bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of intelligence
Authors: Hubey H.M.
Published: October 2002

The social sciences are really the “hard sciences” and the physical sciences are the “easy” sciences. One of the great contributors to making the job of the social scientist very difficult is the lack of fundamental dimensions on the basis of which absolute (i.e. ratio) scales can be formulated and in which relationships could be realized as the [allegedly] coveted equations of physics. This deficiency leads directly to the uses of statistical methods of various types. However it is possible, as shown, to formulate equations and to use them to obtain ratio/absolute scales and relationships based on them. This paper uses differential/integral equations, fundamental ideas from the processing view of the brain‐mind, multiple scale approximation via Taylor series, and basic reasoning some of which may be formulated as infinite‐valued logic, and which is related to probability theory (the theoretical basis of statistics) to resolve some of the basic issues relating to learning theory, the roles of nature and nurture in intelligence, the measurement of intelligence itself, and leads to the correct formulation of the potential‐actual type behaviors (specifically intelligence) and dynamical‐temporal model of intelligence development. Specifically, it is shown that the: (1) basic model for intelligence in terms of genetics and environment has to be multiplicative, which corresponds to alogical‐AND, and is not additive; (2) related concept of “genetics” creating its own environment is simply another way of saying that the interaction of genetics and environment is multiplicative as in (1); (3) timing of environmental richness is critical and must be modeled dynamically, e.g. in the form of a differential equation; (4) path functions, not point functions, must be used to model such phenomena; (5) integral equation formulation shows that intelligence at any timet, is a a sum over time of the past interaction of intelligence with environmental and genetic factors; (6) intelligence is about 100 per cent inherited on a global absolute (ratio) scale which is the natural (dimensionless) scale for measuring variables in social science; (7) nature of the approximation assumptions implicit in statistical methods leads to “heritability” calculations in the neighborhood of 0.5. and that short of having controlled randomized experiments such as in animal studies these are expected sheerely due to the methods used; (8) concepts from AI, psychology, epistemology and physics coincide in many respects except for the terminology used, and these concepts can be modeled nonlinearly.
Temporal and simultaneous processing in the brain: a possible cellular basis of cognition
Authors: Fidelman Uri
Published: October 2002

It is suggested that the left hemispheric neurons and the magnocellular visual system are specialized in tasks requiring a relatively small number of large neurons having a fast reaction time due to a high firing rate or many dendritic synapses of the same neuron which are activated simultaneously. On the other hand the right hemispheric neurons and the neurons of the parvocellular visual system are specialized in tasks requiring a relatively larger number of short term memory (STM) Hebbian engrams (neural networks). This larger number of engrams is achieved by a combination of two strategies. The first is evolving a larger number of neurons, which may be smaller and have a lower firing rate. The second is evolving longer and more branching axons and thus producing more engrams, including engrams comprising neurons located at cortical areas distant from each other. This model explains why verbal functions of the brain are related to the left hemisphere, and the division of semantic tasks between the left hemisphere and the right one. This explanation is extended to other cognitive functions like visual search, ontological cognition, the detection of temporal order, and the dual cognitive interpretation of the perceived physical phenomena.
Direct and indirect causality in living systems
Authors: Lloret‐Climent Miguel
Published: October 2002

Not all cells are equal: each tissue and organ has its own type of cell. Although the nucleus of each cell in a living system has the same genetic information, each one dispenses of the lion's share of that information and only those genes that are necessary for carrying out the function of the particular organ or tissue to which they belong remain active. Despite the fact that in specific scientific fields, such as ecosystem studies, it is possible to measure the relationships between different variables and to compare the various direct and indirect effects they may have on one another, there has been no such development in the wider context of a General Systems Theory. This paper sets out to address the question of cellular change by interpreting processes such as direct and indirect causality, cellular meiosis and mutation of cells.
Neural network process vision systems for flotation process
Authors: Coomar Shumsher Rughooputh Harry , Dutt Dharam Vir Rughooputh Soonil
Published: October 2002

Froth flotation is a process whereby valuable minerals are separated from waste by exploiting natural differences or by chemically inducing differences in hydrophobicity. Flotation processes are difficult to model because of the stochastic nature of the froth structures and the ill‐defined chemorheology of these systems. In this paper a hierarchical configuration hybrid neural network has been used to interpret froth images in a copper flotation process. This hierarchical neural network uses two Pulse‐Coupled Neural Networks (PCNNs) as preprocessors that ‘convert’ the froth images into corresponding binary barcodes. Our technique demonstrates the effectiveness of the hybrid neural network for process vision, and hence, its potential for use for real time automated interpretation of froth images and for flotation process control in the mining industry. The system is simple, inexpensive and is very reliable.
Approximation of the solution for a class of first order p.d.e. by Adomian method
Authors: Khelifa S. , Cherruault Y.
Published: October 2002

