bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vision effects in Thai retail stores: practical implications
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between vision attributes and content, and customer and staff satisfaction in Thai retail stores, taking into account vision realization factors of vision communication, organizational alignment, motivation of staff and empowerment of staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Variables of vision attributes and content, vision communication, organizational alignment, motivation of staff and empowerment of staff were derived from the literature. Data were from store managers, staff and customers of 126 apparel stores in Bangkok. These variables were tested for significant relationships through regression analyses.

Findings

Vision attributes is an indirect predictor of improved staff and customer satisfaction. Visions containing images about leadership were positively correlated with customer satisfaction. Motivation of staff is the only direct predictor of enhanced staff satisfaction, while vision, empowerment of staff, organizational alignment, and vision communication are four indirect predictors of improved staff satisfaction. On the other hand, vision, vision communication, empowerment of staff, motivation of staff, and staff satisfaction are five indirect predictors of enhanced customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

Retail store managers should develop a store vision characterized by the vision attributes and containing reference to market leadership. They should communicate their vision, align organizational components with the vision and empower and motivate staff according to the vision.

Originality/value

While vision is core to vision‐based leadership theories, little is known about what characterizes an effective vision. This study explains this unknown.
The popularity of prestigious hospitality journals: a Google Scholar approach
Authors: Law Rob , van der Veen Robert
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that prior studies on rating hospitality journals primarily used two major assessment categories. The first category gauges experts' perceptions of a journal's quality in terms of prestige. The second category counts objective measures that reflect journal quality in terms of popularity. The purpose of this study is to introduce a new counting method that uses Google Scholar (GS) to evaluate the citation counts of the leading hospitality journals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study began with the top hospitality journals in a recent study that rated journals based on perceived quality by hospitality experts. Next the paper examined the popularity, defined as the citations in Google Scholar (GS), of these leading hospitality journals. The collection of 1960 to 2006 GS citation counts was conducted from February to August 2007.

Findings

The ranking of GS citation counts for the selected journals generally followed the perceived ratings. The International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management and Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly performed the best in average citations per year. The International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management and International Journal of Hospitality Management received the largest number of average citations per published article.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitations of this study are the mere eight hospitality journals included in the study and GS's proprietary indexing algorithm. Another limitation is the dynamic aspect of GS, which generates unequal findings over time. Still, the research findings help hospitality researchers, educators, practitioners, and students to understand the popularity of the most prestigious hospitality journals.

Originality/value

This paper is a novel attempt that uses GS for ranking popularity of the most prestigious hospitality journals.
Are highly satisfied restaurant customers really different? A quality perception perspective
Authors: Namkung Young , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study aims to identify key quality attributes that significantly distinguish highly satisfied diners from non‐highly satisfied diners.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from four mid‐to‐upper scale restaurants: two in a mid‐western city and two in an eastern city in the USA. Logistic regression was used to determine which quality attributes are critical in distinguishing highly satisfied diners from other diners.

Findings

This study shows that appealing food presentation, tasty food, spatial seating arrangement, fascinating interior design, pleasing background music, reliable service, responsive service, and competent employees are important attributes in contributing to the high satisfaction of diners.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this research was mid‐to‐upper scale restaurants. The research may not be generalizable to other segments of the restaurant industry because of the small sample size and limited geographic area.

Practical implications

The findings help restaurant managers to invest their resources more efficiently, making changes to crucial quality attributes that elicit the customer's satisfaction level.

Originality/value

Unlike the previous studies on the link of quality to satisfaction, this study looks at quality perception from the perspective of a highly satisfied customer. In addition, this study encompasses diverse quality factors (food, atmospherics, and service) for a more comprehensive interpretation of dining experiences.
Do Chinese cultural values affect customer satisfaction/loyalty?
Authors: Jin Hoare Rui , Butcher Ken
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedent roles of the Chinese cultural values of “face” and “harmony” in influencing customer satisfaction/loyalty, and the service quality dimensions that are most salient to the context of Chinese diners.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐administered survey was conducted for a convenience sample of Chinese diners in Australia.

