bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architecture for implementing a sustainable electronic delivery services platform
Authors: Thundatil Nandu
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The main objective of this case study paper is to describe the State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW) implementation strategy and technical architecture model for implementing a sustainable technology platform for the delivery of electronic services as part of its atmitchell.com initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on practical experience and knowledge gained by the SLNSW atmitchell.com project team as part of implementing the project strategy i.e. the three main horizons, defining the target technical architecture model and undertaking the technology evaluation to select appropriate technology vendors and products for digitisation, digital asset management, content management and system integration services.

Findings

The paper finds that the implementation strategy for atmitchell.com, i.e. to implement the project in three main horizons or phases, was critical to the success of this initiative. Defining a target architecture model to address the key issues and challenges within the SLNSW enterprise was also useful during the technology evaluation and selection process.

Originality/value

This case study paper focuses mainly on the implementation strategy and technical architecture developed by SLNSW to implement the atmitchell.com initiative. The key issues related to data, process and network are specific to the SLNSW enterprise. Cultural institutions with similar information technology (IT) systems and challenges can use the target technical architecture model described in this paper as a reference model to develop their organisation's target architecture model. The findings and lessons learned from SLNSW technology evaluation and tender process combined with the strategy adopted early on by SLNSW to implement the atmitchell.com initiative in three main horizon or phases will be valuable information for solution architects, IT managers and senior management executives of cultural organisations that are planning to embark in to similar initiatives.
Do macroeconomic factors subsume market anomalies in long investment horizons?
Authors: Chou Pin‐Huang , Ghon Rhee S. , Wang Jane‐Sue
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine whether macroeconomic variables could subsume the size and book‐to‐market (BM) anomalies for longer‐return intervals using Tokyo Stock Exchange‐listed stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

The Fama‐MacBeth cross‐sectional regressions of various models over time‐intervals ranging from one month to one year are performed.

Findings

The empirical results show that most macroeconomic variables explain short‐term returns within six months, with the industrial production as the only variable that persistently explains returns of all horizons ranging from one month to one year. Firm size does bear significant risk premium, but its significance diminishes for return‐intervals beyond three months when macroeconomic variables are included in the regression. BM is the only variable that significantly accounts for the cross‐section of stock returns for all horizons, regardless of the inclusion of macroeconomic variables.

Research limitations/implications

These empirical findings suggest that stock returns are determined by both rational factors such as macroeconomic variables and behavioral factors such as BM.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that potential trading strategies indeed can be formed to exploit the persistent predictability, especially the BM regularity.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study that examines the competing explanatory power of various asset‐pricing models over different investment horizons.
Assessing the risk relevance of accounting variables in diverse economic conditions
Authors: Brimble Mark , Hodgson Allan
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the contemporary association between accounting information and a number of measures of systematic (beta) risk that incorporate dynamic market features. The goal is to determine the fundamental accounting drivers of beta and to assess whether their explanatory variable power has changed or declined over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Beta estimates are calculated using adjustments for thin‐trading, central tendency, leverage, and time variance. Accounting risk variables are derived from theoretical foundations and prior empirical research, and classified as operating, financial or growth.

Findings

Results show a strong association between accounting variables (operating and growth) and systematic risk that is consistent over time, but with some industry and size differences and possible country effects. Accounting variables are able to capture dynamic risk shifts and generally are able to outperform naïve M‐GARCH and industry betas in predicting next year's systematic risk.

Practical implications

Internal management and external decision making enable the development of more efficient ex‐post risk measures, isolating actual risk determinants rather than just determining the level of risk, overcoming the problem that conventional ex‐post measures cannot be used for non‐listed entities, initial public offering firms, or those that do not have sufficient trading history, reduces the noise found in traditional risk estimates that rely on historical security returns, and the development of trading and valuation strategies.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that assesses the association between a range of dynamic risk measures and accounting variables and tests whether this long‐run association has changed over time.
Stable betas, size, earnings‐to‐price, book‐to‐market and the validity of the capital asset pricing model
Authors: Guan Liming , Hansen Don R. , Leikam Shannon L. , Shaw J.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Prior work claims that the CAPM is mis‐specified based on evidence that beta and idiosyncratic variables such as size, book‐to‐market, and price‐earnings ratios combine to explain average cross‐sectional variation in stock returns. This paper set out to reexamine this research by employing more rigorous statistical methods to control for beta shifts.

