bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and analysis of compliant sheet metal assembly variation
Authors: Yu Kuigang , Jin Sun , Lai Xinmin , Xing Yanfeng
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Material variation is inevitable in volume production, especially the sheet metal thickness variation, which influences part stiffness characteristic. The purpose of this paper is to present a new variation model of compliant sheet metal assembly with consideration of material variation influence.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of computational solid mechanics is used to obtain the relationship between part stiffness matrix and material characteristic. The method of influence coefficients is adopted to deduce the assembly variation model.

Findings

Material variation‐induced influence coefficients to assembly variation are obtained, and a variation model of compliant sheet metal assembly with sources of material variations, part geometric variations and fixture variations is presented. Analysis shows that material variation has an important influence to assembly variations.

Originality/value

A quantitative relationship between assembly variations and material thickness variations is firstly given and a new variation model of compliant sheet metal assembly is presented to help designers to more exactly predict the assembly variation and diagnose variation sources.
Design and fabrication of reconstructive mandibular models using fused deposition modeling
Authors: Kouhi Esfandyar , Masood Syed , Morsi Yos
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Combination of advanced imaging, designing and manufacturing techniques has been rapidly developed in recent years for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for medical devices. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for design and fabrication procedure of medical models using computer‐aided design (CAD) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique for application in the mandibular reconstructive surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies of patients with mandibular defects are examined using CAD model construction including data acquisition from computerized tomography scan and data processing. Furthermore, the effect of advanced manufacturing parameters settings in FDM methodology is investigated.

Findings

The models were used in assisting the surgeons in their reconstruction planning. A significant improvement regarding the success and convenience in surgery planning been reported.

Originality/value

This paper explores the application and viability of FDM rapid prototyping technology for fabrication of complex mandibular models used for reconstructive surgery.
Design for assembly
Authors: Khan Zulki
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the growing importance of design for assembly (DFA) and design for test (DFT) for compact medical electronics products.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses compact products based on leading‐edge electronic components such as digital signal processors, radio frequency (RF) and mixed‐signal chips, advanced ball‐grid array, quad flat pack, chip scale package devices.

Findings

Advanced technologies like these create higher component and joint counts and increasing PCB densities. A higher probability of defects and faults is created, which lead to lower yields for a specific product line unless proper effective DFA and DFT are implemented.

Practical implications

The paper details DFA, high‐speed PCB design, mixed‐signal design, and DFT.

Originality/value

With increasing complexity in compact medical products, it is prudent to emphasize DFA and DFT for ultimate reliability during product development and production cycles.
Applying the basics to improve the collection
Authors: Teel Linda M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This article serves as a follow‐up to an article published in Collection Building (Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 129‐133) entitled, “Inventory: catalyst for collection development” which discussed the direct outcomes of an inventory project as they related to effective collection development in a curriculum materials center. This article aims to discuss significant outcomes of change and improvement in a collection based on the inventory outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Featuring a case study of the East Carolina University Joyner Library Teaching Resources Center, application of the shelf analysis data is used to develop a long‐range plan for implementing changes and improvements in the collection development process. Outcomes are discussed and explained.

Findings

Through assessment, budgeting and collaborative collection development, successful outcomes were accomplished significantly improving and increasing services and resources for users.

Originality/value

The results of an initial inventory project conducted in the East Carolina University Teaching Resources Center improved the relevancy, accuracy, reliability and circulation of the curriculum collection. Using the data from the initial inventory to conduct further assessments, this case study discusses significant outcomes that were accomplished by implementing long‐range strategic planning. This article substantiates that a collection inventory provided the catalyst for instigating major changes in the curriculum collection development of the Joyner Library Teaching Resources Center.
The ownership of presidential campaign biographies by libraries: an empirical study
Authors: Crawford Gregory A. , McGuigan Glenn , Mattern Kephart Debra
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This research aims to examine the inclusion of biographies of presidential candidates in library collections.

Design/methodology/approach

OCLC's WorldCat database was used to search for biographies of presidential candidates that were held by libraries. Only biographies from the two years preceeding and the actual year of a presidential election were included in the analyses.

