bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The corrosion of IT advantage: strategy makes a comeback
Authors: Carr Nicholas G.
Published: April 2007

When a valuable new technology emerges, it provides forward‐looking companies with opportunities for gaining a strong and durable edge over the competition. But as the technology matures and standardizes, it loses its power to provide competitive advantage. What it doesn’t lose is its power to destroy advantage. The rail system, for example, neutralized many of the traditional locational advantages held by companies situated near ports, mine heads, and population centers. With information technology, this neutralizing effect promises to be particularly strong – and thus poses particularly difficult challenges for business executives. Because IT is so flexible in its application and so deeply entwined with business processes, it can corrode advantages across many aspects of a company’s business. Any traditional advantage in prosecuting a particular activity or process, from setting type to designing components to providing customer service, will tend to dissipate as that activity or process is automated. The fact that competitive advantage has become more difficult to sustain doesn’t make it less important, as some have argued; it makes it more important. As business processes and systems become more homogeneous, only the strategically astute companies will be able to rise above the competitive free‐for‐all. Today’s smart managers will seek to combine sustainable advantages (those built on distinctive and defensible positionings) with leverageable advantages (transitory advantages that provide stepping stones to future advantages). In the information age, competitive advantage needs to be viewed as both an end and a means.
Digital images in education: an overview
Authors: Sandford Paul
Published: April 2007

Looks at the themed issue articles and the areas they cover relating to digital imaging issues. Lists the sources of support and introduces the various contributors.
Interconnection strategies for high‐density printed circuits – an overview
Authors: Fjelstad Joseph
Published: April 2007

The drive to increase the functionality and performance of electronic products has resulted in the need to increase the density of every element of the electronics assembly from the silicon chip, which has relentlessly reduced in size, to the printed circuits used in their interconnection. Accompanying the reduction in feature sizes on IC chips has been an explosion in pin counts, especially in high‐end microprocessors. The challenge thus falls to the electronics interconnection and packaging industry to allow the pace to continue. Reviews strategies being either proposed or used to meet the challenge of high‐density interconnection at both chip package and next level substrate.
Horizontal processing for metallizing microvias
Authors: Gebhardt John , Waryold Keith , Oglesby Dave , Graves John
Published: April 2007

The demand for higher operating speeds and increasing densification in electronic packages is driving designers to reduce feature sizes in order to accommodate increases in I/O counts. Consequently, printed circuit board manufacturers are turning to new manufacturing techniques and new materials in order to meet these demands from their customers. Sequential build‐up is one such technique and a plethora of new materials is available to support these innovative routes to high‐density interconnect circuitry. The basic concept involves the addition of extra layers of dielectric and copper on to a multi‐layered board. The additional circuitry is then connected to the underlying board using suitably formed microvias. Focuses on the metallization of microvias using a straight‐through horizontal metallization process. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of equipment design, the chemistry of the solutions used and optimization of fluid exchange to ensure good coverage of these small features.
Integrated waveguides for optical interconnects
Authors: Sweatman Denis , Powell Olly , Francis Shinoj
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To detail results of research into optical waveguides fabricated from silicon on insulator (SOI) for on‐chip high speed applications and from polymer for more general applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows the processes for wet etch fabrication of SOI single mode rib waveguides including compact crystal plane turning mirrors. Losses for the mirror facets are determined by difference measurements. Multimode polymer strip waveguides are fabricated on glass substrates by conventional photolithography using SU8 polymer and tested for attenuation.

Findings

Fabrication of compact turning mirrors for silicon waveguides requires precise alignment of masks and controlled etching of the corner facets in order to obtain correct alignment of the mirror face with the incoming and outgoing waveguides. Measurements of losses per mirror facet show typical losses of 1‐2 dB/facet. Suggestions for improvements are made. Preliminary results for polymer waveguides show the necessity for high quality lithography.

Originality/value

Optical interconnects for high speed communication on board and on chip are part of the ITRS Road Map for advanced interconnects. Design of optical elements to enable this, including reduction of on‐chip area by turning mirrors, is necessary for on‐chip optical technology to be successful. Compact etched mirrors described here extend previous designs and enable fabrication at any position on‐chip. New etch mask techniques for silicon waveguide fabrication are also described.
Dry film photoresists ‐ a never ending success story?
Authors: Maurischat Klaus
Published: April 2007

Reviews the use and development of dry film photoresists and liquid resists. Provides an historical perspective and considers factors affecting investment in the future. Discusses both the advantages and limitations of dry film and liquid photoresists. Provides an outlook for future developments.
Implementation of liquid resists for the manufacture of inner layers in a merchant PCB manufacturing plant: a steep learning curve
Authors: Riguidel J. , Ridler T.
Published: April 2007

