bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband photon-number squeezing in light-emitting diodes at low photon-flux levels
Authors: Masuyama R. , Higashi A. , Tanaka K. , Kadoya Y. , Yamanishi M.
Published: August 2003

We have investigated the squeezing of intensity-fluctuation below the full-shot-noise level in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at low-photon flux levels. By using a tailor-made LED, the squeezing over a wide frequency range, near-dc to 1.5 GHz was achieved at an injection-current level as low as 100 μA. As a result, the number of photons, which can be expected in the sub-Poissonian light, was reduced to the order of 105 per pulse, nearly three orders of magnitude smaller than those obtained in commercial LEDs.
Composition dependence of polarization fields in GaInN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: Hangleiter A. , Hitzel F. , Lahmann S. , Rossow U.
Published: August 2003

We report an experimental determination of the internal polarization field in GaInN/GaN quantum wells, due to piezoelectric and spontaneous polarization, utilizing the quantum confined Stark effect, with fields as large as 3.1 MV/cm at 22% In. From its dependence on quantum well composition and strain, we find that the total field in GaInN is a linear combination of polarization charges from GaN and InN. The piezoelectric constants d31 for GaN and InN derived from our data are 1.05±0.05 pm/V and 3.7±0.5 pm/V, in fair agreement with theoretical data.
Nanowire-based very-high-frequency electromechanical resonator
Authors: Husain A. , Hone J. , Postma Henk W. Ch. , Huang X. M. H. , Drake T. , Barbic M. , Scherer A. , Roukes M. L.
Published: August 2003

Fabrication and readout of devices with progressively smaller size, ultimately down to the molecular scale, is critical for the development of very-high-frequency nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes or nanowires, offer immense prospects as active elements for these applications. We report the fabrication and measurement of a platinum nanowire resonator, 43 nm in diameter and 1.3 μm in length. This device, among the smallest NEMS reported, has a fundamental vibration frequency of 105.3 MHz, with a quality factor of 8500 at 4 K. Its resonant motion is transduced by a technique that is well suited to ultrasmall mechanical structures.
Psychological aspects of information seeking on the Internet
Authors: Joinson Adam , Banyard Phil
Published: August 2003

Two studies are presented that investigate information seeking behaviour on the Internet. In study one, soccer fans’ information seeking on the World Wide Web is investigated. In study two, access rates to a cancer information Web site are analysed. It is tentatively argued that there is a tendency for people to access information more commonly avoided in “real life”, although in the case of football fans, the tendency to “bask in reflected glory” remains when online, while cutting off reflected failure is minimised. Implications for understanding and researching psychological processes of Web browsing behaviour are discussed.
An initial exploration of the link relationship between UK university Web sites
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: August 2003

Aggregates of links are of interest to information scientists in the same way as citation counts are: as potential sources of data from which new knowledge can be mined. Builds on the recent discovery of a correlation between a Web link count measure and the research quality of British universities by applying a range of multivariate statistical techniques to counts of links between pairs of universities. This represents an initial attempt at developing an understanding of this phenomenon. Extracts plausible results. Also identifies outliers in the data by the techniques, some of which were verified by being tracked down to identifiable Web phenomena. This is an important outcome because successful anomaly identification is a precondition to more effective analysis of this kind of data. The identification of groupings is encouraging evidence that Web links between universities can be mined for significant results, although it is clear that more methodological development is needed, if any but the simplest patterns are to be extracted. Finally, based upon the types of patterns extracted, argues that none of the methods used are capable of fully analysing link structures on their own.
Intelligent location of two simultaneously active acoustic emission sources: Part II
Authors: Kosel Tadej , Grabec Igor , Kosel Franc
Published: August 2003

In Part I, an intelligent acoustic emission (AE) locator is described while the Part II discusses a blind source separation, time delay estimation and location of two continuous AE sources. AE analysis is used for characterization and location of developing defects in materials. AE sources often generate a mixture of various statistically independent signals. A difficult problem of AE analysis is a separation and characterization of signal components when the signals from various sources and the mode of mixing are unknown. Recently, blind source separation (BSS) by independent component analysis (ICA) has been used to solve these problems. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability of ICA to locate two independent simultaneously active AE sources on an aluminum band specimen. The method is promising for non‐destructive testing of aircraft frame structures by AE analysis.
Comparison of the anticorrosion efficiencies of pigments based on condensed phosphates and polyphosphosilicates
Authors: Kalendova´ A.
Published: August 2003

