bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of singlet oxygen and oxygen concentration in photodynamic inactivation of bacteria
Authors: Maisch Tim , Baier Jürgen , Franz Barbara , Maier Max , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf-Markus , Bäumler Wolfgang
Published: April 2007

New antibacterial strategies are required in view of the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. One promising technique involves the photodynamic inactivation of bacteria. Upon exposure to light, a photosensitizer in bacteria can generate singlet oxygen, which oxidizes proteins or lipids, leading to bacteria death. To elucidate the oxidative processes that occur during killing of bacteria,
Staphylococcus aureus
was incubated with a standard photosensitizer, and the generation and decay of singlet oxygen was detected directly by its luminescence at 1,270 nm. At low bacterial concentrations, the time-resolved luminescence of singlet oxygen showed a decay time of 6 ± 2 μs, which is an intermediate time for singlet oxygen decay in phospholipids of membranes (14 ± 2 μs) and in the surrounding water (3.5 ± 0.5 μs). Obviously, at low bacterial concentrations, singlet oxygen had sufficient access to water outside of
S. aureus
by diffusion. Thus, singlet oxygen seems to be generated in the outer cell wall areas or in adjacent cytoplasmic membranes of
S. aureus
. In addition, the detection of singlet oxygen luminescence can be used as a sensor of intracellular oxygen concentration. When singlet oxygen luminescence was measured at higher bacterial concentrations, the decay time increased significantly, up to ≈40 μs, because of oxygen depletion at these concentrations. This observation is an important indicator that oxygen supply is a crucial factor in the efficacy of photodynamic inactivation of bacteria, and will be of particular significance should this approach be used against multiresistant bacteria.
The House of Commons Library and the transfer of resources to electronic form for user self‐service, 1979‐2004
Authors: Pond Chris
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To examine the effects of technical developments on demand for traditional enquiry services in the House of Commons Library.

Design/methodology/approach

Trends in enquiry load are matched against technical advances, especially in the area of user self‐service, using published and unpublished reports.

Findings

The growth of resources delivered via the Parliamentary intranet, and the provision of suitable and convenient retrieval equipment, have enabled the end‐user and significantly reduced demands on traditional librarianship and reference skills.

Research limitations/implications

Based on experience of one special library.

Practical implications

Likely to be of use to information practitioners in cognate situations where traditional approaches are being supplanted by technical change.

Originality/value

Case study of an organization adapting to the new realities of an information‐rich corps of users.
Accelerated corrosion tests for aerospace materials: current limitations and future trends
Authors: Baldwin K.R. , Smith C.J.E.
Published: April 2007

Examines accelerated methods for the corrosion testing of materials, coatings and surface treatments used in the aerospace and defence industries. The drawbacks with some current accelerated corrosion tests are examined, particularly the problems experienced with neutral salt spray tests. Specific examples are given which identify the acute discrepancy between salt spray and marine exposure in the corrosion testing of metallic coatings on steels. Examines some recent advances in corrosion testing of aerospace materials, pre‐treatments and organic coatings, and outlines some preliminary research conducted at DERA Farnborough in developing more accurate test methods.
Performance of silane treated primed hot‐dip galvanised steel
Authors: Puomi Paula , Fagerholm Heidi M.
Published: April 2007

Investigates the adhesion and corrosion performance of selected silanes in primed galvanised steel. For comparison HDG steel was also treated with a chromate‐free and a chromate‐containing pre‐treatment. All treated panels were painted with three different primers. Corrosion resistance and paint adhesion of the primed panels were studied. Surface energy of the panels was measured by the contact angle method and is reported in terms of the Lewis base component. The corrosion resistance of the panels depended on the combination of the silane and the primer. Vinyltrimethoxysilane (VS) and γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ‐APS) treatments improved the corrosion resistance of polyurethane primed panels. γ‐ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane (γ‐UPS) and VS treatments improved the performance of polyester primed panels. A relationship between the base components and the prohesion test results of γ‐UPS and γ‐APS treated panels was found, which indicates that acid‐base interactions improve the adhesion between these two silanes and the primers. γ‐UPS and γ‐APS treated panels also achieved excellent results in the humidity test with all three polymer coatings.
Preparation and evaluation of some new corrosion inhibitors in varnishes
Authors: El‐Sanabary A.A. , Elnashar M.M. , Abdallah Magda A. , Badran B.M.
Published: April 2007

