bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Museums' communication in small‐ and medium‐sized cities
Authors: Capriotti Paul
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how museums in a medium‐sized city (Tarragona, Spain) communicate with their local community, analysing how people evaluate and inform themselves about the museums in their city, and studying how museums identify their specific publics within the local community and communicate with them.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has designed a dual methodological approach, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research was conducted using in‐depth interviews with communication managers of the museums. Also, quantitative research was employed, designing a questionnaire directed at the local community in Tarragona (Spain).

Findings

The results show that museums have a narrow view of their publics, which is focused basically on their visitors, and that they are familiar with and use communication tools and techniques, although with a tactical perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The paper was focused on all the museums in Tarragona, but it is a small number of organisations, and therefore, the results are not necessarily representative of all Catalan or Spanish museums.

Originality/value

The paper presents a specific methodology for analysing the communication of museums of any kind. From an academic perspective, this paper can improve our understanding of how museums communicate with their publics. It can be used by other researchers to analyse these types of organisations, and to promote the comparison of results. From a practitioner perspective, the results can contribute towards identifying some of the strengths and weaknesses of communication policies and activities of the museums and help to improve their communication management.
Effective internal environment‐related communication
Authors: Uusi‐Rauva Christa , Nurkka Johanna
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to understand what kinds of internal messages concerning a company's environment‐related corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities would be most effective in engaging employees in implementing an organization's environmental strategy. Furthermore, the paper explores how environmentally active employees could be utilized as internal communicators to spread environmental activity internally.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on findings from interviews (n=12) conducted within a multinational case company that has recently adopted an active approach to communicating its environmental policy internally.

Findings

Employees whose work does not have a clear environmental impact can find corporate environmental policies distant, and would rather see simple, practical messages about what they can do for the environment in their jobs. Furthermore, employees might ignore environmental considerations if they are too busy at work. To encourage environmentally active employees to share their ideas, it might be useful to assign clear environmental contact persons to each department, because employees may be unwilling to approach colleagues directly with environment‐related suggestions.

Practical implications

At a time when most companies are striving to be greener, the findings help organizations understand how they can communicate effectively to encourage all employees to consider the environment in their jobs. In addition, the results point to how organizations can better utilize environmentally active employees for internal promotion of environmental strategies.

Originality/value

The paper extends research on CSR communication to consider internal communication within an organization. In addition, it adopts the perspective of employees to bring new insight into their role in CSR‐related activities.
Determinants of construction companies' use of web‐based interorganizational information systems
Authors: Hadaya Pierre , Pellerin Robert
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the influence of two categories of determinants – those tied to the characteristics of the organization and those tied to the characteristics of its supply chain relationships – on construction firms' use of web‐based interorganizational information systems (IOISs) to support interorganizational processes with their key suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence is gathered through an electronic survey conducted with 67 senior managers of Canadian construction companies.

Findings

Findings indicate that both categories of determinants strongly influence each of the facets of construction firms' use of web‐based IOISs to support interorganizational processes with their key suppliers. Findings also indicate that the two facets of the use of web‐based IOISs to support collaborative processes are influenced by the same characteristics of supply chain relationships while the use of both types of web‐based IOISs are not influenced by the same characteristics of the supply chain relationships.

Practical implications

This study shows construction managers that a supply chain approach may facilitate firms' adoption of IT to support their interorganizational processes with their suppliers. This research also exposes practitioners to the different ways web‐based IOISs can be used by construction firms to support their relationship with suppliers and emphasizes the need for managers to consider the characteristics of their supply chain relationships and not only technological factors while developing and implementing their web‐based IOISs strategy.

Originality/value

This study is amongst the few empirical studies on the use of information technology to support supply chain processes between construction companies and their suppliers. By proposing an approach to web‐based IOISs measurement comprising five facets, this research also makes a theoretical contribution to the field of IOISs.
Improving construction supply chain collaboration and performance: a lean construction pilot project
Authors: Erik Eriksson Per
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Improving construction supply chain collaboration and performance is central for achieving short‐term business objectives as well as long‐term competitive advantage. Lean thinking is an approach that has been adopted in many different industrial settings as a means for improving supply chain performance. In the project‐based construction industry, lean thinking has, however, not yet been widely adopted. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of how various aspects of lean thinking can be implemented in a construction project and how they affect supply chain actors and their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Action research was performed in a case study of a lean construction pilot project. Empirical data were collected through three surveys and follow‐up workshops, document studies, and interviews of 12 project participants.

