bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential others: anthropology and the return of the old savage
Authors: Hazan Haim
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Old age, in its most intense and extreme aspects involving frailty, dementia, Alzheimer's and death, is more often ignored rather than discussed in contemporary anthropology, remaining largely inaudible and invisible. This paper explores the marginal position of the study of old age in contemporary anthropology against the backdrop of the prominence of the post‐colonial agenda. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the comparison between the neglected Third Age and the abundantly discussed Third World in the context of the anthropological discourse on others.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper on ageing.

Findings

This paper explores the marginal position of the study of old age in contemporary anthropology against the backdrop of the prominence of the post‐colonial agenda. The comparison between the neglected Third Age and the abundantly discussed Third World is discussed in the context of the anthropological discourse on others. Studying the old‐as‐other reveals two types of alterity: that which is culturally constructed as different vs that which is essentially different. The others that dominate the agenda of contemporary anthropology are culturally constructed, while the old‐as‐other is an ontological essence. The condition of being old, it is argued, is essentially beyond culture, constituting an extra‐cultural materiality. As such, the old‐as‐other does not answer to the anthropological dictum of representing the “natives' point of view” and cannot fit the contemporary hermeneutics of anthropological relativism. Contemporary anthropology, which resists essential objects such as the savage and the old, thus ignores the raw materiality of old age while producing ethnographically‐informed commentaries on eldercare.

Originality/value

The paper is original in highlighting the juxtaposition between the savage and old age that is used to facilitate an understanding of the contemporary discipline of anthropology as a regime of social constructionism, which fails to confront and represent the bare materiality of old age.
The sociological construction of ageing: lessons for theorising
Authors: Powell Jason L. , Hendricks Jon
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this concluding paper is to reflect on the theories of ageing well delineated by the papers of the special issue. It sets research themes that social theorists of ageing should reflect upon in creating conceptual tools to understanding the power dynamics of older people and modern society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an overview of the key issues that have been found by theories introduced throughout the special edition. It attempts to look ahead to seeing how social theory and ageing will need to be strengthened so that theory and experiences are inter‐locked.

Findings

This concluding paper cites how social theory can be analysed in variety of international and national contexts that gives an holistic and not eurocentric approach to social gerontology.

Originality/value

The paper is original in that it points to the future challenges social gerontology in terms of theorising ageing. The great value of social theory is that it provides critical questions about the nature of modern society and the implications this has for older people. This is original in getting researchers to see the creative use of theories of ageing.
Characterization and optimization of a permanent magnet synchronous machine
Authors: Sergeant Peter , Crevecoeur Guillaume , Dupré Luc , Van den Bossche Alex
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The first purpose of this paper is to identify – by an inverse problem – the unknown material characteristics in a permanent magnet synchronous machine in order to obtain a numerical model that is a realistic representation of the machine. The second purpose is to optimize the machine geometrically – using the accurate numerical model – for a maximal torque to losses ratio. Using the optimized geometry, a new machine can be manufactured that is more efficient than the original.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2D finite element model of the machine is built, using a nonlinear material characteristic that contains three parameters. The parameters are identified by an inverse problem, starting from torque measurements. The validation is based on local BH‐measurements on the stator iron.

Findings

Geometrical parameters of the motor are optimized at small load (low‐stator currents) and at full load (high‐stator currents). If the optimization is carried out for a small load, the stator teeth are chosen wider in order to reduce iron loss. An optimization at full load results in a larger copper section so that the copper loss is reduced.

Research limitations/implications

The identification of the material parameters is influenced by the tolerance on the air gap – shown by a sensitivity analysis in the paper – and by 3D effects, which are not taken into account in the 2D model.

Practical implications

The identification of the material parameters guarantees that the numerical model describes the real material properties in the machine, which may be different from the properties given by the manufacturer because of mechanical stress and material degradation.

Originality/value

The optimization is more accurate because the material properties, used in the numerical model, are determined by the solution of an inverse problem that uses measurements on the machine.
Applications of nonlinear estimation techniques
Authors: Brown Aaron S. , Hardiman David F.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis on using two non‐conventional nonlinear estimating filters compared to the traditional linearized extended Kalman filter (EKF). This analysis will look at two state‐of‐the‐art applications and will provide insight to the problems associated with these applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was to simulate both applications with three different filter designs: EKF, unscented Kalman filter, and particle filter. After results and explanations are given for both applications, then there is a comparison of results between the two applications to compare and contrast their findings.

