bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative 3D‐modelling for selecting and locating mobile cranes
Authors: Moselhi Osama , Alkass Sabah , Al‐Hussein Mohamed
Published: September 2004

This paper provides an overview of a recently developed system for selecting and locating mobile cranes on construction sites. The proposed system provides direct help on two fronts: cost and time savings, and improved safety arrangements. The system has a number of interesting features: a relational database designed to store the cranes' geometry‐related variables and to present them using powerful graphics; a selection module supported by an algorithm designed to satisfy geometrical requirements and necessary clearances, accounting for site constraints and lift configurations; and 3D animation to facilitate the planning of crane operations. The system provides a near‐optimum selection of crane lift configurations, considering available cranes. This paper focuses mainly on case examples to demonstrate and to illustrate the use and capabilities of the developed system. Two actual cases, featuring different site constraints and lift configurations, are presented. In these cases, cranes were selected and their operations planned using the developed system. The findings of the two cases are discussed and the benefits of the proposed methodology are highlighted.
Re‐use of current teaching resources at a dual‐mode university
Authors: Geissinger Helen
Published: September 2004

Charles Sturt University (CSU) teaches over 18,000 students via distance education and another 10,000 students on campus. The students study the same curricula but teaching methods on campus necessarily vary from those used for distance. The differences are ameloriated through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for teaching. CSU’s statistics show increases each year for both groups in the use of ICTs. Because campus students can, and do, purchase distance education study packages, it is obvious that a certain amount of convergence between the two modes has occurred. The university is currently examining the convergence to determine the ways in which a learning resource bank can support teaching in both modes so that neither group is disadvantaged. Issues around the pedagogy of learning objects (LOs) are currently being examined, as are technical issues concerned with the quality, type, size and standardization of such objects. This paper provides a short overview of the issues concerned with the development of a learning resource bank that can manage records and act as a depository for LOs.
Teaching with technology: value‐added innovation or necessity?
Authors: Tennent Beth , Windeknecht Karen , Kehoe Jo
Published: September 2004

Central Queensland University (CQU) has used paper based distance education materials, such as course profiles, study guides and resource materials since 1971. The purpose of this exploratory study was to review three different approaches to online delivery and assessment currently being used in the Faculty of Business and Law, CQU, and to analyse the rates of take‐up and involvement, and students' reactions generally, to the use of non‐traditional forms of delivery and assessment. This study highlights that the key to success in this environment is accepting the constant demand to provide manageable and cost‐effective courses whilst at the same time ensuring that the needs of a large and diverse group of students are met. In this context, the use of technology in education although considered a necessity can also be a value‐adding tool.
Neo‐liberal higher education policy and its effects on the development of online courses
Authors: Teghe Daniel , Allen Knight Bruce
Published: September 2004

This paper discusses the managerialist approach to developing and implementing systems for flexible delivery of educational systems in the Australian university sector. Rapid advances in communication technologies have enabled the education sector to provide greater flexibility and diversity in the traditional areas of mixed delivery and distance education. Notes that educational policy is being shaped by neo‐liberal ideology, leading to systems of flexible delivery in which a concern with economic worth and efficiency can override the purpose of such systems. Asserts that, in order to develop effective online flexible learning systems, universities need to plan for, and invest heavily in, adequate programs to train academic staff in all aspects of the delivery of courses in the online flexible learning systems and to provide incentives to academics to become e‐moderators and managers of online flexible learning systems.
ASPEN – a Web‐based application for managing student server accounts
Authors: Sandvig J. Christopher
Published: September 2004

The growth of the Internet has greatly increased the demand for server‐side programming courses at colleges and universities. Students enrolled in such courses must be provided with server‐based accounts that support the technologies that they are learning. The process of creating, managing and removing large numbers of student server accounts is time consuming, error‐prone, and can create security risks. This paper describes a Web‐based file manager and editor program named ASPEN (Active Server Pages Editor.Net) that greatly simplifies server account management issues and provides a convenient Web interface for students to edit and execute their server‐side programs. This paper also describes implementation issues related to security, reliability, account creation, and maintenance.
Standardizing the MIS course: benefits and pitfalls
Authors: Bryan Foltz C. , O'Hara Margaret T. , Wise Harold
Published: September 2004

