bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet based supply chain management
Authors: Kehoe Dennis , Boughton Nick
Published: April 2007

Today the Internet provides a real opportunity for demand data and supply capacity data to be visible to all companies within a manufacturing supply chain. Consequently there is a need for manufacturing organisations to explore alternative mechanisms for the management of their operations network, in particular the role of manufacturing planning and control systems. This paper describes current research which examines the classification of manufacturing supply chains and positions Internet‐based applications in order to identify the operations management challenges for the next generation of manufacturing planning and control systems.
The impact of some recent developments in e‐business on the management of next generation manufacturing
Authors: Soliman Fawzy , Youssef Mohamed
Published: April 2007

Recent developments in information technology such as the Internet, enterprise resources planning systems and knowledge management systems necessitate the use of these technologies in order for the next generation manufacturers to co‐evolve and survive on the new business landscape. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of these technologies on managing next generation manufacturing, (NGM), and the benefits that can be reaped by effectively utilising these technologies. We present a model on how NGM companies develop, implement and manage these technologies to support their manufacturing operations. Our model is an extension of Youssef’s agile manufacturing model. The implications of this new model are discussed in detail. Our analysis indicates that perceived benefits, as well as potential business opportunities for next generation manufacturing companies, are likely to become key drivers for the use of electronic business.
Costing customer value: an approach for the agile enterprise
Authors: Hooper Mark J. , Steeple Derek , Winters Clive N.
Published: April 2007

In adopting and developing the key elements of agility, there is a requirement for enterprises to overcome the philosophical challenges of a shift from mass/lean production to the customisation environment of agile manufacturing. There is a substantial body of knowledge supporting the use of alternative costing systems for operations and production management and particularly mass/lean production, yet none deal with the emerging philosophy of agility. This paper examines the operational cost environment of organisations seeking to attain agility. The paper considers and defines the inter‐ and intra‐enterprise activities required to support the provision of total solution systems for customers. The paper evaluates the requirements at a strategic and operational level for costing in an agile environment. The operational issues for agile costing systems are explored and discussed through an implementation case study.
Effective quick response practices in a supply chain partnership ‐ An Australian case study
Authors: Perry Marcia , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: April 2007

Presents a case study on quick response practices in a supply chain within the Australian textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry, conducted as part of a government‐led project aimed at improving the performance of the Australian TCF industry towards becoming more internationally competitive. Details of the Australian TCF Industry Quick Response Program are provided, which comprised six major activities: assessing company commitment and readiness; formulation of supply chain clusters; roundtable meetings; workshops and seminars; implementation of quick response techniques and technologies; and audits to assess improvements. The supply chain consists of Myer/Grace Brothers (retailer), Diana Ferrari (shoe manufacturer), Burrowes (shoe components supplier), and Packer Tannery (leather supplier). The activities undertaken within this supply chain are discussed and some of the key lessons learnt from this case study are highlighted.
The role of manufacturing and marketing managers in strategy development
Authors: Swamidass Paul M. , Baines Tim , Darlow Neil
Published: April 2007

According to researchers and managers, there is a lack of agreement between marketing and manufacturing managers on critical strategic issues. However, most of the literature on the subject is anecdotal and little formal empirical research has been done. Three companies are investigated to study the extent of agreement/disagreement between manufacturing and marketing managers on strategy content and process. A novel method permits the study of agreement between the two different functional managers on the process of developing strategy. The findings consistently show that manufacturing managers operate under a wider range of strategic priorities than marketing managers, and that manufacturing managers participate less than marketing managers in the strategy development process. Further, both marketing and manufacturing managers show higher involvement in the strategy development process in the latter stages of the Hayes and Wheelwright four‐stage model of manufacturing’s strategic role.
Joining using adhesives
Authors: Adams R.D. , Comyn J.
Published: April 2007

Adhesive bonding is capable of being used in load‐bearing engineering applications, particularly for joining sheet materials. However, it is also used for a wide range of applications up to the large structures used in civil engineering. Modern structural adhesives are strong, but will only work effectively if surface preparation is correctly carried out. It is possible to use simple design rules to predict the strength of some joints, but care must be used, especially where advanced composites are to be joined.
Trends in key joining technologies for the twenty‐first century
Authors: Messler Robert W.
Published: April 2007

