bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of CRM and QFD
Authors: Shahin Arash , Nikneshan Payam
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated model of quality function deployment (QFD) and customer relationship management (CRM) for design and delivery processes.

Design/methodology/approach

After the literature review, the elements of a CRM business cycle were integrated with different phases in QFD. The proposed model was further developed, based on customer participation in the design and delivery of products/services, as a major stage in CRM in three cases: customer participation in design; delivery; and design and delivery. As a case study, the customer participation in delivery was studied in after‐sale services of the Iran Khodro Co., which is the second major carmaker company in Iran.

Findings

The results imply that QFD and CRM are complementary approaches and once they are combined, their capabilities are enhanced and managing customer relationship is empowered. According to the case study, personnel monitoring and human resources management (HRM) have been targeted as the first priorities in process parameters and process control characteristics, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Although the developed model involves considerable advantages, due to the different matrixes used for QFD, its use might become time consuming and complicated. Also, gathering information from customers and categorizing them respectively play major roles in effective and strategic CRM.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides a means of harnessing the power of the present research innovations and advancements in order to empower customer need assessment, acquisition, development, equity leverage, retention and referrals, as well as prioritization of the features of products/services, processes, and performance indicators, according to the voice of customers.
Investigating the implications of static and dynamic loading in high‐performance fabrics for outdoor clothing
Authors: Juodsnukytė Daiva , Daukantienė Virginija , Gutauskas Matas
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to develop the methodology for the imitation of exploitation conditions of textile products as well as to determine the exploitation peculiarities of high‐performance fabrics for outdoor clothing producible in Lithuania.

Design/methodology/approach

Static‐ and dynamic‐cyclic loading was applied for the imitation of exploitation conditions as well as for the investigation of the changes in specimen geometrical parameters.

Findings

The differences in the parameters of textile material stability determined under dry and wet cyclic specimen deformation were determined. The investigation results presented show that the parameters of air permeability can be used for the determination of changes in textile product shapes due to their cyclic washing as well as to the other kinds of wet technological treatment, especially in these cases when the small areas of product material are deformed.

Practical implications

The problems concerned with the methodology for the evaluation of exploitation stability of high‐performance fabrics (woven and knitted) for outdoor clothing are analyzed in this research.

Originality/value

In most cases, the exploitation behaviour of textile materials is investigated under uniaxial or static biaxial deformation. For better imitation of real exploitation conditions of textiles the new testing methodology based on two testing methods was established (original device for punch deformation working in creep mode as well as using wet and dry specimens; device ARRV for cyclic fatigue).
Expert‐based customized pattern‐making automation: Part I. Basic patterns
Authors: Fang Jing‐Jing , Ding Yu
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present a flattening method for developing 2D basic patterns from 3D designed garments. The method incorporates the techniques of professional pattern development for the purpose of pattern‐making automation. The aims of the flattening method are to improve the dressing suitability and to produce pleasing figures by reversing design procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

A flattening method is presented in this paper for developing 3D undevelopable NURBS surfaces in 2D. The automatic operation embeds the expertise of pattern makers by reducing total area differences between the designed garments in 3D styles and the two‐dimensional patterns. Basic pattern‐making invokes the boundary constraints which apply mesh alignments techniques.

Findings

The global area difference between the original 3D designs and the 2D‐developed pattern is controlled within 5 percent in order to reach the final outcomes of basic patterns, whose shapes are similar to the drawing patterns currently utilized in the industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study currently handles simple designs, such as basal designs, and can only flatten garments in symmetric styles. The direct flattening method is developed by this study. In addition, this study is supplemented by expert‐based knowledge, and it establishes basic boundary conditions for various garment patterns to increase the feasibility of flattening automation.

Originality/value

This study introduces the fundamental theories and methodologies used in the automatic making of basic patterns from 3D garment designs. It proposes a flattening method with pattern expertise embedded by real‐time approximations of the global area of the 3D undevelopable designs to the 2D patterns.
Numerical analysis of turbulent natural convection heat transfer inside a triangular‐shaped enclosure utilizing computational fluid dynamic code
Authors: Ghassemi M. , Fathabadi M. , Shadaram A.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The paper's purpose is to consider a numerical study of turbulent natural convection heat transfer inside a triangular‐shaped enclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

In the formulation of governing non‐linear partial differential equations the momentum and energy equations coupled with a k‐ε model are applied to the enclosure. To solve these equations, a commercially available computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code, Fluent, is utilized. In addition a control volume‐based code is developed. Finally, the results are compared.

