bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outsourcing and keeping control: the key legal issues
Authors: Graham R.
Published: September 2004

Examines the issues involved in securing a successful outsourcing
contract: selecting a supplier, service provision, describing services,
using services, changing services, and the termination of outsourcing.
Discusses how these issues can be best incorporated in legal contractual
terms to leave the user in control of outsourced services. Concludes
that the legal and practical aspects of outsourcing are so complex that
individually tailored contracts between user and supplier are needed.
Selecting property management software: problems and
solutions
Authors: Dixon T.T.
Published: September 2004

Describes selection criteria for property management software and
details some available programs. Summarizes the key difficulties of
implementing property management software systems as the lack of a
systematic IT strategy and the lack of information about software
availability. Considers the three main stages of a systematic approach
to software selection to be: feasibility in cost and benefit terms,
investigation of software options and successful implementation of a
system.
Public property holdings: evaluating the asset
Authors: Dent P. , Bond S.
Published: September 2004

Assesses the methods which can be used to value non‐market property
assets in the light of increased demands for such valuations in a time
of movement towards greater public accountability. Discusses the
inadequacy of current methods of valuation which assume that the
property is used for financial gain when no established supply and
demand market exists for public property assets. Concludes that a
valuation should reflect environmental as well as economic efficiency of
buildings.
Facilities performance: achieving value‐for‐money through
performance measurement and benchmarking
Authors: Varcoe B.J.
Published: September 2004

Reviews the techniques of performance measurement and benchmarking
in the context of the performance of facilities‐oriented costs. States
that performance measures should relate to: quality, delivery, cycle
time, and waste. Concludes that it is important to place benchmarking
and performance measurement of facilities within the overall strategy
and aims of the organization to get a true picture of the overall
performance equation.
An environmental code of practice for building services
Authors: Halliday S.
Published: September 2004

Discusses the Building Services Research and Information
Association′s Environment Code of Practice, a working document aimed at
reducing the environmental impact of buildings at all stages of the
lifecycle. Describes the potential for use of the Code of Practice as
part of a company′s environmental management strategy in accordance with
BS7750. Summarizes the aims of a pilot study of the Code′s
implementation and the future evaluation of the effect of
implementation.
Property services: the private sector response to competitive tendering
Authors: Pottinger Gaye
Published: September 2004

Property is a key resource for the delivery of public services and needs to be managed well. The previous Conservative government had a conviction that better value public services could be delivered by harnessing private sector expertise and, since the late 1980s, embarked on an unprecedented level of competitive tendering. This procurement method had extended to the appointment of property consultants, but the system encountered difficulties which research by the College of Estate Management (CEM) sought to explain. The research, undertaken in 1995 and 1996, involved interviews and major questionnaire surveys covering managers and property professionals in the public and private sectors, leading to recommendations about changes to practice and policy. This paper traces developments in local government, by comparison with central government, from before the advent of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) for property services in April 1996 through to the latest changes proposed by the new Labour government after May 1997. It concludes that competition is an important management tool, but recommends greater flexibility in the way procurement is implemented.
Percentage lease agreement as a shopping center management tool: a panacea for Singapore’s retail industry woes?
Authors: Addae‐Dapaah Kwame , Yeo Cindy
Published: September 2004

The retail industry of Singapore has been in a depression since 1993, as a result of structural problems which are a function of, among other things, over‐supply of retail space vis‐à‐vis retail performance, and rising rentals. This paper argues that percentage lease agreements (also called “turnover rents”), by fostering partnerships between landlords and tenants, could be a viable shopping center management tool for salvaging the retail industry of Singapore.
Trends in HDI flex
Authors: Jan Vardaman E.
Published: September 2004

Flex circuits are a critical component in a wide and growing range of applications: automotive; industrial; military/aerospace; computer and telecommunications; consumer; and medical products. In addition, flex circuits or TAB tape are an important substrate for IC packages. One of the fastest growing segments of the market is high density interconnect (HDI) flex circuit.
The use of statistical experimental design for PCB process optimisation
Authors: Albin David
Published: September 2004

Statistical experimental design (SED) can be used as an analytical tool to investigate the effect of a range of PCB processing parameters (variables) on certain final properties (responses). Compared to the “typical” method of carrying out experimental trials, the use of SED can identify “interactions” between variables that may not become apparent without extensive testing otherwise. The SED route also offers a measure of experimental error within the process and can suggest ways to optimise the process, with a reduced number of experimental runs. An application of the SED process is also discussed regarding the evaluation and optimisation of a horizontal liquid photoimageable solder mask (LPISM) spraying process in accordance with certain key factors.
The constraints of vias and layers and their impact on PCB design strategy
Authors: Palmer P.J. , Williams D.J.
Published: September 2004