Findings

The results show that although candidate biographies are plentiful, most are owned by only a few libraries. Recent elections have seen the greatest number of these biographies, many of which have been produced by special interest groups. Analyses show that libraries collect these biographies without regard to party affiliation of the candidate or whether the candidate was victorious.

Research limitations/implications

Only major party candidates were included in the analyses.

Originality/value

Although such campaign materials may seem ephemeral, the paper shows that this material provides the raw material for future research on presidential campaigns and its associated advertising.
Selection criteria for academic video game collections
Authors: Tappeiner Elizabeth , Lyons Catherine
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This article aims to discuss the relevance of building video game collections in academia to support research and learning on campus and to propose useful criteria for building video game collections in academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined collection development policies of selected academic libraries as well as research discussing the cultural, historical, and educational value of video games. The authors also examined video game playback devices, games and their packaging, and popular game web sites.

Findings

The authors outline selection considerations for developing video game collections and propose the following criteria for selecting games: physical characteristics, teaching and learning principles present in the games, subject matter and content, and the cultural and historical value of a game.

Originality/value

Establishing video games in libraries is not a new topic, but most discussions have been focused on public libraries or the entertainment value of video games in academic libraries. This article focuses on games as serious objects of study in academia and provides best practices for video games collections development.
X‐ray systems for security and industrial inspection
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present improvements in X‐ray equipment, which are leading to wider use.

Design/methodology/approach

Developments in X‐ray sources and detectors are described. This is followed by a review of the more innovative equipment available for security and industrial applications.

Findings

Technological developments have produced smaller, lighter X‐ray systems and extended their applications to on‐site work. Multiple wavelength systems distinguish between different materials, and stereo systems remove ambiguities from X‐ray security imaging and allow 3D gauging of industrial components.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the availability of portable X‐ray systems and explains the underlying technology.
A new way to monitor using fibreoptics
Authors: Hunt James
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at fibreoptic sensing techniques and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides information on fibreoptic sensing technologies, instrumentation, advantages and applications.

Findings

Fibreoptic sensing, especially fibreoptic Bragg gratings, provide a highly effective means of monitoring internal changes in structural and other components that were previously impossible or very difficult to detect. Such systems are now approaching full commercialisation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful overview of how fibreoptic sensors work, and the advantages they provide when used in instrumentation applications ranging from compact devices to large and complex structures, where they may be structurally integrated.
Latest advances in through‐wall radar sensing for security applications
Authors: Edgcombe Jon P.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine existing radar sensor results, techniques for through‐wall radar and current applications for the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides information on sensing through a high‐attenuation obstacle and the associated pitfalls and considerations. Results from ultra‐wide‐band (UWB) impulse radar, micro‐Doppler radar, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) targeted at this area are presented. Discussion of radar clutter classification is given and also observations on presenting a system with a non‐zero false alarm rate to a user to give best confidence and maximum decision capability.

Findings

There are significant new requirements for through‐wall radar which a combination of UWB, continuous wave, and SAR techniques with recent signal processing advances and the advent of low‐cost radio and image processing can meet in distributed markets. Risk of a poor user level decision in a non‐zero‐false‐alarm‐rate system can be mitigated by increasing the number of inputs into the decision.

Originality/value

The paper lists challenges that have been overcome in the area of through‐wall sensing and presents results from novel radar sensors.
An analytical approach for modelling electro‐magnetic tomography sensor
Authors: Gonzalez‐Nakazawa Alejandro , Yang Wuqiang , Hennessey Kathleen
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical model and implementation of a prototype electro‐magnetic tomography (EMT) sensor system. Sensitivity maps for an EMT sensor are usually calculated using a numerical approach, such as the finite element method (FEM). While FEM can produce accurate results for any geometrical layout, intensive computation is needed to solve the forward problem and to obtain the sensitivity maps. An alternative approach is to develop an analytical model for the same purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the applicability of the analytical model is limited to certain geometrical cases, it provides a much faster means, in particular for calculating sensitivity maps, than FEM. The paper gives brief insight into the calculations and some details on its implementation. The results obtained with the analytical model are compared with FEM.

