bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic crisis aversion: the value of a “style audit”
Authors: Thompson John L.
Published: July 2002

Reminds us that different organizations seek to deal with environmental pressures in different ways; some are proactive, others rely largely on reaction. Paradoxically, reactive crisis fighters typically thrive on the challenge of short‐term problems. Effective organisations, however, need clear direction for the longer term, winning strategies and an appropriate decision‐making style for managing strategy creation and implementation in an environment of change. Looks at how organisations might seek to audit their decision‐making style with a view to managing their knowledge and intelligence more effectively and introducing the changes that will open up new competitive and strategic opportunities.
Learning in smaller organisations
Authors: Penn David W. , Ang’wa William , Forster R. , Heydon G. , Richardson Susan J.
Published: July 2002

Drawing on research based on interviews with small firms in north‐east England, looks at the process of learning in and by small organisations (with 50 or fewer employees). Finds that the dominant culture of small organisations points to the need to develop alternative approaches to HRD that do not rely on business plans or training needs analyses. Examines small organisations in terms of five key characteristics: adaptability; planning; information and knowledge; human resource development; and growth. Finds that small organisations are characterised by: a paternalistic culture; an informal approach to planning; the importance of an individual’s ideas and character; learning by working with others (rather than formal training); and a belief in the importance of growth. Calls into question the validity of the often quoted “training deficit” from which small organisations are said to suffer and suggests that the networking function of the entrepreneur may be less important than other functions and qualities.
Assessing the learning organization: part 1 ‐ theoretical foundations
Authors: Smith Peter A.C. , Tosey Paul
Published: July 2002

Asserts and explores the claim that further headway in substantive wide‐scale learning organization development is seriously jeopardised unless individual organizations objectively measure their progress. In part 1, a new evaluative standpoint grounded in “new science” is suggested, and foundations for two non‐traditional discriminant approaches based on this standpoint are discussed. The potential to link such assessments to business performance is evaluated. In part 2, applications of these two approaches in organizational settings are reviewed.
Publishing in China: developments since 1992
Authors: Drury Russell
Published: July 2002

This paper looks at recent developments in the book trade in China, particularly since 1992 when China acceded to international copyright conventions. It offers details of the operation of the book trade, including such issues as book and journal distribution, book prices, markets for imports, the printing industry. Copyright and piracy of books and journals are discussed at length, including treatment of such topics as joint ventures, rights and the place of Hong Kong and Taiwan in the publishing economy.
DELNET: an effective resource sharing model in India
Authors: Kaul H.K.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the development of the Delhi Library Network (DELNET) and its various services. DELNET is a growing resource sharing service in the Delhi region, offering a range of products and services to facilitate the exchange of information among libraries.
Beanie Babies: a case study in the engineering of a high‐involvement/relationship‐prone brand
Authors: Morris Rebecca J. , Martin Charles L.
Published: July 2002

Provides an example of a firm’s use of distinguishing product attributes to engineer and nurture strong consumer‐brand relationships. Ty Inc., manufacturer of the popular Beanie Babies brand, has effectively engineered the brand to incorporate attributes of nostalgic value, personification, uniqueness, facilitation, engagement, aesthetic appeal, quality/excellence, association, social visibility and image congruence, and price risk. By incorporating these attributes and actively nurturing consumer‐brand relationships, Ty has benefited from greater customer satisfaction, which has led to higher purchase volumes, brand loyalty, and positive word‐of‐mouth communications. The straightforward methodology used to examine customer perceptions of Beanie Babies involved asking respondents to rate Beanie Babies on the ten characteristics associated with high‐involvement, relationship‐prone products. The same measurement approach could be easily replicated by managers of other firms to evaluate the relational potency of their own brands.
Managing quality cues for product‐line pricing
Authors: Guiltinan Joseph P.
Published: July 2002

When firms offer consumers a choice of price‐quality levels – the “good‐better‐best” choice – a challenge for managers is how to set price differentials. This article examines how consumer preferences across such price tiers are influenced by non‐price cues about quality. The results suggest that the pattern of preferences observed across price‐tiers can be influenced by: how quality cues (as well as price levels) are framed; the distribution of various price‐quality tradeoff strategies across potential buyers; and the degree of perceived quality variability within the product category. Specifically, the use of ratio‐scaled cues is most likely to impact “trading‐up” behavior when there are a large number of consumers who exhibit “best value‐seeking” behavior in a market.
A study of the potential effects of the conversion to euro
Authors: Desmet Pierre
Published: July 2002

