bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxin Synthesized by the YUCCA Flavin Monooxygenases Is Essential for Embryogenesis and Leaf Formation inArabidopsis
Authors: Cheng Youfa , Dai Xinhua , Zhao Yunde
Published: August 2007

Auxin plays a key role in embryogenesis and seedling development, but the auxin sources for the two processes are not defined. Here, we demonstrate that auxin synthesized by the YUCCA (YUC) flavin monooxygenases is essential for the establishment of the basal body region during embryogenesis and the formation of embryonic and postembryonic organs. Both YUC1 and YUC4 are expressed in discrete groups of cells throughout embryogenesis, and their expression patterns overlap with those of YUC10 and YUC11 during embryogenesis. The quadruple mutants of yuc1 yuc4 yuc10 yuc11 fail to develop a hypocotyl and a root meristem, a phenotype similar to those of mp and tir1 afb1 afb2 afb3 auxin signaling mutants. We further show that YUC genes play an essential role in the formation of rosette leaves by analyzing combinations of yuc mutants and the polar auxin transport mutants pin1 and aux1. Disruption of YUC1, YUC4, or PIN1 alone does not abolish leaf formation, but the triple mutant yuc1 yuc4 pin1 fails to form leaves and flowers. Furthermore, disruption of auxin influx carrier AUX1 in the quadruple mutant yuc1 yuc2 yuc4 yuc6, but not in wild-type background, phenocopies yuc1 yuc4 pin1, demonstrating that auxin influx is required for plant leaf and flower development. Our data demonstrate that auxin synthesized by the YUC flavin monooxygenases is an essential auxin source for Arabidopsis thaliana embryogenesis and postembryonic organ formation.
Trust in senior management in the public sector
Authors: Pate Judy , Beaumont Phillip , Stewart Sandra
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the important issue of trust in senior management in the public sector. More specifically, the research aims to explore to what extent has there been a downward spiral of trust in public sector senior management in the eyes of their employees in recent years, and whether this trend spans the public sector as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies from two public sector organisations, which are of very different character. The question being asking of the data is whether a relatively similar percentage of the workforce lacks trust in senior management and whether this is for essentially the same reasons. An attitude survey of the population of both case study organisations was conducted in conjunction with focus groups.

Findings

The findings in the paper revealed two important matters. First, longitudinal data indicates that relative distrust of senior management is enduring and cannot be explained or rationalised by merely a short‐term breakdown of communication. The second conclusion from the data is that although the two case study organisations had dramatically different structural characteristics, histories and workforce compositions, the degree of lack of trust in senior management was remarkably similar both as regards extent and leading cause of this.

Practical implications

The findings from two very different public sector organisations suggest that there is a persistent lack of trust in senior management. This finding has important implications for managing the workforce as a lack of trust has significant implications for employee attitudes and behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper raises some important concerns with regards to the quality of the employee‐employer relationship in the public sector.
The influence of service climate and job involvement on customer‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior in Greek service organizations: a survey
Authors: Dimitriades Zoe S.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the usefulness and to highlight the nature of inter‐relationship(s) between service climate and job involvement in impacting customer‐focused organizational citizenship behaviors of frontline employees in a diverse cultural context, at the crossroads of East and West.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on organizational citizenship behavior literature, the present study in the paper involved customer‐contact personnel employed in five service industries in a Greek mid‐sized town. Questionnaires were administered in person by the researcher during regularly scheduled meetings on company premises. A total of 269 individuals were invited to participate in the study. Participation was voluntary. The response rate was 74 percent. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability‐, correlation‐ path‐ and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to test research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings in this paper indicate that the concept of customer‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior (CO‐OCB) is a useful construct in the Greek context. Both direct and indirect influences and interactive effects were identified. Indeed, results indicate that the relationship between job involvement and service climate in impacting CO‐OCBs is complex (moderated mediation or mediated moderation?), warranting further investigation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in the paper are limited by the sampling method and the specificity of the geographic context. It would be of interest to enhance the theoretical model by incorporating more individual, task, organizational and contextual variables.

