bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space technology comes down to earth
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: September 2004

Space satellites have for years used solar cells for their source of electricity. However, the technology has been expensive and relatively inefficient in comparison with other energy sources for terrestrial applications. There is increasing pressure for the development of renewable energy sources in view of the pollution caused by fossil fuels and their increasing scarcity, and a growing number of organizations, particularly in the USA, are finding niches for economical applications. Further developments in sensors are also extending the possibilities. In the UK, work is not so far advanced, but there is a Government support programme and many organizations are working hard to bring in the solar energy revolution.
Optical pyrometry for gas turbine aeroengines
Authors: Kerr Clive , Ivey Paul
Published: September 2004

Fundamentally, it is advantageous to operate an aeroengine's thermodynamic cycle at as high a turbine entry temperature as practical for the current metallurgical limits of the turbine blades in order to achieve peak cycle efficiency and thus lower specific fuel consumption. However, achieving the highest possible turbine entry temperature requires accurate knowledge of the turbine blade temperatures for control purposes to prolong component life as frequent excursions beyond the design limits of the blades can severely reduce their service life. The optical pyrometry technique represents the best method for providing this crucial temperature data needed for blade condition‐based monitoring. This paper presents the general operating principles, system aspects and design considerations for the application of the optical pyrometer instrument for inflight service use on gas turbine aeroengines.
Non‐contact optical displacement sensing
Authors: Slazas Paul A.
Published: September 2004

Looks at the use of non‐contact displacement and vibration sensors and notes their value for difficult sensing measurements. Mentions various situations which may dictate the use of a non‐contact sensor. Focuses on fibre‐optic sensors and laser triangulation sensors. Concludes that practical uses for such devices are rapidly expanding.
The Smart Seat approach
Authors: King Paul , Jackson M.R. , Galer‐Flyte  , Grafton A.J.
Published: September 2004

Observes that the provision of intelligent control is seen as the logical extension of existing seat‐belt and airbag systems for passenger vehicles to optimize secondary safety performance. Demonstrates the need for discrete information about the driver/passenger in the vehicle in order to provide optimal control of seat‐belt pre‐tensioning; seat‐belt reel‐out (post‐crash pulse); and air bag inflation timing and/or rate. Finds, from system modelling and statistical crash data, that such information as occupant mass and position with respect to vehicle interior and steering wheel are important parameters in the optimal control of the above integrated systems. Justifies these needs and shows that the design of a Smart Seat provides the necessary data. Explains that the design incorporates sensor systems, using a Mechatronic integrated approach.
Modelling of owner‐occupiers' perception of small‐scale maintenance builders' performance expectation – Part I
Authors: Kangwa Joseph , Olubodun Femi
Published: September 2004

This paper sets out to detect and explore underlying causes of increasing uncertainty and lack of transparency in the home maintenance sector. The study gives an account of owner‐occupiers' experience on the standards of work they encounter with small‐scale domestic traders. Part I of the study focuses on the consensus ranking of 13 building maintenance standards or attributes that owner‐occupiers expect from builders (Xbmas) whilst part II focuses on the contrast between expectations and the actual standards that owner‐occupiers observe from builders (Obmas). The application of nonparametric statistical techniques enabled the study to discover a consensus on what defines expectations and how these differ from observed standards. The final inventory generated on standard attributes is an essential information for existing builders, new entrants in the domestic sector and can be used to inform housing regeneration professionals and agencies involved in the design and management of schemes for small‐scale builders.
Assessing the innovative ability of FM teams: a review
Authors: Mudrak Tomas , van Wagenberg Andreas , Wubben Emiel
Published: September 2004

Facility management (FM) teams must deal with the creation of value in the physical world of resources and a virtual world made of information. Therefore, an innovative approach in the day‐to‐day FM operation is crucial. Studying the innovative ability of the FM teams contributes to the ongoing discussion in the field concerning the innovative ability of in‐house FM departments in comparison to their outsourced counterparts. The focus of this article is on the innovative ability of in‐house and outsourced FM teams. The article addresses the issue of innovative ability of FM teams from a theoretical perspective, suggesting an assessment framework to be used, providing an overview of implementation mechanisms of an innovation project. It concludes with a methodological application of the framework developed.
Managing outsourced support services: observations from case study
Authors: Salonen Anssi
Published: September 2004