Findings

A factor analysis revealed three service quality dimensions: interaction quality, food appeal, and performance comparison. The results of a series of regression equations showed that both cultural factors and three quality dimensions are significantly and positively correlated to both customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. “Face” was shown to have an influence on customer satisfaction, while food appeal and performance comparison were found to influence both customer satisfaction and loyalty. Gender moderated the influence of both cultural values and quality on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

A student sample limits generalisability of the findings to a wider population.

Practical implications

In addition to insights on restaurant market segmentation, ideas to enhance the service encounter experience for diners are offered.
Is Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) the best way to estimate cost‐of‐equity for the lodging industry?
Authors: Lee Seoki , Upneja Arun
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare traditional methods of estimating the cost‐of‐equity (capital asset pricing model and Fama and French three‐factor model) with a new approach, implied cost‐of‐equity method, to provide lodging analysts, investors, executives and researchers with a more reliable way to estimate cost‐of‐equity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from publicly traded lodging firms in the USA that provide all necessary financial data for cost‐of‐equity estimation. The data range from 1976 to 2005.

Findings

The study finds that the price‐to‐forward earnings (PFE), using the implied cost‐of‐equity (ICE), approach, estimates cost‐of‐equity of publicly‐traded lodging firms more reliably, compared with CAPM.

Practical implications

The study recommends that lodging industry analysts, investors, executives and researchers adopt the ICE approach, especially using the PFE model, to estimate cost‐of‐equity of publicly‐traded lodging firms.

Originality/value

The study attempts to provide a more reliable approach to estimate cost‐of‐equity for publicly‐traded lodging firms, specifically compared with the traditional approach, the CAPM.
Predictors of burnout among middle managers in the Turkish hospitality industry
Authors: Kuruüzüm Ayşe , Anafarta Nilgün , Irmak Sezgin
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of job satisfaction, job characteristics and demographics on levels of burnout among middle managers in the Turkish hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire survey of 139 middle managers in four‐ and five‐star hotels in a major tourist destination of Turkey, data were collected on: the Turkish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory; job satisfaction; job characteristics; and demographic characteristics. These data were then analysed for evidence of relationships among the variables.

Findings

The burnout levels of the middle managers are found to be moderate. Job satisfaction and job characteristics are found to be important predictors of burnout. Certain job characteristics (such as excessive workload, lack of support from senior management, task complexity, and role ambiguity) increase the emotional exhaustion of middle managers and decrease their performance levels. Burnout levels among managers of food and beverage and front‐office operations are found to be greater than those of other middle managers.

Research limitations/implications

The factor of “job characteristics” was assessed according to the perceptions of the respondents, rather than by objective quantitative assessment.

Practical implications

Job satisfaction and job characteristics are clearly identified as strong predictors of burnout among middle managers in the hotel industry. The practical implication is that senior management should support middle managers by relieving them of task complexity, role ambiguity, and excessive workload.

Originality/value

The study identifies some important predictors of burnout, thus facilitating the development of strategies to reduce burnout and its adverse consequences in the hospitality industry.
Customer service, employee welfare and snowsports tourism in Australia
Authors: Dickson Tracey J. , Huyton Jeremy
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the extent to which employee welfare and human resource management impacts on customer service.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a number of operational staff of the Mount Kosciusko ski fields in Australia. The staff was selected at random and comprised both permanent local staff and seasonal staff, and completed a self‐administered questionnaire.

Findings

The results highlight the challenging living conditions of many seasonal workers on whom the industry depends and at the organizational level this research demonstrates a need for effective management skills and employment strategies that reflect the needs of seasonal staff. As was shown, there is a relationship between staff satisfaction, camaraderie and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

To better gauge the extent to which this research is applicable to all “front line” employees this study could be replicated in such locations as islands or isolated resorts with comparisons made with the same labor in established tourism resorts. The limitation of this study would be the specific mountain location in which it was conducted, and the size of the sample.

Practical implications

This study clearly identifies an area of human resource management which needs to be considered. When a region relies heavily on seasonal staff their welfare should be of prime consideration, because disgruntled staff translates directly into disgruntled customers.

Originality/value

This paper adds a clearer understanding to the body of knowledge surrounding staff retention in the service industries.
Operational performance of health care foodservice systems
Authors: Assaf A. , Matawie K.M. , Blackman D.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the problems surrounding the operational performance of health care foodservice systems and provide a comprehensive comparison and analysis of the performance of all the different types of foodservice systems. The paper seeks to show that research addressing the operational performance of health care foodservice systems is subjective and outdated.

