bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of family culture on eating in low income families
Authors: Mackereth Catherine J. , Milner Susan J.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of family culture on eating in families with low incomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 32 couples were investigated using semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

A central, core category emerged from the data around family culture and families could be identified into different groups or types. These groups were labelled “individualist” where families cooked what was easy, quick and cheap to prepare. The “subordinated” families were particularly restrained by lack of time and resources and usually ate whatever was available.

Research limitations/implications

The results should be regarded as illustrative and no statistical inferences have been made due to the sampling methodology.

Practical implications

The findings highlight that communities are diverse and any health promotion should be directed in accordance with these differences, instead of using the “one type fits all” approach which is predominantly used in work with low‐income families.

Originality/value

This paper helps people understand family culture and challenges the notion that people from lower socio‐economic groups do not eat healthily. Further research based on the present research study has already commenced.
Consumer understanding of UK salt intake advice
Authors: Marshall Stephanie , Bower John A. , Schröder Monika J.A.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of consumer information and advice issued by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) in terms of consumer understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 118 female respondents in Scotland completed a questionnaire investigating their knowledge about the role of dietary salt and testing their understanding of educational material supplied by the FSA.

Findings

A significant proportion (p<0.01) of the respondents considered themselves to be health conscious and nutritionally aware, but they were less aware of their salt intake and specific “salt in the diet” details prior to FSA information.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a convenience sample of relatively advantaged consumers, so that further work is required with more vulnerable consumers.

Originality/value

A survey tool was employed that may be adapted to evaluate consumer information campaigns in any area of food policy.
Semi‐synthetic motor oils derived from high paraffinic petroleum base stock
Authors: Sejidov F.T. , Mansoori Y.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To prepare semi‐synthetic oils satisfying the classification API SF/CC and SAE 10W30 from mineral base oils derived from high paraffinic petroleum, synthetic alkylbenzenes base oils, and suitable additives.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixtures of base mineral oils of deep hydro‐isomerization derived from high‐paraffinic petroleum (viscosity at 100°C is 12.5 cSt) and the mixtures of the synthetic alkyl aromatics oils with the naphthenic components (viscosity at 100°C of 8.0 cSt) were used as base oil. viscosity‐temperature properties, pour points, and flash points were modified by mixing of suitable additives. Octan M‐1, Octan M‐2, Octan M‐3, and Octan M‐4 oils were obtained by application of suitable additives into the prepared base oils B‐C. In order to get the SAE 10W30 requirements the viscous additive was added (0.4‐0.6 mass percent) to prepared base oils. For obtaining the API/SF/CC grade oils, package additive (Hitec 9229) additive was added (4.7 mass percent) to the mixture. The oil (Octan M‐1) was tested in the engine of Mercedes‐Benz model 230 car and positive results over 20,000 km running.

Findings

It was observed that, viscosities and pour points change linearly as the mass percent of alkylbenzenes the in the base oil mixture is changed. This realizes the possibility of the creation of semi‐synthetic motor oil of desired properties in the case of lack of other low‐viscosity synthetic component such as poly‐á‐olefins, diester and polyester oil. The obtained oils are useful for service in relatively mild climatic conditions (average temperature of the winter period −15 to −30°C).

Research limitations/implications

The obtained oils cannot fully satisfy the requirements of the engines by pour point and low‐temperature characteristics in the absence of additives.

Practical implications

Because of complexity of obtained mixture, it was impossible to study the structure and composition of the obtained products by modern techniques such as high field NMR spectroscopy.

Originality/value

Details practical information on preparation of four semi‐synthetic oils satisfying the classification API SF/CC are reported.
From foundation to honours degree: the student experience
Authors: Greenbank Paul
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how students from foundation degrees (FDs) run at local further education colleges coped (academically and to a lesser extent psychologically) with the transition to a final year honours degree at a university.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the experience of FD graduates who joined the final year of a full‐time BSc (Hons) in Business and Management at Edge Hill University. The study utilised questionnaires and focus groups with the FD graduates. It also involved interviews with the lecturers at Edge Hill and the programme managers of the foundation degrees.

