bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic work time and gender differentials in Great Britain 1992‐1998
Authors: Ramos Xavier
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to provide new evidence about gender differentials in domestic work time, market work time and total work time, that updates the evidence provided by Jenkins and O'Leary in 1997 and Layte in 1999 using UK time‐budget surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

Investigates gender differentials in work times using the British Household Panel survey (BHPS). The BHPS is a nationally representative longitudinal data set consisting of some 5,500 households (and 10,000 individuals) first interviewed in the autumn of 1991 and followed and re‐interviewed every year subsequently.

Findings

The picture that emerges from the BHPS data is a rather “traditional” and well‐known one. On average, women (be them married or single) work more at home and less in the labour market than men. The comforting side of this pessimistic conclusion, is that the trends in domestic and paid work time over the 1990s show a narrowing in the gender differentials, thanks mainly to the changing behaviour of women and not of men.

Originality/value

An important message that seems to emerge is that women are far more flexible than men. That is, men hardly react or change their behaviour in front of (certain) situations that clearly affect women's time allocation decisions (e.g. presence of children, cohort effects). Finally, the paper identifies and characterises the men who do better at home in relative terms: the “new” men.
The compatibility of epoxy‐based printed circuit boards with lead‐free assembly
Authors: Ehrler Sylvia
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to explain the main requirements for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and to determine the survival rate of boards in lead‐free assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

The first two main requirements are the survival of 5‐6 cycles lead free reflow with peak temperatures of up to 260°C and an identical or even better board reliability of such boards compared to todays eutectic soldered ones. In a first series of tests the influence of base materials, reflow temperature gradient and peak temperature on PCB survival rate are investigated. Thermo‐mechanical data of different epoxy‐based materials are compared to survival rate investigations using repeated reflow tests. The impact of PCB manufacturing and design on the lead free performance is discussed. A second series of investigations is air‐to‐air life cycle tests of daisy chain boards out of different epoxy‐based materials with varying preconditioning were done.

Findings

The tests showed that dicy cured epoxy base materials are not able to withstand the thermal stress of the mentioned soldering steps. Board design and the heating gradient in reflow also influence the assembly performance. Thermal cycling tests (air‐to‐air), showed clearly the effect of reflow temperature and number of reflow cycles on through‐hole reliability. There was no significant impact of z‐axis‐expansion on the through‐hole failure rate in air‐to‐air cycling.

Originality/value

Provides further information on the lead‐free assembly of PCBs.
The influence of curing systems on epoxide‐based PCB laminate performance
Authors: Peng Yih‐Rern , Qi Xiaolong , Chrisafides Christos
Published: July 2005

Purpose

There are many considerations that have to be taken into account when balancing the properties epoxy‐based laminate and prepreg materials must have in order to meet the array of electrical, thermal and mechanical demands of today's multilayer printed circuit boards. Aims to discuss two different curing systems that are commonly employed in current laminate and prepreg materials.

Design/methodology/approach

An examination of the two different curing systems – phenol novolac (PN) and dicyandiamide (DICY) based – that are commonly employed in current laminate and prepreg materials.

Findings

DICY curing systems have properties such as good flexibility, good adhesion and good processability but have poor thermal resistance, higher water absorption and poor anti‐CAF capability. Because PN resin systems utilize an aromatic ring structure, traditional PN cured epoxy resin results in having excellent thermal resistance, low water absorption and anti‐CAF capability.

Originality/value

Provides a comparison of interest to all those involved with laminate and prepreg materials in the circuit board industry.
New materials and build‐up constructions for advanced rigid‐flex PCB applications
Authors: Rapala‐Virtanen Tarja , Jokela Timo
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to explain how the goals have been met to manufacture rigid‐flex printed circuit boards (PCBs) in equipment used for rigid PCBs by utilizing new materials and process combinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A discussion of the technology and applications.

Findings

The main drivers for PCB technology have been size reduction, increased resolution, improved high frequency performance together with increased reliability and cost savings. To reach higher packaging density at the PCB level, Aspocomp has developed the technology with embedded active and passive components. However, in higher packaging density applications, the PCB‐technology has to offer more flexibility to PCB‐designers in order to effectively utilize space inside the electronic devices. Different flexible PCB solutions are needed to achieve this goal.