Soybean oil was epoxidized in situ under established conditions. The produced epoxidized soybean oil was subjected to a sulfur containing compound of the formula (5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐(3H)‐thiones) and four of its derivatives (p‐chloro‐, p‐iodo‐, p‐methyl‐ and p‐methoxy‐) in sealed ampoules under inert atmosphere at 180‐2308C (according to the melting point of each sulfur compound). The produced adducts were added to three varnishes based on alkyd resin, chlorinated rubber and a vinyl chloride copolymer to evaluate them as corrosion inhibitors for steel surfaces. It was found that these adducts can act as good corrosion inhibitors and their efficiencies depend principally on the substituted functional group.
Aviox CF Primer: a new generation primer for aircraft maintenance
Authors: van Beelen D.C. , Rouw P. , Boomgaard R. , Zabel K.
Published: April 2007

Repainting aircraft is a laborious and time‐consuming process, involving stripping, surface preparation and then painting. It is possible to distinguish two different systems for aircraft re‐painting, owing to their prime application area, referred to as the “European System” and the “USA System”. Examines these two systems and discusses the health and environmental aspects, along with their level of corrosion protection. Examines the properties of a new binder system, referred to as the KETAC‐System. As a result of the formulation of this new binder a new primer system was developed. The development of this primer , known as Aviox CF Primer, was carried out in close co‐operation with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the results of which are reviewed.
Introduction to active thermography for non‐destructive evaluation
Authors: Shepard Steven M.
Published: April 2007

Examines the use of infrared imaging methods for non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) applications. Describes thermal wave imaging systems, outlining their benefits.
Recent advances in epoxy curing agent technology for low temperature cure coatings
Authors: Ghosh Kalyan , Garcia Patricia , Galgoci Ernest
Published: April 2007

Reports results from studies conducted on a polyfunctional amine adduct epoxy curing agent (EPI‐CURE DPC‐3293) as a means to design low temperature cure coatings. Through the judicious choice of epoxide resins and amine‐functional curing agents, relatively fast reaction rates and resistance to moisture and humidity are maintained under low‐temperature cure conditions, and that is evidenced by a good balance of performance properties of coating films. We have used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to study the extent of reaction as well as the glass transition temperatures (Tg). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been used to predict the barrier properties of coating films. These results are compared with epoxide resins cured with a phenalkamine curing agent to illustrate some of the unique advantages of using multifunctional amine adduct curing agents for the curing of epoxide resins under sub‐ambient cure conditions for a multitude of end‐use applications.
UK packaging waste legislation
Authors: Fernie John , Hart Cathy
Published: April 2007

The Producer Responsibility Regulations incorporated the EU Packaging Waste Directive into UK law in March 1997. The UK legislation adopted the concept of the “polluter pays” by sharing the responsibility for waste packaging recovery across the whole supply chain. However, the retailer as the last member of the supply chain assumed the greater share of 47 per cent of waste recovery targets. The operational and resource implications for individual company obligations were compounded by the introduction of a complex waste collection scheme involving third‐party waste recovery operators trading packaging recovery notes (PRNs). The UK approach has been criticised as “bureaucratic, ill‐conceived and confusing”, requiring companies to provide data on all primary, secondary and transit packaging they have generated, recovered and recycled over the previous year. While many retailers were unprepared for the complexities it created, others view the legislation as an opportunity to reduce waste, optimise their packaging supply chain and reduce costs. This paper will examine and compare the impact of the new regulations on various food retailers. Findings are discussed from a series of in‐depth interviews with a number of senior managers involved in implementing the legislation. In particular it discusses the initiatives carried out to comply with the regulations, the impact on existing logistics networks and the investment required to implement the regulations.
Trappings versus substance ‐ Market orientation in food and drink SMEs
Authors: Lewis Chris , Pick Polly , Vickerstaff Angela
Published: April 2007

Many companies claim to be market oriented, yet on closer inspection lack a real customer focus. Other firms eschew marketing as ignoble trickery yet prove to have exceptional market orientation. This paper analyses three case studies of small and medium firms in the food and drink sector, examining the reasons underpinning their success in spite of a lack of formal marketing organisation or activities, and their antipathy to popular conceptions of marketing. Organisational culture, excellent (if informal) customer and competitor knowledge and long‐term orientation are seen to underpin the success of these “marketers in denial”.
Talking pictures in working school lunches – Investigating food choice with children and adolescents
Authors: Ells Harvey
Published: April 2007