Findings

The study found that the transition from foundation to honours degree created considerable levels of stress for the students. This largely arose because of the different approaches to teaching and learning adopted in further and higher education. In particular, Edge Hill adopted a more academic approach; there was less support; and there was a greater emphasis on independent learning. This paper identifies the need for more support for students making the transition from foundation to honours degrees. It also discusses different options for improving the transition process and highlights issues requiring further research and debate.

Originality/value

The experience of students making the transition from foundation degrees to honours degrees is under‐researched. This paper addresses this gap in the research. It will be of interest to policy makers, those involved in delivering foundation degrees and those recruiting FD graduates on to their honours programmes.
Employer co‐funded training in the UK
Authors: Thomas Rhodri , Parsons David , Barry John , Rowe Valerie
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine the contribution of employer co‐funding of publicly‐funded vocational education and training in the UK (i.e. training initiatives that are available to all qualified applicants but funded jointly by the public and private sectors).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on qualitative research undertaken with more than 30 employers in a cross‐section of economic sectors.

Findings

The evidence from this study suggests that there is no model for how and why employers start to become engaged in co‐funding publicly‐funded training.

Originality/value

The paper identifies key issues for public policy‐makers.
New perspectives on labour market intervention
Authors: Lange Thomas , Georgellis Yannis
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To introduce the papers which make up a special issue of IJM on labour market intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

Briefly describes each of the five papers which comprise this issue of IJM.

Findings

Notes that the study contexts of the papers are New Zealand, the UK, Sweden, West Germany, and 14 member countries of the EU.

Originality/value

The papers provide an international overview of contemporary, empirical findings on the effectiveness of various types of labour market intervention.
Evaluating active labour market programmes in New Zealand
Authors: Perry Geoff , Maloney Tim
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The aims of this paper are to measure the impacts of subsidy, work experience and training programmes on New Zealand male registered unemployed, and to examine the sensitivity of these estimates to the amount of time that participants are followed after an intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of an intervention on those who participate in an active labour market programme is the key question addressed in this paper. A New Zealand panel data set is used, which includes both intervention and individual characteristics of the unemployed. Both a potential outcomes and single nearest‐neighbour difference‐in‐differences matching approach are used to estimate the impact of participation.

Findings

The key findings are that work experience programmes are the most effective in the short‐term. Training programmes are the least effective. Programmes are more effective for the long‐term unemployed than for short‐term unemployed. The results are sensitive to the point of time examined in the post‐intervention period, with short‐term benefits disappearing completely three years after the intervention.

Originality/value

This paper examines the relative effect of active labour market programmes in New Zealand using a consistent evaluation framework. The sensitivity of the results to different time periods, and matching estimator specifications are examined.
Active labour market policy in Scotland: does it make a difference?
Authors: Adams John , Thomas Ray
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to show that active labour market policies in Scotland over a nine‐year period have failed to meet key policy objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the UK national online manpower information system (NOMIS) to conduct a detailed statistical analysis of the spatial differentials in exits from and entry to unemployment across 72 Parliamentary constituencies. The analysis is conducted by reference to the concepts of convergence, NAIRU and hysterisis.

Findings

The findings suggest a presence of hysterisis and absence of spatial convergence such that some areas in Scotland have become worse off in terms of the risk of unemployment and despite active labour market intervention.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to be undertaken at the micro‐spatial level to confirm these findings and to focus on the weaknesses in the design of active labour market policies.

Practical implications

Active labour market policies in Scotland do not work in terms of reducing the risk of unemployment. Policy needs to focus on creating demand for labour rather than an almost exclusive reliance on “promoting” the supply‐side.

Originality/value

The key contribution of this paper is that it is the first to provide a detailed analysis of the Government's own data on unemployment distribution – it should be of value to both academicians and policy makers in terms of both analytical approach and policy design.
Intervention at the level of the firm
Authors: Georgellis Yannis , Lange Thomas
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to assess the determinants and impact of employer sponsored further training on wage growth in West Germany over the period 1992 to 2002.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a descriptive narrative on further training and wages in Germany, data derived from the West German sub‐sample of the German Socio‐Economic Panel is being utilised, which has the main advantage of providing detailed information about the respondents' labour market histories prior to and after 1992. The information provides powerful predictors, controlling for the endogeneity of the training participation decision when estimating a wage growth equation. To assess the impact of training on wages, Heckman selectivity corrected wage equations are used, with the selection being based on a probit model for the probability that an individual receives firm‐sponsored training.

