bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RobTank Inspec – in service robotized inspection tool for hazardous products storage tanks
Authors: Correia da Cruz A. , Silva Ribeiro M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present an entirely new technology to be used in the in‐service inspection of storage tanks for hazardous products in several different industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Current interior storage oil tank plate inspection is a very expensive and time‐consuming task. The related tasks involve high cost, several hazards to environment and the operators involved in the cleaning jobs. Several research areas were investigated during the development of this tool, fundamentally robotics and non‐destructive test tools. Initial trials in laboratory were complemented with a field test program in near‐real conditions.

Findings

A new design of tool for in‐service inspection of such equipments proved to be feasible to be constructed and operated and in accordance with current safety regulations.

Research limitations/implications

New robotics application in non‐destructive testing methodologies for application in in‐service storage equipments. The internal conditions possible to find in the interior of a storage tank, like fixtures, properties of the stored products (inflammable and aggressive), sludge and sand on the bottom, no ambient light, etc., are significant challenges to the development of such a tool.

Practical implications

Developed a robotized tool for inspection of the floor and walls of in‐service tanks, in order to allow an evaluation of the condition of the plates of these tanks, avoiding the long period, hazards and high costs necessary for creating the conditions for reality out of service inspection.

Originality/value

The novelty of the RobTank Inspec project could be evaluated from the two or three existing competitors in the world, and the results of the surveys undertaken.
A hybrid pole climbing and manipulating robot with minimum DOFs for construction and service applications
Authors: Tavakoli M. , Zakerzadeh M.R. , Vossoughi G.R. , Bagheri S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to describe design, prototyping and characteristics of a pole climbing/manipulating robot with ability of passing bends and branches of the pole.

Design/methodology/approach

Introducing a hybrid (parallel/serial) four degree of freedom (DOF) mechanism as the main part of the robot and also introduces a unique gripper design for pole climbing robots.

Findings

Finds that a robot, with the ability of climbing and manipulating on poles with bends and branches, needs at least 4 DOFs. Also an electrical cylinder is a good option for climbing robots and has some advantages over pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.

Research limitations/implications

The robot is semi‐industrial size. Design and manufacturing of an industrial size robot are a good suggestion for future works.

Practical implications

With some changes on the gripper module and the last tool module, the robot is able to do some service works like pipe testing, pipe/pole cleaning, light bulb changing in highways etc.

Originality/value

Design and manufacturing of a pole‐climbing and manipulating robot with minimum DOFs for construction and service works.
The added value of facilities management: benchmarking work processes
Authors: Wauters Bram
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a review of the various approaches to benchmarking and best practice facilities benchmarking techniques currently applied on the European Facilities Management Market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using practical examples, the benchmarking methodologies for assessing the three main aspects of facilities service provision – i.e. process, quality and costs – are identified and discussed in the context of their relationship one to the other. The central mechanics and approaches to benchmarking are identified prior to a more detailed assessment of the various methodologies.

Findings

The benchmarking techniques discussed are all applicable to derive benchmarks for comparison with industry standards. It recognises the pros and cons of each methodology and highlights the circumstances at which to best implement them.

Practical implications

Facilities management is at different degrees of development in the EU member states and as such the benchmarking methodologies discussed in this paper might not be appropriate for immediate implementation in each of the member countries.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates a current main topic within the facilities management industry and provides a step‐to‐step guide to organisations that want to commence benchmarking their facilities services provision.
Internet market segmentation – an exploratory study of critical success factors
Authors: Lin Tom M.Y. , Luarn Pin , Lo Peter K.Y.
Published: July 2006

Market segmentation is a topic that has already produced significant results in conventional marketing research but appears to be still novel in the field of Internet marketing. This triangulated study, integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques, is based on in‐depth interviews with managers and professionals from nine enterprises based in Taiwan. It focuses on 137 employees engaged in Internet market segmentation (IMS) projects such as verification, to explore the critical success factors of enterprises currently implementing IMS. The results reveal a total of six critical success factors: scientific statistical analysis, a good segmentation plan, action on results, SWOT analysis, sufficient project resources, morale and communication.
Numerical analysis of reliability and availability of the serial processes in butter‐oil processing plant
Authors: Gupta Pawan , Lal Arvind Kumar , Sharma Rajendra Kumar , Singh Jai
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Proposes a method to compute reliability and long‐run availability of the main parts of the butter‐oil (melted butter) manufacturing plant. This manufacturing plant consists of eight sub‐systems working in a series. Two sub‐systems, namely pump and chiller, are supported by stand‐by units with perfect switch‐over devices and the remaining six sub‐systems are prone to failure.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical formulation of the model is carried out using mnemonic rule for these six sub‐systems. Reliability, availability and MTBF of the serial process in the butter‐oil processing plant have been computed for various choices of failure and repair rates of sub‐systems of this plant.

