bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding topological vulnerability analysis to intrusion detection through the incident response intelligence system
Authors: Patsos Dimitrios , Mitropoulos Sarandis , Douligeris Christos
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper proposes looking at the automation of the incident response (IR) process, through formal, systematic and standardized methods for collection, normalization and correlation of security data (i.e. vulnerability, exploit and intrusion detection information).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes the incident response intelligence system (IRIS) that models the context of discovered vulnerabilities, calculates their significance, finds and analyzes potential exploit code and defines the necessary intrusion detection signatures that combat possible attacks, using standardized techniques. It presents the IRIS architecture and operations, as well as the implementation issues.

Findings

The paper presents detailed evaluation results obtained from real‐world application scenarios, including a survey of the users' experience, to highlight IRIS contribution in the area of IR.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the IRIS, a system that provides detailed security information during the entire lifecycle of a security incident, facilitates decision support through the provision of possible attack and response paths, while deciding on the significance and magnitude of an attack with a standardized method.
Mining the digital library
Authors: Fox Robert
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine text mining as a launching point for innovative library services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a discussion of the subject.

Findings

Text mining is a relatively new field, but with the rapid increase of available digital content, the possibility of creating innovative digital library services based on lexical and semantic analysis is becoming a reality. The field of text mining is discussed, and some of the issues and challenges are explored.

Originality/value

This paper suggests ways to enhance services by leveraging existing digital content using the techniques of digital text mining. It suggests ways for improving library services based on the vast wealth of digital content that is continually growing.
Emerging technology, innovation, and the digital library
Authors: Cervone H. Frank
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the issues and impact of emerging technologies and innovation in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a general overview of the concepts and application of emerging technologies and innovation to library practices.

Findings

Librarians need to be careful about how terminology such as emerging technology is used as emerging technology in one sector is not new in others and to have credibility, librarians must understand how those differences may play out within their overall organizations. When libraries are situated in parent organizations that value experimentation and innovation, libraries must be willing to experiment and innovate with services and processes. Furthermore, because technology changes quickly, libraries need to be agile in evaluating and implementing technology.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the digital library project management literature by providing an overview of the issues related to implementing and using emerging technology and innovative practices within libraries.
Automating the importation of a historic scientific serial into a digital repository
Authors: Creel James S. , Koenig Jack R. (Jay) , McGeachin Robert
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the transition of a collection in Texas A&M University's institutional repository from single item submission to batch importation as a primary method of ingest. This transition was made possible with assistance and technical work on behalf of the library.

Design/methodology/approach

The digital initiatives staff examined the workflow of the collection's manager and submitters. A process was created to produce the necessary data structures for batch import from resources that were already being generated by the collection workflow.

Findings

It was found that batch importing assistance provided by the library improved the collection's growth rate and efficiency without interrupting the workflow of the collection management team.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates the benefit of libraries and other institutional repository hosts offering batch‐loading assistance to managers of large repository collections.

Originality/value

This paper should resonate with institutional repository managers and digital services librarians, as many have neglected to offer batch importing or other assistance to users citing a lack of resources.
Revitalizing a library collection rich in educational potential
Authors: Frutchey Jim
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to clearly show the process, cost, and benefits of an audio digitization project within a university library.

Design/methodology/approach

From formulating the idea for a new digital collection available to patrons via the library catalog through implementation, promotion, and gathering feedback, each step is detailed.

Findings

Although it is a time‐consuming endeavor, the creation of unique digital library collections can produce a variety of benefits for both library patrons and librarians.

Originality/value

The paper is written by a librarian who is neither a computer nor cataloging expert. It is an attempt to show others who may have important but antiquated collections that digitization projects may be successfully completed without advanced technical skills or a large budget.
“Sense of place” in digital collections
Authors: Von Seggern Marilyn , Merrill Alex , Zhu Lihong
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Internet sites about geographical locations attempt to articulate and convey “sense of place”, a concept that relates to the unique identity and meaning attached to place. This paper aims to review the variety of resource types, metadata sources, and navigation features that are used by “sense of place” web sites to communicate with and involve the user. Assessment of place‐based digital collection sites is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Current place‐based sites were reviewed to show the diversity and range of content as well as metadata options, applications for users, and web features that make the most of location‐specific foci.

