bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing Federal Reserve forecasts of inflation
Authors: Baghestani Hamid , AbuAl‐Foul Bassam
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This study aims to both test the asymmetric information hypothesis and explore the factors influencing the one‐ through four‐quarter‐ahead Federal Reserve inflation forecasts for 1983‐2002.

Design/methodology/approach

Encompassing tests are used to examine the asymmetric information hypothesis. In modeling the Federal Reserve inflation forecasts, the authors are mindful of alternative theories of inflation which emphasize such determinants as cost‐push, demand‐pull and inertial factors.

Findings

First, the Federal Reserve inflation forecasts embody useful predictive information beyond that contained in the private forecasts. Second, with the private forecasts controlled for, the near‐term Federal Reserve inflation forecasts make use of qualitative information, and the longer‐term forecasts are influenced by the forecasts of growth in both unit labor costs and aggregate demand as well as the preceding‐quarter inflation forecasts and monetary policy shifts.

Research limitations/implications

The Federal Reserve forecasts are released to the public with a five‐year lag and are currently available up to the fourth quarter of 2002. This limits the use of the most up‐to‐date forecasts desirable for this study.

Originality/value

The factors influencing the Federal Reserve inflation forecasts are basically those emphasized publicly by monetary authorities. This finding points to the Fed's transparency and should thus help enhance its credibility with the public. Also, our results (which shed light on the predictive information in the Federal Reserve inflation forecasts not included in the private forecasts) are of value, since they can help the Fed better predict how inflation will respond to policy actions, and they can help the public form more informative inflationary expectations.
An extended DEA windows analysis: Middle East and East African seaports
Authors: Salem Al‐Eraqi Ahmed , Mustafa Adli , Tajudin Khader Ahamad
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of 22 cargo seaports situated in the regions of East Africa and Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

The data envelopment analysis (DEA) with window analysis model evaluates the efficiency score in terms of normal efficiency and super efficiency. The analysis is based on the panel data for the period of 2000‐2005.

Findings

The number of efficient decision making units (DMUs) under super efficiency is more than the number under normal efficiency.

Originality/value

Using panel data, this paper is the first study to use super efficiency with window analysis that compares the efficiency estimated with the normal efficiency and with super efficiency.
Decomposition of economic growth in Bulgaria by industry
Authors: Ivanov Stanislav , Webster Craig
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a methodology for the decomposition of economic growth by industry which allows interindustry comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the growth decomposition methodology developed by Ivanov and Ivanov and Webster for tourism and generalizes it for all industries in the national economy.

Findings

The methodology is exemplified with analysis of the contribution of specific industries to economic growth in Bulgaria for the period 2000‐2005. However, the model presents an approach that is general and can be applied to other countries and industries.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology identifies the direct impacts of specific industries on the per capita growth of real gross domestic product/gross value added. Future research might integrate indirect and induced effects in the analysis. The methodology could be further refined by decomposing the gross domestic product/gross value added to their constituent elements.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the industries in the Bulgarian economy that generate economic growth.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new methodology for measuring the contribution of specific industries to economic growth. It might be of value to both academics and macroeconomic policy makers.
Growth, investment and military expenditure in the European Union‐15
Authors: Kollias Christos , Paleologou Suzanna‐Maria
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between growth, investment and military expenditure in the case of the European Union‐15.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses fixed panel models, random coefficient models and a trivariate VAR model to examine empirically the relationship between these three macroeconomic variables.

Findings

The results obtained and reported herein show a significant positive effect of the growth rate on the share of military expenditure and on the share of investment. However, on the whole, the findings do not seem to point to any consistent quantitative relation between defence spending and either growth or investment. Thus, they appear to be in line with the findings of other studies.

Originality/value

The economic effects of military spending have drawn considerable attention. Demand side effects on capacity utilisation are one possible channel through which the economy can be positively affected by such expenditure. On the other hand however, reduced investment and capital stock have been reported as a possible negative economic impact of defence outlays that can more than offset any growth inducing effective demand stimulation. The paper attempts a simultaneous assessment of the impact of defence expenditure on both growth and investment for the EU‐15, something that has not been tried before.
Process‐designed training
Authors: Cherniss Cary , Grimm Laurence G. , Liautaud Jim P.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a leadership development program based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) principles. The program utilized process‐designed training groups to help participants develop emotional and social competence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved 162 managers from nine different companies in a random assignment control group design. There were nine different groups with nine managers in each group. Each group was required to follow the identical process. Trained moderators led the groups during year 1, but during year 2 a group member served as moderator, with all new moderators committing to following the process. The outcome measure was the Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI), a multi‐rater measure of social and emotional competencies associated with effective leadership. Outcome data were collected before the program started, one year later, and two years later.