Findings

Flow and temperature field are presented as a function of aspect ratio (Ar), angle between the sloped and horizontal wall (θ) and the Grashof number (Gr). It is shown that heat transfer is higher for turbulent flow when compared with laminar flow. Meanwhile the results reflect a strong dependency on the angle between two enclosure walls (θ). It is clear from the data that the results obtained by CFD code are similar to that of control volume method.

Research limitations/implications

The case considered is two‐dimensional, the motion is two‐dimensional and steady state, the flow is incompressible, the flow is Boussinesq, and the fluid properties are constant. It is recommended to conduct an experimental test in order to validate the analytical results.

Originality/value

The code enables the prediction of the heat transfer inside an attic‐shaped enclosure. This helps in locating the highest area of heat loss; hence prevention can be implemented for this area.
Computer simulation of a pressure‐volume‐temperature process
Authors: Horta‐Rangel J. , Hernández‐Zaragoza J. , Pérez‐Rea L. , López‐Lara T. , López‐Cajun C. , Castano V.M.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The study of pressure‐volume‐temperature (PVT) process is necessary to understand the physical behaviour of materials. This paper seeks to develop a simulation procedure to predict phase behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure consisted of the application of a thermo‐mechanical nonlinear model that simulated the behavior of the test sample in the PVT apparatus. Software Ansys was used for modeling this case, making a subroutine in APDL language. The real time data of the experimental procedure in PVT apparatus were applied in the computer simulation, that is the real time of application of pressure and heating scaling of the sample were taken into account. A specific case was simulated and its results compared with those obtained from the real experimental test. In order to evaluate phase changes, enthalpy was considered using an approximated expression described in the paper.

Findings

Results obtained from the simulation were compared with the resulting isobaric graphics of the experimental test. Results show a good correlation, obtaining in addition stress‐strain behavior of the sample. This simulation procedure allows one in a simple way to vary the properties and characteristics of the sample. This makes the computer simulation a useful tool together with the experimental test, in the development of novel materials.

Research limitations/implications

Results of the numerical simulation are based on the properties and characteristics of the sample. In this study, real data of the material were used; however, some others had to be assumed based on references on this topic.

Practical implications

The coupled field analysis and the subroutine built in an Ansys environment are of a general purpose applicable to many kinds of material without practical limitations but getting a priori the required data and properties needed for running the simulation test.

Originality/value

Computer simulation of PVT process is not a common procedure – the experimental study of the material is mainly the procedure used to define the stated equations of a material and for knowing their phase changes. Computer simulation is a procedure that provides other important features of the material that the experimental study cannot produce simultaneously.
A hybrid finite difference‐finite element method for solving the 3D energy equation in non‐isothermal flow past over a tube
Authors: Arefmanesh A. , Alavi M.A.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a hybrid finite difference‐finite element method and apply it to solve the three‐dimensional energy equation in non‐isothermal fluid flow past over a tube.

Design/methodology/approach

To implement the hybrid scheme, the tube length is partitioned into uniform segments by choosing grid points along its length, and a plane perpendicular to the tube axis is drawn at each of the points. Subsequently, the Taylor‐Galerkin finite element technique is employed to discretize the energy equation in the planes; while the derivatives along the tube are discretized using the finite difference method.

Findings

To demonstrate the validity of the proposed numerical scheme, three‐dimensional test cases have been solved using the method. The variation of L2‐norm of the error with mesh refinement shows that the numerical solution converges to the exact solution with mesh refinement. Moreover, comparison of the computational time duration shows that the proposed method is approximately three times faster than the 3D finite element method. In the non‐isothermal fluid flow around a tube for Re=250 and Pr=0.7, the results show that the Nusselt number decreases with the increase in the tube length and, for the tube length greater than six times the tube diameter, the average Nusselt number converges to the value for the two‐dimensional case.

