bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information seeking behaviour of orphaned and vulnerable children's caregivers in Namibia
Authors: Mnubi‐Mchombu Chiku , Mostert Janneke
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine how the caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children in Namibia seek information to ensure their own and the children's survival.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted through focus group discussions in the Ohangwena (rural) and Khomas regions (urban). Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants with the assistance of social workers and community leaders.

Findings

Disparities between rural and urban areas in terms of information access and use were found. For example, the rural dwellers expressed need for information on educational support, psychological and counselling services, childcare, and job opportunities. In urban areas, educational support and the establishment of small businesses featured as prominent needs. Radio, traditional leaders, regional councillors, friends and relatives were identified as channels of information in Ohangwena, while in Khomas, friends and relatives, community leaders, and regional councillors were most popular. Various challenges were identified such as, lack of transport and funding to access it, getting information too late to respond timeously, and a lack of accessible information channels.

Research limitations/implications

Only two regions in Namibia were covered in this paper, i.e. Ohangwena (rural) and Khomas (urban). It was assumed that the information needs of caregivers in all the other rural or urban areas would be the same as those identified in the sampled areas.

Originality/value

Literature on the topic is scarce and, therefore, the paper gives important insight into how to assist caregivers with their information needs.
External technology sourcing: evidence from design‐driven innovation
Authors: Cantarello Silvia , Nosella Anna , Petroni Giorgio , Venturini Karen
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the changing of governance modes for the acquisition of external technology in the context of design driven innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an explorative study drawing on cases of new product development (NPD) by six design‐oriented Italian firms. In analyzing the cases a longitudinal approach is taken.

Findings

The analysis of the cases shows a similar pattern for technology sourcing during the NPD process, starting with informal networks and ending with hierarchical structures. In the early stages of NPD, when market uncertainty and technological uncertainty are very high, these companies choose an informal network. However, once the product concept is defined and the companies need to become familiar with a technology, they move to strategic alliances with partners. In the final stages of NPD, more hierarchical structures seem to prevail.

Research limitations/implications

There are two main limitations of the study. The paper investigates the influence of uncertainty on the choice of governance modes and does not consider other variables that could impact on choice such as assets specificity, frequency of transactions, product complexity, cultural distance among partners, etc. Another limitation of the study is the small set of cases.

Practical implications

From a managerial point of view, this study suggests that firms which develop successful design‐driven innovations follow an organizational pattern for technology sourcing during the NPD process, starting with informal networks and ending with hierarchical structures. Thus it is extremely important for these firms to have an open‐minded management that fosters the creation of a wide external network. This openness shown by the firms towards collaboration with other organizations in order to acquire ideas, new materials and knowledge must be offset by the secure protection of the results of the innovation process. Managers must foresee these needs and find ways to safeguard the results obtained through experimentation by means of patents or exclusive contracts with the supplier.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the research on the theme of design‐driven innovation, analyzing the evolution and change in governance modes across the new product development process. It thus differentiates from the existing literature adopting a dynamic view, where multiple transactions are taken into consideration.
Graduate students' usage of and attitudes towards e‐books: experiences from Taiwan
Authors: Wu Ming‐der , Chen Shih‐chuan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

University libraries are increasing their e‐book collections. The purpose of this study is to investigate graduate students' usage of and attitudes towards e‐books at National Taiwan University.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 20 graduate students from the fields of humanities, social sciences, science and technology, and medicine were interviewed.

Findings

The results indicated that graduate students used e‐books mainly for the purposes of study and research. Monographs were the type of e‐book that students used most often, followed by textbooks and reference tools. While they appreciated the convenience of using e‐books, students mentioned several limitations. They liked the keyword search function of e‐books. Most of the time, graduate students browsed a few paragraphs or pages online and then printed out copies for further reading. They also borrowed the corresponding paper versions of the e‐books from the library. Students preferred that university libraries supply both the electronic and paper versions. In certain aspects, students' use behaviour was found to vary among disciplines.

