bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Learning Square
Authors: Lindley Eric , Wheeler Frederick P.
Published: November 2002

The shift to a knowledge‐based paradigm of management demands new conceptual tools for decision‐makers. Unfortunately, as writings on organizational learning and “learning organizations” have grown their clarity and focus have reduced, creating difficulties for managers who seek to apply these ideas. We propose a conceptual “Learning Square” with four mutually reinforcing domains – Multi‐dimensional goals, Using tacit knowledge, Continual learning, and Shared vision – that simplifies the issues. We illustrate the idea by analysing four critical episodes in the development of IS (information systems) within one firm that followed the trends of the last decade, towards corporate downsizing and radical business reengineering. We show how these policies often failed to engage with issues of learning and the use of people’s tacit knowledge. Managers can evaluate their decisions against the criteria of the Learning Square to improve the effectiveness of competitive strategies.
Potential intake of selenium by the inhabitants of different regions in Jordan
Authors: Haddadin M.S.Y. , Khattari S. , Caretto Daniela , Robinson R.K.
Published: November 2002

The margin between a deficient (∼0.02mg day‐1), an adequate (∼0.2mg day‐1) and toxic (∼2.4mg day‐1) intake of selenium is quite narrow, and this study sought to establish whether fruits grown in the Jordan Valley were safe for consumers, and yet capable of supplying a likely dietary requirement for the mineral. The mean levels of soil selenium were 0.64, 0.74 and 0.63mg kg–1in three different growing regions of the Valley, while the highest levels in citrus fruits were 2.5mg kg–1in clementines (Citrus mitis) and 3.31mg kg–1in the bomali (Citrus paradisi). As the latter values were on a dry weight basis, the risk of selenosis would appear to be minimal but, equally important, deficiency diseases should not be manifest either.
Grimsby – still Europe’s food town
Authors: Horner W.F.A.
Published: November 2002

A long heritage in making food products from the harvest of some of the world’s richest seas and soils has substantiated Grimsby’s claim to be “Europe’s food town”. Since the 1960s, there have been enormous changes in the way in which food raw materials are converted into food products and in the way we buy and use them. Above all, there has been a huge proliferation in the variety of food products on the market. A total of 15,000 people in the town owe their livelihoods to its food companies’ continuing innovation to keep ahead of the market.
French Carrefour in South‐East Asia
Authors: Kamath Purnima , Godin Catherine
Published: November 2002

Looks at a French hypermarket, Carrefour, its background, philosophy and mission. Examines the keys to its success worldwide, with particular emphasis on its exploits in Indonesia. Provides the opportunity to discuss related considerations, such as political risk and currency fluctuation.
“Maintainability” drives Fort Worth’s joint strike fighter design: blending simulation and ingenuity, Lockheed Martin up‐ends design methods in $320 billion program
Authors: Thornton Jack
Published: November 2002

Emphasizes the importance now placed on maintainability of military aircraft by the US Department of Defense. Describes how Lockheed Martin have used Delmia simulation software to simplify and speed up routine maintenance tasks for the next‐generation joint strike fighter (JSF). Ergonomics and the use of realistic human models have played a key role in determining maintenance procedures.
Folding cartons using low cost automation – a case study
Authors: Yashvant Khire Mohan , Madnaik S.D.
Published: November 2002

Low cost automation is used to solve a productivity problem in a fruit packing and exporting unit. The case study shows benefits in the form of a productivity rise. A carton‐folding device is developed for packaging export quality grapes using corrugated paper cartons. The use of staple pins was to be avoided for obvious reasons. Multiple stacking of cartons during transport makes it necessary to have strong cartons. Double folding and interlocks are provided, which are also taken care of in the design of the folding device. The experience achieved in this project can be used to fully automate this device using robots and conveying devices.
Systems suppliers: towards “best practice”?
Authors: Clifton Nick
Published: November 2002

This paper is concerned with UK‐based automotive component suppliers that have commenced the supply of a “complete system” to a vehicle assembler (VA) in recent years. The wider restructuring of VA‐supplier relations occurring in the UK automotive industry is taken asthe context for this research – reference is made to the requirements of lean and agile manufacturing. We investigate if these suppliers differ in any systematic way from their counterparts who have not moved into systems supply. This was done using a questionnaire survey and series of follow‐up interviews. Significant differences between systems and non‐systems suppliers were found in the areas of firm size, products, customers, design input and VA‐supplier relationship strategies. Both parties were typically found to gain from systems supply. The nature of these benefits is then explored. Overall, it is intended that this research should serve to inform management, and in particular that of suppliers seeking to achieve or to maintain and develop their first tier status.
“Sustainable development in theory and practice”‐ An inter‐Nordic Internet course for regional and local officials and practitioners
Authors: Strandberg Larsgöran , Brandt Nils
Published: November 2002