Originality/value

A hybrid finite difference‐finite element method has been developed and applied to solve the 3D transient energy equation for different test cases. The proposed method is faster, and computationally more efficient, compared with the 3D finite element method.
Finite element modelling of electro‐osmotic flows on unstructured meshes
Authors: Arnold A.K. , Nithiarasu P. , Tucker P.G.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to numerically model electro‐osmotic flow (EOF) through microchannels using a finite element‐based unstructured mesh solution methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element method (FEM) combined with the characteristic‐based split (CBS) algorithm is used to solve the coupled Navier‐Stokes equations in order to simulate EOFs. The Laplace and Poisson‐Boltzmann equations are solved explicitly a priori to the solution of the fluid dynamic equations. The external electric field and internal potential values are then used to construct the source terms of the fluid dynamics equations.

Findings

Proposed methodology works excellently on unstructured meshes for both two‐ and three‐dimensional flow problems. The results obtained for benchmark channel flow problems show an excellent agreement with analytical and experimental data.

Originality/value

The idea of using the FEM and the CBS algorithm to solve the governing equations of EOFs is proposed. This particular method of solving these equations is unprecedented. In addition to benchmark examples, a problem of practical importance is also solved in this paper.
Experiencing collaborative knowledge creation processes
Authors: Jakubik Maria
Published: January 2008

Purpose

How people learn and create knowledge together through interactions in communities of practice (CoPs) is not fully understood. The purpose of this paper is to create and apply a model that could increase participants' consciousness about knowledge creation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This four‐month qualitative research was conducted as action research (AR). Data were collected through participative inquiry.

Findings

Drawing on current developments in the knowledge creation theory of knowledge management (KM) and taking the collaborative learning approach (CLA), the model of collaborative knowledge creation process (CKCP) is constructed and applied. It brings structure into highly unstructured human processes of knowledge creation and helps participants to understand what they are doing and why.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult to assess the quality, validity and objectivity of the data as the researcher was a member of the community. Further research could address the role of diversity and social context, and the formation of the community identity.

Practical implications

Members of this specific community (i.e. managers, teachers, students, and experts) reflected that the implemented way of learning helped them to realize the importance of interactions, exchanges, and collective experiences in community knowledge creation.

Originality/value

Applying AR is rather exceptional in KM. However, it proved to be a good way of experiencing knowledge creation processes in communities. The novelty of the study is in contributing to the KM theory by opening the black box of community knowledge creation by demonstrating in practice how people interacted and created knowledge in a specific community.
Learning, dynamic capabilities and operating routines
Authors: Swift Peter E. , Hwang Alvin
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to present organizational learning processes of knowledge accumulation, articulation, codification and subsequent routine development in a marketing services organization where judgment and rules of thumb were more the norm than codified knowledge and explicit routines. The case illustrates how organizational learning through a conscious knowledge codification effort could lead to tangible benefits for consumer‐driven organizations and how heterogeneous and infrequent yet important routines can be aided by an explicit and dynamic learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

After a review of the relevant literature, a case is provided to illustrate many of the key concepts in the organizational learning literature as they are applied to a consumer package goods company.

Findings

The case study is followed by a discussion of how the organization in the case applied organizational learning processes through a knowledge clarification and codification system. The organizational learning process was enabled by contextual enablers such as leadership commitment to organizational learning, teamwork and organization‐wide participation in the knowledge articulation and codification processes, and multi‐lateral flow of information across the organization in developing the routines.

Practical implications

Implications of how companies in market‐oriented environments that often have nuanced practices and uncodified norms could utilize various organizational learning processes are discussed in the paper.

Originality/value

It is rare in the field of organizational learning to see the application of numerous learning theories in one place and one organization. Such was the case in this examination, where different roles played by different organizational components, such as support from leadership, teamwork and flexibility, organization‐wide participation, and multilateral communication, in addition to knowledge accumulation, articulation, codification, and circular learning loops were utililzed by the organization to produce marketplace success for a major consumer battery company with heterogeneous and nuanced yet important learning requirements.
HR structure and HR knowledge transfer between subsidiaries in China
Authors: Wang‐Cowham Cindy
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper attempts to examine the issue concerning human resource (HR) structures and the transfer of HR knowledge to discover whether and how HR structure facilitates the transfer of HR knowledge between subsidiaries of an MNC in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation, being of an exploratory nature, follows the tradition of a grounded approach. The paper is based on an empirical study of 22 individual HR professionals from 21 Chinese subsidiaries of MNCs. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews conducted between January and April 2004 and a grounded analysis was carried out with the assistance of Nvivo software.

