bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes and self-efficacy towards adults with mild intellectual disability among staff in acute psychiatric wards: an empirical investigation
Authors: Mesa Sue , Tsakanikos Elias
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether acute inpatient psychiatric staffs’ attitudes and self-efficacy towards adults with mild intellectual disability, were different than towards the general mental health population. And whether their understanding of the policy for those with mental illness and intellectual disability differed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is a between-subject design, using a self-administered postal questionnaire. The sample was all qualified staff from the acute inpatient psychiatric provision of an inner London borough. Potential participants were randomly assigned to two research groups, half being given a questionnaire regarding people with intellectual disability and the other half an identical one regarding people with mental illness. Comparisons were made between the two.

Findings

– The majority of staff were unaware of the current policy direction for adults with intellectual disability although were on the whole in agreement to the idea that they should access mainstream services. Staff overall did not have more negative attitudes to those with intellectual disability although were less likely to empower or encourage self-advocacy. Staff were significantly less confident that they had sufficient training and experience, and in their perceived ability to be able to communicate, assess and treat adults with mild intellectual disability when compared to those with mental illness.

Research limitations/implications

– The response rate and small sample size is a limitation. Further research could usefully look at whether self-efficacy and attitudes differ in different models of mainstream psychiatric care.

Originality/value

– Government policy in the UK regarding services for people with intellectual disability advocates for inclusion and equality (Chaplin and Taggart, 2012). Those requiring psychiatric care should access this from mainstream services (Department of Health, 2001, 2009, 2011; Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities et al., 2004; Bradley, 2009.) There are, however, no UK-based studies investigating the views of mainstream acute inpatient psychiatric staff towards their role. Intellectual disability staff have concerns about their attitudes and self-efficacy and it is know that acute care is the setting where most adults with intellectual disability will come across mainstream psychiatric staff. Findings have relevance to managers and staff in both intellectual disability and psychiatric services and could be considered in the context of trying to work together as is the direction of policy.
Pain experience and management in a forensic intellectual disability service
Authors: Chester Verity , Henriksen Marie
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Research investigating the experience and management of pain in people with intellectual disabilities has mainly been carried out in community services. The purpose of this baseline audit aims to examine this area in a forensic intellectual disability setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– A baseline audit of pain management was carried out. Audit standards were derived from recent research, and the performance on each measured. Patients and nurses were interviewed. The audit included 82 patients, of which 64 were interviewed. Twelve nurses were interviewed. Health Action Plans and medication files were accessed for information.

Findings

– There were interesting differences and similarities in the experience and management of pain between community and forensic intellectual disability patients. Within this sample, most patients were able to communicate their pain, and access appropriate treatment. However, a minority required further support. Nurse decision making about providing pain treatment was affected by fears of manipulation, contributing to addition and disbelieving the patient. Additionally, a number of patients appeared to have insufficient knowledge about how to best manage pain.

Practical implications

– Results suggested that a standardised approach to pain management, incorporating policy, staff training, and health promotion and psycho-education for patients, would have benefits for both patients and staff within secure intellectual disability services.

Originality/value

– At present, there is little research focusing on pain experience and management in forensic intellectual disability settings.
Cultural impact of human resource practices on job satisfaction
Authors: Karin Andreassi Jeanine , Lawter Leanna , Brockerhoff Martin , J. Rutigliano Peter
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of high-performance human resource practices on job satisfaction across four cultural regions – Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. High-performance human resource practices were used to predict job satisfaction for each region and then compared to determine significant differences. Hofstede's cultural dimensions were employed as a basis for structuring hypothesized differences across cultural regions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from a proprietary industry survey on employee work attitudes. The sample consisted of over 70,000 employees from four large multinational organizations with at least four offices in each of the four regions. Data were analyzed using regression analysis and comparison testing across models.

Findings

– There are significant relationships between job characteristics and job satisfaction across all regions of the world, with a sense of achievement universally the most important driver. Although job characteristics impact job satisfaction across all regions, there are significant differences in the relative importance of job characteristics on job satisfaction, consistent with Hofstede's cultural dimensions.

Practical implications

– The findings have implications for tailoring human resource management practices across locations within multinationals.

