bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thick face, black heart and the marketing of construction services in China
Authors: Sui Pheng Low
Published: July 2002

The potentially lucrative construction market in Asia is obviously the target of many international contractors from the west. However, in their clamour for a share of the Asian construction market, international contractors must recognize the peculiarities of Chinese societies while structuring their marketing plans. A clear understanding of these peculiarities and an ability to align themselves with Chinese customs, beliefs and practices would go a long way in helping international contractors win building projects in China. An understanding of the Chinese mind is an important factor for penetrating the Asian business culture. Highlights the “thick face, black heart” concept as an important phenomenon for marketing to the Chinese. It also analyses how an understanding of “thick face, black heart” can help international contractors from the west market their services more effectively in China.
Women communicators in the workplace: natural born marketers?
Authors: Freeman Sue , Varey Richard
Published: July 2002

With the rise in calls for the democratizing of the workplace and for greater entrepreneurship and innovation in work roles, the concept of internal marketing has achieved some prominence as a mechanism, especially for service firms. Considers the possibility that women may be “natural” internal marketers and that, when they establish and dominate the culture of a business enterprise, this may make for more cohesive organizational arrangements and hence more successful business. Introduces a framework for operating a parallel or collateral organization which focuses on development and improvement and considers its implications for management style. Examines characteristics of the male and female character structure to see how they might impact on communication and management style. Concludes that female managers will be characteristically more at home with the requirements of a marketized enterprise and that this can be of positive benefit to the “health” of members’ working relationships and of overall corporate performance.
Compensatory consumption: why women go shopping when they’re fed up and other stories
Authors: Woodruffe Helen R.
Published: July 2002

Explores the role and experience of compensatory consumption in women’s lives. Conducts the research from a feminist perspective and asks “what are women’s lived experiences of compensatory consumption?” This is an under‐researched area and yet there are numerous links with other more widely researched areas of consumer research, such as addictive consumption, self‐gift giving and compensatory eating behaviour. Compensatory behaviour and consumption is a difficult area to research, however, and therefore reviews the subject in the light of existing literature, so that a research framework may be advanced to enable a greater understanding of the concept. Presents an overview of this research, together with preliminary findings based on phenomenological interviews. Clearly demonstrates the significance of this area of study within consumer research and proposes an agenda for further research.
Marketing and the war machine
Authors: Desmond John
Published: July 2002

Considers the relations between warfare, gender and marketing, and asks “Are we witnessing the feminization of marketing?” Draws on Deleuze and Guattari’s (1988) conception of warfare to illustrate contemporary patriarchal organization of society, war and marketing. Some might argue that a shifting balance of power in society and in marketing is reflected in developments such as relationship marketing and postmodern marketing which signal a shift away from “male” values, and that we are currently witnessing the resurgence of more “feminine” values. Concludes that despite these grand claims, prevailing “patriarchal” relations of power are still intact.One could argue that such developments are further acts of appropriation of the “female” space. That said, this space can never be totally appropriated. To locate the “female” principle, one must look beyond the regulating structures of society and the academy to the fringe, for this is the domain of the war machine, a territory which cannot be fully occupied by the forces of the social.
Rapport in telemarketing ‐ mirror, mirror on the call?
Authors: Nancarrow Clive , Penn Sally
Published: July 2002

Examines the hypothesis that the UK population has not yet fully developed a telemarketing culture and that there is, therefore, a particular need for telemarketers to understand how rapport might be developed on the telephone. Relevant literature from the fields of social psychology, applied psychology and marketing are reviewed and a programme of research was carried out, comprising an Omnibus to measure the extent of telemarketing experience in the UK population and a study among organisations with in‐house telemarketing facilities to explore the types of practices that might foster rapport. It concludes that a telemarketing culture still has some way to develop and that, while many organisations used a number of seemingly relevant techniques, in particular NLP mirroring and matching, there are a number of issues still to be resolved regarding measurement of rapport as well as the theory and “measuring instruments” associated with NLP. Other factors affecting the development of rapport in a telemarketing environment are also considered
Strategic planning, risk‐taking and reward systems for managers in multi‐divisional companies ‐ an empirical study
Authors: Sirpal Rajeshwar
Published: July 2002

