bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To the public‐listed companies, from the investment community
Authors: Lim Lynn L.K. , Dallimore Peter
Published: January 2003

Reporting the value of intellectual capital (IC) in the disclosure process for stakeholders has focused largely on the construction of indicators determined by the companies. This paper reports a study conducted with the investment community to determine the information they need to assist them in making investment decisions. This research project sets out to answer what are the perceptions towards strategic capital information required to assist in decision making and what are perceived as the most important or critical strategic management capital and strategic marketing capital indicators. More specifically, the study addresses the inter‐relationship between the knowledge of indicators and the perceived importance of disclosing the information on these indicators.
Evidence of intellectual capital measurement from Asia, Europe and the Middle East
Authors: Ordónez de Pablos Patricia
Published: January 2003

The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate the current state of best practices in the trans‐disciplinary field of intellectual capital (IC) management and measurement. First, this paper is intended to provide a conceptual framework for IC analysis. Second, it explores interesting factors regarding the dynamics of measuring and reporting IC in pioneer firms in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. After an in‐depth case analysis of leading firms in this field, a holistic IC model is discussed, which involves managing, measuring and reporting on IC. Finally, avenues for further research are suggested.
Organizational memory and intellectual capital
Authors: Wexler Mark N.
Published: January 2003

Organizational memory (OM) is a branch of collective memory studies tied to instrumental action which seeks to enhance the organization’s intellectual capital by aiding organizations in using both routine practices and imbedded information to anticipate and solve problems. Within an intellectual capital perspective, OM involves the encoding of information via suitable representation and retrieval systems which are filtered through the three forms of intellectual capital – human, structural and relational. This paper explores how these three forms of intellectual capital, when put into mnemonic practice, generate four interrelated but distinct models of OM – the storage bin model, the narrative model, the innovative model, and the political resource model. Emphasis is placed on discussion of how each of these models of OM impacts efforts to effectively manage an organization’s intellectual capital.
Leveraging intellectual capital through product and process management of human capital
Authors: Johnson William H.A.
Published: January 2003

The current framework of intellectual capital is examined. It is argued that transformation of human capital into structural capital is counter‐productive for certain types of highly tacit, experiential and intuitive knowledge. In fact, the very process of structuralizing intellectual capital may institutionalize knowledge stocks and create core rigidities or result in the “false recipe” syndrome. An important understanding is that intellectual capital does not have to be explicitly owned by the firm in order to be valuable to it. Attempts to measure all aspects of intellectual capital may be counter‐productive and neglect the actual management of these intellectual capital assets towards a higher real firm valuation. Ultimately, a strategy for determining what knowledge to structuralize and manage as product and what knowledge not to structuralize and manage as process is necessary for a practical and profitable means of developing value in the concept of intellectual capital.
Digital manufacturing – Napster fabbing: Internet delivery of physical products
Authors: Burns Marshall , Howison James
Published: January 2003

Looks at “fabbing” – digital fabricating of physical products and its future in the business world via the Internet. Concludes that this is a process that is here to stay and therefore technology needs to become more sophisticated to accommodate it. The research register for this journal is available at http://www.mcbup.com/research_registers. The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at http://www.emerald‐library.com/ft.
An occupational view of the Australian labour force
Authors: Bredt Jerome C.
Published: January 2003

Generally employment has been studied in terms of changes in the types of goods and services that the economy is purchasing. Far less attention has been given to the occupational aggregates that go into producing these goods and services. The few studies that did investigate this area found that the mix of labour inputs appear to have been changing over time in a systematic pattern. The increasing prevalence of white‐collar, information workers gave rise to the assertion that many societies had entered a post‐industrial “information” age. Deals first of all with some issues of measurement in the context of the Australian labour force, then looks at trends in various occupational groups using a non‐standard four‐sector classification of the labour force. Finally suggests an application in relation to the link between education and training and its ability to reduce structural unemployment.
Colour RP
Authors: Gibson Ian , Wai Ming Ling
Published: January 2003

Since the last Rapid Prototyping Journal Internet Conference of 1998/1999, colour RP has come to commercial fruition in the form of the ZCorp Z406, 3D Printing machine. In the light of this development, this paper discusses how the future of colour RP is likely to progress in terms of the significant potential market as well as hardware and software issues.
Transducers 2001/EUROSENSORS XV 10‐14 June 2001, Munich
Authors: McGeehin Peter
Published: January 2003