This paper explores the use of models of substrate behaviour to examine the wireability constraints on PCBs due to signal layers and buried and through vias. The importance of product scale as a factor affecting technology choice is examined in detail, and the factors that decide the need for multi‐layer construction and buried and through vias are discussed. Large PCB layouts are constrained by lack of space for traces ‐ trace bound; a limitation that can be removed by using multi‐layers and through hole vias. Small PCB layouts are constrained by lack of space for vias ‐ via bound; buried vias and landless vias are particularly useful for maximising wiring density under these conditions. A further observation is that the use of multiple layers offers diminishing returns as each further layer is added. For small high wiring density PCBs approximately four layers supporting blind vias can give excellent support for the use of high I/O (Input/Output) density packages.
A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CAREER INTERESTS
Authors: Athanasou James
Published: September 2004

A model of vocational interests based on actual work‐tasks is
described for practitioners. It is suggested that a things versus people
and data versus ideas dimension is descriptive of work as well as career
interests. The influence of social learning on the development of
interests is outlined and the work‐tasks model is related to the
assessment of career interests.
MANAGERIAL CAREER PATHING USING THE TEAM MANAGEMENT INDEX
Authors: Davies Rod , Margerison Charles , McCann Dick
Published: September 2004

The career transition from technical‐specialist to management
involves special challenges for the career development practitioner. The
use of the Margerison‐McCann Team Management Index as an aid to career
planning, career pathing and individual counselling with managers is
discussed.
CAREER MANAGEMENT AND THE CAREER PRODUCT: SUCCESS IN
GRADUATE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
Authors: Hawkins Peter , Barclay Ian
Published: September 2004

A high proportion of graduates expect to leave their first employer
within four years or less, many using their first appointment as a
“stepping stone”. Graduate retention is therefore a key
issue, and a growing problem, in long‐term corporate success. The ways
in which organisations should meet the development needs of graduates in
order to improve future retention rates are discussed. The concepts of
Career Management and the graduate Career Product and its analogy with
the new product development process are described. It is shown why, and
how, companies must fully develop the internal elements of their Career
Product in order to attract and retain suitable graduates. The key
elements, as perceived by engineering graduates, are opportunities for
career development, together with the challenging nature, and the
content of their work. These aspirations reflect the need for companies
to focus on career and job‐related factors as opposed to company
specific information in attracting and recruiting graduates. Having
developed the Career Product to its full potential, these facts must be
clearly communicated to the undergraduate population. In this respect,
the importance of regular, face‐to‐face contact with applicants, through
interviews, is stressed.
LINKING CONSULTANCY SKILLS AND PREFERENCES: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Kable Jim
Published: September 2004

The job preferences of successful consultants are focused on and
conclusions are drawn on the link between preferences and skills.
Research carried out in a major international consultancy organisation
over nine months provides the basis for the study, which highlighted
those preferences required to be an effective consultant: social,
selling, creative and outdoor.
CAREER GROWTH: A MODEL AND METHODS FOR CHANGING TIMES
Authors: Guterman Mark
Published: September 2004

As the psychological contract between workers and workplaces
undergoes profound change, it is apparent that current models and
practices of career development are rapidly becoming obsolete. This
article describes a new model/process, Career Growth, which integrates
planning, development, and change into a comprehensive model that offers
clients effective ways of managing the confusion, anxiety, and
relentless change which are so much a part of their lives. After briefly
describing the model′s competences and attributes, three specific
methods grown from the model are presented, along with several examples
of their application. The article concludes with some observations about
how clients make change, and why these new ways of thinking about and
doing career development work are so vital.
EFFECTS OF CAREER STAGE ON RETIREMENT: A LONGITUDINAL
ANALYSIS
Authors: Sullivan Sherry E.
Published: September 2004

Super′s theory of career stages has not yet been tested with
individuals who are planning to retire. In this present research,
results from a longitudinal investigation of academics at a large
midwestern institution show that individuals in the disengagement stage
are more likely to retire than individuals in the maintenance stage. In
addition, individuals in the disengagement stage are more likely to
choose early retirement than those in the maintenance stage. Discusses
implications for managers and directions for future research.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE JOB YOU LIKE
Authors: Margerison Charles , McCann Dick
Published: September 2004

Illustrates the uses of the Types of Work Index (TWI) and the Team
Management Index (TMI) as instruments to help identify and use personal
job fit within the Team Management Wheel. Also shows uses in a number of
key work issues, for example recruitment and selection, personal work
choice and inter‐team co‐operation.
MANAGERIAL PROMOTIONS IN A PUBLIC AGENCY: IMPLICATIONS FOR
SECOND CAREERS
Authors: Vardi Yoav
Published: September 2004

