bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aligning talent management with approaches to equality and diversity
Authors: Harrisr Lynette , Foster Carley
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of talent management interventions in UK public sector organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon the findings of a qualitative study of talent management in two UK public sector case study organisations.

Findings

Implementing talent management was found to present particular tensions for public sector managers, particularly in terms of its alignment with well‐embedded diversity and equality policies and their own perceptions of fair treatment in the workplace. Despite an acknowledgement that the sector needs to attract, develop and retain the most talented individuals to achieve its modernisation agenda, interventions which require singling out those individuals for special treatment challenges many of its established practices for recruitment and selection, employee development and career management.

Practical implications

Public sector organisations need to invest both time and effort into developing appropriate and relevant approaches to talent management, which take proper account of line managers' perceptions of fair treatment and established organisational approaches to diversity and equality.

Originality/value

Talent management is a topic of growing interest from employers concerned about their work force demographics, specific skills shortages and the retention of high potential employees but the concepts that inform talent interventions are often unclear or are an uneasy fit with the beliefs and understandings about fair treatment of those who have to implement them.
The moderating effect of gender in the adoption of mobile banking
Authors: Riquelme Hernan E. , Rios Rosa E.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to test the factors that can influence adoption of mobile banking among current users of internet banking in Singapore and gender as a moderating variable.

Design/ methodology/ approach

A sample of more than 600 current users of electronic banking provided opinions about their intention to use mobile banking, perceptions of relative advantage of the mobile device, perception of risk, social norms, ease of use and usefulness of the device for banking purposes. The data were submitted to LISREL for structural equation modeling.

Findings

Usefulness, social norms and social risk, in this order, are the factors that influence the intention to adopt mobile banking services the most. Ease of use has a stronger influence on female respondents than male, whereas relative advantage has a stronger effect on perception of usefulness on male respondents. Social norms (or the importance of others in the decision), also influence adoption more strongly among female respondents than male.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is biased towards people who are currently using internet for banking. However, mobile banking innovators may not come mainly from current users of internet banking.

Practical implications

Since gender plays a moderating role in the perception of ease of use, social norms and relative advantage, companies are advised to target their communication tactics according to gender. Social norm is more important to females than males as well as ease of use, whereas, relative advantage is more important for males.

Originality/ value

The study purposefully uses gender as a moderator and risk as an independent variable not often considered in previous studies.
Can conflict management be an antidote to subordinate absenteeism?
Authors: de Reuver Renee , van Woerkom Marianne
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between supervisors' conflict strategies and subordinates' affective commitment and absenteeism.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the authors conducted a survey of 173 higher educated employees in consulting and staff functions. They measured supervisory conflict management by asking subordinates to rate the conflict strategy of their superior. For the measurement of absenteeism the officially recorded sick leave figures of days per year were used.

Findings

The results show a pure mediating effect of commitment in the relationship between supervisory integration strategy and absenteeism. The non‐confrontation strategy is negatively related to commitment, but neither directly nor indirectly related to absenteeism. There is no direct or indirect (through commitment) relationship between the supervisory controlling strategy and absenteeism.

Practical implications

Suggestions for absence management and management development are offered.

Originality/value

The work advances the thinking on supervisory cooperative and competitive behavior and the operating mechanisms between this behavior and employee work attitudes and behavior.
Efficiency and utility: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Mann Stefan , Wüstemann Henry
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the argument that the link between efficiency and utility was strongest in the twentieth century. This would not only explain the growing focus on efficiency in the past, but also suggest that the importance of efficiency in society is set to decrease from now on.

Design/methodology/approach

The two arguments in support of the claim were: first, the growing importance of the service sector where an exaggerated focus on efficiency may decrease utility and second, the utility that is generated by different working environments and identities where heterogeneity is increasing.

Findings

Good reasons are found why the strong correlation between utility and efficiency that could be found in the process of industrialization is loosening.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that the role of economic science is probably rather decreasing.

Social implications

Social indicators for utility will probably gain importance.