Originality/value

– This research is believed to be the first cross-cultural study of human resource practices affecting job satisfaction using multiple organizations and industries.
Protean and boundaryless careers
Authors: E. Okurame David , Fabunmi Rhoda
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The study aims to explore the role of mentoring and the moderating effects of gender on protean and boundaryless career orientations in the African albeit Nigerian cultural context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 250 Nigerian nurses through a questionnaire.

Findings

– Mentoring support predicted protean career dimensions but was non-significant for boundaryless career dimensions. Gender directly accounted for a significant percentage of the variance in physical mobility in favor of women but did not predict self-directed, value-driven and psychological mobility career attitudes. Gender significantly moderated the relationship between mentoring and new career dimensions except physical mobility.

Research limitations/implications

– The male sample was limited and data from a single professional group/organization in Nigeria may not typify organizations in general. This calls for caution in generalizing findings.

Practical implications

– Proactive career management and value-driven attitudes can be fostered by ensuring quality mentor support. The peculiar direct and moderating effects of gender on protean and boundaryless careers deserve particular attention.

Originality/value

– The absence of African perspectives on new career directions in most reference journals limits the global scope of comparative studies. The present study provides information on the under-researched role of mentoring and gender in modern career models from Africa, and makes useful theoretical contributions to new career perspectives, especially in the context of how relationships among study variables may differ across national cultural contexts.
Job demands-resources and employee health and well-being
Authors: van den Tooren Marieke , de Jong Jeroen
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the main propositions of the job demands-resources (JDR) model are moderated by type of contract (i.e. temporary contract vs permanent contract).

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data were collected in a large, heterogeneous sample from different countries, sectors, and jobs (n=3,845). Hypotheses were tested by means of multilevel analyses.

Findings

– Results showed moderate support for the main effects of job demands (job insecurity and time pressure) and job resources (autonomy and social support) and weak support for the buffer effect of job resources in the prediction of job satisfaction and general health. The impact of contract type on the main propositions of the JDR model appeared to be weak. Yet, the evidence that was found suggests that temporary workers may be more tolerant to job insecurity and more likely to benefit from the buffering role of autonomy than permanent workers.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to investigate whether the relation between job demands and job resources and employee health and well-being differs for permanent workers and temporary workers.
Supervisor political support as a buffer to subordinates' reactions to politics perceptions
Authors: E. Kane-Frieder Rachel , A. Hochwarter Wayne , L. Hampton Herlanda , R. Ferris Gerald
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of subordinates' perceived supervisor political support (SPS) as a boundary condition capable of attenuating individuals' negative reactions to politics perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data for this three-sample investigation were obtained from employees of a package distribution firm (n=144), employees of an engineering firm (n=187), and individuals attending a manufacturing-related professional conference (n=174). Data were analyzed using hierarchical moderated regression analyses.

Findings

– Consistent with prior research, individuals' politics perceptions were directly associated with less than desirable workplace outcomes. However, individuals' who perceived their supervisors to provide them with SPS were less negatively affected by politics perceptions than their peers who perceived low levels of SPS.

Research limitations/implications

– SPS appears to provide information to subordinates to aid in sensemaking such that they are better able to deal with requisite uncertainty associated with their political settings, and in doing so, SPS shifts their perceptions of the political environment from that of threat to potential benefit.

Originality/value

– This investigation in one of a handful of studies to examine the other-benefitting role of political behavior as well as the conditions under which politics perceptions result in auspicious outcomes. Additionally, the manuscript is unique in that it introduces, conceptually delineates, and empirically evaluates a more active, behavioral form of supervisory support (i.e. SPS).
Super-fast multipole method for power frequency electric field in substations
Authors: Zhang Zhanlong , Xie Xuemei , Li Lin , Xiao Dongping , He Wei
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to calculate the frequency electric field in substation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper proposes a novel fast multipole method (FMM) called Super-FMM to solve the PFEF problems in substations. The paper substitutes the original approaches for analytic expansions and translations through equivalent density representations.

Findings

– The paper shows that the Super-FMM is more efficient in terms of the complexity of its storage spaces and computational costs compared with the best-known FMM when placed under scenarios with exactly the same error rates.

Research limitations/implications

– Using the fast Fourier transform algorithm can further improve the optimization algorithm and computational efficiency.

