bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexibility and feedback: a new approach to ongoing training for reference student assistants
Authors: Neuhaus Chris
Published: April 2007

Scheduling conflicts and budget deficits forced the termination of a classroom‐format training program for student assistants serving at a university library general reference desk. In its place has arisen a year‐round alternative approach to training that combines individualized instruction, hands‐on learning, scavenger hunts, and regular review of reference desk policies, practices, and procedures. This reincarnated undergraduate student assistant training program now allows for ongoing practice and increased feedback. Additional benefits of this new training program include greater student‐student and student‐staff interactions, the flexibility to quickly address perceived problems, and the ability to rapidly focus on new reference tools and reference policies.
Public access to the beach: a selective bibliography
Authors: Mongeau Deborah
Published: April 2007

The public’s traditional right to enjoy the shore was unchallenged until the twentieth century. The population shift to coastal areas and the subsequent development of coastal lands by private parties has brought both public and private interests into bitter conflict over this prime real estate. The US Federal Government has encouraged public access but has left its implementation to the states. In turn, lack of funds and staff has forced the states to rely heavily on individuals and citizen action groups to find, open, maintain and publicize access. This bibliography identifies sources that can help interested individuals and action groups increase public coastal access while preserving the rights of private property owners.
Partnerships – yesterday, today and tomorrow
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: April 2007

Academic libraries can advance their mission and goals by forging strategic alliances and partnerships with various key campus constituencies, such as faculty members, athletic coaches, and computing professionals. As libraries continue to experience changes in their services, collections and facilities, these partnerships become more important than ever.
Creating a Web research guide: collaboration between liaisons, faculty and students
Authors: Sugarman Tammy S. , Demetracopoulos Constance
Published: April 2007

This article discusses the efforts of two liaison librarians at William Russell Pullen Library, Georgia State University, to build a long‐term, sustainable partnership among teaching faculty, graduate students, and librarians in the development and maintenance of a Web‐based research guide for world history. The projects’ goals are: to provide access to the resources available at Pullen Library; to serve as a gateway to resources available on the Internet; and to showcase student contributions, including bibliographies and annotations of Web sites. The project is an organic endeavor, with the Web site’s organization open to periodic review and modification. Continuous discussions and mutual criticisms have marked the progress of the project. The authors see the success of this venture as a way to collaborate with more faculty, and increase the level of student participation on an ongoing basis.
Emerging strategic people management of coalmines in Central Queensland
Authors: Zheng Connie , Di Milia Lee , Rolfe John , Bretherton Phil
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to set a research agenda which will explore the link between strategic human resource management (HRM) and business performance of the coal industry in Central Queensland, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Key performance indicators of coalmines are collected from official statistics and other publicly available records. A survey instrument is to be designed and used to collect data related to experiences and perceptions of managers and employees in coalmines. Statistical tools are used to test interrelationships between key variables.

Findings

The research will be the first empirical study of the link between strategic HRM and business performance of the coal industry. The research outcomes will contribute to the body of knowledge concerning the relationship between strategic HRM and business performance. Studying people management practices in the coal industry enables us to paint a clearer picture of the key HRM issues currently faced by the industry. As management educators, we may be more able, as a result of this study, to provide solutions to some identified problems in the industry.

Originality/value

The coal industry is very important to sustainable regional economic development. An analysis of the impact of people management approaches to business performance is likely to lead to identifying some best practices that can be potentially adopted in the wider regional business community.
Casual workers: still marginal after all these years?
Authors: Leighton Patricia , Painter Richard W.
Published: April 2007

The recent House of Lords decision in Carmichael v. National Power plc decided that a casual/zero‐hours worker was self‐employed and thus excluded from most of the basic employment statutory rights. The aims of this article are to note the incidence and characteristics of the casual workforce in the UK and EU; to explore the current legal framework applying to casual workers, including the decision and implications of Carmichael; to note recent and intended legal measures which have particular relevance for casual workers; to evaluate the likely effectiveness of those recent or proposed legal measures; and to consider possible alternative strategies to establish an appropriate framework for casuals.
European Works Councils: representing workers on the periphery
Authors: Stirling John , Fitzgerald Ian
Published: April 2007

This article presents the results of a survey of European Works Council (EWC) delegates in multinational companies in the North East of England. It uses empirical data from a postal questionnaire and interviews with all regional representatives to analyse the key issue of employee representation. The authors argue that EWC representation is inextricably linked with corporate organisation and that this creates significant problems in a region such as the North East where a “peripheral” economy is particularly sensitive to the rapid restructuring of multinational capital. The analysis is developed in a context of closure and divestment and explores the questions of how EWC delegates are selected; their ability to “report back” to those they might be said to represent and the problems of working across national boundaries.
Quality management theory and practice: some observations of practices in Australian academic libraries
Authors: Tam Lawrence W.H.
Published: April 2007

