bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of broadband radar to volumetric sensing and distance measurement
Authors: Burchett Hugh , Upton Miles
Published: April 2007

States that broadband radar is a relatively recent technology which is finding many new applications such as sensing the position and movement of objects in and around vehicles, fluid level measurement in storage tanks, and detecting intruders. Its advantages over competing technologies (ultrasonics, optical and conventional radar) include: low cost implementation; very low power consumed and radiated; accurate position information; unobtrusive, i.e. radar can be mounted within a sealed plastic enclosure; tolerant of dust, spray and other contaminants. Describes the application of broadband radar to consumer, automotive and industrial sensing, and illustrates how a sensor can be used in two modes, first to sense intrusion within a volume and, second, to provide a distance measuring capability.
Reliable monitoring for turning operations: force sensor with integrated electronics measures forces in three directions
Authors: Kirchheim Andreas , Zanetti Markus
Published: April 2007

To ensure the reliable monitoring of machining operations, e.g. by lathes, the forces generated during the metal removal process must be detected with the utmost precision. Almost every type of lathe can be straightforwardly monitored for these factors with a force sensor which not only measures forces in three directions but which also incorporates the necessary electronics to amplify the output signals.
The breaking in of new employees: effectiveness of socialisation tactics and personnel instruments
Authors: Ardts Joost , Jansen Paul , van der Velde Mandy
Published: April 2007

In the last couple of years, attention to organisation socialisation has increased greatly; this is the learning process by which newcomers develop attitudes and behaviour that are necessary to function as a fully‐fledged member of the organisation. After all, the more effective and efficient the socialisation, the sooner a newcomer can be productive for the organisation. This is especially true for a specific group of newcomers, the future managers, as they frequently point out that they are not well prepared for their tasks and their new identity as managers, but are expected to propagate the company policy. The article discusses research that assists organisations to steer the socialisation of new employees. It also provides the framework whereby the link between abstract socialisation tactics and concrete personnel instruments, such as introduction programs, training and education, career planning, career counselling, and performance appraisals, will be realised.
The organizational charlatan scale Developing an instrument to measure false performance
Authors: Parnell John A. , Singer Marc G.
Published: April 2007

This paper reports on the development of the organizational charlatan scale (OCS). The OCS measures one’s emphasis on behaviors associated with perceived performance levels at the expense of those associated with actual performance levels. Data from one company suggests that organizational charlatans receive lower objective technical evaluations but higher subjective management evaluations. The OCS can assist in human resource decisions by providing managers at all levels of the organization with an overall assessment of one’s proclivity for employing such behaviors.
Simulations, Systems Thinking and Anticipatory Learning
Authors: Senge Peter M. , Fulmer Robert M.
Published: April 2007

Discusses “organizational learning”, and the
contribution of simulations and system dynamics to the improvement of
managers′ “mental worlds” in accelerating anticipatory
learning.
Building regulation and sustainable housing. Part 2: technical issues
Authors: Lowe Robert , Bell Malcolm
Published: April 2007

If the building control system is to deliver housing which achieves major reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, it is important to ensure not only that energy efficiency standards are set at an appropriate level but also that the specification of standards takes into account realised performance. It is argued in this paper that, in many cases, there is a large gap between notional performance, as defined by the calculation methods embodied in the Building Regulations, and performance achieved in practice. Although it is accepted that some variation in performance is to be expected, there are a number of areas where closer attention to the methods used to estimate thermal performance, and the inclusion of hitherto unregulated aspects, could help to achieve a much closer match between what is expected and what is achieved. In particular, the paper discusses ways in which the Regulations could be improved so that the impact of thermal bridging, construction quality, window performance and airtightness are more closely controlled.
Mortgage valuation report forms and the identification of subsidence
Authors: Wynn Peter , Hardiment Graham
Published: April 2007

Examines whether surveyors engaged in mortgage valuation inspections using questionnaire‐style report forms supplied by lending institutions are subject to an increased risk of liability in respect of identifying the present and future threat of subsidence to domestic properties. Analysis of the mortgage valuation report forms used by 34 different lending institutions showed that 20 per cent failed to ask any subsidence‐related questions, only 6 per cent asked about the geology or soil type of the site, and only 9 per cent asked about the location of trees relative to the building. Evaluation of the report forms showed that the type, quality and quantity of questioning were such that 24 out of the 34 were inadequate and unreliable, leaving the surveyor at an increased risk of litigation.
The Latham Committee
Authors: Turner Geoffrey
Published: April 2007

