bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robustness of the neural network based control chart pattern recognition system to non‐normality
Authors: Guh Ruey‐Shiang
Published: April 2004

Control chart pattern recognition is a critical issue in statistical process control, as unnatural patterns on control charts are often associated with specific assignable causes adversely affecting the process. Several researchers have recently applied neural networks to pattern recognition for control charts. However, nearly all studies in this area assume that the in‐control process data in the control charts follow a normal distribution. This assumption contradicts the facts of practical manufacturing situations. This paper investigates how non‐normality affects the performance of neural network based control chart pattern recognition models. Extensive performance evaluation was carried out using simulated data with various non‐normalities. The non‐normality was measured in skewness and kurtosis. Numerical results indicate that the neural network based control chart pattern recognition models still perform well in a non‐normal distribution environment in terms of recognition accuracy and speed.
Life prediction of aging wood poles and subsequent inspection practice – a case study
Authors: Li Hong , Bhuyan Gouri S. , Tarampi Dexter
Published: April 2004

Present methods of establishing inspection and maintenance programs for wood poles are prescriptive in nature and do not consider the life data of poles in a particular region. In this paper, a methodology is discussed for estimating the useful life of older poles having survived a certain number of years, using life data analysis. A procedure is presented to establish the timing of the next inspection of older poles based on the current acceptable replacement rate.
Probabilistic power system security analysis considering protection failures
Authors: Yu Xingbin , Singh Chanan
Published: April 2004

This paper proposes a method of probabilistic security analysis of power systems including protection system failures. Protection system failure is the main cause of cascading outages. A protection system reliability model including two major protection failure modes is adopted to demonstrate the effects of different protection failure modes on power system reliability. The mechanism and scheme of protection system have been analyzed for their contribution to cascading outages as well as system stability after a fault occurs. All contingencies and responses in the power system are depicted in their inherent stochastic manner. Therefore, all simulations in this paper contain the features of a real power system. Non‐sequential Monte Carlo simulation approach is used to implement the stochastic properties of component contingencies and protection system failures. The WSCC‐9 bus system is used as the security test system. The security index “probability of stability” is calculated to quantify the vulnerability of a power system under cascading outages.
Uncertainty estimation for DSP‐based power quality measurements
Authors: Ghiani Emilio , Locci Nicola , Muscas Carlo , Sulis Sara
Published: April 2004

This paper deals with the uncertainty in digital measurement systems designed for power quality applications. The main goal of this work is to evaluate such uncertainty by means of a Monte Carlo method recently proposed in the literature. The accuracy of the measurement result obtained with a DSP‐based instrument for power quality metering depends on the behavior of the devices located in both the conditioning block and A/D conversion stage: it is thus necessary to consider the uncertainties introduced by each component of the system and the propagation of their effects through the measurement chain. Here, the uncertainty is estimated starting from the technical specifications provided by the manufacturers of these devices. Experimental results are reported to show the importance of some concerns about the practical implementation of the proposed methodology in a real instrument.
A Monte Carlo‐like approach to uncertainty estimation in electric power quality measurements
Authors: Ferrero Alessandro , Salicone Simona
Published: April 2004

The assessment of the quality of the electric power supply, as well as that of the electric loads, is becoming a critical problem, especially when the liberalization of the electricity market is involved. Power quality can be evaluated by means of a number of quantities and indices whose measurement is not straightforward and is generally attained by means of digital signal processing techniques based on complex algorithms. The assessment of the uncertainty of the results of such measurements is a critical, open problem. This paper proposes a general purpose approach, based on the Monte Carlo method that, starting from the estimated contributions to the uncertainty of each device in the measurement chain, estimates the probability density distribution of the measurement result, and therefore, its standard uncertainty. This approach has been experimentally validated for the active power measurement and applied to the estimation of the uncertainty of the measurement of more complex power quality indices.
Application of the surface‐current method to the analysis of saturated electromagnetic devices
Authors: Andriollo Mauro , Martinelli Giovanni , Morini Augusto , Tortella Andrea
Published: April 2004

This paper deals with the application of the surface‐current method to the analysis of electromagnetic devices. The basics of the method are outlined and new developments involving the implementation of automated procedures for the definition of the geometry and sources, the contour subdivision according to suitable error indexes and the upgrading of the magnetic permeability to analyse saturated devices are described. As examples of application, the method is applied to the analysis of a single‐phase step motor and a linear brushless DC motor; the results are discussed and compared with the outputs of corresponding finite‐element method analyses.
A hybrid meta‐heuristic algorithm for transmission expansion planning
Authors: Fonseka Jagath , Miranda Vladimiro
Published: April 2004

