bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of JIT‐selling strategy on organizational structure
Authors: Green Kenneth W. , Inman R. Anthony , Birou Laura M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This study aims to assess the impact of a JIT‐selling strategy on organizational structure by generally replicating the previous work of Germain et al.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast to the sample population of logistics managers surveyed by Germain et al. this research draws on data from manufacturing executives with marketing responsibilities. More importantly, a major limitation of the earlier research, use of a single‐item scale measurement of the JIT‐selling construct, is overcome. A structural equation modeling approach was used to assess the impact of JIT‐selling on the organizational structure dimensions of integration, performance control, specialization, and decentralization.

Findings

Germain et al. found that JIT‐selling impacts performance control, specialization, and scheduling decentralization but not integration. While the results of this study support earlier findings that JIT‐selling impacts performance control and specialization, the results alternately find support for a relationship between JIT‐selling and integration and refute the previous finding that JIT‐selling is related to decentralization.

Research limitations/implications

The findings generally support the proposition that adoption of a JIT‐selling strategy will result in changes in organizational structure.

Practical implications

Manufacturing managers working to strengthen relationships with customers through a JIT‐selling approach should prepare for organizational change in terms of increased integration, performance control, and specialization.

Originality/value

JIT strategies are being used to strengthen the operations/marketing interface within the manufacturing sector. Specifically, this study assesses the impact of the JIT‐selling strategy on organizational structure in an effort to verify the work of Germain et al.
From determinism to probabilistic analysis and stochastic simulation
Authors: Doltsinis I.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expose computational methods as applied to engineering systems and evolutionary processes with randomness in external actions and inherent parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, two approaches are distinguished that rely on solvers from deterministic algorithms. Probabilistic analysis is referred to as the approximation of the response by a Taylor series expansion about the mean input. Alternatively, stochastic simulation implies random sampling of the input and statistical evaluation of the output.

Findings

Beyond the characterization of random response, methods of reliability assessment are discussed. Concepts of design improvement are presented. Optimization for robustness diminishes the sensitivity of the system to fluctuating parameters.

Practical implications

Deterministic algorithms available for the primary problem are utilized for stochastic analysis by statistical Monte Carlo sampling. The computational effort for the repeated solution of the primary problem depends on the variability of the system and is usually high. Alternatively, the analytic Taylor series expansion requires extension of the primary solver to the computation of derivatives of the response with respect to the random input. The method is restricted to the computation of output mean values and variances/covariances, with the effort determined by the amount of the random input. The results of the two methods are comparable within the domain of applicability.

Originality/value

The present account addresses the main issues related to the presence of randomness in engineering systems and processes. They comprise the analysis of stochastic systems, reliability, design improvement, optimization and robustness against randomness of the data. The analytical Taylor approach is contrasted to the statistical Monte Carlo sampling throughout. In both cases, algorithms known from the primary, deterministic problem are the starting point of stochastic treatment. The reader benefits from the comprehensive presentation of the matter in a concise manner.
Optimization of structures with frequency and mode shape
constraints
Authors: Angulo C. , Garcia Vadillo E. , Canales J.
Published: November 2014

In this paper an application of structural optimization to the design of
structures with constraints in frequency and mode shape is presented. The
objective is to obtain an optimum design making adequate changes in the
structure to modify its dynamic characteristics. The method is based on an
iterative process of optimization that includes structural analysis by the
Finite Element Method (FEM), sensitivity analysis, and optimization
techniques. An efficient and accurate method is used to calculate the
sensitivities of the dynamic behaviour of the structure. The sensitivity
analysis is accomplished using a semi‐analytical procedure based on the
Nelson method. A Sequential Linear Programming (SLP) algorithm is used to
solve the optimization problem. In the minimization process the convergence
is assured even in a short number of iterations. The validation of the method
is also shown by means of two examples of application.
3D finite element analysis of rubber‐like materials at finite
strains
Authors: Liu C.H. , Hofstetter G. , Mang H.A.
Published: November 2014