Early research work confirms that the use of the new European currency, the euro, could create an effect of money illusion: expressed in euros, perceived prices seem lower and price elasticity diminished. But it also concludes on the complexity of the relationship between prices, currency unit and behavior as the money illusion effect can either increase or decrease demand for specific brands. Tests the assumption that the size of the money illusion could vary by country and is positively related to the level of the conversion rate. Applies the Gabor and Granger method to the price of an item of domestic equipment in two countries, one with a big conversion rate (Spain), and one with a small conversion rate (Germany). Observes a money illusion effect with an increase in intention to buy when the prices are expressed in euros in Germany but, as this effect is not observed in Spain, concludes that a positive relationship between money illusion and conversion rate cannot be accepted and proposes alternative hypotheses, such as the difficulty of the conversion.
Commentary: Brand Marketing the First Private National Commercial TV
Station in Central Europel
Authors: Secunda Eugene
Published: July 2002

Describes how, three years after the fall of the communist government in
Czechoslovakia, NOVA, the first privately owned commercial television
station in Central Europe began broadcasting throughout the recently
formed Czech Republic. The primary challenge was to position the new
station successfully as a clearly differentiated brand in a market which
had never previously experienced television as anything other than a
government‐controlled commodity. The station′s management sought to
establish itself with the Czech television audience as the nation′s
broadcast brand of choice by utilizing substantial numbers of Hollywood
hit motion pictures and popular US television series, as well as
presenting news shows which were significantly more irreverent and
independent than the competing government‐sponsored stations. Prior to
launch, the station management executed the most intense national
advertising and promotion campaign ever utilized to promote a media
product in the Czech Republic.
Why Would a Company Want to Enter a Joint Venture in the Former
Soviet Union or Eastern Europe?
Authors: Bartley Douglas L. , Minor Michael S.
Published: July 2002

Restructuring activities in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe
present enticing opportunities for firms to consider foreign investment
in these emerging areas. Geographically, the population of the entire
region is relatively conveniently concentrated, rendering delivery and
servicing of goods and services relatively simple. Further, the
population is greatly underserved, particularly in terms of consumer
goods and services. The problems, as chronicled in the popular press,
are, however, daunting. Based on a number of consultancies with firms
over the last two years, identifies typical problems to be anticipated
and suggests concrete steps to take in order to solve these problems.
Do Unmentionable Products Still Exist?
Authors: Prevel Katsanis Lea
Published: July 2002

Unmentionable products are those that are considered to be offensive,
embarrassing, harmful, socially unacceptable, or controversial to some
significant segment of the population. Examples of these products
include personal hygiene products, cigarettes, and even fur coats.
Describes empirical research, based on a cross‐sectional survey of 248
subjects, which provides a taxonomy of these products. Objectives of
the research were to determine if unmentionable products still exist;
and to assist brand marketers with market strategies. Two key factors
were found to group unmentionable products together: level of
controversy/harm; and level of communication. There were two groups of
unmentionable products based on this classification:
controversial/harmful and public communication; and beneficial and
private communication. Certain products were not unmentionable.
Managerial implications include careful target market segmentation,
particularly for controversial/public products. For beneficial private
products, high quality and accurate information is critical.
Unmentionable products still exist after 14 years, and both the concept
itself and the determining factors are timeless, even though specific
products will change over time.
Commentary: brand emergence in the marketing of computers and high
technology products
Authors: Zajas Jay , Crowley Edward
Published: July 2002

Business faces formidable challenges in the 1990s. With these
challenges will come greater requirements for relevant market
information, quality offerings, increased productivity, leadership, and
consumer orientation. As new technology and computers are designed to
help meet the ever‐increasing information needs of society, personal,
professional, and industrial consumers will search for better ways to
identify the computers and related high‐tech products which will enable
them to meet their individual and organizational needs. In this search,
consumers will look for traditional brand name recognition of new
products, user friendliness, functionability, and product positioning
that meets their individual expectations. Examines the emergence of
brands in the marketing of computers and related high‐tech products so
as to explore the trends of developments in this vital area.
Branding: a trend for today and tomorrow
Authors: Arthur Rooney Joseph
Published: July 2002