Findings

The findings show that many of the lean‐related aspects identified in the literature review were utilized in the pilot project. These aspects have mostly focused on increasing the cooperation among supply chain actors, for which reason the pilot project is very similar to a partnering project. Hence, much work remains in order to obtain full‐fledged lean construction, but the pilot project may serve as a starting point for continuous improvements and development of lean construction in future projects.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are based on one empirical case study for which reasonable generalisations could be made, albeit cautiously.

Practical implications

The frame of reference can serve as an illustration of important aspects and core elements of lean construction and the case study findings show how various lean related aspects can be implemented and how they affect supply chain actors and their performance in a construction project context.

Originality/value

The action research approach based on both qualitative and quantitative data collection in a lean construction pilot project provides a valuable opportunity to study both the process of implementing lean construction and its outcomes.
Propensity for self‐employment: contrasting the USA and Mexico
Authors: Prieto Leonel , Wang Lei , Hinrichs Kim T. , Aguirre ‐Milling Homero
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to test the direct and mediating effects of a set of environmental (family self‐employment background, social networks, legal system support, governmental support, and social norms) and individual (entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and risk propensity) factors on the propensity for self‐employment in the USA and Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administrated among students in three universities in the USA and in two universities in Mexico. Factor, reliability, t‐tests, and regression analyses were carried out. Mediation was assessed following Baron and Kenny.

Findings

Most direct and mediating effects were higher for the USA than for Mexico. Entrepreneurial self‐efficacy fully mediated several factor relationships in both countries. Results suggest a pattern of a strong formal institutions‐individual nexus in the USA, and a strong informal institutions‐individual nexus as well as a significant impact of the individual in Mexico.

Research limitations/implications

The main weaknesses of this paper are the simple linear relationships used and the student sample. Nonetheless, the efforts carried out to develop this research and the set of factors considered point in the direction of the type of studies needed to further understanding of the phenomenon.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that effectiveness of self‐employment policy may improve by better matching knowledge about mental schemata, perceived resources, and perceived contexts by the target population with the incentive infrastructure supplied.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it studies, using an eclectic theoretical framework, a relatively large set of individual and environmental factors impacting the propensity for self‐employment in two different national contexts.
Entrepreneurial growth expectations and information flows in networks
Authors: Daskalopoulou Irene , Petrou Anastasia
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse entrepreneurs' expectations regarding future growth by analysing the relationship between information flows from networks and the perceived risk of decisions associated with the future size of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's main proposition is that growth expectations might be the outcome of superior judgment stemming from the privileged information derived from networks. To provide evidence in support of this hypothesis, a sample selection model was estimated using a two‐step estimation procedure. Cross‐section questionnaire data were used in the empirical analysis.

Findings

Analysis indicates that networks are indeed information mechanisms; however, such information should be specific to problem‐solving firm processes. Better‐informed entrepreneurs are those that foresee higher growth in the future; yet, they are not blocked in only local networking.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size might be viewed as a limitation; yet, the very satisfactory fit of the estimated model allows empirical findings to be a useful comparison with future evidence in the field.

Practical implications

Evidence is provided on the role of inter‐firm contacts and relationships as a mechanism able to assist entrepreneurs in better assessing and even reduce the risk and uncertainty associated with their present and future decisions regarding firm growth.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence on the factors affecting expected growth rates, while it explicitly formulates and tests the hypothesis that expectations regarding growth might be the outcome of superior judgment stemming from the privileged information derived from networks.
Business support for farmers: an evaluation of the Farm Cornwall project
Authors: McElwee Gerard , Annibal Ivan
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an account of a Farm Support Project in Cornwall which provides support, advice and an outreach facility for farmers in the Penwith district of Cornwall. It also discusses how effective such schemes are, particularly in an external environment which poses threats to the farm sector in the UK. Three kinds of questions about the nature of farming and the status of farmers are posed. The first set of questions includes polarisations about the hegemonic position of farmers. Second, macro‐economic, and thus policy, questions concerning the economic “footprint” of the farmer and the farm's relationship with the economy are posed in Cornwall. The third set of questions concerns the economic role and entrepreneurial capability of the farmer in Cornwall.

