bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging markets in black South African townships
Authors: Klemz Bruce R. , Boshoff Christo , Mazibuko Noxolo‐Eileen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess differences between the guidance offered by cultural studies in the services literature and the retailing literature for emerging markets. To research these differences, the role that the contact person has towards South African township residents' willingness to buy is to be assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

A services quality survey of black (ethnic Xhosa) township residents was performed for two different retail types: new, small, independently owned grocery retailers located within the townships, and established, large, national chains located within the city centres. The influence of these services quality measures on willingness to buy was assessed using the partial least squares method for each of the two retail types. Differences between the model parameters for these two retail types were assessed using ANOVA.

Findings

The results show that, consistent with the retailing literature, the contact people in these new, small, local and independently owned retailers focus extensively on empathy to influence willingness to buy, while the contact people in the large, traditionally white‐owned national retailers jointly focus on assurance and responsiveness to influence willingness to buy, and spend very little effort on empathy.

Research limitations/implications

Research implications are based on the usefulness of supporting theory, namely that the guidance offered by the cultural studies in the retailing literature is more predictive than that in the services literature for the emerging South African retailing market.

Practical implications

It is found that core elements in relationship marketing are well ingrained in collectivist Xhosa cultural norms. The results suggest that these cultural norms can, and should, be leveraged by the new independently owned grocery retailers.

Originality/value

The research addresses a key concern within emerging markets and offers practical help for retail development within this dynamic economic setting.
Internal brand factors driving successful financial services brands
Authors: de Chernatony Leslie , Cottam Susan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Having a successful brand that is integrated and coherent can provide a sustainable competitive advantage. The aim of this paper is to identify internal factors contributing to financial services brand success and ultimately to facilitate better‐informed branding activities, thereby growing brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach is adopted and indepth interviews were carried out with 68 respondents amongst six financial services organisations.

Findings

The organisations with more successful brands were characterised by the following factors: a holistic, consistent and integrated approach to branding, a focus on excellent and personalised customer service, an ethos which challenges the norm, a responsiveness to change, a high degree of brand literacy, and a synergy between the brand and organisational culture.

Research limitations/implications

The study was bound by the availability of respondents' time. The focus was to examine a relatively small sample of organisations in considerable depth. Moving forward, it is intended that a quantitative study will be undertaken to generalise and expand on these findings within the financial services market.

Practical implications

A number of significant managerial implications are drawn from this work, for example using the brand ethos model to enable employees to internalise their brand and the use of “brand jigsaw” workshops to facilitate brand consistency.

Originality/value

The results provide valuable insights into financial services brand management, encouraging the employment of more effective branding techniques within a sector that has traditionally had little interest in branding.
Exploring salesperson learning in the client relationship nexus
Authors: Turley Darach , Geiger Susi
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the characteristics and parameters of salesperson learning within client relationships, thereby filling a noticeable gap in the knowledge of individual learning in a sales context. It also aims at advancing the discussion on the nature of learning and knowledge in sales and marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach is used to investigate salesperson learning in a relational context. Data collection methods include interviews with 36 business‐to‐business sales personnel, reflexive exercises and field observations.

Findings

The investigation shows that salesperson relational learning is personal, that it occurs in action, that it is contextual, natural, open‐ended, and often unconscious. Antecedents of learning are personal dispositions such as openness to changing contexts and situated learning mechanisms; consequences of relational learning are personal methods of knowledge transfer as well as the transformation of the learner and the client relationship. Thus, a framework of salesperson relational learning is proposed.

Practical implications

Sales managers should emphasise the continuity of learning, train peoplein situand minimise turnover of sales personnel. They might also do well to acknowledge how these alternative modes can complement traditional, more formal sales management methods.

Originality/value

This paper presents a grounded model that aids both researchers and practitioners in understanding salesperson learning in client relationships, thus advancing a new theoretical perspective on learning in sales and marketing.
Consumer‐based brand equity and country‐of‐origin relationships
Authors: Pappu Ravi , Quester Pascale G. , Cooksey Ray W.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of the present research is to examine the impact of the country of origin of a brand on its consumer‐based equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Brand equity was conceptualized in this paper as a combination of brand awareness, brand associations, perceived quality and attitudinal brand loyalty. A doubly multivariate design was incorporated in a structured questionnaire to collect data via mall intercepts in an Australian capital city.

