bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The restrictive effects of orifice compensation on the stability of the Jeffcott rotor‐hybrid bearing system
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Chu Chan‐Hwang , Kang Yuan , Huang Yao‐Nan , Teng Jyh‐Tong
Published: August 2003

This study examines the influence of the restriction parameters on the stability of a Jeffcott rotor supported by single‐row, six‐recessed hybrid bearings with orifice compensation. The Reynolds equation governing oil‐films is solved using the finite difference method, whilst the determination of stability of the Jeffcott rotor‐bearing system uses the Routh‐Hurwitz method. The load capacity, stability threshold, and the critical whirl ratio versus the changing restriction parameters, are each simulated for the shallow‐recessed bearing and the deep‐recessed bearing with various land‐width ratios. The simulation results indicate that with the appropriate design of restriction parameters and land‐width ratio, a deep‐recessed bearing may be relatively superior. Although the performance of a shallow‐recessed bearing is, by and large, superior to that of a deep‐recessed bearing, it does nevertheless hinge upon the design of both restrictor and bearing.
Heavy duty transmission and axle lubricants – mineral or synthetic for extended drain?
Authors: Hansels T.J. , Mullins W.W.
Published: August 2003

Economic pressures are driving fleets to substantially increase their maintenance intervals. To meet this challenge, both the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and the lubricant suppliers have developed new and better products to give users the benefits of extended service intervals while at the same time maintaining equipment life and reducing operating costs. This paper will examine the options available in formulating extended drain transmission and axle lubricants by comparing four products designed to meet the OEM extended service interval requirements. Bench test and field test data will be reviewed which show that by optimizing the base oil as well as the additive system, both synthetic as well as properly formulated mineral oil products can give excellent extended drain performance. With mounting economic pressures in the trucking industry, these new products will give maintenance personnel additional product choices as they move their fleets to extended drain transmission and axle lubricants in an effort to safely extend equipment life and reduce total maintenance costs.
End‐user training in a virtual medical library setting – a case study of an academic medical library in Lebanon
Authors: Farha Aida
Published: August 2003

The Saab Medical Library (SML) developed its virtual medical library site in 1997. The spread of the Internet prompted its development, in addition to continuous requests from users to provide such a service for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The virtual library is dynamic, growing and changing continuously, and the role of the traditional reference librarian and the end‐user education programs had to change to fit this borderless library. This paper discusses the aim, preparation, problems and lessons learned after three years of the user education program in a virtual library setting, and how reference work had to change to satisfy the needs of both the system and its users. The reference librarian has to carry out a smooth transition to a virtual library and help users cope with the technological changes. Training at the SML, as in any academic library, aims at teaching how to retrieve information rather than providing answers. This training is presented in different forms such as orientation sessions, seminars, and course‐related instruction, in addition to Web‐based instruction. In a virtual setting, reference librarians should act both as educators and consultants for end‐users, advising them on the search strategy as well as the software set‐up. The “Lebanese Corner” and an e‐reference service were added to complete the picture of this virtual library. This change had advantages and disadvantages for the users.
Management musings 9: extracting pearls from rotten oysters
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: August 2003

Discusses the various disasters that have occurred through history and their beneficial outcomes. Suggests how disasters can affect libraries and possible benefits that can arise from these, but also presents a few rules that might guard against disasters.
A project to benchmark university libraries in The Netherlands
Authors: Laeven Hubert , Smit Anja
Published: August 2003

In 1998 and 1999 a small group of Dutch university libraries started working together to develop a set of instruments for performance measurement through benchmarking. This article gives a short description of the project, the results, and the local implementation of the outcomes of the project at Nijmegen University Library.
Recruiting the cataloguers for tomorrow: the need for succession planning in Ghanaian academic libraries
Authors: Bello M.A. , Thompson E.S.
Published: August 2003

University libraries, the world over, are continually striving to ensure timely information access and retrieval. Those at the centre of making this mission possible are the cataloguers. However, because of the nature of the work of cataloguers, very few librarians these days ever aspire to this role. What leads them to become a cataloguer is intriguing. This survey attempts to unravel the mystery about the personal characteristics of head cataloguers of Ghana’s state‐owned university libraries, their continuing professional development and use of information technologies.
Using organisational goals to reposition the corporate information centre
Authors: Oades Caroline
Published: August 2003