Findings

The forms of HR structures, especially China centre‐led HR structures, have created an opportunity for developing HR learning networks for sharing HR knowledge amongst sister‐subsidiaries and between the subsidiary and the China centre. These forms of HR structure have also provided an essential foundation for wide collaboration between subsidiaries, and further for creating a knowledge‐sharing culture to facilitate HR knowledge transfer.

Research limitations/implications

The findings on HR structure and the transfer of HR knowledge have implications for understanding the organisational structure and inter‐subsidiary knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

There is little previous research on HR structure, the transfer of HR knowledge in China, and the link between them. This paper addresses this gap and seeks to contribute to the literature.
Campus information systems for students: classification in Spain
Authors: Cobarsí Josep , Bernardo Mercè , Coenders Germà
Published: January 2008

Purpose

First, this article seeks to establish a conceptual model for campus information systems for students, in order to make their comparison possible for strategic management purposes. Second, it seeks to test this conceptual model in a fieldwork on Spanish higher education institutions, in order to relate information system's characteristics with other organizational features.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was based on socio‐technical information systems and knowledge management literature. A holistic vision of higher education student's information needs was kept into account. Data about Spanish universities were gathered by means of structured visits to institutional websites and structured interviews with undergraduate students. Data were analyzed with multivariate statistical techniques.

Findings

From multivariate analysis, a classification was obtained for Spanish universities into three clusters with homogeneous characteristics, in the sense of informational and organizational aspects. These clusters are discussed in temporal terms and with some individual examples.

Research limitations/implications

Campus information systems need to be broadly characterized for strategic information management purposes. The proposed and tested model is a step to address their characterization.

Originality/value

This user centered information systems conceptual framework is set up to obtain a global vision of new information and learning electronic environments in campus. Its application in a fieldwork on Spanish universities offers new insights about informational and organizational features in higher education.
Money laundering and asset cloaking techniques
Authors: Simser Jeffrey
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the various typologies and methods used to cloak assets following the placement stage of money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

Techniques used to hide assets and cloak ownership, ranging from simple nominee arrangements through to complex financial transactions are explored.

Findings

There are a myriad of methods available to money launderers to cloak their assets.

Research limitations/implications

More work needs to be done on the issue of information gateways.

Practical implications

Assets are cloaked to obfuscate the trail and make it difficult for law enforcement to “follow the money”. Understanding the methodologies used is the first step to understanding the problem.

Originality/value

A number of cases from Canada, the USA and Australia were studied, as well as reference material advisors use for asset protection.
Hawala, hysteria and hegemony
Authors: Viles Thomas
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight criticism of attempts to impose regulations onhawalaand other informal value transfer systems (IVTSs), in light of their importance in the lives of people in the most vulnerable sectors of global society.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of scholarly, public‐policy, and legal literature onhawalaand other IVTSs.

Findings

Most attempts to regulatehawalaand other IVTSs seem redundant of existing regimes, or, worse, unreasonably punitive when their social utility is considered.

Originality/value

A contribution to the debate on the supposed need to regulatehawalaand other IVTSs favored by the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of global society.
Lawyers and client accounts: sand through a colander
Authors: Middleton David J.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To report empirical information about the scale of suspicious money movements through solicitors.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of selected criminal, civil and disciplinary cases.

Findings

The cases disclose at least £240 million moving through solicitors' hands in the absence of an underlying transaction in which the solicitor is providing legal advice.

Originality/value

A contribution to: the empirical data about laundering; raising the possibility of better control by regulatory rules about how lawyers hold and transfer money.
Third round FATF mutual evaluations indicate declining compliance
Authors: Johnson Jackie
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To review the reported compliance levels of third round mutual evaluations with a view to determining any change or differences in compliance levels for Financial Action Task Force (FATF) member countries following the updating of FATF's Forty Recommendations in 2003 and the introduction of the Nine Special Recommendations relating to the financing of terrorism.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of pre‐ and post‐2003 compliance with the FATF's Forty Recommendations and Nine Special Recommendations is made using both self‐assessment and mutual assessment data.