Describes a study in which actual mobility paths of 94 managers in
a special governmental agency in Israel were analysed, in order to
identify important career enhancers. This primarily exploratory study
was designed after managers expressed concerns about the implicit role
of such factors which may not reflect formal career policy. Managers at
the agency, which is involved in marketing and procurement of
defence‐related goods, oversee field activities and support or
administrative functions. Data from computerized personnel files were
analysed through the use of transition matrices and statistical
analyses. Two factors enhancing managerial careers in the agency
emerged: an entry field job (an assessment position), and previous
military career (an assessment career). These informal career
contingencies may reflect a latent opportunity structure not formally
recognized by the organization, but perhaps understood and internalized
by members. By implication, managers who recognize such contingencies
and manage their careers accordingly may become better adjusted to new
career environments. Furthermore, second careerists, whose principal
mode of adjustment to novel settings (e.g. retired military officers,
mobile college professors) is “replication” of past
experiences, may enhance their new careers in familiar rather than
unknown terrain. Thus for retired officers service in the public sector
may be an effective career choice. Organizations that are concerned with
career effectiveness could use such concepts to improve career planning
and both entry and outplacement human resources services.
THE MINDFUL USE OF MENTAL CAPITAL IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Johnson Pamela R. , Indvik Julie
Published: September 2004

Just as human capital is being increasingly recognized as the
source of organizations′ sustained competitiveness in the global
economy, so too must “mental capital” be recognized as the
source of sustained career development for individuals in the
“white water” business climate of the 1990s. Describes
several tools for using mental capital proactively in order to enhance
personal empowerment and manage careers more effectively. Methods for
working directly with mental images can not only improve self‐fulfilling
prophecies but also enhance creativity. These methods can also be useful
for career practitioners in their role of educating employees in the use
of inner resources.
FRESHMAN ATTITUDES TOWARDS MANUFACTURING CAREERS
Authors: Helms Marilyn M. , Adcock Ken R.
Published: September 2004

An exploratory case study examines attitudes and career aspirations
of college freshmen. Findings indicate that students show almost no
interest in pursuing manufacturing careers even though they are strongly
interested in manufacturing concerns including the quality of American
products, government policy, and labour‐management relations. Regardless
of family background, income or parent′s occupation, students shared
similar attitudes towards manufacturing. Also presents ways to change
these attitudes and possible areas for future research.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES IN SELECTED AUSTRALIAN
ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Rylatt Alistair , Moy Janelle
Published: September 2004

Reports a study of 245 Australian organizations which finds that
52.7 per cent claim they have a career development system. This
comprehensive analysis examines the reasons why career development was
established, plus plans for the future. A further 22.4 per cent of
organizations were planning to implement career development.
Simultaneous studies were being undertaken in the USA, Europe and
Singapore under the auspices of the American Society of Training and
Development.
RETURN TO STUDY AS MATURE STUDENTS: SINGLE AND MARRIED
MOTHERS′ MOTIVES
Authors: Scott Catherine , Burns Ailsa , Cooney George
Published: September 2004

Explores motives for return to study amongst a sample of single and
married mothers who had graduated from four Australian universities as
mature students, using a modified version of Maslin′s Continuing
Education Women′s Motive Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis
yielded five motive factors which were somewhat different from those
found in two American samples: self‐evaluation/autonomy and
vocational/family advancement were the most strongly endorsed motives.
Scales derived from the factors were tested for their relationship to
entry‐to‐study variables. All variables related significantly to one or
more scales with previous educational experience the best predictor of
motivation.
WORKING AT HOME: A NEW CAREER DIMENSION
Authors: Evans Anne
Published: September 2004

The prospect of employees being permitted to work at their homes
offers the potential of significant benefits to employers, employees and
the wider community. A survey of 360 employees in an Australian
government organization revealed a great deal of interest in and
potential for the concept. The extent to which potential benefits can be
realized needs to be assessed in the context of the nature of the
organization′s business, employee attitudes, union policies and
attitudes and the flexibility of management. One way of determining the
likelihood of success is to run a pilot programme of, say, 2 per cent of
the workforce, studied in comparison with a control group.
BRITISH AND PRC GOVERNMENT POLICY: CAREERS IN THE MIDST OF
POLITICAL CHANGE
Authors: Hau‐siu Chow Irene
Published: September 2004

On the expiration of the 99‐year lease, on 30 June 1997, Hong Kong
will revert to the control of China and become a special administrative
region (SAR) under Chinese Sovereignty. Civil servants in the British
colony will continue to play a vital role to ensure the smooth transfer
of sovereignty in 1997. In the period of political change, they are
facing a number of critical issues that may affect their careers and
morale. Sources of discontent include: slow growth in the number of
civil servants; in some cases even a reduction in size through
privatization; pension payment beyond 1997; the localization process;
career path and tension between specialisst and generalists; and
increasing conflict between the upper and lower grade civil servants.
Increasing intervention from the PRC Government makes the job of civil
servants more difficult. Discusses views from civil servants concerning
their careers.
PERCEPTION SHARING IN A JAPAN‐US CROSS‐CULTURAL CORPORATION
Authors: Yamaguchi Ikushi
Published: September 2004