Branding is an effective marketing strategy tool that has been used
with frequent success in the past. Today, branding is experiencing a new
popularity resulting from new, innovative applications. Although there
have been instances where branding has been less than successful,
marketers are beginning to find the appropriate applications in a given
setting. Issues and problems concerning branding strategy today include
the selection of a brand name. This fundamental issue will impact on the
success of a branding strategy. Once a name is selected, marketers have
to choose the advertising strategy to support and communicate the name.
Finally, keeping the brand in a strong position is a critical concern.
New areas of branding include corporate, industrial, and service
branding. These nontraditional branding environments are becoming the
future for marketers using branding strategy. To add to the new branding
areas, there are new branding techniques. These techniques include brand
extensions and ingredient branding. New strategies, techniques, and
arenas for branding have to be managed. The organization must support
and identify with the strategy. The goals, objectives, and mission of
any organization should be in line with the branding strategy employed.
Vertical brand extensions: current research and managerial implications
Authors: Kim Chung K. , Lavack Anne M.
Published: July 2002

Relates evidence which suggests that launching a vertical brand extension generally has a negative impact on the core brand because it dilutes the core brand image, advising that a brand extension should be introduced only when its profit potential exceeds the losses that will be sustained as a result of damage to the core brand. Describes two important tools which can reduce the dilution of the core brand image and/or enhance the success of a new brand extension introduction distancing, and information cues: Explains that, to reduce damage to a valuable core brand or to benefit a new step‐up brand extension, the extension should be maximally distanced from the core brand; however, to benefit a new step‐down brand extension (at the expense of the core brand), the extension should be positioned close to the core brand. Highlights how information cues that describe a brand extension can also act like distancing techniques, simply by serving to reinforce the similarities (implied closeness) or differences (implied distance) between the brand extension and the core brand.
A data‐driven modeling approach to product level decision support
Authors: D’Souza Giles , Allaway Arthur
Published: July 2002

The marriage of new scanner‐type data sources and new computing and analysis methods is allowing a new approach to the development and use of models for decision support and product line management. Data‐driven modeling describes a process of model‐building wherein models are created that fit the dynamics of the data rather than assuming a priori relationships among brands and their marketing mix elements. Based on a combination of time‐series and econometric modeling methods, these models can significantly improve a modeler’s ability to capture marketplace structure and dynamics. Although more complex than their predecessors, the capabilities of these new data‐driven decision support models make them potentially very powerful tools, improving intuition and managerial understanding while suggesting improved decision alternatives. Develops such a model using detailed multiproduct retail data and demonstrates its capabilities.
Are store brands perceived to be just another brand?
Authors: Richardson Paul S.
Published: July 2002

Proposes two hypotheses and tests them empirically: that consumers do not differentiate between store brands offered by competing stores; that store brand market share is consistent with chain penetration. To test the hypotheses, employs an experimental design using 350 subjects, and collects survey data from 923 respondents regarding store patronage behavior and brand choice. The first hypothesis received unconditional support. The second hypothesis received conditional support. Discusses implications for marketing strategy.
The role of mood in price promotions
Authors: Hsu Chung‐kue , Shaw‐Ching Liu Ben
Published: July 2002

This paper deals with the issue of mood effects on perceived transaction value in the context of price promotions. Specifically, mood states appear to bias evaluation and judgments in mood congruent direction. Based on Grewal et al.’s model and mood congruent effects, we propose that when encountering price promotions, buyers in a positive mood, as opposed to buyers in a negative mood, will perceive a greater transaction value. Moreover, we hypothesize that the effect of advertised selling price on perceived transaction value is likely to be moderated by buyers’ mood states. Our results support these hypotheses. In addition, we also find asymmetric moderating effects on discount levels in positive mood state vs. in negative mood state. Managerial implications and future research directions are also discussed.
Young fashion leaders’ and followers’ attitudes toward American and imported
apparel
Authors: Beaudoin Pierre , Moore Mary Ann , Goldsmith Ronald E.
Published: July 2002

This study investigates if females
fashion leaders and fashion followers differ in their attitudes toward buying imported and domestic
apparel products. A sample of 283 female consumers between 18 and 25 years of age completed a mailed
questionnaire. Repeated measures analysis of variance and t‐tests were performed to determine
if differences exist between fashion followers and leaders regarding their attitudes toward buying
domestic and imported apparel. Results showed that fashion followers have the same overall attitude
toward buying American or imported apparel. However, fashion leaders have a more positive attitude
toward buying imported apparel than buying domestic apparel. In addition, fashion followers and
fashion leaders have similar attitudes toward buying American apparel, but fashion leaders have a
significantly more positive attitude than followers toward buying imported apparel.
A tale of two cities: an examination of fashion designer retailing within London and New York
Authors: Fernie John , Moore Christopher M. , Lawrie Alexander
Published: July 2002

