bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance‐based service quality model: an empirical study on Japanese universities
Authors: Sultan Parves , Wong Ho
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to develop and empirically test the performance‐based higher education service quality model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops 67‐item instrument for measuring performance‐based service quality with a particular focus on the higher education sector. Scale reliability is confirmed using the Cronbach's alpha. The principle component analysis followed by a Varimax method is used to extract the factor loadings.

Findings

The results are satisfactory in terms of factor analysis, reliability and validity tests. Based on the overall loaded items, the eight dimensions are named. They are dependability, effectiveness, capability, efficiency, competencies, assurance, unusual situation management, and semester and syllabus.

Research limitations/implications

Although the empirical results are significant, a comparative study can identify relative strengths of this model.

Practical implications

This study underlines some critical dimensions and related attributes on which the higher institutions should concentrate their efforts to improve quality.

Originality/value

This study is worth doing because it takes samples from international students studying at Japanese universities. This study also attempts to develop a comprehensive approach for scale development in measuring service quality for higher education institutes.
Quality in action: closing the loop
Authors: Sid Nair Chenicheri , Pawley David , Mertova Patricie
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to report on how an Administrative Division at a research‐intensive Australian university utilised feedback data from the Learning and Growth Survey, to initiate changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper refers to the actions taken by the Administrative Division to the results obtained from the Learning and Growth Survey. The questionnaire items are based on the “Balanced Scorecard” system outlined by Kaplan and Norton in 1996. It consists of a number of items identified as integral to effective growth and learning strategies for staff‐development. The questionnaire seeks staff perceptions of the individual items and how their needs are met in the current University management practices.

Findings

The results of this survey indicate that employees were willing to provide practical feedback on a range of dimensions, which they felt would assist improvement of their development and growth opportunities. Further, this paper demonstrates that in any exercise which involves collecting information on staff perceptions, staff not only expect that the data would be utilized constructively, but also that the institution would also make practical changes based on their feedback and that they would be informed about these changes.

Practical implications

This survey revealed that some of the feedback obtained from participants had limitations as to what actions could be taken within the Administrative Division because of the ramifications for institutional budgets. However, issues related to improvement of the learning and growth environment were possible to address through practical changes within the bounds of the Division's budget. Further, when conducting similar surveys among university staff, it is essential that anonymity of the participants is ensured. It is also vital that the purposes, outcomes, proposed actions and progress in implementation of these actions are well communicated to all the staff.

Originality/value

A growing number of tertiary institutions have recently started conducting surveys among their staff concerning the staff satisfaction with their work in the organisation(s). Despite this growing number of employee surveys, there is a lack of academic literature available describing how such surveys are conducted and the issues that institutions face when designing, implementing and evaluating these surveys. From the available information, it was also unclear what aspects of employee experience these surveys cover and whether they focus on staff learning and development. Therefore, this paper attempts to make a step in that direction by describing an employee survey regularly conducted among staff within administrative units at a large Australian University.
Student perceptions of service quality in a multi‐campus higher education system in Spain
Authors: Gallifa Josep , Batallé Pere
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present an in‐depth case study with student perceptions of service quality, discussing the relevance of these perceptions for the important issue of quality improvement in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents institutional research carried out in a multi‐campus system in Spain made up of institutions coming from different quality cultures. The research adopts the model of the deficiencies in service quality approach, adapting it to the construction of a questionnaire, which was answered by final year students in all the university campuses.

Findings

Comparative results between campuses and evolution in time of some meaningful variables are presented to illustrate the method's potentialities. A characterization of the main traits of the students' perceptions of service quality obtained from the data resulted in a profile of the single campuses and for the whole system. This profile is interesting in terms of ascertaining meaningful dimensions of the university brand.

Practical implications

Examples of practical implications for the campuses where the process was implemented are presented to illustrate the importance of some findings for quality improvement policies. This approach can be easily applied in other institutions.

Originality/value

Discussion of some meaningful findings illustrates the value of this methodology for other higher educational systems interested in service quality and continuous quality improvement. The study provides a questionnaire, an implicit methodology and rationale.
Interventionist research – the puberty years: an introduction to the special issue
Authors: Westin Olle , Roberts Hanno
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction and overview of the various papers in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A short discussion of the main quests of interventionist research and how these are related to the papers in this special issue, is undertaken.

