bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence‐based condition monitoring for plant maintenance
Authors: Nadakatti Mahantesh , Ramachandra A. , Santosh Kumar A.N.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the development and testing of a condition‐monitoring sub‐module of an integrated plant maintenance management application based on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, mainly knowledge‐based systems, having several modules, sub‐modules and sections.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is applicable to general purpose machinery. A maintenance knowledge base is developed from published information on maintenance management like handbooks, journals, conference proceedings, because of difficulty in accessing expert knowledge and information on actual machine problems, from experts in maintenance management. The knowledge‐based engine comprises intelligent algorithms and software‐generated pop‐ups/alerts/alarms predictive tools. The expert system on an off‐line basis, on a failure in the plant's machinery or deterioration in performance, will trigger fault diagnosis to detect the reason and give immediate advice to the maintenance group.

Findings

Knowledge‐based intelligent machine troubleshooting/maintenance software enables maintenance technicians to refer to custom‐made, ready‐to‐use and easily upgradable maintenance software. Its benefits include: reduction in machine down‐time, reduction in skill level for maintenance activities, ease of maintenance, speedy response and affordable cost. The paper collectively deals with the analysis of the state‐of‐the‐art expert systems for diagnosis and maintenance of general‐purpose industrial machinery.

Research limitations/implications

The software is essentially for general purpose industrial machinery (stand‐alone type) applications. For continuously operating machinery, the software has to be altered to accommodate continuous data through strategically mounted sensors.

Practical implications

Knowledge based, ready‐to‐use, custom‐built, maintenance management software application having many modules and sub‐modules on various aspects of modern maintenance practices has direct application for shopfloor maintenance.

Originality/value

A part of fully‐fledged maintenance management application based on AI principles is discussed in the present paper. Its benefits include: use of latest methodology – AI techniques for maintenance field, ready‐to‐install condition, vast and immediate access to maintenance management information, user‐friendly and interactive modules, easily upgradable features for the application.
Impact of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act upon management: a behavioural discussion
Authors: Linsley Colin , Linsley Christine
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of behavioural psychology when considering the effects of legislation on senior management behaviour. Use is made of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 and the corporate failures that led to its passage.

Design/methodology/approach

The insights of behavioural psychology are discussed and then applied to the situation of senior management faced with reacting to new legislation.

Findings

It is found that this approach predicts that the effects on management behaviour may be greater than (and in any case will be different from) the effects resulting from using a more traditional approach of law and economics

Research limitations/implications

No original research is performed. It does however show that further research using this approach has much potential.

Practical implications

As the paper looks at the effect of legislation on management behaviour this paper shows the value of the behavioural approach to both those who propose legislation and those who study its effects.

Originality/value

No original work is presented but the paper is useful in showing readers not familiar with this approach of its usefulness.
Psychological bonds and their impact on behavioral loyalty in auditor‐client relationships
Authors: Kuenzel Sven , Krolikowska Ewa
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the psychological bond on behavioral loyalty (word‐of‐mouth, continuance and non‐audit services) to audit firms providing services to companies listed on the Polish Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is proposed and tested using structural equation modeling with LISREL. Data were collected from top executives of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

Findings

The psychological bond has a positive effect on word‐of‐mouth, continuance and non‐audit services.

Research limitations/implications

The current research is limited to the investigation of the psychological bond as an antecedent of behavioral loyalty in Poland. Future research should identify and assess other antecedents and replicate these across different countries. A longitudinal survey across different points in time might reveal more useful information about auditor‐client relationships.

Practical implications

Auditors need to consider ways in which they can develop the psychological bond with their clients. This bond is the basis for the client believing the audit firm is superior to others, which has been found to lead to behavioral loyalty in this study. In particular, management of the auditor brand and reputation, personal experience of the audit firm and alumni relations are discussed as ways of enhancing the psychological bond among client executives.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the impact of the psychological bond on behavioral loyalty in auditor‐client relationships.
Novice and expert judgment in the presence of going concern uncertainty
Authors: Anandarajan Asokan , Kleinman Gary , Palmon Dan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Prior literature provides clear evidence that the judgments of experts differ from those of non‐experts. For example, Smith and Kida concluded that the extent of common biases that they investigated often are reduced when experts perform job related tasks as compared to students. The aim in this theoretical study is to examine whether “heuristic biases significantly moderate the understanding of experts versus novices in the going concern judgment?”