The paper deals with studying the anticorrosive properties of condensed phosphates and polyphosphates in the coatings. The pigments contain cation in the most cases as aluminium in a combination with zinc, strontium, calcium or a combination with all the cations. The investigated anticorrosive pigments differ in water solubility, inhibition efficiencies of their aqueous extracts and also the efficiencies in the coatings protecting steel substrate to corrosion. Two types of condensed anticorrosive pigments (polyphosphates and polyphosphosilicates) were compared. The anticorrosion properties of polyphosphosilicates are inferior to those of polyphosphates. The high anticorrosion efficiency was found at a comparative pigment, represented by zinc phosphosilicate.
Lifestyle factors associated with obesity among male university students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Musaiger A.O. , Lloyd O.L. , Al‐Neyadi S.M. , Bener A.B.
Published: August 2003

A cross‐sectional survey of 300 male university students (18‐25 years) in the United Arab Emirates was carried out to study the relationship between obesity and some lifestyle factors. Obesity was determined using body mass index (weight/height2), with cut‐off of <25 and ≥25, to represent non‐obese and obese students, respectively. The overall prevalence of obesity was 35.7 per cent, which was higher than their counterpart female students. The risk of obesity was found to be greater among those who had a family history of obesity (relative risk, RR=1.88), watched television for more than four hours a day (RR=1.31), were smokers (RR=1.35), were not practising sport (RR=1.77) and had a car (RR=1.23). However, only family history of obesity was found to be statistically significant. The study suggests that social and lifestyle factors are important factors for the occurrence of obesity among male university students.
Attitudes to service quality – the expectation gap
Authors: Douglas Lesley , Connor Robert
Published: August 2003

In the competitive environment in which hospitality businesses exist, the quality of service is a vital mechanism used to achieve a competitive advantage. Quality is a difficult construct to quantify however the ability to measure quality is key to assessing whether or not the industry provides the service consumers desire. Consumers hold the key to business survival and success. The aim of this study was to investigate how closely consumer expectations of service, and manager and staff perceptions of consumer expectations matched. The SERVQUAL model was used to identify those dimensions of service deemed to be important in assessing service quality. The results show that there is a gap between managers’ perceptions of consumers’ expectations and actual consumers’ expectations. The main implication for the hospitality industry is for managers to develop strategies which will meet consumers’ expectations of service quality.
The bidding culture in the UK public library – a case study approach
Authors: Parker Sandra , Ray Kathryn , Harrop Ken
Published: August 2003

Effective participation in the competitive bidding arena is one of the main vehicles for securing the necessary additional funds to maintain and develop UK public library services. This paper documents the extent and scale of bidding by public libraries and presents areas of good practice emerging from research into the effects that the bidding culture has had on the development of English local government archive, library and museum services. Key findings suggest that approaches to external funding should be strategy‐driven taking place within a framework of purpose and rationale; that success is often highly dependent on the leadership and networking skills of library managers; and that partnership working should be encouraged and adopted. Successful proposals should demonstrate the benefits and credibility of proposers to deliver; provide evidence of properly resourced project management including methods of monitoring and evaluation; explicitly address the relevant funding criteria and be well‐researched and carefully planned.
Managing change: libraries and information services in the digital age
Authors: Tam Lawrence W.H. , Robertson Averil C.
Published: August 2003

Libraries and information services face many challenges from changes in the information environment, most of which have occurred as a result of developments in electronic information resources and the evolution of the “digital age”. This paper outlines the characteristics of the information society, describes various aspects of the challenges facing libraries, both externally and internally, and makes suggestions as to how library managers can make changes within their organisations in order to ensure that they retain their place in the information world. Examples of changes taking place in the authors’ own workplace, the University of Hong Kong Libraries, are outlined.
Challenges facing information literacy efforts in Kenya: a case study of selected university libraries in Kenya
Authors: Muema Kavulya Joseph
Published: August 2003

The ability to access, evaluate and use information is a prerequisite for lifelong learning, and a basic requirement for the information society. At the university level, students are expected to contact independent exploration in diverse disciplines and topics and therefore, irrespective of their areas of study, they need to use information effectively. They should not only master the skill of finding information in print format or electronic formats, but also be able to evaluate and use it competently both in their study activities as well as in their later lives. This paper examines why the acquisition of these information skills is a matter of necessity and they are a prime factor in quality learning in Kenyan universities. It concludes that although there have been efforts to ensure information literacy among university students, there is need to build on these efforts through collaborative efforts between librarians and faculty members particularly through joint curriculum design and implementation.
Mainstreaming equality, meeting needs: the Merton Library approach
Authors: Durrani Shiraz , Smallwood Elizabeth
Published: August 2003