This paper describes the first, critical steps taken to align the activities of a corporate information centre with organisational goals, recommending the incremental adoption of strategic marketing planning to a team of information professionals with little experience in marketing and operating in an organisation whose culture and strategy was undergoing fundamental transformation. It concludes that, by starting with the instigation of discussion with senior management to consider optimal methods of contribution to organisational success, the information professional demonstrates initiative and takes a further, important step towards proving value and improving status.
Management musings 13: making do with what we have
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: August 2003

Discusses the problem of how to handle staff who are less productive than they should be. Suggests that they need understanding and empathy. They could be moved to different jobs, be given increasing targets and they should not be allowed to remain silent.
Renault develops innovative arc welding solutions for exhaust systems that cut production costs by 30 per cent
Authors: Defaux Michel
Published: August 2003

Outlines Renault’s development of cost‐effective exhaust manufacturing systems using synchronous robotic welding aided by vision technology, reports on the accuracy problems encountered and the solutions implemented, relates how cycle times have been cut and quality improved.
Systems and cybernetics conference – research with a future
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: August 2003

Summarises the key areas of research presented at the WOSC 2002 conference including aerospace, organic growth and medical applications. Although the work presented had little immediate practical application in the field of robotics it is clear that the future will see much of the present work being implemented.
Flexures for high precision robotics
Authors: Bacher Jean‐Philippe , Joseph Cédric , Clavel Reymond
Published: August 2003

High precision robots are often used for complex assembly or positioning tasks. One way to achieve high motion precision is to design mechanical systems based on flexure joints. Flexure joints (or flexures) utilize the elastic properties of matter, which brings avoidance of dry friction. Nanometer scale motions are then possible, without wear, mechanical play or particle emission. Leading to high performance systems in terms of dynamics, parallel kinematics are useful for high precision robot design. Two research projects are presented in this paper. The first one has already led to the realization of a micro electro‐discharge machine (μ‐EDM), and the second one’s goal is to generate a family of compact ultra‐high precision manipulators.
Robots give rides at Hanover Fair
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: August 2003

Reports from the Hanover Fair on new developments in robotic automation, outlines the latest robot hardware and software innovations to be launched on the market, and describes new applications being taken up by industry.
Wide and deep growth for Motoman in Europe
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: August 2003

Motoman Europe has opened new facilities at its UK operation in Banbury. During the ceremony news was given of the company’s market share in both the UK and all of Europe. Details were also released of technical developments including synchronous multi‐robot control, large gantry systems, off‐the‐shelf welding packages, a new torch for fast welding of aluminium and press brake tending software. A partnership in warehousing automation was announced with details on recent UK applications, including one at Premier International Foods blending Typhoo Tea. Soon Motoman will be able to supply robot painting systems in Europe following the acquisition of a painting robot manufacturer in Japan.
Innovation blows into the Windy City
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: August 2003

There is no pause in the introduction of innovations in automation controllers, linear actuators and slides, and grippers for automated assembly applications. Extruded aluminum modular structural elements continue to expand in features and options.
MRP contributes to a company's profitability
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed‐Mahmoud
Published: August 2003

Material requirements planning (MRP) systems have become the most effective and widely used inventory control systems across the world. Many operation managers have found the vast knowledge that MRP systems provide is absolutely necessary to effectively and competitively succeed in the current global economy. Although MRP systems have been in existence for almost 25 years, they have had their share of problems and are both challenged and enhanced by new supply chain management techniques and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. As the world wide web evolves into a global market of information, the information provided by MRP systems, in particular ERP systems, will be necessary in order for businesses to compete in the global marketplace.
Thermistors – in search of new applications, manufacturers cultivate advanced NTC techniques
Authors: Kamat Rajanish K. , Naik Gourish M.
Published: August 2003

As leading sensors of ambient conditions, temperature sensors act as important sensing devices. They are essential in a large variety of products. A variety of temperature sensors is available on the market to meet specific application needs. The most common include thermocouples, resistive temperature detectors (RTD), thermistors, and silicon‐based sensors. But of all of these temperature sensors, the thermistor is the only one that holds the esteemed position owing to its high sensitivity, accuracy and low cost. Temperature measurement systems utilizing thermistors are less expensive to produce because few additional components are required, especially in the present era of embedded systems. With the recent advances in manufacturing techniques, the drawbacks of conventional thermistors, like aging, interchangeability, unreliability etc., are almost eliminated. Booming demand for DVD players and portable communication appliances have pushed up the popularity of NTC thermistors. This article reviews the latest trends in thermistor manufacturing and the associated applications.
Developments in thermal imaging technology
Authors: Dennis Peter , Phillips Tim J. , Huckridge Dave
Published: August 2003