An outline of the theory and elements of quality management employing Deming’s method is used to compare practices in several academic libraries in Australia. Discussion is based on personal observation of theory and practice.
The impact of globalisation on Africa
Authors: Thapisa Amos P.N.
Published: April 2007

Lead paper for a virtual conference on Global Information in Africa proposing that the debate extends beyond the technical and professional. Introduces the impact on education, research, economics and culture, morality, communication, work productivity, and political democracy.
Global Information issues: LIS educators and the public good
Authors: Stilwell Christine
Published: April 2007

This sub‐theme paper addresses the question: for those who defend libraries as vital democratic institutions charged with providing free and equal access to information as a public good, how do we act in the Internet age? As with Thapisa’s paper in this issue, to which this paper is partly a response, speculates on emerging issues and explores possibilities concerning Global Information, with particular emphasis on the educational aspects.
International co‐operation: the West‐East relationship in EU funded projects
Authors: Ole Pors Niels , Edwards Vilas
Published: April 2007

Gives an informed account of the authors’ experiences with different Tempus/Phare projects in East European countries. The paper is not therefore a scientific piece of research but a reflection of experiences in dealing with colleagues from Hungary and Lithuania. Emphasises the benefits that Western institutions can obtain from participating in these types of projects and co‐operation. Also points out some of the difficulties. Gives an account of experiences with the East European Library scene and tries to underline the differences and dissimilarities. Overall, the paper is about the joys and the frustrations of international co‐operation.
Librarianship in China: the spread of Western influences
Authors: Chu Jingli
Published: April 2007

The development of Chinese librarianship is related closely to the spreading of the influence of Western librarianship in China upon professional practice and research. Provides an overview of the channels through which ideas were transmitted, and the influences which they exerted on Chinese librarianship, particularly in recent years, upon basic theories, technical services, readers’ services, management, and library science education.
Information management: paradigm, curriculum and profession in the
Centre for Information Management, Thames Valley University
Authors: Shinebourne John
Published: April 2007

Discusses the courses available at the Centre for Information
Management at Thames Valley University. The courses bring together
academic programmes and operational functions; educators and
practitioners.
Comparing paper and electronic short loan collections
Authors: Gadd Elizabeth
Published: April 2007

Reports on a comparative cost‐benefit analysis of the paper short loan collection and the ACORN electronic short loan collection at Loughborough University. Describes the tasks associated with the creation and maintenance of each collection; analyses those tasks for related costs, drawing particularly on the experiences of Project ACORN; and then compares the advantages of each collection type. Concludes that although the electronic collection is currently more expensive to maintain, the benefits of electronic access to high demand material could be seen to justify those costs, and that in time ‐ as technologies improve and associated costs decrease ‐ it is likely that electronic collections will provide a cost‐effective value‐added service for libraries and their users.
The impact of information on corporate decision making in the insurance sector
Authors: Smith Christine , Winterman Vivienne , Abell Angela
Published: April 2007

The insurance sector is currently in a state of some uncertainty and companies are increasingly conscious of the need to maintain a competitive edge over their commercial rivals while at the same time getting maximum benefits from in‐house resources. As part of this review of resources, the information and library function within many insurance companies is under scrutiny. Reports on a study undertaken to determine the impact of information on corporate decision making within the insurance industry; to explore the value that decision makers placed on the information and services provided by both the in‐house facility and external sources in maintaining a competitive edge in the market place; and to examine the effectiveness and applicability in the insurance sector of the methodology used by Joanne Marshall in her studies of the impact of information in Canadian banks. This involved taking a “snapshot” of the information inputs into decisions made by a sample of decision makers during a six‐month period with each respondent being asked to focus on one decision only.
Human resource management in Japan ‐ Adjustment or transformation?
Authors: Selmer Jan
Published: April 2007

During an extended period of economic recession for most of the 1990s, broad and striking changes have been made to the Japanese employment system. How fundamental or reversible they are is harder to evaluate. If the economic recovery prevails, a considerable stabilization of Japanese human resources practices can be expected, although at a higher level of market‐oriented flexibility than previously existed. Despite the connection between the seniority‐based salary system and the lifetime employment regime, more future changes can be expected in the former than the latter. In the case of the Japanese system of industrial relations, a safe conclusion is that its main characteristics will probably be maintained in coming years.
Using soft systems methodology to identify competence requirements
in HRM
Authors: Brocklesby John
Published: April 2007

