bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations in order picking zone configuration
Authors: Petersen Charles G.
Published: October 2002

In today’s competitive global economy, the focus is on faster delivery of small more frequent orders of inventory at a lower total cost. This often precludes the use of full pallet picking in warehouses so firms commonly use manual picking of cases and broken‐cases. Many firms increase the efficiency of their warehouses by using zone picking. Zone picking requires that a worker only pick those stock‐keeping units (SKUs) stored within their picking zone. In this paper we examine the configuration or shape of these picking zones by simulating a bin‐shelving warehouse to measure picker travel where SKUs are assigned storage locations either using random or volume‐based storage. The results show that the size or storage capacity of the zone, the number of items on the pick list, and the storage policy have a significant effect on picking zone configuration. In addition, we found that the absence of a back cross aisle also affected picking zone configuration. These results offer solutions to managers looking to implement improvements in distribution center operations.
Creating an expert system for detailed scheduling
Authors: Comesaña Benavides José A. , Carlos Prado J.
Published: October 2002

This paper presents our experience in the development of an expert system to be used for detailed scheduling in an industrial company. This was a middle‐sized company which builds metallic components for the automotive industry. Because of the complexity of the environment where it has to work, with many interactions between related functions in the company, the development of this system has required a great deal of collaboration among different experts. So, we had to develop a more sophisticated methodology for this development. The conclusions extracted from this work lead us to a generalization of the methodology employed, which is also presented here.
Identifying manufacturing flexibility best practices in small and medium enterprises
Authors: Petroni Alberto , Bevilacqua Maurizio
Published: October 2002

Most of previous research on manufacturing flexibility has been conceptual by nature and finalized to build analytical models and only a small percentage of the studies have focused on empirical observations of actual industrial practice. In this study, we applied a DEA‐based methodology to identify small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that operate on the frontier of manufacturing flexibility practice. Data were obtained via a questionnaire survey that considered seven basic dimensions of manufacturing flexibility. Subsequently, discriminant analysis was carried out to delineate which contextual factors and managerial aspects characterize the firms that have reached the “best practice” status. Finally, on‐site investigation was carried out with the “excellent” firms to better delineate their organizational and strategic profile.
Reference works on African American literature: a bibliographic guide
Authors: Moll Kirk
Published: October 2002

States that there has been a recent explosion in the publication of reference works in the field of African American studies which indicates the mature field of scholarship being achieved in this area. Provides a bibliographic guide for those wishing to identify and use research tools for studying African American literature.
Engendering trust in e‐commerce: a study of gender‐based concerns
Authors: Kolsaker Ailsa , Payne Claire
Published: October 2002

An essential element of successful e‐commerce is building relationships with consumers. All relationships are based upon trust and in the online B2C environment the absence of physical cues increases the reliance upon other elements to convey integrity and engender trust. Isolates and examines three components identified in earlier studies as areas of consumer concern. Within these parameters a number of consumer characteristics potentially might affect trust levels; this initial exploratory study examines whether consumer trust appears to vary by gender, and it is the authors’ intention to investigate other characteristics in future studies. Seeks to evaluate whether consumer trust is increasing or declining and whether one or other gender might potentially be more responsive to e‐marketing activities. Earlier studies suggest discernable differences between male and female perceptions of online shopping; however, the present study detects only minor (insignificant) gender‐based variations, registering a high level of concern overall, regardless of gender.
A procedure for establishing a reference state in qualitative simulation of operational systems
Authors: Kritchanchai Duangpun , MacCarthy Bart
Published: October 2002

Identifies the need for a formal procedure to generate a reference state when conducting qualitative simulation studies. A procedure for generating a reference state is presented and justified. The procedure considers output performance indicators, steady state conditions, system capacity and model validity. Its application is illustrated using a simulation model for an order fulfillment process. The calibration process is necessarily iterative and subjective to some degree and in general does not generate a unique reference state. The impact of using different reference states in a simulation experiment is illustrated. In general the results are consistent when interpreted qualitatively in terms of direction, trend and order of magnitude. The approach is most applicable for qualitative simulation studies where comparative performance is being investigated and where precise numerical estimation is not required. However the procedure is also applicable to the study of real systems where data is not available.
Business applications of WAP
Authors: van Steenderen Margaret
Published: October 2002