This paper proposes an integrated approach of genetic algorithms, Tabu search and simulated annealing for multi‐stage (dynamic) transmission network expansion planning. The proposed algorithm integrates the most interesting and best features of the above individual algorithms. The efficiency and reliability of the proposed algorithm is proved with the modified Garver's six‐bus network. Finally, a real‐world application (Sri Lankan transmission network) of the integrated algorithm is presented for multi‐stage transmission expansion planning.
Validation process for a fuzzy spatial load forecasting
Authors: Miranda Vladimiro , Monteiro Cláudio , Ponce de Leão Teresa
Published: April 2004

This paper presents a method used to validate a spatial load forecasting model based on fuzzy systems implemented in a Geographical Information System. The validation process confirms the adequacy of the rule base, and also it is strictly necessary to define the confidence intervals associated to the predicted spatial demand.
Voices of sanity in the conversation of psychotherapy
Authors: Barnes Graham
Published: April 2004

Addresses the problem of psychotherapy coming to understand itself formally as a conversation in which healing of distortions and breakdowns in communication occurs. The paper proposes making concepts the basis for the psychotherapy conversation by linking psychotherapy to second‐order cybernetics and utilizing Pask’s conversation theory. The first part describes cybernetics as the context for the study of the distortions and breakdowns in communication. The second part discusses conversation theory as a formal description of the procedures of psychotherapy, as a way to converse in psychotherapy, as a way to talk about psychotherapy and as a way to change the conversation of psychotherapy. The final part discusses four distinctive characteristics of the evolving conversation of psychotherapy where psychotherapy composes itself as a conversation. These characteristics are what psychotherapy is (its definition), what it is about (its object), how it proceeds (its methods), and what it is for (its value).
Styles of learning and approaches to studying in higher education
Authors: Entwistle Noel
Published: April 2004

Gordon Pask contributed greatly to ways of conceptualising student learning in higher education. In particular, the three learning or conceptual styles – holist, serialist and versatile – together with the associated pathologies of globetrotting and improvidence, have helped to describe important differences in the ways students tackle academic tasks and in their preferences for differing styles of teaching. These concepts are related to other distinctions used to describe student learning – deep, surface, and strategic approaches to learning – and this article summarises research by the author and his colleagues into the patterns of relationship which have been identified. These studies have used large‐scale inventory surveys, but also intensive interviews with students which have explored how students seek to develop conceptual understanding, another important area explored by Pask. Increasingly, this research is indicating ways of improving teaching in higher education in ways which directly affect the quality of student learning.
And he was magic
Authors: Glanville Ranulph
Published: April 2004

Pask’s great contribution to cybernetics is to take seriously the notion of interaction in the circular processes that lie at the heart of the subject. From his earliest days he worked with interactive systems. His master work, conversation theory, epitomises the interactive system, which he then extended and generalised into the interaction of actors theory. In this paper, the requirements that conversation places on our understanding of participants is presented in the form of a specification. In particular, the ways of behaving and the assumptions under which we have to behave if we are to be able to converse with success are expounded. These are in great contrast to neo‐Darwinian assumptions. The difference between communication by code and communication by conversation is explored, and the primacy of conversational communication is argued. Finally, it is claimed that the ways of behaving and the assumptions that are the requirements for a conversation to take place are presented as personal qualities that were particularly apparent in Pask himself.
Some memories of Gordon
Authors: Moore Harry
Published: April 2004

The author worked with Gordon for many years in the early days of System Research Ltd and before and knew him later at Brunel University and the Cybernetics Society. Here are some memories.
An integrative framework for HIPAA‐compliant I*IQ healthcare information systems
Authors: Fadlalla Adam , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: April 2004

Currently the healthcare industry in the US is not only contending with relentless pressures to lower costs while maintaining and increasing the quality of service but is also under a stringent timeline to become compliant with the health insurance, portability and accountability act (HIPAA) regulatory requirements. Robust healthcare information systems (HCIS) become critical to enabling healthcare organizations address these challenges. Hence, it becomes an imperative need that the information that is captured, generated and disseminated by these HCIS be of the highest possible integrity and quality as well as compliant with regulatory requirements. This paper addresses this need by proposing an integrative framework for HIPAA compliant, I*IQ HCIS. It bases this framework on an integration of the requirements for HIPAA compliance, the principles of information integrity, as well as the healthcare quality aims set forth by the Committee on the Quality of Healthcare in America.
Assessing the appropriateness of hospitalisation days in a French university hospital
Authors: d'Alché‐Gautier Marie‐José , Maïza Dominique , Chastang Frédéric
Published: April 2004

