bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The need for the collection and bibliographic control of grey literature in Ghana
Authors: Alemna A.A.
Published: July 2002

This paper stresses the importance of grey literature to a developing country like Ghana. Present attempts at grey literature acquisition, storage and organisation are discussed. The writer is of the view that these attempts have failed due to reasons such as funding and staffing. A Centralised Documentation Centre such as a National Library is recommended for the country. Failing this, then, selected libraries should be properly organised to play this role.
Educating LIS students in cultural history
Authors: Lund Niels D.
Published: July 2002

The paper deals with questions about the historical dimension of the library and information studies (LIS) education seen from a Danish point of view and the perspective of primarily public representation. The arguments come from a sketch of the tradition of the librarians’ education and roles, an adaptation of contemporary historical thought combined with a refined concept of representation of history, and a short experiment study of final theses of LIS students within historical areas. It concludes with some educational objectives for the fundamental necessity of a broad, reflexive and democracy oriented cultural history perspective.
Health informatics education – working across the professional boundaries
Authors: Pearson Andrew , Urquhart Christine
Published: July 2002

Examines requirements of information professionals in the health sector, and ways career development can be enhanced. Includes analysis of job descriptions, categorising skills and roles, mapping profiles to other criteria, including health sector, and two statements for standards in higher education. Interviews with nine professionals confirmed findings of the job description analysis. There is a spectrum of skills, with clumps of traditional library skills, information analysis skills and a growing need for specialist skills. The statement provides a good basis for skills required. Providers need to encourage students towards “lifelong learning” to meet changing requirements.
A Study of Indian Secondary Services (Abstracting and
Indexing) in Science and Technology
Authors: Bhattacharya P. , Kar Debal C.
Published: July 2002

Describes abstracting and indexing services for science and
technology produced in India. Analyses the services with respect to such
aspects as frequency, nature of publications covered, chronological
development, and subject coverage. Concludes that most of the services
are selective and that engineering and technology are better covered
than are pure sciences. Recommends that the coverage of these services
should be broader‐based, if anything approaching total bibliographic
control of scientific and technical literature in India is to be
achieved.
Indian Library and Information Science Journals
Authors: Mahapatra G.
Published: July 2002

A bibliometric analysis of 1,456 articles appearing in Indian
Library and Information Science journals between 1975 and 1985 revealed
that the average rate of citations per article in the field was quite
low. Books and journals were identified as the major categories of
documents referred to in these articles and both were positively
related. It is concluded that the increase in journal citations and rate
of citations between 1975 and 1985 indicates that Indian Library and
Information Science journals are now publishing a higher number of
research‐oriented articles in comparison with earlier years.
Collection Development as Performance Measurement
Authors: Shibanda Gundu
Published: July 2002

Presents principles relating to acquisitions policy and collection
development as performance measurements. Evaluates the Moi University
Library (Kenya) based on these principles and existing IFLA standards
for University Libraries.
Standing on forgotten shoulders – who was Butler Wood?
Authors: Duckett Bob
Published: July 2002

The library services we provide today are built on the skill, energy and vision of earlier generations of librarians; yet most of these pioneers remain unknown. Examines the career of Butler Wood, librarian at Bradford for 50 years, 41 of them as chief librarian. In addition to the successful development of a major municipal library, he developed art gallery and museum services; was a founder member and contributor to many literary, historical and cultural organizations; he influenced the development of reference and rural libraries; and he contributed to the growth of the library profession itself. An appreciation of this visionary scholar/ administrator can provide inspiration today.
Turning point for the British Library?
Authors: Day Alan
Published: July 2002

Outlines various positive achievements by the British Library
during 1994. Suggests that for the British Library, 1994 was marked by
continuing controversies over the new St Pancras building. Discusses the
arguments surrounding the St Pancras development in relation to three
documents issued during 1994. The hostility of the British Library
Regular Readers Group to losing the Round Reading Room in Bloomsbury was
reexpressed in a new edition of its pamphlet. The whole project was
examined by the National Heritage Committee; discusses its conclusions.
Finally, the chairman of the British Library Board, Sir Anthony Kenny,
produced a pamphlet outlining the background to the development of the
new British Library building, its present state and future prospects.
Discusses this in relation to the other documents and development of
British Library policy.
History of the Bradford Mechanics′ Institute Library
Authors: Verity David
Published: July 2002

Describes the history of the Bradford Mechanics′ Institute Library,
which was founded in 1832, in relation to prevailing educational and
social circumstances. Discusses changes resulting from the Education Act
of 1870 when education passed into public hands. Considers the Library′s
present survival and the circumstances hindering and harming that
survival, which are mostly concerned with funding.
British Book Trade Index: development and progress
Authors: Isaac Peter
Published: July 2002