This paper details the experiences gained by a photoresist manufacturer, an equipment supplier and a PCB manufacturing end user in the conversion of an inner layer production facility from dry film to liquid resists. The paper describes the steps necessary to plan the conversion, install equipment, start up production, train personnel and yield improve a liquid resist fine line inner layer process.
A flexible production laser system for blind via drilling
Authors: Kitai Anton , Morrison Jim
Published: April 2007

Drilling blind vias with lasers has become more and more popular over the past three years as PWB fabricators and OEMs recognize the benefits of a process that has high throughput, is versatile with materials, has a fairly large process window and requires little to no changes in their existing manufacturing line. Laser drilling systems have improved in throughput over the past two years and as fabricators develop close working relationships with the laser system suppliers, better laser drilling systems emerge. This paper will discuss a laser drilling system that is a direct result of input from fabricators around the world. Details will be provided on compatible materials, and processing speeds.
High volume, low cost flip chip assembly on polyester flex
Authors: Gilleo Ken , Boyes Bob , Corbett Steve , Larson Gary , Price Dave
Published: April 2007

Polymer thick film (PTF) technology provides the lowest cost, cleanest and most efficient manufacturing method for producing flexible circuits. Non‐contact radio frequency (RF) smart cards and related information transaction devices, such as RFID tags, appear to be a good fit for PTF‐flex. Flip chip also seems well suited for these “contactless” RF transceiver products. Flip chip and PTF adhesive technologies are highly compatible and synergistic. All PTF SMT adhesives assembly methods are viable for flip chip. However, the merging of flip chip with PTF‐flex presents major challenges in design, materials and processing. This paper will compare assembly methods and discuss obstacles and solutions for state‐of‐the‐art flip chip on flex within the RFID product environment.
Two stabilization plans for a developed economy: West Germany and Israel
Authors: Rugina Anghel N.
Published: April 2007

Investigates, in Part 1, the effects of West German stagnation in the 1980s following on from the welfare state doctrine of the 1960s and 1970s, which led to an economic and social crisis becoming inevitable. Shows this is not purely a German problem but one that also affects almost all other capitalist countries – either developed or developing. Expresses irony that the former communist bloc countries should also be engulfed in such crises. Proffers explanations and recommendations to offset the problems in Germany. Part II looks at Israel and how it has begun to emerge from its 1974 austerity programme by Rabin. States that Israel must initiate a new system of stable equilibrium to open a new era that is very possible, but involves economic and social thinking to avoid previous mistakes.
The theory of the cheating of the masses in modern times: the institutional roots of social immorality under capitalism, socialism‐communism and fascism
Authors: Rugina Anghel N.
Published: April 2007

States that a more humane society is the ultimate goal of modern society, along with economy and form of government. Posits that in this study the theory of cheating the masses under capitalism and socialism‐communism, is valid ipso facto under fascism and any form of dictatorship. Looks at the problem of methodology and history and discusses: the use of deception; accumulation of illegitimate power; and the spreading of instability, and the exploitation of the masses. Concludes that the great transformation in the West and the East may develop of its own accord, but not necessarily without help, for the betterment of mankind unless pointed in the right direction.
Family, economics and the information society ‐ How are they affecting each other?
Authors: Sophia Aguirre Maria
Published: April 2007

In the twentieth century many developed countries moved from an “agricultural‐based industrial society” to an “information society.” The second part of the century saw a deterioration of social conditions in many industrialized countries. The combination of these two factors has posed to countries both serious challenges and economic burdens. There is concern about the effects of the breakdown of the family on economic development and growth. These problems are magnified when considered within the context of developing economies. Recently, some developed countries have chosen to address what is at the heart of both the social deterioration and the economic problems it brings. This paper addresses two questions. First, how can the family be viewed within economic activity? Second, why are the breakdown of the family and policies that encourage this breakdown incompatible with sustainable real economic development?
Meta‐analysis for comparative environmental case studies: methodological issues
Authors: Matarazzo Benedetto , Nijkamp Peter
Published: April 2007

