bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The analysis of effects of shaft surface porosity on journal bearing using experimental and neural network approach
Authors: Sinanoğlu Cem
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate pressure distribution of the journal bearings with aluminium shafts with varying surface porosity in varying revolutions using experimental and neural network approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The collected experimental data such as pressure variations is employed as training and testing data for an artificial neural network (ANN). Back propagation algorithm is used to update the weight of the network during the training.

Findings

Neural network predictor has superior performance for modelling journal bearing systems with shafts of different surface porosities.

Research limitations/implications

Back propagation algorithm is used training algorithm for proposed neural networks. Various training algorithms can be used to train proposed network. The spectrum of the journal surface porosity can be enlarged.

Practical implications

From the experimental and simulation results, neural network exactly follows the experimental results. Because of that, this kind of neural network predictors can be applied on journal bearing systems in practice applications.

Originality/value

This paper discusses a new modelling scheme known as ANNs. A neural network predictor has been employed to analyze of the effects of shaft surface porosity in hydrodynamic lubrication of journal bearing.
Complaint behaviour of Malaysian consumers
Authors: Oly Ndubisi Nelson , Yin Ling Tam
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To examine the post dissatisfaction behaviour of Malaysian consumers vis‐à‐vis their complaint behaviour and defection. Specifically, the relationship between public complaint behaviour (i.e. complaining to the organization), private complaint behaviour (complaining to family members and friends without a word to the organisation) and customer defection were considered. The research also investigates the moderating effect of gender and income in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Consisted of a survey of 218 randomly selected customers of banks in Malaysia.

Findings

shows that both public and private complaints are associated with defection, albeit the determinant strength of private complaint is more robust. These findings are generic as there is no gender‐moderated effect. However, income moderates the private complaint‐defection relationship. Lower income customers are more likely to defect without a word to the bank than higher income Malaysian bank customers.

Practical implications

Emphasises that an apparant each of complaints doesn’t mean that all is well. Also, stresses the need for encouraging complaints from customers and a system to hand complaints. Originality/value Income levels may affect a customers expression of dissatisfaction.
Reflections on public sector‐based integrative collective bargaining
Authors: Caverley Natasha , Cunningham Bart , Mitchell Lari
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to understand better how specific conditions such as the degree of trust developed from previous negotiations, the level of expertise/style demonstrated by the negotiators, the clarity of the bargaining issues and the ability of facilitators to use problem solving‐based techniques affect the success of an integrative collective bargaining process.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers propose that cooperation may be affected by specific conditions. These key conditions were used in the analysis of two Canadian public sector collective bargaining experiences where two of the authors served as consultants and lead negotiators within the British Columbia public sector.

Findings

Based on the analysis of two public sector collective bargaining experiences, it is suggested that ensuring the clarity of the bargaining issues was an important catalyst in moving the bargaining agenda forward. In addition, the previous negotiations and the expertise/style of the negotiators were important in the fragile level of trust which developed. No one condition was responsible for the success of collective bargaining. Rather, various conditions are jointly important and supportive to the overall success of the collective bargaining process.

Research limitations/implications

As a limitation, this research is exploratory in nature and cannot be generalized to other collective bargaining situations. However, the case studies and its subsequent analysis are intended to provide a template for expanded study of collective bargaining and the mutual gain process by suggesting that the process (medium) surrounding the intervention is as important as the intervention itself.

Practical implications

For practitioners, particularly labor relation specialists, the article provides a suite of conditions and practical strategies that may influence the cooperative nature of bargaining within their respective organization.

Originality/value

This case study paper provides a conceptual framework for both scholars and practitioners to deconstruct and analyze inter‐organizational dynamics within a collective bargaining process.
Technoschism: the real world and libraries, librarians and our associations
Authors: Abram Stephen
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine how library associations have adapted to recent technological changes, and how this affects networking among members, providing professional development opportunities, and advocating for the profession and their users.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines 12 challenges facing library associations.

