bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purchase decision making and the increasing significance of family types
Authors: Tinson Julie , Nancarrow Clive , Brace Ian
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to note the growing significance of different family types in the west and explore the relationship between the complexity of family relationships typified in single parent, blended and intact families and the involvement of children in purchase decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research is a development based on earlier qualitative research on the three family types and large‐scale piloting of the questionnaire. A random sample of mothers with children aged 10‐16 were contacted from the TNS Postal Access Panel. Questionnaires were only used where there were responses from both the mother and child. A total of 524 fully completed questionnaires were used for the analysis.

Findings

The analysis supports the idea that where familial relationships are simpler such as in single parent homes (fewer relationships) then the involvement of the child is greater and in more complex relationships such as in blended homes (where there are step‐parents and step children present) a child's involvement may be less marked. Exceptions to the “rule” are discussed as are the theoretical and practical implications.

Originality/value

Whilst social trends indicate that the composition of the family will continue to change, little research has been conducted on the impact of changing family structures on consumption behaviour.
Usefulness of introductory higher education orientation units in the context of increasing student diversity
Authors: Bennett Roger , Mousley Wendy , Ali‐Choudhury Rehnuma
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the influences of certain factors that helped determine students' assessments of the usefulness of a higher education orientation unit (HEOU) in a large post‐1992 university.

Design/methodology/approach

All students in a university business studies department who had completed or were near to completing a compulsory one‐semester HEOU were asked to fill in a questionnaire that explored specific personal characteristics that a review of prior academic literature had identified as potentially relevant to the explanation of how well or badly students respond to a HEOU. The outcomes were then related to the participants' views on the overall value of the unit and whether their attendance had led to improved academic performance.

Findings

Students who claimed that they had obtained the greatest advantages from the HEOU tended to be “academic” individuals who were highly committed to being a student, intrinsically motivated to study, high in academic self‐concept, academically able, and prior to their entry to the institution had been well‐prepared for university life. This was not necessarily the profile of the students that the unit had been designed to assist.

Research limitations/implications

Data on key variables was (necessarily) self‐reported. The investigation took place in a single institution and in a particular subject area. Also the students who filled in the questionnaire were, ipso facto, “survivors” and as such may not have been typical of students who had dropped out.

Practical implications

The outcomes to the study imply that “one size fits all” approaches to the design of study skills units might not be appropriate. Rather, specially constructed units may be needed to cater for the academically ill‐prepared.

Originality/value

At the time the research was conducted this was the first major empirical study to have related students' perceptions of the usefulness of an HEOU to their backgrounds, traits, and other personal characteristics.
Performance measurement in humanitarian relief chains
Authors: Beamon Benita M. , Balcik Burcu
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare performance measurement in the humanitarian relief chain with performance measurement in the commercial supply chain, develop performance metrics for the humanitarian relief chain, and present a framework that can be used as a basis for a performance measurement system in the relief sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance measurement analysis is developed through extensions on an existing performance measurement framework. Details regarding relief chain system were obtained through off‐site and on‐site interviews with relief professionals from World Vision International.

Findings

The paper finds that this work yielded: a comparison of performance measurement in the humanitarian relief chain with performance measurement in the commercial supply chain, new performance metrics for the humanitarian relief chain, and a performance measurement framework for the relief chain.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that future work includes performance measurement in community involvement and empowerment, performance measurement in community development, performance measurement in the combined relief and development mission, and understanding the role and impacts of cooperation and coordination in the relief chain.

Practical implications

This paper provides a practical procedure for developing effective performance measurement systems for relief logistics processes.

Originality/value

The paper presents to humanitarian relief professionals a new approach to performance measurement for relief logistics and to researchers in supply chain performance a comparison and contrast between performance measurement for relief and performance measurement in the commercial chain, new performance metrics for the relief chain, and implications for modern, quick‐response supply chains.
Market‐based reforms and privatization in Sri Lanka
Authors: Balasooriya Asoka F. , Alam Quamrul , Coghill Ken
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyse the extent to which socio‐political obstacles have influenced the successful establishment and performance of an institutional framework to implement the privatization programme in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data have been extensively used in this paper to interpret, analyse and strengthen the arguments. Further, the recent data collected through semi‐structured interviews with stakeholders in the telecommunications sector in Sri Lanka have been used. The analysis has been confined to the Sri Lankan context.

