bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A missing link: national economic aspirations and training and learning in firms
Authors: Sloman Martyn
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider critically Government policy options in achieving growth through skills acquisition and deployment.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a review of policies drawing on literature from a number of countries.

Findings

Government has a tendency to offer macro‐solutions to a micro problem and is impotent as a result. The main hope lies in long‐term development through the education system.

Practical implications

The paper argues for a change in perspective from Government and a shift away from unhelpful initiatives. It calls for a long‐term investment in education.

Originality/value

The paper links the Government's macro‐economic policies with the micro‐ implications at the level of the firm.
Managing successful change
Authors: Edmonds John
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to help organisations understand the importance of managing organisational change in today's uncertain economic climate. How training in change management can help to provide a deeper knowledge of its principles and an understanding of how to implement and manage change in an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Organizations operating in today's uncertain economic climate need to know how to manage change. This paper's approach is to show how they can prepare for change which will lead to a greater probability of success.

Findings

There is resistance to change in organisations, brought about largely by the fear of the unknown by people. Handled correctly, using known and tested change management techniques, change can be brought about successfully, achieving set goals and objectives and to budget.

Research limitations

As every organisation is different, there is no template for successful organisational change management. In reality, change cannot be wholly managed; it will emerge naturally once a strategy for change is in place.

Practical implications

A compelling case needs to be established as a key part of the project definition, as the more people agree at the outset that the objectives of a change initiative are necessary, the more they are likely to support any change. The outcome, impact and benefits should also be defined, taking care not to over‐emphasise the process of change over the impact on those involved.

Originality/value

Any organisation operating In today's uncertain economic climate needs to know how to manage change in order to survive. They need to react quickly to the global revolution, while at a local and national level keeping up with new technology and competition if they want to stay ahead of the game. This viewpoint provides these organisations with a conscious approach to getting ready for change, which is likely to lead to a greater probability of success.
Is the glass ceiling cracked in information technology? A qualitative analysis: part 1
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Asham Neveen , Argheyd Kamal
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to qualitatively investigate, through a literature review of past studies and an in‐field case study, three different hypotheses regarding women working in the IT sector and their career and promotional aspirations.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used for data collection from female employees with varying professional specializations across several IT departments within the company. Questions for the survey were designed from the findings of the literature review.

Findings

The results obtained have proven that married women who are intrinsically inspired to maintain their work‐family balance face higher stress and more conflicts than those who do not. In addition, the glass ceiling was still evident in today's corporations, but mainly affecting the older generation of women professionals. Also, the results slightly hinted at a ten‐year cut‐off period, after which promotional aspiration is lost.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the limitations of the research conducted, further qualitative studies can be done to compare careers and promotional patterns between men and women in the IT departments, as well as those between women in IT departments and women working in other departments.

Practical implications

Employers should strive to provide their female employees with practical solutions to allow for an easier balancing of work‐family responsibilities, such as flexi‐time and telecommuting. At the same time, the employers should place the female employees in more opportunity‐enhancing positions within the corporation so that they can exploit or utilize their talents and increase the probability of climbing up the corporate ladder.

Originality/value

With a generous response rate, this paper provides a realistic perspective of professional females working within the IT domain with regard to their career and promotional aspirations.
Affirming our ideals at work
Authors: Callum Jayne
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to extend previous research on the self‐concept and leadership to better understand how line managers can successfully influence their direct reports, aiding personal development.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional, self‐report, online questionnaire was used to collect responses from 116 participants across a number of different industries; including learning and development, healthcare, financial, public sector, and media. The measures used were validated in previous research, with all scales showing high levels of reliability. Results were analysed using bivariate and multiple regression analyses, including the use of a Sobel test to verify mediation results.

Findings

Results suggest that the more a line manager affirms their direct report's ideal self at work, the stronger their relationship is perceived, and the more likely the psychological contract is to be fulfilled. In turn, this has a positive impact on job satisfaction.

Practical implications

The research underpinning this paper suggests that line managers have a significant part to play in the development of their direct reports. They must ascertain exactly how each of their direct reports views themselves within their role, and what is specifically important to them as individuals, in order to be able to successfully influence the way they behave and develop.

