bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic negotiations in intercultural interfirm relationships
Authors: Graf Andrea , Koeszegi Sabine T. , Pesendorfer Eva‐Maria
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Intercultural interfirm relationships have become a new challenge for international management. The purpose of this paper is to explore differences in computer‐mediated negotiation behavior between participants who come from nations which differ as regards two major cultural values: individualism and collectivism.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study with a sample containing 170 negotiators with different cultural backgrounds; it comprises content analysis; and multivariate analysis of variance models.

Findings

Comparing negotiators from Asian, North American, and European cultures, it is found that people who come from an individualist culture exhibit different negotiation strategies to individuals from a collectivist culture.

Practical implications

Based on the results management may sensitize negotiators in intercultural interfirm relationships to their counterparts' communication strategies.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how negotiators' cultures affect their strategic orientation.
Procedural fairness and cooperation in public‐private partnerships in China
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Jia Ming
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to extend research on public‐private partnerships (PPP) by exploring the path toward procedural justice and cooperation performance through contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses equity theory to address inter‐partner cooperation in PPPs. The paper emphasizes how procedural fairness, as perceived by partners in a PPP, influences cooperation effects. Using both social exchange theory and transaction cost theory, it hypothesizes that procedural fairness improves cooperation effects by enhancing two kinds of contracts: the control‐formal contract and the informal contract.

Findings

The regression analysis suggests that procedural fairness indirectly affects three kinds of cooperation effects – direct effects, knowledge‐created effects, and social effects – by increasing formal and informal contracts.

Research limitations/implications

Further research might address the antecedents of procedural justice.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that procedural justice is important to PPPs and that contracts mediate this relationship.

Originality/value

The paper enriches PPP research, especially with regard to procedural formalization, contracts, and cooperation performance.
Struggles for cooperation: conflict resolution strategies in multicultural groups
Authors: Boroş Smaranda , Meslec Nicoleta , Curşeu Petru L. , Emons Wilco
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the influence of group composition in cultural values on conflict management styles in groups.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study using data from 125 groups was conducted.

Findings

The results show that in groups where members feel they are equal and connected (horizontal collectivism) cooperation is better, and contending and avoiding conflict management styles are used less. When people view themselves as unequal and independent (vertical individualism (VI)) the avoiding style of conflict management is more frequently used. Within‐group similarity (low variety) in VI leads to more cooperation and less avoidant conflict management strategies as well as less third party interventions. High group variety in views of being unequal, but interconnected (vertical collectivism), as well as in the views of being equal but independent (horizontal individualism), leads to more cooperative conflict resolution strategy.

Practical implications

The results show that small and consistent within‐group differences in cultural values are beneficial (with the exception of VI) for cooperative strategies. By showing that group compositional configurations in cultural values (vertical/horizontal individualism and collectivism) impact on conflict management strategies, the study has important implications for team design.

Originality/value

The paper extends current research by conceptualizing cultural values (it considers the horizontal vs vertical orientation in individualism‐collectivism) as configural group properties and by testing the impact of specific team configurations in cultural values on conflict management strategies.
Political participation and life satisfaction: a cross‐European analysis
Authors: Pacheco Gail , Lange Thomas
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model the link between political participation and life satisfaction whilst correcting for the endogenous nature of the relationship; explore the impact of different strengths of political participation and aim to uncover if the relationship displays different patterns by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The data originate from the 2006/2007 European Social Survey. The analysis spanned across a pooled data set for 20 European countries. Three alternative empirical frameworks were trialled: an ordered probit regression, a linear regression model and a two‐step, simultaneous treatment effect model to address endogeneity concerns.

Findings

Following the correction for endogeneity via two‐step, simultaneous treatment regressions, political participation – and specifically strong political engagement – displays a robust, statistically significant, strong and positive impact on life satisfaction. It was deduced that actual political participation, and not merely the right to participate in the political process, is a source of procedural utility.

Research limitations/implications

The cross‐sectional nature of the data imposes design limitations to examining trends and changes over time. It follows that the analysis cannot rely on fixed‐effect estimations to control for time‐invariant factors.