To assess the appropriateness of hospitalisation days, a cross‐section study was conducted in a French university hospital. Concerning both medical and surgical wards, three days were randomly chosen from April to June 2001. A total of 2,180 hospitalisation days were evaluated in accordance with the French appropriateness evaluation protocol (AEPf) with 10.9 per cent in medicine and 7 per cent in surgery judged as inappropriate. The delay tool was used to identify the causes of inappropriate days. The first cause of delay (68 per cent) was the unavailability of outside care (UOC), respectively 83.2 per cent and 61.4 per cent in surgical and medical services. The UOC was more pronounced for patients living in Caen (34 per cent) which represented only 20 per cent of hospitalised patients in the university hospital of their city. These results allow for suggestions for services to improve organisation and bring arguments for better health care.
The case for ISO 9000
Authors: Douglas Alex , Coleman Shirley , Oddy Richard
Published: April 2004

Summarizes the arguments for and against the ISO 9000 standard and examines the perceived advantages and disadvantages of implementing it. Reports the results of a survey of over 100 quality managers/representatives of ISO 9000‐certified organizations in the service and manufacturing sectors of UK industry. Too many ISO 9000 surveys in the past have sought the opinions of organizational managers who have had little or no operational experience of the standard on a day‐to‐day basis. This paper aims to redress this anomaly. Survey results indicate quite conclusively that most quality professionals are content with ISO 9000’s contribution to quality improvement, dismissing many of the past criticisms of the standard as inappropriate. These results can form the basis of a case for the implementation of the standard for those organisations currently trying to decide whether to implement it or not.
Going from six sigma to design for six sigma: an exploratory study using analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Bañuelas Ricardo , Antony Jiju
Published: April 2004

Six sigma has been considered a business strategy that employs a well‐structured continuous improvement methodology to tackle process variability and drive out waste from the business processes using statistical tools and techniques. This paper first examines the differences and similarities of six‐sigma improvement methodology compared with the DFSS approach. This work illustrates the use of analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple criteria decision‐making technique, for the evaluation of six‐sigma projects in order to determine when the six‐sigma approach becomes a priority over DFSS. The use of AHP to determine the transition from six sigma to design for six sigma represents a major challenge to many researchers today, as very little has been done on this subject.
What do we mean by governance?
Authors: Tombs Kenneth
Published: April 2004

This article explores governance and information. What is governance and what are the attitudes towards it? What is the value of information? Lack of common understanding of governance as an emerging subject area and common perceptions of the subject can be misleading. Over‐reliance upon computerised information systems can fault organisational decision making and yet there is a need for “factuality” in decision‐making to underpin expert opinion or management choice. These issues, together with the influence of management and organisational culture on governance and information systems design choices, are examined.
Best interests of the student: an ethical model
Authors: Stefkovich Jacqueline A. , Michaele O’Brien G.
Published: April 2004

Shapiro and Stefkovich in their 2001 book on ethics propose a framework for examining ethical dilemmas. At the heart of this conceptualization is “the best interests of the student.” Yet a review of the literature reveals this term is interpreted broadly and few systematic attempts have been made to define it. In response to this lack of clarity, the authors of this article construct a model for determining what is in the best interests of the student when making various types of ethical decisions in schools. This “Best Interests” model is based upon a new conceptualization of the three Rs. Here, the correlates are rights, responsibilities, and respect. By applying this model to the fact patterns of several US court decisions, the authors illustrate the application of the ethical paradigms of justice, care, critique, community, and the profession.
Exploring the role of children in adults' adoption and use of computers
Authors: Selwyn Neil
Published: April 2004

Although we now know much about children's use of information and communications technologies, researchers have yet to consider adequately the roles that children play in shaping adults' computer use. Via household survey data from a randomised sample of 1,001 adults and in‐depth interview data from 100 of these initial respondents, this paper explores the meditating roles of children in: the purchasing/acquisition of computers by adults; adults' access to computers; the level and nature of adults' use (and non‐use) of computers; how adults learn to use computers; and how adults are supported when using computers. The paper concludes that while children play a variety of roles in adults' (non)adoption and (non)use of computers this influence is often tempered by a range of other factors and, indeed, should not be overstated. For example, while children appear to be a significant “official” factor in parents' and grandparents' adoption of computers they were rarely the sole reason for adults investing time and money in ICT – with a range of other self‐orientated reasons usually in attendance. In terms of adults' access to and use of ICT, the demands of children to use computers were a mitigating but not always dominant factor to be considered by parents. Similarly, children appear to play a peripheral role in supporting adults' use of ICT. The paper concludes by considering how the role of children in adults' use of ICT would appear to be often more symbolic than practical;, e.g. as an official justification for buying/adopting a computer rather than as a strong and sustained guiding force.
Web site accessibility: an online sector analysis
Authors: Loiacono Eleanor , McCoy Scott
Published: April 2004

