bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Case for Condition Based Maintenance
Authors: Prickett Paul , Eavery Simon
Published: September 2004

The introduction of ever more complicated machinery and associated
operating procedures is placing an increasing strain on the maintenance
function. The options available to a company engaged in the manufacture
of a range of sheet metal products, for which a flexible manufacturing
facility has been installed, are examined. The introduction of this
system has caused the company to examine its maintenance procedures,
which are based on a traditional breakdown and repair approach, and has
prompted an investigation into the possibility of implementing a
condition based approach to maintenance. This investigation is presented
here, together with a review of currently available options, and an
outline of the planned move towards condition based maintenance.
An Integrated Approach for the Selection and Design of
Assembly Systems
Authors: Boubekri Nourredine , Nagaraj Srinivasan
Published: September 2004

With technological advances in industrial robots and artificial
intelligence, manufacturers are beginning to appreciate the trade‐off
between fixed and flexible automation for product assembly. Describes an
integrated approach for the selection of a feasible method of assembly
and the selection of technologies required to assemble a given product.
Improving Machine Productivity
Authors: Parkin R. , Cutri F.
Published: September 2004

The planing and moulding sector of the timber industry is a complex
machining environment. The production process is hampered by short tool
life, frequent job changes and long set‐up times with a concomitant
machine utilization of as little as 30 per cent. Investigates the
requirements for finished timber section production and develops a
strategy for alleviating the most significant production bottlenecks to
reduce downtime. The proposed scheme offers a considerable reduction in
downtime via the efficient control and passage of machining data and
embodiments of machine setting aids. This provides a platform for
successful CIM implementation.
Integration of CAD/CAM and Spreadsheet Data Processing
Authors: Choy Peng Chan , Ridgway Keith
Published: September 2004

Describes the development of an integrated computerized engineering
database and CAD/CAM system at Presto Tools Ltd, Sheffield, UK.
Following an examination of the existing computer hardware and software
systems the factors inhibiting the development of an integrated
environment were identified. Using a suite of computer programs and
application packages including Smartware II, Anvil‐5000 (CAD) and
Pathtrace (CAM), an integrated system was developed with the objective
of creating a more responsive and interactive manufacturing environment.
Describes the original facilities, and the development of the new
system.
Examining Structure in Decision Making in Hotels
Authors: Riley Michael , Jauncey Stuart
Published: September 2004

The structure of decision making in hotels is examined. Using three
levels of authority and 13 categories of decision a problem of
consultation and communication is measured. The degree of structure in
the problem is measured using information theory. In the light of the
findings which show a modest degree of structure, the article discusses
how far hotels approximate to the classic bureaucratic model.
What Makes for an Effective Hotel Manager?
Authors: Mullins Laurie , Davies Ian
Published: September 2004

The nature of the hospitality industry makes particular demands
upon its managers. Studies of personality characteristics provide little
help in their education and development. It is more constructive to
place emphasis on the balance of general attributes required of the
successful manager. People are both a major resource and part of the
finished product that the customer is paying for. This emphasises the
importance of the social and human skills as a central focus of
education and development of hotel managers.
Managing Instability in the Hospitality Operations
Environment: Part Three – Variance
Authors: Brotherton Bob , Coyle Mike
Published: September 2004

Developing the themes from Parts 1 and 2 of the series this article
explores the nature and extent of variance arising from inadequate
managerial control of variability and variety in the hospitality
operations environment. In doing so it prepares a method of approaching
the management and control of the three Vs within eight generic areas of
management activity and across six resource input areas.
Recruiting Sales Managers for the UK Hospitality Industry
Authors: Gilbert David C. , Georgiou Panayiotis
Published: September 2004

The recruitment policy of sales management in the hospitality
industry is studied. To gather information contact was made by mail with
managers who have direct responsibility for recruitment and training. In
addition, recruitment advertisements were surveyed to provide further
evidence of industry practice. The results show that only a small number
of companies adhere to a systematic selection process.
The Use of Biodata for Hotel Employee Selection
Authors: Ineson Elizabeth M. , Brown Simon H.P.
Published: September 2004

Brings together the main findings of a pilot study which aims to
improve operational front‐of‐house employee selection in a large
international company‐owned hotel group. The study involves the
development and testing of a method for scoring applicants for
operational front‐of‐house positions using biodata based on their
interpersonal skills and their job flexibility. The data were collected
at a medium‐sized city centre hotel in the United Kingdom staffed with
112 employees, 73 of whom participated in the study.
Service Attitudes in Hotel and Restaurant Staff and Nurses
Authors: Larsen Svein , Bastiansen Trond
Published: September 2004

