bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in international hospitality management education
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana
Published: November 2002

Today, hospitality educators are faced with various challenges. Understanding multi‐ethnic and multi‐national student mentality is seen as the key challenge for educators involved in international hospitality management education. A new model which aims at ensuring productive interactions with host communities is presented. The author’s own model is recommended for international hoteliers and international hospitality educators working in foreign countries. Among criticisms of management education is the wrong usage of the term “international” to describe “local” hospitality management programmes. The importance of balancing theory and practice is emphasized. The notion of treating students as customers is rejected. Instead, viewing the industry as the customer is advocated. Hospitality educators are prompted to publish “industry‐friendly” and “action‐learned” research relevant to current problems. The action learning circle model is presented as a guideline for academics. Finally, a nine‐point formula is recommended for academics involved in international hospitality management education.
Why do middle managers in hotels burn out?
Authors: Buick Ian , Thomas Mahesh
Published: November 2002

This paper details the results of research undertaken on middle management burn‐out in hotels within a 50‐mile radius of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The research explores the effect of variables such as gender, marital status, organizational and familial support on the degree of perceived burn‐out experienced by middle‐level managers associated with front‐line departments (reception, food and beverage service, housekeeping, etc.) in hotels. The study found that women experience a higher degree of burn‐out than men, as do single (unmarried) managers. Managers who perceive less family support also experience higher levels of burn‐out. A comparison of this study with similar studies undertaken in 1989, 1990 and 1993 shows that burn‐out has become more of a management problem. The 1999 figures show an average increase of 32 per cent from 1989 across the three dimensions of the burn‐out inventory used in this study.
Analysis of training and education needs of mainland Chinese tourism academics in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Qiu Zhang Hanqin , Lam Terry , Bauer Thomas
Published: November 2002

China’s tourism and hotel education at tertiary level started in the late 1970s. A lack of qualified tourism educators and employees is a common concern for all levels of Chinese tourism education. Further education and training for the faculty in institutions has become an urgent need for the Chinese government and the institutions themselves. The purposes of this study are to examine the education needs of tourism academics in terms of their perception of the value of upgrading their qualifications, the likelihood of further studies, levels of attainment, preference of study places and possible barriers; to understand the degree of importance of upgrading their qualifications; and to identify the main tourism training and education issues facing China in the twenty‐first century. The results suggest that the Chinese academics perceive upgrading their qualifications and getting more exposure to the outside world as important to them. The training and education issues facing China in the twenty‐first century are improvement of the tourism education system and its structure, improvement in the design of the syllabuses with more language training and the balance of theory and practice, change from a traditional teaching mode to a more modernized innovative and interactive teaching mode, and greater responsiveness of education to the needs of the industry.
Factors in capital decisions involving advanced manufacturing technologies
Authors: Saleh Budiman , Hacker Marla , Randhawa Sabah
Published: November 2002

This paper presents an integrated framework for the selection of attributes used in the evaluation of advanced manufacturing systems. The primary focus in the development of this framework is the modularity of the framework so that it is applicable to a wide range of advanced manufacturing systems with differing process configurations and technologies. Based on data collected from industry and the current body of knowledge, decision attributes were identified and ranked relatively against each other, forming a hierarchy of decision attributes. To simplify the hierarchy, making it more user‐friendly in real‐world applications, each decision attribute was also evaluated relative to the strength of its relationships to other decision attributes. Several decision attributes were found to be highly correlated with others, resulting in a new, single decision attribute. The final decision attribute hierarchy provides managers responsible for making capital decisions involving advanced manufacturing technologies with a framework for their decision making.
Evolving forms of manufacturing strategy development
Authors: Swamidass Paul M. , Darlow Neil , Baines Tim
Published: November 2002

This paper outlines, using evidence from several case studies, the use of alternative forms of manufacturing strategy processes. Our investigation shows that the manufacturing strategy development practices of manufacturers are evolving in many directions; we found several alternatives to the formal top‐down planning process. Manufacturers use one or more of the following alternatives with or without the top‐down manufacturing strategy process: a coherent pattern of actions; manufacturing/process improvement programs; or the pursuit of core manufacturing capabilities. It appears that the various manufacturing strategy development processes may be tied to the strategic role of manufacturing in a company. This paper offers a framework that captures the relationship between the strategic role of manufacturing and the process of manufacturing strategy development. An in‐depth case from a UK company illustrates the evolving forms of manufacturing strategy development processes.
An empirical study of the ISO 9000 standards’ contribution towards total quality management
Authors: Gotzamani Katerina D. , Tsiotras George D.
Published: November 2002