The main issues arising from the considerations on latent defects
liability in the Latham Committee consultation paper pertain to: joint
and several liability; limitation periods and prescription of actions;
and transfer of clients′ rights. The Government is reluctant to bring
about compulsory insurance and this is considered justifiable. Discusses
the reasons. It is considered that an improved voluntary system is the
only and better way forward. Positive steps should be taken by the
Government to put in place equitable conditions under which a voluntary
and improved building users′ insurance against latent defects cover can
emerge.
The environmental building
Authors: Herbert Pat
Published: April 2007

Focuses on a new, low‐energy, environmentally advanced building at the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE’s) site near Watford, UK. Notes that the building is part of an ongoing project between BRE, designers, manufacturers and other building professionals to investigate comfortable and healthy workplaces for the next century. Five monitoring programmes are presently under way. Describes the building’s innovative design, its computerised management system and the use of recycled materials in its construction.
Opportunities for change
Authors: Poole Anthony L.
Published: April 2007

The full document deals with strategic sustainable development issues which affect the whole country but using examples mainly drawn from England and Wales. Discusses what is meant by sustainable development and how this can be achieved, how progress can be tracked, managing the environment and its resources and its national co‐operation. There will be a further consultation paper shortly covering Scotland.
Adding value to the healthcare sector – a facilities management partnering arrangement case study
Authors: Okoroh M.I. , Gombera P.P. , John Evison , Wagstaff Martin
Published: April 2007

There has been immense pressure exerted by healthcare service consumers and other stakeholders for trusts to purchase, manage and deliver care service at the optimum cost. Many are searching for sustainable strategic options which would proactively redesign, revitalise and manage the effectiveness of their clinical and non‐clinical services. This study evaluates how a facilities management partnering arrangement in the National Healthcare Services (NHS) trust could lead to cost savings and improved customer focused service provision in NHS trust hospitals. It investigates how a modern day approach of managing non‐core related services under one umbrella, facilities management, has brought about innovation, competitiveness, and entrepreneurial skills to reduce some of the escalating costs in the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. Concludes that facilities management partnering arrangements can secure added value to the healthcare sector and therefore enhance service quality and improve the corporate image.
Strategic direction in the airport business: enabling or disabling?
Authors: Pitt Michael
Published: April 2007

Airport strategic direction is usually linked to the changing nature of airlines and their evolving facilities requirements. In the US airports are predominantly publicly owned giving rise to different organizational structures to those associated with many of the other countries, such as the UK, which are currently experiencing a change in the nature of airline products. This paper examines the different responses that are possible and not possible within the organisational structures of airports, focusing on some of the limitations of the current US and UK models of ownership and how these may impede economic growth. The paper ends with a look at the structural problems that arise in the management of air travel in the best interests of the traveller in the UK and how these problems might be resolved through alliances between the airlines and the airports.
The Maintenance Factor in Facilities Management
Authors: Thompson Peter
Published: April 2007

Looks at the maintenance engineer′s considerations of the needs of
occupants with regard to environmental conditions and requirements. Also
discusses the safety and prevention of diseases such as Legionnaire′s
disease are, plus electrical and mechanical safety requirements.
Community participation in facility management
Authors: Ngowi A.B. , Mselle P.C.
Published: April 2007

By involving the beneficiaries of a facility such as housing or an irrigation scheme, at the various stages of the project, it is possible to build their capacity in relation to the facility, which may contribute to the sustainability of the project beyond the disbursement period. A study carried out in Botswana found that the intensity of community participation at the various stages of facility development is influenced by the complexity of the technology adopted and the willingness of the facility managers to involve the community from the early stages of the project. Based on these findings, this paper proposes a framework which may be followed to achieve this end.
Exploring the geographical dimension in loyalty card data
Authors: Byrom John , Hernández Tony , Bennison David , Hooper Paul
Published: April 2007

Considers the potential that retail loyalty card schemes offer for a more informed understanding of consumer behaviour. With the widespread introduction of loyalty card schemes across the UK, Europe and North America, retailers now have the opportunity to link detailed shopping pattern information to the individual consumer. Data gathered from loyalty card transactions can be referenced to the address of the individual, and as such, can be considered to be a particular type of potential geographic information. Based on detailed semi‐structured interviews within five UK retail organisations that have implemented loyalty card schemes, the article shows the nature of data analysis and applications at present, with data being mostly utilised in direct marketing. It is argued that recognition of the geographic nature of loyalty card data is currently lacking amongst scheme operators, yet is vital if higher order functions are to be realised. To that end, the paper presents visual frameworks that position loyalty card data within the organisational hierarchy and highlight potential techniques and applications that can be achieved via loyalty card data analysis.
Viewpoint: an unscheduled meeting with action research
Authors: van Mesdag Martin
Published: April 2007

