bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weavers and female weavers
Authors: Kanamori Shigenari
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare typical social problems in Germany and Japan in the context of weavers and female weavers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares Gerhardt Hauptmann's Weavers (1892) with Wakizo Hosoi's The Tragic History of Female Weavers (1925).

Findings

Despite remarkable differences, there are many similarities between the two works in terms of the economic situations in Germany and Japan.

Originality/value

The paper explores differences and similarities in the two works and highlights some typical examples of social problems common to both.
Regional welfare weights for Turkey
Authors: Sezer Haluk
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate a set of welfare weights for Turkey, based on per capita regional incomes, and to present them for possible policy consideration by the government.

Design/methodology/approach

An important component of the regional welfare weight measure is the elasticity of marginal utility of income (e), and it is estimated using a tax‐based method incorporating the principle of equal absolute sacrifice of satisfaction.

Findings

The estimated measure of e for Turkey is 1.25, and this value, in combination with per capita income levels, produces measured regional welfare weights for the poorest provinces that are over ten times as high as those for the richest provinces.

Research limitations/implications

A lack of suitable data makes it difficult to use alternative approaches to the tax‐based method for the purpose of cross checking results for e. Results based on these other approaches involving behavioural evidence are presented for some other countries for comparison purposes.

Originality/value

This paper presents estimates of regional welfare weights for Turkey based on sound economic principles. It will be of interest to academics who are concerned with issues relating to cost‐benefit analysis as well as practitioners who are involved in the allocation of public funds to different regions in Turkey.
Evaluating the magnitude of the shadow economy: a direct survey approach
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Until now, in the absence of direct survey data, economists have had to rely on indirect methods that employ proxy indicators to evaluate the size of the shadow economy. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of the first direct survey of business perceptions of the magnitude of the shadow economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the results of a UK survey of business perceptions about the prevalence of the shadow economy in their sector, namely the Small Business Service's 2004/2005 Small Business Survey of 7,505 small businesses.

Findings

Some 14 per cent of UK small businesses report that they are negatively affected by the shadow economy, with the average size of shadow work being estimated as 8 per cent of trade in their sector. The sectors identified as most affected by the shadow economy are land transport, construction, the motor vehicle trade, and hotels and restaurants, with new businesses and peripheral regions most affected.

Research limitations/implications

This survey is based on business perceptions of its magnitude in their sector rather than first‐hand accounts of the amount of shadow work that businesses conduct.

Practical implications

These results display that it is wholly possible to conduct more direct surveys on the magnitude of the shadow economy so as to facilitate targeted public policy action.

Originality/value

This is the first direct survey in the advanced economies of business perceptions regarding the magnitude of the shadow economy.
Leadership styles and behaviour profiles of managers
Authors: Oshagbemi Titus , Ocholi Samuel A.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

A variety of organisational leaders, workers, managers and academics had previously been classified on the basis of characteristics of their jobs including how they spent their time. This study investigated the extent to which managers from various UK industries could be meaningfully grouped on the basis of the leadership styles and behaviour patterns which they exhibited in the performance of their jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

Names of the potential respondents were randomly obtained from leaders and managers working in the UK key British enterprises. This comprised a variety of organisations and industries, namely: manufacturing, financial services, utilities, IT\telecommunications, public sector and others. A total number of 409 managers completed and returned usable questionnaires giving a response rate of 28.4 per cent. A cluster analysis methodology was used to group the respondents into three distinct units.

Findings

The managers were grouped into three categories: practical leaders (group 1), unity leaders (group 2) and uncaring leaders (group 3). Attention then focused on the distinctive styles and behaviour of the practical, unity and uncaring leaders who formed 12, 69 and 19 per cent of the managers, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The naming of the groups should not be allowed to give the impression that there was complete uniformity within each category. Furthermore, absolute statements about the effectiveness of the groups cannot be made with certainty; effectiveness of each group is relative.