Findings

Results indicated that after two years the intervention group had improved more than the controls on all ECI variables.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers recommendations for future research on the mechanisms underlying the process‐designed group strategy and contextual factors that optimize results.

Practical implications

The paper describes a leadership development strategy that appears to be more economical and consistent in its delivery than traditional approaches such as workshops or executive coaching.

Originality/value

Although ISO principles are utilized widely in the business world, this is the first study that has used this approach in the design and delivery of management development. Also, few evaluations of management development efforts utilize a random assignment control group design with pre‐ and post‐measures or examine the impact on emotional and social competence, as demonstrated in the workplace over such a long period of time.
Differentiating leader and leadership development
Authors: Dalakoura Afroditi
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the prevalent perceptions of leadership development, consider the constructs that affect leadership development in an organization, and propose a collective framework for leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing leadership development literature is appraised. The paper identifies the factors that determine leadership development and focuses on the context in which leadership is developed.

Findings

The paper implies that leadership development involves multiple and coordinated actions.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidelines for successful leadership development in practice.

Originality/value

The paper takes a holistic approach to leadership development and proposes a set of items for measuring leadership development.
Outcomes of management and leadership development
Authors: McGurk Patrick
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to conceptualise and assess the outcomes of management and leadership development (MLD) at individual, business and organisational levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the case study approach, the paper investigates the content and outcomes of three concurrent but different MLD interventions for middle‐managers in an “excellent”‐rated local authority adult social services department.

Findings

The paper demonstrates: how a traditional management development programme led to more effective compliance with prescribed objectives, yet made little contribution to strategic change; how an individualised leadership programme had individual benefits but negligible impact on the business; and how a collective and emergent approach to leadership development made a significant but unintended contribution to strategic change.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights the need for further contextualised research at the organisational level into the outcomes of MLD.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates the limitations of “off‐the‐shelf” MLD interventions and the importance of designing and implementing development programmes with sufficient regard to professional and organisational context.

Originality/value

The paper provides an in‐depth and contextualised insight into the conditions for success and failure in management development interventions.
Increasing transformational leadership through enhancing self‐efficacy
Authors: Fitzgerald Susan , Schutte Nicola S.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The present study aims to examine whether an intervention designed to increase self‐efficacy for transformational leadership results in more transformational leadership self‐efficacy and a higher level of transformational leadership. In previous research higher levels of emotional intelligence have been found to be associated with more transformational leadership; thus the present study also seeks to examine whether higher emotional intelligence makes individuals more receptive to self‐efficacy‐based leadership training.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an experimental design. Participants were randomly assigned to either a self‐efficacy expressive writing condition or a control writing condition. Participants were 118 managers who completed measures of self‐efficacy, transformational leadership and emotional intelligence at the start of the study and again completed measures of self‐efficacy, and transformational leadership after the intervention.

Findings

Managers in the intervention condition showed significantly greater transformational leadership self‐efficacy and higher transformational leadership scores than the control group managers at post‐test. Further, those higher in emotional intelligence were more responsive to the intervention.

Practical implications

The intervention holds promise as a low cost and easy to implement method of facilitating development of transformational leadership.

Originality/value

The finding that an intervention aimed at increasing self‐efficacy can increase transformational leadership extends previous research on both self‐efficacy and transformational leadership. This result suggests that leadership self‐efficacy may be an important component of transformational leadership. The finding that individuals higher in emotional intelligence benefited most from the intervention extends previous findings regarding the importance of emotional intelligence in organisational settings. Emotional intelligence may facilitate individuals' openness to change.
A new global ethic
Authors: Howard Anthony
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper set out to explore the potential for business leaders to do good in a way that is fully integrated with their organisational objectives and their personal purpose. In light of major issues confronting society, including environmental fragility, financial vulnerability and the reduced influence of traditional institutions, the paper proposes the need for a new global ethic, and suggests that leaders of global enterprises have a particular opportunity to make a profound difference in fostering such an ethic. It aims to explain what such an ethic could look like, and the organisational and personal competencies required for ethical leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the human person as a starting‐point for addressing major challenges, rather than the challenge itself, builds on research by contemporary commentators on social trends, and draws on examples of business leaders who demonstrate the required competencies for a new global ethic.

