bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐scale computational modelling of flow and heat transfer
Authors: Drikakis Dimitris , Asproulis Nikolaos
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present different approaches for applying macroscopic boundary conditions in hybrid multiscale modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

Molecular dynamics (MD) was employed for the microscopic simulations. The continuum boundary conditions were applied either through rescaling of atomistic velocities or resampling based on velocity distribution functions.

Findings

The methods have been tested for various fluid flows with heat transfer scenarios. The selection of the most suitable method is not a trivial task and depends on a number of factors such as accuracy requirements and availability of computational resource.

Originality/value

The applicability of the methods has been assessed for liquid and gas flows. Specific parameters that affect their accuracy and efficiency have been identified. The effects of these parameters on the accuracy and efficiency of the simulations are investigated. The study provides knowledge regarding the development and application of boundary conditions in multiscale computational frameworks.
Snapshots in time: using real‐time evaluations in humanitarian emergencies
Authors: Walden V.M. , Scott I. , Lakeman J.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper's aim is to assess the usefulness of the real time evaluation methodology in rapid‐onset humanitarian emergencies and to document recurring constraints and lessons learned.

Design/methodology/approach

A small online survey was carried out among evaluation interviewees and a desk study was commissioned to extrapolate good practice and learning points from nine evaluations carried out by one international organisation over the past three years.

Findings

Given the changing nature of the environment in which agencies work during rapid onset humanitarian emergencies, impact evaluations are often carried out too late for important programme changes to be made. The real time evaluation methodology has proved to be a reliable and useful tool for process evaluation during rapid‐onset emergencies. However, it is clear, if it does not take place within the first two months the chances of programmatic changes being made are minimal. There is still the issue of organisational learning and ensuring that lessons learned from one response are taken forward in future programmes. Although there are several risks associated with the methodology, these are outweighed by the advantages, both immediate and longer‐term.

Practical implications

The findings from these studies has been of value to the organisation but they are also of interest to the wider humanitarian sector struggling with the practicalities of process evaluations in a challenging environment.

Originality/value

Although there are several publications about real time evaluation methodology, this paper is one of the first attempts by a non‐UN organisation to critically review evaluation reports and to document the staff opinions.
Invasive alien species dispersal: the millennium biodiversity disaster
Authors: Praseeda Sanu.V  , Newport Jeyanth K.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the different modes of species dispersal and the various types of alien species dispersed in the Indian peninsular region and its impact on the eco system and livelihoods.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper portrays the various identified alien species, the scale of invasion thereby resulting in biological disaster caused by mankind.

Findings

The paper lists the invasive alien species (IAS) are those that are transmitted from their own ecological niche and to a new niche due to human influence, which causes the biodiversity disaster. International boundaries are indeed porous to the intentional and unintentional movement of species from various eco systems in the country.

Originality/value

It is felt that few initiatives are being taken by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and governance of eco system from IAS is a necessity. Sustainable eco system governance (SESG) from invasive alien species should be emphasized to avoid biodiversity disasters that will have an impact on food security and nutrition of human beings.
Impact and adaptation to flood
Authors: Chanda Shimi Annya , Ara Parvin Gulsan , Biswas Chaitee , Shaw Rajib
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper intends to examine the impacts of flood on water supply and sanitation condition along with flood induced health problems in a rural community of Bangladesh. It also aims to explore a rural community's adaptation approaches to flood.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relied on intensive field investigation where 120 households from different villages were selected randomly for questionnaire survey. Sampling was taken from different villages which were the most badly flood affected areas during all previous floods of Bangladesh. Field investigation was conducted in January 2007.

Findings

Flood is a common feature of the study area. Water supply and sanitation condition become severely disrupted during flood when it embraces various water borne diseases. During every flood about two‐thirds of the tube‐wells and all toilets become unusable. As an adaptation approach tube‐wells have been either placed on an elevated base or raised with an extra pipe. But owing to using hanging latrines or a boat and defecating directly into water bodies most people pollute those water bodies. Although majority of the people suffer from different water borne diseases no remarkable adaptation approach is followed. Few people store any emergency medicine before a flood and sometimes take treatment from local rural doctors.