Findings

Place‐based sites present many types of resources and use geospatial, interactive, customization, and other tools to enhance the content, assist the user in finding resources, and develop “sense of place”. Assessment of such digital collections is being done but could be used more extensively to improve the sites.

Practical implications

Identifying and discussing place‐based digital collections will serve to highlight a specialized type of site and collection. Attention to the enhancement of “sense of place” internet sites could further geographical and geospatial interests, education, and web applications.

Social implications

“Sense of place” sites provide information about places that have unique history, environmental sensitivity, or special meaning. Digital content is readily available for educational purposes and can be a contribution point for shared history and experience.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to those interested in digital collections primarily focused on a geographical location and how web applications can build on the content to convey “sense of place” to users of the site.
Modeling of powder particle heat transfer process in selective laser sintering for fabricating tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Edith Wiria Florencia , Fai Leong Kah , Kai Chua Chee
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Tissue engineering (TE) involves biological, medical and engineering expertise and a current engineering challenge is to provide good TE scaffolds. These highly porous 3D scaffolds primarily serve as temporal holding devices for cells that facilitate structural and functional tissue unit formation of the newly transplanted cells. One method used successfully to produce scaffolds is that of rapid prototyping. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one such versatile method that is able to process many types of polymeric materials and good stability of its products. The purpose of this paper is to present modeling of the heat transfer process, to understand the sintering phenomena that are experienced by powder particles in the SLS powder bed during the sintering process. With the understanding of sintering process obtained through the theoretical modeling, experimental process of biomaterials in SLS could be directed towards the appropriate sintering window, so as not to cause unintentional degradation to the biomaterials.

Design/methodology/approach

SLS uses a laser as a heat source to sinter parts. A theoretical study based on heat transfer phenomena during SLS process was carried out. The study identified the significant biomaterial and laser beam properties that were critical to the sintering result. The material properties were thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, surface reflectivity and absorption coefficient.

Findings

The influential laser beam properties were laser power and scan speed, which were machine parameters that can be controlled by users. The identification of the important parameters has ensured that favorable sintering conditions can be achieved.

Research limitations/implications

The selection of biopolymer influences the manner in which energy is absorbed by the powder bed during the SLS process. In this paper, the modeling and investigative work was validated by poly(vinyl alcohol) which is a biomaterial that has been used for many biomedical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Practical implications

The paper can be the foundation for extension to other types of biomaterials including biopolymers, bioceramics and biocomposites.

Originality/value

The formulation of the theory for heat transfer phenomena during the SLS process is of significant value to any studies in using SLS for biomedical applications.
Systematic proposal to calculate price of prototypes manufactured through rapid prototyping an FDM 3D printer in a university lab
Authors: Henrique Pereira Mello Carlos , Calandrin Martins Rafael , Rosa Parra Bruno , de Oliveira Pamplona Edson , Gomes Salgado Eduardo , Tavares Seguso Rodrigo
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a systematic study to formulate the cost of prototypes manufactured through rapid prototyping (RP) an fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer in a university lab.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has a theoretical‐conceptual approach. This approach is carried out by studying and proposing a methodology for calculating the cost of pieces prototyped an FDM 3D printer.

Findings

This work originated from a gap in literature to establish a way to calculate the price of RP pieces from FDM 3D printers in universities' labs, since no similar work has dealt with this RP technology and has not taken into account the costs of post‐processing step. The results suggest that the formulation may be used to calculate price of prototyped pieces through FDM 3D printer.

Research limitations/implications

The systematic approach proposed by this research to formulate cost for the RP pieces is initially oriented only to modelling technique by FDM 3D printer. Considerations on operator's and designer's hourly rates are those practiced in Brazil, which may differ from other countries.

