bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass production of digital garments using multi‐option data structure
Authors: Kim Sungmin
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the digital garment production process using a multi‐option garment data structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerous garments can be generated out of a single garment datum by combining various fashion features, size grades, fabric physical properties, and surface texture maps.

Findings

It is found that various digital garments which are required, for example, by online fashion businesses can be prepared in a relatively simple way.

Research limitations/implications

The size of each pattern on a garment can be changed by grading process and therefore a full‐texture mapping technique cannot be applied.

Practical implications

This method can greatly reduce the time required to prepare the digital garments, for either online or offline fashion businesses.

Originality/value

The generation of various digital garments by combining multiple fashion features and physical properties is one of the most important features needed for the practical application of drape simulation in the fashion business.
Research on 3D textured dress geometry modelling
Authors: Sun Jin , Chen Xiaobo , Lu Xiaoyong , Xi Juntong
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a processing system for 3D dress geometry modelling and texture mapping.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the range image and its corresponding texture from one direction could be acquired by areal 3D scanner simultaneously, the texture can be integrated into the range image exactly. In the geometry modelling stage, the graph‐based algorithm is used for multi‐view registration. In order to enhance its robustness, a method for judging bad pairwise registration is proposed based on the computation of two views' overlapping percentage. In order to enrich its completeness, combined the graph analysis with the metaview method is used to deal with the measurement data for local details. In the texture mapping stage, based on grid search structure, the method of solving the Poisson equation for the colour field that best fits the colour gradients can produce a seamlessly textured surface quickly.

Findings

Results show that the processing system can provide a 3D textured dress geometry model with no seams and low distortion successfully.

Practical implications

The processing system can provide an accurate 3D dress geometry model, which can be used to modify the further design or virtual try.

Originality/value

A 3D dress geometry model with no seams and low distortion provides the fashion designer with not only the visual effects, but also accurate data used for design modification.
Colorless antibacterial cotton fabrics based on silver nanoparticles and chitosan complexes
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Li Youliang , Hu Qiaoling
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fabricate colorless cotton fabrics with good antibacterial activity and durability.

Design/methodology/approach

Chitosan (CS) based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were formed in CS solutions as the antibacterial agent. The reducing agent was sodium borohyride. The concentrations of the CS solutions ranged from 0.1 to 1 percent (w/v). Cotton fabrics were impregnated by these CS/AgNPs solutions.

Findings

All of these fabrics exhibited superior antibacterial activities. The antibacterial activity still showed great efficiency even after 81 home launderings. Moreover, the results of color change and whiteness indicated that the cotton fabrics treated by CS/AgNPs complex with higher CS concentration had less color change compared with other samples.

Practical implications

Fabrics treated by this method could reduce the brown color brought by AgNPs. The paper also suggests that cotton fabrics treated by AgNPs formed in a relatively higher CS concentration not only had good antibacterial activity but also were colorless.

Originality/value

The influence of CS ratio in CS/AgNPs complexes on the antibacterial activity and color of cotton fabrics was studied, which has been rarely reported in previous papers. The fabrics prepared by this method are promising candidates for a wide range of general applications.
Prediction of tension seam pucker formation by finite‐element model
Authors: Mousazadegan Fatemeh , Saharkhiz Siamak , Latifi Masoud
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model tension seam pucker by finite‐element method.

Design/methodology/approach

A linear three dimensional finite‐element analysis in ABAQUS 6.8 is used to model pucker formation under sewing thread tension. Fabric is modeled as a continuous shell under a constant stitch length and sewing thread tensions is the applied force. Simulation's results are compared with the experimental pucker profiles, which are derived by a triangulate laser, in the term of a surface roughness index.

Findings

A consistent correlation between simulation and experimental results is observed which reveals the ability of the model to predict the seam pucker formation of fabrics.

Originality/value

This study modeled tension seam pucker based on fabric's mechanical properties and exerted forces by finite‐element method. According to this study, it is possible to predict fabric deformation after tension pucker occurrence.
Fuzzy MCDM for evaluating fashion trend alternatives
Authors: Lin Chiahsu , Twu Chorng H.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Based on the developed personal pleasure fashion design model (PPFDM), the authors have developed six fashion trend alternatives. The purpose of this paper is to use the fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) to select the best fashion trend alternative.