Findings

Multivariate analysis of variance of the data indicated that consumer‐based brand equity varied according to the country of origin of the brand and product category. This impact of country of origin on brand equity occurred where consumers perceived substantive differences between the countries in terms of their product category‐country associations.

Research limitations/implications

An important direction for future research would be to examine how the consumer‐based equity of a brand would be affected, if the country of origin were changed from a country with weaker association with the product category to a country with strong association with the product category. The results would be useful to MNCs contemplating international manufacturing.

Practical implications

Marketing managers operating in the international context must identify the sources of brand equity, and understand the importance of incorporating country of origin into their brand equity measurement. Further, the results suggest that, when a brand offers a variety of product categories, brand managers should monitor and track the brand's consumer‐based equity for each product category.

Originality/value

The present study is one of the first to empirically examine and confirm the impact of country of origin on the consumer‐based equity of a brand.
The work roles and development needs of vocational lifelong learning professionals in British higher education
Authors: Chivers Geoff
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Considerable research has been conducted into the outcomes of vocational lifelong learning (VLL) funding in terms of courses offered and their effectiveness, but much less into the work, professional development needs and careers of staff organising and delivering VLL programmes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the career management and development needs of such university staff.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted of VLL professionals in higher education to establish the position and their future prospects.

Findings

A survey revealed that experienced VLL staff are being required, in some cases unwillingly, to move away from activities concerned with external training to take on work in areas such as technology transfer and general student recruitment. This development is likely to be to the detriment of VLL provision by universities.

Practical implications

VLL staff identify further knowledge of new developments in the field, stronger IT skills, and competence in conducting research as their major development needs.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward some concrete suggestions for improvements.
Understanding networking in China and the Arab World
Authors: Hutchings Kate , Weir David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the implications of internationalisation forguanxiandwastaand the role of trust, family and favours in underpinning these traditional models of networking. The paper also draws some implications for management development professionals and trainers.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument is based on relevant literature and cases, and the authors' own knowledge acquired through research in China over 8 years and the Arab World over 25 years. The Chinese research involved analysis of company reports, informal conversations and semi‐structured interviews conducted with almost 100 interviewees including Western expatriate managers and local Chinese managers between 1998 and 2005 in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou and Wuxi. The Arab research also involved analysis of company reports and informal conversations, as well as interviews and surveys conducted throughout the Middle Eastern region, including the GCC states, Algeria, Jordan, Libya, Palestine and Yemen.

Findings

The research finds differences in the continuing relevance ofguanxiandwastaand suggests that whileguanxiis adapting to internationalisation,wastaremains traditional in its influence on business and social life.

Practical implications

The paper suggests the need for increased training of international managers to adjust to culture‐specific networking in China and the Arab World and provides some practical guidelines to managers to assist their intercultural effectiveness in these two regions of the world.

Originality/value

The research is important in that it extends knowledge of traditional networking practices in exploring the Arab World which is hitherto under‐researched and in undertaking comparative examination of China and the Arab World which is also a new area of research.
Strategic role of HRM in Turkey: a three‐country comparative analysis
Authors: Oya Özçelik Ayşe , Aydınlı Fulya
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the strategic role of human resource management (HRM) in Turkey by comparing Turkish companies to Spanish and German companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire form of the Cranet‐G 1999‐2000 Survey (Cranfield Network on Strategic International Human Resource Management) has been used to collect the data. The indicators of the strategic role of HRM for this study are the existence of an HR department and manager, representation of HR on the board of directors, the existence of an HR strategy, measurement of the HR department's performance, and the existence of several HR policies.

Findings

The variables indicating the strategic role of HRM are evaluated for the companies in the three countries via correspondence analysis. Overall, a broad conclusion can be drawn that a strategic role for HRM is widespread in Turkish companies. Moreover, there are signs of convergence between the companies in Turkey, Germany, and Spain on the strategic role of HRM.

Research limitations/implications

This research, designed to explore the strategic role of HRM in Turkish companies, is limited to the variables in the Cranet‐G questionnaire.