A company, outsourcing support services which are essential for the continuity of the company, may want to secure smooth functioning by tying a closer relationship with the service provider. While companies are modifying their support service sourcing strategies into alliances, there is also a need to readjust mechanisms to manage those transactions and the related risks. Focusing on collaborative facilities management environment, this paper examines coordination mechanisms that go beyond traditional market mechanisms. A proposed alliance management model is presented. The paper delineates a single case study of a triadic alliance between a client and its two partners providing in concert outsourced maintenance operations. The study was carried out using the action research method.
Managing the Facilities‐Property Interface
Authors: Stansall Paul
Published: September 2004

While distinguishing between the roles of property and facilities
managers, identifies how they may need to be interfaced in the process
of developing, designing, planning, managing and using buildings to
increase the changes of a successful outcome. Addresses the need to deal
with potential conflicts of interest, where giving due consideration to
the interests of building users and input from outside consultants can
be useful.
Dissatisfaction and office productivity
Authors: Leaman Adrian
Published: September 2004

Examines the question of whether people′s productivity in offices
is affected by environmental conditions, such as heat, lighting,
ventilation and noise. Findings point to individuals′ perception that
uncomfortable working conditions affect their productivity. However,
difficulties in measurement of tasks and study being too small and
unrepresentative lead to uncertain conclusions. Outlines features of
best possible buildings and suggests they will contain satisfied and
productive occupants.
Private/public partnerships to ensure building code compliance
Authors: Loesch James , Hammerman David
Published: September 2004

Relates how partnering between public and private participants can transform the process of obtaining construction permits and ensuring building code compliance into a co‐operative pursuit of common objectives. States use of partnering techniques between the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) of Howard County, Maryland, and The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a large research facility in Howard County. Argues that experience in designing and setting up a partnering process for building code compliance may be of interest to anyone with a large campus and a need to reconfigure and renovate space regularly; as well as to local officials responsible for monitoring building code compliance for such facilities: for example, large corporate and manufacturing facilities, hospitals, or college and university campuses.
An elaborate analysis of production systems in industry: what a consultant should know
Authors: Metaxiotis Kostas S. , Ergazakis Kostas , Psarras John E.
Published: September 2004

It is common knowledge that during the last decade markets have become extremely competitive with product variety increasing continuously and product life cycles shortening. Many manufacturing companies, which hitherto satisfied their customers while operating specific production systems, were recently obliged to reconsider because of the potential superiority of other “manufacturing philosophies”. In the literature, we meet a great variety of production systems and manufacturing philosophies, while, on the other side, in industry we usually find different combinations of “primary” productions systems. In this paper, we present the existing “state‐of‐the‐art” theoretical and experiential knowledge about productions systems, as well as describe their basic characteristics in a useful, exact and comprehensive way for practitioners and software houses who want to have a knowledge base for further research and practical implementation in the wider field of production management, planning and scheduling.
Assessing responsiveness of the food industry in Thailand
Authors: Kritchanchai Duangpun
Published: September 2004

Speed is now a key competitive factor in industry. Responsiveness is a significant component, which can create speed in a system. In the author's previous research four groups of industries were identified with respect to responsiveness characteristics – off‐the‐shelf, safety stock, assembler and customizer. This paper focuses on one industrial sector within the off‐the‐shelf class – the food industry in Thailand – to study responsiveness in depth. A survey was conducted investigating critical areas for performance measurement with respect to responsiveness. A more precise set of critical areas for responsiveness were obtained. The results highlight the importance of planning, sourcing and inventory areas in this sector. Then an in‐depth interview was conducted in 11 case studies. Those three areas identified in the survey were investigated. It was found that there are three methods of creating responsiveness responding by production plan adjustment to customer; responding by production plan adjustment to raw material available level; and responding by providing raw material. Thus, according to the three responding methods, a framework for responsiveness assessment was developed. It also implies that nature of industry, types of stimuli and raw material significantly influence the areas for creating ability to respond.
Information network technology in the banking industry
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Scheuermann Larry , Babineaux Billy J.
Published: September 2004

The banking and thrift industries are experiencing a technological metamorphosis. New technologies such as advanced computer operating systems, wide and local area networks (WAN, LAN), and the Internet, are becoming significant strategic areas for financial institutions. The impact, composition, and trends of information technology on the banking and thrift institutions within a seven‐state region of the southeastern United States are examined. Bank characteristics such as asset size, number of employees, number of full service locations, areas of lending, and return on assets are evaluated in relation to the status, scope, and experience with computer network systems. Research indicates that a number of bank composition and operations variables behaved statistically independent between size variables (assets, number of employees, and number of branches) and WAN access. The survey data also indicate that return on assets and network system variables are independent. Therefore, networks systems have not had a direct impact on the bottom line.
Acquiring and accessing serials information – the electronic intermediary
Authors: Prior Albert
Published: September 2004

