bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio‐economic features of UK public library users
Authors: Hawkins Margaret , Morris Anne , Sumsion John
Published: November 2002

Resource funded research into The Economic Value of Public Libraries was carried out in the Department of Information Science at Loughborough University during 1999‐2000. Examines some of the findings focusing on book borrowing and information seeking by a number of socio‐economic characteristics. In the light of these characteristics, considers how far public libraries contribute to social inclusion. Identifies seven ages of library use and discusses the library’s value to a person at each of these stages. Also considers the use of central and branch libraries, and therefore the value of each to various groups. Shows that, while book borrowing is spread fairly evenly across the population, information seeking is much less so, with those in most need of information least likely to seek it from a public library. Draws two conclusions. The first is that both value and social inclusion will be greater if libraries and library services are widespread. The second is that the record of UK public libraries in serving users across a wide socio‐economic spectrum is already good.
Reforms in the new German labour market: a case for institutional corporatism?
Authors: Lange Thomas , Pugh Geoff , Funk Lothar
Published: November 2002

This paper summarises the institutional arrangements and prerequisites for a new social partnership, necessary for the successful completion of labour market reform in western Germany. It does this by drawing on key policies and proposals highlighted and explored in the papers of this special issue. The paper elaborates further on these issues by outlining the importance of the labour market and its institutions in the German social market economy before turning to the case for reform. The paper addresses both micro and macroeconomic themes, including international experiences of labour market reform, employment and social policies, insider‐outsider and institutionally determined unemployment, the German system of collective bargaining and the importance of tripartite corporatist agreements. The paper concludes that reform in the German labour market should proceed through rather than against the existing institutions of social partnership, possibly with a new role for government in strengthening incentives for both unions and employers to act in a socially responsible way.
The new German model of employee relations. Flexible collectivism or Anglo‐Saxonisation?
Authors: Tüselmann Heinz‐Josef
Published: November 2002

This paper discusses whether in view of the accumulated contextual pressures the evolving new German employee relations model will resemble a more flexible version of the current one or whether it will emerge as an Anglo‐Saxonised German model. It ascertains that despite the current contestation of the German model, erosion tendencies, though not negligible, are not as widespread as is often assumed and that far‐reaching reforms along neo‐liberal lines are not desirable in the German context. It is suggested that a large proportion of German employers have a vested interest in maintaining the fundamentals of the current system. A path‐dependent reform trajectory internal to the system is proposed. This paper shows that the series of reforms carried out so far has been accomplished within the parameters of the existing system, taking the form of regulated flexibility and centrally co‐ordinated decentralisation. It ascertains that the German model is more adaptable and more flexible than its reputation suggests, allowing companies to operate with more flexible collective employee relations’ responses. Yet, evidence suggests that firms are already under‐utilising the broadened framework. Nevertheless, the author predicts a continuation of the reform process and an emerging new flexible German employee relations model that remains essentially a collective one.
Works councils in unified Germany: still loyal to the trade unions?
Authors: French Steve
Published: November 2002

This article examines the relationship between German trade unions and works councils, adopting a framework that identifies three main influences on the works council; the locus of bargaining, economic conditions and the strength of workplace unionism. The findings of an attitudinal survey of works council chairpersons in the metalworking industry, which examines both the influence of trade unions and the impact of unification on workplace industrial relations, are then reported. The results suggest that union density and union workplace organisation does strengthen the loyalty of works councillors to their union and that east German works councillors in metalworking may have more co‐operative relationships with management. Comparisons with the clothing industry, however, show larger sectoral differences, with metalworking works councils much less co‐operative in both the old and new Länder, reflecting the vanguard role of IG Metall and the importance of workplace mobilisation to the union.
Four factors of transformational leadership behavior
Authors: Kent Thomas W. , Crotts John C. , Azziz Abdul
Published: November 2002

Leadership behaviors, as described by several authors, were factor analyzed. This resulted in four different types of behaviors demonstrated by leaders who were rated by their “followers”. The four types of behaviors are reviewed and discussed in light of the factor analysis study. Importantly, the four factors seem to bear only little relationship to previous studies. It is suggested that previous works focused on factors related to managing and not leading, while the factors under discussion here are more related to the dynamic of leading. Additionally, the lack of correspondence may be due, in part, to definition problems and a lack of clarity of terms. An attempt is made to sort out the confusion.
Leaders and values: a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Sarros James C. , Santora Joseph C.
Published: November 2002

