bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teams and performance appraisal
Authors: Valle Matthew , Davis Kirk
Published: July 2002

Inter‐rater agreement in a peer performance evaluation system was analyzed using a sample of 44 individuals who rated focal persons in seven teams. Objective information concerning individual performance on multiple choice tests, as well as information gleaned from individual contributions to team testing and team graded exercises, resulted in high inter‐rater reliabilities (assessed via ICCs) and strong criterion related validity for the performance evaluation instrument. A discussion centers on the effect of providing objective job performance information to evaluation participants.
The determinants of maintenance expenditures in chemical companies
Authors: Bhat Vasanthakumar N.
Published: July 2002

Maintenance expenditures represent more than net profits of several manufacturing companies. Maintenance costs are easy to reduce in a year simply by deferring maintenance activities. Examines maintenance expenditures of US chemical companies from 1975 to 1991. Uses a nonlinear model based on seemingly unrelated regression analysis to identify various factors that influence the expenditures. Uses the ratios of maintenance spending to cost of property, plant and equipment, and buildings (gross plant), cost of property, plant and equipment, and buildings minus accumulated depreciation (net plant) and cost of goods sold as dependent variables. Shows that the age of property, plant and equipment, and buildings, company size, and return on assets have significant influence on the maintenance expenditures. The leverage ratios adversely affect the ratios of maintenance costs to gross plant and net plant.
A review of overall models for maintenance management
Authors: Sherwin David
Published: July 2002

Reviews overall models for maintenance management from the viewpoint of one who believes that improvements can be made by regarding maintenance as a “contributor to profits” rather than “a necessary evil”. The reasons why maintenance is such a “Cinderella function” are largely historical and can mostly be overcome by new information technology (IT) and its falling cost. Progress is now being held up by outdated notions of what is economically possible in data acquisition and analysis, and failure to revise basic maintenance and reliability concepts, some of which are now 30 years out‐of‐date. Integrated IT permits mathematical optimisation of supra‐departmental management decisions, e.g. co‐planning of production with maintenance, overhaul/renewal of machinery and improvement of product performance/quality. Life‐cycle profit (LCP) is a fair measure of overall effectiveness that emphasises the value rather than the cost of terotechnological activities.
Joint determination of the optimum target mean and variance of a process
Authors: Rahim M.A. , Al‐Sultan Khaled S.
Published: July 2002

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in the economics of quality control. Many researchers have considered the problem of determining the optimal target mean for a process, but almost all of them have assumed that the process variance is fixed and known in advance. The problem of simultaneously determining the optimal target mean and target variance for a process is considered. This might result in a reduction in variability and in the total cost of the production process. A reduction in variability upholds the modern concept of Taguchi’s loss function, which states that any deviation from the target value incurs economic loss, even when the quality characteristic lies within the specification limits. Taguchi’s loss function is incorporated to extend this study further to jointly determine the optimal target mean and variance.
Maintenance and quality: the missing link
Authors: Ben‐Daya M. , Duffuaa S.O.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on the relationship between maintenance and quality. Then
briefly reviews models relating production and quality on the one hand,
and production and maintenance on the other. Using concepts from
predictive maintenance and the measure of equipment effectiveness from
total productive maintenance (TPM), identifies explicit links between
maintenance and quality. Emphasizes the need to develop adequate models
relating maintenance and quality. Presents two approaches for modelling
the link between maintenance and quality. The first approach is based on
the concept of imperfect maintenance and the second one uses the Taguchi
approach to quality and maintenance.
Automated process monitoring using statistical pattern recognition techniques on X‐bar control charts
Authors: Al‐Ghanim Amjed , Jordan Jay
Published: July 2002

Quality control charts are statistical process control tools aimed at monitoring a (manufacturing) process to detect any deviations from normal operation and to aid in process diagnosis and correction. The information presented on the chart is a key to the successful implementation of a quality process correction system. Pattern recognition methodology has been pursued to identify unnatural behaviour on quality control charts. This approach provides the ability to utilize patterning information of the chart and to track back the root causes of process deviation, thus facilitating process diagnosis and maintenance. Presents analysis and development of a statistical pattern recognition system for the explicit identification of unnatural patterns on control charts. Develops a set of statistical pattern recognizers based on the likelihood ratio approach and on correlation analysis. Designs and implements a training algorithm to maximize the probability of identifying unnatural patterns, and presents a classification procedure for real‐time operation. Demonstrates the system performance using a set of newly defined measures, and obtained results based on extensive experiments illustrate the power and usefulness of the statistical approach for automating unnatural pattern detection on control charts.
Reliability analysis of a repairable robot system
Authors: Dhillon B.S. , Yang N.
Published: July 2002

