bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of a MEMS accelerometer to detect heart bypass surgery complications
Authors: Lowrie Craig , Desmulliez Marc P.Y. , Hoff Lars , Jakob Elle Ole , Fosse Erik
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the design and fabrication of a micro‐accelerometer to be used to measure the heart wall motion of patients who have just undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The sensor will provide a means of early warning for the medical staff of associated complications with this surgery occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

A feasibility paper is carried out with the use of commercially available MEMS three‐axis accelerometers. The sensors are used in animal studies during which the sensor is stitched directly to the surface of a pig's heart. A need for smaller sensors is required and these are designed in‐house and fabricated using a MEMS process. The final dimensions of the sensors are 2.5×3.5×1.4 mm in width, length and height, respectively.

Findings

The results of the feasibility studies demonstrate the viability of this type of sensor for heart wall motion measurement. It is possible to detect abnormalities, which can indicate complications associated with CABG. The sensors presented here are fabricated within the tight overall size specifications deemed necessary for this application.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrates an application of MEMS for implantable medical sensors.

Practical implications

In the UK, approximately 300,000 people have a heart attack each year. One of the most common surgeries that is used to treat this is CABG. This sensor is to be used by the medical staff in post‐surgery to provide “real‐time” monitoring of the heart and give early warning of regional cardiac ischemia which can save lives and reduce hospital waiting times and costs.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates an original way of measuring heart wall motion. Results from the feasibility studies have proven that this can provide an invaluable way of providing early warning of complications after heart surgery.
Productionisation issues for commercialisation of microfluidic based devices
Authors: Patrick Webb Dennis , Knauf Benedikt , Liu Chanqing , Hutt David , Conway Paul
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Microfluidic or “lab‐on‐a‐chip” technology is seen as a key enabler in the rapidly expanding market for medical point‐of‐care and other kinds of portable diagnostic device. The purpose of this paper is to discuss two proposed packaging processes for large‐scale manufacture of microfluidic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first packaging process, polymer overmoulding of a microfluidic chip is used to form a fluidic manifold integrated with the device in a single step. The anticipated advantages of the proposed method of packaging are ease of assembly and low part count. The second process involves the use of low‐frequency induction heating (LFIH) for the sealing of polymer microfluidics. The method requires no chamber, and provides fast and selective heating to the interface to be joined.

Findings

Initial work with glass microfluidics demonstrates feasibility for overmoulding through two separate sealing principles. One uses the overmould as a physical support structure and providing sealing using a compliant ferrule. The other relies on adhesion between the material of the overmould and the microfluidic device to provide a seal. As regards LFIH work on selection and structuring of susceptor materials is reported, together with analysis of the dimensions of the heat‐affected zone. Acrylic plates are joined using a thin (<10 μm) nickel susceptor providing a fluid seal that withstands a pressure of 590 kPa.

Originality/value

Microfluidic chips have until now been produced in relatively small numbers. To scale‐up from laboratory systems to the production volumes required for mass markets, packaging methods need to be adapted to mass manufacture.
Ferrite cores as back yoke for enhancing hall sensor sensitivity in caliper tool for pipeline inspection
Authors: Keshwani Rajesh , Bhattacharya Shiben
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how to improve magnetic pick up sensor for detection of weak magnetic field. A magnetic marker detection system, built using hall sensors is improved by providing ferrite cores as back yoke to obtain benchmarked performance with reduced number of hall sensors in an equipment for pipeline inspection called caliper tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opts for an exploratory study by making various configurations of sensors possible under given constraints, analyzing results of each one of them and correcting the configuration.

Findings

Instead of using highly sensitive hall sensors, one can increase the sensitivity of sensor by putting simple ferrite core as back yoke in order to detect weak magnetic field.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the need of detection of weak magnetic field by changing field direction and maximizing field component in direction of sensitive axis of magnetic sensor.
Workaholism among Norwegian journalists: gender differences
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Berge Matthiesen Stig
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Although workaholism in organizations has received considerable popular attention, our understanding of it based on research evidence is limited. This results from the absence of both suitable definitions and measures of the concept. The purpose of this paper is to examine gender differences in three workaholism components, workaholic job behaviors and work and well‐being outcomes among Norwegian journalists.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 211 journalists (138 males and 68 females) using anonymously completed questionnaires, with a 43 percent response rate.

