bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effects of self‐congruity, attitudes and customer satisfaction on customer behavioural intentions in retail environment
Authors: Ibrahim Hafedh , Najjar Faouzi
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a model that will include self‐image congruence, attitudes, satisfaction and explain their role on behavioural intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative survey was carried out. It was followed by a quantitative study, conducted in two stages to clarify the self‐congruity scale. Results were used to lead an exploratory investigation of a conceptual model of behavioural intentions.

Findings

Ideal self‐image congruity had a stronger direct effect on attitudes, than did actual self‐image congruity. Indeed, there was evidence in this study that behavioural intentions were directly or indirectly influenced by shopper's self‐congruity, attitudes, and satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

No research has ever simultaneously compared the relative influence of these important constructs on service encounter outcomes. The obvious implication is the need for further consideration of similar composite models. Indeed, it would be instructive in future research to assess the extent to which individual characteristics and demographic variables mediate self‐congruity, attitudes and satisfaction, and their influence on behavioural intentions.

Practical implications

Retailers need to realize that positioning their store to enhance the likelihood of self‐congruity with target shoppers and improve their attitudes, is important but not enough. The goal for improving self‐congruity and attitudes is to make sure shoppers have received the benefit they expect to find. The benefits received directly influence shoppers' decisions on whether they will want to come back in the future and what they will say about the store to others.

Originality/value

This research provides an improved understanding of the role of self‐congruity, attitudes and satisfaction on behavioural intentions. The inclusion of self‐congruity and attitudes in the proposed model as antecedents of behavioural intentions is one of the unique aspects of the study.
The role of life cycle concepts in the assessment of interorganizational alignment
Authors: Croteau Anne‐Marie , Léger Pierre‐Majorique , Cassivi Luc
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the alignment between the information‐processing needs and capabilities during interorganizational relationships through the lenses of both the product and the business relationships life cycle concepts, and the types of information exchanged.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows up on a previous empirical study conducted in the automotive sector, investigating the electronic collaboration within the supply chain of a large European Automotive Supplier (EAS). Out of the 61 respondents from this previous study, four illustrative cases are selected to further investigate their information alignment, where each case involves one specific relationship between EAS and its business partners based on the supply chain collaboration classification provided by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

Findings

The conclusion is that the phenomenon is bimodal and requires that the different information‐processing needs and capabilities associated with each stage of both the product and the business relationships life cycles should be considered.

Research limitations/implications

The small number of illustrative cases and the specificity of the chosen sector limit the generalizability of the results. Without considering the various types of information‐processing needs and capabilities as well as the stage of both product and business relationships life cycles, a biased conclusion could lead to inappropriate information and communication technology investments and business decisions.

Originality/value

The richness of the cases and the genuine integration of the life cycle concepts and the type of information with the notion of alignment help to identify some key aspects of interorganizational relationships.
GSLAP: a graph‐based web analysis tool
Authors: Kruck S.E. , Teer Faye , Christian William A.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new software tool that graphically depicts analysis of visitor traffic. This new tool is the graph‐based server log analysis program (GSLAP).

Design/methodology/approach

Discovering hidden and meaningful information about web users' patterns of usage is critical to optimization of the web server. The authors designed and developed GSLAP. Presented in this paper is an example of GSLAP in the context of an analysis of the web site of a small fictitious company. Also included is an explanation of current literature that supports graphical display of data as a cognitive aid to understanding data.

Findings

GSLAP is shown to provide a visual server log analysis that is a great improvement on the textual server log.

Research limitations/implications

The benefits of the output from GSLAP are compared with the typical textual output.

Originality/value

The paper describes a software tool that helps the analysis of usage patterns of web traffic.
Future competitiveness: viewpoints from manufacturers and service providers
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Kanchana Rapee
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to compare and evaluate competitive priorities between manufacturers and service providers. A concern over the trends of moving manufacturing/production units overseas, while maintaining essential service operations at the companies' headquarters, encouraged senior administrators of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to suggest the study. This study was part of an effort to support FTI members facing separate locations between manufacturing and services operations, and to help evaluate its initiatives' usefulness towards these members.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey, developed by Takala, was modified to gather the opinions from top executives of 75 manufacturers and service providers. This survey consisted of six criteria or competitive priorities with a total of 31 dimensions. The basic statistical techniques such as Cronbach's α were applied.

