bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of a reflow soldering process based on the heating factor
Authors: Gao JinGang , Wu YiPing , Ding Han
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a method to optimize reflow profiles and achieve high reliability of solder joints on the basis of the heating factor,Qη, a measure of the reflow profile related to reliability of reflow processed products.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of the paper is on how to realize the optimal range ofQη, since there is no need to pay particular attention to the shape of a reflow profile when performing a heating factor‐based optimization. The coldest point on the printed circuit board assembly (PCA), which experiences the minimum heating factor (Qη min ) during the reflow process, was used to set the lower limit of the optimal range (QηL). IfQη min approachesQηLand the temperature difference across the PCA is minimized, then the solder joints on the PCA will all experience heating factors within the optimal range, ensuring high quality reflow soldering. Establishing an initial reflow profile may be performed using profiling software. The resultant oven recipe may then be used as the reference recipe by which to apply the heating factor‐based optimization. A combinatorial parameter,Ht, is defined to represent the temperature settings of all the top heating zones within the heating section of the reflow oven. The relative difference betweenHtand each top heating zone temperature setting is derived from the reference recipe, andHtis then adjusted to achieveQηLforQη min . This is achieved by using a least squares estimation method to build a regression model forQη min versusHt.

Findings

Experiments and regression analysis have demonstrated thatQη min varied linearly withHt, withαdenoting its slope. With a measuredQη min in response to the reference setup after the first run of a PCA,Htshould be increased by ((QηL−Qη min )/α) to attainQηLin the second run. Thereby, a suitable reflow process recipe can be obtained with only two reflow runs whereQη min is close toQηL.

Research limitations/implications

The optimal range of heating factor for lead‐free solder pastes is currently unknown, and the method to establish the required oven recipe for achieving a required reflow profile requires further exploration.

Practical implications

Provides a methodology for reducing the risk of process‐related reliability issues in lead‐free soldering.

Originality/value

QηLcan be fairly quickly achieved forQη min with the approach established in this paper, facilitating the formation of solder joints with high reliability during the reflow soldering process.
The year 2000 problem of ISO 9000: will the quality standards survive the proposed year 2000 revision?
Authors: Larsen Bøje , Häversjö Tord
Published: April 2007

The ISO 9000 standards were first published in 1987. A first, more limited revision was completed in 1994. There is now a more thorough revision underway. A first draft of the suggested new standard has been published in July 1998 and a second draft, expected to be very close to the final version, in February 1999. The changes proposed in these drafts are described and discussed. Summing up, the standard is changing from a technical‐practical tool to a management tool. Four problems with this development are discussed: the sum of demands on management; the comparative strength of the ISO 9000 standard concept; the changed role of the certifying bodies that this change implies; and the implied paradigm of management. The consequences of this may be that the standard turns into a legitimacy seeking management concept alongside other popular “three‐letter acronyms” and thereby adds to the growing amount of hypocrisy in management. This is the year 2000 problem for the ISO 9000 standards.
The role of ISO 9001 in managing the quality of R&D activities
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Pearson Alan W.
Published: April 2007

Recent studies of quality management systems suggest that all the quality dimensions that are expected within an integrated system are strongly associated with the basic framework set by the formal ISO 9001‐based quality accreditation. However, the paradox of reducing variability through standardisation and, at the same time, constantly looking for improvements is often misunderstood in R&D. This paper reviews the R&D activities in the context of ISO 9001 and uses experience from four R&D organisations to explain its use as a strategic, process, people development and learning tool in managing the R&D function. The results revealed that even though these companies have not yet started to work towards the revised standard (ISO 9000‐1:2000) they place great emphasis on bridging the gap between the requirements for quality assurance and the principles of quality management.
Features and Characteristic Values of Fabric Compressional Curves
Authors: Matsudaira Mitsuo , Hong Qing
Published: April 2007

A compressional model of fabric was proposed and its validity was investigated precisely. The following conclusions were obtained. The compressional and recovering curves are considered to consist of three steps, respectively. Characteristic values proposed here are strongly related to features of the shapes of fabric compressional curves. According to the principal component analysis, the first and second principal components can explain almost all the information about fabric compressional property.
Design for the environment (DFE) – An approach to achieve the ISO 14000 international standardization
Authors: DeMendonça M. , Baxter T.E.
Published: April 2007