Findings

The analysis provides details of significant gender differences in both, the incidence and earnings impact of further training. The results show that further training has a strong positive effect on wages. However, gender inequality issues remain a salient feature of the German training system, which further training only reinforces. The analysis also suggests that the economic conditions during Germany's post‐unification period may have mitigated some of the potential benefits of further training on wage growth.

Originality/value

Despite its growing importance, the determinants and earnings impact of employer‐sponsored, further training have attracted little attention in the empirical literature. Even less is known about the impact of further training during Germany's post‐unification period. This paper adds value by contributing to this fledgling field of investigation.
A new integrated robot vision system from FANUC Robotics
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To report on developments in robotic vision by a particular robot manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines FANUC Robotics' philosophy and history of integrated vision, describes its latest offering, and looks at the specification of the new robot controller.

Findings

The new robot controller incorporates image processing hardware and software, including calibration procedures. The intelligent robot responds to changes in its surroundings, eliminating the need for jigs and part‐alignment devices and broadening its capabilities.

Originality/value

Presents the intelligent robot as a practical tool in factory automation.
Robotics Industry Forum – 2006
Authors: Wilson Mike
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To review the Robotics Industry Forum, held in November 2006 in Orlando, Florida.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews some highlights of the forum.

Findings

The format of the event provides for various presentations on a range of topics from robotics in the automotive industry to advances in the development of robot technology, analysis of economic trends and their influences on the robot industry to the opportunities and challenges of new markets such as China.

Originality/value

Provides information of value to all those involved with robotics in manufacturing.
Improving the mechanical design of new staircase wheelchair
Authors: Gonzalez RodriÂguez Antonio , Morales Herrera Rafael , Feliu Batlle Vicente , Pintado Sanjuan Publio
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new stair‐climbing wheelchair that tries to solve adaptability problems of previous prototypes.

Design/methodology/approach

A new prototype has been built using a new strategy. The climbing process is splint into two subproblems: climbing a single step and positioning the wheels on the staircase.

Findings

An optimized solution has been found for each subproblem, due to this the presented prototype is able to climb any staircase built according to standards, has a high capacity load and its stable equilibrium is always guaranteed.

Research limitations/implications

The presented prototype is able to climb a parallel staircase; future works will try to solve the non parallel staircase climbing problem.

Practical implications

The practical application is to build an industrial new model of wheelchair that allows handicapped people to increase their mobility.

Originality/value

The principal value of the paper consists in using two independent mechanical solutions to solve the subproblems that appear when the stair‐climbing problem is split.
Robot prototyping in the design of food processing machinery
Authors: Davis Steve , Casson John W. , Moreno Masey Rene J. , King Martin , Gray John O. , Caldwell Darwin G.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Aims to show how robots can be used to prototype and prove key handling operations during the design of food processing machines. This can reduce both development time and costs.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of examples of the use of robots during the design of food processing machinery are presented in the areas of product handling, product manipulation and product packing. In each example simple grippers were mounted to robots allowing complex manipulations to be performed and rapidly tested allowing a favourite to identified.

Findings

Finds that robot prototyping and proving allows mechanisms to be assessed rapidly and at low cost and reduces the number of design modifications needed before final production.

Research limitations/implications

Provides examples of how the technique can be used in all stages of food production, particularly the grasping of products considered difficult to handle.

Practical implications

Provides a method of reducing the development cost of new food processing machinery and allow key operations to be proved without the need to construct full prototype machines.

Originality/value

Introduces the concept of using robots to prototype and prove operations found within food processing machinery. The paper is of value to both researches investigating the handling of food products and manufacturers of automation for the food industry.
Towards a new mobility concept for cities: architecture and programming of semi‐autonomous electric vehicles
Authors: Rocha Rui , Cunha António , Varandas Joaquim , Dias Jorge
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on cybernetic transportation systems (CTS) due to their effectiveness for solving mobility problems in cities. A new mobility concept is proposed which allows to attain the same flexibility of the private passenger car but with much less nuisances. It is based on small semi‐autonomous electric vehicles, which may be used to complement mass public transportation, by providing passenger service for any location at any time.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of automatic guided vehicles for public transportation are described. Two different control paradigms of the fleet are compared: centralized vs distributed control.

