bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient direct BEM numerical scheme for heat transfer problems using Fourier series
Authors: Ibáñez Maria T. , Power H.
Published: April 2007

The main objective is to develop an efficient BEM scheme for the numerical solution of two‐dimensional heat problems. Our scheme will be of the re‐initialization type, in which the domain integrals are computed by a recursion relation which depends only on the boundary temperature and flux at previous time step. To obtain the re‐initialization approach, we will use in the integral representation formula a Green function corresponding to zero temperature in a box containing the original domain, instead of using the classical free space fundamental solution. This Green function is given in terms of the original fundamental solution plus a regular solution of the heat equation inside the domain under consideration. It can therefore be used in the integral representation formula of the heat equation (direct formulation) to obtain the solution of a heat problem in such a domain. The Green function mentioned can be obtained by the images method, and the resulting source series can also be rewritten in terms of a double Fourier series, that we will use in the domain integral of the integral representation formula to transform such integral into equivalent surface integrals.
Rapid Product Development Metrics
Authors: Goldense Bradford L.
Published: April 2007

A famous executive once said that “God is entitled to
opinion, all others must bring facts and data”. To get agreement
on the specific needs of a company, the best approach is to back up
recommendations with facts. Are the new products which arrive in your
manufacturing operation up to standard? Would a series of analytical
tools and approaches which are being used in industry to improve and
speed up new product development processes be useful? The
“staffing ratios” tool is applied to make sure that the
right amount of human resources and skills are in the right places at
the right times. Does your company hit the planned market release dates
for new products? Tools such as “time‐to‐market prediction”
may be applied to assess past project performance and to predict the
schedule outcome of current project‐in‐process. Does your company
achieve early cross‐functional involvement on projects? The
“concurrency matrix” tool may be used to define
cross‐functional requirements and quantify the degree of parallelism.
Most of these tools can be learned within a few minutes and brought back
to your company for immediate application.
Rapid Product Development in the USA, Europe and Japan
Authors: Waterman Norman A. , Dickens Philip
Published: April 2007

Reviews, for the USA, Europe and Japan, the current state of
development and application of rapid prototyping techniques and their
impact on time‐to‐market for new products. These techniques, which are
still undergoing rapid development, have already had a dramatic effect
on reducing the time‐to‐market for new products by between 60 per cent
and per cent and on reducing the cost‐to‐market by between 40 per cent
and 70 per cent. Concludes that although the US is ahead of the rest of
the world in terms of depth of experience and range of techniques,
Europe and Japan are catching up fast in terms of experience and
applications. Gives guidelines for the managers of manufacturing
companies on the importance of the techniques, the selection of the most
appropriate system and how to obtain most of the techniques adopted.
Product Development Teams and Tools Applied to the Aircraft
Industry
Authors: Weber Nelson O.
Published: April 2007

Provides insight into using integrated product development (IPD)
teams, design for assembly (DFA) and design for manufacturability (DFM)
for aircraft design. Aircraft structure is very complex and has large
quantities of fasteners (100,000 plus for fighter aircraft, 1 million
plus for large commercial aircraft). Applying DFA reduces
parts/fasteners, which in turn reduces the number of opportunities for
defects. Describes the application of
design‐for‐six‐sigma‐manufacturability (DFM) to aircraft structure which
additionally reduces defects during production.
The product champion tests his vision
Authors: Ruskin Claire
Published: April 2007

Reports on CCL′s product development technique, using a product
champion, who should have a market‐led view and a commitment to take the
project through from development to peak of production. Suggests that
early trial has an influence on the success of a new product and details
the various steps needed to achieve this. Presents a case study of a new
development by an international company undertaken in collaboration with
CCL, using a product champion.
Implementing ecological product design
Authors: Kalisvaart Sytze H. , van der Horst Tom J.J.
Published: April 2007

Identifies key elements of eco‐design and discusses how they could
be implemented. Special attention is given to tools for eco‐design.
Describes a case in which these elements were implemented and draws
further conclusions.
Providing spatial decision support for evacuation planning: a challenge in integrating technologies
Authors: Nisha de Silva F.
Published: April 2007