Practical implications

The study in this paper demonstrates the important effects of service climate and job involvement on frontline employees' customer‐oriented organizational citizenship behaviors in Greek service organizations. Service managers should benefit from noting the links and the likely favorable outcomes for customers, employees and their organizations.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical evidence of the applicability of the CO‐OCB construct in Greek service contexts and illuminates the complex nature of inter‐relationships between organizational climate for service and job involvement in predicting customer‐oriented organizational citizenship behaviors, expanding the OCB literature.
Building high performance employment relationships in small firms
Authors: Atkinson Carol
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present research into the employment relationship in small firms and to examine its link to high performance. A psychological contract framework is adopted, it being argued that this supports a more nuanced analysis than existing perspectives on the small firm employment relationship which are limited and do not give sufficient insight into performance issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a case study approach, carrying out 41 interviews involving both owner managers and employees in three firms. A critical incident technique (CIT) is adopted in the interviews.

Findings

The paper finds that high performance derives from a relational psychological contract and that transactional contracts impact negatively on performance. It is also demonstrated that, contrary to what is implied in much of the existing small firm literature, small firms are capable of building relational contracts.

Research limitations

The research in this paper is drawn from a small‐scale study and is not generalisable. It does, however, provide a basis for a more detailed study of the small firm employment relationship.

Practical implications

The research in the paper demonstrates the value of building a relational psychological contract in order to drive high performance. It also gives insight into how this can be done in the small firm context and the importance of the owner manager approach to this.

Originality/value

The paper presents more nuanced ways of exploring the small firm employment relationship than already exist and also considers the issue of performance, which is under‐researched in this context.
Robot kinematics and the Gantry‐Tau parallel machine
Authors: Hunt James A.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the topic of robot kinematics and provide a modern machine.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines, in brief, kinematics and robot kinematics, classes, constraints and chains to provide an introduction. An example shows how robot kinematics can benefit the design of advanced machines for industry.

Findings

Robot kinematics, in conjunction with mathematics and other disciplines, lead to a greater understanding of robotics design and control.

Originality/value

This paper discusses robot kinematics in brief as a robot design topic in its own right, as well as presenting the Gantry‐Tau robot as a new and interesting kinematic development. As such, the article should be of general interest to robotics engineers and designers.
The DLR lightweight robot: design and control concepts for robots in human environments
Authors: Albu‐Schäffer A. , Haddadin S. , Ott Ch. , Stemmer A. , Wimböck T. , Hirzinger G.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to present a new generation of torque‐controlled light‐weight robots (LWR) developed at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated mechatronic design approach for LWR is presented. Owing to the partially unknown properties of the environment, robustness of planning and control with respect to environmental variations is crucial. Robustness is achieved in this context through sensor redundancy and passivity‐based control. In the DLR root concept, joint torque sensing plays a central role.

Findings

In order to act in unstructured environments and interact with humans, the robots have design features and control/software functionalities which distinguish them from classical robots, such as: load‐to‐weight ratio of 1:1, torque sensing in the joints, active vibration damping, sensitive collision detection, compliant control on joint and Cartesian level.

Practical implications

The DLR robots are excellent research platforms for experimentation of advanced robotics algorithms. Space and medical robotics are further areas for which these robots were designed and hopefully will be applied within the next years. Potential industrial application fields are the fast automatic assembly as well as manufacturing activities done in cooperation with humans (industrial robot assistant). The described functionalities are of course highly relevant also for the potentially huge market of service robotics. The LWR technology was transferred to KUKA Roboter GmbH, which will bring the first arms on the market in the near future.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new type of LWR with torque sensing in each joint and describes a consistent approach for using these sensors for manipulation in human environments. To the best of one's knowledge, the first systematic experimental evaluation of possible injuries during robot‐human crashes using standardized testing facilities is presented.
Too much teamwork makes companies slow and expensive to run
Authors: Hall Kevan
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper examines the role of teamwork in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint paper.

Findings

Provides three simple steps you can take to simplify and speed up the way that people cooperate in your organization.

Originality/value

The paper will be of interest to those involved with team‐working within companies.
Perceptions of leader transformational ability
Authors: Munir Sidani Yusuf
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of speech on transformational leadership attributions and the role of follower self‐esteem in fostering the relationship between followers and their leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research was used testing specific relationships. A 2‐by‐2 experimental design was conducted including treatments of leader speech and attributes with follower self‐esteem acting as a covariate.