This paper examines the value orientations of executives and their linkages to leadership behaviors. The 181 executives in this study were randomly selected from the top 500 Australian companies. Value orientations of Australian executives compared with their Russian, Japanese, and Chinese counterparts reveal as many similarities as there are differences. In general, transformational leadership styles were most closely related to personal values orientations. The implications of the findings are discussed, and practical suggestions for leadership development and research are proposed.
Exploring commitment and leadership in volunteer organizations
Authors: Catano Victor M. , Pond Morgan , Kevin Kelloway E.
Published: November 2002

Volunteer organizations, where there is no employment relationship between the member and the organization, represent an interesting context in which to explore the effects of leadership and organizational commitment. We present the results from a study of 212 Canadian volunteer leaders from an international social/charitable organization. Volunteer leaders were more psychologically involved and committed to their organization than comparable leaders from a trade union. The volunteer leaders rated higher than their union counterparts in transformational leadership and socialization. Union leaders were more transactional and held stronger Marxist work beliefs. Both volunteer and union leaders reported similar humanistic views on work. There were no differences with respect to inter‐role conflict that both types of leaders experienced. Discussion of the results focuses on application of these findings to changing organizational environments and their interaction of work and non‐work issues.
The quantum skills model in management: a new paradigm to enhance effective leadership
Authors: Shelton Charlotte K. , Darling John R.
Published: November 2002

The traditional management skills of planning, organizing, directing and controlling are inadequate in the fast‐paced, constantly changing, highly complex world of twenty‐first century organizations. This article uses concepts from quantum mechanics and chaos theory as metaphors for a new management skill set that can enable managers to actualize more of their leadership potential. The seven quantum skills are ancient and futuristic, scientific and spiritual, simple and complex. Together they form a model that balances the traditional left‐brain management skills with new skills that more fully utilize both hemispheres of the brain. As managers master these skills, they transcend the limitations of mechanistic, deterministic, reductionistic thinking and become authentic change masters, changing themselves and their organizations at depth.
Exploring the relationship between learning and leadership
Authors: Brown Lillas M. , Posner Barry Z.
Published: November 2002

This paper investigates how two important research streams, namely learning and leadership, might be related with one another. Responses on the learning tactics inventory and leadership practices inventory are compared for a managerial sample (n = 312). Results indicate that more active and versatile learners subsequently consider themselves more frequently involved and engaged in leadership behaviors. Implications for transformational learning and leadership theories are explored, as well as thoughts about how the development of leadership competencies may be enhanced and affected by various learning techniques.
Changes in employee perceptions during organizational change
Authors: Weber Paula S. , Weber James E.
Published: November 2002

This study explored employee trust in management, perceptions of supervisory support for improvement, and perceptions of organizational readiness for change during a planned organizational change effort. Employee data were gathered at two time periods six months apart. Time 1 data were collected just prior to the start of a major change initiative. Time 2 data were collected six months after the change was initiated. Results show a significant increase in supervisory support for improvement and perceptions of organizational readiness for change from time 1 to time 2. Findings also suggest that differences in perceptions of supervisory support for improvement and organizational readiness for change along with trust in management were moderated by goal clarity, employee participation, autonomy, and feedback. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Automatic wing box assembly developments
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: November 2002

A demonstrator cell has been developed at Airbus UK for building large aircraft wing box assemblies by a partnership of six companies partly funded under the UK government’s civil aviation research and demonstration (CARAD) programme. The cell has shown the feasibility of assembling the three principle components of a wing box automatically using robotic technology. It includes handling 6m high ribs and placing them between the leading and trailing edge spars and skin wrapping and fastening. Two robot systems were developed for external and internal work, employing a combination of standard robot arms and specials fitted with vision sensing and drilling and fastening tooling. Software tools were used to plan, simulate and programme the cell and also to develop a full scaled‐up version of the cell for studying the potential of the systems employed for future applications in production.
Robotics for de‐heading fish – a case study
Authors: Buckingham Rob , Graham Andrew , Arnarson Hordur , Snaeland Petur , Davey Peter
Published: November 2002

Robotic solutions for the handling of food products have been notably absent from suppliers’ catalogues and indeed from research laboratories. This is primarily due to the peculiarities that handling food adds to the general pick‐and‐place task. These are the complexity of handling non‐rigid products that are infinitely variable in shape, the hygiene requirement which stipulates IP65 or better for the hose‐down environment, and the reality that the food industry produces low margin products that only make substantial profits at large volumes, whilst also requiring perfect product presentation to the consumer. In this environment, tasks which have both a short payback and other commercial advantages, such as increased operator safety or improved quality, whilst also being technically feasible, are not immediately obvious.
Eureka facilitates collaborative R&D in Europe
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: November 2002