Provides a brief outline of the background of British Book Trade
History studies as an introduction to the establishment of the British
Book Trade Index within the relevant library of the University of
Newcastle upon Tyne. This is a computerized index of the names and brief
biographical and trade details of all those who worked in the book trade
in England and Wales, starting work prior to 1851. Discusses the conduct
and present state of the project, as well as its uses.
The Golden Retriever bites back: using the catalogue for user surveying
Authors: Mowat Ian R.M.
Published: July 2002

Reviews the development of the catalogue in the light of changing needs and changing technology. Current development of the interactive catalogue coincides with an increased need to test user reaction to library services in the academic sector because of the growing emphasis on quality assessment. The coincidence has been exploited at the Universities of Hull and Newcastle, using Geac online catalogues to survey library users electronically. Describes the two experiments and analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the approach.
Common MARC, or vivent les différences?
Authors: Bourne Ross
Published: July 2002

Investigates the history of the machine‐readable catalogue (MARC). Compares US and UK attitudes to MARC and raises the fact that US and British standards are incompatible. Suggests that the two should be able to integrate and gives reasons for this.
The rise and fall of the bookish librarian
Authors: Harrison K.C.
Published: July 2002

Deplores the apparent ignorance of English and other literatures displayed by many library staff. Early public librarians showed a great awareness of classical books and authors, but a century ago technical problems supplanted literary articles in the library press. In 1927 R.D. McLeod founded the Library Review. This, and other journals, prompted a reappearance of bookish librarians. But when library schools began to flourish, literary history disappeared from the Library Association syllabus and is no longer taught in the schools. This has led to the emergence of library science at the cost of literary knowledge. Claims it is time for a change.
The case study method
Authors: Roselle Ann
Published: July 2002

Demonstrates the usefulness of the case study method as a learning tool for practising library and information specialists. Conclusions based on findings from a Botswana Library Association seminar involving the relationship between professional and paraprofessional staff in which case studies were used. Data on seminar participants’ opinions regarding the case studies were obtained through mail questionnaires. Based on the overwhelming positive response by participants, the case studies were found to be extremely useful at this seminar. Moreover, argues that case studies can be successful at seminars more generally, with suggested case study readers being provided.
Reviewing other people’s libraries
Authors: Mowat Ian R.M.
Published: July 2002

Examines the role of the external assessor in the review of academic libraries. Considers the various types of library review and, within them, the differing roles of the assessor. Discusses the training preparation needs, documentary requirements of, and benefits to external reviewers. In conclusion, proposes that, as the external reviewer can have an important influence in library reviews, there should be suitable training and an agreed code of conduct.
The role of parliamentary library and research services in multi‐party Tanzania
Authors: Kimbunga Thomas Michael
Published: July 2002

Examines the Tanzanian political system and reviews the new role of Parliament within it. Outlines information needs of Members of Parliament and the role of the parliamentary library and research services. Examines the Tanzania Parliamentary Library and suggests additional services to be provided. Points out that the parliamentary library and research services are enjoined to be neutral rather than hold party allegiance, in order to serve all parties represented equally and fairly.
Customer involvement with services in public libraries
Authors: Chang Pao‐Long , Hsieh Pao‐Nuan
Published: July 2002

Explains that public libraries with well‐established library systems have flourished in Taiwan during the past four decades owing to economic prosperity. Points out that despite this, less than one‐tenth of the population in the community served by these libraries have registered as library users. Suggests that this relatively low level of use by customers may be due to a lack of awareness of the services that the public library has to offer. Proposes an effective approach to designing marketing strategies to incorporate marketing channels, corresponding communications messages and service quality dimensions, in order to promote the use of library services, and thus change the use pattern of current customers. Uses involvement segmentation and a hierarchy‐of‐effects paradigm.
A human resources model for excellence in global organization performance
Authors: Wright Phillip C. , Geroy Gary D. , MacPhee Maura
Published: July 2002

Reviews a number of models, discussing the strengths and the weaknesses of each. In every case, the contribution to global competitiveness is highlighted, so that piece by piece, a comprehensive outline of current knowledge is developed. Based on this comprehensive background, a new model is proposed. As the authors have benefited from the work of many other scholars and practitioners, the “individually‐focused model” is a pragmatic tool that can be used by the practising manager.
Levels of strategic decision success
Authors: Harrison E. Frank , Pelletier Monique A.
Published: July 2002