Originality/value

Organisations can examine their managers and determine to which group they belong. For example, it was found in this study that practical and unity leaders formed 81 per cent of the managers in UK organisations. Since the major characteristics of the styles and behaviour profiles of uncaring leaders (19 per cent) were also identified, attention by organisational leaders should focus on suggestions aimed at making these managers more effective in the performance of their jobs.
Potential expats in Singaporean organizations
Authors: Zhu Weichun , Luthans Fred , Chew Irene K.H. , Li Cuifang
Published: September 2006

Purpose

With globalization and accompanying expatriation becoming a reality for developed countries, including those that have recently arrived in Southeast Asia, this study explored the effects of family and personal characteristics on Singaporeans’ willingness to accept an expat assignment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a random sample of 191 managers and engineers across a number of organizations in Singapore.

Findings

The results indicated that the perception of a negative influence on family members has a negative impact on Singapore engineers and managers intention to accept an international assignment. Further, both need for achievement and perseverance personal characteristics had a positive impact on intention for an international assignment.

Originality/value

The study findings suggest how international human resource manager can provide help to expatriates and their family in dealing with family issues related to expatriation.
The relationship between personality and transformational leadership
Authors: Hautala Tiina M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose was to find if the relationship between personality and transformational leadership exists, when the appraisals are from leaders themselves and from their subordinates.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was quantitative analyses of 439 leaders and 380 subordinates.

Findings

Results indicated that the relationship between personality and transformational leadership exists. Subordinates' and leaders' ratings did not converge. According to leaders' self‐ratings, the extraverted, intuitive and perceiving preferences favour transformational leadership. On the contrary, subordinates' ratings indicated that leaders with sensing preference are associated with transformational leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Even if sample size is relatively extensive, it represents mainly middle‐level leaders. More data would be needed to gain the overall picture of this topic in all leadership levels.

Practical implications

Results of this study can be used in training and development, when trying to enhance mutual understanding. Also when leaders are appraising themselves they can have more realistic picture when knowing their tendencies due to the personality.

Originality/value

The results provides further information of this field, where the earlier results have been somehow contradictory. Paper shows how different personalities tend to over‐ or underestimate themselves when comparing to subordinates ratings.
Ready, set, go: examining student readiness to use ERP technology
Authors: Shivers‐Blackwell Sheryl L. , Charles Atira C.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To examine student readiness for change and behavioral intentions regarding the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system (ERP). The study also integrates literature on technology acceptance, readiness for change, and change implementation to test an adapted version of the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were analyzed using SPSS 10.0 and AMOS 4.0.

Findings

Gender and perceived ERP benefits are related to students' readiness for change, and readiness for change is a significant predictor of students' attitude toward usage of the ERP system. Additionally, computer self‐efficacy is related to attitude toward usage and one's intent to use the ERP system.

Research limitations/implications

First, is the use of self‐report data, external validation would have been preferred. Second, the potential for common method bias is a concern. Finally, it was not possible to sample a majority of the more than 12,000 students enrolled. Of the students in the sample 92 percent were business majors.

Practical implications

Organizational investments in technology must take into account more than the financial cost; they must be sensitive to user characteristics. Subsequently, the leadership of an organization should address and strategically plan for individual differences like an individual's readiness for change when implementing a new technology.

Originality/value

The TAM model remains stable using college students and with the addition of individual difference factors, such as the readiness for change.
On the centrality of strategic human resource management for healthcare quality results and competitive advantage
Authors: Gowen Charles R. , McFadden Kathleen L. , Tallon William J.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Healthcare organizations have addressed current error issues by adopting quality programs, which usually include strategic human resource management (HRM). However, little research has focused on the determinants of successful quality programs at healthcare organizations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the centrality of strategic HRM for addressing healthcare errors, error reduction barriers, quality management processes and practices, quality program results, and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this study involves the analysis of questionnaire data from the quality and/or risk directors of 587 US hospitals by factor analysis and regression analysis.

Findings

The findings focus on highly statistically significant relationships of strategic HRM with antecedent healthcare error sources, error reduction barriers, and quality management processes and practices, as well as the strategic HRM consequences of perceived quality program results and sustainable competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of perceptual data and common method variance are checked. Future research could investigate international effects.

Practical implications

The practical implications are that hospital errors can be successfully addressed with effective strategic HRM, quality management processes, and quality management practices.

