bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of resource‐based view in industrial cluster strategic analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Wilk Eduardo , Evaldo Fensterseifer Jaime
Published: August 2003

The resource‐based view of the firm has recently emerged as a new paradigm in strategic analysis. According to this view, firms are heterogeneous collections of resources that lead them to distinct market performance. This paper uses this approach not to analyse an individual firm but a cluster of firms, whose competitiveness depends not only on their individual resources and capabilities but also on those shared by the cluster as a whole. The analysis was developed for a wine cluster located in southern Brazil. The main objective was the identification of the resources and capabilities shared by the cluster in its effort to formulate sustainable competitive strategies. The research method employed combined the techniques of cognitive mapping analysis with the theoretical basis of the resource‐based view approach. The results of the study produced a significant improvement in managers’ and strategists’ perceptions about the competitive potential of the cluster.
A real options approach to managing resources and capabilities
Authors: Pandza Krsto , Horsburgh Stuart , Gorton Kevin , Polajnar Andrej
Published: August 2003

The resource‐based view (RBV) and the dynamic‐capabilities approach (DCA) have emerged as two important frameworks in strategic management that seek to explain why firms are different. In recent years operations management scholars have sought to integrate both RBV and DCA within the field's epistemological orientation to provide normative frameworks for practising managers. This paper argues that the structure of resources and capabilities are such that they present impediments to normative prescriptions. Using ideas from complex systems it argues that any framework for thinking about resource accumulation and capability development must take account of uncertainty and knowledge imperfections in the system. The paper contends that the real options framework is an appropriate heuristic for managing the process of capability development and a case study of a manufacturing operation is used to illustrate our ideas.
Organizing new product development
Authors: Becker Markus C. , Zirpoli Francesco
Published: August 2003

The paper analyses the organization of the new product development process at FIAT from a resource‐based perspective. The focus is on organizational resources for integrating dispersed specialist knowledge required in the development of complex products. The analysis shows how the application of a resource‐based perspective is able to uncover negative long‐term effects of outsourcing on the knowledge base (hollowing out), despite beneficial short‐term effects on cost.
An exploratory analysis of resource utilization across organizational units
Authors: Miller Stewart R. , Ross Anthony D.
Published: August 2003

This study explores the applicability of the resource‐based view at the organizational unit level by investigating why resource utilization, as measured by efficiency, might differ within a firm. Using a downstream petroleum firm as the context for this study, the data envelopment analysis framework is applied to examine resource input congestion of its DCs (i.e. distribution centers). The study also provides a more granular analysis by decomposing distribution efficiency into managerial, scale, and programmatic efficiency, and examines the impact of corporate‐level decision making by including non‐discretionary variables. The analysis identifies opportunities to improve efficiency at the organizational unit level, using alternative views of the operational problem. The approach also provides practicing managers with an objective means to evaluate performance at the level of the organizational unit. Both the efficiency view and the managerial performance view are discussed simultaneously from a strategic view of firm resources.
Supply‐chain linkages and operational performance
Authors: Rungtusanatham M. , Salvador F. , Forza C. , Choi T.Y.
Published: August 2003

In order to improve performance at the operational level, more and more firms are developing explicit linkages with suppliers and with customers. While the question of “what beneficial impact do linkages with suppliers and with customers have for a firm” has been addressed in numerous studies, the equally important question of “why” this beneficial impact arises deserves further discourse and explication. This paper borrows and applies the Resource‐Based View of the Firm, a theoretical perspective prevalent in the strategic management literature, to develop a conceptual framework to describe, explain, and predict the advantages of a firm's linkages with entities in its supply chain on its internal operations. The proposed framework can be used to justify decisions to develop, strengthen, and protect relationships with suppliers on the upstream side and with customers on the downstream side. The framework can also be used to evaluate practices implemented to link a firm to its suppliers and customers and to provide a decision roadmap for firms to better understand how to maximize operational performance benefits from these supply chain linkages.
Moral sentiments and equilibrium moral codes
Authors: Lim Chin
Published: September 2003

This paper shows that the consistent way of modeling sentiment‐driven moral behaviors in a setting of social interaction is to derive the equilibrium moral code that is mutually consistent with the optimal moral behavior of each player. To do this, it is necessary that moral sentiments be introduced explicitly into the utility function so that an individual could choose the optimal moral behavior that balances his/her narrow self‐interest against the avoidance of moral dissonance. It then demonstrates how the various equilibrium moral codes are derived from the key moral sentiments of love, guilt and envy.
Management organisational history – a military lesson?
Authors: Talbot Philip A.
Published: August 2003

