bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summating Potential‐Action Potential Waveform Amplitude and Width in the Diagnosis of Menière's Disease
Authors: Ikino Cláudio Márcio Yudi , de Almeida Edigar Rezende
Published: September 2006

Objectives: It has been suggested that analyzing the width and amplitude of the summating potential‐action potential (SP‐AP) waveforms can increase the sensitivity of electrocochleography. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ratio of SP to AP amplitude (SP/AP) and SP‐AP waveform width, as well as the AP latency difference to condensation and rarefaction clicks, for the diagnosis of Menière's disease.

Study Design: This was a prospective, controlled study.

Methods: We used transtympanic electrocochleography to evaluate 21 patients with definite Menière's disease and 19 normal‐hearing patients with other cochleovestibular disorders, comparing SP/AP, AP latency difference, and SP‐AP waveform widths as well as calculating the diagnostic sensitivity of these parameters.

Results: Mean SP‐AP waveform width was 1.89 ms in the study group and 1.58 ms in the control group. Mean SP/AP was 0.37 in the study group and 0.22 in the control group. The mean product of SP‐AP waveform width and SP/AP was 75.26 ms% in the study group and 34.60 ms% in the control group. Mean AP latency difference was 0.13 ms in the study group and 0.07 ms in the control group. For the parameters evaluated, the differences between the groups were statistically significant. In the study group, the sensitivities for the width of the SP‐AP waveform, the SP/AP, and the AP latency difference were 33.3%, 52.4%, and 23.8%, respectively.

Conclusions: The use of the parameters evaluated did not increase the sensitivity of the electrocochleography, whether used in isolation or in conjunction with the SP/AP. Determining SP/AP presented the greatest sensitivity.
Subtotal Laryngectomy With Tracheohyoidopexy: A Possible Alternative to Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Rizzotto Giuseppe , Succo Giovanni , Lucioni Marco , Pazzaia Toni
Published: September 2006

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe a new subtotal laryngectomy technique that foresees two variations: 1) tracheohyoidopexy (THIP + A or A‐A)—subtotal removal of the larynx maintaining one or two cricoarytenoid units and subsequent tracheohyoidopexy; and 2) tracheohyoidoepiglottopexy (THIEP + A or A‐A)—resection guarantees preservation of the suprahyoid epiglottis maintaining one or two cricoarytenoid units and further suspension of the tracheal stump at the epiglottis and hyoid bone.

Methods: The technique is described, step by step, extending laryngeal resection beyond the limits adopted for supracricoid subtotal laryngectomy (SSL). Unlike SSL, tracheohyoidopexy allows glottic tumors with subglottic extension (T2–T3) to be treated, not only laryngeal tumors with invasion of one cricoarytenoid joint (T3), but also locally advanced laryngeal tumors with anterior extension through the thyroid cartilage (T4).

Results: A total of 30 operations have been performed: 22 THIEP and eight THIP. In one case, total laryngectomy was necessary 16 days postoperatively as a result of a large pharyngostoma. One month after the operation, all patients were able to tolerate a soft diet. Tracheostomy was removed within 43 postoperative days only in 26 cases. Phonatory results are comparable to those obtained with supracricoid laryngectomy. No definite oncologic conclusions can be drawn, at present, as a result of the short follow‐up period.

Conclusions: Tracheohyoidopexy is a supracricoid laryngectomy extended toward the cricoid, which, like total laryngectomy, focuses on radical resection of T and N. Functional results are similar to those obtained with SSL; it is mandatory to maintain one functioning cricoarytenoid unit and a wide pyriform sinus.
SPINE high-throughput crystallization, crystal imaging and recognition techniques: current state, performance analysis, new technologies and future aspects
Authors: Berry Ian M. , Dym O. , Esnouf R. M. , Harlos K. , Meged R. , Perrakis A. , Sussman J. L. , Walter T. S. , Wilson J. , Messerschmidt Albrecht
Published: September 2006

This paper reviews the developments in high-throughput and nanolitre-scale protein crystallography technologies within the remit of workpackage 4 of the Structural Proteomics In Europe (SPINE) project since the project's inception in October 2002. By surveying the uptake, use and experience of new technologies by SPINE partners across Europe, a picture emerges of highly successful adoption of novel working methods revolutionizing this area of structural biology. Finally, a forward view is taken of how crystallization methodologies may develop in the future.
Parliamentary communication in an age of digital interactivity
Authors: Coleman Stephen
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Parliaments, as representative institutions, serve as communication channels between the public and the process of governance. The purpose of this paper is to consider the way in which this relationship has been conceptualised and various predictions about how it might change in the age of digital interactivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings from a survey of officials from 44 European parliamentary chambers are presented, together with findings from surveys of participants in several UK online parliamentary consultations.

