bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demanding supply
Authors: Clemmet Andrew
Published: April 2007

We all know about the great revolution in customer care and customer
service. Organizations nowadays have to use their service to compete
– customers themselves are more sophisticated than they once were
and are unlikely to buy on brand name alone; they expect reliability,
competitive pricing, availability, long‐life, etc. – and they
expect good service. One of the reasons for this is the increase in
globalization. Organizations are no longer just competing with others in
the same town, the same region or even the same country; their
competitors can reach their markets from anywhere in the world. This
means that we are always competing against the best. It is no longer
enough to get our product to market – we have to know that
a customer is waiting for what we are supplying, and wants it in the
form that we are supplying. No longer can we rely on engineers to make
the products and salesmen to sell them. They now have to work together
to understand customer needs and set about meeting them. Customers need
to be won with our first meeting, our first order, our first service. If
not won then, we may never get another chance.
Differences between Chinese and Western managerial views of performance
Authors: Hempel Paul S.
Published: April 2007

Multinational corporations operating in Greater China need to continue improving employee performance levels, but Western style performance appraisals might not be the right answer. This paper examines some of the differences in the ways that Chinese and Western managers view performance in order to determine the appropriateness of Western appraisal techniques. Using a sample drawn from Hong Kong, significant differences between Hong Kong Chinese and UK managers are found, particularly in the role that trait attribution plays in the appraisal process. The paper concludes by considering the implications that these observed differences have for both performance appraisal research as well as for practice.
Global Information and libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Chisenga Justin
Published: April 2007

Contributes to the discussion on the impact of Global Information on Africa with specific emphasis on libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa. Indicates that the impact of GI on libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa is closely linked to the status of information technology application in libraries and the state of electronic connectivity in the countries of the sub‐region. With the current general low level of computerisation and electronic connectivity in libraries in most of the countries in the region, the impact of GI can be noticed mainly in the libraries of the Republic of South Africa, where the state of economic development and information technology infrastructure is way ahead of the rest of the sub‐continent. Libraries in South Africa are using the Internet for electronic publishing and provision of and access to electronic information services to library users. Most libraries in other countries, which have established full Internet access, only have access to e‐mail facilities, and are not exploiting the facilities fully. Concludes that, unless libraries are properly funded, equipped, and well staffed, they will not be able to take advantage of the Internet access being established in sub‐Saharan Africa and will consequently be left out in the race for the establishment of a Global Information infrastructure.
Scenario planning for libraries
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: April 2007

Scenarios are plausible stories about alternative futures. They draw on stories, which are most natural and powerful ways of representing, and understanding, sets of events. Scenarios look at the past and present, and offer insights into a future where things are generally uncertain. They are used by many organisations as part of strategic planning and as a way of forecasting what core competencies the organisation needs to develop for survival and competitive advantage. These ideas are applied to current library practice.
A quality function deployment approach for improving technical library and information services: a case study
Authors: Chin Kwai‐Sang , Pun Kit‐Fai , Leung W.M. , Lau Henry
Published: April 2007

Quality function deployment (QFD) stresses customer‐driven planning, continuous improvement and people participation. This paper elaborates a six‐stage QFD approach based on an empirical study of the provision of the library and information services (LIS) in a technical organisation in Hong Kong. Customer requirements are identified through the focus‐group brainstorming and critical‐incident interviews with users. The study identified 45 critical incidents, and translated them into 23 satisfaction items. Two iterations of house of quality (HOQ) were finally constructed for meshing the quality improvement efforts. The paper identifies the key quality dimensions and illustrates how the QFD approach can lead to effective quality deployment in the provision of LIS. The approach provides a practical means that helps organisations to identify customer satisfaction criteria, and integrate improvement strategies and plans into management decision‐making processes.
The influence of traditional culture on library administration among the Igbo of Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Odi Amusi
Published: April 2007

Discusses management style as portrayed in Western literature. Compares this with the approach to management taken by the Igbo of Eastern Nigeria. Describes the Igbo belief system, magic and language and the implications of this culture on library management. Refers to the impact of cultural revitalisation librarianship of the 1970s.
Minimum Wages and Low Pay: An ILO Perspective
Authors: Shaheed Zafar
Published: April 2007