Presents two newly developed Markov models (I and II) to perform reliability analysis of a system composed of a robot and its associated safety system. Model I presents expressions for robot reliability, mean time between failure, and state probabilities under non‐repairable conditions. Similarly, Model II presents reliability, mean time to failure, and state probability expressions for a repairable robot system. Shows plots for robot system reliability and mean time to failure.
An enhanced approach for implementing total productive maintenance in the manufacturing environment
Authors: Blanchard Benjamin S.
Published: July 2002

Many systems in use today are not performing as intended, nor are they cost effective in terms of their operation and support. Manufacturing systems, in particular, often operate at less than full capacity, productivity is low, and the costs of producing products are high. In dealing with the aspect of cost, experience has indicated that a large percentage of the total cost of doing business is due to maintenance‐ related activities in the factory; i.e. the costs associated with maintenance labour and materials and the cost due to production losses. Further, these costs are likely to increase even more in the future with the added complexities of factory equipment through the introduction of new technologies, automation, the use of robots, and so on. In response to maintenance and support problems in the typical factory environment, the Japanese introduced the concept of total productive maintenance (TPM), an integrated life cycle approach to factory maintenance and support. TPM methods and techniques have been successfully implemented in Japan through the past decade, and more recently in the USA. Inherent within the TPM concept are the aspects of enhancing the overall effectiveness (efficiency) of factory equipment, and providing an optimal group organizational approach in the accomplishment of system maintenance activities. Both the equipment and the organizational sides of the spectrum need to be addressed in fulfilling the objectives of TPM. It is believed that while many successes have been realized in structuring organizations to respond better to the maintenance challenge, very little progress has been made relative to the influence of equipment design for minimal maintenance and support (i.e. the incorporation of reliability, maintainability, and supportability characteristics in design). Briefly addresses this aspect of the problem, identifies some design analysis/evaluation tools that can be used, and recommends an approach for the continuous improvement of manufacturing systems in terms of operation and support.
Some aspects of measuring maintenance performance in the process industry
Authors: Arts R.H.P.M. , Knapp Gerald M. , Mann Lawrence
Published: July 2002

Performance indicators of operational maintenance can help maintenance staff improve its operations, so that the direct and indirect costs of failure processes can be reduced. Many papers have been written on performance indicators for operational maintenance. However, no consensus on which indicators to use in a particular industry has been reached so far. The authors take an industrial engineering approach to this problem by describing the information system needed to be able to make any inferences on operational maintenance performance in the process industry. The indicators suggested focus on finding the most costly equipment from a maintenance perspective, the cost of the current maintenance concept and the major components of maintenance costs. It is emphasized that standards and procedures need to be developed and that adherence to them has to be ensured.
Improved reliability estimates for samples containing suspensions
Authors: Bartlett H.J.G. , Hastings N.A.J.
Published: July 2002

A method is presented for obtaining better estimates of reliability levels used in Weibull analysis and related techniques. The method, which is applicable when there are suspended items, overcomes an inherent pessimism which occurs in existing plotting‐based methods, and provides reliability estimates which are continuously sensitive to any changes in the ages of suspended items. Together, these features provide a more realistic estimate of the reliability function than the existing methods provide, particularly in samples with a small number of failures.
Evaluation measures of archive copies for file recovery mechanism
Authors: Nakagawa Sayori , Ishii Naohiro , Fukumoto Satoshi
Published: July 2002

This paper derives three evaluation measures of file recovery with n archive copies: when a failure is detected uniformly during (0, T),the mean recovery overhead, the overhead rate and the availability are obtained. Optimal archive copies intervals T* which minimize or maximize those measures are analytically discussed. When faults occur at random, they are given by unique solutions of the same type equations. Finally, a numerical example is shown.
Use mathematical modeling to give your TPM implementation effort an extra boost
Authors: Lawrence John J.
Published: July 2002

Total productive maintenance, or TPM, represents a major shift in the way an organization approaches the maintenance function and implementation typically requires a significant change in organizational culture. Most references on TPM suggest a variety of ways to promote this cultural change, including top management support, training and changes in reward systems. Despite these efforts, many organizations still find it difficult to create the necessary change in culture. This paper proposes an additional means to help bring about the cultural change necessary to make TPM work: mathematical modeling. Using examples of four mathematical models in the maintenance field, the paper describes how such models might be used to promote this cultural change by making the potential benefits of TPM more tangible and objective to employees and by improving employees’ understanding of how their involvement in TPM can affect the organization and its customers.
Mary Parker Follett: individualist or collectivist? Or both?
Authors: Verstegen Ryan Lori , Rutherford Matthew A.
Published: July 2002