Design/methodology/approach

The authors address the posited question by marshalling extant literature on expert and novice judgments and link these to concepts drawn from the cognitive sciences through the Brunswick Lens Model.

Findings

The authors identify a number of heuristics that may bias the going concern decision, based on the work of Kahneman and Tversky among others. They conclude that experience mitigates the unintentional consequences played by heuristic biases.

Practical implications

The conclusions have implications for the education and training of auditors, and for the expectation gap. They suggest that both awareness of factors that affect understanding of auditing reports and greater attention to training are important in reducing the expectation gap.

Originality/value

This paper develops additional theoretical understanding of factors that may impact the expectation gap. While there has been limited prior discussion of the impact of cognitive factors on differences between experts and novices, the paper significantly expands the range of factors discussed. As such, it should provide a stimulus to new research in this important area.
Budgetary fairness and governmental program heads' turnover intention
Authors: Blair Staley A. , Magner Nace R.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Empirical evidence from governmental budgeting and related organizational decision‐making contexts suggests that program heads will be less likely to leave their governmental unit when they feel that governmental budgeting is fair. The purpose of this study is to examine relationships between three forms of fairness in governmental budgeting – distributive fairness, procedural fairness, and interactional fairness – and program heads' intention to leave the governmental unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire data were gathered from 87 US federal government program heads with budget responsibility and analyzed with multiple regression.

Findings

Interactional budgetary fairness had a significant and positive unique relationship with intent to leave after controlling for the other two forms of budgetary fairness and three demographic variables. Neither distributive budgetary fairness nor procedural budgetary fairness had a significant unique relationship with intent to leave.

Practical implications

Budgetary decision makers and budget staff in governmental units can reduce program heads' intention to leave the governmental unit by promoting interactional budgetary fairness through steps such as treating the program heads with kindness and respect during budgeting and providing clear and adequate explanations for budgetary decisions.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine relationships between the three forms of organizational decision‐making fairness and turnover intention in a governmental budgeting context.
Open Access: Trends and Strategies after Berlin5
Authors: Giglia Elena , Vignocchi Marialaura
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to eview the papers presented at the international conference “Berlin5: from practice to impact. Consequences of knowledge dissemination”, 19‐21 September 2007, Padua, Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the content of papers presented at the conference, all dedicated to aspects of Open Access. Findings The papers debate the challenges of Open Access and the possibilities of achieving a winning solution suitable for all stakeholders participating in the scholarly communication process.

riginality/value

A valuable review of the conference papers and current debate on Open Access.
Nigerian Library Association Annual Conference 2007
Authors: Ogugua Jonathan , Emerole Nancy , Egwim Fanny
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Presents a summary of the proceedings of the 2007 National Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on the nine scholarly papers and speeches presented at the conference.

Findings

An appropriate curriculum should be designed for the training of librarians in Nigerian universities, as well as in the training of school library media specialists. Public‐Private Partnership (PPP) in library and information services should be encouraged; the use of ICT is beneficial to undergraduates; and consortium development in agricultural research institutes is also indispensable. The virtual library in Nigeria is also valuable, the challenges not withstanding, and library and information services to rural communities should also be encouraged.

Originality/value

An original paper that has great value for library and information practitioners, government and policy makers.
23rd Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning
Authors: Dieterle Ulrike
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To report on the 23rd Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning held August 8‐10, 2007 in Madison, WI.Design/methodology/approach – Provides an overview of the conference and reviews of specific events.

Findings

Outlines the pre‐conference events and four limited presentations.

