bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management and leadership: buccaneering or science?
Authors: Nienaber Hester , Roodt Gerrie
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the views of a select group of manager‐students on general management and leadership and whether or not their views correspond to classical management theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory‐descriptive approach was employed. Specifically, a survey was conducted among final‐year MBA students of a specific university. These students were all employed in management positions in their respective organisations.

Findings

The students viewed general management and leadership as being the same and their views correspond to the theory underpinning classical management.

Research limitations/implications

Statistically, the findings cannot be generalised beyond the scope of this study due to its exploratory nature. However, the concepts referred to in this study can inform and be tested in further research.

Practical implications

It would seem that there is indeed a body of knowledge underpinning classical management. Mastery of this knowledge could enable managers to ensure the preferred competitive positions of their organisations.

Originality/value

This paper focuses attention anew on classical management and its scientific nature as well as its contribution to the sustained competitive success of organisations.
Specification of core competence and associated components
Authors: Ljungquist Urban
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To outline a core competence model by exploring links between core competence and the associated concepts of competencies, capabilities, and resources, and by proposing refinements to the characteristics of these concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study based primarily on personal interviews.

Findings

The findings suggest that competencies, capabilities, and resources are all linked to core‐competencies; the first two continuously, and the third intermittently; motivate refinement of the competence concept, by adding adaptation competence as governing customer loyalty, and transfer competence as managing transcendental integration; and motivate refinement of the capability concept, by adding capacity as a quality characteristic, and communication as a characteristic that can actively initiate organizational change.

Research limitations/implications

The paper outlines a core competence model and propose refinements of the characteristics and links of the concepts, contributing to both core competence theory and resource‐based theory.

Practical implications

This work informs managers of the details of the core competence concept, of particular interest to managers with a customer‐focused standpoint. An empirical core competence exemplifies the importance of knowing the characteristics of competencies, since they encapsulate the power of organizational development. Managers also need to pay attention to the influences of capabilities, since they not only support organizational processes (if up‐to‐date), but also initiate change.

Originality/value

The development and specification of the core competence concept.
Consumers' accounts of perceived risk online and the influence of communication sources
Authors: Andrews Lynda , Boyle Maree V.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend marketing knowledge into perceived risk in online transactions beyond the current positivistic, hypotheses‐driven research by providing qualitative insights into how individuals construct their accounts of perceived risk online. Additionally, the study reported in this paper aims to explore how communication sources influence both these subjective constructions and individuals' behavioural experiences with transaction activity on the web.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was developed within a grounded theory method. Ten in‐depth interviews were conducted which were analysed using constant comparison of incidents procedures to provide rich descriptions of the interviewees' subjective perceptions and lived experiences with online transaction activity.

Findings

The findings provide insights into how the human element is present in individuals' perceptions and constructions of their accounts of the risk involved online. The findings also identify the influence of mass communication sources on the construction of these accounts. The study provides insights into whether change agent communication sources, such as marketers or web designers, influence consumers' behaviours towards online transaction activity through mediating their perceptions of the risks involved. The study also reveals how social communication networks influence the interviewees' decisions to use the web for transaction activities, in particular online purchasing, and how the group in this study might act as a communication source to influence others.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings cannot be generalised to the internet population overall, the sample used was able to provide relevant information regarding the phenomenon of interest. Future research should continue to examine perceived risk and the influence of communications sources, such as e‐mail, discussion groups and virtual communities.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in permitting the participants to account for perceived risk for themselves. The findings explore what this means at increasing levels of personal relevance and the influence of communication sources to create, sustain or mediate perceptions of this phenomenon.
Application of dimensional analysis to selective laser melting
Authors: van Elsen Maarten , Al‐Bender Farid , Kruth Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present a possible complete set of dimensionless parameters to describe the process of selective laser melting (SLM). This makes it possible to compare the similarity between different experiments, a sine‐qua‐non for a correct comparison of the results.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the application of dimensional analysis to SLM.

Findings

Although the idea of dimensionless numbers is far from new, it has apparently never been applied rigorously to rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing technologies. The technique is important, since it reduces the number of factors and makes it possible to compare results of different research groups. Furthermore, some more fundamental insights about the process can be gained.

