bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hierarchical structure of service quality: integration of technical and functional quality
Authors: Kang Gi‐Du
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To extend understanding of service quality by empirically examining the conceptualisation of service quality (both technical and functional).

Design/methodology/approach

Because the popular service‐quality instrument, SERVQUAL, concentrates on functional quality, a model incorporating both technical quality and functional quality is employed here. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is utilised to examine empirically a two‐components model of service quality.

Findings

A two‐component model yields better fit than a model concentrating on functional quality alone (such as SERVQUAL).

Research limitations/implications

Because the present study tests the model using a single service industry, an exhaustive description of technical quality could not be provided. This could be overcome in future studies by employing multiple service industries.

Practical implications

A useful foundation whereby practitioners can appreciate the importance of technical service quality (in addition to functional quality).

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information and resources need, and offers practical assistance to academics and practitioners in the field.
The effect of radiation on the laminar natural convection induced by a line heat source
Authors: Ayani Mohammad B. , Esfahani Javad A. , Sousa Antonio C.M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To show the effect of radiation from the heat source and the variation of fluid properties on the laminar natural convection induced by a line heat source.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations – Navier‐Stokes and energy equation are discretized in a staggered grid by a control volume approach, and they are solved using a segregated technique. The equations for the fluid and solid (line heat source) phases are solved simultaneously. The three sides of the computational domain are open boundary. Some of the physical and thermo‐physical properties of the fluid (air) such as density, thermal conductivity and viscosity were considered to vary with temperature.

Findings

The present predictions are compared with those using the Boussinesq approximation, with the results for the boundary layer equations, and with the experimental results. The present predictions reveal considerable departure from the Boussinesq‐based solution and from the boundary layer results. This study also shows the radiation exchange between the heat source and surrounding has major effect in the results. Thus, the departure between the experimental and analytical results can be explained by the effect of radiation exchange.

Research limitations/implications

In this work, just studied steady‐state laminar thermal plume with the effects of radiation from heat source and the variation of air properties with temperature while it is propose to extend this work to transient and/or turbulent flow.

Originality/value

The effect of radiation from a line heat source on the flow filed around the source and offers enhancement of design to thermal engineers.
Networking your way through the organization
Authors: Hetty van Emmerik IJ. , Euwema Martin C. , Geschiere Myrthe , Schouten Marieke F.A.G.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to focus specifically on formal and informal networking and their relationship with career satisfaction. It was expected that men would engage more in networking and that men are able to use networking effectively than women, which will be shown in the achievement of greater career satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested with hierarchical regression analyses, using a sample of 180 (69 percent) female and 80 (31 percent) male employees from a Dutch bank.

Findings

Results show that the female respondents engaged more in both formal and informal networking than male respondents. However, hierarchical regression analyses showed that the association between participating in network activities and career satisfaction is significantly stronger for men than for women.

Research limitations/implications

There is certainly a need for longitudinal data to resolve issues concerning differential dropout of women and the development of effective social networks.

Practical implications

The female employees profit less from networking in terms of career satisfaction. One possible solution may be to try to develop especially the networking competences of women.

Originality/value

Elaborating on the social network perspective this study of the participation in formal and informal networks examined gender differences in the association of networking with career satisfaction. Although the female employees in this study engage more in networking, they profit less from it in terms of career satisfaction.
Ten promises to Terry: towards a social marketing manifesto
Authors: Hastings Gerard
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to present the problem of obesity and associated ill health in the UK. It seeks to show how marketing by major companies contributes to this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the case study of “Terry” to illustrate the issues involved.

Findings

This paper finds that life expectancy is predicted to fall in the UK unless action is taken against the growth of obesity. The marketing of fast foods needs to be curtailed.

Originality/value

Ten pledges are made to “Terry” to improve his health, pledges that can be applied to the whole nation.
Health‐related effects of creative and expressive writing
Authors: Lowe Geoff
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of some health‐related effects of creative and expressive writing.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews some of the main research studies exploring links between expressive writing and aspects of health, including two new experimental studies showing effects of poetry on mood and immune system indices.