Originality/value

This study highlights multiple aspects of graduate students' use behaviour with respect to e‐books. The findings could be used to enhance e‐book collection development in university libraries.
People's Collection Wales
Authors: Tedd Lucy A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The People's Collection Wales aims to collect, interpret, distribute and discuss Wales' cultural heritage in an online environment. Individual users or local history societies are able to create their own digital collections, contribute relevant content, as well as access digital resources from heritage institutions. This paper aims to provide an overview of the development of the People's Collection Wales, which is being funded through CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

Work on digitising various collections in Welsh cultural heritage institutions, such as Culturenet Cymru, the National Library of Wales, the National Museum Wales, and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales has been in progress since the 1990s. An overview of this work is given, along with details of how the People's Collection Wales project has developed between 2009 and 2011.

Findings

Material available from the People's Collection Wales is available in a variety of media, including: film; images; video and audio clips; maps; photographs; and text. The web site also uses global positioning system technology to allow users to travel over the landscape of Wales, and view artefacts in three dimensions.

Originality/value

People's Collection Wales is an example of a service resulting from a convergence of libraries, archives and museums, and which showcases user involvement in the creation of digital content. A number of innovative applications, including mobile technologies, are being implemented within the project.
A preliminary study of the synbiotic effects of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates (GMH) and lactobacilli on the growth of the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Tester Richard F. , Al‐Ghazzewi Farage H.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of synbiotic combination of lactobacilli with konjac glucomannan hydrolysate (GMH) to reduce Streptococcus mutans growth in vitro with the intention of characterising its efficacy as a new approach for oral hygiene.

Design/methodology/approach

Strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and S. mutans were grown individually or in combination in modified Columbia base broth supplemented with 2 per cent GMH. Following incubation, the samples were plated on De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe and Columbia blood agar and growth of both strains was assessed.

Findings

The probiotic bacteria L. acidophilus was able to “out grow” S. mutans in the presence of konjac glucomannan in the mixed cultures.

Originality/value

The results indicate that consumption of prebiotic and probiotic combinations may play a role as potential prophylactic or therapeutic agents for reducing the presence of organisms in the mouth associated with tooth decay. In order to confirm a beneficial effect of GMH further in vivo in this concept, studies involving healthy human volunteers should be considered.
Laser gas‐assisted nitriding of Ti implant
Authors: Sami Yilbas Bekir , Karataş Cihan , Ersu Bahadır , Gurgan Sevil
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the morphological and metallurgical changes of laser gas‐assisted nitriding of titanium implants.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser gas‐assisted nitriding of titanium implant is carried out and the metallurgical as well as the morphological changes in the nitride layer are examined using optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Temperature and thermal stress fields are computed during the laser heating process adopting the finite element method. The residual stress formed in the nitride layer is measured using the XRD technique while micro‐indentation tests are carried out to determine the fracture toughness of the surface after the laser treatment process.

Findings

It is found that nitride depth layer extends to 40 μm below the surface and it is free from the cracks and micro‐voids. The residual stress formed on the surface region is higher than at some depth below the surface in the nitride layer, provided that the maximum residual stress is less than the elastic limit of the substrate material.

Originality/value

The paper contains original findings and the findings are not submitted any other journal for publication.
Construction of an instrument to measure social valuation in an emerging market context
Authors: Wasswa Katono Isaac
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study aims to construct a parsimonious instrument to measure social valuation in a collective setting using Uganda as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

A triangulation technique was used in this study. Conversations with students, parents, teaching and non‐teaching staff at Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus were carried out, as well as a rigorous review of the literature to gather an original set of items on social valuation. Content and face validity were carried out in order to get rid of redundant and ambiguous items. The remaining items were incorporated in a questionnaire which was pretested before being distributed to a convenience sample of 650 third‐year business students on the four campuses of UCU, each located in one of the four regions of Uganda.

Findings

Principal axis factoring by promax rotation extracted six oblique factors accounting for 56 percent of the variance, namely, teaching of entrepreneurship in schools, family, knowledge, institutions, perception of education, and culture. Confirmatory factor analysis found the measurement model to have acceptable fit statistics.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a convenience sample of students from four campuses of one institution in the country.