The primary aim of meta‐analysis is to carry out a synthesis of results obtained by different single studies on common problems. It is, therefore, characterized by a high level of transversality, both horizontally (identification, selection and analysis of the case studies under consideration) and vertically (identification and description of the problem to be studied, definition of the objectives of the study, and operative use of the results obtained). This instrument of analysis, while undoubtedly of great interest and potential, is, however characterized by a considerable methodological complexity, especially when the studies carried out are in the field of the non‐experimental social sciences, and in particular of environmental sciences. Defines six different levels of analysis with reference to a meta‐analytical approach in general, and identifies the most important and characteristic methodological problems for each of these. Also offers a more plausible and appealing way of tackling these problems with particular reference to the field of environmental economics.
Pricing multicallable range accruals with the Libor Market Model
Authors: Chalamandaris George
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a consistent and robust pricing/hedging methodology for callable fixed income structures with embedded caplet‐linked options.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published (1997‐2003) works about the Libor Market Model (LMM) tackle the problems of modelling the forward curve with more than two factors and calibrating it to caps either/or to swaps. Other articles involve the pricing of Bermudan options using Monte Carlo simulation. In the form of case study, the very popular structure of multicallable range accrual bonds is used. A complete calibration methodology is described in detail, which links the structure's price to the market caps and swaptions prices as well as to the historical correlations between forward rates. We present the direct implementation of the Monte Carlo technique for this particular problem. Furthermore, we explore the application of the Longstaff–Schwartz least squares algorithm and its variations for the estimation of the expected value of continuation.

Findings

This paper suceeds in producing a consistent and robust pricing/hedging methodology for callable fixed income structures with embedded caplet‐linked options.

Practical implications

The increased complexity of similar fixed income structures makes traditional approaches like Black–Derman–Toy or Hull‐White trees inadequate for the task of consistent pricing and hedging. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure consisted hedging across the different volatility markets.

Originality/value

This article explores variations and settings of the popular LMM and the Longstaff‐Scwartz algorithm that can be relatively consistent with both the cap and swaption volatility market. The framework is built using as a benchmark the most liquid fixed income structure so that it can be tested for robustness.
Doing the right thing: professional ethics for information workers in Britain
Authors: Sturges Paul
Published: April 2007

The absence of a formal code of ethics for librarians in Britain until 1983 meant that ethical values were passed on by example rather than precept. Increased interest in ethical issues in the 1970s, when the profession was seen as in crisis, resulted in discussions within the Library Association and a draft code was issued in 1981. Despite strong criticism of the draft, it became the basis of the formal Library Association code. It has seldom been tested as a disciplinary instrument. Renewed interest in ethical issues and the need for a Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) code, after the creation of the new organisation in 2002, have returned codes into the area of debate. It is suggested that a new code, rather than standing alone, might form part of a group of related codes from other organisations, all of which could be endorsed by CILIP. This would be intended to encourage ethical maturity in the profession, rather than simply acting as a basis for professional discipline.
Building for the Future – Cranfield’s New Library
Authors: Blagden John
Published: April 2007

Reviews the critical issues in gaining acceptance for a new library at
Cranfield University. Describes how the project was implemented,
including the selection of the architect, the management of the project
and the key features of the building. Also considers the impact of
information technology on the need for new library buildings and
presents this issue in the context of the access versus holdings debate.
Concludes with an account of user reaction to the Sir Norman Foster
building, together with the prospects for new library building in the
future in the United Kingdom.
The Aldham Robarts Learning Resources Centre
Authors: Revill Don
Published: April 2007

A new building designed to accommodate converged library and computer
services into the twenty‐first century, the Aldham Robarts Learning
Resources Centre of Liverpool John Moores University, has made a marked
impact on the “two cathedrals” campus. With its annexe it provides
nearly 6,000m2 giving a stock capacity of 220,000 volumes, 720 reader
seats and 250 networked PCs. It is a deep‐plan building with
three‐storey atrium as a distinctive design feature. The history of the
project, within the University′s estates strategy, is given together
with a description of the planning process, features of the building and
internal layout.
Electronic Documents and Authorships: Who Did It?
Authors: Lund Haakon
Published: April 2007

Today′s increasing use of electronic documents raises the question: will
it be necessary to change the core concepts of author and work within
the tradition of Anglo‐American cataloguing when dealing with electronic
documents? Describes the current definition of author and work as given
in the traditional Anglo‐American cataloguing and presents two systems
working with electronic documents, electronic office systems and
groupware.
Faculty knowledge about library services at the University of the
West Indies
Authors: Roberts Jacqueline M.
Published: April 2007

