bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply management's evolution: key skill sets for the supply manager of the future
Authors: Giunipero Larry , Handfield Robert B. , Eltantawy Reham
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In the last decade there have been dramatic impacts on, and changes within, the field of purchasing/supply management. Given supply management's new strategic role, this research seeks to examine the key skills and knowledge necessary for firms to improve in order to maximize the purchasing function's contribution to the organization. The research also aims to identifies the major shifts in supply management that have occurred in the last decade.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted with a series of focus group meetings with 54 executives across the USA in order to construct theoretical relationships with which to develop a grounded theory of supply management skills evolution in a changing business environment.

Findings

The implications from this research indicate that supply management professionals will assume a more strategic role in the future. The data indicate that there are strong trends underlying this movement. These include the need for building strategic relationships, focusing on total cost and strategic cost reduction, yet collaborating and integrating with suppliers. While in the past these efforts may have appeared to be contradictory, with proper strategic planning they can be complementary.

Originality/value

Supply managers of the future need to acquire strategic skills that add value and enable effective alignment with key business functions at a senior decision‐making level. Additional research is needed in the area to determine how best to recruit and train managers in these skills to move forward.
Fiscal policy in the European Union
Authors: Kollias Christos , Paleologou Susana‐Maria
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the revenue‐expenditure nexus in the case of the 15 members of the European Union.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a VECM framework to determine the causal ordering between these two macroeconomic aggregates.

Findings

The empirical tests have yielded mixed results. The fiscal synchronisation hypothesis is supported for Denmark, Greece, Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden while, in the case of Austria, Belgium and Germany, the results point to the institutional separation hypothesis. Unidirectional causality from revenue to expenditure appears to be the case for Italy and Spain while the reverse causal ordering is found for Luxembourg. The findings also suggest the presence of the Buchanan‐Wagner hypothesis for Finland, France and the UK.

Originality/value

The determination of the causal ordering between these two macroeconomic aggregates has important implications for fiscal policy and the concomitant determination of budgetary balances. This is particularly true for the countries that participate in the eurozone and thus fall under the provisions of the stability and growth pact.
Automation, motivation and lean production reconsidered
Authors: Coffey Dan , Thornley Carole
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Aims to present an alternative way of interpreting unfolding events as these pertain to the organisation of manufacturing practices in the assembly plants of the leading Japanese car assembler, Toyota.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an analysis of assembly plant automation in the automotive industry.

Findings

Fifteen years ago, it was argued that the lean car assembly plants of the future would be comprehensively automated, but that in the meantime organization rather than automation was the watch‐word for efficient plants. Today it is possible to invert this prognosis as it applies to the leading “lean” car assembler, Toyota. Automation certainly played a much larger role in accounting for high labour productivity in the late 1980s than has generally been understood; but in the subsequent years priority has been given to managing the manual component in car assembly, and aggressive automation as a preferred strategy has been put on ice.

Originality/value

The findings raise new questions about future trends in the world automotive industry.
What's happening with machine safety standards and networks?
Authors: Piggin Richard
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Recently there has been considerable technological change in the way in which safety‐related control may be engineered. A series of standards based upon IEC 61508 are under development. This paper discusses these changes and highlights their relevancy to machine safety.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of technological change is given; from safety relays, to programmable safety controllers, safety‐related networks and the trend to combine safety and control functions in controllers and networks. Topics to consider when choosing between technologies are put forward, followed by a review of standards that incorporate functional safety.

Findings

The development of safety‐related standards, such as IEC 61508 provides general guidance on the design of safety‐related systems across a wide range of industries, with specific machinery implementation of the same principles in IEC 62061. There is overlap between IEC 62061 and ISO 13849‐1. The same functional safety principles are also implemented in IEC 61800‐5‐2 for adjustable power drive systems. IEC 61784‐3 embodies the functional safety concept in specific network technologies. Significant opportunities arise from the combination of technology and standards development to facilitate design, engineering and cost improvements.