Although many universities require courses in management information systems for their business majors, little information exists as to what objectives should be included in the course, and the course topics vary greatly across institutions. Differences in course objectives even exist within schools if multiple sections of the course are taught by different faculty. Typically, a significant portion of the class is devoted to database concepts. In many cases, the course requirements include developing a database for a small business. This database project can consume faculty time and resources, especially if student teams choose their own projects and no guidelines exist for faculty reference. In this paper, guidelines for developing a standardized database project that challenges students while freeing up faculty resources are presented. Experiences in dealing with these projects in both face‐to‐face and online classes at one university are detailed.
CWISs: a way to leverage information technology investments to meet
strategic communication goals
Authors: Suits Robin
Published: September 2004

With the growth of the Internet, a global network of online computers
developed by the military and academia over the past two decades, human
communication is undergoing a paradigm shift of major proportions.
America On Line estimates that about 20 million people in the world have
access to online communication services on the Internet today. About one
million new users “come online” every month. Many observers
predict that close to 100 million Americans will have access to the
Internet by the beginning of the twenty‐first century.
Lafayette’s World Wide Web site attracts visitors from all over the world
Authors: Facciponti Pat
Published: September 2004

Describes Lafayette College’s World Wide Web site which offers visitors quick and easy access to a wide variety of information about the college, its people and programmes, as well as its use by students for research and presentation of their results. Notes that usage of the site has been growing steadily since it went public.
Library OPACs with search forms on the World Wide Web
Authors: Henry Marcia
Published: September 2004

Searching many library online public access catalogues (OPACs) on the World Wide Web is now possible without starting a telnet or gopher session. Identifies Web directories that lead users to OPACs with Web form searching.
JHU student’s software helps visually impaired computer users
Authors: Sneiderman Phil
Published: September 2004

Introduces a new development by Steve Crutchfield, a student at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA. Describes his invention as a new program, Zoom Lens, which magnifies images on the computer screen. Concludes that there is great potential for this innovation, which can be used through online libraries.
WebCATS
Authors: Henry Marcia
Published: September 2004

Looks at WebCATS, the latest award‐winning directory of online public access catalogs (OPACs), which provides access geographically, by library type and by vendor. Explains that WebCATS can access 300 library catalogs and provides a link from its opening Web page to another directory, Hytelnet, which links to over 600 libraries. Presents useful type and vendor indexes.
Repurposed metadata: ONIX and the Library of Congress's BEAT program
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: September 2004

This paper reviews the ONIX‐based efforts of the Library of Congress's Bibliographic Enrichment Advisory Team (BEAT). The paper describes BEAT's table of contents, publisher description, and sample text initiatives, and the ways libraries and their patrons can benefit from these efforts.
Moving from data to information
Authors: Fox Robert
Published: September 2004

In order to make competent decisions, maintain excellent collections and provide patron‐centered services, digital libraries must pay attention to how they store, manipulate and reuse data. This paper examines three critical notions that address this need: data persistence, data warehousing, and data repurposing. Each of these topics is defined and examined, and examples are provided which correspond to those notions. These topics are harmonious in that they each exemplify a facet of data utilization that is central to digital content preservation, strategic planning and decision making as well as the provision of digital services, all of which are central to the mission of digital libraries and traditional libraries that increasingly deal with digital content.
Digital assets for the next millennium
Authors: Yakel Elizabeth
Published: September 2004

Over the past decade, a variety of digital imaging projects have been carried out in archives, libraries, and museums. This paper discusses the difficulties in moving from a series of digital projects to a digitization program, and the ensuing transformation in thinking from digital objects to digital assets that needs to occur. It also discusses the problems archives and museums face in managing, preserving, and providing continuing access to these digital assets and potential models for their long‐term management.
A usability study of the Belgian‐American Research Collection: measuring the functionality of a digital library
Authors: Clark Jason A.
Published: September 2004

This study presents findings with a particular digital library system, the Belgian‐American Research Collection at the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center (UWDCC). It focuses on the ways in which a usability study can inform the future design of the collection and other UWDCC projects. The study uses two formal testing instruments: a focus group and a task‐oriented field test. Both of these techniques yielded solid data about user expectations, problems and actions with the collection. While the findings can aid UWDCC designers as they begin to envision another iteration of the Belgian‐American Research Collection, the findings also point to a need for a shift in the development of more complete digital library systems. This study proposes the development of digital library systems that have a strong orientation toward users and usability as well as advanced search interfaces and full metadata. In the end, it is not just about cataloging and organizing information; it is also about presenting information logically and intuitively for your users.
Conventional language for cataloging remote access electronic resources: the time is now!
Authors: Thunell Allen , Robinson Lisa
Published: September 2004