Findings

This paper finds that the institutional framework, one of the preconditions necessary for successful implementation of reforms, has not been successful in the implementation due to the unsound socio‐political milieu prevailing in the country.

Research limitations/implications

This paper addresses only one aspect, i.e. the importance of a proper institutional framework. It emphasizes the need for further case studies to investigate the importance of other preconditions in developing countries.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the current analysis could be of immense value to the policy makers of both Sri Lanka and countries in South Asia.

Originality/value

The findings in this paper suggest that careful consideration of the country‐specific socio‐political conditions in developing countries should be taken, and reform measures devised accordingly.
An application of Keller's brand equity model in a B2B context
Authors: Kuhn Kerri‐Ann L. , Alpert Frank , Pope Nigel K. Ll.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The importance of branding in industrial contexts has increased, yet a comprehensive model of business‐to‐business (B2B) branding does not exist, nor has there been a thorough empirical study of the applicability of a full brand equity model in a B2B context. This paper aims to discuss the suitability and limitations of Keller's customer‐based brand equity model and tests its applicability in a B2B market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved the use of semi‐structured interviews with senior buyers of technology for electronic tracking of waste management.

Findings

Findings suggest that amongst organisational buyers there is a much greater emphasis on the selling organisation, including its corporate brand, credibility and staff, than on individual brands and their associated dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigates real brands with real potential buyers, so there is a risk that the results may represent industry‐specific factors that are not representative of all B2B markets. Future research that validates the importance of the Keller elements in other industrial marketing contexts would be beneficial.

Practical implications

The findings are relevant for marketing practitioners, researchers and managers as a starting‐point for their B2B brand equity research.

Originality/value

Detailed insights and key lessons from the field with regard to how B2B brand equity should be conceptualised and measured are offered. A revised brand equity model for B2B application is also presented.
A new method of direct metal prototyping: hybrid plasma deposition and milling
Authors: Xiong Xinhong , Haiou Zhang , Guilan Wang
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel hybrid plasma deposition and milling (HPDM). For solving the bottleneck problem of low‐surface quality in existing direct rapid metal prototyping technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

HPDM uses plasma deposition as an additive and conventional milling as subtractive technique, which synthesizes the advantages of both processes. Compared to other laser or electron beam deposition processes, plasma deposition used in HPDM is one of the most economic ways of depositing metals, CNC assisted to ensure the precision of the manufactured parts simultaneity.

Findings

This paper focus on the experimental investigation to find the basic process characteristics, the optimization of the process parameters such as transferred arc current, workpiece's speed, powder flow rate and feed per tooth using a statistical approach. Some metal parts, for instance, metal torsional vane, are then trial‐manufactured.

Research limitations/implications

The manufacturing cycle of HPDM is longer than simplex direct metal rapid prototyping, and the surface accuracy should be further investigated.

Practical implications

HPDM is a very useful and effective method to manufacture metal parts with fine surface state directly.

Originality/value

This paper describes a novel process and manufacturing system for fabrication metal prototyping direct, which can improve the inside and outside quality of the metal rapid prototypes.
Factors influencing business growth: the rise of Turkish entrepreneurship in the UK
Authors: Altinay Levent , Altinay Eser
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to evaluate the cultural variables which influence the growth of Turkish speaking ethnic minority businesses in London, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports and analyses the findings of 227 face‐to‐face structured interviews with Turkish small business owners.

Findings

This study illustrates that there is a relationship between fluency in English and business growth in all sectors. Education appears to be an important variable for the business growth of the firms in the catering and service sectors. Reliance on co‐ethnic market is a key contributor to growth of firms in the retailing sector.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection was limited to London; and non‐Turkish small business owners were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample.

Practical implications

This paper illuminates challenges ethnic minority small business owners may face in their determination to grow and highlights the options that they may consider as part of their growth strategies.

Originality/value

In terms of theoretical value, the findings of this study clearly demonstrated linkage between internal and external environments of entrepreneurship thus providing support for the “mixed embeddedness” approach to explaining ethnic minority business growth. What is distinctive in this study is that it recognises the need for ethnic minority small business owners to scan the dynamics of business growth and the survival process.
Supply strategies for build‐to‐order: managing global auto operations
Authors: Miemczyk Joe , Howard Mickey
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Vehicle manufacturer “CarCo” has spent decades developing its supply strategy based on customer ordered production. Yet the combination of an over‐crowded European market and the need to grow sales poses a dilemma: what strategy does it adopt to manage its global operations? This research aims to examine the implementation of responsive operations and supply strategy to analyse how and why a firm's strategy changes over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the observations from a two‐day workshop held for 50 managers at the firm's headquarters, the paper explores theoretical and practitioner implications for the continued development and implementation of build‐to‐order (BTO) as a cornerstone of supply strategy.