The paper starts with a review of constitutive equations for
rubber‐like materials, formulated in the invariants of the right
Cauchy—Green deformation tensor. A general framework for the derivation
of the stress tensor and the tangent moduli for invariant‐based
models, for both the reference and the current configuration, is presented.
The free energy of incompressible rubber‐like materials is extended to
a compressible formulation by adding the volumetric part of the free energy.
In order to overcome numerical problems encountered with
displacement‐based finite element formulations for nearly
incompressible materials, three‐dimensional finite elements, based on
a penalty‐type formulation, are proposed. They are characterized by
applying reduced integration to the volumetric parts of the tangent stiffness
matrix and the pressure‐related parts of the internal force vector
only. Moreover, hybrid finite elements are proposed. They are based on a
three‐field variational principle, characterized by treating the
displacements, the dilatation and the hydrostatic pressure as independent
variables. Subsequently, this formulation is reduced to a generalized
displacement formulation. In the numerical study these formulations are
evaluated. The results obtained are compared with numerical results available
in the literature. In addition, the proposed formulations are applied to 3D
finite element analysis of an automobile tyre. The computed results are
compared with experimental data.
Fluid‐structure interaction: application to structures in an acoustic fluid medium, part 1: an introduction to numerical treatment
Authors: Hamdan F.H. , Dowling P.J.
Published: November 2014

This paper is concerned with the treatment of fluid‐structure interaction problems. The paper is divided in a number of sections. The first is an introduction to the historical background which lead to the numerical approach being used today. In the second the main factors affecting the numerical treatment of fluid‐structure interaction problems are identified. The next eight sections discuss each of these factors separately. Conclusions are drawn in section eleven.
On the optimization of composite laminated plates
Authors: Huang C. , Kröplin B.
Published: November 2014

This paper deals with the optimum design of composite laminated plates.
Both ply orientation angles and ply thicknesses of the composite plate are
used as design variables. The optimum design process is divided into two
sublevels. In the first sublevel, the strain energy of the plate is minimized
by changing the ply orientation angles while the ply thickness distributions
remain unmodified. In the second sublevel, with the angle values obtained in
the first sublevel, the optimum thickness distribution of each ply is
obtained by minimizing the structural weight while satisfying stiffness and
gauge constraints. The final optimum design is achieved by iterating between
these two sublevels. The stiffness analysis is performed by the finite
element method in which a triangular element is used that is suitable for
from thin to thick plates and includes the transverse shear effects. All the
derivative analysis is performed analytically. The mathematical programming
method called Constrained Variable Metric is used to solve the optimum
problem. An example is provided for a rectangular laminated plate with good
results to show the effectiveness of the method.
The use of magnetic nanoparticles in low frequency inductive hyperthermia
Authors: Miaskowski Arkadiusz , Sawicki Bartosz , Krawczyk Andrzej
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the basic ideas of magnetic nanoparticles' usage in the breast cancer treatment, which is called magnetic fluid hyperthermia. The proposed approach offers a relatively simple methodology of energy deposition, allowing an adequate temperature control at the target tissue, in this case a cancerous one. By means of a numerical method the authors aim to investigate two heating effects caused by varying magnetic fields, i.e. to compare the power density heating effects of eddy currents and magnetic nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to numerically investigate the combination of the overheating effect of magnetic nanoparticles and eddy currents, the Finite Element Method solver based on FEniCS project has been prepared. To include the magnetic fluid in the model it has been assumed that power losses in the magnetic nanoparticles are completely converted into heat, according to experimentally developed formula. That formula can be interpreted as the hysteresis losses with regard to the volume of magnetic fluid. Finally, the total power density has been calculated as the product of the sum of power density from eddy currents and hysteresis losses. That methodology has been applied to calculate the effectiveness of magnetic fluid hyperthermia with regard to the female breast phantom.

Findings

The paper presents the methodology which can be used in magnetic fluid hyperthermia therapy planning and Computer Aid Diagnosis (CAD). Furthermore, it is shown how to overcome one of the most serious engineering challenges connected with hyperthermia, i.e. achieving adequate temperature in deep tumors without overheating the body surface.

Practical implications

The obtained results connected with the assessment of eddy currents effect suggest that during hyperthermia treatment the configuration which consists of an exciting coil and human body, plays a curial role. Moreover, the authors believe that these results will help to predict the skin surface overheating that accompanies deep heating. The presented methodology can be used by engineers in the development of Computer Aid Diagnosis systems.