Discusses managers′ functions in supervising subordinates′ work and
motivations, and mediation between managers and workers. Looks at the
particular differences in US and Japanese attitudes to work and
supervisors – particularly with reference to female managers and
Japanese workers′ attitudes to them. Suggests that mutual training to
enable the required integration is both necessary and desired.
UNTAPPED RESOURCES OR WASTED ASSETS? WOMEN IN THE
AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY
Authors: Smith Catherine R. , Crowley Margaret , Hutchinson Jacquie
Published: September 2004

For the last ten years there has been substantial encouragement for
women to broaden their career horizons and enter into non‐traditional
areas of work. In the mining industry in particular, women now work as
geologists, surveyors, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers,
environmental scientists, chemical engineers, and production workers, in
some of the most remote and hostile locations in Australia. Given the
strategic role of the mining industry within the Australian economy, and
the resources which individuals, organizations and governments have
already invested in training and development, one would expect that
these women could look forward to a long and productive future in the
industry. Instead, many younger women in particular are considering
leaving the industry. In 1991 Commonwealth funding was made available by
WREIP for a research project on women in mining. Based on data derived
from a workshop based on this research, this article examines the
reasons why women are considering deserting a workplace which they
strove so hard to enter. It considers issues such as the implications of
ineffective management practices, particularly within the context of
career development; the implications of management failure to
acknowledge the “genderedness” of organizations; and the
limitations of current equal employment opportunity and affirmative
action legislation to produce the necessary structural and attitudinal
changes.
INTEGRATING INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS: AN INTRODUCTION
TO TEAM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR CAREER PROFESSIONALS
Authors: Davies Rod
Published: September 2004

Describes the importance of team management to career development,
as well as the meshing of organizational and individual needs, and views
the career as a longitudinal concept. The Team Management Index and the
Types of Work Index and their application to career development articles
are described. Reliability and validity data are presented on the Types
of Work Index.
Computer Technology and International Competition: Part 1:
The Factory of the Future
Authors: Goldhar Joel D. , Schlie Theodore W.
Published: September 2004

The issue of competitiveness in US manufacturing industry is
addressed. The reasons for the decline and lack of competitiveness of US
manufacturing companies after the Second World War are summarised and
the present situation – the application of new technologies and
the globalisation of markets and competition – is described. These
changes are placed in an operational context and it is concluded that
the adoption of computer integrated manufacturing concepts and
technology is essential as a driving force of corporate strategy to
enable manufacturing industry to remain competitive or to regain
competitiveness.
Relational Database Technology: Its Use for Real‐time
Management Information
Authors: Fitzgerald Alan
Published: September 2004

Associated Newspapers have recently moved to a new £150m
production facility in the London Docklands development area. The new
production plant is one of the most modern printing plants in Europe for
newspaper printing. With a “greenfield” site the Associated
Newspapers management were able to plan and purchase state‐of‐the‐art
technology for all phases of their production processes. These include a
computer‐controlled press management system, a publishing system,
automatically guided vehicles, an automated warehouse and a plate‐making
system. These five different computer based systems were integrated
using local area networks; and an Oracle based Management Information
System (MIS) developed to collect data for management use. A number of
reports are automatically generated at shift end, while other ad hoc enquiries can be made using the standard Oracle facilities at any
time, as the database is updated frequently by the MIS. For the first
time the Associated Newspapers management are able to examine and
monitor their production processes in real‐time rather than many hours
after the event.
How to Perform Simultaneous Process Engineering
Authors: Sweeney Michael
Published: September 2004

The use of innovation to achieve a competitive advantage is not
new. What is of current interest is how some manufacturing organizations
have used the speed of product innovation to gain competitive edge. To
implement such a competitive strategy effectively, many firms have
applied the technique of simultaneous engineering. The most common
subject of previously published research on simultaneous engineering has
been its application to product innovation. The article focuses on
simultaneous process engineering. It explains how the principles of
quality function deployment, which are used for product design, can be
applied to manufacturing process design. It details the lessons learned
from adopting such an approach for simultaneous process design.
Gap Analysis Approach to the Effective Implementation of
Master Production Scheduling Systems
Authors: Kochhar Ashok , Suri Ashok
Published: September 2004

