bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintaining the illusion of a free health care in post‐socialism
Authors: Fotaki Marianna
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to employ the concept of subjectivity taken from Lacanian psychoanalysis and Slavoj Žižek's idea of the law, enabled via its “inherent transgression”, to critique the premises of neolibertarian theory about the market's superior ways of organizing society.

Design/methodology/approach

An alternative conceptual framework is being developed and applied to the analysis of the transition from a planned to a market economy in former socialist countries using the example of informal payments in the health system in Russia. The proposed schema builds on the idea of the subject eternally divided between the imaginary conceptions of the self/the other, and the socio‐symbolic order, which is offered to theorize on the role of phantasy in this transformation.

Findings

The applied (psycho)‐analytic schema reveals why the totalizing discourse of the market is no less tyrannical and no less totalitarian in its intent than the socialist ideology it opposes. The central argument is how dominant ideologies are made of, and stand for, an unattainable phantasy, as it was demonstrated in both socialism and the market.

Originality/value

By re‐engaging psychoanalysis to understand social and political projects and by unearthing the imaginary underpinnings of the symbolic order, the study argues for considering the phantasmatic dimensions of political and organizational transformations in management studies.
“The sky's the limit”: fantasy in the age of market rationality
Authors: Bloom Peter , Cederstrom Carl
Published: April 2009

Purpose

This paper has three purposes. The first is to introduce the concept of fantasy, based on Lacanian pyschoanlysis, in order to link theoretically the role of narrative and affect in organizational strategies of control. The second is to use this concept to illuminate the fantasmatic as well as ideological character of so‐called “market rationality.” The third is to reveal three dominant fantasies organizations draw on in an age of market rationality.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is primarily a conceptual investigation into the ways Lacanian psychoanalytic theories can help link the phenomena of narrative and affect within strategies of organizational control and second, how this relates to current trends of market rationalism.

Findings

Drawing on a psychoanalytic register, the paper argues that organizational control strategies revolve around the presence of a fantasy which is comprised of a symbiotic stable fantasy promising psychological wholeness and an unstable fantasy threatening to prevent this achievement. Further, it reflects on how emergent notions of market rationality, analogous to themes of a “boundaryless” or “protean” career, draw on a particular anti‐organizational fantasies to affectively grip subjects within their values and practices. Three fantasies employed by organizations in an age of market rationalism were then identified.

Research limitations/implications

In broader terms future research can turn to the concept of fantasy to better explain organizational control and ideological interpellation of employees, particularly in regard to concepts of narrative and emotion for this process. Specifically, this paper offers an innovative way to understand and investigate market rationality and changing cultures of organizations within the globalizing economy.

Originality/value

This paper offers the category of Lacanian fantasy for linking narrative and affect in managerial ideologies. Additionally it draws on Lacanian theory to provide a more coherent and theoretically sophisticated account of market rationality and organizational strategies countering this trend.
The frantic gesture of interpassivity
Authors: Johnsen Rasmus , Muhr Sara Louise , Pedersen Michael
Published: April 2009

Purpose

With the help of Slavoj Žižek's concept of interpassivity, this paper seeks to illustrate the frantic activities performed by employees to maintain a separation between the idea of an authentic self and the idea of a corporate self. Furthermore, this paper aims to illustrate these activities empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical example is based on a case study of three of the largest international consultancy firms. About 50 consultants were interviewed in this study, but this paper primarily focuses on the experiences of one of these consultants, and goes into depth with his experiences to illustrate the frantic mechanisms of interpassivity.

Findings

The paper shows how the maintenance of an “authentic self” outside of the corporate culture demands a distinct and frantic activity; that this activity can best be understood as interpassive in the sense that it involves taking over the passive acknowledgement for which someone else is responsible; and how the separation of an authentic from a corporate self, rather than resist the demand to enjoy one's work – prescribed by contemporary management programs – nourishes it.

