bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low power critical voltage transition logic
Authors: Chan Y.H. , Lim C.C. , Lau K.T. , Foo S.H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To show new design methodology of low power circuit design (Low Power Critical Voltage Transition Logic – LPCVTL) over the conventional CVTL methodology. The comparison is in terms of speed, area and power consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The new design employs feedback mechanism with a different clocking methodology to overcome high static power dissipation of conventional CVTL design.

Findings

LPCVTL has lower power dissipation property as compared to the conventional CVTL design through the observation of the simulated results of an inverter chain and half adder designs. LPCVTL power dissipation is about eight times smaller than the conventional CVTL.

Research limitation/implications

The desired clock frequency is limited by the output signal response.

Originality/value

LPCVTL is an alternative to dynamic digital IC design methodology which has high speed advantage while maintaining low power consumption.
Repeater stage timing analysis for VLSI resistive interconnects
Authors: Chandel Rajeevan , Sarkar S. , Agarwal R.P.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In this paper output voltage waveform of CMOS repeater driven VLSI long interconnects is analysed, for deep submicron technologies. Ramp inputs are considered in the analysis as these are more practical than step inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical models are developed for the time dependence of output voltage of repeater driven interconnect loads for rising as well as falling ramp input signals. The interconnect is modelled as a resistive‐capacitive load. Various operating regions of the MOSFETs are considered in the models. Method has also been given for determining the time at which MOSFET transits from saturation to linear region.

Findings

A good agreement between the analytical and SPICE results is obtained, with analytical error 3 per cent at the most. The models developed work accurately for scaled‐supply voltages too. For a repeater loaded interconnect the variation of 90 per cent delay with number of repeaters at different supply voltages has also been determined by the proposed model. It is found that the optimum number of repeaters decreases with voltage‐scaling and this decrease is technology independent.

Research limitations/implications

The parasitic inductance component in long interconnects is not considered in this analysis.

Practical implications

The work is useful for timing analysis of repeater driven resistive interconnects.

Originality/value

A very concise analytical approach for a CMOS repeater stage timing analysis is developed.
Optimization of a photo resists coating process for photolithography in wafer manufacturing via design of experiments method
Authors: Yang Yung‐Kuang
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The investigation uses design of experiments (DOE) approach to determine the optimal parameters of photo resist (PR) coating process for photolithography in wafer manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Plans of experiments via nine experimental runs are based on the orthogonal arrays to determine the optimum factor condition. In this study, the mean thickness and the uniformity of thickness of the PR are adopted as the quality targets of the PR coating process. This partial factorial design of the DOE method provides an economical and systematic method of determining the optimal process parameter.

Findings

A model for the mathematical prediction of the mean thickness and the uniformity of thickness for the PR has been developed in terms of the PR temperature, the chamber humidity, the spinning rate, and the dispensation rate by means of the DOE method. The PR temperature and the chamber humidity are found to be the most significant factors in both the mean thickness and the uniformity of thickness for a PR coating process.

Research limitation/implications

This analysis is valid of dynamic dispensing of the specific type of PR with constant material properties and applying onto a wafer size of eight inches.

Practical implications

A systematic method has been developed to find suitable combinations of process parameters; hence, the traditional approach such as the trial‐and‐error method that is very time‐consuming can be avoided. Furthermore, the efficiency of designs the parameter and the quality of the products are greatly improved.

Originality/value

This approach can be easily applied to design an optimal parameter setting to meet various requirements of different types of products.
Impact of technology on PLL power and frequency
Authors: Sulaiman Mohd‐Shahiman
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper presents a prediction on the impact of technology scaling on phase‐locked loop (PLL) performance behaviour. Power and maximum operating frequency of an Analogue PLL and a Type II phase‐frequency detector (PFD)‐based PLL from which the behaviours of other PLLs derived from the two architectures can be estimated, are analysed and their future behaviours as a function of technology are predicted.

Design/methodology/approach

Analogue models were developed and Mentor Graphics VHDL‐AMS mixed‐signal simulations were performed on the two PLL architectures. Behavioural power and frequency equations as a function of technology were derived based on thorough data and graphical analyses.

Findings

A prediction of PLL frequency and power dissipation as a function of technology for two main PLL architectures.