Originality/value

The original contribution of this paper is the centrality of strategic HRM as a determinant of successful quality programs at healthcare organizations.
Compliance with building regulations in England and Wales
Authors: Baiche Bousmaha , Walliman Nicholas , Ogden Raymond
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper is based on a research project sponsored by the DTI, with contributions from construction industry partners. The principal objective of the research was to generate data (based on a sample of new‐build housing schemes) about the levels of compliance with Building Regulations and standards typically achieved in England and Wales.

Design /methodology/approach

The field research consisted of a triangulation of three research methods. A series of observations of 11 speculative housing projects (in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire) during construction. A questionnaire survey of occupants of recently completed speculatively built houses. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed in eight housing developments completed 9‐15 months previously. Semi‐structured interviews with six building control inspectors, both local authority and approved inspectors.

Findings

The general conclusions are that levels of compliance were not always sufficient, though there was no evidence of systematic and purposeful non‐compliance with building regulations. Faults were largely due to lack of skills and knowledge of the required standards on the part of the operatives, and shortcomings in site management and toleration of sub‐standard workmanship.

Research limitations/implications

The surveys were limited to projects by national or regional scale housing developers on mainly medium‐large size house developments that included semi‐detached, detached and townhouses.

Practical implications

The recommendations point to the need for more initial and continuing training of tradesmen, both in trade skills and knowledge of the provisions of building regulations, and more rigorous site management procedures adopted, particularly when pressure for completion is at its greatest.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is linked to the originality of the research; prior to it, reliable evidence of the scale and extent of non‐compliance with Building Regulations in the UK was not recorded in any publicly available source.
Crack control in screed using A142 steel fabric or mixed structural polypropylene fibres with regard to toughness and residual strength
Authors: Richardson A.E. , Fallow C.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To evaluate manufacturers' claims that structural polypropylene fibres provide satisfactory crack control reinforcement and compare the findings against steel fabric used as crack control in screeds where tensile forces are likely to occur.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure used to provide load, deflection data, toughness indices and residual strength factors was compliant with ASTM C1018‐97 and in part ASTM C78‐02 to define first crack toughness and first crack strength.

Findings

A142 steel fabric reinforcement as used in screeds was more effective in producing toughness and residual strength when directly compared with the performance of structural polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete. Where polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete did have an advantage over the steel reinforced concrete was when I20 was exceeded and the deflection and crack width was excessive. Steel fabric tended to fail and/or the screed material failed either prior to or in excess of I20, whereas the fibre reinforced concrete held together albeit at a very much reduced load transfer when compared with steel fabric.

Practical implications

If the forces to be encountered through expansion or contraction are small, then, due to the small distances between the fibres redistributing the stress and minimising the cracks within the concrete matrix, polypropylene fibres may be suitable for crack control when directly compared with A142 fabric reinforcement. The use of fibres has benefits to the floor screed companies, using screed‐laying machines as the process avoids laying steel on which the screed machine will have to operate.

Originality/value

There is a general lack of research coverage examining crack control in screed floor finishing materials.
Failure of a control strategy for a hybrid air‐conditioning and wind catchers/towers system at Bluewater shopping malls in Kent, UK
Authors: Elmualim Abbas Ali
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To evaluate the control strategy for a hybrid natural ventilation wind catchers and air‐conditioning system and to assess the contribution of wind catchers to indoor air environments and energy savings if any.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of the modeling techniques for assessing wind catchers performance are theoretical. Post‐occupancy evaluation studies of buildings will provide an insight into the operation of these building components and help to inform facilities managers. A case study for POE was presented in this paper.

Findings

The monitoring of the summer and winter month operations showed that the indoor air quality parameters were kept within the design target range. The design control strategy failed to record data regarding the operation, opening time and position of wind catchers system. Though the implemented control strategy was working effectively in monitoring the operation of mechanical ventilation systems, i.e. AHU, did not integrate the wind catchers with the mechanical ventilation system.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to short‐falls in the control strategy implemented in this project, it was found difficult to quantify and verify the contribution of the wind catchers to the internal conditions and, hence, energy savings.