Findings

The results having been obtained with the analytical model and compared with FEM, it has been shown that the differences are as small as 6 per cent and that the prototype EMT sensor system can reconstruct images with an error under 10 per cent (of the object size) in the true position.

Originality/value

This is the first time an analytical model has been used to calculate sensitivity maps for EMT.
Knitted switches for smart clothing using double electrode technology
Authors: Soleimani Manuchehr
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Electronic textiles are a major new development in the field of smart technology. There are many potential applications for electrically active textiles (EAT). The purpose of this paper is to present state‐of‐the‐art knitted switches based on EAT technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The switches operate with double electrodes, and they are designed to be operated by a human finger, with or without a glove. In this study, these switches were manufactured based on EAT technology by generating conductive areas as electrodes.

Findings

A custom‐made impedance analyzer was developed to identify the electrical characteristics of the switches. The deriving circuits were designed to operate the switches according to their impedance characteristics.

Originality/value

The switch working with glove and bare hand is novel.
A focus on gender similarities in work experiences in senior management
Authors: Metz Isabel , Simon Alan
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a shift in emphasis from gender differences to gender similarities in the explanations of the findings of future gender in management research. The results from a study in a major Australian bank help build the case. Such a focus on gender similarities (FGS) hopefully will bring about positive organizational change that might stimulate an increase in women's representation in senior management in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

To make a case for the proposed FGS approach the paper uses results from a survey of 178 senior managers and interviews with 14 executives in one Australian bank. The paper draws on the masculine culture and organizational silence literatures to explain how women and men in senior management can have similar work experiences and hold similar views of their organizations.

Findings

The paper finds that male and female respondents held similarly unfavorable views of the organization's culture, but men felt constrained in raising concerns. Most executives would welcome a change of culture.

Research limitations/implications

The research study in banking is included specifically to show how the proposed FGS approach works in gender in management research. A limitation of the study is the small interview sample. The finding on men's silence is particularly pertinent to the argument for organizational change that benefits the whole organization, not just women.

Practical implications

The FGS approach broadens the appeal of change for organizations. For example, by applying the FGS approach to the study in banking, the principal message for organizations would be that there is widespread dissatisfaction with the outdated command‐and control management style, extremely long hours, and lack of work‐life balance. Organizations are more likely to address findings of “widespread dissatisfaction” than of dissatisfaction in a section of the workforce (e.g. women).

Originality/value

The recognition that a shift in the approach to the study of gender in management is needed to stimulate organizational change that might increase women's representation in senior management. The study shows how men will also benefit from this shift in emphasis, because the explanations and recommendations emanating from future research using the FGS approach will give men a much needed voice to raise issues that are similar to those raised by their female colleagues.
Underprediction of performance for US minorities using cognitive ability measures
Authors: Gardner Donald , Deadrick Diana L.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine moderating effects of employee race on ability–performance relationships in a well‐controlled study.

Design/methodology/approach

The cognitive ability of a large sample (n = 972) of employees in a garment manufacturing organization was measured using a well‐validated instrument (the General Aptitude Test Battery). Relationships to objective measures of performance were assessed for differential validity.

Findings

Contrary to expectations, the correlation between ability and performance was found to be stronger for black employees than white employees. This results in underprediction of performance for black job applicants if a common cutoff score is used.

Research limitations/implications

The near demise of research on differential validity may be premature. Subgroup differences are more likely to be detected when appropriate research designs are used.

Practical implications

Organizations may risk moral and legal problems if they use selection procedures without adequately addressing potential problems with differential validity.

Originality/value

This paper stimulates interest in examining potential race‐based differential validity effects when examining organizational selection procedures.
Report from SIOP diversifying diversity: moving beyond race and gender
Authors: Hopper Jennifer E. , Salvaggio Nicole
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the current research on gender and diversity related topics presented at the 22nd Annual Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), a division of the American Psychological Association, seeks to “enhance human well being and performance in organizational and work settings by promoting the science, practice, and teaching of industrial‐organizational psychology”. There were 22 posters and 13 symposia pertaining to gender and diversity issues presented at the 2007 conference. An overview of these papers is provided.