Practical implications

Confusion is apparent in the application of emerging safety standards, coupled with dramatic changes in the approach to safety engineering. Areas of overlap between developing standards are highlighted, along with draft amendments intended to reduce potential conflict and perplexity. Incorporating functional safety into automation and industrial networking technologies enables engineers to produce innovative solutions that can lead to further improvements in machine safety, functionality, productivity and afford design, commissioning and maintenance benefits. Similar benefits are unlikely to be achievable with traditional safety technologies.

Originality/value

Areas of overlap between developing standards are highlighted, with amendments intended to reduce confusion in the intended audience. This paper seeks to raise awareness in the methods and benefits of incorporating functional safety into automation and industrial networking technologies.
Africana resources in four selected US academic research libraries
Authors: Paulos Afeworki , Holley Robert P.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the relationship between the importance of African studies programs and the acquisition of African imprint titles in four selected American academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the characteristics of the African studies programs in four universities in comparison with library holdings including the percentage of holdings from four major English‐language African publishers.

Finding

The four research libraries acquire substantial numbers of African monographs in keeping with the importance of their African studies programs.

Originality/value

The paper provides information on four major African studies programs and the library holdings that support them.
Is win‐win just pie in the sky?
Authors: Newall Ian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To discuss the conflict between British Airways and Gate Gourmet in 2005, and analyze the type of negotiation skills that could have been used.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer. Reflects on the news coverage of the strike action and negotiation skills.

Findings

Over the years, BA used its bargaining muscle to drive down the costs of Gate Gourmet's services. It was clear that, from Gate Gourmet's perspective, the deal was not sustainable and the only way out was to cut its own costs.

Practical implications

Gives a good overview of the strike, and an insight into different negotiation skills and tactics.

Originality/value

A condensed and easy‐to‐digest format, concentrating on a recent well‐publicized topic. Gives a good insight into negotiation tactics.
An interview with Mr Akbar Al Baker
Authors: by Alistair Craven Interview
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To share the views and experiences of a chief executive.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is an interview with Akbar Al Baker

Findings

Akbar Al Baker, has been Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways since 1997 following a very successful career within the State of Qatar’s Department of Civil Aviation. The airline is recognized as one of the fastest growing in the world.

Originality/value

Provides insights into one CEO’s management experiences.
Spectroscopic and Analytical Developments Ltd fingerprints brand spirits with ultraviolet spectrophotometry
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To review the innovative products of a particular UK company.

Design/methodology/approach

Looks at the history and philosophy of the company, the design and advantages of their brand authenticator product, and then presents their latest spectrophotometric instruments.

Findings

Starting in the field of miniature spectrophotometers, which soon became very competitive, the company found a niche market and developed an instrument well‐suited to that market. Their latest products build on that success.

Originality/value

An encouraging report for technologists and entrepreneurs.
An overview of EPC technology
Authors: Thiesse Frederic , Michahelles Florian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the electronic product code (EPC) and related RFID standards that are currently being rolled out in the retail industry.

Design/methodology/approach

It considers the EPC numbering schemes, air interface protocols, middleware aspects as well as scenarios for practical use.

Findings

Identifies possibilities and limitations of EPC standards, the current status of technology adoption and future fields of application.

Originality/value

Of interest to those concerned with RFID technology selection and infrastructure development.
Characterization of anomaly detection in hyperspectral imagery
Authors: Chang Chein‐I , Hsueh Mingkai
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to characterize anomaly detection in hyperspectral imagery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops an adaptive causal anomaly detector (ACAD) to investigate several issues encountered in hyperspectral image analysis which have not been addressed in the past. It also designs extensive synthetic image‐based computer simulations and real image experiments to substantiate the work proposed in this paper.

Findings

This paper developed an ACAD and custom‐designed computer simulations and real image experiments to successfully address several issues in characterizing anomalies for detection, which are – first, how large size for a target to be considered as an anomaly? Second, how an anomaly responds to its proximity? Third, how sensitive for an anomaly to noise? Finally, how different anomalies to be detected? Additionally, it also demonstrated that the proposed ACAD can be implemented in real time processing and implementation.

