bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance learning
Authors: Smith Peter A.C.
Published: July 2002

Describes a new methodology “outcomes‐driven performance learning and development” (performance learning or PL) which addresses shortcomings often evident in the practice of action learning. These shortcomings include lack of systemic strategic framing, problem‐structuring, problem‐solving and learning processes founded narrowly on the scientific method without regard for readily accessible up‐to‐date tools and methods; and lack of routine explicit exploration of mindsets and other “soft” factors important to personal development. Demonstrates that performance learning is consistent with the aims of Revans’ Systems Beta, Alpha and Gamma. Concludes that performance learning is uniquely relevant to the development of a learning organization.
The integration of inpatriates into rural communities
Authors: Peppas Spero C. , Chang Lisa
Published: July 2002

Many US firms are facing difficulty finding qualified US citizens to fill technical/scientific positions and are turning to foreign nationals to meet their needs. In some cases, the employee/company match is less than ideal. This study focuses on foreign‐born employees working in a particular industrial sector in rural Georgia, USA. Some firms in this industry feel that the problems they are experiencing with these employees are due to cultural factors. The primary purpose of this exploratory study is to identify cultural and other issues affecting the integration of foreign‐born individuals into firms in rural communities. This article stimulates thought concerning human resource issues in our increasingly interactive global environment.
Predicting movements in foreign currency rates using simulation modelling
Authors: Hlupic Vlatka , Appleby Walker Paul , Irani Zahir
Published: July 2002

Financial modelling is extensively used in all sectors of today’s business environments. In particular, it is used as a tool in the preparation of plans, budgets and many corporate projections. Simulation modelling is not widely used in this area, although it is popular and used in other areas such as manufacturing, health services and traffic management. This paper addresses financial modelling and, more specifically, simulation modelling in the financial arena. The main objective of the research was to provide a support for the foreign exchange dealer in predicting future movements in foreign currency rates. Following an analysis of trend factors and technical analysis the findings of the research resulted in the construction of a simulation model, which is used in an international bank.
Is management development fulfilling its organisational role?
Authors: Meldrum Mike , Atkinson Sally
Published: July 2002

There is a high degree of uncertainty as to how well organisations are using management development to enhance their strategic performance. This article reports a survey which indicates that most managers believe there is, in reality, considerable scope for improvement in the way their organisations use management development. There appear to be a few organisations which create management development strategies or which lock management development activities into the strategic needs of the business. One solution would be for management development professionals to take a more proactive role than is currently the case in promoting its value.
Contextual and empirical approach to social change and social responsibilities
Authors: Visagie Jan C. , Botha Christoff J.
Published: July 2002

South Africa’s entry into the 1990s has been dramatic. Changes are taking place on political, social and economic fronts at an increasingly rapid pace and past practices are being openly challenged. Changes invoke concerns, fears and hopes. Rather than resisting the reform process, one must concentrate on managing it. The changes taking place in South Africa at present have influenced all people in some or other way. The nature and consequences of this process of changes are, as yet, not fully understood.
The interactive effects of strategic planning on hotel performance: a neural network analysis
Authors: Phillips Paul , Davies Fiona , Moutinho Luiz
Published: July 2002

This paper uses a neural network to analyse the interactive effects of strategic planning on hotel performance. Based on the data collected from 100 hotel units the constructs of planning sophistication and planning thoroughness have direct positive effect on overall performance. Conversely, the degree of planning formality and rigidity )even if it is following a market‐led orientation) can hamper overall performance.
Developing a community image program: an essential function of business communication
Authors: Wells Barron , Spinks Nelda
Published: July 2002

Developing and implementing a successful community image program is an organizational communication activity of utmost importance. No organization survives for long in a community in which it has a poor image. Usually, the community supplies the workforce, houses that workforce, supplies customers and clients, makes many laws that affect the organization, and sets much of the tax structure that pertain to an organization. This article takes a detailed look at the five components of establishing a successful community image program.
Technology and global manufacturing: some German experiences
Authors: Orr Stuart , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: July 2002

Based on interviews conducted with senior managers of four German multinationals, discusses issues of technology management in the context of global manufacturing. An overview of the four companies and their competitive priorities is first presented. Then discusses the role of globalisation and issues relating to technology transfer and technology management. Based on observations, identifies three common strategies/practices adopted by the companies studied, namely maintaining focus on core competencies/technological capabilities; maintaining a continuing dialogue between the R&D function at headquarters and the overseas operating units; and providing extensive education and training for all employees.
A framework for integrated risk management in information technology
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Kakoli , Mykytyn Peter P. , Mykytyn Kathleen
Published: July 2002