Originality/value

This paper puts the importance of efficiency into a historical context.
Diaspora, social entrepreneurs and community development
Authors: Dhesi Autar S.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

In view of significance of social entrepreneurial activity for community development, the purpose of this paper is to attempt to identify attributes of social entrepreneurs and philanthropists among returning successful diaspora in North Indian villages. Philanthropists are defined by the fact that they only invest money, whereas the social entrepreneurs invest their activities as well. An attempt is also made to ascertain key determinants and processes influencing outcomes of social entrepreneurial activity with a view to facilitate it.

Design/methodology/approach

Emphasis is on qualitative analysis based on interviews of scientifically sampled respondents. However, the paper suggests that the rational choice approach is inappropriate to address the issue of community development. An approach based on a broader view of man in works of some classical economists like Adam Smith is more useful.

Findings

The results of empirical analysis suggest that there exist substantial factors, such as early socialization, experience in community work, education and health, that differentiate social entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Salience of relationship between formal and informal institutions, personal traits and social skills of social entrepreneurs in influencing outcomes of social entrepreneurial activity is indicated. By investing moral and material resources in communities, social entrepreneurs augment social capital and facilitate social action. In contrast, philanthropists may add to distortions in community functioning, especially if they opt to operate through largely dysfunctional formal local institutions due to structural impasse in rural areas.

Research limitations/implications

The paper pertains to Indian Punjab, an area with a long history of emigration. However, researchers need to take into account distinct socio‐economic conditions in Punjab when designing studies for other areas.

Practical implications

Policy measures addressing hurdles in the way of social entrepreneurial activity can speed up the modernization of traditional communities.

Originality/value

The paper adds to understanding of what motivates human behaviour in economic analysis of community development. Further, it makes an important distinction between the roles of the philanthropist and the social entrepreneur in community development. The paper would be useful to researchers desirous of doing similar exercises in other areas.
E‐book readers and college students
Authors: Massis Bruce E.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

There is evidence that the percentage of students in the higher education environment in the USA who will be using technology everyday in 2010 could reach nearly 100 percent. With such a possibility looming, will the plethora of e‐book readers or hand‐held multi‐functional devices designed to download and read e‐books change the reading habits of our students? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the present state of e‐book readers and consider their potential impact on the academic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by cost‐conscious colleagues.

Findings

The e‐book reader that becomes the standard will win the day appealing to college students by virtue of its cost and the variety of features that allow them the ability to retrieve the largest number of accessible materials to support their coursework.

Originality/value

The value is in addressing this issue is to keep fresh the discussion on this topic and its potential impact on college students.
Resisting HRD's resistance to diversity
Authors: Bierema Laura L.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically illustrate how human resource development (HRD) resists and omits issues of diversity in academic programs, textbooks, and research; analyze the research on HRD and diversity over a ten‐year period; discuss HRD's resistance to diversity; and offer some recommendations for a more authentic integration of diversity into HRD research, teaching, and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes common HRD textbooks and refereed diversity research over a ten‐year period to examine the amount of HRD research is being conducted in the area of diversity.

Findings

The paper found that HRD overwhelmingly omits diversity topics, in contradiction to its claims of “diversity” as a legitimate part of the field. The paper concludes that HRD's omission of diversity is a form of resistance since fundamentally addressing diversity threatens HRD's performative frameworks and practices.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for scholars and practitioners who are interested in not only producing more robust diversity scholarship, but also improving practice. The paper challenges HRD researchers to more systematically examine diversity and practitioners to be more cautious consumers of diversity practices.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its premise that HRD resists diversity and in its illustration of how glaring omissions of diversity are in HRD scholarship.
Specific power as objective function in GA optimal design of permanent magnet disc motor
Authors: Cvetkovski Goga , Petkovska Lidija , Gair Sinclair
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The application of the analysed permanent magnet disc motor (PMDM) is in electric vehicle and therefore there are several objectives that could be tackled in the design procedure, such as an increased efficiency, reduced total weight of the motor or increased power/weight ratio (specific power). The purpose of this paper is to perform an optimal design of a PMDM using specific power as objective function. In the design procedure performed on the PMDM, genetic algorithm (GA), as an optimisation tool is used.

Design/methodology/approach

The created optimal design programme genetic algorithm for optimal design of electrical machines is using the GA as an optimisation tool. According to the design characteristics of PMDM, some of the parameters are chosen to be constant and some variable. A comparative analysis of both motor models based on the values of some specific parameters is performed.