Findings

Significant relationships between most attributions of transformational leadership and follower self‐esteem were found. Inspirational leader speeches were found to lead to higher levels of attributed transformational abilities.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that there are contextual differences between different types of transformational relationships. Researchers are invited to distinguish between different types of charisma (social charisma vs business charisma).

Practical implications

Although the use of appropriate speech is an influential asset for the transformational leader, effective leadership does not solely depend on it. Organizations may benefit from inculcating communication training programs into their training agenda towards elevating their trainees to a higher level of leadership capability.

Originality/value

Leadership research has been heavily dominated by an overriding focus on leader attributes. This study concentrates on a specific leader impression management behavior (speech) and inculcates a follower variable (self‐esteem) into the equation towards a better understanding of the leadership phenomenon.
Father leadership and small business management: the Kazakhstan perspective
Authors: Kim Cheng Low Patrick
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the theory, use, practice, and benefits of the father leadership in small businesses in Kazakhstan.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid or combination of both the focus group and interviewing data collection methods.

Findings

Father leadership strengthens communications within the small businesses, and the business owners' relationshsips with their employees. It motivates them to be highly productive too.

Research limitations/implications

The focus groups were held in Almaty and it appears as if the sessions were limited to that city. Almaty however is large and cosmopolitan hence the focus groups' findings can be considered as representative of Kazakhstani society.

Practical implications

Business is always looking for an edge over the competition. The study highlights that the edge in small business management comes not only from investments in technology or time planning but rather from “the soft skills” aspects, that is, father leadership. The relevance and usefulness of the father leadership's 5Cs approach is assessed, and the use and perceived value of that “all‐in‐the‐family” touch to ensure business success were also highlighted.

Originality/value

The article provides a continuing perspective on the father leadership in small businesses in Kazakhstan.
Predicting charlatan behaviour in a non‐Western setting: lack of trust or absence of commitment?
Authors: Gbadamosi Gbolahan , Ndaba Josephine , Oni Francis
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify predictors of charlatan behaviour and investigate relationships among the construct and other variables like: trust in management, organisational commitment, turnover intention, supervisory support, job performance and some job characteristics in Botswana and Swaziland.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using self‐administered questionnaires in this survey. Usable questionnaires were received from a total of 484 respondents. Respondents were from public and private sector. Five hypotheses were tested.

Findings

Result shows a strong and significant inverse relationship between charlatan behaviour and trust on the one hand and a direct significant relationship with continuance commitment on the other. Supervisory support, employee participation and goal clarity were also significantly albeit inversely correlated with charlatan behaviour but not so with all other study variables. The significant predictors of charlatan behaviour were trust in management and continuance commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The predictor variables for charlatan behaviour in this study were few and the sample is heavily skewed towards the public sector. Future studies would benefit from looking at how co‐worker trust and ethical behaviour scales would relate to charlatan behaviour, as well as cross‐cultural and multi‐cultural comparison.

Practical implications

Deliberate management policies that build trust, identify and tackle charlatan behaviour during selection and performance evaluation while sustaining employee commitment is vital. So is dealing with the potential problems posed by charlatans especially the possibility of upsetting and demotivating other sincere and committed employees.

Originality/value

The paper re‐awakens a new task for HR practitioners and researchers: that of identifying organisational charlatans. Also striving to create sustained commitment while building trust and segregating (or incorporating where possible) charlatans.
Assessment and enforcement of liquidated damages in construction contracts in Ghana
Authors: Tuuli M.M. , Baiden B.K. , Badu E.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The enforcement of liquidated and ascertained damages (LADs) can be problematic when the amounts are poorly assessed and there are lapses in the administration of contracts. This paper seeks to investigate the relevance of LAD clauses in construction contracts in Ghana, as well as the methods employed in their assessment and enforcement.

Design/methodology/approach

A parallel survey method was adopted. Three sets of similar questionnaires (slightly modified) were administered to professionals in client, consultant and contractor organisations in contract administration roles, to explore their experiences in the assessment and enforcement of LADs.