The use of information technology (IT) in organizations is subject to various kinds of potential risks. Explores the environment of IT in organizations, identifies the probable threats, and proposes a framework for integrated risk management. The risk management process has four major components ‐‐ risk identification, risk analysis, risk‐reducing measures, and risk monitoring. The framework can be used to guide organizations in reducing the losses resulting from the realization of threats to IT use.
Games decision makers play
Authors: Brindle Margaret
Published: July 2002

This piece focuses on the microprocesses of decisions. It distills the complex cognitive processes inherent in decision making into pragmatic utility by articulating several “games”. These games, as they are described in the article, routinely undermine the best‐intentioned proposals, initiatives, strategies and good ideas as they are played in ways that elude most participants. The cognitive decision processes (dubbed “games” here) are described as: Framing; Criteria setting; Misuse of analogy; Misuse of rationality; and Commitment building. The key purpose of the article is to distill complex processes into manageable dialect to improve awareness. Argues that awareness and understanding of these processes is essential to achieve influence in decision making, to avoid the pitfalls of fuzzy choice, and to promote mastery over the decision‐making process.
Value and information – concepts and issues for management
Authors: Walters David , Lancaster Geoff
Published: July 2002

The notion of what is meant by “value” is explored and summarised in terms of its involvement in delivering the product/service attributes, considered necessary to create customer satisfaction. Investigates the business system in relation to the value chain, as well as citing the conflicting views of a number of authors upon this topic. A specific company is used as a template to bring out many of the notions that have been put forward. Concludes with the fact that the traditional value chain begins with the company’s core competences, whereas evidence suggests that modern value chain analysis reverses this approach and uses customers as its starting point.
Value‐based marketing and its usefulness to customers
Authors: Walters David , Lancaster Geoff
Published: July 2002

Examines the concepts of value and information in terms of management. Although changes in information technology are the major themes, changes in the marketplace and the challenges facing marketing are also discussed. Examines value‐based marketing and its usefulness to customers, as well as the consequences of customers’ needs, as related to corporate and product credibility. Organizational structure, and its relation to strategic direction, is considered within this context. Concludes that both the concept of the virtual corporation, and the switch in emphasis from marketplace to marketspace, have been advanced.
Anatomy of competitive advantage: a SELECT framework
Authors: Ma Hao
Published: July 2002

Competitive advantage is the basis for superior performance. Understanding the anatomy of competitive advantage is of paramount importance to general managers who bear the ultimate responsibility for a firm’s long term survival and success. Advances an integrative framework called SELECT to help general managers systematically examine the various facets of the anatomy of competitive advantage: its substance, expression, locale, effect, cause, and time‐span. Analyzing the causes of competitive advantage helps a firm create and gain advantage. Studying the substance, expression, locale, and effect of competitive advantage allows the firm to better utilize the advantage. Examining the time span of competitive advantage enables the firm to fully exploit the advantage according to its potential and sustainability.
What is the future for GM foods in the UK?
Authors: Sadler Miche`le
Published: July 2002

An Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) industry workshop to explore possible future scenarios for GM foods concluded that, from the current market rejection of GM soya, any development of consumer acceptance of GM products will be a gradual process. Niche markets are likely to develop first, possibly through the introduction of products delivering overt consumer benefits. Mainstream markets, possibly leading to full consumer acceptance of GM products, may eventually follow. The timescale for these changes is likely to be at least five to ten years for the development of niche markets, and possibly as long as 20 or even 40 years for full acceptance of GM products.
Taste of Success
Authors: Ballam Roy
Published: July 2002

Explains the new Taste of Success scheme, which aims to reward good work with food in UK schools. The scheme has been running since September 2001, is supported by Sainsbury’s, the Design and Technology Association, the British Nutrition Foundation and the Department for Education and Skills. It reviews the scheme’s operation, comprising an awards scheme for pupils to gain recognition of their practical food work, online resources to provide information on product development issues and manufacturing case studies and training sessions for teachers. To date, over 10,000 pupils from around the UK have taken part in the scheme.
Drinking water in schools: hygiene standards at fountains
Authors: Walters Kim , Cram Geoff
Published: July 2002