Findings

Females and males are found to differ on some personal and situational demographic characteristics, and on one of three workaholism components (feeling driven to work, females scoring higher). Females however report higher levels of particular outcomes (e.g. negative affect, exhaustion) and less professional efficacy, likely to be associated with lower levels of satisfaction and well‐being. Females and males score similarly on the experience of flow at work and absenteeism.

Research limitations

All data are collected using self report questionnaires. It is not clear the extent to which these findings would generalize to men and women in other occupations.

Originality/value

This study adds to the small but growing literature on flow and optimal experience in organizations.
Workplace mentoring for indigenous Australians: a case study
Authors: Burgess John , Dyer Sharlene
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case for the importance of mentoring programs in addressing the disadvantage of minority groups in the workforce. Also, to report on a workplace mentoring program conducted for indigenous Australians at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with program participants.

Findings

Indigenous Australians are marginalised in the Australian workforce. Governments have developed many special labour market programs for indigenous Australians, the majority of which are based on public sector employment. There is potential for more extensive private sector participation in developing workplace programs to support indigenous Australians. Workplace mentoring, especially through indigenous mentors, is important in assisting indigenous employees sustain employment and enhance workforce attachment. The case study demonstrated how culturally appropriate mentoring programs can be successful in attracting, training and placing indigenous Australians into employment.

Research limitations/implications

Confined to a single case study organisation, but the findings are in keeping with North American research on mentoring indigenous workers.

Practical implications

Mentoring has a strong role to play in assisting disadvantaged minorities improve labour market outcomes.

Originality/value

There has been no previous research in the Australian context on mentoring indigenous workers.
Creating an “agora” for storytelling as a way of challenging the gendered structures of academia
Authors: Rindfleish Jennifer , Sheridan Alison , Kjeldal Sue‐Ellen
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present personal experiences of using storytelling as a “sensemaking” tool, to argue for the benefits of this method as a process of better understanding the gendered academy and the role storytelling can play in effecting change.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on personal experiences of storytelling within workplaces, the paper explores how stories between colleagues can lead to positive change through the co‐construction of new worlds of meaning which are spontaneously revised through interaction.

Findings

The paper demonstrates how storytelling between individuals experiencing inequality makes visible the gendered practices in academic workplaces and can lead to a change in those experiences of the workplace. Also, such stories can be a means for prompting change through negotiation. Theoretically, a triple‐loop learning environment within an organization could provide the agora required for stories about inequality to be heard continually and change to come about through negotiation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses a method that serves as a heuristic device and as such cannot be generalized for all organizational settings. The findings offer a new but partial solution for negotiating gender inequity in academia by suggesting that there must be more storytelling in openly public spaces between colleagues to challenge and negotiate the gendered organizational cultures of academia.

Practical implications

The application of the method of triple‐loop learning in academic organizational settings can assist in challenging and changing gender inequity through the consistent use of narratives.

Originality/value

The paper is unique in that it argues for the value of a self‐reflexive narrative form of method which favours stories being shared in public spaces – the agora – as a way of addressing gender inequity within complex, male dominated professions such as academia.
Earnings attainment of immigrants in the USA: the effects of race, gender, and place of birth
Authors: Moore Ami R. , Amey Foster , Bessa Yawo
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of race, gender, and region of birth by assessing the earnings of blacks and whites from Africa, blacks from the Americas, whites from Europe and Asians from Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the 2000 Census of Population and Housing, different income levels were used to see if there were any variations in earnings. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the odds of earnings at the various percentiles of the income of white African men, controlling for the human capital resources and other demographic variables.

Findings

The paper finds an unambiguous race effect among male workers. White males from both Africa and Europe have significant advantage over non‐white male workers from Africa, the Americas, and Asia. However, the earnings attainment is more favorable to white African males regardless of income levels. Further, a gender effect is also found in that relative to the earnings of white African‐born males, all the female workers in our study had lower odds at all the earning percentiles regardless of race and region of origin.