Intermediaries of various sorts have been key players in helping libraries in access to, and the acquisition of, serials. Subscription agents have been prominent, with a strong tradition in the print environment. They have developed additional services for libraries that focus on using automation to meet this objective, starting with serials management software and links to their databases in the 1980s, through to electronic journal services today. Intermediaries have a wider role in providing services in the area of electronic journals, to publishers as well as libraries. Current trends in scholarly publishing include the growth of alternative publishing initiatives. A key development at present is the growth of linking, including reference linking between publishers and the linking activities of intermediaries. The recent growth of library consortia in various countries has had an impact on library purchasing methods, and hence on the role and services of subscription agents. In this respect Swets Blackwell has been active as the managing agent in the UK NESLI Project.
Borrow Direct: its impact on service quality at Yale University Library
Authors: Nitecki Danuta A. , Jones Carol L.
Published: September 2004

Librarians at three large universities successfully developed a reader‐initiated borrowing model of interlibrary resource sharing, known as Borrow Direct, that now operates among seven major academic libraries in the US. The underlying software allows the reader to perform a virtual broadcast search of members' online catalogs. Automatic electronic notification to readers and elimination of some staff processing has resulted in major service improvements as assessed by both customers and managers. Describes the history of the initiative to reach technical goals of delivering loans within four days of request submission and for less than $10 per transaction. Also summarizes results of a survey of the perceptions of those who use the service.
Financial services advertising in eight non‐English speaking countries
Authors: Albers‐Miller Nancy D. , Straughan Robert D.
Published: September 2004

Although services, in general, have increased in significance worldwide, financial services face a less encouraging future. Market saturation has led to a search for growth opportunities. One approach has been to utilize traditional marketing techniques such as advertising. Another approach has been to expand into international markets. Managing the international advertising efforts of financial service firms is incredibly complex. This nine country study looks at consistency between advertising content and points of emphasis from financial strategy research. The comparison yields similarities and differences between critical managerial dimensions and themes in international financial service advertisements. Discussion of these findings and implications are provided.
Interrogating SERVQUAL: a critical assessment of service quality measurement in a high street retail bank
Authors: Newman Karin
Published: September 2004

This paper presents a case study of a pioneering nationwide implementation of SERVQUAL by a major UK high street bank between 1993 and 1997 at an annual cost of one million pounds. In addition to highlighting serious weaknesses in the value of SERVQUAL as a measure of service quality and as a diagnostic tool, this study raises some of the practical difficulties entailed in its implementation. Moreover, in this particular instance, it becomes apparent that difficulties are introduced by the separation of service quality management from the management of marketing and human resources. In addition, there was a discernible lack of top management commitment, as well as obstacles in the form of functional and informational silos, which served to constrain an integrated company response to SERVQUAL criteria.
An empirical assessment of the financial performance of Malcolm Baldrige Award winners
Authors: Jacob Rudolph , Madu Christian N. , Tang Charles
Published: September 2004

The Malcolm Baldrige Award was created in 1987 to curtail the US loss of market share to foreign producers and to encourage a focus on management of quality and customer satisfaction. However, since its inception there has been a long‐running controversy on whether winning this award does enhance future financial performance and ultimately shareholders' wealth. Examines how Baldrige Award winners perform with respect to several accounting and financial metrics. Specifically, assesses Baldrige Award winners' financial performance relative to industry benchmarks and a control group of similar firms. The results suggest that award winners are superior financial performers and are valued higher by investors compared with similar sized firms and industry benchmarks. However, no evidence was found that winning the award causes changes in firm value in the award year and subsequent years. The results suggest that the Baldrige Award winners are examples of firms that stand out as performance leaders in their industries. Since one of the purposes of the award is to stimulate quality awareness among US firms, the Baldrige recipients may be construed as a conspicuous centerpiece of the US quality management movement.
Asymmetric control limits of the x‐bar chart for skewed process distributions
Authors: Wu Zhang
Published: September 2004