Describes the Eureka program that promotes multinational industrial R&D in Europe, and provides examples of recent Eureka projects in the area of robotics and automation.
Robot spraying of helicopter rotor blade ice protection system
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: November 2002

Describes an installation at Aerospace Composite Technologies in Luton to apply ice protection heating elements to the leading edge portion of the main rotor blade fitted to the Westland EH101 military helicopter. The elements comprising a layer of porous conductive metal are plasma sprayed along the 8.5m long composite blade by a Stäubli Unimation robot suspended from an overhead Güdel precision tracked motion system. The robot also undertakes other tasks in the cell including accurately trimming the back edge of the blade ready for assembly onto the rotor’s carbon fibre spar. The benefits of the automatic application are compared with spraying by skilled operators.
Tele‐operated maintenance of live power lines
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: November 2002

Reports on a European project to develop a robotic system for maintaining live power lines, outlines the stereoscopic vision and voice control systems that enable a robot to perform the tasks through teleoperation, and summarises the results that have been achieved so far.
Spreadbands drive parallel robots
Authors: Armin Schmid Hans
Published: November 2002

Describes the design principles of spreadband devices, made up of tapes such as are commonly employed in tape measures; and shows how they can be controlled and applied to parallel robots. A grooved mandrel contains the coiled tape and permits a very low friction and zero backlash movement to be obtained. The curvature of the tape provides compression and bending stiffness, and multiple tapes can be combined to create low mass rigid structures with very large working envelopes and very small retracted sizes.
Robot control system for grinding of large hydro power turbines
Authors: Thomessen Trygve , Lien Terje K. , Sannæs Per K.
Published: November 2002

Presents a robot control system dedicated to grinding large Francis turbines. The control system is based on an active force feedback system using a three‐axes force sensor attached to the robot’s end effector. This system offers high flexibility and robustness against workpiece positioning and grinding tool wear. It provides control of the grinding process parameters ensuring high productivity in addition to good grinding performance and grinding tool economy. The system was experimentally tested out on a MultiCraft 560 grinding robot.
ROBODOC achieves pinless registration
Authors: Cohan Steve
Published: November 2002

The ROBODOC1 Surgical Assistant System provides computer assisted planning and execution of bone milling for total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty procedures. One key aspect of the robotic procedure is registration, the process of transforming the robot’s milling instructions from the image coordinate system used for planning into the robot coordinate system in which the plan is executed. The first‐generation system performed registration using fiducial markers (pins) implanted in the patient. These markers present various disadvantages to patients, surgeons, and clinics. As a result, users asked for a “pinless” single surgery system. The resulting design, DigiMatch, achieves registration by matching points digitized from the bone anatomy to a three‐dimensional surface model developed from a CT scan of the bone. The DigiMatch system is currently in routine use in many clinics in Europe, and is under clinical evaluation in the USA.
Tooth arrangement for the manufacture of a complete denture using a robot
Authors: Zhang Yongde , Zhao Zhanfang , Song Rujie , Lu Jilian , Lu Peijun , Wang Yong
Published: November 2002

The successful application of robots in surgery and other medical fields prompts us that robots can also play an important role in oral restoration. The traditional way of complete denture manufacturing is manual and only high‐level dentists and skilled technicians can do this work well. But we believe that a robot can do this work better and more easily. Artificial teeth are very complicated in shape, and not easy to be grasped and manipulated accurately by a robot gripper. Aiming at improving our previous robot manufacturing system of complete dentures, we present a new method to perform teeth implanting. We improve the previous manufacturing procedure by adding several components in the operating process. By this method, the robot gripper only needs to grasp and implant intermediate blocks, which have very simple shapes and are easy to handle precisely. The 3D human‐machine tooth arrangement software performs the calculation of intermediate blocks’ positions and orientations. We perform the experiment of tooth arrangement for a patient, and obtain a pair of ideal tooth arches. A complete denture can be manufactured according to this result.
Technology requirements for robotic surgery
Authors: Wright James
Published: November 2002