Findings

The pros and cons of both control approaches are highlighted so as to support decisions about the configuration of a CTS for people transportation on public places.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new offer of transportation for people in short path cities downtown or public gardens, in order to move people based on sustainable and efficient public transportation systems.
Routes towards supplier and production network internationalisation
Authors: Camuffo Arnaldo , Furlan Andrea , Romano Pietro , Vinelli Andrea
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate routes towards supplier and production network internationalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case‐study analysis has been applied to a sample of 11 Italian footwear and apparel companies with headquarters located in the North‐east of Italy. Within and cross‐case analyses illustrate and compare how these firms relocated one or more segments of their supplier and production networks to Romania.

Findings

The findings support theories that view internationalisation as an incremental process of experiential knowledge accumulation. The case studies suggest that firms undertake three different routes towards supplier and production network internationalisation: traditional subcontracting; co‐ordinated subcontracting; and supply system relocation. These routes' typology is grounded on an original model, which is the theoretical contribution of the paper, which elaborates Johanson and Vahlne's framework adding two variables: the nature of the technological knowledge that needs to be transferred to run the foreign operations and the nature of the customer‐supplier (CS) interaction context of the focal firm.

Research limitations/implications

The characteristics of the model proposed set the boundaries of the research approach and suggest new avenues for further research. First, the model rests on the idea that no firm can fully control the dynamics of its international network, since these are an emergent process. Consequently, the study does not provide practitioners with a rigid set of normative indications about what factors to consider when designing international supply networks. Secondly, the model does not consider all the factors that impact on the internationalisation of the supplier and production network. Finally, the model is not evolutionary and does not assess the relationships between the internationalisation process (its timing, speed, etc.) and firms' performance.

Practical implications

The typology can support managers when framing the problem of choosing among different routes of supplier and production network internationalisation. Furthermore, the findings suggest that these decisions are influenced by the nature of the technological knowledge involved and the CS interaction context.

Originality/value

The paper extends the theory of the supply network internationalisation process, proposing a model that captures the variables actually involved in such a process and their dynamic relationships.
Mentoring minority graduate students: issues and strategies for institutions, faculty, and students
Authors: Thomas Kecia M. , Willis Leigh A. , Davis Jimmy
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine mentoring relationships involving minority graduate students in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors take a multifaceted approach to providing strategies to improve the opportunities of minority students to acquire mentors by directing attention to institutional practices, faculty development, and the behaviors of students themselves.

Findings

Mentoring relationships provide critical personal and professional development opportunities throughout one's career. These relationships are especially important for racial minorities who often lack access to informal networks and information that is required to be successful in academic and professional environments in which they are under‐represented. The lack of mentors for minority graduate students is important to consider given the potential impact of this experience for minority graduate students’ retention and subsequent success, but also for the future diversity of the discipline (especially its instruction and research). This article identifies the challenges that minority graduate students confront in establishing healthy mentoring relationships, and the unfortunate outcomes of when minority graduate students lack productive mentoring relationships.

Originality/value

The paper provides a multilevel analysis of mentoring of minority graduate students.
The influence of gender role on negotiation development and outcome
Authors: Canet‐Giner M. Teresa , Carmen Saorín‐Iborra M.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to analyze the effect of gender differences on negotiation behaviour choice and, consequently, on its outcome. The analysis undertaken is first defined by distinguishing between sex and gender role. It gender role and not biological sex the factor that can have a direct impact on behaviour. With a contextual perspective, we have chosen the negotiation processes of strategic alliances as our contextual framework of analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a qualitative methodology, particularly case study analysis.

Findings

A higher degree of complexity increases the perception of ambiguity, which then leads to the influence of gender in the negotiation. Androgynous profiles act favourably in nurturing clearly integrative behaviour, whilst when the profile more closely resembles the masculine stereotype, behaviour tends to be more competitive, though attenuated. Acting in the best interests of the firm, and the fact that negotiators normally belong to the higher echelons of management, favours the adoption of this integrative behaviour. Lastly, it can be observed that competitive behaviour results in less favourable outcomes than an integrative approach in a cooperation agreement.