Findings

Despite considerable capability at functional and business level, CarCo must address corporate and industry factors in order to raise responsiveness. Managers understand the conflict between operational and supply strategies presented here, yet are limited in the extent they can act on this knowledge due to the multi‐level aspect of strategy and difficulties over control beyond the boundary of the firm.

Practical implications

Key performance indicators need to be modified to gauge individual sale profitability, alongside new incentives and measures to overcome demand distortion and supplier game‐playing. Further, the balance between flexibility investment and better customer fulfilment should be explored through cost analysis.

Originality/value

Presents a managerial perspective of supply chain strategy development, analysed through a structured academic lens. The paper illustrates the increasingly dynamic nature of supply chains and the importance of connections between retail distribution, manufacturing, and in‐bound supply as part of the global operation.
Recycling calls for revaluation
Authors: Huge Brodin Maria , Anderson Helén
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the value concept for recycling contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual discussion supported by empirical illustrations of value development for recycled paper and electric and electronics products.

Findings

Demonstrates the fundamental effects of applying the economic value concept for recycling. Suggests that value can be seen as negative and decreasing, besides positive and increasing. The end customer actually and voluntarily pays in both monetary terms and own work in order to help another actor further along the supply chain to exploit the value created.

Research limitations/implications

Any supply chain analysis including recycling must also consider the consumption of value. Traditional models and concepts are based on the end customer as the endpoint. In striving for a societal development towards “closing the circles” this more holistic understanding of value development becomes crucial.

Practical implications

Recycling is traditionally seen as a cost‐adding activity, for firms and also for consumers in terms of direct and indirect costs and time consumption. As industrial firms are supposed to include recycling of their products in their total business offering (e.g. product stewardships), the value creation and consumption mechanisms regarding recycling need to be better understood.

Originality/value

The value concept has been widely researched in different settings, however the value development of products and material in supply chains including recycling has not been addressed. The inclusion of the end‐customer among industrial actors in a supply chain provides a new complexity, which this paper addresses.
Benefits, barriers, and bridges to effective supply chain management
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Magnan Gregory M. , McCarter Matthew W.
Published: January 2008

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide academics and practitioners a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the benefits, barriers, and bridges to successful collaboration in strategic supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – A triangulation method consisting of a literature review, a cross‐functional mail survey, and 51 in‐depth case analyses was implemented. Senior managers from purchasing, manufacturing, and logistics were targeted in the mail survey. The break down by channel category interviews is as follows: 14 retailers, 13 finished goods assemblers, 12 first‐tier suppliers, three lower‐tier suppliers, and nine service providers. Findings – Customer satisfaction and service is perceived as more enduring than cost savings. All managers recognize technology, information, and measurement systems as major barriers to successful supply chain collaboration. However, the people issues – such as culture, trust, aversion to change, and willingness to collaborate – are more intractable. People are the key bridge to successful collaborative innovation and should therefore not be overlooked as companies invest in supply chain enablers such as technology, information, and measurement systems. Research limitations/implications – The average mail‐survey response rate was relatively low: 23.5 percent. The case study analyses were not consistent in frequency across channel functions. Although the majority of companies interviewed and surveyed were international, all surveys and interviews were managers based in the US. Practical implications – This study provides new insight into understanding the success and hindering factors of supply chain management. The extensive literature review, the cross‐channel analysis, and case studies provide academics and managers a macro picture of the goals, challenges, and strategies for implementing supply chain management. Originality/value – This paper uses triangulation methodology for examining key issues of supply chain management at multiple levels within the supply chain.
Value chain analysis in the UK beef foodservice sector
Authors: Francis Mark , Simons David , Bourlakis Michael
Published: January 2008

