bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding market entry timing decisions: the practitioner‐academic gap
Authors: Dacko Scott G.
Published: July 2002

Notes that much is known in the academic literature about factors that may be influential in firms’ market entry timing decisions. Specifically, in response to a competitors’ pioneering new product introduction, academic research finds many conditions that suggest a greater desirability of immediate market entry while many other conditions suggest a greater desirability of a delayed response. Reports the results of a survey and experiment where working managers and experienced MBA students were asked to evaluate the timing of market entry given a complex business scenario. The results show areas where there is a consensus among decision makers with the academic literature, as well as areas where views differ from that of the literature. Perverts and discusses insights gained into the decision making processes of managers for market entry timing decisions. The study can help managers in follower firms achieve greater success in formulating market entry timing strategies by reducing ambiguity in the timing implications of many internal and external conditions, as well as by drawing attention to potential action biases.
Internet, interaction and implications for marketing
Authors: Arnott David C. , Bridgewater Susan
Published: July 2002

Looks at the ways in which firms are currently using the Internet and examines the extent to which these uses are informational or facilitate relationship building. A study shows that the majority of fims still use the Internet for informational purposes. Relationship facilitating and transactional uses of Internet are found – particularly for larger firms and for those that have internationalised via the Internet. A question over the ability of the Internet to facilitate and sustain this type of relationship is raised by the failure of the mature US Internet market to show a significant progression to more sophisticated Internet usage. This may relate to underlying uncertainty of customers or to the security of transacting via the Internet. Similarly, firms that are already international will have to contend with a number of serious challenges that arise from the open and global nature of information exchange on the Internet before they maximise its potential.
Tackling implementation impediments to marketing planning
Authors: Simkin Lyndon
Published: July 2002

The exponents of marketing planning have for over a decade warned of the internal operational, cultural and process impediments to the effective implementation of marketing plans. Recently, they have been joined by the market segmentation specialists and many of the “gurus” of modern marketing management. Unfortunately, the syllabi of most business school marketing courses and the content of their recommended textbooks fail to reflect this concern for implementation issues. Marketers must provide the necessary internal operational and resource requisites for effective marketing planning, utilise suitable processes for undertaking these activities, and manage the on‐going implementation of the recommended marketing plans.
The sales introspection technique: principles and application
Authors: LaForge Mary C. , Grove Stephen J. , Stone Louis H.
Published: July 2002

This paper introduces a training technique that is designed to improve salespersons’ selling skills through introspection and discovery of success drivers and inhibitors. We present the technique and the theoretical foundations that support it. We also discuss how the technique may be implemented and provide a case example to demonstrate the application of the training mechanism.
Marketing Problems: From Analysis to Decision
Authors: Butler Patrick
Published: July 2002

While problem and decision analysis has attracted considerable interest
in general management fields, it is not a topic commonly found in the
marketing management literature. Problem understanding and definition
determine management action, and therefore deserve greater attention.
Addresses the key issues in marketing management problem analysis by
showing why problem definition is important; outlining the nature of
marketing problems and the difficulties involved in addressing them; and
providing guidelines for management and research practitioners. A
diagrammatic review of several problem and decision models provides a
broad view of the complex processes involved. One critical factor which
comes to the fore in the discussion is the necessity for decision makers
and analysts to collaborate, and several techniques for such
co‐operation are presented.
The Stratlogic Approach to the Analysis of Competitive Position
Authors: Moutinho Luiz , Brownlie Douglas
Published: July 2002

Portfolio analysis has been subjected to considerable scrutiny in recent
years. Describes an attempt to recast it in the light of past criticisms
and the unyielding importance of competitive considerations to marketing
decision making. It does not introduce another new portfolio matrix.
Rather it describes a broadly based approach that gives users more
control over portfolio design and analysis. Describes a data‐driven
approach to the analysis of competitive position that has its origins in
a portfolio‐based methodology previously described by Moutinho in 1987.
The Stratlogic approach is not driven by a pre‐specified portfolio model
and its derived matrix. Instead it involves users in a procedure that
combines multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Inputs include
empirical data on the scope and resourcing of marketing strategies as
well as the performance of players in a defined competitive set.
Describes the proposed methodology. It also draws attention to some
technical and managerial issues that arise from the flexibility and
control that the stratlogic approach affords the user. This work is part
of a programme of funded research into the development of expert systems
for areas of strategic marketing decision making.
Realizing the Benefits of a Marketing Intelligentsia
Authors: Bruce Bev , Jordan Tracy , Wills Gordon
Published: July 2002

