bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning to rescue Kuwait's oil wells: an environmental issue
Authors: Mohamed Al‐Damkhi Ali
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to review the reasons for which Saddam's regime intended to destroy and eliminate Kuwait's entire oil infrastructure before and after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The underestimation of oil wells that would be torched by Iraqi forces is also discussed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

To approach the scope of this paper, the intentions and the practical evidence of such sabotage are pointed out. Efforts to rescue Kuwait's oil wells in addition to planning for the expected catastrophe are highlighted. The plausible reasons that made such underestimation unclear are elaborated.

Findings

The instructions included in the Iraqi documents showed undoubtedly that the sabotage operation was not a random last‐minute attempt to destroy the oil wells, but it was a carefully supervised and well planned endeavor to completely destroy Kuwait's oil infrastructure. Owing to those efforts and planning, more than 100 oil wells were rescued throughout Kuwait. Due to such underestimation Kuwait suffered severe losses both to its oil industry and to its ecological system.

Research limitations/implications

Since the reasons for the lower estimates of oil wells, torched by Iraqi troops, to a maximum of 100‐150 wells were unclear, this paper attributes Kuwait's economic losses and environmental degradation to such underestimation and suggests more investigations on this issue.

Practical implications

Kuwait's catastrophe brought the attention to environmental concerns that should receive immediate consideration, while the scorched‐earth tactic applied in Kuwait and the resulting environmental disaster led to a positive reaction by the international community and spawned a new environmental treaty at the regional level.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that addresses the underestimation of Kuwait's oil disaster. The conflagration in Kuwait demonstrated the danger in conducting large‐scale modern combat in an environmentally fragile area, and shows how exposed all oil‐producing nations are to this type of environmental and economic disaster in the future.
Resilience of traditional societies in facing natural hazards
Authors: Gaillard Jean‐Christophe
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This article sets out to address the response of traditional societies in facing natural hazards through the lens of the concept of resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers that resilient societies are those able to overcome the damage caused by the occurrence of natural hazards, either through maintaining their pre‐disaster social fabric, or through accepting marginal or larger change in order to survive. The discussion is based on a review of the corpus of case studies available in the literature.

Findings

The present article suggests that the capacity of resilience of traditional societies and the concurrent degree of cultural change rely on four factors, namely: the nature of the hazard, the pre‐disaster socio‐cultural context and capacity of resilience of the community, the geographical setting, and the rehabilitation policy set up by the authorities. These factors significantly vary in time and space, from one disaster to another.

Practical implications

It is important to perceive local variations of the foregoing factors to better anticipate the capability of traditional societies to overcome the damage caused by the occurrence of natural hazards and therefore predict eventual cultural change.

Originality/value

This article takes off from the previous vulnerability‐driven literature by emphasizing the resilience of traditional societies.
A response model for the public relations management of a critical incident
Authors: Gillingham David , Noizet Jeremie
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a simple four‐element model for how organisations should manage their public relations when they are faced with a critical incident.

Design/methodology/approach

The article brings together findings from previous research to construct a four‐element model. Five short case studies are then used to illustrate how the four elements contribute to the management of a critical incident.

Findings

Organisations need to follow four elements for their public relations when they are facing a critical incident. These four elements are: think of the public and the media; act fast; be straight; and, show concern and compassion.

Practical implications

Those organisations that used the four elements of the public relations process appear to have gained not only from the short‐term benefits of managing the incidents but also from a long‐term effect on their corporate reputations.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to senior managers and public relations professionals in that it provides a simple four‐element model for positively managing public relations in a critical incident.
Non‐profit response to catastrophic disasters
Authors: Kapucu Naim
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This article aims to examine the role of non‐profit organizations in response to catastrophic disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the context of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City to study the emergence of public non‐profit networks in response to an actual event. The case study utilizes the data from content analyses from news reports in The New York Times; situation reports from the FEMA; interviews with public and non‐profit managers; and archival documents.

Findings

The findings of the study emphasize the importance of well‐coordinated collaboration between the public and non‐profit sector organizations in effective disaster response operations. This type of networks constitutes a field of substantial interest to democratic societies that are seeking to manage problems of public service delivery with innovative means at reasonable cost.