It is proposed that by adopting design for the environment (DFE) principles, US companies can easily comply with the environmental portion of the International Standards Organization (ISO) 14000 standards and become competitive in today’s global market. DFE concepts present unique challenges to designers and introduce significant changes in the company’s market share and profitability without sacrificing sustainable development. The design engineers must ask and answer questions about the life cycle of the product and its production process. Their goal is reducing overall production costs and environmental impact of waste production and disposal by optimizing energy and material consumption, minimizing waste generation, or by reusing process output waste streams as raw materials for other processes. Application of DFE principles in the first stages of process design can change a product life cycle by not only reducing overall cost, but also the environmental impact of production and disposal.
The effects of vegetative cover in the erosion prevention of a road slope
Authors: Teixeira Coelho Arnaldo , Cássia de Brito Galvão Terezinha , Rodrigues Pereira Aloísio
Published: April 2007

Presents the studies performed to evaluate the performance of rolled erosion control products (RECPs) in the prevention of sheet erosion in a road cut slope, under simulated rain conditions. The four different covers used were: ARP 430 – vegetative screen, ARP‐440 – biotextil screen, grass mulch geotextil, control 1 (no rolled product and no vegetation), and control 2 (only grass vegetation and no rolled product). A road slope with dimensions of 47.20m in length, an average height of 7.68m and slope angle of 45° in red podzolic soil was chosen to perform this experiment, due to its edaphics and climatic similarity to most existing Brazilian road slopes found in south and south‐east regions. The erosion parameters were evaluated along the experiment for 360 days. Two simulated rains were performed at 330 days and at 360 days of the experiment. A rain intensity of 65mm/h was chosen to simulate the actual rain conditions in the area. Physical and chemical characterization, fertilization testing and erosion studies were performed to better evaluate the most appropriate conditions for vegetative growth and erosion prevention udner tropical climate conditions.
Resolving the complexity dilemma in e‐commerce firms through objective organization
Authors: Sones Ron
Published: April 2007

The escalating rate of activity in the e‐commerce arena over the past ten years increasingly supports the noumenon of a viable new mode of business activity. Unfortunately, the most recent few years have seen many of the most prominent of these ventures struggle fiscally (and sometimes die altogether). As concern surfaces regarding the viability of these business ventures, the discussion should shift from the worth of the business plan to the appropriateness of the organization used to deliver that plan. In what may be a classic case of putting new wine into old wine skins, high technology firms must look closely at whether the potency of an Internet‐based firm can operate effectively within the confines of a standard bureaucracy.
“I don’t have enough time” ‐ Teachers’ interpretations of time as a key to learning and school change
Authors: Collinson Vivienne , Fedoruk Cook Tanya
Published: April 2007

Time is one of the greatest constraints to any change process. However, finding more time for teachers by reallocating time within a fixed schedule has not brought about desired reforms. This article, based on a qualitative study that explored teachers’ interpretations of time, indicates that the concept of time is more complex and dynamic than the literature implies. It elaborates and illustrates nine aspects of time that teachers in a middle school instructional technology project identified as barriers to the dissemination of learning among colleagues. The article argues that understanding what teachers mean when they say “I don’t have enough time” is a critical first step in avoiding misdirected administrative effort. It also offers suggestions for rethinking time in ways that encourage meaningful teacher participation in individual and organizational learning.
Varnishing the truth in schools ‐ Principals and teachers spinning reality
Authors: Sweetland Scott R. , Hoy Wayne K.
Published: April 2007

Spinning the truth is deception caused by adding, subtracting, and partially displaying information while communicating with others. A theoretical framework of six elements of truth spinning was developed from the literature and tested empirically. Two dimensions of truth spinning in schools emerged – principal spin and teacher spin. Reliable and valid scales for each were developed, and truth spinning was related to the theoretically relevant constructs of role conflict, powerlessness, and trust.
Perceived salesperson service attributes and retail patronage intentions
Authors: Darian Jean C. , Tucci Louis A. , Wiman Alan R.
Published: April 2007

In the 1990s many companies have acknowledged the critical importance of being customer‐oriented. However, as retailers contemplate the higher costs and higher revenues of increased customer service levels, they need to understand the relative importance to consumers of various aspects of customer service, particularly those delivered by salespeople. This research investigates the impact of selected salesperson service attributes and levels on consumer patronage intentions in a consumer electronics store setting. The study uses conjoint analysis to measure consumer priorities. The results indicate that salesperson’s respect for the customer, knowledge, and responsiveness are the most important attributes. Where three service levels are presented, there is a greater difference in impact between the lowest and middle levels than between the middle and highest levels. This suggests that retailers do not necessarily have to offer the best service levels to satisfy customers, but must avoid poor service levels.
Implications of the new EU Directive on data protection for multinational corporations
Authors: Walczuch Rita M. , Steeghs Lizette
Published: April 2007