One of the most recent and significant changes in the business environment has been the growing demand for mobility. This means that customers, partners and employees should be able to access the information resources and services of a company wherever they are and whenever they want. In response to this demand, the wireless application protocol (WAP) was developed. In 1997 and 1998 WAP was being discussed as a possibility. Standards were set up and development was under way, and in 1999 a variety of WAP enabled products were released, making this a reality. By 2001, WAP v. 2.0 was available, and along with improved handsets advanced mobile services can now be made available, making mobile application delivery a reality. Users can make a call, check their calendars, schedule appointments, book tickets and send confirmation e‐mail, all using a mobile phone. This is just one of numerous examples of what this technology has made available. WAP has been slow to take off with consumers, but with continuous improvements and improved bandwidth the number of users is steadily increasing. Businesses have also been slow with making applications available that will appeal to the mass market, but with WAP 2.0 perhaps this will start to speed up. This paper looks at the development of WAP, how it works and what the major advantages and disadvantage
Organizations, management and psychoanalysis: an overview
Authors: Gabriel Yiannis , Carr Adrian
Published: October 2002

An overview is presented of some basic psychoanalytic insights into organisations that collectively reinforce the reasons why management studies should concern itself with psychoanalysis. The paper highlights the different psychoanalytically informed approaches that have been adopted thus far in the organisation literature and then raises some issues related to those who seek to use psychoanalytically informed insight to make interventions and manage organisation dynamics.
Psychoanalytic diagnosis of top management team dysfunction
Authors: Paul Jim , Strbiak Christy A. , Landrum Nancy E.
Published: October 2002

This article presents a psychoanalytically informed diagnosis of top management team (TMT) dysfunction during TMT training in a public sector organization. Outdoor management development exercises and the psychodynamics of family groups increased the psychological depth of a training intervention, eliciting dysfunctional behavior and facilitating diagnosis based on Bion’s theory of groups. Dysfunctional basic assumption behavior prohibited the group from effectively accomplishing the task of the work group. Implications for trainers and consultants are discussed.
Gendering the silences: psychoanalysis, gender and organization studies
Authors: Lowe Leroy , Mills Albert , Mullen Jane
Published: October 2002

By the very nature of its concerns (i.e. a search for deep‐seated meanings within our understandings of organizations and the people who enact them), psychoanalysis has much to offer management practice in the twenty‐first century. We contend that, given its focus, the growing concerns with the dynamics of gender at work places a particular burden on psychoanalysis. Drawing on insights from debates within feminist psychoanalysis, we suggest a strategy for applying psychoanalysis that is capable of dealing with the gendered aspects of organizational dynamics.
Knowledge management audit: the role of managers in articulating and integrating quality practices
Authors: Gloet Marianne
Published: October 2002

Two groups of middle level managers, one based in Australia, and the other in Hong Kong, were the focus of this study. A survey followed by focus group research revealed that almost half of the managers in both Australia and Hong Kong were unable to say whether knowledge management (KM) was practised in their organisations. Many were unable to determine whether KM had strategic significance within the organisation and neither group was able to articulate a comprehensive definition of KM. While there were some distinct similarities between the two groups on these issues, there were significant differences between managers in Australia and Hong when asked to describe the possible ways in which KM might be manifested within an organisation. Hong Kong managers framed KM within a framework dominated by information technology, while Australian managers subscribed to a broader orientation, which included not only information technology but also more humanist factors. Analysis of the results includes speculation on whether cross‐cultural differences may play a role in the interpretation and practice of KM.
Knowledge management: learning for organisational experience
Authors: Jarrar Yasar F.
Published: October 2002

Both intellectual capital and the management of knowledge are strongly emerging themes in today’s organisational world. Many authors and practitioners note that the emerging patterns are that intellectual capital will replace natural resources, commodities, finance, technology and production processes as the key factor influencing competitive advantage. However, knowledge management (KM) is still in its infancy. Aims to identify the critical success factors and best practices of KM through analysing the experiences of several organisations. Starts by defining what is meant by “knowledge” and “knowledge management”, and overviews the methodology used for identifying best practices. The second part is concerned with presenting a systematic and critical review of the published experiences of 40 organisations in KM. The analysis examined the methodologies pursued, IT support used, structures employed, results achieved, and the perceived critical success factors. This analysis allowed the proposal of several “best practices” for successful KM, which are presented and discussed.
ERP implementation in rural health care
Authors: Trimmer Kenneth J. , “Kitty” Pumphrey Lela D. , Wiggins Carla
Published: October 2002