A lack of knowledge among university faculty members of the
services their university libraries provide is a growing concern in
university librarianship. Poor communication and inadequate interaction
between the faculty and the library, and the library′s failure to apply
marketing strategies to promote its services are foremost among the
factors contributing to this condition. In order to analyse the
situation within the context of the University of the West Indies a
survey was conducted. A questionnaire was administered to a random sample
of 150 faculty members of the six faculties on the Mona Campus, Jamaica.
The findings revealed that on average the faculty were aware of only 47
per cent of the services, and that they were least aware of those
services which required direct communication between the librarians and
themselves. It was also significant to find that the level of awareness
was influenced by such variables as academic status and the frequency of
consultations with the librarians. A planned and direct approach to
library public relations aimed at increasing the faculty′s take‐up of
the services is recommended. The range of creative ideas suggested is
intended to raise the level of awareness of the faculty, and
subsequently improve their perception of the library′s worth.
The library, the bookshop and the literature centre
Authors: Walters Robert
Published: April 2007

The rationale of the public library as provider of works of the
imagination is usually given as secondary to that of information.
Examining the differing roles of libraries and bookshops, seeks to
identify the public library′s unique contribution to the promotion of
literature. By providing working examples of how so‐called
“difficult” stock can be successfully exploited, encourages
book selectors to be more adventurous in their purchases; arguing that
librarians need to take a more proactive role in the development of
creative reading in order to become the literature centres of the next
century.
Thriving amid chaos: health care and library services in the 1990s
Authors: Carmel Michael
Published: April 2007

Describes the fundamental structural changes taking place in the
NHS and health care education and how these affect the provision of
library services. Defines the strategies adopted by librarians to take
advantage of changes by raising their profile, using the new market
mechanisms, and reshaping the professional agenda to meet new
challenges. Describes individual initiatives with a special emphasis on
the importance of the Cumberlege seminars and their outcomes. Concludes
that library services are indeed thriving amid chaos, but that it does
not always feel that way.
Academic libraries in the information society
Authors: Corrall Sheila
Published: April 2007

The way that higher education library services are viewed, planned
and managed must change radically if they are to survive and thrive in
the future. Advances in technology, economic and political pressures,
and socio‐demographic factors have combined to create an environment
posing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The Joint Funding
Councils′ Libraries Review has highlighted the need for stronger
management and more confident involvement in institutional planning and
organizational change. Electronic communication will transform service
provision, with significant shifts towards distributed networked
services, empowering the end‐user and offering new roles and
responsibilities to information intermediaries. Effective communication
between library, computing and academic staff will be essential to
ensure relevant and responsive services. New resource models will be
required to take account of diverse customer needs and different modes
of delivery. Organizational structures and management styles must change
to meet future needs and human resource development must be given higher
priority. Bold leadership will enable libraries to enhance their
strategic role and respond positively to environmental change.
Patterns of reading among teenage boys: the reading habits and book
preferences of 13‐15‐year‐old boys
Authors: Wicks Jonathan
Published: April 2007

What do teenage boys read, and why? Little study has been done
specifically of boys′ reading habits, leading to the suspicion that much
public library selection for this group has been based on guesswork and
intuition. This study sought to fill this gap in our knowledge through
60 one‐to‐one structured interviews of a stratified sample of
13‐15‐year‐old boys, approached through four Essex secondary schools.
Discovers that reading compares favourably with other leisure pursuits,
most boys reading regularly for 40 minutes per day on average, or one
book per fortnight. Selecting fiction by genre, author and series, but
chiefly by the blurb, boys are diverse in their tastes.
Fifteen‐year‐olds read predominantly adult novels or have effectively
ceased reading. The boys read reflectively, and are equally divided
between those who imagine the story unfolding in their imaginations,
those who imagine their own involvement, and those who do neither. Finds
that the use of non‐fiction is lower and less important to teenage boys
than had been believed. Draws implications for library provision for
this group.
A model of close business relationships in China (guanxi)
Authors: Lee Dong‐Jin , Pae Jae H. , Wong Y.H.
Published: April 2007

Examines the antecedents and consequences of close business relationships (guanxi) in China. We hypothesize that decision‐making uncertainty and perceived similarity positively affect guanxi, whereas opportunism negatively affects guanxi. We also hypothesize that guanxi positively affects business performance, mediated by relationship quality and interdependence. An empirical study of Hong Kong and mainland China business relationships generally supports the model. The managerial implications are discussed.
Service recovery attributions and word‐of‐mouth intentions
Authors: Swanson Scott R. , Kelley Scott W.
Published: April 2007

The impact of service recovery attributions in determining consumers’ intentions of engaging in post‐recovery word‐of‐mouth behaviors is examined. Research questions are investigated utilizing satisfactory service recovery scenarios that vary in their perceived likelihood of reoccurrence (i.e. stability) and responsibility for the recovery (i.e. locus) in three service industries. Results indicate that consumers who have service failures satisfactorily corrected demonstrate a strong propensity to share positive information about their experience. As a person’s social network extends outward, stability and locus interact to influence intentions to discuss a service failure/recovery. A greater propensity to share information and higher levels of customer praise and recommendations were found for shorter service recovery times. Recommendations for customer service managers are provided.
Corporate identity and corporate image revisited ‐ A semiotic perspective
Authors: Thøger Christensen Lars , Askegaard Søren
Published: April 2007