Design/methodology/approach

A desk study of the scheme's objectives, a literature review, and interviews with 27 stakeholders were reported on specifically the results of the interviews.

Findings

The Penwith Scheme encompasses an integrated approach to providing business support to farmers including: sign‐posting specialist advisers, the facilitation of training assistance with major grant applications, the development of “social capital” through to help in accessing sources of social support.

Research limitations/implications

Farm Cornwall is a unique example of support to farmers. Replication of such a scheme across other rural regions and indeed other business sectors is possible and desirable but would require a full appraisal of the efficacy of regional and local business support to rural business.

Practical implications

Policy and practical implications for this scheme and others are described.

Originality/value

The novel aspect of the paper is that it describes a useful business support mechanism which has utility for a range of stakeholders involved in supporting the development of rural enterprises.
Analysis of the convergence degree between the accounting and the valuation standards concerning fair value
Authors: Deaconu Adela , Buiga Anuta
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The study aims to measure the fair value (FV) regulation convergence and to present its determinant factors and effects.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical approach is used based on the content analysis of the accounting and valuation referentials, and of the similarity and dissimilarity measures.

Findings

The study attests the materialisation of the IASB and FASB objective regarding the FV accounting convergence and underlines certain dissimilarities concerning the guidance quality and the application extent of FV. In comparison with some theses in the literature on the quality of the fair value measurement, it states that certain measurement solutions, especially the focus on exit value and the preference for the seller's perspective, cannot cover all the situations that imply FV accounting and discriminate the users of accounts in favour of the financial statement providers. As to the relation between accounting standards and valuation standards, a smaller convergence degree was determined, namely in the case of IASB FV exposure draft. The main causes of this dissimilarity are related to the insufficient adaptation of IVS to the financial reporting requirements for measurement details and for FV disclosure.

Practical implications

In addition to some recommendations for the accounting standard setters, the paper draws attention to the need to improve the collaboration between IASB and IVSC by developing a joint document regarding technical guidance.

Originality/value

The study undertakes a comparative analysis of the accounting and valuation standards on fair value, based on an empirical approach, discusses the causes and suggests improvement measures for referentials including the atypical cases concerning elements of the financial statements, the market and the economies.
Value analysis of centralized and distributed communications and video streaming
Authors: Heikkinen Mikko V.J. , Casey Thomas , Hecht Fabio
Published: August 2010

Purpose

When comparing novel centralized and distributed communications and video streaming services, the authors identified a need for a theoretic framework to position a multitude of ICT services and technologies according to their value proposition. Literature does not integrate existing value analysis concepts into a holistic theoretical framework. This paper aims to address this shortcoming by proposing a value analysis framework for ICT services capable of describing the value exchanges between different actors and their role constellations based on technological componentizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper evaluates a representative selection of communications and video streaming services and an extensive literature study on existing value analysis research was conducted to develop the framework and to verify it.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the applicability of the value analysis framework in communications and video streaming case studies, which are technically very different from each other but, at the abstraction level the framework provides, display very similar characteristics in value flows and role constellations.

Research limitations/implications

The value analysis framework could be extended and verified with other case studies and complemented with quantitative modeling and system dynamics.

Originality/value

The authors combine existing literature into a proposal of a holistic value analysis framework and apply it to novel centralized and distributed communications and video streaming services. Both academics and practitioners can use the framework to evaluate the value proposition of ICT services and technologies.
Comparison of journal impact rankings in the SCImago Journal & Country Rank and the Journal Citation Reports databases
Authors: Jacsó Péter
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the journal impact rankings of the open access SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) database and the subscription‐based Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the SJR database which offers essential scientometric information for more than 17,000 scholarly and professional journals based on data licensed from Elsevier's Scopus database and compares this with the JCR database.

Findings

The open access SJR database offers very informative new insights to complement those that have been provided by the JCR for more than three decades by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) and its successor, the Thomson (later Thomson‐Reuters) company. Especially valuable are its features of weighting the citations received based on the prestige of the citing journals, the (partial) exclusion of journal self‐citations, and the broader base of source journals. They provide new opportunities to analyse and understand their effects on the ranking of journals.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the open access SJR and JCR databases and their effects on the ranking of journals.
Pervasive computing and an aging populace
Authors: Shankar Kalpana
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the methodological challenges of investigating privacy and ubiquitous computing in the home, particularly among the healthy elderly.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on focus groups with 60 senior citizens either living independently or in an assisted living facility. Prototypes of home‐based ubiquitous computing devices were created and deployed in a home‐like living lab setting; elders were brought to the lab to interact with the prototypes, then brought together in focus groups to discuss their insights and concerns.