It is commonly believed that service attitudes are more positive in
the private than in the public sector of the service industry. The
problems are addressed here. The aim of the project was to study service
attitudes in hotel and restaurant staff compared to nurses in public
hospitals. An instrument for measuring service attitudes, the Service
Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ) was developed. This instrument aimed at
measuring cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects of service
attitudes. A total of 62 respondents in the Stavanger region, Norway,
completed the SAQ. The results indicated that service attitudes were
more positive in the private (hotel and restaurant staff) than in the
public sector (registered nurses). Hotel and restaurant staff scored
higher (more positive service attitudes) on the cognitive, emotional and
behavioural components of the SAQ.
The Influence of International Tourism Trends on the Design
of Leisure Resorts
Authors: Elliott John , Johns Nick
Published: September 2004

Examines the impact of trends and fashions on international leisure
resort design. Two types of trend are identified: the changing behaviour
and attitudes of “tourists” and the forces of fashion, which
also influence architectural design. Discusses various travel and
leisure trends and examines their impact on leisure resorts through
international examples. The pattern of present and future developments
may be resolved into a relatively small number of emerging resort styles
which are expected to gain increasing importance through the 1990s.
Productivity Management through Design and Operation: A Case Study
Authors: Johns Nick
Published: September 2004

Although there is much in print dealing with hotel design and hotel
operation, there are no publications in which the relationship between
the two is discussed. Describes the Marriott Courtyard concept of Scotts
Hotels Ltd, in which the construction, services and operational style of
the hotels has been expressly designed to maximize productivity. Aspects
discussed include Tunnelform Room Construction, the provision of
services and fittings in accommodation units and the economical staffing
of low cost four star hotel services. Features of the latter are flat
organization charts, multiskilling and employee empowerment.
Communication Systems and Connectivity for the ″Intelligent
Bedroom’ of the Future
Authors: Doren Kevin , Blackman Deborah
Published: September 2004

The advancement of technology and intelligence in most industries
has been linked with the concepts of connectivity and the development of
open systems. Currently the protocols found in the hotel and catering
industry are not compatible between companies and/or products. First
addresses the implications of this and then the advantages to the
industry, should open systems be developed and standards set up for
future installations. Such systems are becoming standardized in the Far
East and concludes that the hotel and catering industry must follow suit
if really “Intelligent Rooms” are to be developed.
Current Economic Issues Facing the US Lodging Industry
Authors: Chon Kye‐Sung , Singh Amrik
Published: September 2004

The overbuilding in the lodging industry, the current economic
recession, the Gulf War and the collapse of the real estate market
collectively brought forth a major economic impact on the US lodging
industry in recent years. Examines the current state of the US lodging
industry and discusses strategies used by hospitality companies in
response to the situation.
Trends and Integration in Food Processing
Authors: Nobis Gianfranco
Published: September 2004

Seeks to describe an operational model to examine food and
food‐related activities. The basis is derived from classical management
theory and the planning cycle of objectives, planning, organization,
co‐ordination and control.
A Model for Teaching Service Management in Hospitality
Authors: Barrows Clayton W. , Perry Hobson J.S.
Published: September 2004

“Service” became the buzzword of the 1980s. While
numerous business school programmes have been progressive in research,
publication and education in this area, service management in
hospitality education has yet to receive the attention that it deserves.
Offers a review of service management issues, discusses the reasons why
an understanding of service management concepts is important to the
hospitality student, and makes recommendations for how the service
concepts can be grouped together to form the basis of a service
management course in a hospitality curriculum.
“Exporting” Eurostyles to the USA
Authors: Mazanec Josef A.
Published: September 2004

Discusses consumer lifestyle attributes and psychographic data with
respect to market segmentation and as systematized by
“Eurostyles”. Describes a sample application of a neural
network model to assist in the transfer of the Eurostyle typology to the
USA.
Employee Feeding – An Overview
Authors: Edwards John S. A.
Published: September 2004

The first of two articles provides an overview of employee feeding
(one of the largest components in the catering sector), and some of the
challenges currently being faced. The economic climate will undoubtedly
mean that the days of the subsidized canteen are numbered. Employee
feeding will continue to be squeezed economically with pressure being
applied from the workforce and management to keep costs to a minimum,
reduce subsidies and above all provide value for money. Employee feeding
will have to become more professional and several innovative ideas and
technologies will need to be tried and, where appropriate introduced, if
this is to be achieved.
Employee Feeding – Productivity and Performance
Authors: Edwards John S. A.
Published: September 2004

The second of two articles, the first providing an overview of
employee feeding and current issues facing this sector. Addressed
specifically at the catering sector, outlines the importance of
providing sustenance in the workplace with particular reference to
productivity and performance.
Measuring Guest Satisfaction in UK‐based International
Hotel Chains: Principles and Practice
Authors: Jones Peter , Ioannou Alexia
Published: September 2004