Findings

Research findings indicate that although there has been progress, women still face barriers in their organizations. In addition, research on race related issues continues to indicate that perceptions of discrimination impact employee attitudes.

Originality/value

The 2007 SIOP Conference continues to provide researchers and practitioners insight into the latest findings on diversity related topics. This year's conferences expanded diversity research beyond race and gender to further enhance knowledge on topics such as, religion, sexual orientation, and methodological issues.
Building strategic alliances
Authors: Kwesiga Eileen
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight findings from research presented at the 2007 International Academy of African Business and Development Conference in London, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A select group of papers were chosen from the proceedings and presentations made at the conference for this report. The International Academy of African Business and Development Conference draws participants from the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Findings

Research findings from the empirical studies indicated women and people of color face continue to face barriers in employment and the workplace. Women continue to experience gender role stereotypes detrimental to their careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Originality/value

The research papers selected give some insight into the issues of gender and diversity from a cross‐cultural perspective.
Reflections on gender, equality and migration in a new Europe
Authors: Kamenou Nicolina
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the Gender, Migration and Equality stream of the Industrial Relations in Europe 2007 (UREC) Conference, which took place in Athens, Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes a paper delivered at the first plenary session and also papers presented at the stream.

Findings

The paper finds that all papers within the stream highlighted the fact that discrimination and prejudice still exist throughout Europe and these are endemic and institutionalised. Some progress has been made in some areas and industries but for the situation to really alter, people in power should acknowledge their role in reproducing discrimination.

Originality/value

The research papers selected show that equality discussions and debates took a prominent position in the IREC Conference, which is beneficial in terms of pushing forward an equality agenda to the mainstream.
Do popular management techniques improve performance?
Authors: İşeri‐Say Arzu , Toker Ayşegül , Kantur Deniz
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine whether the adoption of management techniques influences organizational performance and to determine the antecedents of adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a survey method to collect data from 106 large businesses in multiple industries.

Findings

The findings suggest that the adoption of management techniques influences organizational performance, especially when supported by clear vision and mission statements. Organizational and environmental characteristics act as antecedents for adoption.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should focus on efforts for explaining the complex link between adoption and performance.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to knowledge on adoption of management ideas in less developed contexts.
Making a case for the case method in Turkey
Authors: Apaydin Marina
Published: August 2008

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the benefits and drawbacks of the case method, one of the participative learning techniques, and its appropriateness for the Turkish cultural context. It offers an executable strategy for promoting this method in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides an analysis of a wide range of articles on organizational and classroom learning, strategic leadership, and Turkish cultural, educational, and institutional contexts. This is complemented by information from semi‐structured interviews with Canadian case method experts and Turkish educators and educational leaders. Findings – The Turkish cultural context provides more favorable conditions for implementation of the case method than that of the Western countries where it originates. For instance, Turkey has one of the highest scores of in‐group collectivism. However, a lack of focused leadership and appropriate motivation prevented the pioneers of the method from overcoming the inertia of the incumbent institutional structures. Research limitations/implications – Only one participative technique in one country is explored in this paper. Further studies may usefully extend this approach to other countries in the region with similar cultures. Practical implications – Recognizing the favorable cultural conditions for the case method, leaders of business education in Turkey can adopt this technique as an explicit strategy. Strategic alliances with expert case‐teaching schools will confer competitive advantage both to Turkish institutions and to their students. Originality/value – This paper focuses on implementation issues of an effective teaching tool within one country, thus making its analysis and recommendations both specific and executable. Although examples of case method research abound, this contextual anchoring is rare.
The impact of transformational leadership on organizational and leadership effectiveness
Authors: Erkutlu Hakan
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of leadership behaviors on both organizational and leader effectiveness at boutique hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 722 subjects (60 managers and 662 non‐managerial employees) participated in this study from 60 boutique hotels. Participants were told that the study was designed to collect information on the leadership styles used by managers and on the satisfaction and commitment of employees in the hospitality workforce. Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire and Job Descriptive Index were used to assess leadership behaviors of the boutique hotels' first‐line managers and commitment and satisfaction levels of employees, respectively.

