bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NVQs in small businesses: factors influencing adoption
Authors: Hales Colin , Tamangani Ziv , Walker Anne , Murphy Noelle
Published: July 2002

Reports
the findings and conclusions of a study of five small businesses in
the hotel and catering sector which had adopted national vocational
qualifications (NVQs). Using an open system model, a comparative case
study design and a range of data sources and methods of data
collection within each organization, traces the preconditions,
processes, outcomes and problems/issues associated with NVQ adoption
and implementation. In a small business context, this is shown more
likely to be successful where there is an existing training culture
and infrastructure; where on‐the‐job training is positive, supportive
and monitored; and where there is a senior management NVQ
“champion” and an enthusiastic cadre of in‐house trainers
and potential assessors. Shows that NVQs give a sharper focus to
training activity, improve candidates’ perceived job
satisfaction, morale and career prospects; enhance work flexibility
and performance; and have a perceived, if hard‐to‐measure payoff in
terms of business performance.
Job duties and responsibilities in public accounting: are student expectations unrealistic?
Authors: Phillips Carl R. , Crain John L.
Published: July 2002

Claims that few studies have examined student expectations regarding public accounting. Suggests that this is surprising since previous research suggests that unmet employee expectations may result in negative consequences for organizations. Aims to extend previous research by examining student expectations regarding very specific duties and responsibilities in public accounting. The questionnaire was completed by 129 upper‐division accounting students. Finds that a surprising number of students exhibit unrealistic expectations. Discusses practical implications for accounting educators.
Mentoring young learners: does everyone really need a mentor?
Authors: Stead Richard
Published: July 2002

Nearly 400 young learners with mentors were studied in a project which ran from 1992‐94 at Leeds Metropolitan University. Shows that many learners find effective substitutes for conventional mentors, and, while needing support for their workplace learning, obtain this from a variety of helpers other than a conventionally‐defined mentor. Managers are not ideal mentors. Relevant expert knowledge on the part of a mentor is important, as is formality in conducting learner‐mentor relationships. Training for mentors is also confirmed as important. Time pressures can prevent would‐be mentors from offering their services. Stability of employment for both parties for the duration of the relationship is important.
A review of transfer of training studies in the past decade
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Ho Danny C.K.
Published: July 2002

This article reviews some major studies that were conducted in the past decade (1989‐1998) on the transfer of what employees learned from training programmes back to their jobs. A conceptual framework is developed for this article to better present the “popular” constructs that have been tested empirically. The achievement is twofold. First, this review paper highlights that some individual, motivational and environmental factors are related to transfer of training. Second, some directions for further studies have been suggested. For example, longitudinal study was highly recommended for measuring transfer outcomes. Some new individual (e.g. achievement striving), motivational (e.g. trainee‐control‐over‐training) and environmental (e.g. transfer climate) constructs are recommended to be incorporated in newly created models. These models can then be examined using structural equation modelling. After extensive testing and refinement of these models, a set of critical constructs can be distilled. By that time, convergence of research efforts focusing on major themes can be achieved.
Learning to work with difference
Authors: Iles Paul
Published: July 2002

Managing international and domestic diversity and learning to work
with difference are increasingly becoming key managerial and
organizational skills. Reviews the reasons for the growth of interest in
this topic, critically analyses the claims made by practitioners in this
area, and draws on two case studies of organizations attempting to
develop their capabilities to work successfully with difference to
develop a model of the key skills involved. Outlines some strategies by
which such skills and capabilities may be developed.
New challenges in the study of career
Authors: Collin Audrey
Published: July 2002

To address the implications for career of today’s changes in the organisation of work and labour markets, managers and counsellors need appropriate concepts, theories and methodologies. Career scholars may no longer be well placed to help. The paper notes how the range of perspectives they bring to their understanding of career fragments the field of study. Moreover, the dominant assumptions and approaches in the field are inappropriate to deal with what is taking place in it, and are being challenged by developments in the “new sciences”. The paper suggests that, to respond to these challenges, career scholars of all kinds need to engage in dialogue as they examine their assumptions and conceptualisations, and develop new research approaches. Practitioners must engage with these changes as researchers, exploring new qualitative methods, and individuals need support from their managers as they construct new identities.
Business Information Provision for Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises in China
Authors: Kinnell Margaret , Feather John , Matthews Graham
Published: July 2002

The marketing of business information to small and medium‐sized enterprises in the UK is complex, and includes a number of variables. Considers the relevance of these variables to the marketing of information services in an emerging economy through a study of 13 enterprises in China, as part of a wider co‐operative project between the Department of Information and Library Studies, Loughborough University, and the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China.
Explaining ethical failures of leadership
Authors: Price Terry L.
Published: July 2002