Originality/value

The proposal bring to the attention of managers the importance of choosing the individuals that are going to negotiate the strategic alliance correctly, in order to achieve better outcomes and to smooth the path towards good performance in the future.
A conversation with Joan Acker on her work, motivations, and suggestions for future researchers
Authors: Bell Myrtle P.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Joan Acker's scholarship and activism has affected the study of equality, diversity, and inclusion in many ways. The purpose of this paper is to present an interview with Joan Acker in which she shares some of the individual and societal influences on her work.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on an interview with Joan Acker conducted on 22 September 2006.

Findings

Joan Acker's observations of and questioning of inequality began when she observed racial inequality as she grew up in the Midwestern USA in the 1940s. As she matured, Acker continued observing and questioning inequality based on race, gender, and class. As a scholar and activist, and now Professor Emeritus at the University of Oregon (USA), Acker's work continues to influence scholars and activists.

Originality/value

This article provides insights into the influences that have shaped Acker's work on gender, race, class, and inequality and should be inspiring to others working in the field.
The Southern Management Association looks at gender and diversity
Authors: Gayle Baugh S.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to review research on gender and diversity issues that was presented at the recent meeting of the Southern Management Association in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The Southern Management Association, a regional affiliate of the Academy of Management, draws participants primarily, although not exclusively, from the southern states in the USA. The papers covering topics relevant to gender and diversity are summarized.

Findings

The diversity related papers presented at this conference were included in a number of tracks other than the diversity track, suggesting an increasing acceptance of diversity research in “mainstream” management research. The forms of diversity investigated included age, ethnicity, and gender, leaving out “invisible” forms of diversity as religion, sexual orientation, or some types of disability.

Originality/value

The research presented at this conference gives some insight into the issues of gender and diversity as they are perceived and investigated by researchers who generally are attached to smaller colleges and universities, rather than the major research institutions, in the USA.
Masculinities at work
Authors: Besen Yasemin
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overall review of the literature on masculinities and work and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing research in understanding men's work as well as pointing to new direction for work.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive, in‐depth review of the literature on men and work.Findings– Findings identify three main strands of research on men and work. The existing research focuses on the role of men as breadwinners, the effects of work for masculine identity and the economic benefits of men's work.

Research limitations/implications

The in‐depth survey of the literature provides the unique, empirical opportunity observe the strengths and weaknesses of existing literature. While extensive studies exists on adult men, teenage boys’ labor has rarely been problematized.

Practical implications

The paper provides a very useful source of information on masculinities and work and offers a new direction for future research on the topic.

Originality/value

This paper offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature of masculinities in the workplace. It identifies the general sub‐areas of research, and offers a neglected yet crucial part of the workforce: teenage boys as a virtually unexplored area for future research.
Workload factors impacting managers
Authors: Marsh Robert F. , Blau Shawn
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to identify elements of lean production that may be applicable to managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 125 middle and lower level managers to assess perceptions about level of workload and amount of workload control. Principal components analysis was employed to identify primary factors.

Findings

Five primary factors accounted for 56 percent of total variance. The principal factors corresponded to the lean production concepts of work in process level, empowerment, and non value‐added time.

Originality/value

These middle and lower level managers identified five primary factors that accounted for 56 percent of the variance in their self‐reported levels of workload and control. Three of these factors correspond to existing metrics that have been utilized in lean production in industry.
Characteristics associated with CEO success: perceptions of CEOs and their staff
Authors: Wood John , Vilkinas Tricia
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to identify the characteristics that successful CEOs possess and demonstrate, as perceived by both the CEOs and their staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty CEOs and 38 staff members who reported directly to them were involved. There were two parts to the research – questionnaire and interviews. The leadership questionnaire was completed by both groups, who were then interviewed to further explore the characteristics these successful CEOs did possess and demonstrated.