Findings

From the comparative data analysis of both motor models, it can be concluded that the main objective of the optimisation is realised, and that is achieved by a reduction of the total weight of the motor, as well as the increase of the torque, as a result of which the specific power is increased.

Originality/value

An optimisation technique based on GAs has been developed and applied to the design of a PMDM. According to the results investigated above, it can be concluded that the GA is a very suitable tool for design optimisation of PMDM and electromagnetic devices in general. The quality of the GA optimised model has been proved through the data analysis of the prototype and optimised solution. At the end, the quality of the GA solution has been again proved by comparative analysis of the two motor models using FEM as a performance analysis tool.
Induction thermoelastic actuator with controllable operation regime
Authors: Doležel I. , Kotlan V. , Krónerová E. , Ulrych B.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new device (thermoelastic actuator) for accurate control of position whose principle is based on thermal dilatation of its working unit brought about by induction heating.

Design/methodology/approach

The device must satisfy the prescribed operation parameters (mainly the above thermal dilatation). The task to find them is a multiply coupled problem (interaction of electromagnetic field, temperature field and field of thermoelastic displacements) that is solved by the finite element method supplemented with a number of other procedures.

Findings

The control of position based on the described thermoelastic effect is very accurate and ranges from 1×10−6 to 1×10−3 m.

Research limitations/implications

The device also contains two self‐locking friction clutches of conical shapes whose purpose is to fix the position of the plunger in the prescribed position. Further attention should be paid to their dynamic behaviour during the process of fixing.

Practical implications

The device can be used in various technical domains such as optics and laser or microscope techniques.

Originality/value

The principal part of the device contains no movable element, which is a substantial advantage in comparison to other systems based on mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic principles working with movable elements or media.
Computer modelling of magnetotherapy in orthopedic treatments
Authors: Miaskowski Arkadiusz , Krawczyk Andrzej , Ishihara Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify the method/methodology of establishing a computer model of the electromagnetic therapy connected with some knee joint problems. Two cases are considered: the arthritis of the knee and the fracture of bone. In both cases the analysis of eddy current distribution in the knee is made. It gives results which can be helpful in the planning of treatment. The paper presents the exemplary results of eddy current distribution inside a bone. A short discussion on the safety aspect of magnetotherapy has been carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to calculate the eddy current distribution in human knee joint the low frequency finite‐difference time‐domain algorithm has been applied. The numerical model of the leg was based on US Air Force Research Laboratory data and the electrical properties of tissues were modeled using 4‐Cole‐Cole approximation with parameters taken from Gabriels.

Findings

The paper presents the general methodology which can be used in magnetotherapy to estimate a magnetic flux density of stimulators and value of current density inside the knee joint. Both factors mentioned above can be helpful in therapeutical processes, i.e. in magnetoteraphy.

Research limitations/implications

The eddy current distribution is limited to the presented model and it is obvious it can be different for another one as it is shown in the paper but it is also shown that the biggest value of eddy current density is just in the vicinity of the joint, so it can help in a therapeutical process.

Practical implications

The methodology of estimating the values of current density and magnetic flux density can be used by physiologists and doctors to determine the value of current density which gives therapeutical effect.

Originality/value

The efficient application of low frequency finite‐difference time‐domain algorithm to the electromagnetic therapy connected with some knee joint problems has been shown and the general methodology has been conducted.
Simulation of acoustic radiation of an AC servo drive
Authors: Franck David , van der Giet Michael , Hameyer Kay
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Nowadays, the determination of the acoustic radiation of electric machines is of particular interest, because legal regulations restrict the maximum audible noise radiated by technical devices such as electrical machinery. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the electromagnetic excited structure‐borne sound and air‐borne noise of an AC servo drive.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the required steps for the multiphysics acoustic simulation of electrical machines to evaluate its noise behaviour. This numerical approach starts with the electromagnetic force‐wave simulation. The computation by a structure dynamic model determines the deformation of the mechanical structure due to the force‐waves. The final step of the simulation approach consists of the computation of the acoustic radiation.

Findings

For the electromagnetic simulation analytical and numerical methods are combined to gain some acceleration of the entire multiphysics simulation approach. This combination offers additionally a detailed understanding of the noise generation mechanism in electrical machines.