Asserts that the marketing discipline has been quite instrumental in securing and maintaining both practical and theoretical attention to the issues of identity and image in contemporary organisations. Discusses and critiques much of the discourse of corporate identity and image management. This is accomplished through a semiotic exercise in which prevailing perspectives and assumptions with respect to corporate identity and image are explained, analysed and subjected to a coherent interpretive framework. Rather than trying to legislate terminology or suggest conceptual parsimony, we use the semiotic framework as one way to illustrate the benefits of theoretical consistency and to stimulate self‐reflection among scholars who use the notions of identity and image.
Understanding organisational culture and the implications for corporate marketing
Authors: Wilson Alan M.
Published: April 2007

The actions of employees such as service personnel are seen as being important in communicating a company’s corporate values and goals, particularly where they interact directly with customers and other corporate audiences. Their beliefs, norms and values derived from the organisational culture influence their actions and the informal messages that they communicate. A mystique still exists around the concept of organisational culture. This paper attempts to rectify this by reviewing the literature relating to organisational culture, focusing on its definition, the factors which influence it and the arguments as to whether it can be managed. The paper highlights the complexity of the phenomenon and the need for corporate marketers to be more sensitive to this complexity in the development and execution of corporate communication strategies. This requires marketers to work more closely with researchers and practitioners working in the fields of organisational behaviour and human resource management.
The added value of corporate logos ‐ An empirical study
Authors: van Riel Cees B.M. , van den Ban Anouschka
Published: April 2007

Describes the evaluations, by potential customers, of a new logo of a Dutch bank. Evaluations were measured before and after the introduction, comparing perceptions of the new logo with the observations of the logos of two competitors (a larger and a smaller one). The study indicates that people attribute different associations to each logo. The set of associations they have with the logo appeared to increase if respondents were confronted with the name of the company behind the new logo. After the launch of the new logo, embedded within a nation‐wide advertising campaign, the positive associations increased and the negative evaluations decreased. The majority of interviewees were able to describe associations that matched the intentions which the bank wanted to express with its new corporate symbol.
Behavioural responses to customer satisfaction: an empirical study
Authors: Athanassopoulos Antreas , Gounaris Spiros , Stathakopoulos Vlassis
Published: April 2007

Investigates the behavioural consequences of customer satisfaction. More specifically, the authors examine the impact of customer satisfaction on customers’ behavioural responses. The results support the notion of direct effects of customer satisfaction on three criterion variables (decision to stay with the existing service provider, engagement in word‐of‐mouth communications, and intentions to switch service providers). Implications for practice, study limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Corporate identity, corporate branding and corporate marketing ‐ Seeing through the fog
Authors: Balmer John M.T.
Published: April 2007

Outlines 15 explanations for the fog which has enveloped the nascent domains of corporate identity and corporate marketing. However, the fog surrounding the area has a silver lining. This is because the fog has, unwittingly, led to the emergence of rich disciplinary, philosophical as well as “national”, schools of thought. In their composite, these approaches have the potential to form the foundations of a new approach to management which might be termed “corporate marketing”. In addition to articulating the author’s understanding of the attributes regarding a business identity (the umbrella label used to cover corporate identity, organisational identification and visual identity) the author outlines the characteristics of corporate marketing and introduces a new corporate marketing mix based on the mnemonic “HEADS”[2]. This relates to what an organisation has, expresses, the affinities of its employees, as well as what the organisation does and how it is seen by stakeholder groups and networks. In addition, the author describes the relationship between the corporate identity and corporate brand and notes the differences between product brands and corporate brands. Finally, the author argues that scholars need to be sensitive to the factors that are contributing to the fog surrounding corporate identity. Only then will business identity/corporate marketing studies grow in maturity.
Cause, effect and benefits of a standardised corporate visual identity system of UK companies operating in Malaysia
Authors: Melewar T.C. , Saunders John , Balmer John M.T.
Published: April 2007