Reviews the Transducers 2001/EUROSENSORS XV conferences that were held in Munich, 10‐14 June 2001. Microengineering figured prominently in the programme, almost half the sessions covering aspects of this subject, including power generation, packaging and wafer bonding, physical effects, machining and etching (also for high aspect ratio), micro‐thrusters, ‐jets, ‐pumps, ‐valves, ‐fluidics, ‐probes, optical 3D and RF MEMS, resonators, polymer based microsystems and commercialisation. Explicit sensor sessions included materials for gas sensing, chemical and gas sensors, biomedical systems, electrochemical sensors, inertial sensors, magnetic sensors, image, flow and thermal sensors. There were two sessions on actuators. Nano‐devices (physical in character) were covered in one session, though nanotechnology as such did not figure in the proceedings.
Information and library studies on a virtual campus
Authors: Marcella Rita , Baxter Graeme
Published: January 2003

Provides a critical overview of the introduction of the Postgraduate Diploma/Master of Science course in Information and Library Studies, in online distance learning mode, by the School of Information and Media at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Includes some initial observations on the success of the distance learning approach, and on the implications of directing, and interacting with, students by remote, largely electronic means. Student response to the course materials and to the communications media utilised are discussed critically, in particular in terms of interaction, involvement and isolation. Also examines the nature of the status and personal circumstances of the students being attracted by the distance learning mode.
Evaluating the service quality of information services using a new “P‐C‐P” attributes model
Authors: Philip George , Hazlett Shirley‐Ann
Published: January 2003

Continues earlier work which described in some detail the theoretical basis and rationale for developing a modified SERVQUAL instrument (P‐C‐P attributes model) for measuring service quality. Provides a brief overview to service quality highlighting some of the more pertinent and as yet unresolved issues. Discusses the validity of the new “P‐C‐P” attributes model as a methodological framework for measuring service quality, and discusses the findings of an in‐depth study of the service quality of information services in Northern Ireland using this model. In brief, the P‐C‐P attributes (pivotal, core and peripheral) model takes the form of a ranked structure based on three main classes of attributes (as opposed to the five dimensions of SERVQUAL). Using these three attributes as a convenient set of pegs, a questionnaire was developed to capture the different aspects of service quality and distributed to 1,000 organisations in Northern Ireland. Some 276 questionnaires were returned for analysis, and in general respondents appeared to be fairly satisfied with the level of service they received from the information services. However, some significant differences were noted between their responses to questions and open comments, which tended to be more negative. This seems to indicate that service quality evaluation should not be based solely on fixed‐choice questions and that respondents should be given the opportunity to make general comments on any aspect of the service they received. This research also examined the versatility of the P‐C‐P attributes model as a measurement framework. Results from advanced statistical tests demonstrated the potential that exists for this tool to be used as a general instrument for assessing the service quality of information services or any industry sector. It is not prescriptive and, indeed, it is a skeletal framework within which to consider respective services, thereby having the potential to address the diversity and idiosyncracies of specific service industries.
Enhancing organizational performance in banks: a systematic approach
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: January 2003

To enhance their organizational performance, banks can benefit from the experiences of manufacturing firms and gainfully employ quality and process improvement philosophies with proven track records in manufacturing industries. This article presents a framework, which integrates root cause analysis with benchmarking, process reengineering and continuous improvement. A case study is employed to illustrate the application of the framework and to demonstrate how it can benefit a bank in lowering costs, enhancing productivity, responding to customer demands, reducing complaints and improving customer satisfaction.
Service encounter problems: which service providers are more likely to be blamed?
Authors: Pleger Bebko Charlene
Published: January 2003

Looks at unmet customer expectations in service delivery associated with service encounter problems. Problematic service encounters are compared to those which were problem free. Four services were evaluated by customers – legal consultation, hair stylist, film processing and retail store. These services covered a range of both process and outcome tangibility. Expectations, perceptions and the “gaps” between them were used to evaluate service quality across a range of service encounters. If problems were reported, customers were asked to evaluate three attribution factors: who was at fault for the problem, could it have been prevented and could it occur in future service encounters. These findings indicate that when there is a service encounter problem, and that service has some level of intangibility, unmet customer expectations are significantly greater than in services with some level of tangibility. Suggests how service providers might prevent customer perceptions of service quality from significantly diverging from customer expectations in these situations.
Do you know what the customer you penalized yesterday is doing today? A pilot analysis
Authors: Fram Eugene H. , Callahan Andrew
Published: January 2003