This paper gives suggestions for how remote access electronic resources could be described in bibliographic records and provides examples of such descriptive practices. These practices are developed from principles expressed in the International Standard Bibliographic Description for Electronic Resources and promote a broadening of the concept of physical description as expressed in Chapter 9 of the Anglo‐American Cataloging Rules, 2nd edition. The paper encourages catalogers to reach beyond their comfort zone to create timely and patron‐friendly bibliographic records for electronic resources.
An informal history of eLearning
Authors: Cross Jay
Published: September 2004

eLearning: snake oil or salvation? Changes in the world are forcing corporations to rethink how people adapt to their environment. How do people learn? Why? What's eLearning? Does it work? This paper addresses these questions and recounts the history and pitfalls of computer‐based training and first‐generation eLearning. It traces the roots of CBT Systems, SmartForce, Internet Time Group, and the University of Phoenix. It takes a person to five years of TechLearn, the premier eLearning conference, from dot‐com euphoria to today's real‐time realities. The subject‐matter here is corporate learning, in particular mastering technical and social skills, and product knowledge. The focus is on learning what is required to meet the promise made to the customer. While there are parallels to collegiate education, the author lacks the experience to draw them.
The challenge of virtual organisation: critical success factors in dealing with constant change
Authors: Vakola Maria , Wilson Ian E.
Published: September 2004

The shift towards virtual organisation is related with a fundamental change in organising and managing daily operations. The success of collaborative work therefore relies not merely on the introduction of different technologies, but also on critically analysing the “human” aspects of organisation. Virtual teams bring people together across disciplines, departments, functions, and geographical locations. This paper draws on the literature with respect to organisational change, and particularly results from human and organisational research carried out in the OSMOS (IST‐1999‐10491) project. Within the context of the OSMOS project, interviews with senior managers of each of the participating industrial organisations were conducted. From the analysis of these interviews four major organisational issues emerged, which virtual teams or e‐businesses need to address before moving forward. These are: information sharing, organisational culture and teamworking, acceptance of change and training. The paper investigates the above issues and explores potential solutions in order to support virtual organisations and e‐businesses in dealing with continuous change. From this investigation the paper proposes critical success factors that the authors believe to be necessary in dealing with such change.
Risk‐based maintenance model for offshore oil and gas pipelines: a case study
Authors: Dey Prasanta Kumar , Ogunlana Stephen O. , Naksuksakul Sittichai
Published: September 2004

Offshore oil and gas pipelines are vulnerable to environment as any leak and burst in pipelines cause oil/gas spill resulting in huge negative impacts on marine lives. Breakdown maintenance of these pipelines is also cost‐intensive and time‐consuming resulting in huge tangible and intangible loss to the pipeline operators. Pipelines health monitoring and integrity analysis have been researched a lot for successful pipeline operations and risk‐based maintenance model is one of the outcomes of those researches. This study develops a risk‐based maintenance model using a combined multiple‐criteria decision‐making and weight method for offshore oil and gas pipelines in Thailand with the active participation of experienced executives. The model's effectiveness has been demonstrated through real life application on oil and gas pipelines in the Gulf of Thailand. Practical implications. Risk‐based inspection and maintenance methodology is particularly important for oil pipelines system, as any failure in the system will not only affect productivity negatively but also has tremendous negative environmental impact. The proposed model helps the pipelines operators to analyze the health of pipelines dynamically, to select specific inspection and maintenance method for specific section in line with its probability and severity of failure.
Evaluation of plant maintenance based on data envelopment analysis
Authors: Liu Jian , Yu De‐jie
Published: September 2004

Precise and logical plant maintenance evaluation, which enables enterprise to distinguish its most suitable maintenance pattern for application, is the base of improvement in plant maintenance. In this paper a new method based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) is proposed to evaluate the relative efficiency of plant maintenance. In this method, a systematic functional model is built to analyze the input/output of plant maintenance, which is processed as a service system, and DEA is applied as a calculate model for plant maintenance evaluation.Practical implications. The aim of this work is to provide management with a method to evaluate and quantify the relative efficiency of plant maintenance among a group of units. The maintenance pattern, scheme and experience of the relatively effective unit are guidance to others in improving themselves in plant maintenance and the quantified evaluation result points out the detailed maintenance limitation of relatively less efficient units so that the management can make corresponding improvement scheme.
Subjective priors for maintenance models
Authors: Percy David F.
Published: September 2004