Mary Parker Follett has been categorized as both an individualist and a collectivist, based on statements in her varied writings over two decades. This paper argues that, instead, Follett approached the issue of the true nature of man using a Hegelian dialectical technique, emerging with a distinct position that merges the best of both extremes into a unique synthesis. While the traditional individualist/collectivist dichotomy still holds sway in much of the management literature, several recent theories that take a perspective similar to Follett’s are discussed. The analysis makes clear that, once again, Follett’s ideas were ahead of their time.
Decades ahead of her time: advancing stakeholder theory through the ideas of Mary Parker Follett
Authors: Schilling Melissa A.
Published: July 2002

Though the work of Mary Parker Follett predates the field of stakeholder theory by almost 60 years, and no reference to her work is found in the stakeholder literature, many of the tenets of stakeholder theory echo Follett’s ideas precisely. More importantly, Follett’s work yields a much richer foundation for stakeholder theory, as well as providing direction for its advancement. The article traces both the similarities and differences between Follett’s work and that of contemporary stakeholder theorists, and shows how Follett’s ideas can be used to enhance our current understanding of the theory and improve its implementation.
Mary van Kleeck, Lillian Gilbreth and the Women’s Bureau study of gendered labor law
Authors: Nyland Chris , Rix Mark
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the 1928 Women’s Bureau report, The Effects of Labor Legislation on the Employment Opportunities of Women. It argues that this was a landmark study, demonstrating that scientific management had the potential to develop into a mature applied social science which could play an important role in the identification, measurement and amelioration of recurrent social problems. It further argues that the report demonstrated the usefulness of scientific management in measuring impartially the effects of gender‐specific labor legislation. The paper highlights the instrumental role Mary van Kleeck and Lillian Gilbreth played in bringing feminism and scientific management together and the manner by which they utilized the Women’s Bureau report to advance the social and economic interests of women.
The history of management: a global perspective
Authors: Pindur Wolfgang , Rogers Sandra E. , Suk Kim Pan
Published: July 2002

Contemporary management theory is not a single theory. By its very
nature, management is a complex process and a multidisciplinary field of
study. Contemporary management is a synthesis of the classical,
behavioural, quantitative and modern management movements. One of the
keys to successful management is the ability to understand and apply
modern management principles and techniques effectively. Studying
fundamental concepts provides a foundation that effective managers of
the future need in terms of understanding techniques, organizational
cultures and theories. Awareness and willingness of management to
incorporate a variety of management theories and tools as the
organization constantly changes are keys to gaining and maintaining
competitive advantage over others.
Luther Gulick on Frederick Taylor and scientific management
Authors: Van Riper Paul P.
Published: July 2002

Contains a brief personal reminiscence about Frederick Taylor, as
Luther Gulick (1892‐1993), often known as the dean of US public
administration, knew him during the last year (1914‐1915) of Taylor′s
life. Examines Gulick′s 1931 introductory remarks, on “Public
administration, a field in urgent need of scientific management”,
before a session of the annual meeting of the US Taylor Society in New
York City.
Early experiements in British scientific management: the Health of Munitions Workers′ Committee, 1915‐1920
Authors: Kreis Steven
Published: July 2002

Investigages some of the ways in which scientific management ideas and practices were implemented in Britain during the First World War. Concentrates on the combination of Taylorism, scientific management and industrial psychology in the work of the British public agency, the Health of Munitions Workers′ Committee (HMWC), in the years 1915‐1920. Analyses the memoranda and reports of the HMWC in order to demonstrate that: Taylorism and scientific management are not synonymous; the British government was interested in scientific management; and that British scientific management led in directions similar to developments in the United States. Asks historians to move beyond the Taylor paradigm in order to grasp fully the differential acceptance of scientific management, especially in regard to implementation outside the USA.
Reading Fayol with 3D glasses
Authors: Reid Donald
Published: July 2002

Reading Fayol′s Administration Industrielle et
Générale entails more than an examination of the
text′s apparent meaning and utility to managers today. A text like
Fayol′s Administration never comes to us in pristine form. Our
reading of it today is shaped both by the author Fayol′s management of
the data – his experiences – and by the many subsequent
readings of the text which necessarily influence how Administration is read today. Examines briefly Fayol′s decision not to mention in
print a long history of conflict with the board of directors of his firm
Comambault which was crucial in helping him formulate his ideas.
Discusses the reception of Administration in France and the USA
and how readings of the text have helped delineate communities of
management theorists.
Towards a Weberian management theory: lessons from Lowell Bennion’s neglected masterwork
Authors: Newman DiPadova Laurie
Published: July 2002