Presents an approach to determine the optimum control limits of the x‐bar chart for skewed process distributions. The approach takes both the control limits of the x‐bar chart and the specification limits of x into consideration, and relates the out‐of‐control status directly with the nonconforming products. The proposed approach may be applied to industries to reduce the average number of scrap products, without increasing the type I error in statistical process control (SPC).
Transformational leadership and shared values: the building blocks of trust
Authors: Gillespie Nicole A. , Mann Leon
Published: September 2004

Interpersonal trust is central to sustaining team effectiveness. Whilst leaders play the primary role in establishing and developing trust, little research has examined the specific leadership practices which engender trust toward team leaders. This study investigated the relationship between a set of leadership practices (transformational, transactional, and consultative) and members' trust in their leader, in research and development (R&D) teams. Usable questionnaires were completed by 83 team members drawn from 33 R&D project teams. Three factors together predicted 67 per cent of the variance in team members' trust towards leaders, namely: consulting team members when making decisions, communicating a collective vision, and sharing common values with the leader. Trust in the leader was also strongly associated with the leader's effectiveness. The implications of these findings for leadership development, team building and future research are discussed.
An overview of the experiences of Chinese industrialization strategies and development
Authors: Li Lisa , Vinten Gerald
Published: September 2004

Analyses China’s experience in import substituting industrialization (ISI), the trend towards export‐oriented industrialization (EOI) through expounding its economic performance and its policies from 1949 to 1995. Focuses on analysing the nature of two different development models: Mao’s closed economy and Deng Xiao Ping’s open‐door economy during this period. Discusses whether it is ISI or EOI that leads to development and economic growth in China.
Women and leadership in universities: a case study of women academic managers
Authors: Kloot Louise
Published: September 2004

Gender inequity at senior ranks in Australian public sector universities has long been recognised as a major problem. Universities are attempting to address the problem, through policies for recruitment and retention of senior women. This paper describes what happened in one faculty in a large university that has such gender equity policies when three women were appointed to head departments. At the end of a year, all three were gone. The women experienced a masculine‐oriented management culture, with little experience of feminine management values. The women and the men had different perceptions of management roles and different perceptions of alternative job opportunities. Gender issues became more visible to these senior women, but remained invisible to the men. Suggestions to improve the retention of senior women include nominating a change agent to provide support and encouragement for senior women, more transparent organisational processes and structures, and changes in hiring practices.
Facilitating research utilisation
Authors: Hemsley‐Brown Jane
Published: September 2004

For many management researchers, it is important that the knowledge they create is utilised and has some impact on managerial practice. Sustainable competitive advantage depends less on who has the information and increasingly on those able to make the best use of that information. This paper focuses on two key questions: what are the barriers to research utilisation and what are the most effective strategies for facilitating the use of research by managers in the public sector, based on research evidence? The approach entailed extensive searches of on‐line databases in the fields of management, education and medicine, from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. Key themes to emerge from this review were the accessibility and relevance of research, trust and credibility; the gap between researchers and users, and organisational factors. Research use can be facilitated through: support and training; collaboration and partnership; dissemination strategies; networks; and strong, visible leadership.
Facilitating the New Manager Transition: Part II
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , McKeen Carol A.
Published: September 2004

It is not uncommon for high‐level managers appointed from outside
organizations to fail in their new assignments. This failure in taking
charge, while common, has received little research attention. The
taking‐charge process has been characterized by five phases: Taking
Hold, Immersion, Reshaping, Consolidation and Refinement. Building on
research on how managers build relationships with their subordinates,
describes a practical programme for facilitating the new manager
transition. This programme is consistent with conditions supportive of
effective teamwork and organizational learning.
Speaking in public – part III:
Authors: Freeburn Robert
Published: September 2004

In this final article about speaking and presenting in public, the
topic is the physical presence of the speaker and how that presence can
physically reinforce the topic, thereby creating greater impact.
A dramaturgical analysis of charismatic leader discourse
Authors: Harvey Arlene
Published: September 2004

Many charismatic leaders are renowned for their exemplary rhetorical skills and powers of persuasion and their sense of drama. Interpreting the charismatic relationship as a drama invokes a cast of characters, with the charismatic leader and followers as main protagonist and co‐protagonists, respectively, and competitors and opponents as antagonists. Viewing the charismatic relationship from this perspective also suggests tensions and dilemmas that the leader, in particular, must resolve for the drama to have an outcome mutually acceptable to the actors and their audience. This paper describes the kinds of impression management techniques used by Steve Jobs of Apple Computer, a well‐known charismatic leader, to resolve the dilemmas and tensions resulting from the dramatic nature of the charismatic relationship.
Capitalism and concern
Authors: Peters John
Published: September 2004

