bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double strength, maximum gain: optimising student learning via collaborative partnerships @ QUT
Authors: Hart Gail , McCarthy Jenny , Peacock Judy
Published: October 2003

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and strives to foster graduates who can function as competent professionals. In response, the University identifies a number of generic capabilities which all students should gain during the course of their study, the development of which has been undertaken as a shared responsibility by teaching staff and centralised academic‐related support staff. It is within this context that QUT's teaching and learning support services (TALSS) and the library assumes responsibility for facilitating the development of information literacy and technology literacy. TALSS and the library have collaboratively developed and implemented a range of teaching and learning strategies and initiatives. This paper highlights a number of these initiatives. These initiatives are also supported by a network of specialists such as liaison librarians, student computing advisors, a transition officer and an information literacy coordinator.
The need for a converged approach to EIS provision? Evidence from the JUBILEE project
Authors: Coulson Graham , Ray Kathryn , Banwell Linda
Published: October 2003

This paper reports and reflects upon a number of the findings and issues emerging from evidence collated to date as part of JUBILEE (Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) user behaviour in information seeking: longitudinal evaluation of electronic information services), a significant, ongoing UK research project. The evidence is largely based on analysis and interpretation of the qualitative data from the research, with discussion focusing on information seeking behaviour and information skills in relation to electronic information sources. The background and aims of the research are outlined, succeeded by an exploration of the differing types of information technology (IT) skills needed by users to ensure effective use of electronic information services (EIS). Finally, extrapolating from the research data, there is consideration as to how these IT skills can be effectively developed in the higher education environment. Referring back to the title of this paper, a stress is placed on the importance of a converged, “joined up” approach to EIS provision.
National agricultural information management system in Nigeria: a conceptual framework
Authors: Omekwu Charles O.
Published: October 2003

The paper reviews the state of agricultural literature control in Nigeria. The problems of data inconsistencies, scarcity of relevant information and dilemmas faced by policy makers, planners and agriculturists are described. The paper reveals that foreign‐based bibliographical services do not adequately cover literature emanating from the country. A conceptual framework for the evolution of a national agricultural information management system will involve a functional integration of all agencies and individuals involved in the production, processing, provision, and utilisation of agricultural information. Critical decisions and actions that will enhance the evolution process include a commissioned inventorization of all grey literature and agricultural information resources at both Federal and State Agriculture Ministries, a systematic documentation of resources in the research and academic institutions and, the exploitation of the awesome capabilities of information technology in harnessing a nation's rich information heritage.
The answer to all our problems? Trialling a library portal
Authors: Groenewegen David , Huggard Simon
Published: October 2003

In early 2002, Monash University Library trialled Fretwell‐Downing's ZPortal software. This software was designed to create seamless access to all the library's electronic online resources. Monash was one of the first libraries in the world to use the ZPortal software. The paper will discuss the reasons for adopting a portal, what was expected of the software, and the aims of the trial. In addition some outcomes of the trial will be discussed, as well as the practical maintenance issues that a system of this nature creates.
Pluralistic views of performance
Authors: Fitzgerald Lin , Storbeck James E.
Published: October 2003

Regulatory efforts within the UK water industry in recent years have been predominated by the concern for measuring the cost efficiencies of the privatized companies. More recent regulatory work, however, has moved away from the assessment of performance on the strict basis of financial indicators to a multidimensional perspective that includes quality concerns, combining the interests of management, shareholders and consumers in the assessment procedures. This study adopts a similar perspective, describing a multi‐stakeholder performance model for UK water companies, which develops an understanding of performance improvement in financial and quality terms. Thus, the interests of shareholders and consumers are addressed – and differentiated – within a single performance frontier framework. The ways in which one approaches different regions of the frontier characterizes the different stakeholder perspectives, entertains the possibility of trade‐offs between them, and provides the basis of determining “balanced” positions in performance space.
Integrated performance management: adding a new dimension
Authors: Verweire Kurt , Van den Berghe Lutgart
Published: October 2003

Argues that effective integrated performance management (IPM) needs both strategic and maturity alignment. The management literature focuses on strategic alignment; develops the concept of maturity alignment. Maturity alignment indicates that an organization must install the appropriate managerial and operational processes in accordance with the desired maturity level. Identifies four different maturity levels that indicate how well the organizational and managerial processes within an organization are defined and developed. Argues that insufficient maturity alignment is one of the major reasons why many performance management initiatives fail.
Guest introduction
Authors: Edwards Christine
Published: October 2003

