bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coalition of Networked Information: Fall 2005 Task Force Meeting
Authors: Rader Hannelore B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To report on the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) held the Fall 2005 Task Force Meeting for its Task Force representatives and other participants in Phoenix, Arizona on December 5‐6, 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a concise review of the conference.

Findings

The meeting offered a wide variety of timely presentations that advanced and reported on CNI’s programs, projects and issues from Task Force member institutions and emphasized significant activities on the national and international arenas.

Originality/value

This paper is a useful summary of a conference of interest to library and information management professionals.
An Assessment of the Capacity‐Building Programme on Information and Communication Technology, Organized by the Education Tax Fund, Nigeria
Authors: Osahon Uwaifo Stephen , Chukwunweike Omede Gracious
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To improve ICT processes and basic IT education of information professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population comprised 55 respondents from seven higher institutions in the South‐South Geo‐Political Zone of Nigeria.

Findings

Quick and easy access to information is facilitated by information and communication technologies. The essence of the training programme is to enable the participants to make effective use of ICT. There are problems inherent in an intense programme such as this where participants probably had difficulty absorbing information before moving on to the next module or course. An ambitious project this was but intensity may have been overwhelming.

Research limitations/implications

Many things contribute to the success of the programme as well as to the weaknesses. Surveying participants helps to revise the programme for subsequent training and make improvements.

Originality/value

Training is badly needed and this kind of experience confirms and justifies the need. This write‐up builds on the logistics more than the curriculum content and that too contributes to the success and limitations of such a programme.
An Assessment of Computer Literacy Skills of Professionals in Nigerian University Libraries
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E. , Anie Silvester O.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To assess the computer literacy skills/competencies of professional librarians in Nigerian university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Employs descriptive design using questionnaires to collect data from 57 professional librarians in four Nigerian university libraries.

Findings

Reveals the personal characteristics of the respondents, assessment of their levels of computer skills, computer use experience, avenues of computer literacy, software used, library routines computer is used for, benefits derived from computer and problems associated with computer use, recommendations are made in light of the findings.

Originality/value

Its findings will assist librarians and library managers to have insight into state of computer literacy among professionals in Nigerian university libraries and assist relevant authorities to plan how librarians, especially in developing countries, can become computer literate.
Some Reservations about FRBR
Authors: Beall Jeffrey
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to promote discussion of issues concerning Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR).

Design/methodology/approach

An opnion piece on the value of a new library cataloguing system.

Finding

FRBR is a theoretical and unproven model for organizing data in online library catalogs. Although the viability of the model remains unproven, it is being accepted largely without question in the library community, supported by a bandwagon effect among many librarians. The model has numerous weaknesses, such as vague terminology, and its implementation will demand large expenditures of resources, while its added value is unclear.

Originality/value

Opines that although the model is a new cataloging standard, its implementation will have an impact on all areas of librarianship.
Does the Islamic financial system design matter?
Authors: Ghafar b. Ismail Abdul , Ahmad Ismail b.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to consider the empirical works on Islamic financial design in the light of room for improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

Looks at the many aspects of the Islamic financial system and suggests some prudent and sound regulatory frameworks which are deemed necessary.

Findings

Finds that the more services that can be offered by the financial intermediaries, the greater the chances of producing more specialized financial services and diversification of financial institutions.

Originality/value

Paves the way for future scholars to examine the systems from the angle of efficiency, effectiveness, rules and regulations, and the present lack of a recognized legal and accounting system.
To get one's money's worth: library management with cost data
Authors: Poll Roswitha
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to give an overview of cost accounting methods and illustrate how they can be used in a library.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the difference between cost accounting and traditional statistics of income and expenses and shows the value of cost data to organizational decisions.

Findings

Not all libraries undertake cost accounting exercises, but they are necessary if the institution is to run smoothly and efficiently. By knowing the cost of specific tasks or services, and comparing those costs with similar services offered by other institutions, the library can better judge what services should be offered, and whether or not those services should be provided internally, or externally.

