bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of step discontinuities in dielectric‐slab and dielectric‐loaded waveguides using geometric‐optics approach
Authors: Yu Cheng‐Cheh , Chu Tah‐Hsiung
Published: July 2007

In this article calculations of power components transmitted and reflected at the step discontinuities in dielectric‐slab and dielectric‐loaded waveguides are presented using the geometric‐optics approach. Step discontinuities regarding the dielectric slab thickness and refractive index are considered. Numerical results are shown to be in good agreement with those of other rigorous methods. The computation involved in this approach is efficient since the associated mathematical formulation can be analytically expressed from the geometric optics point of view. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of metallization process on the performance of passive microstripline circuits
Authors: Puri Vijaya
Published: July 2007

The coupling and isolation of a 10‐dB directional coupler, midband rejection of Δ/2 rejection filter, and transmission and reflection coefficients of microstriplines are studied in the X band (8–11 GHz). The circuits are delineated photolithographically on alumina substrates metallized by aluminum and copper using different metallization processes. The adhesion and dc resistivity are also compared. The microwave properties do not show appreciable differences due to the various metallizations, though dc ion plating + electroplating seems to be the best of the lot. It has also been found that aluminum under proper conditions of deposition proves to be as good a conductor for microwave purposes as copper, and in some cases better. It is felt that using ion plating initially to get a thickness of ∼2000 Å and then electroplating to 4 μn thickness will be very cost effective, the film having the advantages of the good adhesive property of ion plating and less wastage of costly pure material. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the linear independence of testing functions used in the method of moments
Authors: Kaye M. , Pasala K. M. , Reuster D.
Published: July 2007

The question of the linear independence of testing functions used in the method of moments is studied. Using functional analysis a recent claim that certain testing functions are not linearly independnet is shown to be incorrect. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
A Mach‐Zehnder interferometer made of strip‐loaded outdiffusion guide
Authors: Lau Chi‐Sang , Liu Shuh‐Fang , Wei Pei‐Kuen , Wang Way‐Seen
Published: July 2007

The electro‐optic (EO) characteristics of the strip‐loaded outdiffusion guide (SLOG) [1] are presented. A Mach‐Zehnder interferometer using the SLOG technique is fabricated for test. The results show that the EO effect is greatly enhanced and the extinction ratio is also larger compared to those made by the conventional titanium indiffusion technique. Moreover, the fabrication takes less time, yet the waveguide has no surface guide and less damage. Experimental and computer‐simulated results are also shown for comparison. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Calculation of S parameters from abcd parameters with complex normalizing impedances
Authors: Frickey Dean A.
Published: July 2007

Expressions for the conversion between ABCD parameters and S parameters are derived without making assumptions as to the nature of the normalizing impedances. The resulting equations contain the port 1 normalizing impedance Z01, and the port 2 normalizing impedance Z02, and are valid even when these are complex. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A new differential calibration for radar cross‐section measurements
Authors: Desclos L. , Chassay G. , Pouliguen P.
Published: July 2007

This article presents an extension of the classical calibration method for RCS measurements on vectorial network analyzer. The classical one [1, 2] is based on the dynamical range of the measurement system with a single reference, which causes distortion if the target return level is very low compared to the calibration reference. The new differential method uses at least two measurements of known targets and contributes a reference to the system in addition to the classical method. In addition a new dynamical scaling is developed using this technique. This is very important in the measurement of targets with a wide dynamical return range. The application of this method is compared to the existing one. ©John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Open‐boundary relaxation
Authors: Simpson Ted
Published: July 2007

The relaxation technique for computing the electrostatic potential in 2D is extended to open‐boundary problems. Two methods are introduced for updating the outer boundary potential between iterations using a numerical Green's function. Comparisons with conventional grounded‐boundary results show that greatly increased accuracy is obtainable with the open‐boundary method. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Acousto‐optic wavelength division multiplexing system
Authors: Helaly Anwar , Abushagur Mustafa A. G.
Published: July 2007

A novel wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing (WDM) system using acousto‐optic Bragg cell is presented. The system is adaptable for any wavelength deviation of light sources caused by temperature changes and allows changing the operating wavelengths over a wide range. High diffraction efficiency, high resolution, and a large number of channels are obtained. Computer simulation for a five‐channel system in the 0.8‐μm region is presented. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Combined effects of microstrip width and substrate height on complex mode frequency range of boxed microstrip lines
Authors: Huret F. , Kennis P. , Pribetich P.
Published: July 2007

In this Letter we show, using the classical spectral domain approach modified by asymptotic expansions, the evolution of the frequency range of complex modes of boxed microstrip lines for several sets of physical and geometrical parameters. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Asymptotic formulations for the wedge diffracted field
Authors: Vaudon P. , Jecko B. , Reineix A.
Published: July 2007