Findings

LADs are not serving their purpose in construction contracts in Ghana. Clients have created situations that render LADs unenforceable. LAD amounts are also not genuine pre‐estimates of expected loss to be incurred, as assumptions and guesses rather than genuine calculations on a case‐by‐case basis are adopted in their assessment.

Originality/value

This research indicates that the enforcement of LADs can be enhanced if clients become more diligent in their contractual, mostly financial, obligations. Since a purposive sampling procedure was adopted, the findings and conclusions of this research are only tentative, but nevertheless raise serious issues regarding contract administration practices in Ghana.
An investigation of evaluative and facilitative approaches to construction mediation
Authors: Brooker Penny
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the debate on mediator style and provide empirical evidence on mediator orientation, which has implications for party choice and the development of professional standards for construction mediators in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the theoretical arguments and distinctions in mediator style and assesses the available evidence relating to the utilisation of evaluative or facilitative mediator approaches in the UK and US construction industry. The paper reports on data from qualitative interviews with construction lawyers experienced in using mediation in the UK to assess the level of evaluative conduct experienced.

Findings

The findings suggest that interviewees had experienced a mix of evaluative and facilitative interventions by mediators. The data support the contention that construction mediation in the UK mirrors the experience of the USA and is becoming “lawyer‐driven” and adversarial, with mediators utilising evaluative techniques which some members of the legal profession prefer.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative data are based on a small sample of mediation users in the UK construction industry. However, interviewees were selected from respondents to a randomly conducted large‐scale postal survey of commercial and construction lawyers. All interviewees were repeat users of the process and all but one had received training in mediation or are practising lawyer‐mediators.

Practical implications

The data provide evidence of different mediator techniques currently utilised in the UK construction industry and the practices of lawyers in the mediation process. The findings have implications for party choice and should inform the development of professional standards in construction mediation practice.

Originality/value

The paper provides original data on the practices of mediators and lawyers in construction mediation.
Evolving heritage control and practice: the case of Anglican churches in English parishes
Authors: Mansfield John
Published: August 2007

Purpose

As part of its broader re‐evaluation of heritage policy, the UK Government has reviewed the Ecclesiastical Exemption, a long‐standing system that removes certain ecclesiastical buildings from secular heritage controls. This paper aims to critically review The Future of the Ecclesiastical Exemption and subsequent The Ecclesiastical Exemption: The Way Forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a detailed overview of the Ecclesiastical Exemption and the Faculty Jurisdiction literature followed by a critical review of recent government proposals.

Findings

The post‐consultation evaluation of responses forced a review of the High Level Management Agreement and the introduction of voluntary Heritage Partnership Agreements. But further reviews of the Ecclesiastical Exemption are likely to be implemented in the future.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the broader appreciation of the “shadow” planning system that the Church of England enjoys.
Juritecture of the built environment: a different view on legal design for multiple use of land
Authors: Groetelaers Daniëlle A. , Ploeger Hendrik D.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a new view on the role of the lawyer in the process of development and maintenance of the built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

For this paper the research consists of listing and analysing legal questions raised by multiple use of land. A multidisciplinary approach is used from a legal point of view and from a planning development point of view.

Findings

It is argued that law is not only a way of setting boundaries, but also should be stimulating to the development and maintenance of the built environment. This is what we call “juritecture”. The juritect is a designing lawyer; the legal construction is his responsibility. The juritect should have a role in the design process as early as possible, and he should work together with planners and architects. On the one hand, the work of the juritect seems to be that of a legal craftsman. His toolbox consists of instruments of both property law and contract law. On the other hand, the juritect is a legal scholar. By study and discussion of cases and existing law, he opens the doors to further legal development.

Research limitations/implications

This is a first exploratory article on the subject of juritecture. Although it is concluded that this concept will be valid for all legal systems, the article is confined to the continental European Civil legal system and, more specifically, to Dutch law.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the new concept of “juritecture”, which challenges existing views on the role of the lawyer in the built environment.
Defects in common property of strata developments in Singapore
Authors: Christudason Alice
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to consider the basis on which a management corporation can represent original and subsequent purchasers of units in strata developments in a representative action against developers; the significance of unit owners' share values when courts award compensation; vicarious liability; and developers' use of the “independent contractor” defence in relation to its liability for defects in common property.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses cases from several common law jurisdictions, with a focus on Singapore Court of Appeal decisions.