Theories and practice of sustainable development have to be discussed and developed within a broad range of actors in different areas of society. The complex concept of sustainable development interacts with at least four separate systems that in one way or another affect each other: ecosystem function and change, economic performance and change, technological performance and change and social performance and change. We have to analyse the interrelationship to these systems in order to find a future sustainable path. Describes an inter‐Nordic cooperation project educating regional and local officials and practitioners in sustainable development using the Internet as a course platform. The course content discusses the relation between the four system areas in its theoretical part (Block 1). In another – more practical – part of the course (Block 2), we discuss “best practice” in different Nordic countries and experiences in using environmental and sustainability indicators on the national, regional and local level.
The use and effectiveness of benchmarking in SMEs
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Nadin Sara , Older Gray Melanie
Published: November 2002

The aim of this paper is to explore current uses of benchmarking in small‐ and medium sized enterprises SMEs as well as assessing the demand for this practice. A multi‐method approach was adopted involving a telephone survey of 100 companies supplemented with in‐depth interviews with a further 22 companies generating qualitative data which explored the issues in greater detail. The most popular benchmarking indices used were financial performance, customer satisfaction and quality of products / services. Benchmarking of human resource type measures was inconsistent and piecemeal. Where benchmarking was used it was found to be very effective across all of the measures used, though low levels of interest in using benchmarking were shown by companies not already using it. Thus, whilst companies appear hesitant about using benchmarking data, where they do so, they are pleased with the results. Reasons behind this reluctance and the patterns of usage generally are explored.
Hardware/software avionic system performance (HASP): a design tool for a virtual prototyping system
Authors: Bluff Roger J.
Published: November 2002

The complexity of evolving avionic systems and standards demands the need for cost‐effective risk reduction to facilitate the smooth transition into new technologies. Simulation modelling and analysis provides a flexible means of achieving this aim. This paper describes the development of an avionic modelling environment that can be applied to the assessment of avionic architectures and standards. New avionic architecture concepts can be developed and investigated within the modelling framework. Evolving avionic standards can also be evaluated. Within the environment three modelling domains have been defined: behavioural, performance and visualisation. Behavioural models primarily constitute the software components of a system, the performance models analyse the hardware concepts, and visualisation models provide a means of understanding the system’s operation. Collectively these domains form the hardware/software avionic system performance (HASP) simulation and modelling facility. The integration of the three modelling domains forms a design tool for a virtual prototyping system and this paper discusses how HASP can be integrated with a broad range of tools for the entire design process.
The Topsat satellite
Authors: Wallace K. , Brooks P. , Watson C. , Levett W. , Morris N. , Gray P. , Waltham N. , Harrison J. , Phipps A. , Child S.
Published: November 2002

This paper discusses the Topsat satellite, currently being built by a partnership between DERA Space, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd and InfoTerra Ltd (Formerly NRSC). Topsat will have the capability to provide imagery at 25m panchromatic and 5m colour resolution, direct to the user at a mobile ground station, from a 125kg microsatellite in low Earth orbit. Its low‐cost philosophy includes wide use of commercial off‐the‐shelf components and the goal of a one‐year mission life.
Quantifying the relationships between buildability, structural quality and productivity in construction
Authors: Pheng Low Sui
Published: November 2002

Achieving high productivity and quality standards are two important issues in the construction industry. Buildability is an important concept adopted to help raise productivity and quality standards in the industry. While it is generally acknowledged that buildability is able to help raise productivity and quality standards in construction, no study has so far provided quantitative evidence to support the positive relationships between buildability, productivity and quality. Buildability is measured using the buildable design appraisal system in Singapore. Likewise, quality is measured using the construction quality assessment system. Productivity of building projects is measured by means of the floor area constructed per manday. By correlating these quantitative measures, there is empirical evidence to support the positive relationships between buildability, structural quality and productivity in construction.
A linear programming decision tool for selecting the optimum excavator
Authors: Edwards David J. , Malekzadeh Hamid , Yisa Silas B.
Published: November 2002

Previous methods have been developed to predict tracked hydraulic excavator output and associated costs of production, but these fail to provide a “complete” solution to the plant productivity problem. That is, when hiring or purchasing machines plant managers are not normally provided with sufficient detail to optimise the plant selection decision process. The crux of this problem is to choose an appropriate plant item from the vast range available. This paper contributes to resolving this selection process through the application of an optimisation technique, based on linear programming. Specifically, a decision tool for selecting the optimum excavator type for given production scenarios is presented. In achieving this aim, a mass excavation task was specified as the principal decision criterion. Production output and machine hire costs were predicted using both multivariate and bivariate regression models. The decision tool performed well during testing and therefore exhibits significant potential for use by practitioners. The paper concludes with direction for future research work; concentrating on development of a software package for accurately predicting productivity rates and assisting in the plant selection process.
Corrosion due to AC influence of very high voltage power lines on polyethylene‐coated steel pipelines: evaluation of risks – preventive measures
Authors: Collet Erwan , Delores Bernard , Gabillard Michel , Ragault Isabelle
Published: November 2002