Provides an insight into the processes of action research. Refers to a case 40 years ago, long before the term “action research” was coined. The process was used to redesign a company’s marketing effort in Sweden. Discusses a team approach to bringing about change. Describes how the team had members from three levels of management, how all the knowledge generated was treated as collective knowledge, how anyone at any time could and was expected to contribute, how criticism was invited and conflict recognised and how both was substantiated by the promulgators and evaluated by the team. Discusses the benefits of teamwork and action research.
Sustainable development: integrating environmental issues into strategic planning
Authors: Quazi Hesan A.
Published: April 2007

As we begin the twenty‐first century it appears that for a growing number of industries environmental issues are emerging with increasing frequency as strategic problems. If human economic activity is to be sustainable, then strategic behavior of companies must take account of the structural elements. Researchers in the western societies are trying to understand how the companies integrate the sustainability issues into their strategies. No such study has been reported on companies operating in the ASEAN countries. This paper reports the findings of a case study research on this issue which was conducted on seven global companies operating in Singapore. Two frameworks were applied to analyze the nature and extent of integration of environmental management practices into the organizational strategic planning process. The study reveals that the majority of the sample companies have well‐developed environmental management systems in place which satisfies the requirements of the strategic planning criterion of the (Singapore) business excellence framework. These companies are also found to be actively engaged in at least four of the five best practices of environmental leadership framework suggested by Dechant and Altman.
Enhancing the effectiveness of benchmarking in manufacturing organizations
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Chandra Charu
Published: April 2007

Benchmarking is an important tool to emulate existing best practices in the industry at large and for achieving continuous improvements in business operations. Numerous examples of successful benchmarking are available in the professional literature and corporations have successfully used it to attain world class manufacturing/service stature. This paper, in particular, studies the differences and the similarities in the various prevalent benchmarking approaches followed by some successful corporations. An important objective of this study is to identify factors which enhance the effectiveness of benchmarking.
Just‐in‐time manufacturing in Ghana
Authors: Amoako‐Gyampah Kwasi , Gargeya Vidyaranya B.
Published: April 2007

Just‐in‐time (JIT) production has received a great deal of attention worldwide in the last couple of decades. Most research has examined the effects of the JIT philosophy and practice in developed countries (such as the USA, Canada, and Australia). Barring a couple of studies, not much attention has been paid to the study of the implementation of JIT in less developed countries. Based on a survey of 48 manufacturing firms in Ghana, this paper examines the implementation of JIT production systems in a developing country. The results suggest that Ghanaian manufacturing firms which have invested in JIT production systems are different from firms that have not invested in JIT production in terms of their efforts in employees’ training, setup time reduction, cellular manufacturing, continuous quality improvement, and supplier partnership. At the same time, JIT firms are not significantly different from non‐JIT firms with regard to the use of measurement systems.
GloStra – a hybrid system for developing global strategy and associated Internet strategy
Authors: Li Shuliang , Davies Barry J.
Published: April 2007

An intelligent hybrid system, called GloStra (developed by the author), for developing global marketing strategy and associated Internet marketing strategy is reported in this paper. The hybrid system is built to integrate the strengths of expert systems, fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks and decision support technology; and to link the development of global marketing strategy with the formulation of associated Internet marketing strategy. In the paper, the system architecture, the functional modules of the hybrid system and other associated technical issues are addressed. The directions for further research in this field are also highlighted.
Business process modelling in small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Tam A.S.M. , Chu L.K. , Sculli D.
Published: April 2007

Data flow analysis is used in a novel context for business process modelling. A framework is presented together with its enterprise modelling concepts and the associated modelling tools. The framework was specifically developed for small‐ to medium‐sized industries. The strengths and weaknesses of the general data flow analysis approach are discussed in terms of its suitability for Hong Kong’s small‐ to medium‐sized industries. A case example is also presented to illustrate the methodology.
A survey of innovative technology processes in manufacturing
Authors: Wagner Alexander , Turner Douglas Edward , Byrd Terry Anthony
Published: April 2007

The focus of this investigation is to distinguish the difference between technologies and processes found in manufacturing environments, where the magnitude and order of these associations may provide insight into the degree that each may require from a “push‐pull” perspective. Each organization is divided into two differing parameters of communication: internal and external. The results suggest that advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and advanced manufacturing processes (AMPs) are positively related, while a technology such as EDI is not equally distributed between the concepts of internal and external communications. The predominant research design for analyzing the impact of a new technology on an organization has been the case study design, which does not provide a consistent basis for comparing and generalizing results. This study employs the survey design and provides a better insight into the effects of AMTs and AMPs.
Electronic commerce in Greater China
Authors: Trappey Charles V. , Trappey Amy J.C.
Published: April 2007