Computer‐aided decision‐support tools are part and parcel of the emergency planning and management process today. Much is dependent on using modern technology to gather and analyse data on damage assessment, meteorology, demography, etc. and provide decision support for prevention/mitigation, response and recovery. Diverse technologies are merged to provide useful functions to aid the emergency planner/manager. Complexities arise when attempting to link several streams of technology to achieve a realistic, usable and reliable decision‐support tool. This discussion identifies and analyses the challenging issues faced in linking two technologies: simulation modelling and GIS, to design spatial decision‐support systems for evacuation planing. Experiences in designing CEMPS, a prototype designed for area evacuation planning, are drawn on to discuss relevant managerial, behavioural, processual and technical issues. Focus is placed on modelling evacuee behaviour, generating realistic scenarios, validation, logistics, etc. while also investigating future trends and developments.
Disaster mitigation: the concept of vulnerability revisited
Authors: Weichselgartner Juergen
Published: April 2007

Literature on natural risks typically examines either biophysical process characteristics or human pre‐ or post‐disaster activities. This paper takes a somewhat different track; first, it argues that also natural disasters are socially constructed and, therefore, second, it resets the framework in which disaster management has to be placed. While most researchers usually focus on risk assessment it is suggested that the concept of vulnerability can provide a vehicle to explore a contextual approach to the reduction of losses due to natural hazards. In a brief overview the conceptualization of vulnerability is presented. Since precise measurement of uncertainties and exact prediction of damages is hardly feasible, a conceptual approach in vulnerability assessment is proposed. Qualities that determine potential damage are identified and characteristics described. It is suggested that, even without assessing risk exactly, vulnerability reduction decreases damages and losses.
Development strategies for flood prone areas, case study: Patna, India
Authors: Sharma Vinod K. , Priya Tanu
Published: April 2007

While natural disasters cannot be prevented, measures need to be taken to reduce the extent of damage, especially in a vast country like India with a huge population base and scarce facilities. Proper physical planning is an important tool, which one should utilize to regulate urban development as per the extent of damage anticipated. The article is a brief account of a study done on the city of Patna, in Bihar, a flood‐affected city of India, where strategies were developed to link the process of urban planning to the risk and damage of flooding in the area.
Safety performance evaluation models: a review
Authors: Adebiyi K.A. , Charles‐Owaba O.E , Waheed M.A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Managing a safety programme and ensuring that change is in accordance with suitable performance measures requires continuing improvement in the support of analytical power and empirical information. This paper aims to consider different approaches and modeling efforts on safety performance evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Review and synthesis of literature.

Findings

Ten major safety performance evaluation approaches are identified including expectation function, risk assessment, statistical quality control, price deflation, engineering economic factor, system analysis, artificial intelligence, and systems theory. Based on the approaches, quantitative and qualitative models have been proposed. The quantitative models use measuring indicators such as frequency, severity, percentages, relative weight and economic gains/loss of safety programme. However, qualitative models employ hazard analysis and hazard operability.

Research limitations/implications

Several research questions remain to be answered in order to completely improve and optimize the impact of these provisional safety performance measures.

Originality/value

This study offers a set of interesting lessons for academics, industry and safety practitioners by providing guidelines that will assist in ensuring a correct focus to select an appropriate safety performance evaluation model.
Mohonk criteria for humanitarian assistance in complex emergences
Authors: Ebersole Jon M.
Published: April 2007

Presents the Mohonk Criteria for Humanitarian Assistance in
Complex Emergencies, produced by the Task Force on Ethical and Legal
Issues in Humanitarian Assistance, convened by the Program on
Humanitarian Assistance at the World Conference on Religion and Peace,
as guidelines for co‐operative relationships between political,
humanitarian and military actors in complex humanitarian emergencies
created by armed conflict.
The “Health Promoting University”: a critical exploration of theory and practice
Authors: Dooris Mark
Published: April 2007

As settings‐based health promotion has gained ascendancy within the field, there has been increased interest in applying the approach within a diversity of contexts, one of the most recent being higher education. The University of Central Lancashire became one of the first few universities in Europe to establish a Health Promoting University initiative when it appointed a co‐ordinator in 1995. This article critically discusses the emergence of the settings‐based approach to health promotion and its application to the higher education sector. Focusing on the University of Central Lancashire as a case study, it considers the development of Health Promoting Universities. It is argued that while the settings‐based approach still faces the challenge of establishing clarity and consistency, the Health Promoting University does have the potential to provide a robust conceptual framework that can enable the practical development and implementation of an holistic, comprehensive and integrative approach to promoting health. The article ends with some reflections on challenges, opportunities and future directions.
Audit committees: effective against risk or just overloaded?
Authors: Hunt Jonathan , Carey Anthony
Published: April 2007

