bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adopter categories in the acceptance process for consumer durables
Authors: Martínez Eva , Polo Yolanda
Published: July 2002

Seeks to determine the adopter categories for a new product using an innovation diffusion model which assumes that the potential adopters of an innovation are influenced by two means of communication, namely the mass media (external influence) and word of mouth (internal influence). The literature contains many examples of studies devoted to the analysis of the diffusion of innovations, where an attempt is made to explain the characteristics of the different adopters according to the moment in time at which they acquire the innovation, the type of product (consumer durables, habitual) and the number of categories. The majority of these studies try to explain the behavior of the innovator as compared to that of the imitator, and very few of them differentiate between two or more adopter categories. Concentrates on a study of the diffusion of the glass‐ceramic hob unit and attempts to explain the differences which exist between different categories of adopters.
Gender positioning of discount stores: key considerations in appealing to the baby busters generation
Authors: Williams Robert J. , Absher Keith , Hoffman James J.
Published: July 2002

Examines differences in discount store selection factors among both male and female members of the “baby busters” generation. Results indicate that significant differences in discount store selection factors do exist between male and female members of the baby busters generation. These findings suggest that the current practice of dual‐gender positioning by discount stores may be less effective than the more traditional female‐oriented approach.
Positioning brand extensions: implications for beliefs and attitudes
Authors: Sheinin Daniel A.
Published: July 2002

Understanding how consumers form beliefs and attitudes about brand extensions is important. However, this process may be complex in brand extensions because beliefs can stem from both the parent brand and the extension’s category. In two studies, we examine how positioning may impact brand extension beliefs and attitudes by altering its fit with the parent brand and category. We find position fit alters brand extension beliefs and attitudes, but its effects are moderated by the perceived fit between the extending brand and category. We discuss the results, theoretical and managerial implications, and avenues for future
Separating the brand asset from the goodwill asset
Authors: Tollington Tony
Published: July 2002

Purchased goodwill conforms to the current accounting definitions of an asset. However, as the descriptive framework contained within this paper will show, purchased goodwill is not an asset and, therefore, should not be shown on the balance sheet. This would not necessarily matter, from a marketing viewpoint, was it not for the linkage of brand asset recognition to purchased goodwill asset recognition. Currently, the recognition of a purchased goodwill asset tends to be a prerequisite for the recognition of a brand asset extracted from it. If it can be shown that purchased goodwill is not an asset, then the prerequisite disappears. The widespread recognition of brand assets is then unfettered by its association with purchased goodwill. Weakening the basis for the recognition of a purchased goodwill asset is an important first step in encouraging the accounting profession to devise new ways of dealing with the different kinds of intangible assets that are becoming paramount in the governance of companies.
Factors influencing the price premiums that consumers pay for national brands over store brands
Authors: Sethuraman Raj , Cole Catherine
Published: July 2002

Identifies some managerially relevant factors that influence the size of the price premium that consumers will pay for national brands over store brands in grocery products. We define price premium as the maximum price consumers will pay for a national brand over a store brand, expressed as the proportionate price differential between a national brand and a store brand. Overall, perceived quality differential accounts for about 12 percent of the variation in price premiums across consumers and product categories and is the most important variable influencing price premiums.
E‐learning initiative at the University of Botswana: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: July 2002

The University of Botswana has a student population of over 12,000. However, when neighboring South Africa attained majority independence in 1994, the University began to see a great proportion of its international market dwindle. Similarly, an increasing number of universities are offering distance education through the Internet, but the University of Botswana does not yet offer Internet‐based learning. South Africa has a well‐developed higher education infrastructure while the University of Botswana does not have enough locations to cope with demands for admission from students completing high school. There are also people who are employed and wish to pursue further education at the University of Botswana, but employers are generally reluctant to release them while they are still in full time employment. Such people need a flexible model of learning. There are yet other people with family commitments that wish to study from home, but are not catered for. The University of Botswana is responding to these challenges in a number of ways. Notable among them is the integration of information and communication technology into the entire education process. The University sees the use of information communications technology as an important tool in bringing about education reforms. Investigates the efforts that are being made by the university to implement the e‐learning strategy and assesses the challenges and opportunities that await the university in this endeavor.
Qualified Dublin Core metadata for online journal articles
Authors: Cole Timothy W.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes an implementation utilizing preliminary Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) guidelines for expressing Qualified Dublin Core (DCQ) metadata in RDF/XML. Primary source objects used in this research were online versions of articles published in more than 50 academic journals in physics and engineering. Articles were encoded in well‐formed XML. While able to follow DCMI guidelines generally, it was necessary to augment DCQ semantics with local extensions in order to retain desired richness of semantics and structure. Also described is related work, including development of XML schema documents necessary to validate metadata and creation of a transforming XSL stylesheet to “dumb‐down” metadata to simple Dublin Core. As a case study, this research illustrates issues encountered when expressing real‐world DCQ metadata in RDF/XML. Significant initial investment of effort was required to develop RDF facilities and expertise. Pending more applications that exploit RDF, this investment may not be warranted in all domains.
A model of price search behavior in electronic marketplace
Authors: Jiang Pingjun
Published: July 2002