Develops and describes a knowledge‐based systems approach which may
be used to highlight the disparity between the essential and/or
desirable prerequisites for the implementation of effective master
production scheduling (MPS) systems and what actually exists in a given
manufacturing environment. Identifies seven high level MPS
implementation issues: level of understanding of MPS systems; procedures
and responsibilities for MPS creation; planning horizons, time‐buckets
and time fences; capacity feasibility of the MPS; dealing with backlogs;
adherence to the MPS; and what to master schedule. Asks questions to
determine the presence or absence of necessary prerequisites. If a high
level prerequisite, relating to procedures and data, is not present,
further lower level questions are asked to assess the reasons for its
lack, and how it may be provided. This gap analysis approach makes it
possible to identify in advance the major problems which must be
addressed to ensure the effective implementation of master production
scheduling systems.
Some Observations of Operation and Maintenance in Two
Swedish Firms
Authors: Thilander Maria
Published: September 2004

In pace with an increasing awareness of the negative effects, both
in terms of productivity and social aspects, of taking the division of
work and specialization too far, the question concerning transfer of
maintenance work from the maintenance unit to the operators has
increasingly been focused. Discusses the factors that exert an influence
on the design of the interface between operation and maintenance as well
as the implications of different design alternatives, in terms of
different aspects of productivity and job satisfaction in three highly
mechanized production units (one producing disposable napkins and two
vehicle components) within two Swedish companies. The case studies
demonstrate that creating well‐defined areas of responsibility, placing
overall responsibility for maintenance in the hands of one individual
and establishing direct contacts between operators and repairmen are
measures that exert a positive influence on productivity. In addition,
the case studies show the necessity of linking the design of the
maintenance work to the operator′s overall work situation and competence
level, and that operator competence is an important factor for attaining
productivity and job satisfaction.
Machine Tool Selection in Computer Aided Process Planning
Systems
Authors: Gindy Nabil , Ratchev Tsvetan
Published: September 2004

Reports on ongoing research in developing generative process
planning systems. Presents a feature‐based model for describing
component geometry and its structural aspects (connectivity) and a
hierarchical structure for form features definition and classification,
as well as methods for representing the capabilities of machine tools.
These models form the basis for decision making in the prototype process
planning system GENPLAN. As an example, reports on how the models are
being used for reasoning about component geometry and a linguistic
approach that is adopted for machine tool selection in process planning.
A Model for Evaluating Manufacturing System Time
Performances
Authors: Castagna Romeo , Galli Massimiliano
Published: September 2004

In a manufacturing system, time performances are measures of system
response speed to external influences. This speed depends on the
resource allocation process (materials, equipment, labour) which is
driven by finished‐product forecasts. Describes two essential steps, in
order to develop a model for evaluating time performances which is able
to detect crucial resources. The first step is represented by analysing
forecast characteristics; the second step is expressed by a definition
of the environment of manufacturing resources. The model, depicted in
its structure and in its relationships with the most common business
tools, has been tested in a number of manufacturing firms and the
results are also shown.
Strategic Capacity Planning and Production Scheduling in
Jobbing Systems
Authors: Hill John , Costa Ricardo , Jardim Eduardo
Published: September 2004

Jobbing production tends to be a relatively neglected area in
operations planning and control partly because of the relative
complexity of scheduling in low‐volume/high‐variety systems, and partly
because firms tend to be small and spend little on management
software/systems. Describes a package which uses discrete event
simulation as an aid to managers/planners in this area. This computer
system makes it possible to describe the workload of a jobbing firm,
together with the constraints imposed by product structure and
manufacturing capacity. The manager is able to test alternative Queue
Disciplines, priorities and extensions to capacity, in order to find a
schedule of work which balances the strategic objectives of the firm and
the requirements of the customer.
Computer‐Integrated Automatic PCBA Rework
Authors: Geren Necdet , Chan Ching‐Yuen , Lo Eddie
Published: September 2004

Despite continuous efforts in improving process reliability in
printed‐circuit board assembly (PCBA), a zero‐defect situation is
difficult to achieve because of the complexity of the process and the
multitude of components involved. PCBA rework is necessary in many
companies due to economic as well as commercial reasons. Presents the
intermediate results of a research programme aimed to investigate the
technical and economic feasibility of extending the use of a robotic
assembly cell to perform single‐board rework. Outlines various manual
rework practices and the equipment available. Examines the role of
industrial robots and machine vision in PCBA and defines the objectives
and overall boundary of the research programme in automatic rework.
Describes individual equipment selected to assist the robot, the layout
and the manner in which it is used in the cell. Concludes with the
development of the cell controller and the methods of equipment
integration.
Balancing Method for a Semiautomatic Production Line
Authors: Tabucanon Mario , Changli Wang
Published: September 2004

