bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Materials supply systems design in product development projects
Authors: Johansson Eva , Johansson Mats I.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research aims to develop a model for describing and analysing materials supply systems (MSSs) design in product development projects (PDPs).

Design/methodology/approach

Literature on materials supply and production systems design is reviewed in order to derive a MSSs design model. The model is applied to empirical data from a qualitative case study, which exemplifies how the model can serve to describe MSSs design in PDPs. Moreover, the model is used to analyse the empirical data related to the focus and characteristics of the design issues.

Findings

The model developed contains six areas: materials feeding, storage, transportation, handling, packaging, and manufacturing planning and control at four levels: supply chain, plant, sub‐unit, and utility.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could complement the model by developing a design process to enable systematic design of the MSS as well as the integration of materials supply aspects at an early stage of PDPs. Such a design process should also consider the design of the flows of specific components.

Practical implications

The importance of considering the relationships between the six design areas as well as evaluating the whole MSS is highlighted.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the materials supply aspects dealt with in PDPs, which have been the subject of little research interest so far, despite the fact that extensive resources are required for materials supply activities.
Implementation of patient safety initiatives in US hospitals
Authors: McFadden Kathleen L. , Stock Gregory N. , Gowen Charles R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of patient safety initiatives (PSIs) at the US hospitals. These PSIs include such approaches as open discussion of errors, education and training, and system redesign. In particular, the paper seeks to examine factors that influence the implementation of PSIs as well as the benefits realized from their implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the TQM and medical safety literatures to develop a conceptual framework for improving patient safety. Extensive survey data were gathered from 252 hospitals throughout the US to test McFadden et al.'s model of the factors influencing successful implementation of PSIs.

Findings

Certain barriers (lack of top management support, lack of resources, lack of incentives and lack of knowledge) significantly impeded implementation while other factors (perceived importance of PSIs) facilitated implementation. It was also found that implementation of PSIs was associated with benefits to the hospital in areas such as medical error reduction, cost reduction, and patient satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a single respondent represents a possible limitation. Future research will explore organizational culture and its relationship to patient safety.

Practical implications

The findings provide direction for implementing more effective PSIs at hospitals.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on patient safety and medical errors by testing specific mechanisms that are associated with successful implementation of PSIs.
An introduction to radio frequency identification (RFID) methods and solutions
Authors: Ranky Paul G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce some of the most important engineering, and information systems management principles and challenges, that radio frequency identification (RFID) researchers, implementers and users should keep in mind when developing such systems, and/or planning for such applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a general review of RFID systems.

Findings

RFID technologies with the appropriate IT infrastructure help both major distributors and manufacturers, as well as other logistics operations, such as the health‐care system, defense industries, and others, dealing with complex, global supply chains in which products and product shipments must be traced and identified in a non‐contact, wireless fashion using a computer network, because of cost, or security, or safety, or because parts are subject to corrosion, or food/medicine is subject to quality degradation, or other reasons. All of these requirements point to an automated, wireless‐readable sensory‐based identification method, and network, that offers more functionalities and is significantly “smarter” than the well known bar code or the unified product code. RFIDs are available as passive and/or active radio read/write sensor‐packages with active read (and often write) capabilities in relatively large areas (like a large distribution centre warehouse, or a containership), all performed automatically, supervised by computers and communicated in a wireless fashion over secure intranets. RFID represents great research, technology, as well as huge business opportunities.

Practical implications

RFID has the potential to change the way we do business all around the world. It is a huge challenge, not just because of the sophisticated sensor‐network technology, but also because of the vast systems integration and IT tasks ahead of us.

Originality/value

Reviews the current state‐of‐the‐art and future opportunities.
Assembly feature design in an augmented reality environment
Authors: Pang Yan , Nee Andrew Y.C. , Khim Ong Soh , Yuan Miaolong , Youcef‐Toumi Kamal
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to apply the augmented reality (AR) technology to assembly design in the early design stage. A proof‐of‐concept system with AR interface is developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Through AR interface, designers can design the assembly on the real assembly platform. The system helps users to design the assembly features to provide proper part‐part constraints in the early design stage. The virtual assembly features are rendered on the real assembly platform using AR registration techniques. The new evaluated assembly parts can be generated in the AR interface and assembled to assembly platform through assembly features. The model‐based collision detection technique is implemented for assembly constraint evaluation.