Originality/value

In a given patient's situation a number of choices must be made to determine the parameters of the hyperthermia treatment. These include the need of multiple‐point temperature measurements for accurate and thorough monitoring. Treatment planning will require accurate characterization of the applicator deposition pattern and the tissue parameters, as well as the numerical techniques to predict the resultant heating pattern. The presented paper shows how to overcome these problems from the numerical point of view at least.
Parameter identification of Jiles‐Atherton model using SFLA
Authors: Naghizadeh Ramezan‐Ali , Vahidi Behrooz , Hossein Hosseinian Seyed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement a simple, fast and accurate heuristic method for parameter determination of Jiles‐Atherton (JA) hysteresis model for representing magnetization in electrical steel sheets. The performance of the method is validated using measured data and comparison with previous methods.

Design/methodology/approach

JA model requires five parameters to represent the hysteretic behavior of ferromagnetic materials. In order to determine these parameters, measured hysteresis loop is used here to calculate a fitness function which is defined by comparing the measured and simulated magnetization loops. This fitness function is minimized by optimization algorithms.

Findings

In total, four different measured hysteresis loops are studied in this paper. Each optimization algorithm is executed 50 times to investigate the convergence, speed, and accuracy of six methods. All methods begin with the same randomly generated initial parameters. Physical boundaries are used for parameters to avoid unaccepted results. Thorough examination of results shows that the proposed method is more appropriate than previously implemented methods for the parameter determination of Jiles‐Atherton model in all studied cases. The required parameters for each optimization method are also presented.

Originality/value

Shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) is implemented for the first time for JA model parameter determination. The results show that SFLA is faster and more accurate in comparison with other methods. Furthermore, this algorithm is easy to implement and tune.
Assessing interfirm collaboration/technology investment tradeoffs
Authors: Glenn Richey R. , Autry Chad W.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The current research considers the possibility that when firms are faced with a challenging supply chain task or opportunity for supply chain operational improvement, they choose varying degrees of technology and/or collaboration as the primary vehicle(s) with which to forge a solution. This choice is suggested herein to depend largely on technological readiness, i.e. the extent to which the firm embraces available technological solutions. Furthermore, the learning capability of the firm moderates the inverse relationship between interfirm collaboration and technological readiness, such that firms having strong organizational learning capabilities are less likely to choose a collaboration‐intensive solution than those with weak learning capabilities. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of retail supply chain managers drawn from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals membership database is surveyed related to their firms' levels of interfirm collaboration, organizational learning capabilities, and technological readiness. Two multiple moderated regression variants are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results of this research support the hypothesized logic, and implications for practice are presented in light of a revealed inverse relationship between technological readiness and interfirm collaboration that is exacerbated when the firm has a strong learning orientation.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first known to examine potential internal/external tradeoffs between collaboration and technology as problem‐solving vehicles. Both managers and researchers should find it interesting that collaboration is neither wholly desirable nor necessary (and therefore the associated risks mitigated) in technologically ready and/or high learning capability environments.
Health care professionals' views about supporting patients' self‐management
Authors: Mikkonen Irma , Hynynen Marja‐Anneli
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe nurses' and other health care professionals' views about their patient education skills and how to develop them.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were collected from the participants of the online education course on patient education. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The results show that, in the experience of health care professionals, it is important to make a shift from the professional‐led education and counselling towards an education relationship in which the professional and the patient are equals and represent different kinds of expertise and to develop patient education towards patient‐centredness supporting the patients' self‐management.

Research limitations/implications

The sample used in the research is small.

Practical implications

The participants in this study experienced that, as patient educators, it is necessary for them to acknowledge their own abilities, beliefs and values in order to be able to develop their patient education skills. This is noteworthy because appreciating and acknowledging the importance of reflection is one prerequisite for the paradigm shift from the traditional patient education model towards patient‐centred education. Consequently, it is important to investigate further the best ways of facilitating the development of health care professionals' skills with regard to patient‐centred education.

Originality/value

The study showed that, through education and training, health care professionals can recognize the need to develop their patient education towards patient‐centredness.
Psychology and interviewing: what direction now in our quest for reliable information?
Authors: Oxburgh Gavin E. , Dando Coral J.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss two distinct but interrelated areas, namely witness/victim and suspect interviewing, and to argue that both must continue to evolve, suggest how they might do so, and that this process must be driven by emergent theory and contemporary empirical research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the impact of psychological theory and empirical research to investigative interviewing in recent decades.

Findings

It is argued that in order to stay ahead of the game, the field of investigative interviewing (suspect and witness) must continue to evolve in such a manner that not only protects and fosters the important practitioner/academic relationship, but also ensures that future directions are driven by empirical research, with recourse to emergent theory.