Design/methodology/approach

Discussion with foodservice managers, coupled with a review of the literature, was undertaken to determine the variables of operational performance in the different types of foodservice systems. Statistical analysis was then used to determine the areas of difference between the systems based on a sample of 90 hospital foodservice operations.

Findings

Results showed significant differences between the systems with regard to critical variables such as labor, skill level of employees and size of the production area. However, no significant differences were found for other variables such as food and energy costs.

Practical implications

Hospital foodservice managers are under increased pressure to reduce the operational costs of their departments while maintaining high productivity. Findings from this study should allow foodservice directors to distinguish between the operational performance of the different foodservice systems and as result introduce the system that best suits their individual hospital.

Originality/value

The determination of critical variables and comparison of foodservice systems using all the operational variables address significant gaps in the literature. These findings should also reduce the subjectivity in the systems' comparison, and contribute to better decisions in the selection of a particular system.
Motivation and satisfaction of mega‐business event attendees
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Law Rob , Tse Tony , Weber Karin
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study that examined the factors of motivation and satisfaction of mega‐business events, using the ITU Telecom World 2006 in Hong Kong as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a structured questionnaire developed by the authors and distributed by the event organizer to registered attendees.

Findings

Empirical findings showed that the respondents attended the event mainly for business and networking opportunities. Overall, they were satisfied with Hong Kong as the location for the ITU Telecom World 2006. Additionally, there were no significant differences in perception between overseas and local attendees in all but two attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitations of this case study are the low response rate and the fact that the results would be limited to this sector of activity.

Originality/value

The findings should be of use to related practitioners and policy makers to set more pragmatic plans for hosting mega‐business events.
“Smart parts” supply networks as complex adaptive systems: analysis and implications
Authors: Wycisk Christine , McKelvey Bill , Hülsmann Michael
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze whether supply networks may be validly treated as complex adaptive systems (CAS). Finding this to be true, the paper turns into the latest concerns of complexity science like Pareto distributions to explain well‐known phenomena of extreme events in logistics, like the bullwhip effect. It aims to introduce a possible solution to handle these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is a comparative analysis of current literature in the fields of logistics and complexity science. The discussion of CAS in supply networks is updated to include recent complexity research on power laws, non‐linear dynamics, extreme events, Pareto distribution, and long tails.

Findings

Based on recent findings of complexity science, the paper concludes that it is valid to call supply networks CAS. It then finds that supply networks are vulnerable to all the nonlinear and extreme dynamics found in CAS within the business world. These possible outcomes have to be considered in supply network management. It is found that the use of a neural network model could work to manage these new challenges.

Practical implications

Since, smart parts are the future of logistics systems, managers need to worry about the combination of human and smart parts, resulting design challenges, the learning effects of interacting smart parts, and possible exacerbation of the bullwhip effect. In doing so, the paper suggests several options concerning the design and management of supply networks.

Originality/value

The novel contribution of this paper lies in its analysis of supply networks from a new theoretical approach: complexity science, which the paper updates. It enhances and reflects on existing attempts in this field to describe supply networks as CAS through the comprehensive theoretical base of complexity science. More specifically, it suggests the likely vulnerability to extreme outcomes as the “parts” in supply networks become smarter. The paper also suggests different ways of using a neural network approach for their management – depending on how smart the logistics parts actually are.
Supply chain management: a comparison of Scandinavian and American perspectives
Authors: Halldórsson Árni , Larson Paul D. , Poist Richard F.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance understanding of international differences in supply chain management (SCM) perspectives and practices, by comparing perceptions of Scandinavian and American supply chain managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey focused on the definition of SCM, along with facilitators of and barriers to SCM implementation. A four‐page questionnaire was designed and sent by mail. After follow‐ups, 23 Scandinavians and 104 Americans returned completed questionnaires.

Findings

While many similarities were found between Scandinavians and Americans, several differences were also identified. Both groups have adopted broad, multiple function perspectives on SCM; and both groups perceive SCM implementation to be slower and more difficult than expected. Two differences are the Americans' greater concern about incompatible systems and implementation costs as barriers to SCM, compared to the Scandinavians.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on relatively small samples, of limited functional (logistics) and geographic (Scandinavia and America) scope. Future research should expand the functional focus into purchasing, operations, and marketing; and the geographic coverage to other parts of the world.

