Jon , Steven White D.
Published: July 2002

Reports findings from a major study done by a Boston consulting firm showing four solution‐based market segments in high‐tech industries. They are the specialized solution, the customized solution, the value solution, and the packaged solution. One segment is the be‐first “contrarian” buyer. One segment responds to aggressive selling while another reacts to market pull. And the fourth segment is retail‐oriented. This article may be useful to both buyers and sellers of technology in emerging, unsaturated markets.
Retro‐marketing: yesterday’s tomorrows, today!
Authors: Brown Stephen
Published: July 2002

The past may be a foreign country, according to L.P. Hartley, but marketers seem to have secured resident alien status. Retro products, services, advertisements and pricing policies are everywhere apparent, as are heritage centres, mega‐brand museums, festival shopping malls and retrorestaurants like Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Café or Dick Clarke’s American Bandstand Grill. This paper examines the retro‐marketing phenomenon, notes its characteristics, causes and consequences, and makes some sure‐to‐prove‐erroneous predictions about the future of the past.
An open system approach to higher learning: the role of joint ventures with business
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Czuchry Andrew J. , Martin James , Feagins Ray
Published: July 2002

The gap between higher learning practices and business expectations in terms of preparing engineering, technology, and business students is significant. This paper offers an innovative approach toward narrowing that gap. The approach offered stresses an open system orientation and partnerships between business and education. This approach was utilized successfully, resulting in win‐win outcomes for both business and higher education. The results of a mini‐case study are presented and their implications are discussed.
Enterprise computing asset management: a case study
Authors: Chou‐Hong Chen Jason
Published: July 2002

Information technology (IT) is an essential supportive tool as well as a competitive weapon. Unfortunately, the cost of deploying, using and maintaining computers has also increased dramatically. Over time, the computing architecture has moved from being mainframe‐centered towards client/server computing interconnected with mainframes. Consequently, desktop asset management becomes the top priority to such an evolving system of managerial goals, strategies, and implementation tactics. Based on a study of Boeing Company’s infrastructure, this paper first discusses issues of computing asset management as well as the technologies used to manage these assets. In addition to presenting the recommendations given to Boeing, an enterprise computing asset management framework is proposed to encompass important factors in this paper.
IT and strategic decision making
Authors: Hedelin Lisbeth , Allwood Carl Martin
Published: July 2002

A total of 41 top executive managers in large organizations/enterprises were interviewed about factors affecting their demands on, attitudes towards and use of, information and communication technology (ICT) when making strategic decisions in their work. Poor knowledge management, i.e. poor possibilities to store, reuse, and share knowledge in an organized and disciplined way due to inefficient ICT, was reported to be an obstacle in supporting the decision‐making process effectively. Problems with accessibility, accuracy and trust of the information in the ICT‐systems were prevalent. Furthermore, ICT did not provide much help with respect to the necessary social interactions in the decision‐making process. Implications of these findings are discussed for the design of future decision‐support systems.
Computer‐based Total Productivity Measurement:An Indian Chemical Plant
Authors: Saha Arunoday
Published: July 2002

Describes a microcomputer software system for total productivity
measurement in manufacturing organi‐zations, named TOPROD, developed by
the author. Beginning with a discussion advocating the greater use of
total productivity ratios in industry, the six main programs of the
software are described. The first three modules deal with various
categories of inputs: capital (including fixed and working), direct
costs (such as labour and raw materials) and indirect costs. The fourth
module considers all output items. The fifth and sixth algorithms
compute total and value‐added productivity respectively, as well as
partial productivities of the principal inputs. Describes the
application of TOPROD to an Indian chemical process plant, producing
high‐density polyethylene. The results are analysed, and possible steps
for improvement suggested.
Inadequate security encourages the thief
Authors: Mills Alan
Published: July 2002