Aim's to show how to approach the solution for a class of first order p.d.e. using Adomian decomposition method. Discusses the generalities of the method and α‐dense curves. Outlines the new approach and provides applications of its use.
Surface‐treated mica based on muscovite for anticorrosive coatings
Authors: Kalendová Andréa
Published: October 2002

The paper deals with using lamellar pigments for anticorrosive barrier coatings. By depositing a ferric oxide layer on a muscovite particle a pigment is obtained, which being applied to coatings improves the mechanical properties thereof, resistance to UV radiation and acts as an anticorrosion barrier. The optimum concentration of lamellar surface‐treated muscovite in the coatings amounts to 20 vol. %.
Complaint behaviour: a study of the differences between complainants about advertising in Australia and the population at large
Authors: Volkov Michael , Harker Debra , Harker Michael
Published: October 2002

Advertising expenditure has risen globally and in Australia there has been a 2.7‐fold increase in the last ten years. It is suggested that some advertisements may be “unacceptable”, that is, unfair, misleading, deceptive, offensive, false or socially irresponsible. This research is concerned with consumer behaviour and consumer complaint behaviour specifically in the area of advertising in Australia. The findings indicate that complainants are significantly different from the population at large. This research will afford the regulatory bodies a better understanding of the complaining public as well as educating marketing communications strategists in effectively reaching their target markets.
A longitudinal study of the learning climate and cycle time in supply chains
Authors: Tomas M. Hult G. , Ketchen David J. , Slater Stanley F.
Published: October 2002

Drawing on the resource‐based view, we posit that the learning climate is an intangible, strategic resource that influences important outcomes. Data from 141 supply chain units within a multinational corporation reveal that four constructs (team‐, systems‐, learning‐, and memory orientations) function as first‐order indicators of the higher‐order phenomenon of the learning climate. In turn, learning is inversely related to supply chain cycle time. The results are robust across the 1994 and 1999 data, suggesting that learning offers a persistent tool for managing outcomes.
Market orientation in Ivory Coast: measurement validity and organizational antecedents in a sub‐Saharan African economy
Authors: Chelariu Cristian , Ouattarra Abdoulaye , Dadzie Kofi Q.
Published: October 2002

Despite renewed interest in the cross‐national implementation of market orientation, there is hardly any consideration of this practice in sub‐Saharan Africa. The present study examines the validity of two widely used market orientation scales from Kholi and Jaworski and Narver and Slater, in Ivory Coast, and the ability of both scales developed from explained market orientation practices among Ivorian firms. The results of this study confirm the transferability of both scales, although Narver and Slater’s were found to perform better. In addition, several related organizational antecedents recommended in the extant literature were found to predict market orientation in this sub‐Saharan African country. Several managerial recommendations and implications for further research are also discussed.
Financing non‐traditional exports in Ghana
Authors: Buatsi Seth N.
Published: October 2002

In order to provide a better understanding of export financing in Ghana this exploratory study was undertaken on a sample of non‐traditional exporting firms and selected banks. The focus is on export financing in Ghana. Ghanaian exporters hardly obtain finance for export operations. Interest rates are high, and financial institutions prefer granting short‐term credit to medium or long‐term credit, and investing in government treasury bills and bonds rather than lending to small and medium‐sized firms. Small and medium‐sale exporters hardly meet the requirements of banks to access credit, especially collateral. Default on loans has been high. Exporters need to be more responsible in funds utilization, just as the financial institutions have to be more exporter‐friendly to ensure the success of the national export‐led growth strategy. The recent (2000) Export Development and Investment Act is likely to provide greater access to export finance for exporting firms.
Stated‐importance versus derived‐importance customer satisfaction measurement
Authors: Chu Ray
Published: October 2002

This study aims to compare the customer satisfaction index (CSI) based on two approaches: stated‐importance and derived‐importance approaches. The stated‐importance approach uses both importance and performance scores in constructing the CSI, while the derived‐importance approach uses regression analysis to derive the betas for calculating CSI. The results show that the stated‐importance approach has achieved a higher CSI (79.1 percent) than that of the derived‐importance approach (57.4 percent). Both approaches find that the aspects of rooms and employees are the most important factors in driving customer satisfaction. Strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches are discussed.
Diagnosing and improving the quality of teachers’ interpersonal behaviour
Authors: den Brok Perry , Brekelmans Mieke , Levy Jack , Wubbels Theo
Published: October 2002