Originality/value

Its theoretical framework draws upon the literature in interorganizational networks and social capital. The research applies this framework to study the relationships that emerged among public and non‐profit organizations following the World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001 in New York City.
The fury of nature in Uttaranchal: Uttarkashi landslide of the year 2003
Authors: Pande Ravindra K. , Uniyal A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The study aims to highlight fundamental causes and effects of disasters in the northern district of Uttarkashi, which lies in the fragile mountains of Himalaya. Disasters such as the 1991 Uttarkashi Earthquake, the flash floods of the Bhagirathi river and the devastation caused by the Gyansu landslide are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The following approach was used for this study: precise geographical location of the various landslides was marked through Global Positioning System Receiver (GPS); landslide types were identified based on activity (active or old) and debris flow slide and rock fall were marked based on the sliding material and slope condition; the land use/land cover pattern of Varunawat Parvat was also assessed; the vulnerability of population, houses and infrastructure etc. was listed; the condition of existing stability measures, e.g. check dams and drains, was assessed; and slide‐specific mitigation measures were suggested.

Findings

The Himalayan state of Uttaranchal has been witnessing the fury of nature for a long time. In recent years there has been an increase in the frequency of natural disasters. Earthquakes, landslides, cloudbursts and flash floods have caused great damage to life and property in various parts of the state. The Himalayan orogenic belt is tectonically active and subject to modifications by natural processes. Adding further to the fragility of this belt are the anthropogenic activities like the unplanned cutting of slope for construction activity, blasting of highly jointed rock mass for road construction and unplanned disposal of the slope cut debris material.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on the data/information collected during the monsoon season from 15 June to 15 September 2003. The period is short for developing any hypothesis but sufficient care has been taken to consider vital factors.

Practical implications

A calamity of rare severity requires a high level of recovery and management. Sound mitigation mechanism helps the Government and the community to tackle the problem immediately and efficiently.

Originality/value

The study highlights fundamental causes and effects of the landslide and suggests steps to overcome them.
Future perspective of school disaster education in Nepal
Authors: Shiwaku Koichi , Shaw Rajib , Chandra Kandel Ram , Narayan Shrestha Surya , Mani Dixit Amod
Published: September 2007

Purpose

One of the most significant concerns of disaster management is that community at large is reluctant to initiate pre‐disaster measures at the individual level. Disaster education to schoolchildren offers the most vital answer to this grave concern. The objective of this study is to identify the factors which enhance students' awareness and promote the actual action for disaster reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a questionnaire survey in six selected schools of Kathmandu, Nepal. Different awareness levels have been established to identify effective educational factors at each level. The analysis showed the way to implement the education program.

Findings

Results showed that current school disaster education – which is based on lectures – can raise risk perception, but it cannot enable students to know the importance of pre‐disaster measures and to take actual action for disaster reduction. Self‐education is effective for realizing the importance of implementing measures. Community plays the essential role for promoting students' actual actions for disaster reduction. Future disaster education in school should be active learning for students. Continuous community involvement is the most important factor for school disaster education.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the direction of disaster education for schoolchildren. Specific cases of the education should be customized, based on the results of this study.

Practical implications

The study findings are of significant importance for school teachers or education department while designing the curriculum for disaster education.

Originality/value

The findings and recommendations are field‐tested in Nepal and hence offer higher possibilities of adaptation, particularly in developing countries.
Assessing the vulnerability of buildings
Authors: Kemp Roger L.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set forth a rigorous methodology for building owners and managers to conduct a vulnerability assessment of their facilities. Such a process would facilitate the use of remediation measures to limit the loss of life and property during a disaster, whether natural or man‐made.

Design/methodology/approach

The author sets forth nine criteria to conduct a vulnerability assessment, along with a six‐point rating system. The criteria selected are: the level of visibility, the criticality of the site to the jurisdiction in which it is located, the impact of the site outside of the jurisdiction in which it is located, access to the site, size hazards, building height, type of construction, site population capacity, and the potential for collateral mass casualties. This evaluative process leads to five site vulnerability ratings, ranked as follows: negligible, low, medium, high, and critical.

Findings

Property owners and building managers can use this process to assess the vulnerability of their facilities and, based on this process and the resulting vulnerability rating, initiate common‐sense remediation measures to limit the loss of life and property, should a disaster occur.