Practical implications

Controlling the operation of the wind catchers via the AHU will lead to isolation of the wind catchers in the event of malfunctioning of the AHU. Wind catchers will contribute to the ventilation of space, particularly in the summer months.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the value of POE as indispensable tool for FM professionals. It further provides insight into the application of natural ventilation systems in building for healthier indoor environments at lower energy cost. The design of the control strategy for natural ventilation and air‐conditioning should be considered at the design stage involving the FM personnel.
Air diffusion performance index of high sidewall line diffuser in a room with perimeter heating load
Authors: Kang Seok‐Youn , Lee Seung‐Chul , Yoo Hoseon , Lee Jae‐Heon
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the perimeter heating load about the air diffusion performance index (ADPI) and propose a selection guide for proper line diffuser when perimeter heating load exists.

Design/methodology/approach

A high sidewall line diffuser was installed into a test room following the ISO standard 5219. The velocity and temperature distributions and the ADPI values are obtained numerically with 12 cases when the air flow rates are 425, 730 and 950 CMH and the heating loads are 0, 25, 50 and 75 percent of the total heating load, 2,143 W.

Findings

The ADPI decreases according to the increases of the flow rate on every heat load ratio of the present study except 0.75 with the line diffuser installed at the high sidewall. And we produced ADPI curves when the sidewall heating load exists or not in the same air flow rate and supply conditions. From that, it is possible to assume that the throw length guarantees more than 80 percent of ADPI with heating load on the wall.

Research limitations/implications

Further work by the authors is focusing on making of database of various other diffusers which are generally used in the field.

Originality/value

This paper provides a modified selection guide for proper sidewall line diffusers to field engineers when perimeter heating load exists on the walls.
The risk management for indoor air pollution caused by formaldehyde in housing
Authors: Azuma K. , Uchiyama I. , Ikeda K.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

In order to clarify the determining features of approaches adopted in policies for regulating indoor air pollution, this paper analyzes case studies of the approaches taken, in four countries, to risk management of indoor air pollution caused by formaldehyde in housing.

Design/methodology/approach

We pursued case studies to provide historical perspectives on early warnings and actions taken in relation to suspected health hazards from exposure to formaldehyde, in Germany, the USA, Canada and Japan. Many investigations of indoor air pollution caused by formaldehyde in housing have been conducted, and regulations established, in these countries. We reviewed the vast quantity of literature and documents relating to governmental and/or industrial actions and of research on indoor air quality produced in the past 40 years, and compared the approaches adopted.

Findings

The study identified the differing character of the approaches adopted in policies for the regulation of indoor air pollution, in order to clarify the range of actions that may be taken in response to reported risk from indoor air pollutants and describe possible risk management models for indoor air pollution.

Practical implications

Understanding of the nature of approaches already adopted will help to preserve good indoor air quality and minimize health hazards due to indoor air pollution.

Originality/value

This paper identifies a range of actions that have been taken in response to suspected risk from indoor air pollutants, through the analysis of its case studies.
Developments of the emission classification of building materials
Authors: Sariola Laura , Kukkonen Esko
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To reach building owners, architects, designers, builders and manufacturers of materials and building components in order to achieve good indoor air quality (IAQ).

Design/methodology/approach

The emission classification of building materials is a part of the Classification of Indoor Climate 2000, which is intended to be used in the design and construction of healthier and more comfortable buildings and their mechanical systems in Finland.

Findings

Manufacturers have developed new products with lower emissions by using advanced consistency of materials and improved technology in production and production control. Over the years they have improved the quality of their products so that measured harmful emissions have lowered drastically. Similar development has also been seen in the measured sensory emissions of classified materials and products. In January 2006, there were over 900 classified products.

Research limitations/implications

It is necessary to expand the emission classification of building materials because of the IAQ problems that have arisen related to emissions in the last few years. The methodology is intended for national use, but it is possible to implement the system in other countries.

Practical implications

The emission classification of building materials includes target values for odours and emissions of the materials and recommended maximum surface areas of the materials based on their emissions.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need. It is thought‐provoking and offers insights for the future planning and developing of classification systems.
A critical investigation of the briefing process in Hong Kong's construction industry
Authors: Shen Geoffrey Q.P. , Chung Jacky K.H.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate briefing in the construction industry in Hong Kong. Specifically, it sets out to discover the current practices on briefing in the industry and the limitations of these practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study consists of a literature review and a pilot study, structured focus group interviews and semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The study has revealed that current practices, although have been in operation for a long time, have a number of limitations such as lacking in a comprehensive framework; lacking in identification of client requirements; lacking in contributions from clients; lacking in involvement of stakeholders; and inadequate time spent on the briefing. It is concluded that these limitations must be properly addressed by the industry in order to improve the briefing and to avoid subsequent problems in the design and construction phases, and that more resources should be allocated.