Design/methodology/approach

TIMVAR program is employed to control for risk shift. Clean betas are used to reexamine the methods used in Fama and French (1992).

Findings

The paper shows that, even if the CAPM generates expected returns, the mentioned idiosyncratic variables may be correlated with expected returns. Moreover, if beta is measured with error, then it is possible for idiosyncratic variables to enter as explanatory variables. Evidence is provided indicating that, as measurement error in beta is reduced, then the role of beta in explaining cross‐sectional returns increases, while the role of idiosyncratic variables diminishes.

Practical implications

Beta continues to be a significant variable to measure the risk of securities.

Originality/value

This paper employs a novel approach (TIMVAR program) to detect and control for structural changes in linear regression. This approach has been widely used in quality control by industries. The audience of the paper includes both academics and practitioners.
Complementarity bilateral bounds on forces in magnet systems
Authors: Bossavit Alain
Published: August 2007

Purpose

It is well known that complementarity can provide bilateral bounds on energy, in numerical approximations of nonlinear magnetostatics. Questions whether like force is, up to sign, the derivative of energy, can such bounds also apply to forces, torques, and other concepts?

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discussion paper exploring the issues conceptually.

Findings

On the face of it, no, since inequalities are not preserved by differentiation. Yet, useful bounds can be given in some cases, as shown in the discussion, following an idea by Matagne.

Originality/value

The paper aids the understanding of nonlinear magnetostatic systems.
FE analysis of induction motor working in cryogenic temperature
Authors: Kołowrotkiewicz Jerzy , Barański Mariusz , Szelęg Wojciech , Długiewicz Lech
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to elaborate the method and algorithm of analysis of induction motor working in cryogenic temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the design and investigation of performance characteristics of three‐phase high voltage squirrel‐cage submerged motor. The motor is intended to work at cryogenic temperature −161°C in liquefied natural gas (LNG). The time‐stepping finite element method of transients analysis in induction motor working in cryogenic temperature has been presented. The nonlinearity of the magnetic circuit, the movement of the rotor and skewed slots have been taken into account.

Findings

The study finds that presented method and elaborated software are used to determine the steady state and dynamic performance of the high voltage squirrel‐cage submerged motor. The results of simulations and measurements of constructed model motor have been presented.

Research limitations/implications

The problem has been considered as the 2D one. In order to take into account the skewed slots of the rotor the multi‐slice finite element method has been used.

Practical implications

Investigation presented in the paper has been performed in order to study the influence of the temperature on motor characteristics and to verify design calculations. No‐load current, starting torque and short‐circuit current during short‐circuit test, obtained on the basis of measurements and received from calculations, are in good concordance.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a method to determine the steady state and dynamic performance of the high voltage squirrel‐cage submerged motor working in cryogenic temperature.
FE analysis of electromagnetic field coupled with fluid dynamics in an MR clutch
Authors: Jędryczka Cezary
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to find an accurate model for the finite element analysis of coupled phenomena in the dynamic operation of a magnetorheological clutch (MR CLUTCH).

Design/methodology/approach

The rheological properties of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) depend on magnetic field distribution. Therefore, the field‐circuit model of electromagnetic phenomena is coupled with the fluid motion model of MRF. The finite element method and time stepping algorithm are used to solve the examined problem. The eddy currents in massive conducting elements are taken into consideration. In order to include the nonlinearity of ferromagnetic core and non‐linear rheological properties of MRF, the Newton procedure is applied. This procedure is joined with the block‐over relaxation algorithm in order to reduce calculation time.

Findings

The proposed method gives sufficient accuracy of coupled electromagnetic and magnetorheological phenomena analysis. The comparison between measured and calculated clutching torque values shows a good agreement.

Research limitations/implications

Thermal and hysteresis effects are not taken into account.