Originality/value

– A novel FMM called Super-FMM is proposed, which has a structure similar to that of the adaptive FMM algorithm, but the paper substitutes the original approaches for analytic expansions and translations through equivalent density representations.
Fuzzy logic control to improve the performance of the direct power control based DFIG
Authors: Verij Kazemi Mohammad , Moradi Morteza , Verij Kazemi Reza
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– A direct power control (DPC) of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) is presented. A new method, which is based on the rotation of the space sector, clockwise or vice versa, is proposed to improve the performance of the switching table. Then, it is combined with a fuzzy system to have advantages of both rotation sector and fuzzy controller. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, a new DPC of the DFIG is presented. To improve the performance of the switching table, a new method is proposed. The method is based on the rotation of the space sector, clockwise or vice versa. The excellence of the proposed method is proven. Then, it is shown that the performance of the system can be enhanced by using a fuzzy logic controller. The rotation method is combined with a fuzzy system.

Findings

– Simulation shows that although sector rotation and fuzzy controller can improve the performance of the DFIG, a combination of both demonstrates a smoother response in order that reactive and active power ripples and THD of the injected current decrease in different speeds. Also, it is demonstrated that the proposed method is robust against parameters variations. However, a hardware experiment should be performed to be practically verified.

Originality/value

– A sector rotation is proposed and its effect on the performance of the DFIG is considered. A simple method to write rules table is presented and the performance of sector rotation and fuzzy controller on the DFIG is analysed.
Simulation of linear dynamic macro model of photo catalytic sensor in SPICE
Authors: Whig Pawan , Naseem Ahmad Syed
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The flow injection analysis (FIA) technique by Yoon-Chang Kim et al. for the determination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) involves the complete analysis including sampling and washing. FIA is analytical method for the measurement of COD using photochemical column. This method uses a bulky setup and takes 10-15 minutes to get the output result which is a tedious and time-consuming job. If conventional method is continuously used for a long time, then it is stable only for 15 days. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach which is more users friendly and fast in operation by modeling and optimization of sensor used for water quality monitoring. This is to overcome several drawbacks generally found in the previous work like complex designing, nonlinearity and long computation time. The nonlinearity in conventional device is overcome by increasing the values of coefficient of determination R2 which in turn reduce the standard error.

Design/methodology/approach

– A simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) model of photo catalytic sensor (PCS) is proposed for easy and fast operation and optimization of power.

Findings

– The proposed macro model operates under subthreshold conditions that are appreciated in large integrated system design. The results of simulation were found to be fairly in agreement with the theoretical predictions. The results exhibited near linear variations of parameters of interest with appreciably reduced response time. The coefficient of determination (R2) has been found to be more in this technique.

Research limitations/implications

– As the threshold voltage of different photo catalytic materials will be different, Eref in the setup has to be adjusted accordingly to obtain sufficient quantity of current to operate the device.

Originality/value

– This approach relies on the SPICE model. The development of SPICE model for photochemical sensor is novel which is fast in operation and more user friendly.
Mathematical modeling of a novel bearingless switched reluctance motor
Authors: Wang Xilian , Ge Baoming , Wang Jin
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The novel bearingless switched reluctance motor (BSRM) is proposed recently, which is different from the conventional BSRM in the stator structure and suspension winding arrangement. The reduced number of suspension windings makes the novel BSRM much simpler, so that the control circuit and algorithm are greatly simplified when compared to those of the conventional BSRM. This paper for the first time proposes the novel BSRM's analytic model, including the mathematical relationships among the winding currents, rotor angle, radial forces, and motor torque, to further achieve the suspending forces and torque control. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The magnetic equivalent circuit method is employed to obtain the self-inductances and mutual-inductances of the motor torque windings (main windings) and suspension windings (control windings). The straight flux paths are combined with the elliptical fringing flux paths to calculate the air-gap permeances, and the stored magnetic energy. Then, the mathematical expressions of radial forces and torque are derived. A novel BSRM prototype is analyzed through using the proposed analytical model and the finite element model. The results of both methods are compared to verify the proposed mathematical model.

Findings

– The proposed mathematical model of the novel BSRM considering unsaturated magnetic circuits is verified by finite-element analysis results.

Research limitations/implications

– The mathematical model represents the situation of magnetic circuit unsaturated and is not suitable for the magnetic circuit saturation. It cannot be used to control the motor which is working in the deep magnetic circuit saturation region.