Practical implications

By highlighting the nature and extent of impacts of flood on water supply, sanitation and health condition along with the adaptation this study urges the need for special attention and improvement of these sectors of rural Bangladesh under flood management programs of government and non‐government organizations.

Originality/value

This paper facilitates the understanding of the impact of floods on water supply, sanitation and health condition of rural people, which are not well addressed. At the same time its helps to learn lessons from their adaptation to flood.
Cleanup after Katrina: an analysis on policy, process, priorities, problems, and politics
Authors: Lin Moe Tun
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Following a natural disaster the cleanup process usually takes place before reconstruction or rebuild can actually be implemented. Effectiveness of cleanup process determines the possible level of speed for implementing rebuild and reconstruction process. This paper aims to focus on providing guidelines to help plan for future natural disaster management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses a cleanup process after Hurricane Katrina in terms of governing policy, implementing process, problems associated with process, priorities for cleanup, and politics.

Findings

The study finds policies governing the cleanup process, problems associated with the cleanup process, priorities areas in the cleanup work and politics of the disasters.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses only on three states where Hurricane Katrina hit, namely Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Practical implications

This paper explains policies governing the cleanup, the process, the prioritized work areas, associated problems, and politics of disasters. The analyses of the study provide lessons which can be learned. They also provide grounds on which guidelines for effectively managing the cleanup process for future similar events can be generated and set.

Originality/value

This paper provides guidelines on the process and politics of cleanup, which can be applied to future comprehensive plans for cleanup process.
“The ripples changed our lives”: health in post‐tsunami Thailand
Authors: Moniruzzaman Monir
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The December 2004 tsunami was one of the largest natural disasters in the recent history of Southeast Asia. This paper aims to unfold the experiences of tsunami victims in a highly affected region of Thailand and to examine their post‐tsunami health.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out in Khao Lak and Thi Muang, two major tsunami affected towns in southern Thailand in May 2007. Detailed informal interviews and participant observation were employed to obtain narratives of tsunami victims.

Findings

The research reveals that the health of the tsunami survivors has deteriorated, and that they are still experiencing psychological suffering two and a half years after the tsunami.

Research limitations/implications

The long‐term health condition and care should be prioritized in post‐disaster management.

Originality/value

This paper argues that inner healing, which is not usually considered a priority in the development discourse, is essential to relieve the mental pain of tsunami survivors and to aid their post‐disaster recovery. It highlights that culturally pertinent inner healing is invaluable.
Acknowledging educational perspectives on health promoting schools
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammadi Nastaran , Rowling Louise , Nutbeam Don
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore educational perspectives towards the concept of health promoting schools and its potential benefits for schools in more depth.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study based on interviews with school staff including principals, and teachers with responsibility for health promotion from 18 primary schools in Sydney, Australia, examining their understanding of the health promoting schools concept, and their perceptions of its advantages for schools.

Findings

The study documents the variety of school staff perceptions. Further examination of the data led to the emergence of four broad categories to accommodate diverse perceptions on health promoting schools. The findings point to several challenges that need to be addressed by advocates of the health promoting schools concept, most notably developing a shared understanding between health and education sectors of the practical elements and potential benefits.

Practical implications

Sustaining school health interventions, including health promoting schools programs and maintaining their positive outcomes, is likely to be more achievable in circumstances where schools can identify benefits that fit with their core business of education, and their local needs and priorities.

Originality/value

This study adds depth to the understanding of the diversity in educational perspectives regarding the meaning and benefits of health promoting schools. This study also revealed an understanding among school leaders that there is scope for realizing both health and educational outcomes from school health promotion programs.
Context matters in programme implementation
Authors: Clarke Aleisha M. , O'Sullivan Maeve , Barry Margaret M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to report on the evaluation of Zippy's Friends, an international emotional wellbeing programme, for primary school children in disadvantaged schools in Ireland. The paper aims to present case studies of the profile and ethos of two specific schools participating in the programme, their links with the local community, the degree of parental involvement and the factors that influence programme implementation in the local context.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the framework of the overall evaluation study, which employs a randomised controlled design, two schools self‐selected to participate in case studies. Employing interviews and group discussions, the case study method was used to explore the views of teachers, pupils, parents and key informants from the wider community on the delivery of the programme within the context of a whole school approach.