Findings

The paper finds that in general, top executives from manufacturing and service operations shared and agreed that delivery/service provision and quality represented their future competitive priorities.

Practical implications

The selection of these two competitive priorities was generally consistent with several previous studies. These findings supported past and current initiatives by the FTI as well as its policy on working together with key public agencies/organizations towards an achievement of excellent quality. Top executives, facing a challenge on separate operations – manufacturing plant in one location while maintaining service operations at another location, could synchronize and coordinate their future efforts such as strategies and plans around delivery/service provision, and quality.

Originality/value

The knowledge on competitive priorities could potentially help companies, regardless of operational types, to further formulate operational strategies, and later develop action plans. This knowledge could also serve as feedback (e.g. usefulness and effectiveness) and a milestone for the FTI's support and initiatives for its members.
TQM, managerial factors and performance in the Spanish hotel industry
Authors: Claver‐Cortés Enrique , Pereira‐Moliner Jorge , José Tarí Juan , Molina‐Azorín José F.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Several important managerial factors, such as training, information and communication technologies and information systems (ICT/IS), and environmental management, can be related to total quality management (TQM) in the hotel industry. This paper aims to analyse how TQM is associated with these factors and to verify whether more TQM‐committed hotels achieve higher performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were collected from a sample of 301 three‐to‐five‐star Spanish hotels. A cluster analysis was carried out to identify the different TQM commitment levels, after which a regression analysis tested the TQM‐performance link.

Findings

Managerial factors are significantly further developed in hotels with a stronger TQM commitment, which also have higher performances. TQM does not seem to influence all the performance variables measured.

Practical implications

Hotels showing a stronger commitment to TQM develop more advanced management systems and achieve higher performance levels. Therefore, hoteliers should invest in TQM, as this could help them to become more competitive.

Originality/value

The link between TQM and managerial factors, along with the relationship between TQM and performance, has been expanded in the literature on TQM in the hotel industry.
An R&D knowledge management method for patent document summarization
Authors: Trappey Amy J.C. , Trappey Charles V.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

In an era of rapidly expanding digital content, the number of e‐documents and the amount of knowledge frequently overwhelm the R&D teams and often impede intellectual property management. The purpose of this paper is to develop an automatic patent summarization method for accurate knowledge abstraction and effective R&D knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops an integrated approach for automatic patent summary generation combining the concepts of key phrase recognition and significant information density. Significant information density is defined based on the domain‐specific key concepts/phrases, relevant phrases, title phrases, indicator phrases and topic sentences of a given patent document.

Findings

The document compression ratio and the knowledge retention ratio are used to measure both quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the new summarization methodology. Both measurements indicate the significant benefits and superior results of the method.

Research limitations/implications

In order to implement the methodology with practical success, the accurate and efficient pre‐processing of identifying key concepts and relevant phrases of patent documents is required. The approach relies on a powerful text‐mining engine as the pre‐process module for key phrase extraction.

Practical implications

The methodology helps R&D companies consistently and automatically process, extract and summarize the core knowledge of related patent documents. This enabling technology is critical to R&D companies when they are competing to create new technologies and products for short life cycle marketplaces.

Originality/value

This research addresses a new perspective in R&D knowledge management, particularly in solving the knowledge‐overloading issue. The methodology helps R&D collaborative teams consistently to summarize the core knowledge of patent documents with efficiency. Efficient R&D knowledge management helps the firm to take advantage of IP positioning while avoiding patent conflict and infringement.
Measures of farm business efficiency
Authors: Bojnec Štefan , Latruffe Laure
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiencies by data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier methods to provide a decision‐making tool and managerial implications in the measurement of farm business performance and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiencies are analyzed with the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) sample for 13 farm business branches in Slovenia in the period 1994‐2003. DEA models are used with an output‐orientation, three outputs and four inputs. The non‐parametric DEA estimations are compared with a parametric stochastic frontier approach. The cluster analysis is used to identify three different farm business groups according to their performance.