Originality/value

The presented approach can be useful for designing and optimizing MRF devices with axial symmetry. The accurate finite‐element model of coupled electromagnetic and mechanical phenomena is used as a tool for the analysis of MR device dynamic operation.
The calculation of the classical loss as well as the excess loss in the soft magnetic materials under the rotational magnetisation
Authors: Anuszczyk Jan , Gmyrek Zbigniew , Zwoliński Grzegorz
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The calculation of the power loss in the core of the electrical machines is a special problem. In some areas of the electrical machine core the magnetic fields are neither unidirectional nor sinusoidal. This paper seeks to discuss the rotational power loss calculation methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology is based on the calculation of the field quantities Bx and By. In this methodology the rotational power losses are calculated employing the empirical approach directly from these quantities. Moreover, the computational model is the most important element of the proposed methodology because it utilises the FEM to the calculations of the hodographs of the flux density vector in each mesh element.

Findings

The paper formulates the dependence of the rotational power losses from the B vector hodograph shape.

Research limitations/implications

Experimental verification will still be needed as to the accuracy of the model and the applicability to the various magnetic materials.

Practical implications

The paper provides an easy mathematical method to the iron loss calculation, under the rotational magnetisation, the excess loss included.

Originality/value

The analytical model, as presented here, is applicable to the iron loss calculation under the rotational magnetisation in devices that have complicated geometrical shapes.
Eddy current losses in permanent magnets of the BLDC machine
Authors: Miljavec Damijan , Zidarič Bogomir
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This study aims to calculate eddy current losses in permanent magnets of BLDC machine in the generator mode of operation with no‐load.

Design/methodology/approach

Stator slot openings and special design of the stator poles cause changes in the magnetic flux density changes in permanent magnets. The stator windings are not connected to an outer source and no currents flow in them. The induced eddy currents in permanent magnets are dependent solely on the stator geometry. Analytical approach to calculate the eddy current density distribution in permanent magnets is based on known distribution of magnetic flux density in the air‐gap of BLDC. The magnetic flux density distribution is obtained from magneto‐static finite element model of BLDC. For verification of analytical approach the eddy current density distribution in permanent magnets is also calculated by magneto‐transient finite element model of BLDC.

Findings

The eddy current losses in PM obtained with the FEM indicate additional heating of the BLDC machine at high rotational speeds even when it operates at no load. When some special stator designs (the side of the air gap) are needed, the losses in PMs and their heating increase.

Research limitations/implications

To get more precise results, the proposed analytical method for eddy current losses calculation in PM should be further analyzed. More geometric parameters of the BLDC design should be introduced to analytical formulations, especially those which affect variations in reluctance.

Practical implications

When some special stator designs (the side of the air gap) are needed, the losses in PMs should be observed. This is particularly recommended at higher rotation velocities. Any kind of magnetic flux density change induces eddy currents and together with them also power losses. These losses give rise to additional heating of PM. With this, the temperature‐dependent working characteristic of PM (second quadrant of the B‐H curve) moves toward the coordinate origin point. The overall machine performance is reduced. The presented work gives the view about happenings in permanent magnets regarding induced eddy current losses. It is a useful tool for fast estimation and reduction of eddy current losses in PM due to stator geometry.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is the closed view about happenings in permanent magnets regarding induced eddy currents and the calculation of eddy current losses in rotor permanent magnets of BLDC due to stator design. The originality is in the analytical approach to calculate the eddy current losses based only on known magneto‐static flux density distribution in air‐gap of BLDC.
A finite element analysis of spatial solitons in optical fibres
Authors: Nicolet A. , Drouart F. , Renversez G. , Geuzaine C.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper concerns the study of non‐linear effects in optical fibres with a core made of a Kerr type medium. The aim is to propose an algorithm to find spatial solitons, i.e. solutions with a harmonic behaviour in time and along the fibre but with a field distribution in the cross‐section corresponding to a self‐trapped propagation of the electromagnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

The field is supposed to be harmonic in time and along the direction of invariance of the fibre but inhomogeneous in the cross‐section. This modifies the refractive index profile of the fibre (a step‐index one in this study). A scalar model of the fibre, together with the finite element method (that is well suited to deal with inhomogeneous media), is used and a new iterative algorithm is proposed to obtain the non‐linear solutions. An adaptive meshing is necessary to guarantee the accuracy of the model.

Findings

The new algorithm converges to self‐coherent solutions that are different from those obtained via a fixed power algorithm. The equivalents both of a fundamental mode and of a second order mode are studied.