Reviews the findings of the Audit Commission′s fifth triennial
report on computer fraud and abuse, published in October 1994. This
shows that, while computer fraud and abuse is a growth industry, many
organizations do not seem to take computer security seriously. Also
considers a survey conducted by an undergraduate of Leeds Metropolitan
University. This reached broadly similar conclusions. Many organizations
do not have basic computer security procedures in place. Simple matters
such as proper management of passwords and virus checking are often
neglected. Management should ensure basic procedures are in place. These
low‐cost procedures can do much to reduce the incidence of computer
fraud and thereby avoid the associated cost and inconvenience.
The use of spreadsheet software in China
Authors: Turner Rodney
Published: July 2002

Spreadsheet software packages find ready applications in Western
nations with a high proportion of PCs having a spreadsheet package
installed. In Taiwan there is a high degree of acceptance of this class
of software. In the People′s Republic of China, however, there is not
the same degree of acceptance with only a very small proportion of end
users utilizing this important class of software. Discusses the present
situation with respect to the use of spreadsheet software in China and
presents several reasons why the level is low.
Activity‐based approach to justification of advanced factory management systems
Authors: Chen F. Frank
Published: July 2002

Looks at the literature to date which has indicated some successful cases of using traditional economic analysis techniques in justifying factory automation. Points out, however, that strategic implications and integration effects of factory control systems are beyond the scope of currently available justification schemes. Presents a new approach to justification of advanced factory management systems, namely activity‐based costing (ABC). Introduces frameworks of typical advanced factory management systems and briefly discusses basic concepts, definitions and current applications of ABC. Enumerates the need for this new justification approach, the hierarchy of factory operating expenses and steps to implement ABC in acquiring advanced factory management systems. Concludes with a case study example to illustrate the application of this new approach.
Change, competitiveness and communications ‐ the role of business television
Authors: Chitty Gary
Published: July 2002

Contends that broadcast communications ‐ including video magazines, direct satellite transmission, CD‐ROM distribution to desktop PCs ‐ is the fastest growing medium for corporate communication, both external and internal. Illustrates the potential of broadcast business television (BTV) to effect organizational change and deliver competitive advantage. Argues that further developments are needed to move corporate communications beyond one‐way transmission of information to achieve a genuinely interactive medium for the effective facilitation of behavioural change.
Using the Internet for competitive advantage
Authors: Jemmeson Peter
Published: July 2002

Examines the possible use of the Internet as a business tool to gain competitive advantage. After a brief introduction to the Internet it defines Internet driven competitive advantage. Discusses the most commonly used Internet tools with relation to practical examples of their possible use as tools to gain a competitive advantage. Concludes that with the correct approach there is potential for successful use of the Internet by business.
Strategies for survival following tariff reform
Authors: Buxey Geoff , Kosmider Robert
Published: July 2002

A cursory glance over retailers’ shelves in Australia reveals a proliferation of imports, with locally‐made goods often a minority. This is especially true of clothing, footwear and small electrical appliances and is linked to lower tariffs and other barriers to trade. Much of the debate about government policy concerns the pace of tariff reform that will give domestic manufacturers a chance to adapt. Looks at the ways a small sample of companies has coped; many have moved production offshore. Analyses why, how, and through what strategies and environmental factors the rest keep on manufacturing here. Finally, compares the results with expectations.
Successful implementation of TPS in a manufacturing setting: a case study
Authors: Kasul Ruth A. , Motwani Jaideep G.
Published: July 2002

Presents an application of the Toyota Production System (TPS) in a manufacturing environment. By means of a case study, discusses the most important elements of TPS, the strategies used by the company for implementing TPS, and the significant benefits that were accrued in manufacturing operations and total inventory values. Obtains data through interviews, questionnaire survey and archival sources.
Identifications of part families and bottleneck parts in cellular manufacturing
Authors: Ang David S.
Published: July 2002