Originality/value

This paper is the first work on investigation of several issues related to anomaly detection in hyperspectral imagery via extensive synthetic image‐based computer simulations and real image experiments. In addition, it also develops a new developed an ACAD to address these issues and substantiate its performance.
A hybrid randomized protocol for RFID tag identification
Authors: Simplot‐Ryl David , Stojmenovic Ivan , Micic Aleksandar , Nayak Amiya
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology for tracking objects that is expected to be widely adopted in very near future. A reader device sends probes to a set of RFID tags, which then respond to the request. A tag is recognized only when it is the only one to respond to the probe. Only reader has collision detection capability. The problem considered here is to minimize the number of probes necessary for reading all the tags, assuming that the number of tags is known in advance.

Design/methodology/approach

Well known binary andn‐ary partitioning algorithms can be applied to solve the problem for the case of known number of tags. A new randomized hybrid tag identification protocol has been proposed, which combines the two partitioning algorithms into a more efficient one. The new scheme optimizes the binary partition protocol for small values ofn(e.g.n=2, 3, 4). The hybrid scheme then appliesn‐ary partition protocol on the whole set, followed by binary partition on the tags that caused collision.

Findings

It is analytically proved that the expected number of time slots in the hybrid algorithm with known number of users is less than 2.20n. Performance of these algorithms was also evaluated experimentally, and an improvement fromento approximately 2.15nwas obtained.

Originality/value

The algorithm shown here is efficient both by theory and practice and outperforms existing ones.
A process to fabricate micro‐membrane of Si3N4 and SiO2 using front‐side lateral etching technology
Authors: Alvi P.A. , Lourembam B.D. , Deshwal V.P. , Joshi B.C. , Akhtar J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To fabricate submicrometer thin membrane of silicon nitride and silicon dioxide over an anisotropically etched cavity in (100) silicon.

Design/methodology/approach

PECVD of silicon dioxide and Silcion nitride layers of compatible thicknesses followed by thermal annealing in nitrogen ambients at 1,000°C for 30 min, leads to stable membrane formation. Anisotropic etching of (100) silicon below the membrane through channels on the sides has been used with controlled cavity dimensions.

Findings

Lateral front side etching through channels slows down etching rate drastically. The etching mechanism has been discussed with experimental details.

Practical limitations/implications

Vacuum sealed cavity membranes can be realised for micro sensor applications.

Originality/value

The process is new and feasible for micro sensor technologies.
Fibre‐optic‐based sensors bring new capabilities to structural monitoring
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine the range of fibre‐optic sensors available for monitoring the integrity of buildings and civil engineering structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the need for structural monitoring and reviews the types of fibre‐optic sensors. Concentrating on elongation and temperature sensing, shows how each technology works, which companies supply the products, and gives an overview of their technical specifications.

Findings

Fibre optics are able to provide integrated, single‐point and distributed sensor systems. The fibre is a communication channel as well as a sensor, and in some systems, carries highly multiplexed data over considerable distances to a central monitoring station. The take‐up of this technology in structural sensing is helped by appropriate packaging that assists attachment to buildings. Durability and measurement stability give a continuity of measurement that was not previously possible.

Originality/value

An introduction to the range of sensors applicable to structural monitoring, of general interest to scientists, but particularly to civil and constructional engineers.
Asians in the UK: gender, generations and enterprise
Authors: Dhaliwal Spinder , Kangis Peter
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Asian immigrant entrepreneurs in the UK have been used as examples of what can be done through free enterprise. Academic interest is developing in the changes taking place as newer generations emerge. Seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A small‐scale qualitative study was undertaken with interviews of five men and five women entrepreneurs of the second generation. The issues explored included their background, the factors that have influenced, facilitated or inhibited their decision to become self‐employed, their experiences of entrepreneurship and the particular issues that confronted them. Female entrepreneurs in the sample were older and felt inhibited and more constrained than their male counterparts in their freedom to act.

Findings

Both males and females of second generation entered business through attraction for the opportunities rather than as their only option in an unknown environment. Notwithstanding expectations, later generations did not enter activities adding much greater value than those of the first generation, even though they were better integrated with their environment. Boundary stresses between first and second generation are likely to lead to further studies of succession planning and of the influence of culture and gender on attitudes to enterprise.