Outlines the specific characteristics of semiautomatic production
lines which, in relative terms, are given less attention than other
types of line. Suggests a methodology for balancing such lines, making
comparison thereof with the traditional method of line balancing.
Applies the method to a case which is a typical semiautomatic line.
Manual, Hybrid and Automated Inspection Literature and
Current Research
Authors: Kopardekar Parimal , Mital Anil , Anand Sam
Published: September 2004

Inspection is an activity that controls the outgoing product
quality and involves search, detection and measurement or diagnosis.
Traditionally, inspection tasks have been allocated to humans. Attempts
to automate industrial inspection in order to eliminate errors and
alleviate monotony have faced difficulties due to technological
limitations and/or prohibitive implementation costs. An occasional
compromise is partial automation (hybrid inspection). Reviews published
research in manual, hybrid and automated inspection to understand the
current research status.
The Worker Competences Needed to Support World Class
Manufacturing
Authors: Woodcock David , Weaver Rhys
Published: September 2004

Examines the links between world class manufacturing and the levels
of worker competence required to achieve high rates of continuous
improvement. First identifies the principles involved; second, shows how
82 plants in the UK East Midlands region approached the achievement of
worker competences and how they did and did not link them with
competitive strategy. Concludes with an outline of how plants can
improve this key linkage. Data for this project were collected via 82
postal questionnaires which were followed up with interviews of the
managing or manufacturing directors of plants. All the plants had over
100 employees per site and were manufacturing or assembly based.
Value Analysis: Integrating Product‐Process Design
Authors: Pawar Kulwant , Forrester Paul , Glazzard John
Published: September 2004

Concerned with the application of a product cost reduction
technique known as Value Analysis (VA). Demonstrates that well
established companies like Chubb are realizing the importance of VA to
increasing their product focus and the benefits achievable through the
use of this technique. Centres upon the application of VA: why the
technique was seen as appropriate to the needs of Chubb and what
comprises VA; the process of establishing the team within Chubb to
undertake the VA exercise; the work carried out by the members of the
team and their achievements. Gives an overview and lessons learned from
the exercise.
Multi‐stage Clustering: Parts and Machines Grouping
Authors: Gu P.
Published: September 2004

The grouping of parts and machines for design of cellular
manufacturing systems is carried out by clustering analysis. Two major
drawbacks of some clustering algorithms have been identified in handling
bottleneck machines for forming machine cells. These drawbacks include
solution inconsistency and possible misclustering which result in
unnecessary bottleneck machines required. Presents a more robust
clustering algorithm to overcome these drawbacks. The algorithm consists
of four stages: selection of initial cluster centres; cluster‐seeking
analysis; eliminating unnecessary bottleneck machines; and new parts
assignments. The decision functions based on the formed machine cells
are defined to assign new parts to the machine cells. The algorithm is
capable of selecting an ideal set of initial cluster centres, and
minimizing the number of bottleneck machines required for forming the
desired number of machine cells. It can also provide alternative design
of machine cells to accommodate the existing production environment.
Managing Product Quality in New Zealand Firms
Authors: Batley Tom W.
Published: September 2004

A survey was carried out recently in New Zealand manufacturing
firms to identify typical quality management policies and operating
practices and to determine changes in recent years. Product design
quality and quality control procedures were investigated, together with
testing and quality control of finished products and the procedures for
dealing with customer complaints. Training in quality assurance methods
and overall costs of quality management, and attitudes towards external
verification of quality management procedures were also examined.
Managers have recognized the importance of high quality standards for
ensuring company survival in competitive markets. More has been spent
recently on improving quality policies and quality management training,
but serious gaps were identified between quality policies and operating
practices.
Combining Activity‐based Costing and Process Mapping: A
Practical Study
Authors: Amsler B.M. , Busby J.S. , Williams G.M.
Published: September 2004

Traditional costing systems suffer from a number of problems
because of the way in which they allocate overheads: product costs have
arbitrary components; managers lack information about what causes costs
to be incurred; and it becomes impossible to know which of several
product lines is the most profitable. Describes a case study in which
activity‐based costing and process mapping were applied in combination
in an engineering firm, where it was found that it was necessary to
specify a method of process‐based costing.
The Application of Computer Simulation in Manufacturing
Authors: Robinson Stewart
Published: September 2004

In manufacturing, the use of computer simulation has led to
significant benefits: risk reduction, greater understanding, operating
cost reduction, lead time reduction, faster plant changes, and capital
cost reduction. However, these benefits are rarely attained, since only
a few manufacturing managers are aware of the technology. Discusses
simulation, its benefits and the range of manufacturing issues to which
it can be applied. A case study describes how simulation was used at the
Ford Motor Company to improve work organization and determine human
resource requirements.
Concurrent Engineering Deployment: A Virtual Reality
Approach
Authors: Elshennawy Ahmad K. , Krishnaswamy Ganesh M. , Mollaghasemi Mansooreh
Published: September 2004