The Greater China region (China, Taiwan and Hong Kong) has more than 1.2 billion people, about one fifth of the world’s total population. This incredibly large market continues to modernize rapidly, and over the last five years, the region has maintained a very high economic growth rate in comparison to the rest of the world. The combination of market size and economic growth makes Greater China the most promising place in the world for Internet products and services. China, Taiwan and Hong Kong recognize the opportunities and via public and private initiatives are investing in the development of information technology (IT) and the Internet infrastructure. This paper outlines the key electronic commerce (EC) trends and events in the region. Further, the research analyzes the current impediments to Internet commerce in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and provides strategy and directions for the region’s EC development.
Putting the “T” in IT
Authors: Monk Clare
Published: April 2007

Premier Beverages (owner of Typhoo tea) is working with systems integrator Pacific Systems International to improve systems availability on AS/400 platforms. The Robot suite of automated operations software was installed to reduce the manning costs of moving from ten‐hour to 24‐hour‐a‐day operations. Automated job scheduling, message management, alerts and other aspects of automated systems management have been covered by the Robot suite, leveraging Premier’s IT investment.
Thyssen Informatik forges ahead in systems availability with Candle’s solutions
Authors: Holmes Stephen
Published: April 2007

German facilities management company, Thyssen Informatik GmbH (TIC) has gained increased applications availability and control by working with Candle Corporation, provider of systems availability solutions for networked businesses to enhance. TIC, a subsidiary of $23billion‐turnover German steel company Thyssen AG, has more than 70 systems management customers and a turnover of $80million. Considers the trust placed by customers in outsourcing their systems to TIC and the complexity of ensuring systems availability across a large number of diverse platforms (IBM, DEC, HP, Siemens and client‐server). Concentrates on MQSeries middleware and Candle’s Availability Command Center solutions (OMEGAMON, OMEGAVIEW, Candle Command Center etc.) which have ensured a very effective operation indeed at TIC.
Interlending and document supply: a review of recent literature – XXXVII
Authors: Connolly Pauline
Published: April 2007

Reviews literature related to several aspects of interlending and document supply. Examines the impact of World Wide Web delivery and the ever‐increasing number of periodicals being published electronically. Interlinked with these two factors is the creation of digital libraries. Discusses some of the projects undertaken by higher education institutions to deliver electronic material to researchers and students. Includes articles on various resource sharing activities highlighting the usual access versus ownership issues.
Dr Wood, I presume!
Authors: Pilling Stella
Published: April 2007

Reviews the career of Dr David Wood at the British Library, and its predecessor, the National Lending Library for Science and Technology. Describes his wide range of professional involvement over 34 years. Examines the contribution he made to the world of grey literature, in particular, his role in the SIGLE initiative.
Document access in the United States: revisited 1978‐2004
Authors: Jackson Mary E.
Published: April 2007

This paper provides examples of how the document access environment in the United States has changed since James L. Wood described it in 1978. The paper also summarizes several new developments in document access.
Selecting the “best” document delivery supplier
Authors: Jackson Mary
Published: April 2007

The column discusses four criteria for a library to select a document delivery supplier or to become a document supplier: fast turnaround time, expedited delivery options, known fees and payment options, and different methods to submit requests. Reasons why these key criteria are given.
Modeling and simulation of the decohesion of particulate aggregates in a binding matrix
Authors: Zohdi T.I. , Wriggers P.
Published: April 2007

A model for the decohesion of aggregates of suspended particulate material in a binding matrix is developed. In the model cohesive zones which envelop each particle individually are introduced at the particulate/binder interface. During progressive loading, the deterioration of the cohesive zones is initiated if constraints placed on the microstress fields are violated. In order for the material behavior to be energetically admissible, the deterioration of the material at a point is in the form of a reduction of the elasticity tensor’s eigenvalues at that point. The material within the cohesive zones deteriorates until the constraints are met. In order to isolate and study the effects of interfacial deterioration, outside of the cohesive zones, the material is unaltered. Mathematical properties of the model, as well as physical restrictions, are discussed. Numerical simulations are performed employing the finite element method to illustrate the approach in three‐dimensional applications.
Customizing the mass and geometric stiffness of plane beam elements by Fourier methods
Authors: Felippa Carlos A.
Published: April 2007