Presents five of the best papers from the human resource management and industrial relations track of the 2002 British Academy of Management Annual Conference, reflecting the diversity of the field. Concludes that employee relations in many western countries have undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades with a considerable disparity in the pay and conditions of the labour force and a growing gap between the “winners” and “losers”. States, however, that within the European Union, while the collective strength of the workforce may have decreased, a whole raft of European legislation has enhanced individual employment rights.
Individualism in organisations
Authors: Morgan David E. , Zeffane Rachid
Published: October 2003

A shift from collectivism to individualism in managing employees is identified in employment studies. Developments in Australia have reflected this change, accompanied by claimed organisation benefits. This paper examines an empirical data set to examine such claims on key dimensions in the employment relation. The analysis points to few differences in views between employees working under individual contracts and those not. Moreover the factors generating concern over individual and firm performance among employees differed little between the two groups. Traditional work factors underpinned attitudes for both. The differences that emerge from organisation size, union membership and gender appear to be inconsistent with the claims of individualism. The data point to the importance of general employee concerns – job satisfaction and perceived management style – in generating employee commitment and loyalty. The findings have implications for the nature of employee relations and management, which are discussed in light of their theoretical and practical ramifications.
The impact of psychological contract violation on employee attitudes and behaviour
Authors: Pate Judy , Martin Graeme , McGoldrick Jim
Published: October 2003

Psychological contract violation has gained the attention of both practitioners and academics in recent years. Critical commentaries have questioned whether breaching such a contract has implications for employee attitude and behaviour, and ultimately organisational performance. This paper addresses the question “To what extent does psychological contract breach impact on employee attitude and behaviour?”. The study is based on an industrial textiles company and draws on quantitative and qualitative data. The findings suggested that triggers of violation impinged on employee attitudes but not on behaviour, trends substantiated by analysis of the organisation's absenteeism records. The qualitative data helped explain this trend and have highlighted two contextual issues. The first of these is labour market conditions and perceptions of job insecurity and second of these is a sense of collegiality and pride in the job.
Internationalisation of banking in Europe
Authors: Quintana Fernández Miriam
Published: October 2003

There is considerable academic interest in the consequences of European integration for human resource (HR) management within multinational companies. In the context of this debate discusses the implications of changes in the organisation of production and markets for the management of HR in the banking sector. Frames the analysis with special reference to British and Spanish banks, and draws implications regarding the impact of such changes for the most prominent development in terms of European legislation at company level, European Works Councils (EWCs). Argues that deregulation and European integration have facilitated restructuring and consolidation within national boundaries, which in turn have facilitated cross‐border mergers and acquisitions. As a result, the number of banks with operations in two or more countries of the European Union has increased. While business continues to be geographically segmented according to countries, affording EWCs a relatively limited role, growing similarities in work organisation and processes in banks across countries offers potential for change.
The uncertain road to partnership
Authors: Martin Graeme , Pate Judy , Beaumont Phil , Murdoch Alan
Published: October 2003

This paper examines the problems involved in developing collective bargaining in the traditionally non‐union environment of the strategically important UK offshore oil industry. In doing so it provides evidence on the success of the “new”, stakeholder industrial relations environment established by the present UK government. Drawing on an in‐depth insight into management and union strategies gained from action research, the paper documents the attempt to establish a collective agreement and a partnership approach to industrial relations in the drilling sector of the North Sea offshore oil industry, a sector which has had no previous history of unionisation. In doing the research provides evidence partnership policy, the literature on union recognition and the process of negotiation in international organisations.
Transferring human resource management across national boundaries
Authors: Zhang Miao
Published: October 2003

The diffusion of “best management practice” across national boundaries is becoming a significant strategy for multinational companies (MNCs) to achieve competitive advantage in global markets. Several studies have shown that national cultural and institutional differences may constrain or limit the transfer of such “best practice”. However, these conclusions are based on studies of MNCs from developed countries and we know little about MNCs from developing countries in relation to human resource management best practice. China is engaging in rapid economic development and internationalisation of its business system, and Chinese MNCs see the adoption of advanced management practices as central to the process. Drawing on a study of Chinese MNCs operating in the UK, the article shows how the subsidiaries of these MNCs used the advanced environment of a developed country to transfer best practice of HRM into their organisations.
Renault aligns production to market demand
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: October 2003