Originality/value

Cost accounting should always be seen in connection with the mission, goals and strategic planning of the library. By knowing the cost of each service provided or transaction performed, better decisions can be made on which services should be provided, and what new initiatives can be undertaken.
Understanding Taiwanese students' decision‐making factors regarding Australian international higher education
Authors: Chen Ching‐Huei , Zimitat Craig
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the motivators for Taiwanese students to study higher education in a western society. The behavioural motivations of Taiwanese students intending to undertake higher education in Australia and the USA were analysed using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Taiwanese students intending to study overseas were surveyed with an instrument based on the theory of planned behaviour. Data from 518 students were subjected to principal components analysis to ascertain factors related to their intention to study overseas.

Findings

The TPB was validated as an appropriate model for examining selection of transnational education destinations as a form of consumer behaviour. For Australia, the attitude or perceptions of Taiwanese students towards higher education in the destination country was of greatest importance in shaping their intentions for overseas study. The influence of family and friends was more important than consideration of resources necessary in shaping intentions to study in the USA. These differences provide a basis for considering tailored marketing plans for these countries.

Originality/value

The research demonstrates the usefulness and the insights that can be gained from the application of the model to the marketing of transnational education services. Institutions could adapt and apply this methodology to develop their own marketing plans.
The equity consequences of school‐based management
Authors: Nir Adam E. , Miran Meir
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the introduction of school‐based management (SBM) affects schools' incomes and educational equity?

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of financial reports coming from 31 SBM schools during a period of four sequential years reveals that the overall inequity among schools has slightly decreased, although significant differences are found between high and low socio‐economic schools.

Findings

The findings show that significant differences exist between schools of low and high socio‐economic backgrounds in the relative amount of incomes coming from parental payments. An analysis of the income provided to schools by the LEA suggests that the differences and inequalities between schools are moderated by the LEA, which provides relatively more funds to schools of low socio‐economic backgrounds following the introduction of SBM in schools.

Originality/value

The study points to the danger inherent in SBM for educational equity and highlights the significance of a compensating formula that will take into account mainly parental payments de‐facto in previous years.
The challenges of adopting the learning organisation philosophy in a Singapore school
Authors: Retna Kala S. , Pak Tee Ng
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To report on a case study that examines how the Learning Organisation (LO) concept can be applied in a Singapore school and the challenges that the school faces in the process.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research inquiry was adopted using ethnographic methods. Data includes in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews, observation of meetings, informal conversations with students and parents. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm based on post‐positivist theories.

Findings

While the LO concept can be applied in the school context to its benefit, there can be potential cultural conflicts, ambiguities and paradoxes, as highlighted in the paper. The wider societal culture has a profound influence on how the structures, authority and relationship between subordinates and superiors in a school.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical data is limited to only one school in Singapore. A longitudinal study involving more schools in Singapore will generate a better sense of the benefits and challenges of LO in schools.

Practical implications

Singapore schools need to address the cultural norms of hierarchy and conformity in order to fully embrace the LO concept.

Originality/value

There is a lack of empirical research on how the LO model can be applied in an Asian school context. This paper represents a first attempt to fill this gap and also offers some practical recommendations to schools that are aspiring to be learning schools.
“Bureaucracy, meet catastrophe”
Authors: Takeda Margaret B. , Helms Marilyn M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

An analysis of the way the bureaucratic management system responded to the tsunami disaster of December 26, 2004 is used as an example to highlight the severe shortcomings of the bureaucratic model as a paradigm for responding to situations in which the magnitude of the system's task is overwhelmingly complex and the timing process is bounded by urgency.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence of the findings for this research is driven by primary references, namely news reports and web site information provided in the aftermath of the disaster.

Findings

These reports from the tsunami disaster highlight the key problems of bureaucracies, including slow decision‐making, inability to absorb and process outside information, and escalation of commitment to failed courses of action.

Research limitations/implications

Suggestions for future research are provided.

Practical implications

It is this very requirement that may undermine all relief efforts when such a high magnitude event occurs.

Originality/value

The tragic irony of this analysis is that most emergency relief organizations of the proper size and complexity to effectively deal with “shocking” events must work within the bureaucratic systems created by large federal relief organizations (such as FEMA) as the “price” for staying in operation.
Customer satisfaction
Authors: Vukmir Rade B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an analysis of the literature examining objective information concerning the subject of customer service, as it applies to the current medical practice. Hopefully, this information will be synthesized to generate a cogent approach to correlate customer service with quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles were obtained by an English language search of MEDLINE from January 1976 to July 2005. This computerized search was supplemented with literature from the author's personal collection of peer‐reviewed articles on customer service in a medical setting. This information was presented in a qualitative fashion.