Originality/value

The paper outlines the impact of psychological theory and empirical research on investigative interviewing and the consequent enhancement of the interviewing of both suspected offenders and witnesses. The paper demonstrates that working closely together academic research can make a difference, and influence law, policy decisions and training guidelines in order to improve practice.
A descriptive multi‐attribute model for reconfigurable machining system selection examining buyer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Chick Stephen E. , Lennon Olsen Tava , Sethuraman Kannan , Stecke Kathryn E. , White Chelsea C.
Published: November 2014

Presents a model of the machining system selection process that is focused on capital intensive, complex machining systems that are intended to provide service over a long time horizon. This model was developed based on interviews with both machine tool suppliers and buyers. The systems considered here increasingly face potentially conflicting demands such as: the ability to be quickly and inexpensively upgraded and reconfigured in order to have quick new product change‐over and ramp‐up time; and high product variety at close to mass production costs. This new “reconfigurability” capability increases the importance of the supplier‐buyer relationship after the machining system has been selected. We also remark that the selection process can serve as the basis for internal consensus and team building within the buyer firm and for enhancing supplier base quality.
Childhood maltreatment and mental disorders among Finnish prisoners
Authors: Viitanen Päivi , Vartiainen Heikki , Aarnio Jorma , von Gruenewaldt Virpi , Lintonen Tomi , Mattila Aino K. , Wuolijoki Terhi , Joukamaa Matti
Published: November 2014

Purpose

In a health survey of Finnish prisoners in 2006, the authors aimed to study frequency and gender differences in childhood physical and sexual abuse, and the connections of maltreatment in childhood to substance abuse and mental health among female and male prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 101 female prisoners, with 309 male prisoners for comparison. The subjects participated in a comprehensive field study consisting of several questionnaires, interviews, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I and II Disorders (SCID I, II) and a clinical medical examination including ICD‐10 diagnoses.

Findings

Both forms of abuse were more common among females than males (childhood physical abuse 25 per cent versus 15 per cent and childhood sexual abuse 32 per cent versus 7 per cent). Associations of childhood abuse with substance abuse and mental health were different among males and females. Family integrity was important only for males and in connection with drug dependence and antisocial personality disorder. The gender differences did not concur with those reported in studies on general populations.

Originality/value

This is a part of the first comprehensive health survey of Finnish prisoners.
Parent‐training/education programmes in the management of children with conduct disorders: developing an integrated evidence‐based perspective for health and social care
Authors: Gould Nick , Richardson Joanna
Published: November 2014

This article reports on the first health technology appraisal conducted jointly between the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). The appraisal systematically reviewed evidence for the clinical effectiveness of parent‐training/education programmes in the management of children with conduct disorders. This appraisal is highly topical in the light of cross‐cutting policy agendas concerned with increasing parenting capacity. It is also methodologically innovative in its approach to synthesising the meta‐analysis of trial evidence on outcomes of programmes with qualitative evidence on process and implementation. The appraisal found parent‐training/education programmes to be effective in the management of children with conduct disorders, and it identifies the generic characteristics of effective programmes. It is concluded that this approach offers an exemplar for the development of systematic reviewing of complex psychosocial interventions that are relevant to integrated children's services.
Overview of natural gas sector developments in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Furlonge Haydn , Kaiser Mark
Published: November 2014

Purpose

With over 100 years of commercial activity, Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector has demonstrated significant growth and dynamism. This paper aims to provide a historical account of gas sector developments and seeks to decipher the motivating factors and key policy positions of the government.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of policy framing documents in the gas sector is conducted. These are juxtaposed with historical information on hydrocarbon production, level of foreign direct investment and State participation. The impact on the country's economy in terms of energy revenues and gross domestic product (GDP) is also examined.

Findings

Over the period 1962‐2007, daily average hydrocarbon production increased eightfold to 800,000 barrels of oil equivalent due mostly to natural gas. Total energy revenues and GDP have grown significantly. Contributing factors include an evolving fiscal regime to attract foreign investment, strategic State investments, joint venture arrangements, monopoly gas transmission and merchant roles and an effective institutional framework. Government stewardship, market forces and private sector investment moulded the sector. Recent measures include revisions to the fiscal regime and sector diversification aimed at sustaining the industry.

