bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation of market information use in export channel decisions ‐ Antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Glenn Richey R. , Myers Matthew B.
Published: November 2002

As the number of firms participating in export activities increases, information regarding the international environment in turn becomes critical in effectively managing corporate ventures. Given the level of economic volatility within certain export markets and the increasing levels of competition worldwide, effective distribution management venturing and strategy will also become more complex. Decision support is crucial in effectively monitoring and modifying marketing channels in an overseas environment. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that drive market information use in export distribution decisions, these factors being both internal and external to the organization. Concurrently, the linkage between market information use and export performance is investigated, in order to better understand the role of this strategy in export operations. First, a discussion of strategic, organization specific, and environment specific factors and their association with market information use is discussed. Second, research hypotheses are developed through the support of the existing literature. Next, data collection and analysis procedures are discussed along with results of the hypothesis testing. Finally, a presentation of the findings along with theoretical and managerial implications is offered. The research reveals the strategic importance of market information usage in distribution control, market positioning, venture planning, and market volatility.
Skill requirements: perception of the senior Asian logisticians
Authors: Abdur Razzaque Mohammed , Shafreen Bin Sirat Mas
Published: November 2002

Reports the findings of a cross‐cultural survey on the skill requirements of senior‐level logistics executives as perceived by the logistics practitioners themselves from two developing South‐east Asian nations, namely, Singapore and Malaysia. The study reveals that in the sampled nations, logistics has emerged as a discipline by itself and that the logisticians in these countries are aware that to succeed as logistics executives in the complex business environment of today, they need to be multi‐skilled generalists rather than technically‐oriented specialists.
The reception box impact on home delivery efficiency in the e‐grocery business
Authors: Kämäräinen Vesa , Saranen Juha , Holmström Jan
Published: November 2002

Home delivery of groceries is not yet a very popular service among consumers. One reason for the slow progress has been the time‐consuming and expensive ordering process. In recent years, Internet‐based solutions have solved most of the problems related to the order transaction process – making ordering simpler, cheaper and faster. However, there are still a lot of unsolved problems in the e‐grocery business. One of the biggest obstacles is inefficient home delivery. This paper examines how different solutions for goods receipt affect home‐delivery efficiency. Different alternatives for receiving the goods are presented and the service levels of these concepts are described from the consumer’s point of view. In addition, the costs for the e‐grocer are studied. The efficiency of using a reception box is demonstrated by simulating two alternative receiving concepts.
Solving the last mile issue: reception box or delivery box?
Authors: Punakivi Mikko , Yrjölä Hannu , Holmström Jan
Published: November 2002

One of the biggest challenges in B2C e‐commerce is the so‐called “last mile”, the home delivery service for the customer. Particularly in electronic grocery shopping it is difficult to combine profitability and high service level. The authors’ simulations suggest that the unattended reception of goods reduce home delivery costs considerably, by up to 60 percent. Unattended delivery has not been widely used because it requires investments and commitment from the customer. The two main approaches to unattended delivery are the reception box concept and the delivery box concept. The reception box is a refrigerated, customer‐specific reception box installed at the customer’s garage or home yard. The delivery box is an insulated secured box equipped with a docking mechanism. The reception box concept results in more effective home delivery transportation and the delivery box concept in smaller investment to achieve unattended receipt. This article assesses these two different concepts. The cost savings in transportation are analysed using simulation. The operational cost savings are compared to the respective investments required to calculate the payback period. Both concepts proved to be feasible but which one works better is not only a question of financial justification. The possible additional value to customers and overall suitability to the market must also be considered.
Preparation of logistics managers for the contemporary environment of the European Union
Authors: Poist Richard F. , Scheraga Carl A. , Semeijn Janjaap
Published: November 2002

This study reports and analyzes a questionnaire administered to US and European logistics managers soliciting their perceptions regarding changes in background and skill preferences for logistics managers operating in the new European Union environment. The combined sample of respondents appeared to indicate the importance of being a manager first and a functional/technical specialist second. While no statistically significant differences between the two subgroups were found with regard to background preferences, there were eight statistically significant differences between the two subgroups with regard to preferred skill requirements in the contemporary environment. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are suggested. Finally, implications of the survey findings for employers, practitioners, educators, and students are discussed.
Problem‐based learning approach in teaching lower level logistics and transportation
Authors: Alvarstein Vidar , Karen Johannesen Liv
Published: November 2002