Investigates methods of assessing guest satisfaction, some of which
do not give a true reflection. Analyses by comparison UK hotel methods
of assessment and ways of improving amenities, i.e. reception, room
service, facilities, costs, etc., and suggests ways of systemizing
customer response and hotel‐chain‐wide satisfaction indexing. A
“Scorecard” system could be the answer.
Trends in the amusement park industry
Authors: Formica Sandro , Olsen Michael D.
Published: September 2004

The aim of this paper is to explore the amusement park industry and its evolution during the 1990s. The primary causes of change in this industry are determined and their impact on the companies operating in this business is investigated. The assumption to be ascertained is how currently operating amusement park firms have been able to effectively respond to the threats and opportunities created by the environmental changes occurring in the 1990s. The analysis is framed into three main sections: first, it offers an overview of the amusement industry; second, it examines the environmental trends affecting it; and third, it attempts to delineate the future development of the amusement business.
Accurate and efficient solutions of unsteady viscous flows
Authors: De Palma P. , Pascazio G. , Napolitano M.
Published: September 2004

This paper describes two accurate and efficient numerical methods for computing unsteady viscous flows. The first one solves the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations in their vorticity‐velocity formulation, using a staggered‐grid finite‐volume spatial discretization to provide second‐order accuracy on arbitrary grids, and combines effectively an alternating direction implicit scheme for the vorticity transport equation and a multigrid line‐Gauss‐Seidel relaxation for the velocity equations. The second method solves the compressible Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations in strong conservation form, with a k−ω turbulence closure model. The equations are discretized in time using an implicit three‐time‐level scheme, combined with a dual time stepping approach, so that the residual at every physical time step is annihilated using an efficient multigrid Runge‐Kutta iteration with variable time stepping and implicit residual smoothing. The space discretization uses a Roe’s flux difference splitting for the convective terms and standard central differences for the diffusive ones. A turbulent unsteady cascade flow is used to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method. The authors are currently working towards extending the two approaches described in this paper to three space dimensions.
Spectral trisection of finite element models
Authors: Kaveh A. , Rahimi Bondarabady H.A.
Published: September 2004

In this paper a new method is proposed for finite element domain decomposition. A weighted incidence graph is first constructed for the finite element model. A spectral partitioning heuristic is then applied to the graph using the second and the third eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of the graph, to partition it into three subgraphs and correspondingly trisect the finite element model.
A finite volume method for the solution of convection—diffusion 2d
problems by a quadratic profile with smoothing
Authors: De Biase L. , Feraudi F. , Pennati V.
Published: September 2004

A new finite volume (FV) method is proposed for the solution of
convection‐diffusion equations defined on 2D convex domains of general shape.
The domain is approximated by a polygonal region; a structured non‐uniform
mesh is defined; the domain is partitioned in control volumes. The
conservative form of the problem is solved by imposing the law to be verified
on each control volume. The dependent variable is approximated to the second
order by means of a quadratic profile. When, for the hyperbolic equation,
discontinuities are present, or when the gradient of the solution is very
high, a cubic profile is defined in such a way that it enjoys unidirectional
monotonicity. Numerical results are given.
Cyclic phase change with fluid flow
Authors: Voller V.R. , Felix P. , Swaminathan C.R.
Published: September 2004

Cyclic phase change involves the successive freezing and melting of a
region driven by a boundary temperature that cycles above and below the
solid/liquid phase change temperature. In this paper, a recently proposed
fixed grid phase change enthalpy method is modified and applied to cyclic
solid/liquid phase change problems. The basic approach is demonstrated on
application to a one‐dimensional, heat conduction controlled phase change.
Then the method is used to investigate a cyclic phase change problem that
involves fluid flow. The interaction of the melting and freezing with the
phase change leads to some interesting predictions for the location and shape
of the solid/liquid interface. The results also indicate that melting cycles
are more effective than freezing cycles.
Natural convective heat transfer in an enclosure partly filled with a
non‐porous insulation
Authors: Naylor D. , Oosthuizen P.H.
Published: September 2004

Solves steady, laminar, two‐dimensional, conjugate natural convection in
an rectangular enclosure numerically. The enclosure consists of heated and
cooled isothermal walls connected by either adiabatic or perfectly conducting
end walls. The enclosure is partially filled with a finitely conducting
non‐porous thermal insulation, adjacent to the heated surface. Solves the
governing equations (in stream function‐vorticity form) using a finite
element method. Obtains data Pr = 0.7 over a Rayleigh number range (based on
the enclosure width) of 0 ≤ Ra ≤ 106. The results show the
effect of solid insulation thickness on the average Nusselt number for a
range of enclosure aspect ratios, inclination angles and solid‐to‐fluid
conductivity ratios. Aims to determine the conditions that produce the
minimum overall heat transfer rate.
Numerical solution of the thermally‐assisted diffusion of hydrogen in
zirconium alloys considering hysteresis and finite‐rate kinetics
Authors: Buscaglia Gustovo C. , Enrique Raúl A.
Published: September 2004