Findings

There are significant relations between leadership behaviors and both organizational and leadership effectiveness. The findings support the suggestion in the literature that transformational leadership behaviors stimulate organizational commitment and job satisfaction in the hospitality industry.

Research limitations/implications

There are several limitations that could be future research topics, such as hotels' source of funding, demographic characteristics of the participants. There is a question about the generalizability of these findings to other hospitality organizations such as four or five‐star hotels.

Originality/value

This paper explores an aspect of leadership in the hospitality industry that is often neglected. It provides compelling evidence for the importance of continuing the efforts to understand the nature of the leadership behaviors‐effectiveness connection.
Competitive strategy choices of Turkish manufacturing firms in European Union
Authors: Demirbag Mehmet , Tatoglu Ekrem
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider competitive strategy choices of Turkish manufacturing firms operating in EU markets and their action programs in responding to emerging opportunities and threats led by recent developments in Turkey‐EU relations.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a sample of 79 large size Turkish manufacturing firms, the relative use of competitive strategies and action programs by sample firms operating in EU markets was examined by undertaking both descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses.

Findings

The most heavily used competitive strategy choices were found to be growth strategies aiming to extend current product lines with related products through enabling standardization and technology sharing. The highest ranked action programs implemented by Turkish manufacturing firms focused on enabling integration. The findings of the study indicated that the relative use of competitive strategy options varied to a certain extent between the market entry modes of Turkish firms (equity based and non‐equity based) serving the EU markets. However, no variation was found between the implementation level of action programs and the choice of a particular market entry mode by sample firms.

Research limitations/implications

While the variation in the implementation level of several of the competitive strategies appears to be readily justifiable, the reason for the variation is not always clear. It is also necessary to extend the analysis to consider the relative use of strategy options and action programs along with other variables, such as the governance and transaction cost variables.

Originality/value

Based on a sample of large size manufacturing firms, this study is the first attempt to identify, classify and explain the key competitive strategy choices and action programs implemented by Turkish firms in EU markets.
Firm‐specific capabilities and foreign direct investment activities of Turkish manufacturing firms
Authors: Kaya Harun , Erden Deniz
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the capabilities and characteristics of Turkish manufacturing firms that engage in outward FDI activity. To this end, the paper aims to explore how these firms' capabilities vary with the sample characteristics including subsidiary age, size, sector, host country location, ownership pattern and market entry mode.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered via cross‐sectional survey from a sample 94 Turkish manufacturing firms (TMFs) that have subsidiaries based in 28 different countries. Both univariate and multivariate tests were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Findings show that sample firms had strong firm‐specific capabilities when they started to expand their business activities through foreign direct investment (FDI). The firm‐specific capabilities were grouped into four categories as operation‐related, product‐related, marketing‐related and management‐related. While the capabilities of the sample firms varied to a moderate extent with their age and size, and to a limited extent with market entry mode, no significant differences were noted with respect to the industry, host country location and ownership pattern.

Research limitation/implication

Relying on the perceptual assessment of single respondents constitutes the main limitation of this study. There is also a need to collect data from other emerging or developed countries to enable comparisons between Turkey and other countries.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies which attempt to examine the firm‐specific capabilities of FDI firms from an emerging country.
Communicating the ethos of codes of ethics within the organization
Authors: Ulgen Aydinlik Arzu , Donmez Dilek , Svensson Göran , Wood Greg , Callaghan Michael
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the ways that the largest private sector organizations in Sweden and Turkey communicate the intent of their codes of ethics to their employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were obtained via a self‐administered mail questionnaire distributed to a census of the top 500 private sector organizations based on revenue in each country.

Findings

The research identified some interesting findings that showed that the small group of companies in Turkey that have a code may appear to be more “advanced” in ethics artifacts usage than Sweden. Such a conclusion is counter‐intuitive as one would have expected a developed nation like Sweden to be more advanced in these measures than a developing nation such as Turkey. Culture may play a large role in the implementation of ethics artifacts in corporations and could be a major reason for this difference.