Findings

Initial analyses suggest that extant metaphors of privacy may be inadequate for understanding pervasive computing in the home. Concepts of data, affective concerns, and the creation of appropriate prototypes for eliciting privacy are considered. Considerations for future studies of the elderly and privacy are made.

Research limitations/implications

The homogeneity of the study population in terms of socioeconomic status, location, and community networks suggests that the study needs to be repeated with wider populations.

Originality/value

Although a number of projects and studies have examined the usability of home‐based ubiquitous computing and design for aging, there has been little integration of privacy and ethical concerns into general research discourse.
Stakeholder management online: an empirical analysis of US and Swedish political party web sites
Authors: Opoku Robert A. , Williams Edem B.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Given the seeming lack of research on the influence of stakeholder activities on organisations such as political parties in the online environment, the purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate how political parties use their web sites to serve and manage their relationships with stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative paper, in which a cross‐national comparative analysis has been conducted on four illustrative cases. Personal interviews and web site observations were used as the main data collection methods. Three concurrent flows of activities, i.e. data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, have been applied in the data analysis.

Findings

The paper indicate that the stakeholders served by political parties on the web sites studied can be grouped into two categories: internal and external. This paper also revealed that another very important internal stakeholder group overlooked by previous studies is that of core party members.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights and new interesting empirical material which may help to strengthen the theoretical understanding stakeholder management in cyber politics.
Islamic ethics: an exposition for resolving ICT ethical dilemmas
Authors: Abdallah Salam
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to introduce the Islamic “legal system of Shari'ah laws and ethics” and its process of resolving ethical quandaries as applied in the field of information ethics (IE).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first introduces some of the intricacy of the Islamic Shari'ah laws and ethics and then to reason its applicability in the field of IE, a scenario is discussed to illustrate how Islamic legal maxims maybe implemented to arrive at a moral judgment.

Findings

The discussed scenario shows glimpses of the Shari'ah laws and reasoning processes of the Islamic ethical methodology for deriving moral judgment as used in the Muslim world to bring benefits and repel harms. The system respects both collective and individual's perspectives and can be conceived as being a synthesis between deontological, consequentialist and virtue ethics theories.

Practical implications

The paper is sufficient to give the reader a feel for its potential to encourage further research in the area of resolving ethical issues, specifically for those who are calling for universal ethical theories to avoid moral imperialism.

Originality/value

Ethical researchers have gone back in history as far as Aristotle and Descartes to address ethical issues arising from the development and application of information and computer technologies. One area of ethics rarely touched by ethical theorists is the religious laws and ethics of Islam. The paper introduces Islam and its sources of knowledge, which are the foundation for a large set of legal maxims used to govern ethical decisions.
Design and development of cashew nut shelling machine
Authors: Ojolo S.J. , Damisa O. , Orisaleye J.I. , Ogbonnaya C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the physical and mechanical characteristics of the roasted cashew nut during fracture, by subjecting the nut to varying impact load tests at different orientations to ascertain the critical impact load that fractures the shell without damaging the kernel within. This load value was correlated with other parameters; shell/kernel moisture content level, average nut mass, to determine the required projection velocity to achieve this force. This projection velocity is the critical factor in sizing and design of the optimum configurations of the shelling impeller.

Design/methodology/approach

Mechanical properties of roasted cashew nut were first determined to know their fracture points. Each component of the shelling machine was designed. The components were assembled and the machine was tested for performance.

Findings

Machine throughput capacity was determined as 15.57 kg/h; shelling efficiency was 95 per cent; and whole kernel recovery was 70 per cent.

Practical implications

The efficiency in terms of whole kernel recovery could be improved by improving the pretreatment measures on the nuts.