Audit committees have been an integral part of risk management in financial services organisations for longer than in the rest of the economy. But the pressures on audit committee performance are growing. The authors, who have provided a guidance document published by the ICAEW, show how progress may be made and suggest that the importance of embedding the process in the organisation may lift some of the pressures on audit committees.
The way ahead on financial instruments: the banks have their say
Authors: Chisnall Paul
Published: April 2007

The issue of how banks should disclose the effects of financial instruments is fraught. The global standard‐setting community put forward their views in what became known as the Joint Working Group’s proposals. These aroused strong feelings in the banking world. This article is the first detailed response from the banking community. It argues for evolution of the rules rather than radical change.
How to coach teams in business the John Wooden way
Authors: Kaye Sheila J. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: April 2007

How do we measure leadership? How do we measure success? Does the real measure of success escape analysis? According to John Wooden, team success is dependent on the individual success of each team member. Conversely, each team member’s success is dependent on the success of the whole. Presents Wooden’s definition of individual success as the “peace of mind which is the direct result of self‐satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming”. John Wooden devoted his life’s work to explaining how to coach people to achieve that peace of mind, that success. His methods produced winning teams for decades. His formula for coaching provides a classic model for today’s business leader by showing how to build a winning business team, one that will endure through the continual uncertainty of today’s business environment. Explores the essential building blocks of coaching in Wooden’s style of leadership, and how they can be applied to the business environment.
Whatever happened to peer review? Revitalising the contribution of tutors to course evaluation
Authors: Bingham Rosie , Ottewill Roger
Published: April 2007

Highlights the current emphasis on student feedback in the review and evaluation of units/modules at higher education level for quality audit purposes. Expresses the view that, while this is unquestionably desirable and necessary, other stakeholder perspectives are essential to create a balanced picture – in particular, the professional judgments of academic staff. Explains how the principle of peer review informed a pilot project at Sheffield Hallam University, in which two groups of academic staff from different units within the same broad subject area reviewed and evaluated each other’s units. Reports on the background and motivation for the project and on the setting up and management of the review process. Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the process based on feedback from the participants. Indicates some of the cultural and procedural lessons learnt from the project and suggests ways of taking the process forward.
E‐commerce Web site design: strategies and models
Authors: Wen H. Joseph , Chen Houn‐Gee , Hwang Hsin‐Ginn
Published: April 2007

The rapid adoption of the Web as a commercial medium has caused firms to experiment with innovative ways of doing business. Those firms that effectively market themselves on the Web have a distinct advantage. This paper presents two e‐commerce Web site design strategies and 12 e‐commerce models for gaining that advantage.
Controlling corporate e‐mail, PC use and computer security
Authors: Webb White Gayle , Pearson Sheila J.
Published: April 2007

This study, conducted by two teachers in the areas of management and computer information systems, evolved because of the number of current articles that indicate that corporations began to use computers and new technology before safeguards were developed and in place regarding their use. Not having the control function in place has caused dire consequences for many companies. The research was limited to control of personal use of computers, controlling e‐mail accounts, and securing company data. In addition to library research, over 200 companies in a four‐states area in the south (USA) were surveyed. The results reinforced the need for better control in a majority of companies, the need for company policies regarding personal use of the computer, and more monitoring to prevent suits in the areas of harassment, libel, race discrimination, etc.
Executive Liability for Computer Crime and How to Prevent It
Authors: Geary James M.
Published: April 2007

A new Federal regulation aimed at tackling white‐collar crime has
sobering implications for CEOs, information systems managers, and other
senior management. Simply stated, the regulation holds the CEO and
senior management responsible for crime involving their organization.
Officials remain responsible even when the organization and its members
are honest, and the crime clearly was perpetrated by intruders.
Organizations are exposed to liability of up to $290 million and
possible corporate probation for financial crime. To prevent this
liability, organizations need to prove a “good faith” effort at preventing
and deterring criminal conduct on their networks through an
“effective” security program However, the most prevalent computer security
system – the password – is considered by computer security experts to be
largely ineffective. Organizations relying on computer passwords alone
for security will carry heightened liability – and their managements
carry heightened risk.
Employees: capital or commodity?
Authors: Byrne Roger
Published: April 2007

Companies increasingly like to describe themselves as “knowledge companies”, that store and share experience and knowledge and facilitate open exchange of both. However, trends in career development encourage the “new deal” of employment, whereby employability is dependent on the mutual contract of employment for added value. This “new deal” environment will encourage individual gatekeepers of knowledge to hoard their specialist knowledge to retain their employability value, rather than share that knowledge with others in the company. This paper considers whether the “new deal” is in fact a contradiction to the “knowledge company”, and whether companies much choose to be one or the other. It concludes that companies which wish to become true knowledge sharing environments must understand the motivational aspects of career development, and adopt a culture that motivates employees to share, while recognising the employees’ lack of loyalty and need for independence. Only when companies can balance the treatment of employees as both capital and commodity, can the “new deal” company and “knowledge company” co‐exist.
Semantic networks and social networks
Authors: Downes Stephen
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To illustrate the need for social network metadata within semantic metadata.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys properties of social networks and the semantic web, suggests that social network analysis applies to semantic content, argues that semantic content is more searchable if social network metadata is merged with semantic web metadata.