With influences on aspects of food choice originating from a number of sources and investigation requiring multidisciplinary considerations, more qualitative methods have proved effective in offering some insight into the changing role of food. These methods are particularly useful when considering food encounters and diet of both children and adolescents, as they can provide more personalised accounts of food use and social interactions than more quantitative alternatives. Pictures have previously been used to assist in food related studies, but with limitations. This paper considers the effectiveness of using pictorial prompts to initiate unstructured interviews with two sample groups of children and adolescents, highlighting an increased potential for their use in future research. Other considerations include the restrictions that are often imposed on the independent researcher in terms of time resources and limited access.
Consolidation in food retailing and dairy
Authors: Hendrickson Mary , Heffernan William D. , Howard Philip H. , Heffernan Judith B.
Published: April 2007

Discusses the restructuring of the food production, processing and retailing sectors in the USA. Describes different methods of vertical and horizontal integration that have occurred. Goes on to discuss the consolidation of business in retailing in particular. Refers to the relationships that are being formed between the supermarket chains, for example Wal‐Mart and Kroger, and dominant food‐chain clusters. Considers whether or not smaller retail chains and wholesalers should feel threatened by this consolidation. Takes the dairy sector in the USA as a case study in the restructuring of the retailing and processing sectors.
Developing and supporting information entrepreneurs
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: April 2007

Opportunities abound to make money by packaging and applying information and knowledge, offering information and knowledge based services, and managing intellectual capital more effectively. However, to exploit them a new generation of information, knowledge and learning entrepreneurs need to be developed. Companies that are intent upon creating and exploiting intellectual capital need to encourage and support information entrepreneurs. The current situation and climate for information entrepreneurship need to be assessed, and educators, trainers and developers should define relevant competencies and take appropriate steps to equip people with them.
Increasing employees’ creativity by training their managers
Authors: Williams Scott
Published: April 2007

As pressures on organizations to adapt and solve problems creatively increase, employee creativity will become an increasingly important concern. The pressures on businesses and government organizations to adapt to new technologies and external threats require resourcefulness and creativity. Several training interventions have been shown to be effective in enhancing the participants’ creativity. In addition, a number of managerial behaviors seem to affect subordinates’ creativity. However, the topic of training managers to boost their subordinates’ creativity has been virtually ignored. This paper examines the research on creativity training, management training, and the managerial behaviors that affect subordinates’ creativity. Appropriate methods of management training intended to enhance subordinates’ creative performance are suggested.
Supply chain management: what training professionals need to know
Authors: Tracey Michael , Smith‐Doerflein Kimberly A.
Published: April 2007

The supply chain management way of thinking has an important human dimension due to its emphasis on communication and cooperation across all parties comprising the chain. Examination of the basics of supply chain management in parallel with some major trends occurring throughout the training discipline indicate that trainers have the means to assist in the development of individuals capable of functioning well in this environment. An explanation of what constitutes supply chain management and the corresponding tools, methods and approaches available to the training professional is presented.
The future of library and information services in Tanzania
Authors: Nawe Julita
Published: April 2007

The development of library and information services human resources has, in the main, been the responsibility of individual institutions. Development of career structure is not closely monitored. Skills are often not matched to tasks performed, nor to services to be provided, as is inferred from the reasons given for dissatisfaction with services and the apparent uneasiness between the library and information workforce and their respective employers. However, professionals’ growing concern over cooperative undertakings in dealing with professional matters seems to pave the way for improvement of services in the future.
Cracking the code of business
Authors: Emiliani M.L.
Published: April 2007

Large public companies restructure themselves on a regular basis with the primary goals of achieving better financial performance and demonstrating responsiveness to shareholder interests. However, it is well know that such discontinuities typically result in great stress and confusion amongst employees, particularly over how to achieve new stretch goals. Key functions such as engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and finance often pursue separate paths to achieve function‐specific goals. This paper utilizes the principles and tools of lean production to decode the CEO’s mandates and deliver practical, solutions‐oriented tools to employees to help achieve stretch business goals. This creates an effective bridge between the language of the CEO and engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and finance functions. Coupled with LEAN BEHAVIORSSM, an environment can be created that enables widespread employee alignment and commitment to challenging business conditions. The result is the first framework that unifies technical and behavioral components of management.
Determining the indeterminacies of change leadership
Authors: Grint Keith
Published: April 2007

A considerable amount of research supports the contention that between two thirds and three quarters of all change programmes fail in their own terms. In this paper I suggest that our inability to determine the future runs contrary to many assumptions about change management and that an amalgam of three particular theories of indeterminacy (constructivism, indeterminacy and complexity theory) ‐ which I call subjunctivism ‐ may help understand the problem.
Food Industry Responses to the Health of the Nation
Authors: Richardson David P. , Hignett Johanna M. , Inman Jacqueline
Published: April 2007

