bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legitimating technologies
Authors: Mantovani Giuseppe , Spagnolli Anna
Published: November 2002

Discusses some issues related to the networking of an institution and presents the results of a field study. Institutions are bound not only to profit‐making but also to values and norms which shape their everyday lives; the introduction of computer technologies into institutional environments requires legitimization, not only in terms of time and money spared but also in terms of the perceived appropriateness of the new technological tools with respect to institutional goals. However, computer networks are not fixed objects, impermeable to the characteristics of the organizations in which they are introduced and used. On the contrary, they are configured by their users, to be adapted to their social environments. The field study, observed how members of an institution struggled to make sense of the introduction of a new computer network, and found that the final move in the process of legitimization was made by the institution itself, through a “committee for information technology”, which produced a normative artifact defining the official policy of the institution negotiating the new computer infrastructure.
Quality standard implementation in the Thai seafood processing industry
Authors: Rohitratana Kaewta , Boon‐itt Sakun
Published: November 2002

The key findings on implementing ISO 9000 standard in the seafood industry, which is recognized as the leading export industry in Thailand, have been presented. The purpose of this study was to describe the current situation in ISO 9000 implementation, the characteristics, the strengths, the weaknesses, and problems of implementing a quality standard. Reports the finding of a mail questionnaire survey conducted on 178 selected seafood companies. The analysis of the survey data suggested that about 94 percent of companies obtained at least one quality standard. With further analysis, we also found that there are some different characteristics in terms of product type, production process, and purchasing policies among these selected companies. Results indicated that Thai seafood companies still lack enthusiasm regarding ISO 9000, compared with other countries in Asia. Finally, we found major problems in implementing ISO 9000 such as lack of understanding this quality standard and lack of support from the staff and management.
Conceptualizing the global competency cube: a transnational model of human resource
Authors: Engle Allen D. , Mendenhall Mark E. , Powers Richard L. , Stedham Yvonne
Published: November 2002

Presents a conceptual framework that attempts to bridge the lag between strategic need and international human resource (IHR) support practices. Looks at the idea of competencies being an alternative to the traditional construct of jobs. Presents a model consisting of three balanced transnational competencies. Concludes with a series of HR applications of the model.
The role of appraisal, remuneration and training in improving staff relations in the Western Australian accommodation industry: a comparative study
Authors: Davies Doug , Taylor Ruth , Savery Lawson
Published: November 2002

Looks at performance appraisal, remuneration and training, and the role these human resources (HR) practices have within the hotel accommodation industry in Western Australia. Owing to high turnover of staff in the hospitality and other services industries, organisations are often reluctant to invest in training on casual and part‐time employees. They are also reluctant to investigate alternative remuneration and reward strategies, despite the assistance that is provided by the Western Australian Commissioner for Workplace agreements on this matter. Research has shown, however, that by providing an adequate HR support system, a commitment can be built towards an organization, therefore resulting in better workplace relations for both employees and the organisation. By means of a survey it was found that improved HR practices can lead to an improvement in staff relations, an improvement in quality, commitment and productivity on the part of the employee, and can also work towards reducing labour turnover, hence not only saving the organisation money in recruitment and induction costs, but also improving profitability.
Training evaluation: clients’ roles
Authors: Hashim Junaidah
Published: November 2002

Training evaluation is an elusive concept, especially when it comes to practice. The practice of evaluation in training has received a lot of criticism. This criticism is largely explained by the unsystematic, informal, and ad hoc evaluation that has been conducted by training institutions. In Malaysia, training activities are monitored by the government. Organisations are required to obtain training services from approved training providers registered with the government. Examines the clients’ demand toward evaluation, the commitment given by training providers, and the overall practice of evaluation by the training providers in Malaysia. Finds that the government, client and economic situations have influenced the evaluation practice in a positive direction.
Evaluation of the role of the contractor’s personnel in enhancing the project constructability
Authors: Nima Mekdam A. , Abdul‐Kadir Mohd R. , Jaafar Mohd S.
Published: November 2002

Contractors’ personnel play a prominent role in enhancing the constructability of facilities design, construction and assessment. Looks at the constructability concepts identified by the Construction Industry Institute at Austin, Texas (CII) and represents and describes the constructability concepts in relation to contractors’ personnel. Discusses the role of each of them in enhancing constructability of facilities projects. Concludes that a set of obligations are the answer to the question of “How can the contractor’s personnel enhance the project constructability?”.
An intelligent operating room of the future – an interview with the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: November 2002