Practical implications

Government and other stakeholders in the entrepreneurial sector should use the instrument developed in this study as a guide in a bid to enhance entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Existing measures of social valuation were designed in the West and may not be wholly applicable in a developing country setting. The instrument designed in this study in a collective setting should be a great contribution to entrepreneurial research and development in developing economies.
An evaluation of ocean container carrier selection criteria: an Indian shipper's perspective
Authors: Kannan V. , Bose S.K. , Kannan N.G.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assist ocean container carriers in devising effective marketing strategies to attract and retain Indian shippers by letting them understand the list of criteria Indian shippers use in the carrier selection decisions and also the amount of importance they assign to each criterion during such decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the criteria, review of transportation literature, customer satisfaction survey questionnaires of container carriers and SERVQUAL battery was undertaken. Telephonic interviews and focus group interview were also conducted for this purpose. In order to evaluate the criteria, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used. In the AHP, the pairwise comparisons were carried out by another focus group with the help of a questionnaire. For AHP calculations, the Expert Choice 11.5 software was used.

Findings

Indian shippers use 45 criteria in the container carrier selection process and out of these, low freight is ranked as the most important criterion and pricing flexibility is the second most important one. In the list, these are the only two criteria found to be with more than 10 per cent importance. The least importance is given to five criteria: gifts and compliments, online booking, physical facilities, professional appearance and trade announcements which are weighed with 0.10 per cent importance. The paper has explored and added several new carrier selection criteria to the existing transportation literature.

Practical implications

The paper enables container carriers to understand various criteria Indian shippers use in the container carrier selection decisions along with their relative importance in such decisions. It also helps container carriers to decide which criterion is to be given priority and which not while devising their marketing strategies for Indian market. This decision is vital to maximize shippers' satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper is the first ever carrier selection study undertaken in India and is expected to open up enormous scope for future research.
An examination of pharmaceutical supply chain for artemisinin‐based combination therapies in Ghana
Authors: Asamoah David , Abor Patience , Opare Martin
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the pharmaceutical supply chain for artemisinin‐based combination therapies (ACT) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed an inductive approach in examining the dynamics of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The study also used analytical hierarchical process in identifying factors that are detrimental to the ACT supply chain.

Findings

The study revealed that there are basically two main supply channels through which ACT enters the Ghanaian pharmaceutical system – private and public. The ACT network depicts a strong evidence of actor interdependence and long‐term relationships. However, the key supply chain enabler – the use of information technology – was found to be lacking, leading to delays and disruptions in the supply chain system. Disruption was found to be the main detrimental factor to the supply chain although delay was found to be occurring more frequently. Price increases indicated a low effect on the supply network at the pharmacy level, but the general price of the highly subsidised effective ACT (Coartem) remains very high.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to constraints in accessibility, it was challenging to contact all the actors in the network individually, especially the consumer. Drugs considered in the study were the WHO approved ACT, even though efforts were made to compile available anti‐malarial drugs on the market.

Practical implications

This study has provided insights into the supply chain for ACT. The findings of the study are relevant in improving the supply chain system.

Originality/value

The paper brings to the fore the need for a proper pharmaceutical supply chain management in the health sector with regards to one of the world's most infectious and deadly diseases – malaria.
Entrepreneurial social capital and cognitive model of innovation
Authors: Xu Yang
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the social origin of an entrepreneurial cognitive model of the innovation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The specific research question is how an entrepreneur's social capital diversity influences the characteristics of his/her cognitive model of innovation – complexity and centrality. Data were collected in a survey conducted in two waves on a sample of 1,000 new ventures in the USA. Social capital is measured by the position generator method. Cognitive models are measured by the causal mapping method. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the regression analysis support both hypotheses. The analysis shows that social capital diversity at the startup stage increases the complexity and centrality of an entrepreneurial cognitive model of innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Possible limitations are: the low survey response rate; the spread of industries involved; and respondents being the sole data source. Future research could use multiple data sources, focus on a single industry or a set of related industries, and explore other determinants of the cognitive model of innovation.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs should proactively build a diverse social network at the startup stage because it will positively affect their internal cognitive model of innovation. In the domain of public policy, initiatives such as encouragement of professional, regional, and international networks targeted to early‐stage entrepreneurs may help them build a diverse social network and ultimately shape their strategic actions in new venture innovation.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the research on mental models and entrepreneurship by studying the role of social relations in the formation of an entrepreneurial cognitive model of innovation. It reveals the positive impact of social capital diversity at the startup stage on the entrepreneur's cognitive framework of an information domain – the innovation process. In addition, empirical measures of latent constructs (complexity and centrality of cognitive models) were developed.
Nordic subsidiaries in the Baltic States: is model transfer possible?
Authors: Sippola Markku
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This research seeks to ask to what extent model transfer in employee relations (in terms of employee representation, participation and workplace bargaining) occurs between Nordic and Baltic countries from the principal firm to the subsidiary. It also looks into explanations as to why model transfer occurs – or does not occur – from the perspective of the Nordic industrialist's labour management strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study comprising three clothing manufacturers and three engineering shops in different Baltic States: Estonia (population 1.4 million), Latvia (2.3 million) and Lithuania (3.4 million). These production sites have headquarters in three Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Semi‐structured (thematic) interviews are carried out among managers, shop stewards and employees of the subsidiaries.