Findings

The paper identifies the three key elements that are crucial for effective leadership: to master the art of being human, and to master the art of running a successful enterprise, while becoming a servant to society by fostering a new global ethic within their sphere of influence.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the emerging stakeholder concern for profit‐driven firms to become purpose‐driven, and shows how leaders who align personal purpose with organisational mission and societal need can have a positive impact on the world and foster a new global ethic
An IS for archaeological finds management as a platform for knowledge management
Authors: Braccini Alessio Maria , Federici Tommaso
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study is to describe the context, the activity, and the outcome of a project, which led to the creation of ArcheoTRAC, the first information system (IS) designed to run all the daily activities in archaeological finds management, to share information among the different professionals and to support in this way knowledge creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on the ArcheoTRAC system and on the project that contributed to its development. Since the authors of this paper have been involved in the project (one of them since its very beginning), an action research paradigm has been used to derive scientific knowledge out of the experience. Both organizational and technological aspects are investigated under the respective theoretical knowledge management perspectives.

Findings

There were two effective choices in order to foster knowledge sharing in a context of a scarcity of interactions among professionals involved. Grouping representatives of possible users in the project contributed to create a mutual understanding of their interdependent and complementary needs and activities. Moreover, some system features of the ArcheoTRAC system (views, fields and thesauri customization, non‐prescriptive workflows) were effective in letting each user adapt him/herself to the new system.

Practical implications

The study sheds light on the characteristics of a system designed in order to maximize the information exploitation and sharing and, at the same time, to minimize the introduction impact, in a context denoted by manual processes, lack of habit of cooperation, and poor IT literacy.

Originality/value

The study deals with an innovative IS that supports all activities performed by every professional involved in archaeological finds management. The study describes the architecture of this IS that has been designed to minimize impacts on professionals' behaviour and maximize knowledge sharing.
The roles and values of personal knowledge management: an exploratory study
Authors: Cheong Ricky K.F. , Tsui Eric
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the roles and values of personal knowledge management (PKM). It seeks to investigate the roles of PKM in the KM process cycle and assess the values for improving the competences of both individuals and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed based on a critical review of KM and the PKM literature, followed by a survey of the KM participants in KM associations/interest groups/societies. The results and conclusions were made based on the quantitative analysis approach.

Findings

The results indicate that PKM is playing important roles in the KM process and both individuals and organizations are benefitting by PKM in improving their competences. The roles of PKM are positively correlated to the values of PKM for individuals and organizations. It is also found that the values of PKM for individuals are correlated to the values of PKM for the organization.

Research limitations/implications

This study is intended as a starting point for exploring the roles and values of PKM. It aims to provide a generalized model of PKM, with further research required for specific contexts.

Originality/value

The conceptual model of PKM 2.0 was developed based on the research findings which provide a better understanding in the area of PKM. This model also sets the foundation for future research and draws the attention of both academics and business executives in this under‐explored area. Up to now, there is no PKM framework or model that leverages on the Web 2.0 concepts. This paper provides the first examination of such aspects.
Corporate brand evolution: corporate brand images evolving in consumers' everyday life
Authors: Rindell Anne , Strandvik Tore
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss how corporate brand images evolve in consumers' everyday life and its implications for the company's branding strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion and a framework are presented that maps four alternative views on corporate brand images and market dynamics in relation to corporate branding.

Findings

Corporate brand evolution is suggested as a way of including consumers' everyday brand image constructions and re‐constructions in a company's branding strategy. Corporate brand evolution is based on two new concepts: image heritage and image‐in‐use. A model for understanding evolving strategic corporate branding is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed view on evolving corporate brands is deliberately developed for understanding open source brand dynamics in ever‐changing markets. This paper is limited to make a conceptual contribution. Therefore, research implications are to develop empirically the understanding of image‐in‐use and image heritage in various business contexts.

