bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality management and environment: exploring the connections
Authors: Lagrosen Stefan
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper concerns regional development of quality management. The purpose is to identify and describe environmental factors that governments can influence in order to facilitate the development of quality management in regions and nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a survey directed at the quality managers of industrial companies in the region of Götaland, Sweden. The data have been analysed using factor analysis.

Findings

The results in this paper indicate that human issues are most important for achieving regional quality development whereas physical infrastructure is less important.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has been based on Porter's diamond model. The implications of the results are that the human aspects of this framework are most important, particularly the attribute “firm strategy, structure and rivalry”. A tentative quality diamond model, which can provide a basis for further research, is proposed.

Practical implications

Regional and national leaders should focus on human aspects such as education, training and leadership in order to stimulate successful quality management. The proposed quality diamond model might be an aid in their effort to create an environment that is conducive for quality management.

Originality/value

The paper provides academia with added knowledge of the importance of different environmental factors for successful quality management. In addition, it provides valuable directions for regional and national leaders in their quest for higher quality.
Validation of the instrument IMAQE‐Food to measure effectiveness of food quality management
Authors: van der Spiegel M. , de Boer W.J. , Luning P.A. , Ziggers G.W. , Jongen W.M.F.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that manufacturers use several quality assurance systems to assure quality. This paper aims to describe the validation of IMAQE‐Food – an instrument that measures effectiveness of food quality systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Generalisability, reliability and validity of the instrument were analysed at a sample of 48 bakeries. Reliability and validity of variables were determined using a procedure based on Cronbach's alpha and rotated factor analysis. Generalisability of the instrument was examined by analysing characteristics of the bakery industry and by adapting the instrument for the vegetable and fruit‐processing sector.

Findings

The paper finds that IMAQE‐Food is a reliable and valid tool to assess effectiveness of quality systems in bakeries with more than ten employees. IMAQE‐Food appears to be also applicable for the vegetable and fruit‐processing sector.

Practical implications

It is shown in the paper that IMAQE‐Food will support food manufacturers in deciding which system is most suitable to achieve their objectives.

Originality/value

This paper will make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of food quality management by validating an instrument to measure effectiveness instead of compliance of norms or only measuring performance.
Librarians in the age of the internet: their attitudes and roles
Authors: Grazia Melchionda Maria
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of discussions and perceptions of librarians' roles in the literature of the last ten years within the context of the impact of the internet on their working life.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the appropriate literature was carried out, focusing on papers explicitly referring to changing roles of librarians and information professionals.

Findings

The literature review found evidence of contrasting attitudes on the part of librarians towards imposing networked and digital technologies in the information landscape. In the internet age librarians need to come to terms with a working environment that is always more dematerialised, and with their users' new information habits. It is apparent that they should be able to find a correct balance between traditional roles and new roles in order to let their professional category survive and continue to be a crucial and vital part in the information society.

Originality/value

An overview of the major themes and issues afforded by information professional since the spread of networked technologies within their working places is provided. It is neither supposed to raise technological issues nor to make an analysis of the latest services and resources for libraries, but rather to concentrate on the human aspects of this topic: perceptions, attitudes, fears and passions towards the internet in the professional life.
Turning an idea into a book
Authors: Hauke Petra
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to encourage both LIS teachers and LIS students to experiment with more interactive methods of teaching and learning. The example is taken from a series of seminars at Humboldt Universität Berlin, Department for Library and Information Science.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a report about a practical seminar, which involves students in the making of a book on a subject related to library science. It starts with the submission of an idea and sees the process through until the final hardcover book. In the seminar, students learn how to edit and prepare submitted articles for publication, how to secure financing and how to find a publisher.

Findings

LIS students are highly enthusiastic about these so‐called project seminars as they offer valuable practical experience that complements skills acquired in other more theoretical courses. In these seminars, they develop an in‐depth understanding of the subject of the volume they edit – through direct exposure to professional articles written by authors in their respective area of expertise in library science as well as in related fields.