Findings

There is little model transfer between the Nordic principal firm and the Baltic subsidiary, whereas the Nordic employer prefers local forms of employee relations. Modest model transfer derives from the desire for controlling the labour process, where the Nordic investor seeks to utilise differences between the regimes.

Social implications

The Nordic industrialists' search for the distinction between different regimes and the Baltic drive at liberal market economy (LME) together may prove fatal for labour conditions. Such production policy will not improve the position of the Baltic worker.

Originality/value

The findings question the very idea of model transfer: where any labour management strategy existed, there was either an unambiguous assertion of indigenous solutions or adoption of “best practices” not peculiar to the Nordic labour relations regime.
Information barriers in libraries: types, typologies and Polish empirical studies
Authors: Świgoń Marzena
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe the Polish empirical studies of information barriers. The focus is to highlight the hierarchy of barriers, and the relation between demographic variables (sex, age, discipline etc.) and perception of barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

After a deep literature review some empirical studies have been conducted. Respondents were divided into groups in terms of: sex, field of study (social sciences, human sciences, natural sciences and technical sciences), age, science degree and year of study. In analysis of data two statistical methods: analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a chi‐square test (χ2) were used.

Findings

The phenomenon of information barriers is very common, encountered by around 80 per cent of users. The most troublesome barriers were barriers connected with libraries. The study showed that the sex variable had varied the respondents' answers to the greatest extent. The women perceived information barriers as a more serious problem than men (p<0.001). With regard to types of discipline, the faculty group found information barriers more troublesome in such disciplines as humanities and social sciences than in natural or technical sciences (p=0.001).

Research limitations/implications

The hierarchy of barriers obtained from the study is related to a particular environment, a given group of users, the equipment of home library.

Practical implications

Studies of this subject may prove valuable in identifying people that are likely to experience difficulties in access to information.

Originality/value

The knowledge of the relation between demographic variables and perception of barriers, in earlier literature, was fragmentary. Findings may lead to a better understanding of the information barriers phenomenon by librarians and library users as well.
Gender and potential wage in Europe: a stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Ángeles Díaz Ma , Sánchez Rosario
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence concerning wage differentials and the existence of gender pay discrimination in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the stochastic frontier approach as an alternative method to measure the relevance of gender discrimination. This methodology allows them to explain the differences between the potential and the observed wage that an individual could obtain, given his or her human capital endowment.

Findings

The authors found support for wage discrimination against women. The results show that a significant part of the gender wage gap in all the countries analysed is not attributable to differences in human capital endowment or personal and job‐related characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The definition of education in the data set is modest and broadly defined.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the debate on gender discrimination by analysing the determinants of the gender gap using an innovative methodology in the gender gap literature: the stochastic frontier approach.
Maximising the effectiveness of talent pools: a review of case study literature
Authors: Yarnall Jane
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential implications of selecting and developing discrete pools of talent within organizations and to answer the question “If talent is singled out as a separate group of high‐potential individuals in organizations, what measures could be put in place to help ensure their effectiveness?”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature on talent pools and examines existing case study research, drawing on an analysis of over 50 companies. This analysis was used to draw out aspects which impact the effectiveness of talent pools at particular points in time; from the initial establishment of pool members through to the ongoing maintenance of an established talent pool.