Findings

Research studies have involved standard writing tasks and have shown a good range of physiological and behavioural benefits. Example findings include improvements in health and well‐being and enhanced levels of host defences in immune system functioning. Other notable findings include reduced severity of symptoms in arthritis and asthma sufferers. However, writing disclosure may also have negative effects on clients with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The cognitive‐behavioural bases of “writing therapy” include the informative function of emotions, self‐regulation, re‐framing, and dealing more effectively with negative feelings.

Originality/value

Provides health professionals with an overview of research into health‐related effects of creative and expressive writing, and may encourage sensitive approaches which include writing therapy. The studies of poetry and immune function report some of the first empirical biological evidence for the poetry‐health link.
Irreverent approach to HR puts Pareto among the prizes
Authors: Longden Kate
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to highlight the policies that helped Pareto Law, a “slightly wacky and highly sales driven” graduate‐recruitment organization, to win the 2005 Sunday Times Best Small Company to Work For award.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the background of the company's founders and how this influenced the Pareto Law business model. It also describes the successful model in detail.

Findings

The paper describes Pareto's “high earnings, high achievement” and extremely open culture. Emphasises the importance of setting challenging but achievable goals, the generous incentives scheme, and gives examples of the practical support offered by the company's founders.

Practical implications

The paper highlights a business model that has succeeded in getting the best out of today's graduates.

Originality/value

The paper shows how being open with people, stretching them, rewarding them well and ensuring that work is a fun place to be has helped to achieve a dynamic and committed workforce.
Things are not always what they seem
Authors: Lucas Leyland M. , ogilvie dt
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate the question ”given all that we know about knowledge transfer in organizations, why do problems persist?” This is achieved by examining the challenges confronting organizations in developing an effective knowledge transfer strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered to a Fortune 500 company actively engaged in pursuing a knowledge management strategy that emphasizes intra‐organizational knowledge transfer. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical regression to assess the relative importance of reputation, culture, and incentives to organizational efforts at knowledge transfer.

Findings

It was found that culture and reputation have significant positive effects on knowledge transfer. However, the study found no support for the role of incentives. The findings lend credence to the notion that knowledge transfer is a social activity in which employees must willingly engage and is one that cannot be incentivized.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed on issues related to knowledge transfer. While this study did not exhaust all possible factors affecting knowledge transfer, it does note that identity, knowledge structures, and the upsurge in contingent employment need to be researched because they may play a role in knowledge transfer.

Practical implications

The findings reinforce the idea that knowledge transfer is not a socially neutral process. It is a social activity occurring within a social context, the success of which is largely influenced by who employees see as their partners in this process, how well do they know one another, and whether or not they view knowledge as something to be shared with their colleagues. Therefore, managers need to pay careful attention to the social context within which knowledge transfer efforts are taking place.

Originality/value

The study uses an interesting framework of social information processing theory on which to base the arguments presented here. Moreover, it provides a look at a unique set of factors that, we think, are assumed away when dealing with knowledge transfer issues.
Linking shared organisational context and relational capital through unlearning
Authors: Cegarra‐Navarro Juan G. , Dewhurst Frank W.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The environment provided by an organisation to facilitate learning and create knowledge has been defined as the shared organisational context. The value to an organisation of knowledge created by the shared organisational context is called intellectual capital, of which one key component is relational capital. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the aspect of learning concerned with challenging the basic beliefs or processes that companies take for granted, which is embodied in the concept of unlearning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature to identify relevant measures and present a structural equation model, which is validated through an empirical investigation of 139 small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Spanish optometry sector.

Findings

The results indicate that companies need to support unlearning as a prior step, otherwise unlearning does not have any significant effect on the creation of relational capital.

Research limitations/implications

Few, if any, studies of the shared organisational context have considered the relationship between unlearning and the creation of intellectual capital.

Practical implications

Previous studies, particularly in knowledge management, have focussed on knowledge management systems in large world‐class organisations rather than the underlying learning process in SMEs.