Due to increased external, societal pressure on schools via developments such as accountability and accreditation, there is a growing need of schools for instruments that provide them with information on the quality of the teaching and learning processes they organize. This paper presents an instrument that can be used to diagnose teachers’ interpersonal skills, one element of teaching quality that may be of interest to schools. The instrument is based on the theory of interpersonal communication of Timothy Leary. Apart from a discussion of the theoretical framework behind the instrument, the paper presents information on the instrument itself and procedures for using the instrument with teachers and students. Also, information is provided on possibilities of using the instrument for staff development and other purposes of schools. The instrument appears to be of high quality and is accompanied by a large database of information linking it to other factors in the classroom context.
Learning beyond mentoring: the Singapore experience
Authors: Hean Lim Lee
Published: October 2002

In Singapore, mentoring was the key feature of a development strategy for aspiring principals for one and a half decades. Many of the former participant protégés are currently practising principals in schools. This paper reports an exploratory study that sought to identify and examine the main learning source of these principals beyond mentoring. It is suggested that there is active networking for learning relationships at work among fellow principals. The principals create, seize and promote opportunities to improve their on‐the‐job practice through learning from the unstructured learning relationships at work. The formal principalship preparation programme that they attended emerges as a breeding ground for the initiation of informal learning relationships at work. Beyond formal mentoring, the principals appear to lead their own learning in collaboration with their peers in education.
Rethinking schools and school leadership for the twenty‐first century: changes and challenges
Authors: Davies Brent
Published: October 2002

School leaders face many changes and challenges as they navigate their schools through complex and turbulent educational environments. Highly effective school leaders cope with complexity by building mental models or frameworks to understand the world that they face and operate in. This paper sets out a framework of six changes and six challenges for school leaders to consider as they move through the first decade of the new millennium. The paper is intended to be a means of providing a strategic discussion framework for leadership development within schools.
TQM implementation in a public sector entity in Fiji
Authors: Sharma Umesh , Hoque Zahirul
Published: October 2002

In recent years, many companies have adopted the total quality management (TQM) philosophy for achieving organizational excellence. The paper reports on the findings of a case study concerned with appraising TQM practices in the Housing Authority of Fiji (HA). The HA has been set up to provide affordable shelter and mortgage finance for low and middle‐income earners in Fiji. Data collected suggest that following the global trend, as well as being consistent with the government’s recent public sector reform policy, TQM systems at the HA made the organization more effective and efficient. The organization was preparing itself to be corporatized. The case study reinforces previous claims that suggest that an organization may adopt a TQM strategy to promote both “institutional” and “quality” cultures.
E‐government in New Zealand: the local authority perspective
Authors: Deakins Eric , Dillon Stuart M.
Published: October 2002

In New Zealand (NZ) there are plans afoot to create an e‐government that will automate government‐to‐government and government‐to‐citizen interactions and allow anyone, anywhere to go online any time to obtain information, to complete transactions, and to communicate with their elected representatives, cheaply, quickly, and efficiently. A total of 16 key issues, which various authors argue are critical to the success of USA e‐government initiatives, are described and evaluated in light of the NZ e‐government environment. The significance afforded to these issues by NZ local authority e‐government policymakers when they implement their own e‐government initiatives suggests that eight of the issues are considered significant, four are not considered significant, and four remain inconclusive at this time. Of the key issues, six are not well understood. It is also concluded that NZ local authorities are at an early evolutionary stage of e‐government development.
The world of the social entrepreneur
Authors: Thompson John L.
Published: October 2002

The term “social entrepreneurship” is being adopted and used more extensively, but its meaning is not widely understood. In particular, the scope of social entrepreneurship in both business and the voluntary sector has not been mapped effectively. This paper seeks to do this. It begins by defining social entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurship. Then, using projects considered for a charter award under the Duke of York’s Community Initiative, it looks at what social entrepreneurs do and achieve for the community, at the wide scope of their world, and at the help that is available and needed. The paper includes two case studies of successful social entrepreneurs as a means of drawing out a number of important issues and lessons. It provides a new map for understanding the complexity and the many facets of the world of the social entrepreneur and the voluntary sector. It questions whether the UK government’s stated desire for an “explosive act” of volunteering can happen without more substantial support, and concludes that whilst the growth of this sector is urgent and vital, a number of hurdles remain to be overcome.
Securing organizational legitimacy
Authors: Milne Markus J. , Patten Dennis M.
Published: October 2002