Originality/value

Particular attention is paid to the structural‐dynamic model. Modelling of microstructures, such as the laminated iron core or insulated coils, is memory and computational expensive. A systematic material homogenisation technique, based on experimental‐ and numerical modal analyses, yields a higher accuracy at lower computational costs when compared to standard numerical approaches. The presented multiphysics simulation is validated by measurements. The methods are presented by means of a case study.
Dielectric‐EBG covered conical antenna for UWB applications
Authors: Kliros George S. , Kyritsis George , Touzloudis Dimos
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate of the ultra‐wide band (UWB) characteristics of a conical antenna covered by an electromagnetic band‐gap (EBG) structure composed of alternating high‐ and low‐permittivity dielectric spherical shells.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite difference time domain in spherical coordinates is implemented in order to characterize the antenna's performance and waveform fidelity in case an UWB pulse is used. The method of projected effective permittivity is used in order to treat accurately the dielectric interfaces between the dissimilar spherical shells.

Findings

The design achieves a very wide impedance bandwidth above 5.5 GHz and presents UWB radiation characteristics and high average gain over the whole bandwidth. The radiation patterns are monopole‐like and their frequency dependence is small in the whole UWB frequency band. A time domain study has shown that the antenna distorts the excitation pulse in a moderate way.

Originality/value

In this paper, a quasi‐planar wideband conical antenna coated on a dielectric EBG structure is proposed for what is believed to be the first time. It is mechanically stable and, relatively easy to build and integrate with the planar circuits.
Service experiences in hospitals in Bangladesh: are there gender inequities?
Authors: Saad Andaleeb Syed , Millet Ido
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The disparities faced by women, especially in Bangladesh, have a long and contentious history. From education and employment to health care and other social products, the marginalization of women has been stark. This paper aims to examine whether women experience poorer services than men in the hospitals in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in both public and private hospitals in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. The sample comprised 305 randomly selected respondents. Using statistical and data mining techniques, the authors test the hypothesis and identify interesting data patterns.

Findings

Surprisingly, very few differences were found between the service experiences of male and female patients. While the literature would predict differently, given the disparities that women generally experience, on most service quality attributes female patients were at least as well‐served as male patients.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may be unique to the sample from the capital city where hospital users may be more affluent and are provided better service without gender inequity.

Practical implications

The findings raise intriguing questions. Among the various possibilities the authors surmise the following: there may be deeper systemic changes underway that are reflected in service providers' attitudes toward women. It is possible that women have lower expectations from the service providers; thus, their ratings are at par with those of men even if they actually received poorer services.

Originality/value

This is probably a unique study in that it focuses on gender effects on perceived service quality in a hospital setting in Bangladesh
Characterization of the mechanical properties of samples fabricated by an experimental SGM device
Authors: Zañartu‐Apara Guillermo , Ramos‐Grez Jorge
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of different parameters (layer thickness, jetted binder volume per layer and type of binder and temperature) on the mechanical properties of parts made with an experimental 3D printing (3DP) process. This 3DP device built for this project is based on the spiral growth manufacturing (SGM) device previously introduced by Hauseret al.at The University of Liverpool. It differs from the common 3DP in that it generates the different parts using only one rotating piston instead of two non‐rotating ones.

Design/methodology/approach

Several parts are produced using this device according to an experimental design, repeating each run three times. The experimental machine is able to make every part needed without major issues, demonstrating that it is possible to build a functional device using common and standard components.

Findings

Experimental analysis of the printed parts shows that the layer thickness has the highest effect on apparent density, hardness and fracture strength of the parts made.

Originality/value

Empirical information is provided about mechanical behavior (e.g. apparent density, hardness and fracture strength) of parts made under different processing factors (e.g. binder type, layer thickness, quantity of binder and chamber temperature) using a SGM‐based 3DP experimental device.
Financial productivity issues related to assortment diversity and supply chain merchandise replenishment strategies
Authors: Yu Ui‐Jeen , Kunz Grace I.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of supply chain merchandise replenishment strategies to minimize merchandise plan errors when assortments are diverse.