Findings

The survey of European parliamentary officials suggests that digital information/communication technologies are being used widely, but that there is limited use of interactive features which allow citizens to comment and deliberate on policy issues. The surveys of participants in online consultations run by the British Parliament suggest that they might increase citizens' efficacy, although this might only be a short‐term effect.

Research limitations/implications

The European parliamentary survey was conducted in 2003, since when some parliamentary web sites and information systems have been developed.

Practical implications

The paper considers the consequences of digital interactivity for parliamentary representation, combining conceptual and empirical perspectives.

Originality/value

The survey of European parliamentary officials gathered data from 44 parliamentary chambers, making it one of the most extensive European surveys of its kind. The surveys conducted before and after participants took part in UK parliamentary consultations were the first ever to explore the experience and attitudes of such a group.
E‐citizen
Authors: Mellor Norman
Published: September 2006

Purpose

At the English local authority level, there has been significant investment in e‐government infrastructure (e‐channels) in the last five years, but take‐up of these e‐channels is low. This paper aims to look at e‐citizen, a £3 million project funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and led by Norwich City Council, which has developed a methodology to enable local authorities to encourage their citizens to use e‐channels.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper undertakes a comprehensive research programme to inform the national approach towards the take‐up and marketing of local authority e‐channels.

Findings

The study finds that there are a large number of English adults who are ready, willing and able to use e‐channels, the so‐called potential early adopters of e‐government. Take‐up is low, however, because awareness of e‐channels is low. One solution to increase take‐up is to run targeted marketing communications campaigns. The gross potential take‐up market in England is 17.5 million adults aged 15+.

Research limitations/implications

The research conducted by e‐citizen is the largest and most comprehensive study of the take‐up of local government e‐channels in the world. This work has established that there is a large potential market for e‐government in England and that running marketing campaigns is one way of realising this potential. These findings can be applied throughout the UK and also internationally, although the project did not test whether different nationalities might have different reactions to marketing campaigns. e‐citizen did not consider other variables which impact on take‐up, such as accessibility of e‐channels and their effectiveness.

Practical implications

The methodology and findings from e‐citizen have already been taken‐up by a number of English local authorities. The UK Government, through the DCLG, has picked‐up the e‐citizen findings and applied them in a £4.6 million national marketing campaign.

Originality/value

Work of this nature and scale has not been conducted before. It has been financed by central government but delivered by a consortium of English local authorities, government representatives and private sector suppliers.
A pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of a social marketing‐based consumer food safety initiative using observation
Authors: Redmond Elizabeth C. , Griffith Christopher J.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to aim to use observation, linked to quantitative risk‐based scoring, to evaluate the effectiveness of a small‐scale consumer food safety initiative based on the social marketing approach. Evaluation of intervention effectiveness is considered to be an important component of any health education initiative. The ultimate goal for social marketing initiatives is sustained behavioural change. Thus, when determining the effectiveness of community‐based social marketing interventions, direct measurement of behaviour is advocated.

Design/methodology/approach

A small‐scale food safety strategy using targeted interventions was piloted in a geographical test community in South Wales, UK. Targeted consumers from the community prepared a set meal in a model domestic kitchen before, immediately after, and 4‐6 weeks after implementation of the strategy. Observations of meal preparations were made using CCTV and food‐handling behaviours were recorded and assessed using a risk‐based scoring system. A quantitative evaluation of overall and specific food safety behaviours was made, and an effect size analysis provided a measure of potential intervention effectiveness.