Originality/value

So far, little work has been undertaken to study the practice of briefing in sufficient depth in the construction industry in Hong Kong. This paper improves our comprehension of the nature of client requirements and provides valuable insights into the details of briefing in the public and private sectors of the local industry.
Developing a conceptual model for the assessment of intelligence in buildings
Authors: Fathian Mohammad , Akhavan Peyman
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To date, assessment models for intelligent buildings have not been systematically investigated. Most of the existing studies have derived their findings from information technology (IT) perspectives and have not considered all factors including the architecture of the building and the necessities of IT as part of an integrated approach. This paper aims to bridge this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of recent literature, this paper identifies the principal factors of intelligent buildings, discusses various perspectives from the point of both architecture and IT, and provides a general model for assessment. This model has been applied in relation to a case study and the results have been analyzed by surveys.

Findings

The overall results from the case study were appropriate, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed model. The conceptual model presents a roadmap for the assessment of intelligence in buildings. The research reported in this paper was carried out as a pilot study to determine an assessment system for intelligent buildings.

Practical implications

The elements of the proposed model provide a list of attributes for the intelligent buildings. This helps to ensure that the essential issues and factors are covered during the design and implementation phase in the construction industry. For academics, it provides a common language for them to discuss and study the factors crucial for the assessment of intelligence levels in buildings.

Originality/value

This study provides an integrated perspective of critical issues for intelligence assessment in the construction industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that help the designers and constructors in one hand and the project managers on the other hand to construct the intelligent buildings in an effective way.
Managing strategic planning paradigms in China
Authors: Liu Hong , Roos Lars‐Uno
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To review the importance of the Chinese cultural phenomenon, guanxi, and the marked difference in both consumer behaviour and management practices between China and the West, all from the perspective of market entry by multinational firms.

Design/methodology/approach

General conclusions are drawn and strategic imperatives inferred from a review of the relevant literature and a set of case histories based on personal interviews with key executives in the Chinese operations of six large overseas consumer‐goods companies.

Findings

The undoubted strategic significance of guanxi has been diluted recently among joint ventures designated as “encouraged” by the Chinese government, and is being replaced by a market‐driven paradigm of marketing operations. The guanxi‐driven paradigm remains a crucial factor in planning and managing effective working relationships when the Chinese partner is one officially classified as “restricted”. Case histories show that early success is no guarantee of continuing dominance, as indigenous competition intensifies and Chinese corporations become larger and better resourced.

Research limitations/implications

Foreign multinational entrants to the Chinese market must remain sensitive to characteristically Chinese business and consumer behaviour, but can successfully adopt a more Western approach to marketing strategy in certain situations. It is essential to use marketing intelligence effectively, and to plan well beyond the short term.

Originality/value

The authors' expert view of the current situation fro multinationals in China adds a useful extra dimension to the received wisdom.
Market orientation in Nigerian companies
Authors: Osuagwu Linus
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To investigate the practice of market orientation, with a specific focus on the extent to which Nigerian marketers place emphasis on the different dimensions of market orientation, customer satisfaction, competitiveness, market intelligence, and assessment of the effectiveness of the strategies adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a contextualized and literature‐based research instrument to measure the applications of market orientation “constructs” by 697 small and large manufacturing and service companies operating in Lagos State of Nigeria. The research instrument showed encouraging evidence of reliability and validity. Data were interpreted by factor analysis.

Findings

It was found that market orientation is practised to a reasonable extent among the surveyed companies, and tentatively concluded that market orientation practices were related to the category of business (service versus manufacturing) and its size. The principal focus was on the gathering, interpretation and implementation of market intelligence, and on measuring the effectiveness of the outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited to some extent by the confounding effect of variation within and between types of firm and industry sectors, and the use of respondents' own assessments of performance (i.e. respondents' evaluations of organizational effectiveness with regard to market orientation practices). The Nigerian setting and cross‐sectional design limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts/environments. Continuing research is under way to address these limitations.