Discusses the Eat Well Action Plan, devised by the Nutrition Task Force,
which was published in 1994, to help achieve the Health of the Nation′s
targets on diet and health. The food industry is encouraged to undertake
a “fat audit” of all products to identify the opportunities for fat
reductions. In addition increased usage of fruits, vegetables and
starchy staples, a move to full nutrition labelling, and marketing
practices conducive to healthy food choices are also important. Emphasis
is placed on a total diet approach to enjoyable eating and drinking,
involving balance, taste, variety and moderation within a healthy,
active lifestyle.
Food choices of 9‐17‐ year olds in Northern Ireland – influences and challenges
Authors: Warwick Jennifer , McIlveen Heather , Strugnell Christopher
Published: April 2007

Few studies have concentrated on the food choices of young people and the potential influences, yet the food choices established in these early years can determine the diet and quality of health in later life. This study investigates the diet and food choices of 9‐17‐year olds in Northern Ireland and considers the potential effects of age, gender and socio‐economic grouping. A range of research methods was implemented including observations, questionnaires and diet based case studies. The observations, in five schools, indicated the types of foods being chosen whilst the questionnaires further investigated this initial information along with other factors, to obtain more detailed data. A total of 764 questionnaires were administered to young people and 516 to parents to facilitate comparison. In‐depth diet based case studies also took place evaluating the diets of 14 young people. The research indicated that this group have a diet which continues to cause concern.
An analysis of workplace bullying in the UK
Authors: Lee Deborah
Published: April 2007

The term “workplace bullying” migrated to the UK from Scandinavian countries in the early 1990s as an interpretation of persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, abuse of power or unfair penal sanctions which makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable, undermines their self‐confidence and which may cause them to suffer stress. This article traces the emergence of workplace bullying in UK media presentations, trade union publications, self‐help literature and academic discussions. An analysis is offered of whether workplace bullying should be considered a new problem, or instead whether it might be viewed as a new interpretation for an existing problem. I draw from qualitative interviews with bullied men and women to discuss how workers are deploying the concept of workplace bullying. My analysis demonstrates that “workplace bullying” supplies a helpful interpretation for a range of unfair practices, but that the current emphasis on persistent and/or harmful experiences should be problematised.
“Thatcher’s children”, pensions and retirement ‐ Some survey evidence
Authors: Duncan Colin , Loretto Wendy , White Phil
Published: April 2007

Despite major changes in the UK pensions scene, including policy initiatives by successive governments, very little is known about people’s attitudes towards many pensions related issues. Reports the results of a survey of undergraduates, born on the threshold of the Thatcher era, who are themselves about to embark upon influential careers. The findings relate both to knowledge of pension and retirement details, and the students’ own pension and career plans. In the spirit of the 1980s, the students, especially the males, attached some importance to “individual choice” in pension arrangements. The need for a role for the State was acknowledged, whilst occupational pensions were not rated highly in employment choice terms. The overall pattern of responses allows for some tentative evaluation of recent Labour Government proposals and speculation of future developments in the field of provision for retirement.
HRM in the airline industry: strategies and outcomes
Authors: Boyd Carol
Published: April 2007

Within the HRM literature, health and safety occupies a somewhat rhetorical role. Examines HRM and the management of health and safety in the airline industry. Argues that in response to increasing competitive conditions, airlines have adopted a short‐termist, cost‐rational approach to HRM and health and safety, evidenced by a range of strategies aimed at securing reductions in operating costs and short‐term productivity gains, where profit is prioritised over employee health and safety. Concludes that HRM may have provided a smokescreen for irresponsible health and safety management in the airline industry, while a two‐tier assault on health and safety has taken place.
Senior management commitment to disability ‐ The influence of legal compulsion and best practice
Authors: Dibben Pauline , James Phil , Cunningham Ian
Published: April 2007

Over the past two decades, two distinct types of action have been taken to address discrimination in the labour market against people with disabilities. First, the introduction of legislation and, second, the launch of “best practice” initiatives. Analyses company annual reports to test whether these two types of action have acted to increase senior management commitment to tackling the disadvantaged position of disabled workers. Presents findings that cast doubt on the extent to which either of the approaches have served to increase such commitment. Identifies a number of legislative reforms, encompassing the introduction of requirements on the external auditing of disability practices, access to occupational health services and the use of contract compliance, that could be utilised to raise the priority accorded to disability issues by senior managers.
Designing Employee Welfare Provision
Authors: Davis Ann , Gibson Lucy
Published: April 2007