Practical implications

Internal resistance is more of a barrier than external (customer or supplier) resistance to SCM. Thus, organizations should focus first on internal (functional) integration, and then move onto inter‐organizational integration. However, employees working with customers and suppliers should use these external relationships to inspire closer internal relationships. Further, people are more critical than technology in implementing SCM. Organizations should get the right people in place first, and then think about technology.

Originality/value

There is little empirical research on SCM implementation. Practitioners and researchers should find value in this unique comparative study.
Supplier risk assessment and monitoring for the automotive industry
Authors: Blackhurst Jennifer V. , Scheibe Kevin P. , Johnson Danny J.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This research aims to develop a supplier risk assessment methodology for measuring, tracking, and analyzing supplier and part specific risk over time for an automotive manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

Supply chain risk literature is analyzed and used in conjunction with interviews from the automotive manufacturer to identify risks in the supply base. These risks are incorporated into the development of a temporal risk assessment and monitoring system.

Findings

A framework of risk factors important to the auto manufacturer is presented. A multi‐criteria scoring procedure is developed to calculate part and supplier risk indices. These indices are used in the development of a risk assessment and monitoring system that allows the indices to be tracked over time to identify trends towards higher risk levels.

Research limitations/implications

There are a number of operational issues identified in the paper that could be investigated in future research. One such issue is the development of alternative risk assessment methods that would increase the sensitivity of the risk analysis.

Practical implications

The framework is implementable in firms interested in understanding and controlling risk in their supply base. The research stems from an industry project with an automotive manufacturer. The method is designed to be practical and easy to implement and maintain. The system also has a visual reporting mechanism designed to provide early warning signals for potential problems in the supply base and to show temporal changes in risk.

Originality/value

This paper presents a dynamic risk analysis methodology that analyzes and monitors supplier risk levels over time.
Value in use through service experience
Authors: Sandström Sara , Edvardsson Bo , Kristensson Per , Magnusson Peter
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aim of this article is to propose a framework for a new perspective on the total service experience, which dimensions influence it, and how a service experience is linked to value in use.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is conceptual and suggests a new theoretical frame of reference describing value in use through service experience in technology‐based services.

Findings

According to this article, a service experience is the total functional and emotional value of a consumed service. The service experience is unique to every individual customer and the service consumption situation. Value in use is the cognitive evaluation of the service experience.

Research limitations/implications

The framework is discussed in the context of technology‐based services and will provide a basis for future research. Empirical studies are called for concerning service experiences in different kinds of service contexts.

Originality/value

This article contributes a new framework, illustrating the service experience, which dimensions influence the service experience, and how it is linked to value. The framework is placed in a context of technology‐based services. Unique to these kinds of services is a lack of personal interaction between the service producer and the customer.
Effects of e‐service quality on loyalty intention: an empirical study in online auction
Authors: Yen Chia‐Hui , Lu Hsi‐Peng
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to draw on expectancy disconfirmation theory (EDT) to explore e‐service quality and the factors influencing an individual's loyalty intention towards online auctions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an empirical study and data were collected from a total of 619 bidders in online auctions. A structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to assess the relationships of the research model.

Findings

The findings show that e‐service quality dimensions including efficiency, privacy protection, contact, fulfillment, and responsiveness have statistically significant influences on buyer's disconfirmation. Besides, buyers' disconfirmation of online auctions is positively associated with their satisfaction, and their satisfaction is positively associated with loyalty intentions.

Practical implications

The auctioneer should focus on purchase efficiency and protect the buyer's privacy. The seller should actively make contact with the buyer, fulfill order delivery, and respond to problems. Thus, the performances of auctioneer and seller are the true reassurance to buyers.

Originality/value

This study, which aims to shed light on e‐service quality in online auctions, is the first study that has applied an EDT‐based model to investigate the determinants of buyer's loyalty intention in online auctions.
The role of emotion in service evaluation
Authors: Essén Anna , Wikström Solveig
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of emotions in consumers' evaluations of service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses empirical qualitative data from in‐depth interviews with 26 senior citizens who are consumers of long‐term residential care services in a Swedish rural community. The empirical findings are analysed inductively in terms of dimensions derived from the literature on the role of emotions in consumers' evaluations of service quality.