Reviews the roots of management theory, and discusses how, in the early part of this century, an overlooked, different interpretation of Max Weber’s work could have affected those roots. Examines Lowell L. Bennion’s dissertation, Max Weber’s Methodology, published in 1933, which is the first book‐length interpretation in the English language of Weber’s sociological thought. Maintains that this interpretation of Weber is central to the argument that the greater contribution of Weber to management theory lies in the central role of power and conflict in relationships, and the important question of “Why do people obey?”. Concludes that this view of Weber prompts a rich array of research questions confirming the importance of Weber’s thinking for management scholars today, and demonstrates the relevance of Weber far beyond his contribution of bureaucracy as an efficient organizational form.
Frederick W. Taylor, J. Maunsell White III, and the Matthew Effect
Authors: Neck Christopher P. , Bedeian Arthur G.
Published: July 2002

In an effort to give credit where credit is due, recounts J. Maunsell White III’s role in the development of the Taylor‐White process for treating tool steel. A contemporary and colleague of Frederick W. Taylor, “The Father of Scientific Management”, White offers a classic example of the so‐called Matthew Effect, in which recognition accrues to those of considerable repute and is withheld from those who have not yet made their mark.
Incorporating the contrary
Authors: Feldman Steven P.
Published: July 2002

Every writer, Nietzsche once commented, has an intellectual idiosyncrasy that, once grasped, can be used as a key to interpret their work. In Chester Barnard’s classic text on management theory, The Functions of the Executive, the use of dichotomy is such a key. Barnard uses dichotomy in all his major conceptual frameworks. Analyses his three central sociological concepts: society, organization purpose, and organization authority. Shows that the purpose behind Barnard’s use of dichotomy is political: he is attempting to legitimate the dominance of formal organization in society. His main means to accomplish this is by defining dichotomies in such a way that they either assume the dominance or demonstrate the superiority of formal organization. The result is that Barnard’s use of dichotomy is misleading and contradictory. He tries to conceal the contradictions by the use of complex and ambiguous discussions. Ultimately, Barnard’s theoretical method is shown to rest on the erroneous dichotomy that assumes organization rationality is autonomous from and superior to culture and society.
Edwin F. Gay, Arch W. Shaw, and the uses of history in early graduate business education
Authors: Cuff Robert
Published: July 2002

Notes that the collaboration between Edwin F. Gay, founding dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, and Arch W. Shaw, a Chicago publisher, exemplifies the significance of historical sensibility on the origins of US management studies. Points out that the attention they gave to historical methods and data as tools of inquiry reflected Gay’s professional training in economic history, but it also reflected the sense both men had of the significance of institutions and institutional patterns in business life. Both men also urged more attention to distribution as a serious topic for academic research and teaching, and also recognized co‐ordinating activity as a central function of modern management. Adds that the potential gains from scale economies depended on how well general managers filled this function, and that for this task managers required an outlook that transcended technical expertise. Suggests that they had to understand the broader institutional setting in which they managed and that historical awareness could illuminate that context.
Oral history and expert scripts: demystifying the entrepreneurial experience
Authors: Mitchell Ronald K.
Published: July 2002

Notes that because oral histories illuminate insider meanings, they can contribute valuable insights to the demystification of expert experiences. The world of expert entrepreneurs is often misunderstood because of its sensationalization and/or idealization. Sets out to narrow the gap between mythical and actual entrepreneur through the use of the qualitative analysis of entrepreneur oral histories. Analyses in‐depth interviews with 23 practising western US entrepreneurs about their venturing histories to identify the common “stories” and shared interpretations that form parts of the entrepreneurial “expert scripts” that explain responses to successes and failures. Salient portions of the histories cited contribute to sound attributions regarding entrepreneurial success and failure and to a more enlightened approach to venture creation.
“Historical” and “scientifically valid”
Authors: Rosenberg Victor L.
Published: July 2002

Notes that a recent survey found many scholars who believe, incorrectly, that history is not random enough, large enough, or controlled enough for science. Reiterates why science is not dependent on randomization, size, or control, but does require comparison. Posits that the most powerful feature of scientific validation is the comparative measurement of argument (CMA). Specifically illustrates how and why comparison inexpensively elevates any history into an excellent vehicle for relevant, credible, scientific scholarship. Concludes that the best method of CMA is not always obvious, but researchers should always try CMA because they will find that any use of it will produce some recognizable value and provide discipline to unmanageable data sources such as history.
Manager, political activist, labour leader, statesman: all in one lifetime
Authors: Kovach Kenneth A.
Published: July 2002