Findings

This research shows how critical it is when selecting a filter for different applications. Not only is tuning the filter properly a necessity, but choosing a filter that is optimum for the application also greatly affects the accuracy and precision of the results.

Research limitations/implications

As these filter methods are proven feasible for these applications, testing can move beyond simulation. Further research could compare other nonlinear filters to these results to determine if a better estimation technique exists.

Practical implications

This paper shows a lot of the issues one must face when choosing an estimation technique for their application as well as the impact the technique can have on the outcome.

Originality/value

This paper clearly describes the decision‐making criteria in regards to these two specific applications. These two applications are current technological problems that many are trying to solve. This paper shows where and why errors in calculations occur. It also offers insight into different ways to solve these problems when the specific application is taken into account.
A method of analysing the thermal field in a three‐zone polymeric cable
Authors: Gołębiowski Jerzy , Zaręba Marek
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of solving a thermal conduction equation in three‐zone axially‐symmetrical systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In the method developed, the field functions are determined in the analytical way by the superposition of states and separation of variables method. The coefficients of the field functions and eigenvalues of the boundary‐initial problem are computed by the numerical method. The coefficients are the solution to the corresponding sets of equations. These sets are the result of scalar products of non‐orthogonal functions at the respective zones of the cable. The eigenvalues are determined by an algorithm, which uses the field properties and elements of the golden cut method.

Findings

The method made it possible to develop a mathematical model of the dynamics of the thermal field in a polymer DC cable. This model has good physical interpretation. The paper also presents the field distributions determined in an analytical form. Some arguments of the expressions derived are however computed numerically. The results obtained by the paper's method and by the finite elements methods were compared. The relative differences are less than 6 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

The method concerns axially‐symmetrical three‐zone systems under nominal conditions.

Practical implications

By means of the method important parameters of DC lines can be determined (e.g. spatial‐temporal heat‐up curves, admissible sustained currents, time constants).

Originality/value

An analytical‐numerical method of analysis of the thermal field in a three‐zone axially‐symmetrical system was developed. Its original element is the algorithm of determination of eigenvalues of the boundary‐initial problem and coefficients of non‐orthogonal field functions.
Analytical drain current model for nanoscale strained‐Si/SiGe MOSFETs
Authors: Batwani Himanshu , Gaur Mayank , Jagadesh Kumar M.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical drain current model for output characteristics of strained‐Si/SiGe bulk MOSFET.

Design/methodology/approach

A physics‐based model for current output characteristics and transconductance of strained‐Si/SiGe bulk devices has been developed incorporating the impact of strain (in terms of equivalent Ge mole fraction), strained silicon thin film thickness, gate work function, channel length and other device parameters. The accuracy of the results obtained using this model is verified by comparing them with 2D device simulations.

Findings

This model correctly predicts the output characteristics,IDS−VGScharacteristics, transconductance and output conductance of the strained‐Si/SiGe MOSFET and demonstrates a significant enhancement in the drain current of the MOSFET with increasing strain in the strained‐Si thin film, i.e. with increasing equivalent Ge concentration in the SiGe bulk.

Research limitations/implications

Can be implemented in a SPICE like simulator for studying circuit behaviour containing strained‐Si/SiGe bulk MOSFETs.

Practical implications

The model discussed in this paper can be easily implemented in a circuit simulator and used for the characterization of strained silicon devices. This complements the recent trend of investigation of new materials and device structures to maintain the rate of advancement in VLSI technology.

Originality/value

This paper presents, for the first time, a compact surface potential‐based analytical model for strained‐Si/SiGe MOSFETs which predicts the device characteristics reasonably well over their range of operation.
An efficient algorithm of transient responses on wind turbine towers struck by lightning
Authors: Xiaohui Wang , Xiaoqing Zhang , Dasheng Yang
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient algorithm for computing the transient responses on wind turbine (WT) towers struck by lightning.