MCB University Press has conducted databased marketing campaigns since
1972, but has escalated its investment as new technologies and software
have become available. In‐house staff have now designed and introduced
an integrated customer environment (ICE). That affords not only major
productivity gains but also a better platform for creative marketing
thinking. Customer clubs have evolved for librarians and human resource
professional managers and for authors on the supply side. Intelligence
has been derived to direct worldwide field visit programmes to key
customers and authors. And the relationship developed with customers
provides the foundation for the company′s emerging strategies for
customer‐led product design in electronic publishing.
Strategic Planning in Practice
Authors: Ruocco Paul , Proctor Tony
Published: July 2002

Addresses the issue of formulating strategic plans. A variety of
techniques are suggested in the literature. Reports on the use of two
of these techniques in helping to formulate strategic plans in the
operating division of a large multinational company. The Porter forces
of competition model and the TOWS model proved useful tools in practice.
The practicalities of trying to implement a strategic plan for the
company produced some useful contributions to strategic management
theory.
Global Procurement: Motivations and Strategy
Authors: Rajagopal Shan , Bernard Kenneth N.
Published: July 2002

Global procurement is not a simple or easy solution to a company′s
sourcing needs. With new markets and changing competitors challenging
established business, global sourcing is now offering an opportunity for
organizations to meet these challenges on a global basis. Discusses the
varied interpretations and significance of global sourcing as an
ingredient of success, emphasizing the link between world‐class
production/quality, marketing and procurement. From these discussions
and empirical evidence, provides a matrix of management choices to
facilitate the selection of worldwide sourcing strategies most
appropriate to corporate goals.
The position of marketing education
Authors: O′Brien Elaine M. , Deans Kenneth R.
Published: July 2002

Presents the viewpoints of both students of marketing and employers
of these students, in an attempt to ascertain if we, as educators, are
satisfying the needs of both sets of customers, namely the students
studying for a sound practical business degree, and the employers
requiring students with a solid grounding in the essentials of business
coupled with practical skills. Researches first‐year marketing students,
outlining their expectations and understanding of the subject and
focuses on recent employers of marketing graduates and their
expectations and understanding of what a graduate should offer. Findings
indicate that students are looking for a degree which furnishes them
with a wide knowledge base, so improving their employment opportunities.
Suggests that employers prefer business graduates, although they also
consider there to be a requirement for task‐specific training.
Western generic business and corporate strategies
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Sirpal Rajeshwar
Published: July 2002

Extracts the fundamental principles of the Thirty‐six Chinese
Classical Strategies of War to formulate an appropriate framework
for drawing lessons in Western generic business and corporate strategies
for the first time. Does not, however, suggest that Western literature
on generic business and corporate strategies is any less effective than
the Thirty‐six Chinese Classical Strategies of War which tend to
be more definitive in nature. Much synergy can in fact be achieved by
extending lessons in strategies from both the East and the West. Lessons
from the Thirty‐six Chinese Classical Strategies of War would be
particularly pertinent for the West in view of the growing economic
influence of the East Asian region on the global political platform.
Suggests marketing planners based in the West would certainly be better
placed in this region if they, when operating in East Asia, were able to
appreciate a deeply revered and firmly entrenched Chinese classical
strategic treatize.
Estimating the design factor for surveys in Hong Kong
Authors: Ching Biu Tse Alan
Published: July 2002

Aims to estimate the design factors for surveys in Hong Kong. The
design factor is to be used for estimating the true standard errors in
surveys, using non‐simple random sampling methods. The resulting
modified standard error can provide more accurate statistical
computation in data analysis. Two surveys were conducted using a
standard set of questions, one survey used simple random sampling; the
other involved convenience sampling. Found that the design factor for
surveys conducted in Hong Kong is 1.135. Notes that the two design
factors found in Hong Kong are significantly smaller than those obtained
overseas. Suggests this is possibly related to the Chinese people′s
central tendency characteristic in expressing opinions, and that Hong
Kong is a small, metropolitan city with a relatively homogeneous
population.
Front and back‐stage strategies in service delivery in the
hospitality industry
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Wafa Marwan
Published: July 2002

In today′s competitive environment, the question is no longer
whether to have quality assurance programmes, but rather how to make
these programmes work. With this in mind, presents a conceptual
framework outlining the components of a quality assurance system in the
lodging industry setting. Offers some practical recommendations and
guidelines for implementation.
Planning for a non‐inpatient service: home‐based antibiotic treatment
Authors: Parkinson Stephen , O’Reilly Daragh , Afferson Malcolm , Davey Peter , Nathwani Dilip , Parker Sharon
Published: July 2002