An increasing interest in consumer behavior online is the investigation of their price search activities. Most empirical evidence from Internet shopping literature suggests through reducing search cost, that the Internet will increase consumer price search and intensify price competition. This paper develops a conceptual model and a set of propositions to explain the main factors influencing online price search. Specifically, this model integrates the psychological search literature under the context of online environment by incorporating ability and cost to search for information into “perceived search efficiency”, and the factors that center on the perceived benefits and motivation of price search are investigated as well.
Prospective education for an innovation economy
Authors: Harkins Arthur , Tomsyck John , Kubik George
Published: July 2002

This paper projects a positive future for America and the globe within an emerging “innovation economy”. The innovation economy is supported by knowledge workers and by emerging innovation workers. The authors offer examples in support of an innovation economy, stressing the development and application of strategic capital in selected areas: education; culture; the individual; society; and technology. The authors suggest that education services take the lead through a new “prospective” service mission. Prospective education would undertake continuous strategic projections and mine the most promising of these. Both services would help support the innovation economy and its innovative individuals and organizations.
Pattern thinking:
Authors: Slywotzky Adrian J. , Morrison David J.
Published: July 2002

This article describes the application of pattern thinking to strategy. Patterns provide a powerful discipline to see order beneath the surface chaos. Pattern thinking can help entrepreneurs, managers, investors, and key talent to anticipate the likely direction of changes even before they happen. It reveals the economic meaning of these changes and provides the tools to capitalize on them. The authors report on groundbreaking research into over 200 companies in 40 industries, and they cite several examples of companies which have profited from analyzing their opportunities according to the profit pattern matrix.
Shareholder value debunked
Authors: Goldenberg David I.
Published: July 2002

Shareholder‐value proponents claim a new, economically sound way to maximize profits, create wealth, measure performance, and reward executives. That invalid claim is dangerous. Stocks of shareholder‐value firms appreciated barely 15 percent as much as another, time‐tested strategic‐management system. Shareholder‐value strategies are easily countered. Shareholder value mis‐allocates resources, revives old fallacies, and debases the reputation of economics as a useful business discipline.
Interpretive consumer research: two more contributions to theory and practice
Authors: Shankar Avi , Goulding Christina
Published: July 2002

Presents two relatively new (to marketing) qualitative research techniques, “narrative theory” and “dimensional analysis”, and highlights the contribution they may have for consumer research. Narrative analysis focuses on features, plots and configurations, whereas dimensional analysis uses as its foundation context, conditions and consequences which affect the outcome of the story. Addresses the divide between academic investigation and practitioner research and suggests that practitioners may benefit from developing theoretical frameworks to underpin data collection.
Brand associations: looking through the eye of the beholder
Authors: Grace Debra , O’Cass Aron
Published: July 2002

As the importance of brands is realised, so too is the importance of research in this area. However, to date, a number of branding models have been developed that lack empirical testing, are derived from the perspective of brand practitioners, and pay little attention to the branding of services. This study seeks consumer‐based information via qualitative methods regarding brand dimensions that hold meaning to consumers for both branded products and branded services. The results indicate a number of key dimensions to be such as core product/service, experience with brand, image of user, important to consumers for both goods and services. Dimensions such as feelings, and self‐image congruence, were found to be important only in terms of branded products, while word‐of‐mouth, servicescape, and employees, held importance with respect to branded services. The results provide a platform upon which future research can be built.
Positioning qualitative market research: reflections from theory and practice
Authors: de Ruyter Ko , Scholl Norbert
Published: July 2002

Discusses a number of important issues pertaining to the domain of qualitative market research. Attempts to define what qualitative research is about and discuss some of the difficulties involved in coming up with a clear definition of the qualitative paradigm. Suggests a number of issues relating to theory and practice that warrant the existence of a new journal devoted specifically to qualitative market research. Concludes with a discussion of validity and reliability in the context of qualitative research.
Thinking the thoughts they do: symbolism and meaning in the consumer experience of the “British pub”
Authors: Clarke Ian , Kell Ian , Schmidt Ruth , Vignali Claudio
Published: July 2002