Findings

There is a significant lack of objective data correlating customer service objectives, patient satisfaction and quality of care. Patients present predominantly for the convenience of emergency department care. Specifics of satisfaction are directed to the timing, and amount of “caring”. Demographic correlates including symptom presentation, practice style, location and physician issues directly impact on satisfaction. It is most helpful to develop a productive plan for the “difficult patient”, emphasizing communication and empathy. Profiling of the customer satisfaction experience is best accomplished by examining the specifics of satisfaction, nature of the ED patient, demographic profile, symptom presentation and physician interventions emphasizing communication – especially with the difficult patient.

Originality/value

The current emergency medicine customer service dilemmas are a complex interaction of both patient and physician factors specifically targeting both efficiency and patient satisfaction. Awareness of these issues particular to the emergency patient can help to maximize efficiency, minimize subsequent medicolegal risk and improve patient care if a tailored management plan is formulated.
Roles of imposed cyclic strain amplitude and cyclic strain rate on the stress relaxation behaviour of pre‐strained eutectic Sn‐3.5Ag solder joints
Authors: Rhee H. , Subramanian K.N.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To understand the roles of service‐related parameters, such as imposed cyclic strain amplitude and cyclic strain rate, on the stress relaxation behaviour of eutectic Sn‐Ag solder joints.

Design/methodology/approach

Cyclic shear straining with associated stress relaxation at the shear strain extremes imposed was carried out on pre‐strained eutectic Sn‐Ag solder joints with various cyclic shear straining conditions. Results from such experiments were compared with previously reported findings from monotonic shear straining and stress relaxation tests.

Findings

At higher testing temperatures with a larger cyclic strain amplitude, stress states realized at the subsequent cycle are comparable with, or even gradually increase on, those experienced at the previous cycle, especially after few cycles. The maximum shear stress obtained at each cycle and residual stress during stress relaxation are strongly affected by cyclic strain rate. Stress relaxation during subsequent cycles of straining was found to be strongly dependent on the test temperature, and the imposed cyclic strain amplitude and cyclic strain rate.

Originality/value

In this paper, the experiments were carried out on eutectic Sn‐Ag solder joints with about a 100 μm joint thickness, which are, therefore, representative of those used in microelectronics. Also, there is no systematic study reporting the effects of cyclic straining conditions on the stress relaxation behaviour of eutectic Sn‐Ag solder for this joint configuration in the published literature.
Individual differences in TQM change compliance
Authors: Osayawe Ehigie Benjamin , Clement Akpan Regina , Aide Okhakhume Sylvester
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The present paper seeks to identify what individual differences exist among employees in compliance with a management change; to examine the case of total quality management (TQM), and more precisely, to examine personality factors like extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism, and locus of control as variables of individual differences in the study.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary source of data collection is employed, as employees in some service organizations implementing TQM served as participants for data collection. The research design adopted is correlation. A regression analysis of employee compliance with TQM on the personality variables of the study was run. Self‐report measures of participants were obtained for the personality attributes, while their respective bosses rated them on TQM compliance.

Findings

It is established that individual differences exist in employee compliance with a management change program. Specifically for TQM compliance, high extraversion and low neuroticism are desirable individual difference factors for enhanced compliance with TQM philosophy.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted among employees in service organizations only; this limits the generalizability of the present findings. Also, the employees were mainly Nigerians; cultural differences might limit the research findings. The present study does not exhaust all possible factors of individual differences.

Practical implications

The present research has implications for personnel selection and development in times of organization change. To ensure compliance with a novel management design, some personality factors could serve as favorable dispositions of employees. Management of organizations therefore needs to consider such factors in selection and placement of employees in such organizations.

Originality/value

What is original about the paper is the identification of personality factors that could enhance the implementation of a TQM program.
TISIT: a model for integrating TQM with software and information technologies
Authors: Gunasekaran N. , Arunachalam V.P. , Devadasan S.R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

A model called TQM integrated with software and information technologies (TISIT), that integrates the TQM foundations with software and information technologies, is proposed in this paper. The organisations are enabled to reduce or eliminate the gaps, which are created due to customer expectations and actual deliveries by this model.