Originality/value

A conference report of interest to librarians, information professionals, trainers and instructional designers about issues related to distance learning, teaching and technologies.
Electronic Resources & Libraries, 2nd Annual Conference 2007: Another Perspective
Authors: Arch Xan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the “Electronic resources and libraries” 2nd annual conference.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview of the presentations given at the conference. Findings Presentations include discussions on Web 2.0 technologies and how librarians view Open Access.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful review of the conference, focusing on such topics as screencasting, Open Access and scholarly communications.
Choosing Software for a Digital Library
Authors: DeRidder Jody L.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This article aims to outline steps for the inexperienced, including both internal and external considerations, to ensure informed choices when selecting digital library software.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a step‐by‐step approach in how to choose the correct software for a specific library application; and then how to test it and cost out the project.

Findings

The choice of delivery software for digital libraries impacts usability, interoperability, support costs, and the ability to migrate materials over time. Intelligent selection requires careful assessment of internal needs and resources, as well as careful assessment of the options. Other considerations may be preferences related to the goals of your library, such as support of metadata standards, interoperability with other systems, and additional functionality.

Practical implications

If user and client needs are not weighed, the outcome will be a tremendous disappointment. In addition, failure to consider the hardware and personnel support necessary can spell disaster.

Originality/value

A clear and concise step‐by‐step approach to project management from assessment of requirements to purchase decision.
“You Got to Have FAIFE”: The Role of Free Access to Information and Freedom of Information
Authors: Falconer Cobi
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion of the activities carried out to promote intellectual freedom as a human right.

Design/methodology/approach

Focuses on the work of FAIFE – the Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, an apolitical body that is a vehicle of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Describes the historic role of FAIFE, its successes, challenges faced, discusses future endeavors and assesses its long‐term success.

Findings

Assesses FAIFE’s principles and objectives and finds its initiatives exemplified in the transparent and free access online users have to its publications. Uses examples from Cuba, Tunisia, China and the USA to present issues of intellectual freedom and the involvement of FAIFE. Finds that intellectual awareness is increased through research and collaboration. A major challenge remains in financing FAIFE’s activities; and seeking funding detracts from its other objectives. Raises doubts over FAIFE’s long‐term success rate in bringing about significant change.

Originality/value

Of interest in the long‐term to assess how successful FAIFE’s influence on human rights issues has been.
Microform and Digital Publishing
Authors: Vassie Roderic
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the issues surrounding the future of microfilm in a digital age with particular reference to historical archive materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on personal experience of the microform publishing market and from a paper presented at the National Preservation Office’s annual conference, 2007, Second life for collections.

Findings

Sales figures from Japan for microform publications show a decline of 60 per cent over the last ten years. Recent demand falls in the niche market of print‐on‐demand microfilms and archival collections requested by academic institutions.

Practical implications

Discusses the pros and cons of preservation methods for archival material in various formats, i.e. digital, and the role of microfilm in archival publishing. Explores current issues of copyright, pricing policies and the long‐term future for microfilm use within research and archival collections.

Originality/value

A personal view from a publisher of academic microform, which assesses the current situation and poses questions for the future survival, use and preservation of microfilmed information.
Biblioteca de Babel: Developing University Libraries in Latin America
Authors: Johnson Ian M.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of a project in Latin American university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes meetings, focus groups, and shared experiences.

Findings

Guidelines on institutional repositories have been published, and others are expected to appear shortly on information literacy and digital reference.

Research limitations/implications

This work was based on experience, rather than objective assessment.

Practical implications

The guidelines are intended to win the support of university managers as well as their librarians, and tend therefore to be non‐technical.

Originality/value

If implemented, these guidelines will enhance the standing of university libraries in the region, as well as raise the level of professional practice and the contribution of university libraries to social and economic development.
The Transformation of the Engineering Library: Changes at the University of Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Hulse Patsy
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The Engineering Library, the University of Auckland’s latest state‐of‐the‐art and completely remodelled subject‐specific library, is proving extremely popular with its users. This article aims to describe the successful design of a library building to cope with new roles, new goals and new futures. It looks at the planning and implementation, provides illustrations of innovative solutions and services, and outlines the key drivers and outcomes. It describes the transformation of a late 1960s library that was crowded, stuffy and lacking in natural light, to a striking new learning environment with many enhanced services.