Research limitations/implications

The parameters in each equation derived should include other contributing factors as well as other design approaches such as multi‐VDD, multi‐Vth, etc. future work should also include prediction of jitter and phase noise for the two main PLL topologies.

Originality/value

This paper is of high significance in PLL design. The predicted equations could be used to reduce a major portion of a PLL designers' design time when choosing a PLL topology, and help them predict the impact of technology on the performance of the chosen architecture.
Executive compensation in the UK
Authors: Keasey Kevin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

While executive compensation has attracted quite a lot of media interest in the UK over the past decade, it is worth emphasising that the debate in the UK has had far less “heat” than that in the USA; this seems to be explained by the UK avoiding, for a number of reasons, the excesses of executive compensation seen in the USA and also excessive, high profile corporate failures (e.g. Enron). The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of executive compensation with respect to the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a general review of the academic and business literatures.

Findings

The paper emphasises the need to keep the broader context in mind when reviewing issues of executive compensation, and offers a framework of analysis which is broader than that used in the existing literature. It summarises the stylised facts which have emerged from the extensive academic literature and then offers brief summaries of the recent trends in UK executive compensation and the ABI guidelines issued at the end of 2005, respectively.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the challenges facing executive compensation in the UK.
Product innovation and consumer choice in the UK financial services industry
Authors: Costanzo Laura A. , Ashton John K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Within the UK, low levels of saving has been a continuing policy concern for both government and financial regulators. Why individuals save less than might be expected has been increasingly associated with an inability of ma… financial services consumers to comprehend product quality and to underta… of firms in this debated through examining the product choices presented to consumers by financial services providers.

Design/methodology/approach

We examine two aspects of poor consumer decision making, yet to be fully explored in the wider regulatory literature. Initially, we review how financial services providers consider product innovations and the marketing strategies they pursue in constructing their offerings to consumers. Secondly, we ass… a popular financial product, the interest bearing deposit account, to examine what savings product choices are actually presented to consumers. These areas are explored through semi‐structured interviews undertaken with semi financial services managers and through a review of the entire product offerings to the interest bearing deposit market.

Findings

We report that savings markets are characterised by high product turnover and short duration. Consumers in the UK, alike many developed nations, and often unfamiliar with, and lack confidence when, buying savings products. Example consumers often have difficulties when making product comparis… Faced by so much proliferation of undifferentiated products, consumers find difficult to make a straightforward comparison between products.

Research limitations/implications

It is concluded that further public education, a greater understanding of ho… firms present product choices to consumers and how consumers perceive s… choices are areas demanding further research and consideration.

Originality/value

Consideration of how firms make decisions with regard to product innovation and savings problem more generally is an area demanding further investigation from a range of disciplinary approaches. Finally, given the perceived high importance of financial services to individuals and the nation… economy at large, some scrutiny should be placed on the issue of the high profitability of the financial services industry and how this is reflected into product innovations and, therefore, differentiated quality choices presented various categories of consumers.
Financial Services and Markets Tribunal rules prohibition order is appropriate
Authors: Gray Joanna
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To report and comment on the tribunal case Jonathan Milnroy Townrow v. Financial Services Authority.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines the facts and explains the decision.

Findings

Shows that, even though this was an extreme case, it is likely that any Tribunal would have reached the same outcome on the evidence provided.

Originality/value

Provides a useful commentary on regulated activities of retail investment advisors and other financial investments.
Re‐thinking the regulatory environment of credit reporting
Authors: Ferretti Federico F.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper examines the activities carried out in the UK by credit refer agencies, current business practices, and the legal standing of credit reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

Legal analysis that aims to demonstrate that the current legal framework is inadequate.

Findings

It suggests areas and issues for further legal debate and policy consideration. Ultimately, this study puts forward the case for specific legislative intervention to strike a balance between privacy rights, discrimination concerns, and the needs of the credit industry.