Findings

The average technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiencies for the whole FADN sample over the analyzed period are relatively high (around or over 0.90), suggesting that, although the FADN sample contains very different farms, the latter have similar management practices, and are similarly able to make the best use of the existing technology. Five farm branches (crop, dairy, livestock using own feed, fruit, and forestry) are fully efficient with respect to all four analyzed efficiency measures, suggesting that these specializations have the best chance to compete on the European and world markets.

Originality/value

Studies of technical, scale, allocative and economic efficiencies are rare for transitional farm businesses, especially in Slovenia. The research contributes to the crucial issue of whether small family farm businesses might be able to compete on international markets, as Slovenian agriculture is characterized by such structures.
Adoption of social responsibility through the expansion of existing management systems
Authors: Castka Pavel , Balzarova Michaela A.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper's aims are: to scrutinize International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26000 international guidance standard for social responsibility; to discuss the role of this standard in the adoption of social responsibility in organisations with existing quality management systems in line with ISO 9000.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on academic literature and recent resolutions and working documents from ISO, the paper discusses ISO 9000 and ISO 26000 in five areas: general description; scope; approach to supply chain management; principles and content.

Findings

Provides a comparison between ISO 9000 and ISO 26000 in each area listed above. Argues for ISO 9000 to provide a structural and infrastructural platform for organisations to develop and adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) and for ISO 26000 to facilitate a shift from customer focus to stakeholder focus hence creating a business‐to‐society orientation in organisations.

Practical implications

A very useful source for those who work in the arena of CSR and those wanting to stay at the cutting edge of the latest developments in CSR and international standardization. Advocates an approach for managers to utilize ISO 26000 to review strategy and management systems in organisations.

Originality/value

Provides an analysis of future trends in CSR and ISO standards. Sets areas for future research.
A relationship approach to construction supply chains
Authors: Davis Peter R.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the influence that relationship variables have on construction supply chains. The objective is to show where thoughtful use of relationship marketing (RM) techniques can benefit construction supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire developed from a focus group outcome and literature concerning RM was used to extract information about commitment, trust and satisfaction in upstream and downstream construction supply chain relationships. A cohort of 898 construction industry managers developed from several comprehensive sample frames responded to the questionnaire. Data was analysed using exploratory and non‐parametric confirmatory statistical techniques, including Spearman's ρ non‐parametric correlation matrix, Kruskal‐Wallis test, Mann‐Whitney U test and principal axis factor analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that construction actors differentiate between relationship and traditional marketing factors in their supply chain activities. It is shown they engender specific RM techniques in their construction project environment.

Practical implications

RM has the potential to provide organisations with significant supply chain benefits, particularly long‐term value to clients. Benefit may manifest from commitment, trust and satisfaction. These three variables are all fundamental to supply chain activities.

Originality/value

The paper uses a RM knowledge base to develop an increased understanding of supply chain benefit variables. The value of the paper is that it enables construction stakeholders with the tools to develop long‐term relationships in their heterogeneous construction environment.
Effects of internal and relational capabilities on outsourcing: an integrated model
Authors: Espino‐Rodríguez Tomás F. , Rodríguez‐Díaz Manuel
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of relational capability compared to that of internal capability on outsourcing, and the influence of relational capability as a moderating variable between outsourcing and internal capabilities. The paper aims to integrate the internal and relational perspectives in a single model of strategic evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

This work analyses the outsourcing process in a representative sample of firms operating in a region of Spain. To accomplish the research objectives, a personal survey was conducted using a questionnaire to evaluate 13 activities of the order distribution process in the supply chain.

Findings

The results indicate that internal capabilities have a negative effect on outsourcing while relational capabilities have a positive effect. They also show that, the greater the relational capabilities of an operation are, the less significant the relationship between internal capabilities and outsourcing will be.