This article posits a paradigm of levels of success for strategic decision outcomes. A high level of strategic decision success is normally preceded by a positive strategic gap in which the strengths of the organization clearly outweigh its weaknesses. Three comprehensive cases are set forth as practical applications to illustrate and confirm the paradigm of levels of strategic decision success. Philip Morris’s decision in 1984 to diversify into the food processing industry is proffered as the epitome of a highly successful strategic choice. General Motors’ decision in 1978 to reinvent the corporation is advanced as a hallmark of a marginally successful strategic outcome. And Walt Disney’s decision in 1996 to acquire Capital Cities/ABC is cited as an example of a strategic choice with an indeterminately successful outcome. The conclusions in all three cases are supported by current research findings.
The relationship between transitory organizational structures and non‐linear environments
Authors: Pashtenko Valentin H. , Roy Matthew H. , Dugal Sanjiv S.
Published: July 2002

Examines non‐linear adaptation to change in the high‐technology environment of the computer industry. These environments are defined, and the efficacy of different organizational adaptations is assessed with respect to these environments. Results from our analyses show that there is a direct and causal relationship between the employment of non‐linear organizational archetypes and organizational effectiveness within high‐technology industries.
Business ethics in the European Union: a study of Greek attitudes
Authors: Peppas Spero C. , Peppas George J.
Published: July 2002

Globalization and economic integration have focused attention on the topic of ethics in international management. At a time when the European Union is attempting to harmonize standards in many areas, the issue of ethics within the EU deserves special attention. Given the diversity of the historical and cultural backgrounds of EU citizens, one might expect to find different ethical orientations in different EU countries. In an effort to gain an understanding about ethics in an EU country where little previous research has been conducted, this article is directed toward the attitudes of future Greek professionals. A sample of the current college‐student population in Greece was surveyed regarding professional and business ethics to understand how we might expect individuals from Greece to behave once they have to make the difficult decisions that are necessary in business circumstances.
Information systems investment within high‐growth medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Tonge Richard , Larsen Povl , Roberts Martyn
Published: July 2002

IS spending by high‐growth medium‐sized enterprises is at a significantly lower level than that for other companies. However, there was no set pattern or correlation that identified relatively high IS investment with high growth or vice versa. The future forecast for IS investment favours a modest increase in the one to three years planning horizon. Although, given that these are high‐growth companies growing at rates in excess of 15 per cent per annum, the modest increase could represent a real reduction unless the price of technology reduces at a significant rate. The most notable evaluation criteria were “to facilitate change” and “formal financial investment”, but these were closely followed by “act of faith” or “gut feel” approaches. When asked to identify preferred project options, in the past the clear choice of most was medium risk and medium pay off. In the future the preferred options support medium risk and high pay off.
Strategic sourcing: benefits, problems and a contextual model
Authors: Jennings David
Published: July 2002

This paper reviews the strategic benefits and problems relating to the outsourcing decision. These include issues of cost, quality, flexibility, strategic focus, leverage and diversification, the potential loss of critical skills and knowledge, and appropriation of final product value. The outsourcing decision is presented as one that will vary between firms within an industry through the differences in each organization’s context. A model is developed, structuring the contextual factors: capability, cost, technology, supply and product market conditions, to enable a consideration of the outsourcing decision through a focus upon its implications for competitive advantage.
Using modular neural networks for business decisions
Authors: Mitchell David , Pavur Robert
Published: July 2002

Understanding large amounts of information and efficiently using that information in improved decision making has become increasingly challenging as businesses collect terabytes of data. Businesses have turned to emerging technology including neural networks, symbolic learning, and genetic algorithms. In the current study, four classification methods were compared using results from an Indonesian contraceptive‐method preference survey. The four methods are linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, backpropagation neural networks, and modular neural networks. The modular neural network is a more complex and less frequently used neural network model. This comparative study gives insight into its performance on classifying observations from a challenging data set, the 1987 National Indonesia Contraceptive Prevalence Survey.
High‐performance companies: the distinguishing profile
Authors: Osborne Richard L. , Cowen Scott S.
Published: July 2002

Maintains that high performance companies have an unmistakable profile that separates them from also‐rans, including distinctive characteristics of the corporate culture, the people and the management systems. Isolates seven attributes that differentiate the culture of high‐performing companies, lists staff, behaviours that set them apart, and describes three uncompromising principles upon which the management system is founded.
Managing managers: an early twentieth century service industry information system
Authors: Mutch Alistair
Published: July 2002