Based on an interview with the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, which is currently building a new facility to include an intelligent operating room (OR). UCLA’s goals for the intelligent operating room are to lead the development of the latest robotic and computer‐assisted medical and biomedical devices and technology, to have a flexible broad intelligence of space planning, and to have a paperless yet seamless data exchange of patient and doctor information. UCLA’s planning strategy, a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to patient care, is based on a partnership between academic engineers, practicing clinicians, practicing physicians, and manufacturing industry. By creating an intelligent OR, the UCLA Medical Center hopes to improve patient satisfaction, retain and attract the best surgeons, and eventually, through the continued incorporation of image‐guided surgery, be able to decrease surgeon variability.
Digital surgery: the future of medicine and human‐robot symbiotic interaction
Authors: Abovitz Rony
Published: November 2002

Describes the development and application of the haptic whole arm manipulator (WAM) robotic arm in surgical operations. Discusses the fusion of 2D and 3D body images with the robot which allows the precise positioning of laparoscopic and other surgical tools to assist human surgeons. Benefits attributed to this system include minimally invasive surgery, reduced collateral damage, reduced infection risks and reduced requirements for revision surgery.
The trend of robot technology in semi‐conductor and LCD industry
Authors: Tsuzuku Chiaki
Published: November 2002

Today, most of the high technology products around us require high performance semiconductors, and information technology (IT) is fully utilized in these products. The IT revolution is due largely to the remarkable progress of semi‐conductor technology. Robots are expected to handle larger size wafers under various levels of vacuum and clean environments, in order to permit semi‐conductor manufacturing equipment to realize higher density and performance in the twenty‐first century. Twenty years have passed since liquid crystal Displays (LCD) were introduced into the market and now LCDs are used widely. LCDs, which are based on thin film transistors (TFT) have been used especially in displays for PCs, mobile telephones and digital cameras, and now recently in flat‐screen TVs. Under these circumstances, LCD device makers are enlarging the size of glass plates in order to achieve higher productivity. Along with these trends, the robots used in LCD manufacturing systems are required to cope with the market needs for enlarging the size of glass plates. This paper introduces the trend in the next generation of robot technology for the semi‐conductor and LCD industries, coping with larger wafers, higher density and larger LCD glass plates.
FlexPicker with PickMaster revolutionizes picking operations
Authors: Brantmark Håkan , Hemmingson Eric
Published: November 2002

For many years, ABB has been setting the standard for flexible automation in a wide range of industries. Combining pace with precision, the IRB 340 FlexPicker, for example, is opening up new markets as it drastically reduces the cost of pick and place operations. A range of refinements, including a brand new software package dubbed PickMaster, a wash‐down version of the IRB 340 robot and an upgraded controller for unparalleled speed and motion control, now give FlexPicker even more robotic muscle.
Robotics revolutionizing surgery: the Intuitive Surgical “Da Vinci” system
Authors: Broeders Ivo A.M.J. , Ruurda Jelle
Published: November 2002

The introduction of laparoscopy in surgery offered clear advantages to patients. Surgeons, however, had to deal with various types of problems inherent to the essential differences in surgical approach. One of these problems, reduced dexterity, was solved at the end of the previous decade by the introduction of robotic surgery systems. Discusses the backgrounds for development of the Intuitive Surgical “Da Vinci” systems and gives an overview of current status and functionality.
Rationale and design of moderated choice experiments: a strategic pricing application
Authors: Chrzan Keith
Published: November 2002

Common methods for pricing research ask respondents to evaluate multiple pricing scenarios. Likely respondents can allow some carry‐over to occur from one scenario to the next. In a study wherein such carry‐over conflicts with the objectives of the research a different experimental design will be more appropriate. Moderated choice experimental designs are introduced and illustrated in a study of every day low price pricing of a consumer durable good. Substantive conclusions about durable goods pricing strategies and about moderated choice experiments are reported.
Retailing in Bangkok: an intriguing example of agglomeration
Authors: Blois Keith , Mandhachitara Rujirutana , Smith Tasman
Published: November 2002

Retailing organizations in Bangkok range in type from the traditional through to the most modern. Also, while there are agglomerations of small stores selling similar ranges of goods, there are also some of the most up‐to‐date large shopping malls in the world. Although such agglomerations of retailing activity are not unique to Bangkok, Bangkok’s development is arguably unusual in three ways: the number of agglomerations continues to grow; these new agglomerations are dealing in a wide range of goods and not just electronic gadgets; and one particular agglomeration dominates the Bangkok market for its range of goods. A survey was carried out in 1999 of a sample of the stores in Pantip Plaza, a mall that is in an agglomeration. The results show the need to improve our understanding of the factors leading to agglomeration.
Police as military: Indonesia’s experience
Authors: Meliala Adrianus
Published: November 2002