Originality/value

Methodologically the study is novel in so far as the researcher (an Asian female from a typical family business background) has taken care to observe the cultural proprieties often noted within this particular group. Hence, the data are arguably more authentic than previous studies undertaken by distant researchers.
American gay and lesbian student leaders’ perceptions of job discrimination
Authors: Kirby Susan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research explores the extent to which expectations of discrimination affect American undergraduate officers in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structured interviewing, I conducted both phone and face‐to‐face interviews without gay and lesbian student officers in GLBT student organizations on campuses all across the USA. I specifically wished to discover their expectations relating to discrimination and information about their job seeking behaviors through analysis of the participants’ detailed oral descriptions of their viewpoints and experiences.

Findings

Overall, the data reveal that when students search for professional positions they often expect discrimination, but many will not let that fear force them back into the closet. It is interesting to note that while some students fear discrimination and hide their sexual orientation and leadership activities in GLBT groups on their résumés, many state that they will be out at work and risk discrimination in the long run because being true to themselves is worth the risk.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study relates to data collection and the resultant small sample. Additionally, this study is limited to the exploration of the conditions in the US labor market and perception of American students.

Practical implications

The findings of this study help us to understand the choices facing gay and lesbian students as they make hard decisions about how much to reveal about themselves in their search for employment.

Originality/value

For gay and lesbian job candidates there can be severe penalties for disclosing their orientation; therefore, decisions whether and how to identify one's self on a résumé and during interviews are extremely important.
An exploration of “Working against racism: the role of trade unions”
Authors: Oikelome Franklin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To report on conference deliberations.

Design/methodology/approach

The report is generated through general observations, notes, and tape recordings.

Findings

Racism is still endemic in british Society. Trade unions risk alienating their black constituency unless they venture out of their comfort zone and rebuild confidence within the black community and improve organisation, participation, and recruitment of black members in the movement.

Originality/value

This report is valuable in exposing the problems the trade union movement in the UK is faced with and the extent to which black members are at odds with trade unions regarding the approach to adopt in fighting discrimination in the work place.
The CEOs' characteristics and their strategy development in the UK SME sector
Authors: Karami Azhdar , Analoui Farhad , Korak Kakabadse Nada
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This research sets out to examine the role of chief executive officers (CEOs) in the development of the business strategy in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study explores the hypotheses that there is a relationship between: CEOs' age, work experiences, educational background and strategy formulation; and the impact of the strategic awareness on their part upon firm performance, using UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sample consisted of 508 SMEs in the electronics industry using “self‐reported rating” survey questionnaire and interviews which resulted in 132 completed responses and 12 in‐depth interviews.

Findings

Correlation analysis of data showed that: there was no significant correlation between the age of the CEO's and their performance; professionally experienced CEOs placed more emphasis on formal strategy development; CEOs with an educational background are inclined to develop formal strategic plans. Strategic awareness of the CEOs plays a significant part in the formulation of business strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are mostly new though limited to the electronics industry. A future comparative industry‐wide study is recommended.

Practical implications

The research has far reaching implications for selecting, training and developing CEOs, since they play a significant role in formulation of the business strategy and the firm's performance.

Originality/value

The original contribution concerns the CEO's awareness of the strategic planning process. It has special value for human resource management (HRM) decision processes towards recruitment, selection and training and management development of the CEOs.
Management development in Ireland: justifying the investment
Authors: O'Connor Marion , Mangan John , Cullen John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Drawing upon survey and interview data, this research paper aims to explore the usage and impact of management development processes and practices in Ireland from an organisational perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines numerous related issues including: the issue of aligning management development needs to business strategy; the usage of management development methods; the development of high potential managers; and the assignment of responsibility for management development. Tbe paper is the result of a study which included a combination of 13 semi‐structured interviews with HR/training managers and the completion of postal questionnaires by 53 respondents from the HR/training management population in Ireland from a cross section of organisations.