Joining, while first and foremost a pragmatic undertaking, concerned more with needs and results than with theory, will likely have to change with the dawn of the twenty‐first century to a true science. As materials become ever‐more sophisticated in their chemical composition, molecular morphology, micro‐ and nano‐structure, and macro‐structural arrangement to provide ever‐better functionally specific properties, a more complete and precise understanding of how such materials can be joined for optimal effectiveness and efficiency will become essential. Traditional options for joining will surely evolve – sometimes to provide unimagined capabilities. But, in addition, totally new methods will almost certainly emerge as evolution of materials gives way to revolution to meet unimagined new designs and design demands. This paper takes a glance at the past and a hard look at the present in the hope of catching a glimpse of the future.
AGVs find their way to greater flexibility
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: April 2007

The automated guided vehicle (AGV), one of the popular new technologies of the 1980s, is now seen more as a part of automated handling systems not a standalone concept. It is now applied across a range of industries and several applications are described. At Denso Manufacturing, AGVs are used as tugs to tow trailers delivering components to production lines, while at Perkins Engines they carry both part kits and finished engines to and from assembly dressing lines. At Kodak they handle heavy paper rolls serving coating machines. These applications use the traditional embedded wire navigation technology. Other guidance techniques are described including the more flexible laser scanner, which is being applied in a Belgian fruit and vegetable market to transport pre‐packed products to dispatch lines. Details are also given of an automatic docking system and a standard pallet truck that is available as a complete automated package with laser guidance.
A review of adhesive bonding techniques for joining medical materials
Authors: Tavakoli S.M. , Pullen D.A. , Dunkerton S.B.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Aims to review polymeric materials used as adhesives and the related bonding procedures applicable in the medical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The main types of polymeric materials used as adhesives are described. Details and the main points of the adhesive bonding processes are also described with comments on their adaptability to automated assembly. Finally, typical examples of the use of adhesives in medical device applications are provided.

Research limitations/implications

Review paper with examples of applications of adhesives in assembly of medical materials and devices.

Practical implications

The appropriate selection of adhesive types and bonding parameters are critical for successful application of this technology in joining medical materials. Most currently available medical grade adhesives are only suitable for short‐term (<30 days) implantable application. The users must ensure that the properties of the selected adhesives, particularly the relevant biocompatibility and toxicity data are available and fully comply with any specific medical device application and regulation.

Originality/value

Although this is a general review paper, it contains information about new materials and processing techniques applied in successful application of adhesive bonding technology in medical devices. The information provided is expected to be of significant benefit to material scientists and design engineers evaluating and identifying suitable joining techniques for the assembly of medical devices.
Introduction to electronic cam
Authors: Woelfel Mike
Published: April 2007

Introduces the reader to the concepts and benefits of electronic cam capability in electronic motion control systems. General mechanical cam operation is discussed and the concept of electronic cam is described. A “rotary knife” application is used to illustrate how electronic cam can increase the quality of motion and simplify programming.
Monitoring cavity pressure perfects injection molding
Authors: Collins Christopher
Published: April 2007

Only continuously monitoring cavity pressure allows the detailed recording of the injection molding process in the injection, compression and holding pressure phases. It alone correlates with all significant molding features such as weight, morphology, degree of forming, burr formation, shrink marks and cavities as well as shrinkage and deformation. The cavity pressure not only optimizes the timing of the switching point from the compression to the holding pressure phase, but also serves directly as a criterion for the switching. Molding weights and countless other quality characteristics thereby vary considerably less than with switching based on hydraulic pressure, screw travel or time. Quartz sensors have proved particularly successful for direct and indirect measurement of pressure. Advocates the use of cavity pressure sensors for monitoring and control of the injection molding process and describes commercial products that are available.
Pattern recognition with ultrasonic sensors: a neural networks evaluation
Authors: Llata J.R. , Sarabia E.G. , Oria J.P.
Published: April 2007

This paper presents an evaluation of several types of neural networks for object recognition by means of ultrasonic sensors. Initially, in order to obtain information from the ultrasonic signal, a parametric method is proposed and a set of features is extracted from the ultrasonic echo envelope. Then, it is necessary to evaluate how much information is provided for each characteristic obtained. Therefore, it has been necessary to carry out an analysis in order to detect the most relevant features. Results about information provided for each feature are presented by order of preference. Subsequently, using these features extracted from the echo signal, an experimental set‐up has been carried out in order to highlight the capabilities of different types of neural networks with this information. Finally, results obtained from experimental tests are presented, and the pattern recognition capabilities of each neural network type, using the selected features, are shown.
From basic sensors to intelligent sensors: Definitions and
examples
Authors: Powner E T , Yalcinkaya F
Published: April 2007