The Indonesian police (Polri) were unique in that they were once part of the military as well as being an extension of the Government. Since the police joined the military and executed a paramilitary policing style, Polri has been characterised by three problems: their terrible weakness as law enforcers, the poor quality of policing and an unhealthy police‐public relationship. This article examines these problems and their history. It also reviews the present situation and offers some possible solutions for the future.
Exploring organisation commitment in the police
Authors: Metcalfe Beverly , Dick Gavin
Published: November 2002

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s organisation and management consultants have researched the concept of organisational commitment and report that highly committed employees are likely to be more effective, and be concerned with contributing to organisational improvement. Given the number of police reforms in the UK that are encouraging forces to be more innovative, it is surprising that there have been few studies that have explored commitment amongst police officers. Using survey data (total uniform population 2,898, response rate 43 percent) the paper analyses the extent to which organisation commitment is shaped by: employees’ experiences of behaviour that encourages teamwork, participation, and personal development, provides feedback on role and performance, and avoids a defensive work climate. The results show that these factors strongly influence commitment in all ranks. Significantly the level of commitment varies according to position in the hierarchy, with the majority of constables demonstrating lower commitment, and senior officers (chief inspectors and above) showing higher commitment. Differences in commitment across police divisions are also explored. The paper discusses the limitations in management style and personnel procedures and suggests that strategic human resource management approaches should be adopted in order to increase organisation attachment. A major implication of the findings is that ForceCo needs to develop a long‐term strategy of culture change.
Towards TQM – integrating Japanese 5‐S principles with ISO 9001:2000 requirements
Authors: Sui Pheng Low
Published: November 2002

5‐S is the acronym for five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke which, when translated, mean organisation, neatness, cleanliness, standardization and discipline respectively. They have been referred to as the five keys to a total quality environment. There are many similarities between the ISO 9001:2000 requirements for quality management and 5‐S principles, which should be integrated. This paper shows that this integration can be achieved by extending the ISO 9001:2000 template to incorporate relevant 5‐S principles. By piggy‐backing on ISO 9001:2000 quality management systems, 5‐S principles can be introduced more readily into organizations without the need for additional resources. This paper presents the ISO 9001:2000 requirements as well as 5‐S principles and discusses how these two sets of requirements/principles could be integrated to move towards total quality management.
Market share, profits and business strategy
Authors: Laverty Kevin J.
Published: November 2002

Research into the correlation between market share and profitability has led to debate over whether the observed association is direct or spurious. The fundamental question remains whether the pursuit of market share is an appropriate strategy. This paper reports the results of a structural equations model which provides the clearest test to date of the competing viewpoints. The direct association between market share and profitability depends upon restrictive statistical assumptions. When these assumptions are relaxed, the results show that there is no direct association between market share and profitability.
Empirical evidence about managerial issues of ISO certification
Authors: González Torre Pilar , Adenso‐Díaz Belarmino , González Beatriz A.
Published: November 2002

Nowadays, there are a growing number of companies that for a variety of reasons seek the ISO 9000 certificate in order to continue being competitive. This certification process provokes certain changes in company organisation which affect diverse functional areas. The article presents the results obtained from a study of a set of certified companies in a specific geographical area, and in which an attempt is made to test diverse hypotheses related to the influence of this process of certification with respect to human resources and the post‐certification process. The study was able to count upon the collaboration of more than 50 per cent of the certified companies under consideration.
Evaluation of health services organisations – German experiences with the EFQM excellence approach in healthcare
Authors: Moeller Johannes , Sonntag Anne Katharina
Published: November 2002

Expands on previous reports by illustrating experiences of German health services organisations made in their assessment against the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model. Indicates the EFQM method and scoring system. Refers to the experiences German health care pioneers made during their early assessments. Also, success factors and best practices of self‐assessments are shared, as well as limitations, barriers, and lessons learned during the implementation phase. The excellence model is a systematic quality management approach to gain competitive advantage. It is non‐governmental, non‐financier driven, and generic enough to address health care issues. Having its foundation in industry, however, it is not specific enough to cover all areas relevant to health care.
Heroic medicine and business downsizing: management’s dark ages
Authors: Chung Ed
Published: November 2002

Examines the current trend towards downsizing using the metaphor of heroic medicine, an old medical practice which entailed bleeding the patient (often to death). The passion that an entrepreneur imbues in an organization can only bear fruit if the people take part in nurturing and sustaining it. Downsizing as a business model goes against the idea of reciprocal responsibility which underlies worker motivation, and consequently competitiveness. Business leaders are advised to treat their enterprises as holistic entities, and pay attention to its members dreams and aspirations so as to draw strength from its people.
Analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Li Heng
Published: November 2002