This article examines the construction and operation of a service industry information system in the early years of the twentieth century. It sets the operations of the Birmingham, UK, company of Mitchells & Butlers in the context of the brewing industry and the operation of public houses. The surviving records are used to construct a picture of a complex and sophisticated information system, which not only used accounting records to control managers but also used the same managers as sources of information about the broader context. The apparent success of this system is set against the reluctance of other brewers to adopt it. This is seen to relate in part to the very complexity of the information system created, but also in part to the broader perceptions of brewers about the nature and status of their trade.
Rekindling community spirit and identity: the role of ecoprotestors
Authors: Crowther David , Cooper Stuart
Published: July 2002

One of the features of current society is that of protest against environmental issues and this paper considers protest against road building and the ecoprotest movement. In doing so it considers both the local inhabitants and new age travellers who are involved in such protest to show that not only does ecoprotest, as a form of protest, raise the profile of environmental issues within public discourse but also opens up space for such discourse. Of greater significance is the effect which the ecoprotest, movement has upon a local sense of identity and community. Indeed the travellers themselves, through their action and engagement, demonstrate that the key determinant of community identity is grounded in self‐belief and shared aspirations rather than in an externally imposed definition or in any economic imperatives. This paper shows that the migration of this sense of self‐belief into mainstream society serves to demonstrate that community spirit and identity are extant in modern society but need a catalyst for their re‐emergence. In doing so the role of ecoprotest points towards a possible mechanism for the re‐emergence of an active and participatory sense of community identity within society as a whole.
Queues and the Power of Simulation: Helping with Business Decisions and
Problems
Authors: Proctor Robert A.
Published: July 2002

Considers computer simulation as a method for studying the behaviour of
business systems under a variety of assumed conditions for analysing the
simultaneous interaction of many variables to produce valuable insights
into problems. Looks at how simulations can help to provide answers to
complex decisions and problems which cannot be solved by conventional
methods.
Corporate Reporting
Authors: Zairi Mohamed , Letza Steve
Published: July 2002

A key to economic success is that a company should be clear about its
purpose. Existing methods of reporting company performance have proved
inadequate. The missing link could be incorporating mission statements
to share the mission/purpose of the organization with the end‐users.
Describes the essential features of mission statements using 13
variables. Reports on research into about 200 UK‐based European
companies. Analyses their scores in terms of the 13 variables, and finds
they leave much to be desired. Concludes that, for company reporting to
be improved, a TQM approach needs to be adopted.
Will the EU Legislation Affect Retail Pharmacies?
Authors: Pioch Elke , Davies Barry J.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on retail pharmacy in the UK. Current concerns are identified,
as is the general trajectory of European Union policy in this area.
Consideration is given to the role played by individual pharmacists in
primary health care within the NHS. Considers the potential for
differential impact of the European Union proposals and draws attention
to possible competitive consequences.
Bulgarian Wines
Authors: Bainbridge Stephen , Roe Aidan
Published: July 2002

Bulgarian wine made a dramatic and successful entry into the UK wine
market in the 1980s and led a revolution in wine drinking in the UK.
Charts the strategies employed, and the relative success achieved, by
the state‐controlled Bulgarian wine industry in entering the UK and
other EC markets. The state system both supported and hindered the
efforts of the industry to apply a market‐oriented approach to
production, pricing and exporting. Reviews the development of the former
state‐owned company in the post‐communist era. The future for Bulgarian
wine in the UK and other EC markets is uncertain. Observes general
trends in the UK market and in the wine industry.
Marks & Spencer –
Authors: Whitehead Maureen
Published: July 2002

The Marks & Spencer case is concerned with the development of the UK’s
leading retailer of food and fashion in international markets. Key
issues in the process are: (1) the question of the choice of market
entry strategies, what strategic routes are available to retail
organizations in entering new markets and the extent of strategic fit
between acquired companies and the UK business; (2) the development of a
retailer brand as an international brand. Significant differences exist
between the development of a retailer brand and that of the development
of a manufacturer brand in international markets.
A Case Study in Market Entry – Episode
Authors: Lea‐Greenwood Gaynor
Published: July 2002

A study in the retail market entry strategy of a major UK manufacturer
which highlights the difficulties of forward vertical integration,
conflict with other retail customers, and heralds a complete
restructuring of the company, as the joint venture in retailing takes
time and capital to establish.
The Real Strategic Issues versus Organizational Bureaucracy and
Administrative Neatness
Authors: Piercy Nigel F.
Published: July 2002

Accuses management of repeatedly substituting bureaucracy and complex
reporting and control systems for the things that really matter to
competitive success. It is claimed that all too often the implementation
of strategies is not simply ineffectual, it is positively damaging to
organizations. Short cases in the areas of quality management, customer
satisfaction management, and personal appraisal and development systems
are given to support this argument. Concludes with a list of symptoms of
this problem and appropriate managerial responses.
The Technology of Creativity
Authors: Alder Harry
Published: July 2002