Originality/value

Energy sector developments of this small island economy have largely escaped the purview of the mainstream academic literature. Trinidad and Tobago's energy policy has not been well articulated or documented, and this paper serves to act as a springboard for further studies which may provide policy direction for other countries.
Policy and learning disabilities: a Scottish perspective
Authors: Brown Michael
Published: November 2014

This paper outlines the development of legislative and policy frameworks in Scotland with a particular focus following political devolution. The impact of these changes and developments on the lives of people with learning disabilities are discussed.
Psychosocial intervention for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Dagnan Dave
Published: November 2014

Psychosocial interventions are a core part of the service structures of mainstream mental health services. Research and clinical services for people with learning disabilities have often adopted a broadly psychosocial perspective. However, there is surprisingly little literature that considers psychosocial intervention for people with learning disabilities who have mental health problems. This paper describes the structure of psychosocial intervention and then considers the evidence base that is available to develop this approach for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.
The use of family therapy for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Baum Sandra
Published: November 2014

The application of the systemic approach in working with people with learning disabilities, their families and their support systems has grown over the last decade in the UK. The way in which the family, support systems and wider contexts interact with each other may affect how the person with learning disabilities presents for help to services, and will also affect engagement, expectations and possible solutions to crises. If the relationship in focus is the person's behaviour in a family setting, family therapy may be useful to explore relational difficulties within the family. This article considers the issues that might benefit from using this model, explains how to include the adult with learning disabilities in the process, and summarises the evidence of its effectiveness.
Mental health or learning disabilities? The use of a specialist inpatient unit for a man with learning disabilities, schizophrenia and vascular dementia
Authors: Hemmings Colin , Greig Alison
Published: November 2014

This case study is of a man with learning disabilities and significant general medical and mental health problems. It illustrates some of the difficulties in assessment, diagnosis, management and service provision with such cases. It is described how an extended admission to a specialist in‐patient unit was necessary in which the Care Programme Approach (CPA) was used to organise multidisciplinary care.
Services for young people with learning disabilities and mental health needs from South Asian communities
Authors: Raghavan Raghu , Waseem Fozia
Published: November 2014

Children and young people with learning disabilities and mental health problems from black and minority ethnic communities face barriers in accessing services. This paper describes a mapping of services used by young people with learning disabilities and mental health problems from Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. Overall the participants accessed primary health care services through their GPs, had contact with Social Services for support and benefits and the voluntary sector for culturally appropriate services. Most participants did not access statutory child or adult mental health services, or professionals such as psychologists or behaviour nurse specialists. Families reported key barriers such as lack of awareness of services, language difficulties in communication and lack of culturally sensitive services.
Mental health, learning disabilities and adolescence: a developmental perspective
Authors: Hassiotis Angela , Barron Diana
Published: November 2014

This article examines the prevalence of mental disorders in a community and clinic population of adolescents with learning disabilities in one catchment area (in the UK). A two stage cross‐sectional survey was used. Measures included screening by parental report (Developmental Behaviour Checklist), adaptive behaviour (Vineland Survey Scale) and clinical interview (ICD 10 childhood disorders).Seventy‐five adolescents aged 12‐19 years old participated in the study. 50.7% screened positive for mental disorders, mainly in the disruptive and anti‐social domains. Almost all of those were found to have an identifiable ICD10 mental disorder. The most common diagnoses included pervasive developmental disorders, hyperkinetic disorder and emotional disorders. Male participants as well as those with autism were more likely to be reported as cases. Caseness was associated with lower adaptive level, presence of autism and family history of mental disorder.Rates of psychopathology are high in adolescents with learning disabilities. There are continuing difficulties in diagnostic ascertainment primarily due to mediation by developmental factors. Further research is necessary in order to clarify continuities of mental disorders in this population and to develop effective interventions.
Mental health needs of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Berney Tom
Published: November 2014

This review outlines the nature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childhood and early adolescence, its relationship to the autistic condition, and the disabilities and co‐morbid disorders that accompany it. On this basis it gives an overview of the needs of children and families with ASD and the mental health services that they require.
My use of mental health related services
Authors: Madar Thomas
Published: November 2014