Every year, new development projects are recommended to be undertaken by various divisional management to corporate management in different multi‐divisional companies. The corporate managements in such companies face a challenging task of understanding and approving these projects. Moreover, divisions’ performance in a particular year may depend upon the short‐term outcome of such projects. Divisional managers may avoid undertaking new projects, especially those with low probabilities of success, but with extremely high rewards, if successful. Thus, risk‐taking attitudes among divisional managers may be affected in such companies. This paper examines these issues. The results were compiled after surveying 30 multidivisional companies in various industries. Results highlight the various strategic decisions found being conducted at the head office level vs divisional level of such companies. Most of the companies were found to place moderate to fairly strong emphasis on a division’s past performance while evaluating the division’s current year performance. The results highlight project failure allowance, type of reward systems used, and corresponding risk‐taking attitude among divisional managers in such companies.
The gay lifestyle ‐ spaces for a subculture of consumption
Authors: Haslop Craig , Hill Helene , Schmidt Ruth A.
Published: July 2002

Presents a study of designated gay service environments. Conceptually, the study draws together ideas and frameworks from the consumption literature and from the study of service environments. Analyses issues surrounding gay cultural socialization and its effect on consumption patterns and expression through service environments. The study of the interplay between gay subculture and servicescapes is grounded in qualitative and observational data through field work conducted in the Manchester “gay village”. Findings indicate that communitas, individualism and diversity are key facets of the subculture, with bars being used as individual expressions of identity, moods and emotions. Other influences on consumption patterns include interpersonal interaction with friends, the hetero‐ and homosexual cultural interface, and the ambience of the service environment. Discusses implications for the service marketer, such as the application of marketing models to the creation of servicescapes which reflect and suit the subcultures they are designed for; and raises issues for marketing methodology by noting the value of consumption‐based research in creating a picture of the “gay” lifestyle.
The impact of environmental education on children’s knowledge and awareness of environmental concerns
Authors: Strong Carolyn
Published: July 2002

Asserts that the consumer power of children is growing in importance, as they represent a primary market that purchases its own products and services; an influential market that directs parental expenditures; and a future market. Aims to investigate and understand children’s knowledge and awareness of environmental issues, and their selection and use of information about environmentally friendly products through primary school education. Firstly, an understanding of environmental education as a primary source of information was gained through a questionnaire survey mailed to schoolteachers in the South‐West of England. Secondly, questionnaires were distributed to equal numbers of boys and girls aged 7‐11 years at three case schools in the South‐West of England. The sample was asked open‐ended questions about their knowledge of several fundamental environment concerns: the ozone layer; river pollution; recycling; and how they think the environment can be protected. The exploratory study confirms that levels of environmental understanding amongst children are high and provides a full break‐ down of the results.
Meeting the information needs of marketing in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Culkin Nigel , Smith David , Fletcher Jonathon
Published: July 2002

Addresses the question of whether ‐ now that we exist in the much heralded “information era” ‐ the information needs of those engaged in marketing are being satisfied. With interest in the Internet, as a burgeoning global communications medium, we now understand how things might be in the future concerning the sheer volume of information available to the marketing decision maker. However, a question remains as to whether this information is collected and presented in a form ‐ at a level of specificity and depth ‐ that makes for better marketing decision making. In this paper, the authors argue that there are 12 issues that need addressing in order to ensure that the information needs of marketers are being satisfied.
Relationship marketing defined? An examination of current relationship marketing definitions
Authors: Harker Michael John
Published: July 2002

Attempts to define “relationship marketing” have been varied and many, neatly reflecting the diverse academic and socio‐political backgrounds of RM scholars. This paper lists 26 such definitions, collected as a by‐product of a literature review. Presented alongside this resource are the results of applying a content‐analysis‐based methodology to these definitions. These results suggest that seven RM “constructs” enjoy general support. In a discussion of this, it is concluded that any integration of disparate RM theories implied by these findings is at best superficial and at worst misleading. It is further suggested that “true” and complete integration of RM theory must wait until a coherent understanding of these fundamental concepts has been developed. From the 26 definitions listed, one is judged as being more comprehensive and generally acceptable, and a new definition is presented as an inducement to further discussion.
Measuring service quality: current thinking and future requirements
Authors: Robinson Stewart
Published: July 2002

The publication of the first results of the SERVQUAL instrument provoked a debate on how best to measure service quality. With more than a decade since the publication of those results many researchers have attempted to demonstrate the efficacy, or not, of the SERVQUAL instrument, or to develop their own measurement methods. This paper reviews this debate in relation to six key aspects: the purpose of the measurement instrument; the definition of service quality; models for service quality measurement; the dimensionality of service quality; issues relating to expectations; and the format of the measurement instrument. The main areas of agreement and disagreement are identified. As a result the continued use of the SERVQUAL instrument is called into question, and areas for further research are identified.
Headteacher characteristics, management style and attitudes towards the acceptance of commercial sponsorship by state‐funded schools
Authors: Bennett Roger , Gabriel Helen
Published: July 2002