Describes a process through which organizations might seek to implement
interventions relating to employee wellbeing. Emphasizes the importance
of a comprehensive needs assessment both in obtaining the breadth of
information needed to design appropriate interventions and also in
providing baseline information against which to evaluate programme
effectiveness. Discusses factors which influence the type of
intervention appropriate for a particular situation and highlights their
design implications. Finally, provides guidance on programme
implementation and evaluation, and discusses some of the advantages and
disadvantages of different approaches to tertiary welfare provision.
EAPs and Their Future in the UK
Authors: Reddy Michael
Published: April 2007

The multiple roots of Employee Assistance Programmes belie the commonly
held view which sees them simply as the descendant of Occupational
Alcohol Programmes. Their origins in performance management processes,
however, and particularly the way in which their development has been
influenced by the health insurance and managed care movements adds
considerably to their significance. Their resilience over 40 years stems
as much from this contextual relevance as from their core professional
bases. It is this contextual relevance which makes their continuing
growth in the UK almost certain. The EAP can thus make an invaluable
contribution to organizational change and to education and training, as
well as to the health of the workforce.
Learning histories: spanning the great divide
Authors: Parent Robert , Roch Joanne M. , Béliveau Julie
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the use of a new action research methodology, the learning history, to study knowledge transfer initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the literature on learning histories is followed by the results of a case study, where a learning history is used to transfer humanistic practices from an American health care model to a Quebec setting.

Findings

This study demonstrates how the learning history method can act as a catalyst to accelerate the knowledge transfer process. It has helped researchers and practitioners recognize and address the challenges involved in implementing change and transferring new knowledge in an organization.

Research limitations/implications

Although the learning history provides a fresh and effective way to study learning and knowledge concepts, the potential of this new methodology in studying knowledge transfer activities has not been fully explored. The limitations are primarily those associated with the amount of work involved in a developing a learning history as well as the courage and honesty it requires.

Practical implications

Approaches to improving learning from experience and descriptions about how to capture and disseminate knowledge within organizations are somewhat limited. The findings of this study offer practitioners and researchers guidance on how to accelerate the implementation of future initiatives knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

By linking learning histories to knowledge transfer, this article provides a fresh new approach to studying how knowledge can be transferred from researchers to practitioners and bridging what some have called “the great divide” between these two communities.
Size and HRM in the Spanish manufacturing industry
Authors: Bayo‐Moriones José Alberto , Merino‐Díaz de Cerio Javier
Published: April 2007

Attempts to discover any possible links between company size and the handling of human resource management (HRM) in the case of Spanish industrial production workers. The data used as a basis for this study were obtained by means of a survey carried out on 965 Spanish industrial firms covering such aspects as compensation policy, job design and training. The results provide evidence of significant differences in the majority of the practices included in the survey, with a tendency towards their fuller development in larger sized firms. Some areas of human resource management, however, such as job description, promotion within the firm and the use of incentive schemes, do not differ.
Change, HRM and the voluntary sector
Authors: Kellock Hay Gillian , Beattie Rona S. , Livingstone Ron , Munro Pauline
Published: April 2007

Examines the context of the voluntary sector and its impact on organisational processes. Provides a selective overview of traditional literature on change management and assesses its relevance for the voluntary sector. Investigates alternative models that could facilitate understanding of change processes in the voluntary sector. Discusses the results from an empirical study into the change management experiences of a voluntary sector umbrella body. Concludes with key HRM lessons for the wider voluntary sector at this time of significant change, as well as highlighting the impact of contextual factors on the application of generic models of change.
Youth, gender and part‐time employment
Authors: Lucas Rosemary , Ralston Lisa
Published: April 2007

Increasing numbers of full‐time students at school, college and university are combining study with work in marginal, flexible, low‐ paid, part‐time service jobs. The employment relationship is highly informal and the contract may simply be the product of coincidence, because the idea that employers follow a particular strategy with regard to the employment of labour, simplifies the complexities and vagaries of the labour market. Although this phenomenon is bringing more young males into the part‐time labour force, young females remain disadvantaged in regard to the substantive terms of the effort/reward exchange. These factors necessitate a rethink and revision of the main theories of labour force analysis.
The use of statistics in the managerial process by public library directors in China and the USA: a cross‐country survey
Authors: Quan Liu Yan
Published: April 2007