Originality/value

The approach acknowledges the findings of the previously known spatial solitons (with a slight modification of the algorithm) together with a new family of solutions. It opens a new field of investigation to understand this whole family of non‐linear solutions as it shows that only a small part of them was known up to now.
Modeling the frequency response of p+InP/n−InGaAs/n+InP photodiodes with an arbitrary electric field profile
Authors: Manuel Torres Pereira Jorge
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a numerical model which is used to obtain the transit time limited frequency response of p‐i‐n photodiodes with an arbitrary electric field profile. The effect of the absorption layer width and bias voltage on the frequency response is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The absorption region is divided into any desired number of layers and the continuity equations are solved, for each layer, assuming that within the layer the carriers' drift velocities are constant. The frequency response of the multilayer structure is calculated from the response of each layer using matrix algebra.

Findings

The numerical results agree well with those from the experiment. It is seen that the results, assuming the saturation drift velocities, are usually overestimated especially for low values of the bias voltage or high values of the absorption region width.

Research limitations/implications

The numerical method under study neglects the capacitive effects which may determine the frequency response of very short devices. In this case a more complete treatment, including also the displacement current, should be carried out.

Practical implications

Software development for the design of multilayer photodiodes with optimized frequency response.

Originality/value

To the best of one's knowledge this is an original report of the application of this numerical method to the calculation of the frequency response of p‐i‐n photodiodes. The numerical method, being able to treat in a simple way multilayer structures with any electric field profile, is a very powerful tool in the development of software for the design of efficient photodiodes of various types.
A method for optimization of the working point of the N‐phase (N+1)‐wire systems with nonlinear loads
Authors: Debowski Krzysztof , Pasko Marian
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper proposes to deal with the problems concerning the N‐phase (N+1)‐wire system with sinusoidal voltage sources and nonlinear loads. In the model of the N‐phase voltage source the inner impedance has been included. The problem of the optimization of working conditions of the system is a minimization of RMS value of its line currents as well as their distortions caused by nonlinear loads.

Design/methodology/approach

The solution of this problem is based on the frequency domain. It is obtained by means of Lagrange's multipliers and the suitable measurement experiment.

Findings

After optimization source currents are sinusoidal with minimized RMS values. After connection of the designed compensator to the system under research the phase currents are equal to determined active currents.

Research limitations/implications

This method can be used for some classes of nonlinear loads, i.e. for systems with inertialess (non‐reactive) elements, which consume the active power of the basic harmonic of the voltage source and where the currents of the system are periodical. The mentioned power is an additional constraint of the presented minimization.

Practical implications

The working point of the system can be obtained by means of the compensator LC, RLC or (RLC,‐R). It will always be a linear one and its structure consists of two components: elements with parameters determined for the basic harmonic and the filter for elimination of the higher harmonics caused by nonlinear loads.

Originality/value

The presented method has been generalized for N‐phase (N+1)‐wire systems.
Energy controlled shunt active power filters
Authors: Szromba Andrzej
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Shunt active power filters are used to decrease or almost eliminate non‐active currents flowing through the supply source. Numerous control methods of active filters have been proposed in many papers. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate a simple but very effective method of obtaining the compensated load active current.

Design/methodology/approach

The method allows one to control the shunt active power filter only by monitoring energy stored in the filter. Based on the introduced generic structure of the filter the changes of filter energy are examined in order to obtain the reference current for the filter compensation action.

Findings

This presented method can be implemented to nearly all structures of active filters. It is suitable not only for the single‐phase but also for the three‐phase circuit. Such energy‐controlled filters may be built on the basis of voltage‐ and current‐source inverters as well.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative approach to address the problem of the shunt active filter control method. The paper shows that monitoring the filter's energy suffices for proper control of the filter compensation action.
Improved MRAS‐type speed estimator for the sensorless induction motor drive
Authors: Orlowska‐Kowalska T. , Dybkowski M.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to obtain an accurate and robust estimation method of the rotor flux and speed for the sensorless induction motor (IM) drive.

Design/methodology/approach

The reduced order observer has been used as an online tuned rotor flux model in the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) concept applied for the IM speed estimation. The output of this observer was used also as a feedback signal required in the direct field‐oriented control (DFOC) structure of the IM.

Findings

It is shown that a new rotor flux and speed estimator are more robust to motor parameter changes in comparison with the classical MRAS estimator and can work stably in the DFOC structure, in the wide speed range, even for relatively high (50 per cent) identification errors of equivalent circuit parameters of the IM.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation looked mainly at the estimation accuracy performance and whole system stability while economic issues will still need to be addressed.