Findings

This pilot study suggested that “one‐off” food safety interventions developed and implemented using a social marketing approach may result in a short‐term improvement of consumer food safety behaviours. Interventions targeting specific food safety behaviours may produce a “halo effect” upon other food safety behaviours that are known, yet not consistently implemented during domestic food preparation. Intervention effect was greater immediately after implementation of the strategy than 4‐6 weeks later. Use of the risk‐based scoring system and observation techniques were effective for assessing food hygiene behaviours and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

Originality/value

The use of an observational risk‐based approach to assess consumer food safety behaviours can provide a valuable tool for evaluation of the estimated immediate and long‐term effectiveness of food safety interventions on a small scale prior to launch of a larger initiative.
Subject retrieval of scholarly monographs via electronic databases
Authors: East John W.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Scholarly monographs are a major information resource in the humanities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of abstracting and indexing (A&I) databases and library catalogues (OPACs) for subject retrieval of these monographs.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of monographs in philosophy was checked in the Philosopher's Index database and in library OPACs to establish how many subject terms were assigned per page of text.

Findings

The results highlighted the inadequate indexing of monographs in these databases. Various methods of improving subject access are discussed, including enriched subject content of database records. The search potential of full‐text databases is examined, with specific reference to two such databases, Oxford Scholarship Online and JSTOR.

Practical implications

It is suggested that current and planned digitization projects need to incorporate improved search facilities, either by automatic generation of subject‐rich document surrogates, or by the incorporation of author‐generated metadata.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies the current problems related to subject retrieval of scholarly monographs at a time when the launch of major digitization projects calls for urgent attention to this issue.
Translating knowledge to build technological competence
Authors: Savory Clive
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of literature that establishes the factors affecting the ability of an organisation to absorb and apply knowledge. The review aims to draw from literature on the resource‐based view of the firm, dynamic capabilities, organisational learning, knowledge management and technological innovation. The paper then seeks to present a model of knowledge translation capability synthesised from the literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

The model that is synthesised from the literature review draws on three streams of work. First, the work of Dorothy Leonard on technological capability; second, the I‐space model of knowledge assets developed by Max Boisot; and third, other work based in the organisational learning and innovation management literature. The model is illustrated using a case study of an innovation project.

Findings

The effective development of a knowledge translation capability requires attention to a network of both formal and informal structures/activities across an organisation. Together these activities constitute a dynamic capability that operates iteratively throughout the whole organisation and are an example of triple‐loop learning processes.

Practical implications

The paper will prove useful to other academics in the area of technological innovation and practising managers who can use the model to evaluate their own organisation's knowledge translation capability.

Originality/value

The advantage of the model presented is that, unlike other discussions of dynamic capability, the link between conceptual level description and real world activities has been made more distinct. By recognising relevant organisational structures and relationships, it becomes possible to takes steps to assess their performance and then manage their improvement.
Does primary stakeholder management positively affect the bottom line?
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the strategic benefits of a stakeholder management approach. More specifically, to see if there is an association between primary stakeholder management and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The method included a purpose‐designed, secondary database for assessing primary stakeholder management. To explore the relationship between primary stakeholder management and performance, the results were merged with company performance data and regression analysis was used as the statistical technique.

Findings

The results suggest that some primary stakeholder groups, but not all, positively affect firm performance. More specifically, corporate governance and employee management were significantly and positively associated with performance. On the other hand, environmental performance and social impact, while significant, had a negative association with performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study, to a degree, confirms stakeholder theory. However, rather than offering equal attention to all primary stakeholders, the implications of this research suggest that firms might favour those stakeholder groups that can most positively affect their performance.

Practical implications

Corporate strategists face tough decisions with respect to allocating scarce resources that will positively affect the bottom line. This study suggests that investments in corporate governance mechanisms and employee management might be a means of gaining competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The value of the paper rests in its offering of empirical evidence with respect to the association between primary stakeholder management and firm performance. While this association is theorized in the management literature, the current study puts forth statistical results for the testing of the theoretical postulates.
Generating effective change in school meals: a case study
Authors: Seaman Claire , Moss Julia
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Obesity among primary school children is an area of current concern throughout the UK, alongside much discussion surrounding the opportunities and challenges of effecting change. School meals may contribute to obesity, tending to be high in fat and sugar and lacking in essential nutrients. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the success of a healthy eating programme and to examine the work that had been done to identify areas where further work was required, where lessons might be learned for future campaigns and areas where further research would be useful.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses a case study approach to examine food provision and education within a primary school in Edinburgh, which adopts a healthy eating programme based on the guidelines of Hungry for Success. Within the case study, both quantitative and qualitative methods were used, including semistructured interviews, recipe analysis and observational research.