Practical implications

For fabricators of rigid PCBs there are challenges in production to adopt the new industry requirements.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to those involved with or interested in PCB technology.
Superior, whisker‐reduced immersion tin technology
Authors: Schroeder Sabine
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To provide information about latest product developments to address and take away the fear of whisker formation on pure immersion tin surface finishes on PCBs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarises the latest findings on whisker formation of pure tin surface finishes and describes an effective methodology for whisker suppression in combination with other benefits for the use of this new immersion tin generation.

Findings

Whisker formation is a typical feature of pure tin when coated, e.g. on copper and is a threat to the PCB industry, because of the risks of shortcuts involved. The main driving force for whiskers is an accumulation of internal stress created by diffusion at the boundary of copper and tin. A nano layer deposited from an organic metal‐based pre‐dip significantly reduces the diffusion by creating a unique sandwich layer with smooth concentration gradients. A drastic reduction of diffusion and stress was found, eliminating the driving force for whisker formation and prolonging the layer's shelf life and temperature stability at the same time.

Practical implications

Whenever whisker formation on immersion tin is regarded as a potential risk, e.g. by OEMs, a whisker‐reduced process is available and should be chosen to meet the market's specifications.

Originality/value

This paper takes the edge off the whisker threat discussions, leading to a hesitant implementation of immersion tin surface finish technology for PCBs, which disregard its excellent features with respect to future lead‐free soldering. Whisker‐reduced immersion tin is a viable and preferable alternative solderable surface finish for the lead‐free era.
The water break test
Authors: Ellis Brian
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To discuss the validity of the water break test, commonly used as a means of cleanliness determination in the printed circuit fabrication industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine qualitatively the physics of water‐wetting of solid substrates and their energy levels and the conditions under which cohesion may occur.

Findings

It would seem that conditions could occur, which would render the likelihood of the test being valid problematic.

Practical implications

Technical managers of fabricators using the test may wish to re‐examine whether it is valid under their particular circumstances. If it were replaced by a more scientific test covering their particular needs, it is possible that the reliability of subsequent operations may be improved, increasing production yield.

Originality/value

The author previously cast doubts on the test validity but this is the first physical analysis of the situation, confirming prior statements. The value of this paper is to demonstrate that a long‐standing practice may be either meaningless or of significantly reduced usefulness.
Social responsibility: the most important, and neglected, problem of all?
Authors: Trainer Ted
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To draw attention to an important but neglected topic, and provide an analysis that will help others to go further into key elements of the theme of social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of themes previously encountered in a diverse literature.

Findings

It is argued that many powerful forces within capitalist‐consumer society militate against social responsibility. In view of looming global justice and sustainability problems the lack of social responsibility points to gloomy prospects for humankind. Yet it is argued that the solution is theoretically simple and three essential themes for the discussion of positive action are considered.

Practical implications

A number of important implications for education and social action are discussed.

Originality/value

The topic seems to have been almost totally overlooked previously, although many works are tangentially related.
Distributed computing initiatives
Authors: Rudall Brian H.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper provides reviews of distributed computing initiatives and developments in systems and cybernetics. They include: brain fingerprinting, complex and systems research, cognition of animals, and innovative systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics.

Findings

Illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics and systems in order to further research and development.

Practical implications

The choice of topics enables researchers to be aware of current trends in their fields and gives readers an overview of a variety of important areas.

Originality/value

Reviews from a worldwide database of: current reports and opinions to introduce new perspectives in research and development.
Process metaphor and knowledge management
Authors: Rowe James
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper attempts to develop a metaphor to explain knowledge and perhaps the basic construct of knowledge management, in a way that might add to the practical understanding of organisational knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the notion of knowledge, fact and memory in relation to Parmenidian and Heraclitean approaches to stasis and flux.

Findings

That remembering and imagining can be the same basic process, such that knowledge is created in the present not necessarily retrieved from our technology.

Research limitations/implications

To consider cybernetic approaches to knowledge management based on learning and self‐organisation as well as “knowledge based” technology.