Reviews recent literature on home‐based intravenous antibiotics services and reports on a clinical trial carried out in the UK. The UK trial is synthesized with the literature and an outline framework is offered for planning the launch of similar non‐inpatient services in the UK health care system.
Advice for handling controversial accounts: from products to politicians
Authors: Waller David S. , Polonsky Michael Jay
Published: July 2002

Considers Australian advertising agency executives’ attitudes towards “controversial” clients, by focusing on their attitudes towards political accounts. Examines a sample of 101 advertising agency executives from Australia’s 300 largest agencies to determine why some Australian agencies are not willing to accept political accounts. The results, combined with comments from various advertising agency executives and the relevant literature, provide a number of suggestions for agencies who have or are planning to obtain potentially controversial accounts.
Marketing in emerging countries: evidence from a liberalized economy
Authors: Appiah‐Adu Kwaku
Published: July 2002

Following a review of the current economic trends in emerging nations, discusses the importance of marketing within the macro and micro contexts of business environments in a typical liberalized economy. Provides a background to changes taking place within the market environments of emerging nations which have instituted policies to liberalize their economies, with a focus on Ghana, which has been hailed as a successful bright star of the developing world. In the context of developing countries, highlights the relevance of marketing and follows this by identifying a number of areas in which effective marketing strategies are gaining increased importance in Ghana’s evolving marketplace, and in this context, discusses case studies of three companies which have achieved superior performance as a result of improved marketing practices. Addresses the implications of the changing environment for business and marketing managers of both foreign and domestic firms.
Leap‐frog marketing: the contribution of ecofeminist thought to the world of patriarchal marketing
Authors: McDonagh Pierre , Prothero Andrea
Published: July 2002

Provides an overview of ecological feminism (ecofeminism) and discusses the implications for marketing. Shows how ecofeminist perspectives demand that we question not only the destruction of the environment but also our fundamental social relations and structures. Illustrates marketing’s contribution to ecopatriarchy with examples from the marketing academy and the advertising world. Concludes by asking marketers to rethink certain basic marketing principles.
Marketing and feminism: a bibliography and suggestions for further research
Authors: Catterall Miriam , Maclaran Pauline , Stevens Lorna
Published: July 2002

From the early 1990s a number of papers advocating feminist analyses of marketing phenomena appeared in the marketing literature. Scholars working from feminist perspectives in other disciplines have examined marketing phenomena for some time. Provides a guide to this literature, highlighting the scope of the work and its diversity, and suggests areas where more research is needed.
“She knows what she wants…”: towards a female consumption risk‐reducing strategy framework
Authors: Ward Philippa , Sturrock Fiona
Published: July 2002

This paper provides an exploratory examination of the purchasing patterns, selection procedures and risk‐reducing mechanisms employed by female consumers making joint purchase decisions with their male partners within the furniture and carpet sectors of the home improvement market. It focuses on two main areas: female consumer purchase selection processes and the impact of female consumer risk reduction strategies (RRSs) on this process. These issues are explored by considering female consumer buyer behaviour in relation to joint purchase decisions regarding “high‐involvement and high‐risk” household products at three stages of the selection and purchase process: pre‐purchase, consumption and post‐purchase ‐ as defined in the services consumer behaviour model.
Prioritising target markets
Authors: Simkin Lyndon , Dibb Sally
Published: July 2002

Target marketing is a key decision area for all businesses. Market size, growth rates, competitive forces, customer fit and profitability are just a few of the criteria which can be used by businesses assessing the attractiveness of their target markets. Yet despite the wealth of variables available to managers and the development of a range of decision tools to help them, research indicates that many businesses continue to assess target markets on the basis of short‐term profitability measures. This paper examines the wide range of approaches which have been proposed in the literature for identifying market attractiveness and questions how these fit with managerial practice, utilising the findings from cases and two studies of The Times 1000 UK companies’ target market approaches. The studies’ findings indicate that the literature’s formal, multi‐criteria tools for assessing market attractiveness are not necessarily reflected in the simplistic view adopted by many marketing professionals and brand managers. The paper concludes by offering a research agenda to help define future work in this area.
The extension of construction partnering for relationship marketing
Authors: Sui Pheng Low
Published: July 2002