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems provide organizations with the opportunity to integrate individual, functionally‐oriented information systems. Although much of the focus in the popular press has been placed on ERP systems in large for‐profit organizations, small hospitals and clinics are candidates for ERP systems. Focusing information systems on critical success factors (CSFs) allows the organization to address a limited number of areas associated with performance. This limited number of factors can provide management with an insight into dimensions of information that must be addressed by a system. Focuses on CSFs for small health‐care organizations. In addition, also considers factors critical to the implementation of health‐care information systems. Presents two cases. The results indicate support for the continuing use of CSFs to help focus on the benefits of ERPs. Focusing on groups of tangible and intangible benefits can also assist the rural health‐care organization in the use of ERPs.
The development of a system for measuring material deformation during the bonding of multilayer printed circuit boards
Authors: Sargent Keith , Spiller Adam
Published: October 2002

During the bonding of multi‐layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) the individual layers tend to distort, causing the feature positions to move. While the results of the bonding process are well understood, the processes occurring during bonding that take place within the press are not precisely understood. In order to progress the accuracy and reliability of the process of bonding PCBs, a greater understanding of these processes is needed. This paper reports details of a project that was conceived as a way to achieve that end.
Postmodernism, social relations and remote shopping
Authors: Burton Dawn
Published: October 2002

Postmodernism has provided valuable insights into the cultural significance of shopping and shopping sites in advanced societies. Despite their important contribution, postmodern accounts of shopping behaviour have predominantly focused on shopping in public spaces of malls and high streets. In this paper it will be argued that postmodern accounts of consumer shopping behaviour need to be developed and applied within the home shopping and wider remote shopping context. Directions for future research are proposed.
Pioneer brand advantage with UK consumers
Authors: Rettie Ruth , Hilliar Simon , Alpert Frank
Published: October 2002

Pioneer advantage is derived from two sources: producer‐based advantages and consumer‐based advantages. The latter is relatively under‐researched. This research replicates and extends Alpert and Kamins’ (1995) research, which was the first to directly survey consumers. Since their research occurred only in the USA, cross‐cultural replication is appropriate, (Hubbard and Armstrong, 1994). Key results show that: consumers are able to recall a brand’s pioneering status; pioneer brands generally have higher recall or retrieval than other brands including the market leader; communication of pioneer status may enhance purchase interest, both at the time of the product’s introduction and years after its introduction. These results support the US findings, and are rather more positive. However, British consumers did not agree that, if all other things were equal, they would prefer the pioneer brand. This research also shows for the first time that identification of pioneer status is related to actual purchase of that brand.
Barriers to internationalisation
Authors: Fillis Ian
Published: October 2002

Previous research concerning barriers to internationalisation growth have modelled sets of internal and external factors impinging upon the behaviour of the firm. It is believed that this approach can only ever achieve a general perception of the difficulties encountered and that industry specific studies are needed in order to elicit particular differences encountered by these firms. By examining the internationalisation behaviour of the smaller craft firm, this research uncovers a number of factors not generally modelled in other works which impinge both upon the craft firm in particular and on smaller firms in general. This is done by adopting a pluralistic approach to research, resulting in in‐depth analysis of craft firm microenterprises and their owner/managers.
Cost calculation and budgeting: the effect of a training session on the skills of medical directors and head nurses in European intensive care units
Authors: Goedee Maarten , Jegers Marc , Pepermans Roland , Mentens Cindy
Published: October 2002

Reports the results of a study aimed to assess the influence of cost calculation and budgeting training on the financial skills of medical professionals in European intensive care units (ICUs). Focuses on a test devised to measure cost calculation and budgeting skills of the medical directors and head nurses in 13 European countries. The test comprises two equivalent measurements. The training consists of an introduction to the main principles of cost calculation and budgeting. Emphasizes similarities with the profit sector. A set of guidelines on cost calculation and budgeting has been composed and tailored to the needs of ICU management. The results show that a rather introductory training of medical doctors and head nurses of ICUs dramatically improves their costing and budgeting skills. Therefore such a training should be a component in a comprehensive strategy to improve cost‐awareness in ICUs, eventually resulting in a more efficient use of ICU resources.
E‐shopping in a multiple channel environment
Authors: Kaufman‐Scarborough Carol , Lindquist Jay D.
Published: October 2002

In the present study, the authors propose a segmentation schema based on patterns of e‐browsing and e‐purchasing. We examine self‐reports of browsing and purchasing using five specific non‐store channels: the Internet, television infomercials, advertising that accompanies regular television programming, television shopping channels, and print catalogs. Our findings indicate that shoppers who browse and/or purchase on the Internet differ in their use of multi‐channel options related to their perceptions of convenience. Some shoppers clearly want to purchase in the store setting and reject multiple forms of non‐store shopping. Others like to browse various non‐store media and have extended their browsing to the Internet, yet maintain their loyalty to in‐store purchases. Retailers who attempt to “convert” such shoppers to Internet‐only purchasing may alienate the shoppers who rely on the Internet solely for information.
Managing the market learning process
Authors: Day George S.
Published: October 2002