Practical implications

– Building mathematical model is a necessary step for the motor's suspension and rotating control. The built model provides the fundamental for the preliminary control algorithm and experimental study of this novel BSRM.

Originality/value

– For the first time, the novel BSRM's mathematical model is proposed. It provides necessary fundamental for the motor's further analysis, design, and suspending and rotating controls.
Efficient numerical simulation of DC potential drop signals for application to NDT of metallic foam
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Xie Shejuan , Li Yong , Chen Zhenmao
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Direct current potential drop (DCPD) testing is a potential nondestructive testing method for quality control of the metallic foam (MF). The purpose of this paper is to develop a numerical technique for the efficient simulation of the DCPD signals of MFs with defects with boundary of complicated shapes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The concept of multi-medium element (MME) is introduced to treat the boundary of complex-shaped defect. A classification scheme of Gauss integral points is also proposed to select the Gauss points that have to be taken into account in the integral calculation of the coefficient matrix of each MME.

Findings

– MME is suitable for simulation of DCPD signals due to defects in complicated shapes. The numerical method for calculating the element matrix of the MME is efficient and accurate. The experimental results support the proposed method positively.

Research limitations/implications

– The code developed in this paper is suitable for the simulation of DCPD signals of MF due to a planar defect. The code for 3D defect is still under development.

Originality/value

– The concept of MME introduced to deal with the simulation of DCPD signal due to defect with boundary of complicated shape, as well as the numerical technique for element coefficient matrix calculation. The developed method gives possible for the inversion of DCPD signals of complicated defect shape.
Flexible test bed for the behavioural modelling of power amplifiers
Authors: Cruz Nuñez-Perez José , Ricardo Cardenas-Valdez José , Gontrand Christian , Apolinar Reynoso-Hernandez J. , Iwao Hirata-Flores Francisco , Jauregui-Duran Rigoberto , J. Perez-Pinal Francisco
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to focus on the memory-polynomial model (MPM) as special case of Volterra series, implemented in hardware. The behavior of the MPM is fully proved through a comparison with AM-AM and AM-PM measured data. The results show that this simulation technique is able to prove the effectiveness of the MPM implementation as behavioural model for high power radiofrequency amplifiers. The system is able to compensate perturbations caused by modern communication systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The implementation uses Matlab-Simulink, and its digital signal processing (DSP) builder. The first stage allows developing the model in Matlab using the DSP builder blockset through the signal compiler block. Then, the design is downloaded to the DSP board.

Findings

– The paper demonstrates a proper behavior of the MPM as a truncation of the Volterra series, with respect to different inputs. This is a key point, because the series truncations allow first to implement this model in real time and second to obtain a correct precision, for instance when modeling amplification of digital signals in high frequency.

Originality/value

– The global system approach permits to easily develop, simulate, and validate a wireless system. The efficiency of a complete connected solution based on Agilent Technologies tools, combining simulations and measurements under true operating conditions, seems to be clearly demonstrated.
Finite element modeling of current dipoles using direct and subtraction methods for EEG forward problem
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Ren Zhuoxiang , Lautru David
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The resolution of electroencephalography (EEG) forward problem by the finite element method (FEM) involves the modeling of current dipoles with the singularities. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the accuracy issue of the two alternative methods, the direct method and the subtraction method for the modeling of current dipoles.

Design/methodology/approach

– Finite element modeling of current dipoles using the direct method and the alternative implementations of the subtraction method.

Findings

– The accuracy and the performance of different methods are compared through a four-layer spherical head model with available analytical solution. Results show that the subtraction method involving only the surface integrals provides the best accuracy.

Originality/value

– The subtraction method removes the difficulty of modeling the singularity of current dipoles but the accuracy depends on the implementation.
Minimizing sidelobe levels and facilitating null placements of nonlinear antenna arrays using an improved particle swarm optimization method
Authors: Deng Huijun , Li Xue , Sun Libao , Yang Shiyou
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods for minimizing the sidelobe levels (SLL) and placing null at arbitrary angles of a nonlinear antenna array.

Design/methodology/approach

– An improved PSO algorithm is designed.