When an ethical failure of leadership is exposed, we are often disposed to look for an explanation of the leader’s behavior, not an analysis of the moral status of what was done. On one such explanatory account, ethical failures are essentially volitional, not cognitive. Ethically fallen leaders knew that what they were doing was morally wrong but, nevertheless, were motivated to do it anyway. My thesis is that the volitional explanation of human immorality will not be sufficient to explain ethical failures of leadership. Simply applying the volitional explanation of human immorality to leadership contexts ignores the fact that leadership brings with it peculiar cognitive challenges that can lead to ethical failure. Specifically, leadership induces and maintains a leader’s belief that he is somehow excepted from the moral requirements that apply to the rest of us.
The potential impact of third‐wave technologies on organisations
Authors: Forster Nick
Published: July 2002

New technologies are revolutionising the world of work. They have already become an integral part of organisations throughout the world, driving the growth of the two most powerful new forces in the global economy – cyberspace and computing power. In turn, these are creating formidable new challenges for all organisations. This article describes these new and emergent technologies. It then looks at their effects on traditional “second‐wave” organisations and management practices in recent years and their potential impact over the next 20 years. It goes on to examine some ways that leaders of organisations can deal with the impact of new technologies on their organisations and employees. It concludes by leaving the reader with some, as yet, unanswered questions about these new technologies and their possible effects on organisations in the near future.
Ethical preferences of transformational leaders: an empirical investigation
Authors: Banerji Priyanka , Krishnan Venkat R.
Published: July 2002

This study looked at the relationship between the four factors of transformational leadership – charisma, inspirational leadership, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration – and the leader’s preference for unethical behavior. Five ethical scenarios – bribery, endangering the physical environment, lying, personal gain, and favoritism – were studied using a sample of 100 pairs of managers and subordinates from four multinational organizations in India. Relationships between the leader’s ethical preferences and three outcomes – followers’ willingness to put in extra effort, perceived effectiveness, and satisfaction – were also analyzed. Findings indicate that inspirational leadership is negatively related to the leader’s preference for bribery and favoritism, and intellectual stimulation is negatively related to preference for bribery. Charisma and individualized consideration are not related to the leader’s ethical preferences. Followers’ willingness to put in extra effort is also negatively related to the leader’s preference for bribery and favoritism. Results also suggest that organizational culture might moderate the relationship between transformational leadership and ethics.
Novel brush drive robotic tractor for sewer and water main inspection and maintenance
Authors: Appleton E. , Stutchbury N.W.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes a novel drive mechanism for a robotic tractor for traversing pipelines, including sewers, in a poor condition. Traction is obtained by the reciprocating motion of two cylindrical brushes of a diameter larger than the pipe bore. The brushes move forwards down the pipe but grip the pipe wall to resist backward translation. A simple analytical model of the gripping mechanism is described. Three tractors here have been designed, manufactured and used on 20 field trials. The sewers inspected were initially considered to be uninspectable using conventional tractors. The novel tractors were easily able to deal with the majority of the sewers and the paper describes the three most difficult cases, illustrating the considerable capability of the tractors to deal with extremely poor sewer conditions.
Approaches for commissioning time reduction
Authors: Bernhardt Rolf
Published: July 2002

States that manufacturing lines cannot be used for production during commissioning and that it is therefore always the goal to reduce the necessary efforts to a maximum extent. Starts with a description of the state‐of‐the‐art in this field based on the situation in the automotive industry. Additionally lists RTD fields to overcome these problems. Goes on to present methods and software tools aiming at a tremendous decrease in efforts required today.
The McKibben muscle and its use in actuating robot‐arms showing similarities with human arm behaviour
Authors: Tondu Bertrand , Lopez Pierre
Published: July 2002

Describes the McKibben muscle and its major properties. Outlines the analogy between this artificial muscle and the skeletal muscle. Describes the actuator composed of two McKibben muscles set into antagonism based on the model of the biceps‐triceps system, and explains its natural compliance in analogy with our joint litheness. Reports some control experiments developed on a two d.o.f. robot actuated by McKibben muscles which emphasize the ability of these robot‐arms to move in contact with their environment as well as moving loads of high ratio to the robot’s own weight. Also outlines control difficulties and accuracy limitations and discusses applications.
Robots score at grinding and polishing
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: July 2002