Practical implications

The proposed new improved MRAS speed estimator can be easily realised using modern digital signal processors. The implementation was tested in an experimental set‐up with floating point DSP used as the system controller. The fixed‐point realisation needs to be developed to obtain the practical application in the industrial drive systems.

Originality/value

The application of the reduced order flux observer as a tuned flux model in the MRAS type speed estimator instead of the simple, but very sensitive to motor parameter uncertainties, current flux model, enables much better accuracy and stability of the rotor speed estimation in the complex DFOC structure than in the case of classical MRAS estimator.
Application of neuro‐fuzzy techniques to robust speed control of PMSM
Authors: Pajchrowski Tomasz , Zawirski Krzysztof , Brock Stefan
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to find a simple structure of speed controller robust against drive parameter variations. Application of neuro‐fuzzy technique in the controller of PI type creates proper nonlinear characteristics, which ensures controller robustness.

Design/methodology/approach

The robustness of the controller is based on its nonlinear characteristic introduced by neuro‐fuzzy technique. The paper proposes a novel approach to neural controller synthesis to be performed in two stages. The first stage consists in training the neuro‐fuzzy system to form the proper shape of the control surface, which represents the nonlinear characteristic of the controller. At the second stage, the PI controller settings are adjusted by means of the random weight change procedure, which optimises the control quality index formulated in the paper. The synthesis is performed using simulation techniques and subsequently the behavior of a laboratory speed control system is validated in the experimental setup. The control algorithms of the system are performed by a microprocessor floating point DSP control system.

Findings

The proposed controller structure with proper control surface created by the neuro‐fuzzy technique guarantees expected robustness.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed controller was tested on a single machine under well defined conditions. Further investigations are required before any industrial applications can be made.

Practical implications

The proposed controller synthesis and its results may be very helpful in the robotic system where changing of system parameters is characteristic for many industrial robots and manipulators.

Originality/value

The original method of robust controller synthesis was proposed and validated by simulation and experimental investigations.
Logistics collaboration in supply chains: practice vs. theory
Authors: Sandberg Erik
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present results from a survey that investigates the situation in real world supply chains concerning logistics collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on supply chain management literature, a questionnaire was developed covering important topics from the literature. The questionnaire was sent to the logistics manager at Swedish manufacturing companies and a net response rate of 37.8 percent (177/482) was achieved. Apart from purely descriptive statistics, factor analysis, cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and cross tabulations with χ 2 tests were used for the analysis.

Findings

From the results, three major conclusions are drawn. First, there is a clear relationship between the intensity of the collaboration and the positive effects experienced from the collaboration. Second, the results indicate that top management is an important driver for higher intensity collaboration. Third, there are serious differences between supply chain management (SCM) theory and practice, due to the absence of strategic elements in the collaboration and the different ways in which supplier and customer collaborations are managed.

Research limitations/implications

Related to SCM theory, the lack of strategic elements in the collaboration might prevent or decrease the expected positive effects of the collaboration. It is therefore important to increase the strategic level component in the collaboration. Top management involvement is likely to be important to achieve this and hence more research on the topic is suggested.

Originality/value

The study presents a broad overview concerning logistics collaboration that covers many of the most important supply chain management issues. In addition, their relationship is discussed.
A STOPE model for the investigation of compliance with ISO 17799‐2005
Authors: Saad Saleh Mohamed , Alrabiah Abdullah , Haj Bakry Saad
Published: August 2007

Purpose

With the widespread of e‐services, provided by different organizations at the internal intranet level, the business extranet level, and the public internet level, compliance with international information security management standards is becoming of increasing importance for establishing a common and safe environment for such services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of a mathematical model that enables the investigation of compliance of organizations with the widely acknowledged international information security management standard ISO 17799‐2005.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on the strategy, technology, organization, people and environment – STOPE – framework that provides an integrated well‐structured view of the various factors involved. The paper addresses the use of the model for practical investigations; it describes a practical example illustrating possible practical results.

Findings

The results show the strengths and the weaknesses of compliance, with the standard, at different levels: from the level of the measures associated with each of the “131” standard protection controls, up to the level of the STOPE domains.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the use of a mathematical model for practical investigations of compliance with the international information security management standard.
Personalized biometric key using fingerprint biometrics
Authors: Thian Song Ong , Teoh Beng Jin Andrew , Connie Tee
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to address some of the practical and security problems when using fingerhash to secure biometric key for protecting digital contents.