In July 2000 a study was undertaken into the facilities offered for drinking water at 54 schools in North Yorkshire. The work also looked at hygiene standards at drinking water fountains and whether they could pose any risk of contamination to children using them. The results showed the standard of facilities offered to children at schools varied considerably. In most schools the main provision for drinking water was from coldwater taps in school toilets. The next most popular option was drinking water fountains. A visual hygiene assessment of the fountains revealed that many of the fountains in toilets were not well maintained or clean. Traditional hygiene swabs taken from 47 fountains in 17 schools gave high bacterial colony counts, above what would be expected on a facility used for obtaining a drink of water. The main conclusion of the study was that school toilets are not an ideal type of environment for obtaining drinking water and better facilities need to be offered to children.
Processed Foods with Natural Flavour: The Use of Novel Recovery
Technology
Authors: Pyle Leo
Published: July 2002

Briefly outlines the role of new distillation technology in the recovery
and management of natural flavours. Often processing leads to the loss
or deterioration in the flavour characteristics of foods and drinks,
especially when compared with fresh starting materials. Aims to show
that some of these effects can be mitigated by good process engineering;
and uses the role of spinning cone distillation processes, on which the
author currently is researching, to illustrate the argument. Summarizes
the principal features of spinning cone technology, together with the
advantages of the technology for flavour recovery: these include high
selectivity and efficiency, mild operating conditions, low residence
times and multistage operation, which, inter alia, allow low stripping
rates, while producing flavour concentrates. Briefly mentions some
current applications including flavour management in the production of
fruit concentrates, the production of reduced alcohol drinks, and, in
the context of clean technologies, the use of the technology for flavour
recovery and odour removal.
A Milk Shake‐up: The Proposed Demise of the Milk Marketing Boards
Authors: Alcock Joan P.
Published: July 2002

The Milk Marketing Boards were established in 1933 in order to ensure a
regular collection of milk from farmers and a reliable delivery of milk
to customers. They perfected a distribution system which proved its
worth in the Second World War by ensuring an essential supply of milk
under difficult circumstances. In 1993, the Government proposed that the
English Milk Marketing Board should become a voluntary co‐operative with
the title Milk Marque. This would make its own arrangements for the
collection of milk from farmers and would compete with dairy companies
such as Nestle and Northern Foods as farmers would be able to make their
own arrangements over milk collection and milk products. The new system
was to be in place by 1 April. Because of objections, any decisions
have been postponed until 1 October or beyond.
Constipation: Not Just Fibre
Authors: Davies Jill
Published: July 2002

Addresses the problem of defining the term “constipation”. Briefly
discusses the role of dietary fibre as a cause for concern in the
aetiology of the disorder and highlights the importance of “other” factors
that may influence bowel habits. Makes specific reference to: the amount
of food eaten; fluid intake; exercise; delay in responding to the call
to stool; establishment of a bowel routine; psychological factor; sex
hormones (female); pharmacological preparations and health status.
States the prevalence of constipation in the UK and places emphasis
throughout on objective measurements of bowel function, including stool
frequency, weight and transit time. Emphasizes the fact that fibre is
just one consideration in the constipation scenario. Fibre is not the
panacea for this condition.
Fad Diets – Health Implications
Authors: Davies Jill
Published: July 2002

With the knowledge that body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30 is increasing
in Britain, explores various good diets, popular throughout the century,
e.g. The Hay Diet, Hollywood 18‐day Diet, Two‐food Diets, etc. and
reveals that most are potentially harmful, lacking in essential
nutrients. Points out that it is paradoxical that obesity is on the
increase but as many as one in five women at a given time are on a diet,
and supports the view that “it is better to be fat than be dead”,
suggesting a healthy diet to follow.
Iron Deficiency – A Concern for Infants of the 1990s
Authors: Goodenough Sally
Published: July 2002

Discusses the situation in Britain of iron deficiency among children and
presents several causes for this. Suggests ideas for parents to help
avoid iron deficiency in their children. Presents results of a study,
and sources for further information.
Food and health: the impact of the Chinese traditional philosophy
of food on the young generation in the modern world
Authors: Wu Yee‐man
Published: July 2002

People are exposed to different sociocultural changes in the modern
world. The Chinese, especially the young generation, always puzzle
towards the adoption between the traditional Chinese yinyang theory and
the western nutritional concept. Attempts to examine the value of
persistence of the two theories in Chinese society. Reviews and
investigates the general framework and the content of the two theories
with food samples. Draws conclusions that the fundamental principles of
both theories are similar: to give advice to people in order to adjust
their diet for healthy bodies. They have different categorizations and
each theory has its own characteristics. It is unnecessary to search for
a true theory between the two but it is better to accept their existence
and adopt an appropriate one in suitable circumstances.
Computers in the food industry – new developments
Authors: Seaman Claire
Published: July 2002

Sets out some of the more recent developments in computer hardware
and software which are likely to be of benefit to those working in the
food industry. Describes changes likely in the future which will make
computers more user‐friendly.
Science of food in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Ganguly A.S.
Published: July 2002