Uses a case study to show how Checkland′s soft systems methodology
(SSM) may be used as a vehicle for developing competence profiles in
human resource management. The benefits of SSM are based on its
underlying interpretive assumptions, the distinctive way in which
conceptual models are used to create learning and insight, and other
aspects of systems thinking, notably the guidance embodied in its
technology, and its use of the systems concepts of hierarchy and holism.
Argues that much of the data which provide the basis for many HRM
decisions is meaningless because they are abstracted from the broader
social context from which they emerged. Presents SSM as an approach for
developing HR‐related information which has the potential to overcome
this difficulty.
Mentoring relationships and interpersonal orientation
Authors: Siegel Philip H. , Smith James W. , Mosca Joseph B.
Published: April 2007

This exploratory study provides information on the interpersonal orientation of CPA firm professionals, which augments our knowledge of personality types. The study of Big Six audit personnel used the FIRO‐B measure of interpersonal orientation and found that the average social index indicator (SII) of overall interpersonal needs was lower than the national average and higher than prior studies taken of undergraduate accounting and business students. In contrast to most prior studies, we found gender differences in interpersonal orientation. Having a mentor can enhance work effectiveness and increase opportunities for personal success. Mentor relationships vary in intensity and duration as to the type of support. Interpersonal factors are likely to influence the path of a relationship. We found that the number of strong support relationships is usually higher at the manager level, as compared with the senior level. Interpersonal orientation as measured by the FIRO‐B score was positively correlated with both receiving and providing support relationships.
New small robot broadens applications spectrum for industrial automation
Authors: Johnsson Karl‐Gunnar
Published: April 2007

Describes the development and application of the ABB IRB 140 industrial robot. This robot is characterised by its small size (120cm high) and high load carrying capacity (5kg). Applications covered include welding, die spraying, machine tending and clean room.
Sophisticated image processing controls assembly robot
Authors: Collins Geoff
Published: April 2007

Describes the assembly of automotive front wheel components using seven robots and three vision systems. The use of vision minimised the costs associated with the presentation of parts to the assembly cells.
Robots get the measure of car body inspection
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: April 2007

A new application for the industrial robot has emerged, inspection, with two players emerging, Stäubli and Amatec Robotics of the Kuka Roboter Group. Both companies’ systems and their competing benefits are discussed. Until this new development, car bodies were inspected on‐line with arrays of laser sensors fixed in position over the production line. Using a robot to manipulate the same type of sensor gives more flexibility in the areas of the car to be measured and also reduces the number of sensors needed. It emerges that virtually all of the applications to date are to be found in European car plants, and some of these are described.
A CORBA‐based approach for humanoid robot control
Authors: Takeda Kenro , Nasu Yasuo , Capi Genci , Yamano Mitsuhiro , Barolli Leonard , Mitobe Kazuhisa
Published: April 2007

Recently, many control architectures for robots have been proposed. However, in these architectures, it is difficult to add new functions to existing applications or add new applications. Moreover, developing a robot control system using many researchers makes it difficult to cooperate with each other. In order to deal with these problems, we propose a Humanoid Robot Control Architecture (HRCA) based on Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). The proposed HRCA is organized as a client/server control architecture. The HRCA is implemented as an integration of many humanoid robot control modules, which correspond to CORBA servers and clients. By applying these to “Bonten‐Maru I” a humanoid robot, which is under development in our laboratory, we describe the HRCA modules and the effectiveness of HRCA. We confirmed the effectiveness of HRCA from simulation and experimental results. By using the proposed HRCA, the control of the humanoid robot in a distributed environment such as a Local Area Network (LAN) is possible and thus various humanoid robots in the world can share their own modules with each other via the Internet.
Automation in the plastics industry
Authors: Manser Peter
Published: April 2007

Describes the benefits of using robots to unload injection moulding machines and the various robot configurations that can be applied. The use of robots to assist in the manufacture of injection moulded loading doors for domestic washing machines is given as an example.
Flexible robotic measuring of weldments on production lines©Servo‐Robot inc.
Authors: Boillot Jean‐Paul , Uota Koichi
Published: April 2007

Weldments, like any other mass produced components, must meet very specific quality requirements. Critical data must be collected where robotic welding and associated processes are applied: these processes are particularly sensitive to fit‐up and are governed by a significant number of parameters. On production lines, local robotic inspection systems are being developed and implemented to detect presence, absence, and position of beads; position and orientation of brackets; presence, absence and dimensions of holes, etc. The flexible gauging system uses a precision laser‐profiling camera that when connected to a robot wrist is easily programmed to move over the area to be inspected, in order to gather the dimension data and to locate defects. Whereas standard gauging systems failed in the past to perform on weldments, recently developed ones that benefit from new sensing technology and increased computer power allow a 100% capability inspection as well as the analysis of manufacturing trends, including decision‐making process under programmable acceptance criteria.
Robotic handling: sensors increase reliability
Authors: Friedrich Werner E
Published: April 2007