This paper discusses the use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in assigning weights to a group of elements. The weighting of elements has two major functions. First, it is employed to prioritize (rank) elements so that the key elements can be determined. This may for example help to establish the key measures for business performance. Second, assigning weight to selected measures (or criteria) may provide a more accurate judgement. It is, therefore, useful in making business decisions, such as the evaluation of alternative marketing strategies, the selection of candidates for jobs, etc. In addition, AHP employs a consistency test to purify the usable questionnaire responses and an iterative process to improve consistency, which differentiate it from other research methods. Comments and discussions regarding the AHP method are also provided.
B2b, old economy businesses and the role of quality
Authors: Williams A.R.T. , Dale B.G. , Visser R.L. , Van der Wiele T.
Published: November 2002

This paper explores the impact of the Internet on the business transactions of organisations. Three main impacts – globalisation, customisation, and customer demand solutions – are examined. It is argued that the medium and large old economy companies will be most affected by transactions within the new economy, and this leads to both problems and possibilities. The paper has identified three major ways in which these old economy companies are attempting to integrate the new economy as a development of their current business – treating the Net as an extension of their normal service, using the Net to expand and improve their current co‐makership relationship with suppliers, and a step‐back‐and‐reflect approach to assess how the Internet might affect their business.
Continuous product innovation
Authors: Chapman Ross L. , O’Mara Charles Edward , Ronchi Stefano , Corso Mariano
Published: November 2002

This paper discusses results from an international study of continuous improvement in product innovation. The empirical research is based upon a theoretical model of continuous product innovation (CPI) that identifies contingencies, behaviours, levers and performances relevant to improving product innovation processes. As successful knowledge management is widely recognised as a key capability for firms to successfully develop CPI, companies have been classified according to identified contingencies and the impact of these contingencies on key knowledge management criteria. Comparative analysis of the identified groups of companies has demonstrated important differences between the learning behaviours found present in the two groups thus identified, and in the levers used to develop and support these behaviours. The selection of performance measures by the two groups has highlighted further significant differences in the way the two groups understand and measure their CPI processes. Finally, the paper includes a discussion of appropriate mechanisms for firms with similar contingency sets to improve their approaches to organisational learning and product innovation.
Nature, value and pursuit of reliable corporate knowledge
Authors: Mort Joe
Published: November 2002

To innovate, a firm must create from permutations and combinations of many individual and organizational intellects a differential knowledge that could not spring from a single mind. Shaped by particular time and circumstances and emerging as if from a collective, corporate “mind”, this corporate knowledge can define a unique worldview for the firm. Given its centrality to the competitiveness of any firm, an important issue is the degree to which such collective corporate knowledge can be considered reliable. Ziman described reliable scientific knowledge as the product of a collective human enterprise to which its member scientists make individual contributions that are amended and extended by mutual criticism and intellectual cooperation. Uses an analogy with Ziman’s description of the scientific process to examine the nature and value of reliable knowledge in the corporate environment and the imperatives and possibilities for its creation. As will be described, the hallmark of corporate “reliable” knowledge cannot be its “correctness” but rather its synoptic and emergent nature.
The who, what and why of knowledge mapping
Authors: Wexler Mark N.
Published: November 2002

Examines the who, what and why of the knowledge mapping process used in the visual display of information in contemporary organizations. Knowledge mapping serves as the continuously evolving organizational memory, capturing and integrating strategic explicit knowledge within an organization and between an organization and its external environment. Knowledge map making is treated as a medium of communication over what is important and actionable information (knowledge) in organizational contexts. Effective knowledge maps take into account the who, what and why of the knowledge mapping process. Effective knowledge maps help identify intellectual capital, socialize new members, enhance organizational learning and help anticipate impending threats and/or opportunities.
Sunrise in the knowledge economy
Authors: Guthrie James , Petty Richard , Johanson Ulf
Published: November 2002

There are two aims of this introductory article: first, to draw attention to the gaps in the research literature; and second to stimulate further accounting and management research regarding intellectual capital by posing several possible research questions. Suggests that critical and social accounting academics have a vital role to play in making visible a number of important social issues that stem from understanding better the value of intellectual capital within both organisations and the wider social fabric. Also looks to possible new ways of accounting for intangibles within public and private sector organisations.
Valuing intellectual capacity in the police
Authors: Collier Paul M.
Published: November 2002

