bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free vibration analysis of delaminated composite pretwisted shells
Authors: Karmakar Amit , Roy Haraprasad , Kishimoto Kikuo
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate the effects of delamination on free vibration characteristics of graphite‐epoxy composite pretwisted cylindrical shallow shells of various stacking sequences considering length of delamination as a parameter.

Design/methodology/approach

A multipoint constraint algorithm which leads to unsymmetric elastic stiffness matrix is incorporated into an eight noded isoparametric plate bending finite element to satisfy the compatibility of deformation and equilibrium of resultant forces and moments at the delamination crack front. The study is focused upon long, intermediate and short cylindrical shells as defined by Aas‐Jakobsen's parameters and considers symmetric and unsymmetric composite laminates.

Findings

The non‐dimensional fundamental natural frequencies are obtained for angle ply (45/−45/45, 45/−45) and cross ply (0/90/0, 0/90) configurations corresponding to different crack lengths and twist angles. The study implies the importance of the symmetric laminate as well as the long shell.

Research limitations/implications

The standard eigenvalue computations using QR iteration algorithm for the present analyses take enormous time and hence, an efficient eigen‐solver needs to be employed.

Practical implications

New vibration modes are exhibited by the delaminated composite structures. The existence of invisible interlaminar cracking can be identified with the help of prior knowledge of natural frequencies for a delaminated composite pretwisted shell which can be idealized as a turbine blade with low aspect ratio.

Originality/value

This paper presents a numerical approach for natural frequency determination of composite pretwisted shallow shells having delamination without taking care of the effect of dynamic contact between delaminated layers. The non‐dimensional frequencies obtained could serve as reference solutions for future investigators.
Relative dynamics and initialization condition of spacecraft formations in eccentric orbits
Authors: Fang Ru , Zhang Shijie , Cao Xibin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Hill equations have definite limitation in the design of multiple spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits. To solve the problem, the design method of spacecraft formation flying in a circular reference orbit based on Hill equation can be generalized and applied to spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, T‐H equation is expressed as the explicit function form of reference orbit true anomaly, and the state transition matrix of relative motion of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits is derived. According to the requirement that relative dynamics equation of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits has periodicity solution, the paper theoretically gives the initial condition needed by the long‐term close‐distance spacecraft formation flying including the relationship between relative position and relative velocity. Without perturbation the spacecraft formation, which satisfies the initial periodicity restriction, can keep long‐term close‐distance flying without the need of active control.

Findings

Based on the theoretical analysis, some numerical simulations are carried out. The results demonstrate that each spacecraft in eccentric orbits can run in a periodic motion surrounding the center spacecraft under some conditions. And spacecraft formation reconfiguration is implementing according to missions.

Originality/value

Combined with the periodicity restriction primary condition a new method about spacecraft formation reconfiguration is put forward. The method given by this paper can be applied to eccentric orbits of arbitrary eccentricity, and provides theoretical reference for orbit design of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits.
Inverse design problem for optimizing cascades
Authors: Wu Zhao‐Chun
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To optimize the shape of a cascade where velocity (or pressure) distribution is optimally given.

Design/methodology/approach

The semi‐inverse method suggested by Ji‐Huan He is applied to establishment of a variational theory for the discussed inverse problem. The boundary conditions on unknown shape are converted into the natural boundary conditions of the obtained variational functional.

Findings

Ji‐Huan He's semi‐inverse method is a powerful tool to the search for the variational formulation for the discussed problem. The derivation procedure is very simple and convenient; the finite element method based on the variational theory with moving boundary provides a very effective and robust numerical approach to the inverse problem.

Research limitations/implications

The design method is limited to frictionless flow.

Practical implications

The numerical method based on variational principle with moving boundary can be readily extended to other cases with moving surfaces or free boundaries.

Originality/value

The suggested numerical method can satisfy the demand of various cascade designs, where the velocity (or pressure) distribution can be optimally given from different aspects of engineering requirement: aerodynamics, strength, manufacture, etc.
The inhibition by dodecylamine of enhanced dissolution of Cu‐Ni alloy initiated by an AFM tip/surface interaction
Authors: Qu Jun‐E , Guo Xing‐Peng , Chen Zhen‐Yu
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate the influence of an organic corrosion inhibitor on the enhanced dissolution of metal, initiated by AFM tip scratching in corrosive media.