Using the case study of updating a robotic palletizing operation in a
New Zealand oil company, outlines how the reliability of a shopfloor
application depends to a great extent on how well the system can respond to
unpredictable situations. Explains that the effective use of system and
sensor information is critical for the achievement of a well
co‐ordinated response. Covers areas such as the gantry system, motion
control, information flow, process strategies and adaptive motion strategy.
Concludes that the overall goal of the updated system was to increase system
availability in container handling and improve safety aspects. As a result of
utilizing previous shopfloor experience and effective use of sensor
information, a very reliable palletizing operation has been
achieved.
Vacuum basics
Authors: Pellerin Cheryl
Published: April 2007

Defines a vacuum and gives some basic facts about it, including an
explanation of vacuum force and air pressure. Describes the three main
applications of vacuum; low range, industrial and scientific and gives
examples of uses. A vacuum can be created mechanically or by compressed
air: discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical vacuum
pumps and compressed air‐driven ejector pumps. Concludes with a brief
look at vacuum in relation to altitude.
Simulation case study
a waterjet‐cutting workcell at robot processing technologies Inc
Authors: Owens John , Piatkowski Kevin
Published: April 2007

Describes how a robot simulation software package was used to perform
the simulation, calibration and Off‐line programming of a
waterjet‐cutting workcell, used for cutting pelts. The workcell
consisting of a robot using an RJ controller and the TP robot language had to
cut four parts from one pelt. Describes the difficulties encountered using
manual programming and how the robot simulation package solved the problems
of accuracy and repeatability. Concludes that parts were cut to a higher
accuracy and programming time was drastically reduced using the simulation
software.
Flexible automation solutions for today’s bakeries
Authors: Tallian Richard B. , Weinstein Michael A.
Published: April 2007

Discusses process automation in bakery manufacturing. States that although automation has occurred in the preparation and process areas, packaging has remained a manual operation. Presents a flexible automated packaging system which can cope with the demanding variables encountered when dealing with bakery products.
A robotic pipe‐asbestos insulation removal system
Authors: Schempf H. , Mutschler E. , Chemel B. , Boehmke S. , Piepgras C. , Crowley W.
Published: April 2007

The big‐on‐asbestos (BOA) system is a mobile pipe‐external robotic crawler used to remotely strip and bag asbestos‐containing lagging and insulation materials (ACLIM) from various diameter pipes in (primarily) industrial installations. Steam and process lines within the Department of Energy (DoE) weapons complex warrant the use of a remote device due to the high labor costs and high level of radioactive contamination, making manual removal extremely costly and highly inefficient. Currently targeted facilities for demonstration and remediation are Fernald in Ohio and Oak Ridge in Tennessee.
An object‐oriented specification of a flexible manufacturing cell
Authors: Mak K.L. , Lau H.Y.K.
Published: April 2007

The flexibility of an automated manufacturing system (AMS) is largely determined by the architecture of its supervisory software. The AMS supervisory software should be compatible enough to allow re‐configuration, maintenance, and upgrading to be done at a reasonable cost, so as to prolong the life span of the AMS, and to maintain its value and success. In this connection, the application of software engineering methodologies is to introduce better management of AMS software development, with a view to providing some structure and formality to express, analyse, and produce them. This paper presents an object‐oriented methodology to address the task of AMS supervisory software development. The effectiveness of the methodology is examined in an extensive case study of the development of the supervisory software for a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) that contains a robot and an AGV.
International operations strategy: current efforts and future directions
Authors: Prasad Sameer , Babbar Sunil , Motwani Jaideep
Published: April 2007

In an intensely competitive global marketplace reshaped by the opening of new markets, the study of international operations strategy (IOS) is becoming increasingly important. This paper undertakes a comprehensive review of the IOS literature from 31 well‐regarded operations management and broad management journals over a 12‐year period from 1986 through 1997. It presents the findings and issues addressed in the research. It explores the trend in IOS publications and presents a breakdown of this literature based on its country‐ and region‐specific focus. It examines the mix of authorship of IOS research, the methodologies employed, and discusses future directions for IOS research.
TQM as a management strategy for the next millennia
Authors: Mehra Satish , Hoffman Joyce M. , Sirias Danilo
Published: April 2007