Findings

Analysis of reliability, long‐run availability and mean time before failure of the butter‐oil manufacturing plant can help in increasing the production and quality of the butter‐oil.

Originality/value

Industrial implications of the results have also been briefly discussed.
A plea for uncertainty: Everybody complains about uncertainty, but it might be a good thing to have
Authors: von Oetinger Bolko
Published: July 2006

There is no tool that can switch off uncertainty in business. The aim of strategic thinking is thus not to achieve certainty but to prepare us for uncertain times. There are no tools of strategic prudence, but there is an art of careful preparation. If a company is well prepared, and if it is fitter than its competitors – that is, it has excellent people, efficient and effective processes, and the organization works on innovative products – it still needs a deep human characteristic.
The ten outsourcing traps to avoid
Authors: Power Mark , Bonifazi Carlo , Desouza Kevin C.
Published: July 2006

As businesses struggle to lower cost and grow revenues, outsourcing initiatives are underway in many small, medium, and large global companies. Outsourcing strategies are considered by many as a “silver bullet” to resolve organizational problems. They have been touted as the “holy grail” to reduce costs, focus on core business processes, improve product and service offerings, and speed up time to market. These benefits are only achieved by organizations that master the art of devising, deploying, and maintaining outsourcing relationships, for many these benefits remain elusive. The following article identifies the ten traps of outsourcing.
Turning value into money
Authors: Docters Robert G. , Reopel Michael R. , Sun Jeanne‐Mey , Tanny Stephen M.
Published: July 2006

Providing customers with value is often not enough for a company to operate profitably. While ensuring that a product or service offers value to users and customers, there must be a conscious plan to capture a portion of that value. This is called monetization (turning value into money) and is often sudden and destructive of value, as when managers employ short‐term tactics to meet a budget shortfall. Smarter monetization strategies include ways of voluntarily extracting value though brand management or creating a market for liquidating inventories. This will allow managers to meet budgets without compromising company value.
Break your own rules
Authors: von Oetinger Bolko
Published: July 2006

This second of three articles by Bolko von Oetinger, a senior vice president and director of the Strategy Institute for the Boston Consulting Group, continues the distillation of ideas in the book, A Passion for Ideas: How Innovators Create the New and Shape Our World, edited by Heinrich von Pierer and von Oetinger (Purdue University Press, 2002). The book includes interviews with, and articles by successful innovators from many areas: business, politics, the arts, the sciences, psychology, education, advertising, architecture, universities, and schools. von Oetinger has blended comments from the experts with his own experience to offer five patterns of behavior needed for corporate innovation. This article provides many quotations from the book while presenting the third behavioral pattern: since our rules limit our actions, we have to break our own rules.
Mathematics and academic finance: the role of paradigms
Authors: Ardalan Kavous
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Any adequate analysis of the nature of mathematics and its role in sciences necessarily requires fundamental understanding of the world views underlying the views expressed with respect to the nature and role of mathematics. Aims to discuss four general views with respect to mathematics and its role in sciences, corresponding to four broad worldviews.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts with the premise that any worldview can be positioned on a continuum formed by four basic paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. It looks at the current state of mainstream academic finance and notes that it is founded only on the functionalist paradigm. It argues that any view expressed with respect to the nature of mathematics and its role in sciences is based on one of the four paradigms or worldviews.

Findings

Emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the nature and role of mathematics from a certain paradigmatic viewpoint.