The focus of this paper is two‐fold. First, it examines the growth strategies adopted by fashion design houses to transform and reposition their businesses from relatively small, niche‐market and privately‐owned companies to stock market listed conglomerates which produce fashion and lifestyle products aimed at a lucrative and international middle retailing market. The second is to consider the geographical implications of these strategies as illustrated through an examination of their locational impact on London and New York. The findings of this research suggest that both cities have experienced unprecedented and parallel patterns of development, apparently as a result of the aggressive expansion activities of fashion designer companies. As such, the paper highlights the impact of internationalisation and strategic growth at the micro environmental level.
Pricing in separable channels: the case of parallel imports
Authors: Rachel Yang B. , Ahmadi Reza H. , Monroe Kent B.
Published: July 2002

Multinational companies marketing their undifferentiated products to different countries unintentionally may create a problem for themselves. A low price in one country may encourage an enterprise to transship the products to another country with higher price, creating a new channel of parallel imports that competes with the authorized channels there. By setting prices reflecting differences in willingness to pay in the different countries, multinational firms are “setting” prices for their products in separable channels. In light of this problem of parallel import channels competing with the authorized channels, multinationals need to carefully establish their pricing strategies for the global marketplace.
Choosing between line extensions and second brands: the case of the Australian and New Zealand wine industries
Authors: Speed Richard
Published: July 2002

When managers launch a new product line into a category already served, they must decide whether to launch this as a line extension or as a second brand. This research seeks to identify how this decision is influenced by the position of the original product and the options available for positioning the new product. A model of the influences on brand and line extension success is developed and used to formulate a series of competing hypotheses about the factors that influence the decisions of managers. These hypotheses are tested using survey data from producers in the Australian wine industry. The results suggest managers seek to exploit the benefits available from the transfer of attributes to the new line, and minimise the risk of cannibalisation.
Microeconomic analysis‐based comparative evaluation of brands
Authors: Giannias Dimitrios A.
Published: July 2002

A brand is a kind of sign by which we can distinguish one commodity from another. Commodity prices, as well as consumers’ utility and firms’ profit, are affected by brands. Presents a theoretical framework that incorporates aspects of brand in microeconomic analysis. The theory developed makes it possible to infer the quality of differentiated products from the price distribution of the second‐hand market for that product. A case study illustrates the workings of the methodology; the application evaluates the quality of the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.
Measuring brand power: validating a model for optimizing brand equity
Authors: Bong Na Woon , Marshall Roger , Lane Keller Kevin
Published: July 2002

Rather than taking the more traditional approach of measuring brand equity for accounting or strategic reasons, the approach taken here is concerned with optimizing brand equity through parsimonious manipulation of the marketing mix. To this end a macro‐model is first developed; this model is then operationalized and tested (in terms of predicted versus actual brand share) in three Korean markets. The contribution of the paper lies in the development of a methodology through which management can efficiently build brand power in their markets. The statistical methods (factor analysis and preference regression) are commonly used in commercial research and the research requirements to build such a model are quite modest – the proposed model makes a theoretical contribution but can also be used as a practical managerial tool.
Bargaining over the price of a product: delightful anticipation or abject dread?
Authors: Schneider Kenneth C. , Rodgers William C. , Bristow Dennis N.
Published: July 2002

The literature provides substantial evidence of gender differences in the level of assertive and/or competitive traits an individual is likely to exhibit. Further, it has been established that those individual differences are related to certain exchange strategies employed by each gender. The primary research objectives in this study were, first, to develop a reliable pencil‐and‐paper scale assessing consumers’ propensity to employ bargaining tactics in marketing exchange situations; and second, to investigate gender differences in consumers’ bargaining propensity. The results of the study showed that the first research objective was successfully achieved in the form of the Bargaining Propensity Scale, and that statistically significant gender differences in bargaining propensity scores did occur. Managerial implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
National expansion of British regional brands: parallels with internationalisation
Authors: Lewis Chris , Stubbs Sara
Published: July 2002

While international and even national brand owners may be more concerned with tailoring their brands for local markets, local and regional brand owners are still keen to expand to national level. Examines the elements of the decision‐making process for brand owners expanding beyond their home region, and compares this process with the internationalisation of national brands. Case study research in five companies from the UK food and drink sector provides examples, and a checklist for decision making is proposed.
A conjoint analysis of voice over IP attributes
Authors: Zubey Michael L. , Wagner William , Otto James R.
Published: July 2002