The benefits and advantages that robots bring to the grinding and polishing of complex and awkward shaped components is reviewed. They are illustrated with examples from industries as varied as automotive and medical engineering. In the first of these, laminated glass windows for armed vehicles are ground on their periphery with a robot‐manipulated grinding tool with high productivity and low part damage. In another, the technology to grind water tap bodies developed in Sweden is transferred to a South Korean company to improve output and quality. Finally, in the grinding of artificial knee joints, robots are shown to deliver the necessary levels of accuracy and surface finish as well as the production rates for one orthopaedic implant manufacturer.
Collision avoidance using potential fields
Authors: Juang Jih‐Gau
Published: July 2002

Control of manipulator collision avoidance by using computer‐aided potential field method is studied. A repulsive force is artificially created using the distances between the robot links and obstacles, which are generated by a distance computation algorithm. Typical approaches for definition of link coordinate frames and kinematics computations are adopted. Control gains in the potential field control model are selected with respect to the ranges of the angular velocity and angular acceleration of an industrial robot. Results on collision detection and collision avoidance control are presented. Using a high‐speed personal computer, real‐time manipulator control was achieved. From the results, changing repulsive force gain can change the safety distance. This makes the safety zone adjustable and provides greater intelligence for robotic tasks under the ever‐changing environment.
Telexistence and R‐Cubed
Authors: Tachi Susumu
Published: July 2002

Telexistence (tele‐existence) is technology which enables a human being to have a real time sensation of being at a remote location, while giving the person the ability to interact with the remote and/or virtual environments. He or she can “telexist” (tele‐exist) in a real environment where the robot exists or in a virtual environment that a computer has generated. It is also possible to telexist in a mixed environment of real and virtual, which is called augmented telexistence. The concept of telexistence, i.e. virtual existence in a remote or computer‐generated environment, has developed into a national R&D scheme called R‐Cubed (Real‐time Remote Robotics). Based on the scheme the National R&D Project of “Humanoid and Human Friendly Robotics”, Humanoid Robotics Project (HRP) in short, was launched in April 1998. This is an effort to integrate telerobotics, network technology and virtual reality into networked telexistence.
Camera‐based colour inspection
Authors: Nobbs J.H. , Connolly C.
Published: July 2002

Camera‐based colour measurement systems have application where it is difficult to apply a contact instrument, or where the contact instrument, because of its fixed lighting geometry, does not provide the necessary data. The paper describes the principles, procedures and precautions necessary for camera based colorimetry. Equations are presented to convert digitised R G and B values, which are system specific, into CIE X Y Z colour values, an international standard method of colour specification. It is reported that colours spaced equally in RGB values appear to have visual colour difference steps varying in size by as much as 30:1 through the different regions. The poorest colour resolution occurs for RGB values that represent dark or strongly coloured shades. At least ten bits per channel digitisation of RGB values is required to achieve a colour resolution similar to the human visual system for dark, intense shades.
An introduction to time‐frequency signal analysis
Authors: Lin Zhiyue
Published: July 2002

Provides an introduction to the field of time‐frequency analysis by reviewing four important and popular used time‐frequency analysis methods with focus on the principles and implementation. The basic idea of time‐frequency analysis is to understand and describe situations where the frequency content of a signal is changing in time. Although time‐frequency analysis had its origin almost 50 years ago, significant advances have occurred in the past 15 years or so. Recently, the time‐frequency representation has received considerable attention as a powerful tool for analysing a variety of signals and systems.
The challenge of management development in the Baltic States in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Manning Peter A. , Poljeva Tatyana
Published: July 2002

One of the most important transitions going on in the newly independent nations of the former Soviet Union involves training managers and their associates who are working to establish a free market‐based economy within a pluralistic democratic setting. This article highlights the problems and prospects of this transformation, using the Baltic states as an example. Its purpose is twofold. It presents insight for those who want to understand the changes better. It supports the efforts of those who plan and implement managerial development programs in these settings.
Parliamentary accountability and technology evaluation: the Australian spaceport project
Authors: Jarman A.M.G.
Published: July 2002

Over the past 20 years, many international scholars have noted the relative decline of the advisory influence of conventional “think tanks” and the relative rise of management consultants and “ideological” groups. The paper presents an alternative formulation whereby an Australian Senate Committee concerning space‐launch capabilities operated as a parliamentary “think tank”. In so doing, it led to significant changes in policy processes within government, structure of both policy advice and operational agencies and, in part, informally coordinated the work of ongoing official enquiries into more general space policy matters. The case study provides a rare example of the efficacy of the Senate as an instrument of both ex ante policy making and post hoc governmental accountability.
Evaluation of defect influencing factors in public housing in the UK
Authors: Olubodun Femi , Mole Trevor
Published: July 2002