Findings

The use of social network metadata will alter semantical searches from being random with respect to source to direct with respect to source, which will increase the accuracy of search results.

Research limitations/implications

Suggests that existing XML schemas for semantic web content be modified.

Practical implications

Introduction and overview of a new issue.

Originality/value

Foundational to the concept of the semantic social network; will be useful as an introduction to future work.
Usability study of the MnLINK Gateway
Authors: Roca Joan , Nord Roland
Published: April 2007

The MnLINK Gateway is an implementation of OCLC SiteSearch that provides access to library catalogs and databases to the people of Minnesota. Prior to launching the service, the authors conducted a usability study. Summarizes the implementation process and outlines the usability test.
Online business education in the twenty‐first century: an analysis of potential target markets
Authors: Evans Joel R. , Haase Ilene M.
Published: April 2007

The future of online business education seems quite bright. Three‐fifths of the 1,700 US institutions of higher learning that are engaged in distance education – 55 percent of which offer credit‐bearing business courses – already use some form of Internet‐based technology. Nonetheless, there have been no large‐scale studies of potential online business students in terms of their traits and desires. In this article, the background of distance education is presented. Then, the results of a major survey, involving NPD’s Online Research Panel, are discussed. In all, 2,651 adults participated in the survey, 1,945 of whom indicated some interest in online business education. Eight propositions are tested, relating to demographics, courses versus programs, reasons for enrolling or not enrolling, desired features, customer service expectations, tuition, prestige and value, and institutional attributes.
Web‐based teaching materials: a user’s profile
Authors: Karuppan Corinne M.
Published: April 2007

Technological advances have spurred the development of Web‐based teaching. Today, a substantial body of research addresses the effectiveness of this new teaching medium. Results have been mixed, showing mostly no significant improvement over traditional methods. Examines a fundamental, yet often forgotten, element in designing Web‐based teaching materials: the user. Aims to draw a profile of the heaviest users of a course Web site and uncover the reasons why non‐users decide not to access supplemental materials on the Web. The results indicate that male students access the Web site more often than females. Higher GPA was also related to heavier use. The most important result seems to be the relationship between learning style and use, with assimilators paying more frequent visits to the Web site.
Strategy gone bad: doing the wrong thing
Authors: Finkelstein Sydney , Borg Scott
Published: April 2007

What is strategy? Countless books, MBA programs, executive education initiatives, and consultants are available to answer this question in excruciating detail. But let’s cut to the chase. Strategy is what a company does, or doesn’t do, to fulfill its vision in a competitive marketplace.
Leading the revolution:
Authors: Hamel Gary
Published: April 2007

In this interview, international strategy guru Gary Hamel explains the thinking behind his new book, Leading the Revolution. He believes that the impetus for radical change in a business must come from the ideas and energies of the people within the company, not from consultants or external advisors. He also believes that innovation and radical change will be necessary for wealth creation in the coming years – change not only in products and processes, but change in entire business models as well. The interview includes Hamel’s guidelines for those at any level of an organization who may have ideas about new opportunities that can revolutionize the company or the industry.
Strategic innovation:
Authors: Abraham Jay L. , Knight Daniel J.
Published: April 2007

The explosion of growth in the new economy intensifies and exacerbates the need for performance management, yet many managers consistently fail to seriously support these efforts because they focus on routine and stability in business. Strategic Innovation involves making knowledge creation and innovative action a way of life, seeking to create and expand markets rather than just reacting to customer demand, and redirecting resources from profitable but dwindling lines of business to support emerging lines that are potentially more profitable. The strategic innovation cycle contains five phases: generating – sharing knowledge and experience; conceptualizing – going from tacit to explicit knowledge; optimizing – evaluating to find the best answer; implementing – testing solutions and creating new knowledge, and capturing – codifying explicit knowledge and identifying gaps.
The new science of strategy execution:how incumbents become fast, sleek wealth creators
Authors: Bigler William R.
Published: April 2007