Originality/value

These practical seminars prepare students for an academic career, including the skills needed for publishing or editing scientific books or articles. Further, they develop their understanding of quality aspects in the world of publishing. In addition to their role as editors of an anthology, they are exposed to professional librarians and authors outside the university, which is an additional bonus for their professional career prospects.
Building a culture of quality assurance in the libraries of the University of Ljubljana
Authors: Turk Nana
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine measures for assessing library performance from three perspectives: efficiency, effectiveness and service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts of the measurement of library performance are discussed in order to identify appropriate research methods for studying the libraries of the University of Ljubljana.

Findings

A set of performance indicators and a research method are suggested.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need for a practical solution of how to improve service quality in university libraries. The libraries of the University of Ljubljana are used as a case study.
South of the border: an American librarian attends the Guadalajara Book Fair 2006
Authors: Topper Elisa F.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the value of attending the Guadalajara Book Fair and a Sister Library program.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an overview by a public library director attending an international book fair and Sister Library program.

Findings

Attending the Guadalajara Book Fair is an invaluable experience not only for the attendee but for the library that the attendee represents. Participation in a Sister Library program is a cooperative venture that is beneficial to both parties.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the value of international collection development and networking, especially the Sister Library program.
IFLA in Seoul: the country, the culture, the conference
Authors: Bolt Nancy M.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the IFLA or World Library and Information Conference held in Seoul, in August 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a description of the environment and social setting of the conference together with a selection from the conference content.

Findings

IFLA is the key international forum for libraries and information professionals, and was useful and timely.

Originality/value

This brief conference report will be of value to library and information professionals worldwide.
Competitive advantage in the marketing of products within the enlarged European Union
Authors: Golob Urša , Podnar Klement
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse competitive advantage in relation to the formulation of competitive product marketing strategies in European Union (EU) firms. It considers how it is possible to gain a competitive advantage through different product strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on 18 EU member States (14 founding States and four new States that joined in 2004). To investigate the range of strategies is used by EU companies in both old and new member States, cluster, discriminant analysis and multiple comparison procedures are used.

Findings

The results show some differences in strategies between old and new EU member companies. Although a balanced strategy is most widely used in both groups, companies from new member states are fond of a price and quality mix whereas companies from the old member states favour a quality and distribution mix.

Research limitations/implications

A larger pool of competitive elements could provide more in‐depth insights. Thus, further research could include different internal and external factors that influence the choice of strategy.

Practical implications

To gain a more sustainable advantage in the new competitive milieu all EU member companies should be able to successfully integrate all marketing elements employed in the strategy.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into competitive strategies of EU member companies and a basis for monitoring the levels of competitiveness of member states and the competitive marketing practices of different companies within the EU.
Cross‐national differences in consumer response to the framing of advertising messages
Authors: Orth Ulrich R. , Koenig Harold F. , Firbasova Zuzana
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to examine how consumers in four Central European countries respond to positively and negatively framed message appeals in advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

Emotional, cognitive and attitudinal reactions to four advertisements for food products were collected from matched homogeneous student samples in Croatia, The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. In addition to analysis of variance, a comprehensive structural equation model was tested separately for each country.

Findings

The findings not only indicate different emotional, cognitive and attitudinal responses across countries, but additionally reveal differences in how positively versus negatively framed advertisements are being processed by consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Across countries, the intertwined roles of emotions and cognitions in affecting consumer attitudinal response were generally confirmed, suggesting cross‐cultural robustness of the underlying advertising‐processing framework. Future studies should employ larger consumer samples to verify the descriptive findings.

Practical implications

Advertisers and their clientele need to recognize that an advertisement that has been designed for an international audience featuring a specific frame may elicit a variety of emotional and attitudinal responses due to national differences between consumers. Neglecting even subtle national differences can lead to consumer misperceptions and may result in serious damage to the brand image

Originality/value

New insights and evidence have been generated showing that using one advertising campaign is questionable, if not potentially damaging to advertisers' efforts. The identification of differences in how consumers in selected countries respond to a perceived appeal also helps clarifying the general direction of future research, which should focus on the underlying mechanism responsible for differences in how appeals affect consumer emotional response in different countries.
An inquiry into the factors that impact on consumer appreciation of a board game
Authors: d'Astous Alain , Gagnon Karine
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Board games such as Monopoly and Scrabble enjoy a great deal of popularity among players of all ages. The objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of board games that impact significantly on players' appreciation.