Originality/value

This work is a first step towards a manageable system to control very difficult processes.
Geometric planning and analysis for hybrid re‐configurable molding and machining process
Authors: Kelkar Aditya , Koc Bahattin
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to develop geometric algorithms and planning strategies to enable the development of a novel hybrid manufacturing process, which combines rapidly re‐configurable mold tooling and multi‐axis machining.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented hybrid process combines advantages of both reconfigurable molding and machining processes. The mold's re‐configurability is based on the concept of using an array of discrete pins. By positioning the pins, the reconfigurable molding process allows forming the mold cavity directly from the object's 3D design model, without any human intervention. After a segment of the part is molded using the reconfigurable molding process, a multi‐axis machining operation is used to create accurate parts with better surface finish. Geometric algorithms are developed to decompose the design model into segments based on the part's moldability and machinability. The decomposed features are used for planning the reconfigurable molding and the multi‐axis machining operations.

Findings

Computer implementation and illustrative examples are also presented in this paper. The results showed that the developed algorithms enable the proposed hybrid re‐configurable molding and multi‐axis machining process. The developed decomposition and planning algorithms are used for planning the reconfigurable molding and the multi‐axis machining operations. Owing to the decomposition strategy, more geometrically complex parts can be fabricated using the developed hybrid process.

Originality/value

This paper presents geometric analysis and planning to enable the development of a novel hybrid manufacturing process, which combines rapidly re‐configurable mold tooling and multi‐axis machining. It is expected that the proposed hybrid manufacturing process can produce highly customized parts with better surface finish, and part accuracy, with shorter build times, and reduced setup and tooling costs.
Design and fabrication of a hybrid surface‐pressure airfoil model based on rapid prototyping
Authors: Zhou Zhihua , Li Dichen , Zhang Zhengyu , Zeng Junhua
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and present a hybrid design and fabrication method based on rapid prototyping (RP) and electrochemical deposition (ED) techniques to fabricate a pressure wind‐tunnel model with complex internal structure and sufficient mechanical strength.

Design/methodology/approach

After offsetting inward by applied coating thickness, the airfoil model was modified with three pairs of deflecting control surfaces and 24 surface pressure taps and internal passages. The stereolithography (SL) prototype components were fabricated on SL apparatus and roughened by chemical treatments. And then metal‐coated SL components of the airfoil model were created by ED technique. After assembling, a hybrid pressure airfoil model was obtained.

Findings

Electrodeposited nickel coating has dramatically improved the overall strength and stiffness of SL parts and the hybrid fabrication method is suitable to construct the wind‐tunnel model with complex internal structure and sufficient mechanical strength, stiffness.

Research limitations/implications

Interface adhesion of SL‐coating is poor even if chemical roughening is applied and the further research is needed.

Originality/value

This method enhances the versatility of using RP in the fabrication of functional models, especially when complex structure with sufficient mechanical properties is considered. Although this paper took an airfoil wind‐tunnel model as an example, it is capable of fabricating other functional components with other rapid prototyping techniques such as FDM, SLS and LOM.
Bricks vs clicks: entrepreneurial online banking behaviour and relationship banking
Authors: Han Liang
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Little research has been conducted on the effects of information technology on financing entrepreneurial businesses or small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of entrepreneurial online banking and relationship banking on the severity of financial problems perceived by entrepreneurs and their interactive effect. It also investigates how characteristics of individual businesses and entrepreneurial demographics influence SMEs' financial situation.

Design/methodology/approach

An ordered logistic model is used on a UK dataset to empirically test the hypotheses derived in this paper. The empirical evidence is drawn from the 2004 UK survey of SME finances, which contains a sample of 2,500 firms.

Findings

This paper finds that both entrepreneurial online banking behaviour and relationship banking alleviates the severity of financial problems perceived by entrepreneurs. The relationship affect is less evident for entrepreneurs who most frequently use an online approach to communicate with their banks than for those using traditional methods. Business and entrepreneur characteristics also have a strong impact on the severity of the financial problems suffered by SMEs.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence supporting the favourable impacts of the application of information technology on entrepreneurial finance from the perspective of entrepreneur/business. It also identifies a substitute relationship between entrepreneurial online banking behaviour and relationship banking, a relationship which contradicts existing evidence.
Serving the poor: drivers of business model innovation in mobile
Authors: Anderson Jamie , Kupp Martin
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities and challenges of serving low‐income consumers in developing markets with mobile telecommunications.

Design/methodology/approach

Field visits were made to Africa, India, Mexico and the Philippines, and in‐depth interviews took place with companies that had succeeded in serving low‐income consumers.

Findings

The paper provides insights about the importance of various elements of a mobile operator business model. The paper suggests that serving the poor is just as much about motivation as about issues such as affordability and availability.