Originality/value

The paper builds on recent literature on cynicism and normative control in organisations. It introduces interpassivity to this discussion.
Properties of two new medium temperature solders
Authors: Li Chunyuan , Wang Xitao , Yuan Wenxia
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The increasing utilization of Al‐matrix composites in electronics packaging industry raises demands of solder materials with melting temperature at 400‐500°C. The purpose of this paper is to determine the thermal properties of two Ag‐Cu‐Sb alloys with the composition close to two eutectic points, and two Au‐Ag‐Ge alloys along the eutectic line, to observe the microstructures and to investigate the wettability of the alloys, and to evaluate the possibility for them to be used as medium temperature solders.

Design/methodology/approach

Four candidates of solder alloys in the Au‐Ag‐Ge (AAG1, AAG2) and Ag‐Cu‐Sb systems (ACS1, ACS2) were studied to reveal microstructures, melting points, wettabilities, and the interfaces between the solder and Al/SiC substrate coated with Au and Ni.

Findings

The paper finds that the ACS1 and ACS2 alloys possess small temperature gaps between solidus and liquidus: 422.9°C/429.2°C and 483.3°C/488.1°C, respectively. For two AAG alloys, the temperature ranges between solidus and liquidus are larger than 40°C. The wettability tests showed that two ACSs and AAG1 alloys have good wettability to the substrate. Similarly, except ACS2 alloy, the other alloys exhibit good adhesion with the substrate.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the ACS1 alloy and the AAG1 alloy could be used as the optimum solder materials for 400‐500°C owing to the good wettability and proper melting point.
The growth behaviours of IMC layers in solid‐liquid interfacial reactions of Sn1.5Cu/Cu in high magnetic fields
Authors: Cheng Cong‐qian , Zhao Jie , Xu Yang , Xu Fu‐Min , Huang Ming‐liang
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the growth behaviours of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers in solid‐liquid interfacial reactions of Sn1.5Cu/Cu in various intensities of high‐magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

Sn1.5Cu solder was prepared and melted in a vacuum furnace at 873 K and cast into solder bars. Samples were mounted using resin and etched after being carefully polished. Then the IMC layers were observed by using scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The results show that the growth of IMC layers has been accelerated by high‐magnetic field through the comparison of growth kinetics of IMC layers among 0‐2.5 T magnetic filed. IMC grains in high‐magnetic field are much bigger than that in 0 T. By the analyzing of X‐ray diffractometer patterns of IMC layers, it can be found that the orientations of IMC have been changed by magnetic field.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the growth behaviour of IMC layers during the solid‐liquid interfacial reactions of Sn1.5Cu/Cu in a high magnetic field.
Aspects of advanced thermal management for flip chip on low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC)
Authors: Norén M. , Brunner S. , Hoffmann C. , Salz W. , Aichholzer K.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

One of the major driving forces for the electronic industry is the consumer handheld units, where even more functions in a smaller volume and with longer battery time are requested. This leads to a higher energy‐ and interconnect‐density. Two challenges related to this request, that the industry is facing, are thermal management and reliability. This paper aim to discuss some aspects of using flip chip (FC) technology on low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) for this kind of products and to focus on the heat dissipation problem of an FC mounted die.

Design/methodology/approach

Test designs were developed and built to investigate SnAgCu bumps on LTCC, underfill and five different LTCC designs. The LTCC design parameters were thermal vias and heat spreaders. In the experimental part, the semiconductor junction temperature was measured over a diode in the semiconductor. Cross sections and infrared thermal imaging were used. The experiments were accompanied by FE‐modeling using ANSYS workbench.

Findings

The main reduction in temperature is related to the use of thermal vias and a via offset smaller than 60 μm. A 100 μm via diameter gives only a minor increase in the semiconductor junction temperature. Reducing the LTCC substrate thickness will decrease the junction temperature further.

Originality/value

This paper shows that FC on LTCC is a promising key technology for power amplifier modules.
Coffin‐Manson equation of Sn‐4.0Ag‐0.5Cu solder joint
Authors: Chen S. , Sun P. , Wei X.C. , Cheng Z.N. , Liu J.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fit Coffin‐Manson equation of Sn‐4.0Ag‐0.5Cu lead free solder joint by using results of solders joint reliability test and finite element analysis. Also to present a novel device for solder joint reliability test.