Originality/value

Expands the body of knowledge about market orientation in practice by extending an established research formula beyond the usual context of developed western economies, and thereby potentially contains lessons for practitioners and researchers in other developing countries.
Optimization of residential property management
Authors: Klingenberg B. , Brown R.J.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an analysis of the principle‐agent relationship between owner (principal) and manager (agent) of investment properties by: developing an optimization model for the net profit scenario that any third party manager of properties in multiple locations faces; and describing the principal's (or owner's) problem and likewise developing an income optimization model. The model allows illustrating the misalignment of incentives and compensation arrangements common to the business of managing small investment properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an in depth review of literature on the agency problem, both in general as well as in real estate research and compares the qualitative findings with analytical results provided by the model. The latter is developed by applying a transaction cost framework to the context of income structures in investment properties and their management.

Findings

The optimization model shows that profit maximization for the manger (agent) depends on an optimum number of properties to be managed. It is further shown that the compensation methods customary in small real estate management contracts are inappropriate for the manager to control and cover the transaction costs, which result from the fact that more than one location is managed. The result is a kind of impossibility theorem, stating that management of small investment properties based on customary compensation structures is unprofitable as the number of properties and their distance rises.

Practical implications

The analysis shows that industry practice for the compensation of management of small investment properties does not address the inherent principle‐agent problem. Consequently, additional compensation and incentive mechanisms as well as control structures need to be employed by the owner. The paper, therefore, provides a starting point to review and improve industry practice.

Originality/value

The paper expands the existing literature of the agency problem in real estate by providing an optimization model for management of investment properties. The model and findings are of interest to academics for its analytical treatment of agency relationships; as well as to practitioners, as the analysis reveals inefficiencies in industry practice.
Offer price, transaction price and time‐on‐market
Authors: Björklund Kicki , Alex Dadzie John , Wilhelmsson Mats
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not the offer price affects the transaction price and the number of days the property is on the market. Specifically, is it possible for the broker to use the offer price as an instrument for obtaining a higher transaction price?

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypothesis the general hedonic model is used, where the deviation of the transaction price and expected price from the offer price is a function of time on the market.

Findings

The results indicate that a high offer price is more likely to result in a high ratio of transaction price to expected price compared to a low offer price.

Research limitations/implications

However, the overall conclusion is affected by the state of the market, that is, whether the market is static, rising or falling.

Practical implications

The best selling strategy in a rising market seems to be set a high offer price compared to the expected sale price.

Originality/value

The main contribution is that the paper not only analyzes the relationship between offer and transaction price, but also its relationship to expected price. It also tests for the existence of spatial autocorrelation, which is unique in this type of study.
Developing a digital library on ceramics
Authors: Patra Chandana
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The objective of the present study is to discuss the need for developing a digital library on ceramics.

Design/methodology/approach

The rapid growth of digital libraries together with professional publications and the popular press have created a lot of hopes as well as myths about digital libraries. Research on digital libraries began about a decade ago and a number of digital libraries were created as a result. The article begins with giving an overview of digital libraries, and then discusses the need for a digital library on ceramics, highlighting the importance of ceramics on society.

Findings

The paper shows that a digital library on ceramics is needed to provide students, scientists, artist and industrial community with an open and interoperable platform to help facilitate research and education, to promote ceramic art, to promote global cooperation, to foster economic development – including rural development, and to help facilitate archaeological research.

Originality/value

It is a paradox that, under circumstances where economic activity takes place at an increasingly global level, individual countries must give increased attention to their performance at the national level so that they can find a favored position within the world community. Since there has been little or no discussion on a digital library on ceramics in the library literature, the study would help developed and developing countries to develop digital library on ceramics.
Document supply and open access: an international survey on grey literature
Authors: Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Chérifa , Schöpfel Joachim
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This article seeks to investigate the impact of the open archive initiative on the document supply of grey literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a comparative survey of five major institutions: The British Library (UK), CISTI (Canada), INIST‐CNRS (France), KISTI (South Korea) and TIB Hannover (Germany).