Relationship marketing focuses on building strong relationships with individual customers. Its emergence in the 1980s was however not so much a discovery, but a rediscovery of a truth which formed the foundation of many businesses. Partnering, at its best, is a long term commitment between two or more organisations for the purpose of achieving specific business objectives by maximising the effectiveness of each participant’s resources. The relationship is based upon trust, dedication to common goals and understanding each other’s individual expectations and values. This seems to suggest many similarities between relationship marketing and partnering. It is, however, still unclear as to what these similarities are. The objectives of this paper are, firstly, to compare relationship marketing with the partnering concept in the construction industry and, secondly, draw lessons from partnering in construction for relationship marketing.
Supply chain management in theory and practice: a passing fad or a fundamental change?
Authors: Chandra Charu , Kumar Sameer
Published: July 2002

Supply chain management is a major issue in many industries as firms realize the importance of creating an integrated relationship with their suppliers and customers. Managing the supply chain has become a way of improving competitiveness by reducing uncertainty and enhancing customer service. This paper analyzes various issues important to supply chain management and provides broader awareness of supply chain principles and concepts. The role of planning and coordination in complex integrated systems and information technology to synchronize the supply chain is described in a framework that creates the appropriate structure and installs proper controls in the enterprise and other constituents in the chain.
Enhancing virtual teams: social relations v. communication technology
Authors: van der Smagt Ton
Published: July 2002

Are virtual teams an adequate alternative for co‐located (face‐to‐face) teams in case of complex, equivocal relations? Business scientists are predominantly pessimistic. They argue that “rich” media – those that transmit higher levels of nonverbal cues – are necessary in these circumstances. In this paper a less pessimistic answer is formulated. Starting from the distinction between the report and command aspect of communication, it is argued that a better understanding of both aspects enables the researcher/adviser to change organizations (e.g. by replacing two‐way “monologue” by dialogue and creating trust between parties) in such a way that new and divergent demands on communication emerge. This possibly allows us to drop the demanding face‐to‐face demands threatening the success of network organizations in general and virtual teams in particular.
Maintaining quality through evolving strategy: the TVS Partnership
Authors: Lindsay William M. , Preston Arthur P.
Published: July 2002

In 1993, the TVS Partnership Proprietary Limited (TVS) was the first small business to be awarded the prestigious Australian Quality Award (AQA). TVS’s core business is a small architectural and landscape firm. This case study traces the firm over time, both before and after winning the award. Since 1993, TVS has been successful in improving its quality, despite adverse industry trends. It has grown and diversified into new areas, e.g. hotel management, and property development, and has developed an innovative approach to building management. While successful, the company and its directors wrestle with various growth and operations‐related issues.
Are small manufacturers failing the quality test?
Authors: Gulbro Robert D. , Shonesy Linda , Dreyfus Paul
Published: July 2002

Several manufacturing firms were surveyed to find answers to questions about their manufacturing quality, and to determine what activities they were using in achieving quality products. Firms of all sizes were queried and smaller firms were compared to larger firms. Attempts at finding significant differences between small and large firms were successful. The responses of the larger firms demonstrated that significant differences exist when compared to the smaller firms in a variety of continuous improvement activities that are a part of the process used to achieve higher levels of quality.
Diffusion of executive information systems in organizations and the shift to Web technologies
Authors: Basu Choton , Poindexter Sandra , Drosen James , Addo Theo
Published: July 2002

Executive information systems (EIS) have certain unique characteristics that differentiate them from other information systems in both their development and diffusion patterns. This paper utilizes 11 case studies to assess the diffusion of EIS in organizations. The paper examines the critical aspects of EISs in these organizations and specifically attempts to achieve two goals: to analyze and compare the shape of the EIS diffusion curves among these organizations, thereby generating a list of factors that have a bearing on the pattern of diffusion and to advance the conceptual model and composition of the emerging Web‐based EIS. The findings clearly indicate that the traditional EIS has given way to Web‐based resources and the diffusion of EIS does indeed vary from the traditional S‐shaped curve, consistent with most information technology applications. The significance of this study is that it captures the transition of traditional EISs to the new Web‐based information systems that cater to the demands of a highly diversified audience. The paper also presents a quantitative argument, including diffusion models, which explain the EIS adoption in an organization. Finally, the case studies provide some unique insights into the issues relating to these types of systems.
Strategic partnering when the supply base is limited: a case study
Authors: Olorunniwo Festus , Hartfield Tony
Published: July 2002