Organizations continuously learn about their markets through the linked processes of market sensing and sense making. Firms that have mastered these two processes gain an advantage by anticipating market opportunities ahead of their rivals and more accurately forecasting how the market will respond to their moves. Our purposes are first, to describe the primary mechanisms for acquiring market information and turning it into market knowledge; second, to assess the pitfalls and power of the mental models used by organizations to filter, sort and simplify market information into coherent patterns; and then to prescribe some ways to improve a market learning capability.
Hybrid channel conflict: causes and effects on channel performance
Authors: Webb Kevin L. , Hogan John E.
Published: October 2002

Today’s dynamic markets are forcing firms to design increasingly complex channel strategies involving multiple channels of distribution. As the complexity of these systems increases, so too does the opportunity for conflict between individual channel coalitions within the firm. Whereas this hybrid channel conflict can reduce channel performance, it can also serve as a mechanism forcing internal channel coalitions to work harder and smarter to serve their markets. In this paper, we develop and test six hypotheses related to hybrid channel conflict. The findings indicate that hybrid channel conflict is an important determinant of both channel performance and satisfaction. The results suggest further that the relationship between hybrid channel conflict and channel performance is moderated by the lifecycle stage. Moreover, our data support the view that the frequency of conflict, but not its intensity, has a negative effect on channel system performance. We conclude with a discussion of the theoretical and managerial implications of this study.
From prisoners to apostles: a typology of repeat buyers and loyal customers in service businesses
Authors: Folkman Curasi Carolyn , Norman Kennedy Karen
Published: October 2002

Research in customer satisfaction over the past decade has lead to a much richer understanding of service quality and customer expectations. In trying to untangle the linkage between satisfied customers and long‐term success for the organization, however, attention has evolved from a focus on customer satisfaction to a realization that retaining customers and developing loyalty are essential for organizational success. This interpretive investigation focuses on customer retention and loyalty in an effort to understand better these variables in the context of service organizations. In so doing we review the rise of managerial concern for customer retention and loyalty and examine the definitions and relationships of these constructs. Then, to develop a richer understanding of repeat buyers, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with consumers identifying themselves as “loyal”. A typology of loyalty is offered consisting of five levels of repeat buyers, ranging from “prisoners” to “apostles”. Additionally, the managerial implications of this typology are discussed.
Addressing services’ intangibility through integrated marketing communication: an exploratory study
Authors: Grove Stephen J. , Carlson Les , Dorsch Michael J.
Published: October 2002

In this study, we examined the degree to which integrated marketing communication (IMC) might be manifested in services advertising. Using one of Lovelock’s typologies of services as a framework for classifying different services with respect to their tangibility, we examined ads in each of four service product categories to assess advertisers’ efforts to address the tangibility of service offerings via IMC. We found few differences with regard to incorporation of IMC across four service types, with the exception that services advertisements that reflected tangible acts (lawn care, hairstyling) were more highly integrated than services ads for intangible acts (education, retailing, banking). Results are discussed in terms of the implications for developing better services advertising.
Services communications: from mindless tangibilization to meaningful messages
Authors: Mittal Banwari
Published: October 2002

Service businesses face a unique challenge: how to effectively communicate the necessarily intangible benefits of their service offering. Their attempts to tangibilize the service are often ill‐designed, making service benefits more rather than less obscure. This article presents a scheme that identifies the communication task at various stages of consumer decision making and then matches appropriate communication strategies. Rather than embracing misguided tangibilization, the recommended strategies handle the intangibility challenge without necessarily using any tangible props.
A comparison of services advertising strategies used in US and Korean magazine ads: a content analysis
Authors: Bang Hae‐Kyong , Sook Moon Young
Published: October 2002

This study assesses the level to which services advertisers follow guidelines for effective services advertising suggested by prior academic literature. The study analyzes George and Berry’s five guidelines for effective services advertising strategies and Berry and Clark’s four tangibilization strategies. The extent to which these suggested strategies are actually implemented by practitioners in the USA and South Korea is investigated, using a content analysis methodology. It is hypothesized that advertisers in a more advanced services economy like the US would be more in tune with the distinctive nature of services (e.g. intangibility) and would practice these guidelines more frequently than advertisers in a newly developed services economy like Korea. The findings suggest that US services magazine ads do use most of the suggested services advertising strategies more frequently than the Korean counterparts. However, there are a few exceptions, and some of the guidelines were not widely used in either country. Managerial implications and suggestions for further research are provided.
The radicalization of the multiversity: the case of the networked business school
Authors: Moratis Lars T. , van Baalen Peter J.
Published: October 2002