Design/methodology/approach

The experience of conducting six case studies, an exploratory study, and literature studies were conglomerated to design a model called TISIT.

Findings

The TISIT model is capable of eliminating or at least reducing the perception, understanding, design, process and operations gaps which have emerged in today's organisations due to global competition.

Research limitations/implications

Despite its capability in bridging the gaps, the TISIT model is yet to be tested against the factors, namely amount of investment needed, skill of the human resources, and their outcome on the profitability of the companies.

Originality/value

Some researchers have identified the gaps that have emanated in today's organisations due to global competition. However, a model to eliminate or at least reduce these gaps has not been contributed so a by any researcher. The TISIT model proposed in this paper overcomes this research lacuna.
The development of pub marketing in the UK
Authors: Pratten J.D.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the changing relationship between brewers and pub owners. The paper considers the acquisition of British public houses by brewers and the introduction of national brands supported by advertising. The recent separation of brewing from pub ownership has brought about different types of public houses and different methods of marketing the outlets and the products offered.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are achieved by examining a variety of written material relating to public houses and brewers in different periods as well as more modern sources to allow an assessment of the changing pub and the advertising techniques employed.

Findings

Brewers advertise their products. When they also owned pubs, the promise of these products acted as advertising for the pubs. Now that brewers own only a small number of pubs, the different techniques have to be employed to attract customers.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that managed and rented estates have evolved, with different ways of marketing themselves. This paper may help to develop a practical approach to their promotion.

Originality value

The separation in ownership of brewers and pub owners is well enough known. The implications on group advertising have been largely ignored. This paper starts to address that gap.
The effects of satisfaction, opportunism, and asset specificity on consumers' loyalty intention toward internet portal sites
Authors: Chiou Jyh‐Shen , Shen Chung‐Chi
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study aims to develop and empirically test a model examining the antecedents of consumer loyalty toward internet portals.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected based on an internet survey in Taiwan. Self‐administered questionnaires were used for all measures.

Findings

The results show that attributive satisfaction is very important in affecting consumers' overall satisfaction toward an internet portal, which in turn affects consumers' loyalty intention toward an internet portal. This study also demonstrates that consumers' specific asset investment on an internet portal exerted a positive impact on loyalty intention, whereas perceived opportunism toward an internet portal exerted a negative influence on loyalty intention.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the e‐commerce service studies in two ways. First, it developed and empirically tested a model for examining the antecedents of consumer loyalty intentions toward an internet portal. Second, it incorporated the concept of transaction cost (i.e. opportunism and asset specificity) into the model and examined the effect on the formation of loyalty intention. This inclusion also improved the theoretical foundation of loyalty formation in an internet‐connected service world.
Hotel networks and social capital in destination marketing
Authors: von Friedrichs Grängsjö Yvonne , Gummesson Evert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper provides insights into destination marketing and the conditions and outcome of competitor co‐operation in a local, horizontal hotel network. The specific purpose is to uncover the mechanics of such a network and offer a theory together with recommendations for practice and future research.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast with manufactured goods, which are distributed to the market, destination marketing distributes customers to a service production site. This basic prerequisite has effects on marketing strategies and the networking of competitors, and so has the fact that the services are in part delivered in interaction with customers and between customers at a physical place. The paper is based on inductive case study research, and the observations and conclusions from the empirical case data are given precedence over extant theory. The case, the Hotel Group, is a hotel network in the town of Östersund, Sweden. The case is directed towards certain strategic business‐to‐business elements of destination marketing.

Findings

The study shows that the Hotel Group has found a success formula. Among the results are that a drive for action, both planned and improvised, is more decisive for success than plans and expressed intentions; that networking is facilitated when local competitors build social capital through trust and commitment in action; and that competitors have to adhere to certain basic principles, strike a balance between seemingly contradictory strategies, and live by an agreed code of conduct.