Findings

The study suggests that organisations are both concerned for their management population, see their development as a key priority and are willing to invest in them. Organisations are experimenting with the usage of numerous developmental methods and are particularly aware of the benefits achieved from informal methods. Both reactive andad‐hocapproaches to management development were observed.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to management learning and education theory and concludes by highlighting the fact that before initiating management development activities, organisations must question their rationale for investing resources in development. Failing to devote time at the initiation stage of a management development activity will result in organisations trying to “reverse engineer” and justify developmental initiatives upon completion. Organisations must become more acutely aware of the indirect benefits that accrue from management development instead of focusing all attention to the visible direct outcomes.
Developing political intelligence for making feasible decisions
Authors: Adams Susan M. , Zanzi Alberto
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to propose a model for acquiring political intelligence by describing steps for assessing feasibility that can be used to systematically evaluate a situation. The paper also aims to discuss individual and situational biases to acquiring an accurate political feasibility assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre‐ and post‐test method was used to compare a sample of novice managers who received training with the feasibility assessment model to experienced, politically savvy managers.

Findings

Assessing the political feasibility of a decision is a skill that can be developed to acquire the political intelligence necessary for today's politically‐laden, uncertain competitive environment.

Originality/value

Political intelligence is at the heart of avoiding political blunders and conflict in organizations. When time and money are spent promoting decisions that are unlikely to succeed, managers can derail their careers from backing initiatives from a declining dominant coalition rather than an emerging one. Yet, these blunders are avoidable. While previous authors agree on the need for political intelligence, little is offered about how to acquire it. This paper offers a model that helps managers acquire the information needed to make politically feasible decisions that develops political intelligence.
Consultant's role: a qualitative inquiry from the consultant's perspective
Authors: Kakabadse Nada K. , Louchart Eddy , Kakabadse Andrew
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Many criticisms questioning the role and the efficiency of business consultants have been addressed. However, although a great deal of research has been carried out on business consultancy, little has been written on business consultancy from the consultant's viewpoint. In order to gain a detailed view of the situation from an internal consultant's perspective, an investigation of how business consultants perceive their role and contribution within their clients' organisations was undertaken. Drawing on different perspectives, this study aims to demystify the role of business consultants, and to ascertain how they perceive their role within their clients' organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of interviews were conducted, where business consultants were asked to comment on issues related to the nature of the relationship with their clients, the pros and cons of their role and also the amount of control and discretion they exercise over the different projects in which they are engaged. Interview data from 17 business consultants from a variety of fields, such as change management, information technology, corporate finance and human resource, are analysed using an interpretive frame.

Findings

The research findings reveal that differences exist between the rather pejorative conclusions of previous research and the conclusions of this study. Whereas previous research highlighted the omnipotence and the more or less deontological practice of consultants, the data analysis from this study concludes that business consultants appear very humble in their approach to their relationship with clients, and believe that moving clients forward is their ultimate goal. The findings also enable the study to demonstrate that business consultants are conscious of the amount of control and discretion that is passed on to them by clients, and do recognise that criticisms of their role can be at times justified.

Originality/value

The study has value for both consultants and clients. The role determinants model presented in the study highlights the main characteristics of the role of business consultants and helps both clients and consultants to rethink their approach to the consulting process.
The integrated competing values framework: its spatial configuration
Authors: Vilkinas Tricia , Cartan Greg
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This study seeks to identify the spatial relationships between the managerial roles within the integrated competing values framework (ICVF). The study also aims to identify the central role the integrator performs with its critical observing and reflective learning function.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study investigated the spatial configuration of Quinn's original eight operational roles and Vilkinas and Cartan's ninth role to each other. A total of 100 middle managers participated in a 360° feedback program that sought responses from 928 of their “significant others”. Multiple discriminate scaling (MDS) was used to determine the spatial representation of the ICVF.

Findings

The results of the MDS found that the ICVF was a two‐dimensional, four‐quadrant model. However, one of the dimensions from the CVF, stability‐flexibility, was retitled to reflect more truly the roles that anchored this dimension. It was anchored by people‐task focus. The integrator, as predicted, was found to have a pivotal role for managers. In addition, three of the operational roles – producer, director and coordinator – combined to form a consolidated role called the “deliverer”.

Research limitations/implications

The model needs to be further researched for gender and cultural differences. In addition, the spatial maps of effective and ineffective managers need to be compared.