Research limitations/implications

As this is such a new area of investigation in Turkey, the responses amount to only 32 companies that have a code. The small sample is indicative of the formative evolution toward having codes of ethics within companies operating within Turkey.

Practical implications

This study enables those organizations that comprise corporate Turkey to view the current state of codes of ethics in Turkish companies and to compare these with the responses of a developed country of the European Union.

Originality and value

A review of the literature indicates that this is the first time that such an international study specifically focused upon codes of ethics and the artifacts to inculcate the ethos of the code into every day corporate affairs has included Turkey as one of the participating countries.
A qualitative investigation into leader behavioural flexibility
Authors: Sumner‐Armstrong Crissa , Newcombe Peter , Martin Robin
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The current research aims to determine to what extent Australian managers are behaviourally flexible and to identify what factors are associated with the development of leader behavioural flexibility (LBF) and its contribution to positive organisational outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of the exploratory nature of the questions to be addressed, a qualitative approach to data collection was selected. In particular, the grounded theory methodology was utilised due to its ability to aid with the theory building process. Semi‐structured interviews based on the critical incident interview technique were used as the data source.

Findings

The findings illustrate that the Australian managers who participated in this study exhibited significant degrees of LBF. The results also suggest that education level and group size may be antecedents to LBF. In addition, it appears that leader‐member exchange may mediate the relationship between LBF and positive organisational outcomes, while social intelligence may moderate this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The current research makes several contributions in terms of theoretical development and reveals a richer insight into the underlying processes associated with the relationship between LBF and positive organisational outcomes.

Practical implications

As the current research was conducted in the field with 20 practising organisational managers, the findings also highlight some important practical applications regarding LBF.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have been able to establish a relationship between LBF and positive organisational outcomes, they have explained very little about the processes associated with this relationship. The present study attempted to uncover some of these processes.
Managerial competencies and marketing effectiveness in corporate organizations in Nigeria
Authors: Gladson Nwokah N. , Ahiauzu Augustine I.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of managerial competencies on the marketing effectiveness of the organization. While many empirical works have centered on marketing effectiveness, the generalizability of its relationship to managerial competencies in the Nigerian context has been under‐researched.

Design/methodology/approach

A 27‐item survey questionnaire was developed and 84 corporate organizations in Nigeria were selected from the 2005 edition of the Nigerian stock exchange gazette as a sample of this study. A hand‐delivered survey was conducted from key informants in the organizations. Returned instruments were analyzed using non‐parametric correlation through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.

Findings

The results of the study reported in this paper validated the earlier instruments and find a strong association between managerial competencies and marketing effectiveness of corporate organizations in the Nigerian context. The main finding of this study is that managerial competencies lead to marketing effectiveness in corporate organizations in Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the results of this study are clear for scholars and managers. For managers this paper has implications on the investigation of the link between managerial competencies and marketing effectiveness of corporate organizations in Nigeria. In the first place, this paper provides a direct test of the applicability of a western paradigm to the Nigerian economic system, which is different from the other culture.

Originality/value

This paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of managerial competency on marketing effectiveness in the Nigerian context. This paper will no doubt contribute to the body of existing literature on managerial competency and marketing effectiveness.
Reflexive and critical views of leadership performance in corporate accomplishment
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg , Roger Mathisen Bror
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper intends to shed some light on the relationship between leadership performance and corporate accomplishment through the aid of complexity sciences. The objective is to describe leadership performance in corporate accomplishment using different teleological approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the underlying criteria of the relationship between leadership performance and corporate accomplishment. Case illustration and narrative analogy are also provided.

Findings

The authors believe that the discussion highlights a potential downside of leadership performance in corporate accomplishment and its precision rarely highlighted in practice and literature.