Originality/ value

This paper contributes to the limited research exploring the influence of the self‐concept on leadership effectiveness and consequent work‐related outcomes. It offers a further understanding of the psychological processes underlying how a line manager influences their direct report's view of themselves and their consequent development.
The frontline manager: fronting up to organisational change
Authors: Hales Sebastian , Rabey Gordon
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an organisational structure not based on power and control but on the organic and functional processes of the front line.

Design/methodology/approach

These ideas arose from discussions about the roles and training needs of frontline managers, and frequent conflict between their organisational and functional roles.

Findings

Organisations that emphasise power and control functions, as symbolised in the organisational chart, often view solutions to efficiency, productivity and change in terms of the ability of senior managers to impose solutions on frontline staff, and the appointment of frontline managers for their ability to implement those solutions. However, more efficient, effective and creative solutions often result from developing dynamic and creative frontline teams, who can use their awareness of production, customer service and staffing issues to provide innovative organisational changes.

Practical implications

Organisations should appoint staff to frontline management positions based not on their ability to control but on their ability to provide leadership, functional facilitation and support to meet the purposes of the team.

Originality/value

The value of the paper lies in a proposed paradigm shift in organisational thinking from a model based on control to one based on functional team building.
Continuous organizational development (COD)
Authors: Mwanzia Mulili Benjamin , Wong Peter
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the need for organizations to adopt organizational development (OD) programs on a continuous basis as a way of coping with a changing business environment. Emphasis is to be laid on organizational learning due to its significance in enhancing organizational change and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an extensive literature review.

Findings

A wide range of organizational development (OD) intervention strategies exists. There is a need to adopt a coordinated approach in applying OD efforts for organizations to reap maximum benefits.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is theoretical and is not based on empirical findings.

Practical implications

Several recommendations are included in the paper. It is envisaged that adoption of the recommendations can assist an organization to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The paper identifies several OD frameworks that can be tested in future research projects.
I am here to stay! The stockbroking way (an Indian perspective): part 2
Authors: Anappindi Shankar , Manohar M.S.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Since the financial services industry has reached a level of maturity in terms of products and quality of delivery of services and the advent of foreign players, there has been virtual war for talent among the premier stockbroking companies in India and it is observed that the need of the hour is to ensure long‐term association of the employees with the company. It is necessary to understand how best one can integrate the aspirations of the employees in this industry with the mission and goals of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the modern trends involved in changing office dynamics and people associated with it, growing Intellectuality and aspirations, the changing face of the stockbroking industry and how the job of a stockbroker has been adding value to business. This paper provides an overview of the environmental factors, workplace factors and trade factors and the intensity of their influence on various functions of stockbroking.

Findings

The stockbroking firms require professionals of different cadre: dealers, research analysts, business development executives, operation executives, executives associated with surveillance and risk management. This paper analyses the nature of the job of these professionals, the soft skills and hard skills the job demands on the part of the doer. Employee engagement may not be easy unless one promotes among one's employees a clear understanding about the interdependence of the various functions of stockbroking – operations, dealing, research trends, business development and surveillance and risk management processes. In the process, it indicates how the players in the stockbroking industry need to gear up to ensure a hassle‐less flow of the business.

Originality/value

The paper concludes with a discussion on “biting the bullet before it pricks” and strategies the stockbroking companies need to follow for ensuring long‐term association with their employees.
Effect of duration of rubbing and normal load on friction coefficient for polymer and composite materials
Authors: Muhammad Nuruzzaman Dewan , Asaduzzaman Chowdhury Mohammad , Lutfar Rahaman Mohammad
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The present paper seeks to report the effect of duration of rubbing on friction coefficient for different polymer and composite materials. Variations of friction coefficient and wear rate with the normal load are also investigated experimentally when stainless steel (SS 304) pin slides on different types of materials such as cloth‐reinforced ebonite (commercially known as gear fiber), glass fiber‐reinforced plastic (glass fiber), nylon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Design/methodology/approach

A pin on disc apparatus is designed and fabricated. During experiment, the rpm of test samples was kept constant and relative humidity was 70 percent.

Findings

Studies have shown that the values of friction coefficient depend on applied load and duration of rubbing. It is observed that the values of friction coefficient decrease with the increase of normal load for glass fiber, nylon and PTFE. Different trend is observed for gear fiber, i.e. coefficient of friction increases with the increase of normal load. It is also found that wear rate increases with the increase of normal load for all the materials. The magnitudes of friction coefficient and wear rate are different for different materials.

