bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of key design participants in refurbishment design process
Authors: Shah Ali Azlan , Rahmat Ismail , Hassan Hasnanywati
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the relationship between the degrees of involvement of key design participants in the decision‐making process of refurbishment projects on the design performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a literature review of the published journals and textbooks along with a postal questionnaire with professional architects. In total 234 selected professional architects in Malaysia were involved in a postal questionnaire survey. A total of 82 questionnaires or 36 percent were identified as being fit to be used for the data analysis.

Findings

The degree of involvement of key participants are varied at all stages. Greater involvement of key participants is one of the ways to obtain more information on increased integration in the design process. Highest involvement of key design participants was found in the construction stage, which implies that more tasks need to be carried out in refurbishment projects. The involvement of an M&E engineer outside their normal domain in the design process could improve the design performance of refurbishment projects.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review in the refurbishment design process was rather limited. Only limited study was carried out in specific areas owing to time and cost constraints.

Practical implications

The paper helps the project manager identify skills and professions that are important in the refurbishment design process, which could improve the completeness and accuracy of design product before work is started on site. This would help to reduce unnecessary design changes during the construction stage. The scale of fees for payment of the architect's services in refurbishment projects needs to be amended so that the amount paid up to contract documentation stage would be reduced from 70 percent to a more reasonable figure.

Originality/value

The paper determines the types of designers that are critically required in refurbishment projects, in order to have a more effective design process and thereby improve the accuracy and completeness of refurbishment design before work is started on site.
Users' privacy preferences in open plan offices
Authors: Ding Suining
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore managers' and employees' opinions regarding privacy in open plan offices and also investigate the relationship between the perception of managers and employees on visual and acoustical privacy in order to provide better design solutions in an open plan office setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is a structured interview. The categorized data are analyzed with percentage of frequency distributions and Chi square analysis. A total of 42 subjects were interviewed and separated in two groups as managers and employees.

Findings

It was found that lack of privacy still exists as an unsolved negative aspect in open plan offices. Findings indicated that there is a strong desire for employees to change and control their physical working space when both visual and acoustical privacy is needed in an open plan office setting. Another finding is that there is a difference of opinion regarding visual privacy between managers and employees.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the paper is that the sample is small and all subjects' occupations are computer‐related. Future studies are needed to further investigate diverse subjects in a larger population. Any future research instrument would have to be different from a structured interview.

Practical implications

Research findings provide valid recommendations to system furniture designers and manufacturers. System furniture design needs to be modular and easily changeable and adjustable for open plan offices.

Originality/value

The significant contribution of this research is that it provided valid data and makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge in open plan office design.
Determinants of the implementation of facility management in German communes
Authors: Kanning Uwe Peter , Vogler Sabrina , Bernhold Torben , Gellenbeck Klaus , Schlockermann Bernd
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to assess the extent of application of two important facets of facility management – building management and the principle of public‐private partnership (PPP).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a survey of German communes, the primary interest in this regard being the question of the determinants of this application. The theory of planned behaviour forms the theoretical basis of the investigation. A total of 282 mayors, 217 treasurers and 168 heads of real estate offices ultimately participated in the survey.

Findings

Professional building management, understood to be a package of facility management services during the building use phase, and in particular PPP, have so far only been realised in German communes to a very limited extent, despite consistently positive attitudes on the part of the decision‐makers. The investigation sheds light on the differential reasons: in the case of PPP, normative pressure for co‐operation between communes and business proves to be the most influential determinant, while in the case of building management subjectively perceived control is of greatest importance.

Research limitations/implications

The results reflect just processes in communes, but they give an example of the usability of the theory of planned behaviour as the explanation of the FM‐implementation process.

Practical implications

The results give ideas for pushing the FM‐implementation in communes.

Originality/value

There has been no previous research on this topic.
Understanding compulsive buying tendencies among young Australians
Authors: Phau Ian , Woo Charise
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate money attitudes and credit card usage, between compulsive and non‐compulsive buyers, of young Australians. It also serves to validate the money attitude scale (MAS) using an Australian sample.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a mall intercept method in a major shopping complex in Perth, Western Australia. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed and recorded a response rate of 18 per cent.