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss the results from a UK government‐funded applied research programme on value chain analysis that examined the beef foodservice sector. The demands and dynamics of this sector differ markedly from those of the supermarket, which is the dominant channel for beef produce and which forms the focus of the existing literature. This is a challenging environment for the application of collaborative supply chain improvement principles because of its high level of regulatory control, power relationships and low profit margins. Design/methodology/approach – This is an applied research project that was case study based and employed the value chain analysis method. Empirical work was conducted over an 11‐month period and included a one‐week whole‐team study tour to Argentina. Informants encompassed UK and Argentine livestock producers, an Argentine meat processor, a UK meat import operation, a UK meat processor, a UK foodservice distribution centre and two foodservice restaurants. Findings – The paper concentrates on the key findings pertinent to the upstream members of the above chain. It highlights specific supply chain waste elimination opportunities at both producer and processor level. It also establishes valuable learning points for the UK beef industry as a whole. Originality/value – This study represents the first holistic and non‐partisan study of its type within the UK beef industry. This paper adds to the limited body of knowledge on supply chain management within the foodservice sector. It also provides the first explanation and analysis of its kind on supply chain operations within the Argentine beef industry. It quantifies the magnitude and nature of the cost advantage afforded the Argentine producer over its best practice counterpart. Finally, it presents a number of reflections upon the implications of this study for the concept of best practice and also the Lean paradigm.
Data, information and knowledge in regional innovation networks
Authors: Melkas Helinä , Harmaakorpi Vesa
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate data, information and knowledge in regional innovation networks. Emphasis has been put recently on regional innovation systems, where various actors are involved in innovative processes. The article responds to the need to study matters related to knowledge management and information quality in such environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Regional innovation networks and data, information and knowledge as well as research on them are discussed at a theoretical level. An existing innovation network of the Lahti region, Finland, was utilised as a pilot environment when building the knowledge management framework that is introduced. The framework is based on established knowledge management literature and practice.

Findings

The results confirm that the aspects of data, information and knowledge need to be addressed systematically in regional innovation networks. They are intertwined with knowledge management and network management. The knowledge management framework introduced incorporates, apart from information quality considerations, future‐oriented self‐transcending knowledge as well as knowledge vision and knowledge assets. Considerations of absorptive capacity and information brokerage in the regional knowledge environment are emphasised.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the framework will be assessed in future studies. This will also improve understanding of practical implications. Research implications are related to data, information and knowledge quality – as well as absorptive capacity between the two subsystems of the regional innovation system.

Originality/value

The article combines in a novel way research fields that have previously barely been combined – information quality, knowledge management and regional innovation networks. It provides new insights into a societally important theme and shows possible avenues of further research.
Application of discrete‐event simulation to study the paving operation of asphalt concrete
Authors: Hassan Marwa M. , Gruber Stan
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To evaluate and optimize asphalt paving operations taking place in the reconstruction project of Interstate 74 in the USA using simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected during construction was used to determine useful probabilistic density functions for the activities duration and to validate a developed simulation model. Upon validation, the developed model was used to study the impact of resources on the flow of operations, and on the cost‐effectiveness of the construction process.

Findings

The developed simulation model was successful in simulating the paving operation and its accuracy was acceptable compared to field measurements. Based on the results of a sensitivity analysis of the critical resources, multiple factors were identified in the decision‐making process to ensure that all aspects of the operation were considered. For the conditions pertinent to this construction site, 30 trucks, one paver, and two rollers are recommended. Using this set of resources results in a prompt and effective execution of the construction process.

Research limitations/implications

The developed model is applicable only to asphalt paving operations. The predictive capability of the developed model has not yet been investigated.

Practical implications

Implementation of the presented model in practical applications can be accomplished by conducting short training courses. This will provide personnel with flexibility in addressing project‐specifics conditions and limitations. If this approach is not feasible, production charts may be developed to easily determine the optimum resources that should be used given specific time constraints and quantity, issues.

Originality/value

The presented methodology has great potential to optimize resources and production rates in similar asphalt paving operations. Moreover, benefits of simulation would be maximized if it was used during the planning phase, as it will affect equipment orders and material shipments.
STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES IN INTERNAL AUDITING
Authors: Wood Donna J. , Wilson James A.
Published: January 2008

Relationships between stress and interpersonal dynamics of internal auditing, particularly auditor‐auditee relations, are focused on. An overview is presented of behavioural dynamics of auditor‐auditee relations supported by survey data on relationships between a scalar measure of stress and several behavioural factors of internal auditors' relations with auditees. Summary findings are also presented on certain features of audit departments that are related to employee stress levels, and strategies for reducing stress are described.
OVERCOMING RELUCTANCE TO CHANGE IN IMPLEMENTING AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Caron Paul F. , Haddock Stanley J.
Published: January 2008