The paper argues the need for an appraisal of the symbolic meaning of the “pub” and derivative managerialist concepts from the perspective of the consumers’ experience. Set against background developments of the “pub”, the paper explores the use of semiotics as a means of examining the symbolic meaning of pre‐modern, modern and post‐modern pub formats. The paper draws on extensive interviews with a stratified purposive sample of customers of pub formats in the north‐west of England to undertake a semiotic appraisal of the reason why consumers “think the thoughts they do” about managerial developments of this distinctly social phenomenon.
Implications for organization design: teams as pockets of excellence
Authors: Brodbeck Peter W.
Published: July 2002

Argues that efforts to adapt to increased volatility and uncertainty are still plagued by the traditional wisdom and domination of command‐and‐control hierarchies. In highlighting over two decades of intimation for appropriate organizational structural fit, identifies recurring barriers to change. In an effort to achieve organizational adaptability and improve change initiative success, proposes the creation of pockets of excellence. These self‐organizing team structures are positioned as a resource to developing internal efficiencies and business opportunities as a means to enhance productivity and provide a measure of sustainable competitive advantage. The proposed team structure is informed by the developing field of complexity theory and evaluated through focus group discussions.
Teams and games
Authors: Lazarus Harold , Shanahan James
Published: July 2002

Begins with lessons organizations can learn from teamwork exhibited
by geese. Presents research findings and examples of team games that are
used to reduce labor turnover, increase sales, market share, and
profits. In addition to demonstrating the benefits of games and
teamwork, displays the costs associated with a lack of teamwork.
Waking up to the reality of the “new workplace”
Authors: Mamman Aminu
Published: July 2002

The aim of this paper is to provide a framework for adopting and installing a working arrangement. In line with the current emphasis on customers, the paper argues that employees, trade unions and managers should be viewed as customers to a work system given that their support and commitment will determine the success of the work system. To achieve this objective the concept of auditing “novel” work systems is introduced. Auditing will enable organizations to assess the potential of the work system before it is installed.
A report on robot reliability and safety in Canada: a survey of robot users
Authors: Dhillon B.S. , Aleem M.A.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the results of a survey of Canadian robot users concerning robot reliability and safety. Data on 26 questions were analyzed and the resulting findings are presented in the form of tables, histograms, pie charts, etc. Provides conclusions including the fact that approximately 75 per cent of companies are using robots for commercial purposes; most general types of robots used in industry are intelligent robots; frequently ineffective maintenance manuals are provided by the robot manufacturers; and robot‐related problems are generally less than 50 per year.
Auditing of the maintenance system of Fuhais plant/Jordan Cement Factories Co.
Authors: Al‐Muhaisen Mohammad , Nader Santarisi and
Published: July 2002

In the cement industries maintenance cost consumes approximately 20‐25 per cent of the total production cost, which comes in the second rank after the energy cost. Therefore, cement plants in Jordan, taken as a case study that represents developing countries, are facing big challenges in reducing both energy and maintenance costs. In order to improve the maintenance system in the Fuhais plant, auditing of the existing maintenance system had been conducted, since this step is essential in improving any maintenance system. A quantitative (statistical) method was used in order to determine the weakness points in the existing maintenance system. Where based upon this auditing, several actions and strategies were put in a medium‐range plan to resolve the problems and improve the system.
Relevant condition‐parameter strategy for an effective condition‐based maintenance
Authors: Saranga Haritha
Published: July 2002

The great need for an optimum preventive maintenance strategy coupled with the fast‐developing condition‐monitoring techniques has given rise to the invention of relevant condition predictor (RCP)‐based maintenance approach. The main purpose of this approach is to prevent the failures due to gradual deterioration of mechanical items in order to improve system reliability and availability. This is done by monitoring relevant condition predictors of constituent maintenance significant items of the system, taking into account the availability and cost‐effectiveness of the monitoring techniques. A comprehensive review of all constituent items is carried out and a systematic approach is used to decide an optimum maintenance policy for each corresponding group of items. An optimum time to the examination of relevant condition predictors is derived mathematically with required reliability as the optimisation criterion in order to implement the RCP‐based maintenance activities.
TQM, maintenance and plant availability
Authors: Sherwin David J. , Jonsson Patrik
Published: July 2002