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), companies must provide customers with disabilities access to their “physical” stores. With the advent of the pure Web store, some wonder if the ADA will extend into “cyberspace”. So, are companies ready? This study assesses Web sites to determine their readiness. Results reveal that only 9 percent of the sites have accessible home pages.
Identifying risks during information system development: managing the process
Authors: Maguire Stuart
Published: April 2004

Developments in information and communications technology have allowed many organisations to implement systems that directly link to customers and suppliers. In a number of instances this has allowed them to gain a competitive advantage over their business rivals. The changeover to a new information system should appear seamless to the customer. The general public should not be disadvantaged by the implementation of a new system in the public sector. The tight coupling of systems, especially with customers, puts extra responsibility on information system developers to try and ensure a smooth transition from the old to the new system. Failure to do this may result in the customer being unfairly penalised and may result in subsequent loss of business. This paper attempts to show that there are many areas of potential risk within the process of information system development (ISD) and these need to be carefully analysed and managed. It also reveals that certain popular risk management methodologies do not reflect the risk elements identified within the ISD process.
The influence of information and advice on competitive strategy definition in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Ian Burke G. , Jarratt Denise G.
Published: April 2004

Although strategy development in large corporations has been well documented, the process of formulating strategy in small firms has not been extensively investigated by researchers. The process in small firms does not reflect exhaustive strategic analysis, but rather, a personality driven, opportunistic or instinctive approach, channelled through an emergent planning process. This study builds on recent work examining the planning patterns and approaches of small firms by integrating an understanding of the nature and extent of information and advice sought and received by the firm, and how that interaction influences the formation of competitive strategy. Results of this qualitative study point to more formal sources of advice such as providers of professional advisory services being bypassed due to a perceived lack of relevance of their information and planning advice to the SME's specific industry context.
Business college administrators: organizational networking activities
Authors: Yrle Augusta C. , Hartman Sandra J. , Grenier Charles , Lundberg Olof H.
Published: April 2004

This study examines how deans and associate deans of a group from similar universities use networking. Specifically, we consider whether the deans, traditionally considered to perform boundary‐spanning functions, make more use of external networking than do the associate deans, who are their subordinates. We examine the relationship between accuracy in perceiving a network and influence in the network. Finally, we consider the relationship between reports of networking outside the sample and influence within the sample. We find support for our first two propositions and raise several issues related to our final one.
On the frequency‐dependent line capacitance and conductance of on‐chip interconnects on lossy silicon substrate
Authors: Ymeri H. , Nauwelaers B. , Maex K.
Published: April 2004

In this paper a method for analysis and modelling of transmission interconnect lines with zero or nonzero thickness on Si–SiO2substrate is presented. The analysis is based on semi‐analytical expressions for the frequency‐dependent transmission line admittances. The electromagnetic concept of free charge density is applied. It allows us to obtain integral equations between electric scalar potential and charge density distributions. These equations are solved by the Galerkin procedure of the method of moments. This new model represents narrow and thick line interconnect behaviour over a wide range of frequencies up to 20 GHz. The accuracy of the developed method in this work is validated by comparing with the rigorous simulation data obtained by full‐wave electromagnetic solver and CAD‐oriented equivalent‐circuit modelling approach. The response of the proposed model is shown to be in good agreement with the frequency‐dependent capacitance and conductance characteristics of general coupled multiconductor on‐chip interconnects.
Observations on the characteristics of thick film k33 strain sensors fabricated on steel substratesThis paper is based on a poster presentation made at the IMAPS 2001 Symposium, Baltimore.
Authors: Zheng Yulan , Atkinson John , Zhang Zhige , Sion Russ
Published: April 2004