Briefly identifies the different Conventions and Recommendations of the
International Labour Organization pertaining to national wage policy
matters. Introduces some of the issues which need study when considering
the social and economic effects of minimum wages, outlining the
different roles that minimum wage fixing seeks to achieve. Concludes by
considering some of the broader issues relating to labour standards, low
pay and competitiveness. Argues that, in a market environment where
competition is based increasingly on process and product development, a
low‐pay strategy concentrating on the price of labour – and not on
research and development and product design and quality – will be
deficient. Suggests that economic innovation and dynamism cannot be
derived from making labour cheaper, but by rendering it more productive,
and that, to achieve this, a national general minimum floor to wages and
other terms and conditions of employment are necessary.
Youth Minimum Wage Rates: The Dutch Experience
Authors: van Soest Arthur
Published: April 2007

Legal minimum wage rates for young workers were introduced in The
Netherlands in 1974. After substantial increases during the 1970s,
youth minimum wages were lowered in the 1980s, in response to the large
increase of youth unemployment. Analyses the employment effects of
lowering youth minimum wages. Looks at macro and micro evidence. At the
macro level, does not find convincing evidence of negative effects of
youth minimum wages on youth employment. Constructs a micro model in
which an individual′s labour market state can be affected by the sign of
potential earnings minus the relevant minimum wage. The model is
estimated with data from 1984 and 1987. Finds significant minimum wage
elasticities of employment and unemployment, with expected signs.
Leadership profiles of managers in post‐communist countries: a comparative study
Authors: Ardichvili Alexander , Gasparishvili Alexander
Published: April 2007

This research sought to identify leadership styles of enterprise managers in four countries of the former USSR. The survey was based on the Bass and Avolio MLQ5x leadership styles instrument. Valid responses were received from 2,391 managers and employees at nine manufacturing enterprises located in Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The results suggest that managers in these four countries used three well‐known leadership styles – transactional, transformational, andlaissez‐faire. However, thelaissez‐fairestyle was not prevalent. Overall, transactional contingent reward leadership was used more often than any other approaches. Charisma and individualized consideration received the lowest scores among the transformational leadership style dimensions. Tests of the relationship between leadership styles and managerial performance measures indicated that contingent reward and charisma had the strongest relationship with positive outcomes. Individual country leadership style profiles and implications for developing leadership training programs, and for the transfer of Western organization development approaches are discussed.
Causal ordering of stress, satisfaction and commitment, and intention to quit: a structural equations analysis
Authors: Elangovan A.R.
Published: April 2007

This study addresses the confusion prevailing over the nature of the relationship between satisfaction and commitment in regard to employee turnover, and examines the causal pattern of relationships among stress, satisfaction, commitment, and turnover intentions by employing a structural equations analysis approach. The results indicate that there are strong causal links between stress and satisfaction (higher stress leads to lower satisfaction) and between satisfaction and commitment (lower satisfaction leads to lower commitment), and a reciprocal relationship between commitment and turnover intentions (lower commitment leads to greater intentions to quit which, in turn, further lowers commitment).
Robot windrower is first unmanned harvester
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kerien , Pahnos David , Pype Walter V.
Published: April 2007

Explains that the first robotics commercialization project of the National Robotics Engineering Consortium (USA) is Demeter, the first unmanned, fully automated windrower. Describes how lunar rover and terrestrial military vehicle technology is combined to define two core technologies for mobile agricultural equipment ‐ FieldNav, the digital machine; and FieldHand, the digital operator. Outlines the hardware and software used; standard and custom components used for safety and customized electronics; modifications for drive‐by‐wire; the event‐driven, behaviour‐based architecture (SAUSAGES); sensing for crop line tracking; other detectors, trackers and GPS used for guidance. Finally, explains the benefits of such automation to agriculture and what the future holds for commercialization of Demeter.
Robotics for meat processing – from research to commercialisation
Authors: Templer R.G. , Nicholls H.R. , Nicolle T.
Published: April 2007

Over the last five years we have successfully researched, designed, developed and commercialised the world’s first lamb and sheep dressing robots. Two have already been sold to commercial concerns. This has caused a paradigm shift in the way automation in meat processing can be viewed. In this paper we describe the lessons we have learned in robotic automation via projects in Y‐cutting, ripdown, brisket clearing, opening cuts, handling of primal cuts and packing bagged meat pieces for lamb and sheep meat. All of these projects have been, or are about to be, trialed in operating plants processing export quality meat. These projects have involved the development of a programmable robot suitable for washdown environments, and of tooling to conduct specific dressing and handling tasks. Latest projects are applying this approach to automating certain beef processing tasks, and a beef processing robot has been constructed and is being installed for trials in an operating plant. The technology behind the robots is described and illustrated in our paper. Also described are the methods we used to ensure commercialisation was an economic success.
Ageing in the ‘Risk Society’
Authors: Powell Jason L. , Wahidin Azrini
Published: April 2007