Successful strategies for maintenance require good decisions and we commonly use stochastic reliability models to help this process. These models involve unknown parameters, so we gather data to learn about these parameters. However, such data are often difficult to collect for maintenance applications, leading to poor parameter estimates and incorrect decisions. A subjective modelling approach can resolve this problem, but requires us to specify suitable prior distributions for the unknown parameters. This paper considers which priors to adopt for common maintenance models and describes the method of predictive elicitation for determining unknown hyperparameters associated with these prior distributions. We discuss the computational difficulties of this approach and consider numerical methods for resolving this problem. Finally, we present practical demonstrations to illustrate the potential benefits of predictive elicitation and subjective analysis. This work provides a major step forward in making the methods of subjective Bayesian inference available to maintenance decision makers in practice. Practical implications. This paper recommends powerful strategies for expressing subjective knowledge about unknown model parameters, in the context of maintenance applications that involve making decisions.
Social policy: school finance
Authors: Berne Robert , Moser Michele , Stiefel Leanna
Published: September 2004

For well over three decades, the concepts of equity and efficiency have been used by policy analysts and elected officials to frame the debate about the formulation and evaluation of public policies and programs. In this paper we use these ideas to organize an historical analysis of policies and research strategies in K‐12 education finance from the 1960s through the 1990s. In each decade we stress the dominant themes, major events, and research strategies regarding equity and efficiency, knowing that themes and research strategies span many decades but are sometimes in the foreground and other times in the background. We conclude with an assessment of how these two concepts can be compatible and how current policies are increasingly “win‐win” ones that are proposed to make progress on both goals.
Local interpretation of national micro‐enterprise policy
Authors: Hanley Michael , O'Gorman Bill
Published: September 2004

Small businesses and micro‐enterprises provide more than 75 per cent of all private sector employment in most countries. In today's environment where large urban areas are more attractive to young people and multinational employers, micro‐enterprise support has become a very important element of both industrial and regional policy, especially in Ireland. However the development of support policies for small businesses is not new and has been evolving over the last 30 years, but up to the early 1990s no support structure policies existed for micro‐enterprises. This research involves an assessment of Ireland's current government micro‐enterprise policies and their effects on entrepreneurs and the growth of their businesses at a local level. The research endeavours to establish if government policy in the micro‐business sector is meeting the objectives of government, if it is satisfying the requirements of the entrepreneurs, i.e. promoters of micro‐enterprises at local level, and to understand what are the effects of local interpretation of government policy on entrepreneurs and their businesses.
Components of apparel retailing Web sites
Authors: Jang Eunyoung , Davis Burns Leslie
Published: September 2004

The purposes of this study were to investigate components of apparel Web sites and to examine whether differences existed among the types of Web retailers in their components. Thirty‐six apparel Web sites were classified into four categories: virtual e‐retailer, catalog company, bricks‐and‐mortar retailer, and multi‐channel retailer. The Web sites were content analyzed according to the components of the apparel Web including merchandise, promotion, and customer service. Significant differences were found among the four types of Web retailers as to the components (product description, product price information, advertising, catalog service promotion, placing order, and returns policy) included on the Web sites. Currently, competition among Web sites is not based on what information is available, but how information is provided. Therefore, to differentiate themselves from competitors, each type of Web retailer should take advantage of their unique Web strategy within their own retail channel.
Levi Strauss: an international marketing investigation
Authors: Vrontis Demetris , Vronti Peri
Published: September 2004

In their consistent search for growth opportunities, firms are increasingly recognising the benefits of becoming multinationals and expanding internationally. This case study outlines a theoretical exegesis of global standardisation and international adaptation. The debate between these two concepts is explored and their respective benefits considered. Subsequently, the role of the marketing mix and strategy are examined in relation to the above approaches along with the consideration of the various factors, which suggests a particular marketing mix approach. Finally, the feasibility of an overall marketing strategy will be assessed with the assistance of the appropriate theoretical models. In facilitating the comprehension of the above task, Levi's the fashion clothing retailer and their jeans' subdivision is utilised to exemplify all the issues outlined.
The benefits of relationship marketing for the consumer and for the fashion retailers
Authors: Marzo‐Navarro Mercedes , Pedraja‐Iglesias Marta , Pilar Rivera‐Torres Ma
Published: September 2004