This study considers a supply‐demand situation where a product has only a handful of supply firms and a large number of purchasing firms and compares the attitudes toward partnering of firms which are already in partnering relationships with those that are not. Noting that only 27 per cent of the buyers are currently in any alliance relationships, and most are not planning to be in one, the study reveals that buyers expressed a lukewarm, and sometimes negative, attitude toward the formation of alliances. There are no attitudinal differences between firms in alliance relationships, compared with those without, in five of seven questions on alliance and in the relative importance given 14 of 15 purchasing criteria. With most suppliers willing to provide the buyers with the same benefits, irrespective of whether they are in alliance relationships, it appears that the limitations imposed by the small supply base tend to exert competitive pressures on the suppliers, discouraging buyers from forming partnership relationships.
Commerce at light speed – an international comparative evaluation of CALS strategy and implementation in the USA and Japan
Authors: Holden Tony , Schmidt Ruth A.
Published: July 2002

This article reports on and compares early activity in the area of electronic business in the USA and Japan arising from the introduction of the Continuous Acquisition and Lifecycle Support (CALS) initiative developed in the USA in 1985, to improve defence procurement and operational support through the use of electronic, rather than paper, media. CALS is possibly the first major e‐business initiative and, as such, it has important lessons to give the present plethora of e‐business activity. Included are an overview of what CALS is and how it was adopted in the two different cultural and industrial contexts. The paper concludes by summarizing possible implications of CALS for the UK.
Designing effective cyber store user interface
Authors: Kim Eyong B. , Eom Sean B.
Published: July 2002

Complementary to the increasing popularity of the Internet and WWW, electronic commerce (e‐commerce) has become a fast emerging industry and a significant global economic force. The online retail stores need to attract more visitors and convert them into the customers who actually purchase the products or services. To achieve this goal, these stores need to endeavor to enhance customers’ satisfaction to maintain positive relationships with customers. Satisfied customers have a higher chance of purchasing merchandise from the same store and remaining loyal customers. This study investigates the features that possibly influence the perceived satisfaction of online retail shopping among university students using 27 questionnaire items. The study findings imply that the online retailers may need to put emphasis on specifying how they guarantee on‐time delivery and risk‐free, hassle‐free return clearly on their Web pages. They should follow what they promise as much as possible to improve shoppers’ satisfaction. Clearly specified policies or explanations will perhaps make customers more satisfied and trust site more.
Organisational structures to support concurrent engineering in construction
Authors: Anumba Chimay J. , Baugh Catherine , Khalfan Malik M.A.
Published: July 2002

The construction industry is plagued by fragmentation of the functions carried out by the various disciplines involved in a project, particularly between the design and construction teams. Concurrent engineering (CE) is seen as a possible means of overcoming this problem. However, for the use of CE to produce the desired benefits, various issues have to be addressed, one of which is the use of appropriate organisational structures. To this effect, this paper explores organisational structures for the implementation of CE in the construction industry. It does so by first reviewing the main principles of, and issues concerning, CE and organisational structures, and by examining the structures which have been proposed for CE by researchers and those which have been used by manufacturing companies in their implementation of CE. By taking into account the peculiarities of the construction industry, this information is used, in conjunction with the results of case studies of companies within the industry, to suggest suitable types of corporate and project level organisational structures to support CE.
Improving Profitability with Segmented Income Statements for Local Area
Networks
Authors: Rushinek Avi , Rushinek Sara F.
Published: July 2002

Suggests that, though local area networking is one of the fastest
growing segments in the computer industry, the selection of appropriate
features for inclusion in local area networks (LANs) can be confusing
for both vendors and end‐users. Describes a system that measures the
degree to which specific LAN features meet end‐user needs and contribute
to profitability. Reveals that, in the analysis, the features file
security and remote access had positive effects on the overall LAN
price. Provides a methodology for selecting the most profitable
features, such as remote access and gateways to PC networks, to include
in a contemplated LAN product line.
WCM Practices of North American Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Motwani Jaideep , Kumar Ashok , Kathawala Yunus
Published: July 2002

Determines the extent to which world‐class philosophy and methods are
being adopted and utilized by North American manufacturing
organizations. Using mailing lists obtained from several US and Canadian
chambers of commerce, 800 organizations were identified as a target
group. Managers of 251 manufacturing organizations served as respondents
to the survey (31.37 per cent response rate). Results indicate that
these manufacturers are aware of and committed to the basic concepts
underlying world class manufacturing status. However, some weaknesses in
translating philosophy into policies and methods were identified. Future
research directions are suggested.
Simulating Activity‐based Costing
Authors: Helberg C. , Galletly J.E. , Bicheno J.R.
Published: July 2002

Many traditional cost accounting methods can result in distorted cost
information as they allocate overheads in proportion to labour. This can
result in a low technology product being overcosted and a high
technology product being undercosted. Activity‐based costing (ABC)
allocates costs more accurately and pinpoints areas of waste. Describes
software which provides a tutorial introduction to ABC and highlights
the difference between ABC and conventional cost accounting by means of
simulating a production environment for the user to explore. The
simulator should foster improved understanding of the opportunities of
ABC.
New developments in computer software
Authors: Thomas Vimal , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: July 2002