Findings

The essence of interventionist research is its methodological location, researching where practice and theory meet.

Research limitations/implications

Interventionist research places strong demands on the individual researcher's interpretative, social, and abstracting skills in order to carry observations to ontological and epistemological levels.

Practical implications

Interventionist research is rich in research designs and specific intervention types. Selecting the “right” one is strongly related to the connection the researcher makes with the social context she/he will operate in. Changes over time in both design and intervention can be expected, given the dynamic, longitudinal and interactive nature of interventionist research.

Originality/value

This special issue provides examples of a varied set of interventionist research situations, including the selection of typical intervention methods and how knowledge contributions were extracted.
A critical review of interventionist research
Authors: Baard Vicki
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further develop the epistemological base of interventionist research (IR) as a valid accounting and management research methodology, through the identification of intervention theory and an IR framework derived from social sciences. Moreover, this paper seeks to contribute to empirical knowledge of IR through a critical review of limited empirical evidence relating to intervention theory and the extant IR frameworks derived from action research.

Design/methodology/approach

Texts and academic journal papers that judiciously review intervention theory, intervention research frameworks were identified systematically; along with empirical research addressing theoretical and methodological deficiencies of IR and, providing evidence to inform practical considerations when undertaking IR.

Findings

The key findings include rare empirical evidence addressing theoretical shortcomings and application of intervention theory, an IR framework derived from social sciences with extremely limited use in accounting and management research, deficiencies in action research oriented frameworks labelled as alternative forms of IR, an alternate perspective to positivistic validity and reliability issues and other practical considerations to facilitate the conducting of IR.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in the diminution of the fragmented nature of IR that undermines its scientific value through the identification of an intervention theory and IR framework experiencing extremely limited use in accounting and management research, with the exception of a cross‐disciplinary (management accounting and information systems) doctoral study, optimising IR utilisation with greater degrees of validity and reliability and, finally, a proposed alternative research design for utilisation in IR.
A critical reflective discourse of an interventionist research project
Authors: Dumay John C.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflective discourse about a particular interventionist research project utilising a critical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses Alvesson and Deetz's tasks of critical research to analyse the application of interventionist research methodology and address the issues of access, data collection and ethnographical concerns.

Findings

Access issues are expanded to consider the concerns of the researcher and the researched. Interventionist research needs to develop a methodological approach moving beyond the concept of triangulation and to develop the concept of “catalytical” processes, expanding the emic and etic functions of interventionist research. The paper identifies that skills of the researched and the researcher need to be developed and recognises that the skills required are different to those currently possessed by academic researchers.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examines only a single application of an interventionist research project conducted over a short period of time with a specific outcome in mind.

Practical implications

This paper provides a discussion of a working example of an interventionist research project and highlights to researchers and practitioners some of the advantages and disadvantages of undertaking such an approach to solving organisational problems.

Originality/value

The reflective critical discourse as outlined in this paper contributes to the practice of interventionist research by opening up further the discussion of how it can be implemented in practice and what are some of the considerations from both the perspective of practice and the skills base of the participants.
Open book accounting in practice – exploring the faces of openness
Authors: Suomala Petri , Lahikainen Tommi , Lyly‐Yrjänäinen Jouni , Paranko Jari
Published: April 2010

Purpose

In spite of the increased research activity on inter‐organizational cost management (IOCM) and open‐book accounting (OBA), detailed evidence on the application of these tools in real‐life settings is still relatively sparse. Increased outsourcing and supplier responsibilities call for more thorough understanding on the possibilities and variations of supply chain cost management. As a research avenue, in‐depth case studies have been invited to elaborate the cost management interaction between companies. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an interventionist research within two supply networks. By making research interventions on the development of cost management practices among the suppliers, the researchers have set the ground for implementation of OBA, which, then, has provided a box seat to observe the process of OBA and its associations with the different forms of control. Within these two networks, this paper focuses on two OBA episodes portraying different facets of openness in IOCM.