Originality/value

This paper helps clarify the issue of gender and stratification as it relates to immigrants in the USA.
The unobtrusive knowledge test: validity and stereotype threats
Authors: Martin Daniel E. , Moore Carol F. , Hedgspeth Carol
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate the unobtrusive knowledge test (UKT) in a minority population, and examine its potential for limiting stereotype threat.

Design/methodology/approach

Study One: (convergent validity): UKT and Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT) scores were correlated for 131 students. Study Two: (stereotype threat) 202 minority students were placed into one of four groups based on whether or not they were given instructions to elicit stereotype threat, and whether they took the Excellence scale of the UKT or the WPT.

Findings

Correlations provided evidence of convergent validity between the Excellence subscale of the UKT and the WPT. The stereotype threat study was inconclusive, with no differences being seen in the threat/non‐threat conditions for the WPT, and higher scores in the threat condition than the non‐threat condition for the UKT.

Research limitations/implications

Unreliability of some scales and low correlations of others with the WPT, lessened the overall UKT's convergent validity.

Practical implications

The need to develop measures of intelligence not subject to adverse impact is clear, and the results of the current research provide justification for further research establishing the properties of the UKT as a selection tool.

Originality/value

This paper offers new evidence of the usefulness of the UKT as a measure of cognitive ability for minority populations, and raises questions about the impact of stereotype threat on the UKT test.
Do household characteristics matter in schooling decisions in urban Kenya?
Authors: Waithanji Ngware Moses , Oketch Moses , Chika Ezeh Alex , Noris Mudege Netsayi
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine household characteristics and schooling decisions in terms of enrollment and type of school in an urban setting in Nairobi.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a cross‐sectional data set collected in 2005. The sample comprises 7,475 primary school‐aged children. A probit model was estimated to show what influences decisions at household level.

Findings

Analysis shows that different household and individual attributes motivate different decisions. A considerable proportion (40 per cent) of children from the poorest quintile attends non‐public schools compared to 34 per cent from the richest quintile. The findings reveal that better‐off households are more represented in the free primary education (FPE) programme. The predicted probability of a decision to attend a public school for a primary school‐age child increases as the household wealth increases.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that poorer households are least attending and may be excluded from free public schools.

Originality/value

The paper demystifies the notion that introduction of FPE in developing countries is a pro‐poor policy.
Gender as a “strategic action”
Authors: Carvalho Teresa , Santiago Rui
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the way gender may be used as an instrument to avoid New Public Management (NPM) potential processes of deprofessionalisation in nursing.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 83 nurses with managerial duties were interviewed in autonomous and corporate public hospitals in Portugal.

Findings

Nurses used gender as an argument to legitimate their presence in management, and in this way, to keep their control over the profession. Gender stereotypes were used to legitimate their position in two different ways. Firstly, nurses reproduced and reinforced gendered inequality by supporting their male colleagues careers. Secondly, they valorised their feminine skills sustaining that women were in better position to manage hospitals as an extended role from the private domain.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses a sample from only one country and care must be taken when extrapolating conclusions to the wider population.

Practical implications

Acknowledges the way NPM reinforces gender stereotypes and contributes to redefine professionalism.

Originality/value

Recognition of the complexity and diversity of gender issues in the organisational context and in the structuration of professional legitimacy.
Gender and diversity in organizations: international perspectives
Authors: Klarsfeld Alain , Bender Anne‐Francoise
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report upon the “Diversity and equal opportunities” Special Interest Group of the Francophone Association of Research in Human Resource Management (AGRH), which held its first international conference on “Gender and diversity in organizations”, at the ESCPEAP European Management School in Paris in January 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Equal opportunity and diversity management are relatively recent research fields in Continental Europe, and particularly in France, however there were 95 conference participants who attended two plenary sessions, four workshops and one round table.

Findings

Sub‐themes were: diversity management and gender equality; Work‐life practices and equality policies between women and men; gender stereotypes and management; and women's and men's careers. The workshops covered: diversity management and gender equity; work‐life practices; women and men's careers; and social representations and stereotypes.