This article explores the concept of ‘risk’ that is both an epistemological tool and major facet of “late modernity” (Delanty, 1999). During the 1970s, the use of the notion ’risk’ was mainly confined to ‘natural sciences’, when the concept was used to analyse and improve the ‘security’ of technological systems (Giddens, 1990). According to Delanty (1999) it was not until the 1980s and 1990s that social science based ‘disciplines’ discovered the importance of the topic in relation to changes affecting modern society. In particular, the disciplinary development of Sociology, for example, has discovered ‘risk’ as one of the important aspects of neo‐liberalism and modernity (Beck, 1992; Giddens, 1990; Luhmann, 1993; Delanty, 1999). Sociological conceptions of risk are rapidly changing the role of social science (Delanty, 1999). For example, Delanty (1999) claims that there are studies on epistemology or legitimation of risk knowledge. The conflict between sociologically informed concepts of ‘risk’ and the more traditional, probabilistic calculations of risk represent a contest of competing social philosophies and visions about the future development of human and financial resources, relationship between economic growth and environmental protection, role of government and individuality, and projections and visions about the future it can be argued. A sociologically informed understanding of risk illustrates the interconnectedness of an “ageing population,” social policy and social life. From this perspective, risk is more than a calculation of costs and benefits, it is a theoretical mechanism for weighing different sets of political orientations which impinge on the positioning of individuals and populations.
The influence of enterprise type on the purchasing decision process
Authors: Laios Lambros G. , Moschuris Socrates J.
Published: April 2007

This article reports on the influence of the enterprise type on the purchasing decision process within selected product types and phases by using analysis of variance on data from Greek manufacturing and utility enterprises. Our study examined the influence of enterprise type on four parameters of the purchasing decision process, across two different product types and four phases of the purchasing process. The results suggested that all but one parameter varied considerably among the different types of enterprises, and that companies adopt an appropriate structural configuration, which fits to the attributes of the purchased items and the mission of the enterprises.
An empirical examination of successive incremental improvement techniques and investment in manufacturing technology
Authors: Sim Khim L.
Published: April 2007

This study tests the interactive effects of successive incremental improvement techniques (i.e. total quality management (TQM) and just‐in‐time (JIT)). In addition, observations were made with respect to how technological innovations were managed in conjunction with the implementation of TQM or JIT. A total of 83 plants belonging to the electronics industry located in the USA participated in this study. Four different manufacturing performance measures were examined. There is strong evidence that synergy exists when both TQM and JIT are implemented. Results, however, indicate that investment in manufacturing technology enhances JIT performance but inhibits TQM performance. Furthermore, findings from three‐way interaction show that shorter product development time is associated with plants using both high TQM and JIT, but only for plants that did not invest in manufacturing technology during the window period. Further analyses revealed some systematic patterns within plants that invested in manufacturing technology – many of these plants exhibit a lack of attention to quality. Although somewhat surprising, results are consistent with the current body of literature.
An empirical investigation of project evaluation criteria
Authors: Icmeli Tukel Oya , Rom Walter O.
Published: April 2007

In this article, we report on an empirical study conducted in the USA to determine the performance measures project managers commonly use to evaluate the success of their projects. Specifically, we identify project managers’ orientations toward using internal and/or customer driven measures of performance. We also investigate the priority given to these measures at different stages of a project by identifying the primary objective at those stages. In general we find that project managers’ primary success measure is quality and their most important objective is meeting customer needs. The priority given to this objective does not change during various stages of a project regardless of the project type and industry classification. The choice of performance measures, however, is influenced by project type and industry classification.
The impact of machine flexibility on the performance of flexible manufacturing systems
Authors: Mohamed Zubair M. , Youssef Mohamed A. , Huq Faizul
Published: April 2007