Describes the improvements that smart sensors will bring to electronic
measurement and control systems, and the advantages of using integrated
sensors. Outlines the problems encountered when designing integrating
electronics for use on a smart sensor chip and lists the major functions that
smart sensors must perform. Concludes that the solution to many real life
sensor problems will only be found when a well designed “care‐free”
intelligent sensor can be produced and continues that the way to realize this
concept is to combine a sensor device with a number of micro‐electronic
components into a single sensor package.
Charge transfer sensing
Authors: Philipp Hal
Published: April 2007

While the transference of charge is an essential aspect of every capacitance sensor, a relatively new form of sensor makes overt use of the principle of charge conservation first deduced by Watson in the 1740s. Updated to use a microcontroller, mosfet switches, fet‐input opamps and band gap references, the principle of charge transference can be used to create an extremely sensitive and stable device with unique properties that transcend those of more pedestrian capacitance sensors. Also known as “QT” sensors, charge transfer sensors can have a dynamic range spanning many decades with noise floors in the sub‐femtofarad regime, allowing differential resolutions of mere fractions of a femtofarad. Such sensors are proving to have unique applications considered heretofore impossible, while also proving themselves as replacements for much more expensive sensing systems using photoelectric, acoustic, RF, and optical imaging techniques.
Management development in Royal Dutch/Shell
Authors: Mahieu Carla
Published: April 2007

Charts the history of management development in the Shell organisation. Techniques established over many years were suddenly challenged by the economic forces of liberalisation, globalisation and technology. In particular, Shell identified two types of organisation that could profit – the “Just do it” type, a hypercompetitive network of individuals, and “Big Me”, a more socially responsible organisation with a longer‐term culture. An organisation the size of Shell can use both models. “Just do it” fits a number of Shell operations, especially its new businesses, while “Big Me” is reflected by Shell’s changing stance towards consumers and the environment. Both these models needed to be incorporated within the new management development programme and Shell’s larger career development structure.
Practical leadership‐in‐management education for effective strategies in a rapidly changing world
Authors: Rausch Erwin , Halfhill Susan M. , Sherman Herbert , Washbush John B.
Published: April 2007

To take advantage of the opportunities, and to effectively face the challenges, which the future will present, managers need to enhance their competence for making leadership decisions. These decisions affect all issues in strategy formulation, and implementation, for organizations and organizational units. The resultant relationships will be discussed using several well‐known strategy implementation models. Learners can develop and improve leadership‐in‐management decision making by applying three relatively simple questions, which provide a foundation for adding practical perspective to the findings of leadership research. These three questions serve as reminders of all the issues that should be considered by managers. They address the establishment of direction (vision and goals), development and improvement of individual and stakeholder competence, and the strengthening of an achievement‐oriented climate that is satisfying for all stakeholders.
Adventure learning Influence of collectivism on team and organizational attitudinal changes
Authors: Alvin Ng H.
Published: April 2007

Adventure learning (AL) programs have strong support in the West but are only emerging in Asia. This study shows a cultural dimension – collectivism (specifically, a preference to work in groups) was negatively related to changes in two key teamwork attitudes – task‐participation and social‐support among a group of Asian AL participants. Despite this, absolute mean differences between post‐test and pre‐test scores were positive across the sample. Changes in the two teamwork attitudes predicted similar changes in team‐spirit, which in turn led to changes in organizational‐identification. Results also indicated that too much focus on member maintenance needs could detract from this identification. Overall, AL was shown to have a positive impact on the Asian participants.
Applying the social relations model to self and peer evaluations
Authors: Greguras Gary J. , Robie Chet , Born Marise Ph.
Published: April 2007

Peer evaluations of performance increasingly are being used to make organizational decisions and to provide individuals with performance related feedback. Using Kenny’s social relations model (SRM), data from 14 teams of undergraduate students who completed performance ratings of themselves and other team members were analyzed. Results indicated a significant target variance effect for the majority of performance dimensions and a significant perceiver variance effect for all performance dimensions. Results further indicated that, in general, how individuals see themselves is not congruent with how others see them, how individuals see themselves is congruent with how they see others, how individuals are seen on a particular dimension is related to how they are seen on other performance dimensions, and, how a person is seen by others does not relate to how that individual sees others. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research using the SRM are discussed.
Risk and crisis management in facilities: emerging paradigms in
assessing critical incidents
Authors: Barton Laurence , Hardigree Donald
Published: April 2007