Traces the career of the remarkable Asa Philip Randolph, who was many things to many people. He was a tireless crusader for African‐American rights, a strategic manager and planner, a political activist, and a labour leader. Many of the changes he brought about and many of the conditions he created in the above areas continue to shape US culture today. Highlights the contributions he made to US society.
Primer of Scientific Management by Frank B. Gilbreth: A response to publication of Taylor’s Principles in The American Magazine
Authors: Carlson Dean Carol
Published: July 2002

Response to the serialized publication of Frederick W. Taylor’s The Principles of Scientific Management (1911) in The American Magazine was in two forms: (a) letters‐to‐the‐editor praising and seeking further information, which became the foundation for Frank B. Gilbreth’s Primer of Scientific Management (1912); and (b) highly critical letters, which did not materialize in print but are preserved in the Taylor Collection of Stevens Institute of Technology. This paper describes Gilbreth’s “primer” and documents the origins of this seminal book in management history. Further, it gives highlights of several letters‐to‐the‐editor not mentioned in the primer which show that Taylor was selective about the questions addressed in order to control his image and promote his cause. The letters demonstrate that Upton Sinclair was only one of many who questioned the value of scientific management immediately following its introduction to the public in The American Magazine. These letters reflect the transitional time for labor that existed in the early 1900s which provided the environment in which scientific management was conceived.
Exploring the past
Authors: Bedeian Arthur G.
Published: July 2002

This essay argues that a management discipline that ignores its past fails to appreciate that present theories and methods are what they are by virtue of their repeated interaction with the past. To redress contemporary management’s seeming naivety in this regard, three points are established: the temporal nature of management analyses mandates adopting a contextual logic of explanation; history serves an indispensable methodological function; and the methods of nonhistorical research, as compared to those of “traditional” historical research, are no less problematic and possess no inherent superiority. In doing so, it is reasoned that an understanding of the historical structure underlying the management discipline is essential to fully comprehend the contemporary management enterprise and recognized that the “gift of professional maturity” comes only to those who know the history of their discipline.
Algorithms for accurate rapid prototyping replication of cancellous bone voxel maps
Authors: Sisias G. , Phillips R. , Dobson C.A. , Fagan M.J. , Langton C.M.
Published: July 2002

A set of algorithms has been developed and evaluated for 3D and 21/2D rapid prototyping replication of 3D reconstructions of cancellous bone samples. The algorithms replicate a voxel map without any loss of fidelity, so as to increase the validity of the comparison of mechanical tests on the 3D reconstructed models with those predicted by finite element analyses. The evaluation is both in terms of algorithmic complexity and the resultant data set size. The former determines the feasibility of the conversion process, whereas the latter the potential success of the manufacturing process. The algorithms and their implementation in PC software is presented.
Prosthetic sockets fabrication using rapid prototyping technology
Authors: Ng P. , Lee P.S.V. , Goh J.C.H.
Published: July 2002

The traditional way of making a prosthetic socket is by draping a heated thermoplastic sheet over the positive mould, or by applying layers of woven materials together with acrylic resins over the positive mould. This process is extremely labour intensive, and it usually takes two to three days to make one socket. This paper presents the development of a prosthetics Computer‐Aided‐Manufacturing (CAM) system that utilises Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology. The system reduces the socket making time from days to less than 4 h. Clinical and biomechanical studies are conducted to evaluate the comfort and fit of the new socket during gait. Preliminary investigation of the new socket shows that its functional characteristics are very similar to that of a traditional socket
Design of a 3‐degrees of freedom platform for the stereolithography apparatus
Authors: Holzer Florian , Fadel Georges
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the design of a 3 degrees of freedom build platform for a Stereo‐lithography Apparatus machine (older model without Zephyr coating). The Pahl and Beitz methodology is used to systematically design such a component. The various steps are illustrated and the final design described. The impetus for the research is the need to reduce layering errors in layer‐based machines. The final solution allows the platform to rotate along two axes and be elevated along the Z‐axis with minimal disruption to the present set‐up.
Economic associations of immigrant self‐employment in Canada
Authors: Hiebert Daniel
Published: July 2002