Results are presented from a programme of research aimed at establishing the mechanisms behind the effects of fabrication parameter variation on the performance of thick film strain gauges on steel substrates. The research is aimed at describing the effect on the repeatability of the device characteristics due to different choices of materials, thicknesses of printed layers, firing regimes and geometry of the gauges. In particular the effects of load and temperature on the offset and gain characteristics of a variety of different sensor constructions have been explored. The sensors described here are of a type where the applied strain is parallel to the measured resistance path but orthogonal to the substrate (k33). It has been found that these devices exhibit different characteristics to conventional thick film strain gauges that can help explain the mechanisms affecting gain and offset changes caused by temperature fluctuations and mechanical deformation.
Prediction of temperature in silicon chip with non‐uniform power: a Lagrangian interpolation approach
Authors: Joo Goh Teck , Seetharamu K.N. , Quadir G.A. , Zainal Z.A. , Jeevan K.
Published: April 2004

This paper describes a generalized method of predicting the temperature distribution of the silicon chip with non‐uniform power dissipation patterns using Lagrangian interpolation function. A simplified heat sink thermal design was modeled to simulate a typical thermal design of microprocessor. Key thermal design parameters investigated are the heat source placement distance and level of heat dissipation. Verification of the proposed method was carried out by comparing the results with FEA predictions. Results of the verification show that the proposed method is reasonably accurate for practical purposes. A successful attempt has been made to predict the junction temperature of silicon chip with non‐uniform power distribution in a simple way.
The design of flexible manufacturing systems using an extended unified framework
Authors: Lau Henry Y.K. , Mak K.L.
Published: April 2004

An effective system development paradigm and its associated design tools can streamline the production of flexible manufacturing systems. In view of the technological advances in developing complex manufacturing systems, a framework and its associated graphical development environment are presented in this paper. This framework aims at providing a unified platform to develop complex manufacturing systems with enhanced formality. Features include procedures for requirement analysis, simulation of system behavior, and formal verification of abstract implementation. The proposed framework helps to shorten lifecycle for system designs and helps engineers to produce manufacturing systems that conform better with original specifications with better quality. A flexible conveyor‐based production system is chosen as a case example to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed framework.
Total quality management in strategy and operations: dynamic grounded models
Authors: Leonard Denis , McAdam Rodney
Published: April 2004

The aim of this paper is to explore and represent the dynamic relationship between total quality management (TQM), corporate strategy and resultant business operations. In particular, the paper seeks to determine the impact of TQM at the strategic level and how business operations are consequently developed and deployed. These issues are of interest to managers in organisations who want to move their TQM programmes beyond incremental operational improvements and to use TQM to influence, first, the strategy process and, second, business operations. Using an inductive grounded theory research methodology, the paper describes the development of a series of grounded models, which show the dynamic interaction between TQM, strategy and operations. It is concluded that the models represent a suitable framework for further in‐depth case‐based research in the area of TQM, strategy and business operations.
Improved efficiency with production disturbance reduction in manufacturing systems based on discrete‐event simulation
Authors: Ingemansson Arne , Bolmsjö Gunnar S.
Published: April 2004

Discrete‐event simulation (DES) and disturbance reduction techniques are a combination for improving efficiency in manufacturing systems. The DES modelling allows different tests to be carried out by step‐by‐step alteration. The use of manufacturing improvement techniques should be combined for best results. The changes in disturbances will show us different alternatives in output of the manufacturing system. Two case studies have been drawn up to study the possibilities for disturbance reduction in manufacturing systems by using DES with the proposed method for improved overall manufacturing efficiency. The case studies showed an improvement of output of 14 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively.
Iterative learning scheduling: a combination of optimization and dispatching rules
Authors: Sun Rong‐Lei , Ding Han , Xiong Youlun , Du Runsheng
Published: April 2004

Dispatching rule‐based scheduling is a kind of dynamic scheduling commonly used in real world applications. Because of the lack of scheduling objective, it cannot optimize the specific performances at which shop managers aim in the current production period. To overcome the limitations of the dispatching rule‐based scheduling, an iterative learning scheduling scheme is proposed in this paper. A scheduling objective function, which reflects the performance criteria in which the shop managers are most interested, is established and used to guide the optimization of the crucial performances. According to the value of the scheduling objective obtained from the last simulation period, the parameters are adjusted so as to decrease the objective during the next simulation period. Experimental results show that the iterative learning scheduling overcomes the limitations of the dispatching rule‐based scheduling and achieves higher performances.
“Otherwise you’re on your own”: unions and bargaining in Malaysian banking
Authors: Peetz David , Todd Patricia
Published: April 2004

Bank unionism illustrates some of the diverse experiences of Malaysian unions in a seemingly hostile legislative environment. The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) is a powerful union that contrasts with in‐house unions in several banks and which shows that it is not impossible for Malaysian unions to organise and secure gains for members. Its experience illustrates the importance for union prosperity of: workplace union activity; the capacity to protect members from insecurity and arbitrary treatment; workplace reform strategies; internal discourse; education and training; union culture; creative and strategic approaches to industrial action; and the role of politics in industrial relations.
The art of selling corporate culture
Authors: McGrath‐Champ Susan , Carter Sturt
Published: April 2004