Asks whether socially responsible behaviour and capitalism can be sensibly reconciled. Notes the economic advantages of capitalism but also concerns regarding factors such as social order and pollution, suggesting that quality management has a role to play in bringing the goals of capitalism and social responsibility together. Points out that today’s customers expect companies to address these concerns and that if companies fail to do so governments will do it for them via emissions taxation etc. Concludes that social responsibility can make economic sense.
Territorial lockout – an international issue in the videogames industry
Authors: Ip Barry , Jacobs Gabriel
Published: September 2004

This paper, examines the controversial issues within the videogames industry surrounding territorial lockout (TL – the ability to build in incompatibility between products destined for different regions of the world). Little research has been conducted either to uncover the precise reasons why TL is implemented, or to gather consumer and industry attitudes towards its application. We therefore, conducted a survey of gamers and industry professionals to elicit attitudes towards TL. The results show not only that the justifications suggested for its application appear to be insubstantial but also that the measure is to a large extent ineffective. The findings, thus prompt videogames hardware manufacturers to reconsider their position as regards the application of TL.
Developing an LCA guide for decision support
Authors: Guinée Jeroen B. , Huppes Gjalt , Heijungs Reinout
Published: September 2004

The life cycle assessment (LCA) guide of Heijungs et al. has been renewed to the latest methodological developments, aiming to make the ISO 14040 series on life cycle assessment operational. For this, a closer look was taken at intended applications in relation to required and practicable modelling options. Applications determine the required theoretical model, but the theoretical model required often comes into conflict with the available practical models and the needed operationality for decision support. To ease the tension between these requirements, simplifications need to be made in a guide on LCA. Two levels of sophistication have been worked out in the new guide documents: a detailed LCA with some options for extensions, and a simplified version.
Grinding slow and grinding sure? The making of the Environment Agency
Authors: Weale Albert
Published: September 2004

Describes the initial moves towards forming the Environment Agency, taken in 1976. Outlines the amalgamation of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution and the National Rivers Authority. Sets out various obstacles to the integrated administration, and looks at future problems of the Agency regarding its relationship with the European Union.
Information Management
Authors: Harwood Graham
Published: September 2004

Today′s managers are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of available
information. This requires a conscious management process to identify
what information is of value. Coupled with this is the speed at which
new information becomes available, creating ever‐changing scenarios on
which to base decisions. The catalyst for this change has been the
“T” (for technology) in IT. However, the objective of this course is not
to produce an expert in new technology but rather to help managers to
gain a greater appreciation of how information can empower them to
become more effective. Seeks to demonstrate that companies which manage
information strategically can radically alter the competitive potential
of their business.
Flexibility and responsiveness in relation to the use of MRPII
Authors: Aldridge David J. , Betts James
Published: September 2004

Seeks to document a responsive strategy to manufacturing planning with Cussons (UK) Limited, a company operating in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. In the FMCG environment products are manufactured to a sales forecast, and customers demand 100 per cent service levels within lead‐times, sometimes in the order of hours rather than days. It is essential that a company′s stock replenishment procedures should reflect this situation rather than inhibit its ability to respond. Manufacturing resource planning (MRPII), the standard for planning and procurement used comprehensively within manufacturing industry, is a tool that has been generally accepted and used within the FMCG sector. It was not, however, either designed or developed to cope with the specific demands imposed by this type of business. Suggests that MRPII, rather than facilitating responsive planning, may actually form a barrier to change.
Synthetic leases: red flags in retailing
Authors: Kaikati Jack G.
Published: September 2004

Synthetic leases, used by some retailers to finance rapid expansion, could be ticking time bombs that might blow up anytime in the USA. This paper has three objectives. First, it provides an overview of the financing technique in the USA by tracing its origin and pin‐pointing its advantages and drawbacks. It shows that the drawbacks tend to outweigh the benefits. Second, it discusses how some retailers were red‐flagged for using it and how they responded to such undesirable exposure. The third objective is to highlight the more stringent accounting regulations recently imposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on synthetic leases in the USA.
Improve service by acting small
Authors: Berry Leonard L.
Published: September 2004

Can businesses that deliver services through multiple distribution points significantly improve their reputations for quality? Yes, but these businesses must overcome the common perception that chain operations do not care about quality as much as locally‐owned firms. Explores the idea of large companies acting like small ones to improve their quality reputation.
TQM Is Common Sense
Authors: Choppin Jon
Published: September 2004