Findings

There are significant differences in compliance levels pre and post 2003. Since, the FATF updated their Forty Recommendations in 2003 compliance with those Recommendations has declined. With regard to the Nine Special Recommendations which have not changed since their introduction there is a significant difference between self‐assessment compliance levels in 2003 and compliance determined using independent mutual evaluations, casting doubt on the value of self assessment.

Research limitations/implications

In using an analytical approach it has been necessary to put numerical values on compliance levels used by the FATF. Given that these are very broad, substituting a single value for each compliance level will provide only a crude measure of compliance for comparisons to be made. The results should therefore be used as a guide to the ranking and compliance of countries rather than some exact measurement of compliance.

Practical implications

The value of self assessment by FATF members should be re‐evaluated.

Originality/value

Publication of the third round of FATF mutual evaluations provides an opportunity, not previously available, to analyse the compliance levels amongst FATF members.
Financial crime as a threat to the wealth of nations
Authors: Biagioli Antonello
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to stimulate a reflection on some issues concerning the measurement of the magnitude of money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of various research works devoted to the measurement of the volume of laundered funds is presented. Focussing mainly on quantitative approaches based on statistical methodologies, the paper provides hints on the modelling techniques used to estimate money laundering. Specific attention is paid to the relationship between criminal proceeds, laundered funds and asset seizure, unifying in the same stream of thought the whole process that goes from the perpetration of an offence to the repression of crimes through AML and CTF measures.

Findings

The paper takes the move from empirical considerations and findings, and develops wider reflections on the effectiveness of AML and CTF actions. Following a cost/benefit approach, the paper focuses on the possibility and meaning of testing and rating both the weight of laundered funds within the legal economy and the successfulness of AML/CTF measures in terms of frozen and seized assets. The relationship between the seriousness and intensity of a crime and the burden imposed on the society (in terms of compliance and limitations to freedom) is also questioned.

Research limitations/implications

The paper tends to concentrate on the factors that may influence the estimation of laundered funds when quantitative measurement techniques are used. Reference is made to some sectors of economic and financial activity that might be more prone to criminal infiltration and considerations of qualitative character are also part of the author's speculations. Yet, purposely, the potential contributions from other disciplines (such as, criminology and economics) are only mentioned and not fully explored.

Practical implications

The paper openly revives practical questions concerning the estimation of phenomena of financial crime and highlights clearly how the quantification of money laundering may be relevant in terms of the potential impact of the flow of illegal funds on the legal economy, the assessment of risk in the financial sector and the definition of effective and proportionate countermeasures.

Originality/value

The paper addresses questions that have long attracted international attention and interest regarding the costs and benefits of the system of control of and fight against phenomena of money laundering and terrorism financing; as well as the need of revamping empirical research along new, more efficient, shared methodologies. The author underlines explicitly how quantitative estimations may influence the perception of the relevance of such phenomena, as well as the adoption of prevention and repression measures. An original argument is developed regarding either a risk of underestimating financial crime, with a consequent reduction of the effort devoted to its fight and prevention, or the risk of overestimating the phenomenon, which in turn might impose unnecessary burdens on the society.
Intellectual capital in high‐tech firms
Authors: Martín de Castro Gregorio , López Sáez Pedro
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The literature shows several intellectual capital models. Nevertheless, there is little empirical evidence about the building blocks that form intellectual capital in practice. The purpose of this paper is to test the widespread categorization of human capital, structural capital, and relational capital with a survey applied to high‐technology firms from Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

Factor analysis was conducted with a sample of 49 firms (larger than 50 employees).

Findings

The results indeed demonstrate the existence of three main components of intellectual capital that, in general, fit the dominant structure proposed by other authors.

Research limitations/implications

Before moving into an internationally accepted system for classification and measurement of intellectual capital, future research should seek a geographical and industrial agreement about the main components of this construct. In that direction, our empirical evidence provides only the experience of Spanish high‐tech firms; this experience could be different in other countries or industries.

Practical implications

In this paper, managers interested in the field can find a useful guidance for structuring an intellectual capital balance sheet, taking the three proposed components as main dimensions, and the items of the survey as a measurement tool for analyzing the intellectual strengths and weaknesses of their firms.