This paper presents the results of an empirical study on the contribution of ISO 9000 standards towards total quality management (TQM). The paper is a continuation of the authors’ research on the ISO 9000 standards effectiveness and capability as an entry key to TQM. The literature review of the above issue revealed the need for a formal empirical study to resolve the existing debate about the standards’ long‐term contribution and true value to ISO 9000‐certified companies. For the purposes of this study, a TQM measurement instrument was developed and tested for its reliability and validity to measure TQM performance improvement in certified companies in Greek industry. This performance improvement was then used to test the basic research hypothesis: “Can ISO 9000 standards provide a good first step towards TQM?”. The results of the study are presented in eight basic TQM categories, showing the certified companies’ performance improvement in the basic elements of each category, and revealing their strengths and weaknesses on their way to TQM.
Conditioned emergence: researching change and changing research
Authors: MacIntosh Robert , MacLean Donald
Published: November 2002

This paper aims to enable the operations management community to engage with concepts from the field of complexity theory and apply them to the issue of organisational transformation. It begins by reviewing existing work on strategic change, then provides an overview of complexity theory to show how the conditioned emergence model was developed. A brief statement on method follows, which describes our research process in terms of mode 2 knowledge production. An illustrative case study is then presented and is used to highlight aspects of the model and the overlaps and differences between conditioned emergence and other approaches. The paper concludes that organisational transformation can be viewed as an emergent process which can be accessed and influenced through three interacting gateways, i.e. order generating rules, disequilibrium and positive feedback. Finally, an appendix is included which focuses specifically on the issue of the research process. Here, it is argued that calls for managerially‐relevant research will be best met through more widespread adoption of mode 2 as an approach.
IS/IT governance: need for an integrated model
Authors: Korac‐Kakabadse Nada , Kakabadse Andrew
Published: November 2002

With ever greater needs to account for the demands and desires of multiple stakeholders, it is proposed that governance considerations need, as much, to apply to the application of IS/IT challenges as to the whole corporation. The arguments for greater governance attention in the IS/IT arena are presented. Two key models of governance are highlighted, the control and stakeholder models. It is concluded that the stakeholder philosophy to governance will become pre‐eminent in the future.
The Governance of Co‐operatives under Competitive Conditions: Issues, Processes and Culture
Authors: Davis Peter
Published: November 2002

Reviews the contemporary debate on governance within the co‐operative sector and makes an analysis of the traditional approach taken by the movement. Critiques the view that democratic structures are an effective mechanism for governance in a co‐operative. Process and structure rather than purpose and culture inform the terms of the debate. Argues that professional management is inevitably gaining ground against lay directors. Explores the option of developing professional management as the guardians of co‐operative values and purpose – not to replace democratic governance structures but to support and supplement them using co‐operative value‐based adaptations of modern management methodologies to make consumer co‐operatives more responsive to their customers and members. When people identify with co‐operative purpose and values they will want to be involved. Good governance in co‐operatives is more a problem of management culture than it is a problem of democratic structures.
The effectiveness of training to change safety culture and attitudes within a highly regulated environment
Authors: Harvey Joan , Bolam Helen , Gregory David , Erdos George
Published: November 2002

An attitude survey developed by Harvey et al. was used to measure responses from employees in the nuclear industry before and after a safety training intervention which all employees attended in their work teams. The first administration of the survey yielded 417responses, and the second, administered 16 months later following the training intervention, yielded 460 responses, representing response rates of over 69 per cent in both cases. Using six factors derived earlier from the survey, significant improvements in attitudes and beliefs were found for two of the factors (and a further three factors showed rises in the same direction) for management/professional employees. For shop floor employees, only one factor showed a significant change, which was a reduction in job satisfaction over the same time period. It was concluded that the hypotheses that management would respond to the safety initiative but that shop floor would not were supported. A further hypothesis concerning grade differences in culture and attitudes was also supported. These findings are discussed in terms of culture and risk, risk taking and training, where the implications for safety training are crucial.
Workaholism in organizations: the role of organizational values
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: November 2002

Workaholism has received considerable attention in the popular media but little research consideration. This study, using measures of workaholic and non‐workaholic type developed by Spence and Robbins, examines the relationship of workaholic type and organizational values supporting work‐personal life balance. Data were collected from 530 women and men MBA graduates inprofessional and managerial jobs using questionnaires. The results showed that organizational values supporting work‐ personal life imbalance were significantly higher in workaholic than non‐workaholic types. Practical implications for organizations and management are offered.
Personality testing in employment settings
Authors: Arthur Winfred , Woehr David J. , Graziano William G.
Published: November 2002