Findings

The findings from two contrasting schools are presented, a large urban school with a multi‐cultural profile in an area of multiple disadvantage, and a smaller, almost monocultural, rural school on the border region with Northern Ireland. The findings reveal largely positive attitudes on the benefits of the programme and support for a whole school approach. The data indicate contrasting levels of parental involvement in the two schools and highlight the importance of socio‐ economic and cultural influences in the local communities and the challenges these present for effective implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper explores the specific contextual factors in two schools and may, therefore, lack generalisability. However, this effort to focus on the specific local context is useful within the framework of the overall randomised control trial evaluation study.

Practical implications

The reality of implementing an emotional wellbeing programme in disadvantaged school settings and effectively engaging teachers, parents and the wider community, is explored through the use of case study methods.

Originality/value

The paper explores the real‐life context of two schools participating in the Zippy's Friends programme and provides an insight into the contextual factors impacting on programme implementation in disadvantaged school settings.
Conceptualising teachers' professional learning with Web 2.0
Authors: Burden Kevin John
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify and develop an exploratory framework for conceptualising how teachers might use the affordances of Web 2.0 technologies to support their own professional learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a large corpus of literature and recent research evidence to identify the principal elements and features of professional learning and the underlying affordances of Web 2.0 technologies and applications. It generates an exploratory conceptual framework based on the emerging findings from this review using a socio‐cultural theoretical perspective. The framework is explored through three individual illustrations which are drawn from a much larger case study which the author is undertaking within a newly established Academy in the North of England.

Findings

The findings indicate that there is potential value in exploring professional learning with Web 2.0 technologies in the ways described. The framework offers an exploratory instrument to examine how professional learning for teachers could be supported with Web 2.0 technologies in ways that might have significant benefits over traditional methods of continuing professional development (CPD).

Originality/value

The potential value and affordances of Web 2.0 technologies for teachers' professional learning are largely unexplored and under‐theorised, and this work seeks to establish a framework for further discussion and empirical exploration.
Tutoring the elderly on the use of recommending systems
Authors: Savvopoulos Anastasios , Virvou Maria
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The elderly are often unfamiliar with computer technology and can encounter great difficulties. Moreover, the terms used in such systems may prove to be a challenge for these users. The aim of this research is to tutor the elderly on using an adaptive e‐shop system in order to buy products easily.

Design/methodology/approach

In view of the above, the paper creates an intelligent tutoring component for the elderly. It incorporated this component into an e‐shop application for interactive TV in order to evaluate it. The component created is both medium‐ and domain‐independent.

Findings

The independent tutoring component that provided combined product recommendations and adaptive help actions had a positive influence on the elderly and created a friendlier shopping environment for them.

Originality/value

The research proposes a novel component for the elderly that uniquely combines product recommendations and adaptive help reactions. This component can be used in a large variety of recommendation applications as it is medium‐ and domain‐independent.
Tort liability, the First Amendment, equal access, and commercialization of electronic networks
Authors: Perritt Henry H.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the USA's movement to a digital network infrastructure which may be threatened by the unavailability of high‐speed network channels to some sources of information.

Design/methodology/approach

One reason for unavailability is fear by network intermediaries that they face legal liability for carrying harmful messages. Yet changing the law to require network intermediaries to provide equal access to their services raises First Amendment questions.

Findings

A mechanism should be established for providers of network services to inform potential customers of the terms on which they handle traffic. An electronic forum for notices of access policy would be one way to implement this recommendation.

Originality/value

Uncertainty about equal access, tort liability and First Amendment privileges adversely affects commercialization of the Internet. Commercialization must begin with acceptance of three goals for digital electronic network policy: encouraging a diversity of information products, preventing suppliers of information content from being foreclosed from access to markets, and allowing persons suffering legal injury, because of information content, to obtain compensation based on fault.
When and how to innovate your business model
Authors: Giesen Edward , Riddleberger Eric , Christner Richard , Bell Ragna
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Business‐model innovation is critical to success in today's increasingly complex and fast‐changing environment. So corporate leaders need to understand when to adapt the business model and how to execute the change. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from IBM's Global CEO Study 2008 and an analysis of 28 successful business‐model innovators, produced insights into both the best timing and process for business model innovation.