Reviews the advances in creative thinking since De Bono′s Lateral
Thinking, including work on brain hemispheres, with particular reference
to practical techniques that can be applied in business. Outlines a
general approach, largely concerned with how the creative right brain is
best harnessed, and drawing, inter alia, on current research among top
British business leaders. Describes a number of specific techniques,
including what are termed Chunking, Sleight of Mouth, Reversals,
Metaphors, the Meta Model, and different forms of Visualization. Some of
these have been developed within Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). A
new technique, Chunked Reversals, has been developed by the author.
These techniques allow, typically, hundreds of ideas to be generated and
applied to strategic or operational business objectives, in a more
focused way than traditional brainstorming or lateral thinking.
Intelligent Computer Models for Marketing Decisions
Authors: Curry Bruce , Moutinho Luiz
Published: July 2002

Describes work carried out at Cardiff Business School, University of
Wales, to investigate the scope for applying Artificial Intelligence
(AI) techniques in the field of management. The main thrust of the work
so far has been oriented towards marketing decisions, but the
implications extend to decision making in general.
Management Considerations
Authors: Godfrey Ronald M.
Published: July 2002

Management is not always professional in all its attitudes and actions
and has often been – and still is – inadequate in some aspects. It is
useful for managers at all levels occasionally to review their approach
and experience in the light of continual change. In general terms,
attempts to assist that process. Setting the agenda, choosing the
method, executing the work, reviewing progress and learning for the
future are matters requiring the manager′s personal attention, in
addition to a plethora of other functions connecting “owners”, staff and
other interested parties – even customers!
The Strategic Imagination
Authors: Glaser Stan
Published: July 2002

Corporate and marketing strategists have begun seriously to address the
problems of adapting to turbulent environments. Discusses concepts of
adaptation and turbulence and describes some of the difficulties with
both notions. Concludes that strategic advantage rests with creating
turbulence or changing the rules.
A Practical Guide to Gender Neutral Language
Authors: Pitt M.J.
Published: July 2002

Documents ranging from advertisements to policy statements do not have
to be either sexist or clumsily anti‐sexist. There is a middle ground
of neutral writing which avoids sex bias, and communicates without
giving offence. Analyses the problem and suggests practical ways for
management to develop gender‐free style, starting with the most critical
documents.
CREAM: Criteria‐Related Employability Assessment Method:
Authors: Ripley Robert E.
Published: July 2002

Presents an improved replicable systematic method for the selection or
promotion of employees through the developmental stages of a case study.
The method provides systematic techniques for ensuring fairness and
equality of opportunity for all candidates as related to particular job
functions. The Criteria‐Related Employability Assessment Method (CREAM)
has gone through continuous improvement over the past 20 years. The
case study is of a new firefighter recruit selection process developed
for the Phoenix Fire Department. Criteria were drawn from a group of
the organization′s currently successful employees. Follow‐up research of
those candidates selected for the first two firefighter recruit training
classes showed that there was a significantly high correlation between
the selected candidates and the criteria group of successful Phoenix
firefighters. The playing field being levelled resulted in a significant
increase in the number of minority group members and females that were
selected to be on the hiring list. The method can be replicated and is
applicable to other organizations in both the public and private
sectors, such as fire departments, police departments, large
corporations and government employee training programmes. Concludes that
CREAM does remove or at least neutralize a great deal of the uses of
personali ower, political manoeuvring, quotas and other special internal
selection methods while meeting most if not all the external regulatory
requirements, and assists in ensuring that the people selected know they
were selected for who they are and not for just what they are.
Simpler scenarios
Authors: Mercer David
Published: July 2002

Describes in detail the simpler approach to scenario planning which
retains the ability to handle uncertainty – the traditional reason
for using such scenarios. States that their greatest virtue, however, is
that their use naturally – and painlessly – widens managers′
viewpoints and helps to extend their planning horizons beyond the short
term. Concludes that the most important message to emerge is that
scenarios can be simple, and the simpler they are – and the
simpler the process used to derive them – the more effective they
may be; not least because those using them are able to understand how
they work.
The MCC decision matrix:
Authors: Nicholls John
Published: July 2002

Proposes the MCC decision matrix as a modern equivalent of the
original Boston Consulting Group (BCG) portfolio matrix. Focuses on the
key questions of mission and core competences which define the axes of
the matrix and give it its name. Unlike the BCG matrix, the MCC matrix
can be used to assess the relative merits of any competing claims on
resources, not just those associated with product/ market segments or
strategic business units. Also the validity of the matrix itself can be
challenged and its expression modified. Claims that the matrix can be
applied to sub‐units at any level of the organization and is therefore a
powerful tool for applying strategic logic to all types of
resource‐allocation decisions throughout an organization, ensuring their
optimal contribution to building competitive strength. Presents a
nine‐cell directional policy matrix as an alternative form.
Specialization and its critical role in business
Authors: Bloch Brian
Published: July 2002