Complex issues arise when personality variables are incorporated into traditional approaches to personnel selection. Personality assessment and testing in employment contexts is more complicated than it would appear. Rather than arguing against considering personality variables, wefocus on five problematic issues associated with their use in personnel selection. These issues are: the appropriateness of linear selection models; the problem of personality‐related self‐selection effects; the multi‐dimensionality of personality; bias associated with social desirability, impression management, and faking in top‐down selection models; and the legal implications of personality assessment in employment contexts. Recommends that practitioners and researchers be cognizant of these issues in the use of personality tests in employment decisions.
The use of human resource information systems: a survey
Authors: Ball Kirstie S.
Published: November 2002

Presents the results of a survey of the use of human resource information systems (HRIS) in smaller organizations, conducted in 1998. The survey enquires as to the nature of information stored electronically in three core areas: personnel, training and recruitment as well as the type of information analysis being undertaken. Significant relationships were found between the total number of people employed by the organization, and certain aspects of its information storage and manipulation. Smaller organizations were also found to be less likely to use HRIS, and HRIS was also used less frequently in training and recruitment. No sectoral differences were found. Similar to the results of IES/IPD surveys, and some academic work, it was found that HRIS are still being used to administrative ends rather than analytical ones.
Ethical stances in Indian management culture
Authors: Fisher Colin M. , Shirolé Raj , Bhupatkar Ashutosh P.
Published: November 2002

Concerns the stances that Indian and UK managers take towards ethical issues at work. This topic is part of the broader cross‐cultural research agenda on managerial values. Makes a contribution to the subjects of business ethics and corporate citizenship. The responses of samples of Indian and UK managers to ethical issues were classified, using a research instrument called Redundancy, by eight ethical stances that are defined in a conceptual framework presented. The results are used to clarify issues that arise from the literature about Indian and UK managers’ values. The tentative findings are that Indian managers’ ethical stances were similar to those of Western managers but that, compared with the UK respondents, they were more likely to experience ethical tension between their personal, espoused, stances and those they took at work. The preference for a pragmatic, ethical puzzle, approach to issues, that was reported by both Indian and UK samples, is seen as a problem in developing good corporate citizenship. Presents an agenda for future research.
Transition to oscillatory natural convection of water near its density maximum in a tall enclosure
Authors: Ho C.J. , Tu F.J.
Published: November 2002

Numerical simulations have been performed for three‐dimensional natural convection of water near its maximum‐density (cold water) inside rectangular enclosures with differential heating at the vertical (left and right) walls. The horizontal (top and bottom) walls and the lateral (front and rear) walls are taken as insulated. Computations are performed for the buoyancy‐driven convection of cold water with density inversion parameter θm = 0.5 in the enclosures with aspect ratio (height/width) Ay = 8 and depth ratios (depth/width) Az = 0.5, 1, and 2. The influence of the depth ratio on the onset of oscillatory convection in a cold‐water‐filled enclosure is investigated. The presence of the lateral walls tends to suppress the onset of unsteadiness in the convective flow. The main features of the oscillatory convection flow and temperature fields as well as the instability mechanism in the three‐dimensional enclosure were similar to those found in the two‐dimensional model. However, there exists a strong three‐dimensionality in the spatial distribution of the fluctuation amplitude. With the decrease of the depth ratio, the damping effect of the lateral walls becomes increasingly pronounced, leading to a reduced heat transfer rate.
A numerical investigation of heat transfer enhancement in offset strip fin heat exchangers in self‐sustained oscillatory flows
Authors: Saidi Arash , Sundén Bengt
Published: November 2002

Numerical analysis of the instantaneous flow and heat transfer has been carried out for offset strip fin geometries in self‐sustained oscillatory flow. The analysis is based on the two‐dimensional solution of the governing equations of the fluid flow and heat transfer with the aid of appropriate computational fluid dynamics methods. Unsteady calculations have been carried out. The obtained time‐dependent results are compared with previous numerical and experimental results in terms of mean values, as well as oscillation characteristics. The mechanisms of heat transfer enhancement are discussed and it has been shown that the fluctuating temperature and velocity second moments exhibit non‐zero values over the fins. The creation processes of the temperature and velocity fluctuations have been studied and the dissimilarity between these has been proved.
The role of on‐site training and support in expatriation: existing and necessary host‐company practices
Authors: Suutari Vesa , Burch David
Published: November 2002