Findings

The paper highlights the problems posed as a result of the doctrine of privity in relation to management corporations' claims against developers for defects in common property; the implications of unit holders' share values; and the circumstances in which developers can avail themselves of the independent contractor defence.

Practical implications

The paper will be instructive to developers, contractors, management corporations and both original and subsequent purchasers of units in strata developments.

Originality/value

The paper brings to focus the importance of due consideration by the management corporation before it commences a representative action on behalf of the subsidiary proprietors; and also highlights procedures and/or legislation that need to be implemented, failing which there may be financial implications that can render a “successful” litigation against the developer a pyrrhic victory.
Problems in enforcing Dutch building regulations
Authors: van der Heijden Jeroen , Visscher Henk , Meijer Frits
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to define the nature of the policy problems in Dutch building control.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Dunn's four‐phase methodology for public policy analysis, consisting of problem sensing, problem search, problem definition, and problem specification. Both a literature review and a field study into the operation of local building control authorities were undertaken. The field study incorporates characteristics of a survey, with methodology developed by Fowler.

Findings

Dutch building control legislation has been subject to many changes over the 100 years or so that it has been in force as it has responded to society's changing priorities. Throughout this period building regulation has become more detailed and more uniform across the country. Nevertheless, almost no legal changes have been made to the enforcement system. Responsibility for building control still lies with the municipalities and implementation is still not established by national legislation or policy document. Ongoing attempts to deregulate and standardise the legislative framework should therefore not stop at changing the regulations. Changes in the supervision system might offer an alternative route to improving the quality of the (technical) building control and clarifying the tasks and responsibilities of building control staff.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis focuses on problems in building control and does not consider design and construction problems.

Practical implications

The field study contains important lessons for building control practitioners and policymakers regarding current deficiencies in the implementation of building control legislation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a model for the analysis, and comparative study, of building control systems in other jurisdictions.
Appropriate real estate laws and policies for sustainable development in Nigeria
Authors: Adejoke Oladapo Rashidat , Olukayode Olotuah Abiodun
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the historical development, current status, and operation of real estate law and policy in Nigeria in the context of global requirements for sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature and legislative review. It examines the existing real estate law and policy (Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978) in Nigeria. The relevance of sustainable development to real estate laws and policy is highlighted. A brief comparative study of land issues in Nigeria and some developing nations is also included.

Findings

The existing real estate law and policy in Nigeria is inadequate to meet the aspirations for sustainable development.

Practical implications

The paper makes recommendations geared towards appropriate real estate laws and policies for sustainable development in Nigeria.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the critique on the existing real estate laws and policies in Nigeria. Based on tenets of sustainable development, it offers useful guidance on future formulation of real estate law and policy, in particular community participation, setting of different time periods, and the targets that each period must realize.
“History is bunk”: considerations on the future of FM
Authors: Grimshaw Bob
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The last 25 years have seen facilities management established as an internationally recognised and valued function. However, the organisational changes that created the original demand for FM services are accelerating and will ensure that it will need to constantly adapt itself to new demands if it is to thrive. This article seeks to examine the nature of these forces and their likely impact on FM futures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a number of studies on flexible working carried out at UWE under the auspices of the “facilities innovation programme” with Johnson Controls.

Findings

The paper predicts a shift away from physical facilities as the focus for FM to a much more people‐centred logistics approach to supporting work across organisational networks.

Practical implications

The paper provides much food for thought for practising FMs about the shape of their future and the forces that will drive it.

Originality/value

By scanning across the whole landscape of FM the paper emphasises the complexity and fluidity of FM futures.
Seeking sustainable solutions for office buildings
Authors: Häkkinen Tarja , Nuutinen Maaria
Published: August 2007

Purpose

VTT DIGITALO is an office building built for use by the VTT Technical research centre of Finland. The building project aimed at producing an office building and a modern workspace that supports an interactive way of working, emphasises the image of the user as a provider of high‐end technology solutions, and is in accordance with the principles of sustainable construction. The paper sets out to assess the project from the viewpoints of user‐requirements management and sustainable construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes the following aspects: life‐cycle impacts, building performance and user satisfaction. The paper introduces the project targets, summarises the results, discusses the lessons learned, and makes recommendations for further research.