Provides an analysis of why facility managers need to have risk
management in the business world today. Details how the risk manager′s
duties differ from those of the crisis manager – while the risk
manager assesses potential incidents, the crisis manager actually
manages a crisis environment. Discusses stockholder business and legal
environments, then analyses the chemical waste management and crisis
response requirements of different organizations.
Facilities performance measurement
Authors: Varcoe Barry J.
Published: April 2007

States that performance measurement is a technique often used throughout organizations, particularly in manufacturing. However, it is not used that frequently, or particularly well, throughout facilities management. Seeks to address this missed opportunity by presenting in outline the principles and process of performance measurement and the benefits it can bring when used in an appropriate way. Sets out some examples of its use in facilities management, together with an introduction to the work of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) in establishing a Measurement Protocol.
Trade softly because you trade on my dreams: a paradisal prolegomenon
Authors: Brown Stephen , Patterson Anthony
Published: April 2007

An introduction to the special issue “A taste of paradise”. Discusses the various representations of paradise over time and asserts that these have always reflected the society that produced them. Stresses that marketing is unavoidably implicated in our perceptions of paradise. Refers to the different notions of marketing paradise held by the various authors of the papers in the special issue.
The consumer in society: Utopian visions revisited
Authors: Schroeder Jonathan Edward
Published: April 2007

Edward Bellamy’s famous 1888 best‐seller Looking Backward imagined a paradisal world where social and economic problems of poverty, strife, class, and war were eliminated through a Utopian political economy based on socialist principles. What makes Bellamy’s thought compelling for marketing scholars is his emphasis on the consumer, his focus on equality as the vehicle for societal transformation, and his analysis of the role consumer desire, envy, and greed play in generating strife and strain. Thus, his Utopian vision seems to have much in common with the mantra of the modern marketing machine – happiness is material, and your credit card is your ticket to the good life. However, his vision of the good life is largely at odds with the market economy’s version. This paper examines the man behind a uniquely consumer oriented socialist paradise and suggests that his writings have left an inspiring legacy that marketing academics might find insightful.
SME marketing in practice
Authors: Gilmore Audrey , Carson David , Grant Ken
Published: April 2007

Acknowledges that SMEs (small to medium‐sized enterprises) cannot do conventional marketing because of the limitations of resources which are inherent to all SMEs and also because SME owner/managers behave and think differently from conventional marketing decision‐making practices in large companies. In this context the discussion focuses on SME characteristics and how these impact upon marketing characteristics within SMEs. In a search for “alternative” marketing approaches, the inherent existence of the owner/manager’s “network” in its various guises such as personal contact networks, social networks, business networks and industry and marketing networks and how these networks are used is considered. Some evidence from an empirical study carried out simultaneously in Northern Ireland and Australia is presented which illustrates how and why networking is used by SME owner/managers as a tool or approach for carrying out meaningful marketing.
Salespeople characteristics, sales managers’ activities and territory design as antecedents of sales organization performance
Authors: Tansu Barker A.
Published: April 2007

The impact of characteristics of salespeople, activities of sales managers and territory design are investigated as antecedents of sales organization performance among Canadian salesforces. Based on MANOVA analysis of responses from 102 field sales managers, more effective sales organizations have salespeople who are more motivated, employ managers who direct more and are more satisfied with the design of their territories. Sales managers must adopt better people and communication skills to train and direct their salespeople who are expected to provide better service and establish long‐term relations with their customers.
Customer satisfaction: contrasting academic and consumers’ interpretations
Authors: Parker Cathy , Mathews Brian P.
Published: April 2007

The term satisfaction is a very important concept in marketing and is central to many definitions. This paper seeks to examine what this term means to the public at large. It explores the various definitions of satisfaction within the literature. The empirical results derive from individuals’ own interpretation and definition of the term satisfaction, as well as evaluation of their definitions. Finds that most people cited several definitions of satisfaction, illustrating that it is a multifaceted concept. The most common interpretations reflect the notion that satisfaction is a feeling which results from a process of evaluating what was received against that expected, the purchase decision itself and/or the fulfilment of needs/wants. It also finds that the particular interpretation is affected by contextual issues, such as whether it is a product or service under consideration. Implications for consumer satisfaction measurement and interpretation are discussed.
Planning the future of rugby union: a study of the planning activities of UK rugby clubs
Authors: Harris Lloyd C. , Jenkins Huw
Published: April 2007