Headteachers in Greater London’s 401 state‐funded secondary schools were sent a questionnaire designed to relate their personal characteristics to,inter alia,their attitudes towards educational sponsorship, the levels of their schools’ marketing orientation, the demand for commercial sponsorship of school activities, and whether their schools possessed formal policies in connection with external sponsorship. In line with earlier research in the educational management area, the major personal characteristics examined (in addition to age, length of service, etc.) related to the individual headteacher’s management style; specifically whether he or she was particularly autocratic, consultative, democratic or innovative. Responses to the questionnaire were factor analysed and tested for construct reliability. A stepwise regression procedure was then applied to assess the influences of various sets of variables on attitudes and behaviour. The results indicated that within Greater London the commercial sponsorship of schools is widespread and expanding. Extreme democrats were less likely to desire large amounts of additional sponsorship for their schools than were autocrats. Schools located in prosperous areas were far more proactive in their approaches to sponsorship and employed headteachers with more positive attitudes towards marketing and sponsorship than schools in poorer neighbourhoods.
The theory and practice of marketing planning in the smaller business
Authors: Brooksbank Roger
Published: July 2002

Amid an increasingly turbulent and competitive business environment, strategic marketing plann‐ing is typically referred to as the management discipline which enables the firm to improve its competitiveness by becoming more responsive and adaptable to changing market conditions. Most of the literature, however, deals with the application of strategic marketing planning as it relates to big business. By contrast, this article provides an understanding of how all the key principles can be applied in the smaller business, in the form of a practical framework for plan development. In addition, it features a case study showing how a small UK‐based computer company used the framework to develop its marketing plan.
Switching advertising agency – a cross‐country analysis
Authors: Ghosh B.C. , Taylor David
Published: July 2002

The specific objectives of this research were to gain an understanding of the causes of advertiser account switches in New Zealand and Singapore and compare these results with Michell’s USA and UK studies. The main finding of this study is the reasons for broken agency‐client relationships are complex and very varied. However, Michell’s five general reasons for account switches: poor agency performance; changes in agency policies; changes in client policies; changes in agency management; and changes in client management, appear to explain most failed agency‐client relationships (although few respondents had all of the above problems at once). This report has been useful in highlighting the differences in New Zealand and Singapore agency‐client relationships.
The development of a Guanxi framework
Authors: Buttery E. Alan , Wong Y.H.
Published: July 2002

Relationship marketing is currently an important topic in the marketing literature. The use of relationships in marketing and business generally varies around the world. In the Chinese‐based economies much is made of Guanxi which provides the relationship building for interpersonal relationships. In this paper the foundations of Guanxi are described in the form of a four‐stage model. As Guanxi is a particular form of relationship in the Chinese culture and underpins much of the business carried out in China‐based economies, it is compared to relationship building in Western cultures. The paper adds to the literature on relationships and how they are developed and is important to the literature on relationship marketing applied in the Chinese context. It also helps the practitioner, who wishes to develop relationships in Chinese‐based economics, by providing guidelines on how the Chinese like to do business.
A disco(urse) inferno: the pitfalls of professionalism
Authors: Ellis Nick
Published: July 2002

A postmodernist look at the position of marketing at the turn of the millennium. Devises a dream‐like conversation between four professionals (a doctor, a lawyer, an accountant and a marketer). Each representative defends the status of the profession, with the focus on the marketer. Considers the opinion of others of the role of the marketer and reflects on its development and obstacles to development.
Knowledge management: practices and challenges
Authors: Gupta Babita , Iyer Lakshmi S. , Aronson Jay E.
Published: July 2002

Knowledge management (KM) is a process that deals with the development, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information and expertise within an organization to support and improve its business performance. Organizations are realizing that knowledge is a crucial resource for organizations and it should be managed judiciously. Organizations need to harness knowledge not only to stay competitive, but also to become innovative. KM requires a major shift in organizational culture and a commitment at all levels of a firm to make it work. Through a supportive organizational climate, ideally, through effective KM, an organization can bring its entire organizational learning and knowledge to bear on any problem, anywhere in the world, at anytime
Interfirm collaboration and the new product development process
Authors: Parker Hamieda
Published: July 2002