Offers an alternative explanation for the development and creation of industrial and post‐industrial organisational forms derived from military models. Organisation as history suggests that the military model was the only available and proven structure capable of coping with the industrial age. Suggests flexible military structures presaged contemporary flexible management and organisational structures. Management and organisational semantics betray martial origins. The past shapes the present and influences the future – professional managers need to understand their professional heritage.
Perceptions/comparisons: voluntary and mandatory pre‐employment government training
Authors: Dorothy Yardley Sandra
Published: August 2003

This paper reports a study comparing perceptions, attitudes and job outcomes of participants whilst attending pre‐employment government training. Carried out so that tutors may gain a better understanding of client need in the Greater Manchester area 1999/2000, the focus of discussion was based on Jobclub and Work Based Training as voluntary training and Jobplan and New Deal 18‐24, which are mandatory. The qualitative study sought to explore and address whether gender, age, health, previous qualification or course content had any bearing on results. Study found that respondents on Jobclub and Work Based Training perceived their courses in a mostly positive light and attitudes were favourable. Consequently these clients gained more jobs than mandatory referrals. New Deal trainees were the least positive and gained fewer jobs. These noted attitudes will serve to provide guidance for tutors when developing the structure and content of future training schemes.
The challenge of the age and competency structure in industry for innovations and human resource policy
Authors: Kröll Martin
Published: August 2003

The central focus of this paper is an analysis of the weaknesses of the current structural options that aim to allow older employees to continue working. The point of departure of the analysis is a reappraisal of the questions arising from the employment of older people in the internal and external labour market in Germany. In the course of the investigation it shall become clear that competencies, or rather, the lifelong development of competencies, constitute the key problem in laying the foundations for the further employment of older workers. There is however insufficient data in this field of research, since other than formal qualifications scarcely any information about employees’ skills is available. Particularly in the case of those over the age of 45, one simply “fumbles about in the dark”. When comparing the various structural options (e.g. part‐time work for older people, teamwork, HR planning for the future, etc.) competency development assumes a decisive role. Yet management of competency development in the technocratic sense proves unsuited to meet the requirements for the further employment of older employees. The organisation of competency development should rather be conceptualised as originating from the particular self‐regulating processes and mechanisms in question and should simultaneously be integrated into the company’s human resource and organisational development.
Technology skills supply in Ireland: implications for industry and policy makers
Authors: Eade Fiona
Published: August 2003

Ireland is increasingly becoming a knowledge economy and demands for technology skills are important requirements in this new environment. This study aimed to examine the strategic initiatives and corresponding changes in recruitment practices necessitated by the lack of availability of technology skills. The methodological strategy employed in this study involved detailed interviews with policy makers, including An Tanaiste and the Chairman of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The main conclusions of the study, in relation to the response of Irish policy makers, highlight the importance of establishing a partnership approach and attracting world‐class skills to the country from abroad. The recommendations relate to an increased need for improved awareness of the upskilling process at both industry and national levels.
Using OAI: innovations in the sharing of information
Authors: Cole Timothy W.
Published: August 2003

The tradition of union catalogs and similar broad‐based, comprehensive bibliographic utilities and tools is one of long standing in the discipline of librarianship. As we move towards greater reliance on digital primary sources, the sharing of information about what we hold in our digital collections intuitively seems of increasing import and value as a way to organize and manage the explosion of online information resources. The Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting enables effective and efficient sharing of digital metadata and is being utilized across a wide spectrum of disciplines and digital library projects. Experience to date gives reason for optimism and provides evidence and confirmation that, even as the technologies we use evolve, the intellectual framework of our tradition persists and continues to be relevant.
E‐prints and the Open Archives Initiative
Authors: Warner Simeon
Published: August 2003

The Open Archives Initiative (OAI) was created as a practical way to promote interoperability between e‐print repositories. Although the scope of the OAI has been broadened, e‐print repositories still represent a significant fraction of OAI data providers. This article presents a brief survey of OAI e‐print repositories, and of services using metadata harvested from e‐print repositories using the OAI protocol for metadata harvesting (OAI‐PMH). It then discusses several situations where metadata harvesting may be used to further improve the utility of e‐print archives as a component of the scholarly communication infrastructure.
Harvesting cultural heritage metadata using the OAI Protocol
Authors: Shreeves Sarah L. , Kaczmarek Joanne S. , Cole Timothy W.
Published: August 2003