Practical implications

Firstly, by using the proposed model, companies can evaluate their internal and relational strategies and compare them to the sector averages at a given moment. Secondly, they can detect opportunities to improve competitiveness and develop relational capabilities for some of the activities that they wish to outsource. This work helps identify which process activities to outsource and which type of relationship should be maintained to develop a set of capabilities.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive application of a theoretical framework in a new model of strategic evaluation of outsourcing. Another innovation of this work is the introduction of relational capabilities as a variable moderating the relationship between internal capabilities and outsourcing.
An examination of the nature of trust in logistics outsourcing relationship
Authors: Tian Yu , Lai Fujun , Daniel Francis
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Using China's burgeoning logistics industry as a backdrop, the present study focused on how to build trust between logistics users and third‐party logistics (3PL) providers, and the antecedents and consequences of trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based mail survey was conducted in mainland China. The conceptual model was tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that logistics users' satisfaction with prior interactions with logistics providers, 3PL provider's relationship‐specific investment, 3PL provider's information sharing, and 3PL provider's reputation are key determinants of logistics users' level of trust towards 3PL providers. Additionally, logistics users' trust may facilitate their loyalty behavior towards 3PL providers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were drawn from a Chinese setting in which logistics outsourcing is in a relatively early developmental stage. The uniqueness of Chinese culture may also limit the findings' generalizability. China's transitional economy was not considered in the study. Different company ownership may significantly influence relationship formulation, maintenance and consequences.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrated how logistics providers can improve customers' trust in logistics outsourcing relationships. The study also revealed how logistics providers can improve customers' loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper was a pioneering study that investigates the logistics outsourcing relationship in China, a rapidly growing economy. The results offered valuable managerial insights regarding how to cultivate trust and loyalty in logistics outsourcing relationships.
A dynamic manpower forecasting model for the information security industry
Authors: Park Sang‐Hyun , Lee Sang M. , No Yoon Seong , Yeon Seung‐Jun
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model for manpower forecasting for the information security (IS) industry, one of the fastest growing IT‐related industries. The proposed model incorporates three critical factors (feedback structure, time lags, and a flexible saturation point) in a system dynamics (SD) simulation frame.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation model using SD is developed for a dynamic manpower forecasting by decomposing complex processes of manpower planning into a set of feedback loops with a causal‐loop diagram. Data gathered from a Korean Government agency were utilized in the simulation for forecasting the manpower demand and supply in the context of the IS industry.

Findings

The simulation results showed an overall IS manpower shortage in the IS industry. Policy alternatives were proposed based on the simulation results. The simulation model was rerun to reflect the various alternatives to achieve a stable manpower balance between demand and supply.

Originality/value

The research provides insights into the development of effective manpower planning at the industry level (macro level), and policies to increase its efficiency and effectiveness. The research model was developed and verified using SD.
The effect of knowledge on system integration project performance
Authors: Hong Han‐Kuk , Kim Jae‐Sik , Kim Taehun , Leem Byung‐Hak
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify the relationships between various components of knowledge possessed by the members of system integration (SI) project team and the project performance of those team members. From this lessons are learnt on SI project management issues and managerial implications regarding team member knowledge management for project performance are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors validated the model and tested the hypotheses using the structural equation model analysis LISREL.

Findings

Using data from 49 SI projects performed by a prominent consulting firm, the authors discovered a positive relationship between SI project team member knowledge and project performance. Notably, tacit knowledge was found to be influential, but explicit knowledge was not. The leadership capability of team leaders and the communication capability among team members were found to be important factors affecting project performance.

Research limitations/implications

A limited number of SI projects were analyzed due to difficulties with project selection and frequent movement of consultants during the data gathering process. As a result, additional analyses considering project size and complexity were not performed. Project team members' personal knowledge obtained through experience in similar projects or similar industries is very important to improve SI project performance. Leaders of participating SI projects have to think over project team members' tacit product knowledge and tacit process knowledge when building their project's team.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper lies in the establishment of a causal relationship between SI project team member knowledge and project performance, as well as in the proposed managerial implications for SI project knowledge management.
A qualitative re‐construction of project measurement criteria
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu , Johansen Eric , Greenwood David
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Failure is encountered regularly within project‐based industries and there has been research for decades into this phenomenon. Much of it has considered the failure of projects in terms of the classic project progress issues such as time, cost and quality. Using cases from two major industries the authors aim to develop a different understanding of project measurement criteria. This work is part of a larger completed investigation into information systems and information technology (IS/IT) project management models, developed for industry comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

During the study, the concept of project failure and success is investigated. The authors carry out a UK‐based, grounded study of two project‐based industries of differing maturity levels (construction and IS/IT) to investigate measures of project failure or success across the two industries.