Originality/value

Little or no research has been conducted on the topic by lawyers.
Reforming provident and pension fund regulation in India
Authors: Asher Mukul G. , Nandy Amarendu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the case for reforming India's current provident and pension fund governance and regulatory structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews various components of India's social security system with a view to identifying reform needs in their governance and regulatory structures. It then assesses the new pension system to be supervised and regulated by the proposed Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

Findings

The paper finds that the current arrangements do not provide sufficient incentives for professionalism and system‐wide perspective essential to meet India's social security challenges. Urgently operationalizing the PFRDA, and modernizing the relevant laws and regulations could greatly assist in meeting India's social security challenges. Modernization of Employees Provident Fund Organization is also essential.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis suggests that the need for greater professionalism and system‐wide perspective should be accorded high priority by India's provident and pension fund organizations. The analysis in the paper is quite aggregative and qualitative. This underscores the need for more robust database and greater focus on empirical evidence‐based policies in this area.

Originality/value

The paper will provide a better appreciation of the governance and regulatory issues involved in reforming India's provident and pension funds. It will also provide a base for other researchers to identify and undertake more detailed analysis of specific aspects such as ways to internationally benchmark administration and compliance costs of provident and pension fund organizations; achieving coordination among PFRDA, banking, insurance, and capital market regulators.
Finding influence: examining the role of influence in public relations practice
Authors: Reber Bryan H. , Berger Bruce K.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine how public relations practitioners define influence and where they find influence.

Design/methodology/approach

Depth interviews with 162 public relations practitioners.

Findings

Public relations professionals defined influence in terms of shaping decisions, having access, and being heard. They said they were most influential in crisis situations and when preparing communication messages or plans. They are least influential in strategic decision making, when they are perceived as technicians, and in interactions with senior executives. The most common influence tactic used by these professionals was rational influence.

Practical implications

The authors suggest eight tenets regarding influence for public relations practitioners.

Originality/value

Practitioners have long noted the need for increased influence across the organization. But, there is little scholarship that examines just how public relations pracitioners should increase their influence and ascent to organizational decision making circles.
The impact of culture on web site content, design, and structure
Authors: Fletcher Richard
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in designing web sites that are likely to be read by different cultural groups within one's own country or by people outside one's own country.

Design/methodology/approach

The link between culture and communication is established via research and this relates to the web as the web is an increasingly important vehicle for communication. A literature review is undertaken into the variables that impact on both culture and cross‐cultural comparison in terms of likely impact on web site content, design and structure.

Findings

Cultural sensitivity is a critical factor in communication and must be taken into account if the web site is to be an effective vehicle for communication in a cross‐cultural context.

Practical implications

Those designing web sites should adopt a structured approach of firstly assessing the extent to which it is necessary to take culture into account in designing the web site. Then they need to determine the communication objectives and establish whether there is a need to design sites specifically for the target group in each country. Then they need to cluster such markets in terms of cultural similarities to see whether the same web site can be an effective communication vehicle in more than one country.

Originality/value

Managers with an international focus can benefit from the focus in the paper on the linking of culture to web site content design and structure in improving its communication effectiveness taking into account the under exploited potential of the global and multicultural medium.
Legitimating organisational decisions
Authors: Rice Stephen K.J. , Bartlett Jennifer L.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisations seek to legitimate their decisions by tracking the relationship between press releases issued by the Australian Government to support their involvement in the Iraq war, media framing of news stories about this issue, and public opinion.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative content analysis of government press releases and media coverage, and the results of Newspoll opinion polls.

Findings

The study showed that despite shifts in the framing of the stories, public opinion remained almost constant.

Research limitations/implications

Given these results, the authors suggest that media content does not necessarily change public opinion on a particular issue.

Practical implications

Using media coverage as a reflection of either the organisation's legitimating attempts, or of public opinion may provide an inaccurate account of the legitimacy of an organisation's decisions.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence that media content does not reflect the legitimacy of an organisational decision nor has a direct influence on public opinion.
Tidying the territory: questioning terms and purposes in work‐learning research
Authors: Fenwick Tara
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that foundational terms in work‐learning research, specifically “learning”, “work”, and “workplace”, are inherently complex and contested as the same as their scope has expanded in different fields to elide various conceptual categories and theoretical positions. Yet researchers often use these terms without explanation, or as generic abstractions. The article suggests rigorous questioning and more precise delineation to reveal conceptual tangles in work‐learning research and build links across disciplinary languages and research traditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument is theory‐driven, and draws upon a meta‐review of work‐learning studies published in ten journals in the period 1999‐2004.