Findings

Characteristics identified as important for success were a humanistic approach, achievement orientation, a positive outlook, a sense of integrity, inclusiveness and learning and self‐awareness. Both the CEOs and their staff agreed that the CEOs did possess all these characteristics, some to a greater extent than others. They also agreed that the six characteristics were effectively demonstrated by the CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

To date, research on the characteristics that CEOs need to possess has been very limited. This study was the first to take a comprehensive approach to identify the characteristics CEOs need to possess and did demonstrate. It is also one of the few studies that has involved both CEOs and their staff. As this was an exploratory study, it is important that it be replicated in a larger population of CEOs.

Practical implications

The characteristics identified in this paper can be used to select and develop CEOs.

Originality/value

The paper would be of value to future CEOs and to those charged with the responsibility for the selection and development of CEOs.
Effects of upward feedback on leadership behaviour toward subordinates
Authors: van Dierendonck Dirk , Haynes Clare , Borrill Carol , Stride Chris
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To investigate the influence of participating in an upward feedback program on leadership behaviour, both as indicated be self‐ratings and subordinates' ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design consisted of two measurement points within six months. The program included managers receiving an upward feedback report and a short workshop to facilitate interpretation. A sample of 45 managers and 308 staff members of a community health care organization took part.

Findings

The study showed three results. First, managers lack insight into the real impact of their behavior. Second, only a small positive effect was found of the upward feedback program on the leadership behaviour as rated by their staff in terms of valuing diversity. Third, the managers' self‐ratings of Presenting feedback, Fairness and Integrity & respect decreased between Time 1 and Time 2.

Originality/value

The study points towards the need for HRM professionals to carefully implement upward feedback programs in order to have a real impact on the development of managers.
Integrating leadership development and succession planning best practices
Authors: Groves Kevin S.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Organizations often fail to utilize managerial personnel effectively for leadership development and succession planning systems, and many execute these critical practices through separate human resource functions that shift the responsibility for leadership development away from line managers. The purpose of this article is to present a best practices model for optimal development of the leadership pipeline and a series of practical recommendations for organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of 30 CEOs and human resource executives across 15 best practice organizations were asked via semi‐structured interviews to describe the content and delivery of their respective organizations' leadership development and succession planning practices.

Findings

Analysis of interview data indicated that best practice organizations effectively integrate leadership development and succession planning systems by fully utilizing managerial personnel in developing the organization's mentor network, identifying and codifying high potential employees, developing high potentials via project‐based learning experiences and manager‐facilitated workshops, establishing a flexible and fluid succession planning process, creating organization‐wide forums for exposing high potential employees to multiple stakeholders, and establishing a supportive organizational culture.

Research limitations/implications

The interview data are drawn from a relatively small number of executives and from a single industry, which may limit the overall utility of the findings.

Originality/value

This study offers needed empirical support for the value of integrating leadership development and succession planning practices through utilization of managerial personnel. Management development practitioners will benefit from assessing their respective organizations' current practices vis‐à‐vis those discussed here, while scholars may utilize the best practices model for generating further research on the role of managerial personnel in talent management systems.
Strategic marketing plans and collaborative networks
Authors: Fava Neves Marcos
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a new framework for the marketing planning process that is better adjusted to the modern operational environment, with particular emphasis on the exploitation of collaborative “company networks” in optimising the potential of the plan.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the academic literature of marketing planning, three participant‐observation case studies and a focus group, the latter two in Brazil, provided the conceptual input for a very detailed stepwise model for marketing planning in a network environment.

Findings

The new model, including its focus on collaborative action, earned considerable support among participants in the second and third phases of the research. The plan itself was found to be applicable in practice. Obstacles to the achievement of collaborating networks were identified, and solutions are proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The study proposes and tentatively tests a systematic, sequential framework for marketing planning. It also casts light on networks and working relationships from an unusual angle, which may be transferable to other contexts. Suggestions for further research mainly concern the application and testing of the new model in practice. Limitations concern the representativeness of the case‐study and focus‐group respondents, and the timescale.

Practical implications

The major managerial implication of this research study is the planning instrument it proposes and, tentatively, tests. It holds the promise of more making marketing budgets work harder, via more systematic planning and exploitation of the power of networks.