This paper sets out to analyse and interpret factors which bear upon building components and to explore underlying relationships among the number of building components forming a construction entity. The research hypothesis was set as follows: building surveyors do not agree in assessing the strength of each of design, construction, age, changing standards and vandalism as a causative factor for defects on building components. Previous studies have established the factors pertaining to defects in the building structure. What is in dispute is the extent to which these factors are important in causing defects. The objective of the study presented in this paper is therefore to assess the impact of each of five key factors ‐ design, construction, standards, vandalism and age ‐ on 28 selected building components with the aid of questionnaire information provided by 45 local authority building surveyors involved in the day‐to‐day diagnosis of defects in public housing stock. In so doing, the tangible influence of the factors in terms of how they affect defect causation in building components for the sample is established.
A review of the BURA awards for best practice in urban regeneration
Authors: Jones Peter , Gripaios Peter
Published: July 2002

The British Urban Renewal Association’s (BURA) “Best Practice” annual awards were launched in 1991 to recognise outstanding examples of urban regeneration. Since then some 46 projects have been successful and they embrace many aspects of urban regeneration. This paper provides a case study of the “Best Practice” awards which begins with an outline of the awards criteria, principally economic contribution, environmental impact, sustainability, catalysis and community benefit. A sample of award winning schemes is used to provide some illustrative flavour of the range of projects deemed to have demonstrated best practice and this is followed by a discussion of how winning projects have sought to demonstrate fulfilling the award criteria. In many cases environmental improvements have generated obvious and immediate impacts and they are vitally important in providing a platform for economic and community benefits but it is the ability to self‐sustain these benefits which may deliver the long‐term judgement on urban regeneration.
Neural network‐based parameter estimation for non‐linear finite element analyses
Authors: Okuda Hiroshi , Yoshimura Shinobu , Yagawa Genki , Matsuda Akihiro
Published: July 2002

Describes the parameter estimation procedures for the non‐linear finite element analysis using the hierarchical neural network. These procedures can be classified as the neural network based inverse analysis, which has been investigated by the authors. The optimum values of the parameters involved in the non‐linear finite element analysis are generally dependent on the configuration of the analysis model, the initial condition, the boundary condition, etc., and have been determined in a heuristic manner. The procedures to estimate such multiple parameters consist of the following three steps: a set of training data, which is produced over a number of non‐linear finite element computations, is prepared; a neural network is trained using the data set; the neural network is used as a tool for searching the appropriate values of multiple parameters of the non‐linear finite element analysis. The present procedures were tested for the parameter estimation of the augmented Lagrangian method for the steady‐state incompressible viscous flow analysis and the time step evaluation of the pseudo time‐dependent stress analysis for the incompressible inelastic structure.
Finite element modelling of ceramics and glass
Authors: Mackerle Jaroslav
Published: July 2002

This paper gives a bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied to the analysis of ceramics and glass materials. The bibliography at the end of the paper contains references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations on the subject that were published between 1977‐1998. The following topics are included:ceramics– material and mechanical properties in general, ceramic coatings and joining problems, ceramic composites, ferrites, piezoceramics, ceramic tools and machining, material processing simulations, fracture mechanics and damage, applications of ceramic/composites in engineering;glass– material and mechanical properties in general, glass fiber composites, material processing simulations, fracture mechanics and damage, and applications of glasses in engineering.
Unpackaging the multiple aspects of time in polychronicity
Authors: Palmer David K. , Schoorman F. David
Published: July 2002

Research on polychronicity generally treats time use preference, context, and time tangibility as isomorphic variables that can be represented on a single continuum. An alternative model of temporality that treats these variables as independent dimensions is presented. This model is tested in a sample of 258 middle and senior level executives representing more than 200 organizations and 25 countries. Correlations among the variables and confirmatory factor analyses provide support for the multidimensional view of polychronicity. Further classification provided evidence that all eight possible configurations of the three variables can and do exist. The most frequent “type” reflected a polyphasic time use preference, low context, and high time tangible profile. This profile fits the description of Type A behavior pattern adding support for the multidimensional view.
Electronics Packaging Technology Update: BGA, CSP, DCA and Flip Chip
Authors: Lau J.H.
Published: July 2002

The explosive growth of high‐density packaging has created a tremendous impact on the electronics assembly and manufacturing industry. Ball Grid Array (BGA), Chip Scale Packaging (CSP), Direct Chip Attach (DCA), and flip‐chip technologies are taking the lead in this advanced manufacturing process. Many major equipment makers and leading electronic companies are now gearing up for these emerging and advanced packaging technologies. In this paper, they will be briefly discussed.
A low‐cost solder‐bumped chip scale package ‐NuCSP
Authors: Lau John H. , Chang Chris , Chen Tony , Cheng David , Lao Eric
Published: July 2002