Design/methodology/approach

Description of the process of redevelopment.

Findings

A complete renovation of a building can make a striking difference.

Originality/value

A profile of the University of Auckland Engineering Library with redesigned services.
Information Needs of Illiterate Female Farmers in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State
Authors: Welfare Irivwieri Joseph
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study aimed to find out the information needs of illiterate female farmers in Ethiope East local government area of Delta State, Nigeria. Agriculture is the mainstay of people in the rural areas, and is mostly for subsistence living. To bring about improvement in practice requires finding out: at what stages of farming illiterate female farmers need agricultural information; through which channels they receive agricultural information; the problems they encounter when they need information; and how the problem can be solve.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 200 illiterate female farmers. Data was collected via structured questionnaire, which was read and translated to the illiterate female farmers in their local dialect, Urhobo.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed that the illiterate female farmers do not have access to information because the agricultural extension services unit fails to visit them and provide the required agricultural information. Cassava is the major crop produced by illiterate female farmers in the Abraka and Agbon clans. Community/opinion leaders and children of farmers are the main sources of agricultural information for illiterate female farmers. Lack of funds to purchase radio/television so as to have access to programmes on better farming techniques was a major problem; as was the lack of a mobile library to visit the farmers and provide necessary agricultural information.

Originality/value

Highlights the problems of illiterate indigenous people accessing information on agriculture that if applied should lift them above subsistence level.
Construction 101: New Building Tips for Technologists
Authors: Fifarek Aimee
Published: April 2008

Purpose

New building construction and remodeling projects hold special challenges and opportunities for technologists. The purpose of this paper is to help technologists new to construction and remodeling projects prepare for the task ahead and be open to advantages those projects may afford them.

Findings

While construction and remodeling projects can be challenging proper planning, attention to detail in all aspects of the budgeting and planning process can result in success.

Originality/value

The paper offers new building tips for technologists.
Proactive co‐learning: a new paradigm in disaster education
Authors: Shiwaku Koichi , Shaw Rajib
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aims of this paper are to point out the effectiveness of the education at Maiko and show the direction of effective school disaster education.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire survey was conducted in 12 schools (1,065 students) from different parts of Japan, including that of Maiko, to understand the linking between disaster education and students' awareness.

Findings

The questionnaire results show a distinct higher risk perception and risk reduction actions of the students in the Maiko, as compared to other schools. The Maiko focuses on mitigation and preparedness, mainly teaches about the social environment, and makes students think of the importance of implementation. This learning process is found to be effective in reducing the gap between intention and action.

Research limitations/implications

This study points out the crucial points of disaster education based on the education at Maiko. The specific case of disaster education should be developed in each school, adapting local situation.

Practical implications

The study findings are of significant importance for school‐teachers or education departments, while designing the curriculum for disaster education.

Originality/value

The paper shows that education at Maiko is one of the best practices of school based disaster education and the findings and recommendations can be effective at other schools.
Planning for judgement day
Authors: Gstraunthaler Thomas
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the organization and execution of the planning process of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The focus is placed on the different stakeholders involved and their role in the decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involves content analysis of the available paperwork and interviews with leading personnel of DEFRA.

Findings

The organization of the planning process ensures strong involvement of the industry. As the financial resources of DEFRA are limited, parts of the costs of the process are passed on to the industry, which allow it to play a stronger role. By delegating major tasks to other organizations DEFRA lacks control of the execution of its decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the view of the interviewed persons. As it is a pre‐impact study, people could act in a different manner than originally stated if an outbreak should occur.

Practical implications

Through identifying the motivations of participating actors, it was demonstrated that this system is prone to the same failures as already shown in the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis. It is discussed if the role of government planning is really necessary or if the whole task could be done by the industry.

Originality/value

The paper is a pre‐impact study and will contribute to the debate about the system in general.
An overview on static electricity
Authors: Mohamed Shaluf Ibrahim
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide graduate students, researchers, governmental and independent agencies with an overview on static electricity.