Originality/value

Once the results are corrected for endogeneity, the empirical results reveal that the effect of actual political participation on life satisfaction not only matters, but also as the strength of political engagement grows it matters even more. Findings hold true even when a multitude of socio‐demographic characteristics are controlled for. These are important results for researchers and policy makers who are concerned about the happiness of people in democratic societies.
Participatory action research in learning commons design planning
Authors: Brown‐Sica Margaret , Sobel Karen , Rogers Erika
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the process the Auraria Library went through to plan research methods to produce information for their learning commons project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview and the results of one library's planning methods using user‐centered and participatory action research (PAR) principles. It includes a literature review and data gathered from several information gathering sessions. It also discusses useful resources and ideologies found outside the field of library science, such as “placemaking” and the concept of “third place.”

Findings

Adopting values that honor user‐centered, evidence‐based decision making is a change that must include the whole library, as well as its users. When enough time is spent to include a broad spectrum of feedback you can get a lot of valuable evidence, even during a planning period.

Originality/value

The paper could be useful to libraries who are examining their services, environment, and technology. It is of interest to libraries that want to use user‐centered design and PAR in their work.
Support vector machines for measuring dielectric properties of materials
Authors: Hacib T. , Acikgoz H. , Le Bihan Y. , Mekideche M.R. , Meyer O. , Pichon L.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The dielectric properties of materials (complex permittivity) can be deduced from the admittance measured at the discontinuity plane of a coaxial open‐ended probe. This implies the implementation of an inversion procedure. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new non‐iterative inversion methodology in the field of microwave characterization allowing reducing the computation cost comparatively to iterative procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

The inversion methodology combines the support vector machine (SVM) technique and the finite element method (FEM). The SVM are used as inverse models. They show good approximation and generalization capabilities. FEM allows the generation of the data sets required by the SVM parameter adjustment. A data set is constituted of input (complex admittance and frequency) and output (complex permittivity) pairs.

Findings

The results show the applicability of SVM to solve microwave inverse problems instead of using traditional iterative inversion methods which can be very time‐consuming. The experimental results demonstrate the accuracy which can be provided by the SVM technique.

Practical implications

The paper allows extending the capability of microwave characterization cells developed at Laboratoire de Génie Électrique de Paris.

Originality/value

A new inversion method is developed and applied to microwave characterization. This new concept introduces SVM in the context of microwave characterization. SVM results and iterative inversion procedure results are compared in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed technique.
Psychometric properties of the instrument quality in psychiatric care and descriptions of quality of care among in‐patients
Authors: Schröder Agneta , Wilde Larsson Bodil , Ahlström Gerd , Lundqvist Lars‐Olov
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the psychometric properties and dimensionality of a new instrument, quality in psychiatric care (QPC), and to describe and compare quality of care among in‐patients as measured by this instrument.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument quality in psychiatric care measures patients' experiences regarding quality of care. The instrument is based on a definition of quality of care from the patients' perspective. A sample of 265 in‐patients at eight general psychiatric wards in Sweden was assessed.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the original five‐dimensional 69‐item QPC was better with six dimensions and reduced to 30 items, hereinafter denoted quality in psychiatric care‐in‐patients (QPC‐IP) with retained internal consistency. The patients' ratings of quality of care were generally high; the highest rating was for quality of encounter and the lowest for participation.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis of the dropouts was not possible because of incomplete registrations at the wards.

Practical implications

QPC‐IP is a simple, inexpensive and quick way to evaluate quality of care and thus contributes to health care improvement in the field of psychiatry.

Originality/value

The new 30 items instrument, QPC‐IP includes important aspects of patients' perceptions of quality of care. The QPC‐IP is psychometrically adequate and thus recommended for evaluating patients' experiences of the quality of psychiatric care.
Design and analysis of a health care clinic for homeless people using simulations
Authors: Reynolds Jared , Zeng Zhen , Li Jingshan , Chiang Shu‐Yin
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Improving quality of care is important in health care management. For health care clinics, reducing patient waiting time and improving throughput with efficient utilization of the workforce are important issues to achieve better quality of care. This paper seeks to introduce a simulation study on design and analysis of a health clinic for homeless patients in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the simulation model, the patient flow of the clinic and analyze quality of care for different staffing levels is simulated. In addition, the dependence of distributions on service times is investigated. Moreover, the impact of service time variability on quality of care (e.g. patient waiting time) is analyzed.