Originality/value

The paper's scientific contribution is a specific formulation to calculate price of prototyped pieces through FDM considering the post‐processing way, which differs from previous published works. The formulation implies that the execution times and the amount of material used were obtained by internal calculation of the tested machine. This is different from what has been already studied by previous literature which considers an index that encompasses the machine operation cost in function of time. It is aimed that the results obtained here are accurate, since error margins of the process variables are reduced.
Vessel phantom fabrication using rapid prototyping technique for investigating thermal dosage profile in HIFU surgery
Authors: Jiang Cho‐Pei
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for fabricating tumor vessel phantom and then investigate the thermal dosage profile caused by high‐intensity‐focused ultrasound (HIFU) surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a thermal sensitive powder has been added to silicon‐based gel as a vessel phantom raw material for displaying the thermal dosage profile caused by HIFU. A fused deposition modeling system was used for fabricating the shell casting mold and the vessel arbor mold. The arbor prototype, made of wax, was solidified in the cavity of vessel arbor mold. The vessel phantom object embedded with the arbor prototype was created in the shell mold casting process. The vessel phantom was obtained by immersing the vessel phantom object into hot water (65°C) for melting the vessel arbor prototype. A HIFU experiment has been conducted for verifying the feasibility of displaying the thermal dosage profile of the fabricated vessel phantom. The HIFU experimental parameters including the driving power of HIFU transducer, ultrasound exposure duration and volume flow rate were used for investigating the thermal dosage variation by the perfusion of vessel phantom.

Findings

The properties of fabricated mimicking phantom agree well with those of human tissue. The experimental results show that the proposed method can fabricate the Y‐type vessel phantom. The proposed method has been proved as a promising fabrication process in fabricating the vessel phantom and it displays the thermal dosage profile in HIFU experiment.

Originality/value

The proposed method and the developed experimental apparatus are helpful for pre‐clinical HIFU surgery.
Development and research of vacuum coating system in SL
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Ding Yucheng , Zhao Wanhua , He Zhongyun , Lu Bingheng
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how to precisely control the liquid resin coating thickness in stereolithography (SL).

Design/methodology/approach

A vacuum adsorption coating equipment and technology are developed to precisely control the liquid resin coating thickness in SL. Dual‐electrode device is used, so adsorption can be precisely controlled and the electrode polarization can be avoided.

Findings

It turns out that the apparatus can control coating thickness effectively, and thickness uniformity is increased remarkably, which induces the standard deviation thickness decrease from 0.00547 to 0.00243 mm, and efficiency of rapid prototyping production increase by 53 percent.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the apparatus can control coating thickness effectively.
Design and manufacture of injection mould tool inserts produced using indirect SLS and machining processes
Authors: Ilyas Ismet , Taylor Chris , Dalgarno Kenny , Gosden John
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of a combination of indirect selective laser sintering (SLS) and machining processes to create injection mould tools, an approach designed to offer the capability to create conformal cooling channels in the core/cavity inserts together with the levels of surface finish and accuracy required to meet typical injection mould tool specifications.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been pursued through three industrial case studies. In each study, existing injection mold inserts have been redesigned to give a conformally cooled tool. These have then been manufactured using indirect SLS, high‐speed machining, electro‐discharge machining and polishing. The inserts have been evaluated in industrial trials to assess their performance in terms of cycle time, energy usage, durability and quality. The insights gained from the three case studies have then been developed into a series of design rules, which may be applied in the development of tooling for new applications.

Findings

The results show that significant productivity improvements and energy use reductions in injection moulding are possible through the implementation of conformal cooling, and that the material has sufficient wear resistance to be used in production applications. However, it is recommended that modelling is always used to understand the impact of conformal cooling channels, and manufacture is carefully planned to ensure that the required internal geometry is created.

Originality/value

The paper presents new results on the impact of conformal cooling on the productivity and energy efficiency of injection moulding, and on the durability of the indirect SLS material in injection moulding applications. A novel “cut‐out volume” technique for powder clearing is also presented, along with a set of design rules to support further application of the work.
Response surface‐based simulation modeling for selective laser sintering process
Authors: Singh A.K. , Srinivasa Prakash Regalla
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to predict the optimum settings of the process parameters for selective laser sintering process.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation model is prepared using author written subroutines in ANSYS® Parametric Design Language (APDL™) environment. The simulation model is then run at the experimentally designed points using central composite design approach. Based on the observations, a response surface is generated for the density of a sintered part as a function of various process parameters.