This paper reports on how problem‐based learning (PBL) was introduced in a lower level logistics and transportation course, and gives some preliminary results. This paper is not based on scientific methods and solid evidence but is a narrative of some experiences. Hopefully it serves to guide and motivate educators interested in trying a different learning and teaching method. PBL proves to be a successful teaching and learning approach for a lower level course in logistics and transportation. The approach also brings the industry and real life into the study environment in an integrated way. The students find the teaching method interesting and claim that it contributes to a greater knowledge in the field of logistics and transportation. The findings in this paper are more indicators than solid evidence, but the paper however also supports results from earlier studies in PBL.
Using block courses for teaching logistics
Authors: Grant David Bruce
Published: November 2002

This paper describes the use of seminar or block formats in delivering logistics and services marketing courses as pilot projects at the University of Calgary. The students attending the courses completed questionnaires regarding their pre‐course expectations, post‐course perceptions, and overall course satisfaction in order to gauge the effectiveness and impact of the block format. The students were quite satisfied with the block format in both courses and the author considers a good learning experience took place. The use of block formats is recommended as a way to deliver courses that have benefits for both students and lecturers and provide a distinct competitive advantage for the institution.
Identification of service quality attributes for restaurant operations: a Hong Kong case
Authors: Pun Kit‐Fai , Ho Ka‐Yan
Published: November 2002

Efficiency and quality are recognized as key components of business strategies. The concepts of efficiency, while armed with the capabilities of quality, help organizations attain service effectiveness and excellence. Today’s organizations need to manage continuous improvements and breakthroughs in quality that meet customer requirements and expectations. This paper presents the findings of a recent empirical study conducted in The Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong. The study investigated various attributes of service quality and identified ten elements that might promote quality culture change and encourage organizational‐wide commitment and involvement. The findings contribute to the development of a service excellence approach that helps identify customer requirements and secure performance improvement in restaurant operations.
Quality – why do organisations still continue to get it wrong?
Authors: Dale B.G. , van der Wiele A. , Williams A.R.T.
Published: November 2002

This paper explores, using five case histories, the reasons why organisations and their management remain immune to the need to improve the quality of their product and service offerings. It is argued that the main reasons why a less than positive attitude to quality exists include: management are not familiar with the fundamentals of quality management; the cash rich nature of the business operation nullifies the need to make improvements; there are no strong external change agents for improvement; and competition is weak or non‐existent. The paper explores some potential countermeasures to this type of situation.
The direction of change in multi‐item measures of service quality
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: November 2002

Looks at the generality and reliability of multi‐item measures that are based upon the perception of one or more individuals. Proposes that at least an overall time aspect is missing, which would contribute to the measurement of the perceived direction of change in a specific empirical context. The issues raised in current marketing research literature on the use of multi‐item measures relate to the generality and reliability of the findings regarding time and space. Emphasises the limits of the issues of time. The characteristics of data collected using a particular multi‐item measurement scale determine the reliability of the findings. Determines, by a methodological procedure, the generality of the empirical outcome. The results may lack reliability and generality over time even if the same items of measurement are used in the same context. Therefore, introduces an overall trend dimension in multi‐item measures in order to incorporate the time aspect for each dimension in a construct. The trend dimension makes it possible to measure the perceived direction of change, and complements the facets, as well as the perceptual degree, of a phenomenon or object in a specific empirical context.
Quality in tourism through the empowerment of tourists
Authors: Hjalager Anne‐Mette
Published: November 2002

Identifies and discusses modes of collective consumer pressure that might affect tourism quality in a comprehensive way. Organised tourists are empowered tourists, and as such can provide a needed incentive to improve standards. Discusses: intermediating tour operators; consumer organisations; controlled certification systems; public regulation; and anarchic Internet‐based consumer networks. Suggests that only transnational organisations are able to take full advantage of the potential benefits to the industry of consumer empowerment. Finally, puts forward possible policy actions in the European Union, as well as issues for further research.
Integrated management systems: a model based on a total quality approach
Authors: Wilkinson G. , Dale B.G.
Published: November 2002

Describes a model based on empirical research which provides the details of an integrated management system and takes into account existing and accepted definitions of quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety management systems. Claims that the model addresses the issues of scope and culture which none of the existing integrated management system models address. The model has been tested with a sample of members of the British Standards Society. Among the main findings of this testing is that the model addresses the problems of implementing a second standard (e.g. environmental) other than a quality management system or an integrated management system; compatibly and alignment are not crucial issues in implementing standards; and an integrated standard is favored.
Management of standardised public services: a comprehensive approach to quality assessment
Authors: Ancarani A. , Capaldo G.
Published: November 2002