Findings

The necessary staffing level and utilizations to reduce patient waiting times and improve throughput to achieve better quality of care are obtained. In addition, it is shown that the system performance is primarily dependent on the mean and coefficients of variation, rather than a complete distribution, of service times. In addition, a piece‐wise linear approximation formula is proposed so that patient waiting time in the clinic can be estimated for any variability with only two simulations.

Research limitations/implications

The simulation method may need long model development time and long simulation executing time for complex systems.

Practical implications

The quality of care delivery in a health care clinic can be evaluated using simulations. The results presented in the paper provide an easier approach for medical practitioners to evaluate different scenarios, examine needed resources, and carry out what‐if analysis to predict the impact of any changes in the system, to determine an optimal system configuration.

Originality/value

The paper shows that such models provide a quantitative tool for clinic operations and management to achieve better care quality. Moreover, it can be easily adapted to model other health care facilities, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, operating rooms, supply chain in health care industry.
Localisation as a marketing strategy for small retailers
Authors: Andres Coca‐Stefaniak J. , Parker Cathy , Rees Patricia
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Globalisation as a competitive marketing strategy can only offer a limited explanation for the behaviour of organisations. This is particularly applicable in the case of business and marketing strategies for small and medium‐sized organisations in the retail sector. Terms such as “localisation” have been coined by researchers but the concept is yet to receive a valid interpretation as a marketing strategy from the perspective of the small retailer. This paper seeks first, to understand how “localisation” impacts on the business practices and marketing strategy of small retailers in Spain and Scotland. Second, the results should help lessen the gap between the concepts of globalisation and the localisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This explorative, comparative qualitative paper explores business practices and marketing strategies by small retail business owners in Seville (Spain) and Perth (UK) and the role of localisation, using three key themes – place, people and promotion.

Findings

This paper suggests that place attractiveness, word‐of‐mouth customer‐to‐customer marketing, customer service beyond simple product advice, community embeddedness and informal but meaningful interpersonal relations between shop owner and customers are some of the key pillars of the “localisation” strategic marketing approach pursued by small retailers in Perth and Seville. This indicates a counterbalance to globalisation.

Originality/value

The pursuit of a deliberate localisation approach by small retailers may be key to their sustainable competitiveness in the knowledge that these elements would not be easily replicated by larger or global retailers.
Acceptance of detergent‐retail brands: the role of consumer confidence and trust
Authors: Lymperopoulos Constantine , Chaniotakis Ioannis E. , Rigopoulou Irini D.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of “trust” and “confidence/pessimism” in influencing consumer attitudes and buying intentions with respect to retail brands and products.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of the relevant literature, the paper presents a conceptual model of buying intentions regarding retail brands. The model is then tested quantitatively by structural equation modelling analysis using a sample of 581 adult consumers that are decision makers in their households regarding purchases of detergent brands.

Findings

The results show that the consumers' degree of confidence/pessimism regarding their general economic situation and their trust in retail brands are directly influencing the perceived benefits and indirectly their attitudes; the later having a direct impact on their purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Caution should be exercised in extrapolating the results from the present research context to other product categories and research settings.

Practical implications

The variables of “trust” and “confidence/pessimism” facilitate a more effective utilisation of the marketing mix with regard to retail brands.

Originality/value

The paper provides novel insights into consumer behaviour with regard to detergent retail brands. In particular, the variable of “confidence/pessimism” is especially relevant in the context of the prevailing adverse economic conditions.
The split equity reform and corporate financial transparency in China
Authors: Green Wendy , Morris Richard D. , Tang Haiping
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the impact of the Chinese capital market split equity (SE) reform in 2005 on the corporate financial transparency of Chinese listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an International Financial Reporting Standards‐based checklist, the paper investigates whether the post‐reform 2005 annual reports of reformed companies improved transparency compared to pre‐reform 2004 reports. The transparency of the reformed companies was also compared to a control group of companies unreformed on December 31, 2005.

Findings

Results indicate that the SE reform increased corporate disclosures. Reformed companies had higher mandatory and voluntary disclosures in their post‐reform 2005 annual reports compared to their pre‐reform 2004 annual reports. In addition, the improvement in mandatory and voluntary disclosures for reformed companies is greater than that of the unreformed control group.

Research limitations/implications

The SE reform provides a unique natural experimental setting in which to examine the impact of the SE reform, with its associated change in ownership structure and corporate governance, on corporate disclosure.