Practical implications

Whilst in information systems we collect, store and retrieve information, in knowledge systems we create, recreate and recreate the recreating. Here, knowledge management relies more on individual and collective learning than the power of the technology.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to consider knowledge as a process of engagement rather than a resource to be “utilised”.
Appropriation of funds for anti‐ballistic missile defense: a dynamic model
Authors: Tsaganea Doru
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The results of the November 2004 US elections suggest that the initial missile defense capabilities fielded in 2004 will be developed and expanded during the next 4 years. This process will require a significant amount of money, and therefore, the problem of optimal allocation of funds becomes relevant.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the author presents a theoretical dynamic model for appropriation of funds for developing and deploying defensive systems and maintaining/modernizing offensive systems such as the country's security to be optimized. The offensive systems are regarded as state variables, and the defensive systems as control variables. The criterion of performance consists in the minimization of the number of incoming missiles which cannot be destroyed by the defensive systems. The optimal solutions are calculated by using the Pontryaguine principle.

Findings

One observes that depending on the impact of the development of missile defense systems on the modernization of offensive systems, different policies of fund appropriation should be considered. One also remarks that under given circumstances only one (in theory), or a couple of very close policies (in practice) may be regarded as optimal.

Originality/value

The relationship between the development of missile defense systems and the modernization of offensive systems (or the creation of new offensive systems) is studied by using dynamic systems theory. The optimal appropriation of financial funds is done by applying the principle of Pontryaguine.
Systemic mechanism of organizing and assembling information
Authors: Lerner Vladimir S.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The goal is to find a systemic information assembling mechanism, which would describe not only a human being's way of organizing the accepted information but also the general information regularities of this process, applied to different information objects.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical formalism of Informational Macrodynamics is employed for system modeling of the object's regularities and the main systemic mechanisms. The developed systemic assembling mechanism joins a chaotic oscillation of incoming information frequencies, initiating a chaotic resonance, into a cooperative attractor. A chain of sequentially built attractors generates a collective information dynamic network (IN), whose hierarchy models the multiple information contributions. An information structure of the IN node's attractors is memorized by the key‐lock connections of resonance frequencies.

Findings

The results indicate that formalized functions of the assembling cooperative information mechanisms represent a general attribute of a system.

Practical implications

A wide area of applications includes behavior analysis, cognition, artificial intelligence, data organization and management, social systems, and education.

Originality/value

The considered results bring together the formal systemic model of the regularities of collective macrodynamics and the mathematical evaluation of a complex individual's behavior in a collective environment.
Describing social systems using social free energy and social entropy
Authors: Stepanić Josip , Sabol Gabrijela , Stjepan Žebec Mislav
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Constant question in determination of a social system state is how to obtain a sufficient quantity of information with a small enough, manageable indicator set.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept is developed in a thorough analysis of strengths and weaknesses of existing approaches, and in thorough contrasting the proposed solutions with these.

Findings

The social free energy and social entropy overcome the gap between the meta‐theoretically founded quantities and indicators related to social system state description. The social free energy measures the totality of resources used for social system preservation during changes in environment. The social entropy measures the number of different realisations of a particular state.

Practical implications

Combination of social free energy and social entropy is on the one hand a set of quantities easily determinable from available data, and on the other hand a set of indicators intuitively connected with social system states. We relate the system social free energy and levels of organisation and adaptation. From these measures we derive the measure of social system adaptation.

Originality/value

The use of social free energy in describing the social system states adds a significant value in forming the small set of representative indicators. It is of importance for all researchers; theoreticians and practitioners.
Uniformity tests under quantile categorization
Authors: Marhuenda M.A. , Marhuenda Y. , Morales D.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

In statistical inference, goodness of fit techniques are frequently used to decide if an observed sample X1=x1, … ,Xn=xn can be considered as independent realizations from a proposed cumulative distribution function F0(x). When goodness of fit tests are based on categorized data, they usually rely on relative frequencies of intervals or on sample quantiles. In this paper, comparisons between frequency‐based and quantile‐based power divergence test statistics are presented to test the hypothesis of uniformity in the interval (0,1) against different families of alternatives and some recommendations are given.

Design/methodology/approach

Divergence test statistics proposed by Cressie and Read are used and Monte Carlo simulation experiments are carried out. Both methods of categorization are applied separately to test the hypothesis of uniformity in the interval (0,1) and power comparisons are done for the families of alternatives proposed by Stephens. Next, a combined analysis is performed with the test statistics which have given the best results in each kind of categorization.

Findings

Results obtained by using quantile categorization are better due to the fact that quantile categorization uses selected exact sample observations. On the other hand, frequency categorization is based on relative frequencies of intervals. For the last type of categorization, there are many samples with the same value at the test statistic, so its discrimination power is reduced.