Originality/value

The paper presents a machine which is affordable to peasant farmers and requires little or no training for operation and maintenance. The advantage of reduced unit cost can be derived from large‐scale commercial production of this sheller.
Design of template to fabricate magnetic torquer coils for nano and picosatellite missions
Authors: Jayaram Sanjay
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Recent advances in nano and picosatellite missions and future such missions require three axis attitude control system hardware for attitude control purposes. A simple, cost effective, yet an efficient devise that is used for active attitude control is magnetic torquer coil. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and fabrication of a template to manufacture magnetic torquer coils of varying sizes and shapes.

Design/methodology/approach

Details about the development of the template design, analysis, and fabrication are discussed. The development status of the system is outlined and the working prototype of the device is described and some preliminary test results are given.

Findings

A fully functional prototype of the template has been developed and testing has been conducted that demonstrated the effectiveness of the device. Magnetic torquer coils of varying sizes were fabricated and tested. A finite element analysis was performed by modeling the characteristics of the fabricated coils to determine thermally induced stresses and deformations during its space operations.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates and demonstrates an effective application of torquer coil template in the satellite fabrication industry. The benefits from the approach are generally applicable to any future university and industry missions using picosatellite technology.

Originality/value

The designed template satisfied all the constraints and requirements. Furthermore, its advantages include scalability, modularity, and its capability to fabricate magnetic torquer coils of varying sizes and shapes.
Religious environmentalism as a vital contribution to sustainability
Authors: White Anne
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the spiritual and economic reasons behindHomo sapiens' misuse and destruction of the biotic web. Through the argument that we are a self‐seeking, opportunistic species that now acts out our domination of the planet without restraint, attention to given to the motivations for such actions. To counter the downward spiral of rampant exploitation, consumption and poverty, by presenting the religious environmental perspectives that can be used to stem the process of global environmental devastation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodologies utilized are ecosophical, ecofeminist, comparative religious discourse, and structural functionalist.

Findings

The issues are overwhelming without a strong moral, environmental foundation. The power to effect the practical, widespread changes necessary can be derived from the ancient concepts of the sacred, or the concept of inherent worth, within all life forms. These concepts can and do combat the exploitive materialism of our global economies and could change the way the “system” works.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the root causes of our environmental dysfunction and presents the potential within the religious environmental perspectives. These perspectives can be used as a means to create a practicalmodus operandifor the practitioner of religion and the policy maker.

Originality/value

The paper presents the reality of environmental degradation and, through environmental spirituality, offers a valid alternative to the maximum trade growth and systemic global consumer mentality. Using ancient concepts, it establishes a viable avenue of dialogue between religious communities and business for the benefit of all.
Governance, entrepreneurship and effectiveness: exploring the link
Authors: Diochon Monica C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the Board of Directors in encouraging entrepreneurship as a strategy for goal achievement among newly formed social purpose organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

In the absence of empirical work on board behaviour, a qualitative case study approach is adopted whereby multiple data collection methods – including in‐depth interviews and non‐participant observation – are drawn upon in the investigation.

Findings

Organizations found to be most effective in achieving their goal(s) had a higher level of entrepreneurial intensity than less effective organizations. Three opposing themes emerged when comparing the social processes adopted by the Boards. In embracing social processes that fostered entrepreneurial behaviour. Boards assumed the role of change agent, with the leveraging of social capital being instrumental. Other social processes encouraged behaviour that was reactive and risk adverse in nature, serving to reinforce the fiduciary role those Board had assumed.

Originality/value

A review of the extant literature indicates that this is the first reported empirical investigation of board behaviour. In having access to Board meetings, unique insights into social processes were garnered that might otherwise have gone undetected if interview data were relied upon as the sole source of evidence. As such, this paper makes a key contribution in beginning to address the void in our understanding of social enterprise governance. In particular, it highlights the influence of governance on entrepreneurship and goal achievement among newly formed social purpose organizations. When viewed through a social constructionist lens, the results indicate that while organizations strive to achieve both legitimacy and identity, effectiveness was greater among organizations that emphasized the latter.
Exploring SWOT analysis – where are we now?
Authors: Helms Marilyn M. , Nixon Judy
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the use of the strategic management tool, Strengths‐Weaknesses‐Opportunities‐Threats or SWOT analysis, and to assess how the methodology has been used as well as changes to the methodology. The findings both for and against SWOT analysis should lead to a balanced view of the technique as well as yield ideas for needed theory building.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the ABInform Global® database, academic peer‐reviewed articles were compiled indicating SWOT as one of the article's key index and search words.