Design/methodology/approach

Two‐points bending test of Sn‐4.0Ag‐0.5Cu lead free solder joint was carried out at three deflection levels by using a special bending tester that can control displacement exactly by a cam system. The failure criterion was defined as resistance of solder joint getting 10 percent increase. The X‐section was done for all failure samples to observe crack initiation and propagation in solder joint. Finite element analysis was presented with ANSYS for obtaining shear strain range, analyzing distribution of stress and strain and supporting experimental results.

Findings

The experimental results indicate that the fatigue life decreased obviously with the displacement increased. By using optical microscope and SEM photographs, two kinds of failure mode were found in solder joint. The majority failure mode took place at the bottom corner of solder joint under the termination of resistor initially, and propagated into the solder matrix. Another failure mode was delamination. It appeared at the interface between the termination of resistor and its ceramic body. The distribution status of stress and strain in solder joint and the calculation results of shear strain range at different deflection levels were obtained from simulation result. The Coffin‐Manson equation of Sn‐4.0Ag‐0.5Cu lead free solder joint was fitted by combining experimental data with result of finite element analysis.

Originality/value

This paper presents Coffin‐Manson equation of Sn‐4.0Ag‐0.5Cu solder joint with two‐points bending test. An effective and economical device was designed and applied.
Innovation in services: present findings, and future pathways
Authors: Droege Henning , Hildebrand Dagmar , Heras Forcada Miguel A.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is, firstly, to review existing schools of thought and to identify present research fields in new service development (NSD) and service innovation research, and, secondly, to discuss future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review is based on a search for “service innovation” and “NSD” in titles, abstracts and keywords of articles. As a result of looking at the references, as well as through analysis of papers which cite the articles identified, additional publications are included in this study.

Findings

Four schools of thought and five distinct research fields are presented. Herein, the authors show that there is a lack of studies of organisational innovations, and that differences in the drivers for radical or incremental innovations may be of degree rather than of kind. Further, contradictory results in the research field on differences versus similarities of new product and NSD are identified. In addition, the authors propose possible pathways for future research for each research field and school of thought.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of publications included in this review may be subject to criticism as book‐publications may be under‐represented in this review. Also, the keywords used for the initial search could include additional words.

Originality/value

The paper groups previously scattered research activities from various backgrounds such as marketing and operations into distinct research fields, and presents both the status quo and a discussion of possible directions for future research.
Internal branding: an enabler of employees' brand‐supporting behaviours
Authors: Punjaisri Khanyapuss , Evanschitzky Heiner , Wilson Alan
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the internal branding process from the employees' perspective; it will empirically assess the relationship between internal branding and employees' delivery of the brand promise as well as the relationships among their brand identification, brand commitment and brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

On a census basis, a quantitative survey is carried out with 699 customer‐interface employees from five major hotels.

Findings

Internal branding is found to have a positive impact on attitudinal and behavioural aspects of employees in their delivery of the brand promise. As employees' brand commitment does not have a statistically significant relationship with employees' brand performance, it is not regarded as a mediator in the link between internal branding and employees' brand performance. Furthermore, the study shows that brand identification is a driver of brand commitment, which precedes brand loyalty of employees.

Practical implications

A number of significant managerial implications are drawn from this study, for example using both internal communication and training to influence employees' brand‐supporting attitudes and behaviours. Still, it should be noted that the effect of internal branding on the behaviours could be dependent on the extent to which it could effectively influence their brand attitudes.