Originality/value

Academics can also benefit from this research, taking it as a basis for replication studies about intellectual capital in other countries and/or industries. This article presents one of the first empirical tests of the theoretically accepted components of intellectual capital.
Intangible asset disclosure in the telecommunications industry
Authors: Gerpott Torsten J. , Thomas Sandra E. , Hoffmann Alexander P.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate intangible disclosure quality (IDQ) in an international sample of 29 stock‐quoted telecommunications network operators (TNOs). IDQ is captured separately for annual reports and websites of TNOs using a set of seven intangible asset categories. The article also explores associations between annual report and website IDQ on the one hand and variables interpreted either as IDQ antecedents (e.g. firm size) or as IDQ performance consequences (e.g. market‐to‐book ratio) on the other.

Design/methodology/approach

TNOs' 2003 or 2003/2004 annual reports and TNOs' websites (as of May 2005) were subjected to content analytical procedures in order to quantify sample firms' disclosure quality levels for seven categories of intangible assets derived from a framework suggested by the Deutsche Schmalenbach Gesellschaft für Betriebswirtschaft eV.

Findings

Both annual report and website IDQ levels of TNOs were relatively low. Intangible disclosures were often limited to small pieces of qualitative information. Annual report and website IDQ are significantly positively interrelated. IDQ varies significantly by the home region of the TNO, with European TNOs displaying higher quality levels than their American counterparts. IDQ measures were not significantly related to TNOs' financial performance criteria.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations result from the study's single industry focus, small sample size and the limited range of variables investigated as potential IDQ antecedents/consequences.

Practical implications

TNOs get insights on IDQ within their industry. Regulators/standard setting accounting institutions are encouraged to encounter industry‐specific intangible characteristics by industry‐focused intangible measurement rules in addition to an overall intangible reporting framework.

Originality/value

This study is the first investigation that simultaneously analyzes IDQ both in a firm's annual report and on its website. Further, it is unique in its use of uni‐ and multivariate analytical techniques exploring IDQ antecedents/consequences and in its single industry/TNO focus.
Intellectual capital: object or process?
Authors: Arenas Teresita , Lavanderos Leonardo
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the epistemological foundations associated with the concept of IC. Different researchers on intellectual capital (IC) agree on the issue that at present, knowledge generates sustainable competitive advantage. However, the distinction between the theoretical perspective and its practical application is not yet clear. Seemingly, this dissociation may be explained by the absence of an epistemological analysis related to IC, which accounts for the low number of pertinent specific publications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the named epistemological foundations associated with the concept of IC, from the point of view of the cognitive sciences, as well as its consequences in the design of methods and indicators of evaluation. The analysis employed is based on the cognitive groundwork of the representational and non‐representational schools linked to the primeval concepts which thus far support the definition of IC.

Findings

The cognitive sciences contribute guidance in the face of the implications of including IC within the domain of representation and that of non‐representation. The first operates in order to recover external elements and to project internal ones, making IC unviable as a process, and inevitably reduces it to the account of objects. In the second case, enactment ends up being incomplete due to the fact that it maintains the observer‐setting duality, which makes it improbable to understand IC as a network relational process.

Originality/value

The results enable the identification of new lines of development, which clarify and make explicit its epistemological foundations, but which differ from the prevailing ones.
Embedded ties and the acquisition of competitive advantage
Authors: Huang Heng‐Chiang , Chang Chia‐Wen
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Drawing on embeddedness theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model that explains the incremental innovation process in the supplier‐manufacturer relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the partial least squared (PLS) technique, this study examines the incremental innovation process through the theoretical lens of the embeddedness perspective.

Findings

The overall picture emerging from this study indicates that establishing an embedded tie between a manufacturer and a primary supplier enables the creation of informal coordination mechanisms, including trust, joint problem‐solving, and commitment. These coordination mechanisms safeguard the transfer of knowledge and lead the partners to joint action. Such joint action provides an interactive forum for developing innovation capabilities that allow firms to enhance their incremental innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

From an academic perspective, this study is the first to examine the innovation process theoretically through the embeddedness perspective.

Practical implications

The evidence reported here is consistent with the finding that relational embeddedness plays a strong role in predicting better incremental innovation. In addition to engaging in their own trial‐and‐error experimentation to develop innovation capabilities, firms learn about innovation capabilities vicariously through embedded ties with primary exchange partners.