In this article the notion of transition function is reviewed under a mathematical form: Two methods are explored which respectively lead to two different transition functions. They are used to make asymptotic evaluations of an exact integral representation. Original analytic formulations are established. Their main properties are presented and compared with other diffraction coefficients which already exist. Several numerical computations allow us to give an idea of the accuracy of each formulation. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Analysis of a microstrip step discontinuity fabricated on a metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) substrate
Authors: Livernols Thomas G. , East Jack R.
Published: July 2007

A space‐domain coupled integral equation analysis is used to compute the two‐dimensional surface current distribution on a basic microstrip step discontinuity fabricated on an MIS substrate. The two‐port scattering parameters are computed from the surface current and their accuracy is verified through comparison with a measured data. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thin‐film boundary conditions
Authors: Jeng Shyh‐Kang , Lee Shung‐Wu
Published: July 2007

A set of boundary conditions for general thin‐film structures is derived, which includes special cases of a resistive card and a thin coating over perfect electric conductors. The use of such boundary conditions in an analytical method, the method of moments, or the finite element method offers three distinct advantages: (i) the boundary conditions are much simpler, which makes the integral equation or the variational equation formulation simpler, (ii) the number of unknowns is reduced, and (iii) the numerical solution is more stable. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Theoretical evidence for the near‐cosinusoidal electric field distribution of edge slots in rectangular waveguide
Authors: Jacobs J. Pieter , McNamara Derek A.
Published: July 2007

A method‐of‐moments surface patch formulation has been applied to examine edge slots in rectangular waveguide. The electric field in the aperture and the vicinity of the slot is computed using the solution for the current distribution on the waveguide walls. The results of such “numerical experimentation” are described in this article. The slot field distribution is shown to be near‐cosinusoidal, with discontinuities at the corners of the waveguide which are more marked than has been shown previously. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of a monopole in a substrate
Authors: Kwok Sai Chong
Published: July 2007

A variational formulation of self‐impedance and mutual impedance of an electrically short vertical monopole above an infinite ground plane in a substrate is presented in this article. A comparison of self‐impedance with results from a mixed‐potential integral equation formulation and a comparison of mutual impedance with results from the method of moments are given. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Input impedance of circular‐disk microstrip antennas with a dielectric cover
Authors: Fan Zhibo , Lee Kal‐Fong
Published: July 2007

A spectral‐domain analysis of a coaxially fed circular‐disk microstrip antenna with a dielectric cover is presented. Numerical results are given on input impedance, resonant frequency, and impedance bandwidth of the TM11 mode. It is found that the dielectric cover reduces the resonant frequency, decreases the resonant resistance, and increases the impedance bandwidth. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the rigorous mode identification techniques in the shielded MICS
Authors: Essaaidi Mohamed
Published: July 2007

In this article four different mode identification techniques (ITs) are presented for the rigorous elimination of the moments method parasitic solutions (modes), propagating in a shielded microwave integrated circuit (MIC). These techniques involve mathematical models which have been developed from physical considerations concerning the nature of these modes. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Field distortion in a longitudinal slot radiator in a slotted‐waveguide array
Authors: Wang Hanyang , Sangster A. J.
Published: July 2007

A direct moment method is employed to examine the electric field distortion, due to mutual coupling, for a longitudinal slot radiator in a linear slotted‐waveguide array. A strict solution to the tangential field is obtained by employing a set of basis functions to simulate the field in the slots as a group. It is shown that while the mutual coupling between slots has significant influence on the amplitude of the slot aperture field, it has little impact on the shape of the field, even when the interfering slots are asymmetrically distributed in relation to the slot under examination. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Novel monolithic phase shifter combining ferroelectrics and high temperature superconductors
Authors: Jackson Charles M. , Kobayashi June H. , Lee Alfred , Pettiette‐Hall Claire , Burch John F. , Hu Roger , Hilton Rick , McDade Jim
Published: July 2007

We describe a monolithic phase shifter which combines the low loss of high‐temperature superconductivity (HTS) with the variable dielectric properties of a ferroelectric material SrTiO3. Phase shifts greater than 28 degrees per wavelength were observed around 30° K. The compatibility of YBa2Cu3O7‐x and other ferroelectric materials is discussed. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of convolution approach for microstrip lines on ferrite substrate
Authors: Hindy Moataza A. , Mitkess A. A. , Elsohly A. A.
Published: July 2007

The normalized longitudinal and transverse current distributions of a microstrip line on a ferrite substrate are obtained using the spectral domain approach for vertical magnetization. The dispersive properties of the line [characteristic impedance and effective permeability μeff (f)] are accurately evaluated. The new current distributions speed up the numerical computation of the parameters at different frequencies. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of the network theory in one‐dimensional inverse scattering
Authors: Cul T. J. , Liang C. H.
Published: July 2007