Research limitations/implications

The recommendation is limited to the power divergence test statistics introduced by Cressie and Read with parameter λ=−2,−1,−1/2,0,2/3,1,2 and several values of m and n.

Practical implications

Among the two types of categorizations, quantile categorization is recommended for testing uniformity.

Originality/value

The paper gives useful recommendations to applied statisticians when testing for uniformity.
Solder joint reliability in AgPt‐metallized LTCC modules
Authors: Nousiaianen Olli , Rautioaho Risto , Kautio Kari , Jääskeläinen Jussi , Leppävuori Seppo
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the metallization and solder mask materials on the solder joint reliability of low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) modules.

Design/methodology/approach

The fatigue performance of six LTCC/PCB assembly versions was investigated using temperature cycling tests in the −40‐125°C and 20‐80°C temperature ranges. In order to eliminate fatigue cracking in the LTCC module itself, large AgPt‐metallized solder (1 mm) lands with organic or co‐fired glaze solder masks, having 0.86‐0.89 mm openings, were used. The performance of these modules was compared to that of AgPd‐metallized modules with a similar solder land structure. The joint structures were analysed using resistance measurements, scanning acoustic microscopy, SEM/EDS investigation, and FEM simulations.

Findings

The results showed that failure distributions with Weibull shape factor (β) values from 8.4 to 14.2, and characteristic life time (θ) values between 860 and 1,165 cycles were achieved in AgPt assemblies in the −40‐125°C temperature range. The primary failure mechanism was solder joint cracking, whereas the AgPd‐metallized modules suffered from cracking in the ceramic. In the milder test conditions AgPd‐metallized modules showed better fatigue endurance than AgPt‐metallized modules.

Originality/value

This paper proves that the cracking in ceramic in the harsh test condition can be eliminated almost completely by using AgPt metallization instead of AgPd metallization in the present test module structure.
Taking Lulu seriously: what we can learn from To Sir with Love
Authors: Shouse Roger C.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine ways in which the film To Sir with Love illustrates several longstanding issues and tensions related to the sociology of education. It is also aims to show how this film (and, by implication, other popular films) can be used to advance understanding among students of educational leadership, organization theory, and the sociology of education.

Design/methodology/approach

Approaching its 40th anniversary, To Sir with Love is generally considered to be a classic portrayal of a teacher's struggle to engage a group of disengaged and rebellious students in a working class London school. Yet the film also highlights longstanding issues and tensions peculiar to schooling and teaching. From sociological and social‐psychological perspectives, this paper examines this film's underlying meanings and suggests how it can be used to advance understanding among students of educational leadership, organization theory, and the sociology of education.

Findings

Although the paper focuses on teacher‐student‐peer social interaction, it largely leaves issues of race and class for others to address.

Practical implications

Implicitly and explicitly, the paper highlights the value of using popular film to promote understanding of problems related to educational policy and leadership.

Originality/value

A lively discussion, an attempt to construct (rather than deconstruct) new meanings from a classic text.
Riding the wave of administrator accountability: a portfolio approach
Authors: Johnston Marilyn , Thomas Michael
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a qualitative study of a four‐year, state‐wide portfolio evaluation system for new principals. The State of Ohio (USA) was one of five states that participated in a field test of the Portfolio Assessment for School Leaders designed by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Design/methodology/approach

The central research question was: Does the Portfolio Assessment for School Leaders process benefit or burden the practice of school leaders? The participants were a subset of the 70 principals who completed the portfolio in Ohio between September 1999 and January 2002. The data included focus group interviews, phone interviews, surveys, and the principals' completed portfolios.

Findings

From analysis of the data three levels of benefits from level 1 are desribed, where the portfolio was seen primarily as extra work and had little benefit for the leadership in the principals' schools, to level 3, where there was a reciprocal benefit between the portfolio process and the principals' growth and developed as leaders.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to one state in the USA, a particular portfolio system, and data were collected from only a subset of principals who completed their portfolios (26 out of 70).