Findings

Compulsive buyers are more likely to perceive money as a source of power and prestige. They are also more frequent users of credit cards and are more likely to bargain hunt. There are no differences between compulsive and non‐compulsive buyers for the dimensions of time retention, distrust, and anxiety of the MAS.

Research limitations/implications

The study has only captured young adult Australians and should not be generalized across other demographics and national consumers. Studies on compulsive behaviour of online shopping and a comparison between fashion and non‐fashion related variables could also be explored.

Practical implications

Firms should consider using advertising campaigns that portray images of status and prestige in order to appeal to young adults. They could utilize aggressive in‐store promotion and selling techniques and highlight the discount or best buy slogans. For the credit card companies and banks, word‐of‐mouth through family and friends are better promotional tools to attract users. Marketers and policy makers are recommended to incorporate consumer education programs for young adults to build skills to counter financial problems.

Originality/value

This is the first Australian study that examined money attitudes, credit card usage and compulsive behaviour. Further the MAS scale is validated with the addition of the “bargain hunting” variable.
Anti‐social behaviour: profiling the lives behind road rage
Authors: Woodside Arch
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that “social demarketing” campaigns need to recognize unique sub segments of individuals engaging in behaviours having substantial negative societal impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

Volume segmentation and extremely frequent behaviour theory is applied to examining several unique sub segments among survey data (n=6,393) of Americans not engaging and engaging in anti‐social behaviour (“giving‐the‐finger”) to other motorists while driving.

Findings

Less than 2 percent of Americans are estimated to enact 40 percent of the total incidences of “giving‐the‐finger” to other motorists; three unique sub segments of the chronic anti‐social actors participate in different lifestyles (including media usage behaviours) and each has unique demographic profiles.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on two years of a national survey taken in one country and self‐reports only. The implications support the propositions of a general theory of extremely frequent consumption behaviour.

Practical implications

Government demarcating programs are likely to increase in effectiveness through tailoring a few strategies, rather than one, to influence unique segments of chronic anti‐social actors.

Originality/value

The paper provides individual‐level analysis of chronic anti‐social actors engaging in road‐rage related behaviours and compares them to one another as well as non‐equivalent comparison groups of actors not engaging in such behaviour; the paper describes the merits of experience frequency segmentation.
Consumer sentiment towards marketing in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahriar Ferdous Ahmed , Towfique Batul
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the overall attitudes of consumers in Bangladesh toward marketing. The paper also empirically tests for associations between consumer attitudes toward marketing, satisfaction with marketing mix and perception of government regulation in least developing countries (LDCs) using the structural equations modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐stage cluster sample of 600 consumers was surveyed to measure consumer sentiment toward marketing in Bangladesh and to test the theoretical model. Data were analyzed using analysis of variances and structural equations modelling.

Findings

The study found Bangladeshi consumers are aggregately more unfavourable towards marketing practices in comparison to transitional countries and less unfavourable in comparison to developed ones. The marketing sentiment scale showed evidence of divergent, convergent and predictive validity. The results from the structural equation paths provided evidence that associations do exist between attitudes toward marketing, satisfaction and government regulation variables. The study also revealed that there were no significant differences in attitude towards government regulation with respect to various demographics variables.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first such research carried out in an LDC, similar studies need to be carried out in other LDCs to validate the findings further.

Practical implications

It gives an insight into the mind of the Bangladeshi consumers. It can be useful for marketers in designing effective marketing programs and positioning of existing and future products in LDCs.

Originality/value

This is the first measurement of consumer sentiment towards marketing in a LDC. In addition, the study empirically provides evidence for researchers and practitioners that significant associations do exist between consumer attitudes toward marketing, satisfaction and government regulation variables.
How customer requests may lead firms astray: conceptual issues and an empirical illustration
Authors: Sogn‐Grundvåg Geir , Grønhaug Kjell
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how responding positively to requests from customers may lead firms astray, a neglected topic in past research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes a single case, describing how a business enterprise responded positively to a request from a customer, leading to a substantial, yet, from an economic point of view, unsuccessful investment in new technology. Based on this case, relevant questions regarding the reasons for the failure are posed and analysed.