Modern production management systems are being increasingly
computerized in the pursuit of higher quality, the faster development of
new products and lower unit costs. But the present generation of methods
and software, e.g. JIT, MRP II, CIM, omit to integrate the maintenance
function and do not properly consider plant availability and renewal.
Considers how these can be included in the next CIM generation, the
advantages and costs of doing so, and the quality and market‐share
consequences of failure to do it. Total productive maintenance (TPM) and
reliability‐centred maintenance (RCM) are considered inadequate in
themselves, but each has features which can be used within an integrated
management information system to implement TQM and optimize life cycle
profit (LCP), provided that the need to collect and analyse failure,
repair and maintenance data in respect of increasingly expensive plant
is fully recognized.
Total quality maintenance
Authors: Al‐Najjar Basim
Published: July 2002

Discusses the importance of total quality maintenance (TQMain), considering that the common thread in achieving and maintaining high overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is the availability of improved manufacturing processes capable of producing quality products without interruption. Implementing just‐in‐time (JIT) philosophy demands healthy processes. Any interruption of the line caused by any equipment malfunction or failure will result in a major disruption of output or even line or factory shutdown. Thus, an effective maintenance programme should be evolved to provide the required availability of machinery and output quality. A new concept of condition‐based maintenance, total quality maintenance, is presented. It aims to maintain not only machinery but all the elements constituting a manufacturing process, e.g. production/ operation, environmental condition, personnel, methods, material, quality control. TQMain is a result of establishing a common database through integrating the maintenance program with other plant programs to form an overall plant information technology system. Identifying and “eliminating” quality deviations and failure causes at early stages, and extensive use of data feedback are the suggested tools to accomplish continuous improvements and to assure high quality products.
Optimal replacement policy and the structure of software for condition‐based maintenance
Authors: Jardine A.K.S. , Banjevic D. , Makis V.
Published: July 2002

States that the concept of condition‐based maintenance (CBM) has been widely accepted in practice since it enables maintenance decisions to be made based on the current state of equipment. Existing CBM methods, however, mainly rely on the inspector’s experience to interpret data on the state of equipment, and this interpretation is not always reliable. Aims to present a preventive maintenance policy based on inspections and a proportional hazards modelling approach with time‐dependent covariates to analyse failure‐time data statistically. Presents the structure of the software, currently under develop‐ ment and supported by the CBM Project Consortium.
Reliability analysis based on binary decision diagrams
Authors: Jinglun Zhou , Quan Sun
Published: July 2002

A binary decision diagram (BDD) is a representation of Boolean functions that uses the notion of two‐way branching. It has long been used in the synthesis, simulation and testing of Boolean circuits, and has recently been adopted to solve fault tree models for both quantitative and qualitative reliability analyses. In this paper, the concept of binary decision diagram is first introduced. Then, a new method is proposed to analyze the reliability of fault tolerant systems using binary decision diagrams. Traditionally, such analyses are tackled by using fault trees based on cutsets. For complex models, an algorithm based on binary decision diagrams can shorten solution time dramatically. Experimental results are also presented to demonstrate the practicality and benefits of applying the proposed method in reliability analysis.
Optimization of maintenance organization and manpower in process industries
Authors: Knapp Gerald M. , Mahajan Milind
Published: July 2002

The objective of maintenance manpower planning is to have the right number of workers with the right capabilities in the right maintenance areas. In this research, a model was developed for optimizing manpower allocation by maintenance area, craft‐type, training level, and in‐house versus sub‐contracted employees, as well as selecting between a centralized versus decentralized organizational structure.
The use of an analytical hierarchy process in pavement maintenance priority ranking
Authors: Ramadhan Rezqallah H. , Al‐Abdul Wahhab Hamad I. , Duffuaa Salih O.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the use of an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in determining the rational weights of importance of pavement maintenance priority ranking factors. These weights were obtained by capturing the local people’s perception towards this vital part of the pavement management system (PMS). In this regard, different groups of individuals were asked to estimate the weight of importance in pavement maintenance of different factors for ranking pavement sections. These factors were road class, pavement condition, operating traffic, riding quality, safety condition, maintenance cost, and the overall importance of the road section to the community. The AHP method of pair‐wise comparison was employed to get the factor weights, which were compared with the weights obtained from the direct assignment method. It was concluded that the two methods were statistically similar which confirms that the results of the direct assignment method can be used safely with a sound reliability and consistency. This conclusion comes from the fact that the AHP method has a high reputation and applications, and it uses a high‐precision technique for obtaining the weights (priorities) of alternatives or items. Priority factor weights were used in developing a pavement maintenance priority ranking procedure for a road network. This procedure was validated by real case studies, and found to be logically and efficiently able to handle the ranking of a huge number of pavement sections for maintenance and repair.
Economic criteria to select a cost‐effective maintenance policy
Authors: Al‐Najjar Basim
Published: July 2002