At Renault's Douai plant close to Lille, recent investments have focused on creating a flexible production tool that is capable of reacting quickly to the demands of the market. The plant aims to produce vehicles according to a build schedule that is driven by customer orders and to maintain the production sequence fixed at the start throughout the manufacturing process.
Rapid prototyping helps Renault F1 Team UK improve championship prospects
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: October 2003

Renault F1 Team UK has progressively introduced rapid prototyping technologies to actually produce the components it needs for the half‐size models of cars that it uses for wind tunnel testing. Most recently, the process is starting to find application on the race cars themselves.
Rapid laminated die‐cast tooling
Authors: Gibbons Gregory John , Hansell Robert G. , Norwood A.J. , Dickens P.M.
Published: October 2003

This paper details the development of a rapid tooling manufacturing route for the gravity and high‐pressure die‐casting industries, resulting from an EPSRC funded collaborative research project between the Universities of Warwick, Loughborough and DeMontfort, with industrial support from, amongst others, MG Rover, TRW Automotive, Sulzer Metco UK Ltd and Kemlows Diecasting Products Ltd. The developed process offers the rapid generation of mould tools from laser‐cut laminated sheets of H13 steel, bolted or brazed together and finish machined. The paper discusses the down‐selection of materials, bonding methods and machining methods, the effect of conformal cooling channels on process efficiency, and the evaluation of a number of test tools developed for the industrial partners. The paper also demonstrates the cost and time advantages (up to 50 and 54 per cent, respectively) of the tooling route compared to traditional fabrication methods.
Net‐shaping of ceramic components by direct ceramic machining
Authors: Filser F. , Kocher P. , Gauckler L.J.
Published: October 2003

A new process called direct ceramic machining was successfully applied for the fabrication of dental restorations and technical components. It uses prefabricated, easy to machine ceramic blanks. The shape of a ceramic component is machined with enlarged contours to compensate for the sintering shrinkage. Afterwards the machined component is sintered to full density and thereby shrinks to its final dimensions. Technical components from 5 to 100 mm in size possessing features of 1/10th mm to several millimeters and dental restorations were fabricated sucessfully, and thus demonstrate the capability for rapid production of ceramic functional prototypes. The dimensional accuracy is about 20 μm with a relative accuracy of 0.1 per cent of the component's length. Thus accurate net‐shape of the components could be achieved without hard machining.
Investigating the effectiveness of managers through an analysis of stakeholder perceptions
Authors: Fraser Campbell , Zarkada‐Fraser Anna
Published: October 2003

Contemporary management thinking is paying a great deal of attention to stakeholder theory which posits that sustainable success rests, to a great extent, with a systematic consideration of the needs and goals of all key stakeholders. This paper examines managerial effectiveness under the light of stakeholder theory. Using multivariate analysis, it investigates perceptions of importance of the dimensions of their effectiveness held by the site managers running 61 high‐rise residential construction projects and 268 key project stakeholders. The views were collected through a non‐results‐based performance measurement tool. The findings of the research show that perceptions of the importance of each one of the performance elements vary significantly across professional groups. Opinions of high performing managers also differ form those of low‐performing ones. The application of the method presented in this paper can provide a framework for improvement of both managerial performance and stakeholder relationships.
Executive education programs go back to school
Authors: Farris Paul W. , Haskins Mark E. , Yemen Gerry
Published: October 2003

Executive education (EE) programs are an important part of many business schools’ mission. For many such providers, the 1990s was a robust time of growth and increased reliance on the fruits of those programs. In less time than takes to build a new EE facility, the EE environment changed. What factors influence the desirability of an EE program experience for the executives who attend them? Do executives want more EE opportunities or less? Are online program offerings an attractive alternative to traditional classroom venues? These and other related questions were answered, via a survey, by over 80 executives who frequently attend EE programs. Among other findings, the results indicate a desire for: more EE program experiences; the criticality of a host institution's and instructor's reputation in attracting executives; and a willingness to tradeoff some learning potential for convenience with online alternatives.
Real teams in small Australian firms
Authors: Miller Stephanie
Published: October 2003

This article describes the methodology and findings of four case studies conducted to explore the practice of teamwork in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The case studies were developed from interviews conducted to answer key issues. Results from the study indicate that in small firms effective teams can emerge without the need for team development interventions – in fact emergent teams or informal teams may well be more successful than those constructed through management intervention.
A Delphi study forecasting management training and development for first‐line nurse managers
Authors: Loo Robert , Thorpe Karran
Published: October 2003