Originality/value

This paper is about the strategic role of HRM in Turkey as a developing country and as a European Union candidate country where published research on HRM is relatively limited. It contributes to the growing literature on the changing role of HRM in Turkey by reporting an empirical study of the strategic role for HRM in Turkish companies.
Developing and testing student oriented case studies
Authors: Ó Cinnéide Barra
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide insights into approaches for conceptualising and producing case studies that will be appropriate for inclusion in educational and training programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The efficacy of a new process adopted in case writing, through “front loading” production of the teaching note, is described. An analogy is derived with crossword puzzle compilation and an approach to developing “entertaining” cases from the creative industries sector is provided. Experiences are recounted on production and use in classroom/examination sessions of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance studies.

Findings

Conclusions are drawn from primary research undertaken with nine cohorts, totalling over 320 students, (undergraduate/graduate, spread over three university campuses), in relation to the effectiveness of the case assessment process in end‐of‐term examinations.

Research limitations/implications

The existing academic literature provides a limited information base on topics concerned with case writing and experiences in regard to student performances in case study discussion sessions/assessment procedures. The implication is that further original research is called for in the area.

Practical implications

Educators and trainers must be more immediately concerned with establishing the particular roles that case studies can play within their programmes. They should also ensure that the cost effectiveness of case production systems is optimised.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils a number of identified needs, including development of a more efficient method of case writing and supplementation of the limited knowledge base within the current literature on the topics covered. This is particularly so in regard to the efficacy of the case method in terms of student learning and assessment processes.
Learning institution to learning organization
Authors: Yeo Roland K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore if reflective inquiry and action learning have an influence on job and organizational effectiveness. A reflective‐action learning framework will be used as a prior theory to illustrate its link to organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The case organization is a Singapore higher learning institution. In‐depth interviewing with 50 faculty members and the Deputy Director of academic affairs was employed to find out more about the practice of reflective‐action learning group (RALG) that had been established for over three years. Additionally, ethnographic observation was used to support and strengthen empirical evidence.

Findings

Key findings reveal that RALG is closely aligned to Kolb's experiential learning cycle where a series of learning dynamics is involved. For instance, the role of reflection motivates individuals to shift from single‐ to double‐loop learning, increasing their competence and capacity to undertake greater challenges. In addition, transferring new knowledge to a modified action increases the interaction of the learning loops. This way, triple‐loop learning may be engaged to enhance the competitive advantage of individuals and subsequently, the organization.

Research limitations/implications

The study has shed light on two underlying principles that govern the RALG framework: cognitive and behavioral perspectives. These perspectives are closely linked to the nature of organizational learning, an area that has gained prominence in organizational research.

Practical implications

The linkage between RALG and organizational effectiveness has led to a gamut of practical implications. For instance, the role of purposeful communication encourages the divergence of individual learning issues and the convergence of shared thinking. In addition, the concretization of abstract generalization derived from reflection provides opportunities for greater team dynamics with a focus on innovation.

Originality/value

This paper offers an international perspective illustrating the progressiveness of an Asian higher learning institution with a global mindset. The study is a unique example of the success of RALG with specific implications for organizational learning practices in a wider array of professional contexts. It is believed that the findings will be of value to international researchers and practitioners in the fields of organizational and human resource development.
Cost – performance – size optimization for automotive induction machines
Authors: Pugsley G. , Chillet C. , Fonseca A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to posit a new procedure to optimize the geometry of an electric motor for hybrid vehicles (HV), based on an optimization model implementing the complex specifications, environment‐sizing constraints and vehicle‐operating points.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, induction machines (IM) were studied for automotive traction applications, more specifically, for HV. The necessary models and methods to analyse and design such electric machines were developed. A limited number of finite element computations was used to establish a non‐linear electromagnetic model of the machine. This model was then adapted to study the sensitivity of the design for the most significant geometric variations. Thus, one can easily adapt a machine for new sizing requirements.

Findings

This modelling methodology was extended to take into account a great number of parametric variations. This model was used for constrained optimisation on the geometry of a machine. To achieve this, a new “reset model optimisation” method was proposed, combining fast computations, precision and simplicity. This methodology was used to design an IM with HV‐sizing considerations.