Originality/value

In essence, these results provide valuable insights for managers who wish to draw on knowledge from external sources in their innovation activities. Whereas previous studies have shown how a firm's incremental innovation is influenced by its internal resources, this paper illustrates that relational embeddedness also represents an important source of incremental innovation.
EFQM model: knowledge governance and competitive advantage
Authors: Martín‐Castilla Juan Ignacio , Rodríguez‐Ruiz Óscar
Published: January 2008

Purpose

There is a clear recognition that strategic management models are frameworks for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. In this sense, excellence models are directly related to intellectual capital models. The purpose of this paper is to trace and define the relation between several EFQM criteria and the components of intellectual capital. In light of the analysis, the EFQM model may be considered as tool for the governance of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on a conceptual analysis of the relations among excellence and intellectual capital. The EFQM excellence model is considered as a suitable framework for the governance of organisational knowledge. In other words, EFQM model is revisited from an intellectual capital perspective. The revision of academic literature and logical analysis are the main methodological tools.

Findings

The study shows that intellectual capital is taken into account in the overarching framework of the EFQM model. In this sense it is possible to define relationships between each component of the intellectual capital navigators and those coming from the model.

Originality/value

This paper considers that the intellectual capital perspective is a key element that runs horizontally across the criteria of the EFQM excellence model.
An overview of the challenges for public participation in river basin management and planning
Authors: Sten Hansen Henning , Mäenpää Milla
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the challenges for public participation in river basin management and planning and to develop a set of guidelines for a successful public consultation.

Design/methodology/approach

The current paper describes and analyses the requirements and expectations regarding public participation in river basin planning and identifies some obstacles and recommendations for the process.

Findings

The research carried out identified a wide range of challenges for the practical implementation of the public involvement in river basin planning as stated in the Water Framework Directive. The involvement of the public is critical for a successful implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Hence, public participation is greatly emphasised in the Directive. Article 14 of the Water Framework Directive requires that Member States encourage involvement of all stakeholders into the implementation process, especially into the River Basin Management Planning.

Practical implications

The paper may assist river basin managers to design, perform and evaluate the public consultation of river basin management plans.

Originality/value

The paper analyses the obstacles for the public consultation as part of the Water Framework Directive implementation. Based on the analysis the paper defines a range of guidelines and recommendations for the practical consultation design. This work is original, as no such analysis has been carried out before.
Review of literature on economics and policy of carbon sequestration in agricultural soils
Authors: Bangsund Dean A. , Larry Leistritz F.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe key economic and policy‐related issues with regard to terrestrial C sequestration and provide an overview of the economics of C sequestration on agricultural soils in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent economic literature on carbon sequestration was reviewed to gather insights on the role of agriculture in greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. Results from the most salient studies were presented in an attempt to highlight the general consensus on producer‐level responses to C sequestration incentives and the likely mechanisms used to facilitate C sequestration activities on agricultural soils.

Findings

The likely economic potential of agriculture to store soil C appears to be considerably less than the technical potential. Terrestrial C sequestration is a readily implementable option for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and can provide mitigation comparable in cost to current abatement options in other industries. Despite considerable research to date, many aspects of terrestrial C sequestration in the USA are not well understood.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful synopsis of the terms and issues associated with C sequestration, and serves as an informative reference on the economics of C sequestration that will be useful as the USA debates future greenhouse gas emissions mitigation policies.
The Water Framework Directive: spatial and institutional integration
Authors: Frederiksen Pia , Mäenpää Milla , Hokka Ville
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the prospects of integrated planning and management of the environment in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and river basin planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the legal framework of the WFD and other related water and environmental legislation as well as the provisions for integrative practice in the WFD. Moreover it analyses the potential for integration with issues that are not provided for in the WFD, such as land use. The procedural elements of the WFD and other EU legislation are analysed for identifying common elements within a modern consensus and efficiency based planning mode.

Findings

Three aspects of the integrated management framework for water and other environmental resources are highlighted. The first concerns the need for interaction between spatial land use planning and the integrated river basin management plans of the WFD, in order to ensure that land‐use plans do not contradict water goals and that water planning also takes into account broader landscape related aspects. This demands the establishment of platforms for institutional interplay. The second is the need to integrate water goals into sectoral policies. This may be ensured by activating the impact assessment procedures for projects, plans and programmes which may have an impact on water resources and quality. The third concerns elements and procedures which are common to several pieces of legislations (e.g. management plans, monitoring, public participation), and which could benefit from the establishment of common databases, spatial information systems, and methods of communication.