Research limitations/implications

Since this research is field‐based and examines only a small sample of firms, only tentative propositions can be offered on what the answers to the research questions are believed to be.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that managers need to go beyond traditional approaches to serving the poor, and take into account the unique institutional context of many developing markets.

Originality/value

This has value for management practitioners, regulators and researchers. The paper fulfils an identified need to study different business models of mobile operators in bringing telecommunications services to the poor, and identifies common themes and success factors.
The regulation of international mobile roaming
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the effectiveness of the various initiatives taken to regulate international mobile roaming over the last decade.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an analysis of the policies and the measures and their effects on prices and industry dynamics.

Findings

The paper finds that economic approaches through both competition law and the current European Union regulatory package failed. However, an ad hoc political initiative by a determined European Commissioner did finally work.

Research limitations/implications

Lack of industry data, disaggregated for roaming, makes it difficult to determine the eventual effects on operators. Further data on revenues and on any increase in demand from price reductions would greatly help understanding.

Practical implications

In this paper the use of a relatively crude policy instrument raises concerns about the use of more sophisticated economic approaches in difficult cases.

Originality/value

The paper reviews the sequence of efforts and the problems encountered.
Modelling construction material logistics system with stochastic Petri nets
Authors: Ng S. Thomas , Fang Yuan , Ugwu Onuegbu O.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of applying Petri nets to improve construction material logistics analysis and modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

The characteristics of construction logistics are unveiled by analysing the existing practices of logistics management. In views of the dynamic nature of construction logistics problem, a stochastic Petri nets (SPNs) approach is proposed to tackle the time‐evolution property. Using a simulation package called PetriTool™ a simulation model is developed. Finally, a case example is applied to illustrate the way in which SPNs is used for analysing and modelling construction material logistics problems.

Findings

The results indicate that the impacts triggered by variations in delivery lead‐time and changes in delivery quantities can be approximated thereby facilitating decision makers to devise a more reliable and optimal materials management plan for construction projects.

Research limitations/implications

The complex routing patterns in demand analysis and materials procurement methods that results in the enlarged supply chains have not been considered in this paper.

Practical implications

The lack of a simple but powerful formalism to analyse and model the decision process under a dynamic environment hinders the implementation of efficient logistics systems in the construction industry. The SPNs model presented in this paper can support planners and managers in making construction logistics management decisions under dynamic environment.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the time‐based SPNs can offer more enriched solutions especially when modelling the time‐evolution behaviours of construction logistics.
Enhancing the Social Relevance of Auditing
Authors: Talbot Alan
Published: January 2008

Auditing has to be relevant in a social as well as a technical sense. This wide‐ranging article shows some of the key issues that need to be addressed.
HOW TO POP THE QUESTION — THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS
Authors: Vinten Gerald
Published: January 2008

Everyone thinks that they can ask a question that will produce an appropriate range of answers. Research suggests the opposite. Reference is made to Dr Belson's study of 29 questions. These gave rise to a wide variety of unintended meanings and hence responses. Dr Belson's research results are reduced to ten hypotheses, and these are translated into an audit context. Finally, action points are provided so that the auditor can improve on his/her performance.
THE ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR IN AUDIT PREPARATION
Authors: Doughty Keith , Jones Norman
Published: January 2008

At the heart of current political controversy is the contracting out of services from the public to the private sector. The refuse collection service was an early example of this, following the return of a Conservative Government to Britain in 1979. The history of the refuse collection service is outlined and the problems and opportunities auditors may encounter in their dealings with this service are described. Overcoming resistance to change is suggested as a major factor encountered.
PREVENTIVE LAW AND MANAGERIAL AUDITING
Authors: Braithwaite John , Fisse Brent
Published: January 2008

Corporations which flout the law may themselves fall victim to corporate crime. Prevention is more cost‐effective than cure, and many companies are now drawing on their managerial auditors to devise preventive law programmes. Self‐regulatory companies have the most successful record, and the five major characteristics of these are examined in detail. Examples of corporate disasters are provided to illustrate the risks of ignoring the message of this article.
THE CASE STUDY METHOD OF TEACHING INTERNAL AUDITING
Authors: Dittenhofer Mort
Published: January 2008

The advantages and disadvantages of using case studies are stated. The IIA Internal Auditing Case Study Project is discussed, and an anatomy of a case study is presented. The techniques of case study analysis are given.
Rationale for Productivity Increase, Quality Improvement and QC Circles
Authors: Sasaki N.
Published: January 2008