Librarians have been involved in collecting and disseminating statistics for many years. Utilising statistics to describe and assess the operation of library activities as a part of library tradition has received growing attention from researchers, policymakers, library managers, and professionals. However, few studies have investigated how statistics are used in libraries. This report compares directors’ uses of statistics provided by national agencies in the USA and China to highlight the differences and similarities between the ways in which the two groups of directors make use of statistics, and the statistical information that directors find particularly useful. The results are intended to provide library administrators with an insight of how library statistics are used in the managerial process, and may also help the national statistical providers to obtain an understanding of the characteristics and pattern of use of their products.
Quality versus quantity: contradictions in LIS journal publishing in China
Authors: Calvert Philip J. , Zengzhi Shi
Published: April 2007

Journal quality is typically assessed in quantitative terms. This IFLA‐funded pilot project used strictly qualitative criteria to assess library and information science journal quality in China. The Chinese LIS journal publishing scene is described and its strengths and weaknesses examined. Five LIS journal editors were interviewed to gather their ideas about what makes for good journal quality, and what they wanted to achieve in their journals. Articles from their journals were scored on six criteria to determine the editor’s success in achieving their stated objectives. Best scores were for “new information or data” and the worst were for “appropriate methodology and analysis”.
If the worst happens: the use and effectiveness of disaster plans in libraries and archives
Authors: Muir Adrienne , Shenton Sarah
Published: April 2007

The disaster plan is promoted as a central part of disaster management. Six case studies of UK libraries and archives were used to investigate the development and use of disaster plans. During a disaster, the key in any response is leadership, an experienced team of staff with knowledge of the collections and on‐site conservation expertise. The most useful part of the plan for disaster response is its contact lists. However, the plan is an important policy and training document. It requires continued managerial commitment and should be supported by an organisational culture of disaster awareness and prevention. Organisational issues are the major constraint on the effectiveness of disaster planning and response. There is a need to investigate current levels of planning in the UK in order to determine what still needs to be done in terms of awareness raising. Methods of testing the disaster plan and co‐operation in disaster management also require further research.
The impact of information use on decision making by physiotherapists
Authors: Ashcroft Maggie
Published: April 2007

Presents and discusses the findings of a study of the impact of the use of library services and information by physiotherapists on their decision making for patient care. A postal questionnaire was distributed to the staff of each physiotherapy department in 37 National Health Service Trust hospitals in the Northern and Yorkshire region. The methodology for the study was that used in previous studies undertaken in the USA. The “critical incident” technique was used in order to pinpoint a particular situation when a need for information, connected with patient care, had caused the respondent to seek help. The respondent was asked to pose the enquiry at their hospital library and information service point and complete a questionnaire to record the success and speed of their enquiry, and to evaluate the impact of the information on their decisions relating to patient care.
Are longer hours reducing productivity in manufacturing?
Authors: Shepard Edward , Clifton Thomas
Published: April 2007

This paper provides statistical evidence of the effects of overtime hours on worker productivity using aggregate panel data for 18 manufacturing industries within the US economy. An economic production function model is specified and estimated using data for the years 1956‐1991 provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US Department of Commerce, and the Federal Reserve Board. Standard approaches are applied to specify and estimate a factor‐augmented production function model, with possible effects of overtime on productivity incorporated through the specification of factor effort functions. The empirical results suggest that use of overtime hours lowers average productivity, measured as output per worker hour, for almost all of the industries included in the sample. These results hold up under several alternative specifications and estimation techniques, including controls or corrections for autocorrelation, heteroskedasticity, rates of capacity utilization, and possible endogeneity of the constructed variable representing use of overtime hours.
The signalling power of education by size of firm and the long‐term effects on workers’ careers
Authors: Dupray Arnaud
Published: April 2007

The paper seeks to separate the signalling effect of education on first entry into the labour market and the long‐term influence of its human capital component on earnings. It is claimed that large firms attach more importance than small ones to the signalling component of education. Thus it is assumed, first, that highly educated young people are more likely to be recruited by a large company. Second, size of firm at first job is likely to some extent to be predictive of earnings patterns and career opportunities. Lastly, it is assumed that returns to professional experience and education are likely to be more subject to erosion in large firms than in small ones once the influence of education on the first appointment has been taken into account. In order to test these hypotheses, a multinomial Logit selection model is estimated. The findings are widely consistent with the hypotheses and support the idea that the signalling impact of education is stronger in large firms than in small ones, which might explain wage inequality among workers endowed with the same amount of education.
Skill supply, supervision requirements and unemployment of low‐skilled labor
Authors: Falkinger Josef , Grossmann Volker
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a model with flexible wages in which unemployment of low‐skilled labor is possible in equilibrium, whereas high‐skilled workers are fully employed. Thus, the model can explain why even in countries with flexible labor markets and full employment of skilled labor an employment problem exists at the bottom of the skill spectrum. The model is used to evaluate the impact of technological change and increased skill supply on the employment of low‐skilled workers. It is shown that a switch to technologies with higher skill requirements unambiguously leads to a rise in unemployment of low‐skilled workers. An increase in the supply of high‐skilled labor has a positive effect on the employment level of low‐skilled labor.
Analysing the effect of training on wages – using combined survey‐register data
Authors: Schøne Pål
Published: April 2007