Total quality management (TQM) has been acclaimed as an organizational philosophy to enhance global competitiveness. Will TQM continue to be a management philosophy of the future in same shape, size, and design? This paper, through literature search and using field experts, identifies the future role of TQM in businesses facing global markets.
Searching for the sandcone in the GMRG data
Authors: Corbett Lawrence M. , Clay Whybark D.
Published: April 2007

Over the last few years, several international studies have independently shown a significant correlation between the number and intensity of manufacturing practices in use and the performance of a firm. The conclusion is an unsettling: “the more the better.” This paper uses the Global Manufacturing Research Group’s (GMRG) second round database to deepen our understanding of this relationship. The shape of a scatterplot of practices versus performance resembles the shape of an American or rugby football and is often called the “performance football”. The performance football seems to be a general phenomenon so, as practices are added, a firm should garner earlier performance improvements if it followed the upper edge of the performance envelope. This is consistent with the “sandcone” model or sequential capability building model that suggests that a firm should first invest in quality practices and then add others over this base. We first demonstrate the relationship between practices and performance holds for the GMRG data and then we make detailed comparisons of the firms along the upper and lower edges of the football. The comparisons provide some evidence that there is a sandcone effect.
Modular reconfigurable flexible final assembly systems
Authors: Heilala Juhani , Voho Paavo
Published: April 2007

Market turbulence forces assembly plants to constantly adjust their production volume of products, variants and quantities. At the same time, assembly plant managers must protect long‐term investments in the flexible assembly system. For reconfigurability and agility the best solution is the modular semi‐automatic approach by combining flexible automation and human skills. It gives managers possibility to adjust volume by adding new modules or to automate the manual tasks step by step. The control of material handling and information flow in the agile assembly system is important. To keep flexibility, the combination of an intelligent pallet, i.e. use of escort memory, carrying a single product together with other hardware providing paperless production even supports a lot size of one. The article shows how to create flexible capability and capacity in the final assembly systems.
Laser welding adapts to non‐linear tailored blanks
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: April 2007

Reports on a new laser welding facility installed by Corus for making complex tailored blanks for the automotive industry. Describes the production of laser welded tailored blanks for BMW’s new Mini.
Machine vision improves productivity in many ways
Authors: Simpson Leigh
Published: April 2007

The recent introduction of low‐cost vision sensors has greatly increased the range of applications for vision. Within the arena of automated assembly there are a number of tasks that vision is suited to and these are outlined. Also the idea of distributing vision throughout the assembly process together with networking via Ethernet is examined.
Exploring the benefits of MEMS for micro assembly tasks
Authors: Henneken Vincent , Tichem Marcel , Karpuschewski Bernhard
Published: April 2007

An alternative way of performing micro‐assembly tasks is by means of product‐internal assembly functions. After a coarse alignment step, the parts are fine positioned relative to each other by functionality that is integrated with the product. This functionality includes part actuation, position sensing and part freezing. They replace expensive machinery and delicate manual labour, and are aimed to result in lower total production costs. Micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) technology has important benefits to be used as supporting technology, because it allows for cost reduction (batch production), and structures can be made with small dimensions and high accuracy. The objective of this paper is to develop a reliable and reproducible interconnection technology using MEMS‐based product‐internal assembly functions, by which packaging cost is reduced and yield is improved. The considered case is the packaging of optical fibre to chip couplings.
Twin‐arm manipulator system for the assembly of large products
Authors: Dailami Farid , Redford Alan
Published: April 2007

The continuous need for agility coupled with increasing labour costs and improvements in reliability and capability of automation has meant a renewed interest in the application of robots to many manufacturing activities. Research at the University of the West of England, Bristol has focused on the design of an integrated, modular system for the assembly of large products. The work under the ALASCA project has resulted in a number of technologies that will significantly affect assembly automation. The paper discusses the latest results from this work and presents the experimental conclusions thus far.
NedCar’s “final assembly” line with automatic islands for four car types
Authors: Nakahara Toshinori , Kikkert Arie
Published: April 2007

Reports on the development of a partly automated final assembly line at NedCar, engineered with the main objectives being: four car types in one line in any combination; higher degree of automation and less man dependent; high productivity with minimal balance losses; highly reliable quality level. Basic principles are: continuously stable running conveyor line; and several fully automated “auto islands”.
Machine vision helps bring new medical device to market
Authors: Kress Stephen
Published: April 2007

Actimed Laboratories Inc., USA, explain how they are using machine vision technology to develop automated inspection systems for home cholesterol‐screening kits.
Libraries without resources: towards personal collections
Authors: Savenije Bas , Grygierczyk Natalia
Published: April 2007