Findings

Results indicate some considerable success has been achieved and more ways in which healthy eating can be promoted within the school have been identified. The manner in which change can most effectively be implemented is explored and some indicators for future work highlighted. In addition, results indicate that slow subtle change will be more effective than well intentioned attempts to achieve the ideal in a peremptory manor and that persistence is likely to play a key role.

Research limitations/implications

The study was carried out in one school where the school meals were prepared on an in‐house basis. Nonetheless, looking at ways in which effective change in children's eating habits and food choices can be achieved on a small scale provides some useful pointers for future research with schools where meals are prepared by contract caterers.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on a healthy eating programme.
Web researchers wanted
Authors: Mitchell Eleanor , Barbara Watstein Sarah
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of current and quite possibly emerging trends in the marketplace with the potential to affect reference service, those who provide it, and those who educate future service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

Deconstructs a job posting for “Web researchers”.

Findings

This article notes that the knowledge, skills and abilities that ensure success in the reference environment are also critical in the electronic information environment.

Originality/value

Reinforces the value of the conceptual and practical foundations of reference, while at the same time establishing their reach and relevance beyond library walls.
Effective management of the information technology function
Authors: Jaska Patrick V. , Hogan Patrick T.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which line managers in manufacturing companies value six attributes related to business knowledge and competence in their information technology (IT) personnel.

Design/methodology/approach

Managers in manufacturing organizations located in the Southwestern United States (USA) were interviewed about their perceptions regarding the IT staff and these six attributes. The methodology utilized in this study is survey research, with personal interviews as the principal method of gathering information.

Findings

The results support the importance of these six attributes related to business knowledge and competence in IT personnel to the line managers interviewed.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to a small number of manufacturing companies. The size of the sample should be increased.

Practical implications

For practicing managers, these findings may have important implications. The results of this study indicate that the hiring manager should assess the candidates’ business knowledge, especially industry‐specific experience, as well as technical IT expertise.

Originality/value

This study fulfils its purpose – to support the importance of the six attributes related to business knowledge and compentence in IT personnel.
Information technology (IT) strategic planning for libraries
Authors: McGee Rob
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to information technology (IT) strategic planning for libraries and institutions of higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The “why, what, and how” of IT strategic planning for libraries is explained, to show the efficacy and value of long‐term IT planning and budgeting. The organization, design, processes, templates, and methodologies of IT strategic planning practices that have been proven and constantly refined through projects with academic, public, and national libraries are described.

Findings

Principles described for IT strategic planning as a team‐based enterprise learning process apply as well to the design and conduct of major IT procurements, where the organization also seeks best value IT outcomes for the long term. The approach is scalable with respect to the human resources and time required (e.g. three months, six months); the design and steps of the process; the methodologies employed; and the number, design, format, components, and contents of internal working documents and the published report(s).

Originality/value

IT strategic planning educates the institution about choices and consequences, decides on technology priorities and investments, makes informed decisions with confidence, and delivers consensus‐based outcomes and stakeholders' buy‐in.
Mapping the transitional experience of switching leadership roles
Authors: Sheard A.G. , Kakabadse A.P.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This study proposes that executives need to be prepared to switch roles and membership of groups in order to fulfil their leadership responsibilities effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A validated framework provides insight into the leadership roles that executives can switch between as they move from one formal, informal or temporary group to the next within the organisation's wider senior management team. The methodology adopted is qualitative, focusing on inquiry‐based learning which enabled the authors to gather data on those aspects of context that relate specifically to the leadership roles executives switch between.

Findings

Changing role is found to facilitate improvement in each executive's decision‐making effectiveness and, over time, in the decision‐making capability of an organisation's wider senior management team.