Design/methodology/approach

The tower is modeled as an electric network and a set of formulas are given for calculating the related electrical parameters. The parameters of grounding rods are also proposed. Based on the numerical representation of the transient characteristics of inductive elements, the electric network is converted into an equivalent circuit. The transient responses are obtained from the equivalent circuit by using circuit analysis method.

Findings

The calculated results are in good agreement with results computed by a hybrid method in frequency and time domain, which demonstrating the validity of the proposed method.

Originality/value

The transient responses on WT towers struck by lightning are computed using the numerical calculation method directly in time domain and electric field, electromagnetic field and induced potentials will be computed from the responses directly, which can provide guidelines for lightning protection design.
Optimum regulation of DC sources in cascaded multi‐level inverters
Authors: Fathi S.H. , Hosseini Aghdam M.G. , Zahedi A. , Gharehpetian G.B.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new concept in selecting the values of the DC source voltages in cascaded multi‐level inverters in order to improve the output voltage THD.

Design/methodology/approach

In cascaded multi‐level inverters, it is usually assumed that the DC sources have the same constant voltage and output harmonics minimization is accomplished by applying proper switching angles. Employing different DC voltages with proper ratios can result in further reduction of the harmonics. After formulation of the system, i.e. describing the inverter's output voltage components in terms of the switching angles and unequal DC source voltages, a rule is applied to obtain the step heights of the staircase output waveform (DC source voltages), so that the output waveform becomes as close to the required fundamental sine wave as possible. Substituting the obtained DC source voltages into the harmonics elimination equations results in a set of equations, which are functions of switching angles only. Solving these equations leads to proper switching angles, which, regardless of the fundamental component's value, provide the specified harmonic conditions. The output voltage is then controlled by DC sources voltage regulation.

Findings

Computer simulations show that employing the proposed concept results in substantial improvement in the harmonic minimization, as well as, extending the operating range of the inverter, compared to the conventional methods with equal DC source voltage multi‐level inverters.

Originality/value

The proposed concept according to which the ratio of the DC source voltages are determined, is original.
A new model for a safety analysis in a system of earthing systems interconnected through bare‐buried conductors
Authors: Zizzo Gaetano , Campoccia Angelo , Riva Sanseverino Eleonora
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model for studying the effects of the interconnection through bare‐buried conductors (BBC) of the secondary substations' earthing system of an urban area.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed methodology is based on three main points: the solution of the transmission lines' equations for the formulation of a lumped parameters model of a BBC considering the conductive effect; the division of the distribution network into simpler sub‐systems; and the calculation of all the voltages and currents of the medium voltage (MV) network and of the earthing systems using a multiport approach.

Findings

The methodology has been applied to various situations giving precious information on the behaviour of the earthing systems interconnected by means of BBC in presence of conductive effect. The results of the simulation allow to quantify the reduction of the dangerous voltages appearing during an earth fault, in presence of interconnection between the secondary substations' earthing systems, realized by means of BBC.

Research limitations/implications

Some factors can influence the precision of the methodology. Indeed, for a correct simulation of the system it is necessary to know several electrical and geometrical parameters, among all the resistivity of the soil that, often, is known with a large degree of uncertainty.

Practical implications

Utilities are quite interested in this topic. The study of interconnected earthing systems in MV networks with the purpose of identifying safe extended areas named global earthing systems (GES) has important management and economic consequences.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original lumped parameters model of the BBC, able to simulate these elements with a high accuracy, also in presence of the conductive effect, and that can be easily included in the more general model of a distribution line, in order to perform the analytical study of the GES in MV networks. The model proposed allows one to overcome the limits of the application to the MV networks of similar models present in the literature for the study of the same topic in the high‐voltage networks.
A new sensorless hysteresis direct torque control algorithm for PMSM with minimum torque ripples
Authors: Ahmed Adam Ali , Gulez Kayhan
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new method for sensorless hysteresis direct torque control (HDTC) algorithm for permanent magnet synchronous motor to minimize torque ripple and electromagnetic interference (EMI) noises.

Design/methodology/approach

The design methodology is based on space vector modulation of electrical machines with digital vector control. MATLAB simulations supported with experimental study under C++ are used.