Shows how observations (1993‐1999) and on‐site and laboratory measurements (1993‐1996) have made it possible to define certain prevalent parameters concerning AC corrosion risks. These are from the evaluation and prevention of AC corrosion risks as practised by Gaz de France.
Some chitin/chitosan derivatives for corrosion protection and waste water treatments
Authors: El‐Sawy Sanaa M. , Abu‐Ayana Yosreya M. , Abdel‐Mohdy Fikry A.
Published: November 2002

Chitin was extracted from locally collected shrimp shells. Chitosan was produced by alkali deacetylation of chitin. Poly(DEAEMA)‐chitosan‐graft‐copolymer, poly(COOH)‐chitosan‐graft‐copolymer, poly(V‐OH)‐chitosan‐graft‐copolymer, and carboxymethyl‐chitosan were prepared. The extent of the preparation reactions was expressed as nitrogen content, carboxylic content and graft yield. The ability of the prepared compounds to adsorb heavy metals ions and some dyestuffs was studied. The prepared compounds were also tested for corrosion protection when applied in some organic coatings for steel panels. Promising results to use the prepared compounds for corrosion protection and wastewater treatment from heavy metal ions and dyestuffs were obtained.
Thermodynamic parameters of electrodeposition of Zn‐Co‐TiO2 composite coatings
Authors: Abdel Hamid Z.
Published: November 2002

Zinc‐cobalt alloys have been electrodeposited from a sulphate bath. The effect of process variables, including temperature, time, concentration of cobalt sulfate and current density on the Zn‐Co deposition was investigated from kinetic and mechanistic viewpoints. Activation energies, enthalpies and entropies were determined according to Arrhenius and absolute rate theories. The codeposition mechanism of TiO2 with cobalt‐zinc in the presence of benzyl triethanol ammonium exthoxylate (BTAE) has been studied. The optimum concentration of the additive was reported. The mechanism of incorporation of TiO2 was suggested and confirmed in view of calculated free energy of adsorption of TiO2. Corrosion resistance of Zn‐Co‐TiO2 alloy was determined by a salt spray test under most of the plating conditions studied.
Evaluation of oil field chemicals for secondary oil recovery systems in Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Sayegh A. , Carew J. , Al‐Hashem A.
Published: November 2002

Experiments were conducted with carbon steel to investigate the corrosion protection performance of five commercial chemicals as inhibitors in oil field effluent and aquifer waters. The effect of different inhibitor concentrations and flow velocity was determined using the disc electrode (RDE) method. The corrosion rate of carbon steel under stagnant and flow conditions was determined by the linear polarization resistance (LPR) method at a scan rate of 0.1mV/s versus a saturated calomel electrode (SCE). All experiments were conducted at 82○C. Results indicated that a blend of ethoxylated amine inhibitor for the effluent water, alkylpyridinium‐oxyalkylated‐alkylphenol amine salts inhibitor was found to be the best for both the effluent and aquifer waters.
Physical and mechanical characteristics of coatings, subjected to accelerated ageing, of mixes of propellants with polymers
Authors: Glavchev Ivan , Ganev Radi , Iordanova Hristina
Published: November 2002

A scheme for manufacturing lacquers from mixes of waste single‐base propellants with halogen‐containing polymers is proposed. Examines the physical and mechanical characteristics (decrease of mass of coating, hardness, adhesion, and impact strength) of created coatings subjected to accelerated ageing, by two methods. Compares and analyses results obtained in testing. Results show that coatings from mixes of propellants with polymers are more stable than conventional nitrocellulose lacquers.
Designing a management development programme for procurement executives
Authors: Humphreys Paul
Published: November 2002

Purchasing has undergone significant changes in many organisations and has moved from a reactive activity to a strategic one, contributing to a firm’s competitive success. This article charts the development of the purchasing function within a multinational aerospace company as a result of introducing major structural changes. Maister’s Professional Service Firm (PSF) model is then applied in an operational manner to outline the changing roles and responsibilities of the procurement function and to identify potential areas for training and development. Finally, based on the outcomes from the PSF framework, a customised postgraduate diploma for purchasing executives is described and evaluated. It is proposed that this framework not only illustrates how planning and organising issues can be addressed using the concepts developed by Maister, but also provides an illustration of how one model propounded by management educators can provide a foundation for enhancing organisational performance.
Preparing managers for the “hi‐speed” company
Authors: Vloeberghs Daniël
Published: November 2002