This paper explores the role that environmental disclosures might play in producing a legitimating effect on investors within the context of the chemical industry. By way of an experimental decision case it examines effects of negative, and the offsetting effects of positive, environmental disclosures surrounding chemical firms’ liabilities for toxic waste site liabilities. The paper outlines the theoretical bases for the process of organizational legitimation, and sets the decision experiment in a detailed historical analysis of the toxic waste problems of the 1970s that led to the enactment of legislation requiring clean up and imposing significant liabilities on chemical firms. The results from the decision experiment, which indicate that under some circumstances positive disclosures can restore or repair an organization’s legitimacy, are discussed in the context of the earlier theoretical and historical analysis.
An efficiency study for a student health center
Authors: Canel Cem , Kadipasaoglu Sukran
Published: October 2002

This study provides an analysis of the quality of service provided by a university health‐care center. Statistical process control charts are used to investigate the time spent by students at the various stages of the health‐care process. The mean, upper and lower control limits for the mean, and the variation of the waiting‐times at different stages of the health‐care process were determined. Based on the results of this study, specific recommendations are made to improve the performance of the center, and to reduce the waiting‐times at different stages of the health‐care delivery process. The implementation of these recommendations should also reflect a change in students’ perceptions about the quality of service provided by the center, as well as an increase in the efficiency of the health‐care delivery process.
ISO 9001 certification of a hospital cornea bank
Authors: Pascal Pascale , Chalochet Alain , Damour Odile
Published: October 2002

The Tissue and Cell Bank of the HCL (Hospices Civils de Lyon) has, since 10 June 1999, consisted of the Skin Substitutes Laboratory (Laboratoire des Substituts Cutanés (LSC)) and the Cornea Bank. As the LSC had been ISO 9001‐certified since March 1997, our aim was to raise the Cornea Bank to the same level of quality, so as to coincide with the renewal of the LSC certificate. On 7 March 2000, the bank obtained an ISO 9001 certificate for its combined functions, only nine months after the merger of the Cornea Bank. The decree 99‐741 of 30 August 1999 demanded quality control. Our application for certification had anticipated this regulation. This helped us enormously when compiling the dossier accompanying the official request and was an essential element in obtaining the favourable response of the Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé on 21 June 2000.
Competition archetypes and creative imagination
Authors: Matthews Robin
Published: October 2002

Organizational studies have been deeply influenced by three separate streams of research: the soft sciences; the hard sciences; and economics. This paper makes a case for an interdisciplinary approach, one that includes not only the social and physical and life sciences, but also methodologies that have a long history in mysticism. It illustrates how the similarities and relationships between depth psychology, in Jung’s theory of archetypes, and the “hard science” notion of complexity theory can reveal critical aspects of competition as expressed through capitalism. It also suggests that a methodology for accessing information about archetypes in general and capitalist competition in particular is through creative imagination.
Intermetallic morphology around Ni particles in Sn‐3.5Ag solder
Authors: Lee J.G. , Guo F. , Subramanian K.N. , Lucas J.P.
Published: October 2002

The influence of the thermal reflow profile on the formation and resultant morphology of the intermetallic layer that developed at the Ni particle reinforcements within an eutectic Sn‐Ag composite solder matrix was investigated. The composite solder was fabricated by mechanically dispersing 15 vol% Ni particles into eutectic Sn‐3.5Ag solder paste. Two distinct intermetallic compound (IMC) morphological microstructures were observed around the Ni reinforcements. IMC morphological microstructure apparently varied depending on the amount of heat input and differences in heating rates used in the reflow profile. A “sunflower” IMC morphology was typically noted when the total amount of heat input was small. However, with sufficient heat input, a faceted “blocky” IMC morphology was consistently achieved. Multiple‐reflow thermal profiling experiments were conducted to measure and compare the amount of heat input necessary to change the sunflower IMC morphology around Ni particle reinforcements to the blocky morphology.
TQM and labour productivity in Jordanian industrial companies
Authors: Chapman Ross , Al‐Khawaldeh Khleef
Published: October 2002

Reports on research to determine the degree of application of total quality management (TQM) philosophy and practices in industrial corporations in Jordan. Uses primary and secondary empirical data to examine the link between TQM and labour productivity. Survey responses were classified into two groups: high‐TQM implementation and low‐TQM implementation. Found that mean labour productivity measurements for high‐TQM companies were significantly higher than for low‐TQM companies over the period 1993‐1998. Also, mean growth rates of labour productivity measurements for companies with high‐level TQM were higher than for those with low‐level TQM during this period. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between TQM and labour productivity.
The impact of national culture on international business performance: the case of foreign firms in Greece
Authors: Kessapidou Sevasti , Varsakelis Nikos C.
Published: October 2002