Transformations in the context of higher education urge educational institutions to (re)position and (re)organize themselves to counter the challenges these transformations bring. Especially regarding universities and business schools, organizations that encompass a broad range of communities, operations, and activities, these transformations result in the radicalization of what Kerr has called the multiversity. The rationale of this radicalization is to be found in the trends and developments in the contemporary context of higher education. This article presents the networked business school as a response to this radicalization within the field of management education and management learning, since network organization seems to offer a lot of possibilities and benefits to the organization of business schools.
Assessing competency of Pakistani primary school teachers in mathematics, science and pedagogy
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Mahmood Khalid
Published: October 2002

The study is aimed at investigating the competency level of primary school teachers in the disciplines of science, mathematics and pedagogy. The sample comprised 1,800 randomly drawn Primary Teaching Certificate (PMC) teachers working in different state primary and middle/elementary schools of 22 districts of the Punjab province. The competency was determined by developing standardised achievement tests in each of the three subjects. The results show teachers have a low level of competency in all these three areas. On average, their achievement rate remained 30.8 percent in mathematics, 34.1 percent in science and 39.2 percent in pedagogy; even below the minimum set criterion of 40 percent against each subject. Gender was found to be a significant indicator in the study that the competency level of female PTC teachers was lower than their male counterparts’.
Attracting FDI to developing countries
Authors: Wint Alvin G. , Williams Densil A.
Published: October 2002

This study examines the efforts of many developing countries to promote their economies as sites for foreign direct investment. It develops a model of determinants of foreign direct investment flows to test the extent to which countries are able to differentially attract foreign direct investment through promotional activities. The statistical study lends support to the concept that the convergence of policy and promotional activities around the developing world is leading to a movement toward the maturity phase of the life cycle of the differential effectiveness of special attraction efforts. While this trend does not support a discontinuation of these special attraction efforts, we do suggest that it does make it critical that promotional organizations in developing countries emphasize “functional” rather than “selective” policy reforms and promotional activities that are non‐discriminatory in relation to local investors.
An examination of the corporate social and environmental disclosures of BHP from 1983‐1997
Authors: Deegan Craig , Rankin Michaela , Tobin John
Published: October 2002

This study examines the social and environmental disclosures of BHP Ltd (one of the largest Australian companies) from 1983 to 1997 to ascertain the extent and type of annual report social and environmental disclosures over the period, and whether such disclosures can be explained by the concepts of a social contract and legitimacy theory. This research is also motivated by the opportunity to compare and contrast results with those of Guthrie and Parker, in whose study the social and environmental disclosures made by BHP Ltd were also the focus of analysis. In testing the relationship between community concern for particular social and environmental issues (as measured by the extent of media attention), and BHP’s annual report disclosures on the same issues, significant positive correlations were obtained for the general themes of environment and human resources as well as for various sub‐issues within these, and other, themes. Additional testing also supported the view that management release positive social and environmental information in response to unfavourable media attention. Such results lend support to legitimation motives for a company’s social and environmental disclosures. A trend in providing greater social and environmental information in the annual report of BHP in recent years, and its variable pattern, was also evidenced.
Ethics in organizations: a Chaos perspective
Authors: Irvin Lisa
Published: October 2002

Scrutinizes one of the main features of the conventional credo of organizational management: The “ethic of self‐preservation” (ESP). The ESP is the inevitable by‐product of a culture that denies interiors and encourages materialistic consumerism and narcissistic self‐interest. Several pertinent questions will be explored: What is an ethic and what role does it play in governing both personal and collective behavior? What specifically is the ESP? How is it fostered by the prevailing culture of narcissism? What impact if any, does it have on the maintenance of organizational integrity? Furthermore, how can the Chaos principle of Connectivity be construed as an imperative for organizational adaptation and sustainability? Finally, what lessons can Chaos lend practitioners of organization development that will permit them to grasp, and ultimately, accept a new ethic based on the fact of connectivity in the essential process of organizational change?
Chaos, dialogue and the dolphin’s strategy
Authors: van Eijnatten Frans M. , van Galen Maarten
Published: October 2002