Research limitations/implications

A one‐organisation intensive case study of a multinational engineering company engaged in the design, development and manufacture of rotating turbomachinery provides the platform for the research. The concepts advanced will require validating in other organisations of both similar and different demographic profiles.

Practical implications

The concepts advanced, and implications discussed, provide an insight into the nature of leadership as a network of relationships. The practical steps individual executives can take to develop their ability to adopt different leadership roles are highlighted.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to assist executives within the wider senior management team to better adapt and coordinate their behaviour with other executives. In so doing, it is suggested that executives contribute more positively to the organisational decision‐making processes and wider senior management team interaction by being adaptive and responsive to changes in their surrounding context.
American crafts shows: price or style conscious?
Authors: Tiemann Thomas K. , Barbour James L.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a classification for the process by which crafters find appropriate consumers in the post‐modern market structure that exists between black or gray markets where illegal or illegally obtained goods are sold, and the markets that serve the Fordist, mass‐production, mass‐distribution portion of an economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Principally the research was done via personal interviews and visits to craft show sites and comparing the findings to the existing street‐market structures of Europe.

Findings

The institutions that have evolved to support market segregation/segmentation in crafts markets are interesting and are better understood within a classification system like the one developed here. How these institutions differ from the street‐market culture of Europe lends an insight into this uniquely American post‐modern market system.

Research limitations/implications

This study is the beginning of a larger body of work that should be undertaken to better comprehend how the increasing post‐modern market structure is interacting with and occasionally replacing, the traditional market structures in the USA.

Practical implications

As the post‐modern market structure becomes more prevalent in the USA understanding how it is similar to and differs from, the comparable market structures in Europe is important to policy decisions on the local level, particularly with respect to local support of this type of market.

Originality/value

This work extends earlier work looking at farmers’ markets into the crafts market environment. As such it brings the overall understanding of the post‐modern market structure in to more clear focus.
A longitudinal study of material planning applications in manufacturing companies
Authors: Jonsson Patrik , Mattsson Stig‐Arne
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the state‐of‐the‐art, reasons for selecting various material planning methods, and modes of applying methods for initiating inventory replenishment of purchased items. It also identifies trends from 1993 to 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical survey data are collected from Swedish manufacturing companies in 1993, 1999 and 2005. The MRP, re‐order point, fixed interval ordering, run‐out time, and Kanban methods are studied.

Findings

MRP is the most commonly used method and its position has strengthened since 1993. A common way of determining parameters such as order quantities and safety stocks is to use judgment and experience. Parameters used in material planning methods are reviewed relatively infrequently. The planning frequency has increased, with daily planning now being typical.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation is that different data collection techniques were used in 1993 compared with 1999 and 2005. An important research implication is that the state‐of‐the‐art applications differ from theoretically appropriate application modes. The trends are towards less appropriate modes among the most widespread applications.

Practical implications

The frequency of reviewing planning variables is relatively low in industry, and should in most situations be increased. The paper implies that more user‐friendly software applications need to be developed and implemented. It could serve as guidelines when designing and developing training and education programs and function as a benchmark.

Originality/value

The paper provides a longitudinal state‐of‐the‐art description of materials planning usage and identifies application modes with positive and negative performance impact.
Social security expenditures and economic growth
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Chang Chun‐Ping
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the long‐run co‐movement and causal relationship between GDP and social security expenditures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses panel data unit root tests and panel cointegration tests, as well as estimation techniques appropriate for heterogeneous panels such as fully modified OLS. Data are employed on 12 Asian countries from 1972 to 2000.

Findings

The cointegration test results show strong evidence in favor of the existence of a long‐run equilibrium cointegrating relationship between GDP, capital stock and social security expenditures after allowing for heterogeneous country effects. Regarding the panel‐based error correction model and the Granger causality test, there are long‐run, bi‐directional causal linkages between social security expenditures and economic growth. In addition to the robust test, they display similar results.