Examines, in the form of an amusing discussion, the pros and cons of
implementing quality management within a company. Provides definitions
of quality and also the customer. Suggests how quality can be improved
within a company. Concludes that quality ought to be managed through
processes and employees.
Total Quality Service
Authors: Choppin Jon
Published: September 2004

Considers the use of industrial ideas of total quality management (TQM)
within a public service environment. Identifies five considerations or
“thought filters” necessary to construct the culture required for a
successful total quality initiative within the public service.
The New Role of Service in Customer Retention
Authors: Potter‐Brotman Jennifer
Published: September 2004

New research suggests that the role of service in customer retention is
more critical than ever in the 1990s. The Forum Corporation recently
embarked on a large‐scale research project in North America, Asia and
Europe to find out how today’s customers define quality in relation to
sales and service. Describes the initial findings about service, and
their implications for organizations. One of the main conclusions is
that service needs to become a collective organizational responsibility
rather than the function of a single department.
High tech v. high touch: a case study of TQM implementation in
higher education
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth
Published: September 2004

Presents the results of a case study to evaluate the effectiveness
of a TQM programme in higher education. The academic advising office at
the University of Houston College of Business Administration implemented
a quality improvement programme called the TQM laboratory, which used
the SERVQUAL instrument to assess student perceptions of service quality
prior to TQM programme implementation, and then during the subsequent
semester. Results yielded some implications regarding the trade‐off
between high tech and high touch which may be of interest to managers.
Specifically, the high‐tech focus of the TQM laboratory increased
student perceptions of service quality regarding reliability and
responsiveness. However, there was a corresponding decrease in the
high‐touch area. Student perceptions of empathy decreased significantly
with the implementation of the TQM laboratory.
Westminster City Council: improving quality through complaint management
Authors: Carney Steve
Published: September 2004

Examines the approaches to complaints management adopted by Westminster City Council. Begins by listing and analysing the factors causing the greatest impact on customer loss, in order to prioritize areas for improvement. Describes how best to target the resulting information so individual departments can build on their own strengths and weaknesses. Outlines ways in which the difficult problems can be tackled as well as more straightforward ones. Concludes by examining ways of measuring and monitoring positive changes.
Managing quality in a UK local authority: the Leicester experience
Authors: Farrell Charles , Ho Samuel K.
Published: September 2004

The resources department of the Leicester City Council (LCC) has introduced a wide range of initiatives to achieve quality management with the aim to deliver quality services to customers. Research has shown an improvement in quality management and a commitment to further improvement. Notable improvements include a change to the organizational culture, the application of continuous improvement and the development of a quality assurance programme which can be extended to include ISO 9000. Argues that the commitment to further improvement needs to be considered in terms of a more formal approach to TQM. Suggests that an established integrated approach called the TQMEX model is particularly appropriate for consideration. The output of the research is a TQM strategic plan based on the status quo of LCC, the theoretical background of the TQMEX model and the experience of the author in total quality practices.
Rover Group’s drive towards extraordinary customer satisfaction
Authors: Taylor Chris
Published: September 2004

Examines how; in the past ten years, Rover Group has shifted from a publicly owned motor manufacturer, the butt of many jokes, into private ownership under British Aerospace plc in 1988, and then to BMW ownership in 1994. The company’s quality journey started in 1987, and a good measure of its effectiveness is that the company, worth £150 million when sold to BAe, multiplied its value by more than five times before being sold to BMW for £800 million in 1994 ‐ the same year in which the company was an inaugural winner of the UK Quality Award. Outlines much of the thinking and the processes that provide the waystations along that road to that award.
Information priority‐setting for better resource allocation using analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Li Heng
Published: September 2004

Focuses on the use of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritize different forms of information. Identification of the key information may help better allocation of resources for a construction project. Various forms of information and their associated activities may critically affect the project, which have to be carefully dealt with for enhancing the project performance. Essentially, when some of these forms of information have to be produced and managed by more sophisticated information technology, the more we know about their importance level, the better we could allocate our investment in the construction project. In general, this study reveals that managerial information is equally as important as technical information. This implies that an overall information system should incorporate the technologies and techniques for generating and maintaining both types of information.
The impact of IT on SMEs in the United States
Authors: Beheshti Hooshang M.
Published: September 2004