Findings

With AR interface, it would be possible to combine some of the benefits of both physical and virtual prototyping (VP). The AR environment can save a lot of computation resource compared to a totally virtual environment. Working on real assembly platform, designers have more realistic feel and the ability to design an assembly in a more intuitive way.

Research limitations/implications

More interaction tools need to be developed to support the complex assembly design efficiently.

Practical implications

The presented system encourages designers to consider the assembly issues in the early design stage. The primitive 3D models of assembly parts with proper part‐part constraints are generated using the system before doing detailed geometry design.

Originality/value

A new markerless registration approach for AR system is presented. This generic approach can be also used for other AR applications.
Line balancing and simulation of an automated production transfer line
Authors: Masood Syed
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper presents an investigation on the line balancing of an automated cylinder block production transfer line in order to reduce the total cycle time and increase machine utilization in an automotive plant. Results were verified by computer simulation, which showed increased throughput and higher machine utilization as a result of line balancing.

Design/methodology/approach

Three main operation lines of the transfer line were identified as critical and having the highest cycle time and were chosen for optimisation study. Strategies of re‐sequencing of existing operations and tools were used to reduce the cycle time of these critical operations and to balance the line. Results of a simulation study using Simul8 software are also presented to demonstrate the increase in machine utilisation and throughput as a result of line balancing.

Findings

Owing to line balancing, the cycle time of cylinder block line was reduced from 293.9 to 200 s, an almost 32 per cent reduction. This also resulted in increased throughput and machine utilisation. Throughput was increased by 65 per cent. Machine utilization was found to increase at all stations, with the highest increase at one station was recorded from 48 to 95 per cent due to balancing.

Originality/value

Introduces a new application to line balancing of automotive cylinder block production line. Demonstrates that effective strategies of re‐sequencing and changing of tools can lead to more balanced production line with increased throughput and higher machining utilisation, resulting in higher productivity.
A dual challenge facing management education
Authors: Moratis Lars , Hoff Jeroen , Reul Bert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In anticipation of the demands of its constituents, management schools have to deal with the dual challenge facing management education: the challenge of relevance, in particular to integrate the subject of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the management curriculum, and the challenge to develop and implement innovative learning methods for educating students. This article seeks to expound on these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first reflect on the imminent and essential need to pay attention to CSR, as driven by general trends and developments in the corporate context as well as by recent business scandals. The uses, roles and functions of simulations are then reviewed, followed by a report of a project at Rotterdam University/HES, a Dutch university of professional education, that aimed to counter both identified challenges. This project involved two simulations in the field of CSR.

Findings

Recognizing the changes in this environment, opines that the school has to reconsider its approach to management education consequently if it wants to offer relevance to the communities the school serves. At the same time, the school has to explore new methods of learning that contribute to creating effective management learning environments. Simulations, particularly since they enable comprehensive learning, may offer a viable and fertile direction to achieving this objective. The conclusions drawn from this project and the project evaluations clearly support this.

Originality/value

Based on the experiences, the article identifies a number of conditions for the effective implementation of innovative educational projects, which include the school having a vision on CSR and displacing learning responsibilities.
Lakdinu Electronics Company: a teaching case on relevant costs in an outsourcing decision
Authors: Kanthi Herath Siriyama
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To increase students' knowledge of differential analysis and its application in an outsourcing decision.

Design/methodology/approach

A teaching case with practical implications was designed. Teaching notes are also included.

Findings

It is important to emphasize the importance of reporting for internal management purposes and the limitations of rule‐based financial reporting in managerial decision making. Understanding of the need for different information for different purposes is essential for business decision making. Any outsourcing decision should encompass both quantitative and qualitative factors.

Practical implications

Improves decision‐making process through an analysis of relevant costs in an outsourcing decision.