Practical implications

It is expected that the applications of these results will contribute to the design of different mechanical components of these materials.

Originality/value

Within the observed range of applied normal load, the relative friction coefficient and wear rate of gear fiber, glass fiber, nylon and PTFE are experimentally investigated.
The tribological behaviours of aluminium‐based materials under dry sliding
Authors: Feyzullahoğlu Erol , Şakiroğlu Nehir
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop new Al‐based bearing alloys which have better properties than classic commercial bearing materials and to analyze tribologic properties of these alloys under dry sliding conditions experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

Four different aluminium alloys were produced with casting method and tested on pin‐on‐disc wear testing machine. Friction coefficients and weight losses of the samples were determined under various working conditions in consequence of the experiments. Hardness, surface roughness, and surface temperatures of the samples were measured.

Findings

The results of the experiment show that friction coefficients vary by surface pressure and sliding speed. Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe and Al15Sn5Cu3Si alloys have lower friction coefficient values than other alloys. Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloy has the biggest wear resistance. Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe and Al15Sn5Cu3Si alloys are the most worn materials. Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloy has the lowest wear rate.

Research limitations/implications

When the comparison was done between commercial Al alloys and developed Al alloys in this study, it was seen that Al15Sn5Cu3Si and Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe alloys have lower friction coefficient values than other commercial alloys.

Practical implications

The effects of the elements except aluminium composing alloys upon tribologic properties were analyzed. Some of the alloy elements were seen to improve tribologic properties whereas some downgrade. When the results are evaluated, Al15Sn5Cu3Si and Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloys containing Si and Sn can be preferred among the aluminium alloys that will work under dry sliding.

Originality/value

This paper reveals new bearing materials. These alloys can be used in journal bearings.
Investigation of properties of ion‐nitrided AISI 304 austenitic‐stainless steel
Authors: Sahin Mumin , Sevil Ceyhun
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The aim is to provide detailed mechanical and metallurgical examinations of ion‐nitrided austenitic‐stainless steels.

Design/methodology/approach

Austenitic‐stainless steel was the material chosen for the present study. Ion nitriding process was applied to fatigue and tensile samples prepared by machining. Process temperature was 550°C and treatment time period 24 and 60 h. Then, tensile, fatigue, notch‐impact, hardness tests were applied and metallographic examinations were performed.

Findings

High temperature and longer treatment by ion nitriding decreased fatigue and tensile strengths together with notch‐impact toughness. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis revealed formation of nitrides on the sample surfaces. Surface hardness increased with an increase in process time due to diffusion of nitrogen during ion nitriding.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to search the different temperature and time intervals of the ion nitriding. It could be a good idea if future work could be concentrated on ion nitriding on welded stainless steels.

Practical implications

Surfaces of mechanical parts are exposed to higher stress and abrasive forces compared to inside mechanical parts during the time period that mechanical components carry out their expected functions. When stresses and forces exceed the surface strength limit of the material, cracks begin to form at the material surface leading to abrasion and corrosion. Therefore, surface strength of materials needs to be increased to provide a longer service life. Ion (plasma) nitriding is a possible remedy for surface wear.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to contribute and fulfil the detailed mechanical and metallurgical examinations of ion‐nitrided austenitic‐stainless steels that are being studied so far in the literature.
Laser bending of steel sheets: corrosion testing of bended sections
Authors: Sami Yilbas Bekir , Khaled Mazen , Akhtar Sohail , Karatas Cihan
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Laser bending is a good candidate to replace the flame bending process. The electrochemical response of laser bending region changes due to the microstructural modifications and high level of residual stress developed in the laser‐irradiated region after the bending process. Consequently, investigation into laser bending and microstructural changes in the irradiated region as well as the electrochemical response of bending section becomes essential. This paper aims to focus on the laser bending process.

Design/methodology/approach

The laser bending of steel sheets was carried out. The microstructural changes in the bending region are examined using the scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The electrochemical response of the bended sections is investigated through potentiodynamic tests.

Findings

It is found that laser‐irradiated surface is free from cracks and cavitations. However, deep pit sites due to secondary pitting are observed in the bending sections.