Design/methodology/approach

The test solutions were 1.5 M NaCl and 0.01 M HCl. AFM tip scratching experiments were performed for Cu‐Ni alloys in solutions with or without 0.005 M dodecylamine. AFM frictional loop tests were also performed to investigate the effect of dodecylamine on the tip‐surface frictional interaction.

Findings

Enhanced dissolution of Cu‐Ni alloy was observed as a result of AFM tip scratching both in NaCl and HCl solutions, and in HCl the effect was more severe than was the case in NaCl. Enhanced dissolution was inhibited markedly by adding 0.005 M dodecylamine to the corrosive media. The results of frictional loop tests indicated that frictional interaction between the tip and the alloy surface was diminished by the adsorption of dodecylamine on the sample surface. The weakening of tip‐surface frictional interaction and the elevation of the ionization energy of metal atoms were responsible for the notable inhibition effect of dodecylamine on the accelerated dissolution.

Originality/value

In this paper, the influence of an organic corrosion inhibitor on the corrosion of metal induced by outside forces was investigated. This was carried out initially by AFM scratching skill and the inhibition mechanism of dodecylamine on the enhanced dissolution of Cu‐Ni alloy initiated by AFM tip scratching.
The assessment of natural atmosphere corrosivity by the use of electrochemical noise analysis
Authors: Torres‐Mendoza V. , Rodríguez‐Gómez F.J. , García‐Ochoa E.M. , Genesca J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this work is to evaluate the electrochemical noise (EN) method as a way of evaluating quickly the aggressiveness of natural atmospheres.

Design/methodology/approach

Wire‐on‐bolt tests were used, which implies an exposure of at least three months of bimetallic specimens such as aluminium wire/steel bolt and aluminium wire/copper bolt (CLIMAT units). Electrochemical noise measurements (ENM) also were used.

Findings

EN is a powerful tool in the assessing of aggressiveness of atmospheres in short time exposure. Statistical analyses of EN were carried out and provided clear differences between atmospheres depending on pollutants. Results of noise resistance (Rn), root mean square of current (Irms) and localization index are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The possible application of ENM to atmospheric corrosion is interesting from a practical point of view. However, more experiments are necessary in order to test a wide range of atmospheres.

Practical implications

EN has proved to be a useful tool when localised corrosion is detected and the presence of chlorides in atmospheres, due to sea fog, results in pitting on the metallic samples.

Originality/value

Illustrates that electrochemical noise can be a powerful tool for assessing the aggressiveness of natural atmospheres.
Enhancing the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy AZ91D in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution by cerate conversion coatings
Authors: Salam Hamdy Abdel
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop new eco‐environmentally friendly surface treatments based on cerate compounds as alternatives to the process involving toxic chromates for the corrosion protection of magnesium alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

A treatment process in which a surface was alkaline‐etched prior to ceria treatment is proposed. The process involves cleaning, etching in potassium hydroxide followed by treatment in ceria conversion coatings. The effect of surface preparation prior to ceria treatment on the corrosion resistance of AZ91D in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution was measured using AC impedance spectroscopy and DC polarization techniques. Surface examination was performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray.

Findings

It was shown that the ceria treatment can be used as a localized corrosion inhibitor for alloy AZ91D in NaCl solution. The level of inhibition strongly depended on the cerium concentration. Moreover, ceria treatments improved the pitting corrosion resistance due to the formation of protective oxide films which act as a barrier to oxygen diffusion to the metal surface. According to the EIS and polarization measurements, alkaline etching in KOH is more effective in reducing the pitting corrosion of AZ91D than was HCl. It was shown that surface treatment in alkaline solution (KOH) prior to ceria treatments played an important role in inhibiting the active surface sites, rejecting the chloride ions from the surface and forming uniformly distributed oxide film.

Originality/value

Ceria conversion coatings seem very promising as alternatives to toxic chromating for the corrosion protection of magnesium alloys in NaCl solution.
Needle‐shaped anticorrosion pigments based on the ferrites of zinc, calcium and magnesium
Authors: Kalendová A. , Veselý D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to synthesize needle‐shaped anticorrosion pigments based on the ferrites of Zn, Ca and Mg for metal protecting paints.