Recent spectacular technological advances and breakthroughs have generated dramatic increases in information availability and have made the effective use of modern information technology a critical, competitive business tool. For this study a survey instrument was developed to evaluate the impact of information technology on small and medium enterprises in the USA. The results provide useful insight into the use of information technology by both manufacturing and service SMEs.
The Information Highway:
Authors: Forcht Karen A. , Oare Morey
Published: September 2004

Provides a strong basic definition of the Information Highway (IH),
including security, hardware and software and discusses the future
ramifications. Identifies the four main parties involved: cable
companies, telephone companies, Internet and the policy‐makers in
Washington, detailing their opinions and interests. Specifies a number
of legislative issues involved and discusses the role of the Clinton
administration. Finally, discusses the resulting business and economic
implications.
Relating information and value disciplines
Authors: Lowrey Ross
Published: September 2004

Shows, giving examples, how information technology is changing business practices. Investigates the benefits of information systems which are brought about by structural changes to processes and organizations. Identifies three value disciplines on which market leaders concentrate ‐ operational excellence, customer intimacy and product leadership. Concludes that information processes operate to achieve better control and efficiency, enhance productivity and harness innovation.
Integral futures: breadth plus depth equals foresight with insight
Authors: Hines Andy
Published: September 2004

The Australian Foresight Institute has brought out a collection of essays that provide a wonderful introduction into the realm of integral thinking as being brought into foresight and futures studies. They suggest a broader, more‐encompassing framework for understanding the future and providing context for what's going on today. Two essays explore foresight in everyday life and conclude that “foresight is something that can be improved with practice.” The second entry looks at how two leading practitioners, Richard Slaughter and Sohail Inayatullah, are applying critical thinking to foresight and challenging the taken‐for‐granted and probing for hidden assumptions. The third brings integral thinking to critique national science and technology foresight exercises. The final entry is a collection of three papers on the topic of “Reframing environmental scanning” that makes the case for a new approach and then lays out early progress in that direction.
Differences between on‐site and off‐site teams: manager perceptions
Authors: Stevenson Walt , Weis McGrath Erika
Published: September 2004

This study investigated managers' perceptions of variables important to successful teams, emphasizing key differences between off‐site and on‐site teams. Changes in perceptions after exposure to a virtual team environment were examined. Key variables examined in this study included reporting procedures, importance of solid work structure, team hierarchy, team leadership, and communication. Findings as to pre‐ and post‐perceptions of the importance of these variables are reported. MBA students, already in managerial jobs, were the subjects, and were expected to duplicate general managerial attitudes. Two statistical tests were used to evaluate the data. First, a test of differences of means for paired observation, n=43, using t‐statistic; second, a test of association, rated on a Likert scale from 1 to 5, using Pierson's Chi‐square test, were used to evaluate the quantitative part of the study. Conclusions are drawn as to what managers need to focus on when employing virtual teams.
Decision rules for a maintenance database
Authors: Gento Angel M.
Published: September 2004

In the present time, there are large databases with parameters related to the maintenance of different equipment and installations. Given that manual analysis of sensors connected to machines is practically impossible, maintenance decisions from these databases can be difficult if the information automatically updated from these sensors is huge. Those great amounts of information are essentially useless if the knowledge contained inside cannot be extracted. Rough set theory facilitates this work by detecting those parameters that are truly significant for establishing the decision rules of the maintenance. In order to show the power of rough sets this paper contains a real case of a plastic injection installation for the analysis. Practical implications. An effective use of resource allocation in manufacturing processes could be achieved by using certain decision rules to indicate where and when maintenance decisions and tasks should be undertaken. This paper illustrates how the powerful theory of rough sets handles these issues. Therefore, the use of this technique is highly recommended for those industrial processes with a great amount of data and time (or in general, any resource) limitations.
Conceptualizing and researching employer branding
Authors: Backhaus Kristin , Tikoo Surinder
Published: September 2004

Employer branding represents a firm's efforts to promote, both within and outside the firm, a clear view of what makes it different and desirable as an employer. In recent years employer branding has gained popularity among practicing managers. Given this managerial interest, this article presents a framework to initiate the scholarly study of employer branding. Combining a resource‐based view with brand equity theory, a framework is used to develop testable propositions. The article discusses the relationship between employer branding and organizational career management. Finally, it outlines research issues that need to be addressed to develop employer branding as a useful organizing framework for strategic human resource management.
Effectiveness of push and pull learning strategies in construction management
Authors: Santos Aguinaldo , Powell James Alfred
Published: September 2004