Strategy execution is emerging as one of the critical sources of sustainable competitive advantage in the twenty‐first century. As a result, strategy execution can no longer take a back seat to strategy formulation. Success depends on a new strategic paradigm that includes world‐class, strategy‐execution skills such as managing the development and implementation of a portfolio of initiatives, synchronizing internal processes with market rhythms, and avoiding disruptions by handling the ripple effect of organizational change. At a strategic and operating level, these practices improve all of the classic drivers of shareholder wealth.
The future of scenarios: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Millett Stephen M.
Published: April 2007

Corporate and institutional managers don’t get the full return on investment in scenarios that they should, nor do they employ scenarios on the full range of corporate issues suited to this methodology. Most often, scenarios are used by top management to provide a better understanding of the range of possible business environments they must contend with in the future. But mid‐level managers often grumble that these big picture “strategic scenarios” don’t address the competitive issues and the critical decisions that they face in the trenches of their business. To achieve more consistently productive uses of scenarios, there are several major challenges that must be addressed for the future of the scenario method: resolve the confusion over the definitions and methods of scenarios; and clarify and enlarge the appropriate application of scenarios. Beyond the confusion caused by the different definitions and methods of scenarios lies the uncertainty about when and how to apply scenarios in the business environment. In addition to planning and forecasting, scenarios can be used for market research and new product development. A major debate revolves around whether or not scenarios have successfully developed into a tool for investment and company decision‐making. One view has been that scenarios provide context, but not direct inputs for such decisions (R&D priorities, new products, and financial investments). This approach emphasizes the role of scenarios in team building, information gathering, learning, and strategic thinking. It advocates using scenarios primarily as a tool for corporate learning and for changing corporate culture. Another view, however, holds that scenarios can and should be used for near‐term business decision‐making. Scenarios need to be applied to the numerous operational issues that companies face. As such, they are a key method of analysis, especially for highly uncertain circumstances.
The art and strategy of scenario writing
Authors: Flowers Betty S.
Published: April 2007

From the point of view of a successful scenario writer for Royal Dutch Shell, there are several there are several artful techniques that go into crafting and presenting business scenarios. The first is art of keeping it short. To do this at Shell the author produced two different products based on two distinct mental disciplines: (1) thorough research leading to rich, fully articulated stories (the full scenario book); and (2) the distillation of these stories into essential concepts and images (a little book that was widely read and distributed). Any scenario author seeks to create new patterns of thinking in the mind of the managers. Therefore, model the scenario as if it were a stage set created by words. The managers are the actors who will animate it by their participation in each alternative scenario world. This then is the design goal for any scenario writing: engage the managers to step into the play and make it their own. The author’s method is to stimulate the development of scenarios in their minds to the point that they are just not hearing a memorable story but they are experimenting with it and imagining alternatives.
Why the best and brightest approaches don't solve the innovation dilemma
Authors: Denning Steve
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Highlight the management dilemma disruptive innovation poses and examine what the leading management theorists have to offer as a solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines six leading theories of innovation and three alternatives to disruptive innovation.

Findings

The leading theories that try to solve the paradox of innovation don't work and the alternatives to disruptive innovation merely delay having to deal with the dilemma.

Research limitations/implications

The author reviewed many theoretical approaches to innovation management and selected six for commentary.

Practical implications

The author argues that the theorists are looking at innovation in the wrong way. Because innovation is a paradox, the solution lies in rethinking the fundamental assumptions.

Originality/value

First article that examines the logic behind the leading disruptive innovation theories and refutes their advice.
Transformational innovation
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Offers the concept that leadership narrative is the key to managing transformational innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has studied the leading innovation theorists and corporate innovation efforts.

Findings

Transformational innovation is disruptive because it introduces products and services that change the business landscape by providing a dramatically different value proposition. And championing transformational innovation involves going to war with all the elements inside an organization that benefit from the status quo.

Research limitations/implications

The author's research is primarily anecdotal.

Practical implications

If leaders, consistently use narrative tools, in combination with thorough strategic analysis, they can show their organization how to tackle the most difficult challenge facing management today – transformational innovation. Examples and a step‐by‐step process are provided.

Originality/value

First publication of the concept of how leaders can use narrative to achieve employee commitment to transformational innovation.
Building an innovative organization: consistent business and technology integration
Authors: Chapman Marc
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The IBM 2006 CEO study (which interviewed 765 CEOs, business executives and public sector leaders) took a comprehensive global look at a topic that is increasingly important to leaders worldwide: innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's findings covered three major areas, such as the value of external collaboration, the importance of business model innovation, and the need for consistent business and technology integration.