Given the growing and widespread use of consumer penalties, there is little doubt business considers them an effective way to get customers to follow through on commitments. Yet no one really knows how people, as individuals, respond when they are penalized by banks, airlines, cell phone companies or other vendors. What types of behavioral reactions do penalties elicit from consumers? What is the impact on the businesses that charged them? The authors turn a spotlight on these previously unexamined issues by analyzing the reactions of 44 randomly selected consumers who faced 66 different consumer penalties. Key findings, from a pilot analysis, include the fact that in 38 of the 66 penalty cases examined, study participants thought that the penalties that they incurred were both unfair charges and the amounts unjustified. Overall, a third of all penalties resulted in customers changing vendors. Additional findings show word‐of‐mouth communication to others was significant, and that over half of penalized consumers challenged their penalties, with 50 percent of them having some success. Study results strongly indicate companies should be taking a closer look at their penalty policies in light of building long‐term customer relationships.
Technology enablers for supply chain management
Authors: Boubekri Nourredine
Published: January 2003

This paper describes the current business conditions and the four key factors that need to be integrated in order to improve the supply chain. The paper discusses how enterprise resource planning (ERP) is increasingly being used as a technology enabler for supply chain management and problems associated with its implementation.
Establishment and use of virtual layouts for manufacturing
Authors: Yaman Ramazan
Published: January 2003

This study offers a new type of manufacturing approach. This approach may be called virtual manufacturing layouts. The study concerns basic themes of the approach. These are descriptions, elements, and use of the virtual layouts. The approach has been exemplified with a case study. Advantages and disadvantages of this type of layouts have also been summarised.
Distributed rapid prototyping – a framework for Internet prototyping and manufacturing
Authors: Tay Francis E.H. , Khanal Yadav P. , Kuen Kwong Kwok , Cheng Tan Kim
Published: January 2003

This paper focuses on the development of a distributed rapid prototyping system via the Internet to form a framework of Internet prototyping and manufacturing for the support of effective product development. The proposed methodology is targeted at a wide audience using a disparate range of computer systems to access remotely located rapid prototyping facilities via the Internet for prototype fabrication. The methodology is useful for both educational research for teaching evolving rapid prototyping technologies and remote scientific visualization. This approach is based on the merger of object‐oriented modular software architecture and client server communications for the remote control of rapid prototyping hardware (called fused deposition modeling) via the Internet. Other Web tools are used to allow the remote user to have higher interactivity with the server applications that have a direct link with the front‐end terminals controlling the rapid prototyping hardware.
Just‐in‐time management in precast concrete construction: a survey of the readiness of main contractors in Singapore
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Joo Chuan Choong
Published: January 2003

The Just‐In‐Time (JIT) philosophy holds tremendous potentials for improving the movement of precast concrete components from the prefabrication yard to, and within, the construction site. The space constraints for storage and the traffic congestion at the worksite can then be alleviated. Savings from the efficient management of precast concrete components can be used to offset the higher costs of procurement. By means of a survey, this paper examines if main contractors are ready to adopt the JIT philosophy to receiving and installing precast concrete components on site. Observations from the survey, however, suggest that JIT/lean operations need to work hand in hand with agile operations in the supply chain to cope with schedule fluctuations.
Designing and manufacturing consumer products for functionality: a literature review of current function definitions and design support tools
Authors: Chiang Wen‐Chuan , Pennathur Arunkumar , Mital Anil
Published: January 2003

Examines the product design and manufacturing literature to understand why consumer products of daily use often fail to provide the intended function to users’ satisfaction. The review shows that the bulk of published literature addressing functionality and functional representation deals with mechanical systems design, and there are issues that directly affect the consumer that are yet to be accommodated in current research in functional representation. The literature also reveals that very few of the product design support systems have been tested on real design cases, or have been developed and tested using real designers in manufacturing environments – this issue needs serious consideration if efficient designer aids are to be developed in the future. Also, there is relatively little that has been done to develop tools to evaluate alternative design solutions. It is also apparent from this review that the main research focus has been on providing function, rather than on ensuring function in a product that is eventually manufactured.
Green dilemma
Authors: Wossen Kassaye W.
Published: January 2003