In July of 2001, with funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign undertook a project to test the efficacy of using the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting to construct a search and discovery service focused on information resources in the domain of cultural heritage. To date, the Illinois project has indexed over two million Dublin Core metadata records contributed by 39 metadata repositories in the museum, academic library, and digital library project communities. These records describe a mix of digital and analog primary content. Our analysis of these metadata records demonstrates wide divergence in descriptive metadata practices and the use and interpretation of Dublin Core metadata elements. Differences are particularly notable by community. This article provides an overview of the Illinois project, presents quantitative data about divergent metadata practices and element usage patterns, and details implications for metadata providers and harvesting services.
OAIster: a “no dead ends” OAI service provider
Authors: Hagedorn Kat
Published: August 2003

OAIster, at the University of Michigan, University Libraries, Digital Library Production Service (DLPS), is an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant‐funded project designed to test the feasibility of using the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI‐PMH) to harvest digital object metadata from multiple and varied digital object repositories and develop a service to allow end‐users to access that metadata. This article describes in‐depth the development of our system to harvest, store, transform the metadata into Digital Library eXtension Service (DLXS) Bibliographic Class format, build indexes and make the metadata searchable through an interface using the XPAT search engine. Results of the testing of our service and statistics on usage are reported, as well as the issues that we have encountered during our harvesting and transformation operations. The article closes by discussing the future improvements and potential of OAIster and the OAI‐PMH protocol.
The Metascholar Initiative: AmericanSouth.Org and MetaArchive.Org
Authors: Halbert Martin
Published: August 2003

The MetaScholar Initiative is a collaborative endeavor to explore the feasibility and utility of scholarly portal services developed in conjunction with Open Archives Initiative (OAI) metadata harvesting technologies. The MetaScholar Initiative comprises two projects, the MetaArchive and AmericanSouth projects, both funded by grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation totaling $600,000. These two projects have created two metadata aggregation networks connecting some 24 libraries, archives, museums, and electronic text centers. Each network has an associated portal being created under the guidance of teams composed of scholars, librarians, archivists, and technologists. The MetaScholar Initiative is studying issues such as metadata normalization, alternative forms of scholarly communication through portals, and the process of facilitating smaller archival institutions in providing better access to their collections through the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI‐PMH). The MetaScholar Initiative is based at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reengineering archival access through the OAI protocols
Authors: Prom Christopher J.
Published: August 2003

The Open Archives Initiative (OAI) Protocol for Metadata Harvesting presents one promising method by which metadata regarding archives and manuscripts can be shared and made more interoperable with metadata from other sources. Against the background of archival descriptive theory and practice, this article outlines a method for exposing deep, hierarchical metadata from encoded archival description (EAD) files and assesses some theoretical and practical issues that will need to be confronted by institutions choosing to provide or harvest OAI records generated from EAD files. Using OAI on top of existing EAD implementations would allow institutions to repurpose their data and potentially reach more users but would also accelerate the process of reengineering archival access mechanisms. Archivists and technologists using OAI with EAD must pay careful attention to the necessity of preserving archival context and provenance.
Building an Open Language Archives Community on the OAI foundation
Authors: Simons Gary , Bird Steven
Published: August 2003

The Open Language Archives Community (OLAC) is an international partnership of institutions and individuals who are creating a worldwide virtual library of language resources. The Dublin Core (DC) Element Set and the OAI Protocol have provided a solid foundation for the OLAC framework. However, we need more precision in community‐specific aspects of resource description than is offered by DC. Furthermore, many of the institutions and individuals who might participate in OLAC do not have the technical resources to support the OAI protocol. This paper presents our solutions to these two problems.
Leveraging OAI harvesting to disseminate theses
Authors: Suleman Hussein , Fox Edward A.
Published: August 2003

NDLTD, the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, supports and encourages the production and archiving of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). While many current NDLTD member institutions and consortia have individual collections accessible online, there has until recently been no single mechanism to aggregate all ETDs to provide NDLTD‐wide services (e.g. searching). With the emergence of the Open Archives Initiative (OAI), that has changed. The OAI’s Protocol for Metadata Harvesting is a robust interoperability solution that defines a standard method of exchanging metadata. While working with the OAI to develop and test the metadata harvesting standard, we have set up and actively maintain a central NDLTD metadata collection and multiple user portals. We discuss in this article our experiences in building this distributed digital library based upon the work of the OAI.
A case study in metadata harvesting: the NSDL
Authors: Arms William Y. , Dushay Naomi , Fulker Dave , Lagoze Carl
Published: August 2003