Computers were originally intended to crunch numbers, store and
retrieve data at high speeds, and create accounting reports. New
software and even new computers have changed the use of computers in
today′s business. The growth of a technology called artificial
intelligence (AI) attempts to make a computer capable of manipulating
symbols. A branch of AI that has evolved recently attempts to capture
knowledge and perform tasks that would require a human expert. These
types of computer systems are called knowledge‐based expert systems.
Knowledge‐based expert systems, also called expert systems, allow
computers to assist in expert human tasks involving: complex planning
and scheduling; diagnosis of diseases; locating mineral deposits;
configuring complex computer hardware; and trouble‐shooting locomotive
problems. Expert systems are expected to change the way businesses
operate by altering the way people think about solving problems.
Conducts a brief investigation into the underlying philosophy of this
new software for computers.
Organizing the selection process for a new general ledger system
Authors: Walker Kenton B. , Johnson Eric N.
Published: July 2002

Points out that selecting a new general ledger system can be a very difficult undertaking in today’s environment because of the variety of hardware platforms and choices of software products. Based on the composite experiences of several companies, provides an organized approach to evaluating and selecting a new general ledger system, including a sample general ledger software evaluation instrument.
Managing Safely
Authors: Woollatt Caroline
Published: July 2002

Focuses on two courses provided by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH): Managing Safely, a course aimed at supervisors and managers; and Working Safely, aimed at junior staff. Features a case study of a Managing Safely course run by British Waterways, noting that the assessment‐based nature of the course along with its relevance to the specific work situations of those involved were major plus factors. Reports positive feedback from delegates to the course.
CIM: getting set for implementation
Authors: Attaran Mohsen
Published: July 2002

Presents cases in which US firms successfully applied CIM and capitalized on the advantages of such an advanced technology. Addresses barriers to factory automation and steps for successful implementation. Finally, examines technologies that enhance CIM implementation.
The millennium bug ‐ how big is its bite?
Authors: WIlliams Len
Published: July 2002

Provides a summary of the points raised at a recent chief executives conference, in trying to ascertain how real the year 2000 problem is, and gain an idea of its scale. Describes the background to the problem in the programming languages used since the 1970s. Describes how to plan the solution, and solve the problem.
Re‐engineering life‐cycle management of products to achieve global success in the changing marketplace
Authors: Prasad B.
Published: July 2002

Today, most companies are under extreme pressure to develop products within time periods that are rapidly shrinking. As markets change so do the requirements. The immediate effect of changing requirements and players keeping the process intact is the lengthening of product development efforts. Life‐cycle management means “managing process” for systematically incorporating a new product family or a new technology, handling continuity, and a revision‐type product change. Describes the differences in management styles for both Japanese and UK companies. Enumerates the better ways of redistributing the life‐cycle efforts in product development without exceeding the original cycle time.
Advanced manufacturing system for automotive components production
Authors: Marcello Pelagagge Pacifico
Published: July 2002

Presents the results of a pilot project on implementation of just‐in‐time (JIT) production for an automotive component (sleeve for synchronizing groups). Describes the old manufacturing system and outlines the related problems. Proposes, with the aim of reducing set‐up times and increasing flexibility, quality and logistic performances, a new advanced manufacturing system using JIT as an approach. Presents a summary of costs and benefits arising from the new system, outlining factors such as a total cost of $3 million and a lead time reduction of 60 days.
Operational competitive requirements for the twenty‐first century
Authors: Hillman Willis T.
Published: July 2002

To stay competitive in future global markets, manufacturers must face the challenge to sustain superior performance in three important aspects of operational capability ‐ flexibility, speed, and the ability to serve the customer. These capabilities are achieved by the manufacturer’s ability to excel in product development, production operations, customer order processing and delivery, and the development of supply networks. The specific requirements for each of these systems are described. Examples of techniques that will be beneficial in achieving excellence in each of these critical areas of operations are given.
Managing for flexibility: a manufacturing perspective
Authors: Kathuria Ravi
Published: July 2002