Practical implications

An understanding on how brands evolve over time has two major practical implications for companies. First, companies need to develop new approaches and methods to understanding how brands evolve over time. For example, by investigating the consumer' image heritage of the company. This may enhance considerably possibilities for open branding strategies that meet consumer reality to be developed.

Originality/value

The two new concepts, image heritage and image‐in‐use, and the novel approach of evolving corporate brand images are important as they are based on a new consumer understanding, recognizing that consumers' corporate image constructions are dynamic ever‐changing processes and not static end‐states.
The influence of knowledge sharing on innovation
Authors: Kamaşak Rıfat , Bulutlar Füsun
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of knowledge sharing on innovation. Two forms of knowledge sharing are examined, knowledge donating and knowledge collecting. In particular, the effects of knowledge donating and collecting on ambidexterity in organizations are also studied, with ambidexterity defined as the simultaneous achievement of exploratory and exploitative innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data are collected via a questionnaire designed to measure the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation. Data which were collected from 246 middle and top‐level managers in Turkey was explored by multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results showed that knowledge collecting had a significant effect on all types of innovation and ambidexterity, whereas knowledge donating, involving donating inside and outside the group, did not have any effect on exploratory innovation. It was also observed that in‐group knowledge donating affected both exploitative innovation and ambidexterity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to Turkish managers. Hence, impact of culture should be considered in future studies. It is advised that future research should be designed for different countries in order to conduct a comparative study.

Practical implications

These results provide some information that is useful to decision makers and managers who are in charge of directing innovation strategies in organizations. The study also emphasizes the importance of effective knowledge management that can improve innovativeness in the organizations.

Originality/value

Studies comprising the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation types are not abundant in the academic literature. So, the paper provides practical information to a relatively unexplored area.
Linking corporate strategy and supply chain management
Authors: Hofmann Erik
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the nature of supply chain strategy (SCS). It represents one stage of an on‐going research initiative aimed at providing a framework for systematic understanding of the linkages between corporate strategy (CS) making and supply chain management (SCM).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explored the theory and literature related to strategic management and SCM. Four generic levels of strategy were linked to SCM, and synthesized into an explanatory SCS‐framework. Propositions for future research were presented based on the framework.

Findings

The paper shows that most of the literature on SCS relates to the functional level. Largely undiscovered are the links between corporate and business unit strategies with supply chain strategies and capabilities, especially on the network level (NL).

Practical implications

A fit between CS and SCM positively impacts the performance of a firm. The framework developed can be used by managers to assist in thinking through possibilities to link supply chain capabilities with the CS making processes.

Originality/value

By distinguishing between functional, business, corporate, and NLs, the paper provides a framework for future research to enhance knowledge related to supply chain strategies and capabilities.
The misalignment cycle: is the management of your supply chain aligned?
Authors: Lundin Johan F. , Norrman Andreas
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for describing and analyzing misalignments in supply chain management related to changes in supply chain structures, processes and management components.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the systems approach, a single‐case study including several embedded cases from the same supply chain was deployed. This was done according to the abductive research approach, which is favourable when extending existing and developing new theory. Data were collected through observations, interviews and workshops, and later analyzed through pattern matching. The case studied was the Swedish cash supply chain, which was appropriate since it has gone through several changes in its supply chain structure and management.

Findings

A framework to describe and analyze misalignments in the supply chain was developed. The framework consists of three steps: first, identify changes in the supply chain, second, Identify Misalignments, and third, identify symptoms. For each step, a specific and more detailed framework was developed in order to facilitate the identification processes.

Originality/value

Using the framework described in this paper a researcher or practitioner acquires a structured approach to mapping the management of a supply chain so that its current misalignments can be identified.
ERP system strategies in parent‐subsidiary supply chains
Authors: Haug Anders , Pedersen Anne , Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Many companies are part of parent‐subsidiary supply chains, i.e. organisations where a parent company receives products from its subsidiary or the other way around. Having this close relationship in a supply chain network opens the possibilities for different setups of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems across such companies. This paper clarifies the different ERP system strategies for companies in parent‐subsidiary supply chains and the consequences of choosing the different strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to position the contributions of the paper, literature on the use of ERP systems in supply chain management (SCM) is investigated. Next, four archetypical ERP system setups across parent‐subsidiary supply chains are defined. The consequences of the four defined setups are deduced. Three case studies are presented to justify the relevance of the defined four ERP system strategies and to further investigate the consequences of choosing these (one case study represents two strategies).

