bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rule of Law versus The European Works Council
Authors: Carby‐Hall Jo
Published: June 2007

Focuses on two key aspects of the rule of law – equality before the law and the universal application of the same system of law to all people – and examines these requirements in the context of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive, aimed at establishing a European‐wide legal framework for transnational information and consultation. Looks at the philosophy behind the EWC concept, discussing its historical context, the rationale for its adoption, its provisions and certain implementation problems, and considers the implications and consequences of the Directive for the UK, which is in the process of adopting it. Spotlights three problematic areas relating to recognition and employee representation, the potential consequences of late implementation and uniting different employee representative arrangements, and identifies three aspects of inequality relating to both employers and employees that appear to breach the rule of law. Concludes that the Directive represents a first step towards achieving true employee participation and a transnational industrial relations system.
Acquisition and licensing of intellectual property
Authors: Apke Thomas M.
Published: June 2007

Explores the issue of global licensing of technological advancement. Deals particularly with the legal side of things, minimizing risk in particular. Indicates that the fastest and best way of penetrating foreign markets is to use a local branch already established in the foreign market, or, alternatively, establish a subsidiary or joint venture. Focuses then on licensing and some of the problems that can arise from that – piracy, exploitation, competition and financial implications if things go wrong. Suggests ways to circumvent this through licensing agreements, patents, trademarks, copyright, technology transfer agreements, and/or national intellectual property laws. Defines a licensing agreement, covering the subject matter of the license, technical assistance provisions, specification of the scope of the license, royalty compensation, quality standards and warranties, infringement of licensed rights, and duration and termination of the agreement. Mentions, also, antitrust considerations and the tax aspects of licensing. Recommends this approach as it spells out terms and conditions clearly to all parties, thereby, hopefully, reducing misunderstanding and disputes.
Planning the acquisition of intellectual and property rights in the United States
Authors: Apke Thomas M.
Published: June 2007

Discusses foreign investment in the USA, which often carries the prerequisite of acquisition of intellectual property rights. Talks about some of the issues that can arise when acquiring intellectual property rights and outlines some planning procedures which helps to protect the buyer from, for example, third party claims to the rights. Starts with patents and offers advice on checking ownership, acquiring all existing and pending patents, carrying out independent title searches in the US Patent and Trademark Office, as well as on‐line, checking to see if any legal action has been taken on patent infringement, acquiring assignments and licenses, reviewing employment agreements, checking for infringement of third party rights, and checking who has responsibility for recordation of the assignment. Moves on to trademarks – their ownership and registration, assignments and licenses, proper use, infringement and validity of the mark, recordation and cost of assignment. Deals next with copyrights and their ownership, licenses, proper use, validity and enforcement. Finishes with trade secrets and their ownership and maintenance of secrecy. Concludes that diligent investigation is the only way to safeguard that what you expect to get will be what you actually receive.
Transfers of undertakings in the United Kingdom
Authors: Carby‐Hall Jo
Published: June 2007

Discusses the transfer of undertakings in the UK, referring to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations of 1981, the Employment Rights Act 1996, and the Acquired Rights Directive 1977. Provides the raison d’etre of the Acquired Rights Directive and outlines how it was implemented in the UK. Talks about the confusing jurisprudence of the European and British courts, mentioning the European Court of Justice’s challenges to the directive, the 1994 proposals, amended 1997 proposals, the Commission’s memorandum of 1997 and the UK government’s consultation papers. Describes how the European Directive is applied and interpreted in relation to the Acquired Rights Directive and transfer of undertakings. Outlines the regulations controlling compulsory competitive tendering. Points out the obligation to inform and consult on the transfer of an undertaking and how the directive is enforced if this fails to occur. Notes the effect a relevant transfer has on existing collective agreements and the legal implications of dismissing employees by reason of the relevant transfer. Looks at the European Commission’s proposal for a directive on safeguarding employees’ rights in the event of transfer and the implications that would have on UK business. Concludes that a new directive is needed, building on the 1977 Directive but ironing out its inconsistencies.
Insider trading under the EU, USA and English laws: A well recognised necessity or a distraction
Authors: Zekos Georgios I.
Published: June 2007