For a half‐space barrier potential, it has been shown that the potential functions in a'shallow region 0 > x > d can be accurately reconstructed by using a generalized Born approximation from the reflection coefficient r(k) at x = 0, and the reconstructed error is notable when x < d. By using the network theory presented in this article, we can transform the reflection coefficient at x = 0 into the one at x = d, from which the potential functions of the region x < d can be accurately reconstructed. Numerical examples are given, which show the applicability of this method. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Enhanced correlation discrimination using binary joint transform correlation with feedback
Authors: Alam M. S. , Karim M. A.
Published: July 2007

The correlation peak intensity in a binary joint transform correlator (JTC) usually decreases as the number of objects in the input scene increases. This problem is solved by incorporating additive feedback in a binary JTC to update the input plane information on the basis of correlation plane information. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An analysis of the frequency limitations of an Alx GA1‐xAs/GaAs optical modulator
Authors: Tabib‐Azar M. , Claspy P. C. , Chorey C. , Bhasin K. B.
Published: July 2007

Frequency response of an optical modulator, operating at λ = 0.83 μm and utilizing the linear electro‐optic (Pockels) effect in a Mach‐Zehnder configuration using an AlxGa1‐xAs/AlyGa1‐yAs double heterostructure, is analyzed. We show that in semiconductor modulators, electroabsorption should be taken into account in optimizing the frequency response of the device. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Light interaction with GaAs mesfet and its applications— a review (invited paper)
Authors: Madjar A. , Paollela A. , Herczfeld P. R.
Published: July 2007

The GaAs MESFET is a light‐sensitive device. For normal microwave applications this is considered an undesirable property, and device manufacturers attempt to minimize it. In the last decade researchers discovered ways of utilizing this effect. In this article we present briefly the optical detection properties of the MESFET and describe some typical applications. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Direct optical subharmonically injection‐locked mesfet oscillators
Authors: Higgins Thomas P.
Published: July 2007

Reported here are the results of direct optical subharmonically injection‐locked oscillators at 5.455 and 15.011 GHz. Multiplication of subharmonics was achieved mainly by overmodulation of a laser diode. Significant locking ranges were attained, and subharmonic factors of up to 1/15 were used. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Proposal of fiber and radio extension link for future personal communications
Authors: Komaki Shozo , Tukamoto Katutoshi , Hara Shinsuke , Morinaga Norihiko
Published: July 2007

This article proposes a fiber and radio extension link (FREx Link) that offers the advantage of enhancing the flexibility of the various communication systems. In this article, two examples of applications for FREx Link, the intercell connection link (ICCL) and the fiber to the area system (FTTA), are described. Some numerical results of the system design considerations are given for each example. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
A study of high‐order modes in a quasi‐optical cavity
Authors: Ge Junxiang
Published: July 2007

In this article the vector field of TEMpl modes in a concave spherical quasioptical cavity is investigated by the complex source point theory (CSPT) and multipole theory (MT). The resonant frequencies for TEMpl‐modes are also obtained. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Bistatic scattering for a finite lossy cylinder
Authors: Murphy R. A. , Christodoulou C. G. , Phillips R. L.
Published: July 2007

The problem of scattering from a finite conductive cylinder with complex permittivity at arbitrary orientation is analyzed using a first‐order approximation to an iterative technique developed by Shifrin. The classical Kerker solution for a simple infinite dielectric cylinder is extended to a more physically realistic solution accounting for a finite‐length cylinder with frequency‐dependent complex permittivity using a modified Drude conductivity approach. The polarization matrix of the cylinder is derived from the electrostatic solution for a finite cylinder in a uniform electric field, and it is given as a function of the length‐to‐diameter ratio (aspect ratio) and the permittivity of the cylinder. The electrostatic solution for a finite cylinder does not permit a closed solution; therefore the cylinder is approximated by an inscribed ellipsoid which provides a converging analytic expression. The effects of typical variations in the length, diameter, and bulk conductivity of the cylinder were analyzed for TE, TM, and TEM polarizations. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Scattering of electromagnetic waves from a time‐varying fractal surface
Authors: Chen Ji , Lo Titus , Litva John , Leung Henry
Published: July 2007

A time‐varying band‐limited fractal model is proposed for modeling rough surfaces. The Kirchhoff approximation is used to obtain the backscattering field from this surface. A K‐distributed intensity fluctuation is observed for the distribution of the field amplitude. When the numerical results are compared with previous experimental work [1], good agreement is observed. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Generation of accurate broadband information from narrowband data using the cauchy method
Authors: Adve R. S. , Sarkar T. K.
Published: July 2007