The ability to transmit and process voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) networks has important implications for technology managers. Many companies today are rushing to bring different VoIP products to market with a wide variety of features. Managers will need to understand the tradeoffs associated with VoIP as compared to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This paper measures the preference structures between IP telephony and PSTN services using conjoint analysis. The purpose is to suggest those VoIP technology attributes that best meet users’ needs.
A peer‐to‐peer distributed selection algorithm for the Internet
Authors: Loo Alfred , Choi Y.K.
Published: July 2002

Heretofore, it has been extremely expensive to install and use distributed databases. With the advent of Java, JDBC and other Internet technologies, it has become easy and inexpensive to connect multiple databases and form distributed databases, even where the various host computers run on different platforms. These types of databases can be used in many peer‐to‐peer applications which are now receiving much attention from researchers. Although it is easy to form a distributed database via Internet/intranet, effective sharing of information continues to be problematic. We need to pay more attention to the enabling algorithms, as dedicated links between computers are usually not available in peer‐to‐peer systems. The lack of dedicated links can cause poor performance, especially if the databases are connected via Internet. Discusses the problems of distributed database operation with reference to an example. Presents two statistical selection algorithms which are designed to select the jth smallest key from a very large file distributed over many computers. The objective of these algorithms is to minimise the number of communication messages necessary to the selection operation. One algorithm is for the intranet with broadcast/multicast facilities while the other is for Internet without broadcast/multicast facilities.
Getting strategic value from constellations of communities
Authors: Ward Arian
Published: July 2002

The concept of constellations of communities is a big picture view of how communities of practice in organizations relate to one another. These communities are voluntary, and over time they form a complex, informal network of relationships, knowledge sharing, learning, and conversations that can be woven together into a powerful strategic fabric with the right kind of leadership. Like a garden, these communities must be tended and nurtured rather than commanded and controlled. The article contains examples of constellations of communities in business, non‐profit, volunteer‐oriented associations, and society at large and outlines the potential benefits of a constellation to its stakeholders.
The power of the brand
Authors: Davis Scott M.
Published: July 2002

A brand is made up of three things: what a company sells, what a company does, and what a company is. A brand represents a set of promises. It implies trust, consistency, and a defined set of expectations. The strongest brands own a positioning in the consumer’s mind that is unique to that brand. To maximize the customer‐brand relationship, a company must understand how customers think, act, perceive, and make purchase decisions. This holistic analysis is called “crafting a customer model.” This article offers the steps for creating such a model.
The direct marketing‐direct consumer gap: qualitative insights
Authors: Evans Martin , Patterson Maurice , O’Malley Lisa
Published: July 2002

The need to explore consumer reactions to any form of marketing is central to the marketing concept and this paper reports part of an industry‐funded project to investigate how consumers interact with direct marketing. The programme was qualitative, based on both individual depth interviews and group discussions. A theme of “paradox” emerged from the research in a variety of ways. Consumers generally take a pragmatic view of marketing activity, but at the same time they are sceptical of much direct marketing. The research identifies consumers’ key concerns with direct marketing as: privacy, control and relevance. The resulting “gaps” between direct marketing practice and consumer expectations and desires produce clearer areas for the direct marketer to address.
Integrated project teams’ performance in managing unexpected change events
Authors: Moore David R. , Dainty Andrew R.J.
Published: July 2002

Growing emphasis on meeting client needs and improving project performance within the construction industry has led to increasing use of fully integrated “design and build” (D&B) construction project teams. Advocates of the D&B system contend that integrating design and construction this way leads to a seamless procurement process, improved team relationships, and a more efficiently delivered product. This article reports on research which explored the operational efficiency of such integrated project teams. The findings suggest that despite the benefits of integration, cultural and professional interfaces remain which impair team performance and undermine structural change management protocols. This effectively leaves the team operating as work‐groups in a similar way as they would under a traditionally procured contract, with the construction team excluded from the change management process. A methodology is proposed for exploring these discontinuities in detail, and addressing intra‐work‐group conflicts which threaten the continued development of D&B within the sector.
Optimal opportunistic maintenance policy using genetic algorithms,
1: formulation
Authors: Savic Dragan A. , Walters Godfrey A. , Knezevic Jezdimir
Published: July 2002

Describes the development of two genetic algorithm (GA) programs
for cost optimization of opportunity‐based maintenance policies. The
combinatorial optimization problem is formulated and it is shown that
genetic algorithms are particularly suited to this type of problem. The
theoretical basis and operations of a standard genetic algorithm (SGA)
are presented with an iterative procedure necessary for implementation
of the SGA to least‐cost part replacement. However, an SGA used in an
iterative manner may limit the global search capability of the
evolutionary computing technique and may lead to suboptimal solutions.
To avoid this problem, an improved GA which considers more than two
groups simultaneously is devised. This model is based on the permutation
representation and genetic sequencing operators originally developed for
the travelling salesman problem. The same example used with the SGA
confirmed that the improved GA can bring additional savings.
A strategic approach to managing maintenance performance
Authors: Tsang Albert H.C.
Published: July 2002