The 1995 EU Directive on data protection legislation (DPL) ensures free flow of data within the EU. However, the transfer to countries without adequate DPL is generally forbidden. The effect of this Directive on the business of MNCs is still unknown but a few authors foresee major problems for MNCs doing business in Europe. On the eve of the implementation of the new EU data protection directive this preliminary study investigated some of the effects the new DPL Directive might have on MNCs doing business in Europe as seen by representatives of European and US MNCs. The study found that especially those companies transferring customer data across national boundaries are most affected by strict DPL. However, the effects mentioned by interviewees were, in contrast with popular literature on this topic, not exclusively negative. Several positive effects of strict privacy guidelines for MNCs could also be identified.
The distribution of computing: the knowledge markets of distributed technical support specialists
Authors: Eschenfelder Kristin , Heckman Robert , Sawyer Steven
Published: April 2007

Distributed computing environments place more computer power in the hands of the end‐user, and often demand increased technical support. In response, organizations may choose to move technical support personnel close to end‐users. This can isolate them from each other, and may limit their ability to share knowledge. Thus, the growth of distributed computing calls for increased ability to share knowledge across organizational boundaries. This paper presents the results of a case study investigating how distributed technologists share knowledge through knowledge markets. We argue that knowledge markets are cultural entities shaped by the underlying work culture of their participants, and that the cultural forces that define knowledge markets are powerful, deeply held and difficult to change. Thus, improving the effectiveness of any given knowledge market will have less to do with the installation of information technology than with the ability to create a facilitating work culture. This study’s identification of clique knowledge markets, operating efficiently in parallel to the public knowledge market, may provide a hint of the type of culture that will create fewer knowledge trade barriers.
Marketing in the independent sector of the UK licensed trade
Authors: Pratten J.D. , Scoffield S.J.
Published: April 2007

This article considers recent developments in the ownership and structure of the licensed trade in the UK. A marketing analysis has been undertaken to demonstrate the ways in which the large pub owning companies have established competitive advantage over the smaller operators. Areas that the independents can use to gain trade are identified and examined. The possible impact of careful market analysis and effective use of modern technology are considered. Successful usage is described, and the sections of the trade likely to benefit most are identified. The problems of establishing a Web presence are also discussed.
A prototype decision support system for strategic planning under uncertainty
Authors: Koutsoukis Nikitas‐Spiros , Dominguez‐Ballesteros Belen , Lucas Cormac A. , Mitra Gautam
Published: April 2007

Strategic planning of the supply chain is an important decision problem determining the long‐term survival and prosperity of companies in the manufacturing, retail, and other industrial sectors. In general such companies rely on their information systems to acquire the essential data that are used in their planning models. The interaction of information systems and decision modelling, and the progressive transformation of data, into information, and knowledge is a key process underlying any decision support system (DSS) for strategic, tactical or operational planning. In this paper we consider a DSS for supply chain planning (SCP) decisions. The SCP system has an embedded decision engine that uses a two‐stage stochastic program as a paradigm for optimisation under uncertainty. The system has been used for decision making in diverse domains, including automotive manufacturing and consumer products.
Strategic assessment of the supply chain interface: a beverage industry case study
Authors: Bommer Michael , O’Neil Brian , Treat Shadrach
Published: April 2007

Competition in the beverage industry is increasing on all fronts (advertising, price, product proliferation, service, etc.). As a result, distributors need to understand what is important to retailers and assess how they and their competitors are meeting those needs in the supply chain. In this paper a performance system is proposed to assess the distributor‐retailer interface based on the integration of a number of concepts including customer service, relationship exchanges, competitive benchmarking, order winners (consumer preference perceptions), and portfolio analysis.Various performance matrices are constructed which indicate the importance level and service effectiveness for categories of service provided to retailers. These importance/ performance matrices provide a basis for distributors to develop marketing strategies for categories of retailers, as well as for individual retailers.
Creating and sustaining the high performance organization
Authors: Owen Keith , Mundy Ron , Guild Will , Guild Robert
Published: April 2007

The ability of an organization to sustain the delivery of quality products and services is essential to its long‐term success. We believe that this ability is a learnable organizational competence. The systematic study of the organization’s ability to develop and sustain a culture capable of delivering quality products and services over time enables us to identify and understand the general requirements for doing so and provides insight into how to do it. In this paper we will share what we have learned about developing and sustaining an organizational culture that is capable of high performance. We start with a brief discussion of the concept of culture. We then present a model of how to manage the organization toward sustainable high performance and conclude with a discussion of some practical steps you can take to improve your own organization’s performance.
Promoting TQM through national quality awards ‐ the Austrian experience
Authors: Jäger Johann
Published: April 2007