First‐line nurse managers in the Canadian healthcare system are facing many challenges due, in large part, to reduced funding for healthcare since the early 1990s and the accompanying reorganization and downsizing of healthcare organizations that leave nurse managers with greater pressures to do more with less. A two‐round Delphi study was conducted with a panel of 41 Canadian nurse managers selected from hospitals, with at least 100 beds, in the province of Alberta. The Delphi study examined current and future management training and development (MTD) for first‐line nurse managers in light of their challenges and changing roles. The aim was to identify major recommendations for health care administrators and educators to prepare and support first‐line nurse managers effectively in the future. Findings underscored the need for management skills training, especially human resource management and budgeting skills. Given the resource constraints of healthcare organizations, cost‐efficient recommendations are presented for MTD.
Internal service barometers
Authors: Bruhn Manfred
Published: October 2003

This paper deals with services provided within an organization, outlining a model to measure internal customer satisfaction and perceptions of internal quality. Adapting the concept of the service profit chain which is used still frequently to illustrate the relationship between external customer satisfaction and economic success, this article proposes that the external service quality can be attained only after internal performance prerequisites have been investigated and optimized. Additionally, it introduces the concept of an internal service barometer, and presents the results of an empirical study to evaluate the relationships between internal service quality, internal customer satisfaction and internal customer retention.
A relationship‐mediated theory of internal marketing
Authors: Ballantyne David
Published: October 2003

This article explores the structural relationships through which internal marketing can create value for an organisation, its customers and its employees. It is argued that internal marketing requires a relationship‐mediated approach, where planned phases of learning activity in volunteer groups generate new internally valid knowledge critical to the improvement of external market performance. Thus internal marketing is defined as a relationship development strategy for the purpose of knowledge renewal. First, the author presents a typology of knowledge exchange patterns within organisations on which internal marketing is based. Second, a four‐phase internal marketing process grounded in case research is presented. Next, the structure of relationship development for internal marketing is described, one which mediates knowledge transfer between the individuals involved and to their organisation as a whole. Finally, the paper offers five propositional statements in support of a relationship‐mediated theory of internal marketing.
Internal customer: by design or by default
Authors: Mudie Peter
Published: October 2003

The core concept of “customer” in marketing began as a buyer of business goods and services. It was extended into non‐business areas such as education, health, politics and religion. Now it stands poised to enter organisational life. At issue here is our understanding of what it means to be a “customer”. Aims to question the legitimacy of applying the concept “customer” to employees. In exploring this makes a contrast between the “traditional” customer as we have come to know it and “life” as an employee. Suggests a test of legitimacy in which a number of factors characteristic of the “traditional” customer are discussed with a view to determining whether they can accommodate the employee as a potential internal customer. Concludes that the concept is inappropriate for employees given what is known of organisational life and the employees’ place within it. There is considerable conceptual elasticity in the way the concept “customer” is being used that will cast serious doubt over the prospect for the achievement of internal marketing aims.
Internal marketing issues and challenges
Authors: Ahmed Pervaiz K. , Rafiq Mohammed
Published: October 2003

This commentary discusses the key issues and challenges that face internal marketing research and for the future development of the concept and philosophy. Issues addressed include: the link between employee satisfaction and organisational performance; the need for research on how inter‐functional co‐ordination can be achieved for the effective implementation of marketing strategies; the need for relationship marketing perspective in internal marketing; the need for research in internal communication strategies; and the role of internal marketing for developing organisational competences.
Identifying the determinants of internal marketing orientation
Authors: Naudé Pete , Desai Janine , Murphy John
Published: October 2003

Internal marketing orientation is an area within the broader market orientation that remains relatively under‐researched. Utilising the internal marketing orientation (IMO) scale developed by Foreman and Money, this paper seeks to develop our understanding of the factors that may influence an employee's perception of their company's level of IMO. Based on 281 responses from a large UK‐based service organisation, the paper reports on the extent to which the Foreman and Money scale does, or does not, correlate with a range of “person” “situation” and “person × situation” variables identified from both focus groups and from the literature. It was found that among the single item variables age, location, and length of tenure all impacted upon levels of IMO. In the case of the more complex “person × situation” multi‐item variables, the most important determinants were found to be the perceived market orientation of local managers and direct managers/supervisors, as well as aspects of communication, socialisation, and workplace satisfaction. The results provide support for earlier work that highlights the importance of these more complex variables in managing internal marketing.
Introduction
Authors: Cleyle Susan
Published: October 2003