Design/methodology/approach

Sourcing Simulator 2.1, a computer simulation of the merchandising process, was used. Sourcing Simulator generated a total data set of 4,320 and determined financial outcomes of the merchandising processes based on multiple scenario inputs.

Findings

The impact of supply chain merchandise replenishment strategies on merchandising performance outcomes significantly differed, depending on assortment diversity and merchandise plan errors. The ability of supply chain merchandise replenishment strategies was limited in minimizing problems inherent in diverse assortments and over‐volume errors.

Research limitations/implications

Sourcing Simulator does not necessarily simulate merchandising processes and performance in real retail stores but principles developed through simulation can be applied in retail stores. Future research based on real information is suggested for additional realistic understanding.

Practical implications

The study suggests that apparel and retail firms should develop both up‐front assortment planning and replenishment strategies, considering the level of assortment diversity.

Originality/value

Based on Behavioral Theory of the Apparel Firm, the study contributes to understanding the importance of merchandising functions in an apparel firm. In addition, the study illuminates assortment diversity as an important factor of merchandise planning, especially when apparel and retail firms plan replenishment strategies to minimize merchandise plan errors.
On the use of studies of the future for organizational change in Dutch government ministries
Authors: van der Duin Patrick , Dirven Jan , Hazeu Cornelius , van de Linde Erik , Rademaker Paul
Published: July 2010

Purpose

An uncertain future means that Dutch government ministries need to think about not only what new policies have to be developed, but also how to organize themselves in the future. This paper aims to present an overview and analysis of various studies of the futures by and about Dutch ministries that show that these studies vary considerably, in terms of their process and cause, that the context in which they come about plays a major role and that the various ministries tend to take the same trends into account (for instance “life‐long‐learning”, sustainable development and the emergence of the demanding citizen).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper case studies: 11 different reports from nine different Dutch ministries. In each ministry an in‐depth interview with one or two representatives was held. The transcripts were summarized, structured, and analyzed.

Findings

The use of studies of the future for organizational change in Dutch ministries is very diverse. More and more images and other ways of visualizing the future are becoming important. Dutch ministries should find a good balance between hiring external expertise and using inside knowledge and expertise.

Research limitations/implications

Because this is a case study it is questionable whether the findings are also valid for non‐researched ministries, especially since the research ministries and (their) studies of the future are very diverse.

Practical implications

More discussion is needed about these futures studies in the Government‐wide Strategic Council. Government‐wide studies of the future should be made to provide ministries with a common background in building up a future vision for (more balanced) policy making. There should be more involvement of external experts and stakeholders in the process of futures studies.

Originality/value

This is the first case study that focuses specifically on the use of studies of the future for governmental change (instead of focusing on. for instance, developing new policies or strategies).
Creating options while designing prototypes: value management in the automobile industry
Authors: Schäfer Henry , Sorensen Daniel Jacob
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a general valuation model for the optimal design of the product development process, exemplified by automobile development. Underpinning this model is the identification of key business processes, which are analyzed in order to explain firm‐level efficiency advantages stemming from the design of the technical system.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the case studies and literature on the role of organizational capabilities in creating value for the organization, a novel real option valuation model for set‐based concurrent engineering (SBCE) was proposed.

Findings

A numerical example demonstrates that it is possible for the optimal number of design alternatives to develop in parallel. Under certain circumstances, developing multiple design alternatives in parallel is shown to generate significant value, fully accounting for the increase in costs of doing so.

Practical implications

Five principles of product development are proposed as a managerial tool. These findings are aimed at both practitioners and academics and solve fundamental questions raised concerning optimal resource allocation within the development process.

Originality/value

SBCE is shown to be structurally analogue to a multivariate contingent claim, thereby assigning a value to the underlying technical and organizational capabilities.
Multi‐drafting feedback process in a web‐based environment
Authors: Peled Yehuda , Sarid Miriam
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of multi‐drafting among college students according to demographic characteristics and measure its impact on students' achievements.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in two stages. First, a preliminary research based on data from the Highlearn web‐based content learning environment, analyzing the correlations between the number of drafts submitted and the final grade per assignment. Second, a questionnaire based and designed to evaluate the influence of the demographic background of students on multi‐drafting traits. The variables influencing the utilization of multi‐drafting for a given assignment were examined using a 23‐item Likert scale questionnaire.