The performance of flexible manufacturing systems, (FMS) has been one of the major topics that has attracted the attention of production and operations management (POM) researchers for the last two decades. In this paper we study the relationship between the degree of machine flexibility and the level of system performance. A machine loading and routing model is developed and used to investigate the effect of changing machine flexibility on the performance measures of an FMS. The measures used in this paper include makespan, routing flexibility, capacity flexibility, and inventory effects. The results indicate that changes in the machine flexibility affect some measures more than others. The results also show that, for a decrease of 24 per cent in the degree of machine flexibility, makespan increases by 17 per cent, routing flexibility decreases by as much as 13 per cent, and capacity flexibility decreases by as much as 38 per cent, and the inventory decreases by as much as 26 per cent. Furthermore, as the workload on the FMS increases, the differences in the performance between two FMSs (with different degrees of machine flexibility) increase.
Manufacturing strategy
Authors: Dangayach G.S. , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: April 2007

Manufacturing strategy has attracted serious research attention in the recent past. In this paper, an attempt is made to review the status of literature in manufacturing strategy. A literature classification scheme is suggested. A total of 260 articles from 31 referred journals and international conferences are classified into content (manufacturing capabilities, strategic choices, best practices, trans‐national comparison, literature survey, and performance measurement) and process‐related issues. We have categorized the methodology used in the literature into conceptual, descriptive, empirical, exploratory cross‐sectional and exploratory longitudinal approaches. Based on this, some possible research issues are also identified, viz., resource‐based operations strategy, sector specific manufacturing strategy, relevance of manufacturing strategy to small and medium enterprises, manufacturing strategy in the context of green manufacturing, effect of organizational culture on formulation of manufacturing strategy, and performance measurement.
Lasers and materials in selective laser sintering
Authors: Kruth J.P. , Wang X. , Laoui T. , Froyen L.
Published: April 2007

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the most rapidly growing rapid prototyping techniques (RPT). This is mainly due to its suitability to process almost any material: polymers, metals, ceramics (including foundry sand) and many types of composites. The material should be supplied as powder that may occasionally contain a sacrificial polymer binder that has to be removed (debinded) afterwards. The interaction between the laser beam and the powder material used in SLS is one of the dominant phenomena that defines the feasibility and quality of any SLS process. This paper surveys the current state of SLS in terms of materials and lasers. It describes investigations carried out experimentally and by numerical simulation in order to get insight into laser‐material interaction and to control this interaction properly.
Review of the potential of a wireless MEMS microsystem for biomedical applications
Authors: Arshak A. , Arshak K. , Lyons G. , Waldron D. , Morris D. , Korostynska O. , Jafer E.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Telemetry capsules have existed since the 1950s and were used to measure temperature, pH or pressure inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It was hoped that these capsules would replace invasive techniques in the diagnosis of function disorders in the GI tract. However, problems such as signal loss and uncertainty of the pills position limited their use in a clinical setting. In this paper, a review of the capabilities of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for the fabrication of a wireless pressure sensor microsystem is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The circuit requirements and methods of data transfer are examined. The available fabrication methods for MEMS sensors are also discussed and examples of wireless sensors are given. Finally, the drawbacks of using this technology are examined.

Findings

MEMS for use in wireless monitoring of pressure in the GI tract have been investigated. It has been shown that capacitive pressure sensors are particularly suitable for this purpose. Sensors fabricated for wireless continuous monitoring of pressure have been reviewed. Great progress, especially using surface micromachining, has been made in recent years. However, despite these advances, some challenges remain.

Originality/value

Provides a review of the capabilities of MEMS.
CARBOCAP® ‐ new carbon dioxide sensor ‐ electrically tuneable interferometer for infrared gas analysis
Authors: Carson Helen
Published: April 2007

Reports on CARBOCAP®, a new type of optical carbon dioxide sensor, which guarantees high accuracy. States that CARBOCAP® uses a micromachine electrically tuneable Fabry‐Perot interferometer (FPI) as a filter, which guarantees the high accuracy and stability of a dual‐wavelength instrument, without the problems of mismated filters and detectors, or the wear and tear of a rotating filter.
International co‐ordination and management development
Authors: Hoeksema Ludwig , de Jong Geert
Published: April 2007

In the highly competitive international consulting marketplace clients will always demand a world‐class service. A major challenge for PricewaterhouseCoopers is how to achieve the required level of international co‐ordination of the efforts of 160,000 people world‐wide without compromising responsiveness on a local scale in over 150 countries. Human resource management in general and management development in particular play an important role. A major investment is made in the development of the consultants, despite the acknowledged fact that most will leave the organization after only a few years. PwC uses a global framework of core competences as the key instrument in its development plan and every consultant is profiled according to it. Management development for partners has a more informal, self‐directed character. But the bottom line is still the optimization of international co‐ordination.
The palette of management development
Authors: van der Sluis‐den Dikken Lidewey , Hoeksema Ludwig H.
Published: April 2007