Design/methodology/ approach

A review of the literature and a qualitative study with players and board game professionals resulted in the identification of seven explanatory factors. A survey was conducted among 169 adult players selected using an area sampling method.

Findings

The survey results revealed that the most important factor in explaining players' appreciation of a board game was the extent to which the game was able to make them fantasize and live uncommon experiences. The second factor in importance was the entertainment that is associated with playing a game. Some unexpected differences were found between male and female players. Whereas the surprise elements of a game had a positive impact on men's appreciation, they were not significant among women. In turn, the rhythm of the game had a positive effect on women's appreciation whereas it did not impact on men's appreciation.

Research limitations/implications

Players' perceptions were limited to board games with which they were familiar.

Practical implications

The results of this research offer some insights for the design and marketing of new board games. They indicate that the success of a new board game depends on the game's capacity to make players live a unique play experience and interact with other players. They also suggest that marketing communication should be adapted to the segments of male and female board game players.

Originality/value

This research brings useful knowledge about the factors that make consumers enjoy a board game.
Exploring consumer lying in information‐based exchanges
Authors: Horne Daniel R. , Norberg Patricia A. , Cemal Ekin A.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of two studies that explored consumer misrepresentation (lying) during personal information disclosure in a commercial context. Disclosure strategies and mediating processes that might influence lying were also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were carried out to examine the phenomenon of interest. The first study examined the extent of consumer lying in a consumer‐commercial exchange context, the variation of lying about different kinds of personal information and a classification of consumers in terms of disclosure tendencies. The second study examined two mediating processes that may drive lying behavior: cost‐benefit evaluations and fairness evaluations.

Findings

The findings suggest that individuals tend to falsify some items more than they do others, and, even in information categories that are not “personally identifying,” there is a high level of misrepresentation. It was also found that consumers can be grouped based on their disclosure strategy (lying, omitting, truthfully disclosing), and the strategy appears to be related to perceived experience with disclosure. Finally, it was found that the cost‐benefit of disclosure influences consumer lying, but fairness perceptions do not appear to influence lying behavior.

Practical implications

Based on the findings in this study, a percentage of information appears to be faulty. This brings into question data quality, in that good marketing decisions presumes good data. Information‐based marketing exchanges appear to be driven by cost‐benefit evaluations. If this is the case, then marketers should strive to ethically develop elicitation strategies that either reduce the perceived cost of consumer disclosure or increase consumers' perceptions of the value they receive in exchange for personal information.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information on consumer lying with regard to disclosing personal information in a commercial context.
The evaluation stage in the service elimination decision‐making process: evidence from the UK financial services sector
Authors: Argouslidis Paraskevas C.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to offer service practitioners evidence about: the factors that financial institutions consider in order to evaluate the impact on the entire company of an eventual decision to eliminate a financial service from the range; the degree of influence that these factors exert on management; and the contextual conditions that shape the above degree of influence.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 20 in‐depth interviews with higher echelon managers from an equal number of UK financial institutions and a mail survey of 112 specific elimination case histories from an equal number of UK banks, building societies and insurance companies.

Findings

The impact of a financial service's eventual elimination on the relationships of the company with its customers is rated as the most influential evaluation factor. Other influential evaluation factors are the impact on the public image of the financial institution and the impact on the sales and the profitability of other financial services in the range. However, the degree of influence is largely situation specific.

Practical implications

The implications are twofold. First, in managers' attempts to project the impact of a financial service's eventual elimination from the range they may avoid imitating competitors. Second, managers may avoid being mechanistic in evaluating the impact of eventual elimination decisions.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first empirical attempt to shed light on the way in which service companies evaluate the impact of a service's elimination from the range.
The federal alternative minimum tax and the library director's salary in New Jersey
Authors: Priestly Beatrice
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) portion of the annual federal income tax filing procedures is destined to have severe effects on the compensation and take home pay of senior management librarians. By examining the history of the AMT and typical principal librarian or director's salaries in New Jersey one can see the need to change the salary. The purpose of this article is to offer two additional proposed salaries for the director. One salary serves as an incremental improvement, the other serves as a step up to the executive status requisite for a position of such responsibility and effort.