Research limitations/implications

The case study lays bare the need to rethink certain mainstream vantage points used in research. These include departure from the notion of small‐ and medium‐sized businesses as autonomous economic entities and consider them part of networks; recognition of the social context and synergy of a network organization and its code of conduct; and learning to manage a social network by balancing seeming paradoxes and opposites. The study is temporally limited and does not forecast the sustainability and robustness of the network and its success formula over time and under changing conditions.

Practical implications

The study offers normative and actionable insights about the success of a horizontal tourism network. The network members should adhere to three basic principles: show enthusiasm, give time, and contribute to financing; they have to perform balancing acts between the collective and individual, co‐operation and competition, and planning/intention and action; and they have to follow a seven‐point code of conduct.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a theory of co‐operation in marketing networks. It empirically examines network mechanics when local competitors take action to improve their individual situation by improving the collective competitive position on the market, provides insights into destination marketing and the conditions and outcome of competitor co‐operation in a local, horizontal hotel network.
Digitizing a real estate document library
Authors: Schroeder Alan T.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to present the organizational, logistic, and technological problems in reengineering established real estate library business processes to inform other practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on the approach taken in one organisation. This paper presents the organizational, logistic, and technological problems in reengineering established real estate library business processes by considering a real case study, although the identify of the firm is not revealed.

Findings

The information management literature is strewn with bits and pieces on document imaging and its perceived benefits through increased technology. The business process is more complex than the sales literature suggests. Imaging projects begin with a paper backlog that requires preparation, organization, taxonomy, and elimination of redundancy through document analysis. Personnel, budget, and administration need to be allocated. Simultaneously, a document management system must be selected, data warehouse space allocated, and a design storyboard constructed.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is from the private sector, but there may be other aspects to consider in developing the return on investment argument in other sectors.

Practical implications

How will the paper backlog be eliminated forever? The answer lies in reengineering the entire real estate library business process, transforming the real estate document library into an information management decision‐making tool for those managers involved in selling, buying, and managing property assets

Originality/value

This paper reflects practical lessons learned and will help other professionals who are considering digitization.
Student satisfaction with an educational administration preparation program
Authors: Kanan Hana M. , Baker Ahmad M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the perceptions of graduates from an educational administration program in terms of its effectiveness and impact on their lives and careers.

Design/methodology/approach

The perceptions of 23 graduates of a Master's degree program in educational administration in a developing university were examined in terms of personal satisfaction, content, and impact. A qualitative analysis approach was used to interpret the data generated by a four‐part questionnaire distributed to the first three graduating cohorts in educational administration.

Findings

Personal satisfaction was shown to be more related to interpersonal interaction than academic content of the program of study. The findings also showed that criticism of educational administration preparation programs in newly emerging systems is similar to the criticism levied at similar programs in the west four decades ago. The findings are discussed within their relevance to the construction of a global theory of educational administration preparation programs.

Research limitations/implications

Although the circumstances under which this study was conducted (popular uprising, military violence, etc.) posed limitations on the rigor of its design (e.g. sample size, return rate of questionnaires), it, none the less, offers a significant contribution to the construction of administrative training theory.

Originality/value

This study bears significant ramifications and limitations to the construction of the theory of preparing educational administrators in newly emerging systems.
In search of quality
Authors: Stevens Lynn
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In February 2005, Lloyd James Group conducted an analysis of the list market, which showed an 8 percent decline in commercially available lists. The purpose of this paper is to consider the implication of this modest decline in commercially available data, looking at where those declines are occurring, where the growth areas are, and what other techniques are coming into play to partner work alongside traditional list usage to deliver the results that managers and shareholders are demanding. The paper aims to consider how one such additional technique – affinity marketing – is being used across a number of sectors with retail operations, and how this compares with sectors with no retail presence.

Design/methodology/approach

The first piece of research discussed, In Search of Quality, was carried out in Q1 of 2005. The research was carried out through data sources: lists and data sources, Marketing UK, Catalogue and e‐Business Annual, Precision Marketing, DMIS, FEDMA, World Advertising Research Centre, Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, Office of National Statistics, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, KPMG. The second research paper discussed, A Growing Affinity, was carried out in October/November 2005 through telemarketing and e‐mail field work by Marketing UK. The research base was the UK top 1,000 companies in the banking, charity, credit card, hotel, insurance, retail, telecoms, travel and utility sectors. Future research would look at consumer perceptions of and reactions to affinity‐based campaign where a known organisation introducing a third party to the consumer and look at the perceived logic of different kinds of combinations.