Documents a complex responsive process of profound organizational change taking place in a Dutch capital‐equipment manufacturing firm over a two‐year period beginning in September 1999. The primary focus of the initiative was on the transformation and development of the firm’s organizational mind – its “orgmind”. Although the company had an extensive history of system renewal activities, an evaluation of a decade of organization development efforts revealed that the “exterior” aspects of the system, e.g. tasks, structures, processes, tools, technology, etc., had received the bulk of attention. In contrast, the firm’s “interior”, consisting of such imperceptible qualities as the thoughts, beliefs, feelings and images held in the “mind” of the system, had been virtually ignored.
Leading change: insights from Jungian interpretations of The Book of Job
Authors: Smith Charles , Elmes Michael
Published: October 2002

This paper explores insights from the psychology of C.G. Jung as it relates to leadership and the management of change in organizations. It draws especially upon Jung’s archetypal interpretation of the biblical story of Job, and the relevance of this story to the modern day study of organizational life. It suggests that the transformations of consciousness represented within the story of Job are highly relevant to the ways that organizations and their leaders face chaotic, turbulent, and/or unpredictable circumstances. In particular, it describes the role of the feminine and the shadow within such situations, as forces that allow a new order to unfold during periods of intense change.
Jung, archetypes and mirroring in organizational change management
Authors: Carr Adrian
Published: October 2002

Jung’s discussion of archetypes and the psychodynamics of mirroring is applied to the results of a ten‐year longitudinal case study. Empirical evidence of such psychodynamics and insights into how these psychodynamics are related to the management of change are presented. Directions for further research are also discussed.
Solder ball failure mechanisms in plastic ball grid array packages
Authors: Zhong C.H. , Yi S. , Whalley D.C.
Published: October 2002

Plastic ball grid array packages were aged for up to 2000 hours. Various solder ball pad metallurgies were studied and solder ball shear tests were conducted at a range of ageing times. The solder ball shear strength was found to decrease after an initial hardening stage. The deterioration of solder ball shear strength was found to be mainly caused by the formation of intermetallic compound layers, together with microstructural coarsening and diffusion related porosity at the interface. For the ball pad metallurgy, two distinct intermetallic compound layer structures were observed to have formed after ageing. Once two continuous intermetallic compound layers formed fracture tended to occur at their interface. For the ball pad metallurgies which do not form two continuous intermetallic compound layers, the shear strength still decreased, due to the coarsening of the microstructure, intermetallic particle formation and diffusion related porosity at the surface of the Ni3Sn4.
Quality improvement activities in companies with foreign capital operating in Poland
Authors: Karaszewski Robert , Karaszewski Wlodzimierz
Published: October 2002

Foreign direct investment in Poland is feared in some political and economic circles, in others it is accepted too enthusiastically. The intention of this paper is not to show which side seems to be right but to attract the attention of Polish economic organisations to the fact that companies with foreign capital give much consideration to quality improvement aspects. Achievements of companies with foreign capital on the Polish market, especially in the field of acquiring competitive advantages, do not result from easy access to cheap credits or tax relief but, probably, first of all, from applied management methods including total quality management.
Hijacking the Holy Grail? Emerging HR practices in Croatia
Authors: Taylor David , Walley E.E. (Liz)
Published: October 2002

Transition by the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) from communism towards market economies has brought with it the introduction of Western management thinking. CEE since 1989 has been a kind of test‐bed for human resource management (HRM) – the concept that people management practice is central to the strategic direction and potential competitive advantage of the firm. This paper draws on 21 diverse company case‐study experiences in Croatia to review emerging HR practices and assess the relevance of Western management models. A matrix is designed, that categorises these organisations as “sleepers”, “doers”, “thinkers”, “strivers” or “leaders”, according to their strategic intent and their progress on policy implementation. The results suggest that subsidiaries of multinational corporations are leading the way towards HRM and other significant factors are industry sector and size of the company. There is evidence of “hijacking”of HRM amongst some Croatian companies by old style traditional forces to maintain the status quo. Young Croatian managers welcomed new HR progressive practices and identified with most of the philosophy of HRM, apart from suspicions associated with “mindset control” aspects that they saw underpinning HRM and associated with the previous regime.
Analytical woven fabric mechanics
Authors: Leaf G.A.V.
Published: October 2002

The paper briefly reviews the results of previously published analytical studies of the mechanics of plain woven fabrics, and shows how these can be used to determine how the various properties (extension, bending, shear) are related to each other.
Objective hand measurement of nonwovens used for top sheet of disposable diapers
Authors: Yokura Hiroko , Niwa Masako
Published: October 2002