Practical implications

The results of this research indicated that the portfolio work was seen as professional development by principals only if it was contextualized in a larger supportive social network of professional practice. It was the use of the portfolio to promote professional development that allowed the portfolio to be a learning tool, and not just a tool of policy compliance.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on professional development for principals by providing evidence that portfolios can be used with novice principals to support their development as leaders in their schools. It also indicates the kinds of social and professional support necessary to make this work.
School organizational structures: effects on teacher and student learning
Authors: Jack Lam Y.L.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The present study attempted to explore the relationship between teacher learning and student learning under different school structural conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Some 1,330 teachers from 29 secondary schools of different community backgrounds and student academic abilities in Hong Kong were surveyed, using instruments from diverse conceptual sources.

Findings

Findings emerging from the data supported two propositions: First, high flexible structure fostered conditions that were more conducive to teachers' learning than working conditions which were perceived as “medium” or “rigid” structures. Second, the three structural conditions that elevated greater teacher learning as reported. i.e. having greater control, higher motivation and more collective learning opportunities, exerted a definitive impact on students' progress in diverse aspects of their development.

Originality/value

The results highlight the significance of structural impact on school performance. In so doing, it underscores the need for broadening the scope of investigation of other equally salient internal school environmental features for a better understanding of how school organizational self‐propelled improvement can be sustained.
Domestic inter‐cultural service encounters: an integrated model
Authors: Hopkins Shirley A. , Hopkins Willie E. , Hoffman K. Douglas
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Proposes to provide practicing managers and academic researchers with a framework that will help them to understand better the nature of domestic inter‐cultural service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

Social identity theory is used to demonstrate how salient identity cues such as physiognomy, linguistic, and behavioral differences are likely to influence customer expectations during initial and subsequent encounters between domestic customers and culturally distant service providers.

Findings

The framework developed, and the associated propositions, provide practicing managers with insights into how domestic service customers are likely to respond to domestic inter‐cultural service encounters.

Practical implications

Domestic intercultural service encounters have special practical implications for staffing policy and training requirements in service organizations (e.g. there may be ethical and legal challenges for service organizations that refuse to hire service providers unless they can demonstrate competence in the domestic language, customs, etc., or because of visible salient cultural identity cues).

Originality/value

Existing service encounter frameworks do not address the role that cultural identity plays in service exchange relationships. The value of this paper is that it uses cultural identity theory to extend an existing model that examines the nature and determinants of customer expectations of service. This extension enhances managers' understanding of service exchange relationships.
Strategic imperatives and the pursuit of quality in the US airline industry
Authors: Rhoades Dawna L. , Waguespack Blaise
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the changing face of airline quality by analyzing the reported service and safety data for the traditional and low cost carriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from Department of Transportation records on service and safety quality from 1996‐2004. A safety rate was calculated for each carrier by adding accidents, incidents, near mid‐air collisions, and pilot deviations and dividing the total number by yearly departures. The service rate was calculated by adding all complaint categories and dividing by yearly departures. Averages and confidence intervals were calculated. Analysis of variance was performed on group means.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the low cost carrier group examined here has closed the gap on its traditional rivals in the area of safety quality, posting safety rates that are not statistically different from the traditional carriers over the period of this study. On the other hand, it has not as a group yet addressed the problem of basic service quality, posting a statistically lower level of quality (as measured by consumer complaints).

Research limitations/implications

The study did not specifically examine airline amenities such as seat pitch, schedule, meals, or in‐flight entertainment.

Practical implications

Low cost airlines appear well placed to continue taking market share away from their traditional rivals who continue to struggle with high costs.

Originality

This paper is the first to examine the changing dynamics between traditional and low cost carriers following September 11.
Impediments to improvements in service quality in luxury hotels
Authors: Presbury Rayka , Fitzgerald Anneke , Chapman Ross
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify the key factors that impede service quality delivery in the context of luxury hotels (four‐ and five‐star properties) in Sydney, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical dataset for this qualitative study was collected through 22 individual semi‐structured interviews with senior hotel managers of ten luxury hotels in Sydney, Australia. The technique used for analysing the data was progressive comparative analysis, after which constant comparative methodology was applied. The key themes emerging from these techniques have been categorised to form conclusions.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed a number of impediments to developing and maintaining distinguishable, superior service. These impediments fell into four broad areas: Budget constraints, Staff attitude, Lack of mentoring and High customer expectations.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations with the current study are primarily related to the scope of the research in terms of the number of hotel properties participating, and the fact that it incorporates the views of managers only. Furthermore, the focus of this study was on the hotel sector, and thus the findings cannot be accepted as being necessarily relevant and applicable to services across the tourism/hospitality industry as a whole. Future research needs to be conducted to incorporate the views of all stakeholders in service quality, including non‐management staff and customers.