Design/methodology/approach

To rationalize uncertainty associated with fuzzy, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) is proposed in this work to calculate the weight for the criteria. The synthetic evaluation is used to calculate the score for each criterion from the best non‐fuzzy performance (BNP) values and the weight of the criterion. The scores for each criterion are summed up to rank the importance of the alternatives.

Findings

The results show that the preferred trend of the alternatives is in the order of Romantic hippy, followed by Greek goddess, then Black knight, Urban punk, Country yappy, and Sporty academy. The multiple dimension scale (MDS) is used to visualize the preferred fashion trend alternatives; it reveals that the preference image goes from romantic to urban, to country, and finally to sporty.

Originality/value

The paper offers important criteria for the selection of fashion trend alternatives. The calculation examples provide insight into the complicated fuzzy AHP and MDS methods to clarify each step in fuzzy MCDM. This study, through using MDS, uncovers that material‐oriented consumers will purchase products or brands that are congruent with their inner femininity desire to create their personal identity and self‐image. Moreover, the developed framework has proven to be useful in improving the quality of fashion design decision.
The uplifting effect of a prototype brassiere
Authors: Cha Sujoung
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the uplifting effect of a prototype brassiere that the author developed in Shanghai, China, for Chinese adult females in their early twenties.

Design/methodology/approach

The prototype brassiere was designed according to the four breast shapes of Chinese adult females. In total, 40 breast‐related measurement items were used to quantify the body sizes of 20 subjects, who were measured both with and without the brassieres.

Findings

The results of the comparison showed significant differences in breast position, the degree of sagging, the distance between the breasts, and the bottom area of the breasts between the two contexts. This study confirms the uplifting effect of the prototype brassiere, which can produce cleavage and elevate breasts.

Originality/value

The findings are based on an experimental method that quantifies the uplifting effect of the prototype brassiere using body measurement data obtained from local women in Shanghai, China. They provide empirical criteria for manufacturing brassieres to the Chinese intimate apparel industry, which lacks a standardized measurement system.
Investigation breasts' form and internal structure by wearing a brassiere from MRI images
Authors: Inui Mariko , Murase Kouhei , Tsutsumi Sadami
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The breast is composed of two main types of soft tissues: glandular tissue and adipose tissue. Wearing a brassiere makes them deform easily. In order to design comfortable brassieres by which the body shape is adjusted, it is important to clarify the relationship between the breast deformation and the internal structure of the breast. The purpose of this paper is to assess a method to determine the structure inside the breast. Breast shape comparison was performed to assess the relationship between the external deformation caused by wearing a brassiere and the internal structure of the breast.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects were five adult females. The breast MRI imaging in the sitting position was carried out using the vertical MRI systems under bare breasts condition and under wearing a brassiere condition. By creating 3D images from the MRI images obtained, the internal structure of the breast was determined. The 3D images under the wearing brassiere conditions were superimposed on the images under the bare breasts condition, and the breast shape comparison was performed to assess the relationship between the external deformation caused by wearing a brassiere and the internal structure of the breast.

Findings

The internal 3D structure of the breast, which had been unmeasurable in the sitting position, could be obtained using the vertical MRI system. Additionally the effect of wearing a brassiere on the breast was assessed in terms of the relation between the external deformation and the internal structure of the breast.

Originality/value

This paper's results can be utilized for human body model in simulation, and to provide fruitful data for the design of comfortable brassieres.
A review on designing viral barrier fabrics with monolithic films
Authors: Singh Mukesh Kumar , Singh Annika
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Protection of medical personnel against pathogenic viruses is a challenging task for the world scientific community. The purpose of this paper is to collect, analyze, critique, rearrange and present the scattered information scientifically to form a base for product development for viral protection.

Design/methodology/approach

A huge range of recently available information has been collected, studied and arranged judiciously.