Describes the approach taken by Merton Library and Heritage Service, part of the London Borough of Merton, to address equalities in a meaningful way. It examines aspects of service delivery and the changing staffing structure. Without appropriate structures and policies to address equality matters, no fundamental change, required for the creation of a service based on principles of social justice, can occur. The underlying vision and philosophy are examined. It has been written for use within the service and to inform others of the successes and failures to date. Based on the experience of the process of change to date, a list is provided of key requirements for creating a service based on principles of equality.
Kinematics, design and control of the 6‐PSU platform
Authors: Hopkins Brian R. , Williams Robert L.
Published: August 2003

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Ohio University has designed, constructed, and controlled a new 6‐dof in‐parallel‐actuated platform, a combination and modification of existing designs. The 6‐PSU platform consists of six legs with a prismatic joint, spherical joint, and universal joint connecting links in each leg which move the platform in the six Cartesian freedoms with respect to the base. The prismatic joint is actuated while the other two joints in each leg are passive. The six prismatic joints move vertically with respect to the base, which appears to be a big improvement over the standard Gough/Stewart platform. Experimental results from the Ohio University manipulator are presented.
User‐adaptive control of a magnetorheological prosthetic knee
Authors: Herr Hugh , Wilkenfeld Ari
Published: August 2003

A magnetorheological knee prosthesis is presented that automatically adapts knee damping to the gait of the amputee using only local sensing of knee force, torque, and position. To assess the clinical effects of the user‐adaptive knee prosthesis, kinematic gait data were collected on four unilateral trans‐femoral amputees. Using the user‐adaptive knee and a conventional, non‐adaptive knee, gait kinematics were evaluated on both affected and unaffected sides. Results were compared to the kinematics of 12 age, weight and height matched normals. We find that the user‐adaptive knee successfully controls early stance damping, enabling amputee to undergo biologically‐realistic, early stance knee flexion. These results indicate that a user‐adaptive control scheme and local mechanical sensing are all that is required for amputees to walk with an increased level of biological realism compared to mechanically passive prosthetic systems.
Using machine vision in assembly applications
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: August 2003

Advances in the design of image processing software and in the development of cameras with on‐board processing are changing the face of machine vision. A group of suppliers is now producing vision systems targeted directly at end‐users in the assembly plant.
Automated food handling
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: August 2003

This paper concerns the use of sensors and systems integration in the automated handling of foodstuffs in sandwich making and biscuit packing.
Laser probe design for carbon content in ash measurement
Authors: Ouazzane Abdel K. , Benhadj Redha
Published: August 2003

The polarisation ratio of the linearly polarised light backscattered by fly ash particles is indicative of the carbon content. The determination of this parameter is useful to characterise the efficiency of coal burning furnaces. The main aim of this work is to design a single optical probe to measure the polarisation ratio. A probe has been built that can be bolted onto a furnace duct, and it has been tested on a wide range of ashes. A neural network analysis has also been explored for predicting carbon content.
Remote gas detection using ambient thermal infrared
Authors: Bogue Robert W.
Published: August 2003

Describes a passive, open‐path infrared gas detector that utilises thermal background radiation as the source. Explains its mode of operation, provides a specification and considers its route to market.
US company develops high sensitivity gas detector based on novel laser technology
Authors: Bogue Robert W.
Published: August 2003

Describes a unique optical source, the quantum cascade laser (QCL) and its application to gas detection. The instruments can detect both nitric oxide and carbon monoxide at concentrations down to 10 ppb m at atmospheric temperature and pressure with a 1 m absorption path‐length. A QCL operating at 5.8 μm can be used during airborne surveys of atmospheric formaldehyde, a key intermediate in the oxidation of methane and other hydrocarbons which contribute to the formation of ozone precursors.
Experimental investigation into low pressure gas discharges in microwave electric field optical sensor probes
Authors: Fitzpatrick C. , Mavromatidis P. , Lewis E. , Lucas J. , Al‐Shamma'a A.
Published: August 2003

This paper investigates the feasibility of using the emission intensity of low‐pressure argon and nitrogen gas discharges as the sensing mechanism for a microwave electric field optical sensor probe in microwave resonant cavities. The emission is coupled to a photodiode for detection through an optical fibre due to the difficulty in using conventional optoelectronic devices in close proximity to microwave cavities. The discharge emission intensity is monitored at a range of different input powers to the cavity. The proposed designs for the electric field sensing probe are also included.
Thin films of (TeO2)1−x(In2O3)x as gamma radiation sensors
Authors: Arshak K. , Korostynska O.
Published: August 2003