Findings

Findings indicate that responding to customer requests is inherently difficult which can be explained partly by cognitive bias, misperceptions regarding the nature of adopting new technology, and inappropriate planning practices. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper aims to improve the understanding of why responding to customer requests may lead to failure. In addition, advice is offered regarding how firms can reduce the probability of the type of failures discussed here.
Contextual intelligence and flexibility: understanding today's marketing environment
Authors: Logman Marc
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Many planning approaches on strategic flexibility often focus on a product and/or market perspective. The purpose of this paper is to argue that today's changes demand a “contextual” marketing intelligence and planning approach. There may be a bigger difference between one person's actions in two different situations than between the actions of two people in the same situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's insights are based on a literature review and on insights from successful companies/brands (Google and Apple) dealing with today's changing business context.

Findings

Strategic flexibility is decomposing a customer context and then making adjacency moves from some sub‐contexts to a new broader context. It is about “zooming in” and “zooming out” to new directions.

Practical implications

Recently, it is about the choice between operating in tailor made contexts (creating niches as a company) or operating in a more holistic context, in which new contextual moves are partly or fully determined by customers themselves.

Originality/value

This paper gives another perspective on strategic flexibility.
Perceptions of product placement practice across Australian and US practitioners
Authors: Craig‐Lees Margaret , Scott Jane , Wong Remiko
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the perceptions of Australian product placement decision makers and to compare them to those of their US counterparts, as reported by Karrh, McKee and Pardun.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a differentiated replication of a US‐based study. Data were gathered by an online survey from product placement decision makers.

Findings

The findings reveal that many Australian practitioner attitudes and beliefs are more similar to those held by US practitioners in 1995 than in 2003. Similar to their US counterparts, Australian practitioners are disinclined to implement academic research findings into their decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The data are limited in terms of the sample size and type (non‐probabilistic), the restrictions imposed through the conditions set by the replicated study, namely the non‐reporting of standard deviations resulting in the need to use pooled standard deviation to enable comparisons.

Practical implications

This paper should be of interest to academic researchers and practitioners as it reports on practitioners' views and use of academic research and factors they use in making strategic placement decisions.

Originality/value

The Australian context is original. However, the value of the paper lies in the replication approach. A key issue in marketing research is the lack of replications and accurate comparison points; both are necessary if practitioners are to be confident when applying knowledge produced through academic research.
The role of school and university teachers as part‐time marketers
Authors: Cambra‐Fierro Jesús , Cambra‐Berdún Jesús
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether teachers can be described as part‐time marketers (PTM) and therefore their influence on the perception of their organisations' image.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to identify perceptions of students and their parents, a series of focus groups (ten) were developed. The resultant data were analysed using the NVivo software.

Findings

Teachers are identified as PTM within the educational context. Therefore, how students and their parents perceive their activity influences the image of quality of their educational institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations relate to qualitative approaches. This paper considers only the Spanish context.

Practical implications

Educational institutions need to stimulate their teachers to show a positive image. Adequate strategies for selection, training and motivation are necessary.

Originality/value

Teachers can be explicitly described as marketers. Implications are discussed at the end of the paper.
Why users (fail to) read computer usage policies
Authors: Bryan Foltz C. , Schwager Paul H. , Anderson John E.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to improve understanding of individuals' awareness and perceptions of computer usage policies (CUPs) and why individuals elect not to read these policies.

Design/methodology/approach

MBA students were asked to complete an online survey evaluating their behavioral intention to read CUPs, as well as their performance of this behavior. Factors contributing to the intention to read policies were also examined. The resulting data were analyzed with Smart PLS.

Findings

Results suggest that three factors influence individual intention to read CUPs. These factors include attitude, apathy, and social trust. The model explained about 70 percent of individual intention to read CUPs and about 44 percent of the variability in actually reading these policies.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to MBA students from a single university.