Globalization, competition and market saturation have caused a growing interest by firms in developing strategies directed at creating brand loyalty among their customers, especially in markets with low growth rates. In order to reach this objective, relationship marketing must be applied, which considers the mutual benefits derived from the creation of stable relationships between buyers and sellers. The study herein developed analyses the existence of groups of customers from the service sector who value the offer of relational benefits by the organisation, in which benefits are centred basically on the relationship with the contact personnel. As a result, the customers state greater levels of satisfaction with and loyalty to the organisation.
Barriers to Bolivian participation in the global apparel industry
Authors: Frazier Barbara J. , Bruss Mozhdeh , Johnson Lynn
Published: September 2004

This paper examines the perceptions of Bolivians engaged in the country's apparel industry regarding barriers and challenges to participation in the global textile and apparel complex. Small Bolivian apparel producers perceive the apparel industry as a source of employment and an opportunity to improve the well being of their families. Government/small business relationships, economic and political uncertainty of trade partners, inadequate infrastructure, a depressed domestic market, and global trade policies were identified by participants as barriers to further development of the apparel industry. Apparel producers require support from both public and private sectors to foster entrepreneurship, promote Bolivian apparel products and join regional production networks to revitalize the apparel industry in Bolivia.
Job search modes and turnover
Authors: Mano‐Negrin Rita , Tzafrir Shay S.
Published: September 2004

The pursuit and attainment of alternative job opportunities within labor markets can have a significant impact on work relations in organizations. This search and turnover syndrome is explored here by reexamining the impact that internal and external labor market opportunities have on this process. The individual, organizational and market characteristics of a sample of over 700 employees from medical centers in Israel were used to show that job search modes have no direct effect on turnover behavior. The type and intensity of a job search did, however, depend on employees' perception of various labor market opportunities. Search modes themselves are affected by individual and organizational level characteristics and the employees' intention to leave. This suggests that while negative perceptions of opportunities in the internal labor market matched by positive perceptions of external market opportunities directly affect the turnover decision‐making process, job search behaviors do not necessarily affect the turnover decision.
Career progress and career barriers: women MBA graduates in Canada and the UK
Authors: Simpson Ruth , Sturges Jane , Woods Adrian , Altman Yochanan
Published: September 2004

This article explores the career progress of female MBA graduates in Canada and the UK and the nature of career barriers experienced in each context. Results suggest that while Canadian women have similar career profiles to men, women in the UK lag behind their male counterparts after graduation from the course. At the same time, UK women encounter more intractable career barriers in the form of negative attitudes and prejudice. A model of the “MBA effect” is proposed in terms of how the qualification may impact on career barriers. This incorporates three different types of barriers which are seen to operate at the individual level (person centred barriers) and at the intermediate/organizational level (organizational culture and attitudes, corporate practices) as well as, at the macro level, the impact of legislative frameworks. Results from the UK and Canadian surveys are discussed in relation to this model and in the context of feminist theory and women in management literature.
Constructing a career: women architects at work
Authors: Caven Val
Published: September 2004

Using data from 37 interviews carried out with female architects in Britain, this paper examines how they have constructed their careers in a male‐dominated profession. The findings indicate that there is a significant rejection of the “traditional” career within an organisation; instead there is diversity in the forms of work organisation adopted especially with regard to the desire for control over career and working life.
Academic development for careers in management consulting
Authors: Adams Susan M. , Zanzi Alberto
Published: September 2004

Explores the extent to which academic offerings are serving the consulting industry and identifies ways that academia can help. The numbers of management consulting courses, field experiences in consulting and consulting concentrations by graduate business schools were tracked over a three‐year period to assess the current state of offerings. A survey of members of the Academy of Management's Management Consulting Division was conducted to gather perceived developmental needs for career stages and types of consulting. Proposes the potential future of courses in management consulting. Provides suggestions for course offerings to meet developmental needs by career stages of consultants that are currently being overlooked. Offers practical advice to academia to serve the consulting industry better and ideas for the consulting industry to consider in the ongoing development of consultants. Encourages managers who engage consultants to demand better educated consultants. Further research is needed to investigate the developmental needs of internal consultants and the apparent resistance of the consulting industry to turn to academia as a resource.
The more you can get the better
Authors: Hetty van Emmerik I.J.
Published: September 2004