Based on a survey of 290 consumer and industrial goods manufacturers in the Continental USA, examines the green packaging actions, attitudes and future plans of firms. The findings suggest that companies are not setting up green programs entirely on some mechanical model, such as “consumers demand, therefore we go green”; they work from a clear picture of their own economic wellbeing. For large firms, the primary reasons for engaging in green tend to be consumer pressure, the desire for better community relations and cost considerations. For smaller companies, the highest priority is given to cost, followed by customer request, fear of governmental intervention and the desire to reduce garbage. For mid‐size companies, the primary concerns are the desire for a pro‐ active stance within the community, competition and foreign countries’ regulations.
Chinese students’ perceptions of women in management: will it be easier?
Authors: Frank Ellen J.
Published: January 2003

An attitude survey was conducted with 72 management majors attending a prestigious business university in Beijing, China. The results indicate that there is still a significant “glass ceiling” effect to accepting women as they climb up the management hierarchy. The group estimated that it would take at least 32 years before equality would be reached. Women were less likely to prefer to work for a woman than for male subjects. Women were described as more incompetent, slower, weaker, more a follower‐than‐a‐leader, more lenient, more democratic, less active, and more friendly than male managers. Women were significantly more in agreement with the idea of being both a professional and a wife. The results reflect a similar attitudinal position to US women. The conclusion is that it will not be easier for Chinese women to succeed than it is for women in theUSA.
Gender impact on Chinese negotiation: “some key issues for Western negotiators”
Authors: Seng Woo Hong , Wilson Doirean , Liu Jonathan
Published: January 2003

Utilises findings that relate to Chinese negotiation skills that can be used primarily as a guide for female Western negotiators wishing to do business with the Chinese. Evidence comes from observations and group discussions conducted with 31 female Chinese managers. Results show that there is a lot to consider when negotiating with the Chinese. The eight key characteristics which form an endemic part of Chinese culture are face, trust, friendship, ambiguity, patience, Guanxi networks, status, and Chinese protocols. Examines the gender impact of these characteristics on the negotiation process and assesses the ensuing implications for Western negotiators. Evidence suggests that first six characteristics are gender neutral while the latter two are gender biased. The women enrolled on the management programmes provided a “birds‐eye‐view” into the interactive behaviour and social upbringing of Chinese women, thus giving an insight into Chinese culture and customs. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that being a successful Chinese negotiator requires an “open minded” approach and heightened awareness of cultural differences.
Worker control as the missing link: relations between paid/unpaid work and work‐related learning
Authors: Livingstone David W.
Published: January 2003

Explores relations between workers’ extent of control over their paid and unpaid labour processes and the incidence of different types of organized and informal learning. Activity theory is used to posit relations between power and knowledge acquisition in different spheres of work. The sources of evidence are recent Canadian national surveys. Implications of the findings for more democratic organization of paid workplaces and educational institutions are briefly noted.
On the norm of equality
Authors: Lutz Mark A.
Published: January 2003

Perceiving discrimination and unequal treatment as a problem implies an underlying value of human equality. Argues that such prescriptive equality is more powerful and more persuasive to the extent that it is built on a presumption of descriptive human equality. Explores the philosophical prerequisites for holding the presumption of actual equality. In the last part, surveys critically the general stance of economics regarding an affirmation of descriptive equality.
Equitable allocations and the case for access
Authors: McCain Roger A.
Published: January 2003

Reviews some recent neoclassical‐economic writing on equitable allocation of resources and inquires whether this approach to equity might lead to a case for a right to access, particularly with respect to medical care. The common logic of this literature is that equal access to all goods and services is fair, but inefficient, so that a fairness‐preserving shift to an efficient allocation could produce an allocation that is both efficient and fair. It seems, however, that this supports “rights to access” only where the person deprived of access would lack information necessary to determine whether compensation for the deprivation might be due. Medical care does seem to be a case in point.
Economic dimensions of telecommunications access
Authors: Keating Barry
Published: January 2003

As wealth and income increase, so too does the desire and ability to communicate with others. Suggests the opposite conclusion: that the link between telecommunications access and income levels is a causality that runs in the opposite direction – increased telecommunications access leads to increases in incomes. Discrimination against such access for the less developed countries is one of the great disparities of the twenty‐first century.
A note on emotions and consultancy
Authors: Lundberg Craig C. , Young Cheri A.
Published: January 2003

Although most consultants appreciate the role emotions play in change projects, many have little understanding regarding emotions and how they influence behavior. By providing a basic framework of emotions, and explicating how emotions affect cognitive processes and behavior, argues that emotions and change projects are interlinked. Because the client’s need for help is typically triggered by negative circumstances, clients often experience unsettling negative affective reactions they wish to alleviate. Although consultants are ostensibly hired to provide expertise and assistance on matters of content, we argue that clients’ manifest requests for assistance are also almost always implicit calls for emotional help. The emotional help that consultants may provide consists of effectively managing the client’s emotional needs in two arenas: the situation in which the client finds him or herself, and the client‐consultant relationship.
Management consultancies as global change agents?
Authors: Crucini Cristina , Kipping Matthias
Published: January 2003