Findings

Over the past couple of decades, marketing in the UK has evolved considerably. A key aspect of this change has been the shift away from the use of mass marketing techniques in favour of a more tailored approach, with retail organisations attempting to deliver a more personalised marketing message to distinct groups of consumers. This development will continue, not with one technique in particular winning out over others, but with the marketer using an increasing range of tools – commercial lists and other third party data, affinity, inserts and further piggy‐back techniques, co‐branding, sponsorship, and more – to reach responsive consumers within their catchments in an increasingly fragmented marketing communications world.

Originality/value

This paper provides retail marketers with an outline of practical options available for use to enhance marketing campaigns and maintain critical volumes as well as quality. The conclusion is that marketers must use a combination of tools and channels to achieve the desired reach and rate of response in the face of data scarcity and increased media fragmentation.
Hospitality industry in Cyprus: the significance of intangibles
Authors: Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Thomas Alison
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide companies in the hotel and tourism industry with an alternative reporting method to the traditional financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

ValueReporting™ is a framework developed and tested in 16 other industries by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Its ambition is to codify the information perceived to be critical by CFOs and the investment community for understanding the quality and sustainability of performance of a company in a given industrial sector. Given that the hotel and tourism industry is one on which the economy of Cyprus depends (in 2003 it was 13.9 per cent of GDP) and is one that has been going through a sustainability crisis, it was decided to develop the framework for this sector and to recommend it to executives as a method of mitigating this current lack of confidence. The study was tested on financial statement users (analysts, investors and regulators) and executives.

Findings

The findings identified that users wish to understand the operational drives of performance (“value‐creating activities”) and that there is an information gap between the information the users want and the information they get.

Research limitations/implications

The study was of interest to publicly listed companies or public but not listed. Given the relatively small number of companies in the industry and the limited number of users, this study needs to be replicated in another country with a bigger sample size.

Practical implications

The focus in ValueReporting™ should be on value‐creating activities and measures should be taken by the hotel and tourism industry in Cyprus to tailor the information in ValueReporting™ to the special concerns of the users.

Originality/value

Whilst many frameworks have been put forward, they lack the detail testing that ValueReporting™ has had in 16 global industries. This framework has not been tested in the hotel and tourism industry, which makes this work original.
Vibrational effect on heat transfer and entropy generation in an elliptic porous cavity
Authors: Mahmud Shohel , Fraser Roydon Andrew
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Free convection inside a square, circular, or elliptic cavity with gravity oscillation is a special class of problems. In a microgravity environment, the reduction or elimination of natural convection can enhance the properties and performances of materials such as crystals. However, aboard orbiting spacecrafts, all objects undergo low‐amplitude broadband perturbed accelerations, or g‐jitter, caused by crew's activities, orbiter maneuvers, equipment vibrations, solar drag, and other sources. Therefore, there is a growing interest in understanding the effects of these perturbations on the systems' behavior. There is no information of flow, heat transfer, and irreversibility analyses in the current literature that considers such a situation in a porous medium. This motivates this paper to conduct the current research.

Design/methodology/approach

As a special case, an elliptic enclosure is considered here. The enclosure is filled with a porous medium whose flow is modeled by the Darcy momentum equation. The full governing differential equations are simplified by the Boussinesq approximation and solved by a finite volume method. Prandtl number (Pr) is fixed at 1.

Findings

The average Nusselt number (Nu), Bejan number (Be), and entropy generation number (Ns) are adopted to characterize the heat transfer and irreversibilities. Gravity oscillation introduces periodic behavior to the Nu, Be, and Ns rate. Depending on the frequency and the Rayleigh number (Ra), three distinguishable regimes of ψ behavior are identified: periodic and synchronous, periodic and asynchronous, and non‐periodic and asynchronous.

Research limitations/implications

Current research is valid only for laminar Darcy type flow situation in the porous media.