The Cauchy method has been used to extrapolate a desired parameter over a broad range of frequencies. This information is generated using some information about the parameter at some discrete frequency points in a narrow range. The approach is to assume that the parameter is a rational function of frequency. The problem is to determine the order of the polynomials and the coefficients therein. The method of total least squares is used to solve the resulting matrix equation. This method can be coded as a stand‐alone program for parameter extrapolation or incorporated as part of a larger analysis program. The Cauchy method has yielded accurate results when used in conjunction with a method‐of‐moments program and as an independent program in device characterization. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A generalized Gel'fand‐Lavitan equation for purely conducting layered media with applications
Authors: Shi Xiaowei , Liang Changhong
Published: July 2007

The conductivity profile inversion for purely conducting media is studied. Presently, some approximation inversion formulations are given for this problem. In this Letter, a generalized Gel'fand‐Lavitan equation is given for exact inversion. Like the famous GL equation, the generalized GL equation is exactly solvable when the reflection coefficient is a rational function. Reconstruction examples are also given. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improved performance of power‐efficient topologies for wdm optical sensor networks using an extended spectral‐width broadband led
Authors: Senior J. M. , Moss S. E. , Cusworth S. D.
Published: July 2007

The provision of WDM multiple optical point‐sensor networks is examined by modeling the power budgets required for their implementation. A larger number of distributed optical point sensors are indicated than previously obtained by using an extended spectral width broadband LED together with two power‐efficient WDM sensor network topologies. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Wide‐range variable‐bandwidth microstrip patch antenna using electromagnetic coupling
Authors: Yousefi M. H. , Aiyer R. C. , Vaitheeswaran S. M. , Karekar R. N.
Published: July 2007

The rectangular microstrip putch antenna (RMPA) and square microstrip patch antenna (SMPA), designed to resonate at about 10 GHz, are excited by a electromagneticully coupled microstrip line. The effect of variation in the offset and inset of the feed line on resonating frequency (fr), VSWR, and impedance bandwidth (BW) are experimentally studied using alumina substrate. It is seen that SMPA gives the highest BW of 4.98% for diagonal feed. The lowest BW obtained is for side‐fed SMPA (0.012%), with maximum variation in BW of 1:278. The best trade‐off to get such a variable BW easily, with only feed point adjustment using electromagnetic coupling for these patches, is to use a long‐side‐fed RMPA which gives sufficiently good BW variation of 1:98 and the lowest possible mismatch error, while adjusting the relative position of the feeder microstrip line. All the bandwidths mentioned above are only obtained when, simultaneously, VSWR < 2. Such an RMPA may also give multifrequency operation. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Time‐frequency analysis of the scattering phenomenology in finite dielectric gratings
Authors: Moore John , Ling Hao
Published: July 2007

The short‐time Fourier transform is applied to analyze the backscattered signal from a finite dielectric grating. The resulting time‐frequency display provides a clear description of the different scattering mechanisms, including edge diffraction, surface Floquet reflection, and surface wave propagation. In addition, Floquet harmonics are found to be excited not only by the incident plane wave, but also by the surface waves launched at the edges of the grating. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Numerical modeling of wave propagation in optical nonlinear couplers
Authors: Yuan Li‐Pen
Published: July 2007

A numerical method is proposed and implemented for the analysis of propagation characteristics of nonlinear optical couplers. This technique is based on the shooting method. A fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta method is adopted to solve wave equations in the coupler. An error function is defined to estimate the discrepency between the computed and predicted boundary values. A secant method is then used to evaluate the correction term of the initial guesses. This procedure is performed iterationally for realization of nonlinear couplers with an arbitrary number of branches and varying parameters. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Matrix perturbation theory of the eigenequation [A][u] = Δ[u] and its application in electromagnetic fields
Authors: Cui T. J. , Liang C. H.
Published: July 2007

A novel matrix perturbation theory to the eigenequation [h][u] = Δ[u] is investigated, in which the perturbation solutions to eigenvalue Δ and eigenvector [u] are given. One of the applications of the above theory‐application in a microwave resonate cavity‐is researched. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Active polarimetric microwave remote sensing of corn and multiparametric retrieval of corn parameters with an artificial neural network
Authors: Chen Zhengxlao , Tsang Leung , Kuga Yasuo , Chan Chi
Published: July 2007

Polarimetric signatures of a corn canopy are studied with the vector radiative transfer theory. Comparisons are made with experimental data at L and C bands. Multiparametric inversions of corn canopy parameters are performed with an artificial neural network (ANN) trained with vector radiative transfer theory. We have performed simultaneous retrieval of three parameters: corn height, volumetric moisture of corn stalks, and volumetric soil moisture from a total of eight averaged Mueller matrix elements at L and C bands and at one incidence angle. It is shown that the performance of the neural network is good, with errors of less than 10%. It is also shown that the performance of the ANN is better if measurements at both frequencies are used and also if polarimetric measurements including information about the polarization phase difference are used. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
MIllimeter‐wave wideband frequency divider
Authors: Chen R. S. , Li X. G. , Sun M. S.
Published: July 2007