This article describes the personal experiences of a person with Asperger's syndrome who has used various services aimed at improving clients' mental health, both public and private. A number of experiences are described as summarised below.a) Post‐traumatic stress caused by experiences of school bullying, being dismissed from a job, and a period of unemployment resulted in the author's referral to a Christian counselling centre. There, specialised counselling sessions proved very beneficial.b) Difficulties in social skills resulted in the author being referred by his general practitioner to a psychiatric nurse, who in turn referred him to an excellent social skills and assertiveness course run by the Mind mental health charity. Experience of further social skills training is also described.c) Low self‐esteem and recurrent insomnia as a result of poor inter‐personal experiences and lack of career progress relative to peer group led to an extended sequence of counselling sessions with a private Christian counsellor. Guided cognitive therapy with this counsellor resulted in a substantial alleviation of both the low self‐esteem and the insomnia.d) The author also received further counselling, from a different counsellor to acquire assertiveness skills, and the ability to deal with aggressive people.In all, the author's experience of mental health intervention was mainly low‐cost Christian counselling, working through self‐help books, and the occasional social skills course. Very little use was made of medication and none of hospital‐based services.
Asperger's syndrome and atypical eating disorder in a man with late diagnosed XYY syndrome
Authors: Gravestock Shaun , Vekaria Dinal , Hurault Elaine
Published: November 2014

We report the case of a man with Asperger's syndrome and borderline intelligence, atypical eating disorder (food faddiness/refusal due to fear of choking) and XYY syndrome. We consider multi‐modal management and inter‐agency service provision issues in meeting his complex mental health and social needs.
A qualitative study on the knowledge and views that people with learning disabilities and their carers have of psychotropic medication prescribed for behaviour problems
Authors: Hall Sylvia , Deb Shoumitro
Published: November 2014

We describe the results of a qualitative study that explored the knowledge and views 20 adults with learning disabilities and their carers had of medication prescribed for behaviour problems. We found that the adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities can provide sensible, consistent and valuable information about their thoughts and experiences of medication prescribed when questions are asked in an open‐ended format. We also found that few people with learning disabilities were fully informed about their treatment. Nevertheless, the prescribing of such medication emerged as a positive experience, in keeping with the wishes of the majority of participants interviewed who expressed satisfaction with the medication based on perceived benefit. For the minority of participants who expressed dissatisfaction with medication, the reasons related mainly to their perceived lack of role in the treatment decision, their experience of adverse effects, a perceived lack of efficacy and a ‘desire to lead a normal life’. Alternatives to medication were discussed by both adults with learning disabilities and their carers, and the relevance of these findings to clinical practice is addressed in the paper.
Challenges when conducting core assessments for Thorn model psychosocial interventions to a person with Asperger's syndrome: a case study
Authors: Franks Joe , Brennan Geoff
Published: November 2014

Thorn model psychosocial interventions (PSI) assist clients and their carer systems to manage the effects of psychotic symptoms. PSI has a broad menu of possible interventions from which a client and their therapist choose the most efficacious. In this process, assessment of the client's lived experience is crucial to choosing the most appropriate interventions. However, there are difficulties in adapting interventions designed for the ‘normal’ population for those with learning disabilities. This case study will explore conducting a Thorn model semi‐structured interview with a man with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome and mental health problems, highlighting both challenges and the approach used to address them.
Why should I care about gender?
Authors: O'Hara Jean
Published: November 2014

Women have been discriminated against throughout history. Despite international efforts, there remain significant inequalities between men and women. In some countries women are still deprived of fundamental human rights. This article looks at the published literature on gender as it affects individual vulnerability and risk, and planning, organisation and delivery of health care, with specific focus on the mental health and learning disabilities literature. It acknowledges the important differences between the life experiences and social realities of men and women with learning disabilities, and discusses them in the context of recent government policy and guidance. It calls for urgent gender‐specific research to understand the key issues facing men and women with learning disabilities, and a rights‐based approach to access to education, health care and a competent and informed workforce.
Access to palliative care services by people with learning disabilities: is there equity?
Authors: Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , Curfs Leopold , Hollins Sheila
Published: November 2014

This paper explores access to palliative care services by people with learning disabilities. It is based on a study of specialist palliative care professionals in London, involving 32 semi‐structured interviews and 543 postal questionnaires. We focus on one aspect of the findings, related to the current use of specialist palliative care services by people with learning disabilities. The results indicate that such services are under‐used by this group. We discuss possible reasons for low referral rates, including late diagnosis and lack of understanding among both learning disability services and palliative care services about each other's roles. We highlight the importance of collaboration, and the need for further staff training.
Evaluation of a programme of transferable skills development within the PhD: views of late stage students
Authors: Walsh  , Seldon  , Hargreaves  , Alpay  , Morley
Published: November 2014