Originality/value

This paper provides an informative overview of the conference which was original in being co‐sponsored by The Emilie du Chatelet Institute – the first research network for developing and publishing research on women, sex and gender in France. The co‐sponsor was the IAE Gustave Eiffel (Business studies department of the Paris 12 University).
Business schools and management research: a UK perspective
Authors: Thomas Howard
Published: October 2009

Purpose

In recent years, the role and value of management research is being increasingly challenged because of the perceived imbalance between its rigour and relevance. The purpose of this paper is to review the progress of management research in the UK and focuses particularly on the need for sensible evaluation of the impact of management research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the research challenges faced by business schools from a UK perspective. It draws upon the author's experiences and the results of an analytic study of Economic and Social Research Council‐sponsored research undertaken by the author in 2008.

Findings

There is a perception that management as a discipline, and its resulting research profile, may be more difficult to evaluate than its social science sub‐disciplines such as economics, psychology, and sociology. In some instances, management research is perceived as of lower quality and capacity shortages of high‐quality management research scholars have also been identified. The dominant research challenges are both to successfully design practice‐informed management scholarship and to carefully address the dissemination of results in order to influence the impact of management research on practice.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that an increasing focus on practice and cross‐cutting inter‐disciplinary topics, such as climate change or the role of finance in society, should form a significant element of the research agendas of business schools. In any event, it is argued that cutting‐edge research should be the overarching aim of business schools in a knowledge society.
Emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies distinguishing effective Italian managers and leaders in a private company and cooperatives
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E. , Ratti Franco
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to report data showing competencies that distinguish effective managers and leaders in a large Italian company and in Italian cooperatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of analysis competencies coded from 51 interviews and 53,360 assessments of managers and leaders comparing more and less effective managers and leaders.

Findings

Emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies predict effectiveness in management and leadership roles in a variety of Italian organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Although each sample is small, together they create a basis for future confirmatory research.

Practical implications

Competencies needed to be effective can be identified.

Originality/value

The paper and the studies reported are the first to be published showing competencies that distinguish effectiveness in Italian managers and leaders.
Distinguishing high‐performing European executives
Authors: Ryan Geoff , Emmerling Robert J. , Spencer Lyle M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, to add to the empirical literature related to the validity and practical utility of emotional, social, and cognitive competencies in the workplace. Second, using data from two different European samples, to demonstrate the methods for validating competency models for applied use. Third, to discuss the impact of role demands and culture on the manifestation of competencies most predictive of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic design used in both studies is to compare data from outstanding performers against data from typical or average performers in order to determine competencies which predict performance. The data presented here are based on operant assessment of competencies using critical incident interviews, which are then systematically coded using thematic analysis to yield behavioural evidence of specific competencies.

Findings

The results indicate that, while some competencies such as achievement orientation and team leadership are consistently linked to performance in both studies, the correlation of other specific competencies with performance varies among the samples. Moreover, the relative importance of specific competencies in terms of the amount of variance in performance explained also varies across the two samples.

Research limitations/implications

The criterion measures available, i.e. client ratings of performance, did not provide the continuous objective performance data that are generally considered preferable so as to provide a clearer picture of the value added by superior performance. A further limitation was that there was no opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the various initiatives which were put in place to improve managers' competencies after their initial assessment.

Originality/value

This is one of the few articles that explore the validity of competencies within the European Union across different organizations using a common competency framework and methodology. Both studies were originally initiated as applied consulting projects and the findings of the research applied to human resource practices within each organization. Although competencies are ubiquitous in today's global workplace, the number of published studies with data to support the validity of competency‐modelling techniques has been limited. The current research adds to the growing literature in this area and adds to one's confidence in the ability of emotional, social and cognitive competencies to predict performance in a variety of settings and cultures.
Sustainable refurbishment: the potential of the legacy stock in the UK commercial real estate sector
Authors: Mansfield John R.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show three principal aims – to highlight the gap in the international energy efficiency and carbon emission targets in relation to existing commercial real estate; to examine the contribution that such legacy stock could make to the various targets; and to provide commentary on some of the measures that are being introduced to support sustainable refurbishment in the legacy stock.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically reviews recent academic, policy and practitioner publications.