Teaches by example the application of finite element templates in constructing high performance elements. The example discusses the improvement of the mass and geometric stiffness matrices of a Bernoulli‐Euler plane beam. This process interweaves classical techniques (Fourier analysis and weighted orthogonal polynomials) with newer tools (finite element templates and computer algebra systems). Templates are parameterized algebraic forms that uniquely characterize an element population by a “genetic signature” defined by the set of free parameters. Specific elements are obtained by assigning numeric values to the parameters. This freedom of choice can be used to design “custom” elements. For this example weighted orthogonal polynomials are used to construct templates for the beam material stiffness, geometric stiffness and mass matrices. Fourier analysis carried out through symbolic computation searches for template signatures of mass and geometric stiffness that deliver matrices with desirable properties when used in conjunction with the well‐known Hermitian beam material stiffness. For mass‐stiffness combinations, three objectives are noted: high accuracy for vibration analysis, wide separation of acoustic and optical branches, and low sensitivity to mesh distortion and boundary conditions. Only the first objective is examined in detail.
Combination of the critical displacement method with a damage model for structural instability analysis
Authors: Oñate E. , Tschöpe H. , Wriggers P.
Published: April 2007

The paper describes the extension of the critical displacement method (CDM), presented by Oñate and Matias in 1996, to the instability analysis of structures with non‐linear material behaviour using a simple damage model. The extended CDM is useful to detect instability points using a prediction of the critical displacement field and a secant load‐displacement relationship accounting for material non‐linearities. Examples of application of CDM to the instability analysis of structures using bar and solid finite elements are presented.
Enhancing structural topology optimization
Authors: Akin J.E. , Arjona‐Baez Javier
Published: April 2007

The goal of structural optimization is to find the best possible configuration that minimizes the objective function and satisfies a set of constraints. Here we present a method based on the evolutionary structural optimization method, where the quality of the solution is improved by avoiding the chain‐like sets of elements which are sources of potential kinematic instabilities, and by including local error estimators. Both of these enhancements are employed to activate refining the mesh so as to obtain accurate and stable solutions as the volume removal proceeds. Several related contributions of Professor E. Hinton are cited.
Computational mechanics of the excavation of tunnels
Authors: Kropik C. , Mang H.A.
Published: April 2007

Contains a report on three‐dimensional finite element (FE) analyses of deformations and stresses resulting from the excavation of shallow underground railway tunnels. Multisurface elasto‐viscoplastic material models are employed for consideration of the mechanical behaviour of the soil and the shotcrete shell supporting the excavation. Both are formulated within the framework of closest point projection algorithms. For soil a cap model is used, consisting of a curved failure surface, a tension cut‐off and an elliptical cap. The latter allows consideration of the evolution of plastic strains even for the limiting case of a purely volumetric stress state. The movement of the cap is governed by a hardening law, describing the relation between the hydrostatic pressure and void ratio. The shotcrete model is a rotating crack model, taking ageing of the maturing concrete into account. It consists of a strain‐hardening Drucker‐Prager cone and three Rankine (crack) surfaces. Demonstrates the usefulness of the cap model to predict the mechanical behaviour of the soil by means of tests on remoulded, saturated clay. The model parameters of the clayey silt of Vienna, where the analysed tunnel is located, are fit to standard test results. The parameters of the shotcrete model are fit to test results published in the literature. Compares the analysis of a single‐track tunnel with the results of field measurements from sliding micrometers. Furthermore, the stresses in the shotcrete lining are examined. In view of the inhomogeneity of the material and of unavoidable deficiencies of the measurements it is fair to say that the mechanical effects resulting from the excavation of tunnels are modelled reasonably well.
The Stages of Quality Management Evolution in the Pacific Rim
Authors: Wacker John G. , Sheu Chwen
Published: April 2007

The most important issue facing manufacturers is maintaining the
improving product quality, since quality is related to long‐term
competitiveness as measured by market share and profitability. Firms are
implementing many different quality programmes to improve quality. Many
times these programmes are not focused on what can be accomplished,
since each company is at different stages in its quality development.
Examines these development stages of quality management, so that
manufacturers can estimate the quality development stage. After
evaluating their quality stage manufacturing firms can improve quality
systematically, by concentrating on those programmes that best suit
their development.
The changing nature of work and stress
Authors: Schabracq Marc J. , Cooper Cary L.
Published: April 2007