Findings

DIGITALO succeeded in achieving the targets stated for energy‐efficiency, adaptability, indoor conditions and service life, but there are problems with reference to pursued interactive and innovative workspaces. The results of the study emphasise the importance to develop requirement management methods that support the identification and understanding of user needs. The users' own understanding about the nature of work rather than directly expressed needs for workspaces should be considered as the starting‐point.

Originality/value

The DIGITALO project was considered as a milestone in a long‐term process that aims at the development of high‐quality facility and space services that are in accordance with the user needs, and based on understanding the strategic goals of the user. The DIGITALO case did not manage to achieve all the stated requirements, and the paper discusses the problematics of requirement management especially from the viewpoint of methods and tools needed.
Office productivity: a shift from cost reduction to human contribution
Authors: Haynes Barry P.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate approaches to office productivity improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents two contrasting approaches to office productivity improvements. The review aims to establish that cost is not the only consideration when considering office productivity. The human dimension is included in the debate along with creating a business case and the occupier perspective. Past and current thinking are explored.

Findings

The review of the literature reveals that relatively small increases in employee productivity can greatly outweigh significant reductions in real estate costs. This “leveraging” approach highlights the need for greater emphasis on the occupier perspective if significant office productivity improvements are to be made.

Originality/value

Whilst it is appropriate to ensure that real estate costs are monitored and controlled, this should not be undertaken if it restricts employees' ability to perform their job as productively as possible.
The future @ work: delivering effective corporate real estate
Authors: Warren Clive M.J. , Simmons Julia , Trumble Nick
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a benchmark measure of attitudes to property held by major corporations within Australia. The paper aims to show how workplace use is predicted to change in the near future and the implications of that change for managers of those assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The research in this paper is based on a survey of senior corporate property managers throughout Australia. Using Likert scale responses participants' attitudes to emerging asset management issues were examined.

Findings

The research reveals that there exists a divergence between corporate property managers' perceptions of the role of property to the organisation and the perceived role by business managers. The research also reveals that workplace use is expected to change in the near future with greater need for flexibility in design, contracts and employee behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The survey response was limited to a small number of senior property executives. Future iterations of the research can seek to establish a broader response from industry. The research establishes a baseline from which future changes in the management of corporate property can be measured.

Practical implications

The paper is important in that it highlights the divide between efficient and effective asset management and the perceptions of asset and business managers. It also indicates the growing need for flexible workplace design supported by flexible property contracts.

Originality/value

The paper provides a basis for evaluating the use of property assets by large corporations within Australia. It will be of practical use to all practitioners and service providers involved in the delivery, design and management of property assets for large corporations.
A novel nodal ordering algorithm for profile optimization by efficient solution of a differential equation
Authors: Kaveh A. , Zahedi M. , Laknegadi K.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Nodal ordering for the formation of well‐structures stiffness matrices are often performed using graph theory and algebraic graph theory. The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for nodal ordering for profile optimization of finite element models.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present method, a combination of graph theory and differential equations is employed. The proposed method transforms the eigenvalue problem involved in optimal ordering of algebraic graph method into a specific initial value problem of an ordinary differential equation.

Findings

The transformation of this paper enables many advanced numerical methods for ordinary differential equations to be used in the computation of the eigenproblems.

Originality/value

Combining two different tools, namely graph theory and differential equations, results in a more efficient and accurate method for nodal ordering problem, which is a combinatorial optimization problem. Examples are included to illustrate the efficiency of the present method.
Flow characteristics in a three‐dimensional cylindrical branching channel
Authors: Yamaguchi H. , Zhang X.R. , Ito A. , Kuribayashi M. , Nishiyama H.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study numerically and experimentally incompressible Newtonian flow in a three‐dimensional cylindrical branching channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow configuration studied in the present investigation is such that a fully developed laminar flow enters an abruptly expanded cylinder and the flow leaves this cylinder by two identical cylindrical outlet branch pipes. A numerical analysis was performed by developing a three‐dimensional numerical code using the highly simplified marker and cell method. Representative velocities in the flow field are recorded by Laser Doppler Velocimeter measurements and volume flow rate from each outlet branch pipe is measured. Flow visualization in representative symmetrical planes is also carried out. Comparisons of numerical predictions and experimental data are presented and the reasonable agreement between the numerical and experimental results is encouraging.