Reports on some of the points and predictions made in a lecture at
the Institute of Food Research, Norwich Laboratory Open Day.
Infant feeding
Authors: Wells Dilys
Published: July 2002

Summarizes some of the topics addressed at the National Dairy
Council conference “Nutrition and the Growing Cycle”.
Describes the recommendations of the DoH report Weaning and the
Weaning Diet; the importance of breast‐feeding; and the UK Baby
Friendly Initiative.
The revival of traditional food in Mallorca
Authors: Alcock Joan P.
Published: July 2002

Mallorca, one of the islands in the Balearics, Spain, has undergone
a revitalization in the last few years with a programme to update its
tourist facilities. One result has been a determined revival of
traditional customs and food. This has provided visitors with a wider
choice of food as well as encouraging more restaurants to serve
Mallorcan dishes. Many of these are suitable for vegetarians or are
being adapted to vegetarian taste. Describes and comments on these
dishes and notes the influence of earlier cultures, in particular that
of the Moors, on them. The result is that discerning visitors can eat a
far more nutritional diet than they expected.
Gas chromatography in food analysis: an introduction
Authors: Holley Kathy , Pennington Mark , Phillips Paul
Published: July 2002

Introduces gas chromatography (GC) a key analytical technique in
the food industry. It enables complex organic substances to be separated
and identified quickly and cheaply. Substances to be analysed by GC must
be volatile, i.e. readily pass into the gas phase. The substance to be
analysed is vaporized and moved through a long column by an inert
carrier gas. The column is filled with a packing material covered with
an involatile liquid. The molecules of each substance in a mixture will
become distributed between the gas and the liquid. The more volatile a
substance the longer it will be moving with the carrier gas, and the
quicker it will emerge from the column. Some substances must be
extracted from the food analysis by GC, e.g. fatty acids from
triglycerides. Others, such as alcohols, can be injected directly into
the column.
Visual cues and their effects on odour assessment
Authors: Blackwell Louise
Published: July 2002

Describes how 48 subjects participated in experiments to
investigate the effect of visual cues in identifying odours. The
subjects were first instructed to describe the odour of six fruit
solutions, four of which were inappropriately coloured. Second, they
were presented with a series of fruit solutions which varied in odour
and colour intensity and were asked to rank them in order of odour
strength. For the control sets, the odour and colour strengths were
compatible; in the experimental sets the odour strength and colour
intensity were conflicting. The results of the first experiment indicate
that the identification of fruit odours proves significantly more
difficult when the colour of the solution is inappropriate (p
< 0.05) and in the second experiment more subjects rank the solutions
in the correct order when the colour intensity and odour strengths are
compatible than when they are conflicting. Visual cues are found to
influence odour judgements significantly and, when presented with
conflicting stimuli, the visual cues appear to override the olfactory
sense and distract the subjects from making the correct assessment.
Dietary recommendations for people with rheumatoid arthritis and
related disorders – a preliminary study
Authors: Blades Mabel
Published: July 2002

Reports how a study of diet in people with arthritis by use of a
questionnaire showed benefits of diet for ten of the 17 respondents.
There were a number of dietary modifications implicated, the most common
being a diet high in essential fatty acids and low in fat. Respondents
were also noted to take a wide range of supplements.
Chemistry in the kitchen: milk and milk products I
Authors: Ainsworth Paul
Published: July 2002

Investigates the factors determining the quality of milk and heat‐treated milk products. Discusses the composition and structure of milk with particular reference to proteins, fat and lactose with emphasis on emulsion stability, fat globules and the casein micelles. Describes the preservation of milk by heat treatment to produce pasteurized, sterilized, ultra heat‐treated milks, and the chemical and physical changes taking place during this processing.
Infant formulas ‐ a brief insight
Authors: Foster L.H. , Sumar S.
Published: July 2002

The modern infant formula has evolved over many generations and many changes have taken place in the UK to produce formulas which are nutritionally complete. Reviews the modifications made to cow’s milk using skim milk, demineralized whey protein, non‐milk fats and non‐milk sugars and describes current formulas developed for babies with special needs. Gives a brief review of the recent UK guidelines on the nutritional assessment of infant formulas and outlines future trends.
Food and nutritional intake at high altitude
Authors: Edwards J.S.A. , Travis S.P.L. , Dinmore A.L.
Published: July 2002