The central challenge of management development is to control and manage the learning process of managers, focused on individual development and career success and/or reaching organisational goals. This article examines the two seemingly opposed assumptions that either management development comes with experience, job‐rotation and learning on the job or as a result of coaching, mentoring and tacit development programmes that tend to attract younger recruits. It concludes that each assumption includes a part of the truth. Thus, the job, the work environment, and the individual employee characteristics play a role. The article seeks to improve the understanding of the influence of these factors. It focuses on the interaction between developmental characteristics of the job, the learning behaviour of individuals, and the consequences of this interaction for career success of managers.
Taking a hard look at formal mentoring programs
Authors: Blake‐Beard Stacy D.
Published: April 2007

Research indicates that although women have achieved virtual parity with men when entering organizations, within five to six years their careers begin to lag behind those of their male counterparts. This lag is often attributed to the glass ceiling and mentoring has been suggested as one tool to assist women in breaking through. We still have very little empirical research that informs our understanding of the effectiveness of formal mentoring in comparison to informal mentoring relationships. The purpose of this article is to take a hard look at formal mentoring programs and the implications for women participating in them. It compares formal mentoring to informal mentoring. It focuses on the practice of formal mentoring relationships and the unique challenges that women may face as they negotiate these planned relationships as well as some suggested strategies to deal with these challenges. It concludes by discussing the implications of this work as well as alternative sources of support for women.
Aspects of the internationalization of management education
Authors: Sharma Basu , Roy Judy Ann
Published: April 2007

The growing globalization of national economies, the increasing internationalization of production, and the rise of business networks and strategic alliances have dramatically changed the business landscape of the 1990s. These developments have created the necessity to further our understanding of internationalization and the implications for management education. Examines various dimensions of internationalization in management education, and identifies major trends in the internationalization process to draw on their implications for the future of management education.
Work area recovery planning: the key to corporate survival
Authors: Tilley Keith
Published: April 2007

Describes the need for business continuity planning and explains
the strategic importance of protecting critical business functions from
disruption. Outlines the evolution of the disaster recovery industry,
from simple provision of alternative mainframe computers to relocation
of key personnel with restoration of sophisticated data/voice networks.
Explains the essential phases of continuity plan creation and
maintenance. Defines work area recovery planning and describes a model
solution. Substantiates the work area thesis with an overview of the
contingency arrangements of a key international division of a major
bank. Includes findings of and conclusions from an independently
conducted survey of over 100 UK organizations interviewed on their
current business continuity arrangements.
A navigable walkthrough simulator for built environment education: Archiwalk
Authors: Finch Edward , Wing Robert D.
Published: April 2007

Describes the development of a computer‐based walkthrough system produced from video‐still images. The navigable simulator, Archiwalk, is designed to familiarize students in built environment disciplines with a range of building types and examples, providing an experiential learning environment. Users are able to manoeuvre around using on‐screen controls, encouraging an exploratory form of interaction. Reports on various stages of the system’s development, and includes some of the design issues which were addressed. Also describes a formal method for capturing and compiling images to enable teachers to compile their own walkthrough case studies; this is facilitated by the use of database creator software.
Housing stock: the facilities for future development
Authors: Liias Roode
Published: April 2007

As societies become aware that their future will be directed and shaped more and more by resource and environmental constraints, it is relevant for any country to carry out critical appraisal of any resources potentially available and the key criteria when assessing this trend is “sustainability”. The resource that is physically existing today and which has to develop a healthy, secure and socially acceptable environment for the majority, is housing. Housing management is currently and will continue to be an important field for facilities management studies. This paper examines some of the main aspects of the management schemes currently in use in the housing sector in transition economies and the influence of these on the quality of the housing stock as a resource. The critical criterion when examining and proposing any of the alternative management schemes is the sustainable development of society.
Chronicles of the Celtic Marketing Circle, Part I: The Paradise Parchment
Authors: Aherne Aedh
Published: April 2007

Looks at the life and poetry of W.B. Yeats to establish whether or not he engaged in marketing and what his marketing practices were. Uses Yeats as an example of Irish marketing at its best. Suggests that a Celtic Marketing Era will reappear to challenge the established “Anglo‐Saxon” approach to marketing and marketing education.
A socio‐technical framework for quality assessment of computer information systems
Authors: Palvia Shailendra C. , Sharma Ravi S. , Conrath David W.
Published: April 2007