Findings

The paper proposes that library associations should base their organization around the three principles of sensemaking, influencing, and sharing stories.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful insight into the problems of change management for library associations from the viewpoint of an experienced library professional.
The role of the library associations and organisations in the changing library landscape
Authors: Ole Pors Niels
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to outline the topography of Danish library associations and organisations and to analyse their role in the development of the libraries. Corporate trends and traits are used as the analytical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on cases and issues from the development of the Danish libraries and the research design is primarily desk‐top research combined with interpretations of previous research into the theoretical framework of corporatism.

Practical implications

The paper offers some inspiration for cooperation among institutions and associations outlining some of the prerequisites for a solid corporation among different stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a concept from political theory and uses it as an interpretative framework in relation to one of the cases of a rather successful cooperation in the library field.
Continuing professional development and workplace learning – 14
Authors: Smith Ian
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of communication during organisational change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines five key rules for good organisational communication along with a suggested four‐phase framework for communicating effectively during times of change.

Findings

The paper finds that the role of communication during organisational change is important.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful set of rules for good communication during organisational change.
How Japan sees the robotics for the future: observation at the World Expo 2005
Authors: Kusuda Yoshihiro
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Aims to describe how Japan sees robotics for the future based on the author's observation of robots displayed at the World Expo 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Visits with the Expo and the relevant symposium.

Findings

Japan is convinced of the immense potential of the new robotic market.

Originality/value

Gives the Japanese view on robotics for the future to observers outside Japan.
Self‐adjusting robotic painting system
Authors: Omar M. , Viti V. , Saito K. , Liu J.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Aims to introduce a self‐adjusting robotic painting process for automotive fuel containers, capable of predicting the required correction action to avoid further defect production.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the development, testing and on‐site implementation of a robotic thermal machine vision system designed for evaluating coat thickness and coverage attributes. Computer simulation is used to study the effect of the painting robot's program on the film build‐up.

Findings

Effective technique for the real‐time detection of anti‐corrosive coat's pinholes and pop‐ups. A systematic study for this paint deposition scheme.

Research limitations/implications

The presented detection system and the simulation program methodology could be further studied and modified for other painting applications.

Practical implications

Provides insights validated with on‐site results and systematic study for the automated or the manual adjustments of the robotic painting parameters.

Originality/value

Introduces a novel application of thermal imaging for evaluating coated surfaces. In addition, a first reported case study of automotive fuel container's painting process. Presents potential application to reduce the defects generation thus, improving quality, and reducing production cost.
Activation for what purpose? Lessons from Denmark
Authors: Lind Jens , Hornemann Møller Iver
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper evaluates why activation programmes are still an important and core component of most European countries’ social‐ and labour market policies when it has become increasingly clear that the employment effects are most often either unknown or very small.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this issue, an in‐depth investigation of the evolution of activation programmes in the specific national context of Denmark is investigated.

Findings

Charting in detail the evolution of labour market activation (or workfare) programmes in Denmark, this paper displays the ongoing intensification of activation policies and ways in which this has reduced the living standards of marginalised groups and explains this to be the result of a power block that has a wider intent of disciplining the whole workforce, not least by encouraging more people to work harder and for longer hours, and rarely with overtime compensation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper explains the reasons for the continuing use of labour market insertion programmes when there is a lack of evidence that they are effective in achieving their goal of inserting people into employment.

Originality/value

This paper uses the notion of a power block to understand the reasons for advanced economies persisting with labour market activation programmes.
Assessing an integrated government documents collection
Authors: Latham Skaggs Bethany
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper proposes describing the collection assessment process adapted to fit the integrated government documents collection at Jacksonville State University's Houston Cole Library.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the Library's experience conducting an assessment of its integrated government documents collection using an adaptation of the WLN conspectus method.

Findings

The author describes the adaptations made, obstacles overcome, results of the assessment, and conclusions drawn from it.

Practical implications

As a result of this assessment, procedures were established for future assessments of the collection, and the results of the assessment were used to aid in the selection process.