Findings

The simulation and experimental results of this proposed algorithm show adequate dynamic torque performance and considerable torque ripples reduction as well as lower current ripples, lower EMI noise level as compared to traditional HDTC.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to PMSM, however the research can be extended to include induction motor as well. In addition, the actual mathematical relation between the torque ripple and flux ripple can be studied to set the flux and torque bands width in reasonable value, and this relationship can be used to select switching time of the active selected vectors.

Practical implications

The implementation of the proposed algorithm in microcontroller embedded systems is described. It requires no PI controller in the torque control loop In addition, based on existence direct torque control equipment, it is only required to change the software switching algorithm, to provide smooth torque, given that the switching frequency of the inverter module is more than or equal to 15 kHz and the system is supplied with timers.

Originality/value

The algorithm used in this work utilizes the output of two hysteresis controllers used in the traditional HDTC to determine two adjacent switching vectors per one sample time. The algorithm also uses the magnitude of the torque error, magnitude of the flux error and stator flux position to select the switching time for the selected vectors to control the applied average voltage level in such a way that the torque ripple is minimized. The selection of the switching time of the selected active vectors utilizes novel table structure which reduces the complexity of calculation. This work is directed to designers of ac motor drive system who seek smooth torque performance as well as low EMI noise level.
Fault detection based on continuous wavelet transform and sensor fusion in electric motors
Authors: Ayaz Emine , Öztürk Ahmet , Şeker Serhat , Upadhyaya Belle R.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extract features from vibration signals measured from induction motors subjected to accelerated aging of bearings by fluting tests.

Design/methodology/approach

Aging tests were performed according to IEEE test procedures. The data acquisition involved the measurement of vibration signals using accelerometers that were installed on the bearings and on the motor casing. In this application, only two accelerometers, which were placed near the process end of the motor bearing, are used for data analysis and feature extraction studies. After the data collection, information from the two sensors was combined using simple sensor fusion method under the linearity conditions, and then spectral analysis and time‐scale analysis were performed. The fused vibration signal is decomposed into several scales using continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and its first scale is used to indicate the bearing degradation.

Findings

Bearing damage characterization was determined between 2‐4 kHz and some specific frequencies were calculated as harmonics of the bearing characteristic frequencies.

Research limitations/implications

The bearing damage characteristics used in this study is occurred by the experimental study. In terms of the methodology, the use of the CWT shows the fault characteristics from the initial case.

Practical implications

The experimental study and data acquisition are based on the accelerated aging of the motor bearings. Hence, the real aging is represented by the accelerated one. But, this situation reflects same properties of the aging occurred in industrial environments. The methodology is also applicable to the hardware application.

Originality/value

There are two important aspects of this research: the experimental study and the application of CWT to get the potential defects, which will appear as a failure in future, from the healthy case of the motor bearings.
Influence of foundation on pillar grounding system's characteristics
Authors: Cvetkovic Nenad N. , Rancic Predrag D.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate influence of the pillar concrete foundation approximated by a semiconducting semi‐sphere on the pillar grounding system.

Design/methodology/approach

Unknown current distributions and impedance of pillar grounding system, which consists of a ferro armature modelled as a single electrode inside concrete foundation, ring electrode and two earthing conductors, are determined in this paper. Concrete foundation is approximated by a semi‐spherical semiconducting inhomogeneity. The expressions for electric scalar potential are formed using the quasi‐stationary image theory, including a recently proposed Green's function for the point source in the presence of a semiconducting sphere. Based on the quasi‐stationary antenna model, unknown currents are determined solving the system of integral equations using the moment method and polynomial approximation for current distributions.

Findings

The influence of inhomogeneity is not negligible for real values of specific conductivity of the inhomogeneity domain. The same goes for earthing conductor influence, especially the one on electric scalar potential distribution on the ground surface.

Practical implications

Besides the analyzed system, the model is applicable for solving for example a grounding system in the vicinity of large holes in the ground (pond and small lake) filled with water, treated as semi‐sphere or near vertical container (silage and reservoir) having semi‐spherical basis with a lower one buried in the ground.