Findings

The paper presents a reassessment of project measurement criteria. This is based on the separation of measures for project performance and project progress.

Research limitations/implications

The adopted strategy of naturalistic inquiry has always been susceptible to the criticism that it relies too much on subjective interpretation of data. In addition, no clear relationship was established between the factors discussed and the criteria for measuring project success.

Originality/value

The paper discusses current differences in perception of what actually constitutes a failed or successful project. The paper highlights that often two different (but closely related) concepts, are being discussed by project stakeholders.
Finite element analyses and simulations of gears and gear drives
Authors: Prášil Ludvík , Mackerle Jaroslav
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The finite element method (FEM) has become the prevalent technique used for analyzing physical phenomena in the field of structural, solid and fluid mechanics. The output of scientific papers is fast growing and professionals are no longer able to be fully up‐to‐date with all the relevant information. The purpose of this paper is to provide a bibliographical review on the application of FEM in mechanical engineering, specifically for the analyses and simulations of gears and gear drives from the theoretical as well as practical points of view.

Design/methodology/approach

The following topics on gears and gear drives are handled from the computational points of view: gears in general, spur gears, helical gears, spiral bevel and hypoid gears, worm gears and other gear types and gear drives. The paper is organized into two parts. In the first one each topic is handled in a short text, relevant keywords are presented and current trends in applications of finite element techniques are briefly mentioned. The second part lists references of papers published for the period 1997‐2006.

Findings

This bibliography is intended to serve the needs of engineers and researchers as a comprehensive source of published papers on design, analysis and simulation of gears and gear drives.

Originality/value

The bibliography listed is by no means complete but it gives a comprehensive representation of different finite element applications on the subjects. It will save time for readers looking for information dealing with described subjects, not having an access to large databases or willingness to spend time with uncertain information retrieval.
Convergence behavior of 3D finite elements for Neo‐Hookean material
Authors: Stein Erwin , Sagar Gautam
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine quadratic convergence of finite element analysis for hyperelastic material at finite strains via Abaqus‐UMAT as well as classification of the rates of convergence for iterative solutions in regular cases.

Design/methodology/approach

Different formulations for stiffness – Hessian form of the free energy functionals – are systematically given for getting the rate‐independent analytical tangent and the numerical tangent as well as rate‐dependent tangents using the objective Jaumann rate of Kirchoff stress tensor as used in Abaqus. The convergence rates for available element types in Abaqus are computed and compared for simple but significant nonlinear elastic problems, such as using the 8‐node linear brick (B‐bar) element – also with hybrid pressure formulation and with incompatible modes – further the 20‐node quadratic brick element with corresponding modifications as well as the 6‐node linear triangular prism element and 4‐node linear tetrahedral element with modifications.

Findings

By using the Jaumann rate of Kirchoff stress tensor for both, rate dependent and rate independent problems, quadratic or nearly quadratic convergence is achieved for most of the used elements using Abaqus‐UMAT interface. But in case of using rate independent analytical tangent for rate independent problems, even convergence at all is not assured for all elements and the considered problems.

Originality/value

First time the convergence properties of 3D finite elements available in Abaqus sre systematically treated for elastic material at finite strain via Abaqus‐UMAT.
A finite volume approach to simulation of polymer melt flow in channels
Authors: Zdanski P.S.B. , Vaz M. , Inácio G.R.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Numerical simulation of polymer injection processes has become increasingly common in mould design. In industry, such a task is accomplished mainly by using commercial packages. Owing to the complexities inherent of this class of problems, most commercial codes attempt to combine realistic rheological descriptions with simplified numerical models. In spite of the apparent success, such approaches are not able to capture important aspects of the flow topology. The present work aims to describe a more elaborate mathematical model based on finite volumes which is able to provide both accurate solutions and further insights on the physics of the polymer flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model comprises the momentum and energy equations and a Poisson equation for pressure to impose the incompressibility constraint. The governing equations are discretized using the finite volume method based on central, second‐order accurate formulas for both convection and diffusion terms. Artificial dissipation terms are added externally in order to control the odd‐even decoupling problem.