Examines the role of small, locally based management consultancies as global change agents. Based on evidence from Italy, shows that these consultancies not only have managed to develop successful survival strategies, but also play an important role in the dissemination and translation of new management knowledge into a local context, thus contributing to an increasing homogenization of management practice. Draws on new evidence, namely questionnaires completed by Italian consultants as well as a large number of face‐to‐face interviews. It is part of an ongoing, large‐scale research project on management practices in Europe.
Images of quality: deconstructing the quest for excellence
Authors: Downs Alexis , Eastman Kenneth K.
Published: January 2003

Like daffodils in springtime, total quality management (TQM) programs bloom, fade, and bloom again. Once lauded, then debunked, analyzed, and resurrected, TQM is here examined as a linguistic construction. The intent of this research is to examine theQuest for Excellencefilms, as produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The films are produced for the annual Malcolm Baldrige Award ceremony in Washington, DC. Films are analyzed, because this paper extends the work of De Cock, who argues that language plays a central role in constituting reality; and because films are powerful language or sign systems.
Targeting consumers who are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products
Authors: Laroche Michel , Bergeron Jasmin , Barbaro‐Forleo Guido
Published: January 2003

Concerns related to the environment are evident in the increasingly ecologically conscious marketplace. Using various statistical analyses, investigats the demographic, psychological and behavioral profiles of consumers who are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Finds that this segment of consumers were more likely to be females, married and with at least one child living at home. They reported that today’s ecological problems are severe, that corporations do not act responsibly toward the environment and that behaving in an ecologically favorable fashion is important and not inconvenient. They place a high importance on security and warm relationships with others, and they often consider ecological issues when making a purchase. Managerial implications for green marketers and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Students’ perceptions of the evaluation of college teaching
Authors: Crumbley Larry , Henry Byron K. , Kratchman Stanley H.
Published: January 2003

The validity of student evaluation of teaching (SET) has been continually debated in the academic community. The primary purpose of this research is to survey student perceptions to provide any evidence of inherent weaknesses in the use of SETs to measure and report teaching effectiveness accurately. The study surveyed over 500 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in various accounting courses over two years at a large public university. Students were asked to rate several factors on their importance in faculty evaluations and identify instructor traits and behaviors warranting lower ratings. The study provides further evidence that the use of student evaluations of teaching for personnel decisions is not appropriate. Students will punish instructors who engage in a number of well‐known learning/teaching techniques, which encourages instructors to increase SET scores by sacrificing the learning process. Other measures and methods should be employed to ensure that teaching effectiveness is accurately measured and properly rewarded. Using student data as a surrogate for teaching performance is an illusionary performance measurement system.
Performance appraisals: usage, criteria and observations
Authors: Pettijohn Linda S. , Stephen Parker R. , Pettijohn Charles E. , Kent ohn L.
Published: January 2003

Performance appraisals are often described asthe “job managers love to hate”. A study was designed to provide sales managers with information designed to increase the benefits of engaging in the evaluation process and reduce the negative sentiments often associated with appraisals. To accomplish this objective, 214 salespeople were personally interviewed and asked to provide information regarding their perceptions of their performance appraisals. The results indicate that salespeople have positive perceptions regarding the appraisal process. Findings also indicate that while salespeople are oftenevaluated at least twice annually, the criteria used are not always the ones thatsalespeople view as being the most appropriate. The conclusions derived from the analysis may provide insight to sales managers as they attempt to develop and implement appraisal processes that are viewed as being valid and as they attempt to enhance the benefits that may be obtained from engaging in this process.
Management education and increased managerial effectiveness
Authors: Analoui Farhad , Hassan Hosseini Mirza
Published: January 2003