In the last 30 years or so we have seen a proliferation of research projects on immigrants and non‐white minorities in the labour market (labour market segmentation) and as entrepreneurs (ethnic entrepreneurialism). Each of these literatures helps us understand the nature of immigrant and minority participation in the labour market, but each only offers a partial view. In this paper, I bring these topics together in an empirical investigation of the relationship between ethnic labour market segmentation and ethnic entrepreneurialism in Canada, using 1996 census data. I show that there is a close correspondence between the niches where immigrants and minorities find work, and those where they become entrepreneurs. Immigrants who are drawn to niches that offer few opportunities for self‐employment have low rates of entrepreneurship and, conversely, those who are over‐represented in niches with considerable scope for self‐employment are inclined to establish their own businesses. This shows that the propensity for self‐employment is, to an important degree, determined in the regular labour market. Therefore, entrepreneurship should not be seen as an intrinsically cultural phenomenon (i.e. that certain groups are “naturally” entrepreneurial), but instead as arising out of the opportunity structure associated with wage and salary labour.
Chinese entrepreneurs
Authors: Collins Jock
Published: July 2002

Recounts the history of the Chinese Diaspora in Australia, which dates back to the Gold Rush of the 1850s. In the past three decades, following the end of the white Australia policy, many ethnic Chinese immigrants have immigrated to Australia. Although there are only 300,000 people of Chinese ancestry living in Australia, Chinese immigration is a critical chapter of Australia’s immigration experience. Chinese entrepreneurs have played a major role in the history of the Chinese in Australia. Explores the experience of Chinese entrepreneurs in Australia from the earliest days till the present and reviews historical accounts of Chinese entrepreneurs in Australia, before presenting the results of recent research. Argues that it is necessary to investigate how ethnicity, gender and class have intersected to shape changing patterns of Chinese entrepreneurship in the Australian Chinese Diaspora. Suggests also that the dynamics of Chinese immigration and Chinese entrepreneurship in Australia have been shaped by the changing dynamics of globalisation, the state and the racialisation of Chinese immigrants in the Australian labour market and society as a whole.
Public relations research: a tripartite model
Authors: Grunig Larissa A.
Published: July 2002

Explores the resurgence of interest in public relations as relationship building; and the three‐stage model that has been developed to research this. Concludes that the present chaotic environment requires public relations professionals to assume the responsibility of identifying the organization’s most strategic publics as part of the management process.
Viewing the corporate community as a knowledge network
Authors: Swan William , Langford Nigel , Watson Ian , Varey Richard J.
Published: July 2002

The inter‐organizational network is becoming an increasingly common form of organization. The majority of trade is carried out between organizations, rather than organizations and households. Many of these networks are concerned with the exchange of tangible goods. However, increasing numbers are concerned with the exchange of knowledge and all are dependent upon the role of knowledge in their activities. It is our assertion that with an understanding of the nature of knowledge, we may identify how, and why, certain network formations are adopted. It is asserted that links between organizations may be viewed as knowledge assets. The expression of multiple links within a corporate community may be regarded as a network of knowledge assets. From this conceptual framework, it may be possible to answer wider questions concerning the nature of networks established in the real world and how changes are wrought on a network over a period of time.
Business communication during cultural change
Authors: Borgulya Ágnes
Published: July 2002

Business and corporate culture in Hungary are undergoing a profound change. Although the first phase of transition to the market economy is complete, great efforts are still needed to bring the country – and business in general – to the point of readiness to join the EU. Legislative harmonisation is under way, the “Acquis communautaires” require to be adopted and the nation is intent upon meeting the conditions for accession in respect of democracy, the market economy and competition. However, in parallel to these efforts uncertainties are growing in the value system – in general morale and in unwelcome problem areas which can easily generate social tensions – all of which have their effect upon business and corporate culture.
A profile of PR directors in British companies
Authors: Dolphin Richard R.
Published: July 2002

Examines the role of public relations (PR) officers in British companies and the use of corporate communications. States that the PR role covers a wide area and varies from company to company. Concludes, however, that the role of the PR officer directly impacts on the strategy of the company and its strategic communications.
Violence, values, and the electronic media environment
Authors: Eagle Lynne , de Bruin Anne , Bulmer Sandy
Published: July 2002

This article originated as a contribution to informed debate on public policy issues surrounding a review of New Zealand broadcasting policy. The issue, however, has implications well beyond the New Zealand market. Public debate on broadcasting has frequently centered on calls to: improve the quality of programming overall; improve children’s programming in particular; and ban advertising in children’s television programmes. This narrow focus ignores the impact of the wider viewing environment. A major focus of this article is on the potential detrimental effects on children of exposure to violence and negative values in the electronic media environment. The literature relating to this is reviewed; the presumed linkages between exposure to violence and the propensity for children to act aggressively are examined; the findings of a study of parental perceptions regarding the impact of violence and of negative values on their children are then reported. Concludes with a discussion of the role of marketing communication in this environment.
The role of employee development in customer relations: the case of UK retail banks
Authors: Papasolomou‐Doukakis Ioanna
Published: July 2002