Findings

This paper presents OBA as an accounting template with a seemingly flexible character. By relying on the empirical study, the paper shows how OBA might be used for mitigating the component's price increasing pressures and, thus, controlling the costs of the end product in hybrids resembling very much market conditions. However, the very similar OBA procedures can be applied for achieving the long‐term goals of partnering in hybrids resembling to a great extent hierarchical structures. As the paper shows, the best corresponding control archetype for a given OBA application largely depends on the purpose defined for the IOCM activity by participating stakeholders.

Originality/value

Thus, far, there are no interventionist studies on OBA and, hence, the research setting provides an interesting new element to the extant literature on OBA and IOCM. However, the research method does not have intrinsic value. Thus, the contribution, and therefore also the originality, of this paper is based on new aspects provided to the theory on OBA.
Interventionism – an approach for the future?
Authors: Jönsson Sten
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the distinctive problems of interventionist research that originate from intervention in ongoing practices as opposed to the experiment's design of a theory‐relevant context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an essay, based on arguments of mapping closely and understanding the work environment of the managers under study, and of re‐framing (or re‐education) practices.

Findings

The paper finds that the intervention is valued in terms of improved practice, as well as theoretical contribution.

Research limitations/implications

Learning theories (organizational and individual) should be included in the toolbox as well as methods of observing ongoing practices.

Practical implications

Interventionist research changes the way organizations think about how they organize their work (the appellate case); learning theory impacts work organization very concretely.

Originality/value

Management itself is intervention in organizational work practices, intervention in management practices will be something akin to Argyriset al.'s second loop (or Rorty's abnormal discourse) learning, which can be understood as re‐framing (or re‐education) practices. The use of case narratives and storytelling as ways of data capture are of particular interest in that respect.
Fused deposition modeling of patient‐specific polymethylmethacrylate implants
Authors: Espalin David , Arcaute Karina , Rodriguez David , Medina Francisco , Posner Matthew , Wicker Ryan
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of medical‐grade polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in fused deposition modeling (FDM) to fabricate porous customized freeform structures for several applications including craniofacial reconstruction and orthopaedic spacers. It also aims to examine the effects of different fabrication conditions on porosity and mechanical properties of PMMA samples.

Design/methodology/approach

The building parameters and procedures to properly and consistently extrude PMMA filament in FDM for building 3D structures were determined. Two experiments were performed that examined the effects of different fabrication conditions, including tip wipe frequency, layer orientation, and air gap (AG) (or distance between filament edges) on the mechanical properties and porosity of the fabricated structures. The samples were characterized through optical micrographs, and measurements of weight and dimensions of the samples were used to calculate porosity. The yield strength, strain, and modulus of elasticity of the samples were determined through compressive testing.

Findings

Results show that both the tip wipe frequency (one wipe every layer or one wipe every ten layers) and layer orientation (transverse or axial with respect to the applied compressive load) used to fabricate the scaffolds have effects on the mechanical properties and resulting porosity. The samples fabricate in the transverse orientation with the high tip wipe frequency have a larger compressive strength and modulus than the lower tip wipe frequency samples (compressive strength: 16±0.97 vs 13±0.71 MPa, modulus: 370±14 vs 313±29 MPa, for the high vs low tip wipe frequency, respectively). Also, the samples fabricated in the transverse orientation have a larger compressive strength and modulus than the ones fabricated in the axial orientation (compressive strength: 16±0.97 vs 13±0.83 MPa, modulus: 370±14 vs 281±22 MPa; for samples fabricated with one tip wipe per layer in the transverse and axial orientations, respectively). In general, the stiffness and yield strength decreased when the porosity increased (compressive strength: 12±0.71 to 7±0.95 MPa, Modulus: 248±10 to 165±16 MPa, for samples with a porosity ranging from 55 to 70 percent). As a demonstration, FDM is successfully used to fabricate patient‐specific, 3D PMMA implants with varying densities, including cranial defect repair and femur models.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that customized, 3D, biocompatible PMMA structures with varying porosities can be designed and directly fabricated using FDM. By enabling the use of PMMA in FDM, medical implants such as custom craniofacial implants can be directly fabricated from medical imaging data improving the current state of PMMA use in medicine.
Design and manufacture of a Formula SAE intake system using fused deposition modeling and fiber‐reinforced composite materials
Authors: Ilardo Ryan , Williams Christopher B.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the design and manufacture of an intake system for a 600cc Formula Society of Automotive Engineers engine. Owing to the inherent geometric limitations imposed by the existing manufacturing process (bending and welding of aluminum), it is difficult to design and fabricate an intake manifold system in which pressure losses are kept to a minimum and equal charge is provided to each cylinder. The aim is to develop a fabrication process that circumvents these limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is used to create an intake system (consisting of a plenum, plenum elbow, and cylinder runners) that is then later covered in layers of carbon fiber composite fabric through vacuum bagging. FDM allows for geometric design freedom, while the layup of a composite material (and its associated high‐temperature resin) provide the strength and heat‐resistivity necessary for this application.