Practical implications

Although written policy statements are often considered the cornerstone of computer security, many individuals elect not to read these policies. Thus, other methods of communication must be used.

Originality/value

This paper examines the reasons individuals elect not to read CUPs. Given the importance of these policies as deterrents to information systems misuse and computer crime, understanding why individuals fail to read policies is a critical first step in enhancing user knowledge of computer security.
RFID‐based traceability in the supply chain
Authors: Lee Dongmyung , Park Jinwoo
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a novel dynamic tracing task model to enhance the traceability range along the supply chain beyond simple distribution channels. It further extends the study by implementing the system architecture with the proposed data model to support the dynamic tracing task.

Design/methodology/approach

Typical processes of supply chain in manufacturing industries using bill of material data to extract and define information requirements are followed. The data elements are systematically selected and explained in the proposed model step by step.

Findings

This paper found that existing Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) data management scheme has to be modified so as to provide end‐to‐end traceability.

Research limitations/implications

Validation of the proposed model and system architecture should be done through actual implementation in industrial settings.

Practical implications

The paper gives an insight to many system managers and executors in how full traceability along the supply chain can actually be realized.

Originality/value

Several studies have discussed the traceability issues but failed to construct a system and methodologies to obtain the full traceability range. However, this paper contributes by presenting the specific methodological steps which can provide powerful solutions to build a system for traceability, exploiting RFID technology.
Effects of product design on assembly lines performances
Authors: Caputo Antonio C. , Pelagagge Pacifico M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The paper's aim is to assess the impact of product related features on the performances of assembly line manufacturing systems, also providing a specific Design for Manufacturing and Assembly rating index to assess the goodness of a product design solution with respect to assembly line performances.

Design/methodology/approach

A computer simulation‐based parametric analysis was carried out to assess the impact of four major product‐related parameters. 216 different assembly line balance problem instances were evaluated. Findings allowed to develop a DFMA rating index specific for assembly line manufacturing as well as design guidelines.

Findings

Assembly sequence degrees of freedom and the ratio of the average task duration to the maximum duration are the most influencing parameters. While the former should be maximized, only a moderate task duration variability was found beneficial. The influence of other factors resulted less marked and changing on a case‐specific basis.

Research limitations/implications

Complex interactions between product design features and line performances prevent generalization. The performed numerical experimentation, although extensive, remains somewhat limited respect all possible practical situations. The proposed rating index should be utilized while maintaining an overall perspective about the mutual influence of all parameters. Some suggested guidelines imply a trade off with traditional DFMA guidelines.

Practical implications

Product designers are given useful insights, tools and guidelines to develop better producible products. With the proposed ranking index a designer can easily rate his choices when selecting assembly tasks and sequences, as well as rank alternative product designs solutions.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original discussion about the impact of product design choices on assembly line performances. The developed DFMA rating index and guidelines are new.
Automating the construction of supply chain key performance indicators
Authors: Gulledge Thomas , Chavusholu Tamer
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to automate the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model as an enabler for process‐oriented supply chain business intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesis is the following: SCOR model automation is possible using data that is directly extracted from integrated enterprise systems. To test the hypothesis, an alignment product that allows the SCOR model to be automated with information that is directly extracted from the Oracle E‐Business Suite was developed.

Findings

In order to achieve the full benefits from the SCOR model, effective business process management and the SCOR key performance indicators (KPIs) must be implemented and used. Unless data collection to support KPI construction is automated, it is difficult to institutionalize the SCOR model as a measurement and benchmarking framework. We have demonstrated that automated support for KPIs is feasible and achievable.

Research limitations/implications

The E‐Business Suite is a single enterprise solution, but we assert that the same procedures could be followed with other enterprise solutions or even applied in a legacy system environment.

Originality/value

The developed solution described in the paper can immediately be applied to the design, development, and deployment of corporate performance management systems.
The impact of market orientation on NSD and financial performance of hospital industry
Authors: Lonial Subhash C. , Tarim Mehves , Tatoglu Ekrem , Zaim Selim , Zaim Halil
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The principal aim of this study is to determine the critical factors of market orientation (MO) and to measure its effect on new service development (NSD) and financial performance of hospital industry in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a self‐administered questionnaire, the data were collected from a sample of privately‐held general hospitals within the city of Istanbul in Turkey. Based on theoretical considerations, a model was proposed to examine the interrelationships among MO, NSD‐performance and financial performance.