The ability to see in the dark is a key differentiator in many military scenarios and the development of thermal imaging (TI) systems has provided the military with a battle winning capability. One of the current key thrusts is to be able to detect and identify targets at significantly longer ranges. The research programme in QinetiQ has been providing solutions to satisfy these requirements for many years. In addition, one of the major benefits from this research, has been the opportunity to provide TI sensors into the civil market for application including fire fighting. In this review many of the new concepts currently being developed are described and illustrated.
Non‐contacting optical sensors for real‐time water quality monitoring
Authors: Bogue Robert W.
Published: August 2003

Describes the development of low cost optical sensor systems for water quality monitoring developed under the “LOADMON” EU research programme. It uses two laser diodes as the sources: one emits blue light at 405 nm and the other red light at 670 nm. The former excites fluorescence of organic materials present in the sample and the red light creates a scatter signal from the suspended particles. The system uses a rotating mirror which allows the light spots to be swept across the sample's surface under computer control until they are below the detector.
Fibre Bragg sensors used to measure gas temperature in an airship
Authors: Bogue Robert W.
Published: August 2003

Describes the use of a distributed optical temperature sensor, based on fibre Bragg grating technology, to monitor the temperature distribution of helium within a prototype airship.
One big picture – 12,000 little pictures: the Auckland Art Gallery collection management and access programme
Authors: Reeves David
Published: August 2003

Using the resources available through the Auckland City Council, the Auckland Art Gallery has managed to turn a simple database upgrade into a programme of work with much greater impact on the way information about the gallery’s collection is delivered to the public. The Council has adopted a value management methodology which identifies wide programme aims, costs and benefits for new initiatives. Although initially time‐consuming, the methodology allowed the programme to gain good management support and funding far greater than that originally envisaged. As well as migrating the collection database to a new system, staff have managed a range of projects including digitising the entire collection of 12,000 works, clearing copyrights as required, and cataloguing and scanning ephemera related to key areas of the collection. Work has also been carried out on Web‐based access to collection information as part of a re‐designed gallery Web site. This work raises questions about a shift in the role of a traditional art gallery and the necessity to employ additional skills to meet the opportunities offered by the digital environment.
A word in your ear: library services for print disabled readers in the digital age
Authors: Morgan Greg
Published: August 2003

The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (RNZFB) currently lends talking books on audio cassette to blind and vision impaired New Zealanders. RNZFB belongs to the international consortium which has developed the DAISY digital talking book standard. Whereas analogue talking books are linear, DAISY books are structured so that the reader can navigate around the text with the facility of a sighted person looking through a printed document. DAISY books can also be multimedia productions that support more than one format. In progressing its use of digital reading technology, RNZFB will enhance the reading experience, decide how best to deliver book files, and form local and international partnerships to increase the range of reading material available to its members. The reading solutions adopted by RNZFB could become a model for the wider community of print disabled people.
Job satisfaction and motivational strategies among library directors
Authors: Ole Pors Niels , Gustav Johannsen Carl
Published: August 2003

In cooperation with the Danish Union of Librarians in 2001 a comprehensive survey of Danish library directors was conducted. There is a growing societal concern about management and leadership qualities and it is evident that leadership attributes are becoming increasingly important in the information sector. The survey focuses on a whole array of topics connected with leadership qualities and perceptions of different future challenges. In this paper the focus is on job satisfaction among library directors. Job satisfaction is a central topic for motivational theories and some of the more major of these are evaluated in relation to our findings. The analysis correlates job satisfaction with a number of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors and the existence of major differences between these factors and levels of job satisfaction among the library directors is found. Some of these factors appear to be connected with the level of activity in the library. The context of the paper is the problems of recruiting the right kind of staff. Included in the context is the need to create attractive workplaces.
Information gateways
Authors: van Halm Johan
Published: August 2003

Outlines the challenge to libraries when incorporating the new and sophisticated means of access to local and global information resources. Gateways and portals are seen as possible solutions. Describes the features of quality access via metadata and resource sharing within this framework, and how publishers and aggregators are assisting in the transformation to digital libraries. Identifies and discusses the features of a digital library and offers a definition. Recommends an integrated approach towards the provision of library automation, document management and digitizing/imaging expertise to provide a one‐stop shop for library managers and to facilitate the establishment of digital libraries.
Voyager 2000: a review of accessibility for persons with visual disabilities
Authors: Axtell Robert , Dixon Judith M.
Published: August 2003