Due to the globalisation of business, international assignments are becoming more typical career steps in managerial careers than before. On the other hand, expatriation has been found to include several problems including high costs, adjustment challenges, inefficiency, and premature returns. As an outcome, the need for adequate preparation and training of expatriates has been stressed. Here the focus has been on pre‐departure issues while on‐site support and training provided by host units has clearly been covered less. In the present study it is analysed what kind of on‐site support and training host units provide to expatriates and what kind of support the expatriates see as necessary. In order to understand the situation expatriates are facing when arriving at their host units, their adjustment difficulties and pre‐departure training are also covered. The results indicate that training and support provided by host units is a more common form of expatriate training than pre‐departure training. Thus, existing research may exaggerate the lack of expatriate training when focusing only on pre‐departure training.
Help us but help yourself: the paradox of contemporary career management
Authors: Thite Mohan
Published: November 2002

Today’s boundary‐less and knowledge‐based economy with its focus on learning organization delivers a contradictory message to employees in managing their careers. On the one hand, contemporary organizations expect and demand that employees adopt a lifelong learning approach, be global‐oriented, successfully manage the dynamics of diversity in the work and marketplace, work in self‐directed teams, develop a feel for and rapid response to fast changing customer expectations and so on. On the other hand, organizations are silent on the question of who is going to bear the enormous cost of ongoing technical and behavioral training that the employees need to successfully manage in a global village. While today individuals accept the fact that they can no more expect the organizations to provide them lifelong, full‐time and stable careers, they would certainly prefer not to work for organizations that adopt the “help us but help yourself” attitude to career management. This paper discusses the implications of this paradox on the career management process at the organizational level and reviews best practice scenarios.
Selection, training, and development for female international executives
Authors: Linehan Margaret , Scullion Hugh
Published: November 2002

This paper focuses on selecting, training and developing female executives for international assignments. The perspective explored is that of currently employed senior female executives in a wide range of organisations in a number of European countries, who have made at least one international career move. The findings of the research illustrate an organisational bias against females in the selection process for international assignments, a severe shortage of pre‐departure training and very little organisational attention given to female career development. This research is particularly relevant as European empirical research has not been conducted with senior female international executives, presumably because of their relative scarcity. Empirical work with senior female international managers in Europe is now necessary in order to explain why international management is still generally reserved for the male manager. Finally, some strategies for internationalising female managers are presented.
Asthma knowledge and management in primary schools in south Essex, UK
Authors: MacLehose Rachel , Rao Mala , Dyson Janet , Milnes Pamela
Published: November 2002

This study was designed to establish the levels of knowledge about the management of asthma among primary school teachers in South Essex. A total of 135 primary schools participated in a questionnaire survey, with data analysis being carried out on responses from 517 teaching staff. Findings showed that 47 per cent of respondents reported concern about dealing with a child suffering from asthma. Only 16.1 per cent felt confident in dealing with a child suffering from a severe asthma attack. Less than a third of respondents (29.6 per cent) had received training in the management of asthma. These results reflect the requirement to put new emphasis on greater collaborative and partnership working between the NHS and local education authorities to provide appropriate opportunities to meet this need. Increasing teachers’ knowledge and access to resources should result in improved care of children with asthma in schools.
Perceptions of asthma: the views of young people
Authors: Boyes Edward , Stanisstreet Martin
Published: November 2002

Over 1,000 secondary school students (ages 11‐16) completed a closed‐form questionnaire about the nature, causes and consequences of asthma. The questionnaire contained items which related to conceptions about asthma which had emerged in previous work, and also items relating to the known scientific issues surrounding asthma. In general, most students knew about many of the triggers which can cause an asthma attack, although fewer recognised the allergenic properties of nuts and the possible role of emotional upset. More than half thought that people with asthma could not perform well at sport, and a fifth saw them as somehow “weaker”. A fifth thought of asthma as being simply inconvenient, but not serious. These ideas persisted in the oldest students, and it seems likely that they will exist in the adult population to a similar extent. In general, girls seemed to be better informed about asthma than boys.
School staff as exemplars – where is the potential?
Authors: Gordon Jacki , Turner Katrina
Published: November 2002

Presents findings from a study which explored the views of school staff and pupils concerning the concept of school staff as health exemplars, one of the original WHO criteria for the Health Promoting School model. Six single sex focus groups were conducted with secondary school pupils and eight one‐to‐one interviews with teaching and non‐teaching staff. The data suggest that there is little support from staff or pupils for the view that staff should act as health exemplars. Pupils felt that even if staff were to practise healthy behaviours this would not encourage pupils to adopt the health behaviour in question, and indeed that staff were a group from whom they wished to differ. Pupils did however think that staff actions should be consistent with their words, that staff should not openly display negative health behaviour, and that staff should not engage in negative health behaviours that directly affected pupils, such as smoking near them. Both staff and pupils thought that staff could legitimately give health advice. Although not much concerned about staff behaviour in relation to physical health, pupils and staff felt strongly that staff should model good interpersonal behaviours, such as respect, calmness and rapport.
Synthesis of a new series of thiazole and pyrazole azo dye systems for dyeing synthetic fibers
Authors: Helal M.H.
Published: November 2002