The emergence of total quality management and the ISO 9000 suite of standards has allowed a re‐think of how (and why) the post‐implementation evaluation of computer systems is to be carried out. Traditional performance measurement, modeling and analysis techniques – while not discredited – have been tempered with a more holistic ideology. This article recommends a socio‐technical approach to determining the quality of a computer information system. In this context, two postulates have been proposed and tested by field survey of expert systems in the insurance industry in North America. Postulate one focuses on a multidimensional concept of IS quality comprising the characteristics of task, technology, people and organization. Postulate two deals with differences in assessments of these characteristics according to stakeholder groups: managers, developers, and users. Summarizes the key findings of these postulates in the context of the TQM and ISO 9000 philosophies.
The need for training in telecommunications: a comparison of the marketing managers’ and information systems managers’ viewpoints
Authors: Ketler Karen , Willems John R.
Published: April 2007

Reports the results of a recent study of marketing and information systems (IS) managers about the importance of telecommunications in their positions and the quality of their training in telecommunications. Surprisingly, the marketing managers rated the importance of the 30 telecommunications issues in their positions higher than the IS managers. Yet, the marketing managers expressed more dissatisfaction with their telecommunications training in these issues than the IS manager. The researchers computed training need as the difference between the importance of the issue and the quality of training on that issue. Although the marketing manager had a substantially higher training need than the IS manager, there was remarkable agreement on the issues on which both groups of managers want additional training. They seek training on the managerial issues, such as data integrity, the use of telecommunications for a competitive advantage, strategic planning of telecommunications and data security.
Measuring residential property values in Hong Kong
Authors: Tse Raymond Y.C. , Love Peter E.D.
Published: April 2007

The elements of sales comparison for residential property depend on a package of inherent attributes that are valued by consumers. These attributes can be classified into the following categories: structural, physical, neighbourhood and environmental. A model that incorporates adjustments for floor area, age, views and amenities such as availability of recreational facilities is presented and discussed. A multiple regression analysis with transactions‐based data, using weighted least square to determine the discrete estate‐type induced price effect in the Hong Kong housing market, is also presented. The paper demonstrates how the view of negative housing attributes is capitalised into house prices. Specifically, it is shown that the residential property values are higher for estate‐type housing properties, and lower for dwelling units with a cemetery view.
Librarianship as it is practised: a failure of intellect, imagination and initiative
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To highlight some fundamental weaknesses in the library profession internationally, including an inability to analyse problems, imagine new solutions and press for change. Specific weaknesses highlighted are the approach to resource sharing, the construction of bibliographic records and the identification of items for conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical assessment of the state of librarianship from the angle of an experienced librarian.

Findings

That much more analytical thinking, imagination and initiative are needed.

Research implications

That more data collection and rigorous research need to be done.

Originality/value

This paper was given in 1983; it is useful to consider how much has changed since then in the areas of identified weakness.
A combined finite/discrete element simulation of shot peening processes – Part II: 3D interaction laws
Authors: Han K. , Peric´ D. , Owen D.R.J. , Yu J.
Published: April 2007

Following earlier work on the combined finite/discrete element simulation of shot peening process in 2D case, 3D representation of the problem is established with respect to DE modelling and contact interaction laws. An important relevant computational issue regarding the critical time step is carefully studied, and a new time stepping scheme that can ensure both short and long term stability of the contact models is developed. Numerical tests are performed to evaluate the proposed normal and frictional contact interaction laws with various model parameters. The influences of single and multiple shot impact, as well as element sizes are also numerically investigated. The established contact interaction laws can also be applied to other multi‐body dynamic simulations.
On the convergence of incompressible finite element formulations
Authors: Dvorkin Eduardo N.
Published: April 2007

Engineers have developed robust and efficient incompressible finite element formulations using tools such as the Patch Test and the counting of constraints/variables, the first one aimed at the development of consistent elements and the second one aimed at the development of non‐locking and stable elements. The mentioned tools are rooted in the physics of the continuum mechanics problem. Mathematicians, on the other side, developed complex and powerful tools to examine the convergence of finite element formulations, such as the inf‐sup condition, these methods are based on the properties of the elliptical PDEs that constitute the mathematical model of the continuum mechanics problem. In this paper we intend to understand the inf‐sup condition from an engineering perspective, so as to be able to incorporate it into the package of tools used in the development of finite element formulations.
The important role of meta‐analysis in international research in marketing
Authors: Farley John U. , Lehmann Donald R.
Published: April 2007