Findings

The results indicate that students tend to regard multi‐drafting as a positive usage of time; they appreciate it as an opportunity to improve their grades; and they value its advantage for fairness of grading. The research establishes the fact that marital status and gender influence students' attitudes toward multi‐drafting.

Practical implications

Web‐based content learning environments are becoming part of the academic learning environment. Thus, the prospect of shifting from summative to formative evaluation in order to enhance meaningful learning can be achieved through a number of teaching techniques, of which one of them is multi‐drafting. Understanding the variables influencing the way students utilize multi‐drafting will help incorporating it with a maximum benefit.

Originality/value

The paper's findings connect multi‐drafting teaching technique to a variety of variables which may hinder its implementation. These findings are of value to practitioners and researchers.
An energy‐saving strategy based on sleep scheduling and block transmission for wireless multimedia sensor networks
Authors: Sha Chao , Wang Ruchuan , Huang Haiping , Sun Lijuan
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Energy consumption is a fundamental concern in wireless multimedia sensor networks, even more than that in traditional wireless sensor networks. In fact, sensors are battery‐constrained devices, while multimedia applications, which require higher transmission rates and more extensive processing capacity, produce large quantities of data. The purpose of this paper is to propose a method which could save multimedia nodes' energy during their sleeping and transmitting phases and effectively bring down energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the location and direction angle of nodes, areas of the overlapping sensing region between adjacent nodes could be calculated and a sleeping strategy is carried out to reduce energy consumption of inactive nodes. Moreover, an improved image comparison and block transmission methods by utilizing the sequence similar detection arithmetic theory is brought up as well to further save the node's energy.

Findings

With the help of the mobile nodes and by dividing the network into grids, sensing direction of multimedia node as well as the area of the overlapping sensing region could be obtained which provide a basis for the sleeping strategy. Furthermore, energy consumption on transmission is also reduced by only transmitting the unmatched blocks. Simulation results show that this method obtains satisfactory performance on prolonging the networks' lifetime.

Originality/value

This paper is of value in presenting an effective energy‐saving strategy for wireless multimedia sensor networks.
Nursing care and quality of life among Jordanian patients with cancer
Authors: Ahmad Muayyad M. , Alasad Jafar A. , Nawafleh Hani
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life of patients with different types of cancer in Jordan and its relationship with nursing care.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory approach utilizing cross‐sectional design with a structured questionnaire, administered to patients face‐to‐face, with specific questions about demographic and health status and two standardized scales: Patients Satisfaction with Nursing Scale (NSNS), and Function of Living Index‐Cancer (FLIC) were used. The study sample comprised 156 patients with cancer who were hospitalized in two governmental hospitals in Amman and Karak and two university‐based hospitals in Amman and Irbid cities.

Findings

The sample of the study showed that the types of cancer distribution were close to the cancer distribution among the Jordanian population. The median age of the sample was 47 years with a range between 18 years and 80 years. Nearly two‐thirds of the participants perceived their current health as good. All variables in the regression equation (satisfaction with nursing care, health perception now, health in comparison with one year ago, and gender) have significantly explained a considerable amount of variance in the cancer patients' quality of life.

Research limitations/implications

Using a quantitative approach alone to measure QoL is not sufficient to reflect all dimensions of a subjective phenomenon such as QoL. The study did not differentiate between patients according to severity of cancer and type of treatment.

Practical implications

Providing proper nursing care improves cancer patients' quality of life.

Originality/value

This study stemmed from: the assessing and identifying predictors of quality of life (QoL) as perceived by patients with cancer and not by the care‐providers; and highlighting the positive effect of nursing care on QoL for cancer patients.
The role of organizational culture on practising quality improvement in Jordanian public hospitals
Authors: Ismail Ababaneh Raed
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate empirically the impact of organizational culture (bureaucratic, innovative, and supportive) and quality improvement practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Data used in this study were obtained through a questionnaire by random sampling, which took place in four large public hospitals, located in Irbid Governorate, Jordan, involving 271 managers, physicians, and nurses.

Findings

Quality improvement practices were measured by 16 statements on a five‐point rating scale. Each of the three types of organizational culture was measured using five items on a five‐point rating scale.