Findings

The results indicate the optimum settings of the process variables to achieve a desired value of the density.

Research limitations/implications

The developed simulation model can be used to predict the density of the final part with limited part geometries and may not be applicable for the complex shapes or with irregular features.

Practical implications

The parameter settings as predicted by the simulation model may not be reproduced exactly by the experimental readings.

Originality/value

The results of the simulation study concur with previous investigation by other researchers. Hence, the model can be suitably modified according to available data for different materials (amorphous and crystalline) taking the due considerations.
Ductility of a Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy produced by selective laser melting of prealloyed powders
Authors: Facchini Luca , Magalini Emanuele , Robotti Pierfrancesco , Molinari Alberto , Höges Simon , Wissenbach Konrad
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of the paper is the study of the change in the mechanical properties (and in particular in ductility), with the microstructure, of a biomedical Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy produced by different variants of selective laser melting (SLM).

Design/methodology/approach

Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy produced by different variants of SLM has been mechanically characterized through tensile testing. Its microstructure has been investigated by optical observation after etching and by X‐ray diffraction analysis.

Findings

SLM applied to Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy produces a material with a martensitic microstructure. Some microcracks, due the effect of incomplete homologous wetting and residual stresses produced by the large solidification undercooling of the melt pool, are observable in the matrix. Owing to the microstructure, the tensile strength of the additive manufactured parts is higher than the strength of hot worked parts, whereas the ductility is lower. A pre‐heating of the powder bed is effective in assisting remelting and reducing residual stresses, but ductility does not increase significantly, since the microstructure remains martensitic. A post‐building heat treatment causes the transformation of the metastable martensite in a biphasic a‐b matrix, with a morphology that depends on the heat treatment. This results in an increase in ductility and a reduction in strength values.

Originality/value

The study evidenced how it is possible to obtain a fully dense material and make the martensite transform in Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy through the variation of the SLM process. The stabilization of the microstructure also results in an improvement of the ductility.
DOE based three‐dimensional finite element analysis for predicting density of a laser‐sintered part
Authors: Singh A.K. , Srinivasa Prakash Regalla
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transient three‐dimensional temperature distribution for a laser sintered duraform fine polyamide part by a moving Gaussian laser beam. The primary objective of the present paper is to develop computationally efficient numerical simulation technique with the commercially available finite element software domain for the accurate prediction of the temperature history and heat‐affected zones of the laser sintered parts so as to finally obtain the density of the sintered sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a mathematical model of scanning by moving laser beam and sintering sub‐model. Based on the mathematical models, a simulation model was developed by using author written subroutines in ANSYS® 11.0, a general purpose finite element software. The simulation model was then run at experimental designed points using two‐level factorial design of experiments (DOE) approach. The data thus generated were used to predict the equation for the density of sintered part in terms of process parameters using Design Expert software in order to analyse the designed experiments.

Findings

Laser power and scan spacing were found to be significant parameters affecting the part density. Amongst the interaction terms, significant effect of laser power was found on the part density at the lower settings of the scan velocity. Temperature‐time plots were generated to study the transient temperature distribution for the sintering process and with further applicability to study the thermal stresses.

Research limitations/implications

The simulation model hence developed can be used for only simple part geometries and cannot be generalised for any complex geometry.

Originality/value

The paper presents a simulation model which is integrated with a DOE approach so as to develop a robust as well as simple and fast approach for the optimization of quality objective.
Past organizational change and managerial evaluations of crisis
Authors: Mano Rita S.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper examines the critical effect of learning from past changes on employees' evaluations regarding the extent that a crisis can be controlled and prevented. It is suggested that previous changes incorporate elements of a double‐loop learning process that shape managerial perceptions of crisis controllability and crisis prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on a field study of 225 NPOs. Using closed‐end questionnaires the issues pertaining to crisis and learning are examined.