Practical implications

The methodology is based on an improved equivalent circuit of the IM where the FEM accuracy (saturation) is combined with the potential of analytical modelling (simple and quick).

Originality/value

This half‐analytical, half‐FEM methodology is well adapted for research projects where the specifications are frequently reviewed.
Iron loss analysis of linear oscillating actuator for linear compressor
Authors: Lee Heon , Moon Heegon , Wang Semyung , Park Kyungbae
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to discuss iron loss analysis and experimenting with linear oscillating actuator for linear compressor.

Design/methodology/approach

The iron loss analysis of the linear oscillating actuator is performed by using ANSYS and iron loss curves, which is obtained by an Epstein test apparatus.

Findings

The way to calculate the iron loss of the linear oscillating actuator for the linear compressor and the method to experiment the iron loss of that can be studied.

Research limitations/implications

Iron loss analysis of the linear compressor considering the motor part and the structure part is needed.

Originality/value

Each iron loss analysis method examined here can be used to analyze the iron loss of the linear motor.
Electromagnetic modelling of permanent magnet axial flux motors and generators
Authors: Marignetti Fabrizio , Tomassi Gianni , Bumby James R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a general framework for the electromagnetic analysis of axial flux motors and generators.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure is based on the solution of Maxwell's equation in a cylindrical frame. All field sources (permanent magnets, windings) are subdivided into filamentary windings. The expansion of the 2D air‐gap magnetic field into a Fourier series is computed at every radius. The contributions of the harmonics are then added to achieve the expressions of the stator and rotor flux densities, back emf and developed torque. Slotting and skewing are taken into account also.

Findings

The model can be written in a compact form by introducing a generalisation of the space vectors theory. The analysis is proved to be in accordance both with the finite element analysis and with experimental data.

Research limitations/implications

The model does not take into account eddy‐currents and non‐linearities. It does not take into account also specifically 3D phenomena, as the radial components of the flux densities.

Practical implications

The analysis is of practical interest from the standpoint both of control and of machine design. In this latter occurrence, it represents a valid alternative over computationally heavier 3D finite elements models.

Originality/value

Although the procedure is partly based on previous analyses, it is original in the way it exploits the basic theory in order to introduce skewing, slotting, and finite length of the iron. With respect to other models introduced so far, the present one is more compact in the end, its parameters can be easily computed and their physical meaning is easily understood.
Comparison of numerical and measurement methods of SAR of ellipsoidal phantoms with muscle tissue electrical parameters
Authors: Kubacki R. , Sobiech J. , Kieliszek J. , Krawczyk A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The assessing of the specific absorption rate (SAR) of living organisms or phantoms is difficult to realize and this paper seeks to do this. SAR much more precisely describes the energy absorbed by biological objects than values of electric field strength (E [V/m]) or power density (S [W/m2]) measured at the point of exposition. However, for living objects the assessing of SAR is not an easy task by measuring methods or even in calculation evaluations. Numerical techniques, especially the finite‐difference time‐domain method (FDTD), offer different possibilities of calculations. The important problem with FDTD method introduced to lossy objects with complex shapes is that this method is not verified with the measuring data.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work the results of calculations and measuring data of ellipsoidal phantoms filled with specimen of electrical parameters like muscle tissue are presented. The calculations of SAR have been realized for two cases, e.g. for plane wave incident and for waveguide condition. Measurements for verifying the obtained data were done by waveguide method. The comparison of numerical (the package CONCERTO (Vector Fields Ltd)) and measurement methods were done at frequencies 900 and 1,800 MHz.

Findings

Calculations of SAR of lossy objects by FDTD method have been confirmed by measurements and analytical method of calculations. This documents that the package CONCERTO (Vector Fields Ltd) (Concerto User Guide) can be used for such calculations.

Originality/value

This paper presents the results of calculations of SAR of ellipsoidal phantoms filled with specimens of electrical parameters of equivalent muscle tissue.
Computation of eddy current losses in the mounting rail of a magnetically levitated conveyor vehicle
Authors: Leßmann Marc , Hameyer Kay
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper proposes presenting a transient 3D‐FE computation approach of the eddy current losses in the rail and the flux concentrating pieces of a magnetically levitated conveyor vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

The calculation process is started with a coarse mesh in order to reduce computation time without losing accuracy. Then mesh refinement iterations are performed, based on the estimation of the discretisation error. The results of the post processing are the levitation force, the braking force and the eddy current losses.