Defines “insider trading” and looks at the effects of insider trading on an economy. Considers the factors which have caused legislation and the rationale behind insider trading. Compares the economic and financial approaches to the problem. Outlines the European, UK and US positions covering legislation, arguments, prohibitions and penalties. Cites important cases in the USA, which have caused changes in the law. Concludes that there is a need for standardization, together with better access to timely information but highlights that the markets require freedom within which to work effectively and accepts that there will always be an element of insider trading in any market.
EDI and the contractual role of computerised (electronic) bills of lading
Authors: Zekos Georgios I.
Published: June 2007

Presents the case for the use of computerised Bills of Lading. Outlines the issues of concern with electronic documents, showing that these documents have various roles to play, each of which must be considered when looking at the safeguards built into electronic systems. Considers Digital signatories, legal contractual agreements and various legislative approaches. Covers cross border jurisdiction and digital negotiability before looking at the European Model EDI Agreement. Comments on the Uncitral Model Law on Electronic Commerce and then presents the position held by the banking community. States the arguments for the paper form compared to the electronic form and concludes that there is a need for more understanding and legal clarification within the subject.
Research designs and scientific identity in marketing journals: review and evaluation
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This research is based upon the assumption that the empirical research designs and the scientific identity of a journal are related. The objective is to review and evaluate the empirical research design of papers to determine the scientific identity of a selection of academic marketing journals.

Design/methodology/approach

The journal sample consists of the Australasian Marketing Journal (AMJ), the European Journal of Marketing (EJM) and the Journal of Marketing (JM). The review and evaluation considers a six‐year period, namely 2000‐2005. The content analysis consisted of 811 papers.

Findings

The scientific identity of JM may be seen as built upon quantitative research designs and the North American paradigm of research values. The scientific identity of AMJ is based upon a mix of empirical research designs and the Australian paradigm of research values. The scientific identity of EJM is also based upon a mix of empirical research designs, but a multi‐continental paradigm of research values.

Research limitations/implications

The leading continental journals in marketing maintain a scientific identity based upon the continental paradigm of research values. If it is driven to the extremes, a paradigmatic myopia and inertia of research designs may evolve that limit the scientific identity to be dogmatic and narrow‐focused rather than variable and broad‐focused.

Originality/value

A cross‐continental review and evaluation of research designs and scientific identity of academic marketing journals is presented.
Making sense of market segmentation: a fashion retailing case
Authors: Quinn Lee , Hines Tony , Bennison David
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose is: first to review the marketing segmentation literature and its antecedents; second, to evaluate the organizational practice of marketing segmentation in a specific commercial context noted for its dynamism and complexity, fashion retailing; third, to assess theoretical and practical implications; and finally to identify an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the analysis of an instrumental case study examining practice in fashion retailing this paper makes a contribution to current market segmentation debates. Sensemaking properties are used as a disciplined structure in which to report the case and make sense of segmentation.

Findings

This research demonstrates that the definition and scope of market segmentation is broader than the current marketing literature suggests. In practice, based on evidence from this research, contemporary segmentation solutions include implicit assumptions, judgement and compressed experience, which are latent within the modelling processes.

Research limitations/implications

Further research needs to be extended to different organizational settings in order to develop further our understanding of the tacit and intuitive aspects of segmentation decisions.

Practical implications

Intuitive decision‐making processes and tacit knowledge employed in them are difficult to replicate and make explicit. However, a better understanding of these intuitive processes would offer practitioners an opportunity to systematically improve the quality of decision‐making.

Originality/value

This research broadens normative theoretical perspectives on market segmentation by highlighting intuitive and tacit dimensions. Combining sensemaking within the case study analysis has helped structure thought trials to provide a rare qualitative insight into the managerial construction of segmentation.
The paradox of customer education
Authors: Bell Simon J. , Eisingerich Andreas B.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the dynamics of customer education by exploring the relationship between education and customer expertise and their combined effects on customer loyalty in a high involvement investment services context. The paper also considers the service context within which customer education initiatives are delivered. More specifically, it explores the moderating effects of increasing levels of customer expertise (the outcome of customer education) on the relative importance of technical service quality (what is delivered) and functional service quality (how it is delivered) in determining the loyalty decision. In doing so, the paper aims to provide implications for the investment service firm for managing the service offering as customers develop expertise over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a conceptual model that formalises the research objectives as a series of testable hypotheses. This is followed by an outline of the research design and method. The hypotheses are tested using a sample of 1,268 high value clients from a global investment services firm. An analysis of the model and the results is presented.