Findings

The results show that the mere experience of previous changes enhances managers' estimations of crisis control, but lowers their estimations of crisis prevention. These results indicate that using the double‐loop learning process contributes to a better understanding of organizational competence in non‐profit organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides a starting‐point for further research, in which crisis is seen as the antecedent of possible learning experiences that could further enhance capabilities of preventing future crises. The sample is restricted to nonprofit settings, using a relatively small sample. Further studies should address this link using for‐profit and public organizations, or even conduct comparative studies.

Originality/value

No empirical studies are available that assess the line between crisis learning and probable crisis prevention evaluations. The notable and promising side‐effect of the study shows how much remains unexplored in regard to both crisis and learning, forming important lessons for managers.
Human resource strategic management in NPOs
Authors: Benevene Paula , Cortini Michela
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This explorative research aims at examining the social representation of psychosocial training in NPOs managers.

Design/methodology/approach

An adopted multiple research approach was adopted to analyse a corpus of qualitative data. A detailed semi‐structured interview was administered to 122 senior managers of as many Italian NPOs. Interviews were analyzed using different techniques of content analysis and, run through the software T‐Lab (analysis of word occurrence and co‐word mapping, analysis of Markovian sequences).

Findings

Italian NPOs' organizational culture seem to be action‐oriented and self‐referral, rather than knowledge‐oriented. Training is not considered as a tool for strategic management of HR. Senior managers are mainly self‐taught, trained on‐the‐job and, lack of a proper competence on HR management.

Research limitations/implications

The group reached is a convenience sample and not a statistical representative sample.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that intellectual capital can be an effective tool to address Italian NPOs self‐referential knowledge and overcome their gaps in strategic management of human resources.

Originality/value

NPOs' senior manager training has rarely been addressed; in addition, the adopted methodology mixes different techniques of analysis.
Workforce cross training: a re‐emerging trend in tough times
Authors: Abrams Carmen , Berge Zane
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to explore advantages, disadvantages, advice and concerns regarding workforce cross training practices, as well as examples of businesses and organizations that have successfully implemented cross training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is a general review, based on the literature available and the knowledge and expertise of the authors.

Findings

There are a number of realities, such as increased training cost, questionable improvement in productivity, complexity of workflow, and employee resistance, that an employer must consider carefully before moving towards a cross training approach. At the same time, cross training can provide employees with learning and growth opportunities that can help them be ready for emergencies, recessions, and the competition of a global economy.

Originality/value

This article adds to the literature on workforce cross training and will be of interest to those involved in that field.
Assessing the impact of web‐based electronic commerce use on the organizational benefits of a firm
Authors: Mora‐Monge Carlo A. , Azadegan Arash , Gonzalez Marvin E.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of web‐based electronic commerce (WEC) use on organizational benefits (OBE).

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers develop a research model based on a literature review. A large‐scale instrument was applied to empirically test the model. MANOVA was first used employing a general linear model. Then, univariate tests were performed to further analyze differences. The model was tested and validated using a sample of 180 firms in the USA.

Findings

The findings empirically tested that there is a significant positive impact of WEC use on OBE. Findings also demonstrated the multi‐dimensional nature of both factors.

Practical implications

This research develops and validates reliable measures for the WEC use and OBE. It also provides several indicators that can be used to measure the extent of usage of WEC for both transactional and strategic purposes, and OBE that span several dimensions, including information quality, business efficiency, and competitive advantage. These indicators can serve as benchmarks to evaluate the current state of a firm and help in setting future organizational goals, which can also help managers gauge the risks and benefits associated with WEC.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing evidence of the positive impact of WEC on OBE. It also develops and validates measures for all the constructs involved in the study that can be used in other empirical studies.
An integrated strategic benchmarking model for assessing international alliances with application to NATO membership enlargement
Authors: Tavana Madjid , O'Connor Aidan
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Promoting security, stability and cooperation is the raison d'être of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and these are the aims of its strategy of membership enlargement. The incentive of NATO membership has led some former Warsaw Pact applicant countries to reform their political systems, transform their economies, deal with corruption and improve social justice and human rights. However, controversy has surrounded NATO's enlargement because of the current ambiguous and subjective decision‐making process and the effect that it could have on the organization. This paper aims to present the results of a study to develop a benchmarking model as a means to assist NATO evaluate and screen potential applicant countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel and structured multiple‐criteria decision analysis model that considers specific NATO applicant evaluation criteria and environmental forces is offered and a template for a membership evaluation process is proposed. A total of 120 researchers in France, Germany, Switzerland and the USA provided the necessary data on the 23 countries that are analyzed in order to develop the benchmarking model. Four distinct categories were established to categorize these countries. The ranking of the countries based on Euclidean distance from the ideal state is illustrated with a classification schema outlining four typologies as beneficial believers, detrimental disadvantaged, perilous partners and apathetic acquaintances.