The essence of the lessons from Japanese industry are abstracted so that it is possible to relate productivity increases with quality improvement and establish the role of the QC circle.
Quality Control and Reliability Management—The Role of Production Engineers
Authors: Paul H. , Yan P.S.
Published: January 2008

This article presents some discussions on the role of production engineers in quality and reliability planning and control in the context of the manufacturing sector in Singapore. Superior productive efficiency in manufacturing can only be achieved through effective quality control and reliability planning. To be able to compete with other and more advanced countries, Singapore has to emphasise modern manufacturing methods, like automated, computer‐integrated and flexible manufacturing systems. Therefore, concerted efforts are now being taken to train adequately skilled and professional manpower to operate and manage such manufacturing systems. The role of production engineers in operating and managing the modern manufacturing systems has thus become more important and demanding.
The Quality Challenge
Authors: Macdonald John
Published: January 2008

The Pacific Basin, led by Japan, is setting new standards for quality products and services. Despite numerous warnings, British businessmen are slow to realise the threat this poses to our share of world markets. More seriously, we are not training tomorrow's industrial leaders in the concepts of quality management.
Management of the Configuration of Software‐Based Fire and Gas Detection Systems
Authors: Smith David J.
Published: January 2008

Fire and gas detection systems involve the processing of signals from gas, temperature, smoke and ultra‐violet instruments. There is a trend towards the use of micro‐processor controlled programmable equipment and this article reviews some of the advantages and disadvantages. The effects of duplication and triplication are explained and it is suggested that the use of redundancy does not always enhance reliability. The particular quality assurance requirements which arise from the existence of software‐related failures are also discussed.
QFAX: An Interactive Viewdata System for Quality Communications
Authors: Chew M.L.
Published: January 2008

QFAX is a microcomputer system for communicating information in a manner which emulates broadcast teletext (e.g., CEEFAX, ORACLE) in appearance, operation and facilities. It grew out of a need to inform and involve people in quality improvement activities, and its aim is to increase awareness of product, system and personal quality performance. Each QFAX unit is independent and the page contents can be edited locally. Experience in Mullard with eight units has demonstrated that the interactive nature of the system and its familiar format invites attention and is particularly suitable for being the facts centre for small quality‐awareness discussion groups.
An Outline of the Quality Improvement Process at Rank Xerox
Authors: Huckett J.D.
Published: January 2008

This article reviews the quality improvement process at the Rank Xerox plant at Mitcheldean. It outlines the changes in philosophy which have been required, the objectives of the process, and typical improvement projects in the areas of product design, materials conformance, production process, business support and awareness and training. The article concludes by describing two key measurements of results — namely customer satisfaction with products and reduction in the cost of quality.
Management of Quality as a Strategy
Authors: Walsh M.
Published: January 2008

Questionnaires, follow‐up visits and case studies, together with a review of the literature, have been used to construct a series of models to give a framework for the management of quality as a strategy. These are used to suggest seven pure quality strategies, the appropriateness of which depends on the marketplace.
Twenty‐Five Years of Life Cycle Costing — Theory and Applications: A Survey
Authors: Gupta Yash , Sing Chow Wing
Published: January 2008

This article surveys the literature dealing with theory and applications of life cycle costing (LCC). It deals with the literature published in the last 25 years and provides 667 references.
SLIM‐MAUD: A Computer‐Based Technique for Human Reliability Assessment
Authors: Embrey David E.
Published: January 2008

This article describes the current status of the Success Likelihood Index Method (SLIM) approach to the quantification of human reliability in risk and reliability assessment. The technique has now been implemented using an interactive computer program called MAUD to give a stand‐alone package (SLIM‐MAUD) which can be easily used by engineers without specialist knowledge of human reliability assessment. The article describes the use of the technique to provide design recommendations. The application of SLIM‐MAUD to a series of nuclear power plant tasks is described.
Human Factors in Reliability and the Psychology of Communications
Authors: Hunns D.M.
Published: January 2008

By developing ideas which attempt to identify and explain some of the more commonly occurring psychological mechanisms of human error this article aims to provide a background of understanding which will be helpful to the systems analyst in his task of predictive reliability assessment. A simple hypothetical model of the mind is described from which human error mechanisms are explained. An underlying theme is that of communication. Accepting that accidents develop when there arises a persisting misalignment between the true state of a system and the operator's perception of that state, the article examines the processes by which this updating takes place. An experimental technique “communications analysis” is presented as a possible analyst‐aid for the prediction of error‐event sequences. The technique is illustrated by application to a nineteenth‐century railway signalling system.
The Way Forward from Statistical Process Control
Authors: Barrett Adele A.
Published: January 2008