Findings

The IBM researchers identified a set of characteristics that strong business‐model innovators demonstrate consistently.

Practical implications

A set of characteristics, which the IBM researchers call the “Three A's,” are critical to the successful design and execution of business‐model innovation: Aligned – Leverage core capabilities and design consistency across all dimensions of the business model, both internally and externally, that build customer value; Analytical – Use information strategically to create foresight, and prioritize actions while measuring and tracking for rapid course correction; and Adaptable – Link innovative leadership with the ability to effect change and institutionalize operational flexibility.

Originality/value

The paper answers two questions that can help companies develop their innovation strategy and transformation approach for the new economic environment: Under what conditions should companies adapt their business model?; and What capabilities and characteristics support the design and execution of successful business‐model innovation?
The boycott model of foreign product purchase: an empirical test in China
Authors: Smith Malcolm , Li Qianpin
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate and ascertain the effects of integrative motivation on the willingness to participate in boycott activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a mail survey to examine the relationships among six constructs in a boycotting issue context, in order to explore Chinese consumers' willingness to boycott against Japanese products or services with the fallout from a Japanese former PM's continuous visits to a controversial war shrine since 2001.

Findings

The findings suggest that there are significant and positive pairwise relationships between boycott participation and three factors (i.e. animosity, efficacy, and prior purchase). High animosity towards Japanese goods and the other two constructs, at the high end of the attitude spectrum, increase the level of willingness to engage in consumer boycott practices.

Practical implications

Consumer boycotts are a worldwide and historic phenomenon in modern society. As the number of protests grows and as local authorities recognize the economic and political impact of such activities, then multinational companies (MNCs) and host countries begin to see the historic and cultural perspective of these events in addition to the conventional consumer behaviour perspective. To enable boycotting to become less harmful, MNC management need to understand what makes local consumers so affronted. The results of the evaluation can potentially be generalized towards a strategic analysis of the boycott model in other hostile market situations.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper offer pivotal implications for decision makers and the management of those Western multinational enterprises who are concerned with increasing their share of the world's largest consumer market. In particular, Japanese MNCs need to pay much more attention to the oppressed and potentially explosive emotion of animosity as the legacy of past conflicts (i.e. war, economic, political, etc.) between Japan and China.
Attitudinal outcomes of boundary permeability
Authors: Loh Jennifer (Min Ing) , Lloyd D. Restubog Simon , Gallois Cindy
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating role of culture in the relationship between boundary permeability and cooperation and work group identification. In addition, the levels of boundary permeability of Australians and Singaporeans are compared.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaires were administered to 134 employees (87 Singaporeans and 47 Australians) working in multinational corporations in both Australia and Singapore. Hierarchical moderated regression was used to test whether culture moderated the relationship between boundary permeability and cooperation and workgroup identification.

Findings

Results indicated that workplace boundary permeability was marginally and positively related to cooperation but not to workgroup identification. Further analysis revealed that culture moderated the relationships between workplace boundary permeability and cooperation and workgroup identification. Specifically, a stronger positive relationship was found between boundary permeability and these outcomes for Singaporeans as opposed to Australians.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the relatively small sample size of both cultural groups; the behavioral measure used to assess cooperation; and the self‐reported nature of the data.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have important practical implications for managers working in multinational corporations who seek to promote cooperation and workgroup identification among culturally diverse employees.