Originality/value

This study examines three key constituents of the shared organisational context (the individual context, management and teamwork) and their effects on the process of unlearning.
Managing subcontractor supply chain for quality in construction
Authors: Karim Khalid , Marosszeky Marton , Davis Steven
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To provide a decision support tool for long‐term management of subcontractor supply chain for achieving better quality in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

Defects on three construction projects are investigated through direct observation, document analysis, and interviews. A method to analyse and present defects information as an aid to decision making in relation to subcontractor supply chain management is proposed, and its application is illustrated by using the information obtained from the study.

Findings

The importance of managing the subcontractor supply chain to reduce the incidence of defects is established. The nature and extent of the defects, along with what caused them, are discussed. Method for conversion of raw data into a decision support tool is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection method was limited in that it was not based on continuous full‐time observation. Such presence by independent observers for full duration of the project would provide more accurate information.

Practical implications

A useful tool for the construction industry in view of the fact that most of the construction work is now done by subcontractors and the head contractors primarily act as project managers.

Originality/value

The concept of using Pareto analysis/histogram for managing quality has been around for a considerable period of time. This paper converts it into a more efficient and useful decision support tool.
Task scenario effects on bank web site expectations
Authors: Waite Kathryn
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore whether consumer expectations of web site attributes differ according to information‐seeking or transaction tasks. Information seeking is a distinct online activity and is an important first stage of the Internet adoption process. However, there is little empirical research that compares online search and transaction behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This pilot study focuses on retail bank web sites in order to select a service familiar to consumers for which a web site would serve as both an information source and a transaction channel. A self‐administered questionnaire collected data from a convenience sample of 160 UK adults in December 2005. The questionnaire measured normative and predictive expectations of systems and information quality.

Findings

The findings show differences between task contexts with regards to the requirement to supply personal details, the presence of a search engine and the inclusion of moving graphics. There are implications for studies informed by the SERVQUAL approach to measuring web site quality.

Research limitations/implications

The acknowledged research limitations are the sampling method, sample size, sample composition and industry context, which contribute to the low generalisability of the results. However, the findings indicate that there are differences in task scenario worthy of investigation in broader studies.

Originality/value

Task scenario differences mean that data collection instruments should specify to respondents for which task a multi‐functional web site is being measured. This will be of value to practitioners and researchers who are studying web site quality.
Anthropology and consumer research: qualitative insights into green consumer behavior
Authors: Tadajewski Mark , Wagner‐Tsukamoto Sigmund
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new qualitative method that is theoretically underpinned by cognitive anthropology. This research strategy is introduced to further advance the understanding of complex green consumer behavior – in this case life‐cycle analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the contextual aspects of problem‐solving behavior of green, environmentally concerned consumers. Cognitive anthropology develops a different, yet complementary, understanding of consumer cognition to a psychological approach. Through the concepts of practical thinking and bricolage, cognition and behavior are conceptualized on a contextual basis. Such an approach encourages a reassessment of how consumer research has traditionally conceptualized problem framing, information search, information processing and related concepts. The paper draws upon in‐depth, qualitative interviews with a wide range of green consumers from both the UK and Germany.

Findings

The findings provide some interesting clues regarding the nature of information search and information processing. In the sample, the green consumers of the top clusters were able to see and retrieve life‐cycle information as it was offered by a shopping context and it was this context, as it is perceived by the bricoleur that ultimately limits information search and processing. Within the “objective” bounds of a choice context, skilful practical thinking and bricolage was shown in different degrees amongst the clusters, with considerable creativity shown in “seeing” life‐cycle information.

Research limitations/implications

Given that the research outlined in this paper is mono‐paradigmatic, it is suggested that a future avenue for research in green consumer behavior would be the use of a multiple paradigm approach.

Practical implications

The paper outlines a stepping approach to marketing communications directed towards the green, or potentially green consumer, suggesting that some form of community based social marketing program might be a useful educational tool given the findings presented.

Originality/value

The introduction of a new research strategy – cognitive anthropology to the study of green consumer behavior.
Identifying likeable attributes: a qualitative study of television advertisements in Asia
Authors: Fam Kim‐Shyan , Waller David S.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Numerous studies investigate what contributes to advertising likeability; however, these are often based on quantitative research undertaken in western countries. This paper aims to report the findings of a cross‐cultural qualitative study undertaken across five Asian cities (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jakarta, Bangkok and Mumbai) to discuss Asian consumers' attitudes towards television commercials in their respective country/city.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was gathered from two focus group interviews (1 male and 1 female) conducted in each city. Each group comprised of eight people and the interview lasted between 40 and 60 minutes. In each focus group several of the most liked locally produced television commercials were presented to the participants and the discussion that followed centered around visual images that they most liked.