“Push learning” in construction management happens when learners have little or no power in defining the problem, action or knowledge that is required to improve their own working environment or process. In the “pull learning” situation, people working in construction are in charge of learning for themselves by exploring their actions as they work. This paper presents a case study that investigated the use of these learning strategies in the creation of a “learning mood” within a medium sized contractor towards modern production principles. The results showed clear indications that the creation of an effective “learning mood” in construction is more likely to happen in a supportive environment characterised by “pull learning”. However, “push learning” proved very useful in provoking the initial reflection that triggered “pull learning”. Therefore, a balanced approach between “push” and “pull” learning seems the best way to introduce changes in construction organisations searching for improvement and innovations.
Workplace participatory practices
Authors: Billett Stephen
Published: September 2004

Arguing against a concept of learning as only a formal process occurring in explicitly educational settings like schools, the paper proposes a conception of the workplace as a learning environment focusing on the interaction between the affordances and constraints of the social setting, on the one hand, and the agency and biography of the individual participant, on the other. Workplaces impose certain expectations and norms in the interest of their own continuity and survival, and in the interest of certain participants; but learners also choose to act in certain ways dependent on their own preferences and goals. Thus, the workplace as a learning environment must be understood as a complex negotiation about knowledge‐use, roles and processes – essentially as a question of the learner's participation in situated work activities.
Curriculum at work
Authors: Thornton Moore David
Published: September 2004

The term “curriculum” has been used almost exclusively in educational circles to refer to plans for the conduct of learning lessons in school classrooms. This paper argues that the concept can be productively expanded to describe learning processes in workplaces, including those in which learning is not the intentional outcome of an interaction. The article first reviews conventional conceptions of curriculum, and then draws on theories of cognition and learning base in phenomenology, symbolic interactionism and situated learning to identify some of the features of a naturally‐occurring curriculum in the workplace: the socio‐technical and pragmatic elements of the knowledge used in the work environment, the classification and framing of knowledge‐use, and the extent to which participants are expected to use the various forms of knowledge. That is, curriculum is essentially a socially‐constructed ordering of the knowledge‐use in a social context. These concepts are applied to two settings in which high school interns were supposed to be learning something: a history museum and a veterinary clinic.
Developing the organization for growth
Authors: Hensler Douglas A. , Torres David P.
Published: September 2004

The CEO of a fulfillment company in Portland, Oregon, USA, has long been known for innovation and growth. He has reached the stage where he wishes to grow the firm significantly over the next five to ten years. Within the first four months of the current fiscal year, the company has already doubled its sales pace. Doubling the size is not the end goal, for the CEO wants to eventually take the firm to 10‐20 times the size of the most recent fiscal year completed. To set the stage, the CEO commissioned an initial set of discussions with his key management personnel to ascertain whether or not he has the personnel in place to grow the firm. Herein the report of that effort.
The provision and accessibility of small business Web sites: a survey of independent UK breweries
Authors: Fry Jackie , Tyrrall David , Pugh Geoff , Wyld John
Published: September 2004

This paper surveys the population of independent breweries in the UK to ascertain their Web site usage and accessibility via the Internet. It finds independent breweries have tended to lag similarly sized business in other sectors in the provision or abandonment of company Web sites. Most of their Web sites have intuitively easy URLs and are readily accessible via brewery directories, but are less accessible via popular search engines. Most are corporate Web sites rather than marketing or selling tools. The paper concludes with a discussion of business and policy implications for small businesses and the Internet.
E‐commerce adoption support and advice for UK SMEs
Authors: Simpson Mike , Docherty Anthony J.
Published: September 2004

The small business sector of the UK economy is extremely important and the government expends considerable resources in providing support services for this sector. This paper investigated the reasons why SMEs move from traditional commerce to e‐commerce, the efficacy of the support services and the barriers encountered by SMEs adopting e‐commerce. The research methodology involved literature review and interviews with SMEs’ owner‐managers and a UK Online business adviser. It was found that at least two “e‐commerce stars” used by the government to promote its support services had in fact not used those services. The historical relationship problems between Business Link and SMEs were still causing problems. Cost was not seen as an inhibitor to adopting e‐commerce. Some evidence was emerging that e‐commerce may be able to save failing or struggling businesses. Other unexpected outcomes were that e‐commerce had social benefits for SMEs’ owners in reducing working hours yet still increased sales.