Originality/value

Guided by social identity and cross‐cultural theories, this study highlights the role of culture in predicting the attitudinal consequences of boundary permeability.
AIN LGAs for High Performance Packaging Applications
Authors: Iwase N. , Ewanich J.
Published: July 2010

Because they offer many properties favourable for
IC package construction, ceramics have been in widespread use as an electronic package
material since the early 1960s. In recent years, with trends towards higher speed
semiconductors generating up to 30‐40 watts power, packaging materials must possess
excellent thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. Aluminium nitride, with a thermal
conductivity of 170 W/m.K., high fracture strength and a thermal coefficient of expansion
match with silicon, has been used to manufacture multilayer LGA (land grid array)
packages for high performance applications. A 725 AIN LGA has been
manufactured and its performance characteristics have been compared with those of an alumina
(with copper/tungsten slug) packaging alternative. Because of the high thermal
conductivity of aluminium nitride, all designs can be made in a cavity‐up
configuration, resulting in significant package body size reduction. The area under the cavity
can be used for increasing I/O number and a ground plane can be inserted under the cavity,
reducing simultaneous switching noise. Aluminium nitride is particularly beneficial for
flip‐chip interconnection. Its close TCE match to silicon eliminates the stress
reduction requirement for die underfill.
The impact of integrated analysis on supply chain management: a coordinated approach for inventory control policy
Authors: Reza Nasiri G. , Davoudpour Hamid , Karimi Behrooz
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Effective inventory management is very critical to market success. The purpose of this paper is to formulate an integrated model for the location of warehouse, the allocation of retailers to the opened warehouses, and finding the perfect policy for inventory control to managing order quantity and safety stock level. The goal is to select the optimum numbers, locations, capacities of the opening warehouses and inventory policy so that all stochastic customer demands can be satisfied.

Design/methodology/approach

It is assumed that the location of plant has already been determined and the paper answers the following questions: what are the location decisions over the planning horizon? How retailers are allocated to the warehouses? What are the optimum capacities for the opened warehouses? What is the best inventory policy for this supply chain? What are the total minimum costs?

Findings

The model was developed as a non‐linear mixed integer programming and solved using Lagrange relaxation and sub‐gradient search for the location/allocation module and a procedure for the capacity planning module. The results for the randomly selected problems show that the average duality gap ranges are between 0.51 and 1.58 percent. Also, from the CPU time point of view, the performance of the proposed algorithm was very good.

Originality/value

The paper addresses an integrated location, allocation, and inventory decisions in the design of a supply chain distribution network. In addition sensitivity analyses are conducted to evaluate the effects of the multi‐capacity levels on some performance measures.
Overseas sourcing decisions – the total cost of sourcing from China
Authors: Platts K.W. , Song N.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Although cost savings are found by many researchers to be a major reason for sourcing from China, the actual cost savings may not be as great as expected. This paper aims at studying and comparing the true cost of sourcing from China and companies' perceptions of the total cost of their China sourcing projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprises six case studies and a mailed survey to 201 UK manufacturers with the experience of global sourcing from China. Comparisons of the findings from the cases and the survey are made.

Findings

The findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the total costs of outsourcing from China. Additional costs (additional to the quoted price), found from in‐depth case studies, averaged 50 per cent of the quoted price. The perception of additional costs, found from a survey, averaged 25 per cent of the quoted price. Taken together, these findings suggest that companies generally do not comprehensively measure the costs of global sourcing, and significantly underestimate the true costs incurred.

Practical implications

This has implications for decision making and ultimately profitability, and the paper suggests that more attention is paid to measuring the actual total acquisition costs. It confirms the benefit of a comprehensive cost framework, as a checklist that will prompt companies to think about all the possible sources of cost when sourcing globally. This should both guide their decision making, and also act to identify possible cost reduction activities.

Originality/value

This research is the first effort to establish the total cost of sourcing from China and to compare this with companies' perceptions of the cost of such sourcing. It is valuable in providing increased understanding of the sources and magnitudes of the costs of sourcing from China.
Understanding inter‐organizational decision coordination
Authors: Yew Wong Chee , Acur Nuran
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This article develops a theoretical framework to investigate the interaction and coordination of decision‐making processes in a supply chain with multiple and inter‐dependent suppliers and customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents three longitudinal case studies on the decision coordination processes between a European toy supplier and three retailers.

Findings

The case studies found different mental models, decision‐making behaviours, coordination behaviours and ordering behaviours even though the toy supplier and the three retailers observed quite the same material flow behaviours. The study found explanations for these diverse behaviours by analysing the mental models and decision‐making behaviours of each involved party.