Two series of azo dye systems are considered, namely, 2‐amino‐arylazo‐4‐phenylthiazole axo dye systems 4a,b,c,d,e, and 3‐methyl‐1‐phenylpyrazolone azo dye systems 8a‐d. The shifts of ultraviolet‐visible absorption maxima affected by the structural configuration of the thiazole and pyrazole dye systems are investigated. The structural effects of the polyfunctionaIly substituted thiazole and pyrazole dye systems on the intensity of colour and fastness properties of the dyed fabrics are also discussed. The data of these studies are listed.
Heat build up testing of coloured steel panels: laboratory report for Jotun A/S
Authors: Moerk Oddvar , Reck Elizabeth
Published: November 2002

A series of painted steel panels ranging in colour from white to black have been assessed for heat build up under the Australian summer sun. The heat build up in these panels varied considerably. Two different laboratory techniques were investigated for prediction of exterior heat build up in painted substrate. Both techniques proved to have some potential, in particular the second technique involving reflectance measurements in the region of 2,400‐2,500nm. The work has also shown that a fairly good correlation exists between CIE L value and exterior heat build up in painted substrates.
Modification and characterization of titanium dioxide surface
Authors: Jesionowski Teofil
Published: November 2002

The surface character of titanium dioxide (rutile) was altered by surface modification. Silane coupling agents were used as modifiers. Physicochemical properties of the obtained products were evaluated. Effects of the modifier concentration on changes in hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the surface were estimated. The tendency to form primary and secondary agglomerate structures was defined using dynamic light scattering and examining morphology and surface structure with the use of scanning electron microscopy. Specific surface area and pore volume were also measured in unmodified and modified titanium white.
netLibrary: a new direction in collection development
Authors: Ramirez Diana , Gyeszly Suzanne D.
Published: November 2002

Texas A&M University (TAMU) Libraries is a member of two consortiums that include academic and public libraries. Both consortiums purchased access to netLibrary e‐books for their members. Approximately 92 libraries within the Amigos Library Services consortium jointly purchased roughly 10,000 e‐books. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), which oversees a consortium of approximately 700 state‐supported libraries, purchased roughly 9,000 e‐books. TAMU purchased an additional 193 e‐books for its own collection. The purpose of this project was to explore the use of netLibrary as an electronic collection development tool. The Library Extranet, netLibrary’s data‐gathering software, provided information necessary to compare usage based on subject categories. Data was cumulated for a total of 270 days comparing TAMU’s usage to that of the combined consortiums. Final analysis and results are provided. Collection development librarians will use these results to fine‐tune the future growth of TAMU and consortium collections.
Library ergonomics in literature: a selected annotated bibliography
Authors: Chao Sheau‐yueh J.
Published: November 2002

The advancement of electronic technology and popularity of computer use have resulted in a variety of work related hand, wrist and arm injuries in computer operators. The phenomenon has raised public consciousness about ergonomics and the study of how humans interact with their physical environment. This article includes an annotated bibliography of books, book chapters, magazines, journal articles, and Internet resources from 1990 to the present dealing primarily with library ergonomic issues and concerns. The publication is suitable for researchers, administrators, librarians, library staffs, subject specialists, ergonomic consultants, physical therapists, or anyone interested in the topic to identify and locate useful information resources on library ergonomics.
Tools and techniques to facilitate change
Authors: Bechtel Rebecca L. , Squires Janice K.
Published: November 2002

Change in today’s organizations is occurring at a staggering rate. Often the responsibility to manage that change falls to the internal organization development or training professionals. This responsibility can be overwhelming, particularly without a change model or process in place. With mindful planning, however, there are a host of tools and techniques that can be applied to change initiatives to facilitate the management process. Keys for successful change management include thinking holistically to understand all of the change implications, focusing on the critical success factors that facilitate implementation, and striving to be an equal partner with the businesses implementing change.
Re‐engineering materials management
Authors: Dey Prasanta Kumar
Published: November 2002