Design/methodology/approach

Study the two existing directions of biometric‐based key generation approach based on the usability, security and accuracy aspects. Discuss the requisite unresolved issues related to this approach.

Findings

The proposed Fingerhashing approach transforms fingerprint into a binary discretized representation called Fingerhash. The Reed Solomon error correction method is used to stabilize the fluctuation in Fingerhash. The stabilized Fingerhash is then XORed with a biometric key. The key can only be released upon the XOR process with another Fingerhash derived from an authentic fingerprint. The proposed method could regenerate an error‐free biometric key based on an authentic fingerprint with up to 99.83 percent success rate, leading to promising result of FAR = 0 percent and FRR = 0.17 percent. Besides, the proposed method can produce biometric keys (1,150 bit length) which are longer in size than the other prevailing biometric key generation schemes to offer higher security protection to safeguard digital contents.

Originality/value

Outlines a novel solution to address the issues of usability, security and accuracy of biometric based key generation scheme.
Making a life or making a living?
Authors: Zhang Y. , Straub C. , Kusyk S.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The contemporary managerial work place is changing; baby boomers, the globalization and an increased participation of females in the workforce is redefining what value systems future managers’ will hold. This paper aims to build upon the traditional research on work ethics which focused primarily on working individuals. It seeks to explore future managers’ value systems on life vs work, in a cross‐national context.

Design/methodology/approach

Previously validated questionnaires, containing 33 work–life values, were completed by business students in two French‐speaking regions of the world: Paris (France) and Quebec (Canada). Factor analysis was employed to examine the underlying value structure of work and life.

Findings

Five factors emerged, two pertaining to work context, two to life context and one general factor as following: Extrinsic and intrinsic work context, social/society and ego/self‐life context and creativity. Subsequently, a comparison along these values is made between the two regions. Gender differences were also tested along these values. Results show differences in the value systems of these future managers based on region and gender, despite their common French language.

Originality/value

The paper provides a discussion of implications of the findings, within a context of ethics and social responsibility in reference to the stakeholder model.
E‐commerce and globalization: an exploratory study of Egypt
Authors: Elbeltagi Ibrahim
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address how cultures could affect the way different people use the internet. The study showed that there is a great potential for e‐commerce in Egypt in particular and Arab world in general. However, there are many challenges, where people are used to paying cash for what they buy, the credit or debit card as an instrument for buying things is not readily acceptable by public Egyptians.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study based on analysing secondary data and observation. The reason for choosing this approach in this stage of research is the lack of research that deals with this particular issue in the chosen case study.

Findings

The results showed that e‐commerce has some merit in targeting global customers, if it considers cultural differences when adopting and applying global marketing strategy. Although there are many governmental initiatives to adopt ICT on all levels in Egypt, the reality still far behind and there is still a lot need to be done from both government and private sector to gain the benefits required. Research limitations/implications–Limitations include the use of secondary data and observation as the research method in this study. Empirical data and sampling will be required for further research. A comprehensive cross culture study among Arab countries and how a framework of culture could affect the online shopping behavior will be required for further research. Managerial implications are discussed with respect to formulating suitable marketing strategy to fit with the cultural differences of the Middle Eastern courtiers especially the language, values and religion.

Originality/value

Provides insights for future researchers.
Adapting the congruent temperament model with culturally specific work motivation elements
Authors: Humphreys John
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Although China is beginning to emerge on the world economic stage, many Chinese workers are newcomers to the Western notions of leadership. Those examining leader behavior and follower motivations should consider unique traditions that influence the motivation process in other cultural settings. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is the theoretical adaptation of the congruent temperament model based upon personal experience and study of Chinese history and culture.

Findings

A valid criticism of the congruent temperament model is the exclusion of distinctive cultural norms, as Western ideas of leadership, personality, and motivation may not be congruent with other cultures. This article, modifies this paradigm by acknowledging the influence of various culturally specific work motivation catalysts (e.g. guanxi, mianzi). Although the original model lacks universality, the general framework can be adapted to account for cultural differences.

Research limitations/implications

The greatest limitation is the conceptual nature of the graphical representations provided. As such, empirical testing of the proposed relationships should commence to ascertain support.