Findings

Often without clarification, the term “learning” in work is used to refer to learning as “product” (knowledge acquisition, transfer, control), as “process” (as cultural change, individual development, network dynamics, practice, collective sense‐making, identity negotiations, or problem‐solving), and as all conscious human experience. Work is used to refer to almost any activity, paid and unpaid. Issues of power relations in work become side‐stepped with these conflations, and the conceptual categories dissolve when they cannot distinguish what is not learning. These issues blur the contribution of work‐learning research (e.g. what is gained through learning studies focused on one context defined by labor relations).

Practical implications

More precise definitions of terms, conceptualizations and purposes in work‐learning research may help reveal conflicting positions, absences, similarities and links, towards more dialogue and rigorous theory‐building across fields.

Originality/value

The article intends to help researchers pause and reflect on the fundamental concepts and processes they seek to explore.
The corporate university's role in managing an epoch in learning organisation innovation
Authors: Dealtry Richard
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set the scene for some radical epochal thinking about the approach and future strategic directions in the management of organisational learning, following the author's earlier editorial theme concerning the need for exploration and innovation in organisational learning management.

Design/methodology/approach

The ideas for a more comprehensive and integrated thinking paradigm that have surfaced are driven from experience in reviewing current learning and knowledge management practice and related concept development within organisations. The solution perspectives are derived by taking a more holistic perspective on the total dynamics of organisational capability, enterprise management and the way in which different pathological conditions are resolved in many organisations.

Findings

The forces at work indicate that piecemeal and IT dominated practices around learning processes can produce a lack of coherence between learning investments and vision, strategic intent and need‐to‐learn needs of individuals in an organisation. Solutions to these conditions are invariably subject, technique or single discipline driven without full consideration of the overall effect. It reveals that those professionals who manage learning have to be open to new ideas and to be equally receptive to new process learning in their professional practice.

Research limitations/implications

This article is an outline summary of extensive strategic learning project work. There are limitations due to the shortage of published information about the nature of the current epoch in integrated performance management practice.

Originality/value

Some people who have a purist view of learning management may find these ideas and propositions iconoclastic whilst others will find that it provides a new gateway to out of the box thinking about the future challenges of organisational learning management at the strategic level.
Civil recovery proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
Authors: Kennedy Anthony
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what use has been made of civil recovery legislation in the first three years of its existence and to explain the legal issues which have been raised before the courts so far. It also examines the legislative and non‐legislative changes to the civil recovery scheme since it is commencement in 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses examples from amongst those cases initiated by the Assets Recovery Agency and draws on both reported and unreported court rulings.

Findings

The civil recovery cases brought against property by the Assets Recovery Agency may be classified into six categories: where a potential criminal defendant has died and is therefore beyond prosecution; where a criminal defendant has been acquitted; where a criminal defendant was convicted but the confiscation hearing failed; where the respondent is not within the jurisdiction; where the owner of the property is uncertain; and where a respondent is unprosecutable due to insufficient evidence.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful framework for law enforcement agencies which are considering what type of cases they may useful refer for possible civil proceedings by the Agency. The paper also sets out for practitioners a useful summary of the civil recovery jurisprudence which has so far developed.
Setting global CFT standards: a critique and suggestions
Authors: Passas Nikos
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to raise the question of whether the combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) arsenal following the attacks of 11 September 2001 was developed and applied too fast, to the point of being unnecessarily costly, ineffective, unfair and even counterproductive.

Design/methodology/approach

An outline of two private sector contributions follows two illustrations of areas in which CFT policies may be resting on shaky assumptions, missing their targets and rendering the international community more vulnerable to extremist actions: the regulation of cross‐border fund transfers and commodities trade.

Findings

Many of the control functions have been de facto outsourced to the private sector without proper guidance and accountability.

Originality/value

The paper goes beyond a mere critique of current regulatory and control arrangements to suggest concrete ways in which the private sector can support the objectives of CFT policies more efficiently and productively.
Old and new threats for business in Poland
Authors: Bojarski Janusz
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a short history of economic crime in Poland since 1989, the most significant criminal law regulations aimed at controlling this phenomenon and their efficiency and finally to explain the most dangerous threats for the Polish financial system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses Polish legislation, statistics, criminal law, criminological and sociological literature and specialized press relations.