Provides an innovative perspective on the subject of
specialization. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the German management
practitioner and consultant Wolfgang Mewes, developed what he called the
“energo‐cybernetic strategy”, which he applied principally
to managerial problems on a very broad front. His work is relevant to
virtually any organization and even to individuals on a personal level.
Discusses the theory which places great emphasis on the value, nature
and use of specialization.
The hybrid manager: a review
Authors: O′Connor Gerry , Smallman Clive
Published: July 2002

One of the key dilemmas facing senior managers is IT investment. Much rides on it, yet it often fails to deliver. The usual cause of failure is cited as “human error”. Yet senior managers are perhaps expecting too much of IT managers, who are often technologists forced into management (in furtherance of their careers). Recently, much has been made of the potential of “hybrid managers”, individuals who combine computer literacy with business acumen and a flair for management. Offers a review of the status and potential of the hybrid manager and includes a sketch of the training required to help develop the necessary skills.
Working daze: uncertainty and ambiguity in consulting
Authors: de Burgundy Jak
Published: July 2002

Argues that the assumptions which drive consultancy research are
flawed, since they are based on the premiss that key management problems
revolve around uncertainty when, in fact, management is ambiguous rather
than uncertain. Analyses the effect of this understanding on management
consultancy. Suggests that consultants should embark on a process of
self‐development to enable them to understand the worlds of work which
others must experience.
Ten simple lessons in strategy from the games firms play
Authors: Rothschild R.
Published: July 2002

Simple game theory offers a number of important insights into
strategic behaviour in a competitive business environment. Provides some
flavour of the issues which can be addressed. Using a two‐firm
framework, considers how some familiar and recurring business decisions
can be analysed as games. Shows that by such means a number of
apparently complex problems can be rendered tractable. The purpose of
the exercise is to show that the logical processes on which game theory
rests can be a valuable aid to strategy formulation.
Business modelling on a personal computer
Authors: Proctor Tony
Published: July 2002

Exploring data and relationships between variables by visual
inspection permits one to obtain excellent information for
decision‐making purposes. CA Compete! for Windows facilitates
this process. The range of applications for the package in management
decision making is quite enormous. Illustrates an application in the
marketing control process. The example illustration can be expanded and
developed to provide a control mechanism which enables the user to have
a better chance of ensuring that objectives are met.
Developing the information systems architecture for world‐class organizations
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Kim Bonn‐Oh
Published: July 2002

Today, business organizations compete in the global marketplace. To compete successfully, organizations pursue the status of the world‐class organization (WCO). A WCO is defined as the best in its class, or as good as its best global competitor, in providing most value to the customer. The strategic pillars that enable an organization to become a WCO must be supported by effective information systems. Conventional information systems development approaches are not necessarily relevant for WCOs. Presents new approaches to developing the information for world‐class organizations.
“Selling” professional services: a practical approach ‐ Part I
Authors: Ferguson Clifford J.
Published: July 2002

A two‐part article developing the necessary activities for professional firms to compete and develop their business in the late 1990s. Focuses mainly on changing the emphasis from broad‐based marketing to its practical follow‐up via active selling. Introduces a number of concepts in Part I to assist professional firms to realize the full potential that is available from their existing clients.
Business ethics, where do we stand? Towards a new inquiry
Authors: de Rond Mark
Published: July 2002

Reviews ten criticisms concerning business ethics: six of which question the development of the field in general; and four which challenge common teaching methods. By doing so, attempts to understand progress and aims to articulate the urgent need for a goal structure which can become the basis for assigning success or failure. Also calls for a new inquiry in which individual integrity, rather than corporate ethics is paramount.
Investment decision making in UK manufacturing industry
Authors: Wilkes F.M. , Samuels J.M. , Greenfield S.M.
Published: July 2002

Investment in manufacturing is important to sustained UK economic recovery, quality of life and national economic standing. Considers results from a survey of UK manufacturers on influences on capital investment, the appraisal methods used and the impact of recent changes, particularly in interest rates. Compares results with the Bank of England and CBI surveys and studies of appraisal methodology. Outcomes include the finding that UK interest rates are not seen by most manufacturers as an important influence on their investment decisions. Examines the effects of factors such as inflation, taxation and the UK and EU economic outlooks. Responses confirm near universal usage of the payback method in financial appraisals and widespread use of multiple criteria. Looks at UK investment in advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and what allowances are made for intangible benefits. Considers a number of aspects of short‐ termism and concludes that the Cadbury recommendations are unlikely to have a major impact.
Searching for an effective measure of R&D performance
Authors: Chiesa Vittorio , Masella Christina
Published: July 2002