Findings

The international sustainability agenda is being driven through via a “top‐down” approach. Targets are largely concentrated on new‐build provision and there is a limited focus on existing stock. The annual rate of replacement of commercial sector stock is minimal. Unless the existing commercial stock is addressed in a meaningful way, other measures used to address anthropogenic climate change will be undermined.

Originality/value

The paper offers an applied examination of the potential of the existing stock of commercial real estate to contribute toward achieving targeted energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction targets.
Historic building information modelling (HBIM)
Authors: Murphy Maurice , McGovern Eugene , Pavia Sara
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to outline in detail the procedure of remote data capture using laser scanning and the subsequent processing required in order to identify a new methodology for creating full engineering drawings (orthographic and 3D models) from laser scan and image survey data for historic structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Historic building information modelling (HBIM) is proposed as a new system of modelling historic structures; the HBIM process begins with remote collection of survey data using a terrestrial laser scanner combined with digital cameras. A range of software programs is then used to combine the image and scan data.

Findings

Meshing of the point cloud followed by texturing from the image data creates a framework for the creation of a 3D model. Mapping of BIM objects onto the 3D surface model is the final stage in the reverse engineering process, creating full 2D and 3D models including detail behind the object's surface concerning its methods of construction and material makeup, this new process is described as HBIM.

Originality/value

The future research within this area will concentrate on three main stands. The initial strand is to attempt improve the application of geometric descriptive language to build complex parametric objects. The second stand is the development of a library of parametric based on historic data (from Vitruvius to 18th century architectural pattern books). Finally, while it is possible to plot parametric objects onto the laser scan data, there is need to identify intermediate software platforms to accelerate this stage within the HBIM framework.
Application of computer‐aided facilities management (CAFM) for intelligent buildings operation
Authors: Elmualim Abbas , Pelumi‐Johnson Abayomi
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concepts of intelligent buildings (IBs), and the opportunities offered by the application of computer‐aided facilities management (CAFM) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper definitions of IBs are investigated, particularly definitions that are embracing open standards for effective operational change, using a questionnaire survey. The survey further investigated the extension of CAFM to IBs concepts and the opportunities that such integrated systems will provide to facilities management (FM) professionals.

Findings

The results showed variation in the understanding of the concept of IBs and the application of CAFM. The survey showed that 46 per cent of respondents use a CAFM system with a majority agreeing on the potential of CAFM in delivery of effective facilities.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire survey results are limited to the views of the respondents within the context of FM in the UK.

Practical implications

Following on the many definitions of an IB does not necessarily lead to technologies of equipment that conform to an open standard. This open standard and documentation of systems produced by vendors is the key to integrating CAFM with other building management systems (BMS) and further harnessing the application of CAFM for IBs.

Originality/value

The paper gives experience‐based suggestions for both demand and supply sides of the service procurement to gain the feasible benefits and avoid the currently hindering obstacles, as the paper provides insight to the current and future tools for the mobile aspects of FM. The findings are relevant for service providers and operators as well.
Successful IT implementation in facility management
Authors: Madritsch Thomas , May Michael
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this research is a comparative analysis of computer‐aided facilties management (CAFM) implementation projects and procedures in the German‐speaking countries in order to derive appropriate implementation models. Since the 1990s CAFM has provided efficient information technology (IT) tools for mapping, evaluation and control of facility management (FM) structures and processes. Despite the multitude of vendors and users in different branches, there is still a lack of transparent and systematic case studies regarding successful CAFM implementations and uncertainty about the market situation.

Design/methodology/approach

In the survey a systematic approach (structured interviews) was used allowing a comparison between cases in different application fields. Because of the geographical location of the project partners, the entire German speaking area could be covered and thus the results of the analysis reflect the state of the art of CAFM implementation and use in the German‐speaking area. Besides the case study the general market situation was investigated by interviewing relevant market players like associations, end‐users, consultants, implementation partners and vendors.