Design/methodology/approach

Static electricity has been studied by researchers, academicians, company specialists, governmental and independent agencies. Static electricity incidents have been collected from several sources such as the technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. The static electricity definition, incidents, hazards, and static electricity prevention have been reviewed. The static electricity incidents have been arranged and classified into fire, and explosions.

Findings

Static electricity can be the cause of problems in many areas of industry. It presents a source of ignition for flammable gases, liquids and powders. It can cause fires and explosions in tankers, aircraft and petrochemical plant and in printing, pharmaceutical, food products and explosives industries.

Originality/value

This paper presents an overview on static electricity, the incidents, and the methods to prevent static electricity generation and accumulation.
Pilot error
Authors: Masys A.J.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to reveal the reasons for pilot error. Surveys in aviation have attributed 70 percent of incidents to crew error, citing pilot error as the root cause of an aviation accident.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses ANT, a theoretical perspective, that has evolved to address the socio‐technical domain and in so doing reveals the “social” as defined by Latour. This perspective challenges the way that agency, the human and non‐human are conceptualised. In this work, complexity theory is used as an integrating concept to complement ANT thereby providing an explanatory framework (with particular emphasis on interrelationship) that enhances understanding regarding the accident aetiology of complex systems and the “social”.

Findings

The hegemony of “pilot error” is dispelled revealing a de‐centered causality that is resident within a network space “worldview”.

Practical implications

The network space “worldview” reflects the nonlinearity and complexity inherent within accident aetiology involving complex socio‐technical systems. It reveals how politics and power “inscripted” within the network actors interrelate, and in particular shape situation awareness challenging the hegemony of “blamism” that is associated with “pilot error”.

Originality/value

The paper moves beyond a Newtonian‐Cartesian worldview of accident aetiology to embrace a “relativistic” perspective characterized by nonlinear dynamics, emergent properties and complex interrelationships.
UK emergency preparedness: a holistic response?
Authors: O'Brien Geoff
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that to address the consequences of climate change and variability a greater focus on pre‐emergency planning that engages a wider stakeholder group must be adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses UK emergency management and approaches to climate change and climate variability risk.

Findings

The internal focus of UK emergency management inhibits the contribution that it can make to societal resilience and public preparedness. Effective risk reduction requires that all actors, including the public, are engaged in the social learning process. From a UK emergency management perspective this requires a culture shift to an outward proactive focus.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights into emergency preparedness in the UK.
A theoretical perspective of man‐made system disasters
Authors: Tarn J. Michael , Wen H. Joseph , Shih Stephen C.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study major man‐made system disasters and to suggest a solution for filling the noted gaps in control systems interfaces and to render those vital considerations for the next‐generation disaster management control systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyzes the nature of large‐scale disasters and observes that most man‐made system disasters are composed of many related events that interact with one another.

Findings

The findings show evidence of a common path to catastrophe. These functional failures resulted from the information gaps that eventually contribute to the development of a tragedy. Because of the intricate interconnections among related events of a developed calamity, an integrated approach to man‐made disaster detection and prevention as well as emergency management is required.

Practical implications

Conducting an analysis of the typical contingency control structures, the authors suggest that disaster or emergency managers adopt a pessimistic and quasi‐intelligent orientation to monitor and control critical systems.

Originality/value

This research presents a generic threat‐driven disaster management control system design with advanced model bases and decision support technologies to enhance conventional disaster management control systems and to supplement management responses so that the sphere and magnitude of damage can be minimized.
Tsunami early warning system (EWS) and its integration within the chain of seismic safety
Authors: Davis Ian , Izadkhah Yasamin O.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a broad overview of the South Asian tsunami in relation to the development of the early warning system (EWS) as well as its integration within the seismic safety chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on social and administrative aspects that require detailed attention as key elements within the overall system. The observations grow from experience gained by Ian Davis from working on the UK IDNDR Flagship project Warnings and Forecasts from 1996‐9 and from participation in the Working Group advising Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on the development of warnings in preparation for the G8 meeting held in Scotland in June 2005.