Findings

Customer loyalty was found to be positively and significantly related to technical service quality, functional service quality, and customer education. Contrary to expectations, however, customer expertise was not negatively related to customer loyalty. Customer education was found to be positively associated with customer expertise. The main effect of customer education on loyalty was significant; however it did not diminish when customer expertise was entered into the third equation. In other words, the conditions for partial mediation were not satisfied. Finally, the positive and significant interaction coefficient between technical service quality and expertise implied that the positive effect of technical service quality on consumer customer loyalty was indeed stronger when customer expertise was high. Conversely, and consistent with expectations, the interaction term between functional service quality and customer expertise was significant and negative, indicating that the positive relationship between functional service quality and customer loyalty is diminished as customer expertise increases.

Originality/value

Where there is a significant amount of research on customer knowledge and expertise, there is relatively less understanding of how customers acquire such knowledge. It is hoped that this paper can shed some additional light on the subject of customer education, its impact on customer expertise and, ultimately, on the way in which service quality is perceived.
Causes and consequences of emotions on consumer behaviour
Authors: Watson Lisa , Spence Mark T.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Consumption situations can be emotionally charged. Identifying the cause(s) of emotions has clear practical import to the understanding of consumer behaviour. Cognitive appraisal theory serves this purpose; however, a consensus has not yet emerged concerning terminology, number of relevant concepts and concomitant construct measurements, and theoretical linkages between constructs. This paper attempts to rectify this shortcoming.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper provides an extant review of emotions literature as it pertains to cognitive appraisals and consumption behaviours. Based on this review an integrative cognitive appraisal theory is advanced that is parsimonious and incorporates similarities across the various appraisal theory perspectives to date.

Findings

Four appraisals are proffered that appear capable of implicating specific emotions and their effects on consumer behaviour. The appraisals advanced are outcome desirability that encompasses pleasantness and goal consistency, agency which includes responsibility and controllability, fairness, and certainty. Sample propositions concerning how cognitive appraisals affect information processing extensiveness have also been provided.

Originality/value

First, the paper provides an extant review of cognitive appraisal theories of emotions, which makes transparent the looseness in terminology and differences in theoretical perspectives that currently exist. Second, based on this review the paper advances a unifying theory of consumption appraisals and explore their relevance to marketers. The theory proposed could explain inconsistent findings in the current literature. Third, directions for future research highlighting confounds that should be considered in study designs complete the paper.
Where does the logistic regression analysis stand in marketing literature?
Authors: Akinci Serkan , Kaynak Erdener , Atilgan Eda , Aksoy Şafak
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The objective of this article is to determine the usage and application of logistic regression analysis in the marketing literature by comparing the market positioning of prominent marketing journals.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to identify the logistic regression applications, those journals having “marketing” term in their titles and indexed by the social citation index (SSCI) were included. As a result, the target population consisted of 12 journals fulfilling the criteria set. However, only eight of these that were accessible by the researchers were included in the study.

Findings

The classification of marketing articles from the chosen prominent marketing journals were made by journal title, article topic, target population, data collection method, and study location has mapped the position of logistic regression in the marketing literature.

Research limitations/implications

The sample journal coverage was limited with 12 marketing journals indexed in SSCI. In some of the journals utilized, the accessibility was limited by the electronic database year coverage. Due to this limitation, the researchers could not reach the exact number of articles using logistic regression.

Originality/value

The results of this study could highlight what is researched with logistic regression about marketing problems and may shed light on solving different problems on marketing topics for the future.
“Miles ahead” – using jazz to investigate improvisation and market orientation
Authors: Dennis Noel , Macaulay Michael
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate ways in which improvisation can be used to enhance and advance market orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws upon existing market orientation literature and musical theory to extend the authors' previous work of the need for improvisation in strategic market planning (SMP) into a wider area of market orientation.

Findings

The article evinces a conceptual matrix to illustrate four basic levels of market oriented improvisation: one‐size fits all; improvisation through alternatives; single level improvisation (SLI); and multi‐level improvisation (MLI).