Research limitations/implications

The experiment is limited to certain thickness of the steel sheets. Increasing workpiece thickness reduces the bend angle. However, introducing high‐intensity laser beams improves the bend angle on the expense of high surface roughness in the bend section.

Practical implications

Laser bending process is involved with non‐mechanical tooling with low cost and precision of operation. Moreover, laser bending is a good candidate to replace the flame bending process. Consequently, laser bending finds application in industry. However, under the corrosive environment care should be taken.

Originality/value

The work presented is original and has not been published anywhere before. The findings will be useful for researchers and engineers working in the sheet metal forming area.
Friction and wear behaviors of Al‐SiC‐B4C composites produced by pressure infiltration method
Authors: Soy U. , Demir A. , Findik F.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The main goal of the present study is to investigate the friction and wear behaviors of aluminum matrix composites with an A360 matrix reinforced with SiC, B4C and SiC/B4C particles.

Design/methodology/approach

Un‐reinforced aluminum casting alloy, Al/SiC, Al/B4C and Al/SiC/B4C aluminum composites were prepared for the present study. Friction and wear tests of aluminum and its composites versus AISI316L stainless steel were carried out for dry sliding condition using by a pin‐on‐disc arrangement. Tests were realized at the sliding speed of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ms−1 and under the loads of 10, 20 and 30 N. The microstructures of the present composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis.

Findings

The coefficient of friction of the composites is approximately 25‐30 percent lower than that of the un‐reinforced aluminum. The specific wear rate of the aluminum and its composites decreases with the increase in load and increases with the increment of sliding speed. Un‐reinforced aluminum has specific wear rate value of 1.73×10−13 which is the highest specific wear rate, while Al+17%SiC has specific wear rate value of 2.25×10−13 m2 N−1 which is the lowest specific wear rate among the tested materials. The average specific wear rates for Al+17%B4C, Al+17%SiC/B4C and Al+17%SiC composites are obtained about 49, 79 and 160 percent lower than aluminum wear rate under the same test conditions, respectively.

Originality/value

In the present study, composites were prepared by pressured infiltration technique. The employed composites are important in industry due to their higher wear resistance, light in weight and less thermal distortion comparing to conventional composites. Also, wear behavior of Al/B4C, Al/SiC/B4C and Al/SiC composites produced by pressured infiltration technique were not studied very much earlier, therefore more explanation about these composites were proposed.
The inverse U curve relationship between software piracy and technological outputs in developed nations
Authors: Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth , Elkassabgi Ahmed
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between software piracy and technological outputs in developed nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the data of 28 industrialized countries from 2003‐2007. The hypotheses were tested using panel data regression.

Findings

The results demonstrate that software piracy appears to have the inverse U curve relationship with the aggregate technological outputs of a nation as measured through the share of high‐tech exports.

Research limitations/implications

Even though past studies have tended to focus on the negative impact of software piracy, this study found interesting evidence that its impact is not always absolute. In particular, firms in high‐tech industries may benefit from the presence of software piracy when its level is limited at some optimal level. This benefit may derive from: the dissemination of technical knowledge; the diffusion of software deployment especially in small businesses; and the increase in technical skills of labors.

Originality/value

This study is the first that provides the empirical evidence of the inverse U curve relationship between software piracy and technological outputs at the national level.
Evolutionary selection and variation in family businesses
Authors: Laakkonen Anne , Kansikas Juha
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This qualitative study attempts to understand what kinds of evolutionary selection and variation occur in family businesses during the preparation of a managerial and ownership succession.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by interviewing members of one family business in Louisiana, USA and one in Finland in order to contribute to the understanding of succession preparation in small family businesses with two generations. Evolutionary economics was adapted for this interdisciplinary study to explain evolutionary changes in a family business succession.

Findings

The findings indicate that both selection and variation can take place through different routes during the preparatory phase of a family business succession. Selection is influenced both by the founder and next generations. However, it does not occur in company A due to the reluctance of the younger generation. In company B selection is processed through joint thinking and visioning. This will lead to variation which is shaped by both generations.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on qualitative interpretation. Limitations of the study are the small number of informants and the lack of generalization of the results.