This study focused on the relationship between mentoring constellations and intrinsic career success. Hierarchical regression analyses on the data of 416 female and 594 male university members showed that mentoring was positively associated with intrinsic career success (i.e., career satisfaction and intrinsic job satisfaction. Several characteristics of developmental networking appeared to be associated with intrinsic career success, e.g. size of the advice network, range, emotional intensity, frequency of the contacts, and years acquainted. Moreover, some moderating effects of gender on the relationship between mentoring constellations and intrinsic career success were found, e.g. for size of the advice network, emotional intensity, and stability of the relationship. Implications of results and directions for future research are discussed.
Career success orientation of Korean women bank employees
Authors: Kim Namhee
Published: September 2004

Investigates how Korean women employees define their success at work, and how those definitions differ by demographic variables, such as age, years of work experience, marital status, and education level. The instrument used is the modified Career Success Map Questionnaire, which was originally developed to measure people's career success orientation. A sample survey was conducted with a sample of Korean women employees in a large Korean bank. Implies, when comparing the results with other studies sampling both men and women (or women only) in either a US or Korean context, that women's career perceptions and career success in a specific culture could differ from those in the same culture, as well as in another culture. Therefore, it is advised that theories should not make the same assumptions regarding career phenomena cross‐culturally, in addition to cross‐gender. Moreover, the managerial implications of this study indicate that organizations can motivate employees with different incentives and options according to their internal orientations, which may differ by gender and cultural background.
The workplace learning cycle
Authors: O'Connor Bridget N.
Published: September 2004

Building on the conceptual foundations suggested in the previous two papers in this issue, this article describes the application of a workplace learning cycle theory to the construction of a curriculum for a graduate‐level course of study in workplace education. As a way to prepare chief learning officers and heads of corporate universities, the piece argues, one can engage students in the process of analyzing the learning and knowledge‐use in a work environment through the lenses of the pedagogical and curricular concepts in these and other writings. Moving beyond the traditional concept of “training” for specified competencies, the graduate program aims to enable students to understand and use the more generative concepts of workplace knowledge‐use, and to promote learning as an essential feature of organizational life.
Communities of domination? Reconceptualising organisational learning and power
Authors: Huzzard Tony
Published: September 2004

In identifying a bias within situated learning theory towards routine work practices, this paper develops a theoretical framework for assessing the relationships between learning, sensemaking and power in the non‐routine practices of temporary organising. The paper locates processes of sensemaking and learning in a model of organisational change that attempts to render power in communities of practice more visible than has been the case in theorising hitherto, by focusing on sensegiving in change projects. Change is conceived in terms of an oscillation between the routines of permanent organising and the more experimental, innovative actions of temporary organising, where leaders mobilise actors to explore new ideas. The role of sensegiving in such processes, it is argued, helps shed light on the political nature of micro‐processes of change.
Measuring critical factors of tqm
Authors: Motwani Jaideep
Published: September 2004

What are the factors that contribute the success or failure of TQM efforts? Specifically, this study identifies the critical factors and corresponding performance that account for TQM success. Seven critical factors and 45 supporting performance measures are proposed in this study. A possible sequence for implementation of these factors is also presented.
Executive pay and performance measurement practices in the UK
Authors: Franco‐Santos Monica , Bourne Mike , Huntington Russell
Published: September 2004

The use of performance measurement systems and the balanced scorecard has been on the increase, and there is now a trend amongst practitioners and academics to prescribe that rewards should be linked to the measurement system. However, little research has been done in this area. This paper reports the results of a recent survey of executive reward practices in large companies based in the UK. Senior HR professionals and reward specialists were approached to provide details of performance measurement and reward practices in their own organizations, and to give their opinions on the benefits of such an approach.
Measuring and evaluating board performance
Authors: Collier John
Published: September 2004

This article discusses the measurement and evaluation of board performance and how this is evolving in different organizations. The article finishes by describing one approach to board performance evaluation being pioneered in the United Kingdom.
The interplay between performance measurement, organizational culture and management styles
Authors: Bititci Umit S , Mendibil Kepa , Nudurupati Sai , Turner Trevor , Garengo Patrizia
Published: September 2004

It is generally agreed that businesses perform better if they are managed through formalised, balanced and integrated performance measures. Reports on some case studies which were part of a study to explore the dynamics and relationships between performance measurement, organizational culture and management styles. A key finding of the work is that organisational culture and management style seems to be interdependent throughout the lifecycle of the performance measurement system.
Linking strategic objectives and operational performance: an action research‐based exploration
Authors: Sneyd Keith P. , Rowley Jennifer
Published: September 2004