Originality/value

This paper provides a model for conducting an assessment of an integrated government documents collection that other libraries can follow and fills a gap in the literature of government documents collection management.
Benefits of mentoring to Australian early career women managers and professionals
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Burgess Zena , Fallon Barry
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This study aims to examine potential benefits from a mentor relationship to women managers and professionals in early career.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 98 women business school graduates using an anonymously completed questionnaire. Respondents identified a more senior individual who had a positive influence in the development of their career, provided descriptive characteristics of this relationship and described its character. Three mentor functions were considered: role model, career development and psychosocial.

Findings

There were few differences as a function of the gender of the mentor though respondents having female mentors indicated more role modeling and tended to report more psychosocial functions. Respondents reporting more mentor functions also indicated higher levels of job and career satisfaction, more optimistic future career prospects and fewer psychosomatic symptoms.

Originality/value

Adds to the understanding of mentoring by including psychological well‐being variables as potential mentoring outcomes.
An analytic knowledge network process for construction entrepreneurship education
Authors: Chen Zhen , Li Heng , Kong Stephen C.W. , Xu Qian
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative multicriteria decision‐making approach to knowledge management in construction entrepreneurship education by means of an analytic knowledge network process (KANP).

Design/methodology/approach

The KANP approach in the study integrates a standard industrial classification with the analytic network process (ANP). For the construction entrepreneurship education, a decision‐making model named KANP.CEEM is built to apply the KANP method in the evaluation of teaching cases to facilitate the case method, which is widely adopted in entrepreneurship education at business schools.

Findings

The study finds that there are eight clusters and 178 nodes in the KANP.CEEM model, and experimental research on the evaluation of teaching cases discloses that the KANP method is effective in conducting knowledge management to the entrepreneurship education.

Research limitations/implications

As an experimental research, this paper ignores the concordance between a selected standard classification and others, which perhaps limits the usefulness of KANP.CEEM model elsewhere.

Practical implications

As the KANP.CEEM model is built based on the standard classification codes and the embedded ANP, it is thus expected that the model has a wide potential in evaluating knowledge‐based teaching materials for any education purpose with a background from the construction industry, and can be used by both faculty and students.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a knowledge management need and offers a practical tool for an academic starting out on the development of knowledge‐based teaching cases and other teaching materials or for a student going through the case studies and other learning materials.
Managers and strategic decisions: does the cognitive style matter?
Authors: Gallén Tiina
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out wheter the cognitive style of the manager affect as his view of the viable strategy for a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from 70 managers in the spa industry.

Findings

Concludes that managers' cognitive style and particularly their way of taking in information (sensing or intuition) have effect on strategies they tend to prefer. Intuitive managers tend to view the prospector or the analyzer strategy as the most viable future alternative for a firm. The analyzer or the defender strategy is preferred by the sensing managers.

Originality/value

For managers, the results of this study emphasize the importance of knowing oneself and especially one's way of perception and understanding its suggested effect on strategic decision making. This paper also attempts to inspire researchers to include the cognitive style in studying the effects of the managers and top management team on firms' strategy.
Chairman and chief executive officer (CEO): that sacred and secret relationship
Authors: Kakabadse Andrew , Kakabadse Nada K. , Barratt Ruth
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To examine an under‐researched area, namely the dynamics of chairman‐CEO interrelationship and its effect on the enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology has been adopted through in‐depth interviews with chairmen, CEOs and non‐executive directors on the nature of chairman‐CEO interactions and their effects.

Findings

Four critical themes form the basis of this paper, chairman's role and contribution, nature of chairman‐CEO relationship, impact of the chairman‐CEO relationship on board effectiveness and the attributes of an effective chairman.

Practical implications

Enhances understanding of the determining influence of the chairman‐CEO dyad on board and organisational performance and also on the influence of formative context on this dyadic interaction.

Originality/value

One of the few studies that has explored through in‐depth interviews the chairman‐CEO relationship.
The effect of country‐of‐origin on foreign brand names in the Indian market
Authors: Kinra Neelam
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To investigate consumer attitudes in India towards local and foreign brand names, against a background of increasing prevalence of foreign brand names and stereotypes of countries of origin covering the range from positive to negative.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire administered face‐to‐face to 112 consumers in the city of Lucknow. Attitudes to brands categorized as “foreign” or “Indian” were measured by seven‐point semantic differential scales, and consumer ethnocentrism by CETSCALE. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify factors contributing to the observed degree of ethnocentrism in brand choices.