Research limitations/implications

The field of vulnerability assessment is a new discipline within the evolving subject of homeland security. Other methodologies will be needed in the future to determine the vulnerability of other public and private facilities, such as ports, airports, transportation centers, hospitals, colleges and universities, and other vital public and private facilities.

Practical implications

This research provides a framework for future research on the topic of vulnerability assessments. Refinements and modifications can be made to the proposed methodology (both to the vulnerability assessment criteria and to the vulnerability ratings).

Originality/value

This paper provides original research and sets forth a new methodology for conducting vulnerability assessments of public and private buildings.
Cycling and health
Authors: Cavill Nick , Watkins Francine
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore views about cycling among members of identified community groups living near the Loop Line, a cycling and walking path in a deprived part of North Liverpool, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, qualitative focus group research was conducted among six groups of children, single mothers and older people living near the Loop Line.

Findings

The paper finds that one of the strongest reported barriers to cycling for young boys was fear of bicycles being stolen – especially by a peer or someone known to the bike owner who asks to borrow the bike. The existence of high levels of crime and anti‐social behaviour near the Loop Line is creating an unhealthy environment by deterring local people from exercising in their local area. For young girls in North Liverpool cycling has significant image problems, with many saying that they simply would not consider cycling as a regular mode of transport. Organising led rides along the Loop Line may be a potential solution, as this might both help to encourage cycling and increase visibility of cyclists.

Research limitations/implications

Because the research in this paper was conducted among a small self‐selected sample, it should be regarded as a pilot study. Results need to be verified with a larger sample drawn from a wider variety of community groups.

Originality/value

The study has important implications for agencies aiming to improve public health through cycling, and shows the need to consider the broader environmental and social determinants affecting health alongside more traditional health promotion approaches.
“Joined on rather than joined up?” Primary mental health work in Scottish schools
Authors: Huddart Paula
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Primary mental health workers have been based in West Lothian schools since 2003 to act as links between the community and hospital‐based services. The research programme this paper describes aimed to examine how this model worked and its impact for children and their families.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on interviews with secondary school staff, the link workers and comparative post‐holders. The research study was qualitative and the research question was “What is the perceived impact of Mental Health Link Workers in West Lothian schools?”.

Findings

The paper finds that Primary mental health workers felt that their main contribution was building capacity in the community to support children with mental health problems, and identified four strands to this: space, relationships, skills and containment. Two described direct access for children and their families as the main gain. Secondary school staff considered that the greatest impact was for children at the onset of mental illness, and their own knowledge and skills.

Practical implications

Primary mental health work in the community is fairly new in Scotland. This study suggested that it speeded up and improved access to services for children in need of mental health assessments and services. It was based on temporary contracts and short‐term funding. Sustainability within schools may only take place when the work becomes well resourced.

Originality/value

The paper is a detailed look at the views of Primary Mental Health Workers based in schools and school staff.
Qualitative accounts of urban commuter cycling
Authors: McKenna J. , Whatling M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the live experiences of urban commuter cycling (UCC).

Design/methodology/approach

In semi‐structured interviews, participants described day‐to‐day experiences of UCC in a single English city. Verbatim transcripts were coded using the themes of time, space, body and human relations, and interpreted through the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology.

Findings

The nine participants (seven males, two females) were aged 27 to 54. Each regularly commuted by bicycle at least three times per week for “18 months” to “27 years”. Strong influences on commuter cycling included the weather, daily tasks, cycling infrastructure, driver behaviour and the value of cycling for physical and mental well being. The contest for space was central to the UCC experience, with UCCs sensing they lacked respect despite feeling that they were “embodying citizenship” by enacting public policy. Due to their regular negative experiences, many UCCs were now willing to quit cycling and commute by car.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are limited to regular commuter cyclists and do little to describe the passage into regular cycling.

Practical applications

This paper highlights that cycle promoters and health educators may profit from focusing on road user interactions during the rush hour.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the untold day‐to‐day experiences of UCCs.
Promoting healthy backs in schools: an evaluative study
Authors: Springett Angela G. , Wise Joyce E.M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of educating adolescents in practical ways of looking after their backs to reduce the incidence of back‐pain, with particular focus on the use and carrying method of ergonomically designed schoolbags.