Practical implications

As China moves rapidly towards global integration, an attempt to understand leadership and work motivation in relation to Chinese workers is certainly warranted. Western leaders must consider cultural variables as they strive to provide effective leadership.

Originality/value

Cultural diversity and globalization mandate the development of models appropriate for unique cultures. This is the first attempt to adapt the congruent temperament model to Chinese followers and provides a defined conceptualization that lends itself to intellectual debate and empirical inquiry.
Cultural diversity in hospitality work
Authors: Baum Tom , Dutton Eli , Karimi Shamim , Kokkranikal Jithendran , Devine Frances , Hearns Niamh
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the growing importance of migrant workers to the hospitality industry of peripheral locations in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data collected through in‐depth surveys of and focus group discussions with migrant workers in hotels in three peripheral locations in the UK.

Findings

Findings point to varied experiences for international workers in terms of recruitment and selection of international workers; their work‐related and social integration within the workforce and the wider community; aspirations for training and development among international employees; insights into the futures that migrant workers see for themselves; and their overall experience of living and working in the UK.

Research limitations/implications

The study is located in three regions of the UK and each study is of relatively small scale. This is a potential limitation but compensation is afforded by the depth of information collected in each location.

Practical implications

The study suggests that employers are unwilling to invest in the development of international staff who have high levels of general education and training that is not sector specific. Promotion opportunities are seen to be limited. The paper points to the need for hospitality management to make more effective use of this source of labour.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to undertake a study of the migrant worker experience in peripheral areas of the UK and to focus on a diverse skills sector such as hospitality.
An outsourcing decision model for airlines' MRO activities
Authors: Al‐kaabi Hamad , Potter Andrew , Naim Mohamed
Published: August 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the main business models used for airlines' maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities and determine the activities to which these relate.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical literature review is used to develop a conceptual model of MRO activities. This is evaluated through a SWOT analysis before an exploratory study of eight airlines is used to confirm the applicability of the conceptual model.

Findings

Four levels of MRO outsourcing are identified; from fully outsourced to fully in‐sourced. From the exploratory study it is shown that critical MRO activities such as line maintenance are frequently in‐sourced, while activities with low demand at an airline level such as engine maintenance are often outsourced.

Practical implications

MRO represent around 10‐15 per cent of an airline's operational costs. By identifying the strength and weaknesses of different MRO models, it is possible to evaluate alternative MRO strategies.

Originality/value

Unlike other research in maintenance which was aimed mainly at the manufacturing sectors, this research provides insights into the maintenance practises in a service sector. In particular this research studies the different outsourcing levels existing in airlines' MRO. The knowledge gained by understanding the mechanism of outsourcing in airlines' MRO can be further extended to other industries and help in best configuring their maintenance units.
Short‐term maintenance scheduling for utility systems
Authors: Matsuoka Shinobu , Muraki Masaaki
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to optimize short‐term maintenance scheduling of utility systems satisfying network constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical programming model with network constraints is presented.

Findings

There are some cases in which the maintenance of a certain unit affects the operations of non‐maintenance units. The schedule should be evaluated by labor cost, material cost and opportunity costs. However, most utility systems contain dual‐directional flows, making the interdependency of the units an unstable element. In such systems, the dependency between one unit and the other should be adjusted depending on the conditions.

Practical implications

Power, steam and water are distributed by utility systems. Unit maintenance affects the operation of non‐maintenance units within the networks. Effective short‐term maintenance scheduling of utility systems must work within these network constraints. Unlike conventional scheduling methods, the excessive concentration of maintenance tasks should be controlled to reduce supply losses. A mixed integer linear programming model was utilized for identifying the solution of the problem. The present model can be applied to various utility systems.

Originality/value

The model can address alternative flows to reflect current conditions. Binary variables are applied to preserve the consistency of flow balances. The logic tree analysis expressed the current flow balances using linear constraints. The effectiveness of the model was supported by case examples.
Development of a multi‐criteria hierarchical framework for maintenance performance measurement (MPM)
Authors: Parida Aditya , Chattopadhyay Gopi
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a multi‐criteria hierarchical maintenance performance measurement framework, which is balanced, holistic and integrated to various levels of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Consolidation of published research and current practices are combined to study, identify and develop this proposed framework.