Explores the relevance (practice) of strategic HR (employee development) to the financial service arena and the extent to which it may be possible to use it as a means of retaining external customers. There is at present little understanding of the way employee development is practised within specific industries and particularly its impact on instilling a service and customer orientation aimed at achieving external customer retention. Presents some of the findings of an exploratory study carried out in the UK retail bank sector with the aim of shedding light onto the principles and practice of employee development within business units at a branch level. The study produced some interesting findings structured in the form of relationships. Two of the six emergent relationships form the subject matter of this paper. The study revealed that the strong competition and homogeneity that characterize the industry have put pressure on banks to raise their competitiveness by investing in their personnel. The quality of staff and its impact on the quality of customer service are vital in gaining a competitive advantage in the bank industry. Employee development is used to motivate staff to become truly dedicated to delivering high service quality in order to achieve customer satisfaction and retention.
Towards an inclusive evaluation methodology
Authors: Noble Paul
Published: July 2002

Public relations evaluation is a complex issue because of the hierarchy of effects of public relations activity and the involvement of third parties such as the press and broadcast media. Evaluation can be either summative or formative, although the two are frequently confused. This article establishes principles of evaluation that can form a foundation for a more sophisticated “toolkit” approach.
Modelling for corporate identity studies: case of identity as communications strategy
Authors: Check‐Teck Foo , Lowe Andy
Published: July 2002

A generic model is developed to systematise research to build case studies on the shaping of corporate identity. In embedding the model with a case, we discuss how a firm sited both in Singapore and Indonesia perceives identity to be inherently part of communciation strategy.
The role of selective electroplating in the construction of advanced circuit boards
Authors: Moran Peter
Published: July 2002

In order for system designers to make full use of the successive generations of semiconductor devices it is becoming increasingly necessary to choose interconnection systems that are tailored to the application. As this trend becomes more pronounced, the limitations of traditional methods of constructing boards onto which electronic components can be assembled are becoming more obvious. In this paper the application of selective electroplating, a technique that has been in use for many years but has not previously been fully exploited, is discussed. It is shown by examining a number of case studies that with a small amount of innovation this basic technique can be extended to meet the needs of a number of application areas while still operating within the normal processing windows of the materials.
Strategic positioning and cost management along various quality dimensions
Authors: Srinidhi Bin , Balachandran K.R.
Published: July 2002

The traditional view of quality treats it as an economic good which can be developed by incurring costs. Proponents of total quality management have rejected the traditional view and stress the complementary nature of cost and quality. Reconciles these two views as different manifestations of the same underlying phenomenon within the same strategic framework. This requires precise definitions of quality concepts such as conformance and performance quality. The organization first examines its current position within this framework. The definitions of quality help sharpen the formulation of strategic objectives and the framework helps in mapping out a policy for moving the firm from the current position to the desired position. In addition, also determines the operating systems of quality management by how quality is defined in the organization. In conjunction with the strategic direction, the operational management procedures facilitate the process of cost management.
A statistical process control approach to process diagnosis in discrete manufacturing environments
Authors: Melton Kerry D. , English John R. , Don Taylor G.
Published: July 2002

Suggests that there is justification for the use of a new methodology for process diagnosis which is simple to understand and realistic to implement. The control of quality of a process typically requires that multiple process variables be monitored simultaneously. Due to the multi‐dimensionality of the data collected, process diagnosis is complex and the data often are not efficiently integrated to capitalize on the wealth of available information. A two‐phased diagnostic approach for process diagnosis and identification of suspect causes for this multi‐dimensional problem is introduced in Krishnamurthi et al. (1993). Provides an in‐depth analysis of phase two of the statistical process control (SPC) diagnostic approach. Specifically, simulation is used to generate different cause and effect scenarios to determine the effectiveness of the SPC approach in correctly diagnosing a process disorder. The analysis utilizes analysis of variance to estimate the effect of various process variables, process steps, and associated out‐of‐control conditions on the performance of the SPC approach and its ability to diagnose correctly an out‐of‐control condition. As a result of these findings, the critical means are plotted and the findings are presented. Additionally, a comparison between the SPC approach and parsimonious covering theory (PCT) is made. Concludes that for the process scenarios considered, which are of practical size, the more simple approach of the SPC diagnostic approach is recommended.
An evaluation of supply chain performance in the Canadian pork sector
Authors: Klein K.K. , Walburger A.M. , Faminow  , Larue B. , Romain R. , Foster K.
Published: July 2002