In this article a novel configuration used as a wideband frequency divider is presented. When the bias of varactor in the circuit is properly adjusted, the experiments show that such a wideband divider can operate in the 31–36 GHz range with a small input power level. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Probing the proton‐transfer coordinate of complexes with FH…P hydrogen bonds using one‐ and two‐bond spin–spin coupling constants
Authors: Del Bene Janet E. , Elguero José
Published: July 2007

Scalar coupling constants have been computed using the EOM‐CCSD method for equilibrium structures of complexes stabilized by FH…P hydrogen bonds, as well as structures along the proton‐transfer coordinates of these complexes. Variations in the signs and absolute values of 1J(FH), 1hJ(HP) and 2hJ(FP) have been analyzed and interpreted in terms of changing hydrogen bond type. Of the three phosphorus bases (phosphine, trimethylphosphine and phosphinine) investigated in this study, trimethylphosphine forms the strongest complex with FH, and has the largest two‐bond FP coupling constant. Among the relatively simple phosphorus bases, it would appear to be a leading candidate for experimental NMR study. Similarities and differences are noted between the corresponding coupling constants (J) and the reduced coupling constants (K) across FH…P and FH…N hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making employee ownership work
Authors: Rosen Corey
Published: July 2007

When introduced for the right reasons and under the right conditions, ESOPs boost employee motivation.
Banking in the 1980s: Productivity improvement on an exponential curve
Authors: Metzger Robert O.
Published: July 2007

To survive, bankers have had to overcome fifty years of management tradition in as many months.
Client as consultant: Work reform through participative research
Authors: Elden Max
Published: July 2007

By involving employees in developing work innovations, participative research in Norway seems to increase the chance that the reforms will succeed.
The integrated manufacturing plant‐a practical systems approach
Authors: Kimzey Charles H.
Published: July 2007

Early results from the Army's Industrial Productivity Improvement Program show significant manufacturing cost reductions. The approach may help nondefense industries improve their productivity.
The fusion process for productivity improvement
Authors: Kelly Charles M. , Norman James M.
Published: July 2007

At a Fiber Industries plant, the Fusion Process created a climate of commitment that helped a productivity improvement program succeed.
Labor‐management relations and productivity: A framework for success
Authors: Burton Daniel F. , Hewlett Sylvia Ann
Published: July 2007

Worker participation programs can foster an environment that leads to productivity improvement while enhancing employee job satisfaction.
Discounted cash flow analysis: A response to the critics
Authors: West Richard R. , Eshleman R. L.
Published: July 2007

There is no sound evidence that Discounted Cash Flow analysis inhibits investment in plant and equipment.
Product line structuring: A management tool for improving business productivity
Authors: Tuoti Francis X.
Published: July 2007

Optimization of a product line's market coverage and cost is possible with information obtained through a product line structuring program.
Productivity awareness at manufacturers Hanover Trust
Authors: Lambert Richard J.
Published: July 2007

Manufacturers Hanover's successful productivity program is based on its emphasis upon communications, recognition, and teamwork.
Cutting costs without layoffs through union‐management collaboration
Authors: Lazes Peter , Costanza Tony
Published: July 2007

A multinational equipment firm enhanced its competitiveness without labor cutbacks through an unusual union‐management project.
The impact of information technology on employment and productivity: A survey
Authors: Lefebvre Louis‐A. , Lefebvre Elisabeth
Published: July 2007

Whate are the human‐resource consequences of introducing information technology? Survey responses from about 1,700 Quebec firms provide some answers.
Organizational information processing and productivity improvement
Authors: Ogilvie John R. , Pohlen Michael F. , Jones Louise H.
Published: July 2007

To increase productivity, an information system should be aligned with the organization's structure and culture.
Teaching managers to support quality‐improvement efforts
Authors: Leddick Susan
Published: July 2007

Jack was confused. He had been as enthusiastic about the new quality‐improvement program that his company was beginning as anybody. He had contributed to the project that his team selected during the training session, and had even made working on it a priority. He could see many applications in the department he supervised for the problem‐solving and statistical techniques he learned in the training and said so during the evaluation session. But that was a couple of months ago. Since then his boss, the section vice president, had never asked him one word about quality improvement in the department. When Jack tried to tell the boss about the three department project teams he had established, be got a polite smile, a nod, and a mumbled, “Keep up the good work, Jack”… then a quick change of subject. The project teams were making headway on their improvement opportunities, all right, but it was difficult to schedule their project work around all their other responsibilities. Like other department managers, Jack had seen his staff reduced over the last year. It seemed he was always asked to do more with less these days. “If the company isn't serious about this quality improvement stuff,” Jack thought, “I've got plenty of other ideas about how I can use my staff. Looks like quality doesn't mean much to my boss, anyway. I sure wonder why this company spent the time and money to get everybody excited and trained if we're not supposed to do anything!”
Determining the real costs of doing business in a global market
Authors: Horwell Robert A. , Soucy Stephen R.
Published: July 2007

Companies are recognizing that to be successful they have to compete in the “global marketplace.” Identifying new market opportunities, evaluating international manufacturing and sourcing alternatives, and analyzing the profitability of sub‐business units are fundamental to taking advantage of the changes taking place.