Findings

The results found differences in the likeable attributes between the five cities. These variations can be attributed to the differences in local culture, and to a lesser degree, other market‐related factors like attitudes towards advertising in general, cultural outlook and perspective, consumer confidence and hours of watching television per week.

Originality/value

This study uses informant driven data, rather than researcher driven, to identify cross‐cultural differences in the concept of advertising likeability. Further, it suggests that qualitative research can provide valuable results for international marketers and those who would like a better understanding of new markets, as long as they analyse the results keeping in mind the cultural context of the country, such as traditions, customs, values and religions.
A conceptual history of entrepreneurial thought
Authors: Murphy Patrick J. , Liao Jianwen , Welsch Harold P.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To interpret and explain evolution in entrepreneurial thought, using the application of history to unify the extant and wide‐ranging concepts underlying the field to detect a conceptual foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is taken, the paper undertaking a delineation of how past theory has brought about the field's current state and an identification of some conceptual areas for future advancement.

Findings

The importance and impact of the entrepreneurship field is increasing in academic and practical settings. A historical view on the conceptual development of entrepreneurial thought provides a lens for scholars as well as practitioners to interpret and explain their own entrepreneurial activity or research and formulate new questions.

Originality/value

The paper aids scholars and researchers to interpret and explain entrepreneurial activity.
Rules as received practice: historical perspective and implications for managers
Authors: Whiteley Alma
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To report on an exploratory study on unwritten rules carried out in Australia, place this study in the context of the historical development of thought on rules and discuss implications for management learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has three parts. The first part reviews the theoretical scholarly writings on rules as social structures from the early sociology of the nineteenth century to the organizational theory of the present day. Theories of structural functionalism and institutionalism are acknowledged as historical influences on rules and the assumptions likely to be made by managers about compliance and implementation. In the second part, the research is described in which staff members from five organizations were invited to technology‐supported focus groups. The data collection was supported by group support systems technology, which allowed anonymous inputs. Staff were asked, in various ways, about both official rules and unwritten rules. These included the use of scenarios, reported here. In the third part, the findings are discussed and three implications for management learning are suggested.

Findings

The research produced evidence that rules exist, are acted upon and require a view of the rule‐implementer as complex and holistic. The findings supported Giddens' theory of structuration which suggests that the individual rule taker draws on rules and also personal sensibility when involved in social encounters.

Originality/value

This paper provides contemporary data on rules as perceived practice which is presented within the context of the historical development of relevant management theory. Attention is drawn to three implications for management learning, which are: what rules mean, assumptions of managers, and deep listening as social responsibility. The future research agenda should be of value to those considering a practical contribution to this original field of institutional inquiry.
Raster milling tool‐path generation from STL files
Authors: Qu Xiuzhi , Stucker Brent
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper presents an offset‐based tool path generation method for STL format three‐dimensional (3D) models. The created tool‐paths can be effectively used to near‐net‐shaped parts, in particular those created using rapid prototyping.

Design/methodology/approach

The STL model is first offset by the distance of the selected cutter radius using a unique 3D offset method. The intersections between the top facing triangles of the offset model and tool‐path drive planes are calculated. The intersection line segments are sorted, trimmed and linked to generate continuous top envelope curves, which represent interference‐free tool paths.

Findings

The developed offset‐based algorithm can rapidly and successfully generate interference‐free tool paths as continuous lines, instead of a collection of discrete tool location points. The strategy of using adaptive step‐over distances based on local geometrical information can significantly increase machining efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The current tool path generation method only works for ball‐end mills. The entire surface of the STL model is treated as a single composite surface to be machined using raster milling. To improve machining efficiency, an automatic surface splitting algorithm could be developed to divide the model into several regions based on the characteristics of a group of triangular facets, and then machine these identified regions using different strategies and cutters.