Findings

The flow field in the three‐dimensional cylindrical branching channel is clarified within the range of laminar flow. The characteristics of the branch flow rate are obtained and show that there exist two distinct domains of strong asymmetric flow distribution from the outlet branch pipes, depending on the Reynolds numbers. It is further observed that the flow became time periodic as the Reynolds number is increased. It becomes apparent that the swirl flow component plays a key role in the flow phenomena.

Originality/value

The present investigation sheds light on the three‐dimensionality in the prevailing flow field for various inlet Reynolds numbers in the laminar flow range. Flow rate deflection characteristics in a three‐dimensional cylindrical branching channel are also obtained.
Who is offering a helping hand?
Authors: Hetty van Emmerik IJ. , Euwema Martin C.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships between personality and three types of OCBs (Organizational Citizenship Behaviors), and to test for the potential moderating effects of team leader effectiveness on the relationship between personality and OCBs.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested with data from 268 teachers of secondary schools and were analyzed using Zellner's seemingly unrelated regression.

Findings

The results indicate that extroverts and teachers open for experience engaged more in OCBs towards their school than introverts and teachers less open for experience do. Teachers that are more conscientious score higher on OCBs towards students. That fits with the idea that being conscientious is being careful and responsible. Teachers with introvert and neurotic personalities become more engaged in OCBs than extrovert and emotionally stable teachers do when they appreciate their team leader effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study provided only partial support for the expected relationships between personality and OCBs, the results are notable for personnel selection. Further, several instances of the moderating role of team leader effectiveness were found. This indicates that leaders can encourage the engagement in OCBs, even in the case of thwarting personality characteristics.

Originality/value

The results of this study show some interesting similarities and differences concerning the different OCBs. For instance, openness to experience was related to OCBs towards the school and to OCBs towards team members, and the moderating role of team leader effectiveness acted in the same way for openness to experience and OCBs towards the school and towards team members.
Self‐leadership: a cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Georgianna Sibylle
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to address the question: what is the relationship of culture to self‐leadership?

Design/methodology/approach

In an exploratory study, 74 US and 44 Chinese undergraduates rated their cultural beliefs and self‐leadership strategies. After four‐weeks in which a self‐leadership intervention was utilized, respondents contrasted positive aspects of their professional objectives with obstacles that impeded the realization of their goals.

Findings

The intervention did not influence participants' self‐leadership strategies, as measured two weeks after the intervention (p > 0.11). Repeated MANOVA measures revealed that the US group expressed higher levels of self‐leadership than the Chinese group during the three phases of the study (p < 0.001). Surprisingly, Chinese students held higher individualistic characteristics than the US group (p=0.009).

Research limitations/implications

This research provides some insight into the similarities and differences between people from different cultures as to their use of self‐leadership strategies. Further research using more robust validation methodology is warranted to confirm the measurements of the study at issue here.

Practical implications

Managers will benefit from becoming aware that individuals' cultural characteristics influence their use and development of self‐leadership strategies.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the body of research on self‐leadership. The study provides what may be the first glimpse of the volitional and self‐awareness components of self‐leadership strategies within the native Chinese population, and provides a backdrop with a US population for contrast.
Managerial psychology: state‐of‐the‐art
Authors: Furnham Adrian
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the current status of work psychology mainly by a content analysis of all the issues in Volume 21 of this journal in 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The aims are achieved by conducting a content analysis of one volume to try to discover themes and issues using also a Q sort methodology to identify a parsimonious number of tensions within the area.

Findings

The analysis identified seven “tensions” in the area: the individual vs the group; work‐specific vs out‐of‐work behaviour; science vs practitioner values; bright vs dark side interests; qualitative vs quantitative measurement; fairness vs efficiency; and universality vs culture specific focus.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis was limited to one journal. It would have been preferential to try a longitudinal study tracing the themes over a number of years to spot trends. Also generalisability would be improved by doing a content analysis of all the major journals (around six) in the area of applied, I/O, managerial, organizational and work psychology.