Findings

After an exhaustive study of this topic, it is possible to present all information in a manner that will be helpful to start product development activity on both sides of the Atlantic. Initially, various coated textiles with zero breathability were used to cover doctors, nurses and staff but thereafter microporous coatings replaced the poreless surface coatings. However, the pore size distribution in microporous films and coatings could not be controlled precisely and manufacturers could not claim the surface offered foolproof protection against viruses. Monolithic films are able to claim guaranteed protection against virus penetration, with sufficient breathability. Monolithic film technology has prime importance in protective clothing that has to be discussed judiciously. Permeability of block copolymers based monolithic films is an important feature for barrier materials, high performance impermeable breathable clothing and membrane separation processes.

Originality/value

This is a first paper in the field of viral barrier fabrics which will remain helpful to the scientific community to start further research work and product development.
Negative effects of US taxation
Authors: Portillo Javier , Block Walter E.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to criticize the current US tax system and explain in what ways taxation harms the economy. Taxes are coercive. Taxpayers are forced to pay individual income taxes. If the taxpayer refuses, several adverse consequences will unfold against him even including jail‐time. Taxes diminish taxpayer's disposable income and leave consumer's wants unattended. The money they could have used to fulfil their wants goes instead to the government in the form of taxes.

Design/methodology/approach

Taxation is analyzed from an economic point of view.

Findings

Progressive taxation is harmful to the economy because it punishes successful individuals. The more they earn (a reflection of the productive value they bring to the market), the more they have to pay. Meanwhile less productive citizens paying little or no tax are receiving “benefits” derived from the investment of more successful taxpayers. These are inefficient since they reduce incentives. Taking money from Peter and giving it to Paul decreases the incentive, both have to earn an income and be productive. Finally, the paper exposes the influence government has over taxpayer's decisions.

Originality/value

We live at a time in the US when President Obama is calling for greater taxation for the rich, and the Republicans are rejecting this initiative on the ground that it is “class war.” A study of taxation at this point cannot help but shed light on this controversy.
A two‐pass model study of the CAPM: evidence from the UK stock market
Authors: Hwang Tienyu , Gao Simon , Owen Heather
Published: June 2012

Purpose

There has been considerable debate on the linear relationship between systematic risk and return. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether security return can be explained by systematic risk.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the market model to test the effect of excess return on portfolio returns. The paper divides total risk into systematic and idiosyncratic risk to examine whether the degree of inefficient portfolio diversification impairs the applicability of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). In the two‐pass cross‐sectional regressions, the paper assesses whether excess return on a security is directly proportional to the security's beta. The paper also incorporates the total variance of securities and the squared value of beta to capture idiosyncratic risk and the nonlinear risk‐return relationship.

Findings

The CAPM is rejected due to positive intercepts in most portfolios and there are large proportions of idiosyncratic risk in these portfolios. Two‐pass regressions show that the security market line theory is valid when additional variables are included in the equation. However, survivorship bias appears to be present in the selected sample.

Practical implications

Since large excess returns are present in the models, the traditional CAPM is rejected and incomplete portfolio diversification can be explained by high levels of idiosyncratic risk.

Originality/value

The authors find that inefficient portfolio diversification is due to the level of idiosyncratic risk in a portfolio. Evidence of the nonlinear beta‐return relationship suggests that the traditional CAPM is misspecified.
The nominal rand/dollar exchange rate: before and after 1995
Authors: Gossel Sean J. , Biekpe Nicholas
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to undertake an econometric investigation of the determinants of the nominal South African rand/US dollar exchange rate before and after the country's financial liberalisation in March 1995.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression models are used to examine the changing relationships between the nominal rand/dollar exchange rate and the determinants of capital flows, fundamentals, and country‐specific factors over the long‐run of 1988 to 2007, as well as over the sub‐sample periods of 1988 to 1995, and 1995 to 2007.

Findings

The results show that the factors that are associated with the rand/dollar exchange rate are different before and after the country's financial liberalisation. Prior to 1995, bond and equity purchases by non‐residents, the long‐term interest rate differential, political risk, and the Dollar price of gold were highly significant. However, post‐1995, only the net purchases of shares on the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) by non‐residents and the long‐term interest rate differential are significant.