It is proposed that the use of Statistical Process Control (SPC) in the UK is likely to follow one of three paths: — it will be used and management will await the next impetus from the Japanese before developing the techniques; — there will be a reaction against the changes inherent in implementing SPC, such that systems deteriorate and perhaps fade all together; — Britain could take the lead and develop the way forward in the pursuit of ever increasing quality. This article considers changes in the thinking, philosophy and strategy of quality that will have to take place for Britain to lead the way forward.
Quality Assurance in the Uniform Branch of the Police Service
Authors: Armistead Colin G.
Published: January 2008

This article examines quality assurance in the uniform branch of the police service from an operations management standpoint based on an initial case investigation of the Greater Manchester Police Force. It suggests that many of the concepts which apply to other types of service operations are relevant to the police service and could be extended to improve quality assurance of the service. The conclusions drawn from the study represent the view of the author.
Cost‐Benefit Analysis of a 1 out of n : G System with Variable Repair and Preventive Maintenance Rates
Authors: Gopalan M.N. , Nagarwalla H.E.
Published: January 2008

The system studied in this article is a 1 out of n : G system with a single server. A unit is repaired when it fails and is also taken off for preventive maintenance (PM) after it has completed a certain amount of time in operation. A single server attends to both repair and PM of units. All service times are exponentially distributed, but the service rate depends on the type of service (repair or PM) and the number of units waiting for service. Under assumptions of linear revenue and costs, a cost‐benefit analysis of this system is performed. A particular case of three units with time to failure 2‐Erlangian and time to PM constant is taken up for analysis. Numerical results are presented for some values of the system parameters.
Application of Systems Analysis Techniques to Vulnerability Studies of Complex Installations
Authors: Bott T.F.
Published: January 2008

Vulnerability analysis provides an assessment of the likelihood of system failure in a man‐made hostile environment, involving sabotage, security compromise and combat damage. The fault‐tree approach proved most useful as many obscure but significant failure modes surfaced as a result of the step‐by‐step logic involved. Analysis tools were applied to the problems of nuclear reactor sabotage, space shuttle and combat system vulnerability. An increased qualitative understanding of system vulnerabilities, the effectiveness of counter‐measures and the ranking of scenarios by their attractiveness to saboteurs or other adversaries were the chief results of the work.
Out of Bedlam: The New Philosophy of Management by Quality Leadership
Authors: Price Frank
Published: January 2008

By means of a case study the traditional way of managing — managing by control — is examined, and the pitfalls are highlighted, in particular those related to quality. Organisations should, instead, embrace management by leadership, and the various aspects of this philosophy are discussed.
Investigation of Downtime Behaviour of CNC Machines: Time Series Models
Authors: Gupta Yash P. , Somers Toni M. , Grau Lea
Published: January 2008

The emergence of advanced manufacturing technologies such as Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) is forcing organisations to re‐examine their manufacturing strategies. CNC machines are an integral part of FMS. The literature dealing with the downtime behaviour of these machines is sparse. The purpose of this article is to analyse the behaviour and forecast downtimes of these machines using Box‐Jenkins time series analysis. It is concluded that the models fitted to the data are appropriate, and the results of this study can be used in production planning.
Using the ICAM Definition Method to Model Integrated Systems of Quality Control
Authors: Maull R.S.
Published: January 2008

The design of Quality Control (QC) systems is focused on, with particular attention to the integration of QC systems within Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) systems. A number of principles of good systems design are identified with each being detailed in turn and reference made to the application of these principles to the design of integrated QC systems at Du Pont. Some of the benefits and limitations of adopting such an approach are outlined.
Reliability Analysis of Mechanical Devices
Authors: Dhillon Balbir S. , Rayapati Subramanyam N.
Published: January 2008

A newly developed model for performing reliability and availability analysis of mechanical devices subject to multiple failure modes is presented. Using this model, reliability analyses of mechanical devices such as brakes, bearings, engines, fans, gears, generators, heat exchangers and pumps are developed. Real life failure rate data for these devices are obtained from various sources and are used in their reliability analyses. Principal failure modes of these devices are identified and expressions for reliability, state probabilities, mean time to failure and variance of time to failure are developed. For known field failure data reliability and state probability plots are shown.
Characterisation of Imminent System Failure and Replacement Policies
Authors: Jerwood D. , Keller A.Z. , Georgiakodis F.A.
Published: January 2008