Proposes a comprehensive approach to support the activities of companies that provide public services. This approach consists of several steps. Defines an appropriate set of performance indicators, and the choice of an appropriate evaluation technique and its application to the services involved. Enables managers of organisations operating in public services to derive operational frameworks based on: an analysis of the information flows among different stakeholders involved in service processes; and the identification of a set of indicators allowing evaluation of the performance level in order to develop quality control systems. Presents an application of the approach to the case of the water supply service in Italy.
An empirical assessment of internal customer service
Authors: Farner Steve , Luthans Fred , Sommer Steven M.
Published: November 2002

The quality service movement is often accused of being merely slogans, fads, and “hot topics”. In an effort to counter this assumption and continuously improve organizational performance, empirical research is needed. Examines empirically the popular concept of internal customer service. Although there is considerable descriptive, anecdotal literature on internal service, to date there has been very little empirical assessment of this “hot topic” in total quality. While the concept of viewing fellow coworkers as customers makes intuitive sense, there is still a debate among both academics and practitioners as to the real value of internal customer service on the service quality to external customers. Using a large food and grocery wholesaler, examines empirically the impact that internal customer service has on external customer service. Finds that internal customer service seems to have a mixed, complex relation with external customer service. Discusses practical implications that these findings have for managing service quality.
A model for measuring customer satisfaction within an academic center of excellence
Authors: Dodge Kelsey Kathleen , Bond Julie A.
Published: November 2002

Customer satisfaction has recently become a concern of academic institutions with the commercialization of scholarship. Describes a process for capturing the authentic domain of customer satisfaction within an academic center of excellence. Findings highlight 19 determinants of customer satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and effectiveness. A Likert‐type survey was developed and tested. Results indicated that entrepreneurial customers were satisfied when they experienced positive relationships with the scientists they interacted with and when they received accurate and timely information to solve business‐related problems. Customers were dissatisfied when their projects were not completed as promised, when scientists lacked the expertise to assist customers, and when communications failed. Gleaning customer satisfaction within an academic institution is an arduous task; however, it is necessary as the citizens who fund public educational institutions demand higher accountability.
The dot‐com meltdown: what does it mean for teaching and research in services?
Authors: Lovelock Christopher
Published: November 2002

Gives a brief review of factors underlying dot‐com failures. Suggests implications for future research and teaching in different aspects of service management, concluding that case histories of dot‐com failures are a rich source for discussion and analysis.
Hydrodynamics of liquid flow in a rotating cone
Authors: Dijk P.E. , Janse A.M.C. , Kuipers J.A.M. , van Swaaij W.P.M.
Published: November 2002

The average residence time of liquid flowing over the surface of a rotating cone was determined numerically. The development and propagation of the free surface flow was simulated using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The numerical simulations were validated using laboratory experiments using soy‐oil as a model liquid, and approximate analytical solutions of the simplified governing equations. The numerical simulations revealed the importance of the cone rotation frequencies and the minor influence of the cone angles on the residence times. Higher liquid throughputs produced smaller residence times. As expected, an increasing cone size results in proportionally higher residence times. Furthermore, it was established that even for small cones with a characteristic diameter of, e.g. less than 1m, relatively high (∼1 kg/s) throughputs of liquid are possible. It appears that the combination of the decreasing layer thickness and the increasing size of the numerical grid cells with increasing radial cone coordinate hampers the numerical simulation of this system.
Natural convection in porous medium‐fluid interface problems ‐ A finite element analysis by using the CBS procedure
Authors: Massarotti N. , Nithiarasu P. , Zienkiewicz O.C.
Published: November 2002

Natural convection in porous medium‐fluid interface problems are numerically studied by using the characteristic based split (CBS) algorithm. The finite element method is used to solve the governing generalized porous medium equations. The accuracy of the scheme is estimated by comparing the present predictions for a porous cavity with those results available for the same problem. Two different types of interface problems have been considered. In the first case, the domain is vertically divided into two equal parts, while in the second problem the division is along the horizontal direction. Results obtained from the present investigation are compared extensively with existing experimental and numerical data and they are in good agreement with the available literature. Also present results are smooth along the interface and are without any jumps in the solution.
Natural convection flow of a viscous fluid about a truncated cone with temperature‐dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity
Authors: Hossain M.A. , Munir M.S.
Published: November 2002