Originality/value

The results suggest that the Rand has changed from being a “commodity currency” in the years before 1995 to being an “equity currency” after 1995.
Impact of future trading on stock market: a study of BRIC countries
Authors: Gahlot Ruchika , Datta Saroj Kumar
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the future of trading on volatility as well as the efficiency of the stock market of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. This study also investigates the presence of day‐of‐the‐week effect in BRIC countries' stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses closing prices of IBrx‐50 for Brazil, RTSI for Russia, Nifty for India and CSI300 for China to represent the stock market of BRIC countries. The Run and ACF tests are used to see impact on market efficiency. GARCH M model is used to see the impact on volatility and day‐of‐the week effect.

Findings

The insignificant coefficient of variance in the conditional mean equation of GARCH M implies that the market doesn't provide higher returns during the high volatility period. The results of the Run test showed that the Russian stock market became efficient after introduction of future trading. However, ACF showed no effect of introduction of future trading on autoregressiveness of stock returns. The result of GARCH M indicates that future trading led to reduction in the volatility of the Indian stock market. There are some evidences of presence of day‐of‐the‐week effect in the Indian stock market.

Practical implications

This paper will help regulators to form appropriate policies as the market would have to pay a certain price, such as loss of market efficiency, for the sake of market stabilization. This will also help investors to make investment decisions, especially investing in these indices as the existence of the significant day‐of‐the‐week effect and the inefficiency in the stock market would be very useful for developing investment strategies.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful for both investors and regulators in decision making.
How responsive are Indonesia's bilateral inpayments and outpayments to real depreciation of Rupiah?
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Harvey Hanafiah
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the sensitivity of Indonesia's inpayments and outpayments to currency depreciation on a bilateral basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is based on the bounds testing approach.

Findings

It is found that while real depreciation of Rupiah has short‐run effects in a majority of the cases, these effects last into the long‐term in almost 50 percent of the cases. Surprisingly, almost all of the affected partners in the long run are found to be the Asian countries.

Originality/value

The paper is very original in that no one has looked at this issue before.
The public image of the contemporary Russian police
Authors: Zernova Margarita
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss the perception of the police by members of the public in post‐Soviet Russia following their personal experiences of policing, identify broader social implications of the contemporary public image of the Russian police and assess the potential for changing the current situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion is conducted on the basis of findings derived from an empirical study carried out by the author which involved qualitative interviews with members of the public who had personal experiences of policing, and with police officers.

Findings

Findings indicate a very negative perception of the police by members of the public. Personal experiences of police misconduct appear to affect negatively citizens' general evaluations of the entire institution.

Research limitations/implications

The study was small, and only those who have had personal encounters with the police were interviewed, so the findings should not be treated as necessarily representing attitudes of the population in general.

Practical implications

The negative public image of the police revealed by this study has numerous dangerous consequences: people feel insecure and unprotected, lose trust towards legal authorities and refuse to cooperate with the police.

Social implications

Distrust towards the police generates a situation where citizens have to be self‐reliant in protecting themselves against crime. Many of the strategies adopted towards this end are problematic.

Originality/value

The paper presents a unique insight into public perceptions of the Russian police. It may suggest implications for policy and practice that could help enhance support of citizens for the police, or at least prevent further deterioration of the existing situation.
The Polish context
Authors: Summers Diana L. , Pływaczewski Emil W.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The dynamics of drug use and trafficking in Poland have changed dramatically since the early 1990s. These changes include legal definitions of drug use, the actors involved in trafficking, and the types of drugs traversing the country. The Polish police force experienced two significant reforms in the 1990s and drug‐related legislation underwent significant reconstruction in 1997 and 2000, while drug trafficking operations continue to persist by organized criminal groups. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively investigate these police reforms and drug legislation developments since 1990, and empirically analyze the interaction effects of these reforms with drug trafficking arrests in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

Officially reported annual data were tested using multivariate regression analyses.

Findings

The findings observed from this exploratory study suggest that both the police reforms and changes in drug‐related legislation positively affected the number of arrests for drug trafficking. Additionally, this study found support for an increase in efficiency of the policing model despite the recent decline in the strength of the police force. Interestingly, the number of police officers in the country had no effect on any of the variables.