The main function of the library of the future is to provide access to electronic sources stored elsewhere. In order to comply with the users’ needs, therefore, flexible license scenarios are necessary. Another future function of the library will be to set up and maintain a personal alerting system and to assist users in organising their own information, which should be integrated as much as possible in specific work processes of individual users. This means that the library of the future no longer provides a collection of information in the traditional sense of the term, but an access to that collection. The library’s tools, facilities, and infrastructure enable users to create their own information systems: collections consisting of links to information sources relevant for their personal use.
Paging a library collection: the Brooklyn College Library experience
Authors: Deutch Miriam
Published: April 2007

Construction of a new library for Brooklyn College required that the collections and staff move out of the existing library building. This move into temporary quarters necessitated that the library close its stacks. The author describes how the staff planned, implemented, and managed an on‐site as well as an off‐site paging system for approximately one million volumes. Practical administrative and management issues are discussed that could be applied to other libraries needing to plan a paging system for their library collections. The impact on library users is also discussed. The author concludes that paging systems may become commonplace as storage facilities become the new model for academic and research libraries.
The great newspaper caper: backlash in the digital age
Authors: Cox Richard J.
Published: April 2007

Richard Cox responds to the attacks by Nicolson Baker against the library community. Deals with each of Baker’s main points: that a lie was foisted on the public about the care of newspapers, the insidious destruction of original newspapers, the resultant loss of trust by the public in libraries and archives and a set of wrong priorities leading to the misguided microfilming and destruction of newspapers.
Thermal sensor using the differential thermal analysis for the detection of relative humidity
Authors: Sorli B. , Pascal‐Delannoy F. , Foucaran A. , Giani A. , Boyer A.
Published: April 2007

This article describes a new humidity sensor using the technique of differential thermal analysis (DTA). The energy of water vaporisation is estimated via the measurement of the Seebeck voltage of miniature thermocouples used in differential mode on a Peltier module causing condensation from the ambient air. This sensor uses the sensitivity of alloys V2VI3 containing [Bi, Te, Sb, Se], 400‐440μV.K–1. Experimental measurements have been performed in a climatic chamber at constant temperature. The time variation of the differential Seebeck voltage with relative humidities HR varying from 10 to 90 per cent makes it possible to identify with precision the point of water evaporation. For each value of the relative humidity, it is directly a function of the condensate mass. The integration of these curves over time makes it possible to calculate the energy of vaporisation and the condensate mass.
A novel low‐cost sensor for measuring cylinder pressure and improving performance of an internal combustion engine
Authors: Sion Russell , Atkinson John
Published: April 2007

A new sensor has been developed which will enable engine pressure data to be available at a cost suitable for the average production vehicle. Unlike many previous devices this sensor will be suitable for the harsh environmental conditions of production vehicles themselves and not just the test environment. The sensor is small, extremely rugged and has a sufficiently wide bandwidth to be easily able to detect engine problems such as pre‐ignition, miss‐fire and malfunctioning engine components. Furthermore, the patented sensor technology does not require expensive electronic interfaces, but can use simple low‐cost off the shelf components. The sensor's performance and limitations are discussed, based on real data from a single cylinder petrol engine. An analysis of the sensor output signals, showing both time and frequency domain data under varying load conditions, is also included.
Innovative thin‐film pressure mapping sensors
Authors: Hunston Michael
Published: April 2007

A novel approach is presented for measuring contact pressure across a defined area using thin Mylar film sensors. The design and benefits from the use of such technology is described. The 0.1mm thick sensors are non‐intrusive and can be made in a variety of pressure ranges, shape, size and spatial resolution. When linked to a PC, these sensors provide real‐time dynamic 2D or 3D images, or data may be collected at speeds of up to 125 frames per second for sensors having as many as 2,000 measurement points. Recorded data may be replayed and further analysed. Typical examples of the use of this technology are described.
Monitoring plasma jets containing micro particles with chromatic techniques
Authors: Russell P.C. , Djakov B.E. , Enikov R. , Oliver D.H. , Wen Y. , Jones G.R.
Published: April 2007

A description about the use of the chromatic methodology for monitoring an arc plasma jet utilised for heating micro particles for forming plasma sprayed coatings is given. It is shown that the behaviour of both the plasma and heated micro particles are distinguishable from their different coordinates on an H‐S polar map. Calibration with a standard ribbon lamp would appear feasible for tracking the temperature of the plasma heated micro particles.
Advancing women in business organizations
Authors: Mattis Mary C.
Published: April 2007

Examines the role of key players such as front‐line and middle managers as well as executives in implementing and sustaining corporate gender diversity initiatives. Findings show that mentors and role models can have a great effect, especially in assisting women employees gain and complete high profile projects important for their advancement. Develops key leadership roles and discusses them through a number of case examples.
An empirical analysis of priority sectors for managers’ training
Authors: Cornuel Eric , Kletz Pierre
Published: April 2007