The formation of machine‐part families is an important task in the design of cellular and flexible manufacturing systems. The formation results in the creation of many benefits for manufacturing systems. Among the many methods utilized in machine‐cells formation, the similarity coefficient method (SCM) is most widely used. When SCM is used, the rearrangement of machine and part components is required to form machine‐part families. This process of rearrangement has been considered as being subjective and difficult and may result in improper assignments to parts families, resulting in a negation of benefits promised. This paper presents an effective algorithm to identify part‐families and bottleneck‐parts, given machine groupings, rather than addressing the machine grouping problem in general.
Dynamic financial imaging: using multimedia to measure the health of your business
Authors: Records Harold A. , Olinsky Alan
Published: July 2002

Businesses of the late 1990s have available a wealth of data and information that managers use to measure the health of their business and to identify problems and opportunities. Unfortunately, current measures of business activity are static and do not capture the dynamic flows of business transactions as they occur. Warning signs of pending changes are frequently not seen until after the fact when the financial impact of these changes is reported. It is our proposal that business transactions and performance can and should be measured in a dynamic rather than static manner. Recent advances in computer and communications technology combined with powerful multimedia software enable the construction of algorithms and on‐screen instruments which can be used to put business transactions and performance into a dynamic visible form that is readily understood by users.
Cogeneration and self‐generation for energy agility
Authors: Langford Harold P. , Scheuermann Larry
Published: July 2002

Agile manufacturers depend on low cost, abundant electricity to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Self‐generation of electricity or cogeneration of electricity and thermal energy at the manufacturer’s location can provide both economical and uninterrupted service. Generation methods are standby, peak‐shaving, baseload, commercial, and mobile generation. Each of these represents opportunities in agile manufacturing. The number of countries that have deregulated, market‐driven electrical utilities are growing and will include most of Europe and the USA by 2005. The demands of agile manufacturing are to produce high‐quality, market‐sensitive products at the lowest possible cost in an environment that has constant dynamic changes. Cogeneration will provide both flexible and cost‐efficient electricity as part of an overall energy strategy. Further, it will provide an agile energy resource that will complement the pursuit of competitive advantage in the global market for customized goods and services.
5‐S practice: a new tool for industrial management
Authors: Ho Samuel K.M.
Published: July 2002

It has been recognised that Japanese firms are clean and orderly. The same is true for high quality Western firms. Over the last two decades, the Japanese have formalised the technique and named it as 5‐S practice. They believe that it is the base‐line for industrial management. As the name is new to most Western societies, the objective of this paper is to explain the intricacy of the 5‐S so that it can be understood easily and adopted readily by those who may find the tool useful. In Hong Kong, the government industry department has promoted the 5‐S practice since 1994. Many seminars and workshops have been conducted and they were all very well received by the business community. As a result of the success, the department invited the author to commission a 5‐S practice workbook with ten successful case studies from the manufacturing, services and public sectors. The experience will also be shared in this article.
Internet commerce for small businesses
Authors: Hsieh Chang‐tseh , Lin Binshan
Published: July 2002

Online buying is expected to hit $4.8 billion in 1998, and is estimated to reach the $12 billion mark by the end of this century. This is one of the very few places where small businesses are able to effectively compete with their bigger rivals. All sites on the Internet are equal, and the small businesses can launch complex sales programs and implement effective globalization strategies on the Internet just like the bigger companies. However, certain guidelines must be observed by owners of small businesses in order to enjoy the benefits of the Internet commerce. This study provides some practical implementation strategies to work at each stage of the Web site life cycle in an effort to help small businesses implement successful Internet commerce programs.
Measuring the evolution of microcomputer technology
Authors: Peterson David K. , Miller Phillip E.
Published: July 2002