Thin films of tellurium dioxide (TeO2) and indium oxide (In2O3) mixtures were investigated for γ‐radiation dosimetry purpose. Samples were fabricated using thermal vacuum evaporation technique. The electrical properties of mixed oxides thin films [(TeO2)1−x(In2O3)x, where x=0 and 10 per cent by weight] and their changes under the influence of γ‐radiation were investigated. Samples with contacts having a planar structure showed increase in the values of current with the increase in radiation dose up to a certain dose level. Thin films in the form of pn‐junctions were fabricated with (TeO2)1−x(In2O3)x as p‐type material and sulphur as n‐type material. These pn‐junctions exhibited Zener diode behaviour. The current‐voltage characteristics for as‐deposited and γ‐irradiated samples were recorded. The level of response for all the fabricated devices was found to be highly dependent on the composition of the exposed material.
Electronic access to and the preservation of heritage materials
Authors: Graham Theresa
Published: August 2003

This paper gives a brief introduction to the Heritage Collection at Auckland City Libraries in New Zealand and notes the significant public support and commitment given to the preservation of heritage material. What, as an institution of cultural identity, Auckland City Libraries are doing to ensure the ongoing preservation of and improved access to original heritage resources which are of national significance is outlined and some current and future projects are described.
Enhancing access to information through document delivery systems – INFLIBNET’s approach
Authors: Salgar S.M. , Murthy T.A.V.
Published: August 2003

Owing to diminishing library budgets, coupled with the information explosion, academic librarians in India are finding it difficult to meet the insatiable demands of their clientele. For a country as geographically vast as India, having many universities located in remote places, this problem is compounded. Efforts were made in the past to provide document delivery services through a few documentation centres, set up by the Government in different disciplines. This paper focuses on the initiatives launched by the University Grants Commission of India in the last few years, through the INFLIBNET Centre, to provide this service through electronic means by computerizing university libraries, establishing a network and setting up document delivery centres.
Interlibrary loan in Mexico: two solutions to an age‐old problem
Authors: Mónica Guerrero Elda , Mattes Daniel
Published: August 2003

In spite of the great strides that have been made in recent years in improving Mexico’s transportation and communication systems, obtaining material through interlibrary loan is still often difficult. Focuses on two relatively small but successful programs that have been organized by the Grupo Amigos and the Transborder Library Forum (Foro). Both programs are important due to their international focus, but the latter program is particularly interesting due to changes that are being made at the Mexican coordinating library to allow end users to prepare their own ILL requests via the library’s Web page. Compares the two programs and speculates on the future of interlibrary loan in Mexico.
The state‐of‐the‐art of the Brazilian QFD applications at the top 500 companies
Authors: Cauchick Miguel Paulo A.
Published: August 2003

Since Quality Function Deployment (QFD) has been applied all over the world, a number of surveys have been conducted in various nations in order to evaluate the extent to which the method is applied as well as its main difficulties and benefits. Reports on the design, development and findings of a survey carried out in Brazil, where QFD is completing ten years of application. The companies reported the QFD experienced difficulties, driven data sources, perceived benefits and other relevant aspects of its implementation. The principal difficulties are relative to the size of the matrices, commitment of group members and lack of experience. Companies are more likely to report qualitative benefits associated with improved cross‐functional communication and teamwork. The final picture shows that companies that applied QFD are restricted to a limited population. Reveals a considerable lack of knowledge about the method expressed by many survey respondents. However, identifies five companies with a high level of QFD application.
Two new academic libraries in San Diego, California
Authors: Steele Mark
Published: August 2003

Describes the considerations taken into account when designing new buildings and how these shaped the design of two new academic libraries in San Diego. Following the principles that each library should serve its unique group of users; that the surrounding campus or site should influence the design; and that the new building should add to its campus or neighbourhood, the architects produced two very different library buildings. As part of a suburban campus‐based community college, Mesa College Learning Resource Center serves a large student body studying a wide range of subjects, and has been designed as a complex abstract composition of energetic forms in raw concrete. In contrast, California Western School of Law Library is on a small city campus and focuses on educating postgraduate law students. The new Library is described as a refined building of classical proportions and subtle detail. Gives details of both the interiors and exteriors of the two libraries and discusses how successful they have been in terms of meeting the differing needs of their users.
MARC format and cataloging books in non‐Hebrew languages at the University of Haifa Library, Israel
Authors: Zur‐Jiji Adina
Published: August 2003

Reviews the development of cataloging in the Acquisitions‐Catalog‐Classification Department of the University of Haifa Library against the technological changes that have taken place throughout the world. These changes have strengthened the basic assumption that maximum use should be made of the bibliographic information available from other libraries in Israel and abroad for the university library to become part of the international bibliographic system and in order to save resources. The various stages of the work process are analysed and the role of MARC explained.
Electronic books: a review and evaluation
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi
Published: August 2003