Design/methodology/approach

An educational leaflet containing a range of back care information was designed specifically for a target population group of Year 7 schoolchildren, aged 11 to 12 years, and distributed to Year 7 students (n=682) attending three main secondary education schools in West Sussex during September 2004. A feedback form was used to evaluate the impact of the leaflet on one class in each school (totaln=81).

Findings

The main findings in this paper indicated education had immediate positive impact on students' awareness of the importance of looking after their backs, and achieving positive back‐health. Information gained was likely to influence future choice of schoolbag type, and intention to change to more back‐health aware schoolbook and equipment carrying behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that long‐term impact was not evaluated, and is a limitation of this study. Further research is required to evaluate the long‐term impact of education on back care in adolescents, and at which age optimum educational impact in this area is gained.

Originality/value

This paper contributes evidence, which could be used to inform national and international health agendas, focusing on the specific area of healthy back education for adolescents through a school‐based health promotion initiative.
Rapid structural design of drip irrigation emitters based on RP technology
Authors: Wei Zhengying , Tang Yiping , Zhao Wanhua , Lu Bingheng
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to summarize the design theory for labyrinth channels of water saving emitters.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of extracting the structural parameters of labyrinth channels in water saving emitters, the hydraulic performance experiments on the integral emitters fabricated with higher resolution rapid prototyping technology are performed. Then, using multivariable linear regression, formulas of pressure versus flow rate and regression plots for different emitters are induced.

Findings

The formulas of flow rate versus structural parameters are summarized based on the trapezoid‐type channel unit, and verified through experiments. The relationships between flow rate, pressure and structural parameters of channels are established.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of emitter fabrication error on the flow rate is analyzed, which provides a basis for parameterized structural design and accuracy control in the fabrication of future emitters.

Practical implications

The Q‐H‐n relationship equations are used to design emitters which have flow‐rate errors under both high‐ and low‐water pressure of less than 4 percent. So the Q‐H‐n relationship equation of the emitter is well proven and accurate which can guide the design for the structure of emitters with trapezoid labyrinth channels.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new stereolithography system has been used to fabricate accurately a drip irrigation emitter with a complex microstructure, which cannot be obtained with conventional RP or other manufacturing processes. Compared to other manufacturing process, this new technique has higher manufacturing accuracy and can reduce the manufacturing cost and time. Furthermore, a design theory for labyrinth channels of water saving emitters is established.
Fabrication of micro parts using nano composite deposition system
Authors: Chu Won‐Shik , Kim Sung‐Geun , Jung Woo‐Kyun , Kim Hyung‐Jung , Ahn Sung‐Hoon
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research, is to develop a nano composite deposition system (NCDS) to fabricate three dimensional functional nano composite parts.

Design/methodology/approach

The NCDS is a hybrid system in which material removal process by mechanical micro machining and/or the deposition process is combined.

Findings

Hybrid RP technology showed higher precision than those made by casting or deposition process. Tensile strength of the hydroxyapatite‐acrylic composite was about four times higher than that of resin‐only specimen while MWCNT composite did not show much improvement.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates new approaches for rapid prototyping techniques with various materials and high precision.
Adaptive screen printing for rapid manufacturing
Authors: Fouchal Farid , Dickens Phill
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To develop a rapid manufacturing process for high‐volume free from fabrication of parts that is based on the high speed printing method which is screen printing. This technique will also be applied for printing in general.

Design/methodology/approach

This method involves continuous change in a layer's pattern (negative image of the layer) according to a very thin slice of the object to be printed. Three adaptive screen printing methods are proposed as an alternative to two dimensional screen printing. A comparative analysis is conducted and the possibility of combining the method is proposed.

Findings

Each of the three methods studied required further work as they all had major constraints. However, their combination may be the solution to the development of a rapid manufacturing process.

Originality/value

The originality is in the adaptive screen principle the screen being used will be capable to auto‐change the pattern of the layer to be printed instead of introducing a new stencil for every layer as in conventional screen printing.
Selective laser melting of heat transfer devices
Authors: Wong Matthew , Tsopanos Sozon , Sutcliffe Chris J. , Owen Ieuan
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To fabricate and characterise novel heat sinks manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM). The investigation explores features of SLM produced heat sinks that may be exploited to improve their heat transfer capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on heat sinks manufactured from 316L stainless steel and aluminium 6061. The heat transfer devices' thermal and pressure drop performances were determined by experimental test.