This study investigated the issue of collaboration in new product development within the context of the South African textile and clothing industry. The following aspects were analysed in order to contribute to the understanding of the collaboration process: the perceived benefits of collaboration in the new product development process, the risks of collaboration, the effect of collaboration on the new product development process, and the factors that increase the likelihood of a successful collaboration.
Target costing for supply chain management: criteria and selection
Authors: Lockamy Archie , Smith Wilbur I.
Published: July 2002

This article examines the use of target costing as a means to improve the management of supply chains. A discussion of the shortcomings of traditional and activity‐based cost management approaches to supply chain management provides the basis for exploring the use of target costing within supply chains. Customer requirements and supply chain relationships are identified as key criteria for selecting the most appropriate method of target costing for supply chains. Price‐based, value‐based, and activity‐based cost management approaches to target costing are discussed, and recommendations for their use based upon customer requirements and supply chain relationships are offered. Conclusions are provided on the use of target costing to enhance a supply chain’s ability to improve customer satisfaction.
Data warehousing, technology assessment and management
Authors: Ma Catherine , Chou David C. , Yen David C.
Published: July 2002

Data warehousing is the technological trend for the corporate decision support process. This article investigates the current business environment of the data warehouse, including OLAP, data mining, data visualization and other technologies. This article also analyzes the importance of data warehouse management and maintenance and its future developments.
Data quality issues in implementing an ERP
Authors: Xu Hongjiang , Horn Nord Jeretta , Brown Noel , Daryl Nord G.
Published: July 2002

Data quality is a critical issue during the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Data quality problems can have a significant impact on an organisation’s information system. Therefore, it is essential to understand data quality issues to ensure success in implementing ERP systems. This paper uses SAP as an example of an ERP system and describes a study, which explores data quality problems with existing systems, and identifies critical success factors that impact data quality. The study resulted in the development of a framework for understanding data quality issues in implementing an ERP, and application of this framework in a case study in two large Australian organisations. The findings of the study suggest that the importance of data quality needs to be widely understood in implementing an ERP, as well as providing recommendations that may be useful to practitioners.
The use of the scorecard in the management of production‐operations
Authors: García‐Cebrián Lucía Isabel , López‐Viñegla Alfonso
Published: July 2002

In order for production strategy to develop its role in the creative activity of value it is necessary to have the information that will facilitate decision making and to guide its performance. The aim of this study is to present the basic ideas of how a scorecard, adapted for use in production‐operations should be. More specifically it will present the key factors and indicators which it should contain, these being different depending on the production strategy used and on whether the information is directed at upper management levels or at levels with fewer responsibilities.
Identifying key factors for successful joint venture in China
Authors: Yang Jiaqin , Lee Huei
Published: July 2002

China has become one of the top three nations for attracting foreign investment in the international market since 1990. Hundreds of international corporations are currently competing for business opportunities in China in the form of joint venture or direct investment. Both successful joint ventures and failed investments have been reported. Research, addressing issues of the conflicts between different cultures, traditions, as well as value systems, has appeared recently, but few focuses on identifying the key factors and their managerial implications for foreign investors to successfully enter China’s market. This paper presents an application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in such an effort, through a case study of China Motorola. This study shows that for foreign investors, by identifying key success factors and then incorporating those factors into firm’s long‐term business strategies and policies can enhance their business opportunities in China for a long time to come, even under China’s current complex economic and marketing conditions.
Determinants of innovation through a knowledge‐based theory lens
Authors: Arias Aranda Daniel , Molina‐Fernández Luis M.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, a model for determining innovation degree in service industries is presented. Such a model is developed under the knowledge‐based theory lens. So, knowledge flows and knowledge integration capabilities of the organisation’s members are considered as crucial for the innovation processes to be successfully implemented. The model is tested in a sample of engineering consulting firms of Spain. Main results point out the strong explanatory power of innovation intensity with knowledge theory‐based models. Final conclusions consider knowledge management policies as the main impellers of service innovation.
Productivity Improvements through the Use of Graphic User Interfaces
Authors: Cardinali Richard
Published: July 2002

The user interface is defined as the link between the computer and the
user. With organizations striving to increase productivity, focus must
be shifted from the capabilities of the machine to the ability of the
user. Research has shown that the use of the graphic user interface
leads to a reduced learning curve for the user as well as a resulting
efficiency increase. Provides an overview of research findings which
support the use of the graphic interface to increase user productivity.
An introduction to the concepts, benefits and terminology of product data management
Authors: Philpotts Mike
Published: July 2002