Findings

Among the potential applicant countries considered as “beneficial believers” are Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Finland and Ireland while other countries, such as, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Montenegro, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are considered as “detrimental disadvantaged”. Furthermore, Russia and Ukraine were identified as “perilous partners” and Malta, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus, Serbia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia and Moldova were identified as “apathetic acquaintances”.

Practical implications

This model could be applied to other supranational organizations and multinational firms when assessing international strategic alliances.

Originality/value

The paper presents the results of a study to develop a benchmarking model as an aid in evaluating and screening potential NATO applicant countries.
Marketing productivity and profitability of Indonesian public listed manufacturing firms
Authors: Edy Halim Rizal
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This research tries to fill a gap in research and to suggest a rigorous quantitative approach to benchmarking marketing productivity. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is useful in identifying the best‐performing units to be benchmarked against as well as in providing actionable measures for improvement of a company's marketing performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied the DEA approach to aid traditional benchmarking activities and to provide guidance to managers, and to evaluate the productivity and efficiency of manufacturing firms listed at the Indonesian Stock Exchange as a result of their marketing activities. The time period observed is 2001‐2007. The total number of manufacturing firms observed is 94.

Findings

The evidence shows that on average, this industry experienced total productivity decline by over the observation periods, mainly due to deterioration of managerial efficiency.

Originality/value

The paper compares public listed manufacturing firms in Indonesia.
Key performance indicators in the Kenyan hospitality industry: a managerial perspective
Authors: Wadongo Billy , Odhuno Edwin , Kambona Oscar , Othuon Lucas
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The overall purpose of this study is to investigate impact of managerial characteristics on key performance indicators in the Kenyan hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey research design was used to gather primary data using self‐administered questionnaires. A sample of 160 hospitality managers was selected proportionately by simple random sample method from six hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa. A custom factorial univariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Hospitality managers in Kenya are still focusing on financial and result measures of performance while ignoring non‐financial and determinant measures. Managerial demographic characteristics; age, education, current position, functional area, and performance appraisal influence managers' choice of key performance indicators.

Research limitations/implications

The model violated assumptions of homogeneity of variances. Literature review revealed a severe lack of Kenyan‐based research in tourism and hospitality industries on performance measurement practices hence the need for future research in this area.

Practical implications

The hotels need to invest in comprehensive performance management systems suitable for Kenyan hospitality industry that will incorporate both financial and non‐financial performance measures.

Originality/value

The study focuses on level of use of performance indicators and level of importance attached to performance indicators in the Kenyan hospitality industry. Managerial demographic characteristics influence on key performance indicators are examined in leading service industry in a growing economy thus contributing to a new body of knowledge in management literature in Africa.
An optimisational model of benchmarking
Authors: Reza Mehregan Mohammad , Dehghan Nayeri Mahmoud , Reza Ghezavati Vahid
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a quantitative methodology for benchmarking process which is simple, effective and efficient as a rejoinder to benchmarking detractors who debate benchmarking is just a catch‐up process.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology developed for benchmarking here consists of three phases; define, analyze and results. Define phase concentrates on what to benchmark, whereas analyze and results concentrate on how to benchmark. Analyze phase is developed based on two popular mathematical programming techniques which are called technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and goal programming.

Findings

The developed benchmarking methodology is deployed in the case of business schools and results show its efficiency and effectiveness as well as its applicability to various business environments in implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation here is necessity of collecting data about all the peers involved in benchmarking which indirectly restricts the number of peers in the benchmarking process.