This paper describes the use of the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting in the NSF’s National Science Digital Library (NSDL). The protocol is used both as a method to ingest metadata into a central Metadata Repository and also as the means by which the repository exports metadata to service providers. The NSDL Search Service is used to illustrate this architecture. An early version of the Metadata Repository was an alpha test site for version 1 of the protocol and the production repository was a beta test site for version 2. This paper describes the implementation experience and early practical tests. Despite some teething troubles and the long‐term difficulties of semantic compatibility, the overall conclusion is optimism that the Open Archive Initiative will be a successful part of the NSDL.
XML to the desktop
Authors: Wusteman Judith
Published: August 2003

Now that XML is five years old, is it time for e‐libraries to start exploiting its full potential by delivering it to the end user rather than converting it to HTML first? What, if any, would be the advantages to users and providers? Could browsers cope? And is it worth the bother?
Library facility planning – the consultant’s view: a chat with Andrea Michaels
Authors: Boone Morell D.
Published: August 2003

Deciding if and when to add an external library building design consultant to a library facilities planning team is often crucial to the successful completion of building projects. Sometimes, planners only require a consultant who knows the overall elements while in other instances individuals with particular space planning skills and an in‐depth understanding of library operations and building requirements are necessary … Andrea A. Michaels, President of Michaels Associates Design Consultants, Inc., talked with the author at length about her role in enabling library planners to reach their goals and objectives in designing or re‐designing library buildings to strike an appropriate balance between meeting current demands and allowing for space, furnishing and equipment adaptability to accept desired changes gracefully.
Copyright in a networked world: digital distance education
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: August 2003

Internet‐based distance education has become big business for both universities and the commercial world. The new TEACH Act was intended to make US copyright law friendlier toward Internet‐based distance education. In fact it hedges the privileges it grants with a host of exclusions and restrictions. The Act’s promotion of technological protections could have international consequences that further restrict access to digital works.
Available and useful: OAI at the Library of Congress
Authors: Arms Caroline R.
Published: August 2003

The Library of Congress (LC) was an early adopter of the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting. The protocol allows LC to make digitized historical collections available for integration into other services. The protocol was straightforward to implement and the harvesting traffic has no perceptible effect on the primary users of the American Memory project. Now that services can integrate records for cultural heritage resources from many sources, it is time to build on that experience to develop better services. How should the scarce resources available to produce metadata be deployed to most advantage to support discovery in different contexts? How might metadata harvesting be exploited to support new interfaces and enhanced navigation among related resources in digital libraries? This article starts a conversation between metadata providers and service builders by describing LC’s experience and questions that have surfaced.
Middle‐range theory construction of the dynamics of organizational marketing‐buying behavior
Authors: Woodside Arch G.
Published: August 2003

Given that planned marketing strategies and observable behaviors often are contingent on buyer and third‐party (e.g. competitor) responses, deep understanding and descriptions of the thoughts and actions of marketers need to reflect the dynamic interplay of such contingencies. The same view applies to planned organizational buying strategies and observable behaviors: buying behavior adapts through time based on information learned and marketers’ responses to requests made by the customer organization. Consequently, a two‐way, or multiple‐party, approach to theory construction is useful in particular for mapping the “if‐then” responses of the marketer’s thoughts/actions linked with the if‐then responses of buyers’ thoughts/actions through several time periods. Using in‐depth interviews and case histories of one marketing organization and 28 buying organizations related to the office furniture industry, the article illustrates descriptive modeling of the contingency dynamics in the thoughts and actions across the multiple parties involved in marketing‐buying interactions.
Creating a partnership‐oriented, knowledge creation culture in strategic sales alliances: a conceptual framework
Authors: Jones Eli , Chonko Lawrence B. , Roberts James A.
Published: August 2003

Learning is at the crux of strategic alliance success today. The notion that alliances produce synergy implicitly means that alliance partners and employees must learn from the new environment created by the joining of two or more companies. Often, the sales force is overlooked in academic research concerning alliances. This is unfortunate, because the sales force is the “eyes and ears” for the alliance partners and can facilitate the learning process. Proposes a conceptual framework that captures learning at the interorganizational and individual salesperson levels. The research adds to the growing interest in organizational learning and strategic alliances, and it creates the groundwork for an interorganizational learning theory concerning the blending of two or more sales organizations.
The influence of adaptations, trust, and commitment on value‐creating functions of customer relationships
Authors: Walter Achim , Ritter Thomas
Published: August 2003