It is clear there will always be a need for library systems support, but will libraries always need professional librarians in the systems office? The authors of this theme issue unanimously agree that there is a role for librarianship in the library systems. Eight articles showcase systems librarians from all over the globe who have gathered their thoughts on how their careers have progressed, and how the organizational structures of their libraries have progressed with them.
Systems librarianship in Australia: a historical perspective
Authors: Jilovsky Cathie
Published: October 2003

This paper describes and comments on the evolution of systems librarianship in Australia through two strands – the author’s personal work experience in libraries since 1977 and her professional involvement with the Victorian Association for Library Automation (VALA). The Proceedings of the 11 VALA Conferences and the Australian journal LASIE, which has been published since 1970, are used as reference material. The results of an informal survey of VALA members and other interested Australian librarians are also incorporated.
Library systems without systems librarians: the Mexican experience
Authors: Chávez‐Villa Micaela , Herrero Perezrul Abelardo
Published: October 2003

This article aims to describe library automation development in Mexican universities, particularly the role of systems librarians in this process, together with the creation of new services. Systems librarian positions in Mexico do not officially exist. The activities that comprise the role practiced in American libraries were analyzed to define the equivalent profile in Mexican institutions and contrast the different approaches. Background information on Mexican library and information science programs is included. The results and conclusions of a survey applied to 66 Mexican institutions examine the role of systems librarians. There is a brief case study of a Mexican library confronting complex technological change. Finally, some considerations about the relationship between systems administrators and librarians are included.
Changing roles of the systems librarian at the College of William and Mary: the explosion of technology and position of the systems librarian
Authors: Lundy Mack
Published: October 2003

The systems office, at the College of William and Mary’s Swem Library, evolved from a hierarchical department to a modified team structure. Along the way, the role of the systems librarian has changed from a department head to a member of a team. A unique blend of timing and personalities made this transition both possible and practical. While the systems librarian now works on the same administrative level as non‐librarians, there is still a fundamental difference in how the systems librarian functions within the library. This role of the systems librarian has changed in complexity but still comes down to bridging the worlds of library and technology.
Assessing the responsiveness in the Danish mobile phone supply chain
Authors: Catalan Michael , Kotzab Herbert
Published: October 2003

Focuses on performance efficiency in the mobile phone supply chain. Through a description of exogenous conditions in the mobile phone industry concerning product characteristics and demand for mobile phones with reference to Fisher's product types, found the notions of responsiveness to be a useful analysis variable and critical success factor for the mobile phone supply chain. Afterwards set up four theoretical evaluation variables that were valuable for analyzing responsiveness: delivery lead‐times, postponement strategies, the Bullwhip effect and information exchange. From an in depth practical analysis concludes that there is a lack of responsiveness in the Danish mobile phone supply chain in both demand transparency and time efficiency.
Trends in industrial supply chains and networks
Authors: Kemppainen Katariina , Vepsäläinen Ari P.J.
Published: October 2003

Asks what really has changed for and what to expect from future supply chains. Most surveys rank activities related to sourcing, operations, customer services and marketing in terms of their importance to, or degree of hindrance for, successful supply chain management (SCM). In this explorative study, analyzes the change of SCM both in terms of operational practices and organizational capabilities in some industrial companies. A focused survey traces the development of supply chains and networks over two decades. Observes the expected growth in use of supporting IT systems, extent of information sharing and scope of coordination efforts. Characterizes the different stages supply chain evolution on the basis of supply chain integration and changing roles and responsibilities of the companies. It seems that due to the continuous structural change of the business environment the very concept of supply chain, let alone the best practice of managing one, should be subject to re‐examination in a wider context. In order to reach the current ideal of SCM practices, the strategic preconditions for innovative networking also need to be in place.
An industry analysis of express freight from a European railway perspective
Authors: Ohnell Sofia , Woxenius Johan
Published: October 2003

There are large differences in both speed and costs between the traffic modes road and air. Rail has not yet successfully offered services “faster than road but cheaper than air”, although there are technical, logistical and economical opportunities for competing with air for intra‐continental shipments and co‐operate for intercontinental ones. The article categorises segments of the European express freight market and analyses them in a rail perspective. Services between Sweden and Continental Europe and domestically in Sweden are focused. System modelling tools are also adapted to the application of express intermodal transport and prospective roles for rail in express transport are defined. The analysis shows that a transport chain with many actors and long distances does not necessarily entail longer transport times than a short‐distance with the same circumstances under a single management. The analysis also shows that many express transport systems are built in a modular way, implying that subsystems can be exchanged.
The revolution ahead in financial reporting: reporting financial performance
Authors: Barker Richard
Published: October 2003