Findings

In the course of the work it was found that in 15 years a completely criminal law and institutional framework of economic crime control has been created. This is a system generally completed and can be described as adequate to present situation. However, the attitude of potential victims – financial institutions and companies – is surprising. This is also a factor increasing risk.

Originality/value

The paper can be useful for next comparative research in the spheres of economic crime control – both between new members and between Poland and “old” members of the European Union. It presents problems of adaptation two parties to new economic reality: state agencies and society. It shows that law regulations and organization structures are more flexible than personal attitude of public officers and businessmen.
Overview of a securities market strategy to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing
Authors: Vella‐Baldacchino Robert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to share the money laundering threats that ensue from current patterns in international criminal activity and the anti‐money laundering compliance work that is put up at the Malta Stock Exchange (MSE).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out by sketching the general demographic and economic background of Malta as a small jurisdiction and member state of the European Union since 1 May 2004. It provides a view of the problem posed by the recently pronounced phenomenon of irregular migration and illegal immigration into Malta as well as a general overview of the AML regime that applies under Maltese law. The paper then dwells on the AML compliance function that the MSE pursues while discussing the procedures that are put in place to detect, monitor and eventually report any suspicious dealing on the securities market.

Findings

The paper highlights practical and concrete procedures of prevention of money laundering in the securities market and the synergy that results from effective cooperation between the securities markets and investigative and law enforcement agencies or judicial organs.

Practical implications

Any effective domestic and international AML strategy will, however, always rely on mutual cooperation governance arrangements and the good reputation of market players as a prerequisite for the extensive intelligence necessary to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Originality/value

The paper reports on the way small securities markets could efficiently and effectively involve trading procedures and clearance and settlement facilities in the ongoing fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
The impact of TQM practices on performance
Authors: Feng Jiang , Prajogo Daniel I. , Chuan Tan Kay , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper compares the experience of organizations in Australia and Singapore with respect to the multidimensionality of TQM and its relationship with quality performance and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was initially conducted in Australia and replicated in Singapore using the same questionnaire. We obtained a total of 252 responses, 194 from Australia and 58 from Singapore. The respondents were all middle and senior management who had experience and understandings of their organizations' quality management and innovation activities.

Findings

Results of the survey cross‐validate that TQM practices take place along several dimensions. Relatively more organic dimensions such as leadership and people management are related more to innovation performance, whilst more mechanistic dimensions such as customer focus and process management are significantly related to quality performance.

Research limitations/implications

Relatively small sample size, especially that from Singapore limits the generalisation of the findings.

Practical implications

The paper supports the compatibility of the best practices modelled in both Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and Singapore Quality Award (SQA).

Originality/value

The paper presents a comparative analysis on TQM and innovation between the two countries in terms of both descriptive and structural relationships. Specifically, it confirms the construct validity and criterion validity of TQM practices presented in the earlier studies using scientific method.
Health promoting attitudes and behaviors of emergency physicians
Authors: Rondeau Kent V. , Francescutti Louis H. , Cummings Garnet E.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on gender differences in emergency physicians with respect to their attitudes, knowledge, and practices concerning health promotion and disease prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey of 325 male and 97 female Canadian emergency physicians.

Findings

Results suggest female emergency physicians report having greater knowledge of health promotion topics, spend more time with each of their patients in the emergency setting, and engage in more health promotion counseling in the emergency setting than do their male counterparts.

Originality/value

The paper argues that in the future, educating and socializing emergency physicians, both male and female, in the practice of health promotion will enhance the potential of the emergency department to be a more effective resource for their community.
A somewhat unorthodox explanation for the rise and fall of physician practice management companies
Authors: Fahey Daniel F.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present an alternative theory to why publicly‐traded physician practice management companies in the US were popular and successful for a limited number of years and then essentially self‐destructed.

Design/methodology/approach

The short history of publicly‐traded practice management companies suggests that they had limited value and utility in the US healthcare industry. It is the premise of the paper that the sudden appearance these for‐profit companies upset the natural order within the healthcare industry and created a disequilibria which ultimately resulted in their demise. While Gaia theory is most commonly applied to the natural sciences, it has been applied to a number of interdisciplinary issues.