Originality/value

Obtained results give possibility to analyze influence of semiconducting ground inhomogenities, which can be treated as semi‐spherically shaped ones, on grounding system. It results in better accordance of projected and real grounding system's characteristics.
Student‐as‐aspirant: strategic implications for business education
Authors: Salem Khalifa Azaddin
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to propose a new metaphor, student‐as‐aspirant, which captures well the educational role of students, professors, and business schools. Second, to develop the strategic implications of this metaphor for the management of business schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of relevant literature is conducted and the underlying assumptions of previously suggested metaphors are exposed and challenged. The new metaphor has subsequently been developed based on a broader typology of business offerings.

Findings

The paper shows that the extant metaphors are inappropriate for they misrepresent the nature of learning as the core of business schools' offerings to their students. It concludes with the advantages of the student‐as‐aspirant metaphor.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations are centred on the difficulties faced by students, professors, and business schools in adopting the metaphor.

Practical implications

The metaphor has strategic implications ranging from stakeholders' expectations, to governance, structure, and strategy of business schools.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to use a typology of four distinct business offerings to propose a new metaphor that sensibly flows from the nature of the transformative learning as the core offering of business schools.
A counter‐intuitive view of the deductive research process
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to describe a counter‐intuitive view of the deductive research process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper should be seen as addressing a debatable subject where there is no “right” or “wrong”, but one which hopefully will stimulate and/or provoke a certain degree of afterthought and reflection. An applied approach to the research process is presented and discussed.

Findings

The paper contends that the counter‐intuitive approach illustrated may uncover pitfalls and flaws in research endeavours at an early stage of an intended research process.

Research limitations/implications

It is important that the four elements of idea, support, implications, and contribution are thought through properly in detail before too much investment in time and resources, as well as intellectual effort, has been made, in order to avoid frustration and discontent among involved stakeholders.

Practical implications

The paper contends that it is essential to dedicate and pay attention to the intended research process as a whole before actually going through with it.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the presented counter‐intuitive view of the deductive research process will assist scholars (e.g. junior faculty and doctoral students) in their efforts to perform research endeavours.
Determinants of customer‐oriented behavior in a health care context
Authors: Lanjananda Panisa , Patterson Paul G.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Nurses in hospital settings are a primary contact point and the way their behaviors are perceived by patients is a critical determinant of overall patient satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to empirically test and extend knowledge of the determinants of customer‐oriented behavior (COB) of contact personnel in a high‐contact service setting (healthcare industry). The paper contributes to the literature by examining two groups of constructs – dispositional variables (e.g. personality traits of the service provider) as well employee perceptions of service climate, mediated by surface traits and organizational commitment, on the dependent variable, COB of nurses in a hospital context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved both qualitative (focus groups) and a large‐scale survey, with a final sample of 270 nurses from five hospitals in Thailand. The dependent variable was a self‐reported measure of COB. Tests for common method bias suggested however that this was not a problem. All measures were sourced from the literature and demonstrated sound measurement properties. The conceptual model was tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Analysis supported the hypothesized model. Basic personality (extraversion, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and agreeableness) as well as customer orientation as surface trait (COS) all impact either directly or indirectly, on nurses' COB. Nurses' perceptions of the service climate and their commitment to the hospital are also significant predictors.

Research limitations/implications

Future research might attempt to obtain objective measures of nurses' performance in lieu of self‐report measures. Further, as the healthcare industry has very specific characteristics (high affect, high anxiety among patients, high customization, etc.) this model should be tested in a variety of service settings. For healthcare managers, the findings, especially related to basic personality traits, have important implications for the type of person that should be recruited. The adage “Hire for attitude, but train for skill” certainly applies here.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution lies in analyzing the impact that both basic personality (extraversion, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and agreeableness) as well as surface traits, have on nurses' behavior; and simultaneously examining the impact of nurses' perceptions of service climate and organizational commitment.
Loyalty, perceived value and relationship quality in healthcare services
Authors: Moliner Miguel A.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to justify the central role played by post‐purchase perceived value and relationship quality in the explanation of loyalty behaviour/intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts from a conceptual framework based on agency theory. From this theoretical base the concepts of post‐purchase perceived value and relationship quality are derived. The causal model is tested on a sample of hospital users.