Findings

Two out of every three CEOs interviewed expect fundamental changes for their organizations over the next two years. Surprisingly undaunted by this challenge, they see innovation as a means to seize opportunities.

Practical implications

In the IBM study: 76 percent of all CEOs ranked business partnerships and collaboration as important for innovation – but only half of the CEOs surveyed believed their organizations were collaborating beyond a moderate level. Only 14 percent of CEOs ranked internal R&D as a significant source for new ideas.

Originality/value

Approximately one‐third of CEOs' innovation emphasis is now targeted at business model innovation – innovation in the structure and/or financial model of the business.
Contractual governance for sustainable service
Authors: Enquist Bo , Johnson Mikael , Camén Carolina
Published: April 2007

What is contractual governance in a scenario of performance management? When approached from a static viewpoint, contracting is largely connected with the securing of resources, thus acquiring a capacity focus. In this article, we focus on contractual governance as a part of performance management for a stakeholder network in a specific, government‐controlled context: Public Transport. In order to contribute to more dynamic and sustainable public service, a more process‐oriented approach to contractual governance is necessary. Public Transportation in Sweden has undergone an initial wave of development, the production paradigm, and is now undergoing what is more a second wave of service, the service paradigm. A third wave of development is approaching: sustainability. We argue that contractual governance creates a more dynamic contractual relationship as a key element of performance management leading to more sustainable public service. We also argue that a proactive approach during the mission will positively affect all the stakeholders involved.
Using an ANN‐approach for analyzing focus groups
Authors: Schmidt Marcus
Published: April 2007

Explores the appropriateness of quantifying focus group discussions. Basic problems involved in quantification of text are addressed. Prior approaches are discussed and briefly evaluated. A new neural network algorithm for analyzing excerpts from in‐depth interviews is presented. Keywords (brand names, values, etc.) are identified by the analyst. The entire text is scanned and a “covariance” matrix with weights expressing pairwise associations between words is established. This matrix can be used as input data set for advanced statistical analysis. The small illustrative study involves a focus group dealing with a holiday cruise. Results are inspected using multivariate analysis. Findings seem to make good sense. It is doubtful, though, that quantitative techniques will replace well‐established qualitative approaches. On the contrary, quantitative methods for textual analysis may supplement and improve insight gained from qualitative scrutiny. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Strategic career development for R&D staff: a field research
Authors: Petroni Alberto
Published: April 2007

Explores the evolution of career management systems for industrial researchers. Based on case studies of experimental career development systems for industrial researchers, combined with a survey of 151 researchers and engineers employed at a large public research institution, alternative approaches toward managing professional careers are discussed. The results indicate that the researchers’ personal career orientations, as measured by Schein’s Career Anchors Inventory, may serve as a useful predictor of their career preferences. In addition, the research enables an evaluation of alternative modes of career development for industrial R&D to be developed.
Techniques to enhance creative thinking
Authors: McFadzean Elspeth
Published: April 2007

In order to develop more innovative products, process and services, organisations must encourage their employees to think more creatively. One method of achieving this is to encourage teams to utilise creative problem‐solving (CPS) techniques. There is a variety of different CPS techniques. Perhaps the most common technique utilised is that of brainstorming. This, however, does not necessarily produce novel and innovative solutions. The purpose of this article is to explore creative problem solving and to present a model that can help facilitators and team members choose an appropriate technique for their situation. The model has divided creative problem solving into three categories, namely paradigm preserving techniques, paradigm stretching techniques and paradigm breaking techniques. The article discusses these three categories and presents some examples of their use.
Leadership theory: past, present and future
Authors: Horner Melissa
Published: April 2007

Organizations have changed over the past several decades with regard to the structuring of work methods and processes. Moving away from the traditional hierarchical design, most organizations are developing flatter, leaner structures that support a more empowered, team‐based workforce. The nature of leadership has also changed significantly over time. Building on the body of work that has been done to understand leadership, the current paper explores the various theories of leadership and how these theories have changed over time. Starting with a review of work done on leadership, the trends and changes over time are discussed. In addition, characteristics of successful leaders are identified. Given current developments in organizations, a call for change is presented in the context of teams and team leadership. A modified view of leadership is proposed that may be more appropriate in team‐based structures.
Application of the multiple intelligences theory in quality organizations
Authors: Weller L. David
Published: April 2007