The new computer‐enhanced operating environment is making a compelling impact on healthcare: improving efficiency in the operating room (OR) with better communications, streamlined networks and effective personnel utilization; increasing the number of procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion for reduced patient pain, trauma and recovery time; and enabling new procedures that would otherwise be impossible to perform due to human limitations. To maximize the benefits to the hospital, staff and, most importantly, patients, the introduction of robotics necessitates careful evaluation of the technology along several criteria. Computer Motion suggests using its “four cornerstones of robotic surgery” to assess the appropriateness of the technology or equipment under consideration: OR readiness; procedural compatibility; precision and dexterity enhancement; and open architecture and upgradability. Evaluating along these four cornerstones helps ensure the equipment or technology will meet the feasibility, accuracy, utilization, system longevity, patient safety and surgeon/OR team benefits required by today’s OR environment and staff.
Flexibot – a multi‐functional general purpose service robot
Authors: Topping Mike
Published: November 2002

Rehab Robotics Ltd and Staffordshire University have been at the leading edge of research and development in the field of rehabilitation robotics for the past 15 years. During this period they have developed the Handy 1 rehabilitation robot which enables people with severe disabilities to gain independence in daily activities such as eating, drinking, shaving, cleaning teeth, washing and applying cosmetics. Handy 1 is widely accepted by experts worldwide as being at the forefront of technology in this area. A consortium of European partners, led by Staffordshire University and sponsored by funding from the European Commission Directorate‐General Information Society Technologies, is about to embark on the development of a new robotic system called Flexibot.
Robot auto‐marking and auto‐cutting of shipbuilding panels based on a compensation algorithm
Authors: Wang Hongjie , Ding Guoqing , Shun Yao , Jiang Pingping , Yan Guozheng
Published: November 2002

Flexible automation robotic systems and off‐line programming methods have recently received much attention. Studies the problem of robot auto‐marking and auto‐cutting of shipbuilding panels, using an integrated computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system based on computer technology and off‐line programming of the robot. The following three points are focused on in this paper: marking and cutting information of the panel’s CAD model; measurement of the panel’s deformation and its compensation algorithm; robot auto‐making and auto‐cutting of the panel using the CAM system. Robot auto‐marking and auto‐cutting of shipbuilding panels solves the difficulty associated with panel marking and cutting by hand. Furthermore this system possesses high processing precision and automatically compensates for the deformation of the panel. Our experiments prove the feasibility and efficiency of this system at the end of this paper.
Vendor rating in purchasing scenario: a confidence interval approach
Authors: Muralidharan C. , Anantharaman N. , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: November 2002

Vendor rating is a process having strategic implications for managing a supply chain. Vendor rating can be done using analytic hierarchy process either by a single decision maker or by a group of decision makers. This approach may suffer from some drawbacks including bias in estimation process. A methodology is proposed in this paper which makes use of estimation of the rating by a group on an individual basis following the principle of anonymity. A statistical analysis is carried out to determine the confidence intervals for the estimates of the composite rating of the vendors. The procedure presented here helps in identifying those members whose opinions may significantly deviate from that of the group. Emphasis is placed on establishment of confidence limits in group decision‐making. Participants in group decision making, whose opinions fall outside the group’s confidence limit, are further studied to understand the source of variation. Implementation guidelines have also been provided to account for the dynamic nature of the vendor evaluation process and to take appropriate actions in managing the vendor rating process in the overall supply chain.
Knowledge and IS implementation: case studies in physical asset management
Authors: Hipkin Ian
Published: November 2002

Information systems (IS) may be seen as a repository for knowledge. The challenge to practitioners is to use such technological developments as the basis for new working practices that lead to competitive success and growth. Knowledge, as a factor of production, is increasingly recognised for its relatively untapped contribution to more effective performance. IS developments and implementation are evaluated with great difficulty. The study looks to a new method of evaluating the effects of knowledge acquisition in physical asset management: through the benefits achieved from a maintenance management information system (MMIS). The experiences of four case organizations that had recently introduced an MMIS are studied. The knowledge acquired was categorised according to a structure by Bohn, and the benefits which accrued from the MMIS were classified using a benefits ladder developed by Farbey et al. The study suggests that where greater levels of knowledge resulted from the MMIS, higher level benefits were achieved.
The Friedman Memoirs
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: November 2002

Reviews Milton and Rose D. Friedman’s, Two Lucky People: Memoirs, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1998, $35 (£24.95), ISBN 0‐226‐26414‐9. Focuses on how the memoirs illuminate the main contributions Friedman has made to political economy and the economics literature.
Islamic venture capital ‐ A critical examination
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: November 2002