Findings

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the CAFM sectors in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It presents current trends, technologies, obstacles, challenges, and provides recommendations for a successful CAFM implementation. A systematic analysis of successful projects turned out to provide valuable assistance to both users and software developers resulting in an implementation model.

Research limitations/implications

Although in use for more than 15 years, CAFM still is a relatively new and challenging technological approach and thus by far not all projects can be considered a success. The survey comprises about 20 cases both from the private and public sector. It does not cover all application fields but the relevant sectors and market leading software implementations are considered. In this way, the survey is able to show typical strengths and weaknesses of current CAFM projects.

Practical implications

The findings of the current survey provides valuable guidelines and assistance to FM organizations that start to implement CAFM or need to improve the performance and outcome of their existing projects. Potential users are encouraged to implement their projects in a systematic manner by following the recommendations derived from the survey.

Originality/value

There has been no previous systematic research on IT implementation processes in FM.
RFID technology changes FM services deliveries
Authors: Tulla Kauko , Vähä Pentti , Matinmikko Tapio , Tolman Anne , Möttönen Veli
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to give an introduction to radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with near field communication (NFC) to enable users to access content and services with hand‐held devices. It also aims to give a general overview on RFID utilization, its obstacles, diffusion and expected benefits. Some pilot applications are already being used commercially. Finally, it seeks to summarize applications of the technology in the facilties management (FM) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses literary research and also interdisciplinary specialist analyses to find out the usage of IT‐based services in the FM field and supply of service providers. Some real pilots have been made and analysed in cooperation with service providers (FM and IT), building owners and building users (customers).

Findings

Mobile phones are heavily used in the FM industry for speech and text messaging (SMS) communications, but usage of other mobile phone services has not been established as a part of operation processes. The exploitation of RFID in FM as well as construction industry seems to be rather low, in fact in an infant stage. Accordingly pilot FM service using RFID technology proved to be very usable.

Research limitations/implications

IT‐based mobile services are common in many countries and in various industries but using a mobile phone as a RFID reader is familiar mostly in Finland (Nokia phone).

Practical implications

The use of RFID/NFC technology in FM and also in the construction industry seems to be very prominent with high potential technology adoption for improving services.

Originality/value

This paper brings forward a quite novel technology application for the FM industry and presents the experiences of real pilot projects.
FM tools to ensure healthy performance based buildings
Authors: Tolman Anne , Parkkila Tommi
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how healthy performance of facilities can be monitored and performance data delivered as information flow according to specific user groups' needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The context of performance in facilities is described, and a tool for the collection of performance data and communicating the data as relevant information for the facility management (FM) and other stake holders is developed.

Findings

Various user groups are utilizing the same performance data to ensure optimal and healthy conditions. The integration of performance data to deliver meaningful and exploitable results for each user requires collection of the relevant data, compilation of data into information, and delivery of user specific information to the correct instance. A performance sensing system with data management was developed into a FM tool for this purpose.

Practical implications

FM is enabled to real time decision making by sensor‐based performance monitoring.

Originality/value

The results are generic and FM tools may be built on this basis for the specific information and display needs of various FM professionals and other stakeholders.
An evaluation of artistic influences on marketing theory and practice
Authors: Fillis Ian
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the connections between art and marketing in order to develop enhanced insight into how visual art and the art world can inform marketing theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An indepth analysis of a range of relevant literatures is carried out in order to heighten understanding of art as a way of knowing within the marketing discipline. A range of meanings of art and marketing are considered and an analysis of their intersections is carried out.

Findings

A number of useful concepts are developed, including that of the marketing manager as an artist. Viewing marketing through visual art is seen as an avant garde response to addressing the continuing theory/practice gap.

Research limitations/implications

Following an art‐based way of knowing in marketing has the potential to challenge more mainstream paths of thinking by opening up the ways in which we visualise marketing theory and practice. Thinking about marketing through art should not be seen as a general panacea for addressing current inadequacies of marketing theory, but should instead be viewed as an alternative mechanism in which contemporary marketing theory and practice can be enriched by the transference and juxtapositioning of art‐based thought with long established ways of thinking about marketing.