Research limitations/implications

Quantitatively, the small number of observations poses limitations on the interpretation of the multivariate regression results. In addition, future research should include additional explanatory variables to achieve a greater comprehensive summary of the interaction effects of policing reforms and drug‐related legislation with drug trafficking arrests.

Practical implications

This paper illustrates the need for accurate and timely national‐level, systematically collected data on drug‐ and police‐related indicators that will allow for more inclusive and comprehensive analyses.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically examine potential interaction effects of police reform and drug‐related legislation on drug trafficking arrests in Poland.
The effects of gun possession arrests made by a proactive police patrol unit
Authors: Wells William , Zhang Yan , Zhao Jihong
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate the effects of gun possession arrests made by a specialized, proactive police patrol unit in the Houston Police Department (HPD).

Design/methodology/approach

Time series analyses are used to estimate the effects of weekly gun possession arrests on weekly counts of gun crimes in Houston, TX. Models isolate the effects of arrests made by the proactive patrol unit from gun possession arrests made by other HPD officers.

Findings

Citywide and beat‐level analyses show that the proactive unit made meaningful contributions to existing levels of illegal possession arrests. Time series analyses using weekly data show that these additional arrests are associated with significant declines in offences committed with guns. Findings support existing evidence that shows police can affect serious crimes by targeting firearms that are illegally possessed and carried.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis can not precisely determine whether additional patrol presence or arrests are the precise mechanisms that might be influencing gun crimes.

Practical implications

The findings are consistent with existing evidence and suggest that focused police work to seize illegally possessed firearms from the streets and arrest those in illegal possession of firearms will impact offences committed with firearms.

Originality/value

The analysis extends existing work that tests the effects of proactive patrol activities on offences committed with firearms. The analysis is distinct from existing research on this topic because it estimates the effects of gun possession arrests rather than the effects of gun seizures.
Examining perceptions of local law enforcement in the fight against crimes with a cyber component
Authors: Davis Justin T.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceived needs of local law enforcement investigating crimes characterized by a cyber component.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 263 surveys were mailed to local law enforcement from across the state of North Carolina. Responses were received from 127 agencies – municipal police departments and county sheriffs' offices – comprising 71 of 100 North Carolina counties being represented.

Findings

Results indicate that local law enforcement continues to lack adequate training, personnel, and equipment to investigate crimes with a cyber component. Additionally, perceived levels of preparation and police agency size are positively related. Data also confirm a significant association between an agency's jurisdiction population size and the number of investigations for these crimes.

Research limitations/implications

In a snapshot manner, this study solely examines the perceived investigative needs of law enforcement in the state of North Carolina. Additional data is needed to determine not only the prevalence of computer‐related crimes in other jurisdictions, but levels of preparedness. The lack of a universal definition of computer crime has implications on the data within as they are often estimated or perceived by respondents.

Practical implications

With numerous issues in need of attention, leadership from both government and law enforcement must begin to recognize the problems associated with computers and crime to effectively implement strategies that will enhance computer crime control.

Originality/value

This study is valuable as prior studies have largely been conducted at the national level and have predominantly discounted smaller agencies from their research. This research adds empirical evidence to the issue of law enforcement preparedness in investigating crimes with a cyber component.
Cross‐border fraud and the case for an “Interfraud”
Authors: Button Mark
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the growing problem of cross‐border fraud, assess the structures that have emerged to deal with it, identify weaknesses and make the case for a new international body to lead the fight against cross‐border fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews various primary and secondary resources drawn from around the world to assess the current infrastructure for addressing cross‐border fraud.

Findings

The paper finds various gaps as well as examples of good practice in the fight against cross‐border fraud. However, to have a meaningful impact it is concluded a new international body is required.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is largely focused upon the English speaking world and the European Union and does not explore the nature and response to the problem beyond these areas, other than in current international led responses.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for national and international bodies in considering appropriate ways forward in creating stronger infrastructures to counter cross‐border fraud.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to policy‐makers and the law enforcement community in considering options for the future and is the first to advocate a new international capacity to fight cross‐border fraud.
The detection of deception by linguistic means
Authors: Armistead Timothy W.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss unresolved problems that are reflected in the social scientific research on the linguistic detection of deception in statements, with particular attention to problems of methodology, practical utility for law enforcement statement analysts, and epistemology.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reviewed the design, data, statistical calculations, and findings of English language peer‐reviewed studies of the linguistic detection of deception in statements. In some cases, the author re‐analyzed the study data.