A steady, two‐dimensional natural convection flow of a viscous, incompressible fluid having temperature‐dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity about a truncated cone is considered. We use suitable transformations to obtain the equations governing the flow in convenient form and integrate them by using an implicit finite difference method. Perturbation solutions are employed to obtain the solution in the regimes near and far away from the point of truncation. The results are obtained in terms of the local skin friction and the local Nusselt number. Perturbation solutions are compared with the finite difference solutions and found to be in excellent agreement. The dimensionless velocity, viscosity and thermal conductivity distributions are also displayed graphically, showing the effects of various values of the pertinent parameter for smaller values of Prandtl number.
Darcy‐Forchheimer mixed convection heat and mass transfer in fluid saturated porous media
Authors: Jumah Rami Y. , Fawzi A. , Abu‐Al‐Rub Fahmi
Published: November 2002

The Darcy‐Forchheimer mixed convection from a vertical flat plate embedded in a fluid‐saturated porous medium under the coupled effects of thermal and mass diffusion is analyzed on the basis of boundary‐layer approximations. Similarity solutions are obtained for the case of constant surface temperature and concentration. Numerical results are presented for the distribution of velocity, temperature and concentration profiles within the boundary layer. Representative heat and mass transfer rates in terms of Nusselt and Sherwood numbers for various governing parameters are presented and discussed.
MHD flow of a visco‐elastic fluid through porous medium
Authors: Chandra Ghosh Bikash , Ghosh N.C.
Published: November 2002

Here an attempt has been made to study the MHD flow of a dusty, electrically conducting, visco‐elastic Rivlin‐Ericksen fluid starting from the rest with time‐dependent types applied at the free surface. The analytical expression for velocity profiles of the fluid and dust particles have been found by using the Laplace transform technique. Finally the effects of magnetic field time, elastic parameter and mass concentration of dust particles are discussed with the help of graphs and tables.
Work‐family conflict of women entrepreneurs in Singapore
Authors: Lee Siew Kim Jean , Seow Ling Choo
Published: November 2002

As long as the society continues to emphasise a woman’s basic role as that of mothering, working women will face role struggles. As married working women, many women entrepreneurs have to assume multiple roles in the family in addition to their careers. They must bear major responsibility for household chores and childcare. These responsibilities give rise to work‐family conflict, which becomes an obstacle in managing their business. This research studied the work‐family conflict among married Singapore women entrepreneurs. The work‐family conflict was divided into three parts: job‐spouse conflict, job‐parent conflict and job‐homemaker conflict. The data for this study came from 102 married Singapore women entrepreneurs who responded to a self‐administered questionnaire. From the discussion of the findings, several implications arose. There is a need for greater spouse support, flexible work schedule, and full‐day school in order to alleviate work‐family conflict. Maintenance of good marital relations are important in reducing spouse conflict and increasing well being in women entrepreneurs.
Why women enter into entrepreneurship: an explanatory model
Authors: Orhan Muriel , Scott Don
Published: November 2002

Develops a model of the factors that motivate women to start their own businesses. Qualitative research involving 25 French women entrepreneurs were used to explore case study situations. The research identified a number of situations that relate to women’s decisions to become entrepreneurs, namely “dynastic compliance”, “no other choice”, “entrepreneurship by chance”, “natural succession”, “forced entrepreneurship”, “informed entrepreneur” and “pure entrepreneur”. The findings do not reinforce the assumption that a majority of women become entrepreneurs for reasons of necessity and identified antecedents to the generalised “push”, “pull” and environmental motives.
Senior management in chartered surveying: where are the women?
Authors: Ellison Louise
Published: November 2002

This paper draws from survey data to examine the chronic shortage of women in senior management positions in the surveying profession. It is based on the experiences of women currently working as chartered surveyors in the UK, addressing issues such as the high level of personal and financial investment women surveyors commit to their careers, the perpetuation of limited senior management representation through organisational and other barriers and the apparent inffectiveness of equal opportunities policies to adequately redress the balance.
Gender and managerial competence: support for theories of androgyny?
Authors: McGregor Judy , Tweed David
Published: November 2002