Findings

The paper finds that by means of adaptive mesh refinement, the error is significantly reduced with a minimum increase of computation time. The hot spots of eddy current losses can be localised by visualizing the eddy current density. At nominal speed, especially the huge amount of eddy current losses in the flux concentrating pieces must be considered during the development process.

Research limitations/implications

For further development, the linear motor will be modified with the results of FE computations to reduce eddy current losses. Therefore, different materials and a variation of geometry will be considered.

Practical implications

Magnetically levitated systems excite eddy current losses instead of bearing losses. These losses must be taken into account when developing the drive.

Originality/value

It proposes a transient 3D‐FE approach for computing eddy current losses accurately with a minimum increase of computation time.
Improvements in a method to characterize soft ferrite up to high frequencies
Authors: Tellini B. , Giannetti R. , Lizón Martínez S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to show a low‐cost and easy to use measurement method for characterizing magnetic material B(H) relation up to medium frequencies providing an acceptable overall accuracy of the acquired data.

Design/methodology/approach

Saturation fields at MHz frequencies are obtained through resonance effects of properly designed circuit. Simulations and measurements are presented and discussed.

Findings

The paper shows the flexibility of the method and the possibility to use it for a complete characterization of the magnetic cores. Discussions and possible extension to rotating field measurements are reported.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on a low‐cost and easy to use measurement method to characterize magnetic hysteretic materials.
Design of magnetically levitated 2D drive
Authors: Etxaniz Iñigo , Izpizua Alberto , San Martin Manex , Arana Joseba , Axpe Marta
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to introduces a design of a planar motor with six degrees of freedom (dof).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a description of the model.

Findings

The paper finds that this planar motor is magnetically levitated in four dof and magnetically driven in the other two. In the design of the system, structural characteristics of all elements as well as magnetic forces done by magnetic actuators have been taken into account. The model was realized by means fem and then was simulated dynamically in developed Simulink model. The design of the system has been greatly influenced by the sensor system. Hall effect proves have been introduced in some parts of the system. Magnetic flux density, and its direction can be measured in different parts of the system.

Originality/value

The paper describes the design of a planar motor with six dof.
Reflexivity revisited: the sociocybernetics of belief, meaning, truth and power
Authors: Scott Bernard
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present sociocybernetic models of observers in interaction with the aim of encouraging reflection on what is good practice in human communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Foundational cybernetic concepts of “process and product” are drawn upon to develop models of “belief”, “meaning”, “truth” and “power”.

Findings

“Belief”, following Pask and Rescher, is modelled as a coherent, self‐reproducing system of concepts. “Meaning”, following Peirce, is modelled in terms of the pragmatic consequences of holding certain beliefs to be true. The concept of “truth” is modelled as “justified true belief”, the classic ideal of the “objective sciences”. “Power” is modelled as the pragmatic consequences of social interaction.

Originality/value

The paper invites the members of the sociocybernetics community to reflect on the reflexive nature of these models and to critically monitor and evaluate the quality of the communication within that community.
Thank you Felix Geyer
Authors: Langman Lauren
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To pay tribute to Felix Geyer's contributions to the activities of Research Committee (RC) 36, alienation research and theory, of the International Sociological Association.

Design/methodology/approach

The author recollects his involvement with RC36 and his longstanding relationship with Felix Geyer.

Findings

The establishment of RC36 and its current viability stand as testimony to the effort of Felix Geyer.

Originality/value

Alienation, one of the oldest concepts in social analysis and critique, remains a lively and exciting topic for theory and research, thanks not least to Felix Geyer. It is right that he should receive recognition for his hard work and achievements.
Thinking about experience and action
Authors: Jung Richard
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop a conception of experience and action.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenological concepts of subjectivity and meaning are combined with cybernetic concepts of constraint.

Findings

A unified theory of action and experience is developed.