Findings

The research demonstrates the performance enhancements that can be realised by using novel heat sink designs, fabricated by SLM, over conventional pin fin arrays. aluminium 6061 is used with the process to illustrate the improvement in heat transfer provided by higher conductivity feedstock materials.

Research limitations/implications

Although the manufacturing technique is still in the development stage and the heat transfer devices that have so far been manufactured should not be considered optimal, the potential for creative new designs and applications is clear. This study highlights the need to develop the SLM process parameters to allow the repeatable production of heat transfer devices from higher conductivity metals with controllable surface finishes.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the design issues and performance of novel heat transfer devices fabricated using SLM. A new material, aluminium 6061, is introduced to the family of materials that can be processed with SLM and example heat sinks are tested.
Implications of solid freeform fabrication on acoustic absorbers
Authors: Godbold O.B. , Soar R.C. , Buswell R.A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Limitations in traditional manufacturing methods currently employed in the production of acoustic devices, restricts the development of design led performance improvements. These devices are used to control sound energy and are commonly employed for tailoring room acoustics. solid freeform fabrication allows the production of acoustic structures more complex than traditionally manufactured devices. This paper aims to focus on a novel absorber based on destructive interference, considering performance, design and manufacture.

Design/methodology/approach

Selective laser sintering has been used in the investigation of the performance and manufacturing possibilities and limitations of a novel destructive interference absorber. Validation of the absorber performance is benchmarked against a conventional resonant absorber and compared to published results. The implications for acoustic devise design, the advances and limitations in manufacture using solid freeform fabrication techniques and potential applications are discussed.

Findings

An original absorber design has been shown to exhibit comparable acoustic absorption to that of a traditional solution. The nature of the geometry of the novel absorber demonstrates that the design flexibility afforded by solid freeform fabrication processes holds potential for applications incorporating new types of acoustic absorber. The use of solid freeform fabrication has demonstrated its potential to the application of acoustics, and has highlighted limitations due to post‐processing, material strength and the precision of the selectivity process.

Practical implications

Solid freeform fabrication techniques enable a new family of specifically engineered acoustic absorbers capable of incorporating performance benefits over conventional absorbers.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on room acoustic applications, the creation of high performance, conformal absorbers, applicable to a wide range of applications within the aerospace, automotive and construction industries, where space, weight and performance are key criteria.
Optimizing the rapid prototyping process by integrating the Taguchi method with the Gray relational analysis
Authors: Chung Wang Che , Lin Ta‐Wei , Hu Shr‐Shiung
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The following research seeks to focus on optimizing the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process of RP systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Early stages of this study are based on the Taguchi method in establishing rapid prototyping building factors and their various levels. The ultimate tensile strength, dimension accuracy and surface roughness (SR), are analyzed. Through analysis of variance (ANOVA) and contribution approximation, significant building factors of each quality characteristic and optimal factors level combinations of each best quality characteristic are obtained. The main steps are setting the weight for each quality characteristic of the previous Taguchi method, obtaining the estimated multiple building quality characteristics through integrating the Gray theory, and obtaining a set of optimal building factors. Finally, the result is verified by the Gray theory and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) evaluation method.

Findings

It is proven that optimal multiple quality characteristic combinations of building factors can be obtained by integrating the Gray theory and the Taguchi method. The result is further verified by the TOPSIS evaluation method, showing that the model can acquire multiple building quality characteristics of rapid prototyping.

Research limitations/implications

The method is only applied to FDM in this paper but a similar approach could be applied to other RP systems.

Practical implications

RP system use is limited by low product strength, bad SR, and the high dimension errors. This research demonstrates how optimizing the FDM process can improve this situation.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in optimizing the rapid prototyping process by integrating the Taguchi method with the Gray relational analysis.
Investigation of LOM process quality using design of experiments approach
Authors: Kechagias John
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To investigate laminated object manufacturing (LOM) process quality, using a design of experiments approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The quality characteristics measured were in‐plane dimensional accuracy, actual layer thickness (ALT), and mean time per layer. The process parameters tested were nominal layer thickness (LT), heater temperature (HT), platform retract (PR), heater speed (HS), laser speed (LS), feeder speed (FS) and platform speed (PS). A typical test part has been used, and matrix experiments were carried out based on Taguchi design. Optimal process parameter values were identified and finally, additive and regression models were applied to the experimental results and tested using evaluation experiments.