The significant risk companies must address is the qualify of the information they are using to make decisions. We are all aware of the phrase: “Garbage in, garbage out.” The truth is that many accounting systems are not designed to provide information to answer the questions managers face in today's market. Worse, the information is still used and catastrophic decisions are made because the accounting information indicates it is the smart thing to do.

This article describes some of the risks of existing cost information. The article also provides a case example to highlight the risks of using your existing accounting system to make international decisions, as well as the opportunities and value that quality management accounting information can provide.
Improving productivity in service operations on an international basis
Authors: Blumberg Donald F.
Published: July 2007

Although there has been increasing attention given to improving service productivity and quality, the focus has been spotty and fragmented, with the greatest emphasis in Europe. Productivity improvement is much more difficult to assess and promote in service industries than it is in manufacturing because of the lack of standards, targets, and measurable parameters, and the need to deal with service as viewed from the customer's perspective. New developments in service quality standards are helping to provide a standard base for improving service productivity.
Getting the most from distribution
Authors: Novich Neil S.
Published: July 2007

Distribution effectiveness, both direct and indirect, is frequently overlooked when organizations look for ways to improve overall performance and productivity. Current trends toward indirect channel sales and declining sales‐force productivity imply that improving distribution effectiveness will be apriority in the 1990s. This article discusses tools for setting productivity‐improvement targets and methods for achieving them in both indirect channels and direct sales forces.
Achieving white‐collar whitewater performance by organizational alignment
Authors: Ray Helton B.
Published: July 2007

A firm's vision should clearly direct how both organizational resources and individual time are to be employed. This article examines how organizational alignment—a system in which all missions closely connect to fulfill the vision—breaches bureaucratic barriers to create common purpose. Through it, measures that can focus effort and speed up work form passageways to continuous improvement. People spend more time doing value‐added work and enjoying it more, which in turn produces a surge in gains.
Xerox and the ACTWU: Using labor‐management teams to remain competitive
Authors: Lazes Peter , Rumpeltes Leslie , Hoffner Ann , Pace Larry , Costanza Anthony
Published: July 2007

When Xerox went into an economic decline, the company and the union embarked on a cooperative effort to reduce costs and compete effectively. This article explains the strengths and weaknesses of that effort, and bow it changed the relationship between managers and workers and redefined their roles in the operation.
Emerging productivity and cost control in the hospital industry
Authors: Gupta Yasb P.
Published: July 2007

Rising health care costs and increasing competition have changed the cultural environment of the hospital industry. Various government rate‐setting programs, particularly Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs), have altered the focus of hospital management from striving to increase revenue to concentrating on cost control and productivity. Various factors determine hospital costs, especially the particular hospital's case mix and the amount of physician control. Today hospitals are using many new techniques to control costs and ensure operating efficiency while maintaining the quality of care. This article examines some of them.
Mitigating the impact of project cancellations on productivity
Authors: Bummer Michael , Pease Victor
Published: July 2007

In today's environment many organizations are downsizing as a result of declining sales or resources, competitive pressures, mergers and acquisitions, or organizational redesign. The primary strategies that are used to help companies downsize—personnel layoffs, budget reductions in selected areas, or across‐the‐board budget cuts—often lead to project cancellations. This article reports the effects on employee work output and organizational commitment before and after project terminations in a downsizing environment, and offers guidelines on what management can do to reduce the negative impact of project cancellations on employee productivity.

International Business Machines Corp. will announce today a jobreductionprogram that could cut its employment by some 10,000 people. The Wall Street Journal, March 28, 1911.