Materials management function is always a major concern to the management of any industrial organisation as high inventory and an inefficient procurement process affect the profitability to a great extent. Problems multiply due to a very current business environment in India. Hence, existing materials planning and procurement processws and inventory management systems require a re‐look with respect to a changing business environment. This study shows a radical improvement in materials management function of an Indian petroleum refinery through business process re‐engineering (BPR) by analysing current processes, identifying key issues, deriving paradigm shifts and developing re‐engineered processes through customer value analysis. BPR has been carried out on existing processes of “materials planning and procurement” and “warehousing and surplus disposal”. The re‐engineered processes for materials management function trigger a few improvement projects that were identified by the group of executives who took part in the re‐engineering exercise. Those projects were implemented in an integrated framework with the application of the state of art information technology tools.
Developing interpersonal intelligence in the workplace
Authors: Silberman Mel
Published: November 2002

All your employees need to be people‐smart. No matter what someone’s function is, everyone in today’s workforce is in the people business!It used to be said that some people were in the business of working with people and some of us were in the business of working with facts, figures, and machinery. But the people business is no longer the domain of the few. It now includes everyone.
Commitment to excellence at the Forte Hotel Group
Authors: Erstad Margaret
Published: November 2002

The Forte Hotel Group today is very different from what it was three years ago. With the arrival of Antoine Cau as new chief executive at the beginning of 1998, the company was restructured into clear non‐competing brands. In line with the brand restructuring, the company also embarked on a radical culture change programme, commitment to excellence, which touched every single employee across Forte’s head offices and 250 hotels worldwide. The more than one million training hours required to implement commitment to excellence were phased over three years with the final group of hotels completing the training in September 2000. The positive impact on employee satisfaction and guest satisfaction is a clear indication that commitment to excellence is working and, to ensure continuous improvement, Forte has planned a wide range of activities to complement and reinforce the commitment to excellence ethos.
Organisational communication and strategy implementation – a primary inquiry
Authors: Peng Wei , Litteljohn David
Published: November 2002

Over the last decade, organisational communication has attracted growing academic interest. Focuses on organisational communication within multi‐unit organisations in order to understand better the strategy implementation process from a communication perspective. Three hotel chains were investigated, all UK plcs with diversified business portfolios, and which were in the process of implementing a strategic initiative. The findings show that effective communication is a primary requirement of effective implementation but it does not guarantee the effectiveness of implementation.
A multidimensional study of the key determinants of effective SME marketing activity: Part 1
Authors: Hill Jimmy
Published: November 2002

This monograph is the consequence of a variety of experiences. It reflects an interest in SMEs and entrepreneurship stretching back almost 17 years from the author’s days in the fresh food industry. It reflects knowledge from a series of studies and projects in which the author has been engaged since commencement of an academic career in 1990. In particular, it reflects the findings of a five‐year piece of doctoral research that the author conducted with 57 firms in Ireland and the UK between 1995‐1999. The study seeks to identify the key determinants of SME marketing activity. The research objectives focused on determining a framework of marketing competencies for SMEs, the extent of formal marketing processes practised, and how SME marketing decisions are made. Further research objectives emerged (these were inductive in nature) that focused on determining the extent of the sales orientation in SMEs and on gaining insights into the use and character of the contact networks of the individuals who manage such enterprises. A syncretised qualitative methodology was developed for the study. The research approach was both deductive and inductive. The analytical strategy adopted a range of tools but was predominantly characterised by data reduction through detailed coding and the development of strict frameworks for analysis. The findings identified a spectrum of marketing competencies for SMEs. It existed at three levels – foundation, transitional and operational. It was shown that the sales orientation of SMEs is what determines their marketing character. A core spectrum of SME sales competencies was identified. It showed significant overlap with the marketing competency spectrum. It was concluded that, since the sales orientation determines the marketing competencies, it also shapes the marketing character of SMEs. The sample firms engaged in significant formal marketing practice, most notably marketing planning. Marketing practice and decisions were characterised by significant usage of personal contact networks. Contact networks were also rooted in a strong sales orientation. It was clear that many marketing decisions that are ostensibly operational in character become strategic or eventually effect strategic change in the marketing practices of SMEs. A holistic model of SME marketing was developed. The model is an integrated complex of the elements of SME marketing examined. Whilst the holistic model developed is entrepreneurial in character, it depicts the SME as a much more sophisticated marketing entity than has been suggested in any previous research.
Optimizing a mine haul truck wheel motors’ condition monitoring program Use of proportional hazards modeling
Authors: Jardine A.K.S. , Banjevic D. , Wiseman M. , Buck S. , Joseph T.
Published: November 2002