Findings

– The improved PSO method is an efficient and robust global optimizer for minimizing the SLL and placing null at arbitrary angles of a nonlinear antenna array.

Originality/value

– Some improvements, such as the design of some new formulae for both position and velocity updating, the introduction of an age variable, and the devise of an intensification searches using the cross entropy method, are proposed.
Determination of the weighted mean path length of the Epstein frame
Authors: Qingyi Kong , Cheng Zhiguang , Wang Xiaoyan , Fan Yana , Liu Lanrong , Liu Tao , Guo Jing
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of the related factors on the mean path length of the Epstein frame and propose a weighted method based on the different specific losses to decide the actual mean path length of the Epstein frame.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two Epstein frames of different dimensions (i.e. standard 25 cm and revised 17.5 cm Epstein frame) are used in experiments, and two kinds of the mean path lengths, lm1 and lm2, are defined based on the different specific iron losses produced at the middle part of the limb and the rest of the whole frame, respectively.

Findings

– The mean magnetic path varies with many factors such as peak flux density, excitation frequency, permeability as well as the anisotropy of the material under test.

Originality/value

– The results play an important role in designing the transformer core and the building factor.
Research on magnetostriction of grain-oriented electrical silicon-steel sheet
Authors: Bai Baodong , Wang Jiayin
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The magnetostriction of grain-oriented electrical silicon steel sheet is studied for the magnetic field direction along the rolling direction and deviating from it. The method of calculating the vibration of transformer is developed through COMSOL. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Measurements of signals of magnetostriction and magnetic polarization, and calculation through software.

Findings

– The angle between the magnetic field direction and the rolling direction does a great influence on magnetostriction strain.

Originality/value

– The maximum λ
p-p of transversal magnetostriction is above 30 times more than the value when the angle is 0°. The transversal magnetostriction is a main reason of vibration increasing at the corner of transformer.
Progress or repetition? Gender perspectives in disaster management in Japan
Authors: Saito Yoko
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review research on gender and disasters in Japan, from the Kobe Earthquake to the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). Gender perspectives were not adequately considered immediately after these disasters. Rather, disasters reinforced the gender roles prevalent in Japanese society. The paper seeks ways to position gender perspectives into mainstream thought on disaster management in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review was conducted of secondary Japanese sources including peer-reviewed and non-academic journals published by governmental and non-governmental organisations after the Kobe, Niigata Chuetsu, and GEJEs. Popularly searched keywords were the Japanese for “gender” or “women”, and “disasters”.

Findings

– A review of the published literature indicated that gender-related issues experienced during the Kobe Earthquake in 1995 and the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake in 2004 were repeated following the GEJE in 2011. Japan has experienced numerous disasters; thus, the importance of gender perspectives has been gradually recognised and has received increased attention after the GEJE. This paper emphasises that these should be embedded at policy level and within disaster management structures to create disaster resilient communities.

Originality/value

– To date, not much research in Japan, and none published in English, has reviewed gender- and disaster-related issues.
Comparative study on teacher training for school disaster management in Armenia and Japan
Authors: Shiwaku Koichi
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Teacher training is significant for effective school disaster management. The purposes of this paper are: first, to set items for analysis of teacher training program of Armenia through identification of teacher training program of Emergency And Rescue Team by school staff in Hyogo (EARTH) to understand the characteristics of teacher training program of Armenia; second, to identify common points and different points of school disaster management and teacher training between EARTH and Armenia to understand the characteristics of one of training program of Japan; and third, to propose improvement of teacher training of Armenia through identification of problems to give suggestions to improve teacher training program of Armenia.

Design/methodology/approach

– One of teacher training program for school disaster management in Japan can be considered as a good practice. The objectives are achieved through the comparison of teacher training program between Armenia and Japan.

Findings

– In Armenia, there are three training targets. Training contents should be developed after the clear concept development of training for each target. This paper proposed the concept based on EARTH training program. Normalization of school including psychological care is the main contents for school directors and deputy directors. Disaster management system and disaster management drill are the contents for military science teachers. Disaster education is the main contents for general teachers.

Originality/value

– This paper considered mainstreaming school disaster management from the aspect of teacher training and application of training program to other countries.
National principal mentoring: does it achieve its purpose?
Authors: Sciarappa Kathleen , Y. Mason Christine
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceived efficacy of a US-based national principal mentor training program.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 370 protégés who received services from principal mentors in a national mentor internship program were invited to complete an electronic survey. Responses were obtained from 54 protégés.