Design/methodology/approach

Anticorrosion pigments were synthesized from oxides or carbonates at hot temperatures. The following pigments were synthesized: ZnFe2O4, MgFe2O4, CaFe2O4, Mg0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4, and Ca0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4. The prepared pigments were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction analysis, by measuring the distribution of particle size and by means of scanning electron microscopy. The synthesized anticorrosion pigments were used to formulate epoxy coatings with PVC = 10 per cent for the synthesized pigment and with the PVC/CPVC ratio = 0.3. The coatings were tested for physical‐mechanical properties and in corrosion atmospheres. The corrosion test results were compared with aluminium zinc phosphomolybdate.

Findings

The needle‐shaped particles were identified in the formulated pigments. It was found that all of the synthesized pigments had high anticorrosion efficiency comparable with that of Zn‐Al phosphomolybdate. The needle‐shaped particles markedly contributed to the advancement of the physical‐mechanical properties of epoxy coatings.

Practical implications

The synthesized pigments can be conveniently used in coatings protecting metal bases against corrosion.

Originality/value

The application of the synthesized pigments with the needle‐shaped particles in anticorrosion paints protecting metals presents a new method. The benefit of the application and method of synthesizing anticorrosion pigments is that they do not contain heavy metals and are acceptable for the environment.
Tarnishing of silver in environments with sulphur contamination
Authors: Jiang Yang Chang , Hao Liang Cheng , Liu Xia
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate work on silver sulphide formed on the surface of silver metal which was exposed to an environment containing sulphur contamination.

Design/methodology/approach

Laboratory tests were performed to determine the effect of the surface state, relative humidity, temperature and illumination.

Findings

It was indicated that sulphuration of silver was accelerated by mechanical polishing and illumination. The exposure was performed at 0, 54, 75 per cent relative humidity (rH) and at 16, 25, 37, 47 and 57°C. The tarnish rate at 54 per cent rH was more than two times than that at 0 per cent rH or 75 per cent rH, and the rate increased as a function of temperature.

Originality/value

A tarnish model was proposed. The tarnish reaction of silver is chemical reaction controlled, which is in accordance with the result deduced from the model.
Food industry awareness of consumers' plant food beliefs
Authors: Lea Emma , Worsley Anthony , Crawford David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aims of this study were to examine farmers' and food processors' alignment with consumers' views about plant foods and their intentions to produce plant foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on plant food beliefs were collected from mail surveys of farmers, food processing businesses and random population samples of adults in Victoria, Australia.

Findings

There were strong differences between consumers' beliefs and farmers' and food processors' perceptions of consumers' beliefs. For example, a higher proportion of farmers and processors believed that consumers would eat more plant foods if more convenience‐oriented plant‐based meals were available than consumers themselves agreed. Farmers appeared to be more aware of or aligned with consumers' beliefs than were processors. One‐ and two‐thirds of farmers and processors respectively were planning to grow or process more plant foods, which bodes well for the availability of plant and plant‐based foods.

Research limitations/implications

Study limitations include the small food industry sample sizes and possible response bias, although analysis suggests the latter was low. Future research could survey a larger sample of food industry representatives, including those from other sectors (e.g. retailers).

Practical implications

Education of consumers and industry groups on plant foods and better lines of communication from consumer to processor to farmer, are required.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine farmers' and food processors' awareness of consumers' beliefs about plant foods. This issue is important for those involved with the production and marketing of plant foods or with food, farming and health policy.
Stages of change and consumption of fruit and vegetables among adolescent females
Authors: Rapley Jessica , Coulson Neil S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study was to apply key theoretical constructs from the Transtheoretical Model to daily consumption of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables among adolescent females.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐report questionnaire was designed with regard to daily consumption of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables measuring stage of change, decisional balance and self‐efficacy. In total, 501 females aged 11 to 16 years old participated in the study.

Findings

The percentage of students classified into each stage was as follows: precontemplation 16.4; contemplation 38.5; preparation 11.8; action 13.4; and maintenance 20.0. Significant differences in pros and cons scores as well as self‐efficacy according to self‐classified stage of change were revealed (all p<.001). With advancing stage participants' scores for pros and self‐efficacy increased while cons scores decreased.

Practical implications

The results suggest that nutrition education that targets adolescent females may usefully draw on a stage‐based classification system in order to deliver more tailored and personally relevant interventions. Examination of the profile of pros and cons may assist in the identification of salient beliefs that may need to be either strengthened (i.e. pros) or challenged (i.e. cons). In addition, attention should also be given to implementing educational strategies that foster confidence in the ability to consumer at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.