Aims to develop an approach to deploy practically a concurrent
engineering environment. Deployment here signifies a combination of two
important elements: translation from one language to another, and team
decision making. The translation of the customer′s vision into physical
reality by the product development team is described. Towards this end,
computer graphics with virtual reality capabilities will be used in
order to help customers communicate their requirements. Examines the
utilization of graphic capabilities of computers into a new digressive
approach for concurrent engineering that combines the concepts of
quality function deployment, reverse engineering and virtual reality.
Strategic Implications of Manufacturing Cell Formation Design
Authors: Yang Jiaqin , Deane Richard H.
Published: September 2004

Cell formation design in cellular manufacturing systems (CMS) has been
the focus of recent manufacturing research literature. A great amount of
research has been published addressing either technical issues (e.g.
part‐machine grouping algorithms) or operational issues (e.g. planning
and scheduling in the CMS). Research addressing strategic issues in cell
formation design has been minimal. Addresses strategic considerations in
cell formation design, specifically, the linkage and relationships
between specific cell design issues and the firm′s competitive advantage
in the marketplace. It is demonstrated that cell formation design
decisions must be addressed in alignment with the firm′s strategic plan
and manufacturing competitive priorities.
Using simulation and gaming to develop financial skills in undergraduates
Authors: Curland Sue R. , Lyn Fawcett S.
Published: September 2004

This research examines the perceived problems with numerical skills applied to subject areas such as operations management and finance. Research has previously shown that a fear of the use of numbers can emanate from the under‐graduates’ secondary schooling and so hamper their further development in higher education. The use of business simulations, set in the hospitality sector, can be of benefit in overcoming this learning barrier. A variety of research instruments have been applied to formally evaluate students’ learning during a number of trials, which have been very successful with undergraduates at the University of Ulster, University of Surrey and more recently at Leeds Metropolitan University. These trials have enhanced learning and reduced student fear of accounts. The way forward in this revolutionary delivery mode will be examined in this paper and indications for further developments will be explored.
Rethinking performance measures: assessing progress in UK hotels
Authors: Atkinson Helen , Brander Brown Jackie
Published: September 2004

With the intention of successfully meeting the challenges of an increasingly complex competitive environment, organizations in many industries are rethinking their performance measurement systems. More effective performance measurement features identified include linking operations to strategic goals, and presenting a balance of indicators. Traditional performance measurement systems, meanwhile, typically stress the short term, focusing on past achievements while largely ignoring the drivers of future performance. Concern has been expressed that UK hotels are still focusing on these traditional performance measures – and so may be overlooking important issues, potentially leading to detrimental outcomes. This concern is supported by new empirical evidence obtained regarding the current range of performance measures used within UK hotels. This evidence suggests that although they appear to monitor performance in great detail, with few notable exceptions, UK hotels do appear to emphasize traditional measures and therefore still seem to have some considerable rethinking to do.
Business Strategy and Organisational Structure: A Case of
US Restaurant Firms
Authors: Tse Eliza , Olsen Michael D.
Published: September 2004

In today′s complex and competitive environment, strategic
management becomes the primary means of adapting organisations to their
changing environment. For firms in the maturing hospitality industry to
survive and grow, they will have to depend on their ability to align
themselves strategically with the turbulent environment and select
appropriate strategies to create defendable competitive positions. The
findings of a nationwide study which was conducted to extend Porter′s
framework of business strategy to the service industry by exploring the
level of strategic management in restaurant firms in the United States
are given. Companies′ emphasis in resource allocation in various
competitive methods, and the nature of the relationship between strategy
and structure are also examined.
A National Hospitality Curriculum for Turkey
Authors: Woolfenden Gerald A.
Published: September 2004

The article describes the process of developing a national
curriculum for the Turkish tourism industry, undertaken on behalf of the
Council for Higher Education, Turkey, and funded through the World Bank.
The account paints a broad picture of the developing Turkish tourism
industry and assesses the training needs. A brief account is given of
the actual curriculum structure finally adopted.
Supervised Work Experience in Graduate Employment
Authors: West Amanda J. , Jameson Stephanie M.
Published: September 2004

The relationship between supervised work experience and hospitality
graduate employment is examined. Research which indicates that
hospitality employers must consider supervised work experience as a key
factor influencing graduates′ first destinations is identified. It
proposes that further research is necessary to enhance the success of
graduate recruitment and retention strategies.
The Influence of Hotel Attributes on the Selection of a
Conference Venue
Authors: Riley Michael , Perogiannis Nikos
Published: September 2004