Suppliers do not only maintain relationships with customers for the customers’ benefits but also for their own sake. Various important value‐creating functions of business relationships with customers have been identified in the past. However, the preconditions of this inter‐organizational value‐creation have not been addressed in depth. Drawing upon a database of over 200 customer‐supplier relationships, adaptations, trust and commitment are identified as key drivers for value creation. The results of this study have considerable consequences for the management of inter‐organizational relationships and networks regarding the process of how value could be created in business markets.
Antecedents of survey response bias in business‐to‐business services
Authors: Sayrac Yaveroglu Idil , Donthu Naveen , Garcia Adriana
Published: August 2003

Using a large‐scale database of a major business services company, self‐reported usage volume data were compared with actual usage volume. Several business‐related factors were then examined in relation to the survey response bias. Survey response bias was found to be lower for clients that use the services more extensively, had been in business for a longer period of time, and have smaller number of employees. Survey response bias was also found to be lower when the level of involvement with the service (lower level of management in this study) was greater. Such response bias information would be useful for managers when making sales forecasts or market share estimations using survey responses.
Using online databases for developing prioritized sales leads
Authors: Dale Wilson R.
Published: August 2003

The current availability of online direct marketing databases provides numerous opportunities for marketing professionals to improve their marketing strategies and tactics. This paper illustrates how online “mailing file” data, formerly known simply as “mailing lists”, can be used to develop high‐quality sales leads. A set of procedures is presented that provides a way for sales managers to guide the company’s salesforce in seeking new customers. A case study is included that demonstrates how a company that competes in a high‐tech business‐to‐business market has developed and used sales leads that are highly targeted. In particular, the paper provides the results of an empirical study that uses a mailing file database as the starting point for developing a market segmentation approach to lead generation. Issues encountered in this type of research are identified, and suggestions are made for handing these issues.
The effect of successful trade show attendance on future show interest: exploring Japanese attendee perspectives of domestic and offshore international events
Authors: Smith Timothy M. , Hama Kazuyo , Smith Paul M.
Published: August 2003

Examines the attendance objectives of Japanese visitors for both a domestic (Japanese) and offshore (US) trade show, and explores the relationship between a successful trade show visit and future attendance intentions. Results suggest that attendees maintain very similar goals for international show attendance regardless of the show’s geographical location, but conceptualize successful trade show participation differently. Also demonstrates that successfully achieving different types of attendee objectives significantly increases attendees’ interest levels in future attendance at each of the two shows examined. Success in seeing products and trends at the domestic show was found to affect future show interest significantly. Whereas at the offshore US show, successful supplier interaction only affects interest when combined with seeing products and trends and gathering buying process information. These findings have strong implications for researchers investigating the relatively under‐studied issues of international buyer behavior at trade shows and practitioners involved in the organization of and exhibition at international events.
Electronic mail appraisal: a buyer and seller survey
Authors: Bean Cynthia J. , Boles James S. , Rodriguez Cano Cynthia
Published: August 2003

The communication environment for buyer‐seller interfaces is being transformed by a variety of new communication choices. The use of electronic mail in business today is especially prevalent. This investigation explores buyer and seller reactions to electronic mail use in buyer‐seller relationships. Two studies conducted explore themes perceived by buyers and sellers regarding electronic mail use. From in‐depth interviews of sellers, some initial themes are developed. Second, a survey from a sampling frame of business‐to‐business sales people and organizational buyers advances the questions of benefits and barriers perceived to be associated with electronic mail use from both the organizational buyer and seller perspectives. From a sample of 103 buyers and 107 sellers, questions are raised about the communicative and relationship aspects that potentially influence the buyer‐seller interface. Findings suggest sellers need to be attuned to individual buyers’ views in order to benefit from the new communication options regarding communication choices.
An exploratory investigation of the relationship between ethical conflict and salesperson performance
Authors: Schwepker Charles H.
Published: August 2003

This paper empirically examines the relationship between salespeople’s ethical conflict and their job performance. Results suggest that ethical conflict, resulting from an incongruence in ethical values between salespeople and their organizations’ top management, has a negative affect on one element of job performance, meeting sales objectives. Implications and directions for future research are provided.
The professional service encounter in the age of the Internet: an exploratory study
Authors: Hogg Gillian , Laing Angus , Winkelman Dan
Published: September 2003