A new solder‐bumped flip chip land grid array (LGA) chip scale package (CSP) called NuCSP is presented in this paper. NuCSP is a minimized body size package with a rigid substrate (interposer). The design concept is to utilize the interposer to redistribute the very fine pitch peripheral pads on the solder‐bumped chip to much larger pitch area‐array pads on the printed circuit board (PCB). Using conventional PCB substrate manufacturing processes, NuCSP offers a very low‐cost package suitable for memory chips and low pin‐count application‐specific ICs (ASICs). Also, NuCSP is surface mount technology (SMT) compatible and can be joined to the PCB with a 6‐mil (0.15mm) thick 63wt %Sn‐37% Pb solder paste.
Reliability comparison of different surface finishes on copper
Authors: Yee Shelgon , Ladhar Harjinder
Published: July 2002

This paper focuses on the comparative study on reliability performance of various surface coatings. Only brief descriptions of coating processes, material physical properties, costs, and their applications are given.
Multiculturalism and libraries: and still the battle rages
Authors: Barter Richard
Published: July 2002

Multiculturalism continues to be a major, and divisive, issue as developed countries around the world adjust to a more pluralistic society. These societal issues are reflected in the provision of library service, especially libraries serving children, and the publishing of children’s literature. Consideration of the controversies caused by this conflict, especially in the USA, Canada and the UK, highlights the desirability (and inevitability) of pluralism as a touchstone for the provision of library service. Defines the terms, clarifies the historical context, and samples the recent literature.
Automating a large library in Nigeria: the story so far
Authors: Ekpenyong Georgina D.
Published: July 2002

The University of Ibadan Library is the first largest library to automate its library services in Nigeria. It is now a focal point for library automation in the country. Highlights the span of library automation in this library and also reflects the impact of the World Bank Book Project started in 1991 in research and teaching in the university.
SMEs and barriers to skills development: a Scottish perspective
Authors: Lange Thomas , Ottens Mélanie , Taylor Andrea
Published: July 2002

Reviews and elaborates on some of the major skills development barriers for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The analysis reveals the influence of the prevalent SME culture to be significant. Other barriers that are identified refer to awareness, finance, access and provision of training and other skills development opportunities. By highlighting the difficulties that SMEs face in deciding to advance the skills of their workforce more formally, some government strategies are also discussed. The paper does this by reference to a number of recent qualitative and quantitative studies undertaken to investigate the attitude of Scottish SMEs towards learning and skills. The paper concludes by arguing that the continuous creation of new skills strategies, new initiatives, new (and at times misleading) names and labels in recent years has added to an apparent state of confusion among small and medium‐sized companies and their employees.
Conceptual modelling for technology assessment of IT systems ‐ smart cards and health information systems
Authors: Hornung Bernd R. , Adilova Fatima T.
Published: July 2002

A method peculiar to sociocybernetics as a paradigm is dynamic simulation. In the case of information technological (IT) systems, which are socio‐technical systems, a qualitative (conceptual, cognitive) approach is more appropriate than a quantitative one. Already intermediate results of conceptual work aimed at a computer model have been found useful. Illustrates this via three case studies from IT in health care, in which the sociocybernetic problem‐functionalist conceptual (SPC) modelling technique was used. Two studies are from the “EUROCARDS Concerted Action on Extending the Use of Patient Data Cards”; the third concerns the development of health information systems in the Aral Basin. In all cases, a wide variety of information and materials was needed for modelling. To keep track of this, proposes a sociocybernetic standard variable number (SC‐SVN).
Systems interpretation of the concept of alienation
Authors: Misheva Vessela
Published: July 2002

The theory of autopoietic social systems (Luhmann) is used as an explanatory framework for such historico‐sociological puzzles as the origins of social crisis, totalitarianism, the appearance of the crowd, the mass extermination of internal enemies (scapegoats), and the modern emergence of sociology itself. All of these seemingly incompatible phenomena have a connection with one particular emotion, namely, alienation, which is utilized as an integrative concept. On the basis of an elaboration of the concept of systems medium, social crisis is analysed as being solicited by a reduced availability of whatever systemic medium is most important in a given society.
Credit card consumers: college students’ knowledge and attitude
Authors: Warwick Jacquelyn , Mansfield Phylis
Published: July 2002