Originality/value

The findings explain the conditions which lead to undesirable mental models and decision‐making behaviours which affect the coordination of decisions among supply chain members.
Learning gaps in a learning organization: professionals' values versus management values
Authors: Parding Karolina , Abrahamsson Lena
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this article is to challenge the concept of “the learning organization” as unproblematic and inherently good.

Design/methodology/approach

The research looked at how teachers – as an example of public sector professionals in a work organization that claims to be a learning organization – view their conditions for learning.

Findings

By using this approach, the normative values surrounding the concept of the learning organization were discussed. This approach identifies power‐relations: i.e. who has the priority of interpretation to define what learning is desired and considered relevant as well as when, how and where one learns. In addition, it gives indications to how and why the implementations of management concepts are not always successful.

Originality/value

This article shows how the implementation of a governance concept (learning organization) in fact can be seen as bringing with it unintended consequences for the organization as a whole – and especially for the professionals. Even within a work organization claiming to be a learning organization, learning gaps can be identified.
The Cuban alternative to neoliberalism
Authors: Enríquez Laura J.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

In response to its profound economic crisis, in the 1990s Cuba adopted a tourism‐based development strategy. As an approach to development, tourism has been both heralded and critiqued. One concern is that for less diversified economies it has large imported input requirements. The purpose of this paper is to analyze Cuba's efforts to address this weakness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on interviews conducted with Cuban policy makers and researchers working in the area of tourism, and one hotelier operating in Cuba. Also, extensive secondary data collected while conducting the fieldwork in Cuba and relevant existing literature are reviewed.

Findings

It is found that Cuba has increased significantly its reliance on domestic production for inputs for its tourist sector since the mid‐1990s, thereby reducing its dependence on imported inputs.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that, by reconfiguring domestic production to provide inputs for the tourism sector, foreign exchange leakages typically associated with tourist development in less diversified economies can be diminished and that it can provide an infusion of foreign exchange and investment that benefits the local economy.

Social implications

This case presents an alternative to the neoliberal approach to policy making in the Global South, one that has the potential to avoid some of the negative social and economic consequences of that approach.

Originality/value

In addition to highlighting the alternative represented by Cuba's approach to tourism, the paper evaluates the extent to which it approximated the novel strategy of development proposed by the neostructuralists almost simultaneously. It concludes that Cuba's approach did approximate the neostructural model in a number of important ways.
State vulnerability and the facets of development
Authors: Cojanu Valentin
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The overlapping measures of “state vulnerability” prompt a double interrogation: about their methodological validity, and analytical relevance. Against this epistemic framework, the purpose of this paper is to ask whether the relentless quest for precision may prevent obtaining meaningful and realistic policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper contrasts various theoretical views of “state vulnerability” and explores their applicability for the development processes in south‐east Europe. The argument proceeds along a comparative analysis of three categories of variables, of political (i.e. government effectiveness), economic (i.e. macroeconomic performance) and institutional nature (i.e. human development) over the last decade and the usefulness of available early warning indicators is examined.

Findings

The findings point to the supposition that “vulnerability” is an elusive concept despite many attempts at quantifying fragility of statehood. The success of quantitative studies to generate practical comparative data undoubtedly plays a helpful role in designing state‐building trajectories although they must be seen in a broader context. Without a key breakthrough in the way datasets of quantitative and qualitative nature are combined, their actual effectiveness would be seriously diminished.

Originality/value

The choice to favour investigative breadth over analytical depth is intended to let the conclusions come up in the guise of a complementary and summative account of the amassing amount of scholarship that leaves the phenomenon of development exposed to disparate accounts, at least as far as the thin balance between fragility and viability is concerned. Critical points in development pass less visibly and are less tractable to identifiable sources than a conventional perspective may suggest.
Impact of e‐procurement on procurement practices and performance
Authors: Quesada Gioconda , González Marvin E. , Mueller James , Mueller Rene
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of electronic procurement technologies on procurement practices (PPR) and procurement performance (PP).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper posits a model of the relationships between e‐procurement technology (EPT) usage, PPR, and PP. This model was tested and validated using a sample of 368 procurement specialists in the USA.