Originality/value

The theory provides a scientific, cybernetic, unifying theory of experience and action applicable to individuals, groups and aggregates.
The sociological concept of autopoiesis
Authors: Buchinger Eva
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the sociological concept of autopoiesis (N. Luhmann), investigate its interdisciplinary roots and demonstrate its practical relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

The biological concept of autopoiesis (H. Maturana/F. Varela) and the philosophical concept of meaning (E. Husserl) are first discussed with respect to their contribution to the development of the sociological concept of autopoiesis. The autopoietic mechanism of three different social systems is then described, and the practical relevance of the sociological concept of autopoiesis demonstrated using the example of governance.

Findings

The scientific positioning of the sociological approach to autopoiesis is two‐fold. On the one hand, it is firmly rooted in the scientific tradition and, on the other, its originality is determined by the adaptation and new combination of existing concepts. Although this adaptation‐combination process has provoked some criticism, the result does matter because it enriches the theoretical and empirical analysis which we use to explain the dynamics of modern societies.

Practical implications

The application of the sociological concept of autopoiesis to politics gives new insights into the opportunities and barriers of governance processes.

Originality/value

Positioning of the sociological concept of autopoiesis within the scientific tradition and its application (beyond metaphorical usage) as an analytical tool.
Sociocybernetics and testability: a bridge too far?
Authors: van der Zouwen Johannes
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To investigate how far sociocyberneticians have tried to meet the criterion of “empirical testability” in their publications. What changes in this respect have taken place in recent years?

Design/methodology/approach

Inventory of papers published in Kybernetes from 1977 to 2004, and classification of sociocybernetic papers by type, i.e. the degree to which empirical testability plays a role in the argument.

Findings

The number of sociocybernetic papers has increased. The purely conceptual, theoretical or methodological papers make way for papers in which particular social systems and processes are analyzed, using the conceptual apparatus of cybernetics. However, the percentage of papers in which empirical data are used for the testing of hypotheses and models has decreased. It seems that the testability problem of sociocybernetics is unsolvable.

Originality/value

These findings lead to a reflection on the way in which sociocybernetics could eventually overcome the testability problem, by more methodological sophistication, on the one hand, and a more parsimonious formulation of sociocybernetic theories, on the other hand.
Complex systems studies and the concepts of security
Authors: Mesjasz Czesław
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present which properties of social systems can be used in studying and determining their broadly defined security. A core concept of security is to be developed into a typology of attributes of security of social systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The interpretation of security has become one of the most important challenges of theory of international relations and of related areas. Unfortunately, theory only follows the processes and provides descriptions and interpretations. Explanations are rare or superficial. Predictions or normative approaches, essential for security considerations, are mainly embedded either in ideological discourse or in common sense conclusions. A broadly defined systems thinking is applied as an instrument allowing for enhancement of methodology of security research in dealing with complex social phenomena.

Findings

It may not be expected that systems thinking could provide all the answers to the questions arising in security theory and policy. At the same time, it can be shown how strongly the discourse on a broadly defined security, not only in international relations, has been influenced by systems thinking.

Research limitations/implications

It is but an introductory survey study and includes omissions and simplifications that have to be explained in detail in further studies.

Practical implications

An introduction to the further research on the links between systems thinking and discourse on broadly defined security of individuals and social systems.

Originality/value

Allows systems specialists to avoid simplifications in understanding social systems and at the same time helps security specialists to avoid abuses and trivialization of systems thinking.
Is Kevin Warwick a dandy?
Authors: Wood John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To celebrate the life and achievements of Felix Geyer by addressing issues of mutual interest, in a light‐hearted and informative fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopts a polemical style that encapsulates the conclusions that will appeal to many types and affiliations of reader.

Findings

That, on the one hand, Felix Geyer is a cool dude who once smoked cigars and wore a raincoat. That, on the other hand, by walking around with “implants” in his body, and by celebrating/publicising this fact to the mass media, Kevin Warwick raised issues that remind us of the cult of the dandy.

Originality/value

Style, agenda, and range of concerns are unorthodox.
The vicarious self
Authors: Miguel Aguado Juan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a theoretical context for the application of F. Geyer's work on alienation in highly complex societal environments to the study of the social and cultural impact of the mass media and cultural industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A macro‐sociological approach provides the ground for the insertion of Geyer's concepts of alienation and vicarious experience into Luhmann's theory of the mass media. The second‐order cybernetics conception of endogenous information is here taken as a systemic insight to the idea of experience in cultural studies and social psychology.