Practical implications

Artistic creativity is seen as a key factor in stimulating marketing decisions. Viewing the marketer as artist also mirrors the actual behaviour of the marketing manager by providing insight into intuitive thought processes and visualisation techniques.

Originality/value

Arts marketing research in general is making progress in terms of its theoretical and practical contributions to the wider marketing discipline. It is believed that papers such as this will contribute to the ongoing research agenda by stimulating much needed critical debate.
An essential guide to audience development
Authors: Hazelwood Emma , Lawson Rob , Aitken Rob
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics and usefulness of opinion leaders and market mavens in relation to theatre guides as a way for theatres to develop new audiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys and a small number of in‐depth interviews are conducted within a sample of 1,200 theatre patrons. A univariate analysis of variance analysis determines degrees of correspondence between levels of opinion leadership or mavenism and reported influential behaviour.

Findings

Opinion leaders are much more useful in the process of audience development than mavens given their propensity to engage in positive reinforcement behaviours particularly in their roles as theatre guides.

Research limitations/implications

While the level of mavenism is related to provision of general market information, it is not related to diffusion of performance‐specific information. Also, the portrayal of opinion leaders as living in a “closed world” unlikely to be an effective cultural influence on non‐attendees, is not supported. A further limitation is that it could not gauge the effectiveness of the self‐reported influential behaviour of non‐attendees. Further research should measure the effectiveness of opinion leaders based on how many of the non‐attendees they influenced came to the theatre.

Practical implications

Theatres should identify opinion leaders and encourage their natural “guide” behaviour with targeted incentives and information as a method of building new audiences and developing new relationships.

Originality/value

This paper will help theatres to use their resources more effectively to increase audience attendance. Further, the identification and establishment of theatre guides based on the characteristics of opinion leaders is within the capability of all arts organizations.
Marketing cultural attractions: understanding non‐attendance and visitation barriers
Authors: Kay Pandora L. , Wong Emma , Polonsky Michael Jay
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw together the previous academic and industry research on non‐attendance of cultural attractions, followed by qualitative in‐depth interviews to identify commonalities or gaps in the previous research on barriers, constraints and inhibitors, as well as to propose linkages between these.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐method approach is used – where barriers, constraints and inhibitors are identified by means of thematic content analysis of the literature. A set of probing questions is developed based on these themes and is then examined in in‐depth interviews with individuals that had not visited cultural attractions in the past two years, in an attempt to triangulate data, as well as to identify connections between barriers.

Findings

From the literature, eight interconnected barriers to visitation are identified: physical access; personal access; cost; time and timing; product; personal interest and peer group; socialisation and understanding; and information. The in‐depth interviews generally support these, although it is also identified that there are complex interrelationships between the issues.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the neglected question of why people do not attend cultural attractions by triangulating thematic findings from the content analysis of diverse literature with in‐depth interview responses from one non‐visitor segment. This results in an interconnected model of barriers that can be used to assist managers to develop strategies addressing low visitation rates within targeted segments.
Automatic translation in multilingual business meetings
Authors: Aiken Milam , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Multilingual meetings continue to be a problem in business communication due to the necessity to translate between different natural language pairs. The paper has developed a new electronic meeting technology that automatically translates comments written in any of 41 languages (e.g. French, Chinese, etc.). The purpose of this paper is to quickly and accurately show on each user's terminal in his or her own native language all comments contributed by the group written in several different tongues.

Design/methodology/approach

A prototype system, Polyglot II, utilizes instant messaging on Microsoft Windows PCs to exchange comments between client personal computers and a server which in turn, calls the Google Translate API for each translation. In an attempt to measure the accuracy, reverse translations are conducted, e.g. English to French to English, because of the lack of human experts fluent in all of the languages. The final English translations are analyzed for comprehension by 240 college business students.

Findings

This paper uses reverse translations on 32 of the languages (all that are available at the time of the analysis) with historical transcripts of English text, including grammatical errors. Results show an overall comprehension accuracy of 86 percent for all languages. Italian is the most accurate, and Hindi is the least.