People who are interested in evaluating and rating microcomputer technology need a single, composite measure which is rich enough to enable comparing machines of widely differing time periods, features and formats. Traditionally, computers are modeled by describing four primary features ‐ their CPU, available memory, and input/output (I/O) capabilities. Applying this general model to portable microcomputers, this paper uses a scoring model methodology to develop a composite measure for the portable microcomputer marketplace and then evaluates the model’s longitudinal performance. The technological scoring model methodology is a very pragmatic and highly subjective technique to derive a relative measure for identifying long‐term technological trends and rating/ranking individual machines one with another. Furthermore, employing the scoring model offers some unique challenges to the technological forecaster. However, the scoring model does seem to be a useful approach (at least for portable microcomputer technology) if used with due caution.
Environmental compliance in manufacturing: interpreting industry perceptions that we do but they don’t
Authors: McKinney Michael M. , Miller Phillip E.
Published: July 2002

The environmental laws have placed manufacturing concerns in a quandary regarding compliance with the complex and far‐reaching web of regulations which affect practically every aspect of production operations. Although variations from the mandates imposed may result in rather substantial consequences for offenders, many companies do not achieve full compliance for various reasons. If full compliance is possible, reasons for noncompliance must be examined. The relationship between compliance and quality of the manufacturing process or finished product must be explored to determine whether companies might sacrifice compliance for a more efficient process or higher quality product. Moreover, intentional noncompliance for economic benefit may provide companies with an advantage over competitors that spend vast resources to satisfy environmental obligations. This paper addresses the results of a survey completed by over 200 manufacturing firms located primarily in Tennessee to determine effects of compliance with environmental regulations on manufacturing operations.
Information technology to support any‐time, any‐place team meetings in Korean organizations
Authors: Hong Ilyoo B.
Published: July 2002

The Worldwide Web has recently emerged as a highly effective technology to permit individuals to exchange and share information from around the globe. This paper investigates the applicability of the Web‐based technology to the support of team meetings in Korean corporations. We first examine key cultural characteristics of Korean enterprises as they relate to the way the firms conduct team meetings, and discuss a few design issues in the context of the characteristics. We argue that the organizational culture of Korean firms calls for a merger of text‐based electronic meeting support with video conferencing capability if meetings are to be productive. Ultimately, we envision an integrated team support system that meets the needs of Korean firms for collaborative tasks regardless of the time and location dimensions.
Alignment of technology and information systems tasks: a Singapore perspective
Authors: Kim Lau Sim , Yang Ang Ang , Winley Graham
Published: July 2002

Technology can influence the nature of work performed by information systems and information technology professionals. This study aims to identify technologies and tasks performed by information systems and information technology professionals in a range of business organisations in Singapore. The study examines what technologies will become increasingly important in the business organizations as advances in information technology affect the work performed by information systems professionals. A list of information systems tasks and relationships between the tasks and technologies will be examined. The role of information systems and information technology professionals in relation to the tasks performed will also be discussed.
Identifying and controlling computer crime and employee fraud
Authors: Haugen Susan , Roger Selin J.
Published: July 2002

Organizations today are more susceptible to computer crime and employee fraud than ever before. This paper presents some statistics about the growth on fraud, factors which cause fraud in the workplace, how businesses can protect their assets, and common computer‐based frauds, techniques, and controls. Managers of all types of organizations need to be knowledgeable about their internal control system, and make sure it has sufficient checks and balances to ward against employees committing fraudulent acts. No organization is immune today from both external and internal threats to the safety and security of their data and information. Therefore, it is imperative that managers understand the problems that fraud can cause and how they can protect the organization.
Forecasting the Building Industry′s Prospects beyond 2000
Authors: Hutcheson John M.
Published: July 2002

Aims to report the results of research into the techniques of
forecasting long‐term building industry prospects. Outlines the actual
results of research into the Australian building industry and contrasts
the results and factors stressed by a number of forecasters. Develops a
model to show the interrelationships between the key parameters.
Consequent on comparisons over a long period (mostly 1960/70 et
seq.) and detailed research since 1980, a high degree of validity of the
resultant hypothesis has been developed. Therefore, considers the
hypothesis and resultant model to be reliable to forecast building
industry forecasts beyond the year 2000. Gives consideration to the
reliability and validity of the results of the research into forecasting
the building industry prospects in any country′s economy.
A Survey of the Important Attributes for Marketing
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Siang Hoe Kee
Published: July 2002