Findings

The conclusions of the paper grow from variety of experiences that both the authors have gained in working for many years in the field of disaster management. A number of requirements emerge from the experience such as specific administrative measures, political will, scientific knowledge and the development of tsunami safety culture.

Practical implications

The paper provides an overview of some of the social and administrative measures needed to enable scientific warnings to be disseminated and applied at every level to protect people and their property.

Originality/value

The message of this paper is an attempt to stress the importance of the totality of an effective warning system. At present, the scientific side has secured vital attention. But this has to be complemented with the social and administrative elements on which all scientific detection depends. The authors argue that these neglected safety elements require urgent attention if a full safety system is to function effectively.
A hard habit to break? A role for substance use education in the new millennium
Authors: Aldridge Judith
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the five papers comprising this special issue on post‐millennium trends in young people's substance use in the UK. The positions taken by the authors of each of the papers in the issue are compared with respect to their conclusions on how best to reduce harmful outcomes for young people in relation to their substance use, and what role exists for health education in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a narrative review of the papers in the issue.

Findings

Across substances (alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs), the authors identify slight downward trends in population prevalence of use by adolescents and young adults since 2000. This downward trend follows some fairly steep rises during the 1990s, resulting in levels of use remaining historically relatively high. The importance of global and demographic changes is identified as being important in understanding the (arguably somewhat limited) scope for changing youthful behaviour. The different recommendations for how to reduce harmful outcomes for young people are discussed: modifying the context/environment of use (for alcohol and tobacco), drugs treatment (for drug‐using offenders), tackling inequality and disadvantage (for heroin and crack cocaine).

Practical implications

Two key roles for health educators are identified: first, supporting mechanisms already known to be effective in reducing use/harmful use such as smoke‐free environments; second, providing an “expert” source of information used by the vast majority of young people who both want and require this on their lifelong health and drug “journeys”. Health education should have a harm reduction role; measuring success in terms of reducing population prevalence of substance use may be inappropriate and unrealistic.

Originality/value

Important insights are gained into substance use trends by young people when UK trends are set alongside international trends, and when all the psychoactive substances consumed are considered together.
Decline but no fall?
Authors: Aldridge Judith
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe trends since 2000 in young people's use of illegal/illicit drugs in Britain, and to place these into a longer‐term context alongside recent theorising on youthful drug taking. The implications for health educators are to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A selective narrative review of published data and theory forms the approach.

Findings

A steady rise in the prevalence of youthful drug taking in Britain from the 1960s was followed by a sharper rise from 1990 to an all‐time peak in the middle of that decade. Rates have not quite returned to this peak since, and from 2000 onwards have declined steadily, though from a historically high level. By 2006/2007, roughly one in five younger adolescents, and one in four older adolescents and young adults, has taken an illegal/illicit drug in the past year. In spite of changes over the past two decades, youthful drug taking in Britain over this period is characterised by considerable continuity. Gender and socio‐economic differences in drug taking over this period have remained roughly stable, but changes may be under way in relation to differences by ethnic background.

Practical implications

In Britain, levels of youthful drug taking remain at historically relatively high levels, with recent decreases at least in part probably due to a cohort effect of the drug‐involved generation who were teenagers in the 1990s moving into their 30s. Drugs education is not the likely cause of the post‐2000 downward trend. Drug “journeys” and the pursuit of pleasure are important considerations for health educators who aim their messages at the majority of young people whose drug use is not seriously problematic, and who are proactive when they do experience problems.

Originality/value

This paper calls for health educators also to focus on the majority of youthful drug use that is relatively unproblematic for young people. These young people require information as they make adjustments in their behaviour, and their needs may sometimes be ignored in favour of those with problematic drug use.
Youth, heroin, crack: a review of recent British trends
Authors: Seddon Toby
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the research evidence on recent British trends in the use of heroin and/or crack‐cocaine by young people in order to appraise the scale and nature of the contemporary health problem they pose.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach consists of a narrative review of the main current data sources on young people's drug use.