The well‐known modes of raising and mobilizing venture capital in Islam known as mudarabah and musharakah (m&m) in Islamic economics are critically examined. In the form as m&m presently exist, they are pointed out to be pre‐Islamic financing instruments that came into usage in the Islamic economic literature. The inability to realise the extensively relational perspectives of Islamic socio‐economic co‐operation with extensive participation across agents, firms and sectors by means of these instruments, which are essential requirements for the Islamic political economy, is shown to make the instruments fraught with many technical and ethical problems of development financing. The alternative to transform m&m into a more integrated financing instrument of Islamic venture capital is formalised. Empirical evidences are given. Institutional issues are examined in the light of Islamic joint venture financing.
Effective protection in the presence of joint production
Authors: Londero Elio
Published: November 2002

This paper analyzes the measurement of effective protective rates when there is joint production. It shows that special attention is required when tradables are jointly produced with non‐tradables, and especially when there are significant changes in the prices of non‐tradables. Input‐output formulas for the Balassa and Corden methods are provided.
Endogenous inflationary finance and long‐run growth
Authors: Ghosh Sugata , Mourmouras Iannis A.
Published: November 2002

This paper examines the effects of money financing of deficits on capital accumulation and growth in a framework where inflationary finance is determined endogenously through a dynamic game between an optimising central bank which attempts to minimise the inflation‐tax and a rational private sector, and this in turn determines the long‐run growth rate of the economy. We use dynamic programming to derive the time‐consistent equilibrium, which has intuitive properties. Our results indicate clearly that the inflation tax and the long‐run growth rate are negatively related.
Assembly Net: precision assembly technologies for mini and micro products
Authors: Onori Mauro
Published: November 2002

Reports on the findings of an International Workshop on (Flexible) Assembly Automation held at Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands in May 2000. This workshop was organised to discuss immediate and future problems associated with precision assembly. This resulted in the creation of a new European initiative: Assembly Net. Discusses the emerging needs for precision assembly and considers associated technologies.
Automation: crossing the final frontier
Authors: Fox Peter
Published: November 2002

Describes the historical limitations to full automation and the recent developments in technology and its application that now make full automation possible. Discusses the various layers of control from senior management down to the assembly level and the flow of information up, down and across these layers.
Manufacturing Week targets assembly and vision
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: November 2002

A report on the 2000 Manufacturing Week exhibition in which automation was one of the focused sections. Two areas in this section – assembly systems and vision – are singled out for attention. In each area, principal exhibits that were launched at the show are described with application examples. In assembly, Mikron assembly cell modules and Bosch conveyors and constructional extrusion elements are highlighted. The vision products depicted are from Cognex, Data Translation and Datacell.
EmailWare: a tool for e‐manufacturing
Authors: Norberto Pires J.
Published: November 2002

Presents a monitoring and inspecting tool for manufacturing set‐ups. A general software architecture for this type of application, which is distributed, object‐oriented and based on a client‐server model, is briefly outlined and then applied to an industrial robot. The resulting application, called EmailWare, is then introduced and demonstrated using industrial robot manipulators from ABB Robotics. The application is capable of sending e‐mail and SMS messages to selected users when the programmed events occur, and receiving and processing commands from those users. Experience with this application clearly shows its usefulness for the purpose debugging purposes by system developers, but also for monitoring routine tasks by system operators.
Synchronisation of material flow and assembly in hybrid and modular systems
Authors: Spath D. , Baumeister M.
Published: November 2002

The increasing demand for market‐oriented production leads to shorter product life‐cycles, growing product variety and, therefore, changing lot sizes. These critical lot sizes vary greatly in number. Because of this, the question of whether or not to prioritize fully automated or manual assembly arises. The intention to meet the requirements of a turbulent market leads to hybrid assembly systems in which automated and manual assembly stations operate together flexibly. This hybrid system, supported by modular structures with defined interfaces and process software, allows a fast reaction to any change in products, variants and lot sizes. Owing to the difficulty in accessing materials, traditional assembly systems have a high contingent of non‐value adding procedures. By collecting materials in advance within one main area and distributing them to the work stations simultaneously for the production of a good, a minimized quantity of material is present on the assembly line, thus making the process more efficient.
Internet‐based robotic systems for teleoperation
Authors: Hu Huosheng , Yu Lixiang , Wo Tsui Pui , Zhou Quan
Published: November 2002

Today’s Internet technology provides a convenient way for us to develop an integrated network environment for the diversified applications of different robotic systems. To be successful in real‐world applications, Internet‐based robots require a high degree of autonomy and local intelligence to deal with the restricted bandwidth and arbitrary transmission delay of the Internet. This paper describes the first step toward building such an Internet‐based robotic system for teleoperation in the University of Essex. The system has a standard network protocol and an interactive human‐machine interface. Using a Web browser, a remote operator can control the mobile robot to navigate in our laboratory with visual feedback and a simulated environment map via the Internet. The employment of an intuitive user interface enables Internet users to control the mobile robot and implement useful tasks remotely. Although at its first stage, the developed system has the potential to be extended to many real‐world applications such as tele‐manufacturing, tele‐training and tele‐service.
Assembly skill acquisition via reinforcement learning
Authors: Lau H.Y.K. , Lee I.S.K.
Published: November 2002