Originality/value

The article creates a practical approach for instructors to explain the use of differential analysis in outsourcing decisions.
Knowledge and perception of operation and maintenance practitioners in Hong Kong about sustainable buildings
Authors: Lai Joseph H.K. , Yik Francis W.H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To investigate the knowledge and perception of serving and prospective operation and maintenance (O&M) practitioners about the key aspects of sustainable buildings, and to study the contribution of the current education and training means to their knowledge level.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted on full‐time practitioners attending continuous professional development (CPD) courses related to building services engineering (BSE) or facilities management (FM); full‐time practitioners studying part‐time on undergraduate BSE/FM courses; and full‐time undergraduate BSE/FM students. A total of 168 responses were collected and analysed.

Findings

The respondents were largely unaware of the initiatives for promoting building environmental performance and sustainability. Their knowledge level about sustainable buildings was generally low and bore little correlation with their work experience, attendance to CPD training and undergraduate studies that they attended. Good O&M for buildings was perceived by both O&M practitioners and building designers to be highly relevant to sustainable buildings.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to study how the education and training means should be revamped and coordinated to tailor for the O&M practitioners. More stringent CPD requirements by relevant professional bodies would help motivate the practitioners to continuously acquire knowledge which is essential for making buildings sustainable.

Practical implications

The findings have unveiled the need for tailor‐made undergraduate and CPD training programmes to effectively enhance the knowledge of O&M practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper presents an unpopular but important research which uncovered the state of knowledge and perception of O&M practitioners, who play a crucial role in realizing the goal of sustainable buildings.
Strategic facilities management of Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Authors: Tay Linda
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight how facilities can enhance the strategic competitive position of a business organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods of investigation used in this study include observation, in‐depth interviews and secondary data.

Findings

This case study has shown that both hardware, i.e. facilities and software, i.e. business philosophy of the organisation are important to enhance its competitive position.

Research limitations/implications

This study has looked at only one case. Future research may use the same five‐force model to assess and determine the contribution of facilities to the competitive position of a business organisation.

Practical implications

This study hopes to create more awareness among senior management of the strategic importance of facilities to a business's bottom‐line.

Originality/value

Using a strategic management model, this paper illustrates the contribution of facilities management to the broader corporate goals.
Evaluating performance characteristics of electricity use of British historic buildings in Malaysia
Authors: Kamaruzzaman S.N. , Edwards R.E.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To present the findings of the investigation on the electricity use characteristics of British historic buildings in Malaysia, identifying where the design needs further modification as well as pin‐pointing recurring problems within this building type.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work was conducted on four British historical buildings by gathering electricity bills, original drawings/documents, meeting with the staff and local authorities to collect as much information as possible on the building, such as occupancy pattern. Based on materials collected, a “normalised“ calculated electricity consumption was established to allow comparison between buildings in different climatic regions or with different occupancy patterns.

Findings

Comparing energy consumption against established benchmarks provides the first indication of how well the buildings are performing and opportunities for improvement. It was expected that this study would give a good indication of the electricity consumption characteristics of historic buildings in Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

This work was done on historic buildings in Malaysia restricted to only British Colonial architectural buildings, which perhaps limits its application in the region. However, it may apply to other British architectural buildings elsewhere.

Practical implications

This provide useful information for architects, engineers as well as building owners on the current state of energy consumption apart from creating energy savings awareness.

Originality/value

It is expected that this study would give an initial benchmark of the electricity consumption characteristics of historic buildings in Malaysia as well as British colonial buildings elsewhere.
Good marketers know the score
Authors: McDonald Malcolm
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a rejoinder to Michael Thomas's Viewpoint, “The malpractice of marketing management”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a “comradely counterpoint” to Thomas's Viewpoint, discussing such topics as consumer sovereignty, marketing ethics, advertising, consumerism, distribution of wealth, and postmodernism.

Findings

Although Thomas warns that “management” does not necessarily mean “good management” or even “honest management”, and can be “mismanagement” in practice, the contention here is that successful marketers and marketing institutions have already absorbed the message, embraced the notion, and taken the steps.

Originality/value

The paper sets a welcome precedent: the right of any reader to pen a rejoinder to viewpoint commentaries.
An investigation of internet commodities exchange at ABC Food Markets
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed‐Mahmoud , Seyedian Mojtaba , Cimino Andrew , Garguiolo Frank R. , Hart Kevin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the business‐to‐business purchase and sale of supplies and services over the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

A case‐based research approach is used to evaluate the internet commodities exchange (ICE) system for ABC Food Markets, the largest grocery chains in Western New York. Two surveys were conducted to measure ICE quality. The first survey was created and sent out to 27 venders. The second survey was performed for 14 department managers that were using the system.