Findings

Use of heroin or crack‐cocaine is rare in Britain in the general population of young people and is concentrated more amongst young adults than adolescents. There is some evidence for associations between use of these drugs and socio‐economic disadvantages, although the links are complex. There may be fruitful connections to be made between drug policy and public health strategies for tackling health inequalities.

Practical implications

Embedding responses to young people's heroin/crack use within mainstream strategies to tackle health inequalities may be mutually beneficial to both policy agendas.

Originality/value

Situating in its proper evidential context the emotive issue of young people's use of what are believed to be the most dangerous illicit drugs, and appraising these data from a public health perspective, may lead to a more realistic and appropriate research and policy response.
Identifying and preventing health problems among young drug‐misusing offenders
Authors: Bennett Trevor , Holloway Katy
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the health problems and treatment needs of drug‐misusing offenders and to draw out the implications of the findings for health education and prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is based on data collected as part of the New English and Welsh Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (NEW‐ADAM) programme. The survey was based on interviews and urine sample collection with over 3,000 arrestees.

Findings

The research found that young arrestees experienced a wide range of drug‐related and general health problems. The implications of this are discussed in the context of programmes implemented as part of the government's drug strategy.

Originality/value

The NEW‐ADAM surveys provide an original source of information on the drug and general health needs of young people at the first point of entry in the criminal justice system.
If you aspire to be a great place to work, you've set the bar too low
Authors: Finney Martha I.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper outlines the attributes that contribute to making companies, the best to work for.

Design/methodology/approach

Views and opinions of the author

Findings

It may be possible for employers to achieve greater harmony by shifting the focus from becoming a great place to attracting great employees and treating them with honor and respect once they sign on with you. They may give you the moon in return.

Originality/value

Highlights the importance of considering employees as interacting components of the business.
Employee engagement – completely
Authors: Townsend Patrick , Gebhardt Joan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Looks at how the world has changed in terms of providing goods and services and what that means to the employees providing them

Design/methodology/approach

Examines how a complete quality process can encourage employee engagement.

Findings

A complete quality process takes concentration and times: surprisingly little time. The elapsed time between the decision to pursue this option and a fully implemented system with measurable, bottom‐line benefits was eight months in one instance and six months in the other. And the improvement in morale was equally striking

Originality/value

Employees generally refer to their place of work as “my company” when they are at home. Taking advantage of that natural feeling of ownership by extending trust and empowerment to all employees and giving them the means to be engaged in the continual improvement of everything the organization does is in the best interest of the employer, the employees, and their customers.
Leader member exchange and the use of moderating conflict management styles
Authors: Green Connie
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the styles of conflict management and the quality of dyadic exchanges between leader and follower, controlling for age, gender, education, and organizational tenure.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was quantitative and incorporated the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory‐II and Leader‐Member Exchange Version 7 survey instruments.

Findings

There were significant findings with respect to quality of dyadic relationship and use of conflict management styles. The lower the dyadic relationship quality, the more moderating styles are introduced into the relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study were: participants were selected by the vice president of human resources for this international company and were limited to current US employees; the study was limited to one company, thereby limiting the ability to generalize study findings; and the study focused on correlational data, and made no attempt to address the cause and effect issues related to conflict, conflict management, leader‐member exchange, or leadership.

Originality/value

The value of this study is its original contribution to the research literature, as no previous studies which incorporated both conflict management and leader‐follower relationship quality could be found during the exhaustive literature review.
Personality, motives, and conflict strategies in everyday service encounters
Authors: Macintosh Gerrard , Stevens Charles
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This research aims to examine the link between personality, motives, and the choice of conflict resolution strategy in a service conflict context.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants' responses to a service conflict scenario were coded into strategy categories and both personality (the Big Five) and motives were measured with established scales. Differences in personality and motives across the strategies were assessed with ANOVA and the relationship between personality and motives was assessed with multiple‐regression.

Findings

While the results did not show a direct relationship between personality and choice of strategy, they did indicate an indirect link through motives. The results also show that consumers used a variety of strategies based on a mix of economic and social motives.