Discriminant analysis techniques can select, from a large number of feature variables available, a relatively small subset, which will in combination produce optimum prognostic power. This combination of discriminators will then characterise system failure. Induced Gaussian normality in discriminant scores will lead naturally to logistic failure profiles, which compare favourably with observed failure rates. Replacement policies for systems at risk can be developed based on the overall efficiency of allocation rules or perhaps better their sensitivity to locate failures. In the example considered, the choice of sensitivity (within the neighbourhood of optimum efficiency) appears to have little effect on the total cost of misclassification.
Strategic Problems in the Drafting and Implementation of Safety Guides for the Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards
Authors: Excell P.S. , James R.A. , Keller A.Z.
Published: January 2008

The nature of radiated radio frequency fields and the ways in which they may cause either beneficial or deleterious effects are reviewed. The uniqueness of this phenomenon in relation to the drafting of safety guides, and hence ultimately in relation to law, is pointed out. The existing strategy for the drafting of safety guides depends on the determination of “reasonable worst‐case” parameters for each of the mechanisms involved in the coupling process from source to potential hazard. The decisions on what constitutes a reasonable worse case are taken by an expert committee, but comparison of the resulting safety guides with the scant evidence of proven hazards suggests that the worst‐case view leads to a substantial overestimate of the actual hazards. It is suggested that this situation would be likely to be found to be extremely unsatisfactory if ever a hazard situation (whether proven, contended or hypothetical) were to be the result of litigation between belligerent parties. It is further suggested that substantial amelioration of this situation could result if a probabilistic view of the problem were taken. In this case the expert committee would decide on realistic probability density functions, rather than realistic worst‐case factors.
Measuring Performance in Non‐market Organisations
Authors: Hepworth N.P.
Published: January 2008

The differences in management between public and private returns are outlined: especially the implications of political control and political objectives. The consequences for public sector management are then explored. In the light of their ways of improved performance in public sector organisations are suggested: especially greater emphasis on performance and on value added and further delegation.
The Concept of Value for Money
Authors: Glendinning R.
Published: January 2008

The Concept of Value for Money (VFM) in everyday life is easily understood: not paying more for a good or service than its quality or availability justify. In relation to public spending it implies a concern with economy (cost minimisation), efficiency (output maximisation) and effectiveness (full attainment of the intended results). But what values are realised by the activities of public sector organisations? Whose values are they and how are they to be measured? The practical conclusion is that policy makers must frame precise aims so that at least there are some criteria with which to compare results.
Organisational Excellence and Action Learning
Authors: Kinder Clive
Published: January 2008

In developing and developed countries, organisational excellence can only be achieved through effective management. The characteristics necessary for organisational success and effective management are examined, particularly in relation to management training institutions. The role of these institutions is critically evaluated and an approach to their development featuring action learning is presented.
Issues Affecting Faculty Development in African Management Institutions
Authors: Fadahunsi Olu
Published: January 2008

Management institutions in Africa experience socio‐economic problems far worse than any which exist in the Western World. Solutions of the past are no longer relevant and are therefore inadequate. The IMF/World Bank's prescription for economic recovery in African countries seems to be having little effect. What is being done, and what should be done, to train staff in African management institutions to improve the situation?
Strategic Issues in Development Management: Learning from Successful Experiences
Authors: Kaul Mohan
Published: January 2008

The experiences of eleven successful development projects from six different countries are summarised and discussed. The management aspects of non‐commercial development projects are studied to identify the features which contribute to their success and which could be incorporated in the design of future projects and the training of project managers. A mixture of government and non‐government projects are studied, highlighting the increasing role of the latter in development activities. Areas for further research are noted.
Applying Marketing to the Public Sector: The Case of Local Authority Leisure Centres
Authors: Smith Gareth
Published: January 2008

An overview of the relevance of marketing to the public sector is given and three main divisions of the UK public sector are identified. The focus of discussion is how and where marketing can be applied best to the public sector and local authority leisure centres are considered as a case example. The various marketing techniques and principles which could be applied in this situation are reviewed.
Global HR Management and Cross‐cultural Issues
Authors: Higgs Malcolm John
Published: January 2008

Introduction There is a growing belief that one of the most significant factors which will contribute to future business success is the effective management and development of people within the organization. A study by IBM (1992), covering some 2,000 organizations in over 20 countries, identified that both line managers and human resource (HR) specialists see HR as a critical success factor in achieving business strategic goals. Sparrow et al. (1994), in a detailed analysis of the IBM study, point out that the view of participants is that an organization's people provide the only realistic basis for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage.
Multicultural Negotiation
Authors: Bouchart Dominique , Swierczek Fredric William
Published: January 2008