Originality/value

This study presents the first application of the Transtheoretical Model to fruit and vegetable consumption in adolescent females. The results of the research can be used for nutrition education planning and development.
Post‐training assessment of HACCP knowledge: its use as a predictor of effective HACCP development, implementation and maintenance in food manufacturing
Authors: Wallace Carol A. , Powell Susan C. , Holyoak Lynda
Published: January 2007

Purpose

HACCP training is acknowledged as a key requirement for the development of effective HACCP systems. However, there are few measures of the standards of training being offered or of the effectiveness of learning that takes place and no agreed methods to measure HACCP knowledge following training. Sets out to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A HACCP knowledge questionnaire was developed to measure HACCP team member knowledge following training. Data were collected from 91 individuals in a multinational organisation and predictions were made on likely effectiveness of HACCP systems based on team‐member knowledge.

Findings

This paper outlines the preliminary results from a research project investigating the impact of training on effective HACCP implementation in a multinational organisation.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations concerning sample size, timing and possible lack of understanding are discussed.

Originality/value

A new tool to measure HACCP team member knowledge is described and use of HACCP knowledge as a predictor of HACCP system effectiveness is discussed.
Subjective norms, attitudes and intentions of Finnish consumers in buying organic food
Authors: Tarkiainen Anssi , Sundqvist Sanna
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the extension of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in an organic food buying context.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships between subjective norms and attitudes and intention to buy organic food were studied by applying structural equation modelling.

Findings

The proposed modified model of the TPB model fitted the data better than the original model, implying that in the organic food‐buying context the role of subjective norms differs from the original theory of planned behaviour. In buying organic food subjective norms affected buying intention indirectly through attitude formation. In addition, results showed that the modified TPB model predicts intention to buy organic food better than the original model. Based on the results, it can be said that consumers' intentions to buy organic food can be predicted with their attitudes (R2=0.558), which can further be predicted by subjective norms (R2=0.374), and that behavioural intentions reliably predict self‐reported behaviour (R2=0.824).

Research limitations/implications

First, this study concerned only organic bread and flour products, and therefore the results cannot be expected to explain consumer behaviour for all organically produced products. Second, just one retail channel of organic foods, a hypermarket, was examined. Since the different store formats have also very different characteristics (e.g. price level and number of products), it is likely that also the consumers' buying behaviour differs between different stores.

Originality/value

In past studies on organic food‐buying behaviour, the role of subjective norms has often been neglected – either they are not included in the models or their explanatory power has been weak.
Ethnic food attitudes and behaviour among Belgians and Hispanics living in Belgium
Authors: Verbeke Wim , Poquiviqui López Gisela
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Awareness and testing of ethnic cuisine have increased in the past decades as a consequence of the growing international trade, migration, tourism and globalisation. This article aims to focus on the attitude and behaviour of Belgians towards Latin‐American ethnic foods, and of Hispanics living in Belgium towards mainstream Belgian food.

Design/methodology/approach

The role of socio‐demographic characteristics, food neophobia, and degree of acculturation or openness on food preference and choice among these two population groups is analysed. A survey with 119 Belgian and 127 Hispanic participants was performed. Data analysis deals with descriptive analyses and statistical validation of the perceived associations by means of chi‐square, t‐test, ANOVA, correlations, and stepwise multiple regression.

Findings

The overall opinion and degree of satisfaction of the Belgian sample towards ethnic food were favourable. Latin‐American food consumption and attitude of Belgians are negatively correlated with food neophobia, which is significantly higher among urban and 55+ aged consumers, and positively correlated with openness to new cultures. Taste and appearance were key attributes that determined Belgians' preference for ethnic foods. Hispanics' general perception towards Belgian mainstream food was favourable as well, although they considered their own food as being better in taste. Barriers to maintain Latin‐American food habits are availability and time constraints. Hispanics' adoption of traditional Belgian cuisine is positively correlated with time of residence in Belgium and negatively correlated with maintenance of native social interaction and language use. Food neophobia does not emerge as a determinant of Hispanics' dietary acculturation to mainstream Belgian food.

Research limitations/implications

Data are collected from a relatively small convenience sample, which limits generalisation of the findings beyond the sample characteristics, which renders the findings exploratory rather than conclusive.