Findings

When explaining their overall evaluations of service quality, the respondents referred exclusively to service dimensions that had evoked emotional reactions. However, although these service dimensions were the only ones to influence the consumers' perceptions of service quality, respondents tended to reflect about these dimensions in a cognitive manner. The remaining service dimensions, which did not evoke any emotional memories, did not influence the respondents' perceptions of the overall quality of services rendered.

Research limitations/implications

Emotional reactions can direct the attention of consumers to certain service dimensions, and subsequently trigger cognitive evaluations of these dimensions. The emotional and cognitive responses of consumers to services are thus interrelated. More research is needed into the mechanism of this interaction.

Practical implications

Service providers should recognise that consumers' emotional and cognitive reactions are intertwined. For providers of aged‐care services, this study suggests certain service dimensions that are worthy of further attention in seeking positive evaluations of services from users.

Originality/value

Previous research has tended to distinguish between emotional and cognitive evaluations of services. This study challenges this distinction by demonstrating that dimensions that have traditionally been viewed as “non‐emotional” can be influenced by “emotional” reactions. Thus, the study shows that “emotional bias” can lead to some dimensions having a disproportionate influence on overall evaluations of service.
The impact of satisfaction and image on loyalty: the case of Alpine ski resorts
Authors: Faullant Rita , Matzler Kurt , Füller Johann
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Customer satisfaction is seen to be one of the main determinants of loyalty. However, the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty does not seem to be linear, many researchers have reported doubts about the predictability of loyalty solely due to customer satisfaction ratings which ignore image as predictor of loyalty. This paper aims to address the issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors report a study of ski resorts where they first established a causal model of customer satisfaction and image predicting customer loyalty, and then map the scores in a four‐fields‐grid. Additionally the authors conducted a moderator analysis to assess the relative importance of image and satisfaction for loyalty intentions between two different groups (first‐time‐visitors, and regular guests).

Findings

The results show that those ski resorts with the highest satisfaction ratings and the highest image ratings have the highest loyalty scores. Among first‐time‐visitors overall satisfaction is more important than image, with increasing number of repeat visits the importance of overall satisfaction declines and that of image relatively augments.

Practical implications

Besides measuring customer satisfaction, managers must assess also image ratings in order to get a realistic view of the loyalty intentions of their customer base. The scores can than be mapped together with the ratings of other ski resorts, and serve as a benchmark study.

Originality/value

Second order analysis of image (comprising three different dimensions), the image‐satisfaction‐grid, moderating effect of experience to relative importance of satisfaction and image on loyalty.
Call centre service quality for the public: a Scottish framework for the future
Authors: Curry Adrienne , Lyon Wilma
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of service provided by the Stirling Council call centre with a view to determining the essential elements of best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves questionnaires to Scottish local authorities about their use of call centres, interviews with Stirling Council managers and call centre employees and some participant observation to gain a detailed view of both the management and operations of the call centre.

Findings

The findings are grouped into the topics of communication, training, quality and systems/technology, with improvements suggested in a few areas. Overall, the approach to service quality in the call centre tends to be more qualitative than quantitative with a good awareness of learning and management related issues.

Originality/value

The value/contribution of the paper lies in the definition of essential best practice call centre management components, presented in a framework involving aims, enablers and results. This model is proposed for generalised use in both the public and private sectors; it would henceforth benefit from some testing and further refinements.
A unified fractional step method for compressible and incompressible flows, heat transfer and incompressible solid mechanics
Authors: Nithiarasu P.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present briefly a unified fractional step method for fluid dynamics, incompressible solid mechanics and heat transfer calculations. The proposed method is demonstrated by solving compressible and incompressible flows, solid mechanics and conjugate heat transfer problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element method is used for the spatial discretization of the equations. The fluid dynamics algorithm used is often referred to as the characteristic‐based split scheme.

Findings

The proposed method can be employed as a unified approach to fluid dynamics, heat transfer and solid mechanics problems.