Individuals who ascend to altitude too rapidly invariably develop acute mountain sickness (AMS) although a high carbohydrate diet may lessen these symptoms. Specific questions addressed in this study were: changes in diet prior to sojourning at altitude; changes in food consumption/nutritional intake, food acceptability, flavour and taste intensities. Nineteen subjects assembled for three days at sea level for baseline measurements consuming a diet of dehydrated rations. This regimen was repeated 18 days later in the Bolivian Andes at approximately 5,600m once subjects were acclimatised. Results confirm a common phenomenon; a reduced dietary intake and body weight loss at high altitude. Other results, flavour and taste intensities and overall food acceptability indicate the suitability of these foods in both environments.
Children’s food choice
Authors: Douglas Lesley
Published: July 2002

Given free choice in a school cafeteria 12‐year‐olds were found to prefer foods which were high in fat and sugar. Their knowledge regarding differences between healthy and less healthy foods was better than their knowledge of specific nutrient‐rich foods. However, while this knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding the role of diet to health, knowledge alone has been insufficient to bring about healthier dietary choice. In the long term if positive dietary change is to be achieved, the role of factors such as social and economic background in modifying food choice must be considered.
Catering for older people in residential care homes
Authors: Read Susannah , Worsfold Denise
Published: July 2002

A nutritional analysis of the weekly menus from 24 residential homes was conducted and information gathered by questionnaire on the planning, preparation and service of meals. The nutritional standard of the menus complied with many of the nutritional guidelines in the Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) Report (1995). Meals, if eaten, would provide sufficient energy and nutrients to meet most of the dietary needs of the elderly residents. However, the menus provided an inadequate amount of starch, fibre and Vitamin D and a higher than recommended level of sugar and salt. Menus complied with the recommendations in the CWT Report, with familiar traditional home cooked dishes, a variety of vegetables, different main course items and a selection of puddings. Adequate drinks and snacks were provided between formal meals. However, for many residents there was no choice at meals, meals were pre‐plated and there was a lack of variety with weekly repeated meals.
A summary of the meeting at a Symposium on Dietitians and Dietary Treatments for Obesity: A Move Towards Evidence‐based Practice
Authors: Blades Mabel
Published: July 2002

Outlines the programme of presentations made at the Symposium on Dietitians and Dietary Treatments for Obesity: A Move towards Evidence‐based Practice, held on 25 November 1997 at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. Provides brief details as to the extent of obesity in the UK and to current practices to deal with the problem.
USA raises calcium reference intakes
Authors: Buttriss Judy
Published: July 2002

The USA in 1997 raised the reference dietary intakes of calcium for adults and children. These include estimated average requirements (EARs), recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), adequate intakes (AIs) and tolerable upper intake levels (ULSs). These new values were designed to optimise health and minimise risk of major chronic disease. For children they aim to maximise calcium retention, for adults 31‐50 they aim to achieve a calcium retention. The US recommendations are significantly higher than the British. Emphasises the need for high calcium intakes during phases of rapid growth; stresses how deficits in calcium accretion may never be reversed. Research supports the benefits of increased calcium intake.
A code of practice for food labelling
Authors: Humphries Catherine
Published: July 2002

The paper describes the results of consumer research undertaken by the Co‐operative Wholesale Society which influenced it to develop a code of practice for labelling pre‐packed foods. Areas where consumers feel they are misled by current labelling practice are highlighted. The content of the code is described against a background of current legal requirements. Its principal areas of application concern the name of the food, origin marking, presentation, nutrition labelling and claims and quantitative ingredient declaration. The further development of the code is outlined by reference to industry and consumer contributions and its potential within the Food Standards Agency.
Compositional changes and spoilage in fish ‐ an introduction
Authors: Fraser Owen , Sumar Sam
Published: July 2002

Presents the compositional and spoilage changes in fish ‐ useful for determining the freshness for eating. Chemical and microbiological methods are focused on. Breakdowns in chemical components lead to detectable changes ‐ odour, flavour and texture. Changes to the fats, protein, nucleotides, non‐protein nitrogen compounds and enzymes are examined. These means are more valid when dealing with preserved and frozen fish and can give accurate assessment as to fish quality.
Fluid qualification tests – evaluation of the lubricating properties of biodegradable fluids
Authors: Kessler M. , Feldmann D.G.
Published: July 2002

To develop a new, biodegradable hydraulic fluid, numerous standard and in‐house screening tests are necessary to verify the lubricating properties. It was further determined that evaluation within a hydrostatic transmission, simulating field operating conditions, as a final test is critical but needed, as new fluids will occasionally fail this test, although all prior tests were passed. This paper describes recent experiences at the authors’ institute with ester based hydraulic fluids run in a heavily loaded hydrostatic transmission under laboratory conditions on the so‐called “flywheel test rig”. Change of fluid properties and wear behavior of the hydrostatic components are compared to derive statements about the fluids’ behavior to be expected in the field application.
The utilisation of NVQs in higher education
Authors: Morgan Arthur
Published: July 2002