Findings

A framework for maintenance performance measurement is proposed for developing and implementing a relevant, timely, reliable, cost and time‐effective and user‐friendly system for stakeholders at various levels. The indicators at the subsystem/component level, plant level and corporate level are linked with the MPIs for the organizational objectives and strategy.

Practical implications

Management of maintenance performance is critical for long term economic viability of business and industry. Development of an integrated, balanced and holistic MPM system needs to consider various issues to measure the contribution of maintenance towards total business goals. In this paper, a multi‐criteria hierarchical MPM framework has been developed. This framework can be used by the operating managers for their maintenance decisions at various levels of an organization.

Originality/value

The paper presents a proposed MPM framework, which is integrated, and focuses on both internal and external effectiveness.
Shifting family involvement during the entrepreneurial process
Authors: Klyver Kim
Published: August 2007

Purpose

Using an entrepreneurial network perspective, this article seeks to investigate the involvement of family members during early stages of the entrepreneurial process – the time from intention until the business is established.

Design/methodology/approach

A multivariate statistical regression analysis was carried out on data generated through two associated data collections: the Danish Global Entrepreneurship Monitor population survey and a connected follow‐up survey using the name‐generator approach.

Findings

The survey results reveal that the family members’ involvement differs depending on the phase of the entrepreneurial process. Family members are most strongly involved in the emergence phase when the final decision to start or not has to be made. Furthermore, involvement of family members is most common when entrepreneurs are young and have higher education of no more than three years duration. Family members tend to be males with whom entrepreneurs have strong ties and these family members tend to be more critical than other actors in other role‐relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The article provides empirical support for a family embedded perspective on entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The study uses a representative sample of entrepreneurs across four phases of the entrepreneurial process which enables an investigation on how family inclusion changes during the entrepreneurial process.
Legal professionals and money laundering in Spain
Authors: Faraldo Cabana Patricia
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse those obligations to share information and deliver assistance which flow from the legislation intended to prevent the money laundering as contained in the Law 19/2003 of the 4 July, which transposes into Spanish law the provisions of Directive 2001/97/EC, which provisions set out the obligations of notaries, registrars, lawyers and court attorneys and their compatibility with their duties of professional privilege.

Design/methodology/approach

The new law has provoked a debate centred in the compatibility of the obligations of disclosure with legal professional privilege and the rights of the defence. This issue is discussed in the paper.

Findings

With regard to lawyers there arises a conflict between the duty to maintain client confidentiality and the obligations of disclosure in the prevention of money laundering which must be resolved in favour of the former, it being established in Spain by a law of superior status. This means that if a lawyer transfers the information concerning his suspicion he should therefore be punished as committing the crime of disclosure of confidential material.

Research limitations/implications

Only Spanish literature is used.

Practical implications

With respect to the lawyers, the carrying out of the obligations of disclosure imposed by the new Spanish Law 19/2003 breaches the duty of client confidentiality. For notaries, registers and court attorneys the problem does not exist.

Originality/value

An overall view is offered of the difficult situation in which some legal professionals find themselves in light of the prevention of money laundering in Spain.
Are OFCs leading the fight against money laundering?
Authors: Rosdol Alexa
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To examine if recent changes to the law and practice of certain offshore financial centres (OFCs) means that some OFCs now have more stringent anti‐money laundering measures in place compared to their “onshore” counterparts. To further explore the allegation by some that there is a dual standard in terms of the pressure applied to OFCs on the one hand and “onshore” jurisdictions on the other.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis will focus on the Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. The “onshore” jurisdictions include the UK, the USA and Australia. Comparison of the implementation of the FATF 40 Recommendations (using the most recent IMF Assessments), trust and company services legislation, and the “Know Your Customer” requirements.

Findings

The results show that the Crown Dependencies and the selected Overseas Territories are not only keeping up with the USA, the UK and Australia but in many cases “outdoing” the AML/CFT regimes of these onshore jurisdictions.

Research limitations/implications

Comparison limited to only certain OFCs and “onshore” jurisdictions. There is a two year difference between the IMF assessments for the OFCs and for the onshore jurisdictions. Future research would include the results of the second phase of the OFC Assessment Program and IMF assessments due in the next few years.

Originality/value

This paper examines a very topical area of financial crime based on the most recent data available.