Research limitations/implications

There is a reigning assumption in management practice that is based on the belief that a top‐down approach of leadership performance in management and business practices is superior to the bottom‐up approach. It proffers the assumed importance of strategic management issues, but neglects the knowledge, experience, competence and awareness inherent among employees at tactical and operational levels of business practices. It also proffers a mechanical view of employee performance and ignores the worth of the generation of ideas from subordinates in management and business practices that contribute to corporate achievements. Furthermore, it neglects the fact that it is not possible to know the future nor it is predictable.

Practical implications

The paper contends that the importance of top management tends to be inflated in respect to corporate achievements in the management/leadership literature. It also contends that it should be questioned as to whether the top management of corporations are largely responsible for the corporate results on which they attempt to justify their salaries and other benefits. Furthermore, the paper contends that it also should be questioned as to what extent corporate accomplishment may be derived from the performance of the top management in organizations.

Originality/value

The paper strives to contribute to the ongoing discussion of leadership performance in corporate accomplishment in various ways. The principal contributions are: a set of teleological sub‐processes of leadership performance and a case illustration and narrative analogies of teleological leadership performance patterns, in respect to corporate accomplishment in management and business practices. These contributions provide theoretical and managerial ideas and insights to anticipate and avoid deficient or erroneous grounds of leadership performance evaluation in corporate accomplishment.
Use of PC elements for waste minimization in the Sri Lankan construction industry
Authors: De Silva Nayanthara , Vithana S.B.K.H.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

In the construction industry, it is well known that there is a relatively large volume of material being wasted due to a variety of reasons. The problem of material waste on construction sites is not an isolated issue and is of environmental concern. Therefore, waste minimization has become an important issue in the construction industry. The aim of this research was mainly to identify the pre‐cast contribution to the construction waste minimization in the Sri Lankan construction industry, through a comparison of material waste arising from pre‐cast, ready‐mixed and site‐mixed concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 27 building construction projects and three concrete elements: slabs, beams, and columns, were considered to quantify construction waste. To compare the wastage due to pre‐cast involvement with other types, three categories of building projects were used, including projects using pre‐cast concrete elements, in situ concrete elements – site mix, and in‐ situ concrete elements – ready mix.

Findings

The study found that mean wastages of cement, sand and metal in PC elements amounted to 5.34 per cent, 13.86 per cent and 7.62 per cent respectively showing lower values compared with the material wastages in the other two technologies (in situ concrete elements – site mix, and in situ concrete elements – ready mix). Further, statistical t‐test and ANOVA were carried out to ascertain whether these results were significant. Results revealed that there is a significant waste reduction when pre‐cast concrete is used.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on pre‐cast contribution to the construction waste minimization in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
Towards building information modelling for existing structures
Authors: Arayici Yusuf
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The transformation of cities from the industrial age (unsustainable) to the knowledge age (sustainable) is essentially a “whole life cycle” process consisting of planning, development, operation, reuse and renewal. During this transformation, a multi‐disciplinary knowledge base, created from studies and research about the built environment aspects is fundamental: historical, architectural, archeologically, environmental, social, economic, etc., and critical. Although there are a growing number of applications of 3D VR modelling applications, some built environment applications such as disaster management, environmental simulations, computer‐aided architectural design and planning require more sophisticated models beyond 3D graphical visualization such as multifunctional, interoperable, intelligent, and multi‐representational. Advanced digital mapping technologies such as 3D laser scanner technologies can be enablers for effective e‐planning, consultation and communication of users' views during the planning, design, construction and lifecycle process of the built environment. These technologies can be used to drive the productivity gains by promoting a free‐flow of information between departments, divisions, offices, and sites; and between themselves, their contractors and partners when the data captured via those technologies are processed and modelled into building information modelling (BIM). The use of these technologies is a key enabler to the creation of new approaches to the “Whole Life Cycle” process within the built and human environment for the twenty‐first century. This paper aims to look at this subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the research towards BIM for existing structures via the point cloud data captured by the 3D laser scanner technology. A case study building is used to demonstrate how to produce 3D CAD models and BIM models of existing structures based on designated techniques.

Findings

The paper finds that BIM can be achieved for existing structures by modelling the data captured with 3D laser scanner from the existing world. This can be accomplished by adapting appropriate automated data processing and pattern recognition techniques through applied science research.