In 2000 a survey was undertaken in an attempt to establish a sustainable, coherent database of empirical information on NVQ level 3, 4 and 5 activity in English and Welsh higher education institutions (HEIs). As a result of this work a report was produced, The Utilisation of NVQs in Higher Education in England and Wales, which set out the survey findings. The article reviews the findings of the data collection and highlights a range of issues concerned with accurate and consistent reporting of data by organisations charged with this responsibility. The penetration of NVQs into higher education is discussed and reference made to a number of case studies. These studies offer valuable insights into the ways in which various institutions have addressed the problems of the integration of NVQs into higher education provision.
Time to compute
Authors: Clemmet Andrew
Published: July 2002

The computer has become ubiquitous. Almost every office has at least
one indeed, in many industries, almost every member of staff has one.
This situation has come about in only 50 years – and, in effect,
in only about a dozen years since the development of the first
microcomputers. This article is about the history and development of the
computer, but also about the relationship of the machine with time.
Productivity growth: some propositions
Authors: Mohanty R.P.
Published: July 2002

In this article, my intention is to stimulate some discussion on the
need for an integrated industrial and economic development policy viewed
in the overall perspectives of productivity management. All of us who
are interested in social issues in a real sense have some commonalities
of purpose; expressed in terms of economic stability, freedom to
progress, social welfare, etc. Today, the single issue that bothers most
of us (in India) is that we are not in sound economic health. Inflation
is increasing and unemployment is growing at an accelerating rate.
Unprecedented international debt, government deficits, volatile capital
markets and a host of other issues and factors have created
disequilibrium in the economic system as well as in our social
structure. In order to bring the economic system back into a state of
equilibrium, it may be necessary to make some fundamental changes in our
concepts and methods of planning, organizing and controlling our
organizations. My motive here is, therefore, to introduce some basic
propositions that may enlighten us – particularly corporate
leaders – in bringing some meaningful transformations in the
management of our organizations for productivity growth.
Gainsharing revisited
Authors: Daniels Shirley
Published: July 2002

Gainsharing systems offer the possibility of all stakeholders being equally committed to the wellbeing of an organization and sharing fairly in its success. Argues that such schemes can work in practice if a few basic rules are followed and if the scheme is sufficiently simple to be open and transparent to all those stakeholders. Includes the outline of a simple scheme which demonstrates the basic concepts.
TQM in the service sector
Authors: Mohanty R.P. , Behera A.K.
Published: July 2002

Underlines the dominance of the service sector in the future global economy and explains the characteristic features and elements of a service organization. Explains that with the growing maturity of society with respect to education, culture and standards of living, the user expectations and demands for improved quality of service are increasing. This is part of the pressure causing service organizations to explore total quality management (TQM) as a means of driving quality improvement into all their activities. Outlines a framework for implementing TQM within the service sector.
Performance evaluation using statistical quality control techniques
Authors: Burney Farhat Ali , Al‐Darrab Ibrahim
Published: July 2002

Total quality management is now an established and widely used management process. One of its associated features is the application of statistical quality control techniques. These have been applied to both manufacturing and service industries. This paper presents an application of this methodology to the area of human performance evaluation in a service industry. It describes the data, method of their collection, their analysis, and a subjective evaluation criterion developed to evaluate the performance.
Total quality management: key concepts
Authors: Anjard Ronald P.
Published: July 2002

Total quality management (TQM) has been suggested as a means of coping with turbulent change. The strong and simple central focus allows an internal war to be waged on complacency that prepares an organisation for strong external competition. However, a desire to introduce and practise TQM is not sufficient for success. Highlights the main features of a TQM programme, and the critical success factors. In particular, stresses the importance of matching words with actions ‐ completely and continually. This is vital since a failing TQM programme cannot be resurrected.
Supply chain management
Authors: Moore Nigel
Published: July 2002

The supply chain consists of the links between a firm and its suppliers, through to its distribution organisation and on to its customers. Argues that analysis and improvement of activities within the supply chain can make a significant impact on customer service and competitiveness. Highlights the importance of exploiting technology to revolutionise the supply chain.
The effects of linkage between business and human resource management strategies
Authors: Huang Tung‐Chun
Published: July 2002