Discusses the Austrian Quality Awards and provides their background. Outlines reasons for introducing the awards and lists possible benefits. Examines the details of the Austrian Quality Awards and discusses some details. Considers the role of TQM in society, the community and industry.
Unseen chronic illness and work: authentic stories from “women in‐between”
Authors: Vickers Margaret H.
Published: April 2007

Presents extracts from the stories of mid‐career women who have unseen chronic illness, exemplifying numerous gender and work‐related issues. Uses Heideggerian phenomenology to understand the experience of being a woman with an unseen illness, who also works full time. Eight women were interviewed. These women were seen to reside “in‐between” wellness and sickness, junior and senior organisational roles, and home and work responsibilities. They shared some of the difficulties they have faced. First, were problems influenced by the medical community as associated with getting a diagnosis. Given their full‐time career responsibilities, this was interpreted as being problematic. There were also related problems reported about colleagues assuming, because of their healthful appearance, that nothing was the matter and acting accordingly. The “woman’s role”, as experienced by sick women who also worked full time, added to their struggle to continue careers, care for others and attempt to attend to their own health. Illness, especially invisible illness, is rarely examined through the combined lens of workplace and gender.
Can restructuring fracture the glass ceiling? The case of women transport and logistics managers
Authors: Simpson Ruth , Holley Debbie
Published: April 2007

Examines the impact of restructuring on the career progression of women transport and logistics managers. Research to date has indicated that restructuring can have detrimental effects on women managers, as middle management levels are reduced through delayering and as the organisation takes on a more competitive and “masculine” culture. Results from this survey on women transport and logistics managers indicate that restructuring can have positive effects. While women experience longer working hours and increased workloads, they encounter fewer career barriers and a more positive attitude to women managers in the organisation. This may point to greater opportunities for training in a changing organisation and a higher probability of new posts and positions being created, as proverbial “dead‐wood” is shaken out. Perhaps more importantly, the climate of change may help to “unfreeze” and challenge entrenched attitudes and to create a new meritocracy, in which women can compete on a more equal footing with men.
The Asian tsunami
Authors: Martin Nigel
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a timely consideration of how regional governments in Asia and other national governments around the world collect, manage, and share critical geo‐technical information in what is becoming an increasingly global community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses the socio‐technical perspective of government information systems and management, and draws on the collection and analysis of several public reports, media articles, and expert opinions published in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami of 26 December 2004.

Findings

On the basis of the published material, the paper observes how critical early warning information was handled by government authorities in the hours before the tsunami wave strike, discusses the availability of technological solutions that can provide earthquake and tsunami warning information, and poses that government bureaucracies and human relations form the weakest link in the information chain.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes with a potential research agenda for government warning information systems and management.

Practical implications

The type of early warning information system that might be created to avoid another loss of life, suggested improvements to inter‐government information sharing and communications, and the emerging requirement for earthquake and tsunami information dissemination and education in lesser developed countries are also discussed.

Originality/value

The research enabled the examination of weaknesses in critical information sharing between governments and members of the international community, and highlights the issue of strong human relationships as a key to preventing the loss of life and better managing disasters.
Developing warning and disaster response capacity in the tourism sector in coastal Washington, USA
Authors: Johnston David , Becker Julia , Gregg Chris , Houghton Bruce , Paton Douglas , Leonard Graham , Garside Ruth
Published: April 2007

Purpose

There has been a considerable effort over the last decade to increase awareness of the tsunami risk in coastal Washington, USA. However, contemporary research on warning systems spawned by the recent Indian Ocean tsunami tragedy highlights the need for development of an effective tsunami warning system for both residents and transient populations, including visitors and tourists. This study sets out evaluate staff training for emergencies, emergency management exercises (including drills and evacuation), and hazard signage within motels and hotels in Ocean Shores, Washington, USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from interviews with reception staff and managers at 18 hotels, motels, and other accommodation establishments.

Findings

Levels of staff training and preparedness for tsunami and other hazards were found to be generally very low, although examples of “best practice” were found at a select few establishments. Larger hotels already had orientation or general training programmes set up which had the potential to incorporate future tsunami and hazard training, while smaller “owner‐operator” businesses did not.

Research limitations/implications

Suggestions on how to improve preparedness are discussed, including undertaking training needs analyses and conducting workshops, simulations and employee training to empower both businesses and employees.