Findings

The numerical model was conceived within the framework of a generalized Newtonian formulation. The capability of the numerical scheme is illustrated by simulations using three distinct constitutive relations to approach the non‐Newtonian behaviour of the polymer melt: isothermal power‐law, modified Arrhenius power‐law and cross models.

Originality/value

This paper extends the computational strategies previously developed to Newtonian fluids to account for more complex constitutive relations. The velocity and temperature coupled solution for polymer melts using only second‐order accurate formulas constitute also a relevant contribution.
Mixed‐mode stress intensity factors of a three‐dimensional crack in a bonded bimaterial
Authors: Qin T.Y. , Zhu B.J. , Noda N.A.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to calculate the mixed‐mode stress intensity factors (SIFs) of a 3D crack meeting the interface in a bimaterial under shear loading by a hypersingular integral equation (HIE) method, And further to assess the accuracy of numerical solutions for the mixed mode SIFs along the crack front.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3D crack modeling is reduced to solving a set of HIEs. Based on the analytical solutions of the singular stress field around the crack front, a numerical method for the HIEs is proposed by a finite‐part integral method, where the displacement discontinuities of the crack surface are approximated by the product of basic density functions and polynomials. Using FORTRAN program, numerical solutions of the mixed‐mode SIFs of some examples are presented.

Findings

The numerical method is proved to be an effective construction technique. The numerical results show that this numerical technique is successful, and the solution precision is satisfied.

Research limitations/implications

This work takes further steps to improve the fundamental systems of HIE for its application in the fields of arbitrary shape crack problems. Propose several techniques for numerical implementation, which could increase the efficiency and accuracy of computation.

Practical implications

Whenever there is a structure containing the 3D crack, the analysis method described in this paper can be utilized to find the critical configurations under which the structure may be most vulnerable. In such cases, the strength predictions would be safer if the crack could be taken into account.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply HIE method to analyzing the mixed‐mode crack meeting the interface in 3D dissimilar materials. Numerical solutions of the mixed‐mode SIFs can give the satisfied solution precision.
Optimal structural design family by genetic search and ant colony approach
Authors: Kaveh A. , Shahrouzi M.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Genetic Algorithm, as a generalized constructive search method, has already been applied to various fields of optimization problems using different encoding schemes. In conventional GAs, the optimum solution is usually announced as the fittest feasible individual achieved in a limited number of generations. In this paper, such a pseudo‐optimum is extended to a neighborhood structure, known as optimal design family.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the constructive feature of genetic search is combined with trail update strategy of ant colony approach in a discrete manner, in order to sample more competitive individuals from various subspaces of the search space as a dynamic‐memory of updating design family.

Findings

The proposed method is applied to structural layout and size optimization utilizing an efficient integer index encoding and its appropriate genetic operators. Different applications of the proposed method are illustrated using three truss and frame examples. In the first example, topological classes are identified during layout optimization. In the second example, an objective function containing the stress response, displacement response, and the weight of the structure is considered to solve the optimal design of non‐braced frames. This approach allows the selection of less sensitive designs among the family of solutions. The third example is selected for eigenvalue maximization with minimal number of bracings and structural weight for braced frames.

Originality/value

In this paper, a pseudo‐optimum is extended to a neighborhood structure, known as optimal design family.
Complexities and challenges in the work‐family interface
Authors: Heraty Noreen , Morley Michael J. , Cleveland Jeanette N.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this brief paper is to introduce the papers in this special issue of Journal of Managerial Psychology, focused on “Complexities and challenges in the work‐family interface”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first introduces the theme of the special issue, and a brief outline of each paper contained in it is given.

Findings

There is concern that progress in the work‐family research area has been somewhat restricted and may have failed to take sufficient account of the complexity of work‐family issues.