This paper addresses the effectiveness of the processes involved in business administration proprammes for managers in Iran. It aims to understand the foundation of appropriate business administration for managers and to explore their views and perceptions in relation to the skills and knowledge required of them.The methodology employed consists of survey questionnaire and fieldwork involving semi‐structured interviews as the main sources of qualitative and quantitative data. The respondents were current participants in business administration programs at the Payame Noor University. The study tested the validity and relevance of the “integrated model” of managerial skills in order to identify the required categories of skills and knowledge, namely task, people, and self‐related skills. The results showed that a combination of these skills enables the managers to work more effectively. However, there seems to be a gap between what is offered and what managers actually need. Also it was discovered that in Iran business managers tend to place more emphasis on the importance of the task and self‐development categories of knowledge and skills rather than the people‐related ones. These results have numerous implications for the business schools and other universities who deal with managers in Iran.
Normativity and self‐presentation
Authors: Beauvois Jean‐Léon , Dubois Nicole
Published: January 2003

Notes that people use self‐presentation strategies to enhance their self‐image, and in doing so, they rely on norms. Raises the question of the desirability and feasibility of giving training to individuals in normative self‐presentation, where the idea is to teach the trainees to refer to judgment norms when responding in formal evaluation situations (like job interviews). Three judgment norms are used as illustration: internality, self‐sufficiency, and individual anchoring. The materials for training in these three norms are tested using the methods and techniques of the socionormative approach, and briefly presented. The ethical implications of this type of training are discussed.
Is there a relationship between the Myers‐Briggs type indicator and emotional intelligence?
Authors: Higgs Malcolm
Published: January 2003

Presents the results of a research study, covering 177 managers. This research was designed specifically to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and the Myers‐Briggs type indicator (MBTI) profiles of the sample population. Indicates that the dominant MBTI function of Intuition (and the associated MBTI profiles) is significantly and positively related to higher levels of EI. In looking at specific MBTI scales, the lack of significant relationships between high Feeling scores and EI is seen as somewhat surprising. However, this may in part be due to under‐representation of high “feeling” participants in the research study and, in part, due to methodological limitations of comparing data from normative and ipsative instruments. Provides some support overall for the proposed relationship between the MBTI and EI and also highlights potential areas for future research.
Reflections
Authors: Pech Richard J.
Published: January 2003

Authors and researchers have enthusiastically extolled the benefits of innovation for business and other organisations for a number of years. Ironically, although most of today’s organisations claim they encourage innovative and creative behaviour, many are in reality unable or unwilling to tolerate such behaviour amongst their employees. This is partially due to the fashionable managerial trends in cost cutting and downsizing. Another cause for the lack of creative behaviour may be due to a high need for conformity amongst organisational members. Normative influence is an instinctive survival mechanism serving to establish and maintain uniformity and stability. Although conformity helps group stability and group cohesiveness, and the act of copying others may be an effective method of learning, the subsequent “groupish” rigidity of behaviour and thought also serves to stifle creativity and innovation. Attempts to explain the phenomenon of normative influence and its detrimental impact on creative human performance in an organisational context. The emphasis on innovation and creativity should be particularly relevant for what Kugler predicts will be a turbulent twenty‐first century.
Development of electronic commerce user‐consumer satisfaction index (ECUSI) for Internet shopping
Authors: Cho Namjae , Park Sanghyuk
Published: January 2003

Customers in an Internet shopping environment actually play dual roles. One is the role as a customer in a shopping place, and the other is the role as a user of information technology. In both cases, the level of satisfaction is of great concern. In this vein, a way of measuring the satisfaction level that takes both roles into account is needed. However, in past research indexes for consumer satisfaction and indexes for user information satisfaction have been developed separately in the fields of marketing and management information systems. Because of this lack of interaction between the two streams of research, an index for electronic commerce consumers that has its base in the dual roles has not been developed and tested. In this research, an instrument for measuring electronic commerce consumer satisfaction was proposed and validated using a sample of over 400 customers. The relationship between the index and consumers’ purchasing intention was also examined.
Planning a revenue stream system in an e‐business environment
Authors: Walker Kenton B. , Johnson Eric N.
Published: January 2003

Many organizations are adopting an integrated approach to implementing and managing important elements of their revenue stream activities, particularly as applied to conducting business on the Internet. Integrated information systems are an important part of this effort to improve service to customers. Describes what management can expect from recent advances in integrated revenue software applications, outlines major system deliverables, and reports critical success factors for traditional and e‐business revenue stream system projects.
Introduction: Affinity credit cards: a critical review
Authors: Worthington Steve
Published: January 2003