Examines the factors which motivate developers to appoint their
marketing agents. This is achieved by comparing the views of the
developers and real estate agencies as to the importance of the various
attributes or strengths campaigned by the latter. In the process, aims
to uncover if the attributes considered important by the developers in
selecting their marketing agents are congruous with the attributes
campaigned by the real estate agency firms. This study will be of
interest to real estate firms who provide agency services as it will
highlight to them the needs and expectations of developers in Singapore.
Network Technology
Authors: Kirkwood John
Published: July 2002

Recent developments in communications technology, such as fibre optics
and satellites, have led to the development of facilities like
electronic mail, discussion lists and anonymous file transfer protocol
(FTP). Explains the nature and use of these facilities, and examines
their potential application within the field of property management.
Aims to: inform property managers of the latest developments in
communications technology; encourage the use of services now available
on wide area networks (WANs); and stimulate discussion about the
possibility of establishing a discussion list on Internet devoted to
property management.
Modern marketing research techniques and the property professional
Authors: Levy Deborah S.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the benefits to the property profession of pursuing a
marketing philosophy in an attempt to gain a clearer understanding of
how consumers perform in real‐life situations. Undertakes an empirical
study using two market research techniques in an attempt to create an
accurate picture of how industrialists approach the decision‐making
process associated with location and relocation. The first of these is
conjoint analysis and the second involves a more traditional
hierarchical approach. Claims the results indicate that these techniques
are inter‐related. Emphasizes the benefits to the property professional
of understanding both types of analysis and stresses the need to embrace
modern marketing techniques.
Olympia and York, Canary Wharf and what may be learned
Authors: Pugh Cedric
Published: July 2002

Addresses issues and questions in an evaluative review of the insolvency of office developer Olympia and York at Canary Wharf in 1992. Asks: what made a large, private company internationally vulnerable? Why could property cycles with their risks become internationalized, notwithstanding that sometimes spreading the internationalization of property could be considered as a useful means of pooling the risks? What was the nature of the office building cycle in London which was adapting its property needs to the internationalization of the financial sector in London, Tokyo and New York? What lessons emerge in the relationships between economics, finance and law in a new wave of insolvency proceedings under post‐1980 legislation? In terms of property market conditions, how can Paul Reichmann’s consortium’s repurchase of Canary Wharf be explained?
Environmental management issues in China: problems and strategies
Authors: Ling Li , Isaac David
Published: July 2002

Argues that although the development of the real estate market in China has been well documented, one of the most interesting, yet chaotic, issues in this market has not been fully covered. This is that of the problems and opportunities arising from the need for management of properties built. The supply of prime office buildings in the major cities in China has been unprecedented because of the strong demand from local and overseas companies. To preserve the investment value of the buildings, there is a great need for good management. Provides an overview of environmental management issues experienced in China. Discusses this in three sections: the existing environmental problems; future environmental problems and strategies for environmental protection.
Assessing the demand for building maintenance in a major hospital complex
Authors: Al‐Zubaidi Hassan
Published: July 2002

Building maintenance has until recently been a neglected field of quantitative modelling and of academic study. It has not attracted very much attention despite being regarded as under‐funded, unproductive and poorly managed, or the recognition that many of its managerial problems are demanding more research and skills than those of new works. Discusses the priorities, categories of maintenance work, and factors affecting demand for maintenance. Based on general statistics obtained, identifies and quantifies both major problems areas (in terms of cost and frequency of maintenance activities) and the nature and cause of the demand for maintenance in a major hospital complex. They have revealed no coherent picture, in that demand from wards and building seems independent of patient throughput and age of buildings. The demand for maintenance, for the main trades involved, namely plumbing, joinery, electrical and mechanical have been forecast and arrival rate of jobs per trade has been estimated. This would enhance the management process and work planning which would result in a more economic use of resources and a corresponding reduction in the total cost of maintaining property to a standard.
Valuation of specialized public sector assets
Authors: Connellan Owen
Published: July 2002