This paper investigates managerial practices that are conducive to the management of flexibility. Using data from manufacturing plants in the USA, this paper identifies managerial practices that manufacturing managers strongly demonstrate in plants that place a high emphasis on flexibility. The results indicate that managers who pursue flexibility, emphatically engage in team building, employee empowerment, and other relationship oriented practices that generate enthusiasm among employees. These practices seemingly motivate workers to deal with the uncertainty and changes, in the form of product mix, customer delivery schedule, capacity adjustments, etc., that characterize manufacturing flexibility. Furthermore, workers are entrusted with the traditional responsibilities of manufacturing managers, such as monitoring and problem solving.
Strategic scanning and interpretation revisiting: foundations for a software agent support system ‐ Part 1: understanding the concept and context of strategic scanning
Authors: Liu Shuhua
Published: July 2002

As the business environment increases in its scope, dynamics and complexity, the task of grasping its changes becomes increasingly demanding. The increased availability of electronic data threatens to exceed the human capacity to cope with and assimilate them. This research aims to provide a support tool that would be able to contribute to a more systematic, intensive, extensive and faster scanning process than the human process alone. This paper serves to build the foundations of such a support system by giving a detailed examination of both the domain and the technology. It is presented in two parts. The first part analyzes the concept of strategic scanning and presents a comprehensive review of its context. It helps us to understand the complicated, interrelated phenomena and reveals useful observations that are relevant to the construction of the system. A scanning‐based strategic management framework is formulated, which guides the system design. The second part will introduce the fundamentals of software agent approach, examine its relevance in offering the needed support, and describe an agent system that is currently under development.
Purchasing’s involvement in environmental issues: a multi‐country perspective
Authors: Zsidisin George A. , Hendrick Thomas E.
Published: July 2002

Purchasing and supply chain management have a critical role, and significant influence, in a firm’s environmental performance. This study explores the extent of involvement that purchasing managers in Germany, the UK, and the USA have in environmental issues, versus the level they believe they should have. The environmental issues addressed in this paper are: hazardous materials, investment recovery, product design, and supply chain relationships. Overall findings suggest that purchasing managers want greater levels of participation in these environmental issues. The study also describes differences according to country. Future research is suggested to explore how purchasing managers can influence the supply chain to improve corporate environmental performance.
Integrating ISO 9000 with TQM spirits: a survey
Authors: Huarng Fenghueih
Published: July 2002

Drawing on the results from a questionnaire survey conducted in Taiwan, this paper discusses the experiences of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in ISO 9000 certification. The empirical results indicate that the pursuit of ISO helps Taiwanese SMEs gain benefits in internationalization, quality improvement, sales enhancement, and cost reduction. The effects of motivation and implementing the process on benefits from ISO are statistically significant. Implementing ISO with either passive or active motivations leads to more internationalization. Active motivation and documentation through auditing lead to quality improvement with the passage of time. Consulting private consultants in implementing ISO decreases quality improvement. Employees’ active participation in implementing ISO leads to sales increases and cost reduction. A consensus regarding how to implement ISO leads to cost reduction. These empirical results show that implementing ISO with the TQM spirit of continuous improvement and company‐wide employee participation could result in significant benefits for small and medium‐sized enterprises.
An information system for operations management: co‐ordination and integration
Authors: Portougal Victor , Janczewski Lech J.
Published: July 2002

Wide implementation of computer‐based operations management systems now faces a new information problem. In many manufacturing companies the management system consists of several disconnected subsystems. Each subsystem uses its own database, which is physically situated in a PC of a specific manager. Each subsystem represents one or several managerial problems, which are being solved regularly at given intervals of time. The multiple data transfers between the databases are performed manually, and this reduces the efficiency of the system and the possibilities for its development. Implementation of file servers only place databases under one roof but does not automatically provide transfer of data. To unite the system effectively in a network environment, a scheduling model has been developed, which uses an information model of the operations management process and a system clock as a basis for its functioning.
Implications of some of the recent improvement philosophies for the management of the information systems organization
Authors: Aladwani Adel M.
Published: July 2002

In an uncertain and competitive environment, organizations are forced to search for philosophies to guide performance improvement efforts. The current literature has paid considerable attention to two particular philosophies ‐ business process redesign (BPR) and total quality management (TQM). These two movements emphasize a reconfiguration of an organization’s processes to increase performance that ultimately should facilitate the recuperation of the competitive posture of the organization. The literature has treated the same two approaches, however, as substitutes. No attempt has been made to pinpoint the possible synergy between the two improvement philosophies. The thrust of this paper is to present a framework that would help information systems managers understand the conceptual link between BPR and TQM and the joined implications these approaches have for the management of the information systems organization.
The new manufacturing‐accounting interface
Authors: Plenert Gerhard
Published: July 2002