Findings

Provides a theoretical basis for the use of experience as an observational concept in the study of the social and cultural impact of media dynamics, posing interesting links with relevant current research issues in mass media, such as globalization and uncertainty management.

Research limitations/implications

This is a theoretical work that demands future applications and research field in order to test coherence and potential.

Practical implications

This paper underlines the relevance of F. Geyer's work on alienation from the viewpoint of systems perspective to the current study of the mass media as a macro‐sociological reference phenomenon in social and cultural trends. It poses vicarious experience as an observational concept, thus providing a conceptual bridge between systemics and current cultural studies.

Originality/value

This paper poses a wide and original conceptual net that involves Geyer's work together with macro‐sociological current contributions (Giddens, Luhmann, Beck, etc.) in the context of media studies.
Advances in the development of semantic e‐business
Authors: Rudall Brian H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to review current advances in the development of semantic e‐business with particular reference to semantic web technologies. Secure e‐business processes, and knowledge management aims to discuss future concerns and the challenges of e‐business.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics.

Findings

Illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics and systems with a view to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Expressing emotion in electronic mail
Authors: Curran Kevin , Casey Michelle
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Electronic mail (e‐mail) and messaging systems are a powerful means of communication which are fast become a primary means of communication. This paper aims to describe the need for expression in e‐mail.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the need for expression in e‐mail and the development of a personalised e‐mail system. A survey is carried out to comprehend the derived meanings from visuals; as a result the prototype is formed.

Findings

This paper presents a prototype which utilises the idea of reading pictures as sentences and the semiotic and linguistic meaning derived from those sentences. The system aims to interpret the sender's thoughts and convey their emotion and personality through a combination of graphical components, image, and expressive typography. In contrast with the new developing successful language that is rapidly spreading in the use of mobile devices, this personalized e‐mail introduces a visual language that people will acquire in using their e‐mails. Initial findings are presented from exercises of visual literacy, where the viewer has to play a series of matching games with words and images in order to derive each user's meanings and interpretations.

Research limitations/implications

This interactive piece is attempting to transform the static nature of e‐mail into a more dynamic form that can offer new ways to interpret verbal information visually. The device will instill the user's message with more authentic personalities and expressions.

Practical implications

Cognitive semiotics is something designers explore over time with intuition and experience. Introducing and equipping young designers in college, with regard to semiotics would speed up this essential and unavoidable mental process.

Originality/value

This research will accelerate the coming of emotion to computer systems. Graphic design should be viewed from a structuralism perspective as a language system, to extend the understanding of language from a spoken and written system of signs to a manner of visual signals. Designers play a part in reinventing and redefining signs and symbols.
Effects of unsolicited e‐mail on the virtual business world
Authors: Durgin Janet , Sherif Joseph S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to advance research that accurately portrays the alarming rate at which spam is infiltrating and eroding the security of the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the political, legal and ethical controversy surrounding the spam dilemma as well as the high costs of spam to telecommunications bandwidth, QoS and e‐commerce effectiveness.

Findings

Spam problem is a technological epidemic that multiplies exponentially each day. A dynamic digital jam is in prospect.

Practical implications

Presents viable options for a quick resolve, and unveils the changing strategies that integrity‐driven marketers are facing in lieu of the raging battle.

Originality/value

Tackles one of the most pressing issues in the business world today.
A method for systems definition
Authors: Iván Tarride Mario
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To design a method of systems definition that helps that task especially in the field of human activity systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The design is carried out from a constructivist platform and on the basis provided by systemic axiomatic and the Le Moigne nine‐level model.

Findings

A method is offered as a result, which comprises the following stages: nomination of the system and those with which it interacts and are in the mediate and immediate environment; determination of what the system studied does, treating it as a black box; opening of the black box to know its internal structure and functions; identification of its regulatory mechanisms with their corresponding information flows; recognition of its decision, memorization, coordination, conception and closure subsystems; and distinction of the system's evolution.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method needs to be validated and improved, which is estimated to happen as long as it is used and receives feedback.

Practical implications

The method gives organicity to the description of human activity systems, consequently aiding other tasks such as the organizational diagnosis and design.