Findings

A set of future recommendations for the ICE system has been constructed based on the surveys.

Research limitations/implications

More data and information should be collected in any future research to investigate further the criteria developed in this paper.

Practical implications

The findings may be used to direct management teams in designing and implementing future generation of ICE.

Originality/value

The ICE system for ABC has been a technological breakthrough in the world of e‐procurement as a whole. Systems like ICE will be used in every business for all buying and selling purposes.
Balancing performance measures for information security management
Authors: Huang Shi‐Ming , Lee Chia‐Ling , Kao Ai‐Chin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide useful references for manufacturing industry which guide the linkage of business strategies and performance indicators for information security projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses balanced scorecard (BSC) framework to set up performance index for information security management in organizations. Moreover, BSC used is to strengthen the linkage between foundational performance indicators and progressive business strategy theme.

Findings

The general model of information security management builds the strategy map with 12 strategy themes and 35 key performance indicators are established. The development of strategy map also express how to link strategy themes to key performance indicators.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation of listed manufacturing companies in Taiwan may limit the application elsewhere.

Practical implications

Traditional performance measurement system like return on investment, sales growth is not enough to describe and manage intangible assets. This study based on BSC to measure information security management performance can provide the increasing value from improving measures and management insight in modern business.

Originality/value

This study combines the information security researches and organizational performance studies. The result helps organizations to assess values of information security projects and consider how to link projects performance to business strategies.
Postponement strategies through business process redesign in automotive manufacturing
Authors: Wadhwa S. , Bhoon K.S. , Chan F.T.S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To demonstrate how postponement strategy can be applied in an automotive company by using business process redesign in the knowledge innovation context.

Design/methodology/approach

A demonstrative case was developed using simulation of alternative scenarios of cycle service levels (CSL) and product flexibility, etc. to determine the value of postponement (VOP) in a manufacturing process integrated with a supply process.

Findings

It was shown that by managing the knowledge on existing processes and developing an innovative mindset for managers, it is possible to derive significant benefits by redesigning the processes. The financial benefits in terms of the VOP showed significant savings even at high service levels desired in automotive supply chains. The need to identify judicious level of flexibility to benefit from postponement strategy was observed to be important.

Research limitation/implications

A pragmatic data set reflecting the operating conditions was used to show the potential benefits. There is a need to generalize the results with alternative data sets. Additional research will be expedient to enrich some of the useful possibilities identified in this industry research effort.

Practical implications

Postponement strategies can offer significant benefits if the knowledge of existing supply chain and manufacturing processes is used to innovate new integrated process redesigns. These benefits may be usefully measured by the industrial managers as the VOP. The VOP is dependent on CSLs as well as the flexibility requirements due to the multiple automotive models.

Originality/value

In the knowledge and innovation context this is a useful industrial research effort in the organization to redesign the external (supply chain) processes with proper collaboration and redesign of the internal (manufacturing) processes leading to significant potential benefits as shown by the VOP under various scenarios.
Differential impacts of information technology on cost and revenue driver relationships in banking
Authors: Mistry Jamshed J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to utilize a cost and revenue driver model for commercial banking to examine the differential effects of the drivers within and between banking functions, and to examine the role of information technology (IT) in moderating the relationship between costs and cost drivers and revenue and revenue drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is estimated on a cross‐sectional sample of 121 banks from the functional cost and profit analysis data set collected by the Federal Reserve Banks. Multivariate regression analysis with interaction terms is utilized to examine the differential impact of IT in two contrasting banking functions.

Findings

The results document the role of transactional IT on the cost driver relationships in the labor cost models in both the demand deposit and commercial loan functions. The role of strategic IT in the revenue driver models is documented for the demand deposit function but not for the commercial loan function.

Research limitations/implications

Only two banking functions are selected. Expanding the model and testing it on other banking functions may be useful.

Practical implications

By disaggregating the IT variable and incorporating IT in a cost and revenue driver model managers can utilize the model to examine the impact of IT in banking.