Originality/value

This paper covers important, not well‐explored and previously neglected research subjects, namely attitude, perceptions and behaviour towards ethnic food and food consumption among ethnic minorities in the increasingly globalised food market. The main contribution pertains to simultaneously investigating the role of socio‐demographic, acculturation and food neophobia on food consumption decisions.
Biotypes and serotypes of Campylobacter spp. isolated from broilers in Trinidad
Authors: Rodrigo Shelly , Adesiyun Abiodun , Asgarali Zinora
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to investigate the biotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli and the serotypes of C. jejuni present in broilers from selected small retail processors in six counties in Trinidad.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were plated on blood‐free Campylobacter CCDA, incubated at 42°C in 8‐10 per cent CO2 in a CO2 incubator and isolates were biotyped using the Lior scheme and serotyped using 25 Penner heat‐stable antisera by the passive hemagglutination method.

Findings

Amongst the 743 C. jejuni isolates biotyped, 85.3 per cent and 14.7 per cent belonged to biotype I and II respectively compared with C. coli isolates where 84.3 per cent were grouped as biotype I and 15.7 per cent were biotype II amongst a total of 681 isolates. The difference in frequency of both biotypes amongst C. jejuni and C. coli was statistically significant (p<0.05; χ2). Of the 52 isolates of C. jejuni, 48 (92.3 per cent) were typable. The predominant serotype Penner HS O:31 accounted for 19.2 per cent of the isolates tested, while Penner HS O:2, the predominant serotype recovered from clinical cases world‐wide, accounted for 5.8 per cent. Originality/value – The biotypes detected in Campylobacter isolates from chickens are similar with those earlier isolated from other livestock in Trinidad. However, this is the first documentation of serotypes of C. jejuni in this country. Serotypes O:31 and O:2 have been isolated from clinical cases world‐wide and may have clinical implications in Trinidad. It is, however, pertinent to mention that until C. jejuni is routinely serotyped and reporting of human clinical cases of campylobacteriosis in the country is improved, the clinical significance of C. jejuni serotypes cannot be fully appreciated.
What food safety professionals should know about bacterial biofilms
Authors: Lindsay Denise , von Holy Alex
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to highlight the importance of bacterial associations with surfaces, with particular reference to food processing.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical and interdisciplinary review of recent literature combined with research on biofilms on surfaces was conducted.

Findings

The association of micro‐organisms with surfaces is the prevailing microbial lifestyle and bacterial biofilms may represent reservoirs for the spread of antimicrobial‐resistance genes.

Originality/value

This paper is a condensed summary of relevant information on the discipline of bacterial biofilms as a whole, with special reference to food processing and safety.
Consumer research: extrinsic variables in food studies
Authors: Iop S.C.F , Teixeira E. , Deliza R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The article aims to address two questions: “What are the important extrinsic variables in consumer food studies?” and “Which are focused on the most?”

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive search of previous literature was conducted to find data on papers related to extrinsic variables in food studies. Both an electronics search through computerized library databases (Web of Science, Food Science and Technology Abstract), and reference lists from relevant research papers were used.

Findings

The article finds that acceptance and intention to purchase measures regarding foods are associated with consumption and purchase process and are used as an indirect way of obtaining data to understand consumer behavior. Although the importance of intrinsic variables such as color, aroma, flavor and texture in food acceptance and choice are very well recognized, several studies have shown that other variables also play an important role in food acceptance, preference, choice and intention to purchase. This article presents the more studied extrinsic variables using the conjoint analysis and repertory grid methods.

Research limitations/implications

This article shows data only on repertory grid and conjoint analysis. There are other methodologies such as focus group, laddering interviews and questionnaires that can be used to investigate the role of extrinsic variables on consumer attitude.

Originality/value

Context variables are the most studied extrinsic variables. Production method, nutritional information, protected denomination of origin/certification and origin are some of these variables and are directly linked with consumer concerns about the product. The authors believe that the change in consumer behavior globally drives the search for motives that better explain choices.
Size and interorganisational relationships in the Canary Islands' food industry
Authors: García Pérez Ana M. , Ángeles Sanfiel Fumero M. , Ramón Oreja Rodríguez Juan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this study is to identify firms with a greater propensity to establish interorganisational relationships, as well as which value‐chain activities are affected by these relationships in the Canary Islands' food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The firms are grouped into large firms and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), given the different resource endowments and dependencies of these two groups. Differences in the degree of flexibility or rigidity of their interorganisational relationships and in the activities affected by these relationships were expected. The fieldwork used a survey of the managers of a representative sample of 201 food firms, and univariate analysis statistical techniques were used to handle the data.