Practical implications

The paper assists managers to gain a clearer understanding of managerial roles, their interrelationships to each other and how to apply them more effectively. The paper would also be of value to those charged with the responsibility for the selection and development of managers.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies the relationship between the paradoxical roles in the ICVF. It also further develops our understanding of the role of the integrator with its critical self‐analysis and reflective learning capability and the central role it plays in the development of effective managers.
Turning professionals into managers using multisource feedback
Authors: van Rensburg Tony , Prideaux Geoffrey
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The research aims to examine the impact of a multisource feedback (MSF) program on a group of partners and other senior professionals in a professional service firm providing accounting, finance and law services. It seeks to shows how these people responded to the program and its feedback processes, and the contribution the program made to their development as managers. The purpose of the research was to assess the applicability of the use of the multisource feedback with this group of professionals in the light of literature which points to the unwillingness of many professionals to participate in management activities or cooperate with management systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This was case study research undertaken in a single organisation over a period of three years using qualitative methods incorporating multiple sources of data, in‐depth interviews, focus group interviews, the results of a survey, and the personal experiences of a researcher who was a participant observer.

Findings

The MSF program was an effective way of achieving change in the attitudes and behaviour of the professionals, and of improving their leadership and management skills.

Research limitations/implications

This was a single‐organisation case study. The study relies on qualitative approaches and issues of objectivity needed to be managed.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to knowledge concerning the nature of professionals in organisations and their response to management systems and to feedback processes. They contribute to understanding of the applicability of the use of MSF as a management system for professionals, as a means of achieving the development of management skills, and of achieving organisational improvement.

Originality/value

Previous research has not addressed the use of MSF for professionals in professional service organisations, or the use of MSF as a management development tool for professionals.
New model of job design: motivating employees' performance
Authors: Garg Pooja , Rastogi Renu
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to identify the key issues of job design research and practice to motivate employees' performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model of Hackman and Oldham's job characteristics has been adopted to motivate employees' performance.

Findings

The paper finds that a dynamic managerial learning framework is required in order to enhance employees' performance to meet global challenges.

Practical implications

Traditional outcomes will certainly remain central to the agenda. But some wider developments are to be incorporated within organizational systems so as to motivate employees for better performance.

Originality/value

The paper may be of value to researchers and practitioners in the management development field for offering enhanced jobs to employees leading to improved performance.
Management development: developing ethical corporate culture in three organisations
Authors: Small Michael W.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to look at three organisations (a naval shore establishment, a police academy, and a small, family‐owned engineering firm) and see to what extent they had developed a culture that was both ethically and socially responsive.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was carried out by speaking to key players, observing their organisations and by detailed analysis of the documents which related to this study.

Findings

The findings revealed that the Navy has a set of values (HHCIL) which overlap with the more general values of the Department of Defence (imPLICIT). The Western Australian Police Service has an approach to developing an ethical corporate culture which includes the establishment of a dedicated unit, and running discussion groups and seminars. The family‐owned and operated engineering business relies more heavily on an indirect approach based on following traditional family values.

Research limitations/implications

Pursuing the topic of what makes a just war, particularly in today's political climate, was one possibility for further research. There were limitations to the study; these were mainly due to issues of confidentiality and in broaching sensitive topics to both Navy and Police senior officers.

Originality/value

Three conditions were essential for developing an ethical corporate culture: CEOs were ultimately responsible for the ethicality of their organisations; formal training programs were necessary to impart the required knowledge; and formal mechanisms were essential to facilitate the reporting of any behaviour of organisational members that was deemed to be wrong, unethical or illegal.
Compressive strength of concrete with polypropylene fibre additions
Authors: Richardson Alan E.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Conflicting claims have been made in relation to the effects of polypropylene fibres on the compressive strength of concrete. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects on compressive strength of various dosages of monofilament polypropylene fibres when used in concrete. Compressive strength is widely used as the key indicator of concrete quality and therefore needs accurate determination. Monofilament fibres and air entrainment provide a similar function in that they provide freeze/thaw protection, they are both compared against a plain concrete sample to determine relative strength and density.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different concrete design strengths (medium and high) were examined with varying amounts and types of polypropylene fibre fraction/volume to establish a common link between fibre additions and reduced final compressive strength.