Performance of the maintenance function is typically measured for operational control purposes. Since maintenance also has a strategic dimension, its performance measurement system should be linked to the espoused strategy of the function in order to get the maximum impact. This paper presents a structured approach to managing maintenance performance developed from this premise. The measurement system features a balanced scorecard (BSC) composed of key performance indicators (KPIs). The BSC is used to inform employees of the strategy pursued by the maintenance function, and to track the effectiveness of action plans in meeting the strategic objectives. The various steps involved in the process are also discussed.
Aircraft maintenance workforce schedulingA case study
Authors: Alfares Hesham K.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes an actual aircraft maintenance labor scheduling study. The study’s objective is to determine the optimum maintenance workforce schedule to satisfy growing labor requirements with minimum cost. The main recommendation of the study is to switch from a five‐day to a seven‐day workweek for aircraft maintenance workers. A new integer programming formulation, used to obtain an optimum seven‐day work schedule with no increase in workforce size, is presented. In comparison to the existing five‐day schedule, switching to a seven‐day workweek is expected to produce savings of about 13 per cent, or $100,000 annually.
A holistic approach to the maintenance “problem”
Authors: Coetzee Jasper L.
Published: July 2002

Modern production machines require a new approach towards the maintenance “problem”. Maintenance engineers realise this and are eager to implement new philosophies/ techniques/methodologies that come available. The problem is that most of these are part solutions and cannot produce the required results when not used in its larger (maintenance) managerial context. These philosophies/techniques/methodologies should be used as a part of a larger maintenance “plan”, which is strategically driven. Success follows by using a top down process of setting maintenance policy, enriching it with well thought through procedures and supporting it with a proper maintenance business plan.
On the margins of public administration?
Authors: Hays Steven W. , Russ‐Sellers Rebecca
Published: July 2002

Examines the theoretical influence of Peter Drucker’s writings on the discipline of public administration. A quasi‐empirical study using content analysis illustrates the frequency with which Drucker is cited as a source in those public administration texts and journals found in Books in Print and the Social Sciences Citation Index. Overall, citations number relatively few when measured against leading scholars in the field. Specific conceptual patterns emerge among the ideas credited to Drucker: leadership and motivation, organizing, and social ecology. Public administration scholars may de‐emphasize Drucker’s contributions, based on his criticism of government action, over‐simplification of obstacles to effective public management, and the interdisciplinary scope of his subject‐matter. However, Drucker’s contributions to the discipline through such innovative concepts as management‐by‐objectives and privatization cannot be overlooked, nor can public administrators afford to summarily dismiss Drucker’s judgements of government.
Mary Parker Follett: prophet of chaos and complexity
Authors: Mendenhall Mark E. , Macomber James H. , Cutright Marc
Published: July 2002

The writings of Mary Parker Follett can inform the current debate regarding whether or not concepts from the field of nonlinear dynamics should be incorporated into the social sciences. The paper argues that Follett’s writings serve as an ideological bridge between these two camps, and also reflect a rich understanding of nonlinear dynamics in social phenomena. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications that Follett’s writings hold for social scientists today in the area of research methodology.
Postmodernism and the future history of management
Authors: Gephart Robert P.
Published: July 2002

Addresses themes in postmodern management which can be anticipated and better understood by taking a historical perspective on the origins and emergence of modern management. Reviews essays in this volume concerning history as science, and notes that the essays collectively address issues related to the emergence of modern management, management education and management inquiry. Notes that recent trends in organization and management practice suggest that “management” is vanishing as a social and historical category. Thus indicates possible postmodern alternatives to management which may compose its future history.
The political embeddedness of managerial ideologies in pre‐state Israel: the case of PPL 1920‐1948
Authors: Frenkel Michal , Shenhav Yehouda , Herzog Hanna
Published: July 2002