Findings

The results show that perceived functional value exercises a significant influence over consumer satisfaction and trust. The main antecedents of loyalty are trust and satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis has focussed on two hospitals, so the sample, though sufficient, is restricted to two specific cases.

Practical implications

The recommendation is that firms should introduce into their strategies the concept of perceived value, overcoming a vision excessively focussed on quality.

Originality/value

The paper has adapted a previous model to identify the antecedents of loyalty. The antecedents that have been identified up to now are highly speculative.
The emergence of technology‐based service systems
Authors: Essén Anna
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for studying the process of technology‐based service system innovation from a broad perspective using an approach that elucidates the non‐linear facets of this process. The framework draws on Lévy‐Strauss's concept of bricolage, which implies that individuals' “making do with resources at hand,” as opposed to managerial visions, can trigger innovation. This concept is combined with the notion of technological drift and with a model of emergentism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses case study data from the Swedish elderly homecare setting.

Findings

The findings illustrate how the emergence of technology‐based care services can be triggered by an injection of energy in terms of a new technological resource being made available in an organization, proceeding as a continuous interaction between personnel repurposing and recombining resources at hand, positive and negative feedback dynamics, institutional regulations and culture‐related stabilizing mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

New services can arise as a result of a number of efforts and events that, in isolation, might appear insignificant. Taken together, and interacting with enabling and constraining forces that promote the emergence of certain new services and prevent others, such acts and events generate unpredictable outcomes. The result may be incremental but by no means trivial innovations.

Originality/value

The paper suggests an approach to innovation that complements conventional thinking in the new service development literature. The proposed framework can help to explain how and why certain new services emerge and why others do not in unexpected and unpredictable ways.
Taking a feminist approach to information systems research and using the “thinking tools” provided by the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: Richardson Helen
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute a personal account of doing critical research that uses the social theory of Pierre Bourdieu and also that takes a feminist approach to research. It aims to reflect on what this might mean in order to understand information systems and their uses at work and in everyday life.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is confessional and describes the way in which critical qualitative research was undertaken in specific areas – that of call centres in Northwest England, gender and the UK ICT labour market and PhD research into issues of gender and home e‐shopping.

Findings

The findings as such suggest that social theory and critical approaches to research can contribute to understanding of IS at work and in everyday life. The account discusses the complexity of applying social theories and how difficult theoretical tomes are to understand, especially for the novice researcher.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the importance of hearing the silent or silenced voices and letting stories be told. A theme throughout is how theory is linked to practice.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the special issue call for reflexive essays written in simple terms with details about how and why particular social theories or approaches were adopted. This will be of value to PhD and IS researchers whose work is informed by social theory.
A social actor understanding of the institutional structures at play in information systems development
Authors: Rowlands Bruce
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide insights into the process of applying Lamb & Kling's user as social actor model as an institutional lens to analyse data and to generate findings of IS practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an example from a recently published research project why the social actor model was chosen, and an application of how the model was operationalised in data collection and analysis.

Findings

The paper provides two illustrations of theorising the social actor model at different levels: at an elementary level by using instantiation to map the model's constructs to a match in the transcript text; and at a higher level where the model enabled the paper to tie together a number of individual phenomena to construct a broader higher‐level schema.

Originality/value

As the social actor model is relatively new, and few guidelines or examples exist, the paper provides rich insights into the difficulties with the application of this model and a solution for coping with these so that other researchers can read of an example that may be similar to their own and therefore guide their work.
Why did they do that? Variability in routine transactions
Authors: Davern Michael J. , Wilkin Carla L.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a frank reflection on the authors' journey in applying social theory to understand the routine use of a transaction‐processing system in a rich field context.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspired by a perplexing initial observation, the program of research moved quickly from one of more traditional positivist methods (experiments and surveys) to case study research. The case study involved observation and comparative analysis of the routine use of a reservation system across a large franchised accommodation chain.

Findings

As a reflective essay, the key findings relate to the research process itself. The essence of the findings is that applying social theory is itself a social process.