Problems in financial reporting are often blamed on the rules. In trying to outlaw the system of “smoothing” which covered up many sins the rule‐makers have been accused of simply making figures more volatile and less understandable. The author looks at the idea of performance measurement based on the simplicity of a single income statement and explains how it will transform financial reporting.
Dealing with Basel II: operational risk – encouraging best practice
Authors: Syer David
Published: October 2003

The latest consultation paper from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision makes some changes to its regulatory proposals for operational risk management – the risk of losses resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people or systems and external events. The author discusses the implications of these changes.
Dealing with Basel II: the impact of the New Basel Capital Accord
Authors: Garside Thomas , Bech Jens
Published: October 2003

International regulators are due to finalize the New Basel Capital Accord by the end of 2003, for implementation by banks at the end of 2006. Basel II is a response to the need for reform of the regulatory system governing the global banking industry. In this article, we review the New Basel Capital Accord and summarize some of the main implications that we expect it to have on the European banking industry. As was the case for the first Basel Accord (Basel I), we conclude that not only will the new accord have an impact on the amount of book capital that banks are required to hold, but also on the strategic landscape of the banking industry.
Dealing with Basel II: Basel II – the end of risk management?
Authors: Hudson Robert
Published: October 2003

The forthcoming revision of the Basel Accord will cause major changes in the capital incentives driving banks’ management decisions. The author briefly outlines the main proposals then considers the impact from the point of view of a bank treasurer. The discussion leads him to question whether all of the possible consequences are as desirable as they might appear.
How to achieve realistic risk management
Authors: Yee Chong Yen
Published: October 2003

In this extract from his new book, Handling Investment Risk, the author examines operational risk and, with case studies ranging across Nigerian fraud, the split capital trusts scandal, Chase Manhattan in Russia and Deutsche Morgan Grenfell in 1996, shows how to deal with all the issues involved.
Slicing procedures in layered manufacturing: a review
Authors: Mohan Pandey Pulak , Venkata Reddy N. , Dhande Sanjay G.
Published: October 2003

Layered manufacturing (LM) or rapid prototyping is a process in which a part is produced using layer‐by‐layer addition of the material. In LM, slicing of the CAD model of a part to be produced is one of the important steps. Slicing of CAD model with a very small slice thickness leads to large build time. At the same time if large slice thickness is chosen, the surface finish is very bad due to staircasing. These two contradicting issues namely reduction in build time and better surface quality have been a major concern in laminated manufacturing. This contradiction has led to the development of number of slicing procedures. The present paper reviews various slicing approaches developed for tessellated as well as actual CAD models.
System development of adaptive spraying paths for rapid prototyping
Authors: Liang Janus S. , Lin Alan C.
Published: October 2003

Traditional rapid prototyping (RP) uses one nozzle, with a single‐diameter, to conduct spraying of a RP part. The process is usually time‐consuming and inefficient. To improve the traditional method, this research aims to develop a new approach by planning an adaptive path and applying it to the spraying process of every slice. Each accurately sprayed slice then adds one upon another to form a RP part. The processing includes four steps, which will help to produce the adaptive path file, which can be input into the RP machine to make a prototype.
Parametric error modeling and software error compensation for rapid prototyping
Authors: Tong Kun , Amine Lehtihet E. , Joshi Sanjay
Published: October 2003

This paper is motivated by the need for a generic approach to evaluate the volumetric accuracy of rapid prototyping (RP) machines. The approach presented in this paper is inspired in large part by the techniques developed over the years for the parametric evaluation of coordinate measuring machine (CMM) errors. In CMM metrology, the parametric error functions for the machine are determined by actual measurement of a master reference artifact with known characteristics. In our approach, the RP machine is used to produce a generic artifact, which is then measured by a master CMM, and measurement results are used to infer the RP machine's parametric error functions. The results presented demonstrate the feasibility of such an approach on a two‐dimensional model.
Mechanisms of selective laser sintering and heat transfer in Ti powder
Authors: Tolochko Nikolay K. , Arshinov Maxim K. , Gusarov Andrey V. , Titov Victor I. , Laoui Tahar , Froyen Ludo
Published: October 2003