Originality/value

The paper shows that in every moment, economic growth must be based in the social welfare policy contiguously, and the economic growth process can allow the social welfare policy to proceed contiguously
Latinas and black women: key factors for a growing proportion of the US workforce
Authors: Cocchiara Faye , Bell Myrtle P. , Perkins Berry Daphne
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To compare and contrast the experiences, challenges, and career mobility of black women and Latinas in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant literature and data from the US Census Bureau, the US Department of Labor, the Pew Hispanic Research Center, and other relevant repositories were used to assess the workforce participation, education, and income for women of color. Specifically, their representation in organizational positions was examined, considering historical and social influences that affect this representation. Relevant human capital theory (HCT) was applied to consider its predictive power for outcomes of black women and Latinas in the workplace.

Findings

Although women of color are increasing proportions of all women in the US labor force, equal opportunity legislation (now in its fifth decade) has improved their status less than would be expected by their education and workforce participation. HCT does not adequately explain the experiences of Latinas and black women.

Practical implications

Being aware of barriers that black women and Latinas face in the workplace will prevent organizations from devaluing a growing segment of workers and help them compete in an increasingly competitive market.

Originality/value

While black women and Latinas are the most numerous women of color in the US workforce, the relatively small amount of research on women of color, particularly Latinas, remains a gaping hole in the field. Thus, the value of this article is that it adds to the literature on the workplace experiences of an important segment of the US population.
A new national design code for indoor air environment of sports buildings
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Jian Yiwen , Cao Yue
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose is to present parameters of a new design code, which is intended to control the indoor air environment for sports buildings in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on requirements of international sports federations the characteristics of indoor airflow of sports buildings in China, include the parameters of indoor air environment of gymnasiums and natatoriums, air velocity, temperature, humidity and fresh air volume. Some illustrations and considerations are shown too.

Findings

Compared with the international standards and design guidelines, the Chinese new design code has more detailed parameters for high level sports game.

Research limitations/implications

Not all the indoor air parameters of the code are mentioned in this paper. The designs of sports building are built for high level sports games in recent years of China, the parameters of class A are paid more attention to in the paper.

Practical implications

The contents of paper could be the major designs in heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in sports building.

Originality/value

This paper could be a guide to advice the designing of indoor air environment of sports building, especially for the Beijing Olympic game in 2008, and is useful to help advanced HVAC design and analysis on the similar large space buildings.
Determinants of market orientation in accounting firms
Authors: Özer Alper , Koçak Akın , Çelik Orhan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Though market orientation has been studied extensively, in the context of goods and services, little is known of its practical application in professional services specifically. This study, therefore, aims to develop and validate a market orientation scale relevant to accountancy firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was built from first principles and the literature, and a research questionnaire adapted from the widely used standard pattern. Data collected from 1,042 usable questionnaires completed by managers of accounting firms in Turkey were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis was employed, to test the model and analyze approaches and applications in practice.

Findings

Results suggest that Turkish accounting firms believe customer orientation to be the most significant construct within market orientation. The market environment is also considered important, but there is no strong support for competitor orientation, conventionally the third plank of market orientation, mainly because of the unique characteristics of the profession.

Research limitations/implications

Because the study focused only on accounting firms and the measurement scale was adapted accordingly, valid conclusions can be drawn for that particular sector of the professional service industry, and with due caution for service providers in general. The Turkish setting limits international applicability, but contains potentially transferable insights.

Originality/value

Market orientation has an important role in competition. The study reported here applies the concept in a practitioner context so far ignored by researchers, in a developing country interestingly positioned between the first and third worlds.
An exploration of the management practices and processes most closely associated with high levels of export capability in SMEs
Authors: Doole Isobel , Grimes Tony , Demack Sean
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To take a more holistic and integrated view than in existing studies of export capability among small and medium‐sized enterprises, by exploring the key components of marketing management, and the blend of processes, practices and activities most closely associated with high levels of overall export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The principal research instrument is the export marketing profiling system developed by the authors over a five‐year period, which provided the framework for data collection and analysis. Findings are derived from 250 semi‐structured interviews conducted in SMEs in the Yorkshire and Humber region of the UK.

Findings

The study identified 17 key practices, processes and activities that, taken together, are closely associated with export performance. They relate primarily to export marketing strategy, and suggest that a blend of capabilities in the areas of knowledge management (including market research and marketing intelligence), relationship‐building, product strategy and pricing are most closely associated with success.