Manufacturing and the manufacturing process have changed dramatically over the last ten years. The measurement and data collection systems stemming from the accounting, finance, and data processing organizations have not only resisted this change, but also, in some cases, have prevented improvements. This resistance stems primarily from outsiders’ (MIS or accounting staffs, etc.) lack of understanding of the changes. Another reason for this resistance is that manufacturers are frustrated with the inconsistency (seeming lack of direction) of many of these changes. However, all manufacturers are being forced to react to some general areas of change, in spite of the on‐again, off‐again fads. These directions of change will be the focus of this paper. Additionally, this paper will analyze the accounting interface changes that need to be considered as a result of these trends.
Software testing metrics: do they have merit?
Authors: Pavur Robert , Jayakumar Maliyakal , Clayton Howard
Published: July 2002

Project managers in information systems play a central role in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of software. Software metrics assist these managers in identifying opportunities for process improvement and help quantify software characteristics. Weaknesses in the traditional approaches to measuring reliability have led to the development of software metrics. The interpretation of software metrics can be critical to making effective responses in the management information systems’ decision‐making processes. This paper gives insight into the use and understanding of some software metrics.
Recruiting and retaining scarce information technology talent: a focus group study
Authors: Lockwood Diane , Ansari A.
Published: July 2002

Notes that it has become fiercely competitive to recruit and retain information technology (IT) talent in today’s tight labor market. Cites two main reasons for IT skills shortages. First, the number of students graduating in the USA with bachelor’s degrees in computer science declined more than 40 percent in recent years. Forecasts are that this trend will grow even more during the next few years. Second, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for trained IT employees has increased in the past few years. The predicted labor shortage for skilled IT staff will be increasing by 1.3 million by year 2005. This labor crisis has forced companies to develop new strategies specifically to address recruitment and retention of scarce IT specialists. Describes effective recruitment and retention practices, as described by participants in this study, with the goal being to provide useful information to other employers of IT specialists. The information used in this study was based on an intensive focus group study conducted with senior IT managers and recruiters from a number of local companies in the Pacific Northwest.
Performance improvement. Part 2
Authors: Millar Ian
Published: July 2002

The series of articles focuses on the need to ignore the many acronym‐based initiatives and programmes that tend to drive business performance. The author recommends that people must play a critical role in any performance improvement initiative people working in an effective team environment and with senior management visible involvement. A tool, Cost of Quality, is described in some detail. Utilizing people and Cost of Quality can reduce cost and change an organisation’s culture. Part 2 provides a framework for use of Cost of Quality, suggesting that it can help reduce costs and increase margins.
Assessing manufacturing performance: an advanced manufacturing technology portfolio perspective
Authors: Small Michael H.
Published: July 2002

Addresses the relationship between firm performance on 15 manufacturing attributes and the extensiveness of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) portfolios that firms adopt. Mail survey data obtained from 116 manufacturing firms in the USA that had adopted a variety of AMT are used in this research. On average, responding firms reported some improvements in manufacturing performance for all variables except changes in average labour cost (total labour cost/number of direct and indirect labour employees). Adoption of AMT tended to result in marginal reductions in the number of operators and marginal increases in average labour costs across all technology portfolio classifications. For all technology groups, firms recorded their highest level of improvement for product quality, and operator output rates/operator productivity. The majority of firms that had adopted both integrated process technologies and integrated information/logistic technologies reported improvements for 14 of the 15 performance attributes covered in this study.
Strategic Property Management
Authors: Gibson Virginia
Published: July 2002

Property has been increasingly recognized as a key resource which, if
well managed, contributes to an organization′s success. For local
authorities, property is the environment in which people work and from
which services are delivered. In this sense its suitability has an
impact on both employees and clients, and therefore an influence on the
efficiency and effectiveness of all the organization′s activities. With
the pressure on organizations, not least local government, to deliver
ever higher quality services at an even lower cost, property must be
considered as a significant element on both sides of the formula,
quality and cost. Elected members and senior managers need to identify
and evaluate if and how property is contributing to value for money.
This can only be achieved if both groups are clear about how property
contributes to the authorities′ objectives. Establishes a broad
framework for considering property at the most strategic level so that
the senior management team are able to understand the costs and benefits
of their decisions and the impact on the property resource.
Property Management in Hong Kong
Authors: Baldwin Graeme
Published: July 2002

Describes research into the present position, involved parties and
future outlook for property management in Hong Kong. The practice of
property management follows traditional styles that can be observed in
other developed countries. The property management industry represents a
very small, but essential part of the overall property sector. The major
executants in Hong Kong are: property management agents in the private
sector; statutory bodies responsible for the management of properties
owned and developed by the public sector; and participatory building
management organizations.