Investigates the degree of global standardisation of a corporate visual identity system (CVIS) in multinational operations. A special emphasis of this research is accorded to UK companies operating in Malaysia. In particular, the study seeks to reveal the reasons for developing a standardised CVIS; the behavioural issues associated with CVIS; and the determination in selecting a graphic design agency. The findings of the research revealed that multinational corporations in an increasingly corporate environment adopted a standardised CVIS for several reasons, including, aiding the sale of products and services, creating an attractive environment for hiring employees, and increasing the company’s stature and presence. Further findings show that the interest in global identity was stimulated by global restructuring, merger or acquisition. The above trends help explain why increased focus has been accorded to CVIS over the past five years by many UK companies operating in Malaysia. Additional findings reveal that both the UK design agencies and in‐house design department are used in the development of the firms’ CVIS.
A contingency model of marketing information
Authors: Wright Malcolm , Ashill Nicholas
Published: April 2007

Marketing information systems have usually been analysed in terms of market research, market intelligence and computerised modelling and analysis systems. Both empirical and theoretical studies are making it increasingly clear that this approach is inadequate, especially as it takes too little account of the role of organisation design methods and environmental contingencies in marketing information processing. A new approach is suggested which draws on these areas to provide guidelines for research and intervention into marketing information flows. Exploratory case studies of three diverse organisations broadly confirmed this new approach, opening the way for further empirical work.
Market power and its measurement
Authors: Wood Lisa
Published: April 2007

Addresses the importance of brands in the assessment of market power. Traditional approaches to assessing market power are fraught with problems because they ignore the power of brands, and are constrained by the classification of companies within domestic markets. Introduces a model for assessing market power which uses brand value as the basis of market power measurement. The model emphasises the importance of brands and acknowledges the international nature of markets. It has the further benefit of being forward‐looking rather than focusing on the past performance of companies. Using this model, it is suggested that within the UK beer market, the threat is from the owners of powerful non‐domestic brands rather than from large UK brewers. The analysis of the beer market represents a pilot study for the model proposed in the paper. The brand valuation model itself needs refining before the proposed model can be validated on a widespread basis.
The market orientation of Chinese enterprises during a time of transition
Authors: Deng Shengliang , Dart Jack
Published: April 2007

As China moves from a command economy to one more directed by customer demands, its enterprises must acquire an entirely new understanding of the purpose of business. The marketing concept appears to offer an approach to management that is dramatically new to China but much needed in its current state of development. Reports the results of an empirical study concerning the market orientation of various types of Chinese enterprises based on their size, location, ownership and sector. The data suggest substantial differences between the various types of operations. Since the existing literature relating to market orientation is devoted almost exclusively to Western business settings, this study provides benchmark data that may be used to track the evolution of an economy that is in the midst of a dramatic economic transition.
Business research as an educational problem‐solving heuristic – the case of Porter’s diamond
Authors: O’ Connell Laurence , Clancy Paula , van Egeraat Chris
Published: April 2007

Explores the link between research practice and business education. The work of Michael Porter has a long association with the field of marketing. Focuses on the Porter’s diamond model of national competitive advantage (1990). Draws on recent experiences from an empirical investigation into sources of competitive advantage and suggests that the model is useful as a conceptual framework for practitioner‐orientated discourse concerning developmental issues. Outlines the process of review that led to a set of specific action outcomes. Doing so highlights the reflective nature of the research process and provides insights into the usage of theory in a pragmatic manner. In particular, suggests that for those “less steeped in the management life‐world” such an account may facilitate a reflective turn in their appreciation of the relationship between marketing management theory and practice.
Curriculum internationalisation
Authors: Salehi‐Sangari Esmail , Foster Tim
Published: April 2007

Investigates the increasing interest by educators to provide students with the international management and research skills that are becoming more necessary as we enter the twenty‐first century. Highlights the need for the internationalisation of curriculum, as well as the faculty and instructors who teach such courses. Presents two cases of such internationalisation efforts in Iran and Sweden. Explores the internationalisation of the courses and the instructors who taught them over a three‐year period; certain positive and negative aspects to these experiences are identified and presented. Suggests that such research on the successes and failures in such cases serve as a foundation to continue research in other settings, so as to learn more about how to continue with efforts to internationalise both curriculum and faculty.
Consumer reactions to product placement strategies in television sponsorship
Authors: d’Astous Alain , Séguin Nathalie
Published: April 2007

Reports the results of an experimental study that examines the impact of different strategies of product placement on consumer reactions in the context of television sponsorship. Four factors were manipulated: type of placement, sponsor’s image, type of television program and sponsor‐program congruity. Uses a factorial design comprising these four factors, which was operationalised by means of 12 brief written vignettes. Indicates that strategies of product placement impact differently on consumers’ evaluative and ethical judgements and that their effects interact with the type of television program. Suggests that evaluations of product placement are most negative in the context of mini‐series/drama television programs. Furthermore, product placements that play a passive role and are not clearly expressed within the program are generally perceived as less ethical, especially when they appear in information/services magazines. Also determines that sponsor‐program congruity leads to better ethical and evaluative consumer reactions for all types of television program considered except mini‐series/dramas. Implications for research and practice are derived from these results.
Factors affecting consumer perceptions on product safety
Authors: Ching Biu Tse Alan
Published: April 2007