Contingency theory holds that human resource management methods are selected in accordance with the type of competitive strategy adopted by a business. It moreover assumes that companies that closely coordinate their business strategy and HRM activities achieve better performance than companies that do not. This study attempts to examine the interactive effects of various combinations of business and HRM strategies from the standpoint of contingency theory. The conclusions are based on an analysis of questionnaires completed by 315 local firms in Taiwan. The results show that different business and HRM strategy combinations have different effects on organizational performance. However, these differences were not always consistent with the predictions of contingency theory.
Personal Web pages as professional activities: an exploratory study
Authors: Weaver Angela E.
Published: July 2002

Explores the possibility of considering the creation and maintenance of reference librarians’ personal Web sites as part of their professional duties. After reviewing a sample of personal Web sites and the results of an e‐mail survey targeting such sites and their creators, a case study is presented of three home pages detailing interactions with site visitors, especially interactions with research scholars, as well as examining non‐traditional reference service and scholarly publishing. Concludes the article by offering suggestions regarding the integration of personal Web sites into professional reference librarians’ duties and faculty activities.
Outreach to student‐athletes through e‐mail reference service
Authors: Jesudason Melba
Published: July 2002

This article explains why student‐athletes on college and university campuses are chosen as a special group for library instruction outreach programs. A brief history of the library instruction to athletes’ programs at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison is given, emphasizing the collaboration between the academic advisors of the athletes and the instruction librarians. With the inception of electronic library services and full‐text databases, the next logical progression in the program is e‐mail reference services. Such a program is described.
Academic library user education in China
Authors: Sun Ping , Rader Hannelore B.
Published: July 2002

The role of academic libraries is changing and expanding in China. Education reform in higher education has initiated many changes in the universities. Developing information technology has enabled academic libraries to move from traditional paper‐based environments toward networked‐electronic ones. A great number of global information resources are available to libraries now. Tsinghua University’s library, for example, has built an integrated library information system including CD‐ROM online searching. In 1998, the university was the first one to be connected to the Internet in China. In the same year, it began its leadership of the China Education and Research Network (CERNET). These accomplishments, as discussed here, have provided new and great challenges for faculty, students, and staff, especially librarians.
At least do no harm: sources on the changing role of business ethics and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Kilcullen Maureen , Ohles Kooistra Judith
Published: July 2002

Although the topics of business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are not new, this article focuses on the changing role of both subjects in the current business world. Having heard much about CSR in the past, the authors were under the impression that it had taken hold as a movement and more and more corporations were leaning toward ethical business practices and social responsibility. Media attention on the shocking revelations of the tobacco industry stimulated their interest in investigating this impression. Their research indicates that, although some corporations are still practicing unethical behavior, many more indicated that they have a social responsibility to their stakeholders.
The evolution of the Encyclopaedia Britannica: from the Macropaedia to Britannica Online
Authors: Auchter Dorothy
Published: July 2002

For over 200 years the Encyclopaedia Britannica has been the standard against which all other English language encyclopedias are measured. Although universally acknowledged as an outstanding reference work, it has endured a series of financial crises, questionable editorial decisions, and a difficult transition into the computer age. This article will examine the most controversial of the Britannica’s moves, the decision to divide the encyclopedia into the Micropaedia and Macropaedia. The many intellectual improvements that were introduced into the Britannica at this time were overshadowed by attention given to the unusual, sometimes frustrating, new arrangement of the set. An even greater threat to the Britannica’s livelihood has come from the electronic age. Ironically, it was only after the Britannica came online that many of the problems that were inherent in the printed version have been resolved.
The decline of cooling out applicant failure
Authors: Hallier Jerry , James Philip
Published: July 2002

Goffman’s concept of cooling out the mark (Goffman, E., “On cooling the mark out: some aspects of adaptation and failure”, Psychiatry: Journal of the Study of Interpersonal Relations, Vol. 15 No. 4, 1952, pp. 451‐63) is proposed as helpful for understanding self‐regulating groups’ attempts to pacify transferring colleagues who are facing admission failures. A longitudinal study of an air traffic control company is used to examine what happens to the status and operation of a long‐standing group‐regulated cooling out process when the rejection of applicant colleagues suddenly increases following the onset of mass job moves. Groups saw the tradition of using cooling out to obscure trainee complaints about admission decisions as less important than publicising failure by pressing management to address their new staffing problems. The pressures surrounding the decline of cooling out were also found to weaken the common basis of these groups’ established occupational identity. Specialized occupational and group constructions emerged that linked identity and task on the basis of unit location, specialist operational skills, and even desirable age profiles. The conclusion drawn is that while the very act of turning away from the cooling out tradition may undermine the process of self‐regulation, it may, paradoxically, represent a necessary step in the transformation of the group from one type of self‐regulated identity to another.
HR‐line work relations:a review, pilot case and research agenda
Authors: Renwick Douglas
Published: July 2002