The study reported here focuses on the world of professional
conference managers and hotel managers and tests for a degree of
consensus between them as to what attributes are salient to the
selection of a hotel as a conference venue. Both a strong consensus and
an operational rather than a facilities focus emerges. The suspicion is
raised that re‐occurring operational problems lie behind the consensus.
Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances in the European
Hospitality Industry
Authors: Crawford‐Welch Simon , Tse Eliza
Published: September 2004

Projections are made concerning the nature and focus of merger,
acquisition, and alliance activity in the post‐1992 environment by both
US and European hospitality firms. Recommendations are offered
concerning the most viable business strategies facing hospitality
organisations in the Internal Market of 1992.
Culture Shock, Computers and the Art of Making Decisions
Authors: Gamble Paul R.
Published: September 2004

For more than three decades, computerisation has seemed to promise
much to help managers perform more effectively. However, various
attempts to develop management information systems in the 1960s and
1970s appeared to do little beyond overwhelming managers with hard data
that may have borne little relevance to the soft data actually used to
make decisions. New advances in computer hardware and software in the
1980s offer the prospect of more complete Decision Support Systems
(DSS). Other service organisations such as airlines and tour operators
are beginning to exploit DSS. If hospitality organisations are to cope
with the 1990s, some changes in their corporate culture must be
envisaged, to take better advantage of management skills.
Preparing Managers for Industry: The Role of Hospitality
Management Education
Authors: Gamble Paul R. , Messenger Sally
Published: September 2004

Management education, training and development is a key issue for
the British economy which has, by international standards, an
undereducated, underqualified and undertrained workforce. However, the
varied nature of managerial work reduces the value of prescriptive
approaches to management education. The Hotel, Catering and
Institutional Management Association (HCIMA) recently redesigned its
professional qualifications to try to meet the complex needs of the
hospitality industry more closely. In general its proposals have been
well received but it is clear that as elsewhere, hospitality managers
need to take a more positive stance towards personal development and
education if they are to cope with the 1990s as effectively as their
European counterparts seem ready to do.
Tourism and Hospitality Management Education: New Horizons
Authors: Go Frank
Published: September 2004

The purpose of this article is to characterise the current business
environment as one of change, constraints, complexity and conflict and
their effects on the tourism and hospitality industry and education. A
tidal wave of societal developments is changing work, education and
leisure. Educators and human resource specialists must respond to change
and become more innovative in terms of course direction, content,
programming and delivery.
Demographic Change: The Role of the Hospitality Manager
Authors: Joy Davis Diane
Published: September 2004

The article aims to consider the management challenge presented to
the hospitality industry by the demographic changes now being
encountered. Organisational culture is discussed as a vehicle by which
more effective management of the human resource may be achieved.
Information Technology is also discussed as a possible contributor to
improved human resource strategies with examples from recent industrial
research being used to highlight areas of resistance and attitudinal
barriers. The emerging theme concerns the need for a re‐casting of the
role of hospitality manager, whose skills will of necessity be called
upon to guide the industry through the crisis precipitated by the labour
shortage. Ideas regarding the type of manager required to execute the
new role are therefore explored.
Motel Advertising: Practices and Themes
Authors: Lowe Larry S. , Kruger Allen
Published: September 2004

This study addressed the advertising practices and advertising
themes of a random sample of 269 US motel operations. Motel advertising
practices were advertising to sales ratios, agency use, media use,
satisfaction with advertising, dominant advertising themes, perceptions
of advertising effectiveness, and comparative advertising levels. Data
were analysed using motel operation attributes including location,
number of motels in the system, number of rooms, average daily room
rate, and organisational affiliation. Both chain and independent
operations were included in the study.
Human Resource Strategies for the 1990s
Authors: Kelliher Clare , Blackman Deborah
Published: September 2004

The potential implications of the European Social Charter for
future human resource strategy within the UK hospitality industry is
explored. Four key areas which were subject to change during the 1980s
and which are likely to be affected by the proposed Community agreements
are identified. This provides a backdrop against which possible results
are discussed and some broad conceptual changes in strategy are
postulated.
The Development of the Portuguese Hotel Industry:
Contributory Factors
Authors: Evans Martin , McDonagh Pierre , Moutinho Luiz
Published: September 2004

Portuguese and British hoteliers′ attitudes towards the importance
of tourist boards and various forms of training are examined, as well as
aspects of “environment”, in terms of how these factors
might contribute to hotel development. Differences between UK and
Portuguese hotel sectors are revealed with the latter appearing in some
ways to be more professional.
The Education and Training of General Managers in Scotland
Authors: Anderson Gillian K.
Published: September 2004

The education and training paths of general managers of four and
five star hotels in Scotland are examined. To obtain this information,
all general managers of four and five star hotels over 50 bedrooms in
Scotland were questioned. Different education and training paths are
identified with the majority of the managers being between the ages of
26 and 45 and having obtained some form of qualification.