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses the AMT and typical principal librarian or director's salaries in New Jersey.

Findings

Little difference is seen among the salary levels regarding typical monthly expenses after payroll deductions are made as a result of the effects of the AMT. If salaries are not changed to reflect an increase in discretionary funds commensurate with the position, the AMT formula will need to change.

Originality/value

Recommendations are provided for salary and AMT changes based on an analysis of expenses and tax code.
Budget systems used in allocating resources to libraries
Authors: Linn Mott
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide information about many different budgeting systems that are used to allocate resources to libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of methods of resource allocation are reviewed. The types of budgeting covered are incremental line‐item, formula, mathematical, zero‐based, program (including planning, programming, and budgeting systems), performance‐based, responsibility center, block‐incremental, and initiative‐based.

Findings

There are numerous types of budgeting systems and each of them functions differently.

Research limitations/implications

There are many variations of each of these basic types of budgeting systems. As a result, this article reviews the most prominent ones.

Practical implications

This is a very useful source of finding out the fundamentals of each of the basic kinds of budgeting systems. In addition, the article gives many references for finding out more about each of these methods.

Originality/value

This paper covers the various types of budgeting systems. This allows librarians to better understand the budgeting system they deal with so that they might better work with it to maximize their library's funding.
Economic realities in optimizing library materials access
Authors: Holt Glen E.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to provide an overview of the economic realities in optimizing library materials access.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a discussion and examples to illustrate the difficulties in optimizing library materials access.

Findings

Provides a catalyst for librarians to consider their collections' optimality.

Originality/value

Hopefully, the example will spark still more attention to how public, university, special and school libraries, along with local, state and federal governments, can cooperate to optimize access both to books and to ubiquitous information and knowledge in a time of falling communication prices.
Online communities
Authors: Maxymuk John
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore how new communication technologies could be used in a library.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the implications of using podcasts, blogs, and wikis in a library environment.

Findings

While the author remains skeptical of the widespread application of podcasts and vodcasts for most libraries due to the dry nature of the content generally on offer, there are exceptions with special collections, music and art libraries especially. Blogs and wikis present more potential to most libraries in disseminating the type of information and assistance that libraries tend to provide.

Originality/value

The article looks at how libraries could implement the use of podcasts, blogs, and wikis.
How important is the role of the chancellor in the appointment of Australian vice‐chancellors and university governance?
Authors: O'Meara Bernard , Petzall Stanley
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the role of the university chancellor in the appointment of Australian vice‐chancellors.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior to this research it was evident that little research had been undertaken on the role of the chancellor. While the chancellor chairs Council, the incumbent also presides over quite a complex selection process, including chairing the selection Panel, when the need to appoint a new VC arises. Research into the recruitment and selection practices used to appoint vice‐chancellors in Australia, undertaken as part of a PhD, yielded a wide range of useful material. The research also exposed some unexpected surprises, one of which was the role of the chancellor in the appointment process.

Findings

The chancellor not only appeared to lead these processes, as would be expected, but was viewed as the key, if not sole, person who determined the successful candidate. It was found that the relationship between the chancellor and vice‐chancellor was crucial and this was evident both in determining successful candidates and the decision for incumbents to seek a role elsewhere. However, in almost all cases the chancellor made the final decision when appointing a new VC. In some cases it appeared that selection panels considered their role as being simply to assist the chancellor to make a decision. This contrasted with the expectation that the panel as a whole would make a decision and recommend it to Council.

Originality/value

Thus understanding the role of the chancellor is important when considering university governance and VC succession. This paper provides the findings of the research highlighting the significance of the chancellor's role in the context of appointing a new VC.
Continuous quality improvement: integrating best practice into teacher education
Authors: Edmonds Carole
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a framework for continuous, quality, low cost professional development opportunities at the university level to improve the quality of the instructional practices and/or curriculum used in the teacher education program.