Findings

Data analysis reveals that while MO has a strong and positive effect on NSD‐performance, it has no significant effect on financial performance. Also a strong and positive relationship was noted between NSD‐performance and financial performance. Finally, the findings also provided evidence for the mediating role of NSD‐performance in the relationship between MO and financial performance in the hospital industry.

Research limitations/implications

First, due to relatively small sample size, a caution should be exercised when interpreting the results. Second, the data were collected from hospitals in Turkey, which may restrict to some extent generalizability of findings. Third, we relied on the subjective evaluations of senior executives. It would therefore be useful to replicate the results with objective measures of performance indicators.

Practical implications

Although there is compelling evidence that MO has a positive effect on business performance, it alone may not be able to produce superior performance. Many hospitals are committed to MO and new services development. The framework clearly indicates that a strong commitment to both the NSD‐performance and marketing areas is essential for improving the financial performance of hospitals. Also, to remain competitive in today's healthcare industry, hospital managers should all keep pace with the daily changes in the market place and stay attuned to NSD activities and quality management practices.

Originality/value

The main thrust of this study is to investigate whether the relationship between MO and financial performance is mediated by NSD‐performance in hospital industry. This constitutes the novelty of this research as most prior empirical research investigating a mediating mechanism through which MO affects firm performance largely focused on other factors with no or little emphasis being placed on NSD activities or NSD‐performance in healthcare context.
Intangible asset management framework for long‐term financial performance
Authors: Chareonsuk Chaichan , Chansa‐ngavej Chuvej
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework for intangible asset management in business and industrial organizations. The proposed framework is applied to a case example company in the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework refines the strategy map concept in the balanced scorecard approach for use in intangible asset management. There are two phases, the top‐down phase involving a four‐step intangible asset identification process and the bottom‐up phase establishing the cause‐effect relationships between the intangible assets of the various functional departments in the organization and its financial performance.

Findings

Intangible assets belong to different functional departments. They must be carefully monitored and properly nurtured by the organization. Intangible assets depend not only on the type of functional departments but also the type of industries. To be competitive in today's knowledge economy, it is vital for business and industry to identify and locate the intangible assets in their functional departments and then establish how they contribute to the financial performance of the organization.

Originality/value

Understanding of the framework will lead to tangible benefits and competitive advantage once the intangible assets are brought under control, properly managed, and suitably funded.
Evaluating sustainability in organisations with a fuzzy logic approach
Authors: Muñoz Maria J. , Rivera Juana M. , Moneva Jose M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim is to determine whether the organisations more strategically committed to their stakeholders present better social and financial performance and, based on this relationship, to determine the state of the art of the Spanish sectors' approach to sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the sustainability approach of a sample of 52 Spanish listed firms. This process is based on the study of different indexes generated in order to evaluate the company's commitment through its stakeholders, the social and financial performance of these organisations, and the relationship between them. Previous results showed a positive and not significant relationship between these variables and a positive financial performance. This paper replicates a former research by introducing a fuzzy‐ logic‐based methodology in order to generate the aforementioned indexes.

Findings

The current results support the conclusions formerly obtained and simultaneously demonstrate that big Spanish companies are at an incipient stage of development of a clearly sustainability‐oriented management.

Research limitations/implications

The unavailability of a long series of organisations' sustainability information is an obstacle for a broader analysis. This research could motivate the usefulness of the fuzzy logic methodology for analysing the business sustainability approach and to develop studies on the corporate social performance.

Originality/value

The use of fuzzy logic methodology for the generation of indexes related to the organisation's social responsibility and sustainability results.
Performance measurement in facilities management: driving innovation?
Authors: Pitt Michael , Tucker Matthew
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the state of knowledge of performance measurement in facilities management, in particular regarding the concepts underlying benchmarking in relation to its ability to drive innovation in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation of the key issues surrounding performance measurement and the effective application of benchmarking systems are examined, exploring the possibility of applying a benchmarking technique to measure facilities performance.