Describes the importance of plastic payment cards at the point of sale (POS) and the evolution of the credit card in general and affinity cards in particular. Suggests reasons for both the growth of plastic card payments (the cashless society) and the threats to affinity cards (the interchange fee). Places the affinity credit card within the paradigm of relationship marketing and emphasises the triadic nature of these relationships. Discusses the development of the research into affinity credit cards and the issues of branding and trust that impact upon the triadic relationships. Explores the potential for affinity marketing and reports on research into trust and ethics which is relevant to this concept. Places affinity marketing within the retail arena and finally draws conclusions on the future for payments at the POS, relationships operationalised via plastic cards and triadic affinities.
Incorporating shortage strategies in industrial marketing
Authors: Wagner William B. , Gopalakrishna Srinath
Published: January 2003

Industrial marketers must handle the problem of working in an environment characterized by supply shortages occurring on a regular basis. As customers continue to demand more, tolerance for supply delays and out‐of‐stock situations has decreased. Customer service has taken on an increasingly important role and suppliers must do a better job in understanding the cause and impact of shortages when and if they arise. Accordingly, customer relationships must be reexamined. Discusses key issues for suppliers to consider in managing the marketing mix in shortage situations. Industrial marketers are developing and using new and better techniques to deal with the inevitability of shortage conditions that confront all companies regardless of size, industry or geographical location. Specifically, this paper overviews the basic principles of relationship marketing as they apply to shortages. It offers suggestions on how industrial suppliers can manage their marketing efforts more effectively when materials, parts, components or other supplies are short.
Ensuring European leadership in the global marketplace
Authors: Harris Philip R.
Published: January 2003

As European institutions seek greater integration and union in the twenty‐first century, their executives and managers need to acquire new leadership abilities. In the emerging global marketplace, European leadership requires learning a variety of such competencies. Post‐industrial management, for example, demands high performance in cultivating organizational alliances, partnerships and synergy across borders. Other new work culture challenges involve psychological contracts suitable within an international context and for an information age. Engaging in multicultural business not only means coping with local ethical perceptions, but providing appropriate transfer of technology. The global management system that is developed will manifest four basic dimensions: technical; economic; political; and cultural!Worldwide, the customers and employees in these market exchanges are people in transition – many are threatened by accelerating change. Some of these individuals and their institutions are experiencing an identity crisis in a work environment now dominated by technology and electronic commerce. It is a workplace characterized by mergers and acquisitions within and without one’s country. Thus, those who would desire to exercise greater European leadership within global enterprise are advised here to commit themselves to continuous learning and adaptation.
Preservation management training and education: developing a sector‐wide approach
Authors: Matthews Graham , Thebridge Stella
Published: January 2003

The authors address the training needs of archivists, librarians and museum staff involved in preserving the national heritage and consider how these domains’ needs might be met in a co‐ordinated and collaborative manner across the cultural heritage sector, and within the context of educational provision. The paper draws on a recent Library and Information Commission funded research project, “Review of current preservation management training in the UK and abroad”, and the 1999 National Preservation Office seminar on the subject. It relates this to work of the National Preservation Office, Resource, and other professional initiatives, and suggests how sector‐wide training and education might be developed. It poses questions for the consideration of LIS educators. Recommendations encourage the development of existing links and training initiatives, widening involvement and collaboration within and without the sector, and co‐ordination of preservation management training nationally.
Lessons and issues for defining “facilities management” from hospitality management
Authors: de Bruijn Hans , van Wezel Ruud , Wood Roy C.
Published: January 2003

The growth of facility or facilities management as an academic discipline and a set of “real world” practices has been accompanied by continuing uncertainty as to how the field should be defined. That this issue remains a “live” one is reflected in the various academic and professional commentaries on the subject. Explores the nature of facilities management in the context of vocational education and draws parallels with the field of hospitality management which has experienced comparative debates about scope and meaning. Existing perspectives on the definition of facilities management are reviewed and examination is made as to how intellectual linkages may be established with broader issues in the development of non‐traditional fields of study. Concludes with consideration of one model for resolving the apparent tensions attendant on defining facilities management involving separation of the conceptual meaning of the terms “facility” and “facilities” from the set of practices that constitute “facilities management”.
Analysis of Poisson’s ratio for a micropolar elastic rectangular plate using the finite element method
Authors: Yang Der‐Uei , Huang Fuang‐Yuan
Published: January 2003

Based on Eringen’s micropolar elasticity theory (MET), a two‐dimensional finite element formulation including one extra degree of freedom is derived by using a linear triangular element, and a corresponding computer program is also developed. By varying the technical constants such as micropolar Young’s modulus Em, micropolar Poisson’s ratio νm, characteristic length l, coupling factor N, and micropolar elastic constants in accordance with the micropolar elastic restrictions, their effects on the Poisson’s ratio of the rectangular plate are studied in detail.
Entrepreneurship in an industry subject to external shocks: British “coalowners”, 1900‐1946
Authors: Wale Judith M.
Published: January 2003