Local authorities are now constrained to produce asset valuations for accounting and management purposes. Specialized property, for which there is little or no market, has to be valued under the RICS Red Book using the depreciated replacement (DRC) basis. Reviews the consequent requirements of local authorities and the valuation techniques available for producing capital and rental figures, including the latest “S curve rental” method.
From computer games to interactive stories: interactive storytelling
Authors: Charles Fred , Mead Steven J. , Cavazza Marc
Published: July 2002

Interactive storytelling can be based either on explicit plot representations or on the autonomous behaviour of artificial characters. In such a character‐based approach, the dynamic interaction between characters generates the actual plot from a generic storyline. Characters’ behaviours are implemented through real‐time search‐based planning techniques. However, the top‐down planning systems that control artificial actors need to be complemented with appropriate mechanisms dealing with emerging (“bottom‐up”) situations of narrative relevance. After discussing the determinants that account for the emergence of narrative situations, we introduce additional mechanisms for coping with these situations. These comprise situated reasoning and action repair: we also illustrate the concepts through detailed examples.
The cycles of interlending
Authors: Smith Malcolm
Published: July 2002

Examines the interlending scene in the UK over the last 80 years and looks forward to what the future might hold. The decentralised beginnings of interlending in the 1920s and 1930s are contrasted with the move to centralisation which attended the formation of the National Library for Science and Technology in the 1960s. The recent demise in the UK of the centralised system is described and analysed. Outlines the British Library’s role in the emerging distributed electronic environment for document supply, and concludes with personal reflections on the current changes to the document supply landscape in the UK.
Planning for Document Supply: Sweden and Scandinavia
Authors: Nilsson Kjell
Published: July 2002

Organized co‐operation between Swedish research libraries dates back to
the end of the nineteenth century, when work began on the Swedish union
catalogue. In 1990, Sweden, with 6,127 requests per 100,000 population,
was the most interlending intensive country in Europe. However, the
decentralization of higher education has focused attention on local
services rather than national co‐operation. To meet the threat of
fragmentization, a system of national resource libraries has been
developed, administered by the Royal Library′s Office for National
Planning and Co‐ordination (BIBSAM). The tradition of co‐operation is
common to the Nordic countries, Iceland, owing to its small size, taking
a rather unique position. Legal deposits provide access to the national
imprint; interlibrary lending is used extensively for foreign
publications; the union catalogues have been automated; and different
types of central library system have been developed, Sweden being
exceptional with regard to the extent of funding. The idea of planning
acquisitions on a Nordic basis, introduced by the middle of the 1950s in
the so‐called Scandia Plan, proved completely unrealistic.
The Changing Role of the Regional Library Systems
Authors: Powell Bridget , Burch Brian
Published: July 2002

The UK Regional Library Systems date from the 1930s when they were set
up to develop union catalogues and organize regional interlending.
During 60 years of development their role has broadened and they have
developed a variety of added‐value services. Their original purpose is
still important although modified in the light of developments such as
BLDSC and automation. They are centrally placed to play a key role in
working out the effects of local government reorganization, in acting as
agencies through which the proposed National Library and Information
Commission could operate, and in protecting the interests of users
during a period of change.
The EXLIB Project: expansion of European library systems for the
visually disadvantaged
Authors: Martinez Calvo F.J.
Published: July 2002

Analyses the major objective of the EXLIB Project, which focuses on
the building of a library system, within the framework of the European
Union, that would guarantee the visually disadvantaged access to
information under conditions similar to those existing for the sighted
population. Proposes that the existing library infrastructure be adapted
to the needs of the former and that present telematic facilities be
further developed, in accordance with the needs and infrastructures in
each one of the Community countries.
Networking and licensing texts for electronic libraries: De Montfort University′s experience
Authors: Collier Mel , Ramsden Anne , Zhao Dian
Published: July 2002