Originality/value

Concludes that there are opportunities for mainstream academic finance to benefit from contributions coming from the other three paradigms, if it respects paradigm diversity.
Marketing experts' misplaced expertise in the courtroom
Authors: McConnell Stephen J. , Dubas Jennifer E.
Published: July 2006

Unfair and deceptive marketing claims are becoming a mainstay of product liability litigation in the United States, and therefore, marketing experts will continue to play a significant role in these cases. Too often, judges permit individuals with no legitimate expertise in marketing to offer expert opinions about the intent and effect of a defendant company's advertisements. Many times, these opinions are premised on unscientific research or even no research at all. To protect the legitimacy of the marketing discipline, not to mention the litigation process, judges, lawyers, and marketing professionals should apply more stringent standards when determining who qualifies as a marketing expert and when assessing whether that expert's opinions have a legitimate basis.
Consumer ethnocentrism and willingness to buy domestic products in a developing country setting: testing moderating effects
Authors: Lu Wang Cheng , Xiong Chen Zhen
Published: July 2006

Previous studies conducted in developed countries have demonstrated that ethnocentric consumers are more willing to buy domestic products. This study investigates the moderating roles of quality judgment of domestic products and conspicuous consumption (CC) in the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and willingness to buy domestic products (WBD) in the context of a developing country, namely the People's Republic of China. The results support the hypothesis that the impact of ethnocentrism on consumer WBD tends to be weaker when consumers judge them as being of lower quality, or when consumers hold higher CC values. The conceptual and managerial implications for developing countries, including China, are discussed.
High‐tech or high‐touch positioning for the regional business market: the case of County Community Bank
Authors: Kennett Pamela A. , Sneath Julie Z. , Leila Borders A.
Published: July 2006

County Community Bank (CCB), the largest community bank in the state of Mississippi, built its success in the regional business market through relationship marketing and a high‐touch approach. However, by the mid‐1990s, CCB management began to believe that its image as “a small town bank” would be detrimental to future success. To be better aligned with new national competition, an image change was undertaken whereby the bank shifted its competitive advantage to include the area of technology, eventually becoming one of the most technologically aggressive banks in the state, and even the region. Had CCB become too product‐driven in its business‐to‐business marketing decisions, or were they still customer‐driven? Had the changes resulted in the intended outcomes? Consequently, CCB commissioned a market research study in which current business customers were surveyed. The results of this study are presented. This case ends with discussion questions that will assist in guiding the instructor and students in the interpretation of the research results and, ultimately, in making recommendations to the bank regarding how best to attract and manage business customers.
Information technology safeguards, logistics asset specificity and fourth‐party logistics network creation in the food retail chain
Authors: Bourlakis Constantine , Bourlakis Michael
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To investigate the evolutionary process of the retail logistics network formation, and to propose a relationship framework between the logistics asset buyer (the retailer) and the logistics asset supplier (the third‐party logistics firm).

Design/methodology/approach

The evolutionary process is based on the way the asset specificity element of transaction costs theory can be perceived by the logistics asset buyer and the logistics asset supplier. The asset specificity element is linked to both network and buyer‐supplier relationship theories with the aim of conceptualising a buyer‐supplier relationship framework. Secondary data for the UK food retail chain are also employed.

Findings

A new relationship framework is developed based on the buyers’‐suppliers’ perceptions in relation to logistics asset specificity, and the conditions required for the formation of the retail logistics network are illustrated. If transaction costs are perceived as high by both the buyer and the supplier of a logistics asset, the retailer will engage into a fourth‐party logistics network formation where the use of information technology systems is of critical importance. At this stage, these systems will become the primary co‐ordination device for the reduction and absorption of complexity in the retail chain.

Originality/value

The paper offers a unique buyer‐supplier partnership framework by proposing that the formation of a fourth‐party logistics network will decrease the complexity of modern retail logistics operations. The paper will assist retail managers responsible for the development of logistics strategies and will be beneficial to researchers examining logistics and supply chain management operations.
The evolution of China's telecommunications equipment market: a contextual, analytical framework
Authors: Low Brian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to provide the contextual framework for local and foreign manufacturers in assessing the market potential of China's telecommunications equipment market, including an analysis of contemporary economic, political and historical issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an inductive, interpretative case study.

Findings

History matters in the evolution of China's telecommunications market especially given its concern over maintaining control of a strategic interest, as well as the protection of vested interests within the state‐controlled economy.