Findings

– The 54 respondents rated the mentor program highly, indicating that mentors were well prepared, good listeners, and instrumental in strengthening their instructional leadership.

Research limitations/implications

– This study provides preliminary information on the perceived efficacy of the program. To more fully understand the needs of new principals and the value of varying mentor approaches, follow-up interviews, a research design that provides for data to be disaggregated by specific mentor trainers and dates/locations of training sessions, and comparative data from protégés supported by mentors prepared by other programs are needed.

Practical implications

– Protégés reported high job satisfaction and recommended the program to others.

Originality/value

– New principals reported that the principal mentoring was critical to their adjustment and success during their first year. This is the only known principal mentor program requiring a nine-month internship. The outcomes revealed the value of evaluating perceptions of protégés for continuous quality improvement.
A model of functional integration and conflict
Authors: Ellegaard Chris , Koch Christian
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to generate theory on how functional integration and conflict interrelate by studying the interface between production and purchasing.

Design/methodology/approach

– An interpretive single case research methodology is adopted. The authors rely on in-depth interviewing of managers in the production and purchasing functions of a construction company, as well as by its suppliers.

Findings

– Given low functional integration, antagonistic reasoning within each function and resultant conflicting behaviors are allowed to develop in a negative cycle, escalating the conflict between purchasing and production. This process leads to the creation of two opposing functional sourcing models that serve as blueprints for behavior.

Research limitations/implications

– The single case methodology was chosen to maximize depth and detail and form an ideal foundation for theory building. Future qualitative and quantitative studies should inquire further into the studied phenomenon to increase analytical and statistical generalizability of the proposed model.

Practical implications

– The findings can help managers understand how poor integration between functions can develop into cross-functional conflict. Facing a conflicting functional relationship, managers must resort to conflict resolution methods, instead of attempting to integrate, as several integrative devices are not appropriate in conflicting interfaces.

Originality/value

– The proposed model contributes by connecting the constructs of integration, group reasoning, and conflict, thereby generating knowledge on conflict development processes in cross-functional interfaces. Furthermore, the article contributes by uncovering the difficulties associated with implementing spend consolidation, a prevailing sourcing strategy.
Integrating financial and physical supply chains: the role of banks in enabling supply chain integration
Authors: Silvestro Rhian , Lustrato Paola
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The financial supply chain, running parallel to the flow of goods and information, is common to all economic supply networks, and its integration with the physical supply chain is therefore a critical and ubiquitous aspect of supply chain integration (SCI) largely ignored in the literature. This paper aims to develop a model of physical and financial SCI, which is based on a process view from both buyers' and suppliers' perspectives, and explores the role of banks in enabling SCI.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports an exploratory study of the role of banks in improving SCI, by presenting a case study analysis of two international banks.

Findings

– The findings show that banks can support buyers and suppliers by contributing to the enablers of SCI, namely coordination, collaboration, information sharing and information visibility.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is limited in that it is explorative; further studies are required in order to quantify the impact of banks' interventions on SCI.

Practical implications

– Improved SCI requires an understanding of the flow of physical and financial resources across supply networks. Banks can help buyers and suppliers develop a more holistic understanding of the supply chain, thus improving integration and optimising working capital.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a process model of physical/financial SCI which uniquely recognises the role of banks in enabling buyers and suppliers to improve SCI, synchronisation and performance.
Bayesian estimation of reliability indexes for cold standby system under general progressive Type II censored data
Authors: Barot D.R. , Patel M.N.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to deal with the estimation of the empirical Bayesian exact confidence limits of reliability indexes of a cold standby series system with (n+k−1) units under the general progressive Type II censoring scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

– Assuming that the lifetime of each unit in the system is identical and independent random variable with exponential distribution, the exact confidence limits of the reliability indexes are derived by using an empirical Bayes approach when an exponential prior distribution of the failure rate parameter is considered. The accuracy of these confidence limits is examined in terms of their coverage probabilities by means of Monte-Carlo simulations.

Findings

– The simulation results show that accuracy of exact confidence limits of reliability indexes of a cold standby series system is efficient. Therefore, this approach is good enough to use for reliability practitioners in order to improve the system reliability.