The authors evaluate the accessibility for persons with visual disabilities of WebVoyage 2000, the online public access catalog from Endeavor. They briefly review the assistive technologies used by persons with visual disabilities and the major Web accessibility guidelines and requirements; then, using specific provisions from Federal Web accessibility regulations, they examine several Voyager implementations, reviewing introductory pages, search pages, limit pages, list and record displays, and help pages noting areas where particular elements of page design or construction cause the content to be confusing or unusable to a person using a screen reader. The evaluation is concluded with specific recommendations for Endeavor and the implementing libraries for necessary modifications to make WebVoyage usable by persons with visual disabilities.
Viewing the sunrise: iPac 2.0 accessibility
Authors: Johns Susan M.
Published: August 2003

iPac 2.0, the Web‐based online catalog of epixtech, inc., was scheduled to go into general release for Dynix and Horizon Sunrise customers in the fourth quarter 2001. Previous epixtech Web‐based online catalogs (Java‐ and HTML‐based) presented difficulties for accessibility. This article evaluates the third in a series of iPac products, 2.0, using the following accessibility tools: Bobby, JAWS for Windows, Vischeck Color Blindness Simulator, W3C Validator, and ZoomText. This article attempts to evaluate the accessibility of iPac 2.0 against these five tools, tools that are more traditionally used with standard HTML Web pages than Web‐based online catalogs.
Reading between the lines: an evaluation of WindowEyes screen reader as a reference tool for teaching and learning
Authors: Bowman Vibiana
Published: August 2003

WindowEyes Version 4.1 for Microsoft Windows 95, 98 and ME, was used in conjunction with three full‐text databases frequently accessed by undergraduate students at academic libraries: EBSCO Academic Search Premier, ProQuest Research Library and Lexis‐Nexis Academic Universe. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accessibility of three widely used academic databases in conjunction with a screen reader, WindowEyes. In addition, this article also discusses general considerations for evaluating and selecting accessibility hardware and software.
Libraries, aggregator databases, screen readers and clients with disabilities
Authors: Riley Cheryl A.
Published: August 2003

Three aggregator databases, EBSCOhost, InfoTrac, and First Search Electronic Collections Online (ECO), were analyzed for compliance with the Web accessibility guidelines published by the Web Access Initiative section of the World Wide Web Consortium. A sighted librarian then used each database with JAWS for Windows 3.7, OpenBook 5.0, ZoomText 7.0, and the L&H Kurzweil 1000 and 3000. Results indicate that JAWS for Windows 3.7 works best for the blind, and that ZoomText 7.0 is acceptable for those needing screen magnification. None of the databases tested offers a perfect accessibility option for clients with visual impairment. Conclusions suggest that aggregator databases do not follow the accessibility guidelines and consequently are not supplying accessible products.
Establishing accessibility for e‐journals: a suggested approach
Authors: Coonin Bryna
Published: August 2003

Libraries in the USA are required by law to make library programs and services accessible to people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1998) mandate that the responsibility for accessibility extends to the electronic environment. Increasingly, librarians who purchase electronic journals are becoming aware of the urgent need to consider accessibility issues, but many are uncertain about how to actually determine whether a product is accessible, and what to do if it is not. This study examines 11 major electronic research journal services for basic accessibility. Findings reflect that awareness of accessibility issues is low among electronic research journal service providers, with some notable exceptions. A strategy for increasing awareness of accessibility issues among e‐journal providers is offered.
A case study of ILS migration: Aleph500 at the University of Iowa
Authors: Julich Suzanne , Hirst Donna , Thompson Brian
Published: August 2003

This article describes the University of Iowa’s process of system migration from selection and data conversion to implementation and presentation of this new system to staff, faculty, students, and the public. Following a three‐year selection effort, Ex Libris’ Aleph500 was chosen as the new system. Staff effort during the selection process and implementation is analyzed and quantified. A comprehensive review of implementation efforts is described including system and client configuration, functional testing and problem reporting, training, and local programming.
The use and usability of SFX: context‐sensitive reference linking
Authors: Cummings Joel , Johnson Ryan
Published: August 2003

SFX is an XML‐based product designed to inter‐link electronic resources with other resources in context‐sensitive manner. SFX was first developed at the University of Ghent by Herbert Van de Sompel and has been released as a commercial product by Ex Libris. Use statistics garnered from SFX’s statistics module since the implementation in July of 2001 are discussed in the context of an academic research library environment. The results from usability testing conducted at Washington State University are reported. These usage statistics demonstrated a pattern of increasing use and exceptional use from FirstSearch databases.
Have you been appraised? A survey of the university administrative staff
Authors: Analoui Farhad , Fell Pauline
Published: August 2003