Whereas the foreign direct investment role in privatised enterprises is a new phenomenon, our purpose here is to discuss the changing strategies of foreign manufacturing firms in view of the new conditions that they are facing and the consequences on labour market and economic sectors. With regard to this, the main issue to shed light on is to what extent foreign owned firms operating in the manufacturing sector of Lithuania have been contributing to increasing the competitiveness of the country, through efficiency seeking and eventually through resource enhancing investments. And to what extent might such investments lead to a deeper integration into the international production networks.
Managing the use of school technology: an eight step guide for administrators
Authors: Attaran Mohsen , VanLaar Ilja
Published: April 2007

Recognizing that technology can help expand opportunities for American children, the Clinton Administration has made an unprecedented commitment to bringing technology into the classroom. As technology flows ever faster into the nation’s schools, many administrators are facing a range of difficult management issues. This article reviews the primary obstacles to more effective technology adoption for administrators and offers guidance and advice for managing school technology.
Organizational values, work experiences and satisfactions among managerial and professional women
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: April 2007

This study examined the relationship of managerial and professional womens’ perception of organizational values supportive of work‐personal life balance in their workplace and their work experiences, work and non‐work satisfactions and psychological well‐being. Data were collected from 251 women using anonymous questionnaires. Managerial women reporting organizational values more supportive of work‐personal life balance also reported greater job and career satisfaction, less work stress, less intention to quit, greater family satisfaction, fewer psychosomatic symptoms and more positive emotional well‐being. Interestingly, perceptions of organizational values supportive of work‐personal life balance were unrelated to hours and extra‐hours worked and job involvement.
Do Cultural Differences Make a Business Difference?
Authors: Moss Kanter Rosabeth , Ian Corn Richard
Published: April 2007

Argues that, although cultural differences clearly affect relationships
within organizations, tensions are often triggered first by other
contextual factors. Presents the findings of a study of foreign
acquisitions of US firms, and demonstrates how problems between the two
partners most often arise out of strategic, organizational, political
and financial issues. Describes the factors which determine the success
of mergers between partners where different cultural values are
involved.
Recent Advances in Management Development
Authors: James Stuart
Published: April 2007

Discusses how economic change affects organizational structures,
pointing out that in such a changing environment, management development
should be continuous rather than sporadic, and should be available to
all managers instead of the chosen few. Lists the various requirements
of managerial development programmes before discussing the role and
structure of “smart software”, and what it has to offer.
Assessment of ageing high alumina cement concrete
Authors: Dunster Andrew , Holton Ian
Published: April 2007

This paper reviews the techniques available for assessing the material characteristics and long‐term performance of high alumina cement concrete construction. The use of some of these techniques is illustrated in a case study on typical pre‐cast concrete beams.
The Homebuyers’ Report and Valuation – how long should it take?
Authors: Mika Stephen
Published: April 2007

The research examines the time it takes to undertake a RICS/ISVA Homebuyer Survey and Valuation survey. Over 650 surveyors (94 per cent response rate) completed datasheets on how long they spend on site, dictating and finally checking a Homebuyers’ Report on four property types. The sample for this research represents over 45 per cent of those professionals that carry out Homebuyers’ Reports. The sample was drawn from organisations varying in size from large corporates to sole practitioner firms. The results of this research are presented, analysed and compared to the earlier work of Hollis and Bright.
Investigating the effects of site and environmental conditions on a historic building and its contents
Authors: Watt David
Published: April 2007

An investigation of the effects of site and environmental conditions on a historic building and its contents has been undertaken at Withcote Chapel, Leicestershire, with the intention of establishing a relationship between dampness and levels of material deterioration. High and fluctuating levels of relative humidity within the building have been previously corrected using dehumidification, its demise leading to concerns for the long‐term welfare of important fixtures and fittings. Appropriate remedial action, including the proposed application of conservation heating, is put forward for discussion.
Calcium Silicate Bricks
Authors: Bowley Bryan
Published: April 2007

Briefly reviews the history of the calcium silicate brick and examines
the manufacturing process involved. Details various qualities of the
bricks, including durability, precision, thermal conductivity and some
more general attributes, and advises on which conditions are most suited
to the use of calcium silicate bricks.
Estimating the elastic modulus of concrete made with artificially
manufactured lightweight aggregates
Authors: Balendran R.V.
Published: April 2007