Practical implications

Based on the TOPSIS that addresses the benchmark (what to benchmark) and the GP model that addresses the way to reach the benchmark, this methodology may be implemented as a solution procedure for business benchmarking process.

Originality/value

The novelty in this approach is that TOPSIS and GP are being used as a benchmarking techniques in a simple methodology which choose a non‐real benchmark that is more than all the peers involved. In that sense, this research work may be the first, where quantitative methodology for benchmarking is developed and rejoined to the benchmarking old criticize that debates benchmarking is just a catch‐up play.
Predicting the unpredictable: dealing with risk and uncertainty in broadband roll‐out
Authors: Fijnvandraat Marieke , Bouwman Harry
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to offer a validated framework for the analysis of (future) risks and uncertainties involved in the decision‐making process concerning the upgrade and roll‐out of large infrastructural projects, e.g. broadband networks. The framework classifies risks and uncertainties based on the nature of the risks, levels and sources.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of conceptual as well as qualitative and quantitative empirical analyses.

Findings

Telecommunications operators are faced with various types of risks and uncertainties in their decision‐making process concerning the upgrade and roll‐out of their broadband networks. In one respect, these risks and uncertainties have to do with the characteristics of large infrastructural projects, while, on the other hand, being caused by (unknown) competitor behaviour, (unknown) end‐user demand, rapid technological development and different development paths available to operators. Framing risks and uncertainties into a typology provides greater insight into the categories, characteristics and sources of the risks and uncertainties, as well as being a first step in finding ways to deal with them.

Originality/value

The paper presents and validates a framework for the analysis of risks and uncertainty. It also offers empirical data on how operators manage risk and uncertainties.
Analysing the future of railway freight competition: a Delphi study in Finland
Authors: Mäkitalo Miika , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The entire sector of railway transport is in a state of flux in Europe as deregulation and structural changes are affecting the traditional transport mode. Even though the aim has been to increase railway freight competition, markets have changed only slightly, and the market shares of incumbent railway companies are remaining high. Some EU countries have not attracted any new entrants, which is also the current situation in Finland. This paper aims to assess how the Finnish railway freight competition develops and to analyze different views on railway transport policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work analyses a Delphi questionnaire directed at 52 Finnish experts in this branch. Responses on the questionnaire were gathered during year 2005 (competition in Finland in railway freight started 2007) within two rounds with appropriate amount of response rate. Respondents were from the public and private sectors, actors working closely with railway transports and logistics. With an expert profiling matrix, three different railway transport policy viewpoint groups are identified, and character descriptions for these are constructed.

Findings

Based on a qualitative expert profiling analysis, it is argued that there exist three different argument types in Finnish railway transport policy. The authors have constructed character descriptions for each group based on material collected by the Delphi technique. They conclude that the policy definitions have followed the views of the moderate group and the realization of the deregulation process has been slow, even though a great amount of competition was expected.

Research limitations/implications

The research work is limited to the Finnish railway freight transport market, where development of competition on rails has been sluggish. To further confirm the used methodology, and the identified railway freight competition policy group types, the research work should be repeated in some other country, and particularly in an environment where competition has shown activity immediately after deregulation.

Originality/value

The research represents methodology to foresee the future development of deregulated industries, and especially in the transportation sector. The paper's approach can be used to divide stakeholders into groups and to make policy analysis. The problem with to‐be‐deregulated industry is often lack of competition, new actors and governmental actions, and therefore the used Delphi technique offers potential to gather empirical material before any activity has actually started in the observed industry.
Forecasting airplane technologies
Authors: Lamb Ann‐Marie , Daim Tugrul U. , Anderson Timothy R.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Airplane technology is undergoing several exciting developments, particularly in avionics, material composites, and design tool capabilities, and, though there are many studies conducted on subsets of airplane technology, market, and economic parameters, few exist in forecasting new commercial aircraft model introduction. In fact, existing research indicates the difficulty in quantitatively forecasting commercial airplanes due in part to the complexity and quantity of exogenous factors which feed into commercial airplane introduction decisions. This paper seeks to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a literature review, supplemented by a collection of secondary data. The study then focuses on applying three technology forecasting techniques: multiple regression; linear regression; and the Pearl growth curve.