Discusses work completed at Cardinal River Coals in Canada to improve the existing oil analysis condition monitoring program being undertaken for wheel motors. Oil analysis results from a fleet of 55 haul truck wheel motors were analyzed along with their respective failures and repairs over a nine‐year period. Detailed data cleaning procedures were applied to prepare data for modeling. In addition, definitions of failure and suspension were clarified depending on equipment condition at replacement. Using the proportional hazards model approach, the key condition variables relating to failures were found from among the 19 elements monitored, plus sediment and viscosity. Those key variables were then incorporated into a decision model that provided an unambiguous and optimal recommendation on whether to continue operating a wheel motor or to remove it for overhaul on the basis of data obtained from an oil sample. Wheel motor failure implied extensive planetary gear or sun gear damage necessitating the replacement of one or more major internal components in a general overhaul. The decision model, when triggered by incoming data, provided both a recommendation based on an optimal decision policy as well as an estimate of the unit’s remaining useful life. By optimizing the times of repair as a function both of age and condition data a 20‐30 percent potential savings in overhaul costs over existing practice was identified.
Analysis of lubricant use in mining equipment – a tool for maintenance management
Authors: Mukherjee P.S.
Published: November 2002

Looks at the use of lubrication in the maintenance of mining equipment through the examination of five case studies of mines from different areas and their consumption of lube oil. Concludes that a suitable management of lubricant consumption plays an important role in production costs and optimization.
Rotation effects on hybrid hydrostatic/hydrodynamic journal bearings
Authors: Su Jerry C.T. , Lie K.N.
Published: November 2002

Investigates rotation effects on hybrid plain journal bearings with various feeding mechanisms, i.e. orifice, capillary and porous feedings. Employs the numerical method of the finite difference to solve Reynolds equations. Shows that higher speed of rotation induces greater hydrodynamic load capacity, especially with an eccentricity ratio ε > 0.85. The porous and orifice feedings also result in higher load capacity than orifice and capillary feedings when the rotation speeds increase. Also analyses the multi‐array of hole‐entry of orifice and capillary feedings and the results show that the bearings with more arrays of feedings produce higher load capacity at low speed. However, the bearings with fewer arrays of feedings produce higher load capacity at high speeds. In other words, the transition from the hydrostatic to hydrodynamic load capacity of the bearing is significant to hybrid plain journal bearings.
Smaller control suppliers also make their mark
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: November 2002

Reports on strategies that three smaller control suppliers are taking to compete successfully in a market against several giants. Highlights the approaches that Beckhoff, Elau and Manufacturing Data Systems are taking to meet the needs of selected customer groups. Describes how basing a control product line on open hardware and software can lead to directing resources to developing very cost‐effective unique customer benefits.
Low‐cost tooling for composite parts: “the LCTC process”
Authors: Cloud David , Norton John
Published: November 2002

Describes the development of a low‐cost tooling system for the manufacture of composite aircraft parts. The ability to withstand a high temperature autoclave process and provide a high tolerance life expectancy in excess of ten prototype units were key factors in the development of the system. The process uses a syntactic epoxy moulded over an aluminium core to form the tool.
Tailor‐welded blanks bring multiple benefits to car design
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: November 2002

Describes the development of laser welded tailored blanks and the benefits they bring to car design. One of the principle advantages is weight reduction, which steel makers have seized on to counteract the “threat” from aluminium and have invested in a number of laser welding facilities. One of these lines, at Laser Welded Blanks (LWB) in the UK West Midlands and supplied by VIL, is described in detail. The system features the VIL‐developed and patented edge preparation station (EPS) that incorporates a precision shear. In this way, the mating edges of the pieces are prepared with the close fit‐up needed to produce high quality blanks and allow welding at high speed. The VIL system, which is limited to linear welds, is contrasted with the more complex non‐linear system developed by some manufacturers.
Research note: Research services for distant learners: the OLADE project
Authors: Matheson Arden
Published: November 2002

The Latin American Energy Organisation is an international agency aimed at promoting the development, conservation and rational use of energy resources in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 1997, the University of Calgary began offering a Masters of Science degree programme in energy and the environment in Quito, Ecuador, to train professionals to assist OLADE with fulfilling its mandate. The University Library believes that distance students should have the same access to electronic databases, research materials and document delivery as on‐campus students. Technology and the Internet have enabled these services for off‐continent distant learners. Through direct Web connections and instruction using innovative CD‐ROM presentations, access to full‐text and index databases, e‐mail, research resources and document delivery requests were effectively provided to the students.
Reputation, trust and supplier commitment: the case of shipping company/seaport relations
Authors: Bennett Roger , Gabriel Helen
Published: November 2002