Practical implications

The results of this paper suggest that the SE reform has had a positive effect on corporate financial transparency in China, thereby indicating the positive response to regulation in this emerging market. Further, the results suggest that as the proportion of government ownership falls, management has increased incentive to voluntarily supply additional information to the market.

Originality/value

The SE reform is unique to China and this paper is the first to report on financial reporting disclosure implications of this reform.
Temperature distribution in powder beds during 3D printing
Authors: Dressler M. , Röllig M. , Schmidt M. , Maturilli A. , Helbert J.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to report about the temperature distribution in metal and ceramic powder beds during 3D printing. The differing powders are thoroughly characterized in terms of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, emissivity spectra and density.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature distribution was measured in a 3D printing appliance (Prometal R1) with the help of thin thermocouples (0.25 mm diameter) and thermographic imaging. Temperatures at the powder bed surface as well as at differing powder bed depths were determined. The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and emissivity spectra of the powders were measured as well. Numerical simulation was used to verify the measured temperatures.

Findings

The ceramic powder heated up and cooled down more quickly. This finding corresponds well with numerical simulations based on measured values for thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity as well as emissivity spectra. An observed color change at the metal powder has only little effect on emissivity in the relevant wavelength region.

Research limitations/implications

It was found that thermocouple‐based temperature measurements at the powder bed surface are difficult and these results should be considered with caution.

Practical implications

The results give practitioners valuable information about the transient temperature evolution for two widely used but differing powder systems (metal, ceramic). The paramount importance of powder bed porosity for thermal conductivity was verified. Already small differences in thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and hence volumetric heat capacity lead to marked differences in the transient temperature evolution.

Originality/value

The paper combines several techniques such as temperature measurements, spectral emissivity measurements, measurements of thermal conductivity and diffusivity and density measurements. The obtained results are put into a numerical model to check the obtained temperature data and the other measured values for consistency. This approach illustrates that determinations of surface temperatures of the powder beds are difficult.
Value brands: cheap or trendy?
Authors: Ross Jill , Harradine Rod
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate value branding in the fashion context and young consumer perceptions of, and attitudes towards, supermarket value branded clothing with a view to identifying potential barriers to adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixture of methodologies was employed using jeans as a product type during wearer trials and focus group discussions. Theoretical concepts underpinning the paper include value branding, consumer perceptions and attitudes and their effects on purchasing behaviour in the youth market.

Findings

The research indicated that value brands are likely to play an increasingly important role in the fashion market. The growth of the supermarkets' clothing sales indicates growing acceptance of value fashion amongst a variety of customer segments and not just the price‐conscious sector. When students had specific experience of value jeans, their attitudes were more positive about supermarket clothing, but there remain significant barriers to adoption amongst current non‐purchasers.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory research was carried out with a non‐probability sample and it is intended that this will be developed using an alternative methodology and a broader sample to provide statistical validity.

Practical implications

The outcomes indicate that, as perceptions related to fashion brands are well established by the age of the sample group, it will require that value fashion retailers develop an enhanced retail brand image to overcome selective distortion related to value brands.

Originality/value

The relationship between young consumers and value brands is an emerging and relevant area of research, given the current economic environment. The lack of contemporary literature and its potential value to fashion retailers warrant its investigation.
Indian consumers' brand equity toward a US and local apparel brand
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Joo , Kumar Archana , Kim Youn‐Kyung
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine effects of gender, need for uniqueness, and attitudes toward American products on dimensions of brand equity for a US and local apparel brand in the Indian market.

Design/methodology/approach

Three dimensions of brand equity are evaluated based on the respondents' shopping experience related to the selected US and local apparel brands. Data are collected from a convenience sample of college students in India.

Findings

The empirical tests show that, for a US apparel brand, there are direct and indirect effects of Indian consumers' gender, need for uniqueness (NFU), and attitudes toward American products on three dimensions of brand equity: perceived quality, brand loyalty, and brand associations with brand awareness. For local apparel brands, these effects are found for only one brand equity dimension: perceived quality.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses only one US apparel brand, which may limit the generalization of the findings to all product categories and countries.

Practical implications

US marketers need to improve Indian consumers' attitudes toward American products through marketing and promotional campaigns. On the other hand, Indian marketers should overcome the negative relationship between Indian consumers' attitudes toward American products and their quality perception toward a local apparel brand.