Originality/value

The idea of using a unified approach to fluid dynamics and incompressible solid mechanics problems is proposed. The proposed approach will be valuable in complicated engineering problems such as fluid‐structure interaction and problems involving conjugate heat transfer and thermal stresses.
Parallel computation of multiscale phenomena in magnetically‐stirred solidifying melts
Authors: Li Ben Q.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine a parallel computational methodology for simultaneously predicting the macro/micro scale phenomena occurring during solidification processing with external electromagnetic stirring.

Design/methodology/approach

Macro and micro phenomena occurring in an electromagnetically‐stirred solidifying melt are simulated using a numerical model that integrates the finite element methodology for transport phenomena and the Monte‐Carlo cellular‐automata method for microstructure formation. Parallel algorithm is introduced to enhance the computational efficiency.

Findings

Computed results show that parallel algorithm can be effective in enhancing the computational efficiency of a combined macro/micro model if it is applied appropriately. Also, electromagnetically induced stirring can have a strong effect on the nucleation and grain growth and hence the final solidification microstructure.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need for developing an efficient numerical methodology to simulate complex electromagnetically‐assisted transport phenomena and microstructure formation during solidification processing systems.
A numerical model for calculating the vaporization rate of a fuel droplet exposed to a convective turbulent airflow
Authors: Abou Al‐Sood Maher M. , Birouk Madjid
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a three‐dimensional (3D) numerical model capable of predicting the vaporization rate of a liquid fuel droplet exposed to a convective turbulent airflow at ambient room temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The 3D Reynolds‐Averaged Navier‐Stokes equations, together with the mass, species, and energy conservation equations were solved in Cartesian coordinates. Closure for the turbulence stress terms for turbulent flow was accomplished by testing two different turbulence closure models; the low‐Reynolds number (LRN) k‐ε and shear‐stress transport (SST). Numerical solution of the resulted set of equations was achieved by using blocked‐off technique with finite volume method.

Findings

The present predictions showed good agreement with published turbulent experimental data when using the SST turbulence closure model. However, the LRN k‐ε model produced poor predictions. In addition, the simple numerical approach employed in the present code demonstrated its worth.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is limited to ambient room temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions. However, in most practical spray flow applications droplets evaporate under ambient high‐pressure and a hot turbulent environment. Therefore, an extension of this study to evaluate the effects of pressure and temperature will make it more practical.

Originality/value

It is believed that the numerical code developed is of great importance to scientists and engineers working in the field of spray combustion. This paper also demonstrated for the first time that the simple blocked‐off technique can be successfully used for treating a droplet in the flow calculation domain.
Population balance models for subcooled boiling flows
Authors: Ho M.K.M. , Yeoh G.H. , Tu J.Y.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study aims to examine both the population balance approach based on the MUltiple SIze Group (MUSIG) model and the average bubble number density transport equation (ABND) model for 3D, low pressure, gas‐liquid, subcooled boiling, vertical flows. The purpose is to assess the ability of both models to predict the radial profile of void fraction, bubble Sauter mean diameter and interfacial area concentration which characterise subcooled boiling.

Design/methodology/approach

Improvement in the ABND model to simulate gas‐liquid bubbly flows with heat transfer was achieved by combining the condensation expression with the gaseous mass transport equation within the CFD commercial code CFX4.4.

Findings

Overall, both the ABND model and the MUSIG model provided good results in terms of the above‐mentioned criteria when compared against experimental measurements. However, the ABND model was found to have limitations in predicting high‐subcooled boiling flows due to the lack of bubble size resolution to adequately capture the effect of condensation over a range of bubbles sizes.

Originality/value

It is shown that the ABND model provides an economic alternative to the MUSIG model in terms of complexity and computational time, as long as one is aware of the limitations in simulating high‐subcooling flow regimes.
Application of high‐order spatial resolution schemes to the hybrid finite volume/finite element method for radiative transfer in participating media
Authors: Coelho P.J. , Aelenei D.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to implement bounded high‐order (HO) resolution schemes in a hybrid finite volume/finite element method for the solution of the radiative transfer equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid finite volume/finite element method had formerly been developed using the step scheme, which is only first‐order accurate, for the spatial discretization. Here, several bounded HO resolution schemes, namely the MINMOD, CLAM, MUSCL and SMART schemes, formulated using the normalized variable diagram, were implemented using the deferred correction procedure.