Originality/value

This case study provides an insight into the challenges faced by emergency managers and the tourism sector in improving the effectiveness of warning systems in areas with high transient populations.
Flood risk management for the RUA of Hanoi
Authors: Vinh Hung Hoang , Shaw Rajib , Kobayashi Masami
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate reasons for unusual overdevelopment of floodplain areas outside river dyke, provide an insight into the importance of community perception of catastrophic flood risk in the riverside urban areas (RUA) of Hanoi and establishes the need for participatory disaster management planning and disaster management education in the study location.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured survey was conducted in five wards in the RUA to understand how residents perceived flood risk.

Findings

The low perception of catastrophic flood risk among communities was found to be an important factor in the continued development of the RUA and led to the trust in their houses as a prominent protective solution. Moreover, the flood vulnerability of the areas has been increasing due to the missing link between local authorities and community.

Research limitations/implications

This paper examines community perception of flood risk as one of main factors. Other factors such as availability of options for housing, public participation and relevant policy interventions are beyond the scope of the paper and need to be studied in the same location.

Practical implications

To regulate the development of the RUA, community perception of catastrophic flood risk should be changed and community leaders should be motivated, with involvement of local authority at ward offices, to conduct comprehensive hands‐on community education programs.

Originality/value

Few researches have been done on the overdevelopment and community perception in the flood‐prone areas. This paper not only reaffirms the few studies made in the past but also suggests broad interventions for enhancing the flood risk perception among the community members.
Market metrics: what should we tell the shareholders?
Authors: Ambler Tim
Published: April 2007

The author, from the London Business School, sums up the arguments contained in a recent research project produced by himself and two colleagues for the ICAEW’s Centre For Business Performance, on how intangibles should appear on the balance sheet and how analysts should assess the disclosures. He argues from the findings that more market metrics would be welcomed in the form of published figures and should be backed up with guidance from the current process revising company law in the UK.
The FSA Integrated Prudential Sourcebook – a walk through
Authors: Fell Patrick , Devine Máiréad
Published: April 2007

Over the next few years the regulation of financial services companies by the Financial Services Authority in the UK will move to a single system of risk‐based supervision. The authors provide a guide to how firms should approach and implement this process which is contained in what is known as the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook. They also point to the eventual benefits of such a system.
Customers vs. products: adopting an effective approach to business students
Authors: Emery Charles , Kramer Tracy , Tian Robert
Published: April 2007

Compares the benefits and consequences of two different educational philosophies adopted by business schools: the customer‐oriented approach and the product‐oriented approach. The customer approach suggests that faculty treat the students as their customers and the product approach requires that faculty treat the students as their products. Under a student‐customer program, enrollment and levels of student satisfaction increase at the expense of learning and program quality. The product approach shifts the focus from student satisfaction to student capabilities and holds business programs responsible for producing knowledgeable, effective students who possess skills and talents valued by public and private corporations.
Empowering teams: what, why, and how
Authors: Brower Michael F.
Published: April 2007

Discusses what are empowering teams, why they are important to
employees, customers, and organizations, and how to go about empowering
them. Presents a model of empowerment, arguing that empowerment means:
authority to make decisions, accountability, alignment of direction, and
ableness. Discusses ways to develop each of these, including
information, supportive functions and systems, and leadership at four
levels.
Diagnostic tools for learning organizations
Authors: Moilanen Raili
Published: April 2007

Aims first, to develop an instrument for a holistic analysis of learning organizations; and second, to test the validity and reliability of this instrument. The framework developed was mainly influenced by the work of Mike Pedler, Tom Boydell and John Burgoyne, Peter M. Senge as well as Chris Argyris and Donald A. Schön. Analyses eight existing diagnosis tools. The Learning Organization Diamond Tool was based on a concept of a learning organization regarded as a structure of related elements. Data consisting of 691 answers were gathered from 25 Finnish organizations in 1998. After analysis the reliability of the instrument was measured with Cronbach’s alpha. Cronbach’s alphas for the elements of the tool varied between 0.5141 and 0.8617. Validity of the tool was established by presenting the process as a chain of phases from theory to statements. Comparison between the tool developed and other tools presented in this article yields somewhat contradictory findings, because the purposes of the instruments differ. The tool developed here aims to create a holistic picture for further analysis and discussions and to serve as an internal tool for development. More tailored instruments should be developed for more specific purposes. The article is aimed at an audience involved in learning organizations and their development.
The Internet and its impact on developing countries: examples from China and India
Authors: Kanti Srikantaiah T. , Xiaoying Dong
Published: April 2007