Originality/value

Little attention has been given to individual differences in evaluating the three dimensions of brand equity. By assessing brand equity based on the individual characteristics of gender, need for uniqueness, and attitudes toward American products, results of the study can help marketers to obtain more specific knowledge of brand equity about a target consumer group and thus enable them to plan and implement well‐suited strategies for improving their brand equity.
An empirical investigation of the determinants and shifting patterns of US apparel imports using a gravity model framework
Authors: Chi Ting , Kilduff Peter P.D.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This study aims to quantitatively identify the impact of major economic and political factors on the US apparel imports from its 15 major trading partners between 1995 and 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

Ordinary‐least‐square (OLS) regression under a gravity model framework was utilized to construct the analysis. The determinants of US apparel imports were determined and their significance and direction of change over the period were quantified.

Findings

First, the growths of GDP and population both in the USA and within its trading partners have been drivers of US apparel import growth, while greater geographic distance between a trading partner and the USA significantly impedes its exports to the USA. Second, the positive impact on the US apparel imports from the supplying country's infrastructure development, literacy rate and its language commonality with the USA shows that these factors are pivotal to being a competitive US apparel supplier. Finally, preferential market access is proven to be crucial for suppliers to increase apparel exports to the USA.

Research limitations/implications

In future work, the impact of these factors on disaggregated apparel categories could be investigated. Some emerging issues such as non‐tariff barriers could be exploited.

Practical implications

The findings reveal that the US apparel sourcing decisions are made on the basis of many different costs, not only labour cost, but also economic condition, government policy, infrastructure, transport time and cost, language/culture commonality etc.

Originality/value

The study provides a springboard for empirically analyzing the US apparel imports under a gravity model framework. The conclusions are drawn based on solid quantitative evidence.
How to turn crisis into opportunity: perception and reaction to high level of uncertainty in banking industry
Authors: Carbonara Gabriele , Caiazza Rosa
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify banks' strategies in turning uncertainty into opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal analysis from 1990 until 2009 has been conducted to evidence factors affecting environmental uncertainty in the European banking industry and how banks have perceived and reacted to it.

Findings

The paper evidences banks' strategies in situations of low and medium levels of uncertainty and suggests some behavior to face a high level of crisis.

Practical implications

The paper defines a general framework, based on banks' perception and reaction to uncertainty, that can help banks to become champions in facing the current level of uncertainty.

Originality/value

The paper presents a critical analysis of how to face the enormous increase of uncertainty that the financial sector is experiencing.
Management directed kaizen: Toyota's Jishuken process for management development
Authors: Marksberry Phillip , Badurdeen Fazleena , Gregory Bob , Kreafle Ken
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze Toyota's management directed kaizen activities named Jishuken. Currently, there are many variations in understanding how Toyota develops its managers to support daily kaizen, especially when Toyota managers have different levels of understanding of Toyota production system (TPS) and skills essential in applying TPS.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will study Toyota's Jishuken process in the context of strengthening TPS and analyze both the technical and management aspects of Toyota's Jishuken process.

Findings

When integrated into plant‐wide long‐term continuous improvement, Jishukens can be extremely effective at developing management's ability to conduct and to teach others to conduct daily kaizen and problem solving. This paper shows how Jishukens function within the TPS system to continuously improve managers' understanding of TPS both for their own concrete problem solving and to support manager's roles in communicating, coaching and teaching problem solving to production workers.

Originality/value

Most attempts to imitate Toyota fail because techniques are adopted piecemeal with little understanding of why they exist or what kind of organizational culture is needed to keep them alive. Jishuken serves as an example of a technique which is successful only when embedded within the right organizational culture.
Impression‐oriented music courseware and its application in elementary schools
Authors: Sasaki Shiori , Watagoshi Kiku , Takano Kosuke , Hirashima Kazuo , Kiyoki Yasushi
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of music courseware that features a music search system that uses impression keywords. The paper applies the courseware toKansei(sensibility) development for elementary and junior high school students. The objectives of this courseware are to cultivate children's sensitivity to the mood of a music selection; an understanding of the effects of tonality on the mood of the music; and) an ability to appreciate and express music through activities such as searching, selecting, and listening while also utilizing information about musical impression. The courseware is also designed to support teachers who do not specialize in music education.