Relationships between a supplier’s corporate reputation, trust in the supplier, co‐operation, buyer commitment, and willingness to undertake relationship‐specific investments were examined in the context of interactions between three UK seaports and a sample of 144 of their customer shipping firms. It emerged that the model proposed by the International Marketing and Purchasing Group performed well as a predictor of supplier/purchaser relationships within this sector. Seaports’ corporate reputations (as measured by the Fortune reputation index) significantly affected shippers’ desires for close relationships with particular ports, and acted as a quasi‐moderator of the impact of supplier trust on closeness. Reputation, moreover, constituted a pure moderator vis‐à‐vis the influences of trust on commitment and on relationship‐specific investments and adaptations of business systems. Additionally reputation modified the effects of experience (i.e. the period for which a shipper had been doing business with a specific port) on trust.
The Internet in industrial channels: its use in (and effects on) exchange relationships
Authors: Boyle Brett A.
Published: November 2002

The effects of the Internet on the long‐term viability of buyer/seller exchange relationships is examined within the US plastics industry. The author poses two possible scenarios: the Internet causes firms to be “drawn apart” due to the decrease of switching costs of changing suppliers; or firms become “closer” due to the communication efficiencies gained from the technology. A series of regression models lends support to the latter hypothesis. Along with this analysis, comparisons are made between Internet users and non‐users with regard to company size and position in the firm. Findings also show that Internet users tend to communicate with suppliers and customers more frequently using traditional modes than non‐users.
Consumer involvement in financial services: an empirical test of two measures
Authors: Aldlaigan Abdullah H. , Buttle Francis A.
Published: November 2002

This study reports an empirical test of two involvement scales: Zaichkowsky’s personal involve‐ment inventory (PII) and Kapferer and Laurent’s consumer involve‐ment profile (CIP). The purpose of this study is to identify whether these two scales are applicable to financial services. Eight financial services are investigated: the use of a cheque book, overdraft facility, the use of Switch services, the use of a cash machine, savings account, investment services, mortgage services, and personal loan. The empirical findings show that the two scales indicate different levels of involvement in the eight financial services. The PII measure indicates that mortgage, investment and cash machine use are high involvement services. The use of savings account, personal loan, a chequebook, overdraft facility, and Switch services are found to be medium involvement services. The CIP shows that investment, mortgage, and savings accounts are rated as high involve‐ment services. Personal loans, overdraft facilities, Switch card, cash machine, and chequebook usage are in the middle range of involvement. Being a multidimen‐sional scale, the CIP provides more data about involvement. More investigation is needed in order to understand the links between consumer involvement in financial services and customer behaviour. The authors conclude with recom‐mendations for further research into consumer involvement in financial services and its effect on bank customer behaviour.
Corporate banking: the strategic impact of boundary spanner effectiveness
Authors: Tyler Katherine , Stanley Edmund
Published: November 2002

Banks’ structural re‐organisation with centralised units for increased efficiency, technological advances, product diversification, and strategic initiatives to provide multiple products through “deep” multi‐channel access, have challenged the relationship banking model at the heart of bank‐company interaction. Paradox‐ically, while improving the quality of transactional service, the “deep” relationship interface has under‐mined the relationship manager role and caused confusion and antagonism among customers. The negative result is that customers have a more aggressive, trans‐actional approach to purchasing decisions. The banks need to compromise between trans‐actional and relational effort, and the “deep” multi‐channel service delivery interface must have a re‐invigorated relationship manager if banks are to retain their competitive advantage.
The effect of PECVD SiNx moisture barrier layers on the degradation of a flip chip underfill material
Authors: Kaltenpoth G. , Siebert W. , Xie X‐M. , Stubhan F.
Published: November 2002

Flip chip test boards with and without plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition silicon nitride moisture barrier coatings were exposed to high humidity and temperature cycling conditions. The effect of the stress developed in these environments was investigated and evaluated. The influence of the barrier layers on the extent of underfill delamination and degradation in flip chip assemblies was inspected by C‐mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy. The moisture barrier layers studied show their potential to enhance the reliability of flip chip assemblies in humid environments.
Microstructure investigation of Sn‐0.5Cu‐3.5Ag and Sn‐3.5Ag‐0.5Cu‐0.5B lead‐free solders
Authors: Ye L. , Lai Z.H. , Liu J. , Thölén A.
Published: November 2002

Identifies the intermetallics formed in Sn‐0.5Cu‐3.5Ag and Sn‐3.5Ag‐0.5Cu‐0.5B (wt%) lead‐free solders, and the influence of boron on these precipitates. SEM, TEM and SIMS were employed to reveal the difference of microstructure in both solder alloys. It was found that the intermetallics formed were Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5. Both solders were found to have a dispersion structure of Ag3Sn particles with network‐shaped subgrains. The microstructure of Ag3Sn was also found to become finer and more uniform in Sn‐3.5Ag‐0.5Cu‐0.5B solder, due to the addition of boron, while there was little effect from the boron on the Cu6Sn5 phase.