Practical implications

The study has particular implications for business‐support providers. The findings could be used to assess and evaluate export capability in a wider sense. The conceptual framework could serve as a diagnostic tool for the identification of the areas of operation in which support, intervention and investment might have the greatest impact on overall export capability. Further research in these areas would be of particular importance in the drive to understand the relationship between export capability and performance.

Originality/value

This study's holistic approach to identifying the blend of capabilities most closely associated with high levels of export performance could inform national and local government policy in respect of the role of support agencies in improving the export performance of SMEs, in the UK or elsewhere. It offers a template for further research into key practices, processes and activities.
Information systems in value configurations
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper proposes a value configuration approach for managing information technology in enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual research paper is concerned with industrial management and data systems from the perspective of value configurations. The value configuration approach consists of value shop, vale chain and value network.

Findings

The contingent approach to information technology management can be applied to value configurations.

Originality/value

Traditionally, data systems in industrial management have been supporting value chains. Recently, alternative value configurations have emerged. Specifically, the value shop and the value network are alternative value configurations. This paper makes an important contribution to insights into information systems depending on value configurations. The final section of this paper suggests that industrial management might expand from value chain management to value shop management, as firms become electronic businesses.
The National Library of New Zealand as a Sun™ Centre of Excellence
Authors: Reid David
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Using New Zealand as example, the purpose of this paper is to consider why Sun wants to establish centres of excellence and what the benefits are for the contributors.

Design/methodology/approach

This article combines narrative and analysis.

Findings

Concludes that each party in a centre of excellence gains benefits from its association.

Originality/value

Provides an example of a new way of working in the library sphere.
Fourier representation of random media fields in stochastic finite element modelling
Authors: Li C.F. , Feng Y.T. , Owen D.R.J. , Davies I.M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To provide an explicit representation for wide‐sense stationary stochastic fields which can be used in stochastic finite element modelling to describe random material properties.

Design/methodology/approach

This method represents wide‐sense stationary stochastic fields in terms of multiple Fourier series and a vector of mutually uncorrelated random variables, which are obtained by minimizing the mean‐squared error of a characteristic equation and solving a standard algebraic eigenvalue problem. The result can be treated as a semi‐analytic solution of the Karhunen‐Loève expansion.

Findings

According to the Karhunen‐Loève theorem, a second‐order stochastic field can be decomposed into a random part and a deterministic part. Owing to the harmonic essence of wide‐sense stationary stochastic fields, the decomposition can be effectively obtained with the assistance of multiple Fourier series.

Practical implications

The proposed explicit representation of wide‐sense stationary stochastic fields is accurate, efficient and independent of the real shape of the random structure in consideration. Therefore, it can be readily applied in a variety of stochastic finite element formulations to describe random material properties.

Originality/value

This paper discloses the connection between the spectral representation theory of wide‐sense stationary stochastic fields and the Karhunen‐Loève theorem of general second‐order stochastic fields, and obtains a Fourier‐Karhunen‐Loève representation for the former stochastic fields.
Effects of chemical reaction, heat and mass diffusion in natural convection flow from an isothermal sphere with temperature dependent viscosity
Authors: Molla Mamun , Hossain Anwar
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To investigate the effects of chemical reaction on natural convection heat and mass transfer from a sphere with temperature dependent viscosity.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into a non‐dimensional form and the resulting nonlinear system of partial differential equations are reduced to local non‐similarity boundary layer equations, which are solved numerically by very efficient implicit finite difference method together with Keller box scheme.

Findings

The effects of chemical reaction, the skin‐friction coefficients, surface heat transfer rates, velocity and concentration distribution decrease as well as the mass transfer rates and temperature distribution increase within the boundary layer.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation is valid for steady two‐dimensional laminar flow. The concentration of the reactant is maintained at a constant value and the sphere is isothermal. An extension to unsteady flow with temperature dependent thermal conductivity is left for future work.