Originality/value

The findings of this research can inform hotel sector researchers and practitioners of identified impediments to service quality, whether current strategies are addressing these impediments and, if not, how strategies may be modified to address to achieve this.
Quality management in service firms: sustaining structures of total quality service
Authors: Gupta Atul , McDaniel Jason C. , Kanthi Herath S.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Proposes developing a conceptual model that can be used in understanding the relationships between sustaining structures that support the total quality service (TQS) philosophy and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Integrating the SERVQUAL instrument and other work in the service quality literature, especially the Deming management model, this paper develops a model for understanding the interactions between customer satisfaction and sustaining structures.

Findings

This conceptual paper develops three constructs: leadership, organizational culture and employee commitment, which are very important in achieving total quality service objectives. The proposed model links these three constructs with business processes and total quality service.

Research limitations/ implications

It is not an empirical investigation of customer satisfaction and sustaining structures. The paper does not review in detail the impact of the three constructs on business processes. A researcher who plans to do a customer satisfaction study could benefit from the proposed model as it will provide valuable insights about the interactions between customer satisfaction and sustaining structures.

Originality/value

This paper provides an important conceptual framework for evaluating the relationships between customer satisfaction and sustaining structures.
An analysis of online gaming crime characteristics
Authors: Chen Ying‐Chieh , Chen Patrick S. , Hwang Jing‐Jang , Korba Larry , Song Ronggong , Yee George
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To arouse the public awareness of online gaming‐related crimes and other societal influences so that these problems can be solved through education, laws and appropriate technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 613 criminal cases of online gaming crimes that happened in Taiwan during 2002 were gathered and analyzed. They were analyzed for special features then focusing on the tendency for online gaming crime. Related prosecutions, offenders, victims, criminal methods, and so on, were analyzed.

Findings

According to our analysis of online gaming characteristics in Taiwan, the majority of online gaming crime is theft (73.7 percent) and fraud (20.2 percent). The crime scene is mainly in internet cafés (54.8 percent). Most crimes are committed within the 12:00 to 14:00 time period (11.9 percent). Identity theft (43.4 percent) and social engineering (43.9 percent) are the major criminal means. The offenders (95.8 percent) and victims (87.8 percent) are mainly male and offenders always proceed alone (88.3 percent). The age of offenders is quite low (63.3 percent in the age range of 15‐20), and 8.3 percent of offenders are under 15 years old. The offenders are mostly students (46.7 percent) and the unemployed (24 percent), most of them (81.9 percent) not having criminal records. The type of game giving rise to most of the criminal cases is Lineage Online (93.3 percent). The average value of the online gaming loss is about US$459 and 34.3 percent of criminal loss is between $100 and $300.

Research limitations/implications

These criminal cases were retrieved from Taiwan in 2002. Some criminal behavior may have been limited to a certain area or a certain period.

Practical implications

Provides a useful source of information and constructive advice for the public who will sense the seriousness and influence of online gaming crimes. Further, this topic may have implications on e‐commence, e‐services, or web‐based activities beyond gaming.

Originality/value

Since there is little published research in this area, this paper provides the public with a good and original introduction to a topic of growing importance.
A longitudinal evaluation of accessibility: higher education web sites
Authors: Hackett Stephanie , Parmanto Bambang
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Using Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, higher education web sites were retrospectively analyzed to study the effects that technological advances in web design have had on accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of higher education web sites was studied for years 1997‐2002. The homepage and pages 1‐level down were evaluated. Web accessibility barrier (WAB) and complexity scores were calculated. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine trends in the data and Pearson's correlation (r) was computed to evaluate the relationship between accessibility and complexity.

Findings

Higher education web sites become progressively inaccessible as complexity increases.

Research limitations/implications

The WAB score is a proxy of web accessibility. While the WAB score can give an indication of the accessibility of a web site, it cannot differentiate between barriers posing minimal limitations and those posing absolute inaccessibility. A future study is planned to have users with disabilities examine web sites with differing WAB scores to correlate how well the WAB score is gauging accessibility of web sites from the perspective of the user.