Human resource (HR) practices are increasingly concerned with adding value through increased skills, autonomy and contribution. Whilst useful in some cultural and industry contexts, there is potential for incompatibility with other norms, especially those outside western culture or the manufacturing industry mainstream. Australian construction companies in Malaysia use the language of normative HR, but they are challenged by the differing cultural norms of Asia. It is concluded that HR policies and corporate culture are used as marketing devices not solely as management strategy.
In response to globalization: what we can learn from the Telstra experience
Authors: Chu Jou‐juo
Published: April 2004

The aims of this article are threefold. It first examines the initiatives taken by Australian governments to deregulate the telecommunications industry as a means to increase its capability to encounter the intensification of international competition. Then it moves to explore the strategies adopted by the management in that industry to subdue the possible resistance from the unions. Last, it investigates the reactions from the unions and elaborates how they maintained membership support without having any success in preventing job cuts.
Workplace determinants of union presence in New Zealand organisations
Authors: Cullinane Joanna
Published: April 2004

This article reports a section of results from a survey of managerial practices in New Zealand. While the survey was primarily undertaken to discover what types of managerial practices in relation to employment relationships are being undertaken in New Zealand organisations, this article focuses exclusively on the influence of organisational variables on union presence. The results highlight the positive relationship between larger organisational size, older organisations, operation in the not‐for‐profit sector of the economy and the use of collective employment contracts and the variable “union presence”. The results also indicate that organisations that use formal approaches in managing employees and/or managing employment relationships have a higher likelihood of union presence than organisations using informal methods. The factors identified in this article also provide the starting point for an understanding of the role unions in New Zealand have played post‐Employment Contracts Act.
Technology management process assessment: a case study
Authors: Phaal R. , Farrukh C.J.P. , Probert D.R.
Published: April 2004

The effective management of technology as a source of competitive advantage is of vital importance for many organisations. It is necessary to understand, communicate and integrate technology strategy with marketing, financial, operations and human resource strategies. This is of particular importance when one considers the increasing cost, pace and complexity of technology developments, combined with shortening product life cycles. A five‐process model provides a framework within which technology management activities can be understood: identification, selection, acquisition, exploitation and protection. Based on this model, a technology management assessment procedure has been developed, using an “action research” approach. This paper presents an industrial case study describing the first full application of the procedure within a high‐volume manufacturing business. The impact of applying the procedure is assessed in terms of benefits to the participating business, together with improvements to the assessment procedure itself, in the context of the action research framework.
THOUGHTSTICKER 1986
Authors: Pangaro Paul
Published: April 2004

In this paper, the author revisits his excitement in learning Pask’s conversation theory that gave immediate prescriptions for the construction of training systems and adaptive, personalized information browsers. Named after Pask’s first implementation of an interactive knowledge structuring tool, the THOUGHTSTICKER system described here came to maturity in 1986, some ten years before the Web’s wide acceptance, yet it had all the components of modern Web browsers plus an organising principle for the hyperlinks – something the Web still needs. THOUGHTSTICKER’s techniques for modelling each user’s unique experiences and conceptual learning style embodied the concept of “personal computer” still unattained in other commercial software products. Over a 15‐year period, many software prototypes were constructed and gave proof to the applicability of Pask’s theory. It remains to be seen if these and other aspects of his theory will rise to the consciousness of the marketplace, becoming popular and, afterwards, irremovable and “obvious”.
Green purchasing practices of US firms
Authors: Min Hokey , Galle William P.
Published: April 2004

Over the last two decades, growing concerns about eroding ecosystem quality have led to a renewed interest in environmentalism. Such concerns have prompted purchasing professionals to reassess their current purchasing strategy. To help purchasing professionals configure an environmentally conscious (green) purchasing strategy, the empirical findings from a survey of US firms with greater environmental risks are reported. Based on the empirical findings, aims to identify variables that either promote or inhibit the successful implementation of green purchasing and to evaluate the effects of green purchasing on the firm’s supplier selection, waste management, packaging, and regulatory compliance.
It’s only a matter of confidence!
Authors: Cousins Paul D , Stanwix Euan
Published: April 2004