Originality/value

This result provides guidance to engineers about heat and mass transfer with the effects of chemical reaction from isothermal spherical surface.
Entrepreneurial, market, and learning orientations and international entrepreneurial business venture performance in South African firms
Authors: Kropp Fredric , Lindsay Noel J. , Shoham Aviv
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This study examines the interrelationships between aspects of entrepreneurial, market, and learning orientations, and international entrepreneurial business venture (IEBV) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 396 entrepreneurs and 143 senior managers from early stage, growth‐oriented firms in the Republic of South Africa. These firms had an international focus in that 20 per cent began exporting from their inception and the remaining 80 per cent either began exporting within three years of inception or planned to export within three years of inception. Given the multidimensional nature of IEBV performance, structural equation modeling (AMOS) was used to test the measurement and substantive models.

Findings

Results indicate that IEBV performance is positively related to the innovativeness component of an entrepreneurial orientation (EO), a market orientation, and a learning orientation. Contrary to expectations, the communications aspect of EO is inversely related to objective performance measures.

Research limitations/implications

By design, only successful IEBVs in South Africa were studied, potentially limiting generalizability.

Practical implications

Financiers can enhance the probability of success by assigning a greater weight to an entrepreneur's creativity.

Originality/value

This is the first examination of the role of all three orientations and multidimensional measures of objective and subjective performance. It examines South Africa, a more dynamic, changing and hostile business environment. Managers and financiers can enhance their probability of success by developing the different orientations.
The relationship between private businesses and their banks
Authors: Binks Martin , Ennew Christine , Mowlah Andy
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how banks have a critical role in helping SMEs by providing investment capital that businesses need and by offering sound financial advice through the growth of the company.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Forum of Private Business (FPB) Bank Report of 2004, the total sample represents responses from the FPB and customers of six participating clearing banks. Although the total sample is used to compile performance indices by the bank, the rest of this paper is based solely on the FPB sample.

Findings

Business and their managers should improve their knowledge of financial management. Appreciation on the part of banks that SMEs' confidence in formalised process will be greater where small firms’ own representatives have set up contingencies to overcome relationship problems when trading difficulties arise.

Originality/value

It was found that in order to pursue economic competitiveness it is necessary for many SMEs to have a flexible working relationship with their banks.
An approach for evaluating preventive maintenance scheduling cost
Authors: Oke S.A. , Charles‐Owaba O.E.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to revisit the preventive maintenance scheduling literature. The problem to be solved is the simultaneous scheduling of resource‐constrained preventive maintenance and operations. In particular, the expression that defines the period‐dependent cost function for a preventive maintenance scheduling activity is redefined. A case study is presented from the shipping industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a mathematical theory of differential calculus known as three‐dimensional wave equation is applied. The methodology involves transforming the preventive maintenance cost function that is expressed in terms of several variables into a more precise framework. The motivation for the work is the need to measure the total preventive maintenance scheduling cost more precisely than with the use of the existing linear cost structure.

Findings

In this paper the findings from the analysis carried out found evidence that validates the claim of the feasibility of analyzing preventive maintenance cost using the approach proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that, in practice, maintenance managers strive to reduce the cost of preventive maintenance activities in order to achieve low cost production of goods. This would encourage a high patronage of customers and prevent decisions being made on wrong data. The approach presented here aims at correcting this weakness by revealing a more precise and reliable method of preventive maintenance scheduling cost computation. This is a scientific tool that should be of immense benefit to maintenance planners, particularly those actively engaged in scheduling functions.

Originality/value

The work in this paper is new, since a novel framework is presented in a way that has not been documented earlier.
Plant location, ISO 9000 certifications and quality management practices
Authors: Youssef Mohamed A. , Al‐Ghamdi Salem M. , Koch James V. , Dolan Tom
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the country in which a manufacturing plant is located on its ability to achieve one or more of the ISO certifications, and the extent to which six other quality management practices have been implemented. It also examines the impact of achieving world class manufacturing status (WCM) on product quality. Product quality was measured by finished‐product first‐pass yield, scrap and rework costs, and warranty costs as percentages of sales.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses are based on empirical data collected from more than 2900 manufacturing plants in the USA Canada, and Mexico.

Findings

The results show that there are significant differences in the plants' efforts to achieve quality certifications. Significant differences were also found in the extent to which six other quality management techniques are implemented. More important, our results show that there are significant differences in product quality performance among plants with different levels of progress toward achieving WCM status.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have many implications for both academic and practitioners who are interested in studying the impact of ISO 9000 and Quality Management practices.