This paper discusses the genesis of e‐books and derives a comprehensive definition from various definitions reported for them. It lists the various types of e‐books with their characteristics and the major players in the market. It also highlights the pros and cons of e‐books, and compares select e‐book reader hardware and software with their specifications, requirements and characteristics. The impact of e‐books on the publishing industry, on libraries and librarians, and digital rights management is discussed. The author concludes that e‐books are rapidly becoming a viable alternative and provide growing advantages over the traditional medium.
Electronic reserves: the promise and challenge to increase accessibility
Authors: Konicek Kathy , Hyzny Joy , Allegra Richard
Published: August 2003

Electronic reserves help registered campus users who need anytime‐access to documents. Electronic reserves comprise digital files, mostly HTML or PDF formats. In some circumstances the HTML or PDF file is “readable” to the sighted individual, but are sometimes either partially or completely unreadable to the visually impaired using assistive technology. Creating “accessible” PDF files poses more challenges than creating “accessible” HTML files. Several options are suggested to help solve this problem.
Financial risk management: is it a value‐adding activity?
Authors: Fairchild Richard
Published: August 2003

Considers whether financial risk management is value‐adding. Although risk management can reduce total risk, this may not affect the cost of capital or firm value. Well‐diversified investors have already eliminated all of the specific risk, and risk‐management may be seen as a zero NPV activity at best, and at worst, a value‐reducing activity. However, there is a role for risk management. Reduction of total risk may reduce the expected costs of financial distress, hence increasing expected cashflows. This increases firm value. Presents a method of investment appraisal that takes account of total risk through expected financial distress costs. Such a method can result in three possible decisions relating to a new project; reject the project invest in the project; and risk‐manage; or invest in the project but do not risk‐manage. Finally, presents worked examples.
E‐prints, institutional archives, and metadata: disseminating scholarly literature to the masses
Authors: Medeiros Norm
Published: August 2003

E‐print servers, once the exclusive domain of physicists, have permeated many academic disciplines, and threaten to revolutionize the scholarly publishing industry. This article explores the history and maturation of e‐print servers, institutional archiving, and the role metadata plays in retrieving information from these repositories. The article highlights Project RoMEO and the Metadata Harvesting Protocol of the Open Archives Initiative.
Deciding what to collect
Authors: Jimerson Randall C.
Published: August 2003

Whether working in institutional archives or manuscript collecting repositories, archivists must consciously decide what to collect and preserve. Collecting policies for acquisition of manuscripts and archives are based on the institution’s mission and goals. The process involves donor relations, legal and fiscal concerns, and accurate recordkeeping. Archives cannot save everything. Once considered an almost routine process, defining an institutional collecting policy for manuscripts and archives has recently been challenged by postmodernists who contend that the decision of what to collect is not neutral or objective, but a mediated construct based on cultural values.
Student self‐managed learning – time for action
Authors: Ottewill Roger
Published: August 2003

As student self‐managed learning becomes an increasingly significant element of campus‐based higher education courses, so action is required to ensure that academic staff are primed to deal with the challenges involved. Reconciling the needs and inclinations of students with the capabilities and disposition of academic staff in this respect is not for the faint‐hearted. It calls for an active and sensitive leadership that is prepared to endorse revised understandings of academic development and academic discretion and to put in place measures designed to bring about their realisation.
A new knowledge of reality
Authors: Moore Janet C.
Published: August 2003

Preparing for the Revolution: Information Technology and the Future of the Research University is a report released in October 2002, produced by the US National Academies, advisors on science, engineering and medicine. The report describes emerging technologies that are reshaping higher education, including the organization, management, governance and finance of universities. Universities must work with stakeholders to anticipate and influence the learning systems of the future. The next phase of the study will organize national channels for dialogue.
Rubicon Technology: a high tech start‐up successfully practices strategic focus
Authors: Sterling John
Published: August 2003