The study of managerial ideologies focuses exclusively on the emergence of American models and their dissemination in other societies. Argues that the a‐political, scientific and rational façade on which these models are premised is often incommensurate with the industrial experience of “non‐western” societies. Based on the historical case study of Palestine Potash Ltd (PPL), this study explores the development of managerial ideologies within the political and cultural context of pre‐state Israel in its formative stage (1920‐1948). While elaborating on the undocumented management history of Israel, demonstrates that American managerial ideologies were indeed imported, but their logic and casting were subordinated to national objectives. Furthermore, shows that Socialist‐National, idiosyncratic political ideology became a dominant ideology of employment management ‐ even in capitalistic firms ‐ allowing managers to acquire legitimation, control workers and increase profits of industrial enterprises.
Manufacturing production tooling using metal laminations
Authors: Bryden B.G. , Wimpenny D.I. , Pashby I.R.
Published: July 2002

Lastform, a three year EPSRC (IMI) programme, has investigated metallic laminating techniques to produce large‐scale production capable tooling. This work is intended as an overview of the research and development performed at the University of Warwick’s Warwick manufacturing Group. The programme was a collaboration between seven industrial partners and three universities with each university having a discreet area of research. The focus at Warwick was to establish robust methods of joining metal sheets to form tools for different production processes. Bonding mediums, test parts for process evaluation, sample tools and production tools are described. The advantages of metal laminating for different processes are evaluated. Results include reduced lead‐time and cost savings and enhanced processing capability by the use of conformable heating or cooling channels.
Representation and CAD modeling of heterogeneous objects
Authors: Siu Y.K. , Tan S.T.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a modeling scheme for objects containing multiple materials or functionally graded materials (FGM), i.e. heterogeneous objects. The material composition variations under this modeling scheme are controlled by some reference features termed as “grading sources”. The “grading source” gathers the type of grading, position of grading and a material grading function for controlling the material transitions and a union operation is defined for interacting between different grading sources.
A proposed standards‐based approach for representing heterogeneous objects for layered manufacturing
Authors: Patil Lalit , Dutta Debasish , Bhatt A.D. , Jurrens K. , Lyons K. , Pratt M.J. , Sriram R.D.
Published: July 2002

Information models for the representation of product data are being developed as an international standard. However, the current application protocols focus on the representation of homogeneous objects only. This paper suggests an information model to represent heterogeneous objects using the information modeling methodology developed for ISO 10303. The data planning model is then extended to represent the two‐dimensional (2D) slice information using concepts from ISO 10303. The proposed formats are validated by physical realization of objects on two LM machines. This information model will help in providing a uniform base in the development of heterogeneous solid modeling systems. It will also equip the solid modeler with the ability to integrate with other applications and process planning in the domain of layered manufacturing.
A tolerant slicing algorithm for layered manufacturing
Authors: Choi S.H. , Kwok K.T.
Published: July 2002

This paper proposes a tolerant slicing algorithm for processing slice contours for Layered Manufacturing (LM). The algorithm aims to overcome the constraints of computer memory and the computation instability commonly inherent in conventional slicing methodologies. It minimizes memory usage by adopting a pick‐and‐drop approach, which extracts one facet for slicing from the Stereolithography (STL) file at a time. The facets that intersect with the cutting plane are read in, sliced and then disposed of from the memory one by one for subsequent construction of slice contours. Only the slice data and the associated topological information of the current layer are temporarily stored in the memory. This approach greatly reduces the amount of computer memory required and it involves much less computationally intensive searching operations. Thus, STL models of virtually unlimited file size can be sliced to facilitate the LM processes. The algorithm is also relatively fault‐tolerant in that common defects of STL models may be tolerated and the resultant inconsistent contours are effectively repaired.
The economic embeddedness of immigrant enterprise in Britain
Authors: Barrett Giles , Jones Trevor , McEvoy David , McGoldrick Chris
Published: July 2002

Immigrant‐owned business in Britain is reviewed in the light of both cultural and structural economic perspectives. The latter view is emphasised. Concentration in trades which are in decline, or are labour intensive, or both, creates acute competitive pressures which are exacerbated by the growing presence of corporate rivals in many markets. Real and perceived bias on the part of banks helps to limit diversification. Attempts to move away from characteristic activities, both geographically and sectorally, have had only limited impact. Accumulation of class resources holds the greatest promise for entrepreneurial success.
Conclusion The economic context, embeddedness and immigrant entrepreneurs
Authors: Razin Eran
Published: July 2002