The reputation of an organisation is often built through hard work on improving quality, reliability, delivery time and price. In this paper a graphical method for the selection of a cost‐effective monitoring technique is suggested. This graphical method is also used to select the most cost‐effective replacement vibration level, when a vibration‐based maintenance is implemented, i.e. when the available data are mainly condition‐based replacement. This method is based on the concept of the total time on test, TTT‐plot. The use of this method is explained by three examples.
Civil aircraft maintenance and support Fault diagnosis from a business perspective
Authors: Knotts Robert M.H.
Published: July 2002

Aircraft maintenance down times together with maintenance activity durations and associated man‐hour expenditure are extremely important factors contributing to two major yardsticks of airline and civil aircraft performance: despatch reliability and direct maintenance costs, and have important cost implications. In maintaining an aircraft there is a need to predict fault diagnosis activities in quantitative terms of time. Traditionally estimating maintenance, in particular fault diagnosis, in terms of time has received scant attention. This paper identifies the need to evaluate all maintenance activity times. In addition, an approach is offered to estimate fault diagnosis activity times using knowledge‐based systems. Finally, the paper offers a vision outline in applying the technology and techniques to provide cost‐effective and timely fault diagnosis.
Leonard Dupee White and public administration
Authors: Weber Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2002

Provides an historical study of the intellectual thought of Leonard Dupee White. Contends that L.D. White is one of the major theorists and practitioners in public administration and is generally ignored. White taught, researched, studied and discovered theoretical concepts and practical methods that are still useful today. Examines the major themes found in White’s writings by chronologically progressing through his works and the major activities of his life. Brings to the forefront a portion of public administrations’ neglected intellectual heritage and makes it useful for the present.
Theoretically grounding management history as a relevant and valuable form of knowledge
Authors: Phillips Carson Paula , Carson Kerry D.
Published: July 2002

Despite interest in management’s evolution, the discipline is devoid of systematic frameworks addressing historiography. Hence, Hirst’s (1965) theory of “forms of knowledge” is applied to demonstrate that management history satisfies his four criteria and qualifies as a valuable research domain. Hirst’s first criterion states that there must be certain central concepts that are distinctive to the subject. Management historians fulfill this criterion by investigating not only specific people, events and trends, but also topics such as motives and linguistics. Second, Hirst suggests that the discipline must offer distinctive ways of relating concepts. Management historians follow a unique investigatory process using three steps: investigation, synthesis, and interpretation. Third, there must be characteristic ways of adducing evidence in support of propositions. Historians define and refine by the available facts. The fourth criterion states that there be utilization of characteristic techniques for conducting investigations. Example methodologies include biographies and oral history. A fifth criterion, examining history’s pragmatic utility, is then advanced.
Total quality management and the contributions of A.V. Feigenbaum
Authors: Huggins Lawrence P.
Published: July 2002

While mention of his work is occasionally referred to in journals, readings, production and operations management and total quality management textbooks, there does not seem to be as much notoriety given to the contributions of Armand V. Feigenbaum as has been given the efforts of others to improvements in quality thinking and techniques in this and other countries. This paper explores some of his contributions, especially those which derive from his managerial years with the General Electric Company and his influence on the work of others of the “founders” of the total quality management movement.
A comparison between stereolithography and aluminium injection moulding tooling
Authors: Hopkinson Neil , Dickens Phill
Published: July 2002

Advances in rapid prototyping and machining have resulted in reduced lead times for injection moulding tooling. Comparisons between aluminium and stereolithography (SL) tools are made with regard to the ejection forces required to push mouldings from the tools, heat transfer through the tools and the surface roughness of the tools. The results show that ejection forces for both types of tools are increased when a longer cooling time prior to ejection is used. The ejection forces required from a rough aluminium tool are considerably higher than those from a smooth aluminium tool. SL tools do not appear to be subjected to any smoothing as a result of moulding polypropylene parts. The rubber like nature of the tool’s surface is as a direct consequence of the low glass transition temperature and low thermal conductivity of the tool material. Further potential benefits of the low thermal properties of the tool are discussed.
Bone structure models using stereolithography: a technical note
Authors: Bibb R. , Sisias G.
Published: July 2002