Practical implications

It is not unhealthy to have disagreements, tensions and different foci in this area as it can encourage development and growth. It can be dysfunctional, however, if tensions informed by ideology lead to the traditional disinterested model of science being compromised.

Originality/value

The value is achieved by the identification of the seven tensions which help inform readers of the particular perspective of researchers.
How to make chip integration technology suitable for high volume production
Authors: Gottwald Thomas , Ockenfuß Ulrich
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of existing component embedding methods and to show the differences of the new embedding method called SEAG iBoard.

Design/methodology/approach

In most existing embedding technologies bare dies are embedded and contacted to the PCB by through hole plating technologies of the PCB industry. The new method uses a preassembled interposer for embedding which leads to rewiring of the chip contacts to larger pads on the interposer. In a next step passive components will be added to the active die on the same interposer.

Findings

The use of an interposer for embedding leads to a better compatibility of chip processes and PCB processing. Unlike other approaches, the PCB processes can be kept more or less the same as for standard production. Therefore, this new method is suitable for volume applications. The method also shows competitive advantages. Up to now the reliability tests showed a very high reliability of interconnects between the Si‐chip and PCB. Up to 5,000 TCT between −40° and 140°C could be demonstrated. These tests have been performed with daisy chain test chips.

Research limitations/implications

The qualification results have to be confirmed with functional chips. The principle of this technology is to receive larger interconnection pads by the use of an interposer. Therefore, this technology might have limitations, where lengths of signal paths play the dominant role.

Originality/value

The paper shows how problems in the existing embedding technologies can be overcome. It shows that the preconditions for high reliability at reasonable cost are given.
Modeling of multi‐layer circuit boards by using a model of bi‐phase and elasto‐plastic plies
Authors: Low K.H. , Wang Yuqi
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to present a modeling method for multi‐layer, multi‐material printed circuit boards (PCBs) in both micro‐structure and board levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The method incorporates a multilayer finite element model that is established in two parts: the first part is an elasto‐plastic damaging model, which is presented to model metallic plies in the multi‐layer PCBs, while the second is a bi‐phase model for glass‐fiber/epoxy‐resin composite ply with fiber/matrix structure.

Findings

Numerous composite parts and complex material properties of multi‐layer PCBs complicate the reliability of the simulation. Therefore, the board level simulation and the micro‐structure modeling cannot be performed at the same time. A multi‐layer FEM code can solve this problem: with the use of bi‐phase and elasto‐plastic plies in this code, the micro‐structure and board‐level modeling for multi‐layer PCBs can be incorporated.

Research limitations/implications

With the implementation of a virtual boundary method, the current multi‐layer model can be combined with the unit‐cell modeling method to perform detailed analysis at the micro‐structure level.

Originality/value

This paper presents a method for multi‐layer PCB modeling at both the micro‐structure and board levels. It provides a way to individually design the fabric types and the properties of glass fibers, epoxy resin, and copper foil in PCBs, to meet specific reliability requirements. With the proposed modeling, the static and shock responses of optimized PCBs can be analyzed with less computation.
The evaluation of sonochemical techniques for sustainable surface modification in electronic manufacturing
Authors: Cobley Andy , Mason Tim
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to give an introduction to sonochemistry and the effects brought about by the application of ultrasound that might be useful in surface modification; and to show the feasibility of sonochemical surface modification in water on a range of materials employed in electronic manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Ultrasound was applied through DI water for the surface modification of four materials: a ceramic, a polyphenylene ester (polystyrene polymer (Noryl HM4025)), an acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC‐Cycolac S705), and an FR4 laminate (Isola Duraver 104). The efficacy of the treatment was determined by weight loss, scanning electronic microscopy, contact angle and roughness.

Findings

Ceramic and Noryl materials can be surface modified sonochemically in DI water. Weight loss results suggested that, this was also the case for the Duraver laminate but the ABS/PC substrate was least affected by treatment in an ultrasonic field under these benign processing conditions.

Originality/value

Traditional “wet” surface modification techniques often use hazardous chemistry, high‐process temperatures, copious rinsing and long dwell times. This research programme addresses these issues by evaluating sonochemical surface modification techniques with the objective of producing a one‐step process using benign chemistry at lower temperature with less rinsing.