Originality/value

The literature on the work‐family interface is complex, and theory in the field is uncertain and under‐developed. The papers in this special issue should further understanding of the challenges and complexities underscoring the work‐family interface.
The impact of work/family demand on work‐family conflict
Authors: Boyar Scott L. , Maertz Carl P. , Mosley Donald C. , Carr Jon C.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The current study seeks to argue that the constructs of work demand and family demand have been neglected in the work‐family conflict (WFC) literature. The authors aim to help clarify the definition and utilize direct measures of perceived work and family demand to test main effect, mediated, and interactive hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 698 university employees participated in a comprehensive computer survey that considered various manifest indicators and multiple scales across work and family domains. Moderator hierarchical regression and LISREL 8.0 were used in analyzing the data.

Findings

The results indicate that both forms of demand have significant direct effects on work interfering with family (WIF) and family interfering with work (FIW). Both demand constructs partially mediate the effects of three categories of domain variables on the two forms of conflict. Finally, the work demand‐WIF relationship is found to be stronger for those with relatively high family centrality.

Research limitations/implications

A cross‐sectional design was used and may be problematic when examining relationships that occur over time. Further, capturing all scales with a single survey could result in common method bias, which may have inflated the predictive relationships.

Practical implications

Organizations can work to reduce WFC by adopting family‐friendly programs that help employees balance work and family demands. Specifically, this study implies that organizations should find ways to hold constant or reduce perceptions of work and family demand, along with other direct antecedents of WIF and FIW.

Originality/value

This study provides a relatively comprehensive model of antecedents that can be useful in future research. The authors also examine interactive effects of demand and work‐family centrality on conflict using direct measures of perceived demand. Methodologically, the research improves on some past studies by measuring perceived demand directly and by not narrowing our sample to employees who are married or those with children. Hopefully, these contributions will help stimulate continued growth in the work‐family literature.
Effort‐reward imbalance, over‐commitment and work‐life conflict: testing an expanded model
Authors: Kinman Gail , Jones Fiona
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Although the effort‐reward imbalance (ERI) model of job stress has gained support in predicting employee health, it has rarely been examined in the context of the work‐home interface. This study aims to test an expanded ERI model in predicting work‐life conflict (WLC) in university employees. Three hypotheses relating to the ERI are tested. It is also predicted that lower organisational support for work‐life balance, less schedule flexibility and lower levels of separation between work and home life will lead to increased work‐life conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross‐sectional study, 1,108 employees working in UK universities completed questionnaires assessing ERI, WLC, schedule flexibility, employer support and work‐life separation/integration.

Findings

Strong main effects of job‐related efforts, rewards and over‐commitment on WLC are found. A significant two‐way interaction (effort×reward) and some evidence for a three‐way interaction effort×reward×over‐commitment) are observed. Perceived schedule flexibility and work‐life integration also make significant contributions to the variance in WLC. The final model explains 66 per cent of criterion variance.

Research limitations/implications

As the study is cross‐sectional, causal relationships cannot be established.

Practical implications

This study extends knowledge of the ERI model as a predictor of WLC. More research is required into ways in which effort‐reward inequity and over‐commitment might threaten work‐life balance, together with the working practices and organisational factors which might modify this threat.

Originality/value

The ERI model has rarely been examined in the context of the work‐home interface. The importance of effort‐reward imbalance and over‐commitment to WLC has been highlighted.
Examining couple agreement about work‐family conflict
Authors: Streich Michelle , Casper Wendy J. , Nicole Salvaggio Amy
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study aims to explore the nature of couple agreement about work‐family conflict, adding to previous research by explicitly testing the extent to which couples agree when rating work interference with family (WIF) and the influence of this agreement on other outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 224 dual‐earner couples were surveyed to assess their own WIF, as well as what they believed to be their partner's level of WIF. Participants also completed questions regarding their organizational commitment.

Findings

Couples agreed when rating their own and their partners' WIF more than they disagreed. As predicted, couples agreed more when rating the female partner's WIF as compared to the male partner's WIF. Finally, couple agreement about WIF moderated the relationship between female WIF and her continuance organizational commitment such that the relationship between the female partner's WIF and her level of continuance commitment was stronger when agreement about her experienced WIF was low.

Research limitations/implications

This was a convenience sample, and therefore caution should be used when generalizing to a broader population. Second, the research design was cross‐sectional, prohibiting causal inferences and conclusions about couple agreement over time.