Practical implications

The article will demonstrate the core competences of a jazz band: musical knowledge; role definition; quasi‐autonomous leadership; open communication; and self‐reflexivity. It will discuss how these competences are directly transferable to market oriented organisations.

Originality/value

The article provides a new definition of market orientation, which posits improvisation as a central element.
Impression management tactics and affective context: influence on sales performance appraisal
Authors: Bande Vilela Belén , Varela González José Antonio , Fernández Ferrín Pilar , Luisa del Río Araújo M
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Despite the recognition that the subordinate's influence is a particularly noteworthy feature of the social context with considerable potential to affect the performance evaluation process, there are almost no studies that consider this influence in a selling context. Attempting to contribute to address these needs, the model presented here depicts a number of social and situational factors influencing supervisor's rating of salesperson's performance, primarily operating through affective processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 122 salespeople and their immediate managers from 35 firms pertaining to nine different industries.

Findings

SEM results indicated that supervisor‐focused impression management was positively related to the supervisor's liking of the salesperson. Consistent as well with prior research is the positive influence of supervisor's affect towards salesperson on the supervisor's ratings of sales performance, both directly and indirectly, through the effect on salesperson's perceived interpersonal skills. Finally, a salesperson's physical attractiveness demonstrated significant positive effects on performance ratings, through the influence on supervisor's liking and salesperson's interpersonal skills.

Practical implications

These results have important managerial implications: sales managers should be aware that salespeople might be using impression management tactics and that the use of these behaviours might influence the way that they evaluate their employee's performance. Managers should also remain vigilant to the potential bias based on physical appearance in hiring and supervising salespeople.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge of the social and affective variables that influence the sales performance appraisal process, an area of research that is almost unexplored.
Interfunctional trust as a determining factor of a new product performance
Authors: García Rodríguez Nuria , José Sanzo Pérez M , Trespalacios Gutiérrez Juan A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the role the existing trust between marketing and R&D plays on a new product development performance. As trust determining factors four key variables of relationship marketing have been considered: satisfaction, cooperation, communication and conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The R&D directors of 178 Spanish innovative firms were surveyed. A sample of 345 products (177 successes and 168 failures) were obtained. To estimate the model proposed a structural equation analysis was used.

Findings

The success of an innovation is especially favored by the existence of affective bonds among the participants. In this respect, the existing trust between marketing and R&D, directly, and the satisfaction of the areas with the relationship, indirectly through the former, are essential determinants of a new product performance.

Originality/value

The novelty of the research lies in the use of relationship marketing approach to investigate intra‐functional relationships and their influence on a new product performance.
Understanding differential organizational responses to work/life issues
Authors: Eversole Barbara A.W. , Gloeckner Gene , Banning James H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore differential adoption of work/life programs by organizations by studying CEOs. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework was developed from interview data from 26 Denver‐area (Colorado, USA) CEOs. Findings – A decision‐making model was conceptualized as the major finding of this study. CEOs decided on work/life programs on content‐based bottom‐line arguments, on process‐based criteria, such as moral, spiritual, or flexibility beliefs, or on personal experiences that these programs return to the bottom line. If a CEO decided based on bottom‐line arguments, the main variable is whether or not retention is important. Research limitations/implications – As a qualitative study, caution should be exercised in generalizing to the general population of CEOs, particularly those who choose not to adopt work/life programs. Practical implications – The study provides data useful for top management persuasion, executive development, understanding executive decision‐making processes, and understanding factors important to work/life program adoption. Originality/value – Many factors have been studied concerning differential work/life program adoption, including the composition of the HR team. This is the first study to consider the influence of CEOs as key decision‐makers in the adoption decision. This study also offers a model that potentially explains the decision‐making process used by executives for human resource programs, and perhaps other programs as well.
Human capital development policies: enhancing employees' satisfaction
Authors: Lai Wan Hooi
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this article is to gain insight into some of the human capital development (HCD) policies that enhance employee satisfaction. A salient focus of the study is to assess whether employees in globalised foreign‐owned MNCs are likely to be more satisfied with the HCD policies than with the practices employed by locally owned MNCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, four MNCs in the chemical industry, which were selected based on equity ownership, were analysed to ascertain whether employees in these MNCs in Malaysia are satisfied with the HCD policies by providing an account of the satisfaction level of the employees with the HCD policies in these four Malaysian MNCs.