Originality/value

To practitioners: the importance of research, vis‐a`‐vis interpretation and argument, in assessing market potential in a high‐technology market. To academics: the role of government in the value chain and network especially when they have controlling stakes, as is the case here with China's telecommunications equipment manufacturers and operators.
Consumer views of service classifications in the USA and France
Authors: Cunningham Lawrence F. , Young Clifford E. , Ulaga Wolfgang , Lee Moonkyu
Published: July 2006

In the services marketing literature, few service classifications are based on how customers view services, and fewer of these have been validated cross‐culturally. To fill this gap, this research presents the results of a study that examined how US and French customers perceived and classified a set of 13 services based on multidimensional scaling. Service classifications were developed on a perceptual space where the actual services were mapped for two countries, the USA and France. The results of the study suggest that there are two underlying dimensions that explain approximately 80 percent of the total variance in service perceptions and classifications. The dimensions and correlations for the classifications and services displayed many consistencies and some differences among American and French consumers. Directions for future academic research and managerial implications are cited and discussed.
Cognitive dissonance and the stability of service quality perceptions
Authors: O'Neill Martin , Palmer Adrian
Published: July 2006

This paper examines the possible relationship between post‐consumption dissonance and consumers’ time‐elapsed perceptions of service quality. A review of literature suggests that the degree of post‐consumption dissonance experienced would be inversely related to both initial ratings of service quality and subsequent time‐elapsed ratings. Empirical evidence is reported of a longitudinal study of university students undergoing a first year orientation process, which confirms this proposition. The results give some tentative indication of the instability of consumer perceptions of service quality over time.
A reconceptualisation of the satisfaction‐service performance thesis
Authors: Wilson Alan , Frimpong Jacob
Published: July 2006

The hypothesis that job satisfaction affects employee performance or favourable service behaviours could be considered a well‐worn topic. However, this paper shows that the extant literature has not adequately conceptualised nor addressed the complex relationship which could exist between employee satisfaction and service performance quality. Indeed, some studies appear to challenge this almost axiomatic view. This paper, therefore, considers the literature on “the job satisfaction‐service performance/quality thesis” and proposes a new model which reconceptualises the relationship between the two constructs. Suggestions for service practitioners, as well as new ways in which the thesis could be further tested, are also provided.
What you don't know about banking could hurt your library
Authors: Holt Glen E.
Published: July 2006

Unlike the banking services many of us remember as children, the banking services offered to corporate accounts today can be of use to libraries as they streamline operations, negotiate for cost savings, and budget for both day‐to‐day operations and service to patrons. The modern bank has the ability to function as a financial partner in the successful operation of a library. While all the services they provide may not suit every library, the brief list of services included here should encourage most library managers to investigate the many options offered by their local financial institutions.
Strategy implementation – an insurmountable obstacle?
Authors: Raps Andreas
Published: July 2006

Strategy implementation is an enigma in many companies. The problem is illustrated by the unsatisfying low success rate (only 10 to 30 percent) of intended strategies. The primary objectives are somehow dissipated as the strategy moves into implementation and the initial momentum is lost before the expected benefits are realized. This article discusses how a successful implementation is a challenge that demands patience, stamina and energy from the involved managers. The key to success is an integrative view of the implementation process. With the help of a checklist the ten critical success factors of an implementation process are figured out. To demonstrate how strategy implementation can be done in practice a case study is constructed. The article is built biaxially: on the one side the critical success factors within the strategy implementation process are explained, on the other hand the concrete example of making good use of these points in the form of an underscored case study is provided. The article provides some practical guidelines for strategy implementation in general. Strategy implementation differs completely from the formulation process and requires much more discipline, planning, motivation and controlling processes. The case study demonstrates that these guidelines are well tried and reliable in practice.
Want to motivate your employees? Keep your company safe and you will
Authors: Curtice Joan
Published: July 2006

This paper examines the value of a work environment that is safe, dignified and respectful. Not only does the law mandate such an environment but it also makes good business sense since typically the results are increased motivation and productivity. Successful companies practice safety and fairness procedures and consistently reap rewards for doing so. This article covers the basics of safe work atmospheres, citing examples of the significant costs to firms that do not follow these practices. People are at their most productive when they are not distracted by concerns for their safety or well being. Additionally, in recent years, many lawsuits that have occurred due to sexual misconduct that have settled with extremely large payments to those employees who have initiated the litigation – very costly in terms of time and money for a company. The article also discusses less measurable impacts such as the cost of disrespect. A recent report based on various surveys concluded that an extreme level of rudeness is rampant in the US workplace that both damages mental health and lowers productivity. “Truly safe” work environments are both genuinely protective and proactive. They are companies in which employees feel confident that they have a place to go when they have a problem. Companies need to have clearly written anti‐harassment policies that define and describe prohibited behaviors. These policies need to contain specific instructions. In addition, a non‐retaliation policy is required to send a clear message that retaliation will not be tolerated; it is as illegal as the harassment itself.
Workforce, diversity and corporate creativity
Authors: Govendo Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2006