Originality/value

The offset‐based tool‐path generation algorithm from STL models is a unique and novel development, which is useful in the rapid prototyping and computer‐aided machining areas.
Novel stereolithography system for small size objects
Authors: Xu Guangshen , Zhao Wanhua , Tang Yiping , Lu Bingheng
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To satisfy the demands for rapid prototyped small‐size objects with intricate microstructures, a high‐resolution stereolithography (SL) system is developed.

Design/methodology/approach

This novel SL system consists of a single mode He‐Cd laser, an improved optical scanning system, a novel recoating system and a control system. The improved optical system consists of a beam expander, an acoustic‐optic modulator, a galvanometric scanner and an F‐θ lens; the recoating system consists of roller pump, resins vat with an integrated high‐resolution translation stage and part building platform and a scraper. Experimental studies were performed to investigate the influences of building parameters on the cured line width and depth.

Findings

With the SL system, a laser light spot with a diameter of 12.89 μm on the focal plane and resin layers with a thickness of 20 μm have been obtained. The experimental results indicate that cured depth and width increase with the ratio of laser power to scanning speed, and cured line with a width of 12 μm and a depth of 28 μm was built, which showed the capability building microstructures with this new SL system.

Research limitations/implications

The building area limited to 65 × 65 mm, is smaller than that of current SL system.

Practical implications

Small objects with intricate microstructures can be fabricated with the SL system.

Originality/value

The high‐resolution SL system provides a solution to the problem that has hampered the progress of SL process into a high resolution ranges below 75 μm.
Rapid prototyping: energy and environment in the spotlight
Authors: Mognol Pascal , Lepicart Denis , Perry Nicolas
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To discuss integration of the rapid prototyping environmental aspects with the primary focus on electrical energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Various manufacturing parameters have been tested on three rapid prototyping systems: Thermojet (3DS), FDM 3000 (Stratasys) and EOSINT M250 Xtended (EOS). The objective is to select sets of parameters for reduction of electrical energy consumption. For this, a part is manufactured in several orientations and positions in the chamber of these RP systems. For each test, the electrical power is noted. Finally, certain rules are proposed to minimize this electrical energy consumption during a job.

Findings

It is important to minimize the manufacturing time but there is no general rule for optimization of electrical energy consumption. Each RP system must be tested with energy consumption considerations under the spotlight.

Research limitations/implications

The work is only based on rapid prototyping processes. The objective is to take into consideration the complete life‐cycle of a rapid prototyped part: manufacturing of raw material as far as reprocessing of waste.

Practical implications

Reduction of electrical energy consumption to complete a job.

Originality/value

Currently, environmental aspects are not well studied in rapid prototyping.
The adoption of the internet by export firms in transitional markets
Authors: Nguyen Tho D. , Barrett Nigel J.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors that affect the intention to adopt the internet by export firms in transitional markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 144 export firms in Vietnam was surveyed to test the model. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.

Findings

It was found that perceived usefulness, but not perceived ease of use, of the internet is a potential predictor of the intention to adopt the internet by firms for their export activities. It was also found that market orientation has both direct and indirect (mediated by perceived usefulness) impacts on intention to adopt the internet, and that learning orientation has a direct effect on both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the internet.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this study is the use of a sample drawn from one transitional market. Cross‐national samples will be a direction for further research.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that export promotion programs should promote the usefulness of the internet as well as market and learning orientations to stimulate export firms to adopt the internet for their export activities.

Orginality/value

The major contribution of the study is to incorporate market and learning orientations in the technology adoption model to explain the intention to adopt the internet by export firms.
Publishing in socially oriented journals – the state of play in Asia
Authors: Polonsky Michael Jay , Mittelstaedt John D.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine institutional publishing in six socially oriented marketing journals generally and then to explore the performance within Asian institutions and those within Australia and New Zealand, in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

Authorships of Journal of Macromarketing, Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Journal of Non‐Profit and Public Sector Marketing, International Journal of Non‐Profit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, and Social Marketing Quarterly, from 1999‐2003, were tracked by institution and nationality of school. Results are reported for both number of authors and per cent of authorship.