Findings

All major document suppliers are more or less deeply involved in the open archive movement, and this involvement has an obvious impact on the policy of acquisition, archiving and supply of grey literature (dissertations, reports, conferences, etc.).

Originality/value

Even if the impact of increased access to digital resources on document supply is relatively well documented, little is known about the specific effect on grey literature, especially in the OA environment. This study provides some evidence concerning this effect.
A substructured version of the variational theory of complex rays dedicated to the calculation of assemblies with dissipative joints in the medium‐frequency range
Authors: Dorival O. , Rouch P. , Allix O.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper deals with numerical techniques dedicated to the predictive calculation of complex structures undergoing medium‐frequency vibrations. This field presents challenging difficulties. The first difficulty is the development of an efficient computational method because with the traditional finite element method (FEM), as the frequency increases, it becomes more expensive to control the pollution error. The second difficulty is the availability of sufficiently realistic joint models to take into account damping phenomena because in vibration problems dissipation controls the magnitude of the response directly.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the Variational Theory of Complex Rays (VTCR), an approach which effectively avoids the difficulties encountered with traditional FE techniques. Using two‐scale shape functions which verify the dynamic equation and the constitutive relation within each substructure, the VTCR can be viewed as a means of expressing the power balance at the different interfaces between substructures in variational form. New joint models which include heterogeneous mass, stiffness and damping are introduced to deal with the second difficulty.

Findings

This paper focuses on a new, substructured version of the VTCR which enables us to separate the realistically modeled substructures from the less accurate joints. The equations of the substructures are enforced exactly, whereas the interface equations are verified approximately through the minimization of an L2 residual. We show that this new formulation gives good results compared to the traditional VTCR or the FEM.

Practical implications

Although the examples presented in this paper are very simple, this new formulation shoult encounter no difficulties when dealing with more complex assemblies composed of several plates, beams, shells,…

Originality/value

This new, substructured VTCR approach provides more flexibility in the improvement of joint models, for example by carrying out experimental measurements on real structures.
Optimisation of design and operation parameters for ternary batch distillation with fixed product demand
Authors: Miladi M.M. , Mujtaba I.M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To determine optimum design and operation parameters for ternary batch distillation under fixed product demand.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two different scenarios are considered. In the first scenario, the column specification (in terms of number of plates and vapour load) and product demand are given and the optimum operation policy is determined. In the second scenario, with a fixed batch time and product demand, the optimal design (in terms of number of plates and vapour load) and operation policy (in terms of reflux ratio profile) are determined. In both scenarios, maximisation of a profit function reflecting capital cost, operating cost and penalty due to under/over production and customer dissatisfaction is considered. A detailed dynamic model consisting of mass and energy balances with rigorous thermodynamic property calculation model is used. The optimisation problem is solved using modified simulated annealing algorithm.

Findings

Two ternary mixtures leading to easy and difficult separation were considered. The off‐cut production and recycling has been found to be more beneficial for difficult separation mixture than that for easy separation mixture. The net profit increases with over production more than under production of the products. This is because of the penalty imposed for customer dissatisfaction. It is better to over produce, as that will achieve the maximum profit and (at the same time) satisfy the customer. Finally, for a typical case study, the net profit with optimum design is found to be about 25 per cent more compared to the net profit obtained with fixed design.

Originality/value

Optimal design and operation of multicomponent batch distillation has received limited attention in the past. Also, these studies were not geared for fixed product demand scenario. The optimisation problem formulation considered in the past, led to unlimited production of products (based on the assumption that all products produced are saleable) to maximise the profitability. Also, there were no penalties for over or under production of the desired products, production of off‐cuts and customer dissatisfaction due to not meeting the order (amount of products and delivery time, etc.). In this work, for the first time, these issues are addressed in the optimisation problem formulation.
Natural convection‐radiation cooling of a vertical divided vented channel
Authors: Mezrhab A. , Bouali H. , Amaoui H. , Abid C.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the radiation‐natural convection interactions in a vertical divided vented channel. The effects of the surface emissivity, the vent opening position and size on the heat transfer and the flow structures inside the channel were studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing differential equations are solved by a finite volume method, with adopting the SIMPLER algorithm for pressure‐velocity coupling. The view factors were determined by using a boundary elements approximation and a Monte Carlo method.