The Internet has significantly changed information management in developed countries through creating pressures to improve communication systems and develop more user friendly environments for information sharing. Now the Internet is penetrating developing countries, changing information practices in various sectors. The Internet is changing traditional ways of conducting information business by establishing new sources of information and new methods of communication on a global basis. It has created pressure to update information/technology infrastructures. It has created competition by bringing many international and indigenous information technology vendors on to the same platform. It has helped policy makers take advantage of access to global sources of information. Discusses the role of the Internet and its impact on developing countries, including major issues associated with electronic information access and delivery. It focuses on the two most populous countries in the world, China and India, which are also information‐rich countries in the East‐Asia and South‐Asia regions respectively.
A brand for all seasons? A discussion of brand loyalty approaches and their applicability for different markets
Authors: Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Bennett Rebekah
Published: April 2007

Seeks to enhance our understanding of the suitability of loyalty measurement techniques by proposing a classification of brand loyalty based on varying market types. Distinguishing between market types is important because the very nature of markets indicates that the measures used to capture loyalty should be very different. This paper, in effect, argues against a single brand loyalty measure for all market types. Marketing practitioners wishing to predict future levels of loyalty would need to use different loyalty measures. In consumable markets where the market is stable and where there is high switching and low involvement and risk, behavioral measures are appropriate for predicting future brand loyalty levels. However where the market is not stable, there is a propensity towards sole brands and attitudinal measures may be better predictors of future behavior in such cases.
Network quality of service monitoring for IP telephony
Authors: Ghita B.V. , Furnell S.M. , Lines B.M. , Le‐Foll D. , Ifeachor E.C.
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a non‐intrusive method of determining network performance parameters for voice packet flows within a Voice over IP, or Internet Telephony call. An advantage of the method is that it allows not only end‐to‐end performance monitoring of flows, but also makes it possible to inspect the transport parameters of a specific network or link when delay sensitive traffic transits through it. The results of a preliminary test, to check the validity of the method, are also included.
Using the Domain Specific Innovativeness Scale to identify innovative Internet consumers
Authors: Goldsmith Ronald E.
Published: April 2007

A total of 117 student consumers participated in a longitudinal survey of their purchasing behavior for three product categories: snack foods, CDs, and skin care. The Domain Specific Innovativeness Scale was included in the survey to measure how innovative participants were with regard to buying online. It was hypothesized that an innovative predisposition toward online buying would be associated positively with more hours of Internet use, greater Internet purchasing, higher likelihood of future Internet purchase, and use of the Internet to download music. The data analyses confirmed all these hypotheses. Few respondent demographics, however, were related to any of these variables. These results demonstrate that the Domain Specific Innovativeness Scale is a reliable and valid measure of this potentially important construct; and that Internet innovativeness functions as predicted by theories of consumer innovative behavior, thereby increasing the generalizability of these theories and yielding potentially important information for e‐commerce managers.
Media and entertainment 2010 scenario: the open media company of the future
Authors: Berman Saul
Published: April 2007

The meta‐trends that are revolutionizing the media and entertainment industry are also rocking other industries. Many industries can learn from this IBM Consulting article’s presentation of trends, its recommended new business model and a scenario of what the industry will be like in the year 2010. The dilemma: digital technology that enables customers to easily copy and distribute new offerings threatens the economics of the industry but also opens new business frontiers. The need: to create an open media company. The closed and proprietary media and entertainment business models of years past will give way to open media business strategies that will enable forward‐looking companies to exploit significant opportunities for profitability within these trends. The economics: while, at present, digital technologies, such as those that permit easy copying, undermine the traditional economics of the media business they also can create new business models and opportunities. New digital technologies will support improved business intelligence, thus enabling the open media firm to identify higher‐value business components and assets. In the uncertain markets described in the scenario, companies will employ advanced data analytics to adapt and respond to changing conditions. Digital management capabilities will likely become a core competency and differentiator. The guidelines: ten strategic guidelines for players evolving toward becoming the open media company of the future are offered.
Stereolithography for the fabrication of ceramic three‐ dimensional parts
Authors: Hinczewski C. , Corbel S. , Chartier T.
Published: April 2007