This paper explores the impact of national culture on the performance of the foreign affiliates in Greece, a country which belongs to the economic periphery of the European Union. Greece is characterised by low internationalisation and competitiveness, and has been clustered by Hofstede in the Mediterranean culture managing directorial model. This paper, using a sample of 478 firms, examines the extent to which the national culture factor has affected the performance of foreign affiliates in Greece. It verifies the first hypothesis that the higher the national culture distance between the country of origin of the foreign firm from Greece the better the performance of the Greek affiliate. The findings also support the second hypothesis that the higher the score on the individualism dimension of the foreign firm the higher the performance of its affiliate in a collectivistic society.
Service quality for customer retention in the UK steel industry: old dogs and new tricks?
Authors: Lee‐Kelley Liz , Davies Sara , Kangis Peter
Published: October 2002

Manufacturing companies, in searching for new approaches to retain customers, are increasingly using service as a differentiator and as a means of integrating themselves into the customers’ supply chain systems. This study is pivotal in exploring the concept of employing service quality in a non‐service industry to raise switching barriers and to create customer longevity. A survey of the UK steel industry has revealed that the higher the level of perceived quality of service, the higher the expressed intended loyalty. For steel managers, this research has highlighted the importance of establishing a relationship strategy through service enhancement to foster customer loyalty.
Theoretical analysis of compression properties of blankets
Authors: Inoue Mari , Kurata Satoshi
Published: October 2002

We predict the compression properties of blankets from the blanket structure and the fiber bending property. This study applies to the theory developed originally for the compressive deformation of carpets by Kimura, Kawabata and Kawai in 1970 to blankets. As a result, we found that the initial compression properties of Mayor and New Mayor blankets could be predicted by the compression theory.
The importance of clothing science and prospects for the future
Authors: Niwa Masako
Published: October 2002

This paper outlines the history of clothing and modern textile production, from manual systems to modern line‐production systems, and notes that this has been affected by the mechanical properties of fabrics. It also focuses on the roles of textile scientists and the clothing industry to meet the needs of society.
Structural mechanics of knitted fabrics for apparel and composite materials
Authors: Postle Ron
Published: October 2002

The importance of fabric biaxial extension, in‐plane compression, shear and bending properties, have been widely recognised by textile scientists and engineers for the evaluation of the three‐dimensional formability and drape of textile materials in apparel products and three‐dimensional preforms. In contrast to woven fabrics where bending and shear properties determine the fabric formability, knitted fabrics have very high formability as a direct result of their easy biaxial extension properties. This ability to form three‐dimensional shapes using the biaxial extensibility of knitted structures enables these knitted textile materials to be utilised for a wide variety of close fitting apparel garments and shaped composite preforms. Some representative biaxial extension curves for the plain knitted structure are described in this paper. These curves illustrate an unusual shape for the load‐extension curve of a textile material arising from the pre‐tension or pre‐stress. The pre‐stress yields an initial high tensile modulus for the structure in contrast to the very low initial modulus characteristic of apparel textiles. Accordingly, for knitted textile materials, it is shown how biaxial extension of the fabric introduces a fabric pre‐stress to maximise the three‐dimensional fabric formability especially when subjected to transverse compression by the resin or matrix in a composite material. Typical uniaxial and biaxial tensile stress–strain curves for knitted fabrics are compared.
Investigation of environmental impacts of tailings dams
Authors: Ozkan Safak , Ipekoglu Bedri
Published: October 2002

Mining has been one of the key sectors for industrialisation of the world for centuries. As the mining activities enlarge, the amount of waste materials readily increases. Storage of waste materials or tailings disposal has become a serious matter for the mining industry due to its enlargement especially for the last 30 years. During the beneficiation of valuable metals and industrial minerals from their ores, large volumes of waste materials or tailings may be produced and these tailings may be harmful to the environment. It is now necessary to design and build tailings dams to store these waste materials for the modern mining industry. In this paper, the tailings dams and their possible environmental impacts are investigated by considering the design parameters, the possible dam failures and the stabilisation of the waste materials.
Prognostication of natural and technogeneous risks by the application of geophysical surveying
Authors: Dimovski Stephan , Raditchev Radi
Published: October 2002

Geophysical methods are widely applied for the prognostication of natural and technogeneous risks. Especially effective is their application in the sphere of engineering geology and the ore exploration industry. The effectiveness of geophysical methods is convincingly illustrated by the concrete results obtained in studies, performed to solve specific problems. This paper presents an overview of methods and studies in the field of natural and technogeneous risks by the application of geophysical surveying. In a case study focusing on opencast coal exploration in the area of Maritza‐East, the usefulness of geophysical methods in mapping the hard rock inclusions in the overburden of the lignite mines is outlined. The possibilities of using such technologies for guiding the process and the reduction of technogeneous risks during exploration are outlined.
ASP‐driven e‐service platform for Web‐based online manufacturing
Authors: Jiang Pingyu , Zhou Guanghui , Liu Yong
Published: October 2002