Attempts to answer the question: why are Japanese firms better at managing long‐term supplier relationships? Discusses the results from a three‐year research project that focuses on the way in which Japanese transplants and UK non‐Japanese‐owned vehicle manufacturers manage their relationships. The research attempts to define the concept of trust, by using existing academic models. Using the existing literature examines how Japanese and non‐Japanese‐owned (UK) manufacturers work with their first tier suppliers. The research is primarily qualitative due to the small sample size of non‐Japanese‐owned and Japanese vehicle manufacturers; however, the research does examine five vehicle manufacturers and 19 relationships. Concludes with the development of a conceptual model for mutually advantageous business relationships, which is an attempt to produce a workable inventory of trust for use by both customers and suppliers.
Offline programming and simulation help Boeing use giant automated riveter on C‐17 aircraft
Authors: Dale Robert
Published: April 2004

Describes the extensive use of simulation while planning the programming of a very large robot riveter. The riveter is used to assemble the skin panels and fuselage frames of the Boeing C‐17 Globemaster III aircraft.
Real time generation of humanoid robot optimal gait for going upstairs using intelligent algorithms
Authors: Capi Genci , Nasu Yasuo , Barolli Leonard , Mitobe Kazuhisa , Yamano Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2004

Going upstairs is a common humanoid robot task. In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA) gait synthesis method for going upstairs and a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) implementation, are considered. The gait synthesis is analyzed based on the minimum consumed energy and minimum torque change. The proposed method can easily be applied to generate the angle trajectories for going downstairs, overcoming obstacles, etc. In our work, the stability is verified through the ZMP concept. For the real time implementation, a RBFNN which is taught based on the GA results, is considered. The RBFNN generates the optimal gait in a very short time, where the input variables are the step length, step height and step time. Simulations are realized based on the parameters of the “Bonten‐Maru I” humanoid robot.
Quality costing in a small engineering company: issues and difficulties
Authors: Roden S. , Dale B.G.
Published: April 2004

Examines the issues and difficulties of developing a quality costing system in a small engineering company. Four different methods – departmental interviews, process mapping, departmental study, and checklist of cost elements – were used to identify the costs. The value of these methods are commented upon. The main difficulties in developing the quality costing system relate to: a blame culture; a lack of visibility of how people, in particular inspectors, spend their time; and the structure of the accounting system. The majority of the difficulties were addressed by the involvement of senior management, highlighting their importance in the development of a quality costing system.
Issues in modeling, monitoring and managing quality costs
Authors: Superville Claude R. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: April 2004

There is consensus that money invested in quality programs provides a high rate of return, but disagreement on how the optimal level of quality investment can be modeled. It has been postulated that there is no correct cost of quality (COQ) model since quality costs are dynamic and firm specific. Firms tend to move to new quality levels over time as they increase their prevention activities aimed at detecting and eliminating cause of variation. Many firms tend to misallocate quality spending by investing the greatest percentage of quality costs to the lowest yielding categories and the lowest percentage of quality costs to the highest yielding categories. Examines the various COQ models that have been proposed and explains the misallocation of quality investment by firms. Describes why quality initiatives undertaken by a firm are generally consistent with corporate goals and strategy, the maturity level of a firm, and management commitment.
The marketing strategies of French and German companies in the UK
Authors: Topajka Shaw Vivienne
Published: April 2004

This paper presents the findings of a study of the marketing strategies and headquarters‐subsidiary relationship of 186 German and 113 French subsidiaries operating in the UK. German companies were found to pursue market‐focused strategies with an emphasis on product quality. Meanwhile, their French counterparts adopted a more short‐term orientation with a stronger emphasis on cost‐related strategies. Both sets of companies displayed a high degree of ethnocentricity towards the UK market with regard to strategic and product‐related issues. However, high levels of autonomy were observed in French and German subsidiaries in other areas of marketing decision making. Some differences by industry sector were observed, with service organisations more likely to adapt their product/service offering to meet the needs of UK customers. Chemical and related companies were observed to have the highest level of autonomy with regard to marketing decision making.
Social Construction and Policy Implementation: Inmate Health as a Public Health Issue*
Authors: Nicholson‐Crotty Jill , Nicholson‐Crotty Sean
Published: April 2004

Objectives.This article develops and tests a concise multi‐stage approach for assessing the impact of social construction on the implementation of public programs designed to benefit negatively constructed groups. The framework suggests that negative constructions lead to policy choices that create problems in the implementation process. These problems prevent the accomplishment of key subobjectives necessary for ultimate program success.

Methods.We test the utility of the framework in an analysis of a key public health issue—the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in prisons. Despite great strides in the treatment and prevention of these diseases outside prison walls, the incidence and severity of both in the incarcerated population has increased dramatically over the last five years. We hypothesize that the problem of inadequate funding, arising from the negative social construction of this unique target population, is to blame.