Practical implications

The three types of culture have a significantly positive influence on quality improvement practices, and account for 62 per cent of the variation of quality improvement practices. Compared with bureaucratic and supportive cultures, innovative culture appears to play a stronger role in quality improvement practices. Contrary to expectations, the analysis shows that bureaucratic actions enhance rather than hinder quality improvement practices. Respondents with a bachelor or a higher degree and participating in a training course related to quality reported higher prevalence of each culture and a higher level of quality improvement practices.

Originality/value

Innovative culture has a crucial role in quality improvement practices compared with bureaucratic and supportive cultures.
The need for popular participation in Abuja: a Nigerian story of informal settlements
Authors: Amba Keteh
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The notion of public participation in planning resettlements in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, Nigeria was not taken into consideration during the forced evictions that took place between 2003 and 2007. The aim of this paper is to explore the role of advocacy in a rights‐based approach for consultation, participation and capacity‐building for the victims of forced evictions in Abuja.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study approach that explores individual and group capacities in Abuja's informal settlements.

Findings

The demolition of informal settlements was carried out without due process, participatory approaches and group consultation in the plans for resettlement. Additionally, the office of the Federal Capital Development Authority put forth the argument that the proper implementation of the master plan justified and necessitated the systematic violation of the rights of hundreds of thousands of peoples; so that Abuja would not become a victim of urban sprawl which is evident in many other developing country city centres like Lagos, Cairo, or the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

Research limitations/implications

The researcher has explored a widening gap between the agenda of a master plan for a developing country's capital city and the development of an informal economy within makeshift settlements.

Originality/value

This case study sheds more light on the human rights violations which have characterized the method of dealing with informal settlements in the new capital city of Abuja.
Application of logit model and self‐organizing maps (SOMs) for the prediction of financial crisis periods in US economy
Authors: Giovanis Eleftherios
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine two different approaches in the prediction of the economic recession periods in the US economy.

Design/methodology/approach

A logit regression was applied and the prediction performance in two out‐of‐sample periods, 2007‐2009 and 2010 was examined. On the other hand, feed‐forwards neural networks with Levenberg‐Marquardt error backpropagation algorithm were applied and then neural networks self‐organizing map (SOM) on the training outputs was estimated.

Findings

The paper presents the cluster results from SOM training in order to find the patterns of economic recessions and expansions. It is concluded that logit model forecasts the current financial crisis period at 75 percent accuracy, but logit model is useful as it provides a warning signal three quarters before the current financial crisis started officially. Also, it is estimated that the financial crisis, even if it reached its peak in 2009, the economic recession will be continued in 2010 too. Furthermore, the patterns generated by SOM neural networks show various possible versions with one common characteristic, that financial crisis is not over in 2009 and the economic recession will be continued in the USA even up to 2011‐2012, if government does not apply direct drastic measures.

Originality/value

Both logistic regression (logit) and SOMs procedures are useful. The first one is useful to examine the significance and the magnitude of each variable, while the second one is useful for clustering and identifying patterns in economic recessions and expansions.
What macroeconomic shocks affect the German banking system?
Authors: Blank Sven , Dovern Jonas
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The paper is to understand how the financial system is influenced by macroeconomic shocks and how the financial stance, in turn, feeds back into the macroeconomic environment is key for policy makers. The most recent financial crisis has demonstrated the need for a deeper understanding of these interdependencies. The purpose of this paper is to analyze what macroeconomic shocks affect the soundness of the German banking system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a micro‐macro stress‐testing framework for the German banking system in which macroeconomic and bank‐specific data are used to identify the effects of various shocks in a structural vector autoregressive model, which includes main macroeconomic variables and an indicator of stress in the banking system. To this end, the sign‐restriction approach is applied.

Findings

First, it is found that there is a close link between macroeconomic developments and the stance of the banking sector. Second, monetary policy shocks are the most influential shocks for distress in the banking sector. Third, fiscal policy shocks and real estate price shocks have a significant impact on the distress indicator, while evidence is mixed for the exchange rate. Fourth, for the identification of most shocks it is essential to work in the integrated model that combines the micro‐ and the macro‐sphere.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes various shock scenarios in an integrated micro‐macro framework that takes the mutual relationship between the financial stance and the macroeconomic environment into account.
The political, regulatory, and market failures that caused the US financial crisis
Authors: Tarr David G.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the key regulatory, market, and political failures that led to the 2008‐2009 US financial crisis and to suggest appropriate recommendations for reform.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to examine the underlying incentives that led to the crisis and to provide supporting data to support the hypotheses.