Originality/value

This paper will extend the existing theory of thermovibrational convection to porous media.
Temperature dependent fluid properties effects on the heat function formulation of natural convective flow and heat transfer
Authors: Adekojo Waheed M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To study quantitatively the effects of combined temperature dependent thermodynamics and transport fluid properties on the heat transfer rate, heat function fields and profiles in a fluid filled square enclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Navier‐Stokes equations in two‐dimensions, which are the flow governing equations, were transformed into stream function and vorticity transport equations. These equations together with the energy and heat function equations were cast into their non‐dimensional forms. Numerical solutions of the resulting equations were done by the use of finite‐difference method.

Findings

The numerical investigations conducted covered the Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers in the range 103≤Ra≤106 and 0.01≤Pr≤450, respectively, and expansion parameter ε=(Th−Tc)/TR in the range 0.05≤ε≤1. Results show that Boussinesq‐approximation is not sufficient to simulate natural convective flow when the difference between Th and Tc is high and close to the reference state temperature. The effects of the other fluids properties other than density can be disregarded in computation without significant loss of accuracy. Combined fluid properties have very strong effects on the heat transfer, heat function fields and profiles.

Originality/value

The results of this study will serve as baseline information to designers of heat transfer or process equipment in which fluid at very high temperature occurs.
Runge‐Kutta based calculation of turbulent forced convection flows of metallic liquids through tubes
Authors: Campo Antonio , Hernández‐Morales Bernardo , Lacoa Ulises
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a suitable linkage of a computational fluid dynamics code and a shape optimization code for the augmentation of local heat transfer coefficients in forced convection channels normally used in the cooling of electronic equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

A parallel‐plate channel with a discrete array of heat sources embedded in one wall, while the other wall is insulated, constitutes the starting model. Using water as coolant, the objective is to optimize the shape of the channel employing a computerized design loop. The two‐part optimization problem is constrained to allow only the unheated wall to deform, while keeping the same inlet shape and observing a maximum pressure drop constraint.

Findings

First, the results for the linearly deformed unheated wall show significant decrease compared with the wall temperatures of the heated wall, with the maximum wall temperature occurring slightly upstream of the outlet. Second, when the unheated wall is allowed to deform nonlinearly, a parabolic‐like shaped wall is achieved where the maximum wall temperature is further reduced, with a corresponding intensification in the local heat transfer coefficient. The effectiveness of the computerized design loop is demonstrated in complete detail.

Originality/value

This paper offers a simple technique for optimizing the shapes of forced convection channels subjected to pre‐set design constraints.
Gender differences and similarities in judgments of trustworthiness
Authors: Golesorkhi Banu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To share research findings on the criteria female and male managers use to judge the trustworthiness of their co‐workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative study involving 321 female and 849 male managers attending leadership development programmes at business schools in Europe and Asia. Male and female respondents were compared on the importance they placed on four criteria of trustworthiness: ability, benevolence, integrity and cultural similarity. Male and female responses were also compared according to their region of origin.

Findings

There are no significant differences between women and men on the importance placed on a co‐worker's ability, but women as a group place significantly more importance on a co‐worker's benevolence, integrity and cultural similarity. However, when compared by region of origin (i.e. Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America), no significant differences are found between men and women within the same region, but important differences emerge between men and women across the three regions.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to sample composition, the broader region of origin was used as an indicator of cultural differences, as opposed to national culture or ethnicity. In addition, the use of western‐developed concepts and instruments may have influenced the responses in Asia.

Practical implications

These findings have important implications for building and rebuilding trust between employees, particularly in organisations characterised by cultural and gender diversity.

Originality/value

This research fills an important knowledge gap in the fields of trust and diversity by providing much needed empirical data on the behaviours related to judgments of trustworthiness, and how these may differ by gender or by culture.
Some aspects of tsunami impact and recovery in India
Authors: Arya Anand S. , Mandal G.S. , Muley E.V.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To provide a review of the general aspects of tsunamis and the specific aspects of the 2004 tsunami impacts on the coastal areas of India and surrounding islands.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a general discussion of the 2004 tsunami and its effects in areas in South East Asia, followed by the specific impacts in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the damage to water supply and power systems, and a situation analysis of the communities, land and housing.

Findings

The impact of the 2004 tsunami highlights the vulnerability of the coastal areas and islands of India. The multi‐hazard situation existing on the sea coast of the mainland as well as in the islands of Andaman and Nicobar require a holistic multi‐hazard mitigation approach as a long term measure. The recovery programs presently in hand are being planned taking the multi‐hazard situation in view, so as to provide protection from such hazards in future.