Practical implications

Findings from studies such as this can lead to improved guidelines, policies, and overall awareness of web accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Originality/value

There are limited studies that have taken a longitudinal look at the accessibility of web sites and explored the reasons for the trend of decreasing accessibility.
Internet banking adoption strategies for a developing country: the case of Thailand
Authors: Jaruwachirathanakul Bussakorn , Fink Dieter
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The objective of the paper is to identify the factors that encourage consumers to adopt internet banking services in Thailand and to use the study's findings to develop strategies for banks on how to maximize the rate of adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research with a sample size of 600 achieved by sending questionnaires to 15 people in each of 40 large companies in Bangkok. The study is based on the Decomposed Planned Behaviour.

Findings

The attitudinal factors that appear to encourage the adoption of internet banking in Thailand most are “Features of the web site” and “Perceived usefulness”, while the most significant impediment to adoption is a perceived behavioural control, namely “External environment”. The significant moderating factors are gender, educational level, income, internet experience and internet banking experience, but not age.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, encouragement factors are those that are able to be controlled by banks, while impediment factors are those that are not able to be controlled.

Practical implications

It is essential for banks to facilitate encouragement and restrict impediment factors. In addition to the direct “push” from internet banks (in respect of the encouragement factors), indirect persuasion should be carried out as a “pull” mechanism (in respect of the impediment factors).

Originality/value

The study identified a number of specific strategies that Thai banks could follow to maximize the adoption of internet banking.
Online shopping, the standard learning hierarchy, and consumers' internet expertise
Authors: Martínez‐López Francisco J. , Luna Paula , José Martínez Francisco
Published: July 2005

Purpose

First, to theoretically justify and empirically test the sequence of effects based on the standard learning hierarchy to explain consumers' online buying‐related responses. Second, to analyse the moderating role that consumers' internet expertise can play on the formation of both their affective and buying‐related responses towards this medium.

Design/methodology/approach

This study poses a conceptual model which is tested by means of LISREL. The data used come from a questionnaire applied to American and Spanish internet users. These two countries have been selected taking into account their differences regarding their degree of internet expertise.

Findings

The modelling approach appears to be adequate to explain online consumer behaviour. Moreover, different levels of consumers' internet expertise determines, in general, the predominance of the central or the peripheral route within the formation of their affective and behavioural responses to this medium.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a relevant contribution to the field of consumer behaviour on the internet. It presents an extensive literature review; it introduces new concepts and new relations among them; it successfully adapts classic consumer theories, i.e. the CAB paradigm and the Elaboration Likelihood Model – to the electronic market context; and it has a cross‐national vision.

Practical implications

It shows how any virtual firm which endeavours to understand consumers' shopping behaviour in its web site should consider these general issues in conjunction with the rest of the specific factors and variables related to it.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies which, on the one hand, theoretically integrates in a model the following concepts: beliefs and attitude towards the internet, trust in internet shopping and online shopping, and on the other, demonstrates that the degree of internet expertise plays an essential role in determining how consumers process and form their affective and buying‐related responses on the internet.
Online grocery retailing: what do consumers think?
Authors: Ramus Kim , Asger Nielsen Niels
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To use the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework to explore in depth the range of beliefs held by consumers about internet shopping in general and internet grocery shopping in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven focus group interviews, four in the United Kingdom and three in Denmark, were conducted among consumers with different degrees of experience with internet grocery shopping. This diversification of respondents was chosen to capture a broad range of the consumer beliefs that predict intentions to buy groceries online or not. The TPB framework was used to construct the interview guide that was followed in all focus groups.

Findings

An unexpected result of the explorative study was that the seven groups consisting of more or less experienced internet shoppers differed only little in their pool of beliefs (outcome and control beliefs). Beliefs about internet grocery shopping, positive as well as negative, were remarkably congruent across groups. In the minds of consumers, internet grocery shopping is an advantage compared with conventional grocery shopping in terms of convenience, product range and price. Disadvantages, which could act as mental barriers, are, for instance, the risk of receiving inferior quality groceries and the loss of the recreational aspect of grocery shopping.

Research limitations/implications

An important potential limitation of this research is the choice of focus groups as research methodology, which can prevent the elicitation of certain types of beliefs. If important beliefs concern issues of a more sensitive, personal character they are not likely to be mentioned in a focus group. Another limitation is the explorative nature of the research, which makes it impossible to attach weights to the importance of the elicited beliefs in predicting internet shopping behavior.