Findings

The paper suggests that a fully developed performance measurement solution via effective benchmarking can deliver as a business tool in facilities management (FM), whilst acting as a driver in the innovation process.

Practical implications

With the nature of performance measurement having changed over the past few decades, the paper acts as a catalyst to how performance measurement systems and techniques operate within FM and stimulate innovation.

Originality/value

By adopting the notion of innovation to performance measurement, the paper highlights new areas of thought to facilities management and how performance measurement is strategically applied to the industry.
Inflation and housing market in Shanghai
Authors: Hin Li Ling , Lin Ge Cha
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to examine the inflation‐hedging ability of housing properties in Shanghai.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines both the short‐term and long‐term hedging characteristics of Shanghai residential properties against three types of inflation: actual, expected, and unexpected in the test period of 1997‐2005 by using the OLS model. Two methods, the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and the Hedrick‐Prescott Filter, are used to estimate the expected inflation.

Findings

The results show that, while the Shanghai housing property market does not provide a hedge against actual expected and unexpected inflation during the period, a positive real rate of return is reported in all cases.

Research limitations/implications

Data limitations are due to lack of complete market transaction records and it is necessary to rely on property indices produced by the private‐sector firms as a proxy for market movements.

Originality/value

The paper shows that government policy in this market is still a dominant factor affecting the rate of return and it has therefore implications for the construction of an efficient investment portfolio by institutional investors.
A contact detection algorithm for superellipsoids based on the common‐normal concept
Authors: Wellmann Christian , Lillie Claudia , Wriggers Peter
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to introduce an efficient contact detection algorithm for smooth convex particles.

Design/methodology/approach

The contact points of adjacent particles are defined according to the common‐normal concept. The problem of contact detection is formulated as 2D unconstrained optimization problem that is solved by a combination of Newton's method and a Levenberg‐Marquardt method.

Findings

The contact detection algorithm is efficient in terms of the number of iterations required to reach a high accuracy. In the case of non‐penetrating particles, a penetration can be ruled out in the course of the iterative solution before convergence is reached.

Research limitations/implications

The algorithm is only applicable to smooth convex particles, where a bijective relation between the surface points and the surface normals exists.

Originality/value

By a new kind of formulation, the problem of contact detection between 3D particles can be reduced to a 2D unconstrained optimization problem. This formulation enables fast contact exclusions in the case of non‐penetrating particles.
Model order reduction using neural network principal component analysis and generalized dimensional analysis
Authors: Bellamine F.H. , Elkamel A.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a novel computational intelligence technique to generate concise neural network models for distributed dynamic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this paper is based on artificial neural network architectures that incorporate linear and nonlinear principal component analysis, combined with generalized dimensional analysis.

Findings

Neural network principal component analysis coupled with generalized dimensional analysis reduces input variable space by about 90 percent in the modeling of oil reservoirs. Once trained, the computation time is negligible and orders of magnitude faster than any traditional discretisation schemes such as fine‐mesh finite difference.

Practical implications

Finding the minimum number of input independent variables needed to characterize a system helps in extracting general rules about its behavior, and allows for quick setting of design guidelines, and particularly when evaluating changes in the physical properties of systems.

Originality/value

The methodology can be used to simulate dynamical systems characterized by differential equations, in an interactive CAD and optimization providing faster on‐line solutions and speeding up design guidelines.
A new algorithm for domain decomposition of finite element models
Authors: Kaveh A. , Laknegadi K. , Zahedi M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Domain decomposition of finite element models (FEM) for parallel computing are often performed using graph theory and algebraic graph theory. This paper aims to present a new method for such decomposition, where a combination of algebraic graph theory and differential equations is employed.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present method, a combination of graph theory and differential equations is employed. The proposed method transforms the eigenvalue problem involved in decomposing FEM by the algebraic graph method, into a specific initial value problem of an ordinary differential equation.