Background is provided of a study in the US Department of Defense relative to reasons why auditees resisted cooperation with auditors and the implementation of audit findings. Perceived interpersonal failures were focused on in the audit process and the audit report process that resulted in auditee dissatisfaction. Improvements are recommended in the audit process and approach to resolving the problems.
ETHICS IN BUSINESS: EDUCATION AND INTERNAL AUDITORS CAN HELP
Authors: Gavin Thomas A. , Klinefelter Donald S.
Published: January 2008

Do high ethical standards have an effect on a business enterprises success, by either strengthening or weakening its competitive position? Should ethics be taught as part of a business course? Although business schools cannot replace an ethical upbringing, it can make people aware of the ethical business issues. As a discipline, business ethics is still in its infancy. The development of business ethics both as a part of corporate strategy, and as a part of a business education is discussed, particularly in relation to the internal auditor.
Education in Quality Assurance Management: Challenge and Opportunity
Authors: Willborn W. , Gupta Y.
Published: January 2008

In recent years price‐based competition has given way to quality‐based competition in world markets. Companies are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of quality assurance programmes — its challenges and opportunities. In this article we discuss those challenges for improved quality assurance within the management framework, existing support systems and a strategy to design and implement a quality assurance certificate programme.
Optimal Maintenance and Replacement Management
Authors: Keller A.Z. , Giblin M.T.
Published: January 2008

Methods of determining optimum maintenance (or replacement times) for block and age replacement regimes are presented, together with examples drawn from off‐shore oil production and heavy goods vehicles operation.
Reliability Modelling of Non‐Maintained Parallel Systems with Multiple Failure Modes
Authors: Dhillon Balbir S. , Rayapati Subramanyam N.
Published: January 2008

This article presents four newly developed mathematical models representing non‐maintained parallel systems with hardware failures, common‐cause failures and human error. The Markov method was used to develop expressions for parallel system state probabilities, system reliability and mean time to failure (MTTF). System reliability and MTTF plots are shown. These plots clearly show the effect of common‐cause failures and human error on system reliability.
Soviet Product Quality and Soviet State Standards
Authors: Hill Malcolm R.
Published: January 2008

This article is a review of research on the theme of Soviet product quality and Soviet state standards. The first section surveys previous research by Western scholars on the topic of Soviet product quality, paying particular attention to their sources of information. This is followed by a discussion of the availability of Soviet state standards as data sources on Soviet product quality. The third section of the article consists of a case study of the use of Soviet state standards to assess product quality, paying particular attention to machine tools. The article concludes with a discussion of the results and suggests avenues for further research.
A Total Quality Improvement Programme
Authors: Doran P.K.
Published: January 2008

In 1980 IBM's manufacturing facility at Havant, embarked upon an ambitious and fundamental programme to establish a new cultural attitude to quality across the whole workforce, at the same time introducing techniques, processes and management systems to facilitate the change. The programme, called EXCEL, has now been running for over four years and the results are dramatic. The workforce are demonstrably committed to 100 per cent defect‐free operations. The suppliers of parts and assemblies are achieving quality levels in excess of 99 per cent defect‐free, and the quality and reliability of Havant‐produced computers and peripheral equipment in customers' offices has improved by a factor of five times over the past three years. Most important of all, the performance of the Havant factory appears to be matching that of its Japanese counterparts — clearly, if it can be done in Havant it can be done in the rest of Western industry. The article describes how the programme was set up and managed, the major results, and the elements considered to be key to its success.
Reliability Modelling for the Scheduling of Plant Work in Majority Vote Mode
Authors: Barry Declan M. , Hudson Michael W.
Published: January 2008

Downtime data have been acquired from a 1980 MW capacity coal‐fired power station. These data refer to a pulverised fuel system which comprises ten mills, each of which, for the purpose of reliability analysis, has six sets of components liable to failure. The majority voting of the mills was a seven‐out‐of‐ten system. Individual unit failure patterns are determined using a family of exponential models and are used to provide total group reliability patterns, and a computerised alogorithm for analysis of the voting system is developed. A methodology for scheduling majority vote equipment working with non‐symmetrical overhaul downtimes is presented.
Human Reliability—A Life‐Cycle Perspective
Authors: Hunns D.M.
Published: January 2008