Introduction Vietnam is one of the new stars for foreign investment in the 1990s. As of mid‐1993, 685 projects were licensed with a total of US$6.1 billion. Major investors in Vietnam include Australia, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Japan, France, the UK and Thailand. However, almost every advanced industrial country is lined up for future projects, according to Vietnam's State Committee on Co‐operation and Investment.
National culture and the culture of the organization
Authors: Morden Tony
Published: January 2008

Deals with national culture and its impact on the culture of the organization. National culture can be defined as “the collective mental programming” of a society. The nature of national culture will have significant implications for the organization, its management and its human resource development within the prevailing local and environmental context. The taking of an ethnocentric or single‐nation‐oriented approach to other cultures is likely to be inappropriate. Organizations from one national background will need to make due allowance for the existence and relative influence of the different national cultures of the countries into which they enter as international or multinational operators.
Control mechanisms of multinational companies: co‐operative ventures in Turkey
Authors: Erden Deniz
Published: January 2008

Explores the relationship between the firm characteristics and the control mechanisms in 85 multinational manufacturing companies operating in Turkey. Takes size, age and country of origin as firm characteristics. Control mechanisms include ownership, board of directors, top management team and training. Size is more strongly associated with control mechanisms than age or country of origin. MNCs have majority ownership in nearly 70 per cent of the firms. Size is inversely related to ownership. Large MNCs have training programmes when small ones do not. Ownership significantly influences the composition of board of directors. The level of perceived control is related to the amount of ownership.
Managing the Indian economy in the cross‐cultural context
Authors: Sapra C.L.
Published: January 2008

Deals with the liberalization and globalization of the Indian economy under the New Economic Policy (NEP), 1991. It also spells out implications of NEP, 1991 for corporate management, especially in the cross‐cultural context. Illustrates how changes are being contemplated in the management of some of the Indian companies as a consequence of liberalization. Concludes that in order to survive in an environment of cut‐throat competition that a free market economy implies, managers of India's corporate sector will have to reorient their HRD policies, change work culture of their employees and bring in stringent quality control in the manufacture of their products. Similarly, managers of multinational corporations will have to understand and appreciate the ground realities and show due respect for local culture and customs.
Japanese management style in Europe and how to work with it
Authors: Wingrove Tracey‐Lee
Published: January 2008

Considers the implications for managers in Japanese subsidiaries, by looking at the management style employed by Japanese expatriates and the reactions from their local colleagues. The findings were drawn from a research project encompassing in‐depth interviews with both Japanese and British senior and middle managers working in well‐known Japanese companies. The senior management team of the vast majority of Japanese subsidiaries is composed largely of expatriate managers. It is natural that these individuals attempt to behave in ways that are comfortable for them as they are working for the same board of directors in Tokyo as they were prior to moving to the UK. Although there are many concrete examples of management practices that have been modified to fit the local environment, it is the less tangible aspects such as communication, decision making and delegation that cause conflict between expatriates and locals when expatriates continue in their Japanese ways. Local managers need to be aware of this as much as the recently arrived expatriate.
Training across boundaries: promoting international small enterprise development
Authors: Miles Derek
Published: January 2008

The growing worldwide emphasis on decentralized private sector provision of infrastructure projects and urban services in developing countries has been reflected in a need to deliver training and other assistance to large numbers of nascent small enterprises. However, the target group is hard to identify and harder still to reach, being dispersed over a variety of business activities in various sub‐sectors, and based in a range of countries with their own cultures and traditions. Thus the trainer is faced with a dilemma. Some aspects of small enterprise development are common and widely replicable, which means that expenditure on developing high quality material and systems could be spread over numerous technical co‐operation projects, but others are both sector and culture specific. Describes experience which points to the advantages of internationally applicable programmes and systems which can be supplemented with locally‐based material to meet the special needs of particular sectors and national cultures. If the people cannot adapt themselves to the methods, then the methods must be adapted to the people. This is the whole crux of the matter. (Schumacher, 1974).
Adjustment of Asian workers to working and living conditions in Arab Gulf countries
Authors: Atiyyah Hamid S.
Published: January 2008