Describes the approach concerning management development in a fast‐growing international telecommunication company trying to survive the multimedia revolution, namely Alcatel Telecom. Calling itself the hi‐speed company, Alcatel tries to profile the organisation externally, simultaneously evoking a new culture internally as well. Efforts from management and all employees are required to meet the hi‐speed objectives. To make people aware of the new drive and work values, several hi‐speed projects have been set up since 1997, such as the change program, the hi‐speed café and awards, and SIE (small interactive enterprises). Furthermore, the role of managerial values, the development of international managers and the implementation of MD programs by the Alcatel university, Antwerp, will be highlighted.
The right stuff: understanding cultural differences in leadership performance
Authors: Robie Chet , Johnson Karin M. , Nilsen Dianne , Fisher Hazucha Joy
Published: November 2002

A study was conducted that examined which managerial skill dimensions were critical for effective leadership for managers in the USA and seven European countries. The results suggested more similarities than differences across countries. Specifically, a core group of two skill dimensions emerged as critical for effective leadership across countries and operationalizations of criticality. These dimensions were analyze issues and drive for results. However, results did differ depending on how criticality was operationalized. The findings of the study suggest that: users of 360‐degree feedback instruments should not rely solely on perceived importance of a skill dimension to aid in ratings interpretation, and the ability to solve complex problems and learn quickly on the one hand and being hard‐working and persistent on the other hand are prerequisites for effective leadership, regardless of whether you are leading in Pittsburgh or in Paris.
Care preferences in a Cretan community with integrated hospital/general practice services
Authors: Chatziarsenis M. , Makri E. , Sapouna‐Chatziarseni W. , Fioretos M. , Faresjö T. , Trell E. , Lionis C.
Published: November 2002

Addresses the important question of the optimal share and distribution of primary and hospital care, stating that the end‐user consensus is essential. On a classical medical ground with integrated medical services the care seeking patterns and preferences were investigated in a representative sample of the, hence reasonably unbiased, native population. In a small Cretan township hospital combining secondary and primary care, a questionnaire of habits, perceptions and expectations of health services delivery and provision was distributed to a consecutive visitor sample. Overall, primary care was well and realistically appreciated. In six of the 12 conditions, mostly with fever and/or pain, general practitioners were clearly preferred while in three, as a rule organ‐associated, specialists were the first choice. The consumer‐oriented survey brings additional support to the vital role of primary care in the ongoing health systems development.
Quality optimization in the hospital laundry service: an application case
Authors: García Fernández Virginia , González Torre Pilar L. , Adenso Díaz B.
Published: November 2002

In industrial installations, the Taguchi methodology has come to play an important role in recent years in the achievement of improvements in quality objectives. This article presents the experiences and results obtained in the installations of a hospital laundry, where the aim was to minimize operating costs while guaranteeing standards of disinfection and the quality of the wash. Owing to the multiple quality objectives that this type of problem presents, it was necessary to define a hierarchy of criteria to optimize. Thanks to the application of these techniques, an improvement was achieved in the bacteriological quality offered at the same time as reducing operating costs, thus demonstrating the importance of the use of this methodology in the solution of quality operating problems.
Determinants of perinatal health problems in Kisumu district, Kenya
Authors: Nyabuti Ondimu Kennedy
Published: November 2002

Perinatal health is a good indicator of both maternal health status and the level of socioeconomic status attained in any community. This article presents part of the findings of a research project conducted in 1997 by the author to look at the determinants of maternal and perinatal health in Kisumu district of Kenya. Data were collected from four health facilities within the district which were selected through purposive sampling to act as sentinel centres. In total, 1,455 obstetric cases were enumerated and those with perinatal complications were isolated. Perinatal health status was measured by the frequency of low birth weights, neonatal deaths, still‐births, and early neonatal morbidity. Cross‐tabulations and multivariate analysis have been used to identify the major risk factors of the perinatal health problems identified in the study area. Among other things, the study reveals that the risk of most perinatal complications is significantly increased by maternal and environmental factors. These include poor pregnancy care, malaria and anaemia during pregnancy, poor socioeconomic conditions of the mother and poor sanitary conditions in the household. Any policy measure aimed at promoting perinatal health should seek to address all these factors.
Developing quality health systems in Mongolia
Authors: O’Rourke Michael , Jeugmans Jacques , Sonin S. , Dashzeveg G. , Batsuury R.
Published: November 2002