Discussing human error, the author sees the key to a rationalisation of the human reliability problem as a recognition of where, in a system, the human contribution will be weak and strong. This knowledge must then be applied at both design and operational phases. The reliability analyst creates a predictive model so that it is possible to incorporate effective opportunities for recovery at each possible fail stage. A data base of past experience is essential.
Calculation of the Inverse Gaussian Distribution Function
Authors: Bunday Brian D. , Kiri Victor A.
Published: January 2008

The inverse Gaussian distribution arises quite naturally as a model for failure times brought on by a “steady” deterioration in quality. If the underlying “wear” process is one of Brownian motion with a positive drift at rate µ, with variance σ2 per unit time, the first passage time T to a barrier at a distance a from the origin has p.d.f. of inverse Gaussian type.
History of ESRA (European Safety and Reliability Association)
Authors: Vinck W.
Published: January 2008

The subjects which can form a basis of international co‐operation are considered in this article and in particular the scope and structure of ESRA, the composition and duties of the Steering Committee and the practical training and education actions that have so far been taken are examined in some detail.
Failure Models and Data Analysis Based on Ageing Properties
Authors: Newby Martin
Published: January 2008

Distributions are often characterised by their ageing properties, failure rates, residual life, etc. New failure distributions based on ageing properties are derived and some simple graphical techniques based on the ageing properties of distributions are demonstrated.
What is Co‐Makership
Authors: Bevan J.
Published: January 2008

The concept of co‐makership has come to the fore in recent years as a future way of managing suppliers. The idea of co‐makership is described and its benefits and practical problems discussed. Examples of company experience are presented.
Two New Dimensions in the Cost of Quality
Authors: Modarress Batoul , Ansari A.
Published: January 2008

Many firms control product quality using inspection systems, which add to costs. The implementation of Statistical Quality Control and Just‐in‐Time, together, can improve quality which eventually lowers costs. In this way two new dimensions are added to Feigenbaum's four dimension quality‐cost concept.
Quality Circles: A Bibliography
Authors: Dhillon Balbir S.
Published: January 2008

This article presents an extensive up‐to‐date list of selective references on quality circles.
Industrial Managers and their Attitudes to Quality
Authors: Aschner G.S. , Pataki L.
Published: January 2008

Recent changes in the world economic and social environment have set higher requirements in respect of the general quality of products and services. A key element of quality improvement is the quality‐conscious management policy. Managers' attitudes to quality are examined on the basis of evidence in the literature as well as by means of the examples of several Hungarian textile and textile‐clothing industrial companies. An attempt is made to identify and to evaluate the various stimulating factors and information sources that may contribute to improving managers’ knowledge on quality.
Application of Dylam to the Safety Analysis of Chemical Processes
Authors: Amendola A. , Labath N.A. , Nivolianitou Z. , Reina G.
Published: January 2008

Safety analysis of hazardous processes requires the use of models to simulate dangerous transient conditions and to assess the availability of the relevant mitigating and protective systems. As this article shows, these two needs can be fairly well satisfied by the application of DYLAM, which is able to take into account the dynamic aspects of the interaction between time‐dependent operational variables, control and protection systems and human interventions at both nominal and failure conditions and, therefore, presents significant advantages with respect to the normally utilised fault trees/event trees.
Overcoming Problems Facing a Power Generating Company in a Developing Country
Authors: Shah Mohammad Ali , Keller A.Z. , Sohal A.S.
Published: January 2008

The results of a study carried out to identify the problems and issues arising in the electric distribution system of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation are presented. The authors are particularly concerned with failures of supply and the principle reasons for those failures are discussed, particularly the domestic overloading problem. Recommendations are made with a view to increasing the reliability, efficiency and effectiveness of the system. It is estimated that the implementation of the recommendations could reduce the number of fault complaints by half and also result in savings in fuel costs of the order of Rs. 1.25 million (approx. £55,000) per annum in the operation of the maintenance teams.
A Total Quality Control Programme for Dunlop Malaysia: The Key Issues
Authors: Tow Fah Ching
Published: January 2008

The concept of Total Quality Control (TQC) in the Malaysian environment is discussed in general terms, and the TQC infrastructure in Japan is compared to that in Malaysia. It is concluded that given the right environment and conditions the Japanese approach to company‐wide quality control (CWQC) can be adopted to take root in Malaysian industries. This has already been demonstrated by those factories operating in the Free Trade Zones. The need for Dunlop Malaysia to implement a TQC programme is described along with some of the potential barriers to TQC. An outline of the programme is given as well as progress to date.
A Goal Programming Application for Waste Treatment Quality Control
Authors: Mohanty R.P. , Koay Jerry C.C.
Published: January 2008