Originality/value

A model that disaggregates the IT variable by allocating support costs to functions and delineates links between IT variables and cost and revenue drivers in banking.
Mass appraisal with genetic fuzzy rule‐based systems
Authors: Aurélio Stumpf González Marco , Torres Formoso Carlos
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The traditional models of real estate market have several sources of imprecision, such as transitions between submarkets, generating difficulties in property valuation. The purpose of this paper is to examine an alternative to improve mass appraisal models, using fuzzy rules.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy rule‐based systems (FRBS) are able to generate flexible systems and may be useful in considering vagueness or imprecision presents in real estate market. An application to the housing market of Porto Alegre (Brazil), with more than 30,000 apartments, transacted in 1998‐2001, illustrates the fuzzy system, comparing with traditional hedonic regression model.

Findings

The results have indicated the potential of fuzzy rules to use in mass appraisal.

Originality/value

This paper presents a procedure to develop mass appraisal models using FRBS.
Empowering Africa's development using ICT in a knowledge management approach
Authors: Jain Priti
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) using a knowledge management (KM) approach. The knowledge in the context of this paper refers to indigenous knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review.

Findings

The discussion suggests that, in spite of various infrastructural limitations in Africa, KM applications can still play a vital role in indigenous knowledge management and consequently empowering Africa's development.

Research limitations/implications

The major hindrance is the fact that Africa has thus far achieved little on its own; rather it has been emulating the progress made in the developed world. Because of this, there is a scarcity of in‐depth knowledge related to an African context. In truth, some areas in which ICT has the potential to change, pertaining to the economy and society, have not been observed in any way. More research is required to identify specific needs of a country.

Practical implications

The paper supposes that in spite of all these variations and implications KM can be adapted for indigenous knowledge. The paper contributes in terms of the literature review to showing how tacit knowledge can be managed using ICT. It can be useful for the researchers and knowledge workers. Recommendations are made concerning what needs to be done to improve ICT conditions in Africa such as: ICT policy formulation; literacy programs; legal and regulatory framework; manpower training; and empowerment of local people.

Originality/value

Little has been done in Africa to explore the potential of using ICT as a mechanism with a knowledge management approach, in the thrust of Africa's development. This paper proposes how it is possible to use ICT to manage and disseminate indigenous knowledge.
Developing indigenous knowledge databases in India
Authors: Kanaujia Sukula Shiva
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to reflect the information environment with emphasis on indigenous science and technology knowledge requirement in developing countries, particularly India.

Design/methodology/approach

Indigenous scientific/technical knowledge functions as a critical national resource for any developing country. Literature reflects need and provision of database services that can cater to indigenous knowledge.

Findings

The paper discusses nationally developed databases, various aspects related to initiation and creation of these databases in India. The objectives behind development of such databases and some factors such as indigenous knowledge need, strategic culture, managerial capability, technological thrust and organizational interest responsible for developing databases in India are highlighted. Other features such as quality assessment control and network‐based indigenous knowledge database access and information delivery are discussed. Current indigenous knowledge database activities, efforts of NISCAIR and NISSAT, are highlighted along with promotion and marketing of indigenous knowledge databases. Constraints to indigenous knowledge development in India are discussed. Some guidelines are given to keep balance in the collection and distribution of indigenous knowledge in the developing countries. The paper concludes with the idea of pacing in the right direction for developing balanced and information service‐oriented indigenous knowledge system.

Originality/value

The paper gives an overview of indigenous knowledge database development in India and is useful for librarians to discern the gradual change towards indigenous knowledge storage and to find out the information centers on a national level which can be helpful in indigenous knowledge database development in India.
Iceland: the story continues … of nation‐wide access to e‐journals
Authors: Gylfadottir Thora , Hlynsdottir Thorny
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to update an earlier study on the impact of nation‐wide access to 10,000 e‐journals in Iceland.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of usage from 2000 to June 2005 are analysed by publisher, user type and institution.

Findings

Growth of downloads continued to 2004 and peaked at almost half a million but appears to have levelled off in the first six months of 2005. Document supply continues to decline from its peak in 2000.