This paper considers the impact of the Internet on professional services, which are characterised by high levels of interpersonal interaction and where a significant component of the service product is information and expertise. For such services the Internet is primarily an accessible information resource, which has potential to fundamentally change the way in which consumers interact with service providers. The context for the research is healthcare, a professional service that has traditionally been characterised by an information asymmetry that has rested power in the hands of the professional. Based on interviews with healthcare professionals, Web site hosts and consumers, this paper considers the way in which consumers use the Internet to educate themselves about their condition and the consequent effect on the service encounter and the doctor/patient relationship. The findings indicate that patients are increasingly engaging in virtual, parallel service encounters that change the nature of the primary encounter and present challenges to professionals both in terms of relationships and their professional judgement.
The effects of agile attributes on competitive priorities: a neural network approach
Authors: Ren J. , Yusuf Y.Y. , Burns N.D.
Published: August 2003

Considering the significance of organisational attributes and competitiveness, it is necessary to explore how the attributes affect enterprise competitive capabilities. This paper intends to identify the dominant and critical attributes with the greatest influence on each priority. The present research intends to identify the potential for the use of a neural network in the area where statistical modelling approaches have traditionally been used. A method of artificial neural network (ANN) has been proposed. For the ANN, capability of a multi‐layer perceptron with back propagation algorithm is made use of. The proposed network configured can detect, classify and estimate the extent of effects of agile attributes on competitive capabilities. The potential of the above approach is illustrated with an empirical study to show that a neural network approach is a very promising tool for the manufacturing enterprise design.
Multi‐user Internet environment for gear design optimization
Authors: Su Daizhong , Ji Shuyan , Amin Nariman , Hull J.B.
Published: August 2003

A Web‐based multi‐user system has been developed to remotely execute a large size software package via the Internet. The software implements a genetic algorithm to optimize the design of spur and helical gears. To accomplish this, a combination of HTML, Java servlets, Java applets, Java Script and HTTP protocol has been employed.
Condition monitoring of power plants through the Internet
Authors: Rao J.S. , Zubair M. , Rao C.
Published: August 2003

Condition monitoring is an important aspect of the maintenance program for rotating machines. The vibration signature is usually analyzed to perform diagnostics of the health of the machine. The data acquisition and analysis were cumbersome in the analog era and dedicated instruments were required and the diagnostics was usually a laboratory‐based exercise and time consuming. With the advent of high‐speed microprocessors, the practice has completely changed. A modern continuous condition monitoring and diagnostics system is first described. With the recent advances in Internet‐based technologies, the condition monitoring procedures are poised for a quantum jump in the way the machines can be maintaned continuously on‐line at remote locations or checked through the Web for any faults. A specific example of the design of an Applet towards this goal is described in this paper.
A Web‐based agile system for rolling bearing design
Authors: Pan P.Y. , Cheng K. , Harrison D.K.
Published: August 2003

Rolling bearings are basic mechanical elements for supporting rotational and reciprocating motion in engineering products. Many approaches have been proposed by researchers in order to facilitate the procedure of bearing design, but mainly concentrating on the development of PC‐based systems or relative software packages.The authors present a novel approach to implementing a design support system for rolling bearings based on the World Wide Web so as to achieve agility in rolling bearing design. The system was developed based on the philosophy of agile manufacturing by integrating various information resources, artificial intelligence, and Web technology with expertise. This Web‐based distributed system will be globally accessible by the user on the Internet and can be automatically sized according to the demand of application requirements. The system implementation issues are discussed in detail in this paper.
Models and techniques of computer supported cooperative conceptual design
Authors: Shouqian Sun , Zongkai Lin
Published: August 2003

Conceptual design is important in that it determines the creativity of products, which is key to the competition of the product market and the function and cost of product are mainly determined in this phase. At the same time it is complex in that it involves the consideration of many different fields in the whole design process. Studying some computer supported cooperative techniques to support effective conceptual design activity is absolutely necessary. This paper presents the models and tools of computer supported cooperative conceptual design (CSCCD) which includes an auto‐resolving model, a human‐human interaction model, automatic cooperation tools and interactive cooperation tools. Experiments have been carried out in the conceptual design of a motorcycle to put the above theories into application.
Network support for integrated design
Authors: Su Daizhong , Chen Xiaoan
Published: August 2003