Findings

It was found that the quality of foreign brands was perceived to be generally higher and superior to local brands. Most consumers also associated greater accessibility of foreign brands in the Indian market with better quality at lower prices. Despite high levels of nationalism and preference for indigenous manufacture, as evidenced in high factor ratings on an ethnocentrism scale, which might indicate a positive bias towards local brands, Indian consumers were not prejudiced against foreign brand names. In fact, they evaluated them higher on technology, quality, status and esteem than Indian brands, and attributed higher credibility to those countries‐of‐origin.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the body of knowledge about country‐of‐origin effect, in a massive and fast developing market.

Practical implications

The strategy of marketers of foreign brands in the Indian market should be to position their products on attributes of technology and quality, rather than economy and value for money.

Originality/value

Shows that ethnocentricity does not necessarily result in hostility to foreign brands.
Internet marketing: web site navigational design issues
Authors: Taylor M.J. , England D.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

A fundamental internet marketing challenge is that consumers can quickly move from seeks to one web site to another if they cannot easily find what they want on a given web site. This paper address the web site navigational design issues associated with internet marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐year participant observation study in a UK tourism marketing organisation is provided in order to demonstrate a web site design approach in action.

Findings

Existing web site design approaches such as hierarchy charts and storyboards can assist in structuring web site content but do not necessarily cater well for making web sites straightforward to use by consumers. Human computer interface web site design approaches typically relate more to style, appearance and functionality than to structuring web site content. Web site content ranking and grouping can allow straightforward access to web site content, by making frequently required content the most accessible and by grouping related content for ease of identification. From a web site marketing perspective, the more accessible web site content relating to products and services offered, the more likely that such products and services will be purchased by the consumer.

Practical implications

If consumers are to use a web site and use it again in the future they need to be able to find what they require in a straightforward manner. Ranking web site content to present frequently required content earlier in the web site, and grouping web site content so that similar content appears on the same web page or on closely linked web pages can make a web site more straightforward to navigate. In a marketing context, the more accessible a web site, the more likelihood there is of repeat business from the consumer.

Originality/value

The originality of the research reported in this paper concerns the use of web site content ranking and grouping to design web sites that can enable straightforward access to information and transactions by consumers, and thus potentially increase both current sales and future repeat business.
Understanding management data systems for enterprise performance management
Authors: Bose Ranjit
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Managing enterprise performance is an important, yet a difficult process due to its complexity. The process involves monitoring the strategic focus of an enterprise, whose performance is measured from the analysis of data generated from a wide range of interrelated business activities performed at different levels within the enterprise. This study aims to investigate management data systems technologies in terms of how they are used and the issues that are related to their effective management within the broader context of enterprise performance management (EPM).

Design/methodology/approach

A range of recently published research literature on data warehousing, online analytic processing and EPM is reviewed to explore their current state, issues and challenges learned from their practice.

Findings

The findings of the study are reported in two parts. The first part discusses the current business practices of these technologies, and the second part identifies and discusses the issues and challenges the business managers dealing with these technologies face for gaining competitive advantage for their businesses.

Originality/value

The study findings are intended to assist the business managers to effectively understand the issues and technologies behind EPM implementation.
Multi‐device, multi‐player gaming: issues and application
Authors: Cheng Danny C. , Chu Allan Christopher S.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to present the different issues that must be tackled when creating a viable multi‐user, multi‐device game. The issues tackled range from user interaction issues to graphics quality to bandwidth constraints. The paper also aims to present different configurations depending on the type of game to be created and a strategy for network gaming using heterogeneous devices focusing on the development of a game that allows users of mobile devices and desktop computers to interact and compete on a single domain.

Design/methodology/approach

A tank battle game was developed that plays the same game across both a mobile device such as a phone/PDA and a desktop counterpart.