Design/methodology/approach

Music courseware is designed containing the following three components: a semantic associative search engine that enables the retrieval of media data related to impression keywords selected by users; interfaces and tools for music retrieval and learning, which support users as they study the mood of the music in an easy‐to‐understand format using basic music teaching scenarios; and basic music teaching scenarios that are designed and created by elementary school teachers to encourage student understandings of the tonality and mood of the music in a practical manner.

Findings

The results of several qualitative and quantitative experiments show that this courseware assists children in independently learning musical elements by feeling, understanding, and expressing music impressions using words from the courseware that are extracted automatically from musical elements, such as key, rhythm, tempo, pitch, melody, and harmony.

Research limitations/implications

Additional applications in various elementary and junior high school settings are needed to address a variety of practical, real‐life teaching scenarios.

Social implications

This courseware have the potential to support enrichment programs not only in ordinary schools but also in a wide range of non‐educational settings, such as welfare care, disability care, and cross‐cultural communication.

Originality/value

The main feature of this courseware is its multimedia database technology, which appliesKanseito music education, thereby enabling students to understand the mood and structure of music based on their own subjective impressions using an objective framework.
Gentle supervisory system based on integration of environmental information and social knowledge
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Yamanaka Kazuhiro , Izumi Satoru , Tokairin Yoshikazu , Suganuma Takuo , Shiratori Norio
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Real‐time multimedia supervisory systems generally include a distributed system that delivers live video input captured with cameras at the watched person's site, using a PC or hand‐held device at the distant supervisor's site. The system comprises many entities such as cameras for image capture, transmission software, network connections, receiver software, a display device, multimedia processing software and hardware, control software, etc. The purpose of this paper is to realize a safe and convenient supervisory system that autonomously provides users with services that fulfill users' requirements related to quality and privacy in a ubiquitous information environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A system is designed by integrating environmental information acquired from the real world and knowledge related to human social activities. A real space understanding mechanism is proposed to infer the situations and relationships of users by combining sensing information and social knowledge. Social knowledge related to human relationships, the life style of the watched person, home structure, etc. is used with ontology to infer the situations of users.

Findings

An early prototype was implemented for supervising elderly people and some experiments were performed based on several scenarios. Results obtained from some experiments confirmed that this supervisory system can provide real‐time multimedia supervisory services for elderly people, with reasonable quality‐of‐service and privacy that meet the users' requirements.

Originality/value

The system described in this paper assesses the situation of users and surrounding environmental information to provide appropriate supervisory services. This paper provides insight into the design and development of ubiquitous application systems to realize comfortable and safe services using a combination of environmental information and social knowledge.
UK health visiting: challenges faced during lean implementation
Authors: Grove A.L. , Meredith J.O. , MacIntyre M. , Angelis J. , Neailey K.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the challenges identified during a lean implementation in a health visiting service within a large primary care trust in NHS UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a series of lean workshops a triangulated approach to data collection was adopted in order to determine the root cause of the challenges that were faced during this lean implementation. The three methods that were selected for qualitative analysis included semi‐structured interviews, document analysis and researcher participant observation.

Findings

Six key challenges were identified from the data analysis. These were: high process variability; a lack of understanding of lean; poor communication and leadership; target focused; problems defining waste; and difficulty in determining who is the customer and what do they value?

Practical implications

Although this particular lean implantation had limited success, the research has highlighted a number of challenges which would have to be addressed prior to future lean exercises. This will assist other clinical and managerial staff to prepare for the challenges that may be faced during a lean implementation, and adapt their approach to future quality improvement.

Originality/value

The barriers to lean implementation could be overcome with upfront planning, transformational leadership, excellent communication, identification and sharing of best practice and, above all, a shared vision. There is no quick and easy solution to productivity improvement, community services, as in this paper, cannot expect to select lean tools and techniques and emulate the success seen elsewhere. If they wish to deliver world‐class healthcare in the face of constrained resources and greater demand, they need to adopt a long‐term vision.
Patients' satisfaction with the bulk trolley system in a government hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Jamaluddin Rosita , Aqmaliza Abd Manan Nurul , Mardiah Basri Aina , Shahrim Ab Karim Muhd
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine patients' satisfaction with the bulk trolley food service system and the effect of the system on energy and protein intakes.