Findings

The statistical analysis of the experimental results shows that error inXdirection was higher than error inYdirection. Dimensional accuracy inXdirection depends mainly on the HS (89 percent) and HT (5 percent), and inYdirection on HS (50 percent), LT (31 percent), LS (9 percent), PS (6 percent), and HT (3 percent). On the other hand, ALT depends mainly on the nominal ALT (96 percent), HS (2 percent), HT (1 percent), and PR (1 percent). Finally, mean time per layer depends mainly on HS (59 percent), LS (17 percent), FS (17 percent), and PS (4 percent).

Research limitations/implications

Future work should involve extensive matrix experiments using parameters such as dimensions of test part (Xmax,Ymax,Zmax), hatch spacing inXandYdirections, and delay time between sequential layers.

Practical implications

Using the extracted models, the quality of LOM parts can be predicted and appropriate process parameter values selected. This means minimization of post processing time, easier disengagement between supporting frame and part, easier decubing, process optimization, less finishing and satisfactory final LOM parts or tools. Also, ALT prediction and mean time per layer analysis could be used to improve LOM build time predictions.

Originality/value

The above analysis is useful for LOM users when predictions of part quality, paper consumption, and build time are needed. This methodology could be easily applied to different materials and initial conditions for optimisation of other LOM‐type processes.
Exploring how the effect of attributes varies with fashion product e‐tailer type
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Lee Yuri
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find different effects of e‐tailer attributes on consumer attitude in fashion product purchase situations according to e‐tailer types.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study with a survey method was adopted to test the significance of the paths which construct the structural equation model.

Findings

As a result of the study, e‐tailers were classified into three types: comprehensive mall, fashion specialty mall, and limited brand mall. In addition three attribute dimensions were derived from the statistical analyses: transaction fulfillment, variety, and accessibility. Transaction fulfillment and variety were the critical dimensions for the comprehensive mall and the limited brand mall, whereas variety was the only significant dimension for the fashion specialty mall. According to the multi‐group comparison, it was found that similar strategic implications can be applied to comprehensive and limited brand malls.

Research limitations/implications

The variety dimension be further researched. With variety being equally important for all of the e‐tailer types, specific sub‐dimensions need to be identified.

Originality/value

The paper provides value in classifying the e‐tailer type and investigating the attributes.
Online visual merchandising (VMD) of apparel web sites
Authors: Ha Young , Kwon Wi‐Suk , Lennon Sharron J.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine visual merchandising (VMD) elements of apparel retail web sites, to describe the state of apparel online VMD and to develop a taxonomy of online VMD cues whose effects can be studied empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 US and 50 Korean web sites were content analyzed in terms of environment, manner of presentation, and path finding.

Findings

Results of the study revealed that many VMD features of offline stores have been implemented online. In addition, some VMD features of online apparel stores do not have a direct offline parallel. The taxonomy of VMD cues can be used by researchers to systematically study the effects of the cues following the SOR Model.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the descriptive nature of the study important discussions about possible effects of various VMD elements on consumer behaviors cannot be addressed. Future research needs to investigate the effects of different VMD features introduced in the study on diverse consumer behaviors.

Practical implications

Using the VMD categories developed and coded in the study, online apparel retailers may be able to gain knowledge about online VMD features they can use to create desirable effects simulating those of in‐store VMD.

Originality/value

In spite of the strategic importance of VMD in online apparel stores, specific online VMD features that may influence consumer attitudes and behaviors have not been identified. Findings provide a comprehensive list of online VMD elements available from apparel web sites that are comparable to traditional offline VMD.
Cultural differences between Korean and American apparel web sites
Authors: Sook Lee Mi , Geistfeld Loren V. , Stoel Leslie
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether cultural differences could explain differences between Korean and American apparel web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The contents of American and Korean apparel web sites are compared. The chi‐square test of independence is used to determine significant differences between the contents of the two countries apparel web sites.

Findings

The paper finds that American web sites provide specific information related to products and online purchase of products, while Korean web sites provide information related to consumers' relationships to the larger community. This difference could be due to cultural differences: the Korean culture tends to reflect collectivism while the American culture tends to reflect individualism.