Presents a case study of intellectual capital within the police service of the UK. Describes the acquisition and maintenance of intellectual capacity through five mechanisms and explores the ways in which the utilization of intellectual capacity is reported. Makes two contributions to the emerging debate on intellectual capital. First, differentiates intellectual capital as an investment in the stock of knowledge from intellectual capacity as the flow or utilization of that knowledge. Second, emphasizes the difference between the (instrumental) value of intellectual capital in pursuit of purposes and the (representational) value of intellectual capital as contained in published reports. Concludes that intellectual capacity is essential for the police to prevent and detect crime, and to maintain public order, road safety and the confidence of the public. Despite the limitations of traditional accounting measures, the paper argues that those who report performance should value intellectual capital rather than be concerned with reporting its value through financial or quantitative metrics.
Financial institutions, intangibles and corporate governance
Authors: Holland John
Published: November 2002

Explores the central role that private information on corporate intangibles plays in the private corporate governance role of financial institutions (FIs). The institutional fund managers’ (FMs) private understanding of many qualitative or intellectual capital factors driving corporate performance was the basis for wide‐ranging corporate governance influence concerning financial performance and conventional Cadbury‐style corporate governance issues. This was primarily a private, implicit corporate governance process by FIs and their FMs during good corporate performance. Also reveals how the nature of FM corporate governance influence became more interventionist with adverse changes in corporate performance factors, in FI‐side influence factors and in environmental circumstances. The qualitative intangible factors, especially board and top management qualities, were central to this more proactive form of intervention. Finally, discusses the case results within the research literature on the corporate governance role of FIs, identifies new directions for research and discusses policy implications briefly.
The psychodynamics of organizational change management
Authors: Carr Adrian , Gabriel Yiannis
Published: November 2002

The notion of the unconscious is introduced and contextualised as part of the larger psychodynamics relevant to the process of managing change. The other papers in this special issue are introduced.
Understanding emotion and emotionality in a process of change
Authors: Carr Adrian
Published: November 2002

Aspects of the psychodynamics of organisation change are explored and in particular how emotion and emotionality should be conceived. A case is made to go beyond the dichotomous world of “rational” versus “emotional” and develop a greater appreciation of how the rational and the emotional can be “fused” or act in a co‐existent and co‐dependent fashion where one cannot be understood in the absence of the other. Read through the optic of identity, acts of so called rationality may simply be an expression of a deeper, albeit unconscious realm – psychodynamics in which emotion and emotionality are significant. It is through the optic of identity that the individual’s attachment to the organisation is described and the meaning of behaviour in the midst of change is canvassed. It is noted that, depending upon the degree of identification with the organisation, one encounters behaviours that reflect dislodgement of identity and those more commonly associated with the processes of grieving. Some tentative strategies are advanced in managing these behaviours.
Emotion, learning and organizational change
Authors: Antonacopoulou Elena P. , Gabriel Yiannis
Published: November 2002

Develops an understanding of the complex interface between emotion and learning and highlights the special contribution of psychoanalytic insights in understanding individuals’ reactions to organizational changes. Explores the extent to which emotions are products of learning, the ways in which emotions facilitate or inhibit learning, and the ways in which learning redefines and re‐organizes emotions at both an individual and an organizational level. The analysis shows the interdependence between emotion and learning and highlights many of the subtleties of individuals’ reactions to change that current research into individuals’ adaptability to organizational change tends to neglect. Reviews some of the implications of the psychodynamic explication of emotion and learning to our understanding of individuals’ reactions to organizational change.
Organizational change: tales of intergenerational and sibling rivalry
Authors: Anne Lister E.
Published: November 2002

Organizations often reproduce family relationships with conflicts against authority and sibling rivalry. Although seemingly aberrant, these behaviours are a typical and normal human response to organizational change. Relates four events from a major computer project which illustrate these Oedipal themes. First, the critical incident when the renewal contract for consultancy services was unexpectedly awarded to the competitor of the incumbent supplier: the analysis suggests that the decision to change supplier was not solely commercial but also had a strong emotional basis. After the initial turbulence had settled and the handover between suppliers was complete there was a further, minor, reorganization. Episodes from this period relate an aspect of the staffing change which appears to support the senior manager’s Oedipal needs; an envious attack and, finally, the introduction of performance statistics with the subsequent defiant compliance of the middle managers. The analyses provide several alternative explanations.
“Negative capability”: managing the confusing uncertainties of change
Authors: French Robert
Published: November 2002