Findings

The findings suggest that EPT usage positively affects managers' perceptions of both PPR and PP.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper primarily pertain to the operational level of the organization. Future research could also attempt to isolate the impact of individual EPTs on firm performance.

Practical implications

The contribution for practitioners is to provide guidelines for the use of EPTs, and to report its impact on PP. The measurement instruments developed in this paper can be used to evaluate and benchmark current PPR.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing an empirical test of the impact of EPTs on perceptions of PPR and performance.
Integration of supply chain IT and lean practices for mass customization
Authors: Hong Paul C. , Dobrzykowski David D. , Vonderembse Mark A.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of specific supply chain information technologies (IT) for e‐commerce, e‐procurement, and enterprise resource planning (ERP), when implementing lean practices to achieve mass customization (MC) performance. The study further investigates how these technologies may be deployed differently in product and service focused contexts. “Best practices” of high performing MC firms are also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method was employed to collect data from 711 firms in 23 countries. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to establish simple factor structure and construct validity. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze relationships between lean practices, IT use, and MC performance in aggregated and bifurcated samples of product and service focused manufacturers. T‐tests were used to examine differences between the practices employed by high and low MC performers.

Findings

Findings suggest that lean practices can reasonably predict MC performance. In this context, of lean practices, e‐commerce and e‐procurement reasonably predict MC performance. ERP is not shown to predict MC performance. Results suggest that e‐commerce use is a better predictor of performance than e‐procurement or ERP for service focused manufacturers. E‐commerce and e‐procurement appear to be reasonable predictors of MC performance in product manufacturers, while ERP is not. “Best practices” related to lean practices, e‐commerce, e‐procurement, and ERP emerge among high MC performers.

Originality/value

This paper describes what is believed to be the first study to examine these three IT approaches in the context of lean practices and supply chain MC performance. This paper also contributes to the growing interest in differences among product and service focused manufacturing firms. Finally, specific “best practices” are provided to add value for practitioners.
Assessing the benefits of B2B trade cycle integration: a model in the home appliances industry
Authors: Perego Alessandro , Salgaro Alessandro
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to give a quantitative assessment of the benefits obtainable by using information and communication technologies to integrate the order‐to‐payment process involving manufacturers and specialized retailers in the home appliances industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Standard business processes were defined and activity base costing was applied to develop the cost model with the support, i.e. validation and data provision of most of the companies operating in the Italian home appliances market.

Findings

The bottom line is €96 per order‐to‐payment cycle in the conventional, paper‐based scenario, compared to €23 in the integrated scenario involving the exchange of structured electronic documents. The potential savings amount to about 80 per cent of the costs, almost equally shared between the retailer and the manufacturer. A significant part of the benefits comes from the reduction in the management costs of non‐conformity issues.

Research limitations/implications

The assessment considers only tangible benefits and does not include more intangible advantages, such as cycle time reduction, compliance with regulation and easier and faster accessibility to documents.

Practical implications

The paper measures the benefits of using trade process integration technologies and presents a methodology that can be applied to other industries and to particular supply chains. The difficulties in assessing the benefits have been claimed to be one of the main barriers to adoption.

Originality/value

The paper provides a model to assess the order‐to‐payment cycle costs, considering both the costs of the “perfect cycle” (where no errors occur) and the cost of managing non‐conformities. At present, there is no benchmark available in the literature for the order‐to‐payment cycle costs in conventional and integrated conditions that could help companies to assess the expected benefits of integration.
Broadcasters vs MVPDs: economic effects of digital transition on television program supply
Authors: Waterman David , Han Sangyong
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Although FCC policy has mostly focused on broadcasters, the digital transition of television has involved a number of other players, notably cable television, DBS, and other multi‐channel video providers (MVPDs). What have been the economic effects of this transition on these various industry players and on viewers? The paper aims to answer this question.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper assembles an historical database to compare changes over time in consumer spending, television advertising revenue and related economic data extending back to the 1950s.