Little has been reported in the literature on the perception and understanding of administrative staff regarding the processes involved in performance appraisal within the higher educational establishments. At the University of Bradford appraisal for this cadre of employees has hitherto taken a voluntary form. In response to this vacuum, an empirical survey has been carried out in four departments in order to explore the perception, views and preferences of the administrative staff of the entire process and its related issues. The results indicated that lack of provision for formal appraisal has often resulted in inconsistencies, little or no provision for establishing formal dialogue between management and the staff concerning their performance expectations, misplacement of personal goals, and realistic opportunities for personal and career development. Therefore concludes that there is an urgent need for the university to disseminate its policies widely and maintain uniformity of practice throughout its departments. Moreover, attention ought to be paid to the effective training and the role and responsibilities of line managers.
Supporting educational management through action research
Authors: McPherson Maggie , Miguel Baptista Nunes José
Published: August 2003

This paper presents an educational management model to support action research into issues relating to the management of distance learning programmes. The educational management action research (EMAR) model proposed, is grounded on a practitioner action research approach as the guide for everyday work and professional life. EMAR is based on four basic building blocks: the organisational context, the pedagogic model, the educational setting and the evaluation process. The model presented in this paper enabled the maintenance, improvement and update of a CPDE course in IT, a fast moving and highly competitive field. The model emerged as an invaluable tool to implement and understand management issues and research in CPDE. It enabled both tutors and students to be actively involved in course development and delivery, and resulted in a highly motivated staff and satisfied cohort of students.
How will growth be financed by the international hotel companies?
Authors: Altinay Levent , Altinay Mehmet
Published: August 2003

This paper presents a set of secondary findings about the environmental factors influencing the international expansion plans of Bass Hotels and Resorts. Literature indicates that different factors in the business environment influence decisions of the organizations as they plan expansion into new international markets. A case study approach was chosen for this study to investigate these issues and the organization was researched from the outside through company publications and analyst reports. The findings of this study reveal that capital markets and the host country hotel market conditions play the determinant role in the expansion plans of the hotel organization. This paper evaluates these factors and discusses their influence on the organization’s expansion decisions.
What use is research anyway? Industry and academe’s differing views
Authors: Jones P.A. , Phillips Diane
Published: August 2003

The WHATT forum focussed on the key relationships between industry and academics in the context of research. It revealed that significant differences exist in the importance placed on research by the major industry sectors of tourism and hospitality, and that the hospitality sector in particular has a decision culture based on instinct rather than research. The forum raised a number of questions based on the observable differences in the understanding of “research” between industry and academe, and presented views on these questions. The outcomes were positive in at least establishing a dialogue and creating a better mutual understanding to better inform debate.
Enron’s hedging scheme: what went wrong?
Authors: Wilson Arlette , Campbell Walter
Published: August 2003

The authors look at the way in which Enron used hedging techniques before the corporate collapse of the organization triggered a crisis of confidence in US business practices and standards. They provide an analysis of how the system was structured and show how the transactions worked before analysing the roots of the company’s downfall.
Hedge funds – the way forward?
Authors: Barker Bridget , Hui Bridget
Published: August 2003

The growth in popularity of hedge funds has led UK regulators to put forward ways of protecting investors. Here the authors, from a noted law firm in the City of London, set out the ways in which hedge funds can be set up and how they work. They then examine the prospects for regulation and suggest how these should be taken into account by those running hedge funds.
Improving group learning through electronically facilitated skillful discussions
Authors: Driver Michaela
Published: August 2003

The purpose of this paper is to explore how groups enhance their ability to learn by practicing skillful group discussions. Specifically, it is examined how synchronous, electronic conferencing or chatrooms may be used as a practice ground for groups learning to engage in skillful discussions. The results of an exploratory study seem to indicate that electronic conferencing can effectively support groups as a practice ground enhancing the groups’ ability to engage in reflection, collective inquiry and skillful discussion. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Recommended best practices for digital image capture of musical scores
Authors: Riley Jenn , Fujinaga Ichiro
Published: August 2003

Like other complex visual articles with small details, musical scores are difficult to capture and present well in digital form. This article presents methods that can be used to reproduce detail and tone from printed scores for creating archival images, based on best practices commonly used by the library community. Capture decisions should be made with a clear idea of the purpose of the imaging project yet be flexible enough to fulfill unanticipated future uses. Options and recommendations for file formats for archival storage, Web delivery and printing of musical materials are discussed.
The strategic context of education in America 2000 to 2020 – part 1
Authors: Pearce Snyder David , Edwards Gregg , Folsom Chris
Published: August 2003