Findings

The results obtained reveal an interaction between spatial and angular discretization errors, and show that the HO resolution schemes yield improved accuracy over the step scheme if the angular discretization error is small.

Research limitations/implications

Although the HO resolution schemes reduce the spatial discretization error, they do not influence the angular discretization error. Therefore, the global error is only reduced if the angular discretization error is also small.

Practical implications

The use of HO resolution schemes is only effective if the angular refinement yields low‐angular discretization errors. Moreover, spatial and angular refinement should be carried out simultaneously.

Originality/value

The paper extends a methodology formerly developed in computational fluid dynamics, and aimed at the improvement of the solution accuracy, to the hybrid finite volume/finite element method for the solution of the radiative transfer equation.
Effect of thermophoresis particle deposition on mixed convection from vertical surfaces embedded in saturated porous medium
Authors: Duwairi H.M. , Damseh Rebhi A.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to formulate and analyze thermophoresis effects on mixed convection heat and mass transfer from vertical surfaces embedded in a saturated porous media with variable wall temperature and concentration.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations (continuity, momentum, energy, and mass transfer) are written for the vertical surface with variable temperature and mass concentration. Then they are transformed using a set of non‐similarity parameters into dimensionless form and solved using Keller‐box method.

Findings

Many results are obtained and a representative set is displaced graphically to illustrate the influence of the various physical parameters. It is found that the increasing of thermophoresis constant or temperature differences enhances heat transfer rates from vertical surfaces and increases wall thermophoresis velocities; this is due to favorable temperature gradients or buoyancy forces. It is also found that the effect of thermophoresis phenomena is more pronounced near pure natural convection heat transfer limit, because this phenomenon is directly temperature gradient‐ or buoyancy forces‐dependent.

Research limitations/implications

The predicted results are restricted only to porous media with small pores due to the adoption of Darcy law as a force balance.

Originality/value

The paper explains the different effect of thermophoresis on forced, natural and mixed convection heat, and mass transfer problems. It is one of the first works that formulates and describes this phenomenon in a porous media. The results of this research are important for scientific researches and design engineers.
Analysing an adaptive finite volume for flow in highly heterogeneous porous medium
Authors: Khattri Sanjay Kumar
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop an adaptive finite volume algorithm, and to present an extensive numerical analysis of it.

Design/methodology/approach

The effectiveness of the developed algorithm is demonstrated through practical and computationally challenging problems. The algorithm is tested for a wide range of singularities.

Findings

The convergence of the presented algorithm is independent of the regularity of the problems. It is shown that the our algorithm produces more accurate and well conditioned matrix systems.

Research limitations/implications

Though the presented algorithm works for extreme singularities on rectangular meshes, it may not be as efficient if the underlying meshes are distorted, and it may not converge. Further research is under way for including the multi‐point approximation technique into the algorithm.

Practical implications

Almost all reservoir simulators use the two‐point method, and this algorithm is based on this method. The algorithm can be easily incorporated into the reservoir simulators. The results show that such an implementation will greatly improve the computational efficiency of the simulators. The work is useful for computational scientists, and especially for the researchers in oil industries. The paper reports the numerical work with practical applications.

Originality/value

The paper develops an adaptive finite volume algorithm. It is shown that adaptive meshes represent the underlying problem more accurately, and matrix systems associated with adaptive meshes are easier to solve compared with matrix systems associated with uniform meshes.
Turbulent flow and heat transfer in stationary and rotating cooling passages with inclined ribs on opposite walls
Authors: Iacovides Hector , Raisee Mehrdad
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to compute flow and heat transfer through a straight, orthogonally rotating duct, with ribs along the leading and trailing walls, in a staggered arrangement and at an angle of 45° to the main flow direction.

Design/methodology/approach

Flow computations have been produced using a 3D non‐orthogonal flow solver, with two two‐layer models of turbulence (an effective‐viscosity model and a second‐moment closure), in which across the near‐wall regions the dissipation rate of turbulence is obtained from the wall distance. Flow comparisons have been carried out for a Reynolds number of 100,000 and for rotation numbers of 0 (stationary) and 0.1. Temperature comparisons have been obtained for a Reynolds number of 36,000, a Prandtl number of 5.9 (water) and rotation numbers of 0 and 0.2 and also at a Prandtl number of 0.7 (air) and a rotation number of 0.