Ceramic three‐dimensional parts can be produced by a stereolithography (SL) process using a ceramic suspension containing alumina powder, UV curable monomer, diluent, photoinitiator and dispersant. The monomer reacts to UV radiation (argon ionized laser) and is transformed into a solid polymer which is then removed by thermal treatment (debinding). Subsequent sintering of green parts leads to dense ceramic parts. The effect of each component on the rheology of the alumina suspensions has been studied first. Both the addition of dispersant and diluent and the increase in temperature allow a significant decrease of the viscosity of the suspensions. The highly loaded (more than 55 vol. per cent), homogeneous and stable suspensions have a shear thinning behaviour which is favourable for casting the layers. Adequate cured depth (above 200μm) and satisfactory transversal resolution have been obtained and these allow the production of ceramic parts, which demonstrates the feasibility of the process. Sintering at 1,580°C leads to dense ceramic parts with homogeneous microstructure. The process still needs to be optimized to improve even more the mechanical properties.
Secondary management buy‐outs and buy‐ins
Authors: Wright Mike , Robbie Ken , Albrighton Mark
Published: April 2007

This paper provides an exploratory examination of the growing phenomenon of secondary management buy‐outs and buy‐ins, where an enterprise having initially been bought out by management is later the subject of a second buy‐out or buy‐in. Such transactions provide a further dimension to the exit opportunities available to venture capital investors and also to the maintenance of independent entrepreneurial businesses. The paper uses large scale data to test propositions relating to the expected differences between secondary buy‐outs and buy‐ins and buy‐outs and buy‐ins in general as well as detailed case study evidence from entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to examine the rationale for such transactions. The quantitative data suggest that secondary buy‐outs and buy‐ins are more likely to involve enterprises in traditional industrial sectors and are significantly more likely to occur a longer time after the initial buy‐out than are trade sales or flotations. The case study evidence reveals that secondary buy‐outs and buy‐ins can arise for various reasons but are rarely the first choice exit route for venture capitalists, though they provide a means by which entrepreneurs can maintain the enterprise’s independent private existence.
Entrepreneurship and the characteristics of the entrepreneurial personality
Authors: Littunen Hannu
Published: April 2007

Examines the characteristics of the entrepreneurial personality and the effects of changes in the entrepreneur’s personal relationships. According to the empirical findings, becoming an entrepreneur and acting as an entrepreneur are both aspects of the entrepreneur’s learning process, which in turn has an effect on the personality characteristics of the entrepreneur. The entrepreneur’s drive to solve problems (= mastery) had increased, and control by powerful others decreased since the start‐up phase. Changes in the entrepreneur’s relations with others were also observed to have an effect on the entrepreneur’s personality characteristics. The empirical findings also show that as the number of co‐operative partners decreased, control by powerful others also decreased, and that, since the start‐up phase, entrepreneurs whose personal relations had increased also showed a clear increase in mastery.
Factors influencing small business start‐ups
Authors: Mazzarol Tim , Volery Thierry , Doss Noelle , Thein Vicki
Published: April 2007

Sheds light on the process leading to new enterprise formation and identifies the impact of some selected demographic variables on business start‐ups. In contrast to traditional research methodologies, this study used a new and more comprehensive approach to survey entrepreneurial intention. It studied both those who actually set up a new business and those “nascent entrepreneurs” who abandoned their idea prior to trading. The findings of an empirical analysis of 93 such entrepreneurs are presented. Using multivariate techniques to analyse the data, the importance of three demographic variables ‐ gender, previous government employment and recent redundancy ‐ was identified as having potential negative influences on small business formation, and comparisons are made with past studies.
Where are the skills gaps in innovative small firms?
Authors: Freel Mark S.
Published: April 2007

Based on a sample of 245 West Midlands manufacturers, this paper investigates small firms’ perceptions regarding the skills (and skill sources) required to improve innovation. While there are very few observed differences in perception between the more and less innovative firms (the employment of graduates is a notable exception), a number of interesting findings emerge. Principal among these, all firms, regardless of innovative classification, identify enhanced technical skills as the primary means to achieving improvements in innovative output (followed closely by marketing competencies). Improved management skills and, in particular, finance and exporting skills do not rank high on the small firms wish list. Moreover, sample firms overwhelmingly display a preference for improving in‐house skills, rather than increasing the number of specialists or accessing external expertise. To rephrase, there does not appear to be an external “skills shortage” but, rather, an internal “skills gap”.
Measuring corporate reputation
Authors: Lewis Stewart
Published: April 2007

Considers how corporate reputation is most influenced by the actions of an organization rather than a successful (or otherwise) PR campaign. Then considers how a communication strategy can best influence reputation. It is important to avoid a monologue – deciding the message then conveying it with ruthless efficiency – and move to dialogue – knowing what matters to an audience and communicating on that level. Also discusses corporate social responsibility, familiarity versus favourability and the drivers of favourability among specific target audiences.
Network communication in the construction industry
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Li Heng , Love Peter E.D. , Irani Zahir
Published: April 2007