Presents a new method for the numerical simulation of diffusion with
phase‐change. The method is able to handle hysteresis and finite‐rate
kinetics in the phase‐change reaction. Such phenomena are frequent in
solid‐solid phase transitions. The model problem discussed concerns hydrogen
migration and hydride precipitation in zirconium and its alloys, a problem of
interest to the nuclear industry. With respect to previous ones, our method
is the first to incorporate an implicit treatment of diffusion, thus avoiding
mesh‐dependent stability limits in the time step. The CPU time can in this
way be reduced by a factor of 10–20 in applications. Addresses, through
numerical studies, convergence with respect to mesh refinement and reduction
of the time step. Also reports on an application of the method to the
simulation of laboratory experiments. Shows that the method is a powerful
tool to deal with general phase‐change problems, extendable to other physical
systems.
Simulation of planar high speed combustion phenomena
Authors: Cerimele M.M. , Pistella F.
Published: September 2004

A modified version of an essentially non‐oscillatory high resolution
scheme is applied to the simulation of two‐dimensional combustion waves.
Through the splitting of the governing equations the method is applied to the
homogeneous system and the source terms are approximated by means of a
Runge‐Kutta third‐order scheme. The results obtained in the modelling of a
high speed wave show an improvement with respect to a semi‐implicit scheme in
the reconstruction of the shock propagation.
Steady‐state solutions of Buoyancy‐assisted internal flows
using a fast false implicit transient scheme (FITS)
Authors: El‐Refaee M.M. , Elsayed M.M. , Al‐Najem N.M. , Megahid I.E.
Published: September 2004

A fast false implicit transient scheme FITS is developed to predict the
two‐dimensional steady‐state solutions of
buoyancy‐assisted laminar internal flows. This new scheme uses the
control volume based on power law technique in conjugation with the
alternating direction implicit (ADI) and the successive grid
refinement (SGR) procedures to solve the transient vorticity and
energy transport equations. The ADI procedure allows the power law, which
gives an excellent approximation to the exact 1‐D solution, to be
applied locally in one‐dimensional sense for each sweep in the
co‐ordinates’ directions. This in turn increased the solution
accuracy and hence permits the use of a larger time increment. As a result a
remarkable increase in the convergence rate to steady‐state is
achieved. The final solution is obtained by successively refining the grid as
the solution advances in time. The efficiency of FITS is verified by
comparing the present predictions with three steady‐state benchmark
solutions: natural convection of a heat generating fluid in a
rectangular enclosure, natural convection inside a cavity with two isothermal
walls, and a vertical buoyancy‐assisted laminar backward‐facing
step flow.
Competing through Teams and Technology
Authors: Lee‐Mortimer Andrew
Published: September 2004

Discusses in depth the Virtual Vision Sport – which allows
viewers to watch big screen television through five‐ounce sunglasses.
Links up to camcorders, VCRs, cable TV and video games. Enables the
person recording to see the “big picture”. Possible
applications are countless including industrial use – whereby
security guards may look into a room before entering or surgeons can
look at instrument data without having to move their head. Discusses the
teamwork involved in this new product development.
Exercise recommendations for young people: an update
Authors: Cale Lorraine , Harris Jo
Published: September 2004

This paper provides an update on the major developments in exercise recommendations for young people, and in particular, focuses on the most recent guidelines which have been developed in England by the Health Education Authority (HEA). The recommendations are contained within the HEA’s policy framework for the promotion of health‐enhancing physical activity for young people, Young and Active?, which aims to maximise the opportunity for participation in health‐enhancing physical activity. The paper discusses the practical application of the guidelines and provides ideas as to how they can be implemented by physical educators and health professionals. It proposes that the recommendations are more realistic, flexible, appealing and attainable than previous guidelines and that they signal significant progress in the field of exercise prescription for young people. However, cautions and messages highlighted in earlier reviews in the area still hold.
The New Law on Sex Education
Authors: Kingman Sharon
Published: September 2004

Summarizes the main changes affecting how schools teach sex education,
resulting from the implementation of the Education Act 1993. Describes
the partial nature of the parental right to withdraw children from sex
education lessons. Reviews aspects of the new guidance which schools
will need to address in developing their own policies on sex education.
Issues for Implementing TQM in Further and Higher Education
Authors: Taylor Andrew W. , Hill Frances M.
Published: September 2004