Presents a futurist’s view of education in the USA, taking into account reliably forecastable realities (the knowable future), which will impact upon how education will be delivered and necessitate changes in education content and strategies.
Disastrous consequences of scientific and technological illiteracy
Authors: Coates Joseph F.
Published: August 2003

The essayist contends that American academia is rife with a "dog‐eat‐dog" version of Social Darwinism, or survival of the fittest through brutal competition. Offered as evidence are the training of too many students for limited career opportunities, prolongation of graduate training to provide professors with cheap assistants, conversion of 40 per cent of faculty to adjunct status, crushing student debt. Higher education is becoming a bloated, inefficient, non‐innovative, and marginally productive process.
Coors Light in Puerto Rico: battling for local dominance in a global market
Authors: Allio David J. , Allio Robert J.
Published: August 2003

Even when global players are increasingly dominating an industry, smaller competitors can win in local markets by paying attention to the different needs and expectations of their customers. The top‐down standardization of strategy adopted by many multinational consumer product companies can fail badly if these differences are ignored. Consumer needs and desires are not necessarily consistent across different market segments. Competitors can often exploit these differences to great advantage, particularly if some core competencies, like distribution or market intelligence, can be brought to bear. The old adage “Think global, act local” still applies in many industries. This SuÄrez Company beer case study demonstrates the impact that local market knowledge and positioning can have on a product’s success. Nimble local or regional players may dethrone even the largest of multi‐national or global competitors who often fail to recognize or embrace cultural differences and unique market conditions. These same multinationals may derive global benefits by re‐integrating local market experience into their broader positioning, as Coors is doing now.
Scenarios and strategies: making the scenario about the business
Authors: Mason David H. , Herman James
Published: August 2003

Scenario development has traditionally been an outward looking process designed to enhance awareness of potential change in the external business environment. A set of techniques is presented here for bringing the business and its internal issues directly into the scenario development effort from the beginning. By casting strategies as scenarios, companies can gain many of the benefits of traditional scenario planning while accelerating the strategic decision making for organizations in high change environments.
Tailoring scenario planning to the company culture
Authors: Mason David
Published: August 2003

When an organization needs to use scenarios as a framework for logically discussing internal and external issues, it should be aware of the two predominant causes of failure of scenario projects: (1) a lack of agreement on the purpose of the effort; and (2) a lack of understanding about how scenarios might help different organizational cultures and styles. To avoid these pitfalls, leaders need to first assess the potential usefulness of scenarios using the culture of their organization and the goals of the effort as context. This article discusses three organizational cultures and illustrates how each uses scenario planning for three different purposes (directional strategy, contingency planning, and learning and team building). “Leader‐driven organizations”: if the purpose of scenario planning is for setting direction, then scenarios are used to structure debate; however, in the end, the leader decides the direction and everyone follows, leaving the debate behind. If the purpose of the scenario work is for contingency planning, then scenarios would primarily be used to sensitize the leadership group to possible changes; not decision making on a specific topic. When learning and team building, then the leader driven culture use scenarios to open up the idea space in search of the out‐of‐the‐box ideas. Ideally, leaders make scenarios a way for people to work new ideas into the planning and decision‐making system. “Plan‐driven cultures”: such companies value stability. If the scenario work is for setting direction, then the outcome will only be valued if the events leading to an endstate are treated as critical path lists. “Evidence‐driven cultures”: develop in highly capital‐intensive industries that have long time horizons. Because long‐term commitments cannot be changed quickly, real evidence is of paramount value to these cultures. Scenarios provide a framework of expectations to match up with the real world as it develops.
Achieving competitive differentiation: the challenge for automakers
Authors: Tay Herbert K.
Published: August 2003