The quality approach, utilizing continuous improvement processes, is widely recognized as a vehicle for better outcomes in health care. In Mongolia, quality health systems have historically been poorly developed. Within the context of overall health reform, Mongolia has been emphasizing the development of quality systems to improve management, efficiency and clinical outcomes and processes. Mongolia has established a framework for quality assurance with the central Ministry of Health taking a lead role in developing and promulgating materials and organizing training. The focus has been on creating a governing system for quality in the health system with processes instituted at the hospital level and upwards in the health structure. In addition, the Mongolian framework has developed a range of indicators to guide the quality process. The commitment to quality is an integral part of comprehensive reform of the health sector in Mongolia and the principles of the quality approach – continuous improvement, customer focus, involvement of stakeholders, and among others – are currently being implemented across the health sector.
Training for changing managerial role behaviour
Authors: Das T.K.
Published: November 2002

Discusses a comprehensive programme for changing the role behaviour of a managerial cadre, steeped in traditional hierarchical norms, for greater effectiveness within a new organizational design. A significant component of the change programme was to educate the managers in role‐related concepts as a means of self‐appreciation of appropriate role behaviour. Relates the key aspects of the experience of changing the role behaviours of various types of managers against the distinctive backdrop of strategic transformation of a large banking organization in a developing country. The principal objective of the transformation was to re‐build the bank so it could successfully carry out an ambitious expansion of its branch network and business. The revamped organizational design demanded a new managerial outlook and new administrative practices. The article deals with the design of the training programme and the experience with it in the context of implementing the organizational transformation.
Workspaces enhance efficiency – theories, concepts and a case study
Authors: Lif Magnus , Olsson Eva , Gulliksen Jan , Sandblad Bengt
Published: November 2002

Traditional process‐oriented system development methods often result in fragmentary user interfaces with information presented in various windows without considerations of requirements for simultaneous viewing. Opening, closing, moving and resizing these windows attracts the users’ attention away from the actual work. User interface design according to the workspace metaphor could provide skilled professional users with an efficient, customised user interface to administrative information systems. This can improve work performance and facilitate efficient navigation between workspaces. A case study in co‐operation with the Swedish National Tax Board (RSV) describes practical use of the workspace metaphor.
“Ha ha, you’re fat, we’re strong”; a qualitative study of boys’ and girls’ perceptions of fatness, thinness, social pressures and health using focus groups
Authors: Dixey Rachael , Sahota Pinki , Atwal Serbjit , Turner Alex
Published: November 2002

Presents results of focus group discussions held with 300 nine‐to‐11‐year old UK children. Questions were asked about whether it matters if someone is fat or thin; whether a fat child should take any action; what problems they might have; and the relationship between fatness, thinness and health. Considerable complexity emerged; children divided fat children into those for whom it was natural and those for whom it was self‐inflicted. They showed a great deal of sympathy for “naturally” fat children. However, they also felt that fat children would be bullied. Girls seemed less able than boys to resist the pressures to be thin, but also showed considerable ability to distance themselves from media images of thin women. Although children had learned the orthodoxy surrounding health, fat and overweight, they did not believe that “thin is good, fat is bad” and did not tend to link weight control with exercise.
Towards an understanding of risk factors for eating disturbance amongst gay men
Authors: Williamson Iain , Spence Kiran
Published: November 2002

Presents results of an exploratory study into potential risk factors for eating disturbance amongst gay men. A community sample of 202 gay men, aged 14‐72, from across the UK completed a battery of measures anonymously using a postal questionnaire method. The measures included the EDI‐2, the revised NHAI, and an adapted version of the Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire. The internalisation of sociocultural norms regarding the importance of slimness and attractiveness was the most powerful predictor of maladaptive eating‐related attitudes, although self‐esteem, internalised homonegativity and satisfaction with sexual orientation were also significant factors. Younger gay men demonstrated higher levels of disturbance and the strongest relationship between body‐esteem and self‐esteem. Many participants perceived the gay scene to be highly body‐conscious but measures of gay identity development and community involvement were associated with lower levels of disturbance. Concludes that health education workers with gay men should take this issue more seriously.
Schools’ antimicrobial resistance: National Advice to the Public campaign – a pilot study
Authors: McNulty Cliodna A.M. , Swan Anthony V. , Boland David
Published: November 2002

The recent Standing Medical Advisory Committee’s report The Path of Least Resistance advised a National Advice to the Public campaign aimed at minimising the development of antimicrobial resistance. Describes two 90 minute interactive workshops entitled “Antibiotics and your good bugs” for Year 5 children (nine‐to‐ten years old). Before the workshops, 45 per cent of the children correctly answered all the questions describing antibiotics but, after the workshops, 73 per cent answered correctly. Before the workshops only 23 per cent, 43 per cent, 28 per cent and 26 per cent of the children respectively knew that antibiotics do not kill viruses, do not help colds, do not help hay fever, but do kill our good bacteria, compared with 47 per cent, 76 per cent, 77 per cent and 69 per cent afterwards. These workshops greatly improved the children’s knowledge and understanding of antibiotics and our normal flora. They will prove useful for parties involved in planning the National Advice to the Public campaign on antibiotic resistance in schools.
Opinion leaders as a segment for marketing communications
Authors: Chaney Isabella M.
Published: November 2002