Examines the emerging ideology of total quality management and
summarizes its implications for further and higher education
institutions (FHEIs). Rather than prescribing a set of generic
implementation steps, it is suggested that there are other, more
significant factors to be considered. These factors are related to the
context in which the initiative takes place rather than where it should
begin. Discusses four necessary issues, namely, the removal of
abstraction from the concept of quality in further and higher education,
organization‐wide understanding of customers and their perceptions, the
importance of assessing the current quality level and the need for
strategic quality planning. Also cites classical organizational facets
such as structure, culture, human resource management and leadership
among the determinants of TQM success. Concentration on these key
matters attenuates the importance of the method of implementation.
Argues that to disregard these prerequisites for success is to risk
long‐term damage to the organization and considerably reduce the
likelihood of sustained and self‐generating organizational improvement.
Concludes by questioning the real levels of commitment which exist in
FHEIs at present.
Never Mind the Teaching — Feel the Learning!
Authors: Race Phil
Published: September 2004

The word “quality” is increasingly used in the context
of education and training. Performance indicators are sought which may
be used to measure evidence on which to make judgements about high
quality. The quality of teaching is on the agenda, and links are made to
appraisal procedures and promotion mechanisms. However, the quality of
teaching is at least as elusive as the quality or research, and the
appraisal of teaching quality is – to say the least –
difficult. Aims to alert readers to the importance of something almost
as intangible – the quality of learning – i.e. the
richness and effectiveness of the provision of successful learning
experiences. As a means of pinning down quality indicators connected to
learning, proposes a straightforward model of learning, which enables
tangible criteria for high‐quality learning to be formulated.
EMPOWERMENT FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: TACTICS FOR SUCCESS
IN MID‐TIER ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS
Authors: Marsh Linda
Published: September 2004

Briefly outlines the development of empowerment and what
organizations typically hope to gain from empowering their workforce.
Goes on to discuss the main reasons why these objectives are frequently
not achieved and what is needed if empowerment is to work. These general
factors are related to the business development strategies of mid‐tier
accountancy firms and their attempts to develop business by empowering
staff below partner level to be more active in this area. The data used
come from in‐depth, structured interviews carried out with marketing
managers or partners of 12 mid‐sized accountancy firms. Key conclusions
are presented about the nature of barriers facing firms trying to
empower people for business development and what firms need to do if
these barriers are to be overcome.
EMPOWERMENT IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY
Authors: Johnson Pamela R.
Published: September 2004

Discusses the economic and psychological reasons for the topic of
empowerment in the business world. Posits the theory, with strong
examples, that because the “mind” is limitless in its
possibilities then we must absorb quietly what is happening around us.
Believes that managers are also creators and that good leadership is
essential to maximize education for employees, to lead from within.
Concludes that employees can become truly empowered but only with high
participation and low attachment.
SELECTION PROCESSES FOR SELF‐MANAGED WORK TEAMS
Authors: Kulisch W. Anthony , Peery Newman S. , Banner David K.
Published: September 2004

Describes the experiences of an organization which made the
decision to establish a new production facility and empower its
workforce using self‐managed work teams. Elaborates on some of the
selection issues surrounding this site and includes the reasoning used
to select employees for this facility. Finally, relates recommendations
for making selection decisions in this type of situation. Fully expects
that SMWT and other flexible/adaptive structures will become more and
more popular in the future, and that managers need to know how to select
employees to maximize the effectiveness of this structure.
Gordon Gecko versus Tom Sawyer: Catalytic Empowerment techniques
Authors: Dickmeyer Marlys , Williams Brenda
Published: September 2004

Outlines the techniques for the Catalytic Empowerment process.
Catalytic Empowerment evolved out of consulting practices that take
unprofitable companies in the crisis of going out of business and make
them healthy, profitable companies very quickly. The techniques are a
source for transformational results. The consultant brings certain
characteristics and training into an organization. The Catalytic
Empowerment consultant is the model and vehicle by which empowerment is
transferred into all areas of the organization. The example and training
that the consultant provides causes a chain reaction of empowerment,
transformation and dramatic results to take place. This is transferred
into all levels and it transforms the very culture of the organization.
Velocity management: ‐ creating organizational instinct
Authors: Mourier Pierre
Published: September 2004

Executives who hope to succeed in the new millennium must learn to manage in ways that are a quantum leap from the manner in which they have been managing. The basis for this new style of management is decision‐making at lightning speed. Velocity management is decision making at speeds consistent with today’s competitive environment and technology. It is based on a system of proactive metrics that are designed to ensure the balance of organizational and individual expectations, organizational and individual enablers, and positive and negative consequences. Velocity management promotes an awareness of disruptions when they first became noticeable or identifiable, allowing the organization to develop an instinct by which management can address disruptions at the earliest possible time and enact follow‐up mechanisms to ensure improvement in off‐schedule conditions.
High performance management of shared‐managed joint venture teams: contextual and socio‐dynamic factors
Authors: Adobor Henry
Published: September 2004