Findings

The paper finds that only 53 sample firms have developed interorganisational relationships, and 62.5 per cent of these are large firms. The flexible interorganisational link predominates. With regard to the value‐chain activities affected by these relationships, the most prominent are distribution and supplies, although size only has a statistically significant relation with some support activities.

Research limitations/implications

The small proportion of food firms that have carried out interorganisational links in the Canaries means that the findings obtained cannot be entirely generalisable to the rest of the firms in the sector.

Practical implications

Most studies of the food industry take a macroeconomic approach, and research taking a strategic and interorganisational perspective is scarce.

Originality/value

This type of study centring on this particular strategic behaviour has not been carried out before in the Canary Islands.
Grocery loyalty: Tesco Clubcard and its impact on loyalty
Authors: Turner Jason J. , Wilson Karen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of the research is to identify the impact of the Tesco Clubcard on customer loyalty. The secondary aim is to contrast customer perceptions of the Clubcard, staff and “feeling valued” to identify which factor has the greater impact on customer loyalty to store.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative analysis was used based on 60 questionnaires conducted with randomly selected customers in Tesco Metro Dundee in 2005. Tesco were not involved in the research other than to provide approval at a store level for the research to take place outside their premises.

Findings

A positive moderate relationship was found r=0.388, p=0.01 between the owning of a Clubcard and loyalty to store. It was also found that there was a positive moderate relationship between the Clubcard returns and customer loyalty, with r=0.334, p=0.01. The research, however, found no relationship between loyalty and customers feeling more valued by Tesco, nor did the research reveal a significant relationship between Tesco staff and customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The research is restricted in so far as it only considers Tesco Clubcard in the grocery retail sector and as it is an exploratory study the research is limited in so far as the number of participants is only 60. A further limitation surrounds the issue of generalisability as only one Tesco retail outlet in Dundee was used. Further research needs to include other Tesco formats and contrast with grocery retailers who do not use loyalty cards.

Practical implications

It is suggested that Tesco consumers are influenced by having a loyalty card in so far as it contributes to making them loyal. However, other factors need to compliment such a card, with consumers seeing the Tesco “provision” as inter‐related.

Originality/value

The paper is useful to both practitioners and academics in the fields of relationship marketing and loyalty. The research provides some initial insight into consumer perspectives in the value of loyalty cards.
Encouraging partnering and collaboration
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Proposes to show that in many organizations trainers, and other groups such as communicators, need to take positive steps to encourage partnering and collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is intended to share findings from an ongoing investigation undertaken by questionnaire survey, interview and in‐company observation into the leadership of performance improvement and corporate transformation.

Findings

Those who succeed in building productive collaborative relationships exhibit very different behaviours from those who fail.

Practical implications

Trainers need to understand the differing behaviours of “winners” and “losers” in order to help people to adopt the approaches of their more successful peers and colleagues. It may also be necessary to equip people with job support tools that can help them to collaborate with customers and supply chain partners.

Originality/value

The article highlights behaviours and approaches that trainers and developers need to encourage if individuals and organizations are to become more successful at building partnering and collaborative relationships.
Co‐ordination and delegation: the core development competencies to create a competitive edge (part 2)
Authors: Eales‐White Rupert
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The reasons for writing this paper are to enable the reader to understand: why delegation and co‐ordination are the core development competencies; how organisations can deliver a competitive edge, i.e. increase their profitability faster than the competition by focusing their development efforts on these development competencies; and the process required to introduce these competencies throughout the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study to demonstrate the importance of co‐ordination in the team‐leadership role. Report of research findings to indicate the benefits of effective group‐working for the individual and for the organisation and how co‐ordination is the critical skill to build effective groups. A case study to demonstrate how delegation is the key skill for leaders to build effective relationships with their followers. A demonstration as to how organisations, by focusing their development efforts on these two competencies, will not only deliver a competitive edge in terms of profitability but also save a fortune by abandoning expensive and now unnecessary “client‐focused” initiatives. Outlining the process to deliver the competitive edge.

Findings

If an organisation is prepared to train all its managers in delegation and co‐ordination skills, they will create a better working environment for their employees and increase their profitability at a faster rate than their competitors.

Originality/value

Develops an understanding of why and how organisations should focus their development efforts on the core skills of co‐ordination and delegation.
Optimising human capital: measuring what really matters
Authors: Pickett Les
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Human capital strategies are frequently canvassed in corporate boardrooms and executive suites but are not effectively implemented. This paper aims to identify core measures that senior management can use to increase the effectiveness of their investment in their people and improve organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An internationally researched framework for human capital capability is used as the basis of the paper. This is complemented by an international benchmarking initiative.