This paper reports on action based research interventions that developed a hierarchy of measures. The contributions lie in: the development of a model that links strategic objectives and operational measures; in the processes through which the model was developed and embedded; and in the way in which difficulties in implementation were overcome. The research was conducted in a major pharmaceutical business, with commitment from senior management, and the engagement of work teams in four different areas at different levels in the organization. The paper reports on the process and highlights a number of lessons learnt.
How do we measure the implementation of large‐scale change?
Authors: Hacker Marla , Washington Marvin
Published: September 2004

How do you evaluate the implementation of large‐scale organizational change? As more organizations are implementing large‐scale improvement efforts, this has become a vital question for organizations. The importance of this question is underscored by the fact that the literature is filled with articles that suggest that many of these projects fail. In this paper, we provide a tool that can be used to measure the implementation of large‐scale improvement efforts and then we demonstrate how we used this tool to assess the implementation of a performance management system in the government of Botswana. We end with three benefits of using a large‐scale evaluation survey tool: (1) it provides hard data on large‐scale implementation; (2) it helps to de‐politicize situations caused by the stress of undergoing a large change; and (3) it provides management with a tool to help them understand how their organization is functioning.
Electronic commerce strategy, operations, and performance in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Karagozoglu Necmi , Lindell Martin
Published: September 2004

Explores the electronic commerce (e‐commerce) involvement of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in terms of the strategic, operational, and performance aspects. Findings are reported from a survey of SMEs in northern California. The results show that SMEs tend to pursue e‐commerce strategies associated with customer base expansion and customer service consistent with their bricks‐and‐mortar competitive strategies and build e‐commerce operations consistent with their e‐commerce strategies. These e‐commerce strategies also contribute to the SMEs’ sales growth and profitability. However, e‐commerce strategy associated with purchasing management is the least favored alternative and does not affect profitability. The implication of the findings for managers and future research are discussed.
A qualitative investigation of smaller firm e‐business development
Authors: Fillis Ian , Johansson Ulf , Wagner Beverly
Published: September 2004

A previous paper by the authors drew on existing research on e‐business and the smaller firm, developed a conceptual model and a set of research propositions. This paper analyses a series of qualitative, in‐depth interviews of owner/managers of smaller firms in central Scotland in order to test the research propositions. Results indicate that industry and sectoral factors play an important role in the level of e‐business development achieved. In many cases the customer determines the need for e‐business adoption, rather than any internally planned programme of adoption. Other important factors include the degree of entrepreneurial orientation of the key decision maker and the ability to exploit appropriate competencies. Recommendations for encouragement of e‐business development are made and suggestions for future research are included.
An alternative view of small firm adaptation
Authors: Jones Colin
Published: September 2004

Increasingly, small firms with a history tied to a specific geographic location are having their survival threatened by new and innovative Web‐based entrants. This paper considers the plight of such firms and proposes an alternative means to reflect on how they may or may not learn about such threats or opportunities. Adopting an evolutionary perspective, the construct absorptive capacity is used to highlight the deficiencies of current market orientation theory to explain the process of firm learning. The conceptual model of evolutionary potential provides a framework through which both the firm and its owners’/owner’s abilities to learn can be taken into account.
Farmers online: drivers and impediments in adoption of Internet in UK agricultural businesses
Authors: Warren Martyn
Published: September 2004

Farm businesses appear to have much to gain from the use of Internet technology, particularly given their spatial dispersion and typically small scale (in terms of employment and turnover), but available statistics show a lower rate of adoption than small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in general, with less than one‐third of UK farmers using the Internet for business purposes. This article reports on an investigation by the University of Plymouth of Internet adoption by farmers in two contrasting agricultural areas, with three iterations over six years. Insights will be of value to anyone interested in the adoption of information and communication technology in microbusiness, and/or in the development of e‐commerce in the farm sector. Identifies research and policy issues outstanding in the field of Internet adoption in agriculture, including the rollout of broadband infrastructure, the development of human capital, the key role of farm family members, and the understanding of the complexity underlying the adoption process.
E‐business: linking available services and entrepreneurs’ needs
Authors: Yrle Augusta C. , Hartman Sandra J. , Walsh Kenneth R.
Published: September 2004