Findings

Social scientific research holds promise for the development of new methods of linguistic detection of deception that are more thoroughly validated than the linguistic methods law enforcement investigators have been using for many years. Nonetheless, published studies reflect one or more of the following sources of weakness in developing and evaluating detection models: the use of analytes (statements) of uncertain validity; the problematic universality and practical utility of linguistic variables; the widespread use of deficient proportion‐of‐stimuli‐correct “hit rate” calculations to assess the accuracy of detection methods; a possibly irresolvable epistemological limit to the ability of any linguistic detection method to prove deception without confirmation by means external to the analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to English language studies in the linguistic detection of deception literature and to the re‐calculation of data in the research literature. Whether the paper has implications for future studies depends on the success of two arguments that are made: the published research projects in the field reflect one or more of four methodological problems that create doubt about the validity and/or the practical utility of their results; and the linguistic detection of deception is subject to an epistemological problem which theoretically limits the ability of any linguistic method of detection to establish with certainty the status of any particular questioned statement.

Originality/value

This is the first published paper to identify and discuss a possibly irresolvable epistemological issue in the detection of deception by linguistic means, as well as unresolved issues of methodology and of utility to law enforcement analysts that characterize the research and the detection models in this field. It is also the first published paper to deconstruct the simple hit rate (and its variants) in order to demonstrate its deficiencies.
The Braidwood Commission reports on TASER use in Canada: an evidence‐based policy review
Authors: Williams Howard E.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the Braidwood Commission's two reports on the use of TASER conducted energy weapons in Canada and the death of Robert Dziekanski to determine whether the Commission's conclusions and subsequent recommendations constitute sound evidence‐based public policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes Commissioner Braidwood's eight findings from the first report regarding the medical implications of the use of TASER devices by comparing those findings to the body of scientific, medical, and technical literature on the physiological effects of TASER technology. Additionally, this study reviews the potential ramifications of the Commissioner's recommendations regarding the use of TASER devices in both reports.

Findings

Evidence from the existing literature does not support the Commission's findings regarding the medical risks of the use of TASER technology. Recommendations to restrict the use of TASER devices are unlikely to reduce arrest‐related deaths, but they are likely to result in increased injuries to officers and suspects. Other recommendations, including training standards, testing requirements, reporting requirements, medical assistance, and research and review, are consistent with other reviews on the use of TASER technology and are necessary and appropriate to restore public confidence in police use‐of‐force.

Originality/value

The Braidwood Commission recommendations have had an immediate impact on the policies of several police agencies in Canada, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but this study is the first critically to review whether those recommendations constitute formulation of sound evidence‐based public policy.
Predictors of successful implementation of COP
Authors: Lee Chang‐Hun , Jang Hyunseok
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This study aimed to identify a model investigating effects of organizational characteristics on COP activity, and to compare the model in different social contexts to broaden the understanding of COP implementation. In addition, this study was intended to address an ecological fallacy committed in the prior studies so as to carry out a theoretically and methodologically rigorous comparative study of COP implementation between South Korea and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike prior studies, which utilized direct measures of organizational characteristics, this study analyzed data on police officers' perceptions on organizational characteristics to investigate COP activities among police officers. For data collection, this study utilized an organizational survey developed by the School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University and collected data from 206 police officers in South Korea and 231 police officers in the USA. Structural equation modeling was used to identify the best fitting model to the combined data set, and multiple group analysis was performed to compare the model in both countries. For direct comparison and test of comparability, this study used matching for sampling and multiple group analysis method of SEM.

Findings

Findings indicated that both organizational flexibility and decentralization were important factors influencing COP activity in the USA, but decentralization of authority was the only important factor affecting COP activity in South Korea. Also, it was found that organizational philosophy had greater influence on organizational structure in the USA than in South Korea. In both countries, decentralization influenced feedback mechanism, but feedback mechanism did not influence COP activity. Likewise, flexibility influenced reward system, but the system did not influence COP activity in both countries.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study utilized matching and multiple group analysis for comparison between two countries, it may be possible that direct comparison regarding police organization would be difficult due to unmeasured aspects of organizational contexts.