Practical implications

Organizations should consider the perceptions and attitudes of both employees and their partners, as both have implications for work attitudes. Organizations might benefit from considering ways in which they can involve and engage employees' spouses and partners, and could offer flexible schedules as a way to reduce employee work‐to‐family conflict and enhance both employee and partner attitudes toward the organization.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by exploring both self and partner perceptions of work‐family conflict and examining couple agreement about this conflict.
Positive effects of nonwork‐to‐work facilitation on well‐being in work, family and personal domains
Authors: Allis Pam , O'Driscoll Michael
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine whether spillover from “nonwork” to work contributes to individuals' well‐being.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to New Zealand local government employees. Positive (facilitation) and negative (conflict) spillover from two “nonwork” domains (family and personal benefit activities) to work were investigated. The survey also assessed psychological involvement (in work, family and personal benefit activities), time devoted to each domain, and self‐reported well‐being in each area.

Findings

Levels of nonwork‐to‐work facilitation were moderate, and significantly higher than nonwork‐to‐work conflict, and well‐being was moderately high (although greater for the family and personal benefit domains than for work). There were significant positive relationships between psychological involvement in the nonwork domains and levels of facilitation from these domains to work, and nonwork‐to‐work facilitation was associated with higher well‐being. Time invested in family and personal activities was not linked with greater nonwork‐to‐work conflict. Mediation analyses indicated that psychological involvement (in family and personal activities) was associated with increased facilitation, which in turn enhanced well‐being.

Practical implications

Engagement in family and personal benefit activities yields positive outcomes for individuals, in terms of their psychological well‐being and facilitation of work‐related outcomes. Encouragement to engage in these areas can therefore be beneficial for both individuals and their employing organizations.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this research is that involvement in personal benefit activities (as another component of the “nonwork” domain, in addition to family activities) can have positive outcomes for individuals, resulting in facilitation of work outcomes and positive well‐being.
The expatriate family: an international perspective
Authors: Haslberger Arno , Brewster Chris
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to review and explore the relatively neglected notion of the adjustment of expatriate families to living abroad with the aim of developing a new model that can be used for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the few studies of the topic that have been carried out, but widens the search to include evidence from the related adjustment and family stress literature to create a new model of the process. Using the ideas of stressors, strains and hassles, capabilities, and shared meanings, the paper examines the situation of the expatriate family and explores how families can adjust to life in another country.

Findings

By adopting a salutogenic approach and incorporating insights from these other literatures, the paper shows that family adaptation is a complex and many‐faceted process. It is a process that greater awareness on the part of the family and the organization can improve.

Research limitations/implications

With the help of the model of family adjustment the paper points to systematic gaps in studies on expatriate families and outlines a consequent research agenda.

Practical implications

Awareness is a crucial element in adjustment. The paper shows that awareness by the family can alleviate problems, and that organizations employing members of the family can assist in the adjustment process for the family.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper comes in its attempt to encompass what is known about expatriate family adaptation directly with a wider view of family adjustment. This provides both a practical framework for future research and some practical implications.
Market‐orientated accounting: information for product‐level decisions
Authors: Inglis Robert , Clift Robert
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to explore and describe the interface between the customer component of a market orientation and the accounting information used in making product‐level decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory/descriptive organisational case study of a multi‐function product decision‐making setting. Development of a model of the customer‐accounting information requirements of a market orientation.

Findings

Describes how customer‐orientated product decisions are guided by managers' shared understanding of product‐attributes and conceptions of a “product” as a “bundle of attributes, benefits or characteristics”. Describes the limited accounting function involvement in product‐decisions and the use of customer‐orientated and non‐financial decision criteria.

Practical implications

A market‐orientated approach to business has been associated with increased business performance. The identification and integration of information from the management accounting discipline facilitates the understanding of the resource costs of satisfying individual customer needs and assists in operational level decisions. The authors highlight potential barriers to the integration of customer‐orientated accounting information in product decisions.

Originality/value

There remains a scarcity of marketing and management accounting interdisciplinary case research at the product‐attribute decision‐making level. The organisational study provides an insight into the decision‐making information and processes at the market orientation and management accounting interface. A framework and suggestions for the further development of interfunctional product‐level decision‐making are provided.