Research limitations/implications

The results show that social motives play an important role in business conflicts. The study also supports a multi‐level perspective of personality, where basic tendencies (the Big Five) impact characteristic adaptations (motives), which are more closely related to behavior.

Practical implications

The results suggest that consumer behavior in dealing with conflict can be complex and that service provider cannot rely on “one best way” strategies for dealing with customers. Managers should also be sensitive to the importance that social motives play in conflict resolution, particularly the importance consumers place on fairness.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates how social motives play an important role in business conflicts.
Conflict styles of men and women at six organization levels
Authors: Thomas Kenneth W. , Fann Thomas Gail , Schaubhut Nancy
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study aims to provide a more detailed examination of the way conflict styles vary by organization level and gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors drew a stratified, random sample from a national database on the Thomas‐Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, selecting 200 fully‐employed men and 200 fully‐employed women at each of six organizational levels – from entry‐level positions to top executives. This design allowed them to test for linear and curvilinear relationships between style and organization level, as well as to compare gender differences in styles across organization levels.

Findings

Results showed moderate effect sizes for both organization level and gender, with negligible interaction effects. Assertiveness (competing and collaborating) increases monotonically at progressively higher organization levels, while unassertive styles (avoiding and accommodating) decrease. Compromising shows a curvilinear relationship to organization level, decreasing at both the highest and lowest levels. The strongest gender finding was that men score significantly higher on competing at all six organization levels. Thus, there was no evidence that conflict styles of men and women converge at higher organization levels.

Originality/value

The study provides a more detailed picture of conflict style differences by organization level and gender. Among other things, these differences suggest the usefulness of multiple sets of norms for conflict style instruments and the need for conflict training and team building to take into account the typical style patterns at a given organization level.
A new look at conflict styles: goal orientation and outcome preferences
Authors: Zarankin Tal G.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into conflict styles by examining a new set of antecedents and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A theory is outlined and a theoretical model is presented to explain the relationship between a motivational antecedent – goal orientation – and conflict styles, and to explain the relationship between conflict styles and resolution preferences.

Findings

The paper suggests that goal orientation serves as an antecedent for subsequent conflict style. Moreover, resolution preferences vary depending on goal orientation and conflict style.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has several implications for future research. Empirical research is needed to investigate the relationship between goal orientation and conflict styles as well as the relationship between conflict style and outcome preferences. Such research may either provide grounding to the model or generate further theory development regarding the antecedents and outcomes of conflict styles.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that goal orientations are relatively stable but that conflict styles are relatively mutable. This suggests that if people become aware of their goal orientation, they can change their conflict style to achieve a solution that is more appropriate for their unique situation.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the literature and offers a new theoretical framework as to the antecedents and outcomes of conflict styles. The paper offers a motivational explanation for conflict styles and examines resolution preferences that could predict party satisfaction with the outcome.
A hybrid knowledge‐based performance measurement system
Authors: Khurshid Khan Mohammed , Wibisono Dermawan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present a hybrid knowledge based (KB) – analytic hierarchy process (AHP) – gauging absence of pre‐requisite (GAP) analysis of performance measurement system (PMS) expert system (ES) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The KBPMS has been developed using the rule base approach of ESs. Full details are given for the customer perspective (CP). The KBPMS considers five levels of company performance: business perspective, CP, manufacturing competitive priorities perspective, internal process perspective and resource and method availability perspective. CP model of the KBPMS system, and thereafter the complete model is summarised for the different modules. Embedded within the KB is the ability to benchmark the PMS existing in a company to assist in the improvement process.

Findings

The validation of the hybrid KBPMS was confirmed through three real applications in the manufacturing industry sector: aircraft component manufacturing, electronics manufacturing and telecommunication products manufacturing. The results of the validation exercise indicate that the present hybrid KBPMS model is a suitable decision‐making tool to assist the practitioners of PMS and provides consistent and detailed prioritised results for actions and improvements.

Research limitations/implications

Future research work could consider a larger sample size and cover a wider range of industry types, including services industry.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original and novel approach (KB/ES coupled with AHP and gap analysis) to designing and benchmarking PMS in a manufacturing environment.