Product data management (PDM) systems help to keep track of the masses of information needed to design, manufacture or build products and then to maintain them. They can be applied to a wide range of products and industries and across the whole spectrum of organizational functions. Benefits extend far beyond engineering design to include cost savings in manufacturing, reduced time to market and increased product quality. Defines and describes the type of features and functions that should be found in a PDM system and addresses the following: data vault and document management; workflow and process management; product structure management; classification; project management; communication and notification; data transport and translation; image services; system administration; and PDM environments.
External influences in the cross‐cultural negotiation process
Authors: Herbig Paul
Published: July 2002

Internationalization, the buzzword of the 1980s, has become the necessity for firms to survive in the 1990s. Contact with foreign firms is a given for US businesses. With this contact comes the issue of cross‐cultural negotiations. How do US businesses prepare themselves and conduct such negotiations? Examines the use of external agents, translators, bicultural brokers, and prenegotiating briefers/experts in the cross‐cultural negotiation process and looks at those factors which relate to success or failure in cross‐cultural negotiations.
Extranets: a tool for cost control in a value chain framework
Authors: Anandarajan Murugan , Anandarajan Asokan , Wen H. Joseph
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this research is to show through a case study how the extranet has been used by one specific company to significantly reduce operating costs. The activities of the company are analyzed within the framework of the value chain concept developed by Porter. This, it is felt, will provide a greater insight into how the extranet can be used to improve profit margins. Prior research in this area has either been of a conceptual nature (explaining theoretically how the extranet should be employed) or of a survey nature (examining, by means of a survey instrument, the benefits accruing to companies that have adopted the extranet). This study is different in that it examines in detail, by means of a case study, how the extranet influences a retail company’s chain of activities and reduces the attendant costs thereon.
The use of the World Wide Web for commercial purposes
Authors: Cheung Waiman
Published: July 2002

In this information age, business leaders who are able to access more information and make use of it will likely be the winners in the marketplace. Among the different information sources and media, the Internet is a leading technology which facilitates information exchange internationally. Furthermore, the World Wide Web (WWW) is the most popular application on the Internet, used for many diversified business purposes including direct sales, advertisement, customer support, etc. The astonishing growth of WWW users is clear evidence of this. This study investigates how far electronic commerce, and in particular business use of the WWW has actually progressed in Hong Kong. The correlation between companies’ business types and their purposes of using Web pages through the WWW are also studied. By physically visiting the Web sites of Hong Kong’s commerce, a survey is conducted and the results are summarized.
Technological forecasting techniques and competitive intelligence: tools for improving the innovation process
Authors: Denise Lemos Ângela , Carlos Porto Antonio
Published: July 2002

This paper aims at discussing some concepts regarding technological forecasting techniques (TFTs) and competitive intelligence (CI) and presents some links between them in a strategic approach based in a theoretical review. These techniques are considered as tools for improving the innovation process within firms. This paper analyzes, via a business case, how a Brazilian electronic company, Digitel SA, which produces modems and multiplexers for internal and global markets, deals with these techniques as a way of improving its process of innovation to achieve competitive advantage.
Defining supply chain management: a historical perspective and practical guidelines
Authors: Lummus Rhonda R. , Vokurka Robert J.
Published: July 2002

Interest in supply chain management has steadily increased since the 1980s when firms saw the benefits of collaborative relationships within and beyond their own organization. Firms are finding that they can no longer compete effectively in isolation of their suppliers or other entities in the supply chain. A number of definitions of supply chain management have been proposed in the literature and in practice. This paper defines the concept of supply chain management and discusses its historical evolution. The term does not replace supplier partnerships, nor is it a description of the logistics function. The competitive importance of linking a firm’s supply chain strategy to its overall business strategy and some practical guidelines are offered for successful supply chain management.
Cultural differences encountered by firms when negotiating internationally
Authors: Gulbro Robert D. , Herbig Paul
Published: July 2002

In this age of the global economy, negotiating across cultures is an inevitable part of doing business for firms desiring to compete internationally. What problems could cultural differences cause? Can firms from some countries or cultures do better than firms from other countries? What problems might firms from one culture encounter compared to firms from other cultures? To study these questions, cross‐cultural negotiating behaviour was examined using Hofstede’s criteria, to see if some firms may have a cultural competitive advantage. Assumptions about the effects of national cultures were proposed and tested, and differences between cultures were found. Additional research was also suggested.
An assessment of change in behavioral dynamics among computer‐supported groups: different factors change at different rates
Authors: Burke Kelly , Chidambaram Laku
Published: July 2002