Coupled metallographic examination and heat transfer numerical simulation are applied to reveal the laser sintering mechanisms of Ti powder of 63‐315 μm particle diameter. A Nd:YAG laser beam with a diameter of 2.7‐5.3 mm and a power of 10‐100 W is focused on a bed of loose Ti powder for 10 s in vacuum. The numerical simulation indicates that a nearly hemispherical temperature front propagates from the laser spot. In the region of α‐Ti just behind the front, heat transfer is governed by thermal radiation. The balling effect, formation of melt droplets, is not observed because the temperature increases gradually and the melt appears inside initially sintered powder which resists the surface tension of the melt.
Integration of CAD and rapid manufacturing for sand casting optimisation
Authors: Bernard Alain , Delplace Jean‐Charles , Perry Nicolas , Gabriel Serge
Published: October 2003

In order to reduce the time and costs of the products development in the sand casting process, the SMC Colombier Fontaine company has carried out a study based on tooling manufacturing with a new rapid prototyping process. This evolution allowed the adequacy of the geometry used for the simulation to the tooling employed physically in the production. This allowed a reduction of the wall thickness to 4 mm and retained reliable manufacturing process.
The production of copper parts using DMLR
Authors: Pogson S.R. , Fox P. , Sutcliffe C.J. , O’Neill W.
Published: October 2003

The relationship between the major process variables (laser power, laser scan speed, scan length, beam overlap and Q‐switch pulse frequency) of direct metal laser re‐melting and their effect on the structure of single‐ and multi‐layer copper coupons has been investigated. The work successfully produced selectively fused copper powder layers and simple three‐dimensional copper structures with suitable laser parameters being identified for the production of parts, including thin‐walled cubic structures. It was shown that the specific energy density needed to melt thick powder beds was less than that to melt multi‐layer builds and that the type of substrate material used significantly affected the process parameters. Thus, the substrate and its thermal properties have a significant effect on the melt pool size and freezing rate.
A comparative evaluation of industrial design models produced using rapid prototyping and workshop‐based fabrication techniques
Authors: Evans Mark A. , Ian Campbell R.
Published: October 2003

This paper discusses a research programme in which the 3D computer aided industrial design geometry for a consumer product was translated into appearance models using the contrasting techniques of workshop‐based fabrication techniques and rapid prototyping using stereolithography. The research also examined the capacity to extend the use of the rapid prototype components for the production of a fully working prototype. The ability to combine an appearance model and a working prototype into a single “appearance prototype” was a significant advance in the application of RP within industrial design.
Modes of action of family interventions in depression and schizophrenia: the same or different?
Authors: Leff Julian , Alexander Barbara , Asen Eia , Brewin Chris R. , Dayson David , Vearnals Simon , Wolff Geoffrey
Published: October 2003

The role of relatives' expressed emotion (EE) in mediating the efficacy of family interventions has been studied in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving people with schizophrenia and depression. Reanalysis of two RCTs (n=48) by Leff (1989) indicated that lowering relatives’ EE and/or reducing social contact between the patient and family members accounted for the efficacy of the intervention for schizophrenia. However, this relationship has not been investigated previously with regard to depression, and this paper presents the results of a recent RCT which included measurement of EE and other possible mediating variables. In this study, amelioration of the critical attitude of the partner did not account for the superiority of couples therapy over antidepressant medication, since the same change occurred in the drug group. However, reducing the patient's exposure to the partner's hostility partially explained the efficacy of couples therapy. Further research on the process of change in families undergoing therapy is indicated to identify the variables that account for the efficacy of therapy.
Culture, society and gender in depression
Authors: Falicov Celia Jaes
Published: October 2003

The dilemmas inherent in the inclusion of the sociocultural variables in the assessment and treatment of depression are multifold. In this article, three broad themes are selected for discussion: (1) the challenge of cultural translation of mainstream professional definitions of depression to culturally diverse groups; (2) sociopolitical discourses and power differentials regarding gender, class and race and their possible contributions to depression; and (3) the impact of migration, cultural change and generational conflict on manifestations of depression.
Family therapy for childhood depression: researching significant moments
Authors: Campbell David , Bianco Vicki , Dowling Emilia , Goldberg Henia , McNab Sue , Pentecost David
Published: October 2003

This paper is a qualitative family therapy process study which is part of a larger European‐based outcome study comparing family therapy to child psychotherapy plus parent support for depressed children and their families. The family therapists and two clinical supervisors from the original study formed themselves into a research team to study the process of therapy with twelve families. Therapists selected the significant moments from fifty‐nine sessions, and were then interviewed by the research team using a standard protocol to investigate the therapists' own thinking about the significant moments. Applying a thematic analysis, the significant moments were clustered into eleven themes. The paper discusses the rationale for this model of research, which is well suited for clinical teams, and the application of the themes to therapeutic work with depressed children and their families.
Genetically Modified Crops, Corporate Pricing Strategies, and Farmers' Adoption: The Case of Bt Cotton in Argentina
Authors: Qaim Matin , de Janvry Alain
Published: October 2003