Practical implications

BMI will enable automated and fast data capture and modelling for not only in design and planning, building refurbishment, effective heritage documentation and VR modelling but also disaster management, environmental analysis, assessment and monitoring, GIS implementation, sophisticated simulation environments for different purposes such as climate change, regeneration simulation for complexity and uncertainty and so on. As a result, it will increase the capability for fast production of virtual reality models and comprehensive and sophisticated simulation platforms.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on BMI for existing structures.
The influence of soluble salts on the decay of Moenjodaro, Pakistan
Authors: Fodde Enrico
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The World Heritage site of Moenjodaro, located in the Indus flood plain and dating to the early Bronze Age, is believed to be the most important urban centre of the Indus valley culture. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the main conservation threats and the mechanisms of decay affecting the site and to understand the influence of soluble salts on materials such as fired brick and soil. Furthermore, the paper aims to describe the repair methods employed against salt attack and provides a scheme for site management.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper a literature review is followed by laboratory experiments.

Findings

The main result is the experimental assessment of the repair materials and methods traditionally employed in Moenjodaro. No evaluation was undertaken prior to this study and this makes the work the more relevant.

Research limitations/implications

A more complete and detailed study of the materials examined here might have been achieved if more samples had been analysed. The present study is therefore characterised by this limitation which, however, does not undermine the significance of the work.

Practical implications

The results have practical applicability to the conservation of Moenjodaro in a variety of ways. The experimental analysis of materials will be essential to determine the type of intervention required for conserving the site.

Originality/value

The value of this paper derives from the originality of the work done, being the first of its kind for Moenjodaro. It will be especially useful to those conservators working in the site, but also in similar sites. It stresses the importance of testing before any conservation work is carried out.
Business metrics of laboratory space utilization
Authors: Unwin Stephen D. , Fecht Barbara A. , Bergsman Theresa M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish novel business metrics of laboratory space utilization for a large, multi‐client R&D organization and to describe their use in space planning to meet strategic objectives. The paper aims to show that traditional methods for measuring and managing laboratory space utilization are impractical in a dynamic environment where there are frequent and significant changes in the use of the space.

Design/methodology/approach

The integration of disparate databases – financial, facilities management, and project R&D – enables financial performance data to be explicitly resolved to individual laboratory resources. In turn, this allows determination of the efficiency with which laboratory space is being utilized in meeting the organization's financial and strategic objectives.

Findings

Unique and actionable insights were generated in applying the methodology. It provided bases for the identification of both over‐ and under‐utilized laboratory spaces, as well as the means of assessing the efficacy with which space assets are being used in achieving the organization's strategic missions.

Practical implications

This departure from more conventional concepts of occupancy‐based metrics of space utilization treats R&D laboratory space explicitly as a business resource.

Originality/value

The emerging business‐based metrics of lab space utilization are proving to be increasingly valuable tools in both short‐term and strategic space planning.
Positioning and repositioning FM
Authors: Chotipanich Sarich , Nutt Bev
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a fundamental question that all facility directors and senior managers face. How should facility management support arrangements be positioned and repositioned to meet the needs and expectations of an organisation, its staff and customers, as priorities shift and business circumstances change?

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies were undertaken to investigate the precise nature and reasons for change to FM support arrangements, across a variety of organisational types and sectors. Data were collected through document searches, semi‐structured interviews, direct observations and supplementary questionnaires and follow‐up discussions. Field trials of this prototype framework were conducted to obtain expert opinions, comments, criticisms and suggestions for improvement, employing a methodology similar to that used in clinical trials for new medical procedures.

Findings

The main findings from the investigations cover the nature and purpose of change in FM and the key factors that were involved. A number of major opportunities for innovative developments in the facility management field were uncovered, together with five key areas for further research, through which to advance the role and remit of facility management generally.

Originality/value

The research here has produced a generic decision framework for positioning and repositioning FM support arrangements. This framework will enable facility managers to adopt a more secure approach for collecting essential information, identifying key issues and options, and should encourage a more rigorous and critical examination of alternative FM arrangements prior to implementation.