Traditionally, entrepreneurs and small businesses have faced difficulties when competing with entrenched firms for customers and expanding into global markets. The World Wide Web (WWW) is one approach to overcoming obstacles by giving organizations a direct connection to potential customers and suppliers on a global level. However, complex technology, security, and reliability present significant challenges to the entrepreneur or small business owner about to enter the e‐business arena. Difficulties are especially notable when the business operates in a non‐Web‐related field or when it has relatively few individuals with IT (information technology)/Web experience. Facing these challenges alone by hiring or developing an in‐house technology staff and building a support infrastructure is costly and may be risky. An alternative, contracting for Web‐based services from an application service provider (ASP), effectively reduces cost and risk while preserving the competitive advantage of the entrepreneurial firm. This paper describes the use of the ASP concept to allow an entrepreneurial firm to compete effectively in the global market.
E‐entrepreneurship and small e‐business development: towards a comparative research agenda
Authors: Matlay Harry
Published: September 2004

This article employs a holistic overview of the existing specialist literature in an attempt to define, clarify and discriminate between the important aspects of the ongoing electronic revolution (ER). Based upon a critical review of empirically rigorous publications, it aims to identify and explore the fundamental aspects of e‐commerce and e‐business. It also proposes a tentative framework for a critical research agenda in e‐entrepreneurship and small e‐business development.
The complexity and the organizing principles of international order
Authors: Hieronymi Otto , Currat Catherine
Published: September 2004

Fifteen years after the end of the Cold War there is a new deep worldwide preoccupation with the short‐ and long‐term outlook for international order. The case of Iraq shows that there is no valid alternative to an international order based on the principles of democracy, respect for freedom, human rights, solidarity and international law. However, the foundations of this order have to be strengthened through effective cooperation and commitment, both by the developed and the developing world. No country, small or large, can feign indifference, go it alone or afford the illusion that it will not be affected by the quality of the international order in the years to come. In this context, introduces a series of analyses that were presented at two international seminars, illustrating the complexity of international order.
The global challenge of human security
Authors: Sommaruga Cornelio
Published: September 2004

Human security is far more than the absence of conflict. It encompasses education and health, democracy and human rights, protection against environmental degradation and the proliferation of deadly weapons. It may be referred to as the concept of “freedom from want and fear”, which includes economic, food, health, environmental, political, community and personal security. Human insecurity, whether generated by neo‐liberal globalization, militarization, trafficking and the sex industry, social inequality, poverty, terrorism and local conflicts, is a big challenge at the beginning of the twenty‐first century, as much for developing countries as for the countries of the Atlantic Community. The interrelated challenges of human security and peace require an integrated multilateral response of the international system, a consistent human security policy that focuses on the responsibility of each and everyone. In short, it is a call for the globalization of responsibility for human security.
The vulnerability of democracies
Authors: Lapshina Ekaterina
Published: September 2004

Democracy, because of its complex structure and basic nature, is a challenge as the struggle for consensus and compromise is ongoing and its weaknesses and problems are intrinsic to the human being, whether it is for old or newly formed democracies. Inevitable tensions and divisions, based on differing aspirations, demands and conceptions of political and social life, exist continuously. Despite its vulnerabilities, democracy is also a promise for the values it upholds and promotes, for its adaptability and for the freedoms it offers. However, each “democracy” needs to be custom made for a specific country, taking into consideration social values, cultural factors, religion and traditions, historical events and conflicts, and most importantly, the existence or not of a “democratic mentality”. Democracy cannot be exported as a pre‐made aid‐package and a fix‐it‐all formula, as it is always changing, infinite in its variety and continuously adapting to the realities of the world.
The implications of the rise of China
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Wei
Published: September 2004

China has had an exceptional growth performance during the last quarter century, as a result of the successful economic reforms. These included an economic opening and a rapid integration in the world economy. Political reform has been less extensive than economic liberalization. But the political system has also undergone profound changes. There has been a great improvement in China's external relations, as ideology no longer plays an important role in foreign policy. As a new economic giant, China will play a constructive role in the world. The relations with Taiwan are according to the author the only potential source of future tensions.
The foundations of the expanding Atlantic Community
Authors: Hieronymi Otto , Jasson Chiara
Published: September 2004

Many people on both sides of the Atlantic take the Atlantic Community for granted, weakening the Community's foundations and world order in general. It is important to remember that the Atlantic Community has played, and continues to play a considerable role in creating the dynamics of a free and peaceful international order, well beyond being a simple military alliance. It was the shared identity and values of the Atlantic Community that brought a peaceful end to the Cold War. Today, members within and out with the Atlantic Community are faced with new global challenges that affect us all and that cannot be solved by any single nation alone. Basic principles must be reaffirmed in order to meet global challenges. Opinions among the members of the Community must not be a source of weakness, but rather a source of cooperation, strength and solidarity.