Originality/value

The results provide valuable insights from the key internal audience's perspectives into an internal branding process to ensure the delivery of the brand promise. It empirically shows the relationship between internal branding and the behavioural outcome as well as the meditational effects of employees' brand identification, commitment and loyalty.
Contradictory spaces: negotiating virtual spaces of consumption
Authors: Laing Angus , Newholm Terry , Hogg Gill
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The internet driven information revolution is frequently cited as one of the key drivers (re‐)shaping contemporary consumption. In particular, the internet has been seen as disrupting established conventions in professional services. Popularly, it has been viewed as a liberating medium, a mechanism by which consumers and citizens have been able to challenge the authority of the professional establishment. Yet for consumers, the internet can equally be viewed as generating new uncertainties and challenges in terms of negotiating a new settlement with professionals and reconfiguring the service encounter. The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences of consumers with the use of internet derived information in respect of complex professional services and the impact of such information utilisation on the format of the service encounter.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data is generated through interviews with professionals (n=24) and consumer focus groups (n=10/53).

Findings

The paper argues that the multi‐faceted nature of the internet creates informational “spaces” which present both opportunities and threats to consumers in renegotiating the service encounter. Balancing the paradoxes created by these informational spaces is at the core of the challenge confronting contemporary service consumers. Irrespective of the nature of that space, the effect is to create a driver for change, challenging the established practices of both consumer and professional to reshape the service encounter.

Research limitations/implications

Focus group research does not enable a judgement about the prevalence or distribution of behaviours among consumers. Nevertheless, this paper advances understanding of contemporary consumption practices and provides a new perspective on nature of consumer utilisation of information within the consumption process.

Practical implications

It is inevitable that professionals and service organisations will be required to respond to a complex and rapidly evolving set of consumer behaviours and rethink approaches to the delivery of professional services.

Originality/value

The paper addresses an emergent phenomenon and provides unique insights into the changing dynamics of consumption practices in the contemporary knowledge economy.
Acceptance of online customization for apparel shopping
Authors: Cho Hira , Fiorito Susan S.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of successful customization of apparel in e‐retailing and to provide managerial suggestions for strategic planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey, data are collected from 300 female adults in the US secured through a nationwide random sampling method. AMOS 7.0 and SPSS 15.0 are used to analyze the data.

Findings

Customers recognize the benefits of online customization of apparel when they perceive the website to be useful and competent. Additionally, customers perceive customization websites to be more useful when the websites are secure for the information customers provide. Interestingly, the ease of operation of a website is negatively related to the perception of a competent website and does not influence a positive attitude toward the online customization of apparel.

Practical implications

In order to give the impression of competent and useful websites, marketers need to develop secure websites. Ease of operation on the website may not always be an advantage for apparel customization; therefore, marketers need to find the optimal levels of ease of website operation to imply useful, yet competent, websites.

Originality/value

This study identified the potential factors for successful customization of apparel in e‐retailing and provided strategic implications to marketers.
Investigating linkages between online purchase behaviour variables
Authors: Vazquez Delia , Xu Xingang
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between the online consumer behaviour constructs of attitude, motivations and information search in order to develop an online consumer behaviour framework.

Design/methodology/approach

An email survey collected data from 577 UK respondents and canonical correlations are applied to examine the relationships.

Findings

The results provide empirical support that attitude is an antecedent variable, and that motivation variables have a significant causal relationship with information search variables.

Research limitations/implications

Two limitations are identified. Firstly, the data collected focussed on UK respondents, consequently the generalisability of these results is in question and further research is required. Secondly, the attitude measure could include more items to further aid reliability.

Originality/value

This research advances the development of the Online Consumer Behaviour literature by adding knowledge on the nature of the relationships between online behaviour constructs.
Gift shopping behavior in a multichannel retail environment
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Hwa , Kim Jihyun
Published: April 2009

Purpose

To date, most research focused on understanding the meanings and mechanism of gift giving behavior and there is little literature on channel usage behavior for gift shopping. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between consumers' retail purchase experiences for their own use and their gift shopping for others in a multichannel retail context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self‐administered survey method, the paper obtained 171 usable responses from females in a large US Midwestern University. Data are analyzed employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings of this paper showed that for all five retail channels (i.e. internet, mail‐order catalog, TV shopping, local stores, and non‐local stores), there are significant and positive relationships between consumers' product purchase experiences for their own use and their gift purchase experiences. Managerial and theoretical implications are provided.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the present study include sampling, which prevent the generalization of results to all gift shoppers, and gift product categories focus on in the present study.