The development of a physical model of cancellous bone whose structure could be controlled would provide significant advantages over the study of in vitro samples, making repetitive or comparative testing possible. This would enable the relationship between the mechanical integrity (and hence fracture risk) of cancellous bone and its structural properties to be more exactly defined. Whilst the use of RP to generate these porous objects was a considerable challenge such objects would have been impossible to manufacture using any other approach. This short technical note describes how stereolithography was used to create over 25 accurate models, which were required to perform physical experiments to validate the results of the FEA. The note highlights how problems associated with STL and SLC file formats, support generation and software limitations were overcome to produce stereolithography models of highly complex, naturally occurring three‐dimensional structures.
Stereolithography of PZT ceramic suspensions
Authors: Dufaud O. , Corbel S.
Published: July 2002

The characteristics of PZT suspensions have been studied and fit to stereolithography restraints. On one hand, researches concern the influence of fillers contents, dispersant concentration, temperature and resins nature and amount on suspensions rheological behaviour. On the other hand, the influence of photoinitiator and PZT concentrations, density of energy and nature of the resin on suspension reactivity was investigated. These experiments have led to the choice of two photosensitive suspensions suitable for stereolithography purpose; which use depend on the fillers content. Furthermore, the stereolithography process has been modified owing to the balance between suspensions rheological and photochemical properties in order to shape piezoelectric ceramics. Thanks to these improvements, PZT ceramics/polymer composites dedicated to transducers and medical imaging applications have been fabricated.
The role of rapid prototyping in the product development process: A case study on the ergonomic factors of handheld video games
Authors: Lopez Samuel M. , Wright Paul K.
Published: July 2002

The impact rapid prototyping (RP) can have on the design process and the product development process as a whole is demonstrated in this paper. The speed and flexibility of RP technologies decreased the overall time to complete the new product. This also ensured that the final mechanical enclosure of the new handheld video game incorporated the ergonomic design features that users desired.
How innovative are Dutch immigrant entrepreneurs?
Authors: Engelen Ewald
Published: July 2002

Asks how innovative Dutch immigrant entrepreneurs are. Since the mid‐1980s the number of immigrant firms has more than tripled. This coincides with a huge increase in the number of start‐ups in the Dutch economy as a whole. However, international comparisons show that this increase has not resulted in an equal rise in the number of fast growing firms that add value and create employment – the so‐called gazelles – and are hence the preferred ideal of policy makers. This raises the question of how innovative the Dutch economy might be. To address this issue, constructs a framework of assessment, derived from the divergent capitalisms approach of Richard Whitley and associates, as this approach offers a useful conceptual instrument to do so. Concludes that, despite appearances, the Dutch institutional setting is not very conducive for value creating innovations, but instead seduces firms, especially small and medium enterprises, to follow reactive strategies. Offers some general remarks on how the conditions for innovation can be improved.
The characteristics and strategies of high growth SMEs
Authors: Smallbone David , Leig Roger , North David
Published: July 2002

Based on an empirical investigation of the development of a group
of manufacturing SMEs comparing the characteristics and strategies of
firms achieving high growth between 1979‐90 with the weaker performing
companies. Shows that high growth can be achieved by firms with a
variety of size, sector and age characteristics; such firms are
distinguished more by the strategies and actions of managers than by
their profile characteristics. The clearest differences between fast
growth firms and other firms are with respect to their approach to
product and market development. While high growth firms were above
average investors they were not production‐led; instead they were
characterized by an ability to make changes in production to complement
an active market development strategy. To grow successfully over ten
years, firms also needed to develop their internal organizational
structure in ways that enabled the leader of the firm to delegate
responsibility for operational tasks to become more focused on strategic
level functions. Job generation was particularly concentrated in the
high growth firms which also demonstrated an ability to increase labour
productivity at the same time as they were increasing employment.
Understanding family businesses: issues for further research
Authors: Goffee Rob
Published: July 2002

Despite their persistence as an important form of work organization, family businesses remain under‐researched. Identifies four areas for further research: relationships between proprietorship and control; family structures, cultures and life cycles; succession processes; and cross‐national differences. Recommends ethnographic and longitudinal case study methods.
Content analysis of Fortune 100 company Web sites
Authors: Perry Monica , Bodkin Charles
Published: July 2002