Opinion leaders are important disseminators of information. Considers their relevance to the marketing of wine by assessing whether they are a reachable segment with respect to their demography and information needs. The importance of information from articles, books and television programmes is significantly associated with opinion leadership status. Furthermore, opinion leadership status is significantly associated with technical information on wines. This group, who tend to be the “heavy” buyers, is an important segment on whom producers should focus their attentions. Identifying them, however, cannot be undertaken demographically but, rather, they should be isolated by their information‐seeking behaviour. Targeting them by ensuring a constant flow of wine journalism of a more technical nature will feed their quest for information with which to impress and/or influence others.
Principles for brand naming in Chinese: the case of drinks
Authors: Chan Allan K.K. , Huang Yue‐Yuan
Published: November 2002

This is the third of a series of studies on Chinese brand naming using content analysis from a linguistic perspective. The first study generalized the principles guiding Chinese brands in terms of syllable pattern, tone pattern, compounding structure and semantic preference. The second looked at specific branding rules, focusing on two entirely different products: cosmetic products and bicycles. The present study, following the same linguistic framework of analysis, analyzes three groups of closely related products: spirits, beers, soft drinks, to see how these brands are creatively and distinctively constructed. Finds that the brand naming patterns of the three drinks are basically in agreement with the general Chinese branding principles, and the differences among them directly reflect the development, the consumer markets and characteristics of each product.
International market development: new patterns in SMEs international market behaviour?
Authors: Rundh Bo
Published: November 2002

In the changing market environment it is necessary even for small and medium‐sized companies to build long‐term relationships in order to survive and to be competitive in the marketplace. The process of building relationships is a demanding and complex task, especially if it is done in an international environment. As a result of greater international competition changes on the marketplace are occurring more rapidly and companies need to be able to react to the actual competitive situation. This require is different kinds of knowledge about international markets which might be another drawback for small and medium‐sized companies trying to build relationships in the local network.
German retail pharmacies –‐ regulation, professional identity and commercial differentiation
Authors: Pioch Elke A. , Schmidt Ruth A.
Published: November 2002

In a highly regulated yet increasingly competitive environment the professional self‐ perception of German retail pharmacists is increasingly put under pressure. Whilst the professional image focuses on the pharmaceutical care side, survival and future profitability also depend on successful commercial differentiation as a means of counteracting declining average margins. Presents the findings from a grounded theory study amongst retail pharmacists in Berlin and Brandenburg. Legal restrictions on manipulating the conventional marketing mix are discussed and alternative strategic moves towards differentiation explored. A tentative typology of pharmacies is developed, highlighting the importance of collaborative links and a strategic business perspective to future survival and prosperity.
Beer branding in British and Czech companies: a comparative study
Authors: Lewis Chris , Vickerstaff Angela
Published: November 2002

Branding is a key element in marketing, especially for those products whose limited opportunities for differentiation mean that they could be viewed as commodities. Branding is normally considered to be more developed in countries where marketing has been established for a longer period, such as the UK, than in new market economies such as the Czech Republic. Presents empirical evidence from UK and Czech companies to challenge this view. In spite of consumer resistance to branding in the Czech Republic, and differing competitive environments, the contrast between national and smaller breweries in terms of brand development was found to be similar in both countries. Though ensuring distribution is critical, it is argued that smaller breweries in both countries have much to gain from a clearer understanding of customers’ perceptions of their brands.
Factors influencing market and entry mode selection: developing the MEMS model
Authors: Koch Adam J.
Published: November 2002

In the associated paper “Selecting overseas markets and entry modes: two decision processes or one?”, it was proposed that market selection and market entry mode selection be looked upon as two aspects of one decision process. Examines a wide spectrum of factor categories to be included in the proposed MEMS model and argues that an inclusive spectrum of analysis would make it a universally applicable model, capable of accommodating all business contexts and most relevant business practices.
Exploring logic construction on MECs to enhance marketing strategy
Authors: Lin Chin‐Feng , Fu Hwai‐Hui
Published: November 2002