Findings

The transformation of this paper enables many advanced numerical methods for ordinary differential equations to be used in the computation of the eigenproblems.

Originality/value

Combining two different tools, namely algebraic graph theory and differential equations, results in an efficient and accurate method for decomposing the FEM which is a combinatorial optimization problem. Examples are included to illustrate the efficiency of the present method.
An evolutionary‐based data mining technique for assessment of civil engineering systems
Authors: Rezania Mohammad , Javadi Akbar A. , Giustolisi Orazio
Published: August 2008

Purpose

Analysis of many civil engineering phenomena is a complex problem due to the participation of a large number of factors involved. Traditional methods usually suffer from a lack of physical understanding. Furthermore, the simplifying assumptions that are usually made in the development of the traditional methods may, in some cases, lead to very large errors. The purpose of this paper is to present a new method, based on evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) for capturing nonlinear interaction between various parameters of civil engineering systems.

Design/methodology/approach

EPR is a data‐driven method based on evolutionary computing, aimed to search for polynomial structures representing a system. In this technique, a combination of the genetic algorithm and the least‐squares method is used to find feasible structures and the appropriate constants for those structures.

Findings

Capabilities of the EPR methodology are illustrated by application to two complex practical civil engineering problems including evaluation of uplift capacity of suction caissons and shear strength of reinforced concrete deep beams. The results show that the proposed EPR model provides a significant improvement over the existing models. The EPR models generate a transparent and structured representation of the system. For design purposes, the EPR models, presented in this study, are simple to use and provide results that are more accurate than the existing methods.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new evolutionary data mining approach is presented for the analysis of complex civil engineering problems. The new approach overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional and artificial neural network‐based methods presented in the literature for the analysis of civil engineering systems. EPR provides a viable tool to find a structured representation of the system, which allows the user to gain additional information on how the system performs.
Natural sloshing frequencies in rigid truncated conical tanks
Authors: Gavrilyuk I. , Hermann M. , Lukovsky I. , Solodun O. , Timokha A.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to develop two efficient and accurate numerical analytical methods for engineering computation of natural sloshing frequencies and modes i the case of truncated circular conical tanks.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical‐analytical methods are based on a Ritz Treftz variational scheme with two distinct analytical harmonic functional bases.

Findings

Comparative numerical analysis detects the limit of applicability of variational methods in terms of the semi‐apex angle and the ratio between radii of the mean free surface and the circular bottom. The limits are caused by different analytical properties of the employed functional bases. However, parallel use of two or more bases makes it possible to give an accurate approximation of the lower natural frequencies for relevant tanks. For V‐shaped tanks, dependencies of the lowest natural frequency versus the semi‐apex angle and the liquid depth are described.

Practical implications

The methods provide the natural sloshing frequencies for V‐shaped tanks that are valuable for designing elevated containers in seismic areas. Approximate natural modes can be used in derivations of nonlinear modal systems, which describe a resonant coupling with structural vibrations.

Originality/value

Although variational methods have been widely used for computing the natural sloshing frequencies, this paper presents their application for truncated conical tanks for the first time. An original point is the use of two distinct functional bases.
Numerical simulation of steady and unsteady aluminum profile extrusion processes using finite volume method
Authors: Lou Shumei , Zhao Guoqun , Wang Rui , Wu Xianghong
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find an efficient way by using finite volume method (FVM) to simulate the aluminum alloy profile extrusion processes.

Design/methodology/approach

By assuming isotropic conditions, the hot aluminum material is described as a non‐linear Newtonian fluid material. Semi‐implicit method for pressure‐linked equations algorithm is used to calculate the physical fields, and the dynamic viscosity is updated then. Volume of fluid method and moving grid method are also used for unsteady flow to catch the free surface of the material and the moving bound.

Findings

FVM model in this paper is an accurate and efficient method for the numerical simulation of aluminum profile extrusion processes. Compared with finite element method software, FVM model is both memory and CPU efficient.

Practical implications

Provide theoretical reference for sound extrusion process and die designs, which are the key factors to produce desirable products in industrial production.