Findings

The use of SWOT analysis continues to permeate the academic peer‐reviewed literature. Research supports SWOT analysis as a tool for planning purposes. Over the past decade, SWOT research has focused on analyzing organizations for recommended strategic actions. As a methodology for strategic positioning, SWOT analysis has been extended beyond companies to countries and industries and is used in virtually every published business case positioned for business student analysis. Additional use of SWOT is as teaching tools by consultants, trainers and educators. This paper provides a summary of the research studies and suggests paths for future research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to analyzing reports found in a selection of academic peer‐reviewed business journals. However, research implications for applying SWOT analysis provides a broad spectrum of industry analysis in North America, Europe, and Asia. Additional limitations are the need to link SWOT analysis to other strategic tools and methodologies for further theory building, since past research continues to lack quantifiable findings on the success of the SWOT analysis.

Practical implications

A fresh view of new directions and implementations for SWOT analysis, as well as other strategic planning tools that can be combined with SWOT, provides guidance for practitioners and policy makers alike.

Originality/value

The article adds value to the existing literature as the first summary of SWOT research indicating its uses and limitations. Support of its usage and place in the strategic literature is validated. The SWOT methodology is pervasive, in large part, due to its simplicity. In addition, the use of SWOT as a proven developmental, results‐oriented strategic planning tool is also extended, although further research leading to theory building is warranted and recommended.
A conceptual framework for critical success factors of lean Six Sigma
Authors: Jeyaraman K. , Kee Teo Leam
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to analyze the critical success factors (CSFs) for lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation and its impacts towards company performance in multinational electronic manufacturing service (EMS) industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study has been conducted to identify the top ten CSFs for LSS implementation. Based on these factors, a structured questionnaire has been constructed. The questionnaire will be distributed to multi‐sites of six EMS industries to obtain the data across Malaysia and other sites globally. The target population is the LSS program implementer such as master black belts, black belts and LSS champions in the EMS industries.

Findings

These EMS industries provide outsourcing platform for the original equipment manufacturing (OEM) industries to outsource their products in order to reduce operational cost. With the proposed LSS implementation success model, a practical guide of the LSS program has been implemented. The practical guide helps the LSS practitioners to focus on certain CSFs and it prevents the LSS execution from loosing momentum when faces roadblock.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is relevant to most EMS industries and provides guidelines to small and medium enterprises in Malaysia through improving their competitiveness and capability in the globalization market.

Originality/value

The EMS industries compete among themselves to gain more business from OEM industries through implementation of many improvements via cost reduction activities. LSS program is recognized among the EMS industries as one of the effective business strategy of cost reduction and to improve company's profitability and growth. The success of the LSS program in achieving the expected gain and return relies on CSFs; henceforth it renders the undertaking of this paper.
The integration of Six Sigma and lean management
Authors: Salah Souraj , Rahim Abdur , Carretero Juan A.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Lean and Six Sigma are the two most important continuous improvement (CI) methodologies for achieving operational and service excellence in any organization. The purpose of this paper is to explain how lean compares to the Six Sigma and outline the benefits for integrating them. Also, this paper discusses the existing models that describe how Six Sigma and lean fit together. A new detailed description for integrating Six Sigma and lean is developed to provide an improved approach for CI.

Design/methodology/approach

The following research included proposals and discussion, which were mainly based on the authors' own findings and experience, in addition to a literature‐based review of some of the most common and traditional lean and Six Sigma models.

Findings

The paper proposes a new lean Six Sigma (LSS) approach and provides a detailed description of its phases. The paper also presents the views on the integration benefits as well as on how Six Sigma compares to lean. Six Sigma and lean are related and share common grounds in terms of striving to achieve customer satisfaction. Their integration is concluded to be possible and beneficial.

Research limitations/implications

The paper discusses the existing models that describe how Six Sigma and lean fit together. Finally, a new detailed description for integrating Six Sigma and lean is developed to provide an improved approach for CI.