Findings

The paper shows that there are significant impacts of choosing one of the four ERP system setups across parent‐subsidiary supply chains, e.g. quality of communication, degree of local management, synergy effects, etc. Furthermore, the paper shows that extant literature dealing with ERP systems and SCM fails to consider this aspect, which may at worst lead to incorrect generalisations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper clarifies the importance of considering different ERP system setups in parent‐subsidiary relationships. Future research in ERP systems and SCM needs to focus more on this aspect.

Practical implications

The paper provides an improved basis for companies in parent‐subsidiary supply chains that are to implement ERP systems or are to rethink their current ERP strategy.

Originality/value

The definition of ERP system setups across parent‐subsidiary supply chains and the clarification of the consequences of these strategies represent new and useful contributions to the SCM and the ERP literature.
Implementation of SCM in inter‐organizational relationships: a symbolic perspective
Authors: Zachariassen Frederik , van Liempd Dennis
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate supply chain management (SCM) as a management implement from a symbolic perspective on a dyadic level. So far, no research has investigated SCM from such a perspective, although SCM researchers implicitly have noted that it would be useful to have such a study in order to broaden the understanding of the SCM concept, as such a study allows for the use of alternative sociological theories.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study was chosen in order to investigate a focal firm's use of SCM. A total of 27 hours of interviews and 15 hours of observations were carried out at the focal firm and with a number of the firm's suppliers in order to investigate the subject.

Findings

The paper found that the SCM concept impacts the relationship between buyer and supplier in different ways depending on two dimensions: SCM as tool vs symbol and arm's length relationships vs strategic partnerships. Contrary to the mainstream idea of SCM as a tool for increased effectiveness of supply chains and increased collaboration with key suppliers, this paper found that SCM from a symbolic perspective at the focal firm came to function as either a justification or as a post‐rationalization for actions taken by the focal firm depending on whether the relationship can be considered a strategic partnerships or an arm's length relationship, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The paper was conducted from a dyadic, buyer‐supplier perspective. Being a limitation of the study, future research should investigate the proposed claims set forward in this paper on different levels (focal, chain, and network) in order to either strengthen or weaken the credibility of this present paper.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to investigate the management implement of SCM from a symbolic perspective.
Doctoral dissertations in logistics and supply chain management
Authors: Zachariassen Frederik , Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify Nordic doctoral dissertations in logistics and supply chain management (SCM) published from the years 2002 to 2008. The paper then seeks to analyze the identified dissertations by categorizing them in various dimensions, including but not limited to subject, methodology, and type of contribution. Subsequently, the paper compares the analysis of the dissertations with results obtained in a previous study that also concerned Nordic dissertations only published from 1990 to 2001, effectively opening up for longitudinal interpretations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on reviews of 70 Nordic doctoral dissertations within logistics and SCM published at relevant Nordic research institutions. All dissertations were reviewed according to a priori determined categories adopted from a similar, previous study in order to strengthen the validity of the longitudinal comparison.

Findings

This paper identifies a clear and significant trend towards: more dissertations based on a collection of articles than monographs; more dissertations focusing on manufacturing companies and fewer on carriers; a shift from a focal company perspective to more dyadic and supply chain‐related research and finally; and a decreasing focus on the philosophy in science.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the thorough method applied, there is possibility that a few dissertations might not have been identified in this paper.

Originality/value

This paper is a continuation of documenting the progress of doctoral work in logistics and SCM within the Nordic countries from the years 2002 to 2008.
Sleeping giant: Chinese teacher education system. Past, present and future (II)
Authors: Song Hongzhuan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how well Chinese teacher education positions itself in preparing qualified teachers for its vast K‐12 education system, especially in the transition from examination‐oriented to future‐oriented examination.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at literatures discussing background, strengths and weaknesses of current Chinese teacher‐training programs. It also employs a Delphi‐based scenario research method to explore plausible futures of curriculum design for teacher education.