Given the proliferation of the credit card industry in today’s US households, and the aggressive promotional tactics employed to get college students to sign on as customers, this exploratory study takes a look at the credit card activity of college students at one Midwestern campus. The majority of students surveyed did not report knowledge of their credit card interest rate, although approximately half did report knowing their credit balance and credit limit. Students appear to have a realistic attitude toward the use of credit cards.
Management skills from different educational settings
Authors: Burggraaf Willem
Published: July 2002

Describes research conducted in The Netherlands in the spring of 1992 among students of higher educational and academic institutions. The research set out to discover whether living in a room, student house or residential on campus contribute to the development of certain skills ‐ in particular, management skills. Concludes that the skills which halls of residence students acquire are in the field of planning and organizing activities, while the skills of students living in a student house are more in the areas of control and co‐ordination. Argues that, beside the compulsory nature of an educational programme, professional socialization effects are also generated by groups of friends, the influence of a student society, the work experience of the student and also the way the type of housing for the student is organized.
Americans abroad: student characteristics, pre‐departure qualifications and performance abroad
Authors: Thomas Scott L. , McMahon Mary E.
Published: July 2002

This paper considers the relationship between admissions criteria and subsequent academic performance in a university‐level special study program, using the example of study abroad. The University of California Education Abroad Program (EAP), perhaps the largest single study abroad entity, provides the data and institutional setting for this study. Based on a study of nearly 1,600 students over a five‐year period, we describe student characteristics associated with participation, with special attention to diversity issues; we explore factors associated with academic performance abroad; we investigate minimum academic qualifications associated with academic “success” in the study program. Findings show marked variations in the demographic characteristics of students participating in the program and that students’ pre‐departure academic performance and foreign language proficiency are positively related to academic performance abroad. It is also shown that some students admitted to the program by exception do perform at equivalent levels.
Protecting competition in a global market: the pursuit of an international competition policy
Authors: McGowan Lee
Published: July 2002

As transnational capital continues to seek fair access to all international markets and increasingly, a global level playing field, so competition policy has emerged as a highly salient issue. This article sets out specifically to explore the international dimension of competition policy. Although it readily accepts the economic and trade rationale for some form of common international rules, and to this end briefly accounts for earlier attempts and current strategies of policy coordination within international bodies from the G7, the WTO and the European Union, it raises doubts as to its immediate attainability. Competition policy not only remains a complex issue, but any efforts to establish some form of global regime necessitates consideration of the process and likelihood of policy convergence, and crucially demands that issues of governance including accountability and transparency are openly discussed. As a regional entity it is argued that the EU represents the best model for an international accord on competition policy.
Cooperative agreements in Spain after its integration into the European Union
Authors: García‐Canal Esteban
Published: July 2002

During this current decade, many studies analyzing the use of co‐operative agreements by Spanish firms have been realized. Analyzes the results of these papers to determine if the main features of alliances signed by Spanish firms coincide with those observed in other studies on co‐operative agreements having a European or a worldwide focus. The results of the analysis show that, although a good deal of similarity can be found, certain singularities also exist that can be interpreted as a consequence of the integration of Spain into the European Union.
Taiwan: from sub‐contractor to regional operations centre
Authors: Maguire Keith
Published: July 2002

Taiwan has been one of the economic success stories of East Asia. It has moved from a position of backwardness to being at the forefront of technological development in a number of key sectors such as computing. It has progessed from being a sub‐contractor to being a major regional operations centre. Once Taiwan was associated with goods that were cheap but had low quality. Now it has established a number of brand names that are regarded globally as being of the highest quality.
Assembling textile structures: wear simulation
Authors: Domingues J.P. , Manich A.M. , Sauri R.M. , Barella A.
Published: July 2002

Plans a wear simulation of assembled textile structures by sewing, basing the study on the submission of standardized seams carried out on 40 wool fabrics and blends containing wool to a series of 20 cycles of fatigue, including: washing, drying and submission to a static mechanical load under determined characteristics and steam ironing. Seams in the warp and weft directions were performed on. Examines the following parameters: fabric strength and elongation to break; seam strength and slippage; seam efficiency; seams’ opening limit and both the modulus at 1mm and at break, along the fatigue cycles. Analyses results obtained in function of the seam directions and fatigue cycles.
Fundamentals of product family architecture
Authors: Jiao Jianxin , Tseng Mitchell M.
Published: July 2002