Originality/value

As little is known about the consumer gift shopping behavior in a multichannel retail environment, the study provides valuable strategy for multichannel retailers.
A transactional approach to customer loyalty in the hotel industry
Authors: Osman Hanaa , Hemmington Nigel , Bowie David
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which a transactional marketing approach can generate customer loyalty in a hotel brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a review of the paradigm shift from transactional marketing to relationship marketing, in the services marketing literature. The inductive research used a qualitative approach, with multiple techniques including non‐participant observation in several hotels; in‐depth interviews with hotel managers; and telephone interviews with hotel customers in the UK.

Findings

The findings suggest that a transactional approach to marketing can be an effective strategy for hotels, which target niche segments with highly differentiated offers at competitive prices. It was found that this approach can create significant customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The case study approach and focused sample mean that attempts to generalize the findings should be taken with care. Furthermore, this study does not attempt to measure the effectiveness of transactional marketing on customer loyalty; it reports findings from a qualitative study carried out to explore marketing practices in a small sample of hotels.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the paper suggests that transactional marketing and relationship marketing can be seen as complementary marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The paper provides novel insights into hotel culture, hotel/customer relationships, hotel service customization and customer loyalty. The paper challenges the received view that transactional marketing is less appropriate than relationship marketing in achieving customer loyalty in hotel branded operations.
Examining organizational climate in Greek hotels from a service quality perspective
Authors: Bellou Victoria , Andronikidis Andreas I.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Organizational climate, which includes the setting of values, rules and priorities to be followed by all individuals involved in the organisation, has been receiving increased attention over recent years. The purpose of this paper is to look into the prevalent organizational climate within hotels and to identify variations in employees' perceptions, based on whether they hold managerial or non‐managerial positions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports a study conducted in 24 Greek hotels located in the Thessaly region, providing 217 usable responses. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the relative importance placed on the climate dimensions and then t‐tests were used to check for significant differences between managerial and non‐managerial employees.

Findings

The results show that efficiency, reflexivity, innovation and flexibility, supervisory support and quality were among the most prominent characteristics affected by organisational climate, whereas outward focus and pressure to produce were least affected. Moreover, the only differences revealed between managerial and non‐managerial employees were in the areas of involvement and efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

Since Greece is a very diverse country in terms of tourism, including hotels that operate in other regions of the country would improve the generalizability of these findings. Future research should also try to link organizational climate directly with measures of the actual service quality provided to customers.

Originality/value

Identifying the prevalent organizational climate can help managers to optimize performance by identifying inherent strengths and weaknesses. Managers can then exploit the opportunities offered and evade the threats evident in the globalized hospitality setting. In addition, variations in perceptions between managers and non‐managers may help the organization to identify common priorities among all individuals employed.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting casino hotel chefs' job satisfaction
Authors: Chuang Ning‐Kuang , Yin Dean , Dellmann‐Jenkins Mary
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting the job satisfaction of casino hotel chefs, and whether chefs' background characteristics are associated with their overall and specific facets of job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 152 surveys were analyzed using a randomly selected sample of 25 major casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sample selection represented chefs working in various types of foodservice operations within the hotel segments.

Findings

Overall, the casino hotel chefs were satisfied with their jobs (M=3.9). Among intrinsic factors, the chefs were most satisfied with the “work itself” and least satisfied with “growth and recognition” they received. Among extrinsic factors, they were most satisfied with “supervision” and least satisfied with “company policy” pertaining to sick leave and paid vacation. Highest job satisfaction levels were found among chefs who worked in the fine dining kitchens and supervised between 21 and 30 employees.

Practical implications

Results reinforce the value of recognition at work and creation of specialized incentive programs. In order to be most effective, these programs should be tailored to chefs working in different kitchen types and with various levels of management and supervisory responsibilities.