Findings

In order to ensure its astonishing economic development and present itself as a constructive force for world betterment, it is crucial for China to carry on its ongoing educational reform, especially in the area of curriculum for its teacher‐training programs.

Practical implications

The disciplinary curriculum currently employed in Chinese teacher education should be shifted to a trans‐disciplinary curriculum to produce future‐oriented, internationally‐prepared, and ICT‐savvy graduates with the high moral standards the country demands in its effort to play an important role on the international stage.

Originality/value

The research, while meriting the structured instruction displayed by the Chinese education system, argues that the system should strive to provide students with such skills as creativity, flexibility, initiative, leadership, all necessary in the globally connected future world. The second part of the paper will focus on four scenarios as a result of recent research among Chinese educators and administrators.
Why You Tube matters. Why it is so important, why we should all be using it, and why blocking it blocks our kids' education
Authors: Prensky Marc
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight current changes in the way people communicate, and the role of You Tube in leading these changes

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of the author's observations and reflections.

Findings

With close to 100 million examples online, and growing exponentially, You Tube, and short video in general, are dramatically affecting the way in which today's Americans – especially young people – communicate and learn. In only five years, short video has moved from a medium for isolated, perhaps geeky young people to express themselves, to a two‐way medium used by mainstream people all over the world – including many experts and intellectuals – to share information and ideas. Today so much information is shared through video that, for perhaps 80 percent of Americans, reading and writing are rarely used skills, and becoming even more so.

Practical implications

While it is admitted that there remains a (relatively small) group for whom reading and writing will continue to be important, the question is “Should we continue to struggle to teach reading and writing to the great percentage of students, or should we focus on teaching clear communication of ideas through media that are easier to use?”

Originality/value

The paper provides a new perspective on the meaning of communication and the role of textual literacy in life and education in the near future.
Internationalization: the nexus of virtual worlds and reality
Authors: Roth Kate
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the characteristics of virtual environments (VEs) that reinforce internationalization and to explore further implications for their utilization. Internationalization at universities is often argued as being key to developing global citizens. The use of VEs for global experiences is a relatively new phenomenon for universities. Understanding the aspects of VEs that develop global citizens will assist in their further development for internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a case study comparison of students and their experiences in the real world and VEs used in the Monash University Chinese Studies program. The student participants were interviewed using semi‐structured questions to establish the elements of the Monash Secondlife© Island contributing to their understanding of internationalization.

Findings

The case study concludes that students perceived the Monash Secondlife© Island useful for basic interactions in language learning and for students less confident with social interaction. Another outcome is the indication that students desire more technology (e.g. voice) to be used in subsequent developments.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique analysis of the utilization of VEs to develop internationalization at university. It outlines the characteristics expected as part of internationalization, the current usage of VEs to develop internationalization, and articulates the specific characteristics that VEs enable as part of the internationalization process.
RF equivalent circuit modeling of surface mounted components for PCB applications
Authors: Menićanin Aleksandar B. , Damnjanović Mirjana S. , Živanov Ljiljana D.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The appropriate selection of a testing method largely determines the accuracy of a measurement. Parasitic effects associated with test fixture demand a significant consideration in a measurement. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a measurement procedure which can be used for the characterization of surface mount devices (SMD) components, especially devoted to SMD inductors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes measurement technique, characterization, and extracting parameters of SMD components for printed circuit board (PCB) applications. The commercially available components (multi‐layer chip SMD inductors in the ceramic body) are measured and characterized using a vector network analyzer E5071B and adaptation test fixture on PCB board. Measurement results strongly depend on the choice of the PCB; the behaviour of the component depends on the environment where the component is placed.

Findings

The equivalent circuit parameters are extracted in closed form, from an accurate measurement of the board‐mounted SMD inductorS‐parameters, without the necessity for cumbersome optimization procedures, which normally follow the radio frequency circuit synthesis.

Originality/value

It this paper, a new adaptation test fixture in PCB technology is realized. It is modeled and it has provided the extraction of parameters (intrinsic and extrinsic) of SMD inductor with great accuracy.
Influence of process parameters on the substrate heating in direct current plasma magnetron sputtering deposition process
Authors: Krishnasamy Jegenathan , Chan Kah‐Yoong , Tou Teck‐Yong
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the influence of deposition process parameters. The substrate heating mechanisms are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Deposition duration, sputtering power, working gas pressure, and substrate heater temperature on substrate heating in the direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering deposition process were investigated.