Since Schein’s evocative and enduring metaphor "think manager – think male" there has been a stream of literature discussing gender difference in managerial style. The newer literature about managerial competence, however, remains largely silent about gender, regardless of whether managerial competence is contextualised in an organizational or a human resources perspective. This is true even of edited collections where gender tokenism is generally evident. The study uses a rarely‐researched sample, female manufacturers in small and medium manufacturing enterprises, to explore gender and managerial competence and to test Marshall’s suggestion that the next wave of theorizing may well strengthen an “androgynous” manager model. The findings show a pattern of both similarity and difference in the managerial competence of male and female manufacturers in technology uptake and tentative support for the androgynous manager model.
Analysis of public perception of debris flow hazard
Authors: DeChano Lisa M. , Butler David R.
Published: November 2002

Landslides are common occurrences in the US West. Some of these events cause injury and even death to visitors to these landscapes. Investigates changes in visitor perceptions of the likelihood and location of landslide events in Glacier National Park, Montana, in the wake of a series of hazardous debris flow occurrences. The initial surveying was completed at the Logan Pass Visitor Center on 17 July 1998 using a specially created survey. On 28 July 1998, a series of debris flows crossed Going‐to‐the‐Sun Road and trapped several cars between flow deposits. The road was blocked for more than 24 hours as debris was cleared. In an attempt to examine perception differences after the slide event visitors were resurveyed at the same location on 30 July 1998. Results from statistical analyses and maps created from the survey revealed no significant changes in public perception of danger to self from landslides, nor in the perceived locations of where landslides may occur.
Maritime safety: facts and proposals for the European OPA
Authors: Goulielmos Alexander M.
Published: November 2002

Following the marine accident of Erika off the French coast in 1999 shipping administration (and especially the European Union) – in its familiar reactive way – is ready to legislate against tankers of more than 15 years of age, against negligent classification societies and against single‐hull tankers. The positive fact is the initiative of the European Parliament and the Council to set up a community framework for cooperation in the field of accidental or deliberate marine pollution. Moreover, the EU fears that all sub‐standard tankers will eventually be banned from the USA – due to the gradual enforcement of the Oil Pollution Act 1990 – and will come to European waters to continue their polluting habits. So, Europe is about to legislate its own Oil Pollution Act, on even stricter terms than the USA. Provides a survey of the issues involved by setting down the correct – in the author’s opinion – facts about marine accidents, the misunderstanding of which has negated the effectiveness of all measures taken so far against marine accidents.
Disseminating the Cancer Research Campaign Code of Practice on Tobacco Industry Funding of Research
Authors: King Jean
Published: November 2002

Describes the process undergone by the Cancer Research Campaign (CRC) to develop the arguments, harness support for, implement and disseminate, a Code of Practice on Tobacco Industry Funding for Research in the UK. Following the establishment of a chair at the University of Cambridge funded by British American Tobacco, the CRC drafted a Code which stated that it would not fund research teams who accepted money from tobacco companies. Universities and scientists were asked for their views on the draft code, while members of the public were interviewed about their views of the sponsorship and funding of various activities, and the perceived trustworthiness of various sources, including those from the tobacco industry. There was strong support for the Code from scientists, and mostly support from those universities that responded, although some raised practical and ethical concerns. The public showed a marked dislike for tobacco company sponsorship and funding, and marked distrust of tobacco industry representatives.
Optimistic bias for negative and positive events
Authors: Gouveia Susana O. , Clarke Valerie
Published: November 2002

Presents results of an investigation into the occurrence of optimistic bias in relation to both positive and negative events, using absolute judgements to assess perceived risk for each of six events. Participants were asked why they offered different ratings for themselves and for others. The results showed that optimistic bias is a pervasive phenomenon that occurs for both positive and negative events. It occurred for all six events when comparisons were made with an unspecified person of the same age and sex, and occurred for three of six events when comparisons were made with the same‐sex best friend. Participants could provide information about their own behaviour that they felt justified their positive outlook; however, they implicitly assumed that the comparison target did not engage in the same behaviour. Concludes that risk‐reduction education needs to be made personally relevant to the target audience.
Measuring the determinants of quality in UK higher education: a multinomial logit approach
Authors: Rodgers Timothy , Ghosh Deb
Published: November 2002

A large number of correlation analysis studies of UK data have suggested that there is a weak relationship between student input quality (for example, “A” level performance) and degree performance. This paper re‐examines this relationship using a different statistical method, namely, a multinomial logit analysis. Unlike the earlier studies, we find strong explanatory variables for degree performance. For example, it is found that an increase of one in average “A” points, other things being equal, increases the probability of a first or upper second‐class grade (a “good degree”) by 5.8 per cent, while student dissatisfaction with a course will reduce this probability by 15 per cent. Potential students should also note that taking subjects like geography and history, other things being equal, increases the probability of a “good degree”, while taking, for example, law, reduces it.
Developing a quality assurance framework for in‐service training and development
Authors: Storr Lorna , Hurst Keith
Published: November 2002