Evidence from joint venture research points to the vital role of the group of individuals who manage the administration of the venture. Venture managers face challenges that may not be present in top management teams within the hierarchy of a firm. Despite substantial research on joint ventures, understanding of this unique management group remains rudimentary. This article focuses on management processes in shared‐managed joint ventures. It suggests that the evolution and effectiveness of the management team in joint ventures may be facilitated by certain key contextual and individual level factors. Looking at venture management as an inter‐organizational group of people composed of members representing parent organizations whose behavior is regulated by a common set of expectations can give clues to the special nature of joint venture management tasks. The individuals nominated to the team as well as some key performance‐facilitating contextual factors may affect team effectiveness. Research and practical implications are offered.
What would Machiavelli think? An overview of the leadership challenges in team‐based structures
Authors: Callanan Gerard A.
Published: September 2004

The writings of Niccolò Machiavelli continue to resonate with today's business leaders. Current management literature still focuses on tactics to increase power as a means to ensure a leadership position. This attention to individual accomplishment and the building of power runs counter to what is happening structurally within organizations. The acceleration in the use of team‐based structures as a preferred method of organization and decision making reflects the need for timelier processing of information in a world of increased environmental uncertainty. This contrast between the behaviors needed to build individual power and the collaborative skills necessitated by team‐based structures creates a number of leadership challenges for individuals and organizations. This article discusses these challenges from both a theory‐based and a practitioner standpoint, assesses the implications for organizational managers and individual team members, and offers recommendations for leadership effectiveness in a work world dominated by team‐based design.
Visualisation of rapid prototyping
Authors: Choi S.H. , Samavedam S.
Published: September 2004

Discusses a virtual prototyping (VP) system developed for simulation of rapid prototyping processes. It enables a designer to visualise and optimise an RP process with a set of process parameters. The visualisation of a virtually simulated part prior to physical fabrication helps reduce unwanted prototyping iterations. The implementation techniques involved in the development of the VP system and the considerations in selecting virtual reality interfaces are described. The visualisation capability of the system is demonstrated by comparing virtual parts with the corresponding physical prototypes.
Multi‐objective optimization of part‐ building orientation in stereolithography
Authors: Cheng W. , Fuh J.Y.H. , Nee A.Y.C. , Wong Y.S. , Loh H.T. , Miyazawa T.
Published: September 2004

In rapid prototyping, such as SLA (stereolithography apparatus) and FDM (fused deposition modelling), the orientation of the part during fabrication is critical as it can affect part accuracy, reduce the production time, and minimize the requirement for supports and, thus, the cost of building the model. Presents a multi‐objective approach for determining the optimal part‐building orientation. Considers different objectives such as part accuracy and building time. Objective functions have been developed based on known sources of errors affecting part accuracy and the requirements of good orientations during the building of a model. The objective functions employ weights assigned to various surface types affecting part accuracy. The primary objective is to attain the specified accuracy achievable with the process. The secondary objective is to minimize the building time. Gives examples to illustrate the algorithm for deriving the optimal orientation which can assure better part quality and higher building efficiency.
Measurement techniques for the evaluation of thick‐film materials used in wireless applications
Authors: Tian Zhengrong , Free Charles
Published: September 2004

A review of the dielectric measurement techniques that are currently available for the characterization of thick film and LTCC materials at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies is presented. The intention is to show the relative advantages and limitations of the various methods, and to provide some practical guide to the particular technique that is most suitable for a given type of material, for use in a particular application. In addition, a novel slit cavity resonator method is proposed to enable substrate parameters to be more easily measured, whilst retaining high measurement accuracy. Measured data on materials from a variety of manufacturers are presented to show the validity and usefulness of this method.
Building trust ‐ the essential ingredient in partnering to improve business results
Authors: Rankin Jim
Published: September 2004

Labatt Breweries of Canada and Local #1 London and Local #304 Toronto of the Brewery, General & Professional Workers Union recognized that building trust in a historically damaged labour management relationship required four large sequential steps. Step one was understanding the conditions required to create trust. Step two built on the conditions by revisiting past and current wounds to mutually understand and learn. Step three involved mutually defining their desired future. The fourth step, where they are now, involves ongoing open discussion and problem solving as true partners in the business while respecting each other’s role.
Concepts of price, value and worth in the United Kingdom – Towards a European perspective
Authors: McParland Clare , McGreal Stanley , Adair Alastair
Published: September 2004

In recent years there has been a growing debate on price, value and worth, particularly in the UK, but increasingly taking on a European perspective as a result of the Single European Act and subsequent Maastricht Treaty. European integration facilitates cross‐border investment and the globalization of business activities. Consequently, there is increasing pressure on valuers to work towards the development of common investment valuation standards within Europe. Furthermore, there is a need to appraise the investment worth of properties, as well as understand local pricing methods, together with greater transparency of investment valuation methodologies and practices. This paper discusses the theoretical arguments surrounding the valuation standards prevalent in the UK and looks towards the potential for uniformly accepted valuation standards across European Union countries.
Evaluating the investment attributes and performance of property companies
Authors: Stevenson Simon
Published: September 2004