Findings

While Congress was fixing the savings and loan crisis, it failed to give the regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac normal bank supervisory power. This was a political failure as Congress was using government sponsored enterprise (GSE) resources and the resources of narrow constituencies for their own advantage at the expense of the public interest. Second, in the mid‐1990s, to encourage home ownership, the Administration changed enforcement of the Community Reinvestment Act, effectively requiring banks to use flexible and innovative methods to lower bank mortgage standards to underserved areas. Crucially, this disarmed regulators and the risky mortgage standards then spread to other sectors of the market. Market failure problems ensued as banks, mortgage brokers, securitizers, credit rating agencies, and asset managers were all plagued by problems such as moral hazard or conflicts of interest.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the political economy reasons for why Congress and US administrations provided these perverse incentives to the GSEs and banks to lower mortgage standards. It also proposes some innovative methods of improving bank regulation that address the regulatory capture problem.
Planning and implementing the green manufacturing strategy: evidences from western China
Authors: Li Congbo , Liu Fei , Wang Qiulian
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the model for planning and implementing the green manufacturing (GM) strategy for Chinese enterprises under the background of “Energy Conservation and Pollution Emissions Reduction”.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an in‐depth case study of a machine tool manufacturer in Chongqing, China, the paper tries to investigate the planning and implementing of a GM strategy from the perspective of the product life cycle.

Findings

The GM strategy in large developing countries needs to be enacted for a long‐term and with a continuous improvement paradigm. Planning and implementing the strategy requires an integrated model at the whole system level. A theoretical model of a five‐layer structure for planning and implementing the GM strategy under the developing context is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The planning and implementing of the GM strategy may vary among different sectors, therefore more empirical research is needed to enhance the robustness of the findings.

Practical implications

The paper is illustrative for planning and implementing a GM strategy which shows significant benefits associated with the implementation process.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a model for planning and implementing a GM strategy under the developing context, which could provide an overview of the issues related to the GM strategy, and help enterprises maintain a balance between economic benefits and sustainable development benefits.
EFFECT OF ZIRCONIA IN ENAMELS FOR SHEET STEEL1
Authors: Wolfram H. G.
Published: July 2010

This paper deals with the results obtained from a study of the effect of additions of zirconium oxide to enamels for sheet iron and steel. The work includes additions of the zirconia to the raw smelter batch of both the ground and cover enamels, also the substitution of the zirconia for tin oxide in the mill batch. Several tests were used to determine its effect on some of the properties of the enamels, such as resistance to impact, thermal shock and acid.
THE FIRING OF REFRACTORY PRODUCTS IN FRANCE1
Authors: Widemann R. V.
Published: July 2010

Importance of the question for a country where fuel is expensive and resources are less than consumption.

Types of Kilns Used.—Principally continuous kilns; some intermittent ones and a few tunnel kilns.

Heating of Kilns.—Heating direct or with gas—evolution of ideas.

Conclusion.—Heating in modem kilns consists in transporting calories from one point to another with the minimum of loss, the hearth serves only to compensate these losses while raising the calories to a higher potential.

The firing of refractory products can be considered either from the purely technical point of view of the influence of the firing temperature on the quality of final product, or from the economic point of view of obtaining this firing temperature in the least onerous manner.

The fuel question plays an important part in the ceramic industry, particularly in the making of refractories; it is one of the important elements in cost of production, especially in a country like France in the present situation.

Our2 production of coal in 1913 amounted, in round numbers, to 40 million tons; in 1921 due to our coal mines having been destroyed, the extraction was only 28 million tons. In 1920, although our needs amounted to 80 million tons, we were able to obtain, both in French and foreign coals, not more than 50 million tons.

The saving of fuel, undertaken in all of the great nations, presented then and still presents to our country a primordial interest.

The point of these various statements is to show very briefly the technic of firing in the industry of refractory products in France and the evolution of ideas in respect to firing.