Findings

The authors show that non‐broadcast suppliers of TV programming, especially cable operators, have been able to take much greater economic advantage of the digital television transition than have broadcasters. Cable and DBS systems have used digital technology to greatly expand the amount of programming available and to more efficiently price discriminate on the basis of program quality – including the direct sale to consumers of broadcast and other HD programming. The result has been rapidly rising cable and DBS revenues since the mid‐1990s, and a general shift from advertiser to direct payment support for television services. Overall, digital transition has enhanced the economic viability of cable and DBS delivery, and decreased that of broadcasting. It is evident that consumers have much higher quality and variety of programming available as a result, though usually at higher prices.

Research limitations/implications

The statistical analysis of this paper has been broad. Other factors have undoubtedly affected the aggregate trends.

Originality/value

The overall pattern of television industry trends makes evident that FCC digital conversion policies have worked to the disadvantage of the traditional broadcast model.
Does competition enhance performance? Entry policy and efficiency patterns in telecommunications markets
Authors: Majumdar Sumit K.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of competitor entry on efficiency outcome in two‐sided network context.

Design/methodology/approach

The context is the population of incumbent firms making up the local exchange segment of the telecommunications industry in the US over a 14‐year period from 1988 to 2001.

Findings

The results show that encouraging the entry of competitors had led quite substantially to the enhancement of efficiencies for the incumbent firms.

Practical implications

A policy conclusion would be to enhance the incentives for new firms to enter two‐sided markets and also suppress anti‐competitive behavior by incumbents in such contexts with a firm hand so as to enhance efficiency levels.

Originality/value

This is a comprehensive analysis of policy changes in one of the world's largest telecommunications markets and the results have applicability across several other country contexts.
International arbitration contract principles: analysis of Middle East perceptions
Authors: Abu Sadah Muhammad
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the main contract principles which govern the international arbitration contract with special emphasis to examine contract principle found of the Middle East, how international principles of contract are perceived in the region, and whether there are any dominant contract principles.

Design/methodology/approach

A general exploratory research procedure used to give a better grasp of various aspects of socio‐legal approaches. The paper seeks to create knowledge that can be used to retrieve some pressing social and organisational understanding in the said region. The first part of the paper examines the role of ethics and tradition in understanding Middle Eastern contract principles. The second part examines the impact of Islamic Law on commercial contract principles. The third section analyses the regional perception of international contract principles. Finally, the paper addresses some contemporary issues of international contracts in the Middle East.

Findings

The paper showed that the legal perceptions of international contract principles reflect regional legal thinking which has been influenced by a mixed understanding of regional traditions, Islamic contract law principles as well as Western contract principles when these principles match regional legal culture. Overall, it showed that still under such mixed understanding, there are strong regional legal traditions and these are found in Islamic contract principles and affects commercial contract experiences. In general, a significant difference still exists between modern international contract principles and those in the Middle East.

Practical implications

The paper generates a knowledge that mixed understanding in regard to international contract arbitration principles due historical and cultural reasoning. Arab States does not share common understanding of international contract principles. Thus, it is very superfluous to propose the argument that there is sole Middle Eastern regional perception which dominates every Arab State. Therefore, special understandings and considerations should be given to every international arbitration contract from certain Arab State entity to another.

Originality/value

The paper provides a clear understanding of the guidelines for international commercial arbitration contract in the Middle East. Legal culture should be taken into consideration if a successful contract implementation has to be achieved.
Efficiency of trucks in logistics: technical efficiency and scale efficiency
Authors: Kim Taeho
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a scheme to estimate the technical efficiency of trucks engaged in logistics and to analyze the properties of efficiency. The objectives are to determine individual‐truck level technical efficiency using both radial and non‐radial measures for freight trucks, to calculate the degree of input overuse.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis is employed in this paper because it does not require the assumption of the functional specification between input and output factors and also includes multiple outputs unlike stochastic frontier model. Data for empirical analysis in this paper come from a survey of truck drivers.

Findings

The result of technical efficiency estimation shows that there exists a substantial opportunity for improvement in technical efficiency of trucks engaged in logistics and also the heterogeneity in the technical efficiency among trucks based on their capacity and age. For scale efficiency, it is also possible to confirm the existence of improvement opportunity and heterogeneity among truck and that trucks with large capacity are more scale‐efficient than those with small capacity.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the properties of technical efficiency scores of trucks engaged in logistics and finds some managerial insights which can help them improve their efficiency.