This assignment describes the management and delivery of training within Harrogate Health Care Trust. A critical analysis is undertaken using a SWOT analysis that is purposefully integrated with Maxwell’s “six dimensions of quality” to judge the service’s appropriateness. The authors make a comprehensive assessment of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) framework using Maxwell’s six dimensions in order to determine the QAA framework’s suitability for the NHS training department. From this analysis the writers present a quality improvement programme by applying the QAA’s principles. Particular attention is focused on governance, experiences and achievement. A sequential action plan to facilitate and realise these proposals is suggested.
A conceptual framework for guaranteeing higher education
Authors: Lawrence John J. , McCollough Michael A.
Published: November 2002

The lessons of quality management apply to services as well as tangible goods. Awareness also has been increasing that services, like tangible goods, can be guaranteed as a means of implementing a total quality management (TQM) orientation in the organization. While higher education has been exploring some of the tenents of TQM, it has been slow to embrace the power of service guarantees. In this conceptual article we present a system of service guarantees designed to foster a TQM orientation in higher education. We propose that institutions consider a system of guarantees aimed at three primary constituent groups – students, faculty, and employers – over the short, medium and long term. The rationale and implications of the guarantee system are explored, and possible impediments are discussed.
Towards a pragmatic scholarship of academic development
Authors: Badley Graham
Published: November 2002

Argues for an eclectic and pragmatic model of academic development. Such a model encourages inquiry into, and conversations about, academic problems and practices. The intention is to produce more or less useful, though tentative, suggestions for action and intervention. These would reflect Rorty’s pragmatic rationale for “nonideological, compromising, reformist muddling through”, or what Dewey called “experimentalism”. Examines each main term: “towards”, “pragmatic”, “scholarship”, and “academic development”. For example, “pragmatic” is characterised as wanting to promote a liberal, democratic, consensual, just, and even a Utopian society. “Scholarship” is examined as a broad conception following Boyer. “Academic development” is viewed as promoting useful (rather than, say, true or correct or best) approaches to teaching and learning, as encouraging experiments and inquiries, as being more anti‐managerial than managerial, as arguing for a conversational and contestational approach, and as claiming only “tentative responses, possible readings and suggested ideas for action and intervention”.
Attitudes of Australian information system managers against online attackers
Authors: Hutchinson William , Warren Matthew
Published: November 2002

Examines the attitudes of Australian IS/IT managers to the concept of cyber‐vigilantism. Also, it explores the policies and procedures which have been set in place by various organisations to cope with concerted attacks on their systems. It finds that although a majority of managers do approve of the concept of “striking back”, only a minority are prepared for this eventuality. There appears to be complacency about the threats posed by organised, offensive attackers.
Integrating security design into the software development process for e‐commerce systems
Authors: Chan M.T. , Kwok L.F.
Published: November 2002

Development of Web‐based e‐commerce systems has posed challenges in different dimensions of the software development process including design, maintenance and performance. Non‐functional requirements such as performance added to the system as an after thought would lead to extremely high cost and undesirable effects. Security, rarely regarded in the past as one of the non‐functional requirements, has to be integrated into the software development process due to its impact on e‐commerce systems. In this paper, a design methodology based on systems security engineering capability maturity model (SSE‐CMM) is proposed to specify design details for the three defined processes: risk, engineering and assurance. By means of an object‐oriented security design pattern, security design covering impact, threats, risks and countermeasures for different parts of an e‐commerce system can be examined systematically in the risk process. The proposed software development process for secured systems (SDPSS), representing the engineering process, consists of four steps: object and collaboration modeling, tier identification, component identification and deployment specification. Selected unified modeling language notations and diagrams are used to support the SDPSS. Using a simplified supply‐chain e‐commerce system as an example, integration of security design into the software development process is shown with discussions of possible security assurance activities that can be performed on a design.
A framework for access control in workflow systems
Authors: Botha Reinhardt A. , Eloff Jan H.P.
Published: November 2002