This article analysis the impact of training on wages using combined survey‐register material. The objective is threefold: to combine survey and register information to estimate individual return from training on wages; to estimate the impact from both individual and firm level training on individual wages; and to confront the results with control for unobserved individual and firm level heterogeneity. Results using register data show that the return from individual training is approximately 3.1 per cent per year. The return from the average training level at the firm is also positive and significant. After control for unobservable individual and firm level heterogeneity a positive impact from individual training is found, but evidence of a positive relationship between the mean level of training at the firm level and individual wages is no longer found. Our interpretation of these findings is that training has a positive individual effect, but has no positive firm‐specific external effects on other workers at the plant.
Minimum Wages and Employment
Authors: Dickens Richard , Machin Stephen , Manning Alan
Published: April 2007

Presents a theoretical approach to analysing the effects of minimum
wages on employment which is intended to conform more with the
functioning of actual labour markets than do other popular models
traditionally used to analyse the likely effects of minimum wages on
employment. The model has the desirable property of not only allowing
for the negative effect predicted by conventional models, but also
permiting a non‐negative impact which is consistent with several recent
empirical pieces of work. Examines the employment effects of the
industry‐level system of minimum wages which operated in the UK until
September 1993. Results reported are not in line with the orthodox model
as they suggest a neutral or positive impact of Wages Council minimum
wages on employment between 1978 and 1990.
The Unemployment Effects of Minimum Wages
Authors: Fields Gary S.
Published: April 2007

Analyses the effect of a minimum wage on unemployment. Using a model
with covered and non‐covered sectors, comparative static analysis is
performed with respect to the elasticity of demand for labour in the
covered sector, the elasticity of the wage in the non‐covered sector
with respect to the size of the non‐covered sector labour force, and the
size of the minimum wage. It turns out, contrary to the existing
literature, that for none of these parameters is the comparative static
effect unidirectional.
The Impact of Minimum Wages on Youth Employment in France
Revisited
Authors: Benhayoun Gilbert
Published: April 2007

Recent studies of the French experience find a small, negative impact of
the minimum wage on young persons′ employment, a finding which has led
to a political debate over the role of sub‐minimum wage rates for
youths. The current study initially aimed simply to update previous
work. However, the employment series for young persons has been revised
in a non‐negligible manner and the results obtained show that the impact
of the minimum wage is far less robust than previously thought. The
desirability of sub‐minimum rates for young persons would appear
questionable.
A causal model of employee commitment in a manufacturing setting
Authors: Putterill Martin S. , Rohrer Thomas C.
Published: April 2007

Describes the development and testing in a factory setting of a model of the employee organizational commitment process. Extended from early work in the field, the commitment‐performance model (C‐P model) builds up a structure which links effort and continuance commitment with employee expertise and behaviour. Survey data gathered in a multi‐division, labour‐intensive garment manufacturer in New Zealand form the basis of the empirical element which underpins the study. Uses LISREL (linear structural relationships) methodology to establish that the C‐P model is well specified and provides a framework for performance evaluation at the test site. Points the way to improve performance and reduce voluntary withdrawal using LISREL output to plan interventions in areas which the C‐P model indicates will enhance commitment in a balanced and cost‐effective way.
Leader‐follower attachments: understanding parental images at work
Authors: Keller Tiffany , Cacioppe Ron
Published: April 2007

This article examines how attachment styles may influence relationships with followers. Specifically, early family relationships result in three types of attachment styles that may impact current interpersonal dynamics between leaders and followers. We consider why attachments develop, how attachments may influence follower and leader behavior, and the dynamics of different attachment styles. Finally, we suggest that attachment theory can be an important addition to leadership theories that focus on understanding how followers and leaders interact based on interpersonal dynamics.
When IQ + experience = performance
Authors: Fiedler Fred E.
Published: April 2007

Proposes that commonly used methods of selecting leaders and managers, such as résumés of experience and training, tests and interviews, do not offer accurate predictions of future leader performance. Suggests that many current selection practices are based on two flawed assumptions: that greater intelligence or experience results in better leadership performance; and that the work environment does not impact on how individuals use their abilities and skills. Argues, with reference to representative studies, that the leadership situation strongly influences the use of the leader’s cognitive resources. Concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for both leadership theory and selection and training practice.
Flexible wireless communication network for mobile robot agents
Authors: Wilke Peter , Bräunl Thomas
Published: April 2007