Originality/value

The proposed model differs from other marketing planning frameworks in treating the company to which it is applied as member of a network, not an individual. The study took place in a very large “second‐world” economy, a setting very different from those in which conventional marketing plans have been proposed and applied.
RFID‐enabled traceability in the food supply chain
Authors: Kelepouris Thomas , Pramatari Katerina , Doukidis Georgios
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to study the main requirements of traceability and examine how the technology of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can address these requirements. It further seeks to outline both an information data model and a system architecture that will make traceability feasible and easily deployable across a supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The design research approach is followed, associating traceability requirements to a proposed system design.

Findings

The technological approach used has great implications in relation to the cost associated with a traceability system and the ease of its deployment.

Research limitations/implications

Validation of the proposed information data model and system architecture is required through practical deployment in different settings.

Practical implications

The paper provides practitioners with insight on how RFID technology can meet traceability requirements and what technological approach is more appropriate.

Originality/value

Food quality has become an important issue in the last decade. However, achieving end‐to‐end traceability across the supply chain is currently quite a challenge from a technical, a co‐ordination and a cost perspective. The paper contributes by suggesting a specific technological approach, exploiting the new possibilities provided by RFID technology, to address these issues.
Intelligent topology analyzer for improved plant operation
Authors: Gabbar Hossam A.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a design of intelligent model‐based topology analyzer that can be used to improve plant operation.

Design/methodology/approach

POOM process modeling methodology is proposed to model and partition plant topology so that plant operation can be designed in effective manner as mapped to plant topology partitions. Plant topology is divided into areas based on the operation required and material flow and isolation paths are identified automatically using intelligent algorithm.

Findings

It is possible to define hierarchical plant structure (topology) partitions that can be mapped to plant operation levels, which are described by ANSI/ISA‐S88. In addition, the use of design knowledge can be useful to define conceptual partitions such as Block, which is essential to link design and operation knowledge. Plant operation (jobs) can be flexibly defined in view of plant structure partitions in terms of resources (materials, plant structural areas) required and operation scheduling.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to link to production scheduling to ensure effective use of topology partitions in real time based on available resources. The proposed approach can be improved via the integration with intelligent production scheduling.

Practical implications

Production and manufacturing plants will be able to use the proposed approach to design and validate plant operation and to improve plant maintenance while reducing operation risks by identifying plant structures required for each operation task. The proposed technique can be helpful to engineers and R&D members to consider in their design and investigation for process safety, risk management, and plant operation and management.

Originality/value

The idea of topology analysis is quite new where it is usually implemented using search algorithms without considering domain knowledge and operation structures. This paper proposes a valuable technique to link plant structure with plant operation hierarchies, which is important for design and engineering practices and R&D activities for plant operation.
Resource‐based approach to IT shared services in a manufacturing firm
Authors: Goh Mark , Prakash Satya , Yeo Roland
Published: March 2007

Purpose

Driven by cost reduction and improved quality of service, some firms have adopted shared services as a governance model to manage their staff functions. This paper seeks to explore this behavior using the resource‐based view.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of an information technology (IT) unit of a multinational manufacturing firm is presented to provide insight into the issues involved when adopting and migrating an IT resource system to a shared services model. The analysis is extended using conceptual models of the relevant sub‐systems developed through the soft systems methodology (SSM), using a set of root level definitions that are intended to express the transformation to a shared services model.

Findings

The results suggest that the major changes involved when transitioning to shared services are process and communication related. Aligning the team members and gaining their commitment are necessary for success.

Practical implications

The case analysis and SSM models provide some insight into the important issues to be considered when moving to a shared services model.

Originality/value

With the growing practice of shared services, it is important to understand how a shared services model fits successfully into the overall business strategy of the firm. This study will spawn further research into the evaluation and control techniques for the different types of IT capabilities under a shared services model.
Standard costing in Japanese firms
Authors: De Zoysa Anura , Kanthi Herath Siriyama
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review literature on standard costing in Japanese manufacturing environment. It examines the changes in the manufacturing environment in Japan that has lowered the significance of standard costing in Japanese firms and investigates the current level of its applicability in Japanese firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper systematically categorizes the relevant literature and reviews it methodologically.