Rubicon Technology, a materials science company focused primarily on the manufacture and marketing of high quality single crystals possesses unique and advantageous technology. But having technological advantages is not enough. Concerted focus is required to translate that technical advantage into product performance that makes a significant difference in customer operations. With market intelligence, an honest self‐assessment and logical analysis, a sustainable market position was developed. The company avoided the temptation of chasing the market with the greatest upside potential and instead elected to target products and markets that were more accessible and aligned well with the experience and capabilities of the company’s technical and operations staffs. Recently, the company has invested enough (in manufacturing facilities and knowledge) to keep its future options open relative to additional vertical integration. Rubicon’s experience with strategic alliances confirms that they can play a crucial role in closing capability gaps and delivering a total package of value to key segments of the market. Rubicon has succeeded largely because, after selecting products and markets that offered excellent potential returns, it focused relentlessly on improving and aligning its technology and its operations to meet expressed customer and market needs. Rubicon has captured at least 10 percent of the LED/LD substrate market worldwide. More importantly, it has moved quickly from the high burn rate of a start‐up to breakeven, and it is on the road to profitability.
Results‐based leadership: an interview with Dave Ulrich
Authors: Finnie William , Early Stewart
Published: August 2003

Business leaders can add to their bottom line by being more attentive to “soft” organization factors, such as the commitment level of employees, the quality of leaders, and the linkage of both to obtaining results. Such “intangible” factors account for 50 percent of a company’s market value. Results‐based leadership is the key source of increasing this intangible value. The selection and development of leaders in the organization should begin with the question, “What is it we need to deliver for the company?” Next determine the behaviors the leaders need to deliver those results. Too many companies do the reverse. For example, a firm wants leaders who have a vision “so that” the company will be able to innovate products faster than competitors. Or, the business wants leaders who can build teams quickly “so that” the time from concept to commercialization of a product is 20 percent faster in two years. Four attributes of leadership are suggested: setting direction for where the organization is headed; demonstrating personal character; mobilizing individual employee commitment; engendering the organization’s capability (building systems). Linking these attributes to results, there are four steps offered that will help build results‐based leaders: believe that leadership matters; develop a leadership brand; assess leaders and find their gaps; invest in leadership. A four by four matrix tool is offered as an aid to promote the linkage between capabilities and results. Empowerment becomes easy when the four levers (information, competence, authority, and rewards) are taken across the four boundaries of every company (vertical, horizontal, external and global). A succinct example: most firms move authority vertically from top to bottom but fail when they keep information, competence and rewards at the top.
Decision‐driven scenarios for assessing four levels of uncertainty
Authors: Courtney Hugh
Published: August 2003

Some classes of scenario planning tools and techniques are designed to inform near‐term strategic decisions. In addition, some of these are more appropriate for lower levels of uncertainty, while others are best suited for highly uncertain, truly ambiguous business environments. This paper provides a typology of scenario planning tools and techniques that enables managers to identify the best approach to follow in various circumstances. By choosing the right scenario‐planning tool for near‐term strategy decisions, companies can generate the foresight necessary to prevail in today’s turbulent markets. Though most scenario exercises are intended to enrich an organization’s awareness of potential environmental discontinuity in the long‐term, some classes of scenario planning tools and techniques are designed to inform near‐term strategic decisions. Some of these tools for assessing the near term are more appropriate for lower levels of uncertainty, and others are best suited for highly uncertain, truly ambiguous business environments. This paper provides a typology of scenario planning tools and techniques that enables managers to identify the best approach to follow in various circumstances. By choosing the right scenario‐planning tool for near‐term strategy decisions, managers can generate the foresight necessary to help their organization prevail in today’s turbulent markets.
One CEO’s product development motto: care for innovations like newborns!
Authors: Belkhir Lotfi , Välikangas Liisa , Merlyn Paul
Published: August 2003

Will your company be like so many “one‐hit” wonders that failed because of their inability to adapt through innovation? Many companies meet this fate. Management shortfalls on the path to developing new market successes include: (1) A lack of the requisite skills and resources to sustain growth; (2) A CEO’s preoccupation with the existing business. This latter case should quickly be challenged given that the business environment will ultimately render any business concept an anachronism. The only way for a company to sustain itself is through conceiving and nurturing new business ideas that can succeed for the parent business; (3) Either no genuine product innovations, or so few the company does not develop the skill to cultivate them; (4) Entry into the innovation phase too late, such as in Polaroid’s case; (5) Belief that an investment in a new business cannot coexist with the existing business. The company sees true innovative concepts as more as a nuisance or threat to their comfortable lives than as the offer of hope for a new future; (7) The ability to create an abundance of innovation but exhibit a peculiar incompetence in creating a market for it. Witness Xerox. The challenge, then, is to foster a capability for innovation – not merely product enhancement. This capability allows a company to migrate from one business concept to the next as the market changes and opportunities emerge.
Two merger integration imperatives: urgency and execution
Authors: Bert Arthur , MacDonald Timothy , Herd Thomas
Published: August 2003