A neural network controller is proposed for the motion control of robot manipulators with force/torque feedback signals. This controller is trained with reinforcement learning algorithms and a model is extracted from the synaptic weights within the neural network. This model is continuously refined by the feedback signals to ensure its validity even in a stochastic and non‐stationary environment. With this model and the real‐time force/torque feedback data, the robot can acquire a fine skill for a particular assembly task for which it is trained.
Method for assessment of reuse suitability within modular assembly systems
Authors: Weule Hartmut , Buchholz Carsten
Published: November 2002

Notes that suppliers of capital goods are challenged by new aspects of customer orientation – a change in the business relationship from the present sale of facilities to a provision of production ability for the customer. These problems apply especially to suppliers of assembly systems because their customers have become more demanding in terms of financial payback periods, and because of the high risks associated with advanced automation. All the risks for running a facility system and the tasks at the end‐of‐life are being relocated to the facility supplier without the necessary data, such as the reliability or mean‐time‐between‐failures of the modules. Presents a method which enables the facility suppliers to calculate the maintenance cost in the use phase, the costs and benefits for the retraction, remanufacturing, reuse and resale of their products as a basis of reliability and mean‐time‐between‐failure data of modules.
3D tolerance analysis in PC manufacture
Authors: Lynch Kate
Published: November 2002

Describes Toshiba’s assembly of notebook PCs and the need to use simulation to verify assembly sequences which have tight 3D tolerances.
Intelligent assembly modeling and simulation
Authors: Gupta Satyandra K. , Paredis Christiaan J.J. , Sinha Rajarishi , Brown Peter F.
Published: November 2002

Because of the intense competition in the current global economy, a company must conceive, design, and manufacture new products quickly and inexpensively. The design cycle can be shortened through simulation. Rapid technical advances in many different areas of scientific computing provide the enabling technologies for creating a comprehensive simulation and visualization environment for assembly design and planning. An intelligent environment has been built in which simple simulation tools can be composed into complex simulations for detecting potential assembly problems. The goal in this research is to develop high fidelity assembly simulation and visualization tools that can detect assembly related problems without going through physical mock‐ups. In addition, these tools can be used to create easy‐to‐visualize instructions for performing assembly and service operations.
Stamping and forming merging with automated assembly
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: November 2002

Describes how suppliers are integrating small metal part production and automated assembly to achieve a variety of benefits. By linking stamping and forming of metal parts with an automated assembly system, firms like US Baird, Bodine, Oberg, Bihler and others are cutting costs, saving floor space and improving quality.
BMW breaks new ground with hydroforming
Authors: Mortimer John
Published: November 2002

Hydroforming offers the potential to reduce parts count and significantly increase structural strength and stiffness, as demonstrated by the use of the process to produce A‐pillars and windshield headers for the BMW 3‐series.
Dieless forming
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: November 2002

Describes dieless forming, an innovative sheet metal forming technology developed in Japan which enables a metal part to be formed directly from a CAD file in just a few minutes and with the utmost precision. The patented “dieless forming” technology involves a cold forming process that takes place on a three‐axis vertical CNC machine. On the vertical axis of the CNC machine is mounted a pencil‐like tool with a rounded end which progressively forms the sheet metal.
A new design of screw head
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: November 2002

A new design of screw head, the Uni‐screw, has been developed to rival the well‐established slotted, Phillips and Pozidriv screws. It is based on a series of hexagonal recesses that avoids “cam‐out”, which occurs with the other designs when higher torques are applied. Other benefits include the need for only one driver over a wide range of screw sizes and easy alignment of driver to screw. Other recess forms can be used including pentagon and heptagon to provide high tamper resistance, and these can be tailored for a single user to give total security. The Uni‐screw is being manufactured and distributed by Forward Engineering under a licence from Uni‐screw and the first commercial products are aimed at the building and DIY markets. Strong interest has also been shown by several industrial organisations.
Krause plans low‐volume assembly hall for Ricardo
Authors: Mortimer John
Published: November 2002