A framework of network support for utilization of integrated design over the Internet has been developed. The techniques presented are also applicable for intranet/extranet. The integrated design system was initially developed for local application in a single site. With the network support, geographically dispersed designers can collaborate a design task throughout the total design process, quickly respond to clients’ requests and enhance the design agility. In this paper, after a brief introduction of the integrated design system, the network support framework is presented, followed by a description of two key techniques involved: Java Servlet approach for remotely executing a large program, and online CAD collaboration.
Retail development and urban regeneration: a case study of Castle Vale
Authors: Mitchell Andrew , Kirkup Malcolm
Published: August 2003

Explores the role of retail development in urban regeneration. Focuses on Castle Vale in Birmingham and considers the benefits arising from new retail development, the challenges for retailers and lessons for the future marketing of deprived areas. Castle Vale is one of the best examples of public sector regeneration. Managed by a Housing Action Trust, the regeneration scheme sought to improve housing, improve the quality of life for residents and work with the community to achieve positive change. A key retail element focused on the redevelopment of a run‐down shopping centre and the attraction of new tenants. The Castle Vale story demonstrates how obstacles can be overcome through the application of effective organisation, consultation, partnerships and marketing principles, and the importance of creating (or re‐creating) a positive image for an area (and its community) to attract retail investment. Draws on in‐depth interviews with key managers and stakeholders associated with the Castle Vale project.
Unjust des(s)erts: food retailing and neighbourhood health in Sandwell
Authors: Rex David , Blair Angela
Published: August 2003

Describes the context, motivation and findings of health sector‐led research into food retailing in an urban conurbation with significant levels of deprivation and a poor health record. The research involved the systematic collection of price and availability data for a wide range of foods. Maps were constructed showing access to different types of food within walking distance. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 175 shopkeepers to explore some of the factors affecting the viability of their business and their capacity to stock “healthier foods”. The social, economic, environmental and health‐related implications of these findings, and the limitations of current “food access solutions”, are discussed. It is argued that the quality of local neighbourhood food retailing should be a key indicator of, and a priority for, regeneration. The paper finishes with some recommendations for action and a vision for the future.
Business improvement districts: an opportunity for SME retailing
Authors: Hogg Sophie , Medway Dominic , Warnaby Gary
Published: August 2003

This article considers the implications of the introduction of legislation enabling the creation of the US concept of business improvement districts (BIDs) into the UK. Based on the US experience, it can be argued that local networks of small and medium‐sized retailers can benefit from establishing a BID in their immediate locale. A number of critical success factors for such BIDs are identified. These include strong leadership, a genuine desire for change, clarity of objectives and support from the local authority. The article concludes with a discussion of the advantages (and potential problem areas) of such localised SME retailer‐led BIDs.
Learning by stealth: introducing smaller retailers to the benefits of training and education in Barnet
Authors: Parker Cathy , Anthony‐Winter Tracey , Tabernacle David
Published: August 2003

For many years, education providers and government‐led business support initiatives have tried to penetrate the SME retail sector, to facilitate an improvement in owner/manager skills and business development. In their study of training and support available to the SME sector, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School identify that previous attempts to involve the SME retail sector in education, learning or training have often been too structured, bureaucratic or time‐consuming. In sharp contrast with the experience of others, Barnet College Business Enterprise Department (BCBED) has drawn together a programme of activity that not only is appealing to small retailers, but also meets their needs in terms of business development. Explores the development of the local retail club model and the “learning by stealth” philosophy BCBED have adopted. A more in‐depth understanding of its implementation will enable those who are interested in supporting the SME retail sector to learn from its success.
Pricing store brands across categories and retailers
Authors: Sheinin Daniel A. , Wagner Janet
Published: August 2003

As sales of store brands increase, retailers are shifting their store branding strategies by raising store brand prices, extending their store brand assortments to high‐risk categories, and marketing store brands in high retail image formats. The purpose of the research is to explore the effects of these changes on consumers’ judgments of store brands. The conceptual framework is derived from pricing, prospect, and information processing theories. It is tested in two experiments. The study finds that consumers’ use of price information varies by decision‐making context. In particular, price‐based effects for store brands are moderated by the contextual factors of category risk and retail image.
Performance consequences of brand equity management: evidence from organizations in the value chain
Authors: Baldauf Artur , Cravens Karen S. , Binder Gudrun
Published: August 2003