Increases in industrialisation in developing countries bring bout increases in the levels of industrial waste which have to be disposed of. Increasing the efficiency of such waste disposal processes can be achieved by effective quality control systems. The objectives of waste control systems are multiple but can broadly be considered to be environmental and economic. This article shows how goal programming can be successfully applied to the type of quality control problem in which the levels of inputs and process variables are fixed in order to meet a required specification of output which is expressed by multiple characteristics. The authors conclude that the success of the approach depends crucially on the efficiency of the necessary regression analysis.
Classification Reliability of Company Financial Performance Models
Authors: Betts J. , Belhoul D.
Published: January 2008

Many models are in existence that use publicly available company accounting data to construct and weight financial ratios that when aggregated comprise a “z‐score”. This score is used to classify companies as going concerns or bankrupt concerns. These models have generally been very successful in their classification performance. However, ratios can be inherently ill‐conditioned, because dominators can be small relative to particular numerators. Also numerators and denominators can have the wrong sign. When any of these events occur the z‐score is distorted, and therefore the model's classifications unreliable. Examples are given of companies where these phenomena have arisen. It is argued that it is quite common in extant companies. The authors suggest that in such circumstances different models are required to analyse company performance. They suggest that z‐score models ought to be developed where the ratios that comprise the z‐score are naturally bounded, and therefore incapable of displaying such ill conditions.
The Central Role of National Culture in Cross‐cultural Management
Authors: Goldman Alan
Published: January 2008

Prompted by the internationalization of communications and business, cross‐cultural management has emerged as a strategic research and marketplace priority of the late twentieth century (Goldman, 1994b; Hofstede, 1984). Crucial to the study and the operationalizing of this subject matter is the placement of “culture” at the core of both management and international business. No longer an afterthought or footnote, culture(s) must be carefully scrutinized in the process of forging managerial systems and policies. A thorough understanding of indigenous cultures is a precursor to managerial decision making and innovations, especially in cross‐cultural, international ventures. Native culture is particularly relevant in the case of the movement of total quality management (TQM) within the global business community.
Differences in work/family orientations: workforces in Venezuela, Chile, Mexico and the United States
Authors: Strong Kelly C. , Nicholson Joel D. , Nielsen Warren R.
Published: January 2008

Balancing the relationship between commitment to work and commitment to family is becoming a major issue in the modern workplace of industrialized nations. In addition, regional economic integration is fast becoming a reality in all three legs of the TRIAD (Europe, Japan, and the United States). Rationalized production is occurring at a fast pace across North America. The Enterprise for the Americas Initiative seeks to extend the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) from the Alaskan Yukon to Tierra del Fuego in Southern Chile and many American corporations are moving some production jobs to countries in Latin America. In spite of these labour trends, very little is known about the attitudes of workforces in these emerging labour markets regarding the balance between commitments to work and family. Results of research comparing work‐family orientation values among Chile, Venezuela, Mexico and the United States are presented. Implications for both researchers and managers are discussed.
Intercultural anxiety: implications for improving expatriate selection for Japan
Authors: White Stephan Cookie , Helms Marilyn M. , Haynes Paula J.
Published: January 2008

As US business organizations continue to use more expatriates in international locations, the reasons for high failure rates of these assignments need to be examined. Selection and training may be the key inadequacies. Intercultural anxiety plays an important role in productive expatriate assignments. By determining personnel with lower intercultural anxiety levels, successful assignment completions should increase. Examines attributional complexity, stereotyping, ethnocentrism and acquaintance with host‐country nationals to determine the relationship of these variables to reduced intercultural anxiety. A group considering assignments to Japan, consisting of business and education executives and their families, were surveyed before and after an intensive study visit. Findings indicate that stereotyping and ethnocentrism have a negative association with decreased intercultural anxiety. Attributional complexity and acquaintances have a positive effect on reduced anxiety levels. Suggestions for organizations making expatriate selection decisions include screening potential candidates for these traits. Also provides areas for further research.
Global Trends in Managing Cultural Diversity
Authors: Magdaleno Gina , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: January 2008