Explores the adjustment of Asian workers to work and non‐work factors in host Gulf states. Data for this study were obtained from available published sources as well as the author's observations. Results show that the sponsorship system applied in these states grants employers extensive powers over their expatriate employees resulting in discrimination against Asian workers. Also, cultural barriers hinder the adjustment of these workers to host Gulf societies. Labour‐exporting and host governments are advised to take specific measures towards achieving a greater degree of Asian workers' adjustment.
Acculturation: A Review and an Exploratory Seven‐Nation Comparative Study
Authors: Abraham Rebecca , Zikiye Anthony
Published: January 2008

Acculturation profiles based on the self‐oriented, others‐oriented, and perceptual dimensions of acculturative adjustment were derived for MNC employees of American, Canadian, Indian, Japanese, Latin American, Carribean and Nigerian origin. Our finding of significant, target‐specific, intercultural differences is of paramount importance in delineating areas of predeparture expatriate training and development.
Consumer Self‐Esteem and Susceptibility to Social Influence: A Cross‐Cultural Comparison and Investigation of Advertising Implications
Authors: Bristow Dennis N. , Kleindl Brad
Published: January 2008

This paper presents the results of a multimethod research study, which incorporates survey and experimental methodologies, designed to further explore the underpinnings of cultural differences in consumer responses to advertising messages. The study was designed to measure and assess differences in the self‐esteem and susceptibility to social influence of Japanese and United States college‐aged consumers. In general, it was hypothesized that Japanese consumers would have lower self‐esteem and higher susceptibility to social influence than would their US counterparts. The study provided evidence to support those hypotheses.
Measuring Intra‐Cultural Bimodality and Cross‐Cultural Diversity in American‐Japanese Business Negotiations
Authors: Kramer Hugh , Herbig Paul
Published: January 2008

One of the greatest challenges facing managers and administrators in an international environment is effectively communicating and negotiating with their foreign counterparts. Yet, a main portion of their time is spent in these most critical activities. Much has been written about the differences in the perception, motivation and behavior of people from different cultures, especially about the American and Japanese interface. However, very little scientific confirmation and measurements exist. In this empirical study the nature and intensity of cross‐cultural similarities and dissimilarities have been tested and measured with selected statements on a Likert‐type scale on a sample of 41 American and 29 Japanese practicing managers pointing to weak intra‐cultural bimodality, but strong cross‐cultural contrasts.
American vs. Arab Project Managers: The Road to Effectiveness
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Zimmerer Thomas W. , Wafa Marwan A.
Published: January 2008

This study examined the differences among 76 American project managers and 36 of their Arab counterparts with regard to their perceptions of factors contributing to effective project management. After reviewing the relevant literature, a conceptual framework was derived. Seven research hypotheses were formulated and tested. The results of this study tended to underscore the significance of cultural differences among these two groups of project managers.
Cross‐cultural Communication
Authors: Balsmeier Phillip W. , Heck Anita K.
Published: January 2008

Discusses cross‐cultural communication as a process of becoming aware of another culture's habits, actions and reasons behind behaviours; and explores low‐context, high‐context, frontstage and backstage cultures, along with the differences between them. Basic principles (conversational, presentation and written) are used to illustrate how cultures vary in communication style. Examples of attitude, priorities and behaviours which are influenced by culture are explained using factors of age, family, money and material possessions, space, time, priorities and gifts.
Advertising Standardisation in The Asia Pacific Region: What Stands In The Way?
Authors: Shao Alan T. , Waller David S.
Published: January 2008

This empirical study examined U.S. advertising agencies' practices in the Asia Pacific Region to decide whether they were following Theodore Levitt's advice to promote products and services the same way everywhere. Information regarding environmental factors and advertising strategy were gathered from 200 Asia Pacific Region affiliates of U.S. advertising agencies in 11 countries. It was found that in general, agencies were neither standardising nor customising their sales platforms and creative contexts. Instead they tended to utilise the adaptative approach‐‐a strategy that is becoming viewed as the optimal approach by multinational ad agencies.
Assessing the Reliability and Validity of SERVQUAL in a Longitudinal Study: The Experience of an Australian Organisation
Authors: Triplett John L. , Yau Oliver H.M. , Neal Cathy
Published: January 2008

This paper discusses an organisation's experience using the SERVQUAL instrument to measure service quality over a four year longitudinal study. The aim of the study was to validate the SERVQUAL instrument as a way to track changes in the organisation's standard of service quality, as well as to test the adaptability of the instrument for usage outside the United States and in a government service organisation. Results of the data analysis indicated that SERVQUAL is not a reliable instrument. Only three dimensions were found to be consistent and reliable.