This article is written for business executives, managers, team leaders, and HR specialists who recognize the importance of employee creativity and corporate innovation for competing in today’s marketplace, and wish to maximize it in their companies. The article explores the relationship between workforce diversity in an organization and the organization’s capacity for innovation and creativity. There have been many reasons put forth for the value of increased diversity in the corporation. Among them: it more closely reflects the global marketplace in which the corporation competes, and it provides a richer, more rewarding working environment for all employees. Here is yet another: a diverse workforce offers the potential for generating more creative ideas against the various challenges the corporation faces. The author draws a comparison between divergent thinking, known to be a key process in creative individuals when trying to solve a problem, and creative group process on a project team comprised of members with diverse backgrounds and experience. Just as the individual engages in divergent thinking to get “clues” from a variety of sources, the team can draw on the differing perspectives within the group to generate a range of creative solutions to their company’s problems and opportunities. However, diverse teams can also present problems, because of those differing perspectives. The author therefore concludes with five practical guidelines for those planning and conducting idea generation sessions, so as to maximize creative output and maintain a positive, productive climate.
E‐content: the key to developing a strategic advantage
Authors: Utvich Michael
Published: July 2006

Electronic content, today’s principal means for information exchange, is dramatically reshaping how businesses compete and meet their goals and performance objectives. Now that the essential structure of business information technology, the Internet and supporting software tools has been built, the competition for strategic business advantage is shifting to focus on how companies use these tools to enable their people to compete through ready access to relevant and critical knowledge as they need it. E‐Content encompasses the world of electronic office documents, e‐mails, sites on the free web and premium content from subscription and syndicated publishers. It is integrated through a variety of authoring and content sharing tools from search engines and evolving content aggregation systems to newer forms of real time communication and electronic authoring including instant messaging, blogs, and text messaging through cell phones and other portable devices. As the sheer amount of available information and means of use proliferate, the need is growing for companies to include knowledge sharing via electronic content as a key element in their overall strategy. The fundamental strategic issue is empowering the people and decision makers who drive the business with relevant information in real time. E‐content provides the core of the business and competitive advantage lies in the immediacy of access, exchange and providing a meaningful flow of real‐time to the people who make decisions and the people who execute them. This article presents a structured model of the e‐content playing field and demonstrates how the integrated system for creating, delivering, using and sharing e‐content should be factored into strategic considerations for all businesses.
Hottest new title in the executive suite? Chief customer officer
Authors: Bingham Curtis N.
Published: July 2006

This article explores the methods and benefits of creating an executive‐level position accountable for maintaining and enhancing the value of the customer base as an asset. This position is referred to as chief customer officer (CCO). The article is based on the author’s recent study of companies with a CCO, including Sun Microsystems, Cisco, Hewlett‐Packard, Unica, Monster.com, Fidelity, The MathWorks, and others. The study was conducted using personal and telephone interviews with executives with the defined function, whatever their actual title. The interviews were supplemented with documentary material. The CCO, by whatever title he or she may go, uses various methods to continually gather customer insight, to disseminate that insight throughout the organization, and to drive change so that the organization consistently meets customer needs quickly and profitably. To do this, a CCO needs sufficient authority and respect across divisions and functions, and needs to be held accountable for measurable results (although they may not be the familiar metrics). Three types of CCO are the generalist, the service‐revenue driver, and champions by committee. This article addresses executives in companies frustrated by declining prices and margins, decaying sales, lackluster market performance, and unprofitable customers. Such problems reflect a lack of customer insight, or of ability to act on it, and call for the creation of a CCO role specifically tasked with gathering such insight and using it to drive company change and initiative.
Dissolution rates of iron plating on soldering iron tips in molten lead‐free solders
Authors: Takemoto Tadashi , Uetani Takashi , Yamazaki Morio
Published: July 2006

The dissolution rates of iron and alloyed steels in molten lead‐free solders were investigated in order to clarify the effect of erosion of iron plating on soldering iron tips. The dissolution rates of iron‐based alloys in lead‐free solders were found to be about three times greater than in conventional Sn‐Pb eutectics, indicating that the iron plating of a soldering iron tip is subjected to heavier damage when used with lead‐free rather than eutectic Sn‐Pb. Several steel alloys showed dissolution rates similar to that of pure iron, suggesting that compositional changes in the iron plating may have little influence on the erosion depth. Decreases in the reaction temperature and time, and a small addition of iron into the solder was found to be effective in suppressing both dissolution of iron wire and erosion of iron plating.
The role of SMEs in improving the competitive position of the European Union
Authors: Floyd David , McManus John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine the increasing importance of small firms in the European Union (FEU). It further contrasts policy making in EU member states and it traces the development of an emerging EU‐wide policy‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

Theories of entrepreneurship are drawn upon and data on the role of small firms are considered.