Design/methodology/approach

Background of the design, needs assessment and implementation of professional development (best practice seminars) based upon the established best practices principles is described.

Findings

Provides information about the various seminars that were held each year based upon the faculty needs assessment which is administered biennially. This needs assessment is developed based upon input from the yearly Beginning Teacher Assistance Program survey, P‐12 Regional Professional Development Center Advisory Group, current research and yearly goals set by university departments.

Practical implications

A useful framework for other colleges and universities to provide continuous, quality, low cost professional development opportunities. At the very least, these seminars will raise awareness of current instructional practices and curriculum that is currently being used in P‐12 schools to raise student achievement. Hopefully, these “best practice” seminars will change instructional practice and curriculum at the university level to improve teacher education programs.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need in the field of continuous quality improvement in the field of teacher education and offers a very useful framework for establishing a design to complete professional development at the university level.
The bubble strategy
Authors: Kawalek Peter
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe a “bubble strategy” to public sector change, based on the principles that a change initiative must be defensible and supportive of an alternative, entrepreneurial culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is developed through an action research case in Salford City Council, through which theory from technology innovation, change management and other sources is explored.

Findings

The paper finds that the managers developed a dynamic process wherein their ability to defend the new change initiative was primary. This required “under‐the‐radar” tactics that allowed different elements of the change initiative to grow before they were assessed or adopted by the wider organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper speculates on the ways in which the characteristics of the “bubble” could be adopted elsewhere. However, as an action research case, restrictions on the generalisability of the evidence are noted.

Practical implications

The “bubble” strategy is set out in its constituent parts and is thereby available for adoption elsewhere.

Originality/value

The strategy employed in the case is not documented elsewhere. The paper utilizes technology innovation theory and related literature like “skunk works”, outside their intended private sector context.
A choice of terminals: spatial patterning in computer laboratories
Authors: Spennemann Dirk , Cornforth David , Atkinson John
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the spatial patterns of student use of machines in each laboratory to whether there are underlying commonalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out by assessing the user behaviour in 16 computer laboratories at a regional university in Australia.

Findings

The study found that computers within easy access to doors are disproportionately more used than computer that are further away, irrespective of other “incentive” such as windows, wall anchoring or security camera positioning.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for any division within a university environment responsible for the spatial positioning of computer in a student laboratory.

Originality/value

Previous research of the use of computer laboratories in schools and universities has focussed on educational issues. None of the studies so far have considered matters of situational territoriality and spatial patterning that govern human behaviour.
MLearning: pedagogical, technical and organisational hypes and realities
Authors: Muyinda Paul B.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

There are two purposes to this article. First, to explore the hypes and realities around theoretical, technical and organisational aspects of the fast evolving field of MLearning as a complementary paradigm to online and classroom learning. Second, to review challenges and the future of MLearning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature related to: the mobile phone and learning with a view of bringing out its capabilities and capacities for use in learning; theories and pedagogies of learning with the view of imbuing them for MLearning; applications; and challenges of MLearning with a view of gauging its acceptability.

Findings

The development of successful MLearning solutions requires a better understanding of its pedagogical, technical and organizational setting in order to contextualise it for learner‐centeredness. Literature reveals that MLearning is taking root in all aspects of learning.

Practical implications

It is not only the rapid developments in mobile device technologies that will propel MLearning to maturity. Similar developments should take place in its theoretical, pedagogical and philosophical underpinnings.

Originality/value

This paper integrates different theoretical, technical and organizational requirements for understanding hypes and realities surrounding MLearning.
Access to reality: observations on observational methods
Authors: Gummesson Evert
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To bring to the fore, the importance of observational methods in research in marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis and reflective comments based on experience of the use of qualitative methods.

Findings

Research in marketing tends to stick to mainstream, verbal methods (words and numbers) which do not give deep enough access to marketing reality. As the bulk of communication is non‐verbal more use of observation, researcher involvement and direct experience is called for.