Extends the concept of e‐service to the whole phase of manufacturing. Develops an e‐service platform prototype based on this concept with Java Web solution including the mobile agent broking technologies and application service provider (ASP) principle. The key point to implement the platform is to enable an open Web information service infrastructure for the whole product manufacturing chain. Inside this infrastructure, product‐specific online manufacturing system can be created by means of using a kind of bidding model. All users participating in the manufacturing process are able to cooperatively finish manufacturing tasks in real time through sharing the same platform. With the help of BOM flow, the global information service flow can be controlled easily. In addition, the legacy hardware/software can also be encapsulated with aglets that are Java mobile agents. As to new ASP software packages, they can be configured simply via the plug and play mode to the e‐service platform. In this way, the on‐line networked manufacturing can be tested.
School ethical climate and parental involvement
Authors: Rosenblatt Zehava , Peled Daniel
Published: October 2002

Using structural equations modeling, this study explored the association between school ethical climate (characterized by values of caring, rules and a professional code) and two types of parental involvement: cooperation‐based and conflict‐based. The mediating effects of perceived parental influence and trust and parents’ socioeconomic (SES) level were considered as well. School‐level data were obtained from 157 teachers representing 20 elementary schools in Israel, and individual‐level data were obtained from 936 parents. Results showed that an ethical climate characterized by rules and a professional code was more common and more strongly related to parental involvement than a caring climate. Different patterns were detected for the two SES groups: high‐SES parents tended to be less involved (both cooperation‐wise and conflict‐wise) than low‐SES ones when the school climate was perceived as more ethical. Results have implications for research on school values and school culture.
The effects of transformational leadership on teachers’ commitment to change in Hong Kong
Authors: Yu Huen , Leithwood Kenneth , Jantzi Doris
Published: October 2002

The effects of principals’ transformational leadership practices on teachers’ commitment to change are examined in this study in Hong Kong primary schools. Mediating variables in the study included school culture, strategies for change, school structure, and the school environment. Results suggest strong significant effects of transformational leadership on mediating variables and weak but significant effects on teachers’ commitment to change. In comparison with other relevant evidence, it is suggested that the pattern of transformational leadership effects is similar in both North America and Hong Kong, but the magnitude of these effects is far less in Hong Kong.
Negligence in the delivery of higher education – how vulnerable are our universities?
Authors: Katter Norman A.
Published: October 2002

This article examines and highlights the potential ambit of liability for educational negligence within universities. While the absence of any existing body of case law on the liability of universities necessarily requires a degree of speculation as to the attitude of the courts, some guidance can be obtained from the principles and policy underpinning the existing case law and commentary on the negligence of teachers and schools. This article draws on recent developments in the United Kingdom with respect to educational negligence. The common law in Australia has traditionally developed alongside United Kingdom law and legal developments in the United Kingdom are indicative and pre‐empt or parallel developments in Australia.
Return handling: an exploratory study with nine retailer warehouses
Authors: de Koster Marisa P. de Brito René B.M. , van de Vendel Masja A.
Published: October 2002

Already for a long time retailers have taken back products. In this paper we explore the factors contributing to the decision of combining vs separating inbound and outbound flows during the return handling process. We do so through a comparative analysis of the operations in nine retailer warehouses, which can be divided into three groups: food retailers, non‐food store chains and mail order companies. We identify both aggravating factors and facilitating actions for return handling. Furthermore, we bring about recommendations for practice. At the end we put forward propositions that are useful in feeding studies on return handling efficiency. In particular, we conjecture over the impact that return volume and product diversity have on the decision for combining vs separating the reverse and forward flows.
Odd girl out: an individual differences perspective on women in the IT profession
Authors: Trauth Eileen M.
Published: October 2002

This paper develops a theoretical perspective on gender and information technology (IT) by examining socio‐cultural influences on women who are members of the information technology profession in Australia and New Zealand. In‐depth interviews with both practitioners and academics give evidence of a range of socio‐cultural influences on the professional development and working lives of women IT professionals. The paper rejects the essentialist view of women and their relationship to IT that has been put forth in the information systems literature arguing, instead, the primacy of societal and structural influences. The particular contribution of this paper is a theoretical perspective of individual differences which is presented to characterize the way individual women respond in a range of specific ways to the interplay between individual characteristics and environmental influences. This perspective contributes to a better understanding of women’s involvement in the IT sector and suggests areas for proactive policy response.
Human resource practices and service quality in theme parks
Authors: Mayer Karl J.
Published: October 2002