Findings

Findings indicate that during the establishment phase, ensuring appropriate segmentation of the pool and limiting bias in the nomination process were particularly significant. The ongoing maintenance of a successful talent pool was also found to be a challenge from both an organizational and an individual perspective. Specific factors that were identified were dealing with changing business needs; changing individual circumstances; providing development opportunities; maintaining senior commitment; and defining success measures.

Practical implications

The research identifies a number of critical factors that practitioners may need to address in the process of establishing and maintaining talent pools, such as pool segmentation, work‐life balance and the impact on the psychological contract.

Originality/value

The ongoing maintenance of talent pools is rarely discussed in the literature and the recommendations for practice will be relevant for all human resource and organizational development practitioners.
Influence of the joint angular characteristics on the accuracy of industrial robots
Authors: Taek Oh Yeon
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Angular errors in the robot axes can make a significant contribution to robot positioning accuracy. This paper seeks to propose a new measuring method for measuring angular errors.

Design/methodology/approach

New techniques were devised for the detailed investigation of joint angular errors using a reference encoder together with a precision electronic level and autocollimator. This equipment enabled vertical and horizontally orientated joint axes to be measured with the robot located on‐site. Circle contouring measurements were also undertaken to assess the significance of multi‐axis movements on the accuracy of the end effector.

Findings

The technique, devised using a simulation program for the robot geometry with results from a circular test, enables robot errors to be characterised in terms of datum location error, backlash, gear transmission error, axes misalignments and joint encoder offset.

Originality/value

The paper describes the experimental and theoretical accuracy characteristics of an articulated industrial robot. Close correlation was obtained between the experimental and theoretical results. This paper offers the practical robot calibration method for industrial application.
A novel hybrid electromagnetism‐like algorithm for solving the inverse kinematics of robot
Authors: Yin Feng , Wang Yaonan , Wei Shuning
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a new real‐time effective method for solving the inverse kinematics (IK) problem, especially for those manipulators with high‐dimensional nonlinear kinematic equations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper transforms the IKs problem into a minimization problem. Then, a novel meta‐heuristic algorithm, called the electromagnetism‐like method (EM), is used to solve this equivalent problem. Moreover, in order to further improve the computational efficiency and accuracy of EM, a hybrid method which combines EM with the Davidon‐Fletcher‐Powell (DFP) method is proposed.

Findings

The results showed that EM is a powerful yet easy algorithm for solving the IKs problem of robot manipulators. Its complexity is independent on the characteristics of the kinematic equations involving dimensionality and the degree of nonlinearity. Moreover, EM can be used as an accompanying algorithm for DFP method to get better precision at a lower iteration number.

Originality/value

The method developed in this paper is a generalized approach that is efficient enough to obtain IK solutions independent of robot geometry and the number of degrees of freedom.
Complementarity and lean manufacturing bundles: an empirical analysis
Authors: Furlan Andrea , Vinelli Andrea , Dal Pont Giorgia
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to test and validate the complementarity effects on operational performance of two of the main lean manufacturing bundles, just‐in‐time (JIT) and total quality management (TQM). The paper also explores the role played by the human resource management (HRM) bundle as an enhancer of the complementarity between JIT and TQM.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on statistical analysis on the high performance manufacturing round III database, a survey that involves 266 plants in nine countries across three different industries (electronics, machinery and transportation components).

Findings

The paper proves the existence of complementarity between JIT and TQM and shows the enabling role of HRM on such complementarity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides analytical and empirical argumentations showing that JIT and TQM mutually reinforce each other's marginal returns on operational performance. The study also indicates that only those plants characterized by a significant implementation of HRM practices enjoy the complementarity effects of TQM and JIT on operational performance.

Practical implications

The research suggests a pattern of improvements where JIT and TQM have to be implemented hand‐in‐hand to take full advantage of their complementarity. HRM, the soft part of lean initiatives, provides the ground over which complementarity originates, spreading its benefits throughout the organization.