Discusses the results of a study of the moduli of elasticity of
concretes made with artificially manufactured lightweight aggregates
subjected to uniaxial compression and uniaxial tension. Two artificially
manufactured lightweight aggregates and one normal weight aggregate (for
comparison) were used in the investigation. Concrete mixes designed to
have compressive strengths varying from 20 MPa to 60 MPa were used in
this study. Presents the results of static and dynamic moduli of
elasticity, Poisson′s ratio, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive
strength and tensile strength tests. Observes that the static modulus of
elasticity in tension is nearly equal to the static modulus of
elasticity in compression at a stress level of one‐third the ultimate
stress. Compressive modulus values are shown to be dependent on the
stress level and type of modulus, i.e. either secant or tangent. On the
other hand, the tensile modulus is not affected by the stress level. The
modulus of elasticity of lightweight aggregate concrete is about 60‐70
per cent of that of normal weight concrete. Compares the test results
obtained in this study with research work carried out on other
lightweight aggregate concretes by other investigators. Also presents
the relationships between static modulus of elasticity, dynamic modulus
of elasticity, compressive strength, and Poisson′s ratio, and equations
for estimating elastic modulus and Poisson′s ratio.
Traditional crafts updated: thatching and cob
Authors: Ley Tony
Published: April 2007

Thatch roofs are an important part of our heritage. Describes the
history of thatch, the fire precautions necessary, its thermal
properties and life span. Many thatch roofed properties are supported by
cob walls. Describes the history of cob walls, the repair of existing
cob walls, new work and the building regulations. Suggests that the
Government should give more incentive to the use of thatch and cob
walls, both for the purposes of construction and to keep alive the rural
crafts associated with them.
Concrete building project
Authors: Cole Margo
Published: April 2007

In March, Construction Minister Nick Raynsford officially launched the biggest and most ambitious concrete research programme in the world. The European Concrete Building Project involves the construction of four full‐scale concrete frame buildings at the BRE Large Building Test Facility at Cardington. The first of these, the in situ concrete building, is now nearing completion. Margo Cole’s article describes the background to this project.
Implications for facility management of the changing business climate
Authors: Varcoe Barry
Published: April 2007

Draws on the results from a survey of real estate practices to identify changing trends in the property industry. This is then used as a basis for identifying and exploring how these changes are being manifested as commercial business propositions, and where this may lead the industry.
Significant metrics for facilities management benchmarking in the Asia Pacific region
Authors: Ho Daniel C.W. , Chan Edwin H.W. , Wong Nicole Y. , Chan Man‐wai
Published: April 2007

Despite extensive use and ever‐increasing enthusiasm in the West, benchmarking for facilities management (FM) in the Asia Pacific region is only fledgling. The austere economic situation and fierce business competition after the Asian economic crisis of 1997, has made more companies realize that it is not only profit, but also cost‐effectiveness and the leap‐frog pattern of improvement in performance which are crucial for survival. Benchmarking is reconsidered in this context. This 1998 research project investigates the perception and current practice of FM benchmarking metrics in the region. Through critical review of the current FM benchmarking, improvement in the process will be identified. The study on the preference and use of individual metrics can be used as a guideline for the development of standard benchmarking metrics list for companies in the region.
Measuring the occupational health and safety performance of construction companies in Australia
Authors: Lin John , Mills Anthony
Published: April 2007

Many facility managers are now required to deal directly with small firms engaged in the maintenance, alteration and cleaning of physical infrastructure. Increasingly the performance of small firms reflects on the manager of the facility, and so an understanding of their operation is required. It is mandatory for all firms to provide a safe working environment for their workers and subcontractors. Consequently, occupational health and safety (OHS) is a major issue for companies mainly due to the fear of prosecution. The introduction of Zero Tolerance by the Victorian government WorkCover Authority in 1999 provided even higher OHS safety standards for the construction industry. This has placed an increased burden on construction and maintenance companies especially small firms that are not in a position of financial strength. The size of the company has been found to be a major contributing factor to the OHS performance of construction contractors. This research is based on a benchmarking study of 44 construction companies in Victoria, Australia. The results show that the major factors influencing safety performance were; company size, and management and employee commitment to OHS.
A Starting‐point for Measuring Physical Performance
Authors: Kincaid David
Published: April 2007

Based on work done in the area of reinvestment in building fabric and
components by IBM United Kingdom, argues that costs could be reduced if
design choices or construction quality are better controlled.
Reinvestment costs can then become a fully planned element in the
organization′s management system.
IT Facilities Management
Authors: Coyle‐Camp Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2007

Business′ most vital resource has become its biggest cost liability.
Companies which continue to let the uncontrolled IT tail wag the
facilities management (FM) dog are losing their competitive edge.
Examines cause and effect as well as implications for businesses and
managers. Discusses why FMs must assume proactive responsibility for
cost control. Examines key FM asset management issues, methods of
approach and available IT management solutions.