Findings

Physicians gravitated to these for‐profit companies either out of fear of encroaching managed care or out a desire to sell their practice to the highest bidder. Physician practice management companies, on the other hand, saw a way to entice stockholders to invest in a growth industry. The paper suggests that the physician practice management companies added little new value to the health care industry and applies Gaia theory as a possible explanation for this phenomena. Gaia theory was first postulated in 1979 to address the evolution of the material environment and corresponding organisms as a tightly coupled system which attempt to manipulate the environment for the purpose of creating biologically favorable conditions.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to suggest that the laws of nature, as understood from the perspective of Gaia theory, may have applicability to the US health care industry.
Waiting lists in Dutch health care
Authors: Kenis Patrick
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop propositions on why public policies towards decreasing waiting list in health care can be expected to be unsuccessful.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of a case study of public policies directed towards the reduction of the waiting lists in health care a number of propositions are formulated explaining why this policy has turned out to be ineffective. The propositions are based on theoretical insights form the field of organizations studies about the behavior of organizations and professionals.

Findings

It is demonstrated that public policies on reducing waiting lists in the Dutch health care system are likely to be ineffective because the policy‐making strategies used are based on unrealistic assumptions about the behavior of organizations and professionals who are expected to reduce the waiting lists.

Research limitations/implications

Although the propositions are based on established organization literature, empirically they are only based on one case study.

Practical implications

In order to develop effective policy interventions it is important to be realistic about the behavior and strategies of the actors towards which the policy is directed. Moreover, rather than directing exclusive attention to those waiting, it is important for policy makers to address the interdependencies of the organizational field in which waiting lists occur.

Originality/value

This paper gives directions to policy makers who need to deal with complex and interdependent problems.
Developing an explicit strategy towards social responsibility in the NHS
Authors: Merali Faruk
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the UK National Health Service (NHS) and to examine how it may be developed to positively influence the psyche, behaviour and performance of NHS managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary research based upon semi‐structured individual face to face interviews with 20 NHS managers. Theoretical frameworks and concepts relating to organisational culture and CSR are drawn upon to discuss the findings.

Findings

The NHS managers see themselves as being driven by altruistic core values. However, they feel that the public does not believe that they share the altruistic NHS value system.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a relatively small sample of NHS managers working exclusively in London and may not necessarily represent the views of managers either London‐wide or nation‐wide.

Practical implications

It is suggested that an explicit recognition by the NHS of the socially responsible commitment of its managers within its CSR strategy would help challenge the existing negative public image of NHS managers and in turn improve the managers' self esteem and morale.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the relative lacunae in research relating to public sector organisations (such as the NHS) explicitly including the role and commitment of its staff within the way it publicises its CSR strategy. This paper would be of interest to a wide readership including public sector and NHS policy formulators, NHS practitioners, academics and students.
Notes on new Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG) guidance
Authors: Douglas Terry
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize new guidance from the UK Joint Money Laundering Steering Group on best practices for anti‐money‐laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).

Design/methodology/approach

Summarizes key changes including greater emphasis on senior management responsibility and internal controls; a risk‐based approach; and guidelines on persons firms should not accept as customers, the use of electronic verification, the use of pro‐forma confirmations, monitoring, and staff awareness, training, and alertness.

Findings

One of the aims of the risk‐based approach is to require firms to think more about the risk of AMl/CFT rather than simply having a tick‐the‐box approach. Directors and senior managers will face personal liability if they do not demonstrate their involvement in AML/CFT programs and their firms do not meet their obligations.

Originality/value

A useful overview and management summary of new AML/CFT guidelines in the UK.
Systems and application development for portable maintenance aid (PMA) – a performance perspective
Authors: Leung Tim S. , Wing Lee Ka , Chung Walter W.C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the theory of technology adoption using a system‐application approach to facilitate PMA innovation span across multiple organisations to enhance overall production network effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey on technology available and forecast future trends, design a workable prototype for test in real‐world airline operation under a three‐layer analysis model. Data is taken to validate the concept and correlate performance factors in PMA adoption.

Findings

The findings highlight greater operational efficiency and higher process value maintenance to be achieved through communication paths. The value process‐to‐shop concept is validated, next to value network.

Practical implications

This research supports maintenance business, especially with high contents of information and knowledge driven tasks for outsource service providers, can make use of the wireless system adoption rules for assets and maintenance performance management.