Today, with years of corporate experience in managing mergers and acquisitions, there is little excuse for deals that don’t create value. Regrettably failure is the case more often than not. Depending on the industry, a top‐performing merger can increase shareholders’ wealth anywhere from 4 to 65 percent above industry averages. But such rewards only go to companies that understand that merger success is built on two main factors: timing and execution. A.T. Kearney’s findings indicate that a company has just two years to make the deal work. After year two, the window of opportunity on forging merger synergies has all but closed. This article highlights the reasons why timing is so important to merger success, and lays out the seven ground rules‐from selecting leaders quickly, and establishing clear goals, to managing risks and expectations – that leading acquirers abide by to ensure merger success.
Investigating the power of imagery in marketing communication: evidence‐based techniques
Authors: Branthwaite Alan
Published: August 2003

Visual imagery has potentially powerful effects on human psychology and physiology, affecting ideas, perceptions, beliefs, feelings, behaviour and health. It plays a central role in most advertising, especially posters, print and TV, but also radio through the ability of language and description to conjure up images internally. In order to investigate the effects of imagery and devise appropriate tools to analyse its influence on the consumer, we need an understanding of the mechanisms involved. Techniques that are grounded in knowledge and theory have greater validity and credibility as to their effectiveness, and can give clients more confidence when buying qualitative research.
An original approach for the memorisation and the generation of rapid product development processes
Authors: Bernard Alain , Deglin Alexandre , Ris Gabriel
Published: August 2003

This paper introduces a knowledge‐based environment dedicated to the choice of rapid product development processes. Rapid product development processes are not limited to layer‐manufacturing machines, but they also integrate CAD, reverse engineering, indirect methods for metallic and plastic part manufacturing, etc. The aim of the proposed knowledge‐based environment is to propose, from a detailed functional specification, different alternatives of rapid product development processes, which can be ordered and optimised when considering a combination of different specification criteria (cost, quality, delay, aspect, material, etc.).
Investigation of an electrophotography based rapid prototyping technology
Authors: Kumar Ashok V. , Dutta Anirban
Published: August 2003

A method for rapid prototyping based on electrophotographic powder deposition was investigated to study its potentials and to identify design and implementation challenges. This technique is referred to here as the electrophotographic rapid prototyping (ERP). In this technique, powder is printed layer‐by‐layer in the shape of the cross‐sections of the part using electrophotography a very widely used non‐impact printing method. Each layer of powder is consolidated by fusing before the next layer of powder is printed. A fully automated test bed was constructed that consists of a printing system, fusing/heating plate, build platform that has two‐degrees of freedom as well as software that drives the system.
Quality management practices in Taiwan’s telecommunication industry
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Ming , Su Chao‐Ton
Published: August 2003

Telecommunication companies must effectively master information to remain competitive in an increasingly global market. Tremendous business opportunities have been created because of the recent rapid global communications’ liberalization. Following this trend, the telecommunication industry in Taiwan will be a star industry and grow quickly in the future. This study uses questionnaires to examine how quality management practices are implemented in Taiwan’s telecommunication industry. Most of the 39 telecommunication companies surveyed herein are medium‐sized with fairly weak quality performance. Advanced quality management training programs (such as experimental design) are seldom implemented and the companies do not rely on a few reasonably reliable suppliers.
Benchmarking information technology investment and benefits extraction
Authors: Alshawi Sarmad , Irani Zahir , Baldwin Lynne
Published: August 2003

Despite the fact that many companies are increasing their expenditure on information technology (IT) to obtain or even sustain a competitive advantage in their respective marketplaces, many studies show that the benefits from IT systems have been considerably less than expected. Managers are often left with the quandary of how to evaluate investments and realise maximum benefits in IT. Reasons for this difficulty have been suggested in the normative literature centring around the socio‐technical (human and organisational) dimensions associated with IT deployment. The inability of managers to determine the true costs of deploying IT are considered attributable to a lack of knowledge and understanding of IT‐related costs and benefits measurements. This paper discusses from a critical point of view the evaluation of IT/IS investment and best practices in benefits extraction from such investment. The discussion is based on relevant literature and information from ongoing research by the authors involving companies in the construction, pharmaceutical and computer hardware sectors.
The benefits of active ownership
Authors: Carlsson Rolf H.
Published: August 2003