Considers the architecture and production of everyday life and its positive outcomes, as well as ways of disrupting it, resulting in the loss of these outcomes. Indirectly, such disruption might be brought about by the possible effects of the huge, interacting global changes (in the fields of macro‐economics, technology, culture and politics) on our organisations. These changes force organisations to change themselves too, in order to survive. Some of these forms of adaptation are discussed. Looking at their consequences on the everyday life of their employees, the article roughly distinguishes two kinds of consequences. The article indicates a number of possible sources of stress, and some approaches and interventions that may mitigate their possible harmful effects. Moreover, it concludes that such interventions can have more general positive effects for the organisation, because stress‐related complaints can be indicators of underlying factors that may negatively affect other organisational goals as well.
Asian management style versus Western management theories – A Singapore case study in construction project management
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Leong Christopher H.Y.
Published: April 2007

The Asian financial crisis snowballed in July 1997 following the devaluation of the Thai baht. This triggered off a chain reaction which led to similar crises in many countries in Asia, including Singapore. One of the arguments put forward to explain the financial crisis in Asia relates to the Asian style of management, which purportedly includes kinsmanship and guanxi or family connections. But is this really the case? Is the Asian management style significantly different from the Western style of management? It is shown that the style of management in Asian countries can also be explained and described using contemporary management theories from the West. This is achieved through a case study in construction project management for a typical family‐run building firm in Singapore. Field observations on the construction site suggest that the style of management in Asia can be related to modern management theories from the West.
Cultural influences on the ABC implementation in Thailand’s environment
Authors: Morakul Supitcha , Wu Frederick H.
Published: April 2007

The activity‐based costing (ABC) system of the USA has been adopted by organizations in Thailand and elsewhere. Many cross‐cultural studies provide evidence that, because of cultural differences, successful accounting techniques and practices in one country need to be modified for effective use in another country. Using in‐depth interviews and questionnaires, this study examines the effects of cultural differences on the resistance against the ABC system in the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) – the three largest state enterprises in Thailand. It finds that the resistance is high for a system that causes empowerment and redistribution of power. This finding is different from what was found for the USA. The difference can be explained by cultural differences, especially in the power distance dimension, in the two countries. So, Thailand’s implementation of the ABC system must recognize this fact, and system modifications are necessary.
From learning styles to learning skills: the executive skills
profile
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E. , Kolb David A.
Published: April 2007

Contends that a typology of skills based on a framework of learning
styles and experiential learning theory, rather than a framework of job
performance or some other personality construct, provides a language and
guidance for assessment methods to describe knowledge at the performance
level of adaptation. It requires development of the concept of learning
skills which are: domainspecific and knowledge‐rich; descriptive of an
integrated transaction between the person and the environment; and
developed by practice. Reviews and reports data from numerous studies to
establish the ESP′s reliability, relational validity, criterion validity
and construct validity. The ESP can be used as a vehicle for providing
personal and organizational feedback on skills, and expectations and
intent regarding skills in jobs and development programmes.
Association of audit delay and audit firms’ international links: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Imam Shahed , Uddin Ahmed Zahir , Hasan Khan Sadia
Published: April 2007

Examines whether audit delay of Bangladeshi companies is associated with audit firms’ links with international firms. The study is based on a sample of 115 listed companies of the Dhaka Stock Exchange for the year ended 1998. A non‐parametric tool has been used to find whether any significant difference exists among audit firms. The results of previous studies on audit delay show that firms associated with international audit firms appear to provide motivation for shorter audit delays. However, this study reveals that firms associated with international firms in Bangladesh have longer audit delays with a mean of 6.31 months, whereas the overall mean is 5.86 months.
Audit evidence: the US standards and landmark cases
Authors: Vanasco Rocco R. , Skousen Clifford R. , Jenson Richard L.
Published: April 2007

Auditors gather evidence to formulate their judgment on financial statements and in assessing the risk factors concerning the company under audit. Examines the role played by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in developing auditing standards concerning audit evidence. Significant court and SEC cases relating to audit evidence are described and issues discussed.
Cause‐classified Control Chart and its application
Authors: Xu Yan
Published: April 2007

Traditional statistical tools are subject to certain constraints when they are applied to quality control in industries where the number of faults per working day is limited. An effective quality monitoring and analyzing tool is therefore needed to meet the specific requirements of these industrial sectors. Proposes a so‐called “Cause‐classified Control Chart”, based on fieldwork in the Nanchang Telecommunications Office of China. Trial results from several posts and telecommunications offices in China in recent years have positively shown that the Cause‐Classified Control Chart is an effective tool for quality enhancement in these specific industrial sectors.
The dangers of product‐driven success: what’s the next growth act?
Authors: Slywotzky Adrian , Wise Richard
Published: April 2007