Originality/value

This is the first study that shows the impact of a large number of e‐journals being made available to the whole population of a country without restriction.
Estonian interlending and document supply: historical experience and today's reality
Authors: Lushchik Maria , Mikson Margit , Sikk Maiu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a factual but also light‐hearted historical description of interlending and document supply in Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides an informal discussion of interlending and document supply in Estonia.

Findings

The article finds that much has changed in interviewing and document supply in Estonia, since 1830 due to the disturbed history of the country

Originality/value

The article provides an easy to read description of document supply in Estonia – a country that has seen much turmoil in the last 100 years.
Consortial monograph interlending in the UK: a case study
Authors: Shoebridge Michele , Détraz Marie‐Pierre , Evans Jill
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to summarise the outcomes of the one‐year Monograph Interlending Project jointly funded by CURL and the British Library in 2004‐2005.

Design/methodology/approach

The article presents the main features of the BookNow model – a blueprint for a consortial monograph inter‐lending service, as developed by the Project, and discusses the issues it has brought to the fore.

Findings

The BookNow model, which was developed with a view to testing the viability of the BLDSC‐Plus option recommended by the 2003 consultancy report, Monograph Interlending for the Higher Education Research Community, is a radical and innovative customer‐focused system for the delivery of inter‐library loans (ILL) across the UK. However, initial business planning indicated a very high cost to both the British Library and higher education libraries, were the service to be developed. In addition it is unclear whether this level of investment is necessary within the context of more recent initiatives which are fundamentally transforming the library and information landscape, in particular, the Google digitisation programme and the potential for developing services based on revealing content through Amazoogle strategies. The Project has nevertheless highlighted a number of areas where CURL and the British Library could usefully work together and in cooperation with other partners within the library and information community to improve current ILL practices for the immediate future.

Originality/value

This is an original piece of research identifying ways of improving the delivery of ILL across the UK.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature – 54
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

Includes the reading of over 140 published works, including journals, monographs, reports and web sites.

Findings

Finds that usage statistics are still not giving a clear indication of the importance of document supply but it is confirmed that the large proportion of demand comes from a small number of titles. Institutional repositories are here to stay and expanding. Experience of e‐journals is appearing in the published literature with greater frequency with some interesting conclusions. Copyright and digital rights management (DRM) remain fraught areas.

Originality/value

Provides a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
Approximate confidence interval for the new extreme value distribution
Authors: Hurairah Ahmed , Akma Ibrahim Noor , Bin Daud Isa , Haron Kassim
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Exact confidence interval estimation for the new extreme value model is often impractical. This paper seeks to evaluate the accuracy of approximate confidence intervals for the two‐parameter new extreme value model.

Design/methodology/approach

The confidence intervals of the parameters of the new model based on likelihood ratio, Wald and Rao statistics are evaluated and compared through the simulation study. The criteria used in evaluating the confidence intervals are the attainment of the nominal error probability and the symmetry of lower and upper error probabilities.

Findings

This study substantiates the merits of the likelihood ratio, the Wald and the Rao statistics. The results indicate that the likelihood ratio‐based intervals perform much better than the Wald and Rao intervals.

Originality/value

Exact interval estimates for the new model are difficult to obtain. Consequently, large sample intervals based on the asymptotic maximum likelihood estimators have gained widespread use. Intervals based on inverting likelihood ratio, Rao and Wald statistics are rarely used in commercial packages. This paper shows that the likelihood ratio intervals are superior to intervals based on the Wald and the Rao statistics.
Understanding international web site usage
Authors: Singh Nitish , Fassott Georg , Chao Mike C.H. , Hoffmann Jonas A.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The technology acceptance model (TAM) has been one of the most influential theories in the information technology literature, but it has not been used in the marketing literature to understand consumer acceptance of international web sites. Thus, the purpose of this study is to use TAM to study international consumers' acceptance and use of MNEs web sites designed specifically for their country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies and extends the TAM to study the B2C international web sites of American and Japanese MNEs for Brazilian, German, and Taiwanese consumers. In total, there were 2,243 usable questionnaires and the structural equation modeling method was used to analyze the data.