The automotive industry is at a crossroads. The key to survival and prosperity will be to achieving and sustaining competitive differentiation. Competitive differentiation depends on distinguishing quality, cost/value, and timeliness attributes. The industry is experiencing significant changes: (1) Quality – the definition of quality has moved on from traditional objective measures (such as reliability, durability, noise) to expanded definitions that are more subjective, experiential and emotional criteria. (2) Cost/value – the price of an auto has decreased due to the declining real cost of goods (competitiveness has forced automakers to take out costs and pass saving on to consumers), and the margin shrinkage that is the result of information transparency. Internet sites are offering retail prices, dealer invoices, rebates, financing, online buying services, etc.; this has enhanced the consumer’s power. (3) Timeliness – bringing a product to market quicker than the competition will mean that an OEM can nimbly translate market trends into products eagerly sought by buyers. Attractive products require fewer incentives to move them over their lifetimes. The implications of how automakers approach and execute differentiating strategies: attributes are continually being redefined by creative designers and engineers, new materials, and new technology; a greater focus is being placed on features that are useful and valued by consumers; experiential attributes are increasingly significant as sources of differentiation; customer handling excellence (while important) will always be outweighed by product attributes; and competitive benchmarking is useful only up to a point. For all automakers, the foundation for competitiveness are: invest in fresh, attractive, affordable, consumer‐driven products rather than incentives that push product to consumers; nimbleness must be achieved through accelerate product development; push for the use of intelligent platform, subassembly and component sharing; target flexible manufacturing and work practices; optimize order to delivery processes; cap production of individual car lines to control supply; and focus on key developing markets (the last “battlefields”).
Selective laser sintering of single‐ and two‐component metal powders
Authors: Tolochko Nikolay , Mozzharov Sregei , Laoui Tahar , Froyen Ludo
Published: August 2003

A comparative characterisation of selective laser sintering (SLS) mechanisms of single‐ and two‐component powders is presented. The effects of the volume fraction of liquid phase and the powder absorptance were discussed. Single‐component Ni‐alloy, Fe and Cu powders as well as two‐component powder systems based on Ni‐alloy, Fe and Cu were investigated. In particular, the following types of two‐component powder systems were studied: Ni‐alloy‐Cu and Fe‐Cu powder mixtures as well as Cu‐coated Ni‐alloy powder and Cu‐coated Fe powders. SLS experiments were performed with a CW‐ Nd:YAG laser (λ=1.06 μm). The acting mechanism in all cases was liquid phase sintering.
Delivering better government
Authors: Drew Eileen
Published: August 2003

This paper critically examines the Irish Government’s commitment to “Delivering better government”, in the context of achieving gender equality. The strategic management initiative (SMI) seeks highest quality of service delivery to customers in a modern flexible and professional manner. This necessitates the fullest development of human resources. To achieve this end a study was undertaken to investigate gender imbalance at managerial grades. The report highlighted continuing gender imbalance at all grades and a prevailing culture that is less than conducive to women and many men. The authors called for a new strategic approach to gender equality in which specific targets are set over a specific time frame. The Irish Civil Service is now faced with a combined need to address a new equality agenda in order to deliver its strategic vision of quality in serving the public, thereby underpinning the need to pursue quality, equality and diversity as core values in a fast‐growing Irish economy.
First catch your student: issues in qualitative evaluation
Authors: McDowell Liz , Banwell Linda , Marples Gwen
Published: August 2003

The paper aims to present some points for discussion around issues in qualitative evaluation to do with access to sites and individuals, and relationships between the researcher/evaluator and participants. It is based on evidence from three projects in which the authors are, or have recently been, involved: JUBILEE (about monitoring and evaluating user behaviour in information seeking), EASE‐IT (about the encouragement of innovative teaching in engineering), and Virtual Gallery (a small scale local case study of a one semester option on a history of art course). The projects have encountered similar problems in relation to the collection of first hand qualitative data, and have relevance for the whole area of performance measurement in library and information studies, which is increasingly needing to also collect qualitative data as part of the evaluation of both projects and services.
Creating a living culture: the challenges for business leaders
Authors: Thornbury Jan
Published: August 2003

One of the leadership responsibilities of the board of directors is to establish a statement of values and to ensure that these guiding principles become a basis for action throughout the organization. Where companies do not have a statement of values, or where the values are not accepted, there is a real danger that company staff will act in their own interests, not in the interests of the stakeholders they are meant to serve. At this point they may put at risk the reputation of the whole organization. But how can the board of a large diversified international company hope to establish a culture with common values which will guide the behavior of employees around the world? In this article Jan Thornbury presents the theory and practice which she helped to develop when a number of professional partnerships came together to form KPMG, and which she now uses in working with other organizations. She explains how values are connected with basic beliefs, how they can affect behavior and how they need to be supported by management systems. Then she outlines a process for changing a company culture by analyzing the present values and behaviors, defining the desired culture, implementing an action plan, and measuring the results. Finally she examines the crucial role of the executive team in leading the change program.
Asian content development: unity in diversity
Authors: Dasgupta Kalpana
Published: August 2003