Explores how psychoanalytic thinking can contribute to the management of the conflicting emotions stimulated by change. Suggests that successful change management depends on a combination of “positive” and “negative” capabilities. The positive capabilities involve the management of the substantive content of any change initiative, the change process itself, and the roles and procedures required by both of these. However, even when these three “technical” aspects are well managed, change always arouses anxiety and uncertainty. As a result, there is a tendency to “disperse” energy; that is, to be deflected from the task into a range of avoidance tactics. Through a particular understanding of such “dispersal” and its opposite, the “capacity to contain”, psychoanalysis can suggest how this counterproductive tendency may be more effectively managed. The British psychoanalyst Wilfred Bion called this capacity to contain “negative capability”.
Organizing for powerlessness. A critical perspective on psychodynamics and dysfunctionality.
Authors: Kersten Astrid
Published: November 2002

Develops a critical perspective on organizations and psychoanalysis. Following a brief review of various strands of psychoanalytic theorizing about organizations, argues that psychoanalysis can make an important contribution both to recognizing and to restoring the human subject in the organization. However, psychoanalysis also runs the risk of becoming complicitous with the larger context of domination that structures and governs organizations, unless it explicitly acknowledges and incorporates this context. Discusses the importance of acknowledging relations of power, recognizing the normalization of dysfunctionality in organizations, and moving away from individualizing issues of emotion, resistance and control.
Anxiety and incompetence in the large group
Authors: Seel Richard
Published: November 2002

Insights from psychoanalytic thinking have been widely applied in the field of consulting, training and facilitation; small group theory has also been influential. Perspectives from median and large group work have been less commonly applied. Explores some of the mechanisms which underlie large group dynamics and shows how they can help to highlight some of the destructive processes which may occur when more than about a dozen people meet together. Insights derived from large group perspectives will be used to help explain the dynamics of an organisational event in which a group of experienced consultants were reduced to feelings of profound incompetence and helplessness. Finally, suggests some ways in which the negative effects of large group dynamics may be ameliorated.
Short‐range, unmanned air vehicle system development at Cranfield
Authors: Jones Robert , Dyer David , Thomasson Peter
Published: November 2002

In the mid‐1990s Cranfield began work on a programme to develop a short‐range, unmanned air vehicle system for surveillance use. The basic aim of the work was to prove the technologies to provide real time reconnaissance imagery of ground targets to operators having the minimum of skills in air vehicle operations. Cranfield was able to bring a wide range of proven skills to the programme in the areas of airframe and control system design, mathematical modelling and real time simulation plus system integration and flight trials. All of these contributed to the work described here. The programme led to the demonstration of a complete “Observer” system, including the new Cranfield A3 air vehicle, which met the requirements for a robust, simple to operate system for providing the imagery information required without the need to master the complexities of the technologies deployed to provide it.
Lateral/directional control for an autonomous, unmanned airship
Authors: Raul Azinheira José , Carneiro de Paiva Ely , Reginaldo Hughes Carvalho José , Júnior Guimarães Ramos Josué , Siqueira Bueno Samuel , Bergerman Marcel , Augusto Valente Ferreira Paulo
Published: November 2002

Project AURORA aims at the development of an unmanned airship capable of autonomous flight over user‐defined locations for aerial inspection and imagery acquisition. Presents a guidance control strategy for the trajectory path following of the AURORA airship, where the objective is to make the vehicle follow a set of pre‐defined points. The guidance strategy is based on a path tracking error generation methodology that takes into account both the distance and the angular errors of the airship with respect to the desired trajectory. The guidance system is composed of a path tracking guidance controller (as outer loop) and a heading controller (as inner loop), using the rudder deflection. Also proposes an additional roll controller, using the aileron input, in order to reduce rolling oscillations during yaw maneuvering and due to atmospheric turbulence.
Intermetallids Ni3Al and Fe3Al with directional structure as future materials
Authors: Verin A.S. , Verin M.A.
Published: November 2002

Presents data which relate to the problem of creating a new technique and technology. In the 1990s the problem of the practical use of intermetallids Ni3Al and Fe3Al as structural components in aircraft industry in the USSR was at the stage of a pilot application. In the USSR the process of the directional solidification of superalloys used in components of aircraft engines was at a high level. There was a commercial process for obtaining turbine blades with columnar structure (DC) and single crystal structure (SC) using different methods of cooling for the ingots during the growth, such as cooling on the copper shield and in melt metals (Sn,Al). On the basis of obtained data, theoretical research was conducted regarding the creation of new processes which could give rise to the possibility of directional solidification. One of these processes is the method of dosed feeding of the growing ingots. This method allows alterations to the microstructure, the plasticity, the strength of Ni3Al and Fe3Al intermetallids, and corrosion and oxidation resistance.
Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) and poly(4‐vinylpyridine poly‐3‐oxide ethylene) as corrosion inhibitors for Cu60‐Zn40 in 0.5M HNO3
Authors: Abed Y. , Arrar Z. , Hammouti B. , Taleb M. , Kertit S. , Mansri A.
Published: November 2002