[Digital Equipment Corp.]…has pulled funding from several major development programs, including one with Nippon Telegraph &Telephone Corp. to build a special computer for selephone companies and another to build super speedy versions of Motorla Inc.'s 88000 reduced instruction‐set microprocessor. A promissing office‐automation software project was spun off…. All told [DEC] has cut total R&D spending to about 8% of total sales…Business Week, March 25, 1991.
A productive—and human—approach to shift‐work operations
Authors: Stam Jim , Sodano Andrea
Published: July 2007

Shift workers face an entirely different set of challenges than those on a traditional nine‐to‐five schedule. Companies that want to ensure the productivity—and sanity—of the employees who staff round‐the‐clock operations can take several steps. This article outlines the techniques that these organizations can use to ensure shift‐work excellence.
Performance measurement in a research organization
Authors: Thor Carl G.
Published: July 2007

Conceptually, research organizations should be much like other white‐cottar organizations. Why, then, has there been little progress in developing performance indicators for those types of firms? This article identifies ten areas in which objectives and measures are created by research organizations, and the specific measurements issues facing each type of research organization. It also details bow performance in a research organization can be measured with an objectives matrix.
Managing transactions to enhance corporate performance
Authors: Rubin Paul H.
Published: July 2007

To ensure success, companies must learn to effectively manage the basic unit of business—the transaction. Only by doing so can they create incentive programs to motivate and benefit all those involved in the transaction. This article explains the basic principles behind this comprehensive approach to making informed business decisions.
Beyond systems—The politics of managing in a TQM environment
Authors: Patten Thomas H.
Published: July 2007

The roots of total quality management (TQM) go back to the work of statisticians in the 1930s and 1940s and the early writers in statistical quality control. These ideas were transplanted to Japan, greatly improved upon and reshaped, and then reintroduced into American business by the Japanese, who bought and restored many American firms (sometimes in joint ventures), and by defense contractors who were under pressure to develop new ways to fulfill government contracts in the aerospace and weapons industries. Much of what has been written about TQM in the past has stressed mechanistic tools and techniques. This article, however, explores the interpersonal skills and new learning required for managing in a TQM environment.
Creating a grassroots quality revolution in Arkansas
Authors: Partain Jan
Published: July 2007

In the early 1980s, W. Edwards Dewing often said he lit many fires but most of them went out. Now, in the early 1990s, Arkansans are fanning the flames of a quality management explosion. The fires of quality started spreading throughout the state in November 1986, when a small band of individuals decided to make local manufacturers aware of the fact that they must change the way they manage to remain competitive. Now, some five years later, quality management continues to flourish—in individual companies, in state government, and in a network of community‐based quality initiatives that reaches deep into the grassroots of the state.
Field service quality improves with technology: Experience at Frontier refreshment services
Authors: Blumberg Donald P.
Published: July 2007

Recognizing the need to run a profitable operation and to improve service productivity, many service organizations now use field service management‐based computer systems to support the process of call handling, dispatch, call tracking, call closeout, and logistics support, and to provide management with the data needed to report on performance.

But computerized service management systems alone cannot guarantee improved productivity and responsiveness and reduced equipment downtime. However, as Frontier Refreshment Services (FRS), an organization that services more than fifty thousand Coca‐Cola syrup and drink dispenser machines in the United Kingdom, discovered, a combination of advanced service management systems and additional breakthrough technology can do the trick. FRS operates a force of 105 field service engineers and seventy installation engineers who install, maintain, and repair drink dispenser equipment through out the United Kingdom. The firm's experience in using an integrated system to optimize service operations is outlined in this article.
Fitting organizational design to JIT
Authors: Saad Germaine H. , Salam Ahmad W.
Published: July 2007

How can companies maximize the effectiveness of Just‐in‐Time (JIT) systems? To ensure success, JIT must be well integrated with the other functional policies of the firm and affect all production sources. In addition, it requires cooperation between management and employees.
Using job descriptions, performance and pay innovations to support quality: A paper company's experience
Authors: Meng G. Jonathan
Published: July 2007

Managers who start out eager to establish a quality‐improvement program often lose interest when day‐to‐day business problems distract them from their long‐range goals. But as one Southern paper production company found out, it is possible to solve pressing business dilemmas without ignoring the implementation of quality objectives and measures. To do so, organizations must learn to exploit technological vendors' know‐bow, fine‐tune employee training, and carefully tailor job descriptions so that they stress quality and teamwork.
Forum. Lean on quality
Authors: Tribus Myron
Published: July 2007

The prevailing sentiment seems to be that we should make our organiza‐ tions lean and mean. W a t has that to do with quality?
Benchmarking: How to learn from best‐in‐class practices
Authors: Mittelstaedt Robert E.
Published: July 2007

Benchmarking—the process of measuring a company's current business operations and comparing them to those of best‐practices companies—has emerged in recent years as an important tool in total quality management (TQM) programs across the United States. A 1991 survey found that benchmarking is increasing and that this trend is expected to continue. It has been estimated that three quarters of the Fortune 500 are engaged in the practice. Still, most companies have not instituted benchmarking and do not know how to go about it.