Discusses the results of content analysis of the Web sites of Fortune 100 companies, carried out to identify the mix of promotional activities on their Web sites. Specifically, we performed a content analysis of Web sites utilizing categories representing a range of marketing communications, including: communicating product, pricing and dealer/retail location information, related and unrelated advertisements, sales promotion, direct marketing, basic company information and public relations. We also identified differences between and among industries based on standard industrial classification (SIC) codes. We found considerable variability in how members of the Fortune 100 used their Web sites. The Web sites ranged from very simple ones that focused on basic company information, such as company history, to quite complex Web sites that incorporated a mix of promotional elements, such as press releases, advertisements, games, free gifts and pricing information.
Issues Negotiation™ – investing in stakeholders
Authors: Watson Tom , Osborne‐Brown Steve , Longhurst Mary
Published: July 2002

Consumers are increasingly demanding and less tolerant of organisations that fail to live up to their expectations. Organisations are expected to change their approach to business, giving the same priority to all stakeholders, with integrity and commitment. This means that the traditional approach to issues management where organisations “decide” on their plans, “dictate” them to stakeholders, and prepare their “defence”, will no longer be adequate. Issues Negotiaion™ offers business leaders a powerful alternative that builds trusting relationships, turning potentially negative issues into competitive advantage. It is a process that supports the organisation in its long‐term growth.
Spotlight Strathclyde: police and media strategies
Authors: Boyle Raymond
Published: July 2002

The last number of years has seen a growing importance placed on media relations by police forces throughout the UK. This has resulted in an increased concern with public relations practice and in particular that area focused on media relations. This study centres on Strathclyde Police, the largest force in Scotland and among the largest in the UK. Outside of the Metroplitan Police, Strathclyde, has been throughout the 1990s at the forefront in developing more pro‐active media relations strategies. This paper examines the development of the Spotlight Intiative which attempted to tackle low level, quality of life crime (in some quarters associated with the phrase “zero tolerance”). Central to Spotlight has been the development of a more systematic and structured approach to public relations focused on the role of the media, specifically local and Scottish national newspapers, in communicating with local communities. This research argues that the growing importance of media relations at the Strathclyde force has broader implications for police‐media relations throughout the UK.
Effects of aspect ratio on the temperature coefficient of resistance matching and low frequency noise levels in thick film strain sensors
Authors: Atkinson J.K. , Sion R.P. , Zhang Z.
Published: July 2002

An experimental study of thick film strain sensitive resistors as typically employed in resistive bridge interface circuits has been undertaken. It has been found that the chosen aspect ratio (length to width ratio) of these screen printed and fired thick film resistors has a significant effect on both the temperature coefficient of resistance and the low frequency noise characteristics of the devices. This sensitivity to aspect ratio has been attributed to metal end contact migration in the devices during firing and hence a relationship between the sensitivity and the choice of end contact material and the firing regime employed in device fabrication has also been identified.
Thin‐film processing on a thick‐film multilayer
Authors: Klink Gerhard , Drost Andreas
Published: July 2002

Coating and lithography steps in thin‐film processing require planar and smooth surfaces. Usually ceramic substrates with as‐fired surface roughness of Ra < 0.1µm or with polished surfaces for advanced requirements are used. In general, a thick‐film hybrid has an inappropriate surface for further successful thin‐film processing. In this work, the influence of surface roughness and topography on the properties of thin‐film conductors and the fabrication of vias is investigated. Surface smoothing and local planarisation can be achieved by the use of a thick‐film overglaze or by coating the surface with polyimide prior to thin‐film processing. The improvements in conductor and via yield are measured by adequate test structures with a conductor width of 25µm. Based on the results, a process is given to provide a thick‐film multilayer with a sufficient smooth and planar surface suitable for thin‐film processes.
Something old, something new: a process view of the Baldrige criteria
Authors: Evans James R.
Published: July 2002

The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria provide key competitive requirements of any business. However, many individuals perceive the criteria as being too complex or impractical to implement. Views the criteria as a basic set of management processes and casts these into the classical framework of managerial roles: planning, organizational, co‐ordinating, directing, and controlling. A sixth category, continuous improvement, extends the classical framework and redefines the role of a manager in the total quality environment.
An empirical investigation of the association between quality management practices and organizational climate
Authors: Kuei Chu‐Hua , Madu Christian N. , Lin Chinho , Lu Min H.
Published: July 2002