Research limitations/implications

The fundamental limitation of this research is that it is descriptive.

Practical implications

This research suggests that transcultural web sites may not be appropriate and that e‐tailers need to be sensitive to cultural differences.

Originality/value

The primary contribution of this paper is the identification of clear differences between Korean and American apparel web sites and that Hofstede's collectivism/individualism cultural value is a possible explanation of the difference between the two countries.
The effect of consumer demographic characteristics on the perception of fashion web site attributes in Korea
Authors: Ju Kwon Hyun , Joshi Preeti , Prier Jackson Vanessa
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify demographic variables affecting consumers' perception of fashion web site attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive analysis, factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, t‐test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Scheffe test for post hoc tests were used for data analysis. The online and offline survey conducted in 2004 resulted in a total of 1,026 usable responses.

Findings

The paper finds that there were significant differences in the consumers' demographic variables (gender, marital status, age, education, monthly income, and occupation) on their perception of fashion web site attributes (6C: commerce, customization, contents, community, connection, and communication).

Research limitations/implications

The findings implied that the fashion e‐retailers should reformulate their current strategies by focusing on personalization to satisfy individual customer. However because the research was conducted in Korea, the findings may not be generalizable to other countries.

Originality/value

This research takes into consideration the opinion of both online and offline consumers. This study is in the forefront of examining e‐consumer behavior in the fashion industry.
Capturing college students on the web: analysis of clothing web site attributes
Authors: Seock Yoo‐Kyoung , Norton Marjorie J.T.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to identify the dimensions of web site attributes that represent online shoppers' perceptions of their favorite clothing web site and to examine the relationship with the evaluation of the relative importance of various clothing web site attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

US college students, who had online shopping experience and favorite clothing web sites that they especially like to visit, were surveyed. Hypothesized relationships between the relative importance of general clothing web site attributes and the perceptions of favorite clothing web sites were tested using canonical correlation analysis.

Findings

The results revealed three variables, the product information, customer service and navigation factors, were closely related to each other and create a well‐defined dimension in representing the respondents' perceptions of their favorite clothing web sites. These dimensions were fairly well predicted by the following set of independent variables: the product information, navigation, and customer service factors of general clothing web site attributes.

Research limitations/implications

Results cannot be generalized to all young adult consumers and to other consumers. Future research should include other population groups.

Practical implications

This research offers new insights to apparel e‐tailers in building effective web sites that can attract young adult online shoppers to the company and retain them through the web sites.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate young adult online consumers' perceptions of their favorite internet web sites in relation to their evaluations of the relative importance of general clothing web sites attributes.
Attitude toward internet web sites, online information search, and channel choices for purchasing
Authors: Seock Yoo‐Kyoung , Norton Marjorie
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of attitudes toward particular clothing web sites, specifically favorite ones, on information search at those web sites and on the choice to purchase items from those web sites and from non‐internet channels after finding the items at the web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 414 US college students who had online shopping experience and favorite clothing web sites that they especially like to visit, hypothesized relationships among attitude toward internet web sites, online information search and channel choices for purchasing were tested using path analysis.

Findings

Results showed that participants' attitudes toward their favorite clothing web sites had a direct, positive effect on their intentions to search for information at those web sites as well as intentions to purchase clothing items from those web sites after finding the items there. Additionally, operating through information‐search intentions at the web sites, participants' attitudes toward those web sites had an indirect, positive effect on their intentions to purchase clothing items from non‐internet channels after finding the items at the web sites.

Research limitations/implications

Results cannot be generalized to the larger population of young consumers and to other consumer groups. Future research should include other population groups.

Practical implications

This research provides insights into how college students' attitudes toward internet web sites affect their information search at the web sites and their channel choices for purchasing. Our results suggest potential benefits of multi‐channel retailing for online clothing retailers targeting US college students and the importance of building effective web sites to elicit those consumers' positive attitudes toward the web sites.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate young adult online shoppers' attitude towards internet web sites and their information search and channel choices for purchasing.
An exploratory investigation of the virtual community MySpace.com
Authors: Boyd Thomas Jane , Okleshen Peters Cara , Tolson Holly
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Virtual communities are increasing in popularity and changing the way apparel fashion information is learned and shared by consumers. According to Agins, consumers, as opposed to élite designers, are now dictating fashion trends and pinpointing the ideal places of distribution. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the fashion‐related discussion which is taking place on perhaps the best known of these communities, MySpace.com. The three research questions driving this study include: “What are consumers saying about fashion within this particular virtual community?”; “What commonalities exist among the plethora of fashion‐related information available in this context?”; and “What kinds of insights can marketers draw from the categories of fashion‐related information being presented in MySpace.com?”