This paper examines the linkage between human resource practices and the delivery of guest services in hospitality using a case study approach. In particular, these practices at a large theme park operation are presented in terms of their significance for service quality. The managerial implications attendant to following such practices are discussed. The paper suggests that other types of hospitality operations might compare their own human resource practices to those outlined in this paper as a benchmark to guide their planning.
Ethical beliefs of hospitality and tourism students towards their school life
Authors: Yiu‐cho Yeung Sylvester , Chak‐keung Wong Simon , Man‐leong Chan Benny
Published: October 2002

This study aims to find out the ethical beliefs of hospitality and tourism students in Hong Kong by using a questionnaire with 21 ethical statements. From the 402 valid questionnaires received, four major dimensions were identified by factor analysis. The highest level of tolerance, or in other words, the lowest ethical standard, was found towards “violations of school rules”, followed by “plagiarism and copying assignments”. “Unfair advantage” was ranked third whilst “selfishness” has the lowest level of tolerance (highest ethical standard). Independent t‐test and ANOVA analysis reveal that types of school attended, gender and level of program have various degrees of influence, while religious background and age show no indication of significant impact. In view of the limited resources and teaching hours available, it is recommended that priority should be given to the teaching of “business ethics” as it impacts on students’ moral development and future career in the industry.
Identifying sources of uncertainty to generate supply chain redesign strategies
Authors: van der Vorst Jack G.A.J. , Beulens Adrie J.M.
Published: October 2002

Dynamic demands and constraints imposed by a rapidly changing business environment make it increasingly necessary for companies in the food supply chain to cooperate with each other. The main questions individual (food) companies face are whether, why, how and with whom they should start supply chain management activities. Presents a qualitative research method for analyzing a supply chain network and for identifying effective chain redesign strategies. Presents a generic list of supply chain redesign strategies based on a multi‐disciplinary literature review. Proposes that in order to identify the most effective strategies in a specific chain scenario one should focus on the identification and management of the sources of uncertainties in the supply chain’s decision‐making processes. The application of the research method in three food supply chains resulted in a valuable tool that can be used in supply chain redesign projects, as it indicates potentially effective redesign strategies when a specific source of uncertainty is encountered in a supply chain.
Measurement of internal service quality: application of the SERVQUAL battery to internal service quality
Authors: Kang Gi‐Du , Jame Jeffrey , Alexandris Kostas
Published: October 2002

Internal marketing is an important approach for fostering a service‐ and customer‐oriented culture in an organization. A critical component of internal marketing is the provision of internal service quality. While researchers have conducted studies of internal service quality, there has been no general agreement on the measurement of the concept. Work to date has attempted to use the SERVQUAL instrument as a tool for measuring internal service quality. Researchers have not, however, demonstrated that the instrument can be reasonably modified to measure internal service quality. The current study modified the SERVQUAL instrument for a service setting and empirically tested and confirmed that it is appropriate for measuring internal service quality. While previous research has not confirmed the validity and reliability of all five SERVQUAL dimensions in a service setting, the results of the current study confirmed that all five dimensions – reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, responsiveness – were distinct and conceptually clear.
Service quality in a cellular telecommunications company: a South African experience
Authors: van der Wal R.W.E. , Pampallis A. , Bond C.
Published: October 2002

This study deals with the measurement of service quality at cellular retail outlets in the South African environment. The focus is on perception and expectation of service quality from the customer’s perspective. A literature review was conducted on, models of measurement for service quality. The research was conducted via a structured questionnaire based on the SERVQUAL model. Primary data was gathered via telephonic interviews from a sample of 583 customers. The total scale reliability for this study is 0.95, indicating an overall higher reliability factor than the Parasuramanet al.study. The findings further indicated that two of the dimensions, namely, tangibles and reliability are loading into separate factors. The remaining three dimensions, responsiveness, assurance and empathy all load into one factor, indicating that there is no real differentiation amongst the three dimensions in the customer’s mind.
Sex role stereotyping and requisites of successful top managers
Authors: Vinnicombe Susan , Singh Val
Published: October 2002

The issue of management style and women’s progression has been highlighted in the past, but women’s perceptions of successful management styles are important too, especially where women’s own preferred management style differs from their view of the top team. Such differences can lead to women not putting themselves forward for promotion. Reports a study of male and female managers in one very large insurance company. Uses the personality attributes questionnaire (PAQ) to identify the managers’ own management style, and their perceptions of the style of “the successful manager” who had reached the top team in their organisation. The PAQ identifies two dimensions of management from which four categories can be found. The survey of 363 managers revealed significant gender differences. The study provides further evidence of a shift in perceptions of leadership styles towards androgynous management, high on both instrumental and expressive traits. However, women are still thinking in “think manager, think male” mode, which may limit their confidence to put themselves forward for promotion.
Gendered heroes: male and female self‐representations of executive identity
Authors: Olsson Su
Published: October 2002