Assesses the relationship between quality management practices and organizational climate. This study uses two well‐developed instruments to assess the relationship. A total of 386 questionnaires were mailed to managers drawn from a list of Taiwan’s top 500 manufacturing corporations. A total of 86 middle line managers returned the questionnaires for this study. Discriminant analysis was used to examine the relationship between quality management practices and organizational climate. The result indicates that high quality‐tendency groups perceive a loose organizational structure, while medium quality‐tendency groups perceive a more bureaucratic organizational structure. Regarding people orientation, finds that medium quality‐tendency groups tend to emphasize that more, followed by high quality‐tendency groups and then low quality‐tendency groups. Also identifies the organizational climate indicators that separate high, medium, and low quality‐tendency organizations.
An experimental design for surface roughness and built‐up edge formation in lathe dry turning
Authors: Masounave Jacques , Youssef Youssef A. , Beauchamp Yves , Thomas Marc
Published: July 2002

Investigates the effects of the most influential cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, tool nose radius, tool length and work piece length) on surface roughness quality and on the formation of built‐up edge in a lathe dry turning process of mild carbon steel samples. A full factorial design (384 experiments), taking into account the three‐level interactions between the independent variables has been conducted. The results show that the following three‐level interactions: feed rate × cutting speed × depth of cut, feed rate × cutting speed × tool nose radius and tool nose radius × depth of cut × tool length have significant effects on surface roughness in this type of machining operation. Shows that the analysis of main effects alone and even two‐level interactions could lead to a false interpretation of the results. The analysis of variance revealed that the best surface roughness is achieved with a low feed rate, a large tool nose radius and a high cutting speed. The results also show that the depth of cut has no significant effect on surface roughness when operating at cutting speeds higher than 160m/min. Furthermore, it is shown that built‐up edge formation deteriorates surface roughness when machining mild carbon steel at specific feed rate, tool nose radius and cutting speed levels. Proposes a new model for evaluating the limiting cutting speed to avoid the built‐up edge formation. Finally, shows through experimentation that an increase in depth of cut would lead to improved surface roughness when tool vibration is increased.
ISO 9000 series registration to total quality management: the transformation journey
Authors: van der Wiele A , Dale B.G. , Williams A.R.T.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the key actions which need to be taken by an organization if they wish to progress from ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 registration to a quality award prize winners status. There is a large gap between the ISO 9001 requirements and the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) Model of Business Excellence or other award models. However, organizations wishing to develop to total quality management (TQM) from their ISO 9000 series registration would benefit from studying the award models. This would provide them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of what is involved in a process of continuous improvement. Recommends that having gained this insight that they use one of the traditional and well‐recognized methods to introduce the basics of TQM, before using self‐assessment methods in earnest. Also recommends this approach for those organizations whose development of TQM is immature. In this way self‐assessment would be employed to best advantage.
The use of experimental design in the development of new products
Authors: Risberg Ellekjær Marit , Bisgaard Søren
Published: July 2002

Experimental design methods are tools for conducting informative, time‐ and cost‐effective experiments. Used during product development, these methods can contribute to building quality into products as well as shortening the development cycle time. These techniques make it possible to study the effect of many factors (parameters) simultaneously, to select the factor combination that results in both improved quality and reduced cost, and hence allow for the development of reliable and robust products of high quality. In addition, these methods provide a systematic approach for problem solving during the product development process. This article provides a non‐technical discussion of the role of experimentation and the advantage of using experimental design during product development. Different experimental design methods and examples of their application during product development will also be presented.
Comparing tools for service quality evaluation
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Cignetti Marco , Caldara Mara
Published: July 2002

Service quality evaluation is one of the main issues that have recently drawn managers’ and researchers’ attention. The definition of an evaluation standard not dependent on any particular service context has determined the popularity of many different quality tools. In this paper we show a comparative analysis of the affected tools that are widely used. These are summarized in an orientation map. Moreover we present some results of an experiment carried out with two of the major quality tools (SERVQUAL and QUALITOMETRO). The results identify good qualities as well as weaknesses for both tools. Possible improvement strategies are presented.
A framework for transportation decision making in an integrated supply chain
Authors: Stank Theodore P. , Goldsby Thomas J.
Published: July 2002

There has been little conceptual work that comprehensively examines the changing role of the corporate transportation function in the modern business environment. Successful managers today require a broad view of transportation management’s role and responsibilities in an integrated supply chain. This paper clarifies the major transportation decision areas and introduces a framework that positions corporate transportation management within the overall integrated supply chain environment. The framework portrays initial transportation decisions as strategic, long‐term decisions that focus on the overall supply chain transportation system. Once decisions are understood at this level, the decision‐making scope becomes increasingly tactical in nature, focusing on operations that implement the overall system decisions.