Findings

As a result of this approach, a functional intake manifold is created that survived the high temperatures and pressures of the turbo‐charged engine. The process allowed the geometry of the intake to be redesigned, resulting in reduced weight (due to lower material density and lack of welds, hose clamps, and silicon couples), improved charge distribution, and increased torque through a wide RPM range when compared to its traditionally manufactured aluminum counterpart.

Practical implications

The approach described in this paper shows that a functional, end‐use intake manifold can be produced by the combination of FDM method and subsequent lamination of a carbon‐fiber composite material. The approach enables the geometric freedom to improve manifold design, resulting in improved vehicle performance.

Originality/value

This case study presents a low‐cost manner of directly manufacturing functional parts through the combination of FDM and composite material layup.
Multi‐material bonding in ultrasonic consolidation
Authors: Obielodan J.O. , Ceylan A. , Murr L.E. , Stucker B.E.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The increasing interest in engineering structures made from multiple materials has led to corresponding interest in technologies, which can fabricate multi‐material parts. The purpose of this paper is to further explore of the multi‐material fabrication capabilities of ultrasonic consolidation (UC).

Design/methodology/approach

Various combinations of materials including titanium, silver, tantalum, aluminum, molybdenum, stainless steel, nickel, copper, and MetPreg® were ultrasonically consolidated. Some of the materials were found to be effective as an intermediate layer between difficult to join materials. Elemental boron particles were added in situ between selected materials to modify the bonding characteristics. Microstructures of deposits were studied to evaluate bond quality.

Findings

Results show evidence of good bonding between many combinations of materials, thus illustrating increasing potential for multi‐material fabrication using UC.

Originality/value

Multi‐material fabrication capabilities using UC and other additive manufacturing processes is a critical step towards the realization of engineering designs which make use of functional material combinations and optimization.
Additive fabrication of custom pedorthoses for clubfoot correction
Authors: Cook Douglas , Gervasi Vito , Rizza Robert , Kamara Sheku , Liu Xue‐Cheng
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the most‐practical means of transforming computer‐aided‐design models of custom clubfoot pedorthoses into functional pedorthoses for testing on patients in a clinical trial.

Design/methodology/approach

The materials used in conventional orthosis fabrication are not yet available for solid free‐form fabrication; therefore, to fabricate the pedorthoses, several approaches were considered, including direct manufacturing, additive‐based moulding, laser cutting of foam and combinations of several of these approaches.

Findings

The chosen approach of additively manufacturing the custom hard shell, and moulding the polyurethane‐foam insert, resulted in accurate, durable and effective pedorthoses that fit well, and could be adjusted as needed. The pedorthoses that were produced are currently being tested on the respective patients for their improvement in mobility and degree of clubfoot correction, and will continue through early 2010.

Practical implications

Additive manufacturing provides an ideal approach for generating the custom, end‐use hard‐ and soft‐layer patterns: each pedorthosis is truly unique; and the soft layer has regions of variable thickness. The advantage of this approach is the reduction in labour and the increase in degrees of design freedom available, compared to conventional methods of fabricating orthotic devices. Replacement inserts can be moulded in a matter of hours using this silicone‐moulding approach.