Research limitations/implications

Recommended use of more observational methods among researchers in marketing.

Practical implications

Closer access to marketing reality provided by observational methods can offer practitioners better market data and better marketing models and theory and thus an improved base for decisions and action.

Originality/value

Especially, to put demand on academic researchers and market research institutes to offer insights that go beyond mere words and numbers.
Mapping the mind for the modern market researcher
Authors: Senior Carl , Smyth Hannah , Cooke Richard , Shaw Rachel L. , Peel Elizabeth
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To describe the utility of three of the main cognitive neuroscientific techniques currently in use within the neuroscience community, and how they can be applied to the emerging field of neuromarket research.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief development of functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography and transcranial magnetic stimulation are described, as the core principles are behind their respective use. Examples of actual data from each of the brain imaging techniques are provided to assist the neuromarketer with subsequent data for interpretation. Finally, to ensure the neuromarketer has an understanding of the experience of neuroimaging, qualitative data from a questionnaire exploring attitudes about neuroimaging techniques are included which summarize participants' experiences of having a brain scan.

Findings

Cognitive neuroscientific techniques have great utility in market research and can provide more “honest” indicators of consumer preference where traditional methods such as focus groups can be unreliable. These techniques come with complementary strengths which allow the market researcher to converge onto a specific research question. In general, participants considered brain imaging techniques to be relatively safe. However, care is urged to ensure that participants are positioned correctly in the scanner as incorrect positioning is a stressful factor during an imaging procedure that can impact data quality.

Originality/value

This paper is an important and comprehensive resource to the market researcher who wishes to use cognitive neuroscientific techniques.
Can managers use handheld technologies to support salespeople?
Authors: Schlosser Francine K.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that sales managers use mobile technologies in the working environment to communicate and supportively monitor sales person performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of supervisor monitoring using mobile technologies is conceptualized that specifies the types of behaviours that promote high‐quality working relationships, how mobile technologies increase the likelihood of work‐to‐nonwork role spill‐over that may damage the relationship and why perceptions of supervisor fairness are critical. The paper concludes by presenting strategies for testing hypotheses and for researching mobile technology use by sales managers using qualitative and quantitative methods.

Findings

Mobile technology use, supervisory monitoring, and relationship development co‐exist in the current workplace. This research heightens awareness of how work‐to‐nonwork spillover may influence important outcomes of mobile technology usage. Perceptions of quality supervisor‐employee relationships are important to retaining and motivating employees. As the workforce ages and skilled workers become more scarce, it is expected that this theoretical examination and ensuing future research will be interesting and important to the twenty‐first century manager.

Originality/value

This paper aligns research in the areas of leadership, monitoring and ubiquitous or mobile technologies. Previous leadership researches have questioned whether or not the use of different electronic monitoring tools affects the leader's ability to influence others. However, few researchers have examined performance‐based monitoring using mobile technologies, although mobile technologies make it easier for sales managers to monitor non‐traditional work arrangements (i.e. off‐site or contracted work). Furthermore, past research has been inconsistent in explaining how employees view information‐gathering or monitoring by their managers.
Genetic algorithms for total weighted expected tardiness integrated preventive maintenance planning and production scheduling for a single machine
Authors: Sortrakul Navadon , Cassady C. Richard
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to improve solution procedures for solving a larger version of the integrated preventive maintenance planning and production scheduling model with a total weighted expected tardiness objective function introduced in a 2003 paper by Cassady and Kutanoglu using a genetic algorithm heuristic procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, heuristics based on genetic algorithms are developed to solve the integrated model.

Findings

The performance of the proposed genetic algorithm heuristics are evaluated using multiple instances of several problem sizes. The results indicate that the proposed genetic algorithms can effectively be used to solve the integrated problem.

Practical implications

The heuristics presented in this paper significantly improve the ability of the decision‐maker to consider larger instances of the integrated model. One may ask, “how significant is that improvement?” The answer depends on the specific industrial context under consideration and the definition of a “job”.