Examines the status of Internet facilities and usage in the countries of South Asia. Looks at the background of the telecommunications infrastructure and at proposed future activities. Concludes that South Asia must make efforts to reach other parts of the globe in order to make the information age truly viable.
Virtuous learning environments: the library and the VLE
Authors: Maccoll John
Published: August 2003

This paper describes the growing use of virtual learning environments (VLE) in learning and teaching in UK higher education. The distinction between content management and its presentation by web delivery systems is discussed. The way in which academic libraries should be involved in the development of these environments is explored with reference to Project ANGEL ‐ a project funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC). Overlap between virtual learning environments and electronic reserve systems in libraries is discussed in the context of the requirement that academic libraries assert their role as resource information managers in their institutions. Discharging this function will require genuine partnership between academic librarians and course tutors, and a fuller integration of the library into the course creation and delivery processes.
Quantitative Computed Tomography-Based Finite Element Models of the Human Lumbar Vertebral Body: Effect of Element Size on Stiffness, Damage, and Fracture Strength Predictions
Authors: Crawford R. Paul , Rosenberg William S. , Keaveny Tony M.
Published: August 2003

This study investigated the numerical convergence characteristics of specimen-specific “voxel-based” finite element models of 14 excised human cadaveric lumbar vertebral bodies (age: 37–87; M=6, F=8) that were generated automatically from clinical-type CT scans. With eventual clinical applications in mind, the ability of the model stiffness to predict the experimentally measured compressive fracture strength of the vertebral bodies was also assessed. The stiffness of “low”-resolution models (3×3×3 mm element size) was on average only 4% greater p=0.03 than for “high”-resolution models (1×1×1.5 mm) despite interspecimen variations that varied over four-fold. Damage predictions using low- vs high-resolution models were significantly different p=0.01 at loads corresponding to an overall strain of 0.5%. Both the high r2=0.94 and low r2=0.92 resolution model stiffness values were highly correlated with the experimentally measured ultimate strength values. Because vertebral stiffness variations in the population are much greater than those that arise from differences in voxel size, these results indicate that imaging resolution is not critical in cross-sectional studies of this parameter. However, longitudinal studies that seek to track more subtle changes in stiffness over time should account for the small but highly significant effects of voxel size. These results also demonstrate that an automated voxel-based finite element modeling technique may provide an excellent noninvasive assessment of vertebral strength.
Numerical Modeling of Pulsatile Turbulent Flow in Stenotic Vessels
Authors: Varghese Sonu S. , Frankel Steven H.
Published: August 2003

Pulsatile turbulent flow in stenotic vessels has been numerically modeled using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation approach. The commercially available computational fluid dynamics code (CFD), FLUENT, has been used for these studies. Two different experiments were modeled involving pulsatile flow through axisymmetric stenoses. Four different turbulence models were employed to study their influence on the results. It was found that the low Reynolds number k-ω turbulence model was in much better agreement with previous experimental measurements than both the low and high Reynolds number versions of the RNG (renormalization-group theory) k-ε turbulence model and the standard k-ε model, with regard to predicting the mean flow distal to the stenosis including aspects of the vortex shedding process and the turbulent flow field. All models predicted a wall shear stress peak at the throat of the stenosis with minimum values observed distal to the stenosis where flow separation occurred.
Dynamics of the Head-Neck Complex in Response to the Trunk Horizontal Vibration: Modeling and Identification
Authors: Fard Mohammad A. , Ishihara Tadashi , Inooka Hikaru
Published: August 2003

Although many studies exist concerning the influence of seat vibration on the head in the seated human body, the dynamic response of the head-neck complex (HNC) to the trunk vibration has not been well investigated. Little quantitative knowledge exists about viscoelastic parameters of the neck. In this study, the dynamics of the HNC is identified when it is exposed to the trunk horizontal (fore-and-aft) vibration. The frequency response functions between the HNC angular velocity and the trunk horizontal acceleration, corresponding to four volunteers, are obtained in the frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 10 Hz. A fourth-order mathematical model, derived by considering a double-inverted-pendulum model for the HNC, is designed to simulate the dynamic response of the HNC to the trunk horizontal vibration. The frequency domain identification method is used to determine the coefficients of the mathematical model of the HNC. Good agreement has been obtained between experimental and simulation results. This indicates that the system, similar to the designed fourth-order model, has mainly two resonance frequencies. The viscoelastic parameters of the neck, including the spring and damping coefficients, are then obtained by use of the optimization method.