Findings

Five key practices that effective organisations use to enhance performance are identified and current human capital practices of 175 organisations are benchmarked against these critical core indicators.

Research limitations/implications

While the international benchmarking sample does not represent a large number of participants, the pilot project provides significant feedback and identifies areas in which the management of human capital can be enhanced. Scope for further research into the relationship between organisational investment in human capital, future earnings and stock market pricing.

Practical implications

The framework provides a basis for identifying areas for improving the relationship between an organisation's workforce investment and its overall business performance. It also facilitates the development of a road‐map for the human agenda that will have the greatest impact on the enterprise.

Originality/value

An international human capital framework that has been extensively researched and developed over a number of years in consultation with business leaders to assist senior corporate executives to increase the return on their investment in people and enhance corporate performance and profitability.
EMEA‐US culture clash: resolving diversity issues through reflective evaluated action learning
Authors: Rosenberg Corinne
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Through a case study aims to describe an innovative methodology that was used to address intercultural miscommunication, which was threatening productivity in the global team of a US multinational service provider after a series of mergers and acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodology was designed to recognise the work pressure and time zone challenges of the global team. It used reflective evaluated action learning (REAL) to foster sustained, incremental learning in small, facilitated groups. The process of learning was evaluated in questionnaires, which tracked transference of learning into the workplace. There were adaptations such as the time frames of short meetings every two weeks, with ongoing charting of incidents.

Findings

The longitudinal study quantitatively demonstrated transfer of learning into the workplace and qualitative analysis showed that the development of communication skills needs to be effective when working with other cultures. Specific business outcomes included company protocols for intercultural virtual communication. All skills were used regularly on evaluation nine months later.

Practical implications

The REAL approach offered a time‐efficient, effective solution to prevent an imminent intercultural breakdown in communication and morale in a pressurised corporate environment, and can be applied to a range of diversity issues.

Originality/value

An innovative approach to cultural change was sustained and measured so that the process became more transparent. Traditional diversity and intercultural interventions are one‐off and action learning has rarely been applied to tackle diversity issues or examine cultural behaviours and breakdowns. This was a unique approach to building the mindset and skills needed to work across cultural boundaries.
Should a 60 per cent success rate be acceptable?
Authors: Harvard Davis Stephen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Despite huge amounts of time and effort allocated to the recruitment of executives and senior managers, the recruitment process produces an unacceptable failure rate that reduces business competitiveness and corporate profits. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this in order to find a solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an observation of companies that experienced executive failure and over 25 exit interviews of senior executives who left jobs within 18 months.

Findings

the paper finds that a systematic approach to induction for new executives can reduce the risk of failure. This systematic approach contains a number of structured meetings after the appointment has been made as well as actions that a company can undertake to increase the chances of executive success. Such an induction must, however, be driven by the company and provide the new executive with as much information and support as possible in the initial six months.

Originality/value

The costs of executive failure can be substantial and affect bottom‐line results. By introducing an effective executive induction process it is possible to develop an effective executive in a short time, while adding to bottom‐line results.
Making a difference through people development
Authors: Smith Katrine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explain how different solutions for developing staff within Panasonic have been implemented. The article aims to move away from just the traditional classroom only options, to using different approaches which suit different learning styles. In particular the article proposes looking at the three areas of e‐learning, coaching and how to increase managers' involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The article explains briefly why it has looked at different options and then explains the three areas in more detail. For e‐learning three main solutions are offered so these are outlined in more detail; for coaching the article also offers three solutions and so these are also explained in more detail. Lastly the importance of manager's involvement to any development initiative that is set up is explained, and a look at how to try to gain this involvement and keep the managers' as key players.

Findings

Results so far have been very positive with both participants and the company benefiting.

Originality/value

This article will be of interest to anyone involved in training and development of staff – giving new ideas for positive development options to anyone struggling with how to best develop, motivate and retain staff.
Finance training can be fun and effective
Authors: Cowey Alan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper's purpose is to address the fact that many intelligent and experienced managers in industry do not really understand about business finance, how profits are generated and what they can do to improve them. This paper shows how the traditional perception problems of dryness, difficulty and irrelevance of finance training can be overcome. Furthermore the paper covers how managers can create action plans within their own areas of interest to have an impact on the company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes how physical, board‐based simulations can be used to give a learning experience of finance and business in an effective and time efficient way. The paper lists the problems of finance training, explains the means by which a good simulation overcomes these problems, and shows how small performance differences can make a.significant impact.