Findings

The results provide a valid model for multiple regression and linear regression on range and composite material percentage for use in commercial airplane forecasting. However, growth curve analysis, comparatively, appears to provide the most intriguing and flexible forecast outlook in alignment with industry dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

Research implications include a caution for forecasters in support of the difficulty of commercial aircraft forecasting due in part to the quantity of exogenous factors, particularly compared with a related industry, military aircraft. Future work could include: utilizing other forecasting techniques that allow for greater numbers of forecast factors, additional future models, additional range aircraft and/or analyzing the impact that competing transportation modes in mid‐range aircraft could have on long‐range aircraft introduction.

Originality/value

The study provides value in extending a previous descriptive paper on airplane parameters. Additionally, it appears to be one of the first quantitative examples supporting previous research indicating the complexity of forecasting airplane new product introduction, but it overcomes some of this complexity by providing a valid model for forecasting with range and composite material percentage as inputs.
Rethinking the commercialization of everyday life: a “whole economy” perspective
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Nadin Sara
Published: October 2010

Purpose

A dominant belief is that the continuing encroachment of the market economy into everyday life is inevitable, unstoppable and irreversible. Over the past decade, however, a small stream of thought has started to question this commercialization thesis. This paper seeks to contribute to this emergent body of thought by developing a “whole economy” approach for capturing the multifarious economic practices in community economies and then applying this to an English locality.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey conducted of the economic practices used by 120 households in a North Nottinghamshire locality in the UK is reported here, comprising face‐to‐face interviews in an affluent, middle‐ranking and deprived neighborhood.

Findings

This reveals the limited commercialization of everyday life and the persistence of a multitude of economic practices in all neighborhood‐types. Participation rates in all economic practices (except one‐to‐one unpaid work and “off‐the‐radar” unpaid work) are higher in relatively affluent populations. Uneven development is marked by affluent populations that are “work busy”, engaging in a diverse spectrum of economic practices conducted more commonly out of choice, and disadvantaged populations that are more “work deprived”, conducting a narrower array of activities usually out of necessity.

Research limitations/implications

This snapshot survey only displays that commercialization is not hegemonic. It does not display whether there is a shift towards commercialization.

Social implications

Recognition of the limited encroachment of the market opens up the future to alternative possibilities beyond an inevitable commercialization of everyday life, intimating that the future will be characterized by the continuing persistence of multifarious economic practices rather than market hegemony.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence from a western nation of the limited commercialization of daily life.
Civilizational futures within the integral futures framework: the plural quadrants
Authors: Morgan Dennis R.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Expanding on the findings of the SOPIFF research project, this paper aims to identify eight futures schools of thought, which are analyzed and critiqued through an integral framework. As “Part II” of a previous publication, it seeks to focus on the lower (plural) quadrants.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adapts Ken Wilber's integral theory to clarify various philosophical orientations to the future. It also adapts Fredrich Polak's approach to futures as a matter of “social critique and reconstruction”; however, the approach is global, civilizational, and integral, so it proposes civilizational critique and integral reconstruction as a method for evaluating futures schools of thought.

Findings

The IF framework is found to be a valuable theoretical and analytical tool for clarifying images of the future; it shows lines of development within each quadrant and interactions between quadrants, illustrating the effectiveness of the four‐quadrant approach.

Research limitations/implications

It further illuminates the “global problematique” expressed in the SOPIFF project and proposes the IF framework as a way to interpret those research findings.

Practical implications

This approach to futures/foresight studies broadens the range and offers more depth to conceptions of the future, so it should help to develop/improve futures methodologies/practices in general.

Social implications

Civilizational critique and integral reconstruction of images of the future imply unprecedented social change.

Originality/value

The paper should help futurists to see and interpret the “bigger picture” of civilizational futures through revealing the “crack” of the modern image of the future, how it relates to the current world crisis, and what is needed to heal the crack, so a new vision of a preferred future can emerge.