Originality/value

The paper finds that insight can come from understanding the routine use of IT as a social artefact, not just from studying crises or latest innovations.
Collaborative forecasting and planning in supply chains
Authors: Nakano Mikihisa
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact of internal and external collaborative forecasting and planning on logistics and production performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure the degree of collaborative forecasting and planning, the concept of collaboration is categorized into three dimensions: sharing resources, collaborative process operation, and collaborative process improvement. Based on these dimensions, a survey of Japanese manufacturers was conducted and the analytical model is proposed to examine using structural equation modeling.

Findings

There are positive relationships between internal and external collaborative forecasting and planning. Upstream and downstream collaborative forecasting and planning are also positively related. Internal collaborative forecasting and planning has a positive effect on relative logistics and production performance. External collaborative forecasting and planning does not have a significant effect on relative logistics and production performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not clarify how firms can achieve the improvement of forecasting and planning process. Future research should investigate the mechanism of process improvement in supply chain.

Practical implications

Not only sharing resources and collaborative process operation but also collaborative process improvement play a crucial role in gaining sustainable competitive advantage in logistics and production.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the forecasting and planning process in supply chain and proposes new dimensions measuring the degree of collaborative forecasting and planning. By focusing on the process and using the dimensions, the relationship between supply chain collaboration and performance are discussed concretely.
Logistics service performance contracts: design, contents and effects
Authors: Forslund Helena
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the performance management (PM) process may be affected by the design and contents of logistics service performance (LSP) contracts between customer and supplier.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of four manufacturing companies' way of working with contracts towards their suppliers was conducted.

Findings

Different design and contents of contracts, containing some patterns related to industry, company size and degree of formalization, were found. The PM process with contracts was split up into one setup and one execution sub‐process. Once the setup was made, all resources were focused on measuring, analysing and improving LSP. The changed management of the PM process may be one factor explaining the improved LSP all studied customer companies perceived.

Research limitations/implications

An explorative approach with few cases limits the possibilities to generalize the results to analytical generalization.

Practical implications

This paper has illustrated how companies can apply LSP contracts.

Originality/value

Few empirical and especially case‐based studies of LSP contracts were found.
An analysis of the value of supply chain management periodicals
Authors: Menachof David A. , Gibson Brian J. , Hanna Joe B. , Whiteing Anthony E.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide rankings of quality of peer reviewed periodicals for faculty research use, rankings of usefuless of both peer reviewed and non‐peer reviewed periodicals for teaching and outreach purposes, and rankings of usefulness of search engines for finding articles.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted during the Autumn Semester of 2006. 82 periodicals were identified as relevant to the Supply Chain Management field. Respondents were asked to rank their top used journals in terms of use for teaching, outreach and research.

Findings

A total of 143 surveys were completed. Journal of Business Logistics, Harvard Business Review, and International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management were the top three ranked journals in the composite index. EBSCO Business Source Premier, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were the top three search engines used to find logistics and SCM articles.

Research limitations/implications

A clear global consensus is forming on the top journals for SCM. However, the emergence of Operations Management/Operations Research Journals into the rankings is an important trend. There was also the absence of previously ranked journals as the field evolved from transportation and distribution to logistics to SCM.

Originality/value

This paper is the largest survey completed to date in the field and substantially updates previous surveys. All academics who are active in SCM will find value in this paper.
Speculative excess and the Federal Reserve's response
Authors: Huston John H. , Spencer Roger W.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a single variable indicative of the state of market speculation; to determine whether the Federal Reserve has attempted to quell speculation when it has been most rampant and whether such attempts were successful.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examine the literature on market “bubbles” and the Federal Reserve's treatment of them; to determine a single variable reflective of market speculation via principle components integration; to examine the Federal Reserve's interaction with market speculation by estimating a vector autoregression version of the Taylor rule.

Findings

It is possible to construct a single variable representative of market speculation, termed the index of speculative excess that correlates well with standard views of market excess; the Federal Reserve did attempt to retard market speculation during the three major bull markets of the past century; monetary policy did little to inhibit market speculation.