Findings

Results from the experiments show that, in DC magnetron sputtering deposition process, substrate heating is largely influenced by the process parameters and conditions.

Originality/value

This paper usefully demonstrates that substrate heating effects can be minimized by adjusting and selecting the proper sputtering process parameters; the production cost can be reduced by employing a higher sputtering power, lower working gas pressure and shorter deposition duration.
Effect of bismuth oxide thick film overlay on microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Patil S. , Puri Vijaya
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the effect of bismuth oxide thick films of various thicknesses on the X band (8‐12 GHz) response of Ag thick film microstrip rectangular patch antenna.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of bismuth oxide thick film overlay of different thickness on Ag thick film microstrip rectangular patch antenna was investigated in the X band (8‐12 GHz). The change in the resonance frequency, amplitude, band width, quality factor, and input impedance of the antenna were studied. Using the resonance frequency the permittivity and conductivity of bismuth oxide thick film was measured.

Findings

Thickness of Bi2O3 thick film overlay dependent changes in the patch antenna characteristics is obtained. The resonance frequency shifts to higher frequency end due to overlay. The input impedance decreases due to the overlay. The dielectric constant of bismuth oxide thick film calculated from shift in resonance frequency shows thickness dependent values.

Originality/value

The microwave permittivity and conductivity of Bi2O3 thick film have been reported for the first time using overlay on thick film patch antenna. Thickness of overlay dependent tuning of the antenna has been achieved.
Creating screen‐printed passive components for microwave applications
Authors: Arenas Osvaldo J. , Leynia de la Jarrige Emilie , Boone François
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share valuable information about low‐cost microwave circuit research with academic and industrial communities that work, or want to work, in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Screen‐printing technology has been chosen as the fabrication method because of simplicity and low costs. Different materials and printing parameters were tested in four generations of microstrip lines. After obtaining a satisfactory fabrication method, passive microwave components were printed, assembled, characterized and modeled.

Findings

Results demonstrated that the proposed low‐cost method allows fabricating low loss microstrip lines (15.63×10−3 dB/mm at 10 GHz), filters, inductors, and capacitors that work well up to 12 GHz.

Research limitations/implications

Model accuracy of inductors and capacitors can be improved. The use of more precise calibration and de‐embedding techniques is necessary. More components can be fabricated and modeled to increase the flexibility and applicability of the proposed fabrication method.

Practical implications

The presented information can help limited budget companies and small educational institutions in electronics to fabricate microwave circuits at low costs. This is an excellent approach for students who want to learn how to make microwave frequency measurements and circuits without the need of expensive fabrication equipment and clean rooms.

Originality/value

The step‐by‐step fabrication method described in this paper allows fabricating different microwave components at low costs. The presentation of electrical models for each component completes the design‐fabrication cycle. As this information is gathered in a single source, it makes easier the incursion of new actors in the microwave field.
Improved thermal stability of nitrogen annealed sputtered hafnium oxide thin films for VLSI technology
Authors: Nahar R.K. , Singh Vikram
Published: May 2010

Purpose

High‐dielectric thin films are considered as future dielectric for Si based advanced integrated circuit technology and also for the development of organic thin film transistors and micro sensors. The conventional dielectric SiO2 is grown by thermal oxidation of silicon whereas the HfO2 films are grown by both physical and chemical methods. Depending on film deposition technique, the film and interface characteristics are affected. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of thermal annealing in oxygen and nitrogen ambient on the electrical properties of HfO2‐based metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor and evaluate thermal stability of the characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

HfO2 films are deposited by rf sputtering and Al‐HfO2‐Si MOS capacitor fabricated. The electrical I‐V and C‐V characteristics are measured and the effect of temperature in the range of 25‐200°C is evaluated for films annealed in oxygen and nitrogen.

Findings

It is found that thermal annealing in nitrogen reduces oxide trap density and improves the temperature stability compared to the film annealed in oxygen for MOS devices. From the conductance characteristics Dit oxide trap density in the film is estimated to be 2.1×1011/cm2 for nitrogen and 3.23×1011/cm2 for oxygen, which indicates the role of nitrogen in reducing oxide traps. The thermal activation energy of electron traps is found to be about 0.19 eV for nitrogen and 0.58 eV for oxygen annealed films in the temperature range of 25‐150°C.