The objective hand evaluation of the top sheet materials used for disposable diapers has been investigated, with consideration given to aspects of both dermatitis and comfort. The objective hand evaluation system for men's suiting has been applied to assess the hand of top sheet nonwovens. The subjective hand of the top sheet nonwovens, separated from the disposable diaper product, was assessed by female students. It became clear that the hand of the top sheet nonwovens could be predicted by the equation developed for men's suiting, for which the calculated error was within the range of the standard deviation of the subjective hand value of each product. The correlations between the hand quality of the diaper and the mechanical properties of its top sheet nonwoven were also examined. The diapers with high total hand value (THV) of their top sheet nonwovens were estimated to have good hand under both dry and wet conditions.
Contact personnel, physical environment and the perceived corporate image of intangible services by new clients
Authors: Nguyen Nha , Leblanc Gaston
Published: October 2002

The purpose of this article is to evaluate empirically the impact of contact personnel and physical environment on the perception of corporate image by new clients by using the hierarchical multiple regression analysis capable of exploring the potential presence of higher order and interaction terms. With data collected in two service industries, namely 272 new clients of a life insurance company and 238 travellers in a hotel, a linear relationship with corporate image was statistically confirmed for contact personnel, while a potential curvilinear relationship was found for physical environment. The results reveal the significant effect of both contact personnel and physical environment, as well as their interactive effects on corporate image. The managerial and research implications of the reported study are discussed.
The scale and pattern influences on the hedgerow networks’ effect on landscape processes
Authors: Franco Daniel
Published: October 2002

In the last decade we realised several rural landscape amelioration plans (Italy) by means of diffuse reintroduction of agroforestry linear plantations. To this end a GIS decision support system was developed that has been progressively implemented after design problem solutions and field/simulation research. Given that hedgerow (re)introduction could be a means to ameliorate some rural landscape processes, up until today we have reached the conclusion that planning is a necessary way to optimise such a transformation for socio‐economic and intrinsic reasons. Therefore we need to be able to distinguish the effect of the agroforestry systems (mainly hedgerow) among different scales (single planting/landscape) and different patterns (isolated systems/networks) to optimise their positive effects on landscape processes at different scales; and it is not possible to optimise landscape transformations by means of agroforestry network implementation without an action plan able to evaluate them.
The Internet‐based virtual machining system using CORBA
Authors: Kong Sang‐Hoon , Park Jaehong , Han Young‐Geun , Kim Gibom , Lee Kyo‐Il
Published: October 2002

This paper presents an Internet‐based virtual machining system which applies virtual manufacturing technology to machining processes of CNC machining center. The system is implemented to execute digital machining and verification, to transmit the NC code data to related machining centers after confirming the properness of virtual machining, and to manipulate the machine through the Internet. Also, this research proposes a basic structure that can monitor the status of machines via the Internet. By applying simulation techniques for machining processes, a simple manipulation and monitoring system of machining centers is realized. This entire system is constructed by adopting the latest information technology such as object‐oriented method, middleware, Internet programming, and client‐server structure.
Strategy implementation in the Alpine tourism industry
Authors: Pechlaner Harald , Sauerwein Elmar
Published: October 2002

Tourist regions with long tradition and years of experience often have a hard time implementing strategic management concepts. This is due to decision‐making and management processes at the level of tourism policy and the different levels of the tourism organization. These levels were bogged down for many years and aggravated the task of carrying out the required modifications. With the example of the Alpine region South Tyrol, this paper explains the errors that are likely to happen in the formulation and implementation of strategic concepts. The idea was to use a concrete example to explain the interdependence of the individual elements of strategic management from vision to implementation while, at the same time, elucidating the barriers and the sources of resistance to change at tourism organizations.
Chinese cultural values and total quality climate
Authors: Noronha Carlos
Published: October 2002

In view of the scarcity of studies on the relationship between national culture and total quality management (TQM), this paper examines the impact of Chinese cultural values on the total quality climate. Using a sample of 189 ISO 9000 certified companies in Taiwan, results from structural equation modeling indicate that Chinese cultural values do have a positive and statistically significant influence on these organizations’ quality climate. Given the results from a quantitative viewpoint, some congruencies among Chinese values and quality climate elements are suggested. Although using the case of Chinese culture, the theoretical proposition raised should gain generalizability in other national cultures towards a culturalist approach to the theorization of TQM.
Can perceptions of service quality predict behavioral intentions? An exploratory study in the hotel sector in Greece
Authors: Alexandris Konstantinos , Dimitriadis Nikos , Markata Dimitra
Published: October 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree to which behavioral intentions could be explained by service quality dimensions. Zeithmal et.’s theoretical framework was used to measure behavioral intentions; the five dimensions of SERVQUAL were used to measure perceived service quality. A total of 205 customers of two hotels in north Greece particpated in the study. The results indicated that the service quality dimensions explained a very high proportion of variance in word‐of‐mouth communications and purchase intentions (93 per cent and 85 per cent, respectively). These findings have theoretical implications in terms of developing a framework for conceptualizing service loyalty and identifying its antecedents. They also have practical implications in terms of designing effective customer retention strategies.
Organisational effectiveness in Irish health‐care organisations
Authors: Downey‐Ennis Kay , Harrington Denis
Published: October 2002