Originality/value

The paper presents organisations with a tool such that portable maintenance device can be identified as contribution in different levels, focus and functional effects. Within a critical process, airlines can better manage their dynamic operation process for higher revenue generation.
E‐business capabilities model
Authors: Hafeez Khalid , Hooi Keoy Kay , Hanneman Robert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework to evaluate e‐business strategic capabilities using structural equation modelling (SEM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies three e‐business capabilities, namely business strategy, supply chain strategy and e‐business readiness. These capabilities are further decomposed under technology, organization and people dimensions to assess their contribution for business effectiveness. A questionnaire is designed and implemented using SEM technique. Survey data from 143 firms from the UK are collected to test our theoretical model. In particular, we have tested a positive, mediating/reciprocal relationships among multidimensional measures of business strategy, supply chain strategy and e‐business adoption. Further hypotheses are developed to evaluate a direct positive impact of e‐business on company's performance.

Findings

This empirical analyses demonstrate several key findings: success of e‐business in UK firms is attributed to the strong positive co‐relationship of supply chain strategy to business strategy and to e‐business adoption; within the technology‐organization‐people dimensions, e‐business adoption and business strategy emerges as the strongest factors for the company's performances for the adopter of e‐business group, whereas supply chain capabilities and business strategies is relatively a stronger contributory factor towards business success for non‐adopter of e‐business.

Originality/value

It is expected that the results from this study will provide useful guidelines for companies to assess their strengths and weaknesses towards adopting an effective e‐business implementation strategy.
Urban dynamic real‐time distribution services
Authors: Zeimpekis Vasileios , Giaglis George M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper examines the circumstances of success in telematic use and strategic effects resulting from the implementation and use of such technologies from SMEs in the Greek Market.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a three‐phased triangulated research methodology; that is literature review, interviews from 15 logistics directors and a questionnaire survey of 73 logistics SMEs in Greece.

Findings

The basic finding that has been derived from both phases 2 and 3 (survey and interviews) is that although the penetration of telematics is still low in Greece, logistics operators understand the importance of mobile services and they already know which they plan to their customers.

Research limitations/implications

An inherent limitation of this survey is the fact that it address, like all surveys, the requirements of its respondents only, without taking into account.

Originality/value

This paper explores customer perceptions and requirements for the implementation of mobile real‐time support services for city logistics. The requirements, elicited by the results of the survey, are used to propose a systemic representation of a real‐time vehicle management mechanism for urban transportation.
Success factors in ERP systems implementations
Authors: Soja Piotr
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To reveal the mechanisms determining the success of ERP implementations on the basis of research conducted among practitioners dealing with ERP projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A collection of potential ERP implementation success factors was identified. The respondents expressed their opinions concerning the importance of subsequent factors for implementation success and about the factors' appearance in their projects. The synthetic measure of implementation success was constructed and the factors' impact on the implementation project success was examined. Then, the most influential factors for the ERP implementation success were selected.

Findings

Recognises the factors that have the greatest influence on implementation success, regardless of the project type. Moreover, the leading roles of certain factors appear among specific project groups. The practitioners do not appreciate the significance of particular factors which have an important influence on project success. Nevertheless, some factors, such as project manager presence, are overestimated. Some differences in perceptions and attitudes between parties involved in an implementation project were revealed.

Research limitations/implications

The need for further research on the success factors' verification depending on the project type, with possible introduction of additional criteria such as enterprise industry.

Practical implications

The research outcome is useful for professionals leading implementation projects and those making decisions for the first time on ERP system implementation. The results can be used by practitioners while managing the project and handling people's attitudes.