Originality/value

Several new approaches for fabricating custom orthotic devices were explored, and the related results are discussed. The goal of this paper is to convey the potential of the fabrication procedure used and lessons learned on this project to the rapid prototyping and orthotic communities.
Design of an actively actuated prosthetic socket
Authors: Montgomery John T. , Vaughan Meagan R. , Crawford Richard H.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

A prosthetic socket worn by an amputee must serve a wide variety of functions, from stationary support to the transfer of forces necessary to move. Because a subject's residual limb changes volume throughout the day, it is desirable that the socket adapt to accommodate volume changes to maintain fit and comfort. The purpose of this paper is to provide steps towards designing a transtibial nylon prothestic socket, fabricated by selective laser sintering (SLS), that automatically adapts to volumetric changes of a residual limb.

Design/methodology/approach

An adaptive socket design that has both rigid and compliant regions is proposed to be manufactured by SLS and actuated by inflation. To assess the feasibility of this approach, thin membrane test specimens of various thicknesses and materials were created to understand the relationship between inflation pressure and deflection for SLS manufactured plastics. Finite element analysis (FEA) was assessed as a predictive design tool and verified with the experimental inflation/deflection results.

Findings

The initial flat test specimens could only achieve deflection of 2.13 mm at 145 kPa (nylon 12) and 3.38 mm at 340 kPa (nylon 11). A curved specimen is created that met performance goals with 7.67 mm maximum deflection at 714 kPa. FEA for the flat specimens is an accurate predictor of performance, but the results of analyzing the curved specimens are an order of magnitude different from the experimental data.

Research limitations/implications

The success of the physical curved specimens is encouraging for future research, but the FEA will need to be further developed before socket performance can be predicted with confidence.

Originality/value

A socket that does not fit the subject well will cause movement problems, rehabilitation difficulties, and potentially long‐term health issues. This research shows great potential for developing a socket that provides greater comfort and fit.
Effect of laser fluence in laser‐assisted direct writing of human colon cancer cell
Authors: Lin Yafu , Huang Guohui , Huang Yong , Jeremy Tzeng Tzuen‐Rong , Chrisey Douglas
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of laser fluence on the post‐transfer cell viability of human colon cancer cells (HT‐29) during a typical biofabrication process, matrix‐assisted pulsed‐laser evaporation direct‐write (MAPLE DW).

Design/methodology/approach

The post‐transfer cell viability in MAPLE DW depends on various operation conditions such as the applied laser fluence. HT‐29 cell was selected as a model mammalian cell to investigate the effect of laser fluence on the post‐transfer cell viability. MAPLE DW‐based HT‐29 cell direct writing was implemented using an ArF excimer laser under a wide range of laser fluence. Trypan blue dye‐exclusion was used to test the post‐transfer cell viability.

Findings

It has been observed that: the HT‐29 cell viability decreases from 95 to 78 percent as the laser fluence increases from 258 to 1,482 mJ/cm2; and cell injury in this study is mainly due to the process‐induced mechanical stress during the cell droplet formation and landing processes while the effects of thermal influence and ultraviolet radiation are below the level of detection.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reveals some interesting relationships between the laser fluence and the post‐transfer mammalian cell viability and injury, and the resulting knowledge of these process‐related relationships helps the wide implementation of MAPLE DW‐based biofabrication. Post‐transfer cell injury reversibility and cell proliferation capacity need to be further elucidated.

Practical implications

This paper will help the wide implementation of cell direct‐write technologies including MAPLE DW to fabricate biological constructs as artificial tissues/organs and bio‐sensing devices.

Originality/value

The shortage of donor organs and the need of various bio‐sensing devices have significantly prompted the development of various biological material‐based direct‐write technologies. Process‐induced cell injury happens during fabricating of biological constructs using different direct‐write technologies including MAPLE DW. The post‐transfer cell viability is a key index to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of any biofabrication technique. This paper has investigated the effect of laser fluence on the post‐transfer HT‐29 cell viability and injury. The knowledge from this study will help effectively and efficiently fabricate various biological constructs for organ printing and biosensor fabrication applications.
Microscale metal additive manufacturing of multi‐component medical devices
Authors: Cohen Adam , Chen Richard , Frodis Uri , Wu Ming‐Ting , Folk Chris
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to familiarize the reader with the capabilities of EFAB technology, a unique additive manufacturing process which yields fully assembled, functional mechanisms from metal on the micro to millimeter scale, and applications in medical devices.