Findings

Although there is a sacrifice in the richness of the game environment on mobile devices, it is possible to develop games that play across platforms and devices, and safeguards can be put in place in order not to overly handicap players using mobile devices.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on a single type of game. It would be ideal to attempt such work on other game genres or platforms. The implications of such work would be that the ubiquity of game play could be extended and the overall gaming experience improved.

Originality/value

This paper allows game developers to rethink the possibilities as they develop new games.
Bridging the digital divide through e‐governance
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to present the status of the digital divide in Africa and the implications for libraries, and to demonstrate that, contrary to recent published findings, the digital divide is not narrowing.

Design/methodology/approach

A general literature review is undertaken, along with a case study of the digital divide in an academic setting.

Findings

Africa still suffers from rampant poverty, and consequently resources that could be utilised to bridge the digital divide are directed at meeting peoples basic survival needs, including food, shelter, health care, housing, etc. Additionally, governments are increasingly adopting e‐government initiatives that libraries could explore for automation.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed to show why – given that the gap between rich and poor countries is increasing, and that economic development is a good predictor of ICT uptake – that the digital divide between developed and developing countries is claimed to be narrowing.

Practical implications

Libraries have the potential to use e‐government initiatives for automation, but they need to exert influence on their governments through advocacy and other measures.

Originality/value

Few studies, especially in Africa, have explored the potential of e‐governance for library automation. Similarly, issues of the digital divide have in the past been looked at largely from international and national perspectives, with little attention being paid to the existence of the phenomenon within libraries. Finally, existing studies on the digital divide largely use ICT metrics without paying much attention to the totality of other variables that influence the digital divide. This paper provides a proposal on how e‐governance could be used to narrow the digital divide within libraries in Africa.
Ethical dilemmas in libraries: an international perspective
Authors: Miltenoff Plamen , Hauptman Robert
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The authors have the purpose of surveying international librarians in order to discover whether ethical considerations are of real import in various countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The webmasters of 20 sites were contacted for permission to disseminate a brief survey to their members.

Findings

The results from the 17 sites surveyed were encouraging: many participants indicated an interest in ethics.

Research limitations/implications

A larger, more diverse survey could be implemented in the future.

Originality/value

This is perhaps the first survey of its kind. It shows that people in various countries do care about ethical issues.
Providing more or providing less?
Authors: Herrmann Andreas , Heitmann Mark
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Research on cross cultural differences in preference for variety is scarce. Such research is important because it addresses a marketing instrument for which substantial cultural variations are to be expected. This paper attempts to highlight relevant literature of the domains of cultural psychology as well as marketing psychology with a review to stimulate research. Furthermore, the objective of this paper is to point out specific research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, theories on variety perception and variety seeking are discussed in order to highlight consumers' benefits of variety. Second, theories of behavioral decision making are reflected and consumers' costs of variety are illuminated. Third, theories and results of cultural psychology are reviewed with regard to underlying psychological processes about consumers' reactions to variety.

Findings

This paper stresses several aspects. Initially, consumers' perceptions of variety differ from the actual variety provided by a manufacturer or retailer. Literature indicates that consumers' benefits and costs of perceived variety differ systematically across cultures. Independent consumers in individualistic cultures place a premium on choice, on variety seeking and on personal freedom. While they are attracted by large variety, current cultural theory suggests that they also encounter greater cognitive and emotional costs than individuals in collectivistic cultures when ultimately choosing.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new and promising area of research and highlights relevant psychological as well as cultural psychological theories. Several research directions regarding customer reactions to variety are detailed.
Analysis by paralysis: the pension purchase decision process
Authors: Harrison Tina , Waite Kathryn , White Phil
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Attempts to understand the consumer behaviour in the context of the pension purchase process, including the decision process and factors affecting the decision.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups were conducted among manual and clerical grades of employees within a public sector organization who were members of an occupational pension scheme.

Findings

Despite the relative importance of pensions and the degree of risk associated with the purchase, the findings clearly indicate that purchasing decisions in this context are neither completely informed nor rational. The process described by focus group participants suggests “analysis by paralysis”, characterized by complexity, confusion and apathy.

Research limitations/implications

Small number of focus groups and a focus on manual and clerical grades of employment only. A larger sample and representation of other grades of employment might yield differences in decision making between different segments of the population.