Findings

There is a dominance of publishing by North American academics within the social area. Asian academics appear to be generally under‐represented, based on the region's size, although scholars in Australia and New Zealand perform relatively better than one might anticipate.

Research limitations/implications

A review of socially oriented publishing performance by institutions in Asia identifies that socially oriented research appears to be a focus in Australia and New Zealand across a range of institutions, but occurs less frequently in other Asian countries.

Practical implications

Results are useful for understanding the role of socially oriented research among scholars in Asia and the Pacific. While Australia and New Zealand have made marks in socially oriented research, it appears to be a potential growth area for marketing scholars in Asia and the Pacific.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to examine the role of geography in publishing among those interested in social issues in marketing.
Strategic intranets: the next big thing?
Authors: Denton Keith
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the importance the intranet holds for the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines the uses of the intranet, including competitive benchmarking, real‐time feedback, group profiling, and strategy implementation using intranet supporting software.

Findings

Today's intranet can become tomorrow's tool for reshaping organizations and helping add meaning and purpose to work.

Originality/value

Advocates the intranet as tool that helps us to make the right choices and behave in ways that are consistent with the purpose and objective of the organization.
The nature of corporate reputation and the measurement of reputation components
Authors: Şatır Çiğdem
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether corporate reputation can be analyzed or not with the present impressions related to “service quality that the customers have observed during the corporate's developing process”, “communication”, “experiences based on past actions”, “responsibility towards society and enviroment” and “trustworthy that is the total evaluation of all”.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of corporate reputation, a field research, is a descriptive study. While forming the samples, judgement sampling method within non‐probability sampling is used and a questionnaire is applied to 300 patients having service in the 18 different polyclinics of a private hospital (ANDEVA) in Turkey.

Findings

The findings have confirmed the thesis that since the patients explain reputation with more than one sub dimension in their perceptions towards corporation, reputation cannot be explained by only one experience, contact or impression; and as stated in the literature, reputation consists of various components (sub dimensions). Also, there is a difference within the perceived components (sub dimensions) to explain reputation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited with the measurement of corporate reputation basing the private health corporation AN‐DEVA's polyclinic patients.

Originality/value

It is important to deal with corporate reputation in a private health service sector. Because health sector where customer relations are very dense is the most problematic sector to provide customer satisfaction.
Numerical analysis of PBG via structures using FDTD algorithm
Authors: Tong Ming‐Sze , Chen Yinchao , Lu Yilong , Kim Hyeong‐Seok , Chang Tae‐Gyu , Sauleau Ronan
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To study the photonic band‐gap (PBG) characteristics constructed by periodic conducting vias on various guided transmission‐line structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is adopted to analyze various PBG via structures. Conventionally, PBG characteristics on guided‐wave structures, such as microstrip lines or coplanar waveguides (CPW), are constructed through a series of perforations on the ground plane(s). PBG characteristics can, however, also be realized through periodic arrangements of conducting vias located on the respective ground planes.

Findings

Through studies of the scattering parameters, it has been found that all analyzed PBG via structures exhibit strong band‐gap characteristics in a particular frequency range. Different harmonic patterns are also observed when the dimensional sizes of the conducting vias vary with respect to the PBG period.

Research limitations/implications

Research has been mainly limited to study solely the PBG via structures, guided‐wave transmission lines. More studies may be conducted in analyzing the overall performance when they are combined with other microwave components.

Practical implications

The proposed PBG via structures can be applied to various microwave areas, ranging from signal suppressions in microelectronics and mobile communications, to electro‐magnetic interference studies in other practical electronic circuit structures.

Originality/value

The ideas of applying conducting vias on the guided‐wave transmission lines and the proposed via patterns to induce the PBG characteristics are the research's claim to originality one.
Width optimization of global inductive VLSI interconnects
Authors: Kaushik Brajesh Kumar , Sarkar S. , Agarwal R.P.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The performance of a high‐speed chip is highly dependent on the interconnects, which connect different macro cells within a VLSI chip. Delay, power dissipation and cross‐talk are the major design constraints for high performance VLSI interconnects. The importance of on‐chip inductance is continuously increasing with higher clock frequency, faster on‐chip rise time, wider wires, ever‐growing length of interconnects and introduction of new materials for low resistance interconnects. In the current scenario, interconnect is modeled as an RLC transmission line. Interconnect width optimization plays an important role in deciding transition delay and power dissipation. This paper aims to optimize interconnect width for a matched condition to reduce power and delay parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Width optimization is done for two sets of interconnect terminating conditions, namely active gate and passive capacitance. SPICE simulations have been used to validate the findings.