Practical implications

The findings could be used to direct attention to consumer beliefs about internet grocery shopping which have the potential of acting as barriers to this line of e‐commerce.

Originality/value

To shed some light on the role of consumers in an underperforming and understudied branch of internet retailing. Barriers in the consumers' minds to shop for groceries online are identified using an established theoretical framework.
Three trips around the innovation track: an interview with Clayton Christensen
Authors: Knight Daniel J.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Interviews Professor Clayton Christensen, who has authored or co‐authored three groundbreaking books that together frame the daunting problems that managers must confront when they lead innovation initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategy & Leadership contributing editor, Dan Knight, asked Christensen about the finding of his research and its implications for managers.

Findings

Most managers are not familiar with Christensen's contention that leading companies fail after only a few decades at the head of the pack because they rely on two conventionally accepted concepts: listen to your best customers and focus investments on the products with high profit margins. Companies that pay exclusive attention to their current top customers and ignore the first minute signals of disruptive forces emerging in their market will not adopt innovation that will make them successful long‐term.

Research limitations/implications

Christensen alludes to his research methodology and suggest that it is superior to that of most observers of the innovation process. A comparative study would be valuable.

Practical implications

Christensen suggests that organizations segment their markets by “customer jobs to be done” in order to identify new growth opportunities. He explains why when you are growing, innovation proves to be a lot easier than when you stop growing. Another nugget: “being a serial disrupter means that on a regular and rhythmic basis you launch new disruptive innovations when you don't really need new growth.”

Originality/value

While all of Christensen theories have been explained in his books, many managers are likely still unfamiliar with the many practical implications of his unconventional wisdom. The interview serves as a lucid introduction to ideas like managing disruptive innovation.
A leader's guide to creating an innovation culture
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Advising top management how to find the right balance between corporate creativity and efficiency in order to turn innovation into commercial reality.

Design/methodology/approach

The author interviewed senior corporate managers and reviewed the literature.

Findings

Inventiveness is required in everything that is done by the company, not just in marketing or in new product development. A key factor in boosting innovativeness is establishing the right organizational climate to nurture the creative potential of employees and make use of their knowledge of customers, competitors, and processes. When leveraging the best innovation practices of other companies look to their philosophy and values.

Research limitations/implications

More interviews and a study to determine long‐term success factors would be advisable.

Practical implications

Key practices: place people and ideas at the heart of management philosophy; give people room to grow, to try and learn from mistakes; build a strong sense of openness and trust and community; and facilitate the internal mobility of talent.

Originality/value

The author advises innovation leaders on steps they can take to strike the right balance between corporate creativity and efficiency.
Highlights of The Association for Strategic Planning's 2004 conference, “Strategy in a turbulent world”
Authors: Abraham Stan
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To present the highlights of The Association for Strategic Planning's 2004 conference, “Strategy in a Turbulent World”.

Design/methodology/approach

S&L Contributing Editor Stan Abraham attended the conference and selected the most interesting presentations for his report.

Findings

Highlights include: Dwight Allen, “Globalization at risk,” David La Piana, “Nonprofit organizations,” Peter Bershatsky, “Managing innovation,” and Doug Randall, “Imagine the future.”

Research limitations/implications

These are conference presentations with various research methodologies.

Originality/value

In his presentation, Dwight Allen suggests that great uncertainty exists as to how international or global trade might develop. Faced with such uncertainty, strategists should undertake scenario planning to develop flexible strategies that can be implemented in a variety of futures.
Strategize on a napkin
Authors: Keidel Robert W.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The author urges managers to pay more respect to the time‐honored tradition of sketching ideas on the back of an envelope or a napkin managers. It is a way to become more skilled at imaginatively using simple yet sophisticated cognitive tools.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of examples of using images to achieve leaps of learning are cited.

Findings

Senior managers often make breakthrough ideas at informal sessions when they sketch their thoughts literally on a napkin.

Research limitations/implications

Crafting strategy on a piece of paper is a creative activity ripe for both exploration and exploitation in all organizations.

Practical implications

Managers should save the napkin on which they have sketched out their bold idea and present it at future sessions for reevaluation.

Originality/value

An entertaining look at how important ideas germinate and get communicated.