The effective management of health services and the delivery of quality systems in Irish health‐care institutions have increased in significance in recent years. Consumers (patients) are expecting more of health‐care providers and are demanding higher standards of care and service. Simultaneously, those paying for health services have become more concerned about rising health costs and possible inefficiencies. As a result there is widespread interest in understanding what makes for an effective health service and in developing better practices to improve existing approaches to health‐care management and delivery. Reviews developments in quality‐service management in the Irish health‐care sector and focuses attention on the need for the development of a model for quality implementation in health‐care institutions.
Convective heat transfer in ribbed square channels
Authors: Nonino C. , Comini G.
Published: October 2002

Three‐dimensional laminar forced convective heat transfer in ribbed square channels is investigated. In these channels, transverse and angled ribs are placed on one or two of the walls to form a repetitive geometry. After a short distance from the entrance, also the flow and the dimensionless thermal fields repeat themselves from module to module allowing the assumption of periodic, or anti‐periodic, conditions at the inlet/outlet sections of the calculation cell. Prescribed temperature boundary conditions are assumed at all solid walls, including the ribs. Pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics are compared for rib angles ranging from 90° (transverse ribs) to 45°, and different values of the Reynolds number. The influence of rib geometries is investigated below and above the onset of the self‐sustained flow oscillations that precede the transition to turbulence. Numerical simulations are carried out employing an equal order finite‐element procedure based on a projection algorithm.
Re‐presenting women executives: valorization and devalorization in US business press
Authors: Krefting Linda A.
Published: October 2002

Perceived compatibility between requirements of managerial work and attributes of women is believed important to the advancement and success of women, and research demonstrates continued ambivalence about women executives. The question of how images of women executives are disseminated, reproducing or contesting negative characterizations, has received little attention. The research reported here focuses on US business press as a cultural carrier disseminating images of women executives. Critical discourse analysis examined 27 front page Wall Street Journal accounts of 22 women executives in the year following Carly Fiorina’s appointment to head Hewlett‐Packard; 20 front page accounts of 24 men executives were used as comparison. Prominently featured articles on women executives provide fractured images of women as executives: while some accounts are positive, other portrayals reinforce negative perceptions of women’s competence and likeability as executives and concerns about the social order. Similar issues are not raised in coverage of male executives. Author gender does not seem to affect the portrayal.
Gender, managerial level, transformational leadership and work satisfaction
Authors: Manning Tracey T.
Published: October 2002

This paper explores how gender and organizational level interact to influence ratings of leadership and work satisfaction, and argues that transformational leadership permits women to simultaneously carry out leadership and gender roles. Findings of a study of the management team of a large US social services agency confirmed predicted similarities in male and female managers’ transformational leadership and work satisfaction. Top managers of both sexes saw themselves as more transformational leaders, while their raters perceived them as less transformational than average for the sample. Those who were younger and at lower managerial levels were more likely to underrate themselves as leaders, while their raters viewed them as higher than average in transformational leadership. The results are discussed in terms of how organizational status, experiences and feedback processes influence individuals’ leadership perceptions and the potential obstacles to women’s accurate assessment of their leadership abilities.
From civil defence to civil protection – and back again
Authors: Alexander David
Published: October 2002

Civil protection, or emergency preparedness as it is known in the USA, has grown in response to the need to protect populations against natural and technological disasters. Over the past two decades it has partially supplanted civil defence, which is primarily concerned with civilian response to armed aggression. This article traces the evolution of both fields and analyses their often uneasy relationship. It discusses the probable long‐term effect of the US terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 on emergency management policies around the world and considers the implications of the probable changes in terms of citizen’s rights and expectations in disaster situations. With the new emphasis on anti‐terrorism measures, and a new spirit of authoritarianism, civil defense appears to be becoming resurgent at the expense of the more democratic forms of crisis management inherent in modern civil protection arrangements.