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was selected as the method for investigation. Within the forum Fashion and Style, the subgroup FashionLOVERS was selected for investigation because it represented a general discussion of fashion. The first 200 forum topical areas with five or more posts were selected for analysis. A total of 6,623 individual posts were examined and each of the three authors independently reviewed the posts noting the general topical categories of content. Interrater reliability for the coders was computed.

Findings

Eight recurring categories of fashion related information were identified in the study. The four most popular discussion categories were personal style, brands and designers, tips and advice, and retailers. The prevalence of these four topics suggests that consumer driven marketing is a growing and influential component of fashion marketing.

Research limitations/implications

This study makes an important contribution to the study of virtual communities. Results provide insight into the complex, multi‐layered, interactive fashion‐related communication that occurs within virtual communities.

Practical implications

Fashion marketers and retailers are encountering an untapped resource with these virtual communities. Findings highlight the power of consumers in virtual communities and suggest a need for fashion marketers and retailers to closely monitor communication within virtual communities.

Originality/value

This research is particularly valuable because it provides insight into the popular virtual community, MySpace.com. Detailed investigation into types of fashion information that are shared with community members is presented and discussed.
The coming of age of knowledge‐based development
Authors: Carrillo Francisco Javier
Published: September 2007

Purpose

To introduce the 2007 annual special issue on knowledge‐based development (KBD), from the perspective of the institutionalization of KBD as a field of study and practice, followed by an outline of the contents.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a discussion of the issues involved.

Findings

The consolidation of KBD and knowledge cities as a distinctive field of R&D, as well as professional practice, becomes apparent when considering structural elements such as affluents, issues, cases, sources, events, organizations and initiatives. This consolidation seems to underlie the progression of contributions through this special issue and prior ones on the same subject.

Originality/value

This special issue may contribute to raise new questions and stimulate further research into knowledge cities, regions and countries.
Working and learning in a knowledge city: a multilevel development framework for knowledge workers
Authors: Garcia Blanca C.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present results of a four‐year qualitative research project on the dynamics of skill development strategies in e‐learning workplace environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A potential knowledge city, Greater Manchester relies on its human (individual and collective) capitals, put to work in knowledge engines such as its universities. Such context has become a complex and uncharted territory for research. Research analysis within knowledge‐based higher education territory clearly demands knowledge‐based tools. Therefore, the research behind this paper has adopted Carrillo's generic system of capitals, an integrative KM3 taxonomy. Such framework has been instrumental in identifying contextual aspects, drivers and rooted strategies of k‐facilitators' adaptation to emergent learning environments.

Findings

The grounded model reported here further conceptualised how Mancunian e‐learning practitioners seemingly follow an embedded process of adaptation. Practitioners actually develop strategies to adapting in emerging learning spaces while they adapt to swiftly changing conditions in their workplace environments. The skill developments facilitators undertake seemingly allow them to link and connect to learning spaces, as well as to the existing university social systems and networks of learning. Those systems and networks are integrated to the city's knowledge capitals, and beyond.

Originality/value

By exploring Greater Manchester (UK) universities' e‐learning strategies, this paper contributes to KM theoretical understanding of how facilitators develop their knowledge‐based skills in emergent higher education learning spaces.
The social management of embodied knowledge in a knowledge community
Authors: Raza Ahmad , Rashid Kausar A. , Paul David
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the patterns of social management of knowledge in a knowledge‐community, reflecting on multiple social processes at work.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a social epistemological critique of management of knowledge.

Findings

First, knowledge communities are essentially multiple interactive social structures ranging from localization in space to emergent cross‐boundary social spaces operating at micro, meso and macro‐social levels. Second, patterns of knowledge management in different contexts such as organizations, groups, communities and virtual communities are predominantly social in nature and new knowledge emerges through social interactions.

Originality/value

The paper underscores the significance of a social‐epistemological view of knowledge communities and management of knowledge.