Recognizing the rationale of a product family architecture (PFA) with respect to design for mass customization (DFMC), this paper discusses the fundamental issues underlying a PFA, including product information modeling, structural implications of product families, functional variety versus technical variety, class‐member relationships inherent in variety, modularity and commonality, PFA design spaces, and PFA composition. The background research is reviewed in terms of product architecture and modularity, product platform and product families, and product modeling and design process models. To organize product varieties in DFMC, a PFA should be described from three different perspectives, namely the functional (as seen from customer, sales and marketing viewpoints), behavioral (as seen from the product technology or design engineer perspective) and structural (as seen from the fulfillment or manufacturing and logistic perspective). Meeting diverse customer requirements and achieving volume economy simultaneously can be best achieved by synchronizing these three perspectives. In fact, the mappings between PFA views manifest the cooperative effort among different business functions, whilst three PFA views facilitate the integration of different phases of product development.
Moving into the third, outer domain of teacher satisfaction
Authors: Dinham Steve , Scott Catherine
Published: July 2002

Models of teacher satisfaction post‐Herzberg have generally presented two mutually exclusive domains of teacher satisfaction/dissatisfaction. However, use of a survey with 2,000 teachers and school executive in England, New Zealand and Australia has provided evidence for a third domain of teacher satisfaction/dissatisfaction grounded in the wider environment surrounding the school, a domain which has grown in importance and influence and which teachers and school executive find uniformly dissatisfying. This outer domain has acted to erode overall teacher satisfaction in contravention of the general principles of “two‐factor” theories of job satisfaction. It is argued that teachers, schools, and others with an interest in education, need to build bridges, forge partnerships and actively participate in educational discourse with members of this outer domain. Further, educational systems and governments need to look within the outer domain of teacher satisfaction for answers to the problems currently facing teachers, schools and society.
The Influence of Thermal Conditions on Teachers’ Work and Student
Performance
Authors: Smith Richard , Bradley Graham
Published: July 2002

Using the Schools Council initiative to construct a Teaching Charter as
an example, proposes that the orthodox analysis of the relationships
between teachers′ work and student performance is incomplete. To this
end, research into climatic conditions that affect human physical,
emotional and cognitive performance is reviewed. Argues that Australian
educational research and policy have ignored the potential of direct and
indirect effects of thermal conditions to influence school outcomes
adversely. Concludes that there is a case for educational research and
policy to account for climatic factors, especially the interactions
between social, psychological, cultural and thermal variables in the
formulation of teacher and student performance standards.
Education Reforms and Professional Development of Principals: Implications for Universities
Authors: Johnson Neil
Published: July 2002

The current thrust towards devolution of power to schools has altered and expanded the principal′s role. Principals are being made responsible for school review and planning, local selection of staff, school‐based staff development, performance appraisal, financial management, and the establishment of school councils. Principals need professional development to cope successfully with these new requirements. Reviews the immediate administrative training needs of school leaders, and then examines the dilemma universities face in providing appropriate administrative development. A new fee‐paying programme is proposed as a way for universities to fulfil academic responsibilities while providing school leaders with knowledge, skills and confidence for their emerging school self‐management responsibilities.
School effectiveness in East Asia
Authors: Cheng Kai‐ming , Wong Kam‐cheung
Published: July 2002

Identifies several features in East Asian schools which coincide with commonly recognized characteristics of effective schools in the Western literature: community support, teacher professionalism, attention to quality and high expectations. Attributes this to the East Asian culture and discusses three major dimensions of the East Asian culture: the individual‐community dimension, the effort‐ability dichotomy and the holistic‐analytic tendency in analyses. Traces the origin of such cultural dimensions in the ancient literature and explores the implications of such cultural dimensions in school management. Briefly highlights two major challenges to the adoption of an effective schooling system in East Asia.
Experience, meaning and principal development
Authors: Nan Restine L.
Published: July 2002

Presents an exploratory study of principals’ (n= 104) experience, meaning, and learning and development in the contexts of pre‐service, preparation, and over the career span using qualitative methods of in‐depth interview and narrative analysis. Reports that the nature and quality of experiences in pre‐service influenced interpretations of experiences in preparation and practice and, similarly, the meaning of experiences in practice were influenced by experiences in preparation. Also reveals that striking contrasts emerged in the interpretations of experience by principals who were prepared in traditional and non‐traditional programmes. Concludes that the meaning of building human capacity through involvement, opportunity, participation, and advocacy was particularly consistent across the career span.
Supply‐chain re‐engineering using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems: an analysis of a SAP R/3 implementation case
Authors: Al‐Mashari Majed , Zairi Mohamed
Published: July 2002