Multiple parties are involved in completing a construction project. Such parties possess different skills and each sets out to be self‐sufficient. However, it is accepted that communication between parties is critical to the success of an alliance. A supporting mechanism is developed, which determines the roles of inter‐ and intra‐organisational communication, and helps to achieve efficient and effective communication. Communication between construction alliance parties consists of several aspects. First, inter‐organisational communication should take place in the alliance team. Representatives from individual organisations take the role for communication in the team. Second, communication channels are created for either close contacts or distant connections. Finally, the choice of channels depends on the amount of information, how instant it needs to be, and the efficiency and effectiveness of communication.
Thick film NTC thermistor for wide range of temperature sensing
Authors: Jagtap Shweta , Rane Sunit , Mulik Uttamrao , Amalnerkar Dinesh
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Aims to focus on temperature sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

Negative temperature co‐efficient thermistor powders of ternary Mn, Co, Ni oxide along with RuO2 synthesized at relatively moderates temperature (1,000°C). Thick film thermistor paste compositions were formulated by mixing the semiconducting oxide powder, glass frit and organic vehicle. The physico‐chemical analysis, viz. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry and IR spectroscopy were carried out for the synthesized powder and the resultant thick films. The X‐ray analysis of the powders showed the cubic spinel structure. The electrical properties like thermistor constant, sensitivity index and activation energy of the thick film NTC thermistor were determined.

Findings

The room temperature resistance is observed to range from 490 KΩ to 4.13 MΩ with thermistor constant ranging from 3,275 to 3,980 K, in the temperature range of 25‐300°C.

Originality/value

Describes research work on temperature sensors that are used for monitoring and control in many fields such as in home appliances, manufacturing industries, biomedical and automobile industries.
Perceptions of tax fairness and tax compliance in Australia and Hong Kong ‐ a preliminary study
Authors: Gilligan George , Richardson Grant
Published: April 2007

Discusses how important perceptions of tax fairness can be in forming tax‐compliant behaviour in various jurisdictions, based on a crosscultural study of Australia and Hong Kong. Defines fairness and its relationship with legitimacy. Describes a tax survey questionnaire administered to business students, which is broken down by demographic data and includes extensive correlations between tax‐fairness perception and tax‐compliance behaviour. Concludes that legitimacy is a crucial normative influence in shaping how fair tax systems are perceived to be and how likely people are to comply with their tax obligations.
Fraud in US organisations: an examination of control mechanisms
Authors: Holtfreter Kristy
Published: April 2007

Focuses on a type of white‐collar crime known as occupational fraud, which is estimated to amount to 6% of total revenues in the USA. Describes the control mechanisms that US organisations use to control and prevent this crime, including background checks, internal and external audits, and more recently, the use of anonymous reporting aimed to make employees turn in fraudulent co‐workers. Reviews the literature on this topic and describes the methodology used in the research, which examines the four types of control mechanism. Concludes that the study validates previous research in finding that the direct costs of occupational fraud are extensive, that there exist related societal effects which are however unmeasurable with any accuracy, that virtually no US organisational setting is immune from internal fraud, and that a variety of measures are needed to control this crime.
The risk of being sued by those damaged by regulatory or enforcement action: over‐regulation of financial services?
Authors: Gully‐Hart Paul
Published: April 2007

Discusses the impact of regulatory and enforcement action on banking and financial services, focusing on Switzerland, which is one of the most developed financial centres. Describes the recent increase in legislation which introduces corporate criminal liability, plus the far‐reaching Money Laundering Ordinance with its stronger due diligence requirements. Points out that in the field of financial services, liberalisation and globalisation have been met with more rather than less regulation. Concludes that, while greater regulation can be viewed as a reasonable price to pay for globalised financial services, the over‐regulation of Swiss financial services needs to be rationalised.
The realistic downsizing preview: a management intervention in the prevention of survivor syndrome (part II)
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Donia Magda
Published: April 2007

While downsizing has become an increasingly popular organizational tool in the achievement and/or maintenance of competitiveness and increased productivity, the negative side‐effect known as survivor syndrome continues to plague many post‐downsizing organizations. This two‐part article has examined the full spectrum of research with the goal of producing a model. The model is based upon the problems survivors experienced and is modeled after the John Wanous Realistic Job Preview (RJP). The Realistic Downsizing Preview (RDP), which can be effectively used before the downsizing, is implemented to prevent survivor syndrome in the aftermath of the downsizing. The foundation of the RDP model is that, by addressing issues that have been observed as survivor syndromes prior to a downsizing, the negative outcomes can be minimized. Part II develops the RDP model and discusses the implications for managers and management.