Practical implications

– When items are costly, the general progressive Type II censoring scheme is used to reduce the total test time and the associated cost of an experiment. The proposed method provides the means to estimate the exact confidence limits of reliability indexes of the proposed cold standby series system under this scheme.

Originality/value

– The application of the proposed technique will help the reliability engineers/managers/system engineers in various industrial and other setups where a cold standby series system is widely used.
Retailers' CSR: the effects of legitimacy and social capital
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Ha Sejin , Fong Clarissa
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate consumer perception of community and employee oriented CSR program, and examine how retailers' CSR activities lead to social (i.e. legitimization) and financial support. Further, by taking the social context into account, this research examine the moderating effect of consumer engagement in community social capital on the relationship between perceived retailers' CSR action and retailer legitimization.

Design/methodology/approach

– Pre-test was conducted with 144 students to validate the measurement model. A total of 220 responses from US consumers were used for the main-test, and multiple group analysis in structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed in order to test the structural model.

Findings

– The result indicates that when retailers are perceived as adhering to social norms through their CSR actions, they gain legitimacy and support from the consumers within the community. Further, consumer social capital moderates the relationship between perceived CSR and retailer legitimacy.

Practical implications

– Findings of this research can provide retail marketers with practical implication in developing their CSR strategy catering to the community members. Understanding consumers with higher level of social capital investment will increase the capability and effectiveness of the retailers' CSR activities.

Originality/value

– This research offers theoretical contributions to the current research stream of CSR studies by testing the moderating effect of consumers' engagement in the social environment on consumers' legitimization and support toward retailers that perform CSR activities. This study also provides new perspective on assessing the outcome of retailers' CSR actions by focusing on both social and financial dimensions.
Acceptability and effects of a seated active workstation during sedentary work
Authors: J. Carr Lucas , Maeda Hotaka , Luther Brandon , Rider Patrick , J. Tucker Sharon , Leonhard Christoph
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test the user acceptability (Phase 1) and effects (Phase 2) of completing sedentary work while using a seated active workstation.

Design/methodology/approach

– In Phase 1, 45 sedentary employees completed an acceptability questionnaire immediately after performing sedentary work tasks (typing, mousing) while using the seated active workstation for 30 minutes. In Phase 2, the paper tested the differential effects of completing sedentary work tasks at two different workstations (sedentary workstation vs seated active workstation) on physiological (energy expenditure, muscle activity, heart rate, blood pressure), cognitive (learning, memory, attention) and work performance (typing and mousing ability) outcomes among 18 sedentary employees.

Findings

– In Phase 1, 96 percent of participants reported they would use the seated active workstation “daily” if provided access in their office. In Phase 2, working while using the seated active workstation increased energy expenditure (p<0.001; d=3.49), heart rate (p<0.001; d=1.26), systolic blood pressure (p=0.02; d=0.79), and muscle activation of the biceps femoris (p<0.001; d=1.36) and vastus lateralis (p<0.001; d=1.88) over the sedentary workstation. No between-group differences were observed for any measures of cognitive function. Mouse point and click time was slower while using the seated active workstation (p=0.02).

Research limitations/implications

– These findings suggest this seated active workstation to be acceptable by users and effective for offsetting occupational sedentary time without compromising cognitive function and/or work performance.

Originality/value

– The present study is the first to test the potential of this seated active workstation in any capacity.
Research libraries in a modern environment
Authors: Maceviciute Elena
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the monographic literature related to developments in research libraries within recent years and the strategies that they are adopting to deal with change. The main aim is to identify any visibly established directions along which research libraries adapt to their social and organizational environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative content analysis was applied to identify topics emerging from the texts. The chosen texts were read and topics signifying directions of change in the immediate environment of research libraries were mapped. This initial topic map was used for ascertaining the reactions of research libraries to identified changes. The activities of libraries directed to future anticipated changes were noted separately.

Findings

– The review shows the surprising resilience of research libraries and their ability to change within a short period of time. This ability signifies that research and academic libraries as organizations perfectly adapt to the incessant transformations of current times, contrary to the widely spread stereotypical image of them as conservative institutions. At the same time, they seem to be keeping true to their core of mediating services to researchers and to their place in the chain of scholarly communication.