Findings

A main conclusion from the findings of this research is that respondents in European MNCs are generally more satisfied than respondents in Asian‐owned MNCs with the HCD policies of the company. On the whole, European MNCs place more importance in HCD but it cannot be concluded that foreign‐owned MNCs have better HCD policies and hence higher employee satisfaction with the HCD policies compared with locally owned MNCs.

Research limitations/implications

Similar research could be conducted on a larger sample, incorporating MNCs of different equity ownership, to determine how HCD policies of globalised MNCs affect employee satisfaction. Further research could be extended to different regions and sectors.

Practical implications

It provides an insight of desirable HCD practices that human capital practitioners could develop to create competitive advantage through their human capital assets.

Originality/value

In addition to identifying the relevant HCD practices, commentary is provided of current knowledge in terms of best HCD practices that could be emulated by local organisations as well as other institutions in the Asia Pacific region.
Leadership and learning: facilitating self‐directed learning in enterprises
Authors: Smith Peter J. , Sadler‐Smith Eugene , Robertson Ian , Wakefield Lyn
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show that a key aspect of learning and development of individual employees is that of self‐directedness. This paper will consider the role of the leader in facilitating workforce development in terms of employees' self‐directedness for learning. The research was designed to investigate the views that “learning leaders” in organizations have towards the development of self‐directedness in employees; and to identify strategies that are feasible in developing self‐directedness in operating organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on a national research project undertaken in 12 organizations in Australia, representing a range of sizes and a number of industry sectors. Data collection involved interviewing learning and development managers in each organization to gauge the relative feasibility of the implementation of a number of pre‐identified strategies designed to develop self‐directedness among employees within operating work environments.

Findings

The research showed that: learning managers and leaders were generally well disposed towards the development of self‐directedness, and some had already moved to do so; and identified a number of possible strategies for implementation of varying degrees of feasibility. The paper will consider these findings in relation to the concept of a “learning leader”.

Research limitations/implications

Although the research was conducted in a diverse set of 12 enterprises, applicability of the results across an even wider set of enterprises would need to be tested.

Originality/value

The findings of this research provide guidance to learning and development personnel on feasible strategies to use within their own organization to assist with the development of self‐directed learning among employees.
Employability, skills and training in Portugal (1988‐2000): evidence from official data
Authors: Tomé Eduardo
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of employability in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

Calculations were made using official data for 1991, 1994 and 1997 on education, skills and tenure, and on 1990, 1991, 1996 and 1997 regarding training.

Findings

High skills, high levels of education and high levels of tenure seem to generate employability in Portugal. However, it was also found in Portugal that low skills, low education and low levels of tenure also generate employability, indicating that Portugal has a very dual labour market. Furthermore, in what concerns training, the public sector and the private sector seem to be complementary: when the investments are publicly financed they generate more employability, while privately funded investments tend to be a way of substituting untrained workers with trained ones.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of employability used is linked to the growth of employment by sub‐sector of activity. This is a considerable limitation, but it was not possible to obtain better data, given that the study uses published data. A more detailed analysis is under way, using unpublished company‐based data, provided by the public authorities.

Practical implications

First, the Portuguese authorities should try to help the establishment in the country of companies that might extract returns from the skilled, educated and experienced workers that exist. Those actions would improve the employability of the HR possessors. Second, the Portuguese authorities should continue to support the investments in education and in training. That support would generate a form of Welfare State in which the public presence is considerable, far away from the liberal guidelines and ideas that tend to marginalize the public actions in the social domain.

Originality/value

The paper tries to apply the concept of employability to a country, and this is seldom the case in HRD studies, due mainly to lack of data.
The Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) in Ukraine
Authors: Yamkovenko Bogdan V. , Holton Elwood , Bates R.A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to expand cross‐cultural research and validate the Learning Transfer System Inventory in Ukraine. The researchers seek to translate the LTSI into Ukrainian and investigate the internal structure of this translated version of the questionnaire.

Design/methodology/approach

The LTSI is translated into Ukrainian using a rigorous translation methodology. The instrument was distributed to 511 (430 – usable data) individuals from various organizations throughout Ukraine. The exploratory factor analysis (common factor analysis with oblique rotation) was used to analyze the survey data.