Aims to: supply an exploration and description of the extent to which strategic marketing planning is being undertaken by UK rugby union clubs; and identify, explore and outline the main intra and extra‐organizational barriers and impediments to the development of planning within rugby clubs. Begins with an overview of relevant literature. First, existing views on the content, processes and obstacles to strategic marketing planning are reviewed. Second, the topics of sports management, organization and sports marketing planning are introduced and discussed. After the presentation of the research design and methodology employed, the findings of an exploratory study into the extent and the barriers to strategic marketing planning within UK rugby union clubs are presented. Finishes with a discussion of conclusions and implications for both theorists and practitioners.
Timings and trade‐offs in the marketing of higher education courses: a conjoint approach
Authors: Moogan Yvonne J. , Baron Steve , Bainbridge Steve
Published: April 2007

The article reports results of a longitudinal survey, which assesses the importance of decision‐making attributes by potential higher education students. Conjoint analysis is applied to establish candidates’ utilities of identified key decision‐making attributes – course content, location and reputation – on two separate occasions over a 14 month period. The full profile approach is employed in order to capture all the alternative combinations present. The main contribution of this article is the assessment of changes in the weightings of the key attributes over the period. Findings indicate that in the early stages of the decision‐making process, prospective students view course content as the most significant factor, but that as the consumption process nears, location becomes increasingly important. Reputation is an exchangeable element throughout and is considered less important. Implications for the marketing of higher education courses are discussed.
Chinese business principles from the eastern Zhou dynasty (770‐221 BC): are they still relevant today?
Authors: Pheng Low Sui
Published: April 2007

This paper suggests that ancient Chinese business principles introduced by Tao Zhugong during the eastern Zhou dynasty (770‐221 BC) are still relevant for modern‐day business and management practices at the individual, company and country level. The 24 business principles extracted from Tao Zhugong’s original 18 principles are presented in the paper with supporting real life cases drawn from the modern‐day business setting. The match between Tao Zhugong’s business principles and anecdotal cases suggests that these principles are relevant and are still practised today. The paper concludes by urging Western leaders, managers and businessmen to draw lessons for their own operations, especially if they have business dealings in China and with the Chinese in other parts of the world.
Purchasing behaviours and perceptions of environmentally harmful products
Authors: Yam‐Tang Esther P.Y. , Chan Ricky Y.K.
Published: April 2007

The green movement in newly industrialized countries often lags behind the West. While the green awareness has started to rise rapidly in some of these countries, the ability of attitudes to predict behaviour for environmentally sensitive products is questionable. A survey of 552 Hong Kong citizens was conducted to examine how consistent consumers’ actions were with their attitudes towards seven environmentally sensitive products. The results have shown that consumers’ environmental concern is not reflected in their purchasing behaviour. This calls for more education and initiative from both the government and businessmen to induce people to channel their attitudes into actions.
Manufacturing capability development in a changing business environment
Authors: Ling X. Li Lynn
Published: April 2007

This study has empirically tested the relationships between business environment, manufacturing capability and performance using a sample of Chinese manufacturers. The results of this research show that in response to the changing economy, the Chinese manufacturers have emphasized the capabilities that have been adopted by many firms in the industrialized nations. The results also suggest that the business environment has a substantial impact on the choice of manufacturing capability focus. Additionally, we have found that high performance Chinese manufacturers adopt different competitive priorities in response to environmental stimuli than do low performance Chinese manufacturers.
The historical development of outsourcing: the latest fad?
Authors: Lonsdale Chris , Cox Andrew
Published: April 2007

Notes that outsourcing is just one of the means by which the boundary of the firm can be adjusted. Considers various other means such as conglomeration and horizontal and vertical integration. Focuses on outsourcing and its place in this bigger picture and discusses the history of outsourcing. Outlines concerns for managers and gives case examples from Rank Zerox and BP.
Environmental practices and assessment: a process perspective
Authors: Lin Binshan , Jones Charlotte A. , Hsieh Chang‐tseh
Published: April 2007

This paper discusses some exploratory evidence from operations management literature and several analytic models currently evaluated in environmentally conscious business practices. We propose that the process of environmentally conscious business practice should be studied as a multi‐dimensional issue, recognizing an analytical dimension of strategy and decision procedure, but also a behavioral dimension addressing corporate culture, perceptions and motivation, and an organizational dimension concerned with regulatory environment and supply chain management. The focus of attention in dynamic view of assessment of environmentally conscious business practices moves from structures to processes. These exploratory discussions suggested a number of areas for further investigation, linked by a focus on the process of environmentally conscious business practices and its use of management, rather than on purely technical issues of management and data analysis.
Reducing information technology‐based transaction costs in supply chains
Authors: Müller Martin , Seuring Stefan
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the intersection between supply chain coordination and information technology (IT) by building on transaction cost analysis. Literature frequently predicts that the application of IT reduces transaction costs. Often, no real explanation is given, and the impact of IT on supply chain management (SCM) is not assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

Discussing the application of IT in SCM, a classification of different forms of collaboration (integration) is presented. Building on the essential transaction cost elements of specificity and uncertainty, the (high) costs of transactions in different supply chain integration forms are revealed.