This study utilises style analysis to examine the effective asset mix of UK property companies, using both an unadjusted data set and one adjusted for leverage and general stock market sentiment. The findings illustrate that the style benchmarks are largely spilt between mid and small cap stocks and government bonds, while when the adjusted data set is examined, the role of fixed‐income securities is enhanced together with that of Treasury Bills and the direct property market. The resulting style portfolios are then used to assess the investment performance of the property companies. The results reveal that there is a high degree of consistency in terms of the performance ranking obtained, across both alternative performance measures and between the original and adjusted samples. However, very few of the performance statistics are found to be statistically significant at conventional levels.
Modelling rental change across key retail investment markets in Britain
Authors: Colwell Peter F. , Jackson Catherine
Published: September 2004

Models of the commercial property market have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. However, the retail sector and, more specifically, analysis of retail markets at the local level, have been comparatively neglected. This paper makes inroads into this gap in property research. Retail rental change at the local level is explored, focusing on consumer expenditure as the key determinant of change. The appropriateness of proxy variables is investigated and the mechanisms of rental change are examined. This highlights issues and difficulties unique to local level analysis. Following this, the relationship between rental change and underlying changes in consumer expenditure is investigated. The stability of a panel model of rental change is examined, with differences in market functioning identified across diverse groups of key local retail investment markets. These differences highlight the re‐emergence of northern markets during both the economic decline and recovery phases of the last decade of the 20th century. Rental levels in larger and smaller markets are also seen to respond to changes in consumer expenditure to significantly different degrees, in periods of both decline and recovery.
Environmental quality perceptions of urban commercial real estate
Authors: Bender André , Din Allan , Hoesli Martin , Laakso Janne
Published: September 2004

The aim of the paper is to investigate locational attributes of commercial real estate which are defined in terms of a collection of qualitative appreciations by office users in the Geneva region in Switzerland. The empirical analysis of these environmental quality appreciations was carried out using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology with data from a questionnaire which was sent to 1,800 users of commercial real estate. The users belong to seven professional categories, thus making it possible to examine inter‐professional differences between the appreciations. Seven criteria, all quantifiable in the framework of a geographic information system, are used to evaluate the quality of the urban environment through a process of pairwise comparisons. Some general preferences concerning four pre‐defined geographic areas are also examined in the perspective of a possible further analysis based on geographic information systems. Although the value spread of the quality perceptions appears to be rather wide, it is still possible to identify with confidence a few dominant criteria for the choice of particular office locations.
An assessment of property investment vehicles with particular reference to German funds
Authors: Berry Jim , McGreal Stanley , Sieracki Karen , Sotelo Ramon
Published: September 2004

Property investment vehicles are reviewed from a literature perspective drawing upon the experience of real estate investment trusts in the USA and contrasting this with European examples. The primary focus of the paper is upon German funds, using survey evidence to evaluate their structural characteristics. The paper forwards from a theoretical perspective an assessment framework indicating how different types of fund can be matched to product opportunities on the basis of risk, appreciation potential, nature of contract, location and use.
Environment and value Does drinking water quality affect house prices?
Authors: Des Rosiers François , Bolduc Alain , Thériault Marius
Published: September 2004

This research paper investigates the effect of drinking water quality on property values in Charlesbourg, a major municipality (70,000 inhabitants) of the Quebec City region where repeated water‐related health problems were experienced in 1990 and 1991. In this paper, 807 bungalow sales are sampled from the data bank of the Quebec Urban Community (QUC) Appraisal Division, and environmental information pertaining to local drinking water quality levels supplements data on physical, neighbourhood and access attributes. Our findings indicate that water‐related health hazards exert a detrimental and measurable impact on higher property values, with the average duration of the warning period per sector clearly emerging as the dominant factor. More precisely, market segmentation suggests that the higher the price of the property, the sharper the decline in market value because of this factor. In the current case study, the most severely affected properties of the upper third segment of the market experienced drops in value ranging from 5.2 to 10.3 percent of mean sale price.
Applying a standard performance model to a university setting
Authors: Martz Ben , McKenna Jack , Siegall Marc
Published: September 2004

In 1991, the International Association for Management Education (AACSB) dramatically changed the way “intellectual contributions” (IC) of colleges of business are measured for accreditation. This fundamental change provided the impetus to re‐engineer a basic organizational process – the performance model – in an academic, not‐for‐profit organization. More specifically, this paper reports on one school’s experience with re‐engineering its IC policy under the newer mission‐driven standards without the overriding goal of “profit.” Our experiences are framed using a standard performance model.
Re‐engineering revisited: a simulation approach
Authors: Akin Aksu A.
Published: September 2004