Findings

The factor structure of the Ukrainian version of the LTSI (ULTSI) paralleled that of the original instrument. Most items loaded on appropriate factors with loadings over 0.4. Two factors (Opportunity to Use Learning and Performance‐Outcomes Expectations) did not emerge as clearly as in the original instrument and require further research.

Research limitations/implications

The instrument was distributed to a convenience sample which limits the external validity of the study. Some translation issues may have possibly influenced low loadings for few items. The questionnaires distributed in the Eastern part of Ukraine were problematic because the population there is mostly Russian‐speaking while the instruments were in Ukrainian. The study provides evidence of construct validity of the LTSI in the Ukrainian business environment. With the limitations outlined above further research can address translation issues and language barrier problems. Some items may be included that will suit the Ukrainian environment better, which may resolve problems in two factors mentioned above. New methods of instrument translation could be utilized in future as well as alternative statistical analyses (Confirmatory Factor Analysis).

Practical implications

The ULTSI is now one of the first and few HRD tools in Ukraine. It can be used to assess the transfer climate in Ukrainian organizations in order to maximize the positive outcomes of the investment in training. As a diagnostic tool the ULTSI can provide necessary information about the environmental and organizational forces that are at play in a given organization, and it can help improve the results of training interventions.

Originality/value

This cross‐cultural study is one of the first efforts in existence to bridge the Ukrainian and Western cultures in terms of HRD. It provides a possibility for HRD methodology and theory to be introduced in Ukrainian businesses. At the same time, the study provides evidence of the construct validity and sound structure of the LTSI.
The RISCOM model: dialogues and requisite organisation
Authors: Espejo Raul
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of transparency in policy‐making processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Development and application of conceptual framework for policy studies.

Findings

Complementarity of Habermas's theory of communicative action and Beer's Viable System Model. Relevance of the ideas of requisite organisation in policy‐making and of “orthogonality” in social communications.

Practical implications

Transparency of policy processes is more than making information available to stakeholders; it is enabling the development of an effective organisational system for the policy of concern.

Originality/value

This paper relates Beer's organizational cybernetics and Habermas' political philosophy and produces an original model of transparency in policy‐making.
Requisite holism – precondition of reliable business information
Authors: Mulej Matjaz , Potocan Vojko
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest a new way toward reliability of contents of business information, on which quality of business critically depends. Contribution considers two problems: how to innovate information support for business with non‐technological innovations? And how can enterprises improve reliability of information for their work?

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, qualitative analysis on the basis of the dialectical systems theory and business cybernetics is applied.

Findings

Modern markets require innovated business concepts. They include creation and implementation of requisitely holistic information support. Hence, enterprises need information management innovation. The use of requisite holism (as non‐technical innovation) to increase content‐reliability of business information is discussed. Matching information requirements by business cybernetics based on dialectical systems thinking can diminish errors by providing requisite holism.

Research limitations/implications

Research is limited to three hypotheses and qualitative analysis in desk research. Practical experience is considered indirectly.

Practical implications

The habit of limiting business information to financial information or marketing information separately as well as the habit of discussing mostly or even only, information reliability from technical support viewpoints, is attacked. An alternative is suggested.

Originality/value

The available literature does not provide for a similar model of how to provide information that is reliable in terms of its contents by matching Mulej/Kajzer's law of requisite holism.
Smart systems and environments
Authors: Rudall Brian H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to review current research and developments with particular reference to smart systems and environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of, selected research and development topics.

Findings

Illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary natures of studies in cybernetics, systems and management science with a view to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides the awareness of current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Global warming and nuclear power
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to give a review of reasons for believing that the problem of global warming is more urgent than widely assumed, largely following the lead of a recent book by Lovelock. It is argued that increased use of nuclear power is the best course, especially if fusion power can be achieved. A short note is appended referring to a previous discussion of interactions with Islam.

Design/methodology/approach

This is performed by a review of developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

Global warming poses a real and immediate threat which can be partly offset by increased use of nuclear power.

Practical implications

Increased use of nuclear power is not only warranted, but also vital, and achievement of practical fusion power would be an enormous bonus.