Findings

The claim that IT reduces transaction costs is objected to in its general form. The reduction of transaction costs is dependent on the form of supplier integration. Through market transactions (not managed process links) and monitored process links, a reduction of transaction costs by using IT is likely. In the case of managed process links and non‐member process links, a reduction of transaction costs is achieved only if certain conditions apply. A conceptual framework is presented, using uncertainty and specificity to explain which IT applications can reduce transaction costs in a supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on conceptual thought. Beyond this framework for reducing IT‐based transaction costs in supply chains empirical research is needed to validate the findings.

Practical implications

Companies need to be aware that applying IT in their supply chain is not sake in itself. The classification provided in this paper support‐related decision by pointing out that different IT‐solutions fit different business process links.

Originality/value

The paper presents a more detailed analysis of the impacts IT applications have in SCM. This includes a discussion on how uncertainty and specificity influence the implementation of IT in supply chains.
Knowledge transfer in work practice: adoption and use of integrated information systems
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Lee Zoonky , Lee Jinyoul
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the social context of enterprise resource planning (ERP) adoption and use within an organization, emphasizing a knowledge transfer perspective. This framework is investigated in terms of the conflicts and struggles between the best practices embedded in ERP modules and the interactions of users of the ERP system.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study using grounded theory is applied with the rich and detailed interview process. This paper shows how to conduct grounded theory and how to interpret the individual level of analysis to organizational level impacts.

Findings

This study analyzes how an organization adopts a unique information system provided by enterprise integration and also suggests the likely consequences of knowledge transfer between the organization perspective embedded in ERP and individual apprehension conceptualizing the mode of human interaction and the type of work practice.

Research limitations/implications

This is a case study offering rich description of a theoretical framework of knowledge transfer.

Practical implications

The results show how to guide organizational members in adoption and use of integrated information systems.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the work practice for knowledge transfer in the case of information systems integration.
Privatising management services in subsidised housing in Hong Kong
Authors: Hin Li Ling , Siu Amy
Published: April 2007

Privatisation of services from the public sector is topical currently mainly because of the potential savings and efficiency to be gained. In the aspect of property management, the Hong Kong Housing Authority owns more than 600,000 units of public housing flats and the requirement for good and efficient property management services is enormous. The current policy of privatising these services to the private management agents has proved to be a correct direction in terms of retaining the growth of the public sector, and also improving the level of services to the tenants. While the privatisation scheme might bring in more opportunities for growth of the property management companies in the private sector, it is more important for the government to forge a proper transitional arrangement to switch to full private management in order not to endanger the already low morale in the public sector.
Application of computer games in the field of education
Authors: Jayakanthan R.
Published: April 2007

The computer gaming industry has today become bigger than the world music and movie industries. The influence of computer games over the youth of today is akin to that of the cultural influence of music, political movements and even religion on youth culture of the past. Of late, computer games have been attracting people of all kinds into using computers. They have driven the spread of computers into the lives of individuals who had earlier had no incentive to use them. Computer games are gaining unprecedented access to the homes, minds and souls of people today. Hence it has become increasingly important for game developers and educators to study the application of computers for enhancing the education offered to the next generation of students. Computer games can be used to give a better form of education and can even make computers become the unique tools of learning. The paper will present the current scenarios of computer games being used for the purposes of education and training. It will also dwell on areas in which the tremendous capabilities of computer games as an education medium can be utilized in educating a new generation of students weaned on computer games. New possibilities for computer games as tools of knowledge will also be projected.
Interlending and document supply: a review of recent literature – XXXIX
Authors: Connolly Pauline
Published: April 2007

Reviews recent interlending and document supply literature. Examines how the document delivery scene is being affected by the huge increase in available electronic resources, including electronic journals online full‐text and the creation of the digital library. Discusses the issues surrounding these changes such as copyright and related licensing schemes. Describes some of the various co‐operative ventures which are being implemented throughout the world.
Many titles, one editor: a history of Interlending & Document Supply
Authors: Cornish Graham P.
Published: April 2007

Interlending & Document Supply has had a chequered history in terms of its title but almost unparalleled stability from an editorial point of view. Various political and organisational changes within the British Library have caused changes in the journal and transfer to a commercial publisher had a major impact, but its place as the leading international journal in the field of document supply remains unchallenged.
Information science as a liberal art
Authors: Arms William Y.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Attempts to deal with the issue of how we can educate the next generation of leaders for the information needs of the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses a case study: the thinking behind the new information science program at Cornell University.