Recent years have seen an increasing emphasis placed upon the development of transferable skills within PhD degree programmes. This paper reports on steps taken to evaluate a programme of transferable skills development at a research intensive university in the UK, focussing on the views of late stage PhD students in the science, engineering and medical disciplines. It shows that most students report a positive impact from having taken part in transferable skills initiatives and that they have a positive attitude towards them. Participants report an enduring positive impact on their behaviour and consider that the training meets their perceived needs as they progress as researchers. However, amongst the population as a whole, there were differences in views. For example, it was found that females, overseas students and those mainly motivated to do the PhD by career‐related reasons attach the greatest importance to such opportunities to develop transferable skills.
The optimized GPM(1,1) for forecasting small sample oscillating series
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Xin , Dang Yao‐Guo , He Shawei
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a modeling approach using grey power model with first‐order one‐variable (abbreviated as GPM(1,1)) for forecasting small sample oscillating series.

Design/methodology/approach

An optimization method is used to determine the initial value in GPM(1,1) model, and furthermore, the power value in the model is optimized by utilizing a non‐linear programming model. An operations research software LINGO is employed to solve the non‐linear optimization model.

Findings

The results show that the optimized GPM(1,1) model can flexibly adjust the parameters to make the forecasting results more in line with the actual data; therefore, for a given small sample oscillating series, if an appropriate way to find the optimal parameters is taken, accurate predictions should be obtained.

Practical implications

The modeling approach proposed in the paper can be used to forecast new product sales, new industry development trend, equipment remaining life, disaster emergency material demand, etc.

Originality/value

The paper extends the application range of the grey model for forecasting small sample oscillating series by using grey power model GPM(1,1).
Coordination of incentive conflict based on Grey‐Stackelberg model under the main manufacturers‐suppliers model
Authors: Lifang He , Hongzhuan Chen
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find an incentive strategy to enhance the interests of the main manufacturer by inducing the suppliers to conflict the fixed incentive provided by the main manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The main manufacturer‐supplier model is widely applied in the R&D procedure of complex products such as aeroplanes. Because of the uncertainty in the R&D, the effort of the suppliers has an important effect on it. Considering the dynamic interaction between the main manufacturers and suppliers, with the main manufacturers as leaders and suppliers as followers, this paper establishes a Grey‐Stackelberg model to analyze the best change of the incentive strategies of the main manufacturers and the effort strategies under incentive‐conflict of suppliers under the uncertain environment. A numeric example is also computed in the last part of the paper.

Findings

The results show that the main manufacturer can increase its benefit without damaging the interests of suppliers by controlling the fixed incentives.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in establishing the Grey‐Stackelberg model by analysing the grey area among the main manufacturer and the suppliers, and helps to develop grey systems theory.
Further refinement of the nature of the communication impairment in Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Hoddell Jill , Moss Jo , Woodcock Kate , Oliver Chris
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Research into the communication skills of individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is extremely limited. This paper aims to evaluate the nature of these skills and impairments in CdLS using a detailed informant assessment of pre-verbal communication skills.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used the Pre-verbal Communication Schedule to evaluate communication skills in individuals with CdLS (n=14), aged five to14 years. The group was compared with a contrast group of individuals with Cri du Chat syndrome (CdCS; n=14) who were matched for age and intellectual ability.

Findings

– A significant difference was identified in understanding non-vocal communication (p<0.005), with the CdLS group showing a greater deficit. These findings indicate the presence of a syndrome-specific deficit in understanding non-verbal communication in individuals with CdLS and suggest that there may be a dissociation between the processing of verbal and non-verbal communication.

Originality/value

– The findings indicate that, in many ways, these two syndrome groups are not dissimilar in terms of their communication skills. However, individuals with CdLS show a syndrome-specific deficit in understanding non-vocal communication relative to the CdCS group.
Soliton Technologies – financing growth in uncertain times
Authors: Thillai Rajan A.
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Venture capital and private equity.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for II MBA/Executive MBA (venture capital and private equity/entrepreneurship/business models/managing family business) courses.