In both Britain and the USA, the majority of the shares in quoted companies are owned by institutional shareholders such as pension funds and insurance companies. But, in most cases these major shareholders are “passive”, that is they prefer not to become involved in the management of the companies in which they invest – unless there is a crisis. By this time unfortunately it is often too late to prevent their shareholders or pensioners from losing money. In this article Rolf Carlsson describes how the Wallenberg family through their holding company Investor AB have helped a number of Swedish companies to become world leaders by working with their managers as active investors. He tells the story of ABB and L.M. Ericsson but the Wallenberg sphere of influence has also included Atlas Copco, SAAB Scania, SKF, Swedish Match, Alfa Laval, Stora and Electrolux. Also he explains how the Wallenberg family evolved the competencies and structures which they needed to fulfil their role as an active investor. These competencies included: choosing the right businesses in which to invest; “meta‐management” – recruiting and appointing the right chief executives; “legitimization” – building the Wallenberg reputation and good name in Swedish society and internationally by pursuing socially responsible and ethical policies; and nurturing corporations so they can become global leaders. The family works through two key structures: Investor AB – an investment company which has a board of non‐executive directors and two executive vice chairmen most of whom are experienced CEO’s from industry and commerce; and independent company boards, with strong CEO’s – which they change as necessary to ensure that they have the competencies required to deliver the agreed strategies. The Wallenberg’s approach to active ownership is entrepreneurial: “the need for incessant renewal”.
Wal‐Mart’s takeover of Asda: what the papers said
Authors: Whysall Paul
Published: August 2003

Reviews and analyses press coverage of the takeover of the UK chain Asda by the US company Wal‐Mart in the summer of 1999, using extensive international sources. The depictions of both companies and the significance and anticipated outcomes of the deal are discussed. Three metaphors emerge in the coverage of the deal: of romance and interpersonal relationships; and of logic, strategy and cunning; of conflict and confrontation. It is contended that, on the basis of this coverage, it becomes possible to construct several quite different depictions of the deal, suggesting that a number of realities coexist in our interpretations of retail business.
Agenda for change: intellectual property rights and access management – a framework for discussion on the relationship between copyright and the role of libraries in the digital age
Authors: Ang Steven
Published: August 2003

Examines legal issues in relation to the digitization of media. Looks at the nature of digitization of content and its implications for copyright and libraries. Investigates exceptions to copyright protection, aspects of the extension of copyright protection and protection of rights management of information and technology. Concludes with a possible agenda to the digital challenge.
Evolving models of distribution for audio visual collections
Authors: Claxton William
Published: August 2003

The selection, integration and management of digital collections will be affected by current changes in the way audio visual content is delivered on the Internet. Describes a technology shift in audio visual content delivery, which pushes content to the “edge” of the Internet, thereby reducing bandwidth loads and improving user experience. Strategies that will allow information professionals to exploit this change are relevant to librarians and archivists who might otherwise opt for a centralized model of content distribution.
Transforming centres of excellence: the State Library of Victoria’s challenge
Authors: Awcock Frances H.
Published: August 2003

Outlines the major challenges facing libraries in the modern era – referred to increasingly as the “information society” or the “knowledge economy”. Identifies the factors impelling libraries to re‐define their “offer” to the world and describes the ways in which the State Library of Victoria is working to meet the challenges described. Outlines transformation imperatives in the Australian context. Explores seven “drivers” or “transformers” which are radically changing the State Library of Victoria. What the library can offer is unique – collections, services and programs – taking into account the wider world to which libraries will give access, both real and virtual, in ways that are meaningful to our users. That user will be anyone, anywhere.
Cost model development using artificial neural networks
Authors: Wang Qing , Stockton David
Published: August 2003

In order for the aerospace industry to achieve success in export markets through the provision of high levels of product choice, it will need to develop and economically use many new materials and manufacturing processes. Examines how the constraints imposed by changing market trends affect the identification of “cost estimating relationships” and investigates their relative benefits and limitations in terms of their effects on the overall cost model development process. A method of establishing cost estimating relationships that appears to offer benefits to the cost modelling process is that of artificial neural networks (ANNs). Using the Taguchi method, a series of experiments have been undertaken to select an appropriate network for the “turning process”. The estimation accuracy and robustness of cost models developed using suitable ANN structures have then been examined under varying conditions in order to identify guidelines.
Practical experiences of digitisation in the BUILDER Hybrid Library Project
Authors: Hampson Andrew
Published: August 2003

The practical issues associated with digitisation in the hybrid library context are discussed, based on work undertaken by the BUILDER Project in delivering two products: a pilot Electronic Key Texts service and a digital back‐run of the scholarly journal Midland History from 1971‐1998. In analysing document attributes, digitisation options, archival and delivery formats and detailing specific costs, there are two key lessons identified. Firstly, that scanning is only one stage in a complex workflow of inter‐related activities involved in delivering a digital resource; and secondly that costs need to be monitored as these can accrue very quickly due to the intensive use of staff resource involved in developing digitisation products. It rests with library managers to define where digitisation fits into their institutions, if at all, based on local needs and the collections they manage.