The effects of the addition of poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) and its derivative poly(4‐vinylpyridine poly‐3‐oxide ethylene) (P4VPPOE) on the corrosion of Cu60‐Zn40 in 0.5M HNO3 have been investigated by potentiodynamic and weight loss measurements. Both of the studied polymers decrease the corrosion rate. Their inhibition efficiency (E%) increases with the concentration. The maximum of inhibition was obtained for P4VPPOE (100 per cent at 10–5M). E% obtained from cathodic Tafel plots and weight loss methods were in good agreement. The inhibitors were adsorbed on the Cu60‐Zn40 surface according to the Frumkin adsorption isotherm model. P4VPPOE acts as a cathodic inhibitor and its efficiency is temperature independent.
Corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in the presence of N‐cetyl‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide, Zn2+ and calcium gluconate
Authors: Manjula P. , Manonmani S. , Jayaram P. , Rajendran S.
Published: November 2002

The inhibition efficiency of N‐cetyl‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant, in controlling the corrosion of carbon steel in an aqueous solution containing 60ppm Cl–, in the absence and presence of Zn2+ and also calcium gluconate (CG), had been evaluated by the weight‐loss method. Weight‐loss studies revealed that the behaviour of CTAB changed when its concentration is ≥ 150ppm. Organisation of assembly of CTAB molecules is expected to take place at this critical concentration. The protective film has been analysed using FTIR spectra. In the presence of CTAB, the protective film consists of Fe2+‐CTAB complex. In the presence of CTAB and Zn2+, the protective film consists of Fe2+‐CTAB complex and Zn(OH)2. In the presence of CTAB and calcium gluconate, the protective film consists of Fe2+‐CTAB complex, Fe2+‐gluconate complex and Ca(OH)2.
Synergistic interaction of indium and gallium in the activation of aluminium alloy in aqueous chloride solution
Authors: Mathiyarasu J. , Nehru L.C. , Subramanian P. , Palaniswamy N. , Rengaswamy N.S.
Published: November 2002

Aluminium alloys are being employed very widely as galvanic anodes for cathodic protection. Aluminium‐zinc‐mercury and aluminium‐zinc‐indium are the popular alloys that are used as anodes. In general, the alloying ingredients activate aluminium and maintain uniform dissolution. In the present investigation, the role of addition of gallium in the ternary alloy of aluminium‐zinc‐indium has been studied by making use of polarisation studies, capacity measurements and galvanic current measurements.
Synergistic inhibition of anionic and nonionic surfactants on corrosion of mild steel in acidic solution
Authors: Shalaby M.N. , Osman M.M.
Published: November 2002

Sodium oleic sulfonate (SOS), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80 or T80) and their mixtures have been studied as acid corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1M HCl using adsorption and gravimetric techniques. All the data reveal that the compounds act as inhibitors in the acid environment. The adsorption and inhibition efficiency are discussed as a function of the concentration and the nature of mixing the two surfactants. T80 + αSOS mixtures show a better inhibition effect than SOS + αT80, that increases with the value of αSOS. The interaction and synergism of the investigated mixtures are studied by calculating the interaction parameters (β) and the degree of synergism (S) from surface tension‐concentration and corrosion data. The degree of synergism for T80 + αSOS is higher than that of SOS + αT80. This is believed to be due to the presence of the small amount of the co‐surfactant SOS which serves as an anchor molecule for the nonionic molecules.
A love affair with markup
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: November 2002

It was not love at first sight when I met my first markup language sometime in the 1980s. But XML is different. It has a rich and flexible tag‐set that lets it function as a database. It is also starting to have tools that allow Web‐based display with standard browsers. Describing XML is not easy, but four aspects seem particularly important: separation of data; tool development; standards; and preservation.
From unstructured HTML to structured XML: how XML supports financial knowledge management on the Internet
Authors: Tin Yuen Lok , Wefield Lee Yue , Mui Lau Sau
Published: November 2002

Reports the benefits of using extensible markup language (XML) to support knowledge management of financial information. Current search engines cannot provide sufficient performance to support users of financial information, which includes both non‐structured items and well‐structured items. For investors, making a high‐quality decision sometimes requires both. XML can help by providing tags to create structure. XML provides a vendor‐neutral approach. XML authors can create arbitrary tags to describe the format or structure of data, and are not restricted to the tags in the specification for HTML. A prototype XML‐based Electronic Financial Filing System (ELFFS‐XML) has been developed to illustrate how to apply XML to model and add value to traditional HTML‐based financial information by cross‐linking related information from different data sources. Compares the functionality of XML‐based ELFFS with the original HTML‐based ELFFS and SEDAR, an electronic filing system used in Canada, and recommends some directions for future development of similar electronic filing systems.
Setting priorities for the library’s systems office
Authors: Muir Scott P.
Published: November 2002