Originality/value

Although many studies have been conducted to investigate effects of organizational factors on COP implementation, there has been a lack of study in South Korea. In addition, there is a vacuum of empirical study on comparison across different countries regarding the factors. In this sense, this study produced important comparative knowledge on COP implementation.
Organizational justice and organizational commitment among South Korean police officers
Authors: Crow Matthew S. , Lee Chang‐Bae , Joo Jae‐Jin
Published: June 2012

Purpose

In spite of the importance of officers' perception of organizational justice and its influence on organizational commitment, the policing literature lacks information about the relationship between the factors. Using job satisfaction as a mediator, this study aims to examine an indirect influence of organizational justice on police officers' commitment to their organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a survey of 418 police officers in South Korea while on in‐service training. In exploring the complex relationship among organizational justice (i.e. distributive, procedural, and interactional), job satisfaction, and organizational commitment, the researchers utilized structural equation modeling to overcome the weaknesses of linear regression models.

Findings

Officers' perception of organizational justice was positively related with their level of organizational commitment. In addition, perception of procedural and interactional justice had an indirect impact on the officers' organizational commitment through distributive justice. Lastly, perception of organizational justice showed an indirect influence on organizational commitment through job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Due to its cross‐sectional design, the findings do not confirm any causal relationship among the variables. In addition, the current study used a purposive sample of police officers in South Korea, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining organizational commitment in light of officers' perception of organizational justice and job satisfaction using structural equation modeling to explore the complex relationship among the organizational factors.
Disentangling value‐enhancing and cost‐increasing effects of knowledge management
Authors: Andries Petra , Wastyn Annelies
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to provide large‐scale empirical evidence on the value‐enhancing and cost‐increasing effects of knowledge management (KM) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct structural equation analyses, using data from the Community Innovation Survey 2007 and from annual accounts of 705 innovative Belgian firms.

Findings

Results confirm that the use of KM techniques has an indirect positive impact on financial performance via increased innovation performance. In addition, a direct cost‐increasing effect of KM practices on financial performance is observed. In the short term, this direct cost‐increasing effect exceeds the indirect value‐generating effect of KM techniques.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigates the short‐term effects of KM techniques. Future research should study the long‐term costs and benefits. Data were collected in Belgium and may not reflect the impact of KM practices in other geographic, economic or cultural settings.

Practical implications

The findings clearly indicate that the implementation of KM techniques entails significant costs. Within a two‐year time frame, the financial costs of KM techniques are more visible than their potential benefits. An exclusive focus on the short‐term implications of the use of KM techniques is hence likely to give a too pessimistic view on their potential financial contribution.

Originality/value

This article is the first large‐scale study that disentangles both the value‐enhancing and cost‐increasing effects of KM techniques on financial performance and that uses time lags and accounting data (as opposed to self‐reported performance measures) to do so.
Managing organizational memory with intergenerational knowledge transfer
Authors: Harvey Jean‐François
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the systematic analysis of an innovative, intergenerational knowledge transfer strategy in a knowledge‐intensive organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was adopted to study the intergenerational knowledge transfer activities. A triangulated approach was employed in respect of the data collection, which included non‐participatory observation, focus groups, documentary analysis, and semi‐structured interviews. A pattern analysis of data account was undertaken.

Findings

Two models for intergenerational knowledge transfer are presented: the source‐recipient model and the model of mutual exchange. This research also shows how a context conducive to knowledge transfer was developed, and concludes that this context allowed both explicit and tacit knowledge to be transferred.

Research limitations/implications

Often ignored or underestimated this study highlights the need for motivation, inspiration, and empowerment in knowledge transfer. The main limitation of this study is the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The two models for intergenerational knowledge transfer provide a rubric against which both old and new intergenerational knowledge transfer initiatives can be assessed to determine whether they are capable of encouraging the transfer of both explicit and tacit knowledge.