Official organisational myths and storytelling constitute a powerful, persuasive force in both the public representation and the internal shaping of executive identity. Leaders of corportate culture are aligned with legendary heroes to promote images of the senior manager as a heroic and transformational leader. This process plays upon subconscious images, beliefs and expectations to reinforce the concept of leadership as archetype. Much of the persuasive power of leadership as archetype arises from the continual reclaiming and honouring of past and present leaders, within the ongoing stories of executive identity. For the most part, this process involves an active role of gendering that reiterates a hierarchical and masculinist paradigm of leadership, while it leaves female leadership as absence or “other”. In this paper, rather than focus on the issue of female leadership as “other”, the ongoing, if shifting nature of gendered organisational lives is taken to be a continuing given. From this given, examines the self‐representations of male and female executives within a framework of leadership as archetype. Argues that these self‐representations provide similar and parallel male and female paradigms of leadership, while they depict the “gendered heroes” of executive culture.
Women managers and organizational power
Authors: Belle Françoise
Published: October 2002

The absence of women from top management was long attributed to the traditional “ball and chain” of family responsibilities. The fundamental reason for women’s slow progress in the realms of power may lie elsewhere. Recent research has sought to identify the elements which constitute an invisible barrier – or glass ceiling – which continues to keep women from top positions. How far does the organization, as an institution, contribute through its culture to this exclusion? In this paper a comparative study of two firms will suggest to what extent the organizational culture models the professional identity of women and their subsequent relationship with power.
Restructuring the “old bill”: policing identities and commitment
Authors: Thomas Robyn , Davies Annette
Published: October 2002

Presents a gendered analysis of the reconstitution of professional subjectivities, as part of the New Public Management (NPM) discourse in the UK police service. Draws on texts generated from interviews with police uniform and civilian professional/managers in two constabularies. Explores the ways in which individuals have received and responded to the NPM discourse. Analysis of these texts suggests the promotion of specific gendered meanings of commitment, based on high visibility and unquestioning loyalty. Drawing on a Foucauldain feminist framework, illustrates how individuals exploit the weaknesses, contradictions and spaces revealed in the NPM discourse. This takes place through thought and action, stimulated by tension, discomfort, paradox and difference and may result in accomodation, adaptation or denial of the subject positions offered.
Impact of gender on influence, power and authoritarianism
Authors: Rajan Sangeetha , Krishnan Venkat R.
Published: October 2002

This paper studies the impact of gender on frequency of use of influence strategies, amount of power and authoritarianism, using a sample of 109 managers from two organizations in India. Seven downward influence strategies (assertiveness, bargaining, coalition, friendliness, higher authority, reason, and sanctions) and five power bases (reward, referent, legitimate, expert, and coercive) were included in the study. Analysis of variance does not show any difference across gender in any variable studied, and analysis of covariance does not reveal any impact of gender on influence and power after controlling for authoritarianism. Results, however, suggest that gender moderates the impact of authoritarianism on influence and power. Authoritarianism is related positively to assertiveness, bargaining, friendliness and legitimate power for men, negatively to coercive power for men, negatively to friendliness for women, and positively to expert power for both men and women. There is a significant interaction effect of authoritarianism and gender on friendliness.
Industrial strengths: operational risk and banks
Authors: Mainelli Michael
Published: October 2002

Banks are often smug about their management of risk. Smugness may well be justified for market and credit risks, but banks can learn much from industry about managing operational risk. In order to manage operational risk, industry has evolved enterprise risk/reward management systems which coordinate an internal market for risk with variations to capital charges. Industry has at least three lessons to teach banks: use activity‐based costing variances to quantify operational risk; link operational risk to external prices via an enterprise risk/reward management system; and establish measures to govern an enterprise risk/reward unit.
Enhanced television strategy models: a study of TV Web sites
Authors: Ha Louisa
Published: October 2002

This study compares the use of enhanced TV features and TV commerce features on the Web sites of cable and broadcast TV networks. Both the quantitative analysis of the specific programs featured on the Web sites and the qualitative analysis of the overall Web sites show some differences in their strategies and site usability. Some program genres could develop TV commerce opportunities more easily than others. Different program genres emphases on the Web site were found between broadcast TV networks and cable TV networks. Three enhanced TV strategy models are proposed as a result of the analysis: welcome all model; fans‐friendly model; and hello model. The managerial implications of these models on TV revenue and viewership are discussed.