Findings

For a driver interconnect load model terminated by an active gate load, a trade‐off exists between short circuit and dynamic power in inductive interconnects, since with wider lines dynamic power increases, but short circuit power of the load gate decreases due to reduced transient delay. Whereas, for a line terminated by a capacitor, such trade‐off does not exist. Many of the previous researches have modeled the active gate load at the terminating end by its input parasitic gate capacitance.

Practical implications

This paper shows that such modeling leads to inaccuracy in estimation of power, and therefore non‐optimal width selection, especially for large fan‐out conditions.

Originality/value

The finding is that the impedance matching between transmission line at driver and load ends plays an important role in estimation of overall power dissipation and transition delay of a VLSI circuit.
An empirical study on the impact of standardization of materials and purchasing procedures on purchasing and business performance
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Cristóbal , Hemsworth David , Martínez‐Lorente Ángel R. , Clavel José G.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Standardization of materials (i.e. replacement of several materials/components by a single component that has all the functionalities of the materials/components it replaces) is one important purchasing department decision. The primary objective of this study is to examine empirically the impact of standardization of materials and purchasing procedures (standardization in purchasing) on purchasing and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To address our research problem, a survey instrument was developed and a structural model was hypothesized and tested using structural equation modeling. Data were collected from a field research on a sample of 306 manufacturing companies in Spain.

Findings

The results of this research indicate that standardization in purchasing has a significant positive effect on both purchasing and business performance. Thus, standardizing materials and purchasing procedures is important and may help firms to meet their materials expenditure targets, and increase the quality of materials, on‐time delivery from suppliers, inventory performance, as well as business performance.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of the study is that the use of a single key informant could be seen as a potential limitation of the study. The study was a cross‐sectional and descriptive sample of the manufacturing industry at a given point in time. A more stringent test of the relationships between standardization in purchasing and performance requires a longitudinal study, or field experiment.

Practical implications

The empirically validated positive relation of standardization in purchasing to firms' performance, such as that documented in this study, can be very useful for the managers who take the initiative in standardization to promote and obtain the resources needed for the adoption of standardization of materials and purchasing procedures. Standardization in purchasing has, as this study shows, much to offer firms that wish to improve their performance.

Originality/value

Because there is a lack of empirical evidence about the impact of standardization of materials and purchasing procedures (standardization in purchasing) on purchasing and business performance, this paper filled an important gap in the purchasing literature.
Internships at Greek universities: an exploratory study
Authors: Mihail Dimitrios M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

Greece has the highest youth unemployment rate in the European Union. Even though it is clear that persistent unemployment requires bold measures so as to engage young educated Greeks in the labour market, there is no coherent policy at present targeting that population group, especially university students. This paper explores university student internship as a new labour market institution that has the potential of enhancing youth employability in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to answer the main research questions, an explorative case study methodology was chosen. This paper was based on a series of semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews whose aim was to explore student perceptions of the effects of a current co‐operative education programme launched by the University of Macedonia in Greece.

Findings

The findings of the empirical research indicate that co‐operative education can be used as a vehicle for linking theoretical knowledge and practice, and enhancing student employability upon graduation.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study that seeks to analyse a limited number of internships within a university. A large‐scale national survey involving students from various academic disciplines and other universities would result in a more comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of internships in Greece.

Practical implications

This study has shown that a work‐study programme promoting work opportunities for Greek youth seems to have great value for student employability.