This article analyzes adoption and impacts of Bt cotton in Argentina against the background of monopoly pricing. Based on survey data, it is shown that the technology significantly reduces insecticide applications and increases yields; however, these advantages are curbed by the high price charged for genetically modified seeds. Using the contingent valuation method, it is shown that farmers' average willingness to pay is less than half the actual technology price. A lower price would not only increase benefits for growers, but could also multiply company profits, thus, resulting in a Pareto improvement. Implications of the sub‐optimal pricing strategy are discussed.
The Influence of Commodity Programs on Acreage Response to Market Price: With an Illustration Concerning Rice Policy in the United States
Authors: McDonald Jeffrey D. , Sumner Daniel A.
Published: October 2003

Farm programs influence the parameters of typically estimated supply functions. We develop and apply an approach that uses detailed information about farm program incentives and constraints to identify underlying structural acreage response parameters when the data reflect behavior under complex government commodity programs. We illustrate the approach with data on rice acreage response to market price in the United States. For U.S. rice, estimates that fail to appropriately incorporate the program rules under which market data were generated are three to four times smaller than the structural parameters that are useful for most policy analysis or projections under alternative policies.
Are Crop Yields Normally Distributed? A Reexamination
Authors: Atwood Joseph , Shaik Saleem , Watts Myles
Published: October 2003

This article demonstrates that normality test procedures that include individual detrending of short‐term panel data can severely reduce the power of normality tests and strongly bias normality tests in a Type II direction. An alternative error component implicit detrending procedure is suggested that demonstrates higher power for the distributions examined. Both procedures are applied to a large data set with normality of yield residuals being rejected. Assuming normality is shown to reduce potential premium rates for a large number of producers in an existing crop insurance product.
Rural/Urban Welfare Program and Labor Force Participation
Authors: Kilkenny Maureen , Huffman Sonya Kostova
Published: October 2003

Nonmetro poor in the Midwest participate more in the labor force and less in welfare programs than metro poor. We formalize how household composition, capital, labor market conditions, and state‐specific regulations define opportunity sets, then estimate a bivariate binomial probit model of work and program participation choices. An Oaxaca decomposition analysis is conducted to compare differences in characteristics to differences in behavior in explaining the two groups' choices. We find no behavioral basis for the difference in labor market participation. And while most of the lower Midwestern nonmetro welfare program participation is due to demographics, some is due to different life‐cycle behavior.
Eating at School: How the National School Lunch Program Affects Children's Diets
Authors: Gleason Philip M. , Suitor Carol W.
Published: October 2003

This article examines the impact of participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) on children's dietary intake at lunchtime and over 24 hours. Using a fixed effects model to control for selection bias, we find that NSLP participation leads to increased 24‐hour intake of six vitamins and minerals—calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B12, and riboflavin—as well as dietary fiber. Participation also leads to a trade‐off between children's intake of dietary fat and added sugars whereby participants have higher intakes of dietary fat than nonparticipants but lower intakes of added sugars.
Globalisation, the State and Class Struggle: A ‘Critical Economy’ Engagement with Open Marxism
Authors: Bieler Andreas , Morton Adam David
Published: October 2003

This article explores common commitments between competing historical materialist perspectives within International Political Economy (IPE). It does so by engaging with the approach of Open Marxism that has emerged as the basis of a radical rethinking of theories of the state, the dialectic of subject-object and theory-practice, as well as commitments to emancipating the social world. Despite these contributions, though, there has been a sonorous silence within debates in critical International Relations (IR) theory in relation to the arguments of Open Marxism. In contrast, we engage with and develop an immanent critique of Open Marxism through a ‘Critical Economy’ conception of the state proffered by Antonio Gramsci. Previously overlooked, this alternative approach not only promotes an understanding of the state as a social relation of production but also affords insight into a broader range of class-relevant social forces linked to contemporary processes of capitalist development. A key priority is thus granted to theorising the capitalist state, as well as issues of resistance and collective agency, that surpasses the somewhat ‘theological’ vision of state-capital-labour evident in Open Marxism. Moreover, it is argued in conclusion that the approach we outline provides an avenue to critique additional competing ‘critical’ approaches in IR/IPE, thereby raising new questions about the potential of critical theory within international studies.