Results.In an analysis of 50 state correctional systems, we find that states with the most negative constructions of criminals and potential criminals spend dramatically less on inmate health, relative to other states.

Conclusions.Our analysis suggests that inadequate funding levels in states with negative constructions of criminals and potential criminals jeopardizes the implementation of prison programs targeted at the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
American Indian Ethnic Identity: Tribal Nonresponse in the 1990 Census*
Authors: Liebler Carolyn A.
Published: April 2004

Objectives.About 11 percent of American Indians did not report their tribal affiliation on the 1990 U.S. Census form. I use several theoretical perspectives as tools to explore the reasons behind this surprising omission.

Method.Logistic regression analysis is the method employed.

Results.American Indians living with someone who speaks an American Indian language are very likely to report a tribal affiliation, as are those living in “Indian states” (states with historically high numbers of American Indians). Those who are least likely to report a tribal affiliation are Hispanic women with low education who report no American Indian ancestry, do not live with other American Indians, and live in a metropolitan area of a “non‐Indian state.”

Conclusions.Lack of knowledge of family history appears to be one of the primary causes of tribal nonresponse. Salience of tribal identity also affects responses.
Who Lives on the Wrong Side of the Environmental Tracks? Evidence from the EPA's Risk‐Screening Environmental Indicators Model*
Authors: Ash Michael , Fetter T. Robert
Published: April 2004

Objective. We analyze the social and economic correlates of air pollution exposure in U.S. cities.

Methods. We combine 1990 Census block group data for urbanized areas with 1998 data on toxicity‐adjusted exposure to air pollution. Using a unique data set created as a byproduct of the EPA's Risk‐Screening Environmental Indicators Model, we improve on previous studies of environmental inequality in three ways. First, where previous studies focus on the proximity to point sources and the total mass of pollutants released, our measure of toxic exposure reflects atmospheric dispersion and chemical toxicity. Second, we analyze the data at a fine level of geographic resolution. Third, we control for substantial regional variations in pollution, allowing us to identify exposure differences both within cities and between cities.

Results. We find that African Americans tend to live both in more polluted cities in the United States and in more polluted neighborhoods within cities. Hispanics live in less polluted cities on average, but they live in more polluted areas within cities. We find an extremely consistent income‐pollution gradient, with lower‐income people significantly more exposed to pollution.

Conclusions. Communities with higher concentrations of lower‐income people and people of color experience disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards. Our findings highlight the importance of controlling for interregional variation in pollution levels in studies of the demographic correlates of pollution.
Second‐Generation Immigrants? The “2.5 Generation” in the United States*
Authors: Karthick Ramakrishnan S.
Published: April 2004

Objective. This article takes issue with the way that second‐generation immigrants have been traditionally defined. In most studies, respondents are considered to be “second generation” if they are born in the United States and if at least one of their parents was born outside the United States. This article considers whether the experiences and outcomes of those with one U.S.‐born parent and one foreign‐born parent (the “2.5 generation”) are different from those with no U.S.‐born parents (the “2.0 generation”) and those with two native‐born parents (the “third generation”).

Methods. The article analyzes data from the March Current Population Survey (CPS) from 1999 to 2001.

Results. The evidence indicates that the 2.5 generation is a numerically significant population, and that it varies from other groups in age structure, racial identification, educational attainment, and income.

Conclusions. In studying the U.S.‐born children of immigrants, scholars should avoid lumping together the 2.5 generation with those who have no native‐born parents. The members of the 2.5 generation also should be treated as distinct from those born in the United States to two native‐born parents.
What Price Nondisclosure? The Effects of Nondisclosure of Real Estate Sales Prices*
Authors: Berrens Robert P. , McKee Michael
Published: April 2004

Objective. Only a select set of states still do not require mandatory public disclosure of real estate sales prices. In this article we examine the possible public‐sector consequences of failing to make real estate sales prices publicly accessible.

Methods. We propose a set of possible public‐sector consequences of sales price nondisclosure (property tax assessment inequities, tax revenue leakages, administrative inefficiencies, and related ancillary effects). We identify examples, provide limited empirical evidence (simple regressions and distributional analyses) on the restricted data available, and discuss the relevant legal considerations at a variety of administrative and geographic scales.

Results. The limited statistical results and examples provide evidence of possible inequities in effective tax rates and tax revenue leakages that may be connected to sale price nondisclosure.

Conclusions. We argue that there is a strong prima facie case for legitimate public concerns attached to real estate sales price nondisclosure.