Findings

This study provides strong support for the applicability of TAM in explaining international web site usage in Brazil, Germany, and Taiwan and shows that cultural adaptation is an important explanatory variable that should be included in the TAM when exploring cross‐cultural issues.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it not only extends the use of TAM to study user acceptance of international e‐commerce web sites, but also sees how the cultural adaptation of international web sites impacts the attitude and the purchase intention of consumers.
The application and use of the PAF quality costing model within a footwear company
Authors: Bamford David R. , Land Nicola
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an investigation into collection and measurement of cost of quality, explaining how this information was presented and used for business improvement in a footwear company.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research methodology was adopted. The research involved: review of available COQ literature; identification of cost categories; adoption and trial of cost collection systems.

Findings

Quality costing can only be used as a management tool if the data presented is both accurate and valid. This is limited by availability of required information and necessary expertise and resources to gather and analyse such information. Careful development of the cost model and a transparent, agreed methodology for employing it is essential.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology applied was appropriate, generating data to facilitate discussion and draw specific conclusions from. A perceived limitation is the single case approach; however, this can be enough to add to the body of knowledge.

Practical implications

Guidelines for quality cost collection and analysis are presented. The methodology developed is being used elsewhere within the same corporate group.

Originality/value

The paper describes how one company effectively used COQ to produce focused data for decision making. It demonstrates that COQ can focus efforts to improve business performance.
Determinants of environmentally responsible operations: a review
Authors: Fai Pun Kit
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the underlining needs for and determinants (factors, tools and methods) of environmentally responsible operations (EROs) and present some direction for work in the areas involving an environmental/quality/operations management interface.

Design/methodology/approach

Six typical ERO tools/methods are described, and the findings of a literature review, of selected journal articles on environmental management and related areas from 1994‐2003, are presented.

Findings

The review identifies 15 ERO factors under three groupings, namely policy, product/process, and performance evaluation. The relevance of these factors to the ERO tools/methods is also discussed. The findings are useful for implementing EROs and developing a paradigm for integrating environmental, quality and operations management in organisations.

Originality/value

The paper underlines the ERO potentials for environmental, quality and operations management interface and suggests the venues that warrant future work.
Measuring equity sensitivity
Authors: Foote David A. , Harmon Susan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the Equity Sensitivity Instrument (ESI) and the Equity Preference Questionnaire (EPQ) in a single study in order to see how the two measures are related, as well as how they relate to other variables, in an effort to identify which scale constitutes a better measure of the equity sensitivity construct.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self‐report questionnaire with two samples, 164 students and 186 non‐students, we analyzed the convergent and discriminant validity of the ESI and the EPQ with established measures of Machiavellianism and Positive Affect/Negative Affect. Additionally, the study examined the factor structures of the ESI and the EPQ.

Findings

The summated ESI and EPQ scales showed little correlation with each other. Factor analysis of the scales revealed that the EPQ was multidimensional, while the ESI was unidimensional. Mixed findings among factor correlations precluded a definitive assessment of convergent or discriminant validity for the two scales. Many studies limit their investigation to a single population – either students or the general population – yet this study found significant differences in students' scores when compared to non‐students' scores.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses a single self‐administered survey with two samples to examine equity sensitivity; as such, it suffers from the same potential for mono‐method bias as have previous studies on this topic. Differences between student and non‐student responses raise serious concerns; is the difference an artifact of flawed scales, is it indicative of a trait that is situational or that may evolve over time and experience, or is it the result of an anomalous sample? Additional research is needed to tease apart these issues.

Originality/value

This study highlights the differences between two scales purported to measure the same construct. The multidimensionality of the EPQ together with the lack of substantial correlation with the ESI lead one to conclude that the EPQ, while originally proposed to remedy problems with the ESI, has serious weaknesses itself. There is a critical need for further research on how to best measure this important construct.
A universalistic perspective for explaining the relationship between HRM practices and firm performance at different points in time
Authors: Tzafrir Shay S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

According to the universalistic perspective, organizations from different sectors, across industries, and through different time periods should use a series of select human resource management practices (HRMP). The main purpose of this paper is to investigates whether there is any difference in the relationship between HRMPs and organizational performance across time (stable or not).

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study are taken from two cross‐sectional surveys. The firms included in this research were selected from a sample of organizations from the public and private sectors based on firms that were included inDun's Guide, Israel 1995/6and1999/2000, theIsraeli Business Directory. In 1996, questionnaires were completed by 102 of the 230 designated companies. In 2000, using an identical sampling methodology and a similar questionnaire, the result was 104 useable responses of the 275 firms.