Multiple intelligences theory contends that there are multiple “intelligences”, at least seven types of human capacities and abilities, which exist and can be found in each individual in varying degrees. This theory has made a major impact in the educational field, but it also has applications for other types of quality organizations. Businesses can use multiple intelligences theory to structure workshops and training sessions for employees which will enhance teamwork, develop human potential, and foster creativity.
F.W. Taylor’s lecture on management, 4th June 1907
Authors: Wrege Charles D.
Published: April 2007

Introduces Frederick W. Taylor′s lecture on his “task”
system of management, given at his home, “Boxly”, in 1907
and recorded by his friend Morris Cooke as the basis for part of his
book. Summarizes the lecture′s contents, and details its background,
including correspondence between Cooke and Taylor regarding its
development.
The use of case studies in public administrative education in the USA
Authors: Rosenbloom David H.
Published: April 2007

In the USA, there is sustained interest in the use of case studies in public administrative education in management and administrative law dates from the 1940s. Public administration and law both turned to cases as teaching devices when their dominant intellectual traditions were no longer viable. Although it has since declined, a public management case study movement was very influential in the late 1940s and 1950s. Administrative law casebooks have remained popular, and there are several titles specifically intended for public administration programmes. Efforts to “reinvent” public administration are likely to generate renewed interest in management‐oriented cases.
John Rawls and the recent history of public administration
Authors: Esquith Stephen L.
Published: April 2007

John Rawls’ theory of justice has had a direct impact on public administration, especially work in new public administration. His theory has influenced the obligations of public administrators, the scope of citizen participation in public administration, and the equitable distribution of public services. It has also contributed to the development of administrative ethics. In addition, it suggests ways in which a mediating model of public reason might be developed for public administrators working on deeply divisive social and economic issues.
The managerial principles behind guild craftsmanship
Authors: Wolek Francis W.
Published: April 2007

The craft guilds of old are prototypes for the legend of European craftsmanship. This paper discusses three managerial principles used by the guilds: regulation, standards of accomplishment, and apprenticeship. The rationale behind, and the implementation of, each principle is outlined with reference to historical sources on guild operations. A consistent weakness of guild administration on these principles has been a bias toward self‐interested conservatism. As science and technology progressed, society has responded by abandoning guild administration in favor of independent professional organizations. The paper concludes by noting that, while independent professionalism is progressive, it also minimizes the benefits that guilds obtained from experience‐based knowledge.
An easy rapid prototyping technique with point cloud data
Authors: Pal Pralay
Published: April 2007

In recent days, rapid machining through digital prototyping has been popular for its applicability in a wide range of complex and useful parts. Rapid construction of prototypes from point cloud data based on section plane method is available, which is an approximate method. Discusses some suitable methodology for conversion of point cloud data to a physical prototype where data acquisition is through a mechanical touch trigger probing process using CNC milling machine. The process is quite useful for reverse engineering of complex sculptured parts. A concept called tangent plane method is adopted for the generation of 3D geometry on point cloud data of sculptured parts with due emphasis on probe radius compensation after data capture and tool radius compensation during tool‐path generation. Computer simulated results are presented, based on real‐world point cloud data.
Accurate exterior, fast interior layered manufacturing
Authors: Sabourin Emmanuel , Houser Scott A. , Helge Bøhn Jan
Published: April 2007

Describes a new approach to fast layered manufacturing. The improvements in speed are achieved entirely through software control of existing commercial layered manufacturing equipment. In particular, the exterior regions of a part are built with thin layers to provide a precise, smooth exterior surface, while its interior regions are built with fast, thick layers to reduce overall build time. This approach has been implemented and tested with .STL CAD models on a Stratasys FDM 1600 rapid prototyping system, where a 50‐80 per cent reduction in build time of dense parts has been achieved without reducing surface quality or part integrity.
Religion as an environmental influence on enterprise culture – The case of Britain in the 1980s
Authors: Anderson Alistair R. , Drakopoulou‐Dodd Sarah L. , Scott Michael G.
Published: April 2007

This paper explores the role of religion in the formation and development of the enterprise culture. The approach is that of legitimisation leading to an increase in environmental munificence. It is argued that entrepreneurial activity was encouraged by the use of an entrepreneurial theology specifically articulated by Margaret Thatcher. Parallels are drawn to Max Weber’s work on the Protestant work ethic, particularly in the way that he argued that changes in the socio‐cultural framework of theology allowed, permitted and encouraged entrepreneurial action in what he called the new rational capitalism. Different aspects of the theological underpinnings of enterprise are discussed. The key findings are that religion played a significant role. It provided a Thatcherite rhetoric which became a moral crusade which was passionately pursued. Entrepreneurship was thus elevated to a new moral high ground; this was in spite of the strongly contested views of the Church. Interestingly, it appears that religious support for entrepreneurship, albeit in a modified form, continues with New Labour.
“Currying favour with the locals”: Balti owners and business enclaves
Authors: Ram Monder , Abbas Tahir , Sanghera Balihar , Hillin Guy
Published: April 2007