Notes that measurement of R&D performance has always posed great problems due to the nature of R&D activity and the difficulties in identifying a tangible output. Also that performance measurement systems have often been built on input variables or on qualitative evaluation of the output. Attempts to identify quantitative measures of R&D performance and to single out those related to activities under complete and partial control of R&D managers. Takes as a starting‐point the concept of economic value creation as a firm’s normative objective and the analysis of the contribution of R&D to it. Builds on this a performance measurement system that leads to identify proxy measures of both R&D effectiveness and efficiency.
Intel’s technology for videoconferencing
Authors: Wendt F. , Harris P.
Published: July 2002

Relates that Intel invented the microprocessor which revolutionized computing and information technology and, unlike other rival semiconductor companies, Intel has dominated the sector for nearly two decades. Charts the history of Intel, and the core economic factors within the industry, and assesses the company’s approach to high growth and technological change. Looks at the dramatic rise in demand for ever more powerful processors and how Intel has maintained a clear strategy in this market. Assesses the importance of home and business markets for its PC‐based products, before focusing on its latest product development in the videoconferencing market.
Innovation in South‐East Asia: lessons for Europe?
Authors: Hobday Mike
Published: July 2002

Reveals that, despite the rapid growth of Malaysia and other South‐East Asian economies, very little is known about innovation in the region. Using Malaysia as an example, the evidence shows that technological and organizational innovation at the local transnational corporation (TNC) plant level has played a major part in Malaysia’s export success. Based on recent field research, assesses the nature, focus and extent of innovation within the TNCs’ subsidiaries. Uses a simple model to situate subsidiary innovation within the context of global TNC strategies, and raises key questions concerning the European Union and, in particular, the UK, which now relies heavily on TNCs’ investments for its industrial future.
Organizational leaders as political strategists: a stakeholder management perspective
Authors: Nwankwo Sonny , Richardson Bill
Published: July 2002

Observes that, as we move through the 1990s, a “competence‐based” view of strategic management is emerging and gathering force. Explains the underlying idea which organizational success is not only due to competitive market offers and activities but more to organizational skills which underpin them. Provides a framework to guide organizational leaders in developing and deploying an important leadership skill ‐ political strategy competence ‐ which would enable them to negotiate the future of their organizations successfully.
Asia at risk: the impact of methodology in forecasting
Authors: Howell Llewellyn D. , Xie Donald
Published: July 2002

States that foreign investors have clamoured into Asia in the 1990s hoping to tap into the spectacular economic growth, but have often done so without awareness of existing or likely future political and social conditions which could affect their investments and business operations. Adds that political risk insurance is available from agencies such as the World Bank’s MIGA or the US government’s OPIC, but projecting needs for such insurance has not been a consistent practice. Reveals that business publications, such as The Economist, and firms such as Business Environment Risk Intelligence, Inc. (BERI), provide regular projections of political risk based on a variety of observed political and social variables. Examines choice of these variables in an Asian context and assesses statistically the forecasting capability of The Economist and BERI models. Finds that the existence of underlying theory makes a positive difference in the ability of the models to forecast correctly and to provide useful advice to foreign investors. Indicates that both models include variables representing conditions that clearly indicate future trouble for investors. Shows that, with some revisions, existing models of political risk can be useful in guiding investment and trade.
The Granada takeover of Forte: a managerial perspective
Authors: Teare Richard , Eccles Gavin , Costa Jorge , Ingram Hadyn , Knowles Tim
Published: July 2002

Reviews the acquisition of Forte plc, the longest established UK hotel company, by Granada plc. The Granada Group, a television and leisure conglomerate, launched a £3.3 billion hostile takeover bid for Forte on 22 November 1995, in one of the UK’s most expensive takeovers this decade. This marked the end of family control of a hotel group created by Lord Forte in the 1930s. Identifies the factors underpinning Granada’s success and in particular managerial style and approach.
The Virtual Neural Business System: a vision for IT support for the network form organization
Authors: Winch Graham , Gyllstrom Hans , Sauer François , Seror‐Märklin Susanne
Published: July 2002