Group members’ attitudes toward social processes and media properties are likely to change as members interact and gain experience with each other and technology in computer‐supported environments. Moreover, these attitudes are likely to evolve differently. This study examines computer‐supported groups of four over a series of four sessions working on a collaborative writing task. Results from this study indicate that group‐related attitudes, i.e. social perceptions, tend to change sooner, and to a greater extent, than media‐related ones. A possible explanation for these differences is that computer media have certain physical properties that cannot be easily altered by users. In contrast, group‐related structures appear to be much more malleable. These results imply that, for example, groups can, with the right assistance, develop positive group attitudes rather quickly which tend to last over time. In contrast, attitudes towards technical systems tend to evolve more slowly and, when system designs are flawed or users are not well trained on system features, managers may be faced with persistent negative user attitudes. Thus, understanding how social and technical attitudes evolve is critical for managers who want to improve group processes.
Improving the effectiveness of warehousing operations: a case study
Authors: Gunasekaran A. , Marri H.B. , Menci F.
Published: July 2002

The warehouse is the interface area for production lines, market, customers and suppliers, and the business environment in general. Goods inwards (GI), constituting part of the warehouse activities, is the department responsible for booking‐in the incoming parts from external suppliers. After the production process is improved, the resources in the warehouse are balanced to link the internal/ external transfer of physical items. With a broader view of the GI activities, and a look into its future, the actual problems may become clear, understandable, and hence easy to solve. The aim of this paper is to study the problem areas in GI and provide solutions to increase the performance of warehousing operations. First, a conceptual framework has been developed to improve the effectiveness of warehousing operations. Second, a case study has been conducted with the help of the model to minimize the through‐put time in warehousing operations. Finally, a summary of findings and recommendations are presented.
What’s in a name? Complexities in the definition of “refurbishment”
Authors: Mansfield John R.
Published: July 2002

The lifecycle of a building is supported by a number of distinct processes that attempt to address physical deterioration. Many of the processes – maintenance, repair, replacement and refurbishment – are commonly discussed in ways that suggest that they are indistinguishable from each other. The comparative lack of precision in using a range of terms further blurs the boundaries between the tasks. “Refurbishment” may seem to be a simple term, yet its complexity has led to continuing confusion by policy‐makers and professionals. Many of the attempts to provide an inclusive and concise definition of “refurbishment” have significant flaws, compounding the problem in practice.
Mutual recognition of professional qualifications
Authors: Plimmer Frances
Published: July 2002

In the light of Europe’s experience of its Directive on mutual recognition of professional qualifications and the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) intention to achieve a global marketplace for professional services by identifying “disciplines” which can be applied to all professions, this paper considers a potential methodology for achieving a global system for the free movement of professionals. The paper explains the process of mutual recognition as implemented within the European Union and discusses the approach which the WTO is likely to adopt towards the globalisation of services. The problems which face the surveying profession (including the problem of identifying the various surveying professions which exist in different countries), the role of professional organisations, the nature of “professional competence” and the threshold standards applied to professional competence as a vital component of any mutual recognition process are also discussed.
Property professionals and system design
Authors: Webster‐Blaine Yvonne , Gronow Stuart , Jenkins David
Published: July 2002

Describes aspects of the development of a PC‐based system for a
local authority asset register and valuation system. The project was
managed and implemented by property, not computer, people and focuses on
the do‐it‐yourself approach to system development which has been made
possible by the advent of the latest generation of software development
tools. The system itself is briefly described: a series of relational
files with a GIS “front end” interfacing to a rule‐based
data capture system. Recommends the extension of the approach and
highlights both the need for appropriate training and the cultural and
organizational benefits and dangers which flow from such an approach.
A meta‐model for corporate real estate management
Authors: Lopes José L.R.
Published: July 2002

Describes the first phase of a research project which aims to
define a meta‐model for corporate real estate management (CREM). A
literature review of similar studies in the field and of science
theories and techniques is applied in the study of 38 different
publications describing features used to manage real estate in a wide
range of public and private organizations. The main groups of features
are structured in a framework which classifies the concepts, methods,
tools and techniques quoted in the publications. The methodology used to
classify these models can be applied in other models to increase the
knowledge base in which the framework is built.
Computerized maintenance management systems
Authors: Jones Keith , Collis Stephen
Published: July 2002