Practical implications

This study shows that selection and variation are intertwined. If selection does not occur in a family business, it leads to no variation between the generations. However, exits are possible; death and birth of companies are part of the life cycle of family businesses.

Originality/value

Evolutionary thinking has not been studied recently among family firms except in the field of evolutionary psychology. Evolutionary thinking offers a variety of topics to study in the future.
Identifying vision realization factors at a Thai state enterprise
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan , Saratun Molraudee
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate vision‐based leadership effects on follower satisfaction in a Thai state enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

Extending previous research, the present study examines relationships between vision realization factors and employee satisfaction. Derived from the literature, these vision realization factors are vision communication, motivation, and empowerment of employees. In total, five directional hypotheses are developed and tested accordingly through a series of regression analyses.

Findings

Findings indicate that vision communication, motivation, and empowerment of employees are directly predictive of enhanced employee satisfaction at the Thai state enterprise.

Practical implications

To enhance employee satisfaction, supervisors of all levels at the Thai state enterprise should focus on frequently communicating their vision to their direct subordinates, particularly through written and technology‐mediated channels. The supervisors should also delegate work to their subordinates, provide resources and support services to them, and encourage them to make more decisions regarding daily operations. The supervisors should additionally act as a role model for their subordinates, build subordinates' self‐confidence, create challenges for them, and reward subordinates who act consistently with their vision.

Originality/value

Although leaders are widely exhorted to espouse vision and vision‐based leadership was empirically endorsed in the Thai culture, vision‐based leadership and its effects have been little investigated in the Thai state enterprise sector. This paper contributes to this area.
Cultural values from managers' and academicians' perspectives: the case of Turkey
Authors: Yusuf Yahyagil Mehmet , Begüm Ötken Ayşe
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to portray societal/cultural values of Turkish people as perceived by managers and academicians. The study also aims to provide an understanding of the cultural context of the Turkish society in terms of socio‐cultural dimensions such as high and low context, monochronic vs polychronic, self‐determined, and temporal orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Instead of using Schwartz's 56‐item questionnaire, the authors used seven cultural and ten individual dimensions as individual items. Cultural values were captured from managers' and academicians' perspectives by changing the frame of reference from self to others. The questionnaire was designed for two different age groups to find the magnitude of change in connection with cultural values.

Findings

Results indicate that Turkey can be defined as a conservative country. Hierarchy is ranked as the second most important polar dimension, and the order of cultural values indicates a reverse direction compared to the findings of similar studies with reference to European countries. It also deserves to emphasize the fact that the younger group of respondents is much more conservative and seeks more power over people and resources than the older group of respondents.

Originality/value

This paper, to some extent, may serve as a guide in reflecting today's cultural values in Turkey. It also makes a modest contribution to the relevant literature due to both the portraying cultural values of Turkish people, and the usage of methodological considerations for data collection purposes.
Cross‐functional make or buy decision process ownership
Authors: Moses Anna
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the area of process ownership and management in cross‐functional make‐or‐buy decision processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case studies are used including both a longitudinal in‐depth case study and two retrospective case studies. The data were analyzed using cross‐case comparison as well as analysis through existing literature in the field of make‐or‐buy decision processes, after which propositions for further research were developed.

Findings

The propositions found concern in the fact that the function being responsible for the industrial network also should own the decision process. Letting research and development become a more powerful decision maker and distinguish between different types of make‐or‐buy decisions are also important aspects to consider.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are a first attempt in creating a foundation for future research in the area of process ownership and management of make‐or‐buy decisions. A future need to further develop these propositions is essential.

Practical implications

The function mostly affected by the outcome of the decision should be in charge of the process, and should also be process manager. The process owner should create awareness of different types of make‐or‐buy decisions.

Originality/value

Recently, make‐or‐buy decision processes are considered strategic decision processes, but neither in research nor industry is it clear who should own and manage these decision processes. The paper stretches this fact and brings forth possible owners.
Detecting mines and IEDs: what are the prospects for robots?
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the present‐day use of, and future prospects for, robots for detecting mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), with an emphasis on the key operational requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction to the impact of mines and IEDs, this paper considers the problems with their detection and considers the techniques used. It then highlights their limitations and identifies key detection requirements. The remainder of the paper discusses the present‐day and future role of robots, notably for IED detection and humanitarian demining. This is followed by a brief conclusion.