Originality/value

The paper extends previous works on LSS and proposes a novel approach to LSS. The proposed structure is built upon the existing define, measure, analyze, improve and control structure which is well renowned in the literature.
Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy
Authors: Mubashir Ahmed M. , Kim Richard , Ma Li
Published: August 2010

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy is a rare, recently described fibrotic skin condition that primarily affects patients with a history of renal disease.We report 2 cases of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy and review clinical and histopathologic features with differential diagnosis and more.Case #1 was a 64‐year‐old black male with chronic renal insufficiency which progressed to end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. After two days, he developed blisters on both his hands. By a month, his blister lesions resolved leaving scaly skin with some skin thickening and tightening in the hands and forearms. Over the course of one month, skin over above‐mentioned areas began to harden and stiffen. His fingers began to coalesce and contract resulting in fixation of hand grip. He also developed flexing contracts at the elbows bilaterally. Skin biopsy revealed the diagnosis of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy with giant cells reaction. Case #2 was a 44‐year‐old black male with a hx of nephropathy. He eventually developed end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. One month after, he was found to have thickened, sclerotic appearing skin involving the upper back, hands, and forearms with flexing contracts of the all the small joints. Histopathology was most consistent with nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy.
Melanin Pigment Uptake Within Paget Cells
Authors: Cady FM , McEvoy JR , Metcalf JS
Published: August 2010

Background: The differential diagnosis of intraepidermal neoplasms showing cell clusters and/or single units with upward migration includes Pagets disease, melanoma in‐situ, Bowens disease, and Pagetoid reticulosis. Purpose: We describe three cases of Pagets disease of the nipple with melanin pigment uptake by Paget cells. Results: Clinical and pathologic material of three women with biopsy proven Pagets disease of the nipple was reviewed. Clinically, two cases demonstrated an excoriated nipple, one of which also showed a zone of depigmentation. The clinical appearance of the third case was not available. Histologically, each case demonstrated Paget cells singly and in clusters with cytoplasmic uptake of melanin pigment. Melanocytes were found in each case, but were neither increased in number nor showed atypical forms. The dendritic processes of melanocytes were found to encase single Paget cells. Pigment was also found dispersed in the papillary dermis and within melanophages. Conclusions: Melanin pigment uptake by Paget cells represents a significant potential pitfall in ultimately arriving at the correct diagnosis. Misdiagnosing these cases as a melanocytic lesion could potentially delay the management of an underlying breast cancer. Careful examination of melanocyte and melanin distribution with respect to Paget cells is warranted in such cases.
Aggressive Basaloid Carcinoma with Pilo‐Sebaceous Differentiation of the Head and Neck: Report of Six Cases
Authors: Centurion S. A. , Baisre A. , Mirani N. , Baredes S. , Turbin R. , Langer P. D. , Lambert W. C.
Published: August 2010

We report six cases of a basaloid neoplasm arising on the head and neck showing immature sebaceous gland and focal immature hair follicle differentiation. Four cases arose in the periorbital area, one on the lower lip, and one on the neck. In all six cases extensive involvement of the surrounding soft tissues was observed. In five cases the tumor involved and was particularly aggressive in bone, requiring extensive resection. In two cases tumor extended to and involved the dura mater of the brain. Three cases required enucleation. Patients ranged in age from 30 to 81 years and consisted of four males and two females. No infection, syndrome, or other predisposing factor was known to be present. No patient was known to be a smoker or to engage in any other risk activity for cancer. No evidence of metastasis was noted in any patient. We conclude that the basaloid neoplasm showing immature pilo‐sebaceous differentiation of the head and neck is a distinct entity with a much more aggressive course than basal cell carcinoma and a different progression from that of any other adnexal neoplasm, including sebaceous carcinoma.
Expression of Krox‐20 is Increased in Psoriasis
Authors: Curry JL , Reed JA
Published: August 2010

Psoriasis is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease that afflicts 2–3% of the world population. There is no cure and the precise cause of psoriasis is unknown. Cytokines however, have been established as critical mediators in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. EGR‐2 is an immediate early serum response gene that codes for Krox‐20, a zinc finger transcription factors that is important in resisting TGF‐? mediated apoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate Krox‐20 expression in epidermal keratinocytes in psoriasis where aberrant response to TGF‐? signaling has been shown to occur. Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue (N = 38) including nine psoriatic plaques (PP), nine lichen planus (LP), ten lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), and ten normal skin (NS) were evaluated for expression of Krox‐20 by immunohistochemistry. Frequency and relative intensity of nuclear labeling were evaluated. Strong and diffuse nuclear labeling of keratinocytes was observed in all PP and LSC. The frequency of labeling was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in PP and LSC compared to NS. Lichen planus tended toward absent to weak nuclear labeling of keratinocytes. The increased frequency of Krox‐20 expression in PP and LSC may lead to resistance of TGF‐? mediated apoptosis and contribute to epidermal hyperplasia common to these disorders.
Bullous Mastocytosis Presenting as Chronic Bullous Disease of Childhood
Authors: Goldenberg G. , Pichardo R. , Jorizzo J. , Sangueza O.
Published: August 2010