Mathematical models were used to explore research methodology in the field of marketing; however, the methodology was focused more on quantitative than on qualitative methods. Utilizes the mathematical model on deductive technique and flow chart to explain how the means‐end chains (MECs) method establishes the MECs logic construction to apply on computer programming for instituting useful marketing strategies. Based on the mathematically deductive technique and logical construction methods, seeks to enhance the MECs procedure, to describe the procedure of the MECs data collection, and further to transfer tabular data when building a hierarchical value map (HVM). Logic construction on MECs in this research improves the MECs methodology. Moreover, researchers can use the logic construction to understand the MECs procedure and to develop powerful marketing strategies for an enterprise.
Brand equity: is it more important in services?
Authors: Krishnan Balaji C. , Hartline Michael D.
Published: November 2002

While the brand equity associated with tangible goods has received a great deal of attention in the literature, a basic understanding of the nature of brand equity for services has yet to emerge. Most of what is known about brand equity for services is based on theoretical or anecdotal evidence. In addition, the presumed differences in brand equity associated with search‐dominant, experience‐dominant, and credence‐dominant services has yet to be empirically examined. The objectives of this study are threefold: to empirically test whether brand equity is more important for services than for tangible goods, to test whether the presumed differences in brand equity for search‐, experience‐, and credence‐dominant services can be confirmed in an empirical examination, and to assess whether consumer knowledge of a product category has an effect on the importance of brand equity across product types. Contrary to suppositions in the literature, the results indicate that brand equity is more important for tangible goods than for services. In addition, the results do not support the presumed differences between service types as brand equity for search‐dominant services is more important than for both experience‐ and credence‐dominant services. The same pattern of results is achieved when consumer knowledge of each product category is included as a covariate.
Attribute performance and customer satisfaction over time: evidence from two field studies
Authors: Mittal Vikas , Katrichis Jerome M. , Kumar Pankaj
Published: November 2002

Firms measure the importance of an attribute’s performance in determining overall satisfaction to allocate resources to optimize profitability. However, most firms assume that an attribute’s importance in determining overall satisfaction is temporally invariant. We report results from two studies showing that the importance of an attribute in determining overall satisfaction varies over time. Interestingly, we find that the relationship between overall satisfaction and behavioral intentions also changes over time. These results have important implications for managing customer satisfaction programs among firms.
Interactive selling: a dynamic framework for services
Authors: Tam Jackie L.M. , Wong Y.H.
Published: November 2002

In the 1990s and into the twenty‐first century, there has been a growing interest in understanding the development of service relationships. Trust and satisfaction have been highly recognized in the literature as effective elements for establishing successful relationships. However, little is known regarding their importance in cultivating relationships in an interactive‐selling context. The present study attempts to examine the influence of behavior and performance of salespersons on customers’ trust and satisfaction and, in turn, their anticipations of future interactions with the salesperson in the context of insurance services. A survey was conducted with customers from a large UK insurance company based in Hong Kong. The results show that satisfaction, the salesperson’s self‐disclosure and relation orientation significantly influenced future business opportunities. From the findings, a dynamic framework incorporating a set of interactive elements will be proposed. Managerial implications and directions for future research will be outlined and suggested.
E‐complaining: a content analysis of an Internet complaint forum
Authors: Jean Harrison‐Walker L.
Published: November 2002

The emergence of the Internet and its communication capabilities has given rise to a number of complaint sites that function as central forums for consumers to share their bad experiences with other consumers. Companies are reacting by adopting anti‐domain sites in an attempt to prevent the creation of such complaint forums. Data from one complaint forum are analyzed to identify the nature of the complaints, whether the complaints were initially voiced to contact personnel, what other attempts were made to resolve the problem, whether the Internet consumer complaint forum was the initial method used for complaining, the responsiveness of the company to non‐Internet complaints as well as Internet complaints, and the demographics of complainers using the Internet complaint forum. The suggestion is made that companies should embrace consumer complaints, and compete with the independent complaint forums (rather than try to block them) on the basis of ease of the complaint process and the likelihood of response. Recommendations are offered that are specific to Internet use and benefits to the company are described.
The quality of bi‐directional service quality in dyadic service encounters
Authors: Svensson Go¨ran
Published: November 2002

Argues that the unidirectional measurement and evaluation of service quality in any specific service encounter is not enough in itself to understand the existing service quality between two actors in a dyadic service encounter. Therefore, a method is introduced for the express purpose of analysing the perceptual bi‐directionality of service quality in order to measure and evaluate the dynamics of service quality in dyadic service encounters.
Accounting, empirical measurement and intellectual capital
Authors: M’Pherson Philip K. , Pike Stephen
Published: November 2002