While many libraries do some form of planning, few take the time to identify, review and establish priorities. The lack of a commitment to setting priorities leads libraries to operate in a manner that does not always reflect the needs of the organization and the people it serves. It can also lead to wasted time, energy and financial resources as the organization focuses its efforts on developments of lesser importance. The priority setting process is not easy, but it will allow the library to understand its organizational needs and allocate resources accordingly. This will also create a situation in which the library can justify and explain the decisions it makes and the work that it is working on currently as being that which is most critical to the organization.
PubSearch: a Web citation‐based retrieval system
Authors: He Yulan , Cheung Hui Siu
Published: November 2002

Many scientific publications are now available on the World Wide Web for researchers to share research findings. However, they tend to be poorly organised, making the search of relevant publications difficult and time‐consuming. Most existing search engines are ineffective in searching these publications, as they do not index Web publications that normally appear in PDF (portable document format) or PostScript formats. Proposes a Web citation‐based retrieval system, known as PubSearch, for the retrieval of Web publications. PubSearch indexes Web publications based on citation indices and stores them into a Web Citation Database. The Web Citation Database is then mined to support publication retrieval. Apart from supporting the traditional cited reference search, PubSearch also provides document clustering search and author clustering search. Document clustering groups related publications into clusters, while author clustering categorizes authors into different research areas based on author co‐citation analysis.
Steering the cybrary into the twenty‐first century: who is the leader?
Authors: Boone Morell D.
Published: November 2002

One way to think of a cybrary is as a smart organizational structure in a smart building. What administrative implications does the creation of a cybrary have for its host university or institution? A cybrary leader needs always to be examining where technology is going, and how it will have an impact on the services the organization provides. The multifaceted features of the cybrary strongly suggest that leadership must come from something beyond a traditional library director position.
Metadata harvesting
Authors: Graham Rebecca A.
Published: November 2002

For this fourth column in the IT I‐V (information technology interview) series participants actively engaged or interested in the metadata harvesting protocol of the open archives initiative were interviewed. The metadata harvesting initiative targets information generally inaccessible through standard browser searches, such as information stored in databases or within library online public access catalogs. We selected this topic as an information technology‐based initiative with the potential to provide information about the usefulness of metadata: in particular the Dublin Core metadata standard, but also about other metadata standards, as the protocol design supports community‐specific schemas as well. The group interviewed represents developers, commercial information providers, funders, and members of the scholarly publishing community. Along with learning about the interests and concerns of each of these stakeholders and about specific applications of the protocol, we identify potential questions that will ultimately need to be addressed.
Categorical relationships: chi‐square
Authors: Janes Joseph
Published: November 2002

Continues a series on topics in research methodology, statistics and data analysis techniques for the library and information sciences. Discusses the chi‐square test for relationship between two categorical variables.
Developing a multiple foci conceptualization of the psychological contract
Authors: Marks Abigail
Published: November 2002

Suggests a way in which the psychological contract can be reconceptualized as a construct with multiple foci. Presents an argument for examining psychological contracts with importance placed on work groups. Concludes that previous conceptualizations of the psychological contract have concentrated on the relationship between employee and organization. Argues that it is, however, more multifarious.
Misbehaviour in the public library: Internet use, filters and difficult people
Authors: Ole Pors Niels
Published: November 2002

A heated debate concerning filters in public libraries has been on the agenda in Denmark in early Spring 2001. This debate was the background for a small investigation into how libraries cope with misuse of Internet access in the public library system. The results from the small scale investigation are presented. The investigation forms the basis for a discussion about filters, use and misuse of Internet access.
Strategic policy to fight Germany’s unemployment problem
Authors: Funk Lothar
Published: November 2002

Unemployment in Germany remains a major policy issue. The unemployment problem began with ratchet effects following the two crude oil‐price shocks in the 1970s. In each case, a persistent increase in (long‐term) unemployment became particularly noticeable, with the slow rate of job creation in the service sector being a fundamental cause. With the objective of isolating a likely successful policy prescription for Germany, this paper presents an international comparison of different approaches to reducing unemployment and increasing job creation. The author suggests “strategic employment policy” as a possible solution to overcoming the existing blockage of economically reasonable labour market reforms and develops a specific proposal to transform the existing German Alliance for Jobs as a voluntary vehicle for consensus into an incentive‐generating “social pact with bite”.