The changing of demographics, globalisation of business, and the pursuit of effective competition makes it imperative for organisations to implement programmes for diversity management. The ability to manage a diverse workforce will be a major determinate of the continued survival and success in becoming a global corporation. Many organisations have begun by initiating training programmes, yet they have not explored the full scope of a diverse environment by introducing a complete diversity programme that is fully supported by upper management. Diversity is a very sensitive issue and if not handled properly it can be detrimental to an organisation. A cultural evolution is taking place in the worldwide workforce, and those organisations that take immediate action will be in the forefront of the global business environment.
Educational Concerns and Global Perspectives
Authors: Liguori James
Published: January 2008

Describes the importance of providing cross‐cultural awareness early on in education; states that it is possible to create a set of opportunities which will allow a student as young as five or six years‐old to experience something new regarding his/her family or religious values, who will then take that experience home to share with his/her family. Provides the opinion of the US Government that by the year 2000, 80 per cent of the working population will need help with basic reading and writing skills; gives the view of the president of the Carnegie Foundation who believes higher education is irrelevant to the needs of today's society. Suggests that at university level we have to spend more time and energy working with people who teach children from kindergarten to grade 12; hopes that the result of this new journal will be that academia will become oriented towards cross‐cultural realities for students. Includes suggestions for the profile of a cross‐cultural manager listing attributes, e.g. a strong value system; inquisitiveness; energy and openness to different viewpoints, etc. Concludes that responsibility for this must fall on the educational establishment.
Research Note: Information or Persuasion: A Content Analysis of Magazine Advertisements in India
Authors: Mohd Khan Kaleem , Khalid Azam M. , Khan Mohmood Ali
Published: January 2008

Advertising is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end, or more correctly to several ends. In business, advertising is used as one of the major promotion tools to stimulate demands for the product or enhance the image of the organisation. These are its long‐range objectives. However, the short‐range objectives of advertising may be more narrowly defined in terms of creating brand awareness, changing consumers' attitudes positively, gaining public acceptance for a product, informing a particular event, and building a particular image for a product.
Internationalization in Small, Commodity Based Economies: The New Zealand Example
Authors: Deng Shengliang , Duffy Michael F. , Harrison Grant R.
Published: January 2008

Many studies have dealt with internationalization of business firms in the past years, few, however, have explored the pattern and process of internationalization in small, commodity based economies. In this study, the situation in New Zealand is considered, in part because it is a small, export and commodity based economy, unlike most countries previously studied. Five different clusters of New Zealand companies were found as related to the stages of internationalization. These include “Worried Beginners”, “Half‐hearted Domestics”, “Maturing Adapters”, “Conservative Exporters”, and “Experienced Succeeders”. Variables which appear to reflect stages of internationalization are also explored and presented in this study.
Children's Influence on Chinese Families' Newfound Leisure Time and Its Marketing Implications
Authors: McNeal James U. , Mindy F.J.
Published: January 2008

In 1995 China instituted a 40‐hour work week resulting in what is now called “long weekends.”The purposes of this research was to determine what Chinese children prefer to do during the new long weekend, and the extent of their influence on what the family does. The study was conducted among 618 third and fourth grade children who were asked to “Draw what comes to your mind when you think about the long weekend.” The children were also asked to take home a questionnaire to their parents. The drawings were assessed using content analysis. The drawings mainly show that children want to play, preferably away from home. The results of the questionnaire to the parents reveal that the children pretty much determine what the entire family does on the weekends, and that in general they will go places and do things that provide fun for the children. Some indicators of spending for family weekend leisure were obtained that have significant marketing implications.
Institutionalised Equality and Women's Conditions in Yugoslavia
Authors: Morokvasic Mirjana
Published: January 2008

Socialism has institutionalised equality, guaranteeing women legal protection against abuse and discrimination. It has opened doors to women to enter public life, where in many far more developed countries women still lag behind. Nevertheless, in the domain of male‐female interaction and attitudes there has been little real change.
Current career concerns of female and male managers and professionals: An Analysis of free‐response comments to a national survey
Authors: Alban Metcalfe Beverly
Published: January 2008

This is a report on the major themes to emerge from a national research project which examined the effects of job changes on the personal and career development of 2,304 female and male managers and professionals. The overall impression demonstrated a high level of general frustration for both males and females alike in relation to their present job and future career development, which in the case of females is compounded by experiences of discrimination.
Documenting The Power Structure in Academic Institutions
Authors: Burton Clare
Published: January 2008

The author discusses, with a sociological perspective, the sources of power within organisations and its implications to equal employment opportunity.