Contends that networking and licensing texts for electronic
libraries give rise to a number of significant issues, notably copyright
and how to set a price which will give the publisher a reasonable return
on investment and will be regarded by libraries as a fair and realistic
scheme. Describes the experience of one university which has been
carrying out extensive electronic library work over the last three years
and draws conclusions which could have relevance at the national level.
The future of journal publishing
Authors: Morris Sally
Published: July 2002

Many publishers have traditionally depended on journals. The
explosion in information is making it impossible for library funding to
keep up; this is exacerbated as falling circulations and rising
editorial costs cause further price increases. Emphasizes that
publishers have to consider solutions if they are to remain in business.
Individual article supply is one option; publishers would prefer to
supply the articles themselves, but need central databases from which
users can select. Electronic media speed up the process, improve the
usability of articles, and make possible inclusion of new types of
information. Workable charging systems will soon be available; security
issues are also being addressed. Concludes that the journal entity still
has a value in gathering together related articles and making them
navigable.
Developing document delivery in South East Asia now and in the future
Authors: Cornish Graham P.
Published: July 2002

Examines how the economic, demographic and cultural background of South East Asia is crucial to understanding the role of document supply in the region. Claims that, of the seven countries studied, only three have well‐developed economies and two others are beginning to show signs of growth. Two are still very under‐developed. The level of library services varies dramatically between countries and document supply hardly exists in some of them. Those which have national policies for information have included document supply in their plans. The international dimension is still very limited with potential for growth. Reports on how one country, Thailand, is taking major steps to create a document supply service which could eventually be of benefit to the whole region.
Interlibrary lending in Zambia
Authors: Chisenga Justin , Chelemu Gertrude
Published: July 2002

Presents the results of a survey of interlibrary lending operations in Zambia, which indicate that existing activities are concentrated on the two highly urbanized provinces, the Copperbelt and Lusaka. Shows, in detail, that the schemes operate on an informal basis, lacking any form of co‐ordination, in the absence of any rules or regulatory code. Concludes that the lack of written rules and manuals has resulted in ILL arrangements failing to operate smoothly and that there is an urgent need to introduce an effective regulatory structure.
The Unity combined regions database
Authors: Sheridan Margaret , Powell Bridget
Published: July 2002

Outlines the development of the Unity System and the combined regions database. Describes the involvement of eight regional library systems in the Unity Database, and the development plan, including the regional variations made possible by the flexibility of the system. Explains the coverage of the Unity Database, which is based on British Library data, plus the catalogues of member libraries, both public and academic, which provide records for all interlending materials. Includes the Pilot Interlending Project for Share the Vision, which incorporates the National Union Catalogue for Alternative Formats into the Unity Database and is developing a model for interlending of alternative formats. Discusses the role of the Unity System in the future development of interlending in Britain, and its potential application internationally.
Outsourcing document supply ‐ the BT experience
Authors: Broadmeadow Sheila
Published: July 2002

Describes the design and implementation of an automated document request system at the BT Laboratories library, Ipswich, UK. The system allows users to enter requests for documents from their own workstations. The requests are transmitted to the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC). Documents are supplied direct to the users and returned by them direcly to the BLDSC. This allows library staff to provide an efficient document delivery service without tying up staff time with routine tasks such as photocopying and filing. Looks at user reaction to the system and possible future developments.
How the virtual library transforms interlibrary loans ‐ the OhioLINK experience
Authors: Kohl David F.
Published: July 2002

While the primary reason for a library’s collections is their use as widely and broadly as possible, the issues clustered around interlibrary lending are central to redefining what libraries will be in the twenty‐first century. Discusses interlibrary lending among OhioLINK libraries ‐ a consortium of all libraries located in Ohio‐based colleges and universities. It describes OhioLINK and talks about how both the sharing of books and the sharing of articles are being tackled. It concludes with how some interesting changes in traditional interlibrary loan thinking are changing the way in which libraries are being envisioned generally in Ohio.