Presents the findings of a questionnaire survey which examined the use of computers in maintenance management. Identifies the various maintenance activities that have been computerized, reviews the level of use of computers across the building management industry and assesses the level of user satisfaction with computerized maintenance management systems. Concludes that, although many maintenance organizations are using computers for many aspects of their work, there is considerable potential for future development.
Valuers do not need a crystal ball
Authors: Lee Rosalind
Published: July 2002

Discusses the recent decision in South Australia Asset Management Corporation vs. York Montague Ltd and two other cases in which the House of Lords unanimously decided that a valuer is not liable for market losses suffered by a lender who lends on the security of negligently valued property in circumstances where the valuation is only one of many pieces of information on which the lender bases the decision to lend. The earlier decision of the Court of Appeal in Banque Bruxelles Lambert SA and four other cases was reversed.
Management of premises for family doctors: a case for treatment
Authors: Stansfield Frederic , Taylor Andrew
Published: July 2002

General medical practitioners (GPs) in the UK are working from increasingly sophisticated premises. UK Government consultations have highlighted that inadequate premises are currently a barrier to improvements in primary health care. Therefore the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997 permits pilot schemes for primary health care which may encompass property improvements. Provision of quality buildings has implications for the willingness of patients to consult GPs, the range of services offered by family doctors and the cost‐effectiveness of primary health care delivery. The decentralized nature of primary health care raises issues about the evolution of building design knowledge to cater for technical and organizational innovations in health care. As primary health care facilities become more sophisticated, advances in construction management techniques need to be applied so that they are procured efficiently. Current real estate arrangements for the provision of primary health care facilities are causing concern. The capital investment involved is increasingly burdensome for GPs. Lack of Government finance is leading to pressures for the employment of private capital, with accompanying new opportunities for property managers.
The changing information needs of users in electronic information environments
Authors: Kebede Gashaw
Published: July 2002

Focuses on the information needs of users that are changing as a result of changes in the availability of information content in electronic form. In the course of the discussion, the paper first highlights the trend and nature of the physical form in which information content is currently being made available for users’ access and use in electronic information environments. It then attempts to determine why the prevailing information needs of users are coming into being and how they are shaped in electronic information environments. Finally, makes suggestions regarding how to go about identifying and meeting the prevailing needs in electronic information.
InfoSkills: a holistic approach to on‐line user education
Authors: Rutter Lynne , Matthews Marian
Published: July 2002

Creating successful learning environments depends on many factors. When developing “InfoSkills”, Bournemouth University’s Web‐based library tutorial, the aim was to create not only a generic, pedagogically sound product based on the post‐induction needs of our students, but one which also provided an added‐value package to link with, and work alongside, established practices and products. Consolidating the information skills learning experience and bringing into a more flexible environment worked to the students’ and our own advantage. We now have a product that successfully underpins the library’s and university’s learning and teaching aims, but one which can easily be extended and modified for usage for similar institutions.
Implementing an intelligent tutoring system for adventure learning
Authors: Mehmood Khan Masood
Published: July 2002

The success of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) has always been questioned. Recent developments however in the object‐oriented technologies and artificial intelligence techniques have allowed development of better human‐computer interaction for effective teaching and learning. This paper presents the implementation of an ITS that employs game environment and object‐oriented user interface (OOUI) for teaching and learning. The reported implementation is based on use of a game environment to impart industrial training for energy conservation in a steam distribution system. The ITS developed allows players to assume a particular role in a process industry and learn efficient operation of steam distribution system for conserving energy in the plant. The design of game environment and supporting OOUI are discussed. Those aspects of design and implementation that are of equal interest to game designers, instructional designers and educationists are described in detail. The paper may assist game developers and instructional designers in developing ITS for other disciplines.
The impact of information architecture on academic web site usability
Authors: Gullikson Shelley , Blades Ruth , Bragdon Marc , McKibbon Shelley , Sparling Marnie , Toms Elaine G.
Published: July 2002

Recent studies of web‐site use indicate that people do not come to the web for an “experience”, they come for information. Yet, to date, web‐site design has been synonymous with the “look and feel” of a site overlooking the significance of a site’s information architecture. In this study, we assessed the effect of the information architecture of an academic web site: how information is categorised, labelled and presented, and how navigation and access are facilitated. Twenty‐four participants from six faculties attempted to answer typical questions often asked within an academic milieu. They were able to find the answers to just over half the questions successfully and, in subjective assessments, gave the site a failing grade. We address how the information architecture affected their ability to negotiate the site and, additionally, make recommendations for the key ingredients: information design, access tools, and navigational aids.
Recent developments in interlending and document supply with a focus on the South African situation
Authors: Raubenheimer Jenny , van Niekerk John
Published: July 2002