Findings

It was found that both two‐layer models returned similar flow and thermal predictions which are also in close agreement with the flow and thermal measurements. The flow and thermal developments are found to be dominated by the rib‐induced secondary motion, which leads to strong span‐wise variations in the mean flow and the local Nusselt number and to a uniform distribution of turbulence intensities across the duct. Rotation causes the development of stronger secondary motion along the pressure side of the duct and also the transfer of the faster fluid to this side. The thermal predictions, especially those of the second‐moment closure, reproduce the levels and most of the local features of the measured Nusselt number, but over the second half of the rib interval over‐predict the local Nusselt number.

Originality/value

The work contributes to the understanding of the flow and thermal development in cooling passages of gas turbine blades, and to the validation of turbulence models that can be used for their prediction, at both effective viscosity and second‐moment closure levels.
The spirituality@work protocol
Authors: Marques Joan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a practical, easily understandable protocol toward implementing spirituality in the workplace for business and non‐profit executives and the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the initial letters of the words “Spirituality at Work”, the paper outlines the main characteristics of the phenomenon that can bring individual and organizational benefits.

Findings

The paper describes, with organizational examples, how the protocol can promote elevated human satisfaction, increased return on investment and enhanced quality and quantity of output.

Practical implications

The paper advances the view that the protocol can be used for every work environment and at every level.

Originality/value

The paper argues, quoting Mahatma Gandhi, that people who live by the principles of spirituality at work can “be the change they want to see in the world”.
The rebirth of St Pancras: matching service to facilities
Authors: Muir Peter
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to describe how London & Continental Railways resolved recruitment and training of customer‐service officers (CSOs) for the redeveloped St Pancras and new Ebbsfleet international stations within the latest phase of implementing high‐speed rail links between the UK and continental Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper details the role of consultant Echelon Learning in creating and implementing an innovative four‐stage process to deliver a service to complement the rebranding of St Pancras as a quality leisure and retail destination.

Findings

The paper confirms the appropriateness‐to‐task of the process in both recruitment and induction of CSOs and reveals ongoing commitment to the same.

Practical implications

The paper shows how staff induction and training have played an important part in the development of the St Pancras International brand.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how London & Continental Railways was able quickly to identify and develop the best candidates from a large number of applicants.
Rapid e‐learning transforms training delivery at Everyday Financial Solutions
Authors: Alcock Mike
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to reveal how rapid e‐learning technologies are allowing organizations to introduce e‐learning into situations where inflexibility and cost would have previously precluded their use.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a case study of Everyday Financial Solutions (EFS) which, together with Atlantic Link Ltd, won a UK National Training Award based on its experience in implementing e‐learning using rapid e‐learning authoring tools.

Findings

The case study reveals that induction training is now e‐learning based as is Financial Services Authority compliance training. EFS invested around £60,000 in products and induction training, but in two years since 2005 it is estimated that the reduction in design and delivery durations has saved £127,000. In addition, the need to create training environments has been removed and EFS training has saved more than £500,000 in IT effort.

Practical implications

The paper describes how the success of the training is being shown throughout the business in improved staff retention and development.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the flexibility of self‐authored e‐learning means that EFS has a considerable competitive advantage when bidding for third‐party work.
Transformational leadership takes Majan to the top of the class
Authors: Albulushi Ahmed , Hussain Sadiq
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to detail the human resource management practices that have helped Majan College, Oman, to win a string of prizes for total quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the characteristics of four main leadership styles – transformational, authoritarian, participative and delegative – and describes the benefits the college has gained by, in the main, practicing transformational leadership.

Findings

The paper shows that, when transformational leadership is practiced, team members believe that their leaders care about them as people, rather than as a means to an end; leaders pay close attention to team members' need for achievement and personal growth, creating an environment in which team members feel that they are pursuing meaningful goals; and leaders gain credibility and respect by “walking the talk”.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful information on the advantages and disadvantages of various leadership styles, when practiced in an academic environment.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that other leadership styles also have their part to play. In particular, authoritarian leadership can help when there is an urgent need to: ensure tasks are completed on time and within the financial budget; meet accreditation and quality requirements; and meet student needs.