Originality/value

Given the dearth of empirical research on youth unemployment in Greece, this study contributes to debates in the wider academic community on the issue of how to formulate and implement active labour market policies for young, well‐educated Greeks.
The impact of cognitive dissonance on learning work behavior
Authors: Dechawatanapaisal Decha , Siengthai Sununta
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This research proposes a framework, which identifies the underlying factors that shape learning behavior in the workplace. It takes organizational members' perspectives into consideration to gain better understanding on managing people and their behavior in the organizational learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were obtained through a questionnaire survey of 162 respondents from three organizations that had recently experienced an array of changes.

Findings

It is found that psychological discomfort is a condition that blocks people from acquiring and learning new knowledge during the transformation period. However, effective HR practices are likely to moderate individuals' inconsistent attitudes and unpleasant psychological states as well as enable their learning work behavior.

Practical implications

The results support the notion that building and managing organizational learning requires basic shifts in how people think, behave, and interact in the process. Effective HR practices can help avoid dissonance and induce learning behavior in the workplace.

Originality/value

The contribution to the literature and business management is its empirical investigation and survey instrument developed to measure the impact of employees' cognitive dissonance as well as that of the HR practices on organizational learning during the change process. These perspectives were taken into consideration since people are regarded as key players in the learning process. The results also confirm the “normative perspective” of organizational learning that the effective learning process can be driven by some underlying factors including cognitive dissonance and HR practices.
Putting Robin Hood out of business: a proceeds of crime case study
Authors: Kennedy Anthony
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To demonstrate how the range of tools provided in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 can be used in a strategic and integrated way by law enforcement agencies against organised crime groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study takes the legend of Robin Hood and reworks the story, portraying Robin as a godfather of organised crime.

Findings

The paper shows how a combination of criminal confiscation proceedings, civil recovery proceedings, cash forfeiture proceedings, taxation action and money laundering charges can be used in an effective way against an organised crime group. It demonstrates how law enforcement should not just focus on taking away the liberty of criminals but how they should also focus on criminal assets and criminal markets.

Originality/value

The paper presents a strategic view of dealing with organised crime in an imaginative and humorous way.
International legal war on the financing of terrorism
Authors: Chukwuemerie Andrew I.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine certain important aspects of the domestic laws of Nigeria, the UK, the USA and Canada with a view to pointing out the remarkable differences capable of affecting adversely the war on terror.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyses the domestic laws of all four countries with a view to pointing out the remarkable differences capable of affecting adversely the war on terror.

Findings

Despite the obvious zeal and commitment with which nations and states of the world have set out to wage a legal war on terrorism, particularly the aspect of financing it, and despite the existence of a convention of which they are members, serious disparity exists in the legal frameworks adopted for the war. Even amongst such countries as the UK, the USA and Canada, uniformity of laws and approach is still a far‐fetched idea, a situation that is capable of hurting the international collaboration against terror. There is an urgent need for closer affinity between the laws of such countries while even countries like Nigeria that may not presently consider themselves as serious targets of terrorism need to urgently shirk themselves of such impressions and reform their laws.

Originality/value

The paper makes suggestions as to how the differences in the laws of the four countries may be corrected or down played, and how the international objectives of uniformity of laws may be achieved.
Performance measurement of AMT: a cross‐regional study
Authors: Mora Monge Carlo A. , Subba Rao S. , Gonzalez Marvin E. , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To examine the relationship of performance in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) to the levels of AMT investments and planning and implementation activities in two regions of America: Anglo‐Saxon (USA and Canada) and Hispanic (Mexico and Costa Rica).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was employed to collect data. The instrument was translated into Spanish for administration in the Hispanic region. Exploratory factor analysis was used to establish discriminant validity of the constructs under investigation. Through multiple regression analysis, predictors for two types of performance (organizational and operational) were examined.

Findings

Both types of performance are reasonably predicted by the AMT investment and planning and implementation factors. Performance predictors are different between the two regions.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations common to survey research (e.g. subjective perceptions and respondent bias). Also, results depart from the literature in terms of the predictors for operational and organizational performance. This can be due to other complex relationships among the variables not identifiable by regression analysis. Future work should address this by using more sophisticated statistical tools such as structural equation modeling.

Originality/value

The study can help managers understand the factors leading to a successful AMT implementation. This is one of the first studies on AMT in developing countries; and as such, it should encourage more research in these countries.