Originality/value

The study represents one of the few attempts trying to operationalize and empirically validate the concept of complementarity. The study also provides original suggestions to practitioners on how to make the most out of lean initiatives.
Managerial processes: business process that sustain performance
Authors: Bititci Umit S. , Ackermann Fran , Ates Aylin , Davies John , Garengo Patrizia , Gibb Stephen , MacBryde Jillian , Mackay David , Maguire Catherine , van der Meer Robert , Shafti Farhad , Bourne Michael , Umit Firat Seniye
Published: July 2011

Purpose

It is argued that whilst operational and support processes deliver performance presently, it is the managerial processes that sustain performance over time. The purpose of this research paper is to better understand what these managerial processes are and how they influence organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical background is reviewed covering literature on the subject of business process management, resourced‐based view (RBV), dynamic capabilities and managerial processes. A research framework leads to qualitative case study‐based research design. Data are collected from 37 organisations across Europe, classified according to their performance.

Findings

Findings suggest that the five managerial processes and their constituent managerial activities, identified through the empirical research, influence performance of organisations as an interconnected managerial system rather than as individual processes and activities. Also, the execution and maturity of this managerial system is influenced by the perceptions of the managers who organise it.

Research limitations/implications

Within the limitation of the study the discussion leads to eight research propositions that contribute to our understanding of how managerial processes influence organisational performance. These propositions and ensuing discussion provide insights into the content and structure of managerial processes, as well as contributing to the debate on RBV by suggesting that managerial processes and activities could be considered as valuable, rare and inimitable resources. Furthermore, the discussion on how managerial perceptions influence the organisation and execution of the managerial system contributes towards our understanding of how and why dynamic capabilities develop.

Practical implications

The results suggest that in higher performing organisations, managers: demonstrate a wider awareness of the overall managerial system; achieve a balance between short‐term and future‐oriented activities; exploit their managerial activities for multiple purposes; demonstrate greater maturity of managerial activities; and pay greater attention to the organisation of the managerial system.

Originality/value

This paper presents one of the first empirical studies that attempt to understand how business processes, and particularly managerial processes, as an interconnected managerial system serve to sustain performance of organisations.
Real‐time multiple mobile robots visual detection system
Authors: Yan Caixia , Zhan Qiang
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the authors designed a small satellite formation ground test bed in order to study the small satellite formation flying technologies, such as autonomous formation control and network communication. As one of the subsystems, the vision detection system is responsible for the pose (position and orientation) detection of the three small satellite simulators, each of which is composed of a wheeled mobile robot and an on‐board micro control unit. In this paper, the rapid vision locating of the three small satellite simulators in the wide field is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The scene size required by the test bed has exceeded the scope of one camera, thus how to obtain the complete scene becomes a difficulty. On the base of image mosaic, a vision system composed of two cameras is designed to capture the scene simultaneously. After the two overlapped images are rapidly stitched, the real‐time view of the big scene is attained. Second, the new color tag representing the pose of small satellite simulators is designed, which can be easily identified.

Findings

A real‐time multiple mobile robots visual locating system is introduced, in which the global search algorithm and track search algorithm are combined together to identify the real‐time pose of multiple mobile robots. The switching strategy between the two algorithms is given to ensure the accuracy and improve retrieval speed.

Originality/value

The paper shows how, without camera calibration, the pose of each small satellite simulator in the world coordinate system can be directly calculated by the coordinate transformation from the image coordinate system to the world coordinate system based on relative measurement. The accuracy and real‐time performance of the vision detection system have been validated by experiments on locating static tags and dynamic tracking three small satellite simulators.
Simple expert systems to improve an ultrasonic sensor‐system for a tele‐operated mobile‐robot
Authors: Sanders David , Tewkesbury Giles , Stott Ian J. , Robinson David
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to make tele‐operated tasks easier using an expert system to interpret joystick and sensor data.

Design/methodology/approach

Current tele‐operated systems tend to rely heavily on visual feedback and experienced operators. Simple expert systems improve the interaction between an operator and a tele‐operated mobile‐robot using ultrasonic sensors. Systems identify potentially hazardous situations and recommend safe courses of action. Because pairs of tests and results took place, it was possible to use a paired‐samples statistical test.