Originality/value

A new method of systems definition is proposed, especially thought to contribute to the understanding of human activity systems: organizations.
Mobile agent system framework suitable for scalable networks
Authors: Maciá‐Pérez Francisco , Manuel García‐Chamizo Juan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a formal framework based on the action and reaction model that allows us to cover the dynamics of multi‐agent systems (MAS) made up of mobile software agents suitable for scalable networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This model is based on the operation of the human nervous centers. In the case of systems based on mobile agents, the main problem is the different vision the agents have of the world and the impossibility of being aware of and synchronizing all the influences brought by the different agents acting on it.

Findings

This proposal has been compared with the conventional MAS by solving an extension of the predator‐prey problem. The results show the advantages of mobility, as the size of the problem grows in a distributed system.

Practical implications

At the present time, the model is being applied in works related to the control of biological systems and also in those related to the network management.

Originality/value

From this formulation, a set of refinements on the conventional approach is proposed that reduces the effect of possible space and time inconsistencies between the agents and the environment and at the same time, achieves the generalization of the reaction function.
Cybernetics and the trends in robotics developments 2004‐2008
Authors: Rudall Brian H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to review current trends in the development of robotics 2004‐2008, from a cybernetic viewpoint, and provide; data from the UNECE/IFR World Robotics Survey.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics.

Findings

Illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary interests of cybernetics and systems and aims to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current initiatives and trends in these areas of research and endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
UK cybernetics society, medical cybernetics, cave art
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to review the website of the UK Cybernetics Society, with appreciation of its function in disseminating news, including its mention of the death of the Soviet/Israeli scientist Alexander Lerner and to review some internet sources of information on health matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest. Recent discoveries of cave art in Britain are described.

Findings

The UK Cybernetics Society website is a valuable source of current news. The death of Lerner is a notable event to which it drew attention. Information on health matters includes an account of a new organisation to monitor performance of health services, and sources of health advice.

Practical implications

The information sources, including those offered by the monitoring organisation, are of immediate value. Cave art is significant as an early form of communication.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Information security – an application of a systems approach
Authors: Wennberg Louise , Brandt Patrik , Révay Péter
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to describe and discuss the establishment of customer care centres in Sweden with particular concerns about information security.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is part of a series about information security and the approach is to study the subject within an organisation and initially to understand how it works.

Findings

An effective way was found to embrace as many factors as possible by using a theory that contains the characteristics of the organisation. It was found that a combination of general systems theory and classic information systems theory was very successful.

Practical implications

The new systems and new structure within the Corporation of Swedish Pharmacies (Apotekes) will in future create better conditions for customers and the opportunity to have products delivered at home or by collection from the centres.

Originality/value

Describes new and ongoing developments aimed at improving customer care and demonstrates the application of system theory to the resulting organisation and implementation.
A cybernetic multiresolution system for disparity estimation in stereo vision
Authors: Compañ Patricia , Satorre Rosana , Rizo Ramón
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim is to obtain a dense and reliable disparity map from a stereoscopic pair under any luminosity condition. From the disparity map it is possible to obtain some information about the objects appearing in the scene, such as their position and their distance to the camera.

Design/methodology/approach

The disparity map is obtained using a correspondence method based on a multiresolution scheme. It also uses the simulated annealing algorithm to minimize the energy function, which integrates information coming from several sources: grey levels, non‐parametric transforms, edges and geometrical constraints. The multiresolution scheme allows us to interpolate the disparity map obtained in each level and to use it as an initial estimation for the simulating annealing process in the following level.

Findings

The multiresolution scheme speeds up the convergence. The fact of adding information about the neighbourhood improves the results. A simple and suitable energy function has been proposed. A simple efficient scaling scheme has been used. Their results are as good as other costly techniques such as block‐to‐point.

Research limitations/implications

The use of grey level images has the drawback that some bright areas can be confused. As a solution, some other additional features are proposed.

Originality/value

A new metric is proposed to evaluate the quality of a disparity map. A low‐cost energy function is proposed. It integrates several type information to add robustness to the method. The convergence of the method is dramatically speeded up reusing the results of the algorithm thanks to the multiresolution scheme.