This article on coalmining, a key industry for Britain in the period covered, has three main purposes. First, it updates previous overviews of entrepreneurial performance by surveying recent contributions to old controversies. Second, it provides a new perspective by looking at 1900‐1946 as a whole, instead of separately assessing performance before and after 1914. This view takes account of the fact that frequently the same individual acted as entrepreneur over several decades. It also points to elements of continuity which existed in contrast to marked changes in markets after 1914. The third aim is to identify further work required before a more conclusive assessment of entrepreneurial performance can emerge. Meanwhile however the article tends, while not denying individual cases of poor performance, to concur with previous studies which have concluded that the strikingly poor reputation of entrepreneurs in coal among contemporaries during the interwar years was not generally justified.
Entrepreneurial marketing – a historical perspective on development and practice
Authors: Collinson Elaine , Shaw Eleanor
Published: January 2003

Entrepreneurial marketing is a term which is receiving increasing use. It essentially encompasses two very distinct areas of management: marketing and entrepreneurship. This article is dedicated to exploring the emergence of this area of theory, its history and the current developments in the interface between these two areas. Scholars from both the worlds of marketing and entrepreneurship have long identified similarities in the key issues concerning both. Recent years have seen the emergence of increased study in the area of overlap between the two disciplines. Academics working in this field are undertaking research in a number of key areas, namely entrepreneurial management, networking and the resource and skills implications of adopting an entrepreneurial approach to marketing activities. This research has now built up into a sizeable body of literature and this article introduces the reader to the essence of this research and identifies its usefulness in viewing many areas of management.
Towards integrated manufacturing planning with common tool and information sets
Authors: Dewhurst Frank , Barber Kevin , Rogers J.J.B.
Published: January 2003

The performance of manufacturing systems needs to be continuously reviewed in response to increasingly evolving market conditions. In recent years, a large volume of research has concentrated on improving manufacturing performance. Some research has been directed at senior management emphasising the strategic need for change and how to initiate change; other research has been directed at shop floor level and the provision of tools for continuous improvement; whilst more recent research has focused on business process re‐engineering and supporting methodologies. However, there is a very limited set of tools available for middle managers to encapsulate the aspirations of senior management (e.g. the strategic objectives of a company) and translate these into shop floor actions. This paper proposes a methodology to support management of the introduction of new processes, products and systems and to improve the performance of manufacturing systems. The paper presents a case and methodology for an integrated system for strategic, tactical, operational and project planning. The proposed methodology is based on structured systems analysis and simulation of a manufacturing plant. Feasibility of the approach is demonstrated through application to two small to medium‐sized enterprises.
Agility in manufacturing systems: an exploratory modeling framework and simulation
Authors: Ramasesh Ranga , Kulkarni Shailesh , Jayakumar Maliyakal
Published: January 2003

It has been widely recognized that agility enables manufacturing systems to respond to dynamic and unpredictable changes in today’s competitive environment. Develops a quantitative analysis framework and a simulation methodology to explore the value of agility in financial terms. Addresses the issues pertaining to the assessment of how an agile system performs in an environment of unanticipated changes, the comparison between two or more systems with different designs and hence different agility levels and the justification of investments in agility. Proposes an exploratory framework for a structured analysis of the various segments of the manufacturing system in which agility at different levels is built‐in through different pathways and links it to a set of aggregate performance measures. Then develops a simulation model that captures dynamic and unanticipated changes in the operating environment and facilitates performance appraisal and investment justification decisions using a quantitative financial metric.
Networking for female managers’ career development
Authors: Linehan Margaret
Published: January 2003

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of women pursuing managerial careers. Previous studies have established that, throughout Europe, women’s advancement to senior domestic management positions has been very slow, despite legislative changes, including the European Union’s social protocol, to enforce issues related to equal opportunity such as equal pay and sex discrimination. The number of women managers pursuing international management careers, however, remains considerably lower than the number in domestic management. Previous research has established that only 3 percent of women are international managers. The data presented in this paper assert that female managers who are not part of an organisational support network experience even further career disadvantages. Based on an extensive empirical research study conducted with senior female international managers, the paper highlights the role which organisational networks have on the career development of female managers.