The often‐dynamic presence of South Asians in particular economic activities has prompted ambivalent responses from policymakers. For some, there is encouragement to “break out” from ethnic niche businesses like lower‐order retailing and catering. Another ploy is to promote a strategy of “‘ethnic advantage” by exploiting “cultural” features of a particular community. Examples include the marketing of what can be termed “ethnic enclaves” like “Chinatown” in Manchester and “Little Italy” in Boston (USA). This paper reports on an initiative to exploit the tourist potential of South Asian cuisine by developing a “Balti Quarter” in Birmingham. The results highlight a number of key issues involved in operationalising this increasingly popular strategy. First, the unitarist conceptualisation of the notion of an ethnic enclave obscures the harshly competitive environment that small ethnic minority firms like those in the “Balti Quarter” have to operate in. Second, the often ad hoc way in which such inner city areas are regulated (through planning guidelines) can intensify the competitive pressures facing many firms in the area. Finally, the “external” focus of the initiative runs the risk of masking chronic issues within the firm (e.g. poor working environments) which policymakers should be equally concerned with.
Entrepreneurship: what triggers it?
Authors: Morrison Alison
Published: April 2007

It is apparent that there exists no such thing as one identifiable and universal entrepreneurial culture. Furthermore, the key to initiating the process of entrepreneurship lies within the individual members of society, and the degree to which a spirit of enterprise exists, or can be stimulated. The key question is, what triggers the release of this invaluable enterprising spirit? This paper seeks to make a small contribution towards an explanation by focusing on one aspect – the relationship of certain cultural and societal factors. It is argued that there is a significant relationship between entrepreneurship and cultural specificity. This has been progressed through a cross‐country study that involved Australia, Slovenia, Mexico, North America, Finland, Scotland, South Africa and Kenya. Following a review of the variables that contribute to culture in general and entrepreneurial culture in particular, a sample of findings from the study are integrated to illustrate key categories of analysis. The aim is to instigate a shift in thinking from universal generalisations relative to entrepreneurship, to a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between entrepreneurship and culture.
Overcoming the structure – agency divide in small business research
Authors: Gorton Matthew
Published: April 2007

Explanations aimed at understanding the causes of variations in small business performance have tended towards either behavioural factors or structural explanations. However, this behavioural‐structural dichotomy replicates the traditional structure‐agency divide in social theory and consequently sets up artificial and unhelpful oppositions between agent‐centred (behaviouralist) models that ignore social formations and structuralist theories negate the role of human agency in dealing with social exigencies. This paper endeavours to transcend this limiting dichotomy by drawing on the social theory of Pierre Bourdieu, to offer a more convincing framework for research on the small business sector.
Competing in the service sector ‐ The entrepreneurial challenge
Authors: Risch Rodie Amy , Martin Charles L.
Published: April 2007

Despite the rapid growth and lure of the service sector, entrepreneurs are well advised to consider the numerous competitive challenges encountered when owning and operating a service business. The unique nature of services (i.e. intangibility, heterogeneity, perishability, simultaneity) serves as a backdrop to accentuate the competitive landscapes in the service sector. To frame the analysis and discussion of the competitive environment for service businesses, the article applies Porter’s conceptualization of the five sources of competition – rivalry among existing intra‐industry firms; new entrants; substitutes; suppliers; and buyers. Discusses implications and suggestions for service entrepreneurs throughout the article.
Ethnic minority enterprise: an overview and research agenda
Authors: Ram Monder
Published: April 2007

Discusses whether ethnic minority enterprise is a routinely rational economics activity, no different from other small‐scale endeavours, or whether it is a distinctive phenomenon which demonstrates the influence of cultural resources on entrepreneurial activities. Focuses on three themes which have emerged from British‐based studies on ethnic minority businesses: diversity; the importance of “break‐out”; and increased policy activity. Concludes that ethnic‐minority owned business provides a significant contribution to small business activity and the economy, and as such it merits further study. Identifies areas where there is scope for further study as new processes and development strategies are evolved in ethnic minority enterprise.