Workflow systems are often associated with business process re‐engineering (BPR). This paper argues that the functional access control requirements in workflow systems are rooted in the scope of a BPR project. A framework for access control in workflow systems is developed. The framework suggests that existing role‐based access control mechanisms can be used as a foundation in workflow systems. The framework separates the administration‐time and the run‐time aspects. Key areas that must be investigated to meet the functional requirements imposed by workflow systems on access control services are identified.
Revisiting public information management for effective e‐government services
Authors: Stamoulis D. , Gouscos D. , Georgiadis P. , Martakos D.
Published: November 2002

Governments are employing modern information and communication technologies to serve society better. Raising the effectiveness and quality of government services is not only a matter of new technologies; it also involves clear vision and objectives as well as a sound business strategy. Information systems need to support internal work within a government’s boundaries, serve customers through digital interfaces and leverage digital relationships among social partners. To implement such systems, preparatory work is required in both organization and technology. A new public information management philosophy underlies this significant revamping of the value propositions made to customers. The ongoing enrichment of the Greek Ministry’s of Finance e‐services follows an ICDT‐like business logic. A key factor of all these advances is the re‐orientation of information systems for customer‐centric service.
NUMASS: a Web‐based nuclear monitoring system
Authors: Metaxiotis Kostas S. , Psarras John E. , Karnezis Kostas I.
Published: November 2002

Presents the NUMASS Web‐based system, which was developed for the needs of the European Commission (designed to be used mainly by AIDCO‐A5). Its main objective is to improve the management and monitoring of Tacis Nuclear Safety Programme, by showing in a graphical way the progress of projects/works and prompting for corrective actions.
Learning in the new business school setting: a collaborative model
Authors: Selen Willem
Published: November 2002

The claim is made that many of today’s evolutions in business management, characterized by new ways of knowledge creation in a collaborative, multi‐disciplinary environment, are not yet adequately reflected in business college education. The paper puts business education within the framework of demand chain management and supply networks, which will dictate modern business management. Secondly, the management process is revisited in terms of dynamic performance measurement and the link with double‐loop learning. Then the paper will go on discussing the multi‐functionality required and how this is (not) reflected in many business curricula. Finally, the author addresses the need to expose business students to modern business ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and collaborative commerce‐software interfaces, in conjunction with a critical analysis of the underlying methodologies used. Furthermore, the need to collaborate more closely within the business school setting and outside with business practitioners is highlighted.
Activity‐based costing: a tool for adaptive and generative organizational learning?
Authors: Driver Michaela
Published: November 2002

This paper examines activity‐based costing (ABC) as a tool for organizational learning. More specifically, it is suggested that ABC can help business organizations engage in adaptive as well as generative learning. ABC facilitates adaptive learning by supporting continuous improvement and the management of existing knowledge. It facilitates generative learning by supporting the development of a learning culture and the social context in which new mental models can be developed. Important guidelines for implementing ABC to enhance organizational learning are distilled from a mini case study of a health care services provider.
Quality management practices and the link to potential learning outcomes within the Australian retail sector
Authors: Morrison Michael , Terziovski Milé
Published: November 2002

Two critical success factors within the retail industry are quality management practices and continuous learning. Presents empirical evidence suggesting a link between a set of retail management practices and potential learning outcomes. Retailers need to focus on developing a market orientation that is linked to structures, processes and systems necessary to build learning organizations. All interactions with customers and other key stakeholders can lead to a potential learning outcome. To develop and maintain competitive advantage, retailers need to share information with their key stakeholders, build long‐term alliances and link market orientation with a learning orientation. It was found that all levels of employees need time to reflect on and review information critical to their action outcomes and the action outcomes of their key stakeholders. Retailers must capitalize on each potential learning experience by reflecting on, documenting and transferring knowledge, and creating a climate which facilitates learning through the effective exchange of knowledge across all sections of the organization.
Building high performance learning: a focus on career results and the business bottom line
Authors: Ingram Hadyn , Sandelands Eric , Teare Richard
Published: November 2002

Explores the nature of action learning and its benefits. Looks at the importance of aligning personal learning with corporate objectives. Draws conclusions from the authors’ experiences of using e‐learning to support action learning within organizations. Uses case study examples from Whitbread, Granada, Interbrew and the Canadian School of Managementty ‐54 to enrich and illustrate these points.
Food service franchisors and their co‐branding methods
Authors: Young Joyce A. , Hoggatt Casondra D. , Paswan Audhesh K.
Published: November 2002

The current paper describes various co‐branding methods that are available to franchisors and franchisees. The paper also presents an exploratory study that provides some insight into the activities in which franchisors in the food service industry may be willing to engage, in collaboration with other firms, when entering and maintaining co‐branding relationships. A sample of International Franchise Association (IFA) members was selected for the survey.
Can differential prices be fair?
Authors: Lyn Cox Jennifer
Published: November 2002