This article explores the benchmarking process and its benefits and outlines the steps that companies can take if they wish to establish benchmarking in their own firms. The specific experiences of three companies that have recently embraced benchmarking—Life Technologies Inc., ICI Films, and Caterpillar Inc.—are discussed. It is hoped that their enthusiastic commitment will illustrate the value of benchmarking to the many firms that have yet to adopt the process.
Pay‐banding can help align pay with new organizational structures
Authors: LeBlanc Peter V.
Published: July 2007

Improvements in productivity and quality are being attributed to employee involvement and work teams. Yet, many firms discover that changes in participation and work design lead to questions about pay system alignment. Some organizations have found it necessary to abandon the standard pay structure and begin anew. Northern Telecom placed fifty‐thousand worldwide employees into bands in January 1991. The project involved three years of study and one year of implementation. After eighteen months of experience in the banding structure, Northern Telecom has realized a greater level of organizational flexibility and few, if any, negative effects. Most important, employees have accepted the all‐new pay and career growth systems, even though the frequency and type of promotions have significantly decreased. Could this case, which is consistent with experiences reported at other firms that have gone to banding, indicate a change in employee values and aspirations? Are employees more willing than conventionally thought to get off the fast‐track and obtain broader knowledge and skills within the same level? The key features, implications, advantages, and disadvantages of banding are presented in this article. It may be that banding is the right pay structure for the needs of both employers and employees in the 1990s.
The iso 9000 standards: Creating a level playing field for international quality
Authors: Spizizen Gary
Published: July 2007

The ISO 9000 Series standards and the third‐party registration process is rapidly gaining acceptance worldwide. What are the reasons? Internal quality improvement, market positioning, and customer or regulatory requirements, particularly those connected with the European Community and their goals for EC 1992. The goal across the globe is to use the standards to improve quality by giving organizations criteria they can use to define and measure quality systems.

The creation of the ANSI/RAB accreditation program has contributed to the Americanization of the ISO 9000 and the credibility of U.S.‐based registrars. With its ties to ASQC and to ANSI, it is only a matter of time before the ANSI/RAB accreditation program is recognized by the EC as the accreditor of U.S. registrars. This article gives an explanation of the ISO 9000 Series standards, the benefits of registration, how to choose a registration service and a supplier, and how the audit process works.
TQM in the public sector: Strategies for quality service
Authors: Bushnell David S. , Halus Michael B.
Published: July 2007

Pressures to provide quality services while keeping costs down has led government agencies to adopt a strategic approach to setting goals and allocating resources. By assessing the external and internal environments that affect an agency's programs, public administrators can anticipate opportunities and avoid barriers to change. Linking strategic planning to other TQM initiatives offers an even more powerful way of guiding an organization along the road to quality improvement.
Implementing TQM at dun & bradstreet software
Authors: Kane Edward J.
Published: July 2007

Dun & Bradstreet Software has been successful in improving its performance through Total Quality Management (TQM). The key has been a holistic view that integrates quality values and continuous improvement into the fabric of the organization. This starts with the creation of a shared vision of the company's future and continues with coordinated, top‐down design of business processes that are capable of achieving desired results. It leads to a continuous improvement effort that focuses every associate and every work activity on fulfilling the vision, and culminates in an organizational culture where quality improvement is the business strategy and the management system. This article describes the history of the TQM effort at D&B Software, some of the results achieved, and some of the lessons learned.
The impact of employee involvement on supervisors
Authors: Harrison Edward L.
Published: July 2007

When organizations shift to an involvement‐based culture, the first‐line supervisor's job is dramatically changed. This article examines some of those changes, the adjustments that have to be made by the supervisors, and the supervisory training conducted by thirty high‐involvement business firms to smooth the transition for their first‐line supervisors.
Quality improvement and heightened self‐esteem: The brighton police story
Authors: Galloway Robert A.
Published: July 2007

Most government managers would agree that the police probably represent the largest outlay of resources for the most intangible return of services. And when police actions lead to regulatory activity in the criminal justice system, expenditures skyrocket. So when the suggestion is made to review police service and expenses in the context of total quality management (TQM) principles, one might easily encounter skepticism and outright disbelief. Such a statement could be dismissed with the notions that “government service” is an oxymoron and that the public will always spend money for such service, so there is no point in trying to improve this undesirable but necessary product. The Brighton story, which shows that government can save money, can do more with less, and provide satisfactory service to the people it serves, proves those naysayers wrong.
Measuring the total quality of the sales function
Authors: Welch Cas , Geissler Pete
Published: July 2007

Broadening the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) to the sales and other “soft” functions that support manufacturing opens new opportunities for raising productivity and lowering costs. In fact, seizing such opportunities can be far more fruitful than confining TQM to manufacturing: Up to 80 percent of the costs of poor quality are attributable to functions outside manufacturing.

In many industries, product quality is assumed to be high and equal among all suppliers. Competitive advantage (differentiation) is based primarily on the aura of information that surrounds and supports the product. Such information is transferred from customers to the supplier and from the supplier to customers by salespeople. To meet the requirements of TQM, that information must be timely, relevant, and accurate.