Case overview

Soliton is a technology and software services company with operations in India and the USA providing machine vision products and virtual instrumentation services. Soliton was started by Ganesh Devaraj in 1998 after his return from the United States after higher studies. Ganesh hails from a business family in Coimbatore that had interests in the textile spinning sector. The family had been in the textile business since the early 1940s and had revenues of Rs 400 million and employed about 700 people. Ganesh, not wanting to continue in the traditional family business, ventured into the technology sector using his academic and professional experience. His family was supportive of his venture and funded his company for the first two years of operation and for scaling up operations. Ganesh is now evaluating various sources of raising additional capital at a time when there was general slowdown in the automobile sector as a result of the global financial crisis.

Expected learning outcomes

The goal of this case study is to illustrate the complexities that exist in financing growth of companies in uncertain times. This following are the expected learning outcomes: discuss and understand the nuances between different sources of early stage funding: personal wealth, family, and angels; compare and contrast the differences between family funding and venture funding; and highlight the benefits and limitations of family funding.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available.
KK Metals: CNC process costing
Authors: Singhania Monica , Gandhi Gagan
Published: November 2014

Subject area

The application of activity based costing (ABC); calculating the cost of a CNC Process using ABC; designing a pricing strategy.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used in the following courses: MBA program with specialisation in finance (to teach students the application of costing in services sector); MBA program in general management (to highlight the concept of activity based costing and its application); and under an elective course on management control systems in MBA programs (to highlight the strategy to determine price effectively).

Case overview

The case highlights the application of activity based costing in arriving at cost and finally leading to development of price to be charged by KK Metals. The company wishes to compute the activity based cost of CNC process and develop the selling price for 194 precision turning services scientifically as opposed to the present strategy of being a price taker, largely on the basis of what essentially is prevalent in the local market within which KK Metals operates. The case gives an insight to numerous control variables that the management can consider while pricing its services.

Expected learning outcomes

The case can be used to understand management concepts such as ABC, pricing and the role of efficiency in business processes. It can be used to: teach complexities involved in identifying activity driver(s) in case of ABC as far as application to service sector is concerned; help understand the use of costing as an effective tool in pricing strategy of the company; and help students realize the significance of inputs used for calculating per hour cost.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available. Consult your librarian for access.
“One life, one chance”: Cordlife Sciences India Pvt. Ltd. Preserving the precious gift
Authors: Paul Rik , Sardana Nitika
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Marketing.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for MBA/MS courses for students of services marketing; courses such as sustainable development of business and integrated marketing communications.

Case overview

Cordlife Limited entered the Indian market for cord blood banking in 2006 and by 2011 held third place in market share. However, the management of Cordlife had identified a major problem as a lack of awareness of the potential of cord blood banking among the Indian middle class, and the lack of a proper infrastructure for transportation of biological packages. Cordlife undertook several marketing initiatives to spread awareness. Marketing such a sophisticated service like cord blood banking called for heavy investments. The case provides an opportunity to closely examine various marketing activities in detail and understand how problems associated with intangible services can be managed. In addition to marketing of services the case highlights the existence of several gaps in designing a delivery in a service. The scope of the case can also be extended to the concept of service pricing and also integrated services marketing communications.

Expected learning outcomes

The case is designed for class discussions and in understanding the following concepts: the service gaps model; service pricing; and integrated service marketing communications.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available. Consult your librarian for access.
Price‐to‐earnings multiplies and mergers and acquisition
Authors: Xu Lianzan , Cai Francis
Published: November 2014

This paper examines the assertion that the financial market pays fixed PE multiples and that the recognition of goodwill and subsequent amortization depresses earnings and stock prices, putting U.S. firms in a competitive disadvantage in the international merger and acquisition arena. Evidence from this study suggests that, contrary to common belief, price/earnings ratio expands by a sufficient amount in response to amortization, making amortization irrelevant to stock valuation.
Productivity through People: The Decision‐making Process
Authors: Werther William B.
Published: November 2014

The effectiveness of productivity improvement inputs of capital, technology and the like, is determined in the end by human factors.
Research in Technical Colleges
Authors: MacLennan A.
Published: November 2014

Scientific and technological research in technical colleges has been accepted. It is universally agreed that a person engaged on such research should, as a consequence, be more effective in his teaching. Educational research in technical colleges has not attracted the same emphasis. In the writer's view this is unfortunate because educational research can have at least as good an effect on the quality and attainments of technical teaching.