Practical implications

Provides useful insights for providers of pensions in understanding the role of information, reference groups and professional advice in the marketing of pensions.

Originality/value

Addresses a key concern of government – insufficient pension provision – and helps to understand some of the barriers and challenges facing individuals in making pension decisions.
SME banking loyalty (and disloyalty): a qualitative study in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Regan , Burton Suzan
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To investigate the extent of loyalty, and the reasons underlying banking behaviour by business customers from the small to medium enterprise (SME) sector in Hong Kong, and to thereby contribute to a better understanding of the drivers of customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 32 in‐depth qualitative interviews were carried out with decision makers from SMEs in Hong Kong. Content analysis was employed to analyze the interview data.

Findings

In contrast with earlier studies on banks' share of wallet in the SME segment in the USA and Australia, a lack of loyalty or “disloyalty” appears to be the norm within this sector in Hong Kong. Perceived service quality and the length of business relationship appear to have strong associations with loyalty behaviour, in terms of customers' willingness to continue to use a bank and/or to recommend the bank to others.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study is qualitative, a larger empirical study would be useful to attempt to replicate our results in this and other geographic markets.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the Hong Kong SME market is characterized by high level of disloyalty, and that attaining 100 per cent loyalty from this group of customers will be very difficult. Instead, a banking strategy that focuses on service and on developing a sustained relationship with the customer may have the greatest chance of maximising the share‐of‐wallet of SME customers. The study offers important marketing implications for banks which are operating, or are planning to operate, business banking in Hong Kong and comparable Asian markets.

Originality/value

It is the first paper to study the incidence of, and reasons underlying, SME banking loyalty in an Asian market. It shows that disloyalty appears to be the norm in this sector, presenting a reminder to managers and researchers that customer loyalty may be the exception, rather than the norm.
Employee involvement: a hierarchical conceptualisation of its effect on quality
Authors: Sumukadas Narendar
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study the effect of employee involvement (EI) practices on quality comprehensively.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper views the EI domain as sets of related practices interacting within a hierarchy. Using survey data, the paper tests a model of higher order practices building on a foundation of lower order practices to affect quality.

Findings

The results support a hierarchical conceptualisation of EI practices. Some practices are found to be more effective than others, yet even the less effective EI practices serve a supportive purpose.

Research limitations/implications

The model was analyzed from a predictive perspective, using a relatively small sample. Rather than simply identifying some EI practices as more effective than others, it is important to view the practices as being interrelated.

Practical implications

Cherry‐picking only the most effective EI practices may not work. Managers must first install a foundation of less effective practices.

Originality/value

EI is recognised as an important enabler of quality management initiatives. Yet, much of this support is based on normative and untested prescriptions. This paper provides such a test. The paper models the entire EI domain, as sets of related practices rather than a hodgepodge of sporadic individual practices. Further, the paper presents a unique conceptualisation of an EI hierarchy.
Quality for the individual and for the company in the business‐to‐business market
Authors: Ojasalo Jukka
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The aim of this article is to increase knowledge of the nature of quality in the business‐to‐business market by focusing on the individual and company level aspects of quality. This is relevant because the distinction between individual and company levels in the context of quality has received very little attention in the literature. Also, there is little knowledge of the processes that can lead to quality trade‐off situations between organizational and individual goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on empirical qualitative study on quality in business‐to‐business professional services.

Findings

This article introduces the concepts of quality for the individual and for the company in the business‐to‐business market. It also contributes by explaining and analyzing processes increasing the likelihood of trade‐off between quality for the individual and quality for the company.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is characterized by the general limitations: lack of statistical reliability and validity; can be used to generate hypotheses but not to test them; and generalizations cannot be made. The following avenues for further research can be suggested. The role of rational and emotional elements should be examined in more detail. The overtime development of quality for the individual and for the company during a long‐term relationship would be an interesting topic for an in‐depth research. Dimensions of quality for the individual and for the company and their priorities may vary in different cultures; a cross‐cultural survey would be required to shed light on this issue.