Findings

The findings from the test programme showed a linear reduction in strength which was observed as being directly related to fibre inclusion in concrete. Density was also found to be reduced with the addition of fibres in a similar degree to that of air entrainment.

Research limitations/implications

The lower density of concrete with polypropylene fibre additions was not scientifically explained and this aspect currently forms part of a long term freeze/thaw research programme, which will examine pore spacing and void formation compared to plain concrete.

Originality/value

This paper is of interest to clients, concrete manufacturers, concrete additive manufacturers, designers, surveyors and specifiers who need to know what effect polypropylene fibre additives have upon the final compressive strength.
Condition monitoring of vibrating steel‐reinforced concrete beams through wavelet transforms
Authors: Carrión F.J. , Lozano A. , Castaño V.M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to show that wavelets are mathematical tools capable of separating vibration data into different frequency components, allowing the study of each component with a resolution matched to its specific time scale. Wavelets have advantages over traditional Fourier methods, particularly when a signal contains sharp spikes, discontinuities, and transients.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a brief description of wavelets and shows their application to the analysis of typical transient signals due to vibrations in a steel‐reinforced concrete beam.

Findings

The research clearly shows that it is possible to evaluate modes and components separately by using the wavelet analysis.

Originality/value

The beam analysed can be used as a simple model of other more complicated structures, such as bridges and other high scale civil engineering constructions, where vibration analysis is a key issue for maintenance and failure assessments, thus representing an alternative mathematical tool for condition monitoring.
Terrorism prevention, preparedness, and response in built facilities
Authors: Khiun Then Siaw , Loosemore Martin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To explore the risk management, crisis management and business continuity management (BCM) practices of facilities managers responsible for a range of major public and private buildings in Sydney, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method involved a survey of facilities managers responsible for the management of 27 potentially vulnerable buildings in the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia.

Findings

The results suggest that facilities managers under estimate the vulnerability of buildings to terrorist attack, may have a misconception about likely targets and may be unprepared for such an eventuality.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are restricted to the restricted sample of facilities managers interviewed who were responsible for a range of major public and private buildings in Sydney, Australia.

Practical implications

Highlights the security responsibilities of facilities managers in the new security environment and practical measures which can be taken to improve terrorism preparedness, recovery and response.

Originality/value

Buildings, infrastructure and public spaces have increasingly become the focus of terrorist attacks. Yet little is known about the level of preparedness to deal with this eventuality. This paper presents a critique of the literature on terrorism applied to building facilities, integrating the literature on crisis management, BCM and risk management.
A legal analysis of the concept of “planning by contract” in non‐statutory planning control in Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Leung Hing
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To study the nature of covenants for planning control from a legal perspective; to examine the legal mechanisms by which different parties may be bound by covenants and to illustrate the better legal meaning for the idea of “planning by contract”.

Design/methodology/approach

The legal principles in Hong Kong relating to how land covenants may affect land owners are used in analyzing the concept of “planning by contract”, which conveys a meaning of an origin from the concept of privity of contract. Examples by reference to real life cases are used to illustrate how planning control through covenants has affected land owners.

Findings

Covenants relating to planning control in land leases affect not only the original government lessees but also all subsequent owners to the land. The operation of planning control through covenants is more than a concept based on operation of contract.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is largely based on the law in Hong Kong. The extent to which the analysis may apply elsewhere is a matter depending on the legal framework in the operation of land covenants at different places.

Practical implications

Land owners and facility managers should fully understand the mechanism by which land covenants may bind land owners even if they have never agreed to the covenants and that the development potential of the property may be seriously affected.

Originality/value

This paper will serve as an aid to land owners and facility managers to understand the mechanism by which land covenants may affect the land and its development potential.
Offices of Swedish growth firms: facilities management variables
Authors: Dettwiler Paul
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To discern patterns of property and facilities management (FM) evolution of the offices of growth firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical analysis with ten variables which are analysed through four perspectives (clusters, industrial sectors, age and size).