Considers the current thrust in marketing to create global products, brands and strategies but also to “act local” when appropriate. Deciding which elements have similar effects and which are significantly different conceptually requires meta‐analysis of each of the elements. Reviews some applications of marketing meta‐analysis with a focus on international research. The potential international impact of meta‐analysis in view of current trends in information technology and the globalization of marketing is promising, especially when the focus is on variables such as culture, geography, and economic condition rather than country per se.
A cross‐cultural comparison of behavioral intention models ‐ Theoretical consideration and an empirical investigation
Authors: Malhotra Naresh K. , McCort J. Daniel
Published: April 2007

Behavioral intention models are assumed to be universally applicable; however, recent criticisms have questioned their application among non‐Western subjects. It is argued that models that posit constructs that represent and measure the cultural nature of evaluative and normative latent constructs will best model intention formation in a culture. Thus, emic measures of etic latent constructs are required. A review of culturally‐influenced differences in reasoning processes between Chinese and Americans provides a theoretical basis to explore these models with samples from two cultures. Models considered Western, Oriental, and universal were compared with Hong Kong and US subjects. As predicted, the most Western model fit the USA data best and the most Oriental model fit the Hong Kong data best. Also as predicted, the measures of evaluation most representative of emic thought processes were most related to intention formation. Results suggest that the BI framework is applicable across cultures, yet must be operationalized with the distinctive thought processes of each culture in mind.
Segmentation of bank customers by expected benefits and attitudes
Authors: Machauer Achim , Morgner Sebastian
Published: April 2007

Segmentation by demographic factors is widely used in bank marketing despite the fact that the correlation of such factors with the needs of customers is often weak. Segmentation by expected benefits and attitudes could enhance a bank’s ability to address the conflict between individual service and cost‐saving standardisation. Using cluster analysis segments were formed based on combinations of customer ratings for different attitudinal dimensions and benefits of bank service. The clusters generated in this way were superior in their homogeneity and profile to customer segments gained by referring to demographic differences. Additionally, four characteristic groups of customers were identified showing special preferences for and against information services and technology.
A computerized approach to calculate the nonconforming rate for product interference problems
Authors: Pan J.N.
Published: April 2007

It is very common that most product assemblies in industry require two mating parts where one must fit into the other. However, we may observe interference if the shaft does not fit within or over the shaft, or we may experience excessive clearance. In calculating the percentage of interference or excessive clearance, most industries usually assume normal distribution for quality characteristics of mating parts and use a distribution of their difference to analyze the interference or clearance. However, it has not been proved that the collected data matches the assumption of normality. Therefore, it is doubtful that the calculated nonconforming rate truly reflects the performance of the assembly process. This research focuses on the clearance and interference analysis for the non‐normal data of product assembly. Comparisons have also been made between actual nonconforming rate and the assumed normal percentage of nonconformance by overlooking their theoretical distributions of two mating parts. Finally, a computer program has been proposed to simplify tedious calculation process for estimating the nonconforming rate under non‐normal distribution.
Negative Log‐Gamma distribution for data uncertainty modelling in reliability analysis of complex systems ‐ Methodology and robustness
Authors: Allella F. , Chiodo E. , Lauria D. , Pagano M.
Published: April 2007

In the paper, the problem of uncertain data in reliability analysis of complex systems is examined. The analysis is addressed to system reliability assessment with imprecise knowledge of component reliabilities, an item becoming more and more important for systems affected by considerable technological change. Starting from component uncertain data, a new method for the whole system reliability uncertainty description, based upon a Bayesian approach and not depending on the reliability model of each component, is proposed. The reliability value of each component is considered as a random variable described by a Negative Log‐Gamma distribution. The proposed methodology makes it possible to compute the features of system reliability uncertainty (i.e. reliability distribution, confidence intervals, etc.) as functions of component uncertain data, thus characterizing the propagation of uncertainty from the components to the system. Numerical applications, related to a test system, are presented to show the validity of the method and its “robustness”, i.e. it is shown that it yields satisfactory results also when component reliabilities are not Negative Log‐Gamma but Beta distributed.
Modified approach for prioritization of failures in a system failure mode and effects analysis
Authors: Ravi Sankar Nune , Prabhu Bantwal S.
Published: April 2007