Originality/value

Job satisfaction of casino hotel chefs has been minimally studied, yet they have significant roles in successful hotel operations. This study is unique in directing attention to the “back of the house leaders” – hotel chefs, in a top tier gaming and tourism city.
Hotel development in China: a review of the English language literature
Authors: Kong Haiyan , Cheung Catherine
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an overview of the existing English literature concerning the development of China's hotel industry by means of reviewing the topic from three academic online databases.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews published studies found in refereed journals that can be accessed online via Emerald Management Review, ProQuest Basic Search and EBSCO Host Web. A total of 66 refereed journal papers were found over the period 1984‐2007. They were grouped into four major themes: strategy and development; marketing; service quality and human resources management.

Findings

Research on China's hotel development grew rapidly with the rise of China's hotel industry, reflecting the situation, problems, challenges and opportunities affecting hotel development. Strategy and development is a dominant theme, accounting for 43 per cent of all papers.

Practical implications

The paper summarises research on China's booming hotel industry, offers a general review of its historic development and identifies current important issues. The authors recommend further research opportunities examining career development and job satisfaction in China's hotel industry.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to profile research related to the hotel industry in mainland China. By grouping the published studies into four major themes, this study clearly demonstrates key emerging issues in China.
Improving the rigor of discrete‐event simulation in logistics and supply chain research
Authors: Manuj Ila , Mentzer John T. , Bowers Melissa R.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an eight‐step simulation model development process (SMDP) for the design, implementation, and evaluation of logistics and supply chain simulation models, and to identify rigor criteria for each step.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of literature is undertaken to identify logistics and supply chain studies that employ discrete‐event simulation modeling. From this pool, studies that report in detail on the steps taken during the simulation model development and model more than one echelon in logistics, supply chain, or distribution systems are included to illustrate rigor in developing such simulation models.

Findings

Literature review reveals that there are no preset rigor criteria for publication of logistics and supply chain simulation research, which is reflected in the fact that studies published in leading journals do not satisfactorily address and/or report the efforts taken to maintain the rigor of simulation studies. Although there has been a gradual improvement in rigor, more emphasis on the methodology required to ensure quality simulation research is warranted.

Research limitations/implications

The SMDP may be used by researchers to design and execute rigorous simulation research, and by reviewers for academic journals to establish the level of rigor when reviewing simulation research. It is expected that such prescriptive guidance will stimulate high quality simulation modeling research and ensure that only the highest quality studies are published.

Practical implications

The SMDP provides a checklist for assessment of the validity of simulation models prior to their use in practical decision making. It assists in making practitioners better informed about rigorous simulation design so that, when answering logistics and supply chain system questions, the practitioner can decide to what extent they should trust the results of published research.

Originality/value

This paper develops a framework based on some of the most rigorous studies published in leading journals, provides rigor evaluation criteria for each step, provides examples for each step from published studies, and illustrates the SMDP using a supply‐chain risk management study.
Role of logistics in enhancing competitive advantage
Authors: Bhatnagar Rohit , Teo Chee‐Chong
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the issues, tradeoffs, and models relating to two important sets of problems that arise in supply chain management – complexities in extended supply chains and network coordination in globally dispersed supply chains. This paper highlights the role of logistics in enhancing the competitiveness of firms that operate a global supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this paper encompasses conceptual research and detailed literature review of key issues.

Findings

This review indicates that the key challenges faced by supply chain managers due to extended supply chains are non‐stationary demand, variability propagation, and inventory imbalances. For network coordination managers must determine the role of facilities in a global network, identify the optimal location and capacity of facilities as well as role of consolidation hubs. For the above challenges, the tradeoffs in terms of four key drivers of supply chain performance – transportation, inventory, information, and facilities and relate these to key measures of supply chain performance are described. Important directions for future research are also identified.

Research limitations/implications

Test cases are needed to validate and refine the framework presented. Developing case studies