Originality/value

The paper aims to identify key issues related to integration of the WFD with other environmental EU legislation, the associated challenges posed to water management and other environmental management institutions and procedures, and the information systems and methods which may facilitate the integration.
A comparison of Local Agenda 21 implementation in North American, European and Indian cities
Authors: Smardon Richard C.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the comparison of Local Agenda 21 – sustainability plan implementation and research activity between Europe, North America and India.

Design/methodology/approach

Intensive literature and web search for European, North American and Indian Local Agenda 21 sustainability planning and implementation status.

Findings

Close to 6,000 sustainability plans have been prepared for European communities versus about 100 for North American communities. A total of 20 Indian cities have started sustainability planning efforts. There is an extensive support network for European communities and much less so or North American and Indian communities. Most sustainability/biodiversity/urban ecosystems research is ongoing in Europe and North America and there is a beginning surge of activity in India.

Practical implications

Knowledge of Local Agenda 21 implementation status between these three regions can hopefully spur more activity in North America and India. Comparisons of applicable planning innovations and approaches could be useful.

Originality/value

There has not been a comparison of Local Agenda 21 implementation that compares Europe, North America and India. There have been some reviews respective to each region.
Advanced manufacturing technology implementation
Authors: Thomas A.J. , Barton R. , John E.G.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide details of a survey conducted into 300 manufacturing SMEs from a range of different industrial sectors. The survey investigates, over a three‐year period, the attitudes towards and benefits obtained by SMEs through the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT). Its purpose is to analyse and disseminate these survey data to academics and industrialists.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a research survey of 300 manufacturing SMEs. Analysis of the findings is provided and SME characterisation tables are developed.

Findings

The paper finds that characterisation, compatibility and innovativeness of SMEs towards AMT implementation were found to vary considerably with the SMEs surveyed. From the survey information, the paper develops a classification system based on the capabilities of these companies to implement Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. The paper will then characterise SME attitudes towards the development of AMT. The paper finally proposes a strategic model for the effective introduction and application of AMT in SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The survey is limited to SMEs and provides a strong body of evidence relating to AMT development with these companies.

Practical implications

The paper proposes a strategic model for the effective introduction and application of AMT in SMEs. The creation of a generic AMT implementation model provides a framework for a wider number of SMEs to introduce AMT into their respective organisations, since it provides for a systematic approach for SMEs to introduce AMT in an efficient and effective manner, thus reducing implementation costs, minimises risk of project failure and improves project management efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to explore in depth the AMT implementation issues within SMEs from large‐scale survey data. It not only analyses the survey data but also proposes a model for change, which aims to develop a more structured approach to AMT implementation in SMEs. Therefore, this work will make a contribution to this under‐researched area.
Application of a systems approach to sustainable development performance measurement
Authors: Searcy Cory , Karapetrovic Stanislav , McCartney Daryl
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a systems approach can be used to facilitate the development of an organizational performance measurement system.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the literature, the paper introduces the implications for applying a systems approach to organizational performance measurement. To demonstrate the transition from theory to practice, a case study is provided to show how a sustainable development performance measurement system was developed at a Canadian electric utility. The case study involved extensive consultation with over 25 experts.

Findings

The paper finds that a systems approach is useful in developing the process and that a set of formal systems criteria is useful in developing the structure and content of a performance measurement system. These concepts are highlighted throughout the case study example.

Research limitations/implications

The case study section was based on findings from a single organization. Further work is required to validate the findings within other organizations.

Practical implications

The paper shows how a robust sustainable development performance measurement system may be developed at an electric utility. The overarching emphasis on integration of the system with the case utility's mainstream initiatives demonstrates that a performance measurement system must build on what the organization already has in place. The systems‐based approach and formal systems criteria used in the paper may be transferable to other organizations.

Originality/value

The paper shows that a systems approach provides both the structure and flexibility needed to guide the design, implementation, and evolution of a sustainable development performance measurement system within existing organizational infrastructure.