Findings

Advocates a broad view of information science. In a rapidly changing world, leadership will come from flexible thinking based on a broad understanding of technology and the social sciences. In the American terminology, information science should be considered a liberal art, not a profession. An education in information science provides an excellent foundation for a career in libraries, publishing or information services, but there are many more career opportunities for somebody with this education.

Originality/value

Most recent initiatives in information science have come from professional schools of librarianship. By starting from a liberal arts viewpoint, universities may be meeting the needs of a very wide audience.
Introduction of fixed grid in evolutionary structural optimisation
Authors: Kim H. , Garcia M.J. , Querin O.M. , Steven G.P. , Xie Y.M.
Published: April 2007

Introduces a faster and improved structural optimisation method which combines fixed grid finite element analysis (FG FEA) and evolutionary structural optimisation (ESO). ESO optimises a structure by removing a few elements at every iteration. FG methods allow fast mesh generation, fast solution and fast re‐evaluation of the modified meshes. The implementation of FG into the ESO process eliminates the need for regenerating the mesh and a few arithmetic calculations replace the full regeneration of the stiffness matrix every time the structure is modified. This greatly reduces the solution time, and the examples presented in this paper demonstrate and validate the method.
The variational theory of complex rays for the calculation of medium‐frequency vibrations
Authors: Ladevèze P. , Arnaud L. , Rouch P. , Blanzé C.
Published: April 2007

A new approach called the “variational theory of complex rays” (VTCR) is developed for calculating the vibrations of weakly damped elastic structures in the medium‐frequency range. Here, the emphasis is put on the most fundamental aspects. The effective quantities (elastic energy, vibration intensity, etc.) are evaluated after solving a small system of equations which does not derive from a finite element discretization of the structure. Numerical examples related to plates show the appeal and the possibilities of the VTCR.
Implicit integration of a generalized plasticity constitutive model for partially saturated soil
Authors: Zhang H.W. , Heeres O.M. , de Borst R. , Schrefler B.A.
Published: April 2007

Extends the stress update algorithm and the tangent operator recently proposed for generalized plasticity by De Borst and Heeres to the case of partially saturated soils, where on top of the hydrostatic and deviatoric components of the (effective) stress tensor suction has to be considered as a third independent variable. The soil model used for the applications is the Bolzon‐Schrefler‐Zienkiewicz model, which is an extension of the Pastor‐Zienkiewicz model to partial saturation. The algorithm is incorporated in a code for partially saturated soil dynamics. Back calculation of a saturation test and simulation of surface subsidence above an exploited gas reservoir demonstrate the advantage of the proposed algorithm in terms of iteration convergence of the solution.
Towards fully parallel aerospace simulations on unstructured meshes
Authors: Weatherill N.P. , Hassan O. , Morgan K. , Jones J.W. , Larwood B.
Published: April 2007

A general philosophy is presented in which all the modules within the computational cycle are parallelised and executed on parallel computer hardware, thereby avoiding the creation of computational bottlenecks. In particular, unstructured mesh generation with adaptation, computational fluid dynamics and computational electromagnetic solvers and the visualisation of grid and solution data are all performed in parallel. In addition, all these modules are embedded within a parallel problem solving environment. This paper will provide an overview of these developments. In particular, details of the parallel mesh generator, which has been used to generate meshes in excess of 100 million elements, will be given. A brief overview will be presented of the approach used to parallelise the solvers and how large data sets are interrogated and visualised on distributed computer platforms. Details of the parallel adaptation algorithm will be presented. These parallel component modules are linked using CORBA communication to provide an integrated parallel approach for large scale simulations. Several examples are given of the approach applied to the simulation of large aerospace calculations in the field of aerodynamics and electromagnetics.
Evolutionary structural optimization for connection topology design of multi‐component systems
Authors: Li Qing , Steven Grant P. , Xie Y.M.
Published: April 2007