Originality/value

Hopefully this is a valuable periodic review.
A systemic theory of orbits in ecological networks
Authors: Lloret‐Climent M. , Esteve‐Calvo P.F.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyze ecological networks from a different viewpoint, using the concepts of orbits, coverage, invariant sets, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

A very simple view of ecosystems is presented, without delving into their multiple properties. Specifically, an ecosystem will be considered a system containing living and non‐living entities whose interrelationships include those of predator‐prey and competition. On interpreting that orbits are associated with ecosystems' direct and indirect paths, it is possible to present a much more conceptual design of ecological networks.

Findings

An ecosystem's two most important relationships, those of predator‐prey and competition, appear to be interconnected with the concepts of coverage, invariance and orbit, with multiple properties.

Originality/value

There are many interesting analyses of ecological networks' indirect effects that develop the quantitative and qualitative theory of ecological networks. What is new in this study is that it is the first dealing with orbits in the field of ecosystems.
Systemic yoyo model and applications in Newton's, Kepler's laws, and others
Authors: Lin Yi
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to show that systemic methods and thinking can be used to develop useful tools to address problems open in traditional science, such as Newtonian physics, universal gravitation, planetary motions, and the three‐body problem.

Design/methodology/approach

Expanded on the yoyo model introduced earlier for general systems, a new figurative analysis method is introduced in this paper.

Findings

After establishing its theoretical and empirical foundations, this method is used to generalize Newton's laws of mechanics by addressing several unsettled problems in the history. Through the concept of equal quantitative effects, it is argued that this new method possesses some strength not found in pure quantitative methods. After studying the characteristics of whole evolutions of converging and diverging fluid motions, the concept of time is revisited using the new model. As further applications of the new method, one covers Kepler's laws of planetary motion, Newton's law of universal gravitation, and explains why planets travel along elliptical orbits, why no external forces are needed for systems to revolve about one another, and why binary star systems, tri‐nary star systems, and evenn‐nary star systems can exist, for any natural numbern≥2. By checking the study of the three‐body problem, a brand new method is provided to analyze the movement of three stars, visible or invisible. At the end, some open problems are cast for future research.

Originality/value

This paper shows for the first time in history that several well‐established laws in physics can be generalized using systemic thinking. Beyond that, an operative method of analysis is introduced to investigate problems that have been extremely difficult to handle in the scientific history. With adequate quantitative tools developed to accompany this method, it can be reasonably expected that an active systemic scientific era with a slightly different tilt from the contemporary science will follow shortly.
Hyperbox classifiers for arrhythmia classification
Authors: Bortolan Giovanni , Pedrycz Witold
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to design hyperbox classifiers of high interpretation capabilities. They are based on a collection of hyperboxes – generic and highly interpretable geometric descriptors of data belonging to a certain class. Such hyperboxes directly translate into conditional statements (rules) taking on the well‐known format “if feature1assumes values in [a,b] and feature2assumes values in [d,f] and … and featurenassumes values in [w,z] then classω” where the intervals ([a,b],…[w,z]) are the respective edges (features) of the corresponding hyperbox.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed design process of hyperboxes consists of two main phases. In the first phase, a collection of “seeds” of the hyperboxes is constructed through data clustering being realized by means of the fuzzy C‐means algorithm. During the second phase, the hyperboxes are “grown” (expanded) by applying mechanisms of genetic optimization (and genetic algorithm, in particular).

Findings

It is demonstrated how the underlying geometry of the hyperboxes supports an immediate interpretation of arrhythmia data by linking the ranges of the features (parameters of the ECG signal) forming the edges of the hyperboxes with the two classes of the signals (normal – abnormal). A collection of comprehensive experiments offers an interesting insight into the geometry of the individual categories of the ECG signals and discusses how the resulting hyperbox classifiers link their geometric properties with the obtained classification rates.

Research limitations/implications

The structure of the classifier is essential to enhance interpretation capabilities of the architecture and generate a collection of “if‐then” classification rules.

Originality/value

The study addresses an issue of design of highly interpretable, granular classifiers with the use of the technology of computational intelligence and evolutionary optimization, in particular.
Managing sustainable service improvements in manufacturing companies
Authors: Gebauer Heiko , Fleisch Elgar
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a better understanding of how cognitive processes limit service improvements in typical product manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies are the main tool for theory development. All investigated manufacturing companies have been seeking possibilities to enhance their profitability through services, because their products were mainly in the maturity stage with decreasing margins and profitability.