One of the consequences of trends in business worldwide has been the emergence of the “network form” organization ‐ alliances of independent operating units bound together by a mutuality of interests and shared visions of the future for their industry rather than as subsidiaries of a single hierarchical firm. These operating units are seen as offering the flexibility and responsiveness necessary in today’s turbulent and fast‐changing industrial situations. This article reviews the particular demands of these new organizational structures, including the reconciling of latest thinking on control and co‐ordination needs with the advantages of unit autonomy. It then offers a vision and structure for an information technology‐based integrating framework. The system is styled a virtual neural business system (V‐NBS) to suggest that it would not only manage and and fuel the operations of the network partners by linking their sensory and motor components, but also act as a whole‐system knowledge, experience and “thinking function accessible and available to support all managers in their individual decision making”.
Going for the gold
Authors: Burdett John
Published: July 2002

Likens the world of top‐class sports and team playing with business organizations. Discusses player development, leadership, players’ assumptions, partnerships with customers and employs Tamrock, a multinational corporation based in Finland,as a case in point.
The crisis of wealth creation
Authors: Chaharbaghi Kazem , Newman Victor
Published: July 2002

Wealth does not exist in infinite volume, it has to be created. The creation of new wealth which is necessary to support growing social expectations is determined by the ability to create new market values in the form of a new knowledge that significantly alters the patterns of expectations. The prevailing mindset, however, currently favours a stable formula for maintaining existing market values. Provides a framework for wealth creation by defining knowledge in a way that encompasses its origins through to the technologies which exploit it in the form of new market values.
Capital structure: perspectives for managers
Authors: Groth John C. , Anderson Ronald C.
Published: July 2002

Understanding capital structure and its practical implications is important to the professional manager regardless of functional area of expertise. The seminal work in the area of capital structure earned the researchers Nobel Prizes. In subsequent years, researchers have provided much additional and very important work on capital structure theory. Decodes capital structure theory and its implications in a manner useful to the practitioner. Explains the conceptual issues, consequences, and implications. Managers face an uncertain world that does not co‐operate with many of the assumptions of theory. Suggests practical strategies for applying capital structure theory to increase firm value. Relates the attendant choices and management of capital structure to the value generation cycle of the company. Includes a section on the important issues in capital structure for companies in emerging and transition economies.
Developing a mission for an entrepreneurial venture
Authors: Wickham Philip A.
Published: July 2002

States that a sense of mission can be a powerful force in shaping and guiding an entrepreneurial venture. Discusses how it focuses the entrepreneur’s vision and gives it a real strategic direction. Articulated as a formal mission statement it can be used to bring together disparate stakeholder groups within the organization. Posits that it also acts as an aide‐mémoire for communicating what the venture has to offer customers, suppliers, and potential employees. States also that a clear mission can also help in attracting investment. It catches the attention of potential investors and suggests professionalism in management approach. Explains, however, if it is to be effective, the mission must be right for the venture, developed with sympathy to the organization and be communicated effectively. Presents a practical, five‐stage approach to developing a mission for an entrepreneurial venture. This approach ensures that the strategic, competitive and organization context of the venture has been considered and is properly reflected in the final mission statement.
An empirical study on the learning‐updating strategy to allocate managerial resources for operations improvement
Authors: Kim Bowon
Published: July 2002

Firms face a great deal of uncertainty in developing new technology. This uncertainty poses much more serious problems when development projects are new to firms and there are few historical data applicable to the development process in point. Examines operations‐improvement processes in two shipbuilding firms and proposes an extended version of “parallel R&D” theory, called “learning‐updating strategy”. Based on a field study, presents empirical evidence for the effectiveness of the learning‐updating strategy in allocating managerial resources for operations improvement.
A strategic perspective on overseas Chinese networks’ decision making
Authors: Haley George T.
Published: July 2002

Researchers and managers have assumed that the overseas Chinese business networks do not conduct strategic planning. Summarizes, in general, the literature on the overseas Chinese networks’ decision‐making style and compares it with perspectives from established schools of strategic planning. Specifically enhances understanding of the overseas Chinese networks’ business style, generates awareness of the style’s strengths and weaknesses, and explores strategic implications for foreign multinational corporations that enter into alliances with, or compete against the overseas Chinese networks.
Defending against MNC offensives: strategy of the large domestic firm in a newly liberalizing economy
Authors: Das Ranjan
Published: July 2002

States that waves of liberalization are blowing across developing countries leading to the creation of new opportunities for multinational corporations (MNCs). Proposes that, MNCs respond to such new opportunities with a set of offensive moves that can give them a salient position in the newly liberalized economies. Posits that domestic firms in India respond to these offensives through a combination of three broad responses and clear emphasis on achieving pre‐emptive market position, attaining a critical size, creating national brands, exploiting national competitive advantages, adopting best international practices and altering core values.