Findings

Evidence suggests that some reorganisation of policy making in this field may be justified.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of current policy making are considered and suggestions are made on how enterprise policy making should be shaped in the future.

Originality/value

Further work contrasting the success of other global competitors may also be warranted.
Customer orientation of service employees
Authors: Hennig‐Thurau Thorsten
Published: July 2006

With the performance of service personnel often constituting a major element of a service per se, the customer orientation of service personnel is often regarded as a main determinant of service firms' success. Drawing on a deductively derived four‐dimensional conceptualization of the customer orientation of service personnel, consisting of employees' technical skills, social skills, motivation, and decision‐making power, a model of the impact employees' customer orientation has on key service marketing constructs is theoretically developed. The model is then empirically tested against a sample of 989 consumers for two service contexts (i.e. book/CD/DVD retailers and travel agencies), with the results providing support for most hypotheses. Implications of the findings for services and retail management are discussed.
Assessing the roles and training needs of educational superintendents in Palestine
Authors: Kanan Hana M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research study was to examine the role perceptions of superintendents and their supervisors in Palestine regarding the roles and training needs of superintendents. It was part of a larger study conducted by the Department of Administration and Educational Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach was used in this study. Data were collected by interviewing 16 superintendents and four general directors using guided qualitative interviews, in addition to examining Ministry of Education documents and archival data.

Findings

The grounded theory approach analysis revealed that superintendents and general directors held variant perceptions regarding the roles and training needs of superintendents. Most superintendents felt they were ill prepared for the job and had to rely on the Ministry of Education for support and direction. They perceived their role as a combination of educational managers and educational leaders. Their supervisors, however, perceived them as keepers of the status quo. The findings showed that superintendents in countries similar to Palestine (newly emerging) appear to experience problems similar to their counterparts in other transitional societies.

Originality/value

The findings of this research are important to new educational systems. It shows clearly the difficulties experienced by superintendents in a newly emerging system. Furthermore, superintendents in such systems may require training needs different than their counterparts in developed systems. The findings are discussed in terms of their relevancy and contributions to educational leadership theory.
Retailers and sustainable development in the UK
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David , Eastwood Ian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to offer a simple exploratory review of how the major retailers in the UK are tackling the issue of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The top 20 retailers, based on 2002 sales figures, were selected for analysis and an internet search of their web sites, exploring their “corporate social responsibility” reports and statements, was undertaken.

Findings

The review suggests that the majority of the major retailers are addressing sustainability agendas, that they recognise, albeit in varying measure, the impacts their businesses have on the environment, the economy and society and several of them are looking to measure and benchmark their performance.

Originality/value

Sustainable development is attracting increasing attention in government and in the business community and the paper provides students pursuing retail and business management programmes, academic staff teaching on them and retail researchers and consultants with a contemporary view of how the UK's large retailers are addressing the issue.
The Portuguese tourism sector: key challenges for human resources management
Authors: Costa Jorge
Published: July 2006

Discusses economic and employment patterns in Portugal as they relate to tourism and the economic downturn following linked with the SARS outbreak and international terrorism. Relates macro tourism trends to the challenges facing the tourism sector in Portugal and the specific operational issues facing hoteliers: quality management, product differentiation; market diversification; marketing and productivity. Relates these and other issues to a roundtable discussion with participants from industry and education and concludes that a national strategy for human resources training and development is needed, together with a code of ethics for human resource management in the Portuguese tourism sector.
Benefits of IT in supply chain management: an explorative study of progressive companies
Authors: Auramo Jaana , Kauremaa Jouni , Tanskanen Kari
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide empirical evidence of benefits from IT in supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

Data in this qualitative study were collected through multiple enquiries. SCM consultant interviews gave an understanding of the current state of practice. A survey of 48 progressive companies was conducted to identify what IT solutions they have implemented in SCM. This was followed by 18 in‐depth case studies to identify the mechanisms for achieving benefits of IT in SCM.