Most engineering products contain more than one component or structural element, a consideration that needs to be appreciated during the design process and beyond, to manufacturing, transportation, storage and maintenance. The allocation and design of component interconnections (such as bolts, rivets, or springs, spot‐welds, adhesives, others) usually play a crucial role in the design of the entire multi‐component system. This paper extends the evolutionary structural optimization method to the generic design problems of connection topology. The proposed approach consists of a simple cycle of a finite element analysis followed by a rule‐driven element removal process. To make the interconnection elements carry as close to uniform a load as possible, a “fully stressed” design criterion is adopted. To determine the presence and absence of the interconnection elements, the usage efficiencies of fastener elements are estimated in terms of their relative stress levels. This avoids the use of gradient‐based optimization algorithms and allows designers to readily seek an optimization of connection topology, which can be implemented in their familiar CAD/CAE design platforms. To demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed procedure, a number of design examples are presented in this paper.
Sensitivity analysis and optimization for non‐linear structural response
Authors: Schwarz Stefan , Ramm Ekkehard
Published: April 2007

The present contribution deals with the sensitivity analysis and optimization of structures for path‐dependent structural response. Geometrically as well as materially non‐linear behavior with hardening and softening is taken into account. Prandtl‐Reuss‐plasticity is adopted so that not only the state variables but also their sensitivities are path‐dependent. Because of this the variational direct approach is preferred for the sensitivity analysis. For accuracy reasons the sensitivity analysis has to be consistent with the analysis method evaluating the structural response. The proposed sensitivity analysis as well as its application in structural optimization is demonstrated by several examples.
The antecedents and consequences of integrated global marketing
Authors: Sheth Jagdish N. , Parvatiyar Atul
Published: April 2007

International marketing is undergoing a transformation to become integrated global marketing. The emphasis has shifted from understanding and explaining between‐country differences to identifying transnational similarities; and from country‐by‐country functional adjustment of marketing mix elements to seeking global cross‐functional integration. In this paper, the authors discuss how the contextual factors of international marketing are changing to make between‐country differences less relevant for international marketing practice. The emergence of integrated global marketing has a greater potential for theory development in international marketing as it is not contextually bound and thus can be generalized.
An integrative framework for cross‐cultural consumer behavior
Authors: Luna David , Forquer Gupta Susan
Published: April 2007

The world economy is becoming increasingly cross‐cultural. During the next decades, as marketers enter new international markets, an understanding of how culture influences consumer behavior will be crucial for both managers and consumer researchers. This article presents a framework that integrates and reinterprets current research in cross‐cultural consumer behavior. The framework also serves to identify areas that need further research and can be used as a template for marketers seeking to understand their foreign consumers. The article also attempts to integrate from an applied perspective two distinct traditions in the study of culture and consumer behavior: the anthropological approach and the cross‐cultural psychology tradition.
A content analysis of connectedness vs. separateness themes used in US and PRC print advertisements
Authors: Lu Wang Cheng , Chan Allan K.K.
Published: April 2007

Psychologists and anthropologists have long observed that people in different cultures have different self‐concepts in terms of the relation between self and other people. The separated self‐schema or “separatedness” is most often attributed to Western cultures. Applies the connectedness‐separateness theory to test a set of hypotheses using content analysis of advertising themes across cultures. Results revealed that “connected appeals” were used more in PRC advertising, while “separated appeals” were used more in US advertising. Target audiences and product types were found to moderate the cultural effect. The findings were predicted and explained by the connectedness‐separateness self‐schema theory. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Dissemination of market orientation in Europe
Authors: Dalgic Tevfik
Published: April 2007

Attempts to reach some meaningful conclusions on the issue of why market orientation practice and research in general started later in Europe than in North America. With the aid of a literature review in the field of marketing in general and European history in particular and by studying the historical roots of the concept, the author attempts to understand the historical, social, political, technological and cultural reasons why market
Translating customers’ voices into operations requirements ‐ A QFD application in higher education
Authors: Brian Hwarng H. , Teo Cynthia
Published: April 2007

In this paper we demonstrate how an institution in higher education can apply the three‐phased, service‐based quality function deployment (QFD) methodology to translate the voices of customers (VsOC) in stages into operations requirements. The emphasis is at the operational level. The translated operations requirements form the basis of operational solutions to delivering quality programmes and services in higher education. An institution can satisfy the VsOC by mapping out a clear action plan to achieve high quality standards. Three applications found in the Business School at the National University of Singapore are presented. Important managerial implications are drawn.