Only ten people are required to man a new flexible, low‐volume but highly automated assembly facility that has been designed by Johann A. Krause Maschinenfabrik GmbH of Bremen to produce complex automotive components.
US‐China national security relationship: a resource guide
Authors: Chapman Bert
Published: November 2002

The USA and China have had a complex relationship since the 1949 establishment of the People’s Republic of China. This relationship has gone from hostility to guarded friendliness to increased tension at the beginning of the new millennium. Recent years have seen the emergence of literature stressing China’s potential emergence as a national security threat to the USA. This article will look at books, government documents, and Internet resources examining the current and possible future national security relationship between these two countries from 1995/1996 to the present. This literature presents US and international perspectives representing a variety of viewpoints on a subject that may have a major impact on international relations during the twenty‐first century.
E‐book basics
Authors: Fischer Ruth , Lugg Rick
Published: November 2002

This article reviews the various e‐book reading experiences, including dedicated reading devices; PDA‐ and PC‐based readers, Web readers, and the related issues of print on demand. Questions of format, emerging standards, and rights management solutions are described in general terms, with an eye toward important areas of divergence. The size and potential of the e‐book market is considered, in light of traditional publisher initiatives, independent e‐publishing and digital distribution. Also, important new mediators deserve attention as they struggle to niche themselves in this emerging industry.
Trends and issues of Italian cinema: a mini‐history and bibliography
Authors: Zarate Martha
Published: November 2002

Looks at the first 100 years of Italian cinema examining its role in Italy’s recent history. Provides a bibliography of major film directors, Italian cinema sources, reference works, histories, themes, theory and criticism and articles in journals.
2001 Poets House Showcase: suggested titles
Authors: Abrams Jen , Fagin Betsy
Published: November 2002

Presents suggested titles for libraries to obtain, selected from the 2001 Poets House Showcase at which 1,300 books of poetry from various publishers were displayed. Suggests a further source of information in this field.
Improving the accuracy of temperature measurements
Authors: Tong Alan
Published: November 2002

Technology advances in the field of temperature measurement have led to a huge variety of sensors and measuring instruments now being available for making accurate measurements at relatively low costs. This article takes a “back to basics” look at three of the most popular temperature sensor technologies and offers advice on how to avoid the many pitfalls and traps that often destroy the accuracy of a temperature measuring system.
Resources employed and innovation requirements in cactus pear packing lines
Authors: Caruso L. , Failla S. , Manetto G. , Schillaci G.
Published: November 2002

In the last few decades the cultivation of cactus pears represents an important element in the economy of subtropical regions with scarce water resources. The increasing market competition from other countries has forced Sicilian producers to modernise the packing houses where the fruit is processed. The study carried out has shown that the technology employed in the newest packing lines is of a high level and that a low level of human, material and energy resources are necessary; moreover, packing and despining need further innovations. Trials conducted with an instrumented sphere IS100 has permitted critical points on the packing lines to be identified and to identify materials on which the fruit impacts during the processing.
SEM being more effective than multiple regression in parsimonious model testing for management development research
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L.
Published: November 2002

Aims to commend SEM (structural equation modeling) that excels beyond multiple regression, which is a popular statistical technique to test the relationships of independent and dependent variables, in expanding the explanatory ability and statistical efficiency for parsimonious model testing with a single comprehensive method. SEM is employed to find the real “best fitting” model. This article also presents an incremental approach to SEM, which is a procedural design and sounds workable for testing simple models and presents an example to test a parsimonious model of MBA knowledge and skills transfer using SEM and multiple regression. The results indicate that only one significant relationship can be justified by multiple regression. SEM, on the other hand, has helped to develop new relationships based on the modification indexes, which are also theoretically accepted. Finally, three relationships are shown to be significant and the “best fitting” structural model has been established.
The management of change: a narrative perspective on management development
Authors: Jabri Muayyad , Pounder James S.
Published: November 2002

Examines the role of narrative in management development. It contrasts the characteristics of this genre with the more conventional approach to management development. Using a management of change course delivered to management practitioners as an example, the paper draws attention to the value of narrative in enriching knowledge of the effects of change on individuals. It is argued that narratives express the richness and diversity of human experience and thus challenge simplistic analyses of management issues such as change that can result from adherence to narrow, mechanical models of human nature. Thus, narrative is recommended as a valuable tool for conveying the reality of managerial situations to practitioners engaged in management development.
The knowledge value of customers and employees in product quality
Authors: Chyi Lee Ching , Yang Jie , Ming Yu Li
Published: November 2002