Considers the changes that have taken place, particularly during the past two years, and the impact that these changes have had on the interlending and document supply field in terms of the use of the service by libraries, the quality of the service, bridging the information and digital divide, players in the field, access to information and overlapping services. The focus is on South Africa, but information and experiences from other countries have been used to illustrate the South African situation.
Knowledge Alert
Authors: del Sol Patricio , Luisa Arenas F. Maria , Gabriel San Martin W. , Estela Argomedo L.
Published: July 2002

Knowledge Alert uses periodicals in ten Chilean universities and the
latest automated, computer and telecommunications technologies
available, to provide the services of co‐operative serials acquisition,
and current awareness/ individual article supply. Describes the
Knowledge Alert legal structure, which includes an incorporated company
owned by the participating universities. Presents the procedures and
software developed to produce the co‐operative acquisition and the
current awareness services. When a periodical issue arrives in the
serials department of a library, the table of contents is faxed to a
central computer, which automatically transfers it to any user
registered for the title. Users in their turn can ask for a fax of an
abstract of the article, or for a fax or photocopy of the complete
article. Includes the finance strategy for this company for the coming
years and explains the key factors affecting its future success.
Interlending and Document Supply: A Review of Recent Literature: XXVI
Authors: Barwick Margaret
Published: July 2002

Looks into the access versus acquisitions argument; investigates some
bibliographies and codes; describes advances in UAP and developments in
UnCover, ADONIS, OCLC and BLDSC; looks at costs, conservation, copyright
and user needs; and notes changes in medical and agricultural libraries
and in the library world in general.
Collecting, publicizing and providing access to socio‐economic grey
literature in Southern Africa with particular reference to Botswana
Authors: Kwafo‐Akoto Kate
Published: July 2002

In Africa generally, collecting and disseminating socio‐economic
grey literature can be difficult because of the existing unsatisfactory
bibliographic control situation and the poor state of the publishing
industry. Looks at the socio‐economic grey literature scenario in the
Southern African subregion by mentioning the sources of such literature
and some of the efforts that have been made to organize it. Discusses
the role of the National Institute of Development Research and
Documentation (NIR) of the University of Botswana in collecting,
publicizing and providing access to the literature in Botswana and the
problems that are encountered and the attempted solutions. Concludes
that the establishment of a national network of socio‐economic grey
literature producers would go a long way towards its effective
bibliographic control both within Botswana and the Southern African
region as a whole.
ADONIS gathers momentum and faces some new problems
Authors: Compier Henk , Campbell Robert
Published: July 2002

Describes the change in the perception of the ADONIS project 14
years after its introduction. Outlines the original mission – to
use new technology to provide copies of copyright articles more
efficiently, and to take net efficiency gain as a usage or copyright
fee. Details the present ADONIS service – its mission is the same
although the manner of achieving it has changed – providing a
history of the last ten years; lists recent developments, planned
developments and highlights the main problem of ADONIS to be pricing.
Unmediated document delivery and academic staff at Central Queensland University
Authors: Orr Debbie , Dennis Cathy
Published: July 2002

Reports on a trial at Central Queensland University Library between March 1995 and March 1996 whereby staff and postgraduate students undertaking research were given direct, unmediated access to online databases, plus the facility to request documents online. Databases included Chemical Abstracts (CAS), Current Contents, UnCover and the databases available through Firstsearch. It was hoped that the trial would determine if users could acquire the skills to search the databases without the assistance of a librarian, order documents themselves and if the rapid delivery of documents to the end‐user would provide an acceptable alternative to serial subscriptions. Prior to commencement of the trial on 20 March 1995, sessions were held to show the academic staff and postgraduate students how to access and search the databases. Although users initially were slow to accept the changes, a survey at the conclusion of the trial indicates that users were enthusiastic about end‐user access.
LAMDA: questions and some answers
Authors: Friend Frederick J.
Published: July 2002

Considerable interest is being expressed in a new UK document delivery project known as LAMDA. Answers some of the questions that have been asked about LAMDA (London and Manchester Document Access). It is hoped that a fuller account will appear in Interlending & Document Supply next year, when some of the longer‐term questions about the future of the LAMDA service can be answered.