Investigates complacency by managers at successful organizations and how they seem to ignore warning signs of danger on the horizon. Stresses that these are the wrong reactions and recognizing the danger requires knowing what to look for, and lists three patterns, which allow for crises to afflict successful growth‐oriented companies. Extensive detail in four figures aids by way of explanation. Sums up that scepticism over growth crisis is a natural reaction for managers and investors in healthy companies, but there are benefits in the incorporation of this new way of thinking.
How strong brands get “on intent” – and stay there
Authors: Barron Jennifer
Published: April 2007

Emphasizes that without management that is active and astute, brand “intent” will not translate into what might be called the “customer experience” – the feelings and thoughts of people who learn, buy and purchase etc. Recommends four fundamental blueprints for building a solid internal foundation: create the brand intent; align the organization; deliver the customer experience; and measure and refine. States in summary that, when a company makes and fulfils its promises re its brands, customers will stick with that company, such as Heineken, Wal‐Mart, Dell Computers, Audi, FedEx and Wendy’s, which are all at the top of their categories’ growth in sales.
Are you getting value from your IT?
Authors: Rau Susan E. , Bye Barbara S.
Published: April 2007

Speculates on whether companies are obtaining value for money from technology, as IT spending consumers a considerable portion of both the balance sheet and the annual operating budget. Shows how to figure out whether a company is getting its money’s worth out of its investment in technology, and uses four main items in a list to add value: expense containment; process improvement; customer advantage; and talent leverage. Employs copious use of figures and tables to aid the reader. Concludes it is also possible to generate values for semi‐tangible assets such as people and intangibles.
The quality instinct: how an eye for art can save your business
Authors: Anderson Maxwell
Published: April 2007

Purpose

This paper was written to help the lay reader understand how learning to look at art can be helpful in learning to evaluate business decisions. The lessons of sorting out the best from the very good in art are directly applicable to decisions in everything from product design to evaluating goods that are designed, manufactured, displayed, or sold.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to honing a “quality instinct” involves developing visual literacy – learning to look at art – and moving on to learning to discern differences in the quality of art objects.

Findings

Consumers are growing more visually sophisticated, and it behooves business leaders to be one step ahead of their competitors and their target markets. Visual literacy is achieved through a combination of study and practice. Seeing past the different ways artists tackle the same subject to discover both their intention and your reaction can train you to look at mass‐manufactured goods with a discerning eye.

Value

Visual communication cuts across cultures, unlike the spoken word. It's immediate and visceral. Expanding visual literacy is necessary for effective communication in a global marketplace, and gives you an advantage in a market where competitors may come up short. By developing visual literacy from spending time looking at art and learning about it, you'll improve your instincts in making visual judgments – about product design, marketing strategies, business environments, and your company's overall image.
New halogen‐free materials for PWB, HDI and advanced package substrate
Authors: Murai Hikari , Takeda Yoshiyuki , Takano Nozomu , Ikeda Ken
Published: April 2007

Recently, the requirement of the printed wiring boards (PWBs) of environmental harmony type has risen rapidly. We have developed the core technologies of halogen‐free. They consist of resin system technology and high filler content technology. The point of the resin technology is the development of a new resin system (RO resin) which takes nitrogen into the molecule frame in a large quantity. The point of the high filler content technology is the development of a new filler interphase control system (FICS) which enables the high dispersion of fillers. A variety of halogen‐free substrates which can be applied to the diversified needs have been developed by combining these technologies. They are MCL‐RO‐67G, thin laminate for the multi‐layer PWBs, MCF‐4000G, build‐up material for high density interconnect (HDI) , and MCL‐E‐679F(G), high Tg laminate for the advanced plastic IC packages (PKGs) and PWBs. These materials have excellent heat‐resistance, and are suitable for lead‐free solder as well. The robustness towards temperature, humidity and frequency of those materials is better than that of current materials. The synthetic board design of the environmental harmony type is facilitated by combined use of these materials. We are also developing several multi‐layer and build‐up materials, HDI for high frequency, high speed and high reliability application to meet the requirement of PWBs and advanced PKGs for the near future.
Real‐time control of advanced solderability preservatives
Authors: Frederickson Michael
Published: April 2007