Originality/value

Highly original in the construction of a single variable reflective of market speculation; joins the ongoing debate as to the extent of Federal Reserve concern with speculative activity and the Fed's poor record of accomplishment in this area.
A comparison of the motivations of small business owners in Africa
Authors: Benzing Cynthia , Chu Hung M.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine the reasons why 599 entrepreneurs in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria started their small businesses. It aims to compares ten motivations across three countries and by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten Likert‐style questions were used to determine start‐up motivations. The mean scores were calculated and compared to test for significant differences. A factor analysis was conducted to see whether the ten items could be synthesized into distinct factors. Then, the factors were compared across countries and by gender.

Findings

The strongest motivator across countries was the opportunity to increase income. A factor analysis found three motivation factors: a family factor, an external validation factor, and a self‐betterment factor. The three countries showed significant differences with Ghanaian entrepreneurs rating the family factor as more important. The item analysis showed that female entrepreneurs were less motivated to create a business as a legacy or for external validation.

Research limitations/implications

The list of motivations here is non‐exhaustive. The addition of other motivation items could change the results. Results should not be generalized to other countries or other regions of the countries surveyed.

Practical implications

Since motivations differ across countries and gender, countries can benefit from developing country‐ and gender‐specific programs to encourage business creation. For instance, Nigeria and Kenya should develop stronger succession laws so that businesses can be inherited by family members. Ghana and Nigeria might stimulate more enterprise development by providing public recognition for entrepreneurial behavior.

Originality/value

This is the first cross‐country study of the motivations of entrepreneurs in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Alpaca ownership or entrepreneurship? The New Zealand case
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Alpaca ownership in New Zealand has been developing in recent years. However, very little academic research has been conducted in this area, particularly from alpaca owners' points of view. This exploratory study attempts to close some of the knowledge gaps in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Between April and June 2006, a total of 233 alpaca owners located in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand participated in the study by completing a questionnaire.

Findings

While the overall results confirm the importance of the lifestyle dimension among New Zealand alpaca owners, the existence of many respondents whose operations are open to the public and who own a larger number of alpacas suggests more than just lifestyle motivations, but rather an intention to exploit commercial opportunities in this activity.

Research limitations/implications

There is an acknowledged limitation regarding the quantitative approach used here. Such an approach may have limited the ability to capture insightful perspectives, for example, in the form of respondents' experiences that are unique to qualitative research.

Practical implications

Implications for New Zealand's alpaca ownership include the need for operators and industry bodies to increase their knowledge, particularly their marketing knowledge, in view of the growing volume of alpaca‐related products, such as their fleece.

Originality/value

The study presents insights into a rural activity in New Zealand that so far has received very limited attention from academic research. The exploratory nature of the study also provides an avenue for future studies to further explore small and medium rural enterprises that, as in the case of the alpaca industry, are currently emerging industries.
Knowledge capability flows in buyer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Carrizo Moreira António
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how suppliers have managed to accumulate knowledge in their relationship with large multinational clients.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was based on four case studies' qualitative data, collected from semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews. The buyers were selected among the largest MNEs of the electronics, automotive and footwear industries and the suppliers were selected among the set of SMEs supplying to those MNEs. The objective was to assess the supplier's knowledge transfer‐oriented capabilities and the buyer's interaction‐oriented capabilities in the SBR.

Findings

The paper highlights the important leading role of the client in the buyer‐supplier relationship involving SMEs as well as the knowledge‐sharing atmosphere of successful cooperative relationships. Although it confirms the advantages of alliances for SMEs, knowledge transfer‐oriented capabilities, are used by SMEs in order to sustain client satisfaction and to strengthen their core competencies. Despite all efforts of SMEs, if clients are not willing to use interaction‐oriented capabilities, buyer‐supplier relationships are doomed to failure.

Research limitations/implications

One practical implication is that, if SMEs are adequately supported by public policies, it is possible to transfer knowledge from more advanced to less endowed economies . The main limitation stems from the fact that it is not possible to claim generalisation as the research is the result of a series of four case studies.

Originality/value

The paper uses dyadic relationships as a viable option to compensate internal knowledge deficiencies of SMEs in their relationship with MNEs. It complements former research as little is known about the importance of alliances in the context of knowledge acquisition and learning in SMEs. It contributes to the SME scientific literature by investigating how SMEs learn from their alliance partners.