Design/methodology/approach

The process is based on multi‐layer electrodeposition and planarization of at least two metals: one structural and one sacrificial. After a period of initial commercial development, it was scaled up from a prototyping‐only to a production process, and biocompatible metals were developed for medical applications.

Findings

The process yields complex, functional metal micro‐components and mechanisms with tight tolerances from biocompatible metals, in low‐high production volume.

Practical implications

The process described has multiple commercial applications, including minimally invasive medical instruments and implants, probes for semiconductor testing, military fuzing and inertial sensing devices, millimeter wave components, and microfluidic devices.

Originality/value

The process described in this paper is unusual among additive fabrication processes in being able to manufacture in high volume, and in its ability to produce devices with microscale features. It is one of only a few additive manufacturing processes that can produce metal parts or multi‐component mechanisms.
Advanced process planning for subtractive rapid prototyping
Authors: Petrzelka Joseph E. , Frank Matthew C.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Subtractive rapid prototyping (SRP) uses layer‐based removal from a plurality of orientations in order to create geometry in a highly automated manner. However, unlike additive means, the method can be inefficient due to redundant cutting operations on previously machined regions. The purpose of this paper is to present process planning methods for SRP, specifically dealing with stock material management in multiple setup operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of remaining stock material was performed by considering slices of respective stereolithography (STL) models. Further, an initial approximation was made of accessibility to enable iterative visibility analysis. The combination of these approaches led to efficient and fast algorithms. After analysis, the slices could be converted back to useful STL models through polyhedral reconstruction.

Findings

This method of approximation yields results similar to exact geometry. Using remaining stock data from this approach leads to a significant reduction in tool path length and processing time in SRP.

Originality/value

This paper presents novel methods of geometric representation and inaccessible volume calculation for four‐axis layer‐based machining and shows a successful implementation in an SRP system.
PPPs in road renovation and maintenance: a case study of the East Coast Road project
Authors: Rajan A. Thillai , Siddharth R. , Mukund S.P.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Public‐private partnerships (PPPs) are being frequently used today to private sector investment in road projects. Most of the road PPP projects are either for new roads or for those that involve significant expansion of existing capacity. There are limited instances of PPPs for renovating and maintenance of existing roads. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the applicability of using PPPs for road renovation and maintenance projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case‐study approach since it is an appropriate strategy to investigate a phenomenon within its real life context. The East Coast Road project was chosen for the study because it was the first project in India to use PPP for road renovation and maintenance, and being the first project of its kind, the case was of general public interest.

Findings

The paper indicates that risk levels in Rehabilitate, Improve, Maintain, Operate and Transfer (RIMOT) projects are lower than Greenfield BOT projects. Even in areas like renovation and maintenance, PPP structures can bring many advantages over traditional procurement.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has the limitations attributable to single case studies. There is a need to extend this paper to include more such case studies to evaluate their relevance for infrastructure development, particularly in emerging countries.

Practical implications

PPP structures can be useful for renovating and maintaining the existing roads. Modalities such as the RIMOT framework can have greater potential than the conventional BOT structures. Private investments in infrastructure can also be through a corporate finance structure.

Originality/value

This paper describes and analyzes the experience of India's first PPP for renovation and maintenance. The findings of this paper would have value for policy makers who are interested in attracting private sector finance and expertise in infrastructure and more specifically in roads.
Maintainability risks of condominiums in Sri Lanka
Authors: de Silva Nayanthara , Ranasinghe Malik
Published: April 2010

Purpose

With increased architectural, design and functional requirements and complexities, maintaining a modern building can easily become a costly affair. There is much evidence in the literature review as well as from the factual data, showing the significant increase of the maintenance budget in the recent past. This is due to the fact that, these complexities eventually generate many deficiencies and difficulties and, in turn, creates a tremendous maintenance workload and an undue budget. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss factors related to such issues in the form of risks involved in the maintainability of buildings and further, explore several strategies and industry actions at the industry level to resolve this burning problem. This paper is focused to address the condominium properties.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach of investigation of the risk factors was based on exploring the causes of existing defects and problems, which tend to lower the maintainability. Existing literature, site observations/interviews and questionnaire surveys were used to gather the required data.