Design/methodology/approach

An interview‐based questionnaire was used to measure patients' satisfaction (n=70) with the hospital food services. Dietary intake of hospital food was determined through one‐day weighed food intake survey and a food record for non‐hospital food.

Findings

The majority of the patients (98.6 per cent) were satisfied and 1.4 per cent was very satisfied with the food service. Energy (kcal) and protein (g) intakes from hospital food were higher than that of outside food (p<0.05). However, most patients did not obtain their full energy and protein requirements from the hospital food provided. Four food service dimensions were found to be significantly correlated with patients' overall satisfaction (p<0.05).

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire was adapted from the study by Capra et al. and modified to suit the local food service system, thus the application may be context‐specific. The instrument did not measure factors that influence hospital food consumption, nor did it differentiate between the acceptability of different kinds of food. Also a comparison of patients' acceptance between the plated and bulk trolley system was not conducted in this study.

Practical implications

The results of the study can be used as a basis for decision making and for future planning of the food service system. The findings prompt analytical comparison, between the bulk trolley, and plated systems, in determining patients' preference, and to increase food intake.

Originality/value

Patient satisfaction surveys are regularly conducted in the country but none had ever studied the effectiveness of the bulk trolley system in relation to patients' satisfaction. The findings are noteworthy and, compared with the past literature review, the difference in the way the system is carried out in the country may be the contributing factor regarding patients' satisfaction system.
Rethinking urban design for a changing public life
Authors: Simões Aelbrecht Patricia
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The nature and conceptualization of public space and public life have been always associated with collective participation and socialization – in other words, the capacity to live together among strangers. Today these associations seem to have become challenged and problematic, and often end in questioning whether public space still matters for our public life? This paper aims to bring new understanding to the reading of public life in public spaces and also contribute to rethinking of the role of urban design today within our changing public life.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts participant‐observation within a case‐study area, “Parque das Nações”, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Findings

The paper identifies a number of spatial, social and experiential conditions that are conducive to social interactions amongst strangers. Often it is the combination of three factors that generates the most interaction.

Research limitations/implications

Participant observation is a useful method to study public behaviour in the public realm. Nevertheless, as the study was conducted in one location, the findings may not be transferable to other locations/cultures, etc.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates the need to rethink and adapt urban design practices to an increasing changing public life. Urban design needs to be much more sensitive to all locations (planned and unplanned) and the favourable spatial, experiential and social conditions people make use of and which can provoke positive interactions need to be recognised.

Social implications

A better understanding of the factors that are conducive to positive interaction between strangers and non‐strangers in the public realm will help to develop more favourable conditions for these to take place. The interaction between people is part of the fabric of social life.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to combine social/spatial and experiential factors in the observation of social interaction in public places.
Reflecting on impact, changes and continuities
Authors: Lewis Suzan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the paper “Restructuring workplace cultures: the ultimate work‐family challenge?” is published inWomen in Management Review, Vol. 16 No. 1, 2001, pp. 21‐9.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of the paper is considered within a framework that takes account of national discursive and political contexts in the UK in 2001 and in the present and uses a gendered organisation lens.

Findings

The 2001 paper demonstrates that progress towards changes in culture and practice to support gender equity engenders new issues, which, in turn, also need to be addressed. Reassessing these issues at the end of the decade it is clear that there are some changes but also some continuities, rooted in deeply engrained gendered workplace (and family) assumptions.

Practical implications

Further culture change will be needed to overcome persistent barriers to effective work‐life policies. This will involve challenging gendered assumptions about ideal workers and ideal working patterns. More support from public policy that recognises men's work and family needs and responsibilities is also needed to overcome inequities among male and female dominated workplaces.

Originality/value

These reflections and the original paper highlight the non‐linear nature of change towards gender equity in the workplace. New solutions raise further problems to be addressed. Gender equity is a process not an end point so constant evaluation and innovation are needed.
Restructuring workplace cultures: the ultimate work‐family challenge?
Authors: Lewis Suzan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess how work‐life polices and practices have the potential to enhance opportunities for women in the workplace (and opportunities for men to be more involved in family life), but are often undermined by workplace culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study of an organisation which is addressing issues of workplace culture in relation to work‐life policies and gender equality.