In the last 10‐15 years rapid changes in the world along with globalization have had great effects on almost all countries and enterprises. This is especially the case for companies faced with international competition. Also, these enterprises have had to take notice of scarce resources becoming more so. All these developments force companies to make decisions in light of their strategic positions, and these developments directly or indirectly affect hotels. They increasingly find themselves in types of competition previously unknown: their customers are demanding more and more for their money and these demands can also be noted in the sector of information technology. Hotels must increasingly make use of the new technologies, and at this juncture total quality management attempts may spell out the decisive differences between the hotels and their ultimate survival. In this study the role of re‐engineering is taken into consideration within the scope of total quality management. The goal of this study is to propose a new process model for a five‐star hotel.
Clinical effectiveness evaluation of an emergency department cardiac decision unit
Authors: Shah Shalin S. , Noor Husam , Tokarski Glenn , Khoury Nabil , McCabe Kristin B. , Sandberg Keisha R. , Morlock Robert J. , McCullough Peter A.
Published: September 2004

The aim was to test the feasibility of using automated data, and evaluate the impact of an emergency cardiac decision unit (CDU) on the overall outcomes of patients seen for chest discomfort. We used a retrospective, quasi‐experimental design to identify patients who had cardiac enzymes measured and an electrocardiogram performed during an ED visit in two six‐month periods, pre‐CDU (1 January‐30 June 1995) and post‐CDU (1 January‐ 30 June 1996). A total of 4,336 patients had outcomes assessed. After opening, 14.8 per cent of all chest pain cases were treated in the CDU. Hospital admission rates were reduced from 81.1 per cent to 66.7 per cent. Length of stay, myocardial infarction rates, and mortality were unchanged. The 14‐day revisit rates increased from 5.3 per cent to 10.3 per cent. We conclude that cardiac decision units decrease hospital admissions but increase ED revisit rates as a consequence of this now frequently used care pathway.
Impact of a day‐care center on the appropriateness of hospital admissions and frequency of hospitalization in patients with HIV infection
Authors: Escolano Hortelano Clara M. , Gutiérrez Rodero Félix , Ena Muñoz Javier , Benito Santaleocadia Concepción , Masiá Canuto Mar , Martín Hidalgo Alberto , Mora Rufete Antonia , Hernández Aguado Ildefonso
Published: September 2004

Aims to assess the impact of a day‐care center (DCC) on hospital bed usage by HIV‐infected patients. Reviews the medical records of 710 hospital admissions of HIV‐infected patients admitted to two Spanish hospitals, one of them with a DCC, over a three‐year period. The proportion of unnecessary admissions was significantly higher in the hospital without a DCC. The rate of hospital admissions among patients who were admitted to hospital was also greater in the hospital without a DCC, as well as the rate of admissions among patients on antiretroviral drugs. Concludes that the availability of a DCC improves the appropriateness of hospital admissions and decreases the number of hospitalizations in HIV‐infected patients.
Unemployment in Lancaster and Morecambe
Authors: Regan Phil
Published: September 2004

Summary results of a survey of unemployed men conducted in
Lancaster and Morecambe in 1988 are presented. Particular attention is
focused on the long‐term unemployed, and on detailed aspects of skills,
qualifications and work experience of the stock of unemployed workers.
The Application of Stock Control Principles to Employee
Resourcing
Authors: Dawson Chris
Published: September 2004

The principles of stock control are used to show how they can be
usefully applied to employee resourcing. A computerised simulation model
is presented which gives personnel specialists the opportunity to be
proactive, allowing them to determine the most appropriate
employee‐resourcing strategy, whether this is a system based on periodic
review, acquisition of batches of employees of a fixed size or of
variable size, or even through the almost universally applied strategy
of reactive acquisition.
Planning for Manpower Requirements: STAFFPLAN – An Analytical Model
Authors: Jorssen Vernon G.
Published: September 2004

The Asian Development Bank has played a significant role as an
important source of development finance in the Asian and Pacific region
for the past 20 years. In 1987, a study was approved of the bank′s
staffing requirement in the 1990s. A model was developed to provide a
basis for exploring a number of demand/supply possibilities and
illustrating the relative importance of key factors affecting staffing
requirements. The form taken by the number of combinations of the
variables involved indicated that the appropriate framework should be a
computerised input/output model called STAFFPLAN.
Expatriates and Social Security
Authors: Coulthard Derek
Published: September 2004

As with all other aspects of the taxation of expatriate workers,
social security issues require careful consideration by employers. The
social security benefit rights of UK expatriate employees are examined
with regard to their liability, and that of their employers, to pay
social security contributions.