Findings

The post‐training research shows that participants find the experience of finance in a simulation to be very effective in the use of their time, compared to other methods of training. The feedback is also that their knowledge has substantially improved on the key business issues of finance reports, making choices about the use of resources and the need to work together with others to achieve results.

Originality/value

The paper contains important messages for Learning and Development departments about the methods of finance training and also to operations directors about the ways managers can create action plans to improve the results through a deeper understanding of business.
Corporate strategy development and related management development: the case for the incremental approach, part 2 – implications for learning and development
Authors: Rees W. David , Porter Christine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the case for the incremental development of corporate strategy and the implications for management learning and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use their background in consultancy and management development in the UK and abroad to examine the potential dangers of comprehensive innovations in corporate strategy and the potential benefits of an incremental approach. In Part 2 of the article they rely on their academic experience in a wide variety of institutions in the UK and abroad to consider the related issues of management learning and development.

Findings

The two main dangers with the development of a comprehensive corporate strategy were explained in Part 1 of this article. Sometimes the narrowness of the consideration of corporate issues may be replicated in taught programmes in business schools where the human factors in particular may not be given sufficient attention. A broad based consideration of corporate strategy may create a greater emphasis on the incremental approach. A related issue is that there may be a mismatch between the needs of the client group on taught programmes and syllabus coverage, particularly because of the perceived branding value of the term “strategy”.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have relied partly on case study examples to make their case for a greater emphasis on the incremental development of corporate strategy and related academic coverage of the subject. Their main thesis is that if the process whereby strategy is developed is deficient, then the results may well be counter‐productive. One of the ways to try and prevent this is to ensure that related learning and development is appropriate.

Originality/value

The two part article is a necessary examination of the dangers of corporate strategy development that is based on too narrow a range of functions and disciplines. The same limitations can be replicated in academic coverage of the area. The article is meant to engender a necessary scepticism about the way corporate strategy can be realistically developed and covered academically. Constructive advice is also given about broad based strategy development and related management learning and development.
Top ten secrets of effective e‐learning
Authors: Barron Jamie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The intent of the study was to identify the factors that are contributing to the success of learner experiences at Capella University.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of Capella University was conducted to determine success factors. An appreciative inquiry approach was used involving learners and faculty at Capella University to identify and analyze what was going well. Interviews, focus groups, and daily practice within courserooms and existing learner evaluations were also analyzed.

Findings

Success factors tend to cluster around ten categories. These are: shared learning centered vision; comprehensive course design process; customized scoring guides; group work strategies; characteristics of effective facilitators; faculty training and support; great expectations; meaningful feedback; monitoring and evaluation; and continuous improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to Capella University.

Practical implications

The ten success factors identified can be replicated at other institutions to positively impact their learners' experiences.

Originality/value

In the competitive e‐learning environment, it is critical to continually assess the strengths and opportunities for improvement among each program offering. Engaging in a cycle of continuous improvement ensures that a program will flourish and continue to attract new enrollees. Capitalizing on best practices experienced at other online institutions can prove to be a valuable means by which to strengthen individual programs.
Developing your management team
Authors: Addison Sue , Cunningham Gail
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To explore methods of management development and how the ASSESS program can be utilized within an organization. The program helps an organization maximize the benefit of every pound spent on management development.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study on JRD Mouldings and how ASSESS has benefited the company.

Findings

The article looks at how competencies provide a starting point for determining development needs and for designing development programs.

Originality/value

ASSESS not only provides an analysis but also an opportunity to follow up and provides associated suggestions. It adds value to senior management, HR professionals and those interested in different management development techniques.
Revisiting classification for retrieval
Authors: Spärck Jones Karen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This short note seeks to respond to Hjørland and Pederson's paper “A substantive theory of classification for information retrieval” which starts from Spärck Jones's, “Some thoughts on classification for retrieval”, originally published in 1970.

Design/methodology/approach

The note comments on the context in which the 1970 paper was written, and on Hjørland and Pedersen's views, emphasising the need for well‐grounded classification theory and application.

Findings

The note maintains that text‐based, a posteriori, classification, as increasingly found in applications, is likely to be more useful, in general, than a priori classification.

Originality/value

The note elaborates on points made in a well‐received earlier paper.