Findings

Based on the empirical studies five propositions are presented on the use and benefits of IT. First, successful companies have developed focused e‐business solutions for improving customer service elements that are most important in their business. Second, improved efficiency allows company personnel to focus more on critical business activities. Third, the use of e‐business solutions improves information quality. Fourth, e‐business solutions support planning collaboration and improved agility of the supply network. Finally, to gain strategic benefits, the use of IT has to be coupled with process redesign.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of companies used in the study was selected by expert assessment and is biased towards companies willing to discuss and share results openly. Additionally, the focus of the paper was on single companies and not on the entire supply network. However, the findings of this study present an opportunity to further develop understanding of the underlying mechanisms of how IT investments benefit supply chain management.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an identified need for in‐depth case studies that analyze the possible mechanisms behind the practical benefits of IT in supply chain management.
Abductive reasoning in logistics research
Authors: Kovács Gyöngyi , Spens Karen M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To construct a framework for exploring and discussing the use of different research approaches – deductive, inductive and abductive – in logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of research articles in three major logistics journals (International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management and Journal of Business Logistics) from 1998 to 2002.

Findings

Recognizes the dominance of deductive research in logistics, and the need for more inductive and, in particular, abductive research for theory development. Discusses the use of the abductive research approach in logistics.

Research limitations/implications

Keywords searches led to a small sample size; more thorough content analysis is needed to apply the findings from the constructed framework.

Practical implications

Useful source of information on the three different research approaches, their possibilities and implications for research.

Originality/value

The abductive research approach has not yet been discussed in logistics.
YCC: a gendered carnival? Project work at Volvo Cars
Authors: Styhre Alexander , Backman Maria , Börjesson Sofia
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To discusss the first concept car development project in the automotive industry managed by female engineers and designers.

Design/methodology/approach

An abiding concern in feminist discourses is to understand how and why women are excluded from certain positions and activities and how organizations become gendered. Drawing on the Russian literature theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, exceptional events such as concept car development projects in the automotive industry may be examined as a form of carnival wherein the predominant social order is overturned for a period of time and thereafter restored.

Findings

Exploring the “all female” project at Volvo Cars as a carnival event captures the double nature of such “affirmative” activities; on the one hand, they are giving space to marginal groups, while, on the other hand, being events that differ from the everyday work life order, they therefore risk being marginal activities with limited sustaining impact.

Originality/value

In theoretical terms, the paper has integrated feminist theory and Bakhtin's writing on the carnival as an institutionalized way to mediate conflict and discontent.
What is wrong with current approaches to management development in relation to women in management roles?
Authors: Bartram Sharon
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To challenge gender neutrality within management theories and to show how such theories influence the practice of management development to the detriment of women managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a feminist questioning of changes in management theory over the past several decades and the impact this has on management development practice in relation to women.

Findings

The notion of a feminine ethos being carried to practicing managers through characteristics culturally associated with females should be helpful to women. However, the basis for formal, mixed group situations as a means of enabling women to develop as managers is debatable. A continuing reliance on questionnaires that fail to quantify the extent to which the constructs reflect a gender sensitivity and the failure to recognise such situations as reflecting relations between women and men in the wider social context serve to reinforce women in a subordinate role to men, deferring to and privileging men's knowledge.

Originality/value

The value lies in how the paper shows the barriers facing women as they develop as managers in contexts that are still masculine despite claims of a feminisation of management. It is also valuable in the way it suggests a different way of working with women on their development as managers.
High‐flyer women academicians: factors contributing to success
Authors: Ismail Maimunah , Mohd Rasdi Roziah , Wahiza Abdul Wahat Nor
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To investigate the career experiences of women professors in order to gain an in‐depth understanding of factors contributing to their present status of profession.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were generated from career history method on 31 women professors who have been identified as high‐flyers. They were selected based on a criterion that they achieved professorship at the age of 48 years and below. Each respondent was interviewed on questions addressing topics across the entire life stages. Constant comparative analysis of data was conducted to generate themes.

Findings

Reveals the factors associated with their fast performance in academia that were divided into two stages, i.e. career exploration, and career establishment and maintenance. Factors dictated at the career exploration stage are early exposure to learning, entrance to boarding schools, first degree experience and personal qualities, while factors that contribute during their establishment and maintenance stage are graduate study experience, career centrality, family support, uniqueness of academic role, health consciousness and sense of religiosity.