Originality/value

– The article identifies the main directions of transformation of research libraries and outlines their potential roles in the future of digital scholarly communication.
Research libraries and the internet
Authors: Ole Finnemann Niels
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve comprehension of some of the intricate interrelations between research libraries, the role of media and the knowledge production system.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper establishes arguments from a historical analysis of stages in the conceptual development of digital media and stages in the digitization of library functions. The historical approach leads to some discussions and forecasts of the future of research libraries.

Findings

– Digital media have a disruptive, revolutionary potential, but path dependency is often a modifying component in the historical development. This is demonstrated in different stages of the development of the interrelationship between digitization, digital media and research libraries. Digital media become disruptive due to the strength of the historical dynamic, rather than as a result of particular agencies. Today the historical dynamic has reached a point where all institutions concerned with knowledge handling will have to redefine themselves. Research libraries are gradually incorporated into a number of new “research infrastructures” which are being built around different kinds of data materials, and each research library may specialize according to some sort of coordinated criteria.

Originality/value

– This paper demonstrates new openings to a theoretical and conceptual understanding of the interrelationship between digital media and developments of research libraries.
Adaptable apparel: a sustainable design solution for excess apparel consumption problem
Authors: Cao Huantian , Chang Rita , Kallal Jo , Manalo Grace , McCord Jennifer , Shaw Jenna , Starner Heather
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Excess consumption of apparel is driven by the apparel industry to offer more styles at lower prices in shorter time and the consumers’ desire to change fashion. The purpose of this paper is to apply adaptable design in apparel as a sustainable design solution for excess consumption problem.

Design/methodology/approach

– Guided by sustainable apparel design model C2CAD, two adaptable apparel prototypes for female college students were designed and developed. Focus group discussion and wear test were conducted with female college students to evaluate users’ acceptance, fit, comfort, and adaptability of the two prototypes.

Findings

– Both prototypes were comfortable to wear by users with different sizes, indicating the users could wear the garment when she changed size. The adaptations and conversions were easily and enjoyably figured out by the users. The users would keep and use the adaptable apparel for a long time. The users would also buy fewer apparel if they were to own the adaptable apparel. Adaptable apparel would increase apparel utilization, eliminate the need to purchase unnecessary additional amount of clothing, and reduce excess consumption.

Originality/value

– This research provided a pilot study on adaptable apparel design as an innovative approach to help solve excessive consumption problem. The adaptable garment prototypes would allow the fashion-forward female college student to easily change the function, fit, and style of the environmentally friendly garments.
Is Uppsala model valid to fashion retailers? An analysis from internationalisation patterns of fast fashion retailers
Authors: Lynn Childs Michelle , Jin Byoungho
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Uppsala internationalisation theory is highly utilised due to its simplicity and applicability. However, there are contrasting results on its assumption that firms follow a gradual internationalisation process. Literature shows that firm strategies (e.g. targeting a niche market) and firm resources (e.g. brand image and asset specificity) may decrease barriers of entry. Global fashion retailers possess these characteristics and may not follow a gradual internationalisation pattern. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether fashion retailers that target a niche market, have a strong brand image and asset specificity will follow a gradual internationalisation pattern suggested by Uppsala.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two aspects of internationalisation (speed of internationalisation and market selection) were analysed. Market selection was measured by three aspects of distance (geographic distance, economic distance, and culture distance). Data were collected utilising secondary sources and internationalisation patterns were calculated using existing formulas.

Findings

– Overall, results provided partial support for Uppsala model. After cautious expansion early in internationalisation, fashion retailers experience a period where rapid expansion exists. During initial internationalisation, geographically and economically close markets were chosen, which mirror the Uppsala model. However, no incremental patterns were observed thereafter. In addition, after initially moving to culturally close countries, firms moved to countries with close cultural proximity to each other rather than close to home market.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings are based on three cases of fast fashion retailers; thus, for further generalisation, if the findings will be applicable to other fashion firms which have different strategies and resources needs to be examined.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first attempts to research the applicability of Uppsala model to fashion retailers. By investigating fashion retailers that target niche markets, have strong brand image and asset specificity; the paper adds additional empirical evidence of situations where internationalisation does not follow the linear pattern that Uppsala model argues.