Originality/value

While other multilingual meeting technologies have been developed, this system provides automatic support for the most languages and is perhaps the most accurate.
A comparative study of public‐health emergency management
Authors: Hu Jiaxiang , Zeng Amy Z. , Zhao Lindu
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the managing of emergencies pertinent to public health which is critical to the well‐being of a society; as such, the management mechanisms employed should be of great interest and significance for research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first relies on extensive literature to describe the mechanism used in the USA from three aspects – organizational structure, management system, and logistics network. For the purpose of comparison, the Chinese version of the mechanism is presented from the same three aspects. The two management systems are then compared both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Findings

Deficient areas in Chinese public‐health management mechanism as well as challenging issues associated with supply chain design and coordination for emergency supplies in the context of large‐scale public health emergencies with low frequency but catastrophic impacts are found. Specifically, the following three important research problems are revealed from the comparative study: how to establish an efficient organizational structure that incorporates all the relevant entities in public‐health emergency management? How to establish an information system for emergency management that integrates disease surveillance, control, and prevention? How to design an efficient and cost‐effective logistics network to ensure prompt and sufficient delivery of emergency supplies?

Originality/value

To date, this research has been the first of its kind that compares two countries' emergency management systems in the context of public health management.
Successful enterprise resource planning implementation: taxonomy of critical factors
Authors: Dezdar Shahin , Sulaiman Ainin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current literature base of critical success factors (CSFs) of enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations, provide a systematic compilation of CSFs, and present a new comprehensive taxonomy of CSFs for ERP system implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compiles literature that highlighted possible references to CSFs for ERP implementation projects. Given that the purpose of this paper is to achieve a depth of understanding of the various CSFs already identified by other researchers, “content analysis” is used. Four stages of content analysis are adopted to collect and analyse the literature, i.e. data collection, open coding, axial coding, and selective coding.

Findings

By analyzing all CFSs mentioned in literature during the last ten years (1999‐2008), taxonomy of ERP CSFs implementation was formulated. In total 17 CSFs were identified, which is then categorized into five main categories.

Research limitations/implications

Literature is collected from selected databases and journals from 1999 to 2008.

Practical implications

This paper is significant because taxonomy helps us organize the knowledge. Taxonomy can help the researchers to make their search easier by assigning CSFs to a category and defining relationships between those categories.

Originality/value

The output of this paper will help future researchers to increase identification of related studies in the literature review phase of their work.
The university library: incubation center of research innovation literacy
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Wang Yufang , Fu Liping , Xu Meirong
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore why the university library should become the incubation center of research innovation literacy (RIL) competency. It states how the library develops RIL instruction and how the library impels university students to improve their independent knowledge innovation competence.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews some of the research papers on information literacy (IL) instruction. Based on background analysis, it enumerates and states the methods of the effective practice of the library in RIL competency instruction.

Findings

The university library possesses the information resources and advanced web technology, owns the experience in IL instruction, and has an advantage in terms of information instruction and research environment. The university library has the ability and responsibility to practice RIL instruction.

Originality/value

This paper provides a point of view that the university library can develop the RIL instruction based on IL. The university library can play not only an important role in general courses of the university, but can also sufficiently expand the function of librarians.
Information literacy among undergraduate students in Niger Delta University
Authors: Emmanuel Baro E. , Fyneman Biokuromoye
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Research is carried out in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to determine the undergraduate students' level of awareness of information sources available in the university, to know their level of digital literacy and to determine the different search strategies used by them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a descriptive survey method and covers the 350 undergraduate students of the four departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences: Economics, Sociology, Political Science, and Geography and Environmental Studies, from which a sample of 105 students is drawn. A questionnaire tagged “Information Literacy among Undergraduate Students of Social Sciences Questionnaire (ILUSSSQ)” is designed to collect data for the paper.

Findings

The paper reveals that male students in the faculty are more aware and use the information sources available in the university more than the female students. There is significant difference between gender and search strategies used by the undergraduate students in the social sciences. Male students are more digitally literate, they utilize the internet facilities provided in the university library, use different search engines and utilize the CD‐ROMs in the e‐library section more than the female students.

Originality/value

The paper will enable librarians to intensify their efforts to educate students on how and where to search and source for information, and how to evaluate information to meet their information needs.