Evaluating the consequences of brand equity management is one of the most important measurement issues for intangible assets in the new economy. Studies have validated the effect of brand equity on the value of the firm and addressed the capital market effects of intangible associations such as brand value. Yet, there is not sufficient evidence on which dimensions of brand equity should be measured and monitored to support financial performance. Using regression analysis on a sample of managers in Austrian organizations, this study investigates the effect of perceived brand equity on brand profitability, brand sales volume, and perceived customer value. Results indicate strong support for measures of perceived quality, brand loyalty, and brand awareness as antecedents of firm performance, customer value and willingness to buy.
A note on the effect of brand image on sales
Authors: Ataman Berk , Ülengin Burç
Published: August 2003

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the sales volume of a firm and its brand image. Consumers’ self‐perception and perception of brand image, with respect to congruency models, have a strong influence on their behavior in the marketplace. Therefore it is expected that the fluctuations (the authors use fluctuation and variation interchangeably) in image attributes will explain the fluctuations in sales figures. In order to test this hypothesis, consecutive surveys were carried out, on a monthly basis to collect image data. Factor analysis was performed on the image attributes over time and three main image factors were attained. To determine the net effect of image attributes on sales, multiple regression analysis was performed, using the time series data, and all three image factors were found to be significant in the model.
Involvement, cognitive development and socialization: three antecedents of the child’s cents‐off sensitivity
Authors: Muratore Isabelle
Published: August 2003

The main purpose of this article is to get a better understanding of the child’s cents‐off sensitivity and his brand sensitivity in influence situations. This study, carried out on 702 parents and 702 children, underlines the important influence of the child’s product involvement on his cents‐off sensitivity and on his brand sensitivity. Moreover, this research shows the non‐linear influence of the child’s cognitive development on his cents‐off sensitivity as well as the role of parents’ socialization. Furthermore, it appears that the child’s cents‐off sensitivity shapes his brand sensitivity and his influence strategies.
Listening to consumers ... CARF Canada opens
Authors: Stavert Daniel , Boon Brian J.
Published: August 2003

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has experienced considerable market growth in recent years. Growth has occurred in the health care industry with exceptional growth occurring in the fields of persons with disabilities and children’s services. Expansion of their services beyond the American boarders has resulted in CARF accrediting organizations in Canada, Ireland and Sweden with active work occurring in Denmark, Finland, France, Scotland, Italy, England and Australia. In Canada, policy makers at all levels of government began demanding greater community involvement in consumer service delivery. Policy makers and consumers made it clear that a system of accountability needed to be incorporated to ensure quality of service. In order to address the resulting growth in Canada and listen to the needs of consumers it became apparent that a separate office was required to meet the unique needs of Canadians. CARF Canada was established to meet the needs.
The social determinants of the incidence and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: are we prepared to rethink our questions and redirect our research activities?
Authors: Raphael Dennis , Anstice Susan , Raine Kim , McGannon Kerry R. , Kamil Rizvi Syed , Yu Vanessa
Published: August 2003

This paper discusses the role played by social determinants of health in the incidence and management of type 2diabetes mellitus(diabetes) among vulnerable populations. This issue is especially important in light of recent data from Statistics Canada indicating that mortality rates from diabetes have been increasing among Canadians since the mid‐1980s, with increases being especially great among those living in low‐income communities. Diabetes therefore appears – like cardiovascular disease – to be an affliction more common among the poor and excluded. It also appears to be especially likely to afflict poor women. Yet we know little about how these social determinants of health influence diabetes incidence and management. What evidence is available is provided and the case is made that the crisis in diabetes requires new ways of thinking about this disease, its causes, and its management.
Collaborative approaches to management learning in small firms
Authors: Florén Henrik
Published: August 2003

The purpose of this paper is to describe how learning in collaborative approaches – in this paper labeled “collaborative approaches to management learning” (CAML) – can support the learning situation of small firm owner‐managers. Drawing on a socio‐cognitive learning framework, the context of the small firm and its consequences for management learning are framed and discussed. Drawing on four episodes of management learning in CAML, it is suggested that CAML establishes a new context in which old truths can be questioned and new insights can be created. In CAML the owner‐managers are offered a position on the periphery of practice of the other managers and other network visitors, where trust among the network participants provides the foundation for admitting and openly facing lack of knowledge on different issues, something that is prohibited within their enterprises, due to the lack of peers and expected omniscience of the owner‐manager.