Originality/value

This paper proves the influence of particular factors on the ERP projects success in certain circumstances, thus giving insight into the genuine mechanisms determining ERP project outcome.
Teenagers as Victims in the Press
Authors: Andersson Gunvor , Lundström Tommy
Published: July 2006

Research into press reporting on young people has tended to concentrate on young people as offenders. In contrast, this article focuses on press coverage of teenagers as victims. Reports in two Swedish newspapers (a morning broadsheet and an evening tabloid) were studied over a period of four months and subjected to a qualitative analysis of discourse on teenagers as victims of various forms of violence and ill‐treatment. It was found that danger and threats to the teenagers were seen as gendered, and as emanating from their own age group and from outside the home and family. The class background of the victims was not salient and child welfare issues were seldom mentioned. Copyright © 2006 The Author(s). Journal compilation © National Children's Bureau.
Personalized peptide vaccines: A new therapeutic modality for cancer
Authors: Itoh Kyogo , Yamada Akira
Published: July 2006

Therapeutic cancer vaccines have enjoyed little success so far, although many clinical trials have been conducted. Therefore, the creation of new protocols capable of inducing an objective response is required. We examined two of these protocols in the present review. The first is a personalized protocol to take into account the immunological diversity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses among patients. The second is a combination therapy designed to adapt to the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐loss cancer cells. The objective response rates of our classical (non‐personalized) peptide vaccines were 0%, whereas that of personalized vaccines was 11.1% in the total advanced cancers and ≥20% in malignant glioma and cervical cancers, respectively. A ≥50% decrease in serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was seen in 8.7% of advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer patients by personalized vaccination alone, whereas such a decrease was seen in 54% of patients when the personalized vaccination was combined with a low dose of estramustine. Based on these experiences, we propose a personalized peptide vaccine combined with chemotherapy as a new treatment modality for cancers. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 970–976)
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of bovine lactoferrin in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ueno Hideki , Sato Tosiya , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Tanaka Katsuaki , Ohkawa Shinichi , Takagi Hitoshi , Yokosuka Osamu , Furuse Junji , Saito Hidetsugu , Sawaki Akira , Kasugai Hiroshi , Osaki Yukio , Fujiyama Shigetoshi , Sato Keiko , Wakabayashi Keiji , Okusaka Takuji
Published: July 2006

Several studies have suggested that lactoferrin administration may decrease the serum level of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The aim of the present study was to confirm the efficacy of orally administered bovine lactoferrin (bLF) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The patients with chronic hepatitis C randomly received either oral bLF at a dose of 1.8 g daily for 12 weeks, or an oral placebo. The primary endpoint was the virologic response, defined as a 50% or greater decrease in serum HCV RNA level at 12 weeks compared with the baseline. The secondary endpoint was the biochemical response, which was defined as a 50% or greater decrease in the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level at 12 weeks compared with the baseline. One hundred and ninety‐eight of 199 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety. bLF treatment was well tolerated and no serious toxicities were observed. A virologic response was achieved in 14 of 97 patients (14.4%) in the bLF group, and 19 of 101 (18.8%) in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in virologic response rates between the two groups (−4.4%, 95% confidence interval −14.8, 6.1). In addition, bLF intake did not have any favorable effect on the serum ALT level. The virologic responses were not different between two groups in any subgroup analysis. In conclusion, orally administered bLF does not demonstrate any significant efficacy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1105–1110)
Suppression of azoxymethane‐induced colon cancer development in rats by a cyclooxygenase‐1 selective inhibitor, mofezolac
Authors: Niho Naoko , Kitamura Tomohiro , Takahashi Mami , Mutoh Michihiro , Sato Hidetaka , Matsuura Mamoru , Sugimura Takashi , Wakabayashi Keiji
Published: July 2006

We demonstrated recently that mofezolac, a cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) selective inhibitor, suppresses the development of azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colonic aberrant crypt foci in F344 rats and intestinal polyps in APC1309 mice. In the present study, we therefore investigated the effects of mofezolac on colon cancer development. Male F344 rats were injected subcutaneously with 15 mg/kg body weight of AOM in the back twice at 7‐day intervals from 5 weeks of age, and fed a diet containing 600 or 1200 ppm mofezolac for 32 weeks, starting 1 day before the first dosing of AOM. Treatment with 1200 ppm mofezolac significantly reduced the incidence, multiplicity and volume of colon carcinomas to 79%, 2.15 ± 1.65 and 7.5 ± 11.8 mm3, respectively, compared with 94%, 3.19 ± 1.87 and 23.7 ± 31.2 mm3 in the AOM treatment alone. Administration of 600 ppm mofezolac showed only a slight reduction. No side effects were observed in any of the groups. These results confirm that COX‐1, as well as COX‐2, contributes to colon carcinogenesis and that mofezolac may be a good chemopreventive agent for human colon cancer. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1011–1014)