Findings

There are 13 number of critical maintainability problems, 43 respective factors as “maintainability risk” factors and 12 subsequent industry actions for better maintainability, in the findings. In addition, nine maintainability strategies are explored based on the relevant risk conditions to enhance the maintainability at the organizational/project level and three industry motivators are extracted from the relevant industry actions. A simplified framework for maintainability is proposed based on the strategies and the industry actions.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection has to be limited to the Colombo metropolitan region due to limited resources.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information to the designers, clients, facilities managers/maintenance managers and users, on maintainability issues related to condominiums. This information highlights the important risk conditions, strategies and industry motivators in order to minimize these problems. These findings may provide an opportunity to promote “highly maintainable buildings for the future”.
Factor cost indices practices in the building industry for Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Gichunge H.K. , Masu S.M. , K'Akumu O.A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the applications of factor cost indices in the building industry in Nairobi, Kenya against the possibilities established through a review of the principles so as to establish the extent of use in practical situations in the industry. There are two organisations involved in compilation of factor cost indices in Kenya – Central Bureau of Statistics and Joint Building Council (JBC). Their practices for compilation of factor cost indices are reported in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the principles of factor cost index in order to establish a conceptual framework within which practices are then evaluated. The statistical bureau's compilation of building cost indices and the instructions by the JBC are considered as available evidence of application.

Findings

The paper finds that the application of factor cost index in Kenya is limited, a situation that therefore demands more research by the construction industry in Kenya.

Originality/value

The research's originality lies in its supportive evaluation of the application of the indicator concept in the building industry. More applications would imply greater possibilities for research and development within the case study industry.
Examining fuzzy tactical asset allocation (FTAA) as an alternative to modern portfolio theory (MPT) asset allocation for international and direct real estate investment
Authors: Hin/David Ho Kim , Chi Man Hui Eddie , Su Huiyong
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Although the modern portfolio theory (MPT) asset allocation framework can be adopted to enable decision making for international and direct real estate investing, and that many institutional investors adopt it to support their decision making, this framework can be enhanced to capture the multi‐causal factors influencing international and direct real estate investing. The purpose of this paper is to explain how a fuzzy decision‐making approach is a more intuitive, yet rigorous alternative in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is concerned with the model formation and estimation of a unique fuzzy tactical asset allocation (FTAA), which in turn comprises the FTAA flexible programming model and the FTAA robust programming model.

Findings

Both these FTAA models enhance the classical, Markowitz MPT portfolio theory on asset allocation through making it more intuitively appropriate for decision making in international and direct real estate investing.

Practical implications

These two FTAA models achieve the benefits of intuitively greater risk diversification by city or real estate sector and enable effective risk management. These two short‐run fuzzy models would be accepted and more such models would emerge as an effective extension of quadratic programming optimization, as more computable software programs of this kind are widespread.

Originality/value

Fuzzy approaches to asset allocation in the short run, are limited by some drawbacks. Fuzzy models possess the common feature of converting the equality function under quadratic programming optimization into inequality functions. Such inequality optimization replaces the point solution of the MPT TAA optimization problem, obtained through the rigid intersection of all functions, via a generalized or intuitive answer over a defined space of alternatives. The product of the fuzzy process with fuzzy inputs, in the form of fuzzy outcome is in actual fact a more natural and intuitive approach to asset optimization.
Types of innovation, sources of information and performance in entrepreneurial SMEs
Authors: Varis Miika , Littunen Hannu
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the information sourcing practices of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) associated with the development of different types of innovation (product/process/market/organizational). The relationship between different types of innovation and firms' performance is also to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a quantitative study of a sample of SMEs located in the Northern Savo region in Finland. The entrepreneurs completed a questionnaire pertaining to, for example, whether their firms had introduced novel innovations and what were the sources of information behind these innovations.

Findings

The introduction of novel product and market innovations appears to be associated with the use of more or less freely accessible information sources. The findings also indicate that the introduction of novel product, process and market innovations is positively associated with firms' growth. None of the types of innovation studied was found to have a positive relationship with firms' profitability.