Practical implications

The managerial implications of the present study are also discussed including several practical examples of aspects and challenges related to quality for the individual and for the company.

Originality/value

The findings and concepts introduced in this article contribute to the literature because the distinction between individual and company levels in the context of quality has received very little attention in the earlier research. Also, there is little empirical knowledge of the processes that can lead to quality trade‐off situations between organizational and individual goals.
A sensitivity analysis of an optimal Gantt charting maintenance scheduling model
Authors: Oke S.A. , Charles‐Owaba O.E.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to work on an analytical approach to test sensitivity of a maintenance‐scheduling model. Any model without sensitivity analysis is a “paper work” without advancing for wider applications. Thus, the simulation of simultaneous scheduling of maintenance and operation in a resource‐constrained environment is very important in quality problem and especially in maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an existing model and presents a sensitivity analysis by utilising an optimal initial starting transportation tableau. This is used as input into the Gantt charting model employed in the traditional production scheduling system. The degree of responsiveness of the model parameters is tested.

Findings

The paper concludes that some of these parameters and variables are sensitive to changes in values while others are not.

Research limitations/implications

The maintenance engineering community is exposed to various optimal models in the resource‐constraint‐based operational and maintenance arena. However, the models do lack the sensitivity analysis where the present authors have worked. The work seems significant since the parameters have the boundary values so the user knows where he can apply the model after considering the constraints therein.

Originality/value

The underlying quest for testing the sensitivity of the model parameters of a maintenance scheduling model in a multi‐variable operation and maintenance environment with resource constraints is a novel approach. An optimal solution has to be tested for robustness, considering the complexity of the variables and criteria. The objective to test the model parameters is a rather new approach in maintenance engineering discipline. The work hopefully opens a wide gate of research opportunity for members of the maintenance scheduling community.
An investigation of ISO 9000 adoption in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Magd Hesham A.E.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the results from a survey on ISO 9000 certified manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical survey of 175 certified manufacturing firms in Saudi Arabia. This study is focused on the benefits achieved from ISO 9000 implementation, level of satisfaction with the standard, the anticipated steps after ISO 9000 implementation, factors influencing the choice of registration agencies and the associated problems with registration agencies.

Findings

Certified firms in Saudi Arabia have performed well in their registration process and have benefited from ISO implementation. This could be due to the high level of interest in the area of quality, as most customers request quality or a certificate to prove existence of quality products/services.

Research limitations/implications

For effective implementation of the standard in other organizations, the study recommended that organizations should plan carefully, measuring internal as well as external aspects and performing cost‐effective analysis of the implementation process. Also they should use gap analysis to assess their actual abilities against ISO requirements. When this study was performed, the number of certified organizations was still small, constraining more in depth research in this area.

Originality/value

Adds to the body of knowledge concerning the ISO 9000 with particular interest on Saudi Arabia.
Managerial levels and the effects of budgetary participation on managers
Authors: Frucot Veronique , White Stephen
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To investigate the effects of managerial level – a manager's position in the organizational hierarchy – and budgetary participation on managerial performance and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were administered to 184 managers that participated in an executive development program conducted at a major US university. The responses to 178 questionnaires were subjected to multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that both budgetary participation and managerial levels have a direct positive impact on self‐reported managerial performance and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This study shares some inherent limitations with other survey research. All measures used are self‐reported and may be based on self‐perception. As such, they may not reflect formal participation in or influence over budget settings by the respondents. The sample was not randomly selected, and consequently the results might not be generalizable to all managers. In addition, some self‐selection bias might be present: managers who enroll in executive development programs could differ from other managers.

Practical implications

The results have practical implications for organizations that use a budgeting system. They provide further evidence of the positive impact of increased budgetary participation by managers at all levels.

Originality/value

This study fulfils a gap in prior research by examining the effect of managerial levels, a variable not previously included in studies of the impact of budgetary participation in the US. The findings have implications for future research into the effects of budgetary participation by emphasizing the need to include managerial levels. They also have implications for the implementation of participative budgeting in organizations.
Islamic macroeconomics?
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to offer a new perspective on the strictly microeconomic nature of all of Islamic economics. Writers in this field continue to work in the mainstream tradition without noticing the micro‐interface of the theoretical nature of Islamic economics. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a comparative study of received literature in the history of economic thought and contrasts the ethical foundations of Islamic economics from the mainstream dichotomy between microeconomic and macroeconomic parts.