Examines the hog marketing system in Canada and the development of single‐desk hog marketing agencies, acting as central selling agencies, which have made an important contribution in enhancing the pork supply chain. Reports the results of a 1995 survey, soliciting opinions from representatives of meat packers, provincial marketing agencies and producers across Canada, from which a framework was developed to evaluate the efficiency of five main areas: production and distribution; equitable distribution of rewards; growth in pork processing; investment opportunities; and degree of competition. Emphasizes the vulnerability of the Canadian pork sector to increased competition from producers in other countries, and stresses the need for Canada to develop an effective supply chain in order to maximize its potential in this sector.
Is there any magic in cross‐docking?
Authors: Kinnear Ewen
Published: July 2002

Exel Logistics’ experience in a number of industry sectors, product profiles, operational techniques and technology suggests that the outputs of cross‐docking can appear magical, even though they result from fairly standard operational inputs. Explains the origins of cross‐docking and explores the operational aspects of switching from a traditional stockholding supply chain system to a cross‐docking system, using a case study from the motor industry. States that key benefits resulting from the adoption of cross‐docking techniques relate to improvements in service levels, inventory levels, stock returns and unit costs.
Efficient consumer response (ECR): a survey of the Australian grocery industry
Authors: Harris John K. , Swatman Paula M.C. , Kurnia Sherah
Published: July 2002

Efficient consumer response (ECR) is a supply chain management strategy which attempts to address the inefficiencies that have led to excessive inventory and unnecessary costs at all levels within the grocery industry supply chain. Although originating in the USA, ECR has also attracted attention and interest in many other countries. This paper presents the results of an Australian study which was designed to assess the applicability of ECR within the Australian grocery industry. The results of the study indicate that the inefficient business practices of the US supply chain are also prevalent within the Australian grocery industry and that some Australian companies had already begun to engage in business activities related to ECR as early as 1996.
Genetically modified organisms, consumer scepticism and trade law: implications for the organisation of international supply chains
Authors: Kerr William A.
Published: July 2002

Given the rapid rates of technological improvements possible, using modern biotechnology, the product life cycle of new genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is likely to be short and, hence, those investing in their development will desire access to the widest international market possible. There is, however, considerable consumer scepticism regarding GMOs, which is being translated into both government policy responses and actions by firms who are near the consumer end of the supply chain. As the licensing of GMOs is likely to vary from country to country and regulatory regimes will differ, firms involved in international supply chains for food products will be affected by the interplay of trade policy and consumer scepticism. All firms, even those not handling GMO products, will be affected because costly new monitoring procedures will be required. These additional monitoring costs suggest that competitive advantage is likely to be conferred on those supply chains which exhibit superior vertical co‐ordination.
Power and value appropriation in the direct‐marketing publishing supply chain
Authors: Watson Glyn
Published: July 2002

Cox contrasts the two strategic options facing the firm wishing to successfully compete in its marketplace. The first of these options is based on cost control through replicable improvements in operational efficiency. The second is based on market closure and power through the development of non‐replicable skills and competencies. This paper, on the direct‐marketing publishing supply chain, will attempt to show that strategies of efficiency are the second best option since they force the firm onto a treadmill in which value cannot be retained but instead must be passed to the customer. This abrogates the reason for the firm’s creation in the first place.
Parade – exploiting the strengths of “Made in Britain” supply chain
Authors: McLaren R. , Tyler D.J. , Jones R.M.
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of domestic versus offshore supply chains in the clothing industry. It uses Parade, a UK company formed in 1999 which specialises in customised designs and small‐scale orders, for a case study. The results and their implications for the UK clothing industry are discussed.
Developing synergistic and complementary effects in textiles and clothing (T&C) supply for Greater China
Authors: Au K.F. , Yu H.W.
Published: July 2002

The textiles and clothing (T&C) industries in the Greater China region (China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) began to integrate with each other based on their advantageous factor endowments in line with the structural transition of economic developments since the 1980s. This rationalization has not only resulted in the T&C industry of the territory being able to secure competitive advantage in order to gain market share, but also to maintain survival under the rapid changing and competitive global marketplace. The process of integration has further accelerated and deepened after the 1990s with significant changes in the industry structure, production output, trade performance and investments taking place. There are significant opportunities for further strengthening the competitiveness in the T&C industry at both regional and international levels for the Greater China region involving the development of synergistic and complementary effects. These effects will be specially important in the product categories and other related activities across the textile production pipeline in the region. These changes are considered necessary as a response to the challenges and opportunities arising from increasingly liberalized T&C trade and increasing competition in the global market.