Originality/value

There is little empirical work on the design and implementation of strategies for managing organizational memory. The integrated models and empirical results of this study can serve as guides in that process.
The influence of organizational design on knowledge transfer
Authors: Martín‐Pérez Víctor , Martín‐Cruz Natalia , Estrada‐Vaquero Isabel
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how organizational design – particularly, delegation, and extrinsic and intrinsic reward systems – impacts employees' knowledge transfer in the context of Spanish small nonprofit organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative analysis using data from a sample of 105 Spanish small nonprofit organizations obtained by means of a postal survey was performed using the partial least squares (PLS) approach, in order to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The research findings show that delegation involves a greater use of rewards and these, in turn, improve knowledge transfer. Considering the results obtained it is possible to conclude that, due to lack of technical knowledge, managers of these nonprofit organizations must delegate decision rights to qualified employees and that they should use a higher degree of rewards, both intrinsic and extrinsic, especially the intrinsic ones, to motivate employees to mutually transfer knowledge efficiently.

Research limitations/implications

This research is focused on Spanish small nonprofit organizations, and recommendations to other nonprofit organizations must, therefore, be very cautious. However, this study provides empirical insights, linking organizational design and knowledge transfer in the nonprofit context.

Practical implications

Besides the importance of promoting knowledge transfer through an efficient and effective organizational design in nonprofit organizations, the authors recommend managers design mechanisms to convert tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge, to guarantee that knowledge remains in the organization. Also, the authors consider that managers should make an effort to create an appropriate environment – by means of reward systems, especially intrinsic rewards – so that employees are committed to the mission and objectives of the organization.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies have analyzed the influence of organizational design on knowledge transfer in the context of nonprofit organizations, even though the nonprofit sector has reached a great importance for their economical and social role in society.
Knowledge sharing between project teams and its cultural antecedents
Authors: Mueller Julia
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The aim of this article is to provide insights into how knowledge sharing between project teams takes place (if formal channels are not provided) and which cultural antecedents influence this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The author adopts a qualitative research design using a triangulation of methods (interviews, observations, company data and group discussions) to receive detailed results for one case study.

Findings

The findings show that knowledge sharing between project teams takes place even though top‐management did not include these processes in the formal work organization. Project team leaders as well as members share knowledge with other project teams by transferring boundary objects, interchanging team members and directly interacting. Furthermore, this study confirms some elements of a knowledge culture, but also discovers new cultural elements that are favorable and unfavorable to knowledge sharing between teams, such as personal responsibility, intrinsic motivation, top‐management's trust in employees, and output orientation.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the fact that only one case study could be researched with this level of detail, the results provide insights into a research area neglected thus far and show that not all knowledge processes depend on the same cultural antecedents.

Practical implications

Managers and team leaders learn that knowledge sharing between project teams enhances the efficiency of project work and organizational learning.

Originality/value

This study addresses a specific knowledge process, namely knowledge sharing between project teams, and discovers that specific cultural antecedents support and hinder this type of cross‐boundary knowledge sharing process.
Trust me, I'm an expert: identity construction and knowledge sharing
Authors: Crane Lesley
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) is a global organizational practice that focuses on core questions around knowledge sharing and creation, and which is characterized by definitional issues and a schism over the nature of knowledge. Against this by definition problematic background, this study aims to investigate how KM practitioners construct identities as expert in an online discussion forum, showing how knowledge sharing is inextricably linked to identity construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a discourse analytic approach, grounded in the discourse psychology paradigm, and its underlying theory that all language, including both talk and text, is situated action in social interaction, marked by variation, function and consequences.

Findings

Analysis demonstrates how forum contributors deploy discursive devices constructively, actively and relationally to formulate membership of an expert elite group, and that group membership is marked by inter‐group competitive rivalry. This has synergies with the theory of creative abrasion.

Practical implications

The study has implications for KM theories and practice in showing how attention to the social‐interaction practices of talk and text can reveal deeper understanding of how people share knowledge, and in demonstrating the important and consequential relationship between identity construction and knowledge.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies to take a discursive approach to the study of language in the KM domain, and demonstrates the rich potential for future studies.