The development of enterprise resource planning (ERP) packages has created an opportunity to re‐engineer supply chains within and beyond the organizational scope. Most notably, SAP R/3 has been widely implemented to create value‐oriented supply chains that enable a high level of integration, improve communication within internal and external business networks, and enhance the decision‐making process. Though many organizations have reported dramatic improvements from SAP R/3 implementation, others have experienced difficulties in getting the R/3 modules aligned with other business components and systems. Describes a case study of a failed implementation of SAP R/3 to re‐engineer the supply‐chain and business processes of a major manufacturer. Lessons, in terms of factors that led to failure and their future implications, are discussed in the light of the contrasting experiences of several best practice companies. Based on the overall analysis, a framework for effective implementation of SAP R/3 is proposed.
The role of marketing in supply chain management
Authors: Min Soonhong , Mentzer John T.
Published: July 2002

The concept of supply chain management (SCM) started in the logistics literature, and logistics has continued to have a significant impact on the concept. This study, however, proposes that the concepts of the marketing concept, a market orientation, relationship marketing, and SCM are not separate. Rather they are inextricably intertwined. The main purpose of this study is to highlight the role of marketing in the implementation of SCM by suggesting cause‐and‐effect relationships. Research propositions are presented and future empirical studies are called for to test the cause‐and‐effect relationships suggested in an integrative model.
ISO 9000 and performance of small tourism enterprises: a focus on Westons Cider Company
Authors: Augustyn Marcjanna M. , Pheby John D.
Published: July 2002

While the tourism industry generally rejects ISO 9000 as a standard irrelevant for this sector, the article aims to assess potential impacts of ISO 9000 accreditation upon the performance of small tourism enterprises (STEs). Limited research within this area encouraged the use of primary research techniques for collecting the relevant data. Due to an insufficient number of STEs fulfilling the sampling criteria, a case study approach was adopted with Westons Cider constituting its subject. The research revealed that ISO 9000 significantly contributed to the improved performance of this company. The benefits and advantages of the ISO 9000 system depend, however, on the age of the system and are subject to a company’s conformance to critical success factors. The study also uncovered that the usefulness of ISO 9000 needs to be assessed against the particular situation of an individual company rather than against the sector to which a company belongs.
Parallelization of the finite volume method for radiation heat transfer
Authors: Coelho P.J. , Gonçalves J.
Published: July 2002

The finite volume method for radiative heat transfer calculations has been parallelized using two strategies, the angular domain decomposition and the spatial domain decomposition. In the first case each processor performs the calculations for the whole domain and for a subset of control angles, while in the second case each processor deals with all the control angles but only treats a spatial subdomain. The method is applied to three‐dimensional rectangular enclosures containing a grey emitting‐absorbing medium. The results obtained show that the number of iterations required to achieve convergence is independent of the number of processors in the angular decomposition strategy, but increases with the number of processors in the domain decomposition method. As a consequence, higher parallel efficiencies are obtained in the first case. The influence of the angular discretization, grid size and absorption coefficient of the medium on the parallel performance is also investigated.
The use of assessment criteria to ensure consistency of marking: some implications for good practice
Authors: Saunders Mark N.K. , Davis Susan M.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the use of criteria in assessment of undergraduate dissertations. Illustrates how criteria can integrate both analytical and global quality measures of students’ work. Drawing from an analysis of assessments of an undergraduate dissertation argues that criteria need to be debated periodically if consistency is to be maintained. Highlights the importance of clear assessment procedures and emphasises that these procedures need not constrain lecturers. Concludes with discussion of implications for good practice in assessment. Appendices provide an example of an assessment procedure and criteria.
Quality assurance in South Africa
Authors: Kistan Chandru
Published: July 2002

Worldwide, higher education is undergoing major changes in its organisation. In this context, the concept of quality assurance control has emerged as a primary instrument for evaluating performance and accountability in higher education systems. South Africa is the latest candidate for a nationally imported system of quality assurance in the wake of several policy and legal initiatives to transform higher education after the demise of apartheid. Several contemporary developments, notably the South African Higher Education Bill and the Education White Paper 3 (Higher Education) are part of the government’s commitment to transform higher education. This paper will briefly discuss the origins and nature of quality assurance in South Africa. The article also critically reviews a number of conceptual frameworks about quality in higher education in order to develop a better and shared understanding of, and appropriate responses to quality assurance.
A consensus ranking for information system requirements
Authors: Shi Yong , Specht Pamela , Stolen Justin
Published: July 2002

In allocating scarce resources to a new information system (IS), a non‐trivial task becomes the determination of a best priority ranking of the IS’s intangible information requirements. Given a set of individual users’ rankings of the information requirements, illustrates, through a real‐world case study, a streamlined consensus priority ranking (SCPR) method based on a concept of minimizing the disagreement (distance) between individual rankings. Compared to a traditional weighted ranking method, the SCPR method is easy to understand, systematic and requires no weighting methodology. Thus, the SCPR method can help the system development team make efficient decisions when allocating resources for a new information system.