Examines how perceived product safety may be affected by such product‐related factors as price, brand name, store name, promotion channels, source credibility, country of origin, nature of product testing authority and warranty. Shows that perceived product safety was significantly affected by all of the variables mentioned above. Implies that, by carefully manipulating these variables in formulating marketing strategies, managers can attract the large and growing market of safety‐conscious consumers and gain a competitive edge that cannot possibly be ignored.
How now, mad‐cow? Consumer confidence and source credibility during the 1996 BSE scare
Authors: Smith Andrew P. , Young James A. , Gibson Jan
Published: April 2007

Explores the impact on consumer attitudes of the zenith of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) scare of 20/21 March 1996. Considers implications for consumer behaviour and marketing communications for the meat industry through exposition of a uniquely timed consumer survey. An initial survey of meat consumers’ attitudes, ethics and habits in Central Scotland was ongoing just prior to the March 1996 media coverage. Following the Government’s announcement of a link between BSE and Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) an opportunistic follow‐up survey was conducted immediately. In all 50 of the original sample were traced and re‐surveyed within three days. Suggests that the scare had reduced levels of trust in information sources, and the faith expressed in products and control measures was ambivalent. Considers marketing and communication implications and scenarios.
Adoption of payment systems in ten countries – a case study of diffusion of innovations
Authors: Antonides Gerrit , Bas Amesz H. , Hulscher Ivo C.
Published: April 2007

Studies adoptions of four different payment systems in ten countries during 1988‐96. Adoption curves are estimated from secondary data concerning ATMs and banker’s cards. Usage of a previously introduced payment system appeared to affect the adoption of a system innovation. Based on the shape of the adoption curves and the estimation of external and internal influences from the social system, it was concluded that the adoption process was almost exclusively driven by internal influences, i.e. social learning. Draws conclusions for the introduction of the smart card.
Environmental Training in Germany
Authors: Biehler‐Baudisch Hilde
Published: April 2007

Examines environmental protection as a training concept which is
receiving increasing attention in all fields of the education system.
Discusses systems employed in the German education system and suggests
that all young people should be allowed to develop ethical standards as
an orientation for their future lives. Proposes that environmental
protection should become part of vocational training. Suggests that this
is however a slow and labourious process and offers recommendations for
the promotion of vocational environmental training.
Who Is Evaluating Training?
Authors: Plant R.A. , Ryan R.J.
Published: April 2007

Evaluation of industrial training has been accepted as important by the
commercial community for at least the last 30 years, first as a means of
ensuring the quality of provision, and second as a means of justifying
cost in terms of time and money. Kirkpatrick developed the evaluation
model that has almost without exception been accepted throughout the
world. However, acceptance has not been followed by implementation. A
number of surveys conducted throughout this period have indicated little
application. Discusses their findings and supports their conclusions
following a survey of 620 companies in the south of England.
On solving connexity problems within modeling massive conductors
Authors: Slama Afef , Mazauric Vincent , Meunier Gérard , Maréchal Yves
Published: April 2007

This paper deals with the three‐dimensional modeling of massive conductors carrying a total imposed current and involving multiply connected regions. Both stationary motion and time harmonic eddy current problems are considered. The aim of the modeling is to determine the current distribution and the eddy current’s effects inside the conductor, as well as to calculate the Lorentz force acting on a conducting region. The choice of a suitable formulation based on solving the current vector potential T and the magnetic scalar potential φ is argued, then various methods for the restoration of the Ampere law in the multiply connected regions are presented. Two methods for calculating an auxiliary vector potential T0 are applied in order to calculate the force acting on the armature of a railgun and the repulsion between the electrodes of a vacuum circuit breaker, then the results are compared.
Fixed‐point technique in identification of a shape of an inaccessible boundary between two media of different magnetic properties
Authors: Peterson Wiesllaw
Published: April 2007

The magnetic field was applied for identification of a shape of an inaccessible boundary between substances of different magnetic properties. Taking advantage of the conception of substitute field sources a mathematical model of the problem was described by means of the potential theory and integral equations. Numerical processing of Fredholm integral equations of the first kind appearing in the above model leads to a system of ill‐posed and non‐linear algebraic equations. This results in numerical instability. The problem was solved by the use of the fixed‐point technique based on Brouwer’s theorem. A few numerical examples were illustrated for the selected shape of the investigated boundary.
Movement simulation in 3D eddy current transient problem
Authors: Nowak Lech
Published: April 2007