Research limitations/implications

It involved women professors only in order to understand the complexities of women academicians and their careers.

Practical implications

Provides evidence and information on the subjective interpretation of a career in academia, which should be taken into consideration in promotion and selection exercises, especially re women academicians. It also enhances women's understanding of their own careers and the interplay of other aspects of life as well as organizational environments in their careers.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical information to inspired individuals, especially women academicians, in order to achieve professorship.
Economic loss: myth and measurement
Authors: Cochrane Hal
Published: July 2006

This paper covers a number of pitfalls that could hinder the development of a common methodology for estimating flood damage. Such pitfalls include double counting, ignoring post‐disaster liabilities, ignoring non‐market losses (e.g. recreation, loss of leisure, damage to historic sites and cultural assets, etc.), ignoring the needs of the end user, and questions as to how indirect/systemic losses might be modeled. With one exception, much of what is discussed in the paper is based on off‐the‐shelf economics and will not prove to be contentious. Regional economists are likely to have different opinions as to how to best model indirect and systemic loss; it is this that will lead to a lively debate as to how to proceed. Assessments of economic fallout from the World Trade Center attack are used to illustrate some of the problems reported in this paper.
The nature of risk: Credit agencies and light regulation – building a market code
Authors: O’Donovan Martin
Published: July 2006

The author, a technical officer at the Association of Corporate Treasurers, describes the growth in the power of the rating agencies and explains the background and content of the new code which has been proposed to cover their activities in both the UK and the US.
Formal definition and implementation of business‐oriented SoD access control policy
Authors: Xing‐fen Wang , Yi‐jun Li
Published: July 2006

Based on organizational task decomposition, an extensive role‐based access control (ERBAC) model is proposed in this paper. In ERBAC, the abstract concept of “permission” in RBAC96 is substituted by a set of “tasks”, mutual exclusion of basic business actions and mutual exclusion of roles are presented, and separation of duty (SoD) policy is defined formally. Furthermore, a method of identifying mutual exclusion of roles is described, and static SoD and dynamic SoD algorithms are discussed. This paper is significant for modeling and implementing business‐oriented SoD policy for information systems.
A global information technology model: business applications in developing economies (case studies)
Authors: Desai Mayur S. , Desai Kiran J. , Ojode Lucy
Published: July 2006

This paper develops a global information technology model that captures the main drivers of a firm's IT applications in multiple markets with two illustrative company cases. The paper develops a global information technology model by drawing from consulting experience and the relevant literature. The bases for the model are – a firm's environment, level of technological diffusion within a firm, and prospective technology applications based on the existing inventory of IT applications that support the firm's operations. The paper provides a description of the model dimensions and furnishes an illustrative mapping on an Indian firm and an American firm's operations.
Cognitive excellence: our people are our most important asset
Authors: Elliott George
Published: July 2006

I once heard an employee say: “If this company would only treat me as well as they do their machine tools, I would be a happy camper. They are constantly spending money on testing, upgrading, monitoring and attempting to get the best they can from their machine tool investment. Their consistent objective is Six‐Sigma production quality.” An interesting thought …
Closing the performance gap: five simple tools can help
Authors: Evans Bill
Published: July 2006

Unhappy customers, uninformed employees, mounting chaos: sound familiar? If any or all of these debilitating elements are in play in your company, you have been experiencing the classic symptoms of “performance gap” – the difference between the business outcomes you expect and the hard reality of what you are getting.
Making breakthrough improvements in closing the books: a six‐step system
Authors: Swayne Brian , Watson John
Published: July 2006

Regulators and the investment community are demanding that closings become faster and more accurate. Most organizations are not equipped to meet these requirements, however. Many attempt to achieve them by investing more heavily in technology, but technology alone is not a panacea. In most cases this approach wastes valuable resources and compounds already existing inefficiencies. Instead, organizations must focus first on making breakthrough improvements in their processes and culture.
Why good strategies fail
Authors: Wery Roger , Waco Marc
Published: July 2006

From lack of focus to competency gaps and other causes, good strategies can be saved with preventive actions. The business news is filled with stories of corporate failure. From the recent dot‐com busts to the once‐powerful companies whose fortunes have slipped, these unhappy endings are often the result of one thing: good strategies gone bad. And the underlying cause is usually poor execution.