Concludes that the impact of the economic context on entrepreneurship among immigrants is group specific. The concepts of embeddedness, which acknowledges that economic action is embedded in the structures of social relations, and mixed embeddedness, which incorporates both roles of co‐ethnic networks and linkages between immigrants and the broader society, could have a major role in explaining these variations. However, these concepts could be criticized as being fuzzy and hard to verify empirically, and as presenting an idealistic image on the favorable role of intra‐ethnic networks. Case studies demonstrate various aspects of the economic milieu that influence immigrant enterprise and provide some evidence for the embeddedness and mixed embeddedness concepts, although not fulfilling the need for a broader and more formal verification of arguments based on these concepts. An imbalance between too intensive intra‐ethnic ties and lack of sufficient instrumental inter‐ethnic networks is revealed in some of the studies.
Visual communications – the Japanese experience
Authors: Mestre Michel , Stainer Alan , Stainer Lorice , Strom Bill
Published: July 2002

Visual communications are defined and illustrated in their contemporary operations management setting. They manifest four distinct advantages: assimilation, exposure, evoking and unifying. In Japan, they are related to underlying inherent values and ensure employee involvement. The Japanese experience itself, with its consequent relative success in the field of visual communications, is both investigated and analysed as to type, functions and associated purposes. Visual communications are perceived as galvanising into company plans. Their potential and transferability to Western corporate cultures are explored with a view to their power to deliver information through the hierarchical organisational structure. The underlying thrust is towards achieving continuous improvement in communication, the impact of which would provide a better quality of work life for the employee and improve performance.
Corporate communication: the American picture
Authors: Goodman Michael B.
Published: July 2002

Explores corporate communication as a global business practice and as an academic field of study. Presents the strategic nature of corporate communication, current practices, forces shaping it and its key functions. Discusses the issues of meeting the challenge of the future.
Corporate image: an audience centred model
Authors: Cornelissen Joep
Published: July 2002

Considers three propositions that highlight the need for a greater emphasis on the receiver perspective within corporate communication. Consequently, a new conceptual model for corporate communication research is advanced and research methodologies are suggested.
Practice and implementation of self‐assessment
Authors: Zink K.J. , Schmidt A.
Published: July 2002

Self‐assessment based on TQM criteria frameworks has become a widespread management tool. Apart from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the USA, the European Model for Business Excellence has become the most important framework of this kind for Europe. This article first reflects on how self‐assessment basically fits into a total quality management context. It will be shown, that an integration with corporate planning is inevitable to guarantee the success of self‐assessment in the long run. Most emphasis is placed on different approaches to self‐assessment in a combination of case study evidence and literature review. The approaches include the assessment model of the European Foundation for Quality Management, a workshop approach, a pro forma approach and the so‐called peer involvement approach to self‐assessment. The presentation of these approaches is enhanced by the personal experiences of the authors from some 40 self‐assessments they have coached.
Mismatched strategies: the weak link in the supply chain?
Authors: Tamas Mick
Published: July 2002

Focuses on the failure of companies to align supply chain processes with corporate strategic goals. Presents results of research sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP and Stevens Institute of Technology in which supply chain executives were surveyed to determine which specific corporate strategies are aligned with supply chain practices. Only one business strategy – responsiveness – scored consistently high among the majority of respondents. Reduced time‐to‐market, low cost, high quality, and lowest total delivered cost also scored fairly high. The remaining strategies – profitable growth, increased market share, innovation, increased revenues, and working capital efficiency – scored less well. Conclusions for managers are drawn from these results.
Business‐to‐business online auctions: key issues for purchasing process improvement
Authors: Emiliani M.L.
Published: July 2002

Describes the process for conducting downward price business‐to‐business online auctions over the Internet for direct material purchasing and presents common issues, process improvement opportunities, and the interpretation of auction results. Comparisons are made between online auctions and traditional procurement process. Also discussed are stakeholder reactions and the organizational issues generated when online auctions are introduced to traditional purchasing organizations, as well as the benefits to buyers and sellers. The author proposes that online auctions will delay the adoption of modern supply chain management methods and the implementation of lean production that are needed by both buyers and suppliers in order to truly eliminate waste and reduce total costs.
A transaction cost approach to supply chain management
Authors: Hobbs Jill E.
Published: July 2002

Observes that supply chain management is a rapidly‐evolving subject which offers many insights into how industries are organized and into the efficiency gains which can be made under different organizational structures, pointing out that it is an interdisciplinary concept, drawing on aspects of marketing, economics, logistics, organizational behaviour, etc. Presents a framework from the economics literature which may be useful for those interested in understanding and exploring the concept of supply chain management. Describes the origins and development of transaction cost analysis and explains the key concepts of the framework. Discusses the potential effects of transaction costs on vertical co‐ordination within an industry and, hence, on supply chain management. Finally, suggests methods for empiricizing transaction cost analysis, resulting in recommendations for closer co‐operation between researchers and business managers.