Describes a new technique for prioritizing failures for corrective actions in failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). This technique extends the risk prioritization beyond the conventional risk priority number (RPN) method. A new scale has been defined. The ranks 1 through 1,000 are used to represent the increasing risk of the 1,000 possible severity‐occurrence‐detection combinations, called risk priority ranks (RPRs). The failures having a higher rank are given higher priority. This approach resolves some of the shortcomings in the traditional RPN technique. Traditionally, FMEA identifies the risk associated with a product failure through assignment of a standard RPN. A fundamental problem with FMEA is that it attempts to quantify risk without adequately quantifying the factors that contribute to risk. In particular cases, RPNs can be misleading. This deficiency can be eliminated by using the new technique. A methodology combining the benefits of matrix FMEA and the new technique as stated above is presented.
Observations ‐ Fit to lead: is fitness the key to effective executive leadership?
Authors: Neck Christopher P. , Mitchell T.L. , Manz Charles C. , Cooper Kenneth H. , Thompson Emmet C.
Published: April 2007

This article describes the importance of fitness (chiefly exercise) for top ranking executive leaders and for their respective organizations. The authors discuss how fitness can contribute to stamina, mental clarity, ability to cope with stress and a variety of other factors that can affect an executive’s ability to lead. The authors support this premise by drawing on key research studies and actual accounts of top executives from a variety of business organizations. The authors feature information obtained from direct interviews with the year 2000 USA presidential candidates, Al Gore and George W. Bush. The authors view them as high profile models of how fitness can be given high priority for maintaining personal effectiveness for even the busiest executive leaders.
Indigenising organisational change: localisation in Tanzania and Malawi
Authors: Afro‐centric Alliance An
Published: April 2007

In a supposedly “globalising” world, we offer a “localisation” counterbalance from Tanzania and Malawi. Our perspective is purposely anchored in the socio‐cultural perceptions of indigenous employees working within organisations in these two African nations. From these Afrocentric perspectives, as reflected in adages and complementary data, need for achievement, need hierarchies, and expatriate acceptability are heavily influenced by local, social norms. The latter may accord priority to social achievement, social identity, and social need. The article ends with a new technique for gauging the influence of these social factors, with applications to improving the degree of fit between organisational change and community context.
Revisiting Career Plateauing
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Finestone Dvorah
Published: April 2007

Career plateauing occurs when employees reach a position in the
organization from which they are unlikely to be promoted further. Many
reasons have been identified as causing plateauing including
inappropriate abilities/skills, stress and burnout, flatter
organizations, slow company growth, and even slower economic growth.
Career plateaux may be organizational or personal. Examines life‐cycle
theories of plateauing and succession and examines four managerial
career states which are based on the two dimensions of succession:
current performance and future potential. The four states include
learners, stars, solid citizens and dead‐wood. Suggests some strategies
for organizations to deal with plateauing at each of the four states.
Explores the relationship between plateauing and performance with the
conclusion that knowing a manager′s likelihood of promotion is useful in
attaining better job performance. Explores the relationship between
plateauing and mobility with results indicating that few differences
exist between plateaued and non‐plateaued managers in terms of
satisfaction and mobility. Age seems to play a role in these factors.
Finally, the relationship between plateauing and strategy indicates that
a relationship exists and there is a need for organizations to devise
strategies to manage key personnel careers at each plateau state.
Suggests 12 recommendations to prevent ineffective plateaued employees.
How product costs are calculated and used in decision making: a pilot study
Authors: Brierley John A. , Cowton Christopher J. , Drury Colin
Published: April 2007

Reports the findings of a pilot survey into how product costs are calculated and how they are used in decision making in manufacturing industry in the UK. The survey examines how many accounting systems firms use, blanket overhead rates in product costing; the bases used to calculate overhead rates; the application of product costs in decision making; and profitability maps. The results show that a variety of methods are used to calculate product costs and that they are used to a significant extent in decision making.
Towards a new health care paradigm
Authors: Newman Karin
Published: April 2007

Drawing on the author’s personal experience within the UK National Health Service, outlines at the macro level what information is needed, and why, in facilities management. Suggests that top‐level data gathering is a priority, describes the processes required, and finally considers the advantages of sharing information with competitors and others.
The character of organizations
Authors: Fernández Jorge E. , Hogan Robert T.
Published: April 2007

Discusses how organizations differ both in size and shape and character. Pinpoints four distinct value clusters, which are, the: achievement type; safekeeping type; collaborative type; and creative type. States core values and purpose define the distinct character of a great organization – which endures beyond the presence of individual leaders.