Originality/value

The paper finds an efficient way to introduce the FVM in computational fluid dynamics field into the simulation of the steady and unsteady aluminum alloy profile extrusion processes. It provides a reference for people who are interested in FVM and extrusion processes.
Modeling country image effects through an international crisis
Authors: Heslop Louise A. , Lu Irene R.R. , Cray David
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a longitudinal country‐people image effect model involving a significant negative international incident between countries; study how such a model changes over time; and study the extent of image recovery in terms of how the offending country, people, and its products are perceived.

Design/methodology/approach

Australian consumers were surveyed before, during, and a decade after the French nuclear testing in the Pacific in 1995. Model testing was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques.

Findings

The model was strongly supported in all three‐time points. During the crisis, negative feelings toward France/French rose and consumers' response to French products dropped. Country‐people competency has risen over country‐people character in explaining product evaluations. In the final period, the Australian views on country‐people character and product response had more than recovered. The country‐people character beliefs now play a significant role in influencing product evaluations after the crisis than before, while the impacts of country‐people competency on product evaluation and response have diminished dramatically. Product evaluation is fairly stable over time.

Originality/value

Studies to date have focused on country image at a point in time in relatively stable environmental conditions. The proposed model is helpful in understanding the processes of country‐product image effects through the study of all attitude components and through differentiation of beliefs about country and people production‐related and non‐production related characteristics. The cross‐temporal validation of the model indicates its usefulness for general applicability in country image effects research.
The effects of country of origin and corporate reputation on initial trust
Authors: Michaelis Manuel , Woisetschläger David M. , Backhaus Christof , Ahlert Dieter
Published: August 2008

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the simultaneous effects of country of origin (COO) and corporate reputation on initial trust in a transition economy, and to compare these effects across two service industries. The model broadens COO research by incorporating initial trust as a key driver of success in the context of services internationalization.Design/methodology/approach– Poland is the transition economy studied. A total of 184 respondents evaluated different service combinations (high vs low reputation/home country vs foreign country) in two different service categories (high risk vs low risk). Relationships between constructs are tested, employing a between‐subject experimental design.Findings– Both reputation and the risk level of service have a significant main effect on initial trust. Furthermore, results indicate a highly significant interaction effect: a positive COO effect leads to a higher level of initial trust only in the case of a risky service.Research limitations/implications– As with all laboratory studies, external validity is limited. Further research should focus on other instruments for gaining initial trust (e.g. warranties), especially in the case of a negative COO image.Practical implications– International marketers of services must carefully consider COO information as a means of building initial trust. Positive effects only apply in the case of high‐risk services.Originality/value– A major contribution is the introduction of initial trust as an important mediator in COO‐related international service marketing literature. As a second contribution, COO effects were compared across different service categories with respect to perceived risk. Furthermore, investigating COO effects in transition economies is of particular interest, as such markets are gaining attraction for international service providers.
Country‐of‐origin contingencies
Authors: Josiassen Alexander , Lukas Bryan A. , Whitwell Gregory J.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This study was undertaken to clarify how product familiarity and product involvement can moderate the importance that consumers place on COO image when they evaluate products for purchase or consumption. The authors adopted a contingency approach and empirically examined, by way of competing hypotheses, the alternative possibilities by which product familiarity and product involvement may influence the importance that consumers place on COO image when they evaluate products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 388 consumers in Australia across four different product classes. Data analysis was conducted using hierarchical regression analysis with interactions and post hoc slope analysis.

Findings

Overall, the study findings suggest that the importance that consumers place on COO image when they evaluate products is contingent on the product context. Specifically, the study findings show that consumers consider COO image to be more important for their product evaluations when they evaluate products from less familiar product categories and are less involved with the products that they are evaluating. An additional variable included in the study, product origin congruency, was found to enhance the importance that consumers place on COO image when they evaluate products.

Originality/value

There are competing views in the literature as to how product familiarity and product involvement can moderate the importance that consumers place on COO image when they evaluate products. This study further clarifies the moderating role of product familiarity and product involvement. The study also examines the potential moderating role of product origin congruency in a survey for the first time.