Findings

Results are presented from a series of timed tasks completed by tele‐operators using a joystick to control a mobile‐robot via an umbilical cable. Tele‐operators completed tests both with and without sensors and with and without the new expert system and using a recently published system to compare results. The t‐test was used to compare the means of the samples in the results.

Research limitations/implications

Time taken to complete a tele‐operated task with a mobile‐robot partly depends on how a human operator interacts with the mobile‐robot. Information about the environment was restricted and more effective control of the mobile‐robot could have been achieved if more information about the environment had been available, especially in tight spaces. With more information available for analysis, the central processor could have had tighter control of robot movements. Simple joysticks were used for the test and they could be replaced by more complicated haptic devices. Finally, each individual set of tests was not necessarily statistically significant so that caution was required before generalising the results.

Practical implications

The new systems described here consistently performed tasks more quickly than simple tele‐operated systems with or without sensors to assist. The paper also suggests that the amount of sensor support should be varied depending on circumstances. The paired samples test was used because people (tele‐operators) were inherently variable. Pairing removed much of that random variability. When results were analysed using a paired‐samples statistical test then results were statistically significant. The new systems described in this paper were significantly better at p<0.05 (95 per cent probability that this result would not occur by chance alone).

Originality/value

The paper shows that the new system performed every test faster on average than a recently published system used to compare the results.
Wireless sensor networks for structure health monitoring: recent advances and future research directions
Authors: Aygün Bengi , Cagri Gungor Vehbi
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contemporary look at the current state‐of‐the‐art in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for structure health monitoring (SHM) applications and discuss the still‐open research issues in this field and, hence, to make the decision‐making process more effective and direct.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a comprehensive review of WSNs for SHM. It also introduces research challenges, opportunities, existing and potential applications. Network architecture and the state‐of‐the‐art wireless sensor communication technologies and standards are explained. Hardware and software of the existing systems are also clarified.

Findings

Existing applications and systems are presented along with their advantages and disadvantages. A comparison landscape and open research issues are also presented.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive and recent review of WSN systems for SHM applications along with open research issues.
United Arab Emirates female entrepreneurs: motivations and frustrations
Authors: Itani Hanifa , Sidani Yusuf M. , Baalbaki Imad
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to summarize the results of a study assessing the status of United Arab Emirates (UAE) female entrepreneurs and attempts to sketch the pattern of the UAE female entrepreneur. It aims to draw a profile of typical UAE women entrepreneurs and their characteristics, outline the makeup of their entrepreneurial businesses, identify some barriers that women face at the startup stage, and in addition – their entrepreneurial motivations and driving forces, satisfactions and frustrations.

Design/methodology/approach

An interview‐based qualitative method was used. Structured interviews were conducted with 16 women entrepreneurs over a two‐month period. The contents of the interviews were analyzed and recurring themes were identified and highlighted.

Findings

The interviewed women seem to experience no conflicts between their entrepreneurial life and their personal, family, social, leisure, and friendship lives. However, although satisfied from being in business, they face some barriers at the startup of their venture, emanating mainly from the lack of support, society and traditions, and personal and family reasons.

Practical implications

There is a need to establish an appropriate institutional framework in collaboration with the supporters of UAE women entrepreneurs to identify business opportunities available for women and develop adequate financial and management training.

Originality/value

This study opens a window into an area of the world that has seldom been addressed before.
Gender and investment climate reform assessment in the Pacific region
Authors: Zamberi Ahmad Syed
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an account of gender and investment climate reform in the Pacific region.

Design/methodology/approach

This six‐country research studies face‐to‐face interviews with a variety of stakeholders including: private sector representative bodies; private sector operators; banks and micro‐credit institutions; lawyers; civil society; government departments and bodies; and donors in Papua New Guinea, Timor‐Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa.

Findings

The findings recognised the solutions identified to address gender‐based investment climate barriers which constrain women's economic empowerment in six Pacific nations.

Practical implications

This research offers valuable practical insights for policy makers, the judiciaries, the private sectors, women's business organizations, and financial institutions.