Originality/value

Typically, production scheduling and preventive maintenance planning is planned and executed independently in spite of the inter‐dependent relationship between them. However, the 2003 paper by Cassady and Kutanoglu demonstrates the benefit of using the integrated model to solve these two problems simultaneously. However, their solution procedure is limited to small problems (6‐jobs or less). Therefore, this study intends to improve the solution procedure to solve larger instances of the problem.
Improving the corrective maintenance of an electronic system for trains
Authors: Viles E. , Puente D. , Alvarez M.J. , Alonso F.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the availability of the trains managed by an electronic communications system. This is an important point because for a train controlled by a system like this, a failure in a critical component can cause the train to become inoperable.

Design/methodology/approach

A functional network was developed for the communication systems of trains. The network makes it clear how the product works and it helps to easily track a failure in the system. A functional study was also carried out. Finally, based on the functional network and the functional study a tool was built for the improvement of the corrective maintenance.

Findings

A new tool has been developed for communications systems for trains which simplifies and optimizes the corrective maintenance. It could also be used with other systems or equipment. It is especially useful for complex products where preventive maintenance is difficult to apply.

Practical implications

The availability of trains in service should be as close to 100 per cent as possible. Manufacturers of these systems are required to establish adequate maintenance criteria in order to care for the financial health of railway companies. FAM has been designed to help the maintenance team carry out the corrective maintenance of a communications system for trains, however it is a common tool that could be useful for the maintenance of other complex systems.

Originality/value

The developed tool makes repairs easier and speeds the maintenance process improving the availability and savings costs. In addition it could be used as a generator of information and be useful for the development of new designs.
State probabilities of a float system
Authors: Lopes I.S. , Leitão A.L.F. , Pereira G.A.B.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the state probabilities for a float system when overhauls are performed periodically.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a model is developed to express the relationship between the rate of occurrence of failure and time interval between overhauls. Then, a methodology is defined to develop differential equations for each system state in order to calculate corresponding system state probabilities.

Findings

Since it is considered that units requiring an overhaul stay in operation until replacement, the possibility of failure of those units has to be included. Then, the determination of system state probabilities has to be done iteratively.

Practical implications

The methodology proposed in this paper enables comparison of different designs for a float system submitted to periodic overhauls through some different performance measures. System state probabilities can also be used to determine the idle time of units, which is essential to obtain the cost of production loss and, therefore, the system maintenance cost.

Originality/value

This paper considers simultaneously three different factors that influence maintenance float system performance: the number of spare units and the number of maintenance crews (which mean minimising the downtime effect) and the overhaul frequency (which means decreasing the number of failures).
Organizational culture and knowledge sharing: critical success factors
Authors: Ismail Al‐Alawi Adel , Yousif Al‐Marzooqi Nayla , Fraidoon Mohammed Yasmeen
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This research aims at investigating the role of certain factors in organizational culture in the success of knowledge sharing. Such factors as interpersonal trust, communication between staff, information systems, rewards and organization structure play an important role in defining the relationships between staff and in turn, providing possibilities to break obstacles to knowledge sharing. This research is intended to contribute in helping businesses understand the essential role of organizational culture in nourishing knowledge and spreading it in order to become leaders in utilizing their know‐how and enjoying prosperity thereafter.

Design/methodology/approach

The conclusions of this study are based on interpreting the results of a survey and a number of interviews with staff from various organizations in Bahrain from the public and private sectors.

Findings

The research findings indicate that trust, communication, information systems, rewards and organization structure are positively related to knowledge sharing in organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The authors believe that further research is required to address governmental sector institutions, where organizational politics dominate a role in hoarding knowledge, through such methods as case studies and observation.

Originality/value

Previous research indicated that the Bahraini society is influenced by traditions of household, tribe, and especially religion of the Arab and Islamic world. These factors define people's beliefs and behaviours, and thus exercise strong influence in the performance of business organizations. This study is motivated by the desire to explore the role of the national organizational culture on knowledge sharing, which may be different from previous studies conducted abroad.
Creating and executing an internal communications plan for knowledge management systems deployments
Authors: O'Sullivan Kevin J.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to identify and define an internal communications plan that may assist in the successful deployment of a knowledge management system.