Findings

In general, results for both periods of time indicated that several HRMP contribute to enhanced organizational performance. Firms exhibited higher organizational performance when they treated their employees as assets and invested in their abilities, enhanced their power in the decision making process and used them as the main source for new employment.

Originality/value

From the theoretical perspective we suggest that researchers and HR managers have to take into account the culture context in each country when they try to export successful HRMP from one country to another. A major practical contribution of this research is that it demonstrates the importance of training and employee participationvis‐à‐visorganizational performance.
Money attitudes and pay satisfaction of the low paid
Authors: Thozhur Sumeetra M. , Riley M. , Szivas E.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The research aims to explore the relationship between money attitudes and pay satisfaction for individuals in low paid jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology developed a questionnaire that contained three key measures, including money attitudes, pay satisfaction and income level. The sample for this study consisted of blue‐collar workers from industries and occupations identified as low paid by The National Minimum Wage Commission in the UK. The questionnaire was distributed in East London and South East England through employment exchanges and community organisations.

Findings

Individual differences in money attitudes was found to be a significant variable in explaining pay satisfaction of people in low pay. The evidence proposes a case for money attitudes to be incorporated in the traditional models of pay satisfaction as it provides for the idiosyncrasies in individual differences.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this study was that it only captured certain low paid occupations, and also that it was based in the UK. This must be the most important direction for future research.

Practical implications

The findings have managerial important implications in designing pay and reward structures for people in low pay.

Originality/value

One of the major contributions of this study is that it is an early example of an empirical study, hopefully to be followed by more on money attitudes and the satisfaction of low pay.
The impact of downsizing on employees' affective commitment
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Corbett J. Martin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the mechanisms through which downsizing affects employees' affective commitment to the organization in two Korean banks.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 910 questionnaires were completed by bank employees. Data was analysed using hierarchical regression and LISREL path analysis techniques. Twenty semi‐structured interviews were also conducted.

Findings

The results show that the more severe the extent of downsizing, the lower employees' affective commitment to the organization. Moreover, downsizing has an impact on employees' affective commitment to the organization through several of the daily work experiences of employees. Thus, downsizing affects employees' affective commitment to the organization both directly and indirectly. However, its indirect impact is much stronger.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted in Korea and may have limited generalizability to Western cultures.

Practical implications

Sympathetic management of downsizing can minimize the negative impact on the affective commitment of surviving employees.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights into organizational commitment in a (relatively under‐researched) Korean context.
Ingratiation in job applications: impact on selection decisions
Authors: Varma Arup , Min Toh Soo , Pichler Shaun
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of present study is to examine the influence of impression management (IM) tactics (e.g. ingratiation) applied in job application letters on perceived qualifications and hiring recommendations. The study aims to build on recent research done in the interview context, by studying IM specifically in the written form pertaining to a job application.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 94 respondents asked to evaluate the job application letters of applicants for a mentoring program. IM was manipulated through the cover letter, such that, each subject received five cover letters, four of which engaged in ingratiation and one that had no ingratiation. Participants were required to evaluate the applicants' qualifications and make selection decisions.

Findings

The results of the study were consistent with those of the interview context. More specifically, ingratiation led to significantly higher ratings of applicants, and self‐focused tactics were more effective than other‐focused tactics.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research conveyed that most of the IM tactics significantly improve recruiters' evaluations of the applicants. Still, future research needs to further investigate this relationship in order to understand the specific nature of the IM tactics and develop a deeper understanding of the underlying processes that cause IM tactics to have an impact on recruiters' judgments.

Practical implications

The present study highlights the need for greater understanding of how IM tactics may influence the decisions of employers who rely on written applications, or a combination of job application letters and interviews. Therefore, employers need to be aware of the use of IM in written applications and emphasize the importance of interviews in the selection process.

Originality/value

Existing research has been concerned with how IM tactics influence interview outcomes and has overlooked how these same IM tactics may be used in job application letters to influence selection decisions. This study addresses this gap by focusing on the job application letter as a means of conveying and managing impressions by candidates.