Organic and immersion metallic coatings are being used as a replacement for the hot air solder level (HASL) process. Use of these coatings provides advantages for both the fabricator and assembler. Advantages to assemblers include flatter pads (0.25‐0.5 micron thickness), no limitations on fine pitch or small hole cleaning, and greater solder joint strength. Advantages to the fabricator include lower operating costs, little or no rejects/rework, reduced safety hazard and a more environmentally friendly process. Current problems associated with the organic and immersion coatings include the inability to assess the solderability of the bare copper or the integrity of the coating (organic). These coatings also present a critical concern due to their reduced shelf life and potential inability to survive mishandling in manufacturing. Real time, non‐destructive methods of rapidly assessing the integrity these coatings are currently not available to the electronics industry. Surface Spectroscopy measurement techniques have the potential to measure the structure and characteristics of the organic and metallic coatings, and surface oxides that develop with time and temperature. The measurement techniques are rapid, non‐contact, and relatively inexpensive to make when compared to existing methods. Surface Spectroscopy can also provide critical surface information that is needed to troubleshoot solderability problems. The American Competitiveness Institute in association with the Navy EMPF program is working with several industry partners to develop a usable surface spectroscopy tool that will assess the quality and integrity of the coatings and correlate that reading with a solderability evaluation.
An open dialogue in the world of new ideas
Authors: Rugina Anghel N.
Published: April 2007

Presents the first chapter in this work with regard to the search for new ideas and better interpretations in the growth and development of new ideas. Investigates the exchange of views between thinkers of different points of view. Invites co‐operation between various factions to investigate unification of all known sciences (natural and economic) and to include the arts. Mentions all the great thinkers in these areas and unreservedly discusses their contribution in the school of thought. Proffers that modern technology cannot and should not be slowed down and that for the social economy of human solidarity should be aimed for, to begin a new era for humanity.
Principia methodologica: a bridge from economics to all other natural sciences
Authors: Rugina Anghel N.
Published: April 2007

Attempts to prove, in this second chapter of the author’s monograph, that with a new research programme, it is possible to build a methodological bridge between economics and all other natural sciences and the scientists should address this challenge. Reviews basic principles that govern nature, including Einstein’s findings along with such luminaries as Copernicus, Newton, Galileo and Jeans. Concludes that the future is safe, as a new generation of scientists is now emerging in the East and the West, and that the new methodology should provide enough space for new roads, ideas and interpretations, which may occur in the future. Closes by saying a new spirit should be initiated in economics and transplanted into natural sciences.
New times, new problems and new ideas: the fundamentals of a new research programme
Authors: Rugina Anghel N.
Published: April 2007

Looks at the differences in new and old methodology with regard to economics and discusses the theories laid down by Quesnay and Smith in the eighteenth century, and also the modern revolution started by Malthus (1820). Further discusses the variations in thought by all the great thinkers in this discipline and shows improvements or errors made by them. Concludes that there will be further breakthroughs and that there are no boundaries involved in this sphere.
On differences between East and West Germany: 1970‐1990
Authors: Kandil Magda
Published: April 2007

Provides an evaluation of the reality of the German economy after unification, also answers to some of the questions that the post‐unification era has raised, analyzes aggregate and sectoral data of the former GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany over the period 1970‐1989. The results characterize the former GDR with a steeper supply curve. While the central plan assumed a steady growth of real output over time, it eliminated producers’ incentives to vary capacity utilization in response to demand pressures. Demand pressures proved inflationary without determining conditions in the labor market. In contrast, the market‐oriented plan in West Germany tied output expansion and contraction with demand fluctuations. Consequently, inflationary effects of demand fluctuations appeared moderate in West Germany and real output growth was not sustained at a high level over time. Demand fluctuations determined employment changes in West Germany. Implications of these differences are analyzed in light of the reality of the post‐unification in Germany.
An empirical investigation of development assistance and growth for the case of Fiji
Authors: Gounder Rukmani
Published: April 2007

Presents an empirical analysis of the relationship between development assistance and economic growth for the case of Fiji. Foreign aid to the island economies is a major source for foreign exchange and resource needs. A neoclassical production function is applied in this study to estimate the aid‐growth nexus. Components of total aid, such as grant aid, loan aid, technical co‐operation, bilateral and multilateral aid flows are also employed to estimate a disaggregated impact of foreign aid in the short run and in the long run. The results show that bilateral aid, grant aid, and technical co‐operation grant have a significant impact on economic growth in Fiji. On the other hand, domestic resources do not contribute significantly to economic growth in Fiji.
Welfare reform and caseload reductions
Authors: Hsing Yu
Published: April 2007

The US 1996 Welfare Reform Act creating the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and replacing the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) is discussed and reviewed. Based on the latest data for 35 states, the regression results estimated by the weighted least squares indicate that welfare caseload reductions are mainly attributable to lower unemployment rates, lower benefits, more education, and more sanctions. The administrative expense per welfare recipient ratio is insignificant, probably because some human efforts cannot be measured or because the positive and the negative effects of administrative expense on welfare rolls cancel each other.