Research limitations/implications

As the analysis was based on self‐reported data provided by the entrepreneurs of SMEs, the authors had to rely on their judgment regarding the novelty of the innovations they had introduced. Moreover, as the study was conducted in a single region with its idiosyncratic features, the generalizability of the findings to other regional contexts remains somewhat ambiguous.

Practical implications

The study suggests a need to re‐evaluate the innovation‐related services available to firms in the regional innovation system. The findings also imply the need for entrepreneurs and their firms to upgrade their competences in order to enhance their innovation and networking capabilities.

Originality/value

Relatively modest amounts of research have addressed the information sourcing practices of SMEs in relation to different types of innovation, both in terms of the object of change and the extent of change. The paper addresses this.
The governance of university‐industry knowledge transfer
Authors: Rossi Federica
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The aim of this article is to contribute to the debate on university‐industry knowledge transfer and on the changing organization of knowledge creation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating several strands of analysis, a conceptual framework is developed that associates several properties of knowledge and of the institutional context in which university‐industry relationships take place, to the knowledge transfer governance forms that are most likely to be adopted. The framework is shown to be in accordance with results from the empirical literature, and is validated using an original dataset.

Findings

The data analysis confirms that the choice of university‐industry knowledge transfer governance forms on the part of organizations involved in knowledge production and dissemination projects is related to the key dimensions in the conceptual framework.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework developed in this article allows the incentives that drive the choice of specific governance forms for university‐industry interactions to be explained, as well as the processes and rationales that underpin the changing nature of university‐industry relationships to be explained.
The pool effect of dyad‐based capabilities on seller firms' innovativeness
Authors: Charterina Jon , Landeta Jon
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze which relational resources and capabilities are determinant in fostering innovations and to what extent these innovations are relevant in achieving superior business results.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypotheses are tested in an empirical study carried out on a sample group of 106 Spanish companies from the sub‐industries of machine tool manufacture and manufacturers of machinery for specific industries, operating in a business‐to‐business context. Information was gathered by means of telephone interviews with sales, production or management representatives of machinery suppliers. Analysis of data was performed by means of partial least squares regression. The exchange of knowledge leading to shared learning, investments in idiosyncratic or relation‐specific assets, non‐specific complementary resources and capabilities, and dyad governance mechanisms are the analyzed factors.

Findings

The results confirm that the existence of customer‐supplier relationships, which generally begin from contracts, and are based on trust and resource interdependence, tends to encourage the exchange of knowledge, specialized resources and idiosyncratic investments. It is also observed that the more committed firms are to the relationship, the greater the resulting increase in their innovativeness. In this regard, investment in idiosyncratic assets for the customer‐supplier relationship is seen to be a more effective practice for improving the supplier's innovativeness.

Originality/value

Contrary to the majority of empirical studies focused on distinguishing resources and capabilities within the firm, this paper defines and recognises some of those which lie in the realm of the dyad. Also, it studies the role from governance mechanisms of the relationship acting both as a joint capability by itself, as well as an antecedent of the other previously mentioned capabilities.
Limits to the diffusion of innovation
Authors: MacVaugh Jason , Schiavone Francesco
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to integrate existing theoretical explanations for innovation diffusion across the disciplines of marketing, innovation and sociology research.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature reviews and historical case analysis were used to support an integrative model.

Findings

Innovation diffusion is affected by technological, social and learning “conditions” while operating in the contextual “domain” of the individual, community or market/industry.

Research limitations/implications

The model is drawn from new product development and marketing theory. Both fields are dominated by the assumption that users adopt new technology to maximise their utility. Also, the model does not integrate the overlapping effects of the different contexts and domains.

Practical implications

The article provides a sound model for orienting new product development strategy, since it may reduce the risk of low and slow user adoption of radical innovations due, for instance, to their technological, social, and cognitive differences with former products. A second critical managerial implication is that technological, social and learning conditions clearly have an effect on marketing actions and competitive strategies.

Originality/value

The article provides a literature review of resistance to technology adoption through a multidisciplinary lens.