Findings

This shows that mines and IEDs pose a major military and humanitarian threat but existing detection methods, including robots, suffer from many shortcomings. Robotic technologies that offer prospects are discussed but many specific requirements must be met if robotic solutions are to exert any real, future impact.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the need for improved mine and IED detection methods and identifies the factors that need to be taken into account if robots are to contribute meaningfully to these tasks in the future.
Development of a serpentine omnitread robot for searching in explosive gas atmospheres
Authors: Zhao Jie , Han Zhenfeng , Liu Gangfeng
Published: August 2011

Purpose

There is explosive gas in many disaster environments. The conventional search and rescue robots are not allowed to work in these environments, since they may cause explosion. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of the serpentine omnitread robot HITSR‐I for working in these areas.

Design/methodology/approach

HITSR‐I consists of four segments, and each segment is equipped with crawlers in the four directions. It can be operated even under the situation of sideslip without any recovering actions. There are pressed CO2 containers and the pressurized control system inside the robot, and the shells of the robot are a fully sealed up structure. They can maintain the inside pressure higher than the outside. The robot can release the communication relay node to extend the communicating area, so it can search a large area even amid rubble.

Findings

HITSR‐I was developed with the capability of climbing over 400 mm high obstacles. The maximum travel distance was 315 m. The pressurized system could enable the robot to work in Zones 1 and 2.

Originality/value

Design and development of a serpentine robot which can work in hazardous areas containing explosive gas. It can travel for a long distance in ruins by releasing the communication relay nodes.
Design and manufacturing of a tele‐operative rescue robot with a novel track arrangement
Authors: Enayati Nima , Najafi Farid
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to describe the design and manufacturing process of a tele‐operative urban search and rescue tracked robot and discuss the advantages of a proposed novel track arrangement and other additional mechanisms, which help the robot to gain high manoeuverability on rough terrains.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a simplified static model, required torques are calculated and appropriate mechanisms and geometric dimensions are chosen. Next, stress distribution is analyzed in the parts, deploying both classic and numerical methods and to complete the procedure parts are fabricated and assembled together. The architecture of control system and the user interface is introduced. Finally, the robot is tested on a standard test arena and the results are compared with another similar search robot.

Findings

A tele‐operated rescue robot with considerable capabilities is designed and manufactured. The novel track arrangement and new rear arm's mechanism are tested and compared with a robot in the same class and higher performance is achieved on the evaluation.

Originality/value

Although the implemented locomotion mechanism is the common tracked type, adding the center tracks and arrangement of arms are original ideas which help the robot to gain high manoeuverability. The proposed rear arm's linkage mechanism generates a limited rotational path and has an acceptable strength for a robot working in rescue missions.
Three‐dimensional weld seam tracking for robotic welding by composite sensing technology
Authors: Wei Shanchun , Kong Meng , Lin Tao , Chen Shanben
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a method to achieve automatic robotic welding and seam tracking so that three‐dimensional weld seam could be tracked without teaching and good welding formation could be accomplished.

Design/methodology/approach

Adaptive image processing method was used for various types of weld seam. Also the relationship between welding height and arc signal was calibrated. Through the decomposition and synthesis, three‐dimensional space type weld seam could be extracted and tracked well. The workpiece without teaching was finally tracked precisely and in a timely way with use of the fuzzy controller.

Findings

Composite sensing technology including arc and visual sensing had obvious advantages. Image processing method could be used for tracking plane weld seam efficiently while arc sensing could characterize welding height. Through the coupled controlling algorithm, arc sensing and visual sensing could be fused effectively.

Research limitations/implications

How to couple information more accurately and quickly was still one of the most important problems in composite sensing technology.

Practical implications

Composite sensing technology could reduce costs to achieve weld seam instead such expensive device as laser sensor. The simulating parts of scalloped segment of bottom board for rockets were tracked in the project. Once more adaptive algorithms were developed, more complicated practical workpieces could be dealt with in robotic welding which promotes the application of industry robots.