For intelligent robots in a multi‐agent system communication is essential for cooperative behavior. Here we describe the explicit communication between individual robots acting as team members of a RoboCup team playing soccer. The robots are based on the EyeBot platform. An overview of communication systems being published and a discussion of their advantages and drawbacks is followed by an introduction into multi‐agent systems and the problems we faced applying them to the task of playing soccer. Then we describe the wireless communication network in detail including the EyeBot platform, message structures, self‐configuration and error recovery. The communication allows transmission of messages between individuals, broadcasts and communication with a remote computer workstation. The communication system is a layer beneath the multi‐robot console, which is the user interface, and above the EyeBot hardware.
Smart Partnership or Cronyism? A Malaysian Perspective
Authors: Norhashim Mariati , Aziz Kamarulzaman Ab.
Published: April 2007

Proposes that, arms length economic system (ALS) is not always appropriate for developing nations. The alternative of a relationship based system (RBS) which is often mistaken for crony capitalism as practiced in Malaysia is offered. Entrepreneurial spirit so fundamental to the development of an economy may be so lacking as to perish under an ALS yet be able to flourish under RBS. Explains three major aspects of how the Malaysian Economy was able to flourish under the RBS (1) the cultural reform of the majority indigenous group (2) the multi‐cultural cooperation between the economically superior Chinese and the less economically developed Malays and (3) The spill‐over effect from privatisation policies. Recognising the existence and legitimacy of an RBS as an economic model may offer a new approach towards poverty eradication and economic development of Third World countries.
Quality function deployment and decision analysis :A R&D case study
Authors: Delano Gwen , Parnell Gregory S. , Smith Charles , Vance Matt
Published: April 2007

This article presents and compares two techniques for making multiobjective product design decisions: quality function deployment (QFD) and decision analysis (DA). A research and development (R&D) case study describes the application of these techniques to the selection of the design for a new cargo/passenger aircraft. QFD provides a process for maintaining the voice of the customer, structuring the information in a concise format, developing teamwork, and improving communication. DA improves the quality of decisions by providing the decision maker with a better understanding of his values, insights into value trade‐offs, an understanding of major uncertainties, and the value of additional information. In this study, we found many similarities between the two techniques; however, for multiobjective decisions, decision analysis provides some significant advantages for generating alternatives and performing analysis. We recommend combining the best features of QFD and DA for R&D decision making.
Decision support for the scheduling of subcontract manufacture
Authors: Webster Margaret , Muhlemann Alan P. , Alder Chris
Published: April 2007

Presents work that addresses the issue of decision support for the operational management of subcontract manufacture. Theoretical study has been combined with empirical research and practical industrial investigation with regard to distributed manufacturing systems which incorporate subcontract manufacturing arrangements. There has been a particular focus on the study of resource planning and scheduling for subcontract manufacture in SMEs in the UK electronics assembly industry. This work led to the analysis, modelling, implementation and test of an object‐oriented advisory system to assist with scheduling for this domain which demonstrated the utility of a proposed concept of captivity‐based scheduling. Contemporary research in this area and existing commercial decision support solutions for manufacturing planning, scheduling and control in SMEs have been explored. Concludes that current commercial software systems for subcontract manufacture are underdeveloped. Further argues that software development tools and platforms are increasingly available to facilitate the creation of practical decision support systems for distributed organizational forms of manufacture.
Supply chain interactions and time‐related performances
Authors: Salvador Fabrizio , Forza Cipriano , Rungtusanatham Manus , Choi Thomas Y.
Published: April 2007

Many studies claim that when an organization interacts with suppliers and with customers across the supply chain, the organization would achieve improved time performances. This claim, however, has undergone limited theoretical development, as well as subsequent systematic empirical testing. As a result, we still have incomplete understanding of the “why” (i.e. the rationale) and the “how” (i.e. the mechanisms by which) of such interaction’s impact on time performances. This study addresses these issues through both model development and empirical analyses of 164 plants. Our analyses suggest two findings. First, when an organization interacts with suppliers and with customers on quality management issues, the organization would improve its time performances indirectly as a result of complete mediation by internal practices for: quality management; low management; inter‐unit coordination; and vertical coordination. On the other hand, when an organization interacts with suppliers and with customers on materials flow management issues, the impact on time‐related performances can either be completely or partially mediated by internal practices.