Findings

The effect of the radiation exchange is very important, it increases the average hot wall Nusselt number by more than 100 per cent. The contribution of the channel wall emissivity in the heat transfer is more important than that of the plate emissivity. The average hot wall Nusselt number increases with increasing the vent opening size, only in presence of the radiation exchange, and this increase is more pronounced, particularly when the vent opening is located near the channel inlet.

Research limitations/implications

The flow is assumed to be incompressible, laminar and two dimensional. The radiative surfaces are assumed diffuse‐grey. The working fluid, air, is considered as transparent with respect to the radiation.

Practical implications

The industrial applications of this study are solar collectors, thermal building, electronic cooling, aeronautics, chemical apparatus, nuclear engineering, etc.

Originality/value

In comparison to the preceding studies, the originality of this paper is the taking into account of the radiation exchange in a vented and divided channel.
Location, industrial concentration and the propensity of small US firms to export
Authors: Mittelstaedt John D. , Ward William A. , Nowlin Edward
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To examine the effects of urbanization and industrial concentration on the propensity of firms to export, and to determine whether these aspects of geography affect smaller firms differently than larger ones.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on expectations from economic geography and organizational learning theories, logistic regression was used to assess the effects of firm size, urbanization and industrial concentration on the export choices of 43,707 manufacturing firms located in the Southeastern USA.

Findings

Results indicate that geography affects choices to export, and that these choices differ with firm size. The smallest manufacturers (fewer than 20 employees) were most likely to export from urban areas and in concentrated industrial sectors. Industry‐specific differences were also found.

Research limitations/implications

Results from the Southeastern USA are consistent with findings from China, though caution should be used in generalizing from these findings. The findings suggest that both internal and external scale economies must be considered in order to understand the export success of small firms.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that factors external to the firm affect the learning and decision process of smaller firms in very different ways than larger firms. Small firms are more dependent on their geographic environments than larger firms, when engaging the global economy.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to examine the simultaneous effects of internal and external scale economies on the propensity of firms (and particularly small firms) to engage in export activities.
A comparative investigation into the internationalisation of Canadian and UK high‐tech SMEs
Authors: Spence Martine , Crick Dave
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide comparative data from a two‐country study; specifically, into the internationalisation strategies of Canadian and UK high‐tech small and medium‐sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed involves 24 in‐depth interviews, 12 in each country.

Findings

These suggest that the differences between the firms in the two countries were limited; more similarities were identifiable. Specifically, strategy formation is not as systematic as some previous studies, notably those that focus on the “stage” models, suggest. Entrepreneurs and management teams recognise and exploit opportunities in different ways, ranging from planned strategy formation through to opportunistic behaviour; as such, no single theory could fully explain international entrepreneurial decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of the findings is to offer support to the literature that has suggested a more holistic view should be undertaken in international entrepreneurship research.

Originality/value

The main aspect of originality outside of the comparative data involves accounting for the role of serendipity in unplanned overseas market ventures, an issue lacking in much of the earlier literature.
Sense of community: an exploratory study of US consumers of financial services
Authors: Fraering Martin , Minor Michael S.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop and test a sense of consumption community measurement scale. The concept is examined in an exploratory study in the context of the perceptions of customers of financial services firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This research consults the marketing, banking, psychology, and public policy literature. A sense of consumption community scale is tested for validity via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Scale reliability analysis is also conducted.

Findings

The result is a second‐order construct composed of the first‐order constructs, camaraderie and communality, and social capital. The construct is found to be a means of measuring the strength of consumers' perceptions of consumption community. Additional evidence of its practical value is demonstrated in four findings. First, partial support is found that men perceive a greater sense of community than women. Second, there is a positive relationship between age and perceived sense of community. Third, no significant relationship was found between the various types of financial institutions and customers' sense of consumption community. Fourth, an identical finding was obtained for the relationship between sense of community and longevity. And fifth, this research also documents limitations of the Sense of Consumption Community Construct due to the exploratory nature of this research effort.

Originality/value

The scale formulated in this research is the first to measure a sense of community among the customers of financial institutions.