We report a 6‐month old male infant who presented to our pediatric dermatology clinic with a generalized bullous eruption since three months of age. A sepsis work up performed prior to presentation did not reveal any evidence of infection. Clinical presentation revealed multiple tense bullae in a “string of pearls” arrangement and multiple erosions on the bilateral upper extremities and trunk. This clinical presentation was strongly suggestive of chronic bullous disease of childhood. Laboratory evaluation revealed a normal complete blood cell count and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase level. Polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus types I and II was negative. Histological sections demonstrated a large space of separation between the epidermis and dermis which was filled by a monomorphous infiltrate composed of round to oval cells with centrally placed nuclei, consistent with mast cells. Leder and c‐kit stains were strongly positive confirming the diagnosis of bullous mastocytosis. Direct immunofluorescence did not reveal IgA deposits or any other findings. Treatment included fluocinonide 0.05% cream QAM and tacrolimus 0.1% ointment QHS to active lesions, and silver sulfadiazine 1% cream to erosions. Improvement was noted during follow up examination.
Activation of P44/42 Map Kinases within Human Epidermal Neoplasia.
Authors: Jackson Bryon , Elenitsas Rosalie , Seykora John. T
Published: August 2010

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arises from a series of genetic changes that form a clone of keratinocytes with enhanced growth characteristics. The p44/42 Map kinase pathway is a highly conserved growth regulatory pathway that helps relay critical signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Evidence demonstrating activation of the p44/42 pathway in the human cutaneous SCC has not been established. This study examined if p44/42 MAP kinase is activated in lesions of keratinocytic neoplasia. Lesions from the defined stages of keratinocytic neoplasia, normal skin, actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and squamous cell carcinoma, were randomly selected from archived material and studied. Antibodies that detect human p44/42 (phosphorylated and unphosphorylated) and only phosphorylated, activated, human p44/42 were used. The intensity and prevalence of cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was evaluated in the lesional cells. The results suggest that there is a not a simple linear relationship between the amount of nuclear staining and the type of lesion. The results show that there was a significant increase in the level of nuclear phosphorylated p44/42 staining progressing from an actinic keratoses to a sqaumous cell carcinoma in situ. These findings suggest that p44/42 MAP kinases are activated in keratinocytic neoplasia.
Recurrent Nevus Phenomenon: A Clinicopathological Study of 328 Patients
Authors: King R , Ziegler D , Page RN , Mihm MC , Googe PB
Published: August 2010

Background: Recurrent nevi may histologically resemble malignant melanoma Design: Recurrent nevi with clinical history, original melanocytic neoplasm and recurrence were included. Proliferation marker Ki‐67 was used when residual and recurrent nevus was present on the same slide. Results: There were 356 biopsies from 328 patients (ages 6 to 93 years (mean = 31), female: male = 255:101, time to recurrence 1–63 months (mean = 7.85)). Sites: back (170), abdomen (46), arm (46), leg (34), head and neck (26), chest (26), and buttock (8). Initial biopsies: 208 nevi, 142 dysplastic nevi, 1 blue, 1 pigmented spindle cell, 2 Spitz nevi, and 2 melanomas in situ. 3 patterns of recurrence were observed: 1) junctional melanocytic hyperplasia with epidermal effacement and scar, 2) compound melanocytic proliferation with epidermal effacement and scar, and 3) junctional melanocytic hyperplasia with retained retiform epidermis. Recurrent and residual nevi had similar proliferation rates. Conclusion: Recurrent nevi occurred more commonly in females and on the trunk. Cytologic atypia, asymmetry, and retention of retiform epidermis were worrisome histologic features. Clinical history, effacement of the epidermis and limitation of changes to the scar, distinguished recurrence from melanoma. Low proliferation rate may be a useful adjunct to distinguish recurrent nevi from melanoma.