Seeks to understand whether the level of knowledge acquisition from customers and the participation of employees in knowledge dissemination have an impact on the product quality. Proposes a structural model of the impact of knowledge management on the quality of a new product. Employing confirmatory factor and regression analysis, examines the relationship between KM and product quality, and finds some interactions between KM and moderators also have significant effect on product quality. These findings imply that if organizations fail to understand the subtle ways by which different features of KM influence product quality, they may fail to harvest the full value of KM.
Faking personality questionnaires in personnel selection
Authors: Dalen Lindy H. , Stanton Neville A. , Roberts Antony D.
Published: November 2002

Investigates the extent to which it is possible to fake a personality questionnaire to match the ideal candidate’s profile. Previous research suggests that responses to personality measures can be faked with relative ease. It was anticipated that the amount of information available to the candidate might make faking‐to‐profile easier. Therefore this study manipulated the information available to participants through three experimental conditions: job title, job description and person specification. The results show that the participants can selectively manipulate their responses on scales, rather than inflating all scales. There was not, however, any effect of information manipulation. All groups, regardless of which information was given, produced similar profiles suggesting all three groups were faking to the same stereotype. Participants were unable to fake their responses to match the ideal profile for the job. Suggests that this is encouraging news for people using personality questionnaires as part of their selection process.
Environmental assessment of rammed earth construction systems
Authors: Treloar Graham J. , Owen Ceridwen , Fay Roger
Published: November 2002

Present concerns for sustainable development have led to a revival of traditional building practices using natural or recycled resources. There is a perception that buildings constructed from such materials are environmentally benign. This perception is questionable, as often no evaluation is undertaken to assess the associated environmental impacts. Rammed earth is one such construction technology that has seen renewed interest in recent years. The energy required to manufacture materials (i.e. embodied energy) is a significant component of the life cycle energy associated with buildings. This paper assesses the embodied energy of rammed earth construction relative to brick veneer and cavity brick construction. Rammed earth was found to have significantly less embodied energy than cavity brick construction (to which it is closer in thermal performance), but was approximately equivalent to brick veneer construction. Topics of further research identified include thermal performance and strategies for reducing the embodied energy of cement used for earth stabilisation.
To build or not to build? Assessing the strategic needs of construction industry clients and their stakeholders
Authors: Smith Jim , Love Peter E.D. , Wyatt Ray
Published: November 2002

The pre‐design stage of construction projects has become a focal point in design management research in the last decade, as it is primarily the source of problems such as rework, change orders, and contractual claims. In particular, it is widely acknowledged that client briefing is an intractable problem which many projects encounter. Primarily this is because little attention is given to assessing the needs of the client, stakeholders and those of the design team. With this in mind, this paper presents a soft system approach known as strategic needs analysis (SNA) to assist clients, stakeholders and their design teams in determining their strategic needs for a given project. The rationale for using a SNA approach during the early stages of the project development process and in relation to the strategic environment of the client organization is presented and discussed. The SNA process is described and applied to two case study projects. It is concluded that SNA can improve the strategic decision‐making process of a project, as clients are able to identify their strategic needs and thus improve the effectiveness of the briefing process.
A multivariate approach to the prediction of maintenance needs in public housing: the tenant dimension
Authors: Olubodun Femi
Published: November 2002

This paper sets out to develop a bridge for the existing gap in knowledge by exploring the characteristics of the tenants of some LA housing estates and how they affect maintenance need. Without the proper integration of information relating to property and the users of the dwelling, the phenomenon of housing maintenance need prediction will remain an intractable problem for housing managers. The paper therefore explores the hypothesis that dwellings within the same estate and having every conceivable architectural attribute in space and time in common will exhibit different maintenance need profiles as a result of differences in tenants’ characteristics.
Towards standardising the assessment of flood damaged properties in the UK
Authors: Nicholas J. , Holt G.D. , Proverbs D.G.
Published: November 2002

Presents a conceptual model for assessing flood damage to UK domestic properties. The model originates from a critique of existing knowledge in the field and from discussions held with practitioners responsible for surveying and recommending strategies for repair of such properties. Flood damage assessment is a complex task requiring consideration of many factors. Subsequently, the model takes into account building characteristics along with the characteristics of the flood. Presently, recommendations in the literature for repairing flood damaged properties are very general in nature so “convenient” and circumspect inferences tend to be made by surveyors. In turn, professional guidance in this respect exhibits substantial variance regarding, for example, their specific recommendations for repair work. Because of this variance, it is difficult to confirm whether any repair strategy implemented is optimal, in terms of, for example, cost expended or methods used. The model presented progresses knowledge towards standardising the assessment of flood damaged UK domestic properties.