States that in respect of organizations’ attempts to devolve operational HR management to line managers, and the reconfiguration of HR work in general, one area of HR work that has received relatively little attention is the state of work relations between HR and line managers involved in the operation and execution of HR policy. Any research that has been done has often been a‐theoretical. Reviews the literature in the field and examines the themes raised by means of an exploratory pilot case study. The case findings are that conflictual relations are seen to exist, but are seen to be negated by moves towards more consensual relations by both parties. Concludes that it is useful to seek to derive a wider research agenda than that which presently exists for HR‐line work relations (especially the need for further case work), and to stress the need for further theory development in the field, so as to examine consensual theories’ explanations of why such developments are occurring.
Occupational pensions and employee retention
Authors: Taylor Stephen
Published: July 2002

This article explores the relationship, in the contemporary UK context, between employee retention and the provision by employers of occupational pension schemes. Several sources of literature are drawn on to develop cases for and against the proposition that pensions play a discernible role in reducing employee turnover. Original research carried out by the author is then presented which suggests that the retention effect is limited in terms of both its potency and its extent. A particular finding is the varying importance of pension schemes in terms of the retention of different staff groups.
Trade unions and partnership in the health service
Authors: Heaton Norma , Mason Bob , Morgan Joe
Published: July 2002

Contributes to the social partnership debate by exploring ways in which inter and intra‐union relations influence the development of partnership within a National Health Service Trust, by using observation techniques, focus groups and semi‐structured interviews involving ancillary workgroup members, shop stewards and managers (conducted in 1998). Argues, on an empirical basis, that union relationships may both facilitate and constrain management decision making and, ultimately, the implementation of policy. Views, conceptually, the parties’ understanding of partnership as changing over time, within a context that is contradictory; with management, trade union representatives and employees developing competing perspectives on “social partnership”, in part as a response to, and in turn recreating, a pluralistic workplace environment.
What shapes HRM? A multivariate examination
Authors: Bin Othman Rozhan , Poon June M.L.
Published: July 2002

The link between business strategy and human resource management (HRM) practices has received considerable attention from researchers. It is generally believed that integrating strategy and HRM will result in positive organizational outcomes. The empirical evidence for the strategy‐HRM relationship is, however, still inconclusive. For example, it is still unclear as to how these two variables are linked and what other variables are involved. Therefore, this study sought to test a model of the relationships among competitive strategy, HRM practice, quality management approach, and management orientation. Data from a survey of 108 manufacturing companies were analyzed using path analysis. The results indicated that management orientation predicted quality management approach, competitive strategy, and HRM practice. In addition, quality management approach and competitive strategy mediated the relationship between HRM practice and competitive strategy. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Into murky waters
Authors: Klikauer Thomas , Morris Richard
Published: July 2002

While Germany’s employment relations are commonly seen as a high value added trust relationship built around the well publicised “new production concepts”, this paper aims to show that there is also another side to Germany’s ER. Using a detailed case study of the shipping industry, the authors show how the implementation of the International Ship Register during the late 1980s and 1990s challenged Germany’s traditional system of employment relations and regulatory framework. The authors conclude that evidence from the shipping industry illustrates a strong departure from Germany’s long‐established employment relations, where deregulation of shipping and labour law has led to the adoption of a “low road” approach.
Management and Communication Styles in Europe: Can They Be Compared
and Matched
Authors: Tixier Maud
Published: July 2002

Based on a 15‐country study in western Europe, examines management
and communication styles through a wide‐ranging interview schedule. In
the context of national and business cultures, explores the dimensions
of communications beliefs and practices, and draws out their
interrelationships with managerial style. Conclusions indicate some
unexpected cultural clusters and point to future research directions.
Salaryman Sudden Death Syndrome
Authors: Palumbo Frederick A. , Herbig Paul A.
Published: July 2002

Much current Japanese popular discussion centres on the sudden death, at an early age, of Japan′s hard‐working, white‐collar workers:Karoshi(death from overwork) – Salaryman′s Sudden Death Syndrome. Officially, it does not exist, as the government and big business are hesitant to acknowledge the phenomenon in light of the growing need to become more productive. The current recessionary pressure and growing shortage of labour in Japan has exposed this social phenomenon. Describeskaroshi, defines the extent of the phenomenon, explores changes that are occurring in Japan′s workforce and analyses the impact on Japan.