In September 2000, Amazon.com attempted to implement a differential pricing structure that would track online purchasing behaviors to charge loyal customers higher prices for the same product. Amazon’s customers met this new pricing initiative with extreme displeasure, forcing the company to end its trial with differential pricing. Differential pricing is not new. Industries such as travel and retail have charged consumers different prices for years through special promotions such as frequent flyer miles and loyal customer discount cards. Why is it then that Amazon’s customers perceived the company’s differential pricing structure as being unfair? More importantly, are there times when such pricing is acceptable? An understanding of the concepts of distributive and procedural justice, as well as equity theory and dual entitlement, provides managers with the defining principles of price fairness. Implementing these concepts and theories into the firm’s pricing practices will increase the likelihood that customers will perceive differential pricing as being fair.
Odd‐ending price underestimation: an experimental examination of left‐to‐right processing effects
Authors: Coulter Keith S.
Published: November 2002

Although findings have been somewhat inconsistent, there is evidence from both experimental studies and field research that prices set just below the nearest round figure produce higher than expected demand at that level. Among the different explanations that have been proposed for these effects are that consumers round prices down, encode prices from left to right, remember only the “most important” digits of a price, and/or attach certain “images” to nine‐ending prices. Utilizing a unique experimental setting, the author examines dollar vs cents digit recall as well as the choice frequencies associated with zero‐ vs nine‐ending prices to determine the efficacy of the proposed explanations. Within this setting, the author concludes that left‐to‐right digit encoding may be a necessary condition for higher than expected demand.
Solving reusability problems of online learning materials
Authors: Hiddink Gerrit
Published: November 2002

Observes that the widespread use of the World Wide Web for educational purposes creates many opportunities for reusing learning material. However, many factors are involved that may decrease the amount of actual reuse that occurs. Presents a theoretical model of these factors, one of which is the physical layout of learning objects. Approaches this problem by separating the layout of learning objects from their content. This is achieved by describing the content in the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and the layout in the eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL). The architecture of a prototype is presented showing how this technology can be used in an online learning environment.
Descriptive metadata strategy for TEI headers: a University of Michigan Library case study
Authors: Marko Lynn , Powell Christina
Published: November 2002

The Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) standard was developed for the humanities scholars to encode textual documents for data interchange and analytic research. Its header segment contains rich tag sets, which can sufficiently support library cataloging practice with AACR2 rules and authority control. Presents a strategy that is currently used by the Making of America (MoA) project for transferring complete MARC data created on the library’s online system to the header of the TEI encoded documents. Also describes the cooperation for achieving this task between the Digital Library Production Services (DLPS) and Monograph Cataloging Division at the University of Michigan Library.
E‐commerce new venture performance: how funding impacts culture
Authors: Hamilton R.H.
Published: November 2002

New venture “startups” are financed via three standard methods: self‐funding, “friends and family” or possibly “angel” investors; seed capital from venture capitalists; and large corporations’ venture funds. Each of these financial structures has its own set of risk and reward trade‐offs. Corporate venture funding has been seen as the least risky funding method, but also the least likely to be available for the entrepreneur. Each of these funding methods is likely to engender a different kind of corporate culture that could impact the e‐commerce venture’s long‐term development. The self‐ or privately‐funded company must continuously scramble for scarce funds and may not be able to develop internally the necessary culture of knowledge creation. Companies supported primarily by venture capitalists may develop a culture that over‐focuses on quick return of capital to investors. Alternatively, the slow decision‐making processes of large corporations are often antithetical to Internet time.
The influence of information ecology on e‐commerce initiatives
Authors: Detlor Brian
Published: November 2002

This paper explores the influence of an organization’s information ecology, or internal information environment, on a firm’s electronic commerce initiatives and plans. To investigate this problem area, results are reported from a recent case study investigation on the adoption and use of a specific e‐commerce initiative – namely a corporate portal – by 20 participants at a large Canadian company. Data collection involved semi‐structured interviews and field observations, while analysis comprised a variant form of grounded theory. Factors of the information ecology influencing portal utilization are identified. From these, implications are drawn to e‐commerce solutions in general. Specific recommendations include the need to create a democratic steering committee to oversee the development of e‐commerce solutions, gain support of upper management, and market and train organizational workers on the functionality and strategic importance of a company’s e‐commerce initiatives and plans.