The application of proper measurement to a company generating products, services, cash flow and reputation largely from intellectual capital (IC) assets is examined. The particular focus is to measure the organisation so that the contributions of intangibles to the business are measured in their own right. If the measurements are feasible in practice (they are), they will render the tangible as well as the intangible assets of a company to be managed explicitly. Then the contributions of the intangibles to cash flow become measurable, and thence on to estimates of business value, and shareholder value. Shows that the process view of an organisation deconstructs the “classical” structure of IC categories and formulations, and rearranges them in a form whose state and process variables are observable, measurable, and properly dimensioned for a multidimensional measuring space. Ends with a demonstration of the method applied to a hotel organisation that exemplifies many of the problems of measuring and optimising IC assets.
Toward a multi‐dimensional measure of individual innovative behavior
Authors: Kleysen Robert F. , Street Christopher T.
Published: November 2002

Individual level innovation studies often assess only one dimension of innovative behavior. As such, they do not sufficiently capture the richness of the construct of individual innovation. Develops and tests a multi‐dimensional measure of individual innovative behavior. Identifies descriptions of 289 innovation related behaviors and codes these into a hypothesized factor structure consisting of the following five dimensions: opportunity exploration, generativity, formative investigation, championing, and application. Structural equation modeling used on a sample of 225 employees from nine different organizations delivered a relatively poor fit between the hypothesized factor structure and respondents’ job behaviors. However, a single factor measure based on items representing all five factors resulted in an alpha reliability of 0.95 thus supporting a multi‐dimensional conceptualization of innovative behavior in general. Discusses implications for future research.
Coaching the coaches, to develop the teams, to accelerate the pace of change
Authors: Wild Anita
Published: November 2002

The past decade has been one of change and rationalisation for Unilever, as for many other organisations. Elida Faberge´, a flagship UK factory (now known as Lever Faberge´), which deals with many well‐known brand names in the health and personal care product range, needed to upskill its workforce to deal with the certainty of change. An innovative and risky strategy was taken to enable the developments to take place. A team of 12 people were recruited, on three‐year contracts, as coaches to the manufacturing teams and leaders. This case study discusses how, by using a mixture of action development (our build from action learning) and coaching, we helped the coaches to: develop their own skills in line with the business coach model defined, work as coaches at the same time as developing these skills; build themselves into an effective team; rapidly understand and use the organisation culture; develop a real understanding of how to learn and how to build learning into the organisation and, at the same time, to achieve work‐based qualifications of real value to themselves and the organisation.
Numerical study of turbulent flow with heat removal from a flat plate using the finite volume‐based method of lines
Authors: Campo Antonio
Published: November 2002

A hybrid computational method has been developed for the calculation of momentum and heat transfer in turbulent boundary layer flows along flat plates. The proposed method, the finite volume‐based method of lines, replaces a partial differential equation and two independent variables by a system of ordinary differential equations of first order and one independent variable. Using the simplest assumptions for modeling the turbulent diffusivity of momentum and heat, the system of differential equations may be readily integrated with a fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta algorithm. To validate the numerical predictions, comparisons with experimental data for air have been done in terms of axial velocities, temperatures, skin friction coefficients and Stanton numbers. For the wide range of Reynolds numbers tested, the hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics of turbulent air flows are predicted correctly.
The effect of choosing dependent variables and cell‐face velocities on convergence of the SIMPLE algorithm using non‐orthogonal grids
Authors: Lai H. , Yan Y.Y.
Published: November 2002

In this paper the effects of choosing dependent variables and cell face velocities on convergence of the SIMPLE algorithm are discussed. Using different velocity components as either dependent variables or cell‐face velocities, both convergent rate and calculation accuracy of the algorithm are compared and studied. A novel method, named “cross‐correction”, is developed to improve the convergence of the algorithm of using non‐orthogonal grids. Cases with benchmark and analytical solutions are used for numerical experiments and validation. The results show that, although different velocity components are employed as either dependent variables or cell face velocities, there is no obvious difference in both the convergent rates and numerical solutions. Moreover, the “cross‐correction” method is validated by computations with several first‐order and high‐order convection schemes; and the generality of convergence improvement achieved by the method is shown in the paper.
Non‐linear flow in fractured rock
Authors: Kolditz Olaf
Published: November 2002

This paper deals with theory and computation of fluid flow in fractured rock. Non‐Darcian flow behavior was observed in pumping tests at the geothermal research site at Soultz‐sous‐Forêts (France). Examples are examined to demonstrate the influence of fracture roughness and pressure‐gradient dependent permeability on pressure build‐up. A number of test examples based on classical models are investigated, which may be suited as benchmarks for non‐linear flow. This is a prelude of application of the non‐linear flow model to real pumping test data. Frequently, conceptual models based on simplified geometric approaches are used. Here, a realistic fracture network model based on borehole data is applied for the numerical simulations. The obtained data fit of the pumping test shows the capability of fracture network models to explain observed hydraulic behavior of fractured rock systems.