Originality/value

The paper examines and compares the role and effect of thermal annealing in nitrogen ambient and oxygen ambient on the electrical properties of sputtered HfO2 thin film for improved MOS device reliability.
Experimental analysis of I‐V and C‐V characteristics of Ni/SiO2/4H‐SiC system with varying oxide thickness
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev K. , Azam A. , Akhtar J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to electrically examine the quality of thin thermally grown SiO2 with thickness variation, on Si‐face of 4H‐SiC <0001> (having 50 μm epitaxial layer) by current‐voltage (I‐V) and capacitance‐voltage (C‐V) methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Metal‐oxide‐silicon carbide (MOSiC) structures with varying oxide thickness have been fabricated on device grade 4H‐SiC substrate. Ni has been used for gate metal on thermally oxidized Si‐face and a composite layer of Ti‐Au has been used for Ohmic contact on the highly doped C‐face of the substrate. Each structure was diced and bonded on a TO‐8 header with a suitable wire bonding for further testing using in‐house developed LabVIEW‐based computer aided measurement setup.

Findings

The leakage current of fabricated structures shows an asymmetric behavior with the polarity of gate bias ( + V or −V at the anode). A strong relation of oxide thickness and temperature on effective barrier height at SiO2/4H‐SiC interface as well as on oxide charges have been established and reported in this paper.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the development of 4H‐SiC based device technology in the fabrication of MOSiC‐based integrated structures.
The effects of threading dislocations and tensile strain in Ge/Si photodetector
Authors: Yang Jian‐hong , Wei Ying , Cai Xue‐yuan , Ran Jin‐zhi
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the influences of the tensile strain and the threading dislocations (TDs) in the germanium (Ge) epitaxial layer on the performance of the Ge vertical p‐i‐n photodetectors on Si substrate.

Design/methodology/approach

The dark current, photo responsivity and time responsivity of detector were calculated using two‐dimensional drift‐diffusion device modeling and compared with experimental data.

Findings

The incorporation of the tensile strain and the reduction of the TDs in the Ge epilayer can increase the performance of the detector.

Originality/value

An optical design of detector is suggested with lower TD in the Ge buffer layer, which can exhibit superior performance.
The effect of porosity on the properties of silicon solar cell
Authors: Ramizy Asmiet , Aziz Wisam J. , Hassan Z. , Omar Khalid , Ibrahim K.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how fabricate solar cell based‐on porous silicon (PS) prepared by electrochemical etching process is fabricated and the effect of porosity layer on the solar cell performance is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The techniques used include SiO2 thermal oxidation, ZnO/TiO2 sputtering deposition and PS prepared by electrochemical etching. Surface morphology and structural properties of porous Si were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy. Photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy measurements were also performed at room temperature. Current‐voltage measurements of the fabricated solar cell were taken under 80 mW/cm2 illumination conditions. Optical reflectance was obtained by using optical reflectometer (Filmetrics‐F20).

Findings

Pore diameter and microstructure are dependent on anodization condition such as HF: ethanol concentration, duration time, temperature, and current density. On other hand, a much more homogeneous and uniform distribution of pores is obtained when compared with other wafer prepared with different electrolyte composition.

Originality/value

PS is found to be an excellent anti‐reflection coating against incident light when it is compared with another anti‐reflection coating and exhibits good light‐trapping of a wide wavelength spectrum which produce high efficiency solar cells (11.23 per cent).
National accounting for intangible assets in the knowledge economy
Authors: Clacher Iain
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the issues, difficulties, importance for public policy and current initiatives associated with developing a more comprehensive national accounting framework in relation to public and private sector investments in intangible assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses and evaluates the most salient statistics on intangible asset investments and the implications for public and private sector policy makers.

Findings

The UK economy has a high representation of firms and activities that invest in intangible assets that are not traditionally included in national accounts and that their exclusion has a significant impact on the UK's apparent growth and productivity performance.

Originality/value

The paper discusses a range of measurement and other difficulties in significantly developing a comprehensive national accounting framework that fully incorporates the impact of intangible asset investments upon national growth and productivity metrics.