Findings

The objective was to show how companies can overcome the typical “cultural” habits and cognitive processes by offering some guidelines to managers seeking to establish sustainable service improvement programs.

Research limitations/implications

The remarks are limited to product manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

The key managerial implication is a method to overcome cognitive processes, which limit service improvements.

Originality/value

The paper establishes that cognitive processes form several feedback structures that all play a critical role in determining the success of service improvements.
Knowledge management: modeling the knowledge diffusion in community of practice
Authors: Huang Nen‐Ting , Wei Chiu‐Chi , Chang Wei‐Kou
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To propose a model which can demonstrate the knowledge diffusion phenomenon in the community of practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An algorithm has been developed to illustrate the processes of knowledge diffusion between knowledge workers, and factor the coefficients of distance, willingness, motivation, and ability of comprehension and expression. Besides, two types of knowledge diffusion are proposed, i.e. the knowledge sharing and the knowledge discussion.

Findings

Change of knowledge worker will affect the knowledge diffusion within community of practice. The knowledge level of knowledge workers will be increased if more members join the community of practice, and vice versa. Besides, the development of knowledge workers will be constrained by the budget allocated and time available.

Research limitations/implications

The model developed is one of the few research papers that can quantify the knowledge diffusion within community of practice.

Practical implications

The development of knowledge workers can be tangibly measured and linked to the budget and time constraints, as a result, the enterprises can plan, predict and improve the knowledge management initiate.

Originality/value

Previous papers are mostly descriptive in nature, and they are too abstract to be tangibly understood. The model proposed eliminates the drawbacks and expand the research areas by using a mathematical model.
Service‐oriented architecture is a driver for daily decision support
Authors: Granebring Annika , Révay Péter
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to explain why service‐oriented business intelligence (SOBI) happened, the new development and how to make a strategy to introduce daily decision support in the retail trade.

Design/methodology/approach

The diffusion of business intelligence (BI) tools is operationalized on Rogers' innovation theory.

Findings

The article answered the question: How to draft a BI strategy for all parts of the retail enterprise? By excellent data warehouse quality; choosing an area for common decision support; starting simply, with metrics (sale, gross margin, number of customers) to get users started and then continue the iterative process of practicing more comparing and personalized BI.

Practical implications

Retailers meet a changeable world around where business decisions must be taken daily. In the retail industry, the customer's current demands control the supply of commodities, inventories and crew. Retailers have enterprise applications designed for their business processes, but also daily want to measure the performance. It is a question of from existing enterprise applications and databases design new decision processes and business flows that currently request BI data to be presented directly to operative responsible staff.

Originality/value

Explains why there are attempts to combine the two broad architectural paradigms BI and service orientation. Service‐oriented architecture, BI, on line analytical processing, extract, transform and load, SOBI are discussed in detail.
A viable systems perspective to knowledge management
Authors: Yang Chyan , Yen Hsueh‐Chuan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To provide the knowledge structure for an effective knowledge‐based organization which integrates knowledge into organizational goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure, function, and process of a viable organization were discussed which provided a basis to construct a knowledge management (KM) framework and demonstrate knowledge structure in a knowledge‐based organization. Based on systems view and viable systems model (VSM), a range of recently published KM practices were reviewed to position various knowledge content.

Findings

This study proposed a viable systems framework for organizational KM based on the VSM of Beer. Using the viable systems framework, organizational knowledge can be classified into four categories. Knowledge content was articulated based on the systems view. Thus, knowledge structure of various management hierarchies can be captured.

Originality/value

The result contributes to the practice of knowledge executive by supporting the diagnosis and design of an effective knowledge‐based organization. The framework also provides a basis for future empirical studies on the relationships between KM strategies and organizational effectiveness. A specific KM strategy exists that can maximize the effectiveness of each of the four types of knowledge.
Emerging innovative systems
Authors: Rudall Brian H. , Mann C.J.H.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to review current research and developments with particular reference to emerging innovative management and information systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics.

Findings

Illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary natures of studies in cybernetics, systems and management science with a view to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides the awareness of current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.