An algorithm for the simultaneous solving of the equations of the 3D transient electromagnetic field and equations of electric circuits of an electromagnetic device containing moving conducting parts has been elaborated. The A‐T formulation has been applied to the description of 3D eddy current problem. In order to solve the 3D problem, the iterative procedure, in which the 3D task is substituted with a sequence of 2D problems, has been applied. Different procedures for movement modelling have been considered. As an example, the dynamics of a linear induction motor have been investigated.
Advanced FI2TD algorithms for transient eddy current problems
Authors: Clemens Markus , Wilke Markus , Weiland Thomas
Published: April 2007

Transient eddy current formulations based on the Finite Integration Technique (FIT) for the magneto‐quasistatic regime are extended to include motional induction effects of moving conductors with simple geometries by different approaches. A new regularization of the formulation using discrete grad‐div augmentation of the curlcurl formulation is presented and tested. To improve the implicit time integration process, several schemes for an error controlled variable time step selection are presented and for the repetitive solution of the arising large sparse systems of equations a sparse direct solver is compared to iterative methods such as a preconditioned conjugate gradient method and a new algebraic multigrid solver, which is aware of the curlcurl nullspace.
Electromagnetic analysis in devices with sliding contacts
Authors: Musolino Antonino
Published: April 2007

In this paper an integral formulation for the analysis of systems with moving conductors has been extended to take into account the presence of sliding contacts. The proposed formulation results in the equilibrium equations of an equivalent electric network whose elements vary with the position of the conductors. The phenomena occurring at the interface between conductors involved in sliding contacts have been investigated by the introduction of an auxiliary electric network. The formulation has been applied to the electromechanical analysis of a rail launcher. Because of the short operating times involved in these devices the thermal behaviour has been taken into account by a simple adiabatic model; the temperature distribution obtained is used to update the resistivity of the elements of the network produced by the integral formulation. The results of the simulations show the capability of the model to take into account the characteristic phenomena of these devices.
Partial discharges in insulation of medium voltage systems
Authors: Tičar Igor , Pihler Jože , Bíró Oszkár , Preis Kurt
Published: April 2007

The term “partial discharges” (PD) is a common term for various phenomena: discharges at points or edges of cylindrical conductors, in gases and gas insulated devices, liquid insulation materials, at borders between different insulation materials and, of course, in solid dielectrics. These phenomena result in insulation breakdowns, various disturbances to the environment, and after longer periods, some large‐scale failures. This paper presents the results of theoretical research of the behavior of a system of medium voltage covered conductors. This research work has been elaborated by the use of computer aided electric field calculations. For the confirmation of theoretical findings, practical measurements of partial discharges have been made.
Optimal design of an inductor for transverse flux heating using a combined evolutionary‐simplex method
Authors: Battistetti M. , Di Barba P. , Dughiero F. , Farina M. , Lupi S. , Savini A.
Published: April 2007

Transverse flux induction heating (TFH) is a process advantageously applied for the heat treatment of thin non‐ferrous metal strips. In comparison with the better known longitudinal flux heating the design of TFH inductors is more complex. In fact both the prediction of power density distribution in the strip and the calculation of the thermal transient during the heating process require a solution of 3D electromagnetic and thermal problems. Moreover the requirements for a good inductor design are in conflict with each other. In the paper a code for the solution of 3D electromagnetic and thermal problems suitable for the design of TFH systems is presented. The analytical‐numerical approach (analytical for the electromagnetic problem, numerical for the thermal one) is suitable for coupling with optimisation algorithms. Both evolutionary strategy and simplex methods and their combination have been used in order to obtain an optimal design for a particular application of TFH.
Numerical computation of the emitted noise of power transformers
Authors: Rausch M. , Kaltenbacher M. , Landes H. , Lerch R.
Published: April 2007

A recently developed calculation scheme for the numerical computation of the load‐controlled acoustic noise of power transformers is presented. This modeling scheme allows the precise and efficient computation of the coupled electromagnetic, mechanical and acoustic fields. The equations are solved using the finite element method (FEM) as well as the boundary element method (BEM), resulting in a separation of the acoustic‐magnetomechanical calculation of the winding vibrations resp. the acoustic‐mechanical computation of the tank vibrations (using FEM) and the calculation of the acoustic free‐field radiation (using BEM). The validity of the computer simulations has been verified by means of appropriate measurements. Simulated and measured values for winding and tank surface vibrations as well as the sound power level of the loaded transformer are found to be in good agreement.