Design/methodology/approach

This article focuses on communications strategies that may be adopted by organizations deploying knowledge management systems where resistance to the implementation of such systems may exist. Such resistance may be a result of issues such as trust, organizational culture and misunderstandings as to the nature of knowledge management and knowledge management systems. An internal communications plan is proposed with a focus on knowledge management systems which details target audiences, timing strategies and suggests possible media solutions including traditional collaterals and conversational support technologies to facilitate improved deployments of such systems.

Findings

The article proposes a framework of communications methodologies, timings and target audiences to be considered during the deployment, pilot and pre‐pilot phases of a KM system implementation. It concludes by discussing the opportunities to use conversational technologies in deploying KM systems to knowledge workers.

Originality/value

The deployment issues raised in this article are expected to be of value to KM system developers, project managers, systems analysts, business executives and academic researchers.
Measuring to learn whilst learning to measure
Authors: Parsons John
Published: March 2007

Purpose

A measurement system that strives to close the gaps between measures, vision and culture by aligning the cognitive and affective domains will address all the substantive measurement issues faced by leaders in complex organizations, thereby enabling the potential for organizational learning, enhanced decision making and sustainable performance improvement to be realized. This paper aims to explore the key technical (strategic) and social (cultural) issues that underpin the design and implementation of such integrated systems and the supporting tools and techniques available.

Design/methodology/approach

This article analyses measurement systems and how they apply to decision makers.

Findings

The paper identifies vision, culture and measures as the elements of performance that must be aligned, highlighting the key dangers of misalignment and necessary remedial actions.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the importance of an organization's vision, culture and measures, and the need for the measurement system to address the cognitive (learning to measure) and affective (measuring to learn) domains. It defines new roles for practitioners and highlights the dangers that these bring despite the potential benefits for decision‐makers.
Challenging conventional wisdom related to defining business metrics: a behavioral approach
Authors: Buytendijk Frank A.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Measurement drives behavior. Unfortunately, most performance measurement initiatives overlook this fact. Implementations are performed top‐down with strategy as the starting‐point. There needs to be a better understanding of the cultural context of the metrics (What is driving the behaviors?) and a better understanding of what metrics are to define (How do we drive the right behaviors through measurement?). The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion of a context‐based approach to performance metrics – by examining an organization's negative values – and the notion of a content‐based approach – by introducing the concept of business interface metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

The article analyses business metrics.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the need to use interface metrics in order to better manager processes and deliver organizational values.

Originality/value

To get new insights, sometimes conventional wisdom needs to be challenged. Following best practices around metrics can prevent companies from reflecting on the effect of the metrics they are trying to put in place. By coming up with a different approach (business interface metrics and negative values), interesting insights can be gained. Moreover, taking a fresh approach ensures that new thinking takes place and that there are fewer conformist paths to fall back on.
Viability as a basis for performance measurement
Authors: Hoverstadt Patrick , Kendrick Ian , Morlidge Steve
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The paper sets out to apply the concepts of cybernetics and the control of probabilistic systems to the issue of performance measurement within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional approaches to Performance Measurement have been based on a mechanistic “target‐plan‐variance” model that was introduced into mainstream management practice in the 1950s. It has been subject to criticism from within both the academic and practitioners community over the last 50 years but has proved remarkably resistant to change. Systems ideas, particularly those emanating in the field of cybernetics, have not been successfully applied in this field because, it is argued, the concepts have been misunderstood and falsely blamed for the perceived failings of conventional practice.

Findings

The paper identifies the shortcomings in “tradition” approaches to performance measurement in organizations and demonstrates how the application of cybernetics concepts can address these shortcomings.

Originality/value

Contrary to received wisdom in parts of the academic community, cybernetics potentially provides the intellectual building‐blocks for a new paradigm, based on a fundamental appreciation of what is required to manage the interdependencies between an organization and its environment and between its constituent parts. It holds the promise of developing a set of practice that is not only more efficient and effective as a control philosophy, but also more sensitive to the human need for self‐determination in the workplace.