Originality/value

A useful method for three‐dimensional space type weld seam tracking without teaching was developed. The whole procedure of adaptive image processing method was simple but efficient and robust. The coupled controlling strategy addressed could accomplish seam tracking by composite sensing technology.
Monocular odometry in country roads based on phase‐derived optical flow and 4‐DOF ego‐motion model
Authors: Wang Cailing , Zhao Chunxia , Yang Jingyu
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Positioning is a key task in most field robotics applications but can be very challenging in GPS‐denied or high‐slip environments. The purpose of this paper is to describe a visual odometry strategy using only one camera in country roads.

Design/methodology/approach

This monocular odometery system uses as input only those images provided by a single camera mounted on the roof of the vehicle and the framework is composed of three main parts: image motion estimation, ego‐motion computation and visual odometry. The image motion is estimated based on a hyper‐complex wavelet phase‐derived optical flow field. The ego‐motion of the vehicle is computed by a blocked RANdom SAmple Consensus algorithm and a maximum likelihood estimator based on a 4‐degrees of freedom motion model. These as instantaneous ego‐motion measurements are used to update the vehicle trajectory according to a dead‐reckoning model and unscented Kalman filter.

Findings

The authors' proposed framework and algorithms are validated on videos from a real automotive platform. Furthermore, the recovered trajectory is superimposed onto a digital map, and the localization results from this method are compared to the ground truth measured with a GPS/INS joint system. These experimental results indicate that the framework and the algorithms are effective.

Originality/value

The effective framework and algorithms for visual odometry using only one camera in country roads are introduced in this paper.
Application of triune parallel‐serial robot system for full‐mission tank training
Authors: Cong Ming , Liu Dong , Du Yu , Wen Haiying , Wu Yinghua
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a seven‐degrees of freedom (DOF) parallel‐serial robot system which has the advantage of mechanical novelty and simplicity compared with the existing platforms, and to share the experience of converting a popular motion base to an industrial robot for use in full‐mission tank training processes of three armored arms.

Design/methodology/approach

By studying the concept of the robot system, a novel parallel‐serial robot with seven DOF driven by electrical servo motors is built. And the transmission modules and Hooke joints are explored and designed in detail. Then the inverse kinematics based on coupling compensation and time‐jerk synthetic optimization methods for trajectory planning of the simulator are presented and further discussed in order to satisfy the requirements of high stability and perfect performance. In advance, the feasibility and applicability of this triune parallel‐serial robot system are verified.

Findings

A prototyped test shows that the performance of the system is of a satisfaction with real‐time tracking any trajectories given by the visual system smoothly. Finally, the characteristics of the robot system are realized and verified by experiments and an industrial application.

Practical implications

The triune full‐mission tank training simulator developed in this paper has been used in the military industry and it has a great potential application.

Originality/value

This successful usage of the novel and simple parallel robot system in the military industry expands the range of its applications in real‐life task more operators training. And the proposal methods of inverse kinematics based on coupling compensation and trajectory planning enhanced the theoretical research of the parallel robot.
Some empirical evidence on variations in Australian housing finance commitments
Authors: Karamujic M.H.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008‐2009 has highlighted the need for understanding fluctuations in housing variables and how, as such, they contribute to understanding how housing markets work. The contention of this paper is to present a univariate structural time series analysis of the Australian Housing Finance Commitments (HFCs) covering the period 1988:6‐2009:5. The empirical analysis aims to focus on establishing whether monthly HFCs exhibit the expected cyclical and seasonal variations. The presence of a monthly seasonal pattern in HFCs is to be ascertained by way of testing possible hypotheses that explain such a pattern.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural time series framework approach, used in this paper, is in line with that promulgated by Harvey. Such models can be interpreted as regressions on functions of time in which the parameters are time‐varying. This makes them a natural vehicle for handling changing seasonality of a complex form. The structural time series model is applied to seasonally unadjusted monthly HFCs, between 1988:6 and 2009:5. The data have been sourced from the ABS. For consistency, the sample for each variable is standardised to start with the first available July observation and end with the latest available June observation.

Findings

The modelling results confirm the presence of cyclicality in HFCs. The magnitude of the observed cycle‐related changes is A$817m. A structural time series model incorporating trigonometric specification reveals that seasonality is also present and that it is stochastic (as implied by the inconsistency of the monthly seasonal factors over the sample period). The magnitude of monthly seasonal changes is A$435.8m. The results show the presence of statistically significant factors for January, February, March, April, May, September, October and November, which are attributed to “spring”, “summer” and “autumn” seasonal effects.