Findings

The result consists of characteristic features of three clusters labelled as “low”, “high” and “moderate” FM firms with a ubiquity from all major industry sectors. The studied population reveals that various industry sectors expose more significant differences of FM variables than age and size. However, age is a background factor for discerning the three clusters and it reveals to be the youngest cluster that has the most intense FM activities, which argues for linkage between rapid growth and FM.

Research limitations/implications

Relevant study for predefined Swedish growth firms.

Practical implications

Reveals linkage between faster growth and FM.

Originality/value

Survey empery is collected in a primary database of FM variables and analysed.
Community‐based facilities management
Authors: Alexander Keith , Brown Martin
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To introduce and define the concept of community‐based facilities management (CbFM) and to identify and discuss processes and responsibilities in practice, in order to explore opportunities for the development of a socially inclusive approach to facilities management. The paper raises issues of governance, empowerment and socio‐economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses issues arising from action research in the North West of England and identifies case examples from current practice to illustrate application of the principles. The paper draws upon literature from the fields of facilities management, new economics and sustainability.

Findings

The paper presents the results of an initial exploration, draws tentative conclusions and offers a framework for evaluating the performance of organisations.

Originality/value

Introduces novel concepts, an evaluation framework and tools for the assessment of FM processes for sustainability.
Community facilities, community building and local government – an Australian perspective
Authors: McShane Ian
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the connections between community and community facilities, and the implications for local government facility management.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to cited published literature, the paper draws on archival and case study research and interviews with local government managers and local residents conducted by the author.

Findings

The financing, planning and management of community facilities has emerged as a major public policy issue in Australia in recent years as assets acquired in the post‐World War II years of growth and decentralisation age, service needs widen and local governments experience fiscal stress. During this period, awareness of the limits of state provision and market individualism has brought renewed focus on community, and policy outputs, particularly at local government level, are increasingly framed around community strengthening.

Research limitations/implications

The research focus is Victoria, Australia.

Originality/value

The paper identifies key strategic issues for facility planners and managers involved in regeneration projects.
Today's educational drama – planning for tomorrow's marketers
Authors: Pearce Glenn , Jackson John
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To describe and discuss the use of educational drama in marketing education, including its relative advantages to both learners and trainers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper involves exploratory qualitative research, using sentence completion and reflective diaries. The approach was to probe in an open‐ended way what students believed they had learnt and gained from the drama, and why; how did the drama affect them; how did they view marketing after the drama; and how did they compare the educational drama to traditional “chalk and talk” classes.

Findings

The interpretive qualitative results of the study indicated a very high student acceptance of drama as an educational experience, a widely held view that even though it was drama it had actually enhanced the realism of the learning experience, a greater appreciation of the array and complexity of the various roles in the marketing environment and the alternative perpectives possible, an expressed enhancement of their sense of empathy through the drama, a heightened sense of personal enrichment for the experience as an individual, and expressed enthusiasm for its career simulation benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The study was exploratory and educational drama needs further testing under various contexts, constraints, and controls.

Practical implications

The student and instructor enthusiasm for the benefits, including the perception of enhanced realism, bodes well for practical applications. There is no obvious reason why it could not be used to good effect in commercial, industrial, public sector and not‐for‐profit contexts.

Originality/value

The researchers were not able to locate any other study examining the use and benefits of educational drama within a marketing setting such as this one. Used effectively, educational drama is seen to be a valuable learning and experiential tool.
Bridging the academic/practitioner divide in marketing
Authors: D'Auria Stanton Angela
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a course in data mining as an example of an interdisciplinary mechanism of bridging the academic/practitioner divide in marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The academic/practitioner divide in marketing education is first examined along with current challenges for increasing curricular relevancy. Alternative approaches for pedagogically satisfying marketing academicians and, at the same time, meeting practitioner needs is explored.

Findings

Developing a course in data mining is presented as a holistic way of providing subject knowledge in relationship marketing, information technology and analytics coupled with experiential learning.

Practical implications

The course in data mining provides practical skills in information technology, marketing analytics and problem‐solving that provide students with a strong point of differentiation in the job market that has proven attractive to employers.

Originality/value

This paper provides a description of a course in data mining offering that helps students position themselves at the nexus of marketing, information technology, and analytics.