Findings

There is a cogent microeconomic foundation of Islamic economics for the economy‐wide treatment of ethical economic issues and problems including the policy framework.

Research limitations/implications

This is a theoretical exploration. The empirical part is yet to be expanded upon.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications for graduate students on policy formulation and economic theorizing, by making them analytically aware on the extensive relevance of microeconomics in the building block of ethical content of economic theory, policy and institutions.

Originality/value

The paper presents original thinking along lines of microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic theory from the social and ethical vantage points of Islamic economics and finance that writers in this field should not ignore. The paper is meant for serious students and academics of economic theory and ethical social policy embedded in the economic treatment.
The exchange rate exposure of UK nonfinancial companies: industry level analysis
Authors: El‐Masry Ahmed A.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Financial theory predicts that a change in an exchange rate should affect the value of a firm or an industry. To a large extent, past research has not supported this theory, which is surprising especially after considering the substantial exchange rate fluctuations over the three decades. This study seeks to extend previous research on the foreign exchange rate exposure of UK nonfinancial companies at the industry level over the period 1981‐2001.

Design/approach/methodology

In this study, exchange rate exposure is defined as the change in the value of the firm or industry due to the changes in exchange rates. This study differs from previous studies in that it considers the impact of the changes (actual and unexpected) in exchange rates on firms’ or industries’ stock returns. The approach employs OLS model to estimate foreign exchange rate exposure of 364 UK nonfinancial companies over the period 1981‐2001. All data are collected from the Datastream database.

Findings

The findings indicate that a higher percentage of UK industries are exposed to contemporaneous exchange rate changes than those reported in previous studies. There is also evidence of significant lagged exchange rate exposure. This lagged exchange rate exposure is consistent with findings in previous studies that may exist some market inefficiencies in incorporating exchange rate changes into the returns of firms and industries.

Research limitations/implications

Future research in the area should consider additional factors that might affect a firm's and an industry's exposure to exchange rate changes.

Practical implications

The findings of the study have interesting implications for public policy makers who wish to understand links between policies that affect exchange rates and relative wealth affects. These findings should also be of particular importance to investors who under or overweight large multinational corporations.

Originality/value

The study extends previous research on foreign exchange rate exposure of UK companies.
Derivatives use and risk management practices by UK nonfinancial companies
Authors: El‐Masry Ahmed A.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

In the last two decades, a number of studies have examined the risk management practices within nonfinancial companies. For instance, some studies report on the use of derivatives by nonfinancial firms. Yet, another group of researchers has investigated the determinants of corporate hedging policies. These and other studies of similar focus have made important contributions to the literature. This study sheds light on derivatives use and risk management practices in the UK market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey, which focused on determining the reasons for using or not using derivatives for 401 UK nonfinancial companies. Furthermore, it investigates the extent to which derivatives are used, and how they are used.

Findings

The results indicate that larger firms are more likely to use derivatives than medium and smaller firms, public companies are more likely to use derivatives than private firms, and derivatives usage is greatest among international firms. The results also show that, of firms not using derivatives, half of firms do not use these derivative instruments because their exposures are not significant and that the most important reasons they do not use derivatives are: concerns about disclosures of derivatives activity required under FASB rules, and costs of establishing and maintaining derivatives programmes exceed the expected benefits. The results show that foreign exchange risk is the risk most commonly managed with derivatives and interest rate risk is the next most commonly managed risk. The results also indicate that the most important reason for using hedging with derivatives is managing the volatility in cash flows.

Research limitations/implications

As with other survey research, a major limitation is that responses might represent personal opinions. We cannot verify that the opinions coincide with actions. We suggest that further research could improve the understanding of firms’ derivatives use by including more detailed data, different time spans, and larger samples.

Originality/value

To highlight the extent of derivatives usage and risk management practices in UK nonfinancial companies.