Findings

The paper finds that standard costing is still being used by a large number of firms both in developing and developed countries. Overall, the research suggests that the importance of standard costing has not declined to such a low level despite the technological changes. In Japan standard costing is still used for different purposes despite its apparent weaknesses.

Research limitations/implications

This is not an empirical investigation of standard costing in Japanese manufacturing firms.

Originality/value

The paper will be useful to researchers, cost accountants and others concerned with product costing to understand the importance of standard costing. It is also expected that the current research will help reveal whether or not one should continue teaching standard costing in the classroom.
Managing risk in software development projects: a case study
Authors: Dey Prasanta Kumar , Kinch Jason , Ogunlana Stephen O.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The main objective of the paper is to develop a risk management framework for software development projects from developers' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a combined qualitative and quantitative technique with the active involvement of stakeholders in order to identify, analyze and respond to risks. The entire methodology has been explained using a case study on software development project in a public sector organization in Barbados.

Findings

Analytical approach to managing risk in software development ensures effective delivery of projects to clients.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed risk management framework has been applied to a single case.

Practical implications

Software development projects are characterized by technical complexity, market and financial uncertainties and competent manpower availability. Therefore, successful project accomplishment depends on addressing those issues throughout the project phases. Effective risk management ensures the success of projects.

Originality/value

There are several studies on managing risks in software development and information technology (IT) projects. Most of the studies identify and prioritize risks through empirical research in order to suggest mitigating measures. Although they are important to clients for future projects, these studies fail to provide any framework for risk management from software developers' perspective. Although a few studies introduced framework of risk management in software development, most of them are presented from clients' perspectives and very little effort has been made to integrate this with the software development cycle. As software developers absorb considerable amount of risks, an integrated framework for managing risks in software development from developers' perspective is needed.
Intrapreneurship: a comparative structural equation modeling study
Authors: Antoncic Bostjan
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the intrapreneurship construct with its predictors and consequences via a model. Previous studies in intrapreneurship have been predominantly concerned with patterns of relationships (coefficients of the model) as opposed to the level of intrapreneurship and other constructs (latent means) in the intrapreneurship model. This study aims to examine both the patterns of relationships and the levels (means) across two countries (the USA and Slovenia) by testing two models (the zero‐means model and the latent‐means model).

Design/methodology/approach

Mailed structured questionnaire data for this cross‐sectional study were collected from firms in the USA and Slovenia (192 usable responses). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the models and compare coefficients and latent means.

Findings

The model hypotheses on the relationships among environment, organizational characteristics, intrapreneurship, and performance were mainly supported across both countries and by both models. However, results may differ upon the selection of the measurement model.

Research limitations/implications

The latent‐means model may be considered superior to the zero‐means model.

Practical implications

Intrapreneurship can have beneficial effects on the firm's growth and profitability, in both absolute and relative terms.

Originality/value

This study proved a latent‐means model of intrapreneurship.
Global manufacturing strategies require “dynamic engineers”?
Authors: Takala Josu , Hirvelä Jarkko , Liu Yang , Malindžák Dušan
Published: March 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study multifocused global manufacturing strategies under the influence of “China effect” taking the dynamic, complex and situational business strategies into account.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares the competitive priorities of manufacturing strategies in four different types of companies with some international comparisons and one longitudinal case study for benchmarking. The analytical hierarchy process method also made it possible to compare inconsistencies in the answers between the companies.

Findings

As a result of these case studies, it is possible to understand the competitive priorities of manufacturing strategies for the case companies, to show the other companies the route for developments.

Practical implications

All four types of companies should grow internationally and utilize the developing countries as a means of lowering costs. Each type of company has its own special strategies to suit their markets. Companies in Western countries should utilize multifocused manufacturing strategies based on their business strategy in a holistic way, e.g. through responsiveness, agility and leanness concept, and to specialize through quality, e.g. by differentiating product and service technology for global high dynamic and complex business. Global sourcing in purchasing shall also be more and more used effectively for cost and productivity competitiveness.

Originality/value

The development steps, from technology specialist to problem solver, are proposed in this paper. Human resources have to be trained to be more “dynamic engineers,” all the time more also in industrial engineering and management.