Findings

Despite achieving substantial change in practice and in shared assumptions, a new set of issues have emerged which will require innovative solutions.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into how restructuring workplace cultures can present the ultimate work‐family challenge.
Gender influences on career success outcomes
Authors: Orser Barbara , Leck Joanne
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Models of career success outcomes have specified that gender is one covariate, among many. Theoretical reasons why gender is better specified as a moderating variable are advanced. The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically how gender moderates that influence of personal and structural factors on objective (total compensation, and ascendency), and subjective (perceived success) career outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws on a sample of 521 chief executive officers (CEOs), executives and managers. Multivariable (step‐wise) linear regression was employed to examine simultaneously the influence of the predictor variables on career success outcomes.

Findings

Even after controlling for explanatory influences on career success, gender influences remained. Gender moderated the predictive influence of international experience on compensation, ascendancy, and perceived success. The findings also illustrate that career development models should be situated by (private versus public) sector and specify systemic gender differences in career success outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The survey response rate was problematic. A response rate of 9 percent was lower than ideal. In this context, scholars note low‐response rates in mail surveys targeted at senior executives and CEOs. The attending limitation of self‐report responses and retrospective perceptions are also acknowledged.

Practical implications

The findings alert women about the importance of career preparation (role investment), such as graduate education and international experience, key credentials to executive‐level advancement. Women executives are also encouraged to seek clarification about compensation relative to their male counterparts.

Originality/value

Most studies about career success are mute with respect to how gender moderates the strength of personal and structural predictors on career outcomes. Given evidence about gender differences in how managers perceive success, examination about the influence of gender on subjective career outcomes is also warranted. Finally, the preponderance of studies about women's career experiences are based on American samples and/or sectors such as high‐tech. Public and service‐based industries, sectors historically populated with women, are often excluded from research. This work addresses the need for generalization by drawing on a across sector of Canadian managers, executives, and CEOs.
THE MICROSCOPIC IDENTIFICATION OF STONES IN GLASS1
Authors: Insley Herbert
Published: July 2010

For the identification of stones in glass, it is not only necessary to observe the external form of the crystalline substances forming the stones, but also to determine their optical properties by means of the polarizing microscope.

A brief description of the method of preparation of stones for microscopic examination is given.

The principal optical properties and distinguishing characteristics of the crystalline substances occurring in stones in the soda‐lime glasses are noted.
SOME WHITEWARE BODIES DEVELOPED AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY1
Authors: WATTS ARTHUR S.
Published: July 2010

Formulas of bodies and glazes are given which through 10 years of classroom experimenting have proved the best for statuary, electrical, hotel, and chemical porcelain. The conditions and limits of use of carbonates of magnesia and calcium are given.
AN ELECTRIC TUNNEL KILN1
Authors: ODELBERG A. S. W.
Published: July 2010

A diagrammatic description of kilns and resistors is given for electric tunnel kilns suitable for small ware. Experience, cost data, and results of biscuit, glost, and decorating are recited. Data are given showing that with high power cost the net cost per cup or plate is less in an electric tunnel kiln than in periodic kilns.
DRAFT COMPARISON OF CEMENT AND CLAY GAS FLUES1
Authors: LEE BENNETT A.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to obtain comparison of cement and clay gas flues.
ELIMINATION OF BLISTERING OF ENAMELED‐IRON NUMBER PLATES *
Authors: Scott W J
Published: July 2010

ABSIRACT

In the manufacture of enameled‐iron number plates for dials on pay‐station telephones, blisters, formed in the enamel during the low‐temperature firing of the printed characters and background, resulted in an average process loss of 14% Proposed remedies tried without success were (1) the use of different enamels and enameling irons, (2) firing the characters a t other temperatures than the standard temperature of 1310deg;F, and (3) special treatment of the iron surface before enameling, such as deep steelblasting, heating a t 1310deg;F prior to enameling, or copper plating. The blistering was finally eliminated by increasing the length of the heating‐up period in the character firing operation
MODERN WASTE‐HEAT TUNNEL DRIERS*
Authors: GARVE T. W.
Published: July 2010

The use of driers utilizing all waste heat available from kiln firing and cooling is advocated. Faults of waste‐heat tunnel driers in reference to the manner of heat application arc climinated by original methods reaching the vital points, which are incorporated in driers of the following types: (1).hot air (waste heat) from top, combustion gas from bottom (optional); (2) hot air (waste heat) from bottom, combustion gas from bottom; and (3) hot air (waste heat) from bottom.