Originality/value

Empirical evidence of variations in housing‐related variables is relatively limited. A study of the literature uncovered that most studies focus on house prices and found no empirical research focusing on fluctuations in HFCs. Consequently, this research aims to be the first to explain the presence of seasonal and cyclical fluctuations in such an important housing variable as HFCs. Moreover, the paper aims to enhance the practice of modelling seasonal influences on housing variables.
Homeowners' participation in management of multi‐storey residential buildings
Authors: Yau Yung
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Proper management and maintenance of building stock are vital to sustainable development of a city for a number of reasons, for example, the close relationship between building performance and residents' health. However, effective housing management requires active participation of the residents, particularly the homeowners. Yet, homeowners' participation in housing management in Hong Kong is claimed to remain at a low level because of its voluntary nature. This paper aims to empirically explore the determinants of participation behaviour of homeowners in private housing management in the city based on survey findings.

Design/methodology/approach

Founded on the literature reviewed, an analytic model for explaining homeowners' participation behaviour in housing management is developed. The model is then tested by means of logit regression with the data collected from a structured questionnaire survey conducted in summer 2009. A total of 346 respondents from 53 private multi‐storey residential buildings in the western district were surveyed.

Findings

In general, older, better educated and less wealthy homeowners are active participants in building management matters, keeping other things constant. Sense of community is also found to be a significant determinant. Besides, homeowners' approach towards building care is predominantly reactive since they engage in housing management because of their dissatisfaction with building quality. The findings of the research will provide valuable insights to public administrators for formulating better policies on private housing management.

Practical implications

The analysis results pose a positive view towards the effects of the communitarian approach to avoid free‐riding problems in housing management. In order to heighten the participation rate of homeowners in private housing management, local authorities or other public bodies can try to boost homeowners' sense of community within their residential communities.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to empirically investigate the determinants of homeowners' participation in the management of high‐rise residential buildings in Hong Kong.
Housing affordability in Australia for first home buyers on moderate incomes
Authors: Kupke Valerie , Rossini Peter
Published: August 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the opportunity for home ownership by first‐time buyers who are in occupations defined in the UK literature as key workers within four state capitals in Australia: Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Many of these workers are moderate or average income earners who deliver essential community services such as health, social services, education, safety and emergency services. This paper aims to explore access to home ownership for these workers for 2001 and 2009, a period which included the introduction and reintroduction of increased Australian government grants to first home buyers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study determines, for each year, the zones of each city able to be afforded on a moderate single income as well as the percentage of suburbs able to be afforded by key workers.

Findings

The paper identifies the pressure for multiple incomes in order to purchase as well as discussing the commuting distances some workers in Adelaide and Sydney may have to accommodate in order to afford a home.

Originality/value

The paper follows up 2001 work, conducted in Australia, on housing affordability for moderate income earners. Housing affordability continues to be a key housing issue in Australia, especially for first home buyers.
Strategic planning process models: a step further
Authors: Nieboer Nico
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Following the neo‐liberal trend of less government intervention and more room for market forces, the introduction of private sector models in the public or non‐profit sector has gained a lot of attention and popularity. This has also been the case in several European non‐profit social housing sectors. This paper aims to reflect on the practicability of strategic business planning models in the Dutch non‐profit housing sector and to present suggestions for improvement of these models.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies have been held among six Dutch non‐profit landlords. These case studies included interviews with both policy staff and staff responsible for individual investment projects.

Findings

In the Dutch non‐profit housing sector, models based on principles of strategic business planning and similar models have been applied to structure and to systematise decision making about investments in the housing stock. These models, however, appear to be unsuccessful in their impact on actual investments in estates or buildings. The main weakness is that these models implicitly suppose a vertical, top‐down implementation of policies, whereas policies are also formed by other strategies, beliefs and motives in the organisation, either documented or undocumented.

Research limitations/implications

The research is confined to the Dutch non‐profit housing sector. However, similarities of the findings with other policy implementation studies suggest that the implications for strategic planning models also apply in many other non‐profit sectors and maybe even in commercial sectors.

Originality/value

This paper challenges classic strategic planning models and gives an adapted version of these models which meets the shortcomings identified in the research.