Originality/value

Provides a review of the effects of the 2004 tsunami in the coastal areas and islands near India.
Tsunami public awareness and the disaster management system of Sri Lanka
Authors: Kurita Tetsushi , Nakamura Akiko , Kodama Miki , Colombage Sisira R.N.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study aims to assess and evaluate the disaster management system in Sri Lanka and the capacity of a local community to respond to natural disasters, and to propose a strategy for the dissemination of tsunami knowledge while raising public awareness of tsunami disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey focused on three clusters of respondents and different methodologies were adopted to collect data from each group, as follows: residents: questionnaires followed by a structured interview; school children: questionnaires completed under the guidance of a teacher; government officials: questionnaires completed independently by respondents, and followed up with unstructured interviews with officials in charge of disaster related activities.

Findings

The results of the survey of residents indicate that; more than 90 percent of residents lacked tsunami knowledge prior to the 2004 tsunami; the main source of information during the disaster was direct information from family and neighbors; school education is important for raising awareness of disaster reduction; and an early warning system is a key requirement for reducing damage in the future. The school surveys reveal that; about 30 percent of school children do not yet understand what causes a tsunami; 90 percent of school children have a keen interest in studying natural disasters; comprehensive disaster education has not been provided; and audio‐visual means are thought to be the most effective tool for disaster education. The survey of officials shows that; seminars and drills on natural disaster have not thus far been conducted among general officials other than the military and police; measures need to be developed to safeguard the interests of tourists; and sirens, TV, and radio broadcasts are effective tools for disseminating disaster warnings to residents.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of the questionnaire and interview surveys, the following recommendations are proposed for disseminating knowledge and raising public awareness of tsunami disasters: promote disaster education at the school level; implement community‐level public awareness programs; enhance information management systems; and improve coordination mechanisms within the disaster management system.

Originality/value

At present, this is the only study being conducted whose goal is to quantitatively evaluate public awareness of natural disasters and disaster management in Sri Lanka.
Earned value management in a data warehouse project
Authors: Art Gowan J. , Mathieu Richard G. , Hey Mark B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Sets out to examine earned value management (EVM), a project management technique that relates resource planning to schedules, technical costs and schedule requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an example of how EVM can be implemented in a data warehouse project and how it can be used as a tool to diagnose and solve problems.

Findings

EVM is based on the belief that the value of the project increases as tasks are completed and therefore the earned value of a project is a measure of the real progress of that project.

Originality/value

Offers a significant analysis of EVM, its benefits and pitfalls.
Price segment stability in consumer goods categories
Authors: Stamer Hans H. , Diller Hermann
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper sets out to explore the degree to which consumer price segments can be generalized across product categories.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive segmentation framework of price‐related activating and cognitive inner processes and preferences is proposed to account for heterogeneity in consumer response to price. Large‐scale consumer survey data on price‐related attitudes in eight consumer goods categories (paper tissue, soap bar, chocolate bar, detergent, facial moisturizer, television set, washing machine, jeans) are used for cluster analysis.

Findings

On the aggregate level, five stable price segments across consumer goods categories are identified and described. On the individual level, it is found that price behavioural consistency is a function of the category context in terms of price uncertainty and quality uncertainty.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that price management should be concerned with price segment structures and their specific price needs. Price segmentation could particularly benefit retailers in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of consumer targeting.

Originality/value

The contribution of the study is to show that identical price segments can be identified across categories, whereas the individual segment membership depends on the nature and level of perceived risk in the category.
For dynamic relationship marketing theory: a reply to Rese
Authors: Hunt Shelby D. , Arnett Dennis B. , Madhavaram Sreedhar
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The authors propose to reply to the comment by Mario Rese on the article “The explanatory foundations of relationship marketing theory.”

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a critical analysis.

Findings

The comment of Rese has misspecified the major problems facing those firms adopting relationship marketing‐based strategies.

Practical implications

In order to find the answers as to why some relationship marketing efforts are successful and others are not, marketing managers must look at more than one research tradition.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies the eight types of factors that influence relationship marketing‐based strategy success.