Originality/value

The paper offers an unprecedented level of new information about gender and investment climate reform in the Pacific region.
Ethics and corporate social responsibility integrated into knowledge management and innovation technology
Authors: Guadamillas‐Gómez Fátima , Donate‐Manzanares Mario J.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to offer an analysis of how firms could integrate ethical values and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives into its corporate and business strategies, especially in relation to its knowledge management (KM) strategy, technological innovation and human development.

Design/methodology/approach

A model for the “strategization” of ethics and CSR – i.e. their integration into a firm's strategies – is put forward in this paper. In addition, this model is evaluated through a case study of a Spanish innovative company, Indra. Data were generated based on interviews with various managers involved in the development of CSR, KM and corporate strategies.

Findings

The paper provides evidence of the efforts this company is making in order to connect CSR initiatives with competitive advantage through the development of intangible assets such as human capital and innovation capacity, for which KM is an essential tool.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is limited to one company in order to go deeper into the “strategization” of CSR process. Future studies will focus on a larger and more diverse sample of firms.

Practical implications

Important factors of influence, which have been observed in this process, have been extracted from the case study, such as the necessity of promoting the company's ethical principles through its corporate culture, the human resources practices which encourage the access to and the transfer of knowledge, and relationships with its stakeholders that allow the creation of knowledge, innovation and human development.

Originality/value

The paper provides a model of integration of ethics and CSR into the company's strategy through four stages: establishment of CSR vision, diagnosis of CSR problems, development plan of CSR development, and communication. This model can provide a roadmap for managers in other firms in order to formulate and implement a CSR plan in accordance with the company's strategies and mission.
Humanistic corporate community involvement: Walgreens/MEF One‐On‐One program
Authors: Melé Domènec , Mammoser Thomas L.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss a humanistic perspective on corporate community involvement (CCI), proposing the concept of humanistic corporate community involvement (HCCI). This concept is illustrated through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The understanding of humanism applied is one drawn from Catholic social teaching. The case has been developed from the personal experience of one of the authors (Mammoser), enriched with interviews and reports, along with some public information, which helps to understand the socio‐cultural context.

Findings

HCCI is defined by four characteristics: recognizing and respecting human dignity and rights, fostering integral human development, acting virtuously; this means that the social actions included in CCI have the direct motive of doing good, and organizing social actions in accordance with both the Principle of Solidarity and the Principle of Subsidiarity. The specification of these characteristics can vary from one situation to another. Here we discuss a real case in which these characteristics underlie a successful project in the USA, jointly developed by the US company Walgreens and the Midtown Educational Foundation, a Chicago‐based NGO.

Research limitations/implications

The case study does not seek to suggest that this is the only way for CCI with a humanistic approach, but to shed light on and motivate other similar initiatives.

Practical implications

Findings provide new horizons to undertake CCI and a project, which could be included within the best practices in this field.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new approach to CCI based on a humanistic perspective, which enriches other approaches. In doing so, it does not consider such involvement as a means for public relations, reputation enhancement, and ultimately profits. It goes beyond a generic contribution to public good, or of a fair return to society for what a company has received from it. Integral human development of individuals and communities is its goal.
Managing effectiveness and efficiency through FM blueprinting
Authors: Coenen Christian , von Felten Daniel , Schmid Mirjam
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the specifics of facilities management (FM) process modelling and the application of the service blueprinting technique within the field of FM. The paper aims to develop a visualisation method for optimised management of process interfaces to better integrate core and support processes and increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive overview of general management literature about process management issues in FM, certain challenges and requirements of FM process modelling are presented and discussed. Service blueprinting, a technique known from services marketing, is introduced and characterised in detail. Subsequently, the application of blueprinting within the FM sector is discussed and the specifics of FM blueprinting are presented. A qualitative case‐based research in the health‐care sector was conducted to provide a practical insight into this technique.

Findings

The paper argues that the implementation of FM blueprinting gives management the opportunity of improving process steps and dependent interrelationships between core and support processes. The insights not only apply to the field of management, but can also readily be used for operations.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new process modelling method that supports the customer‐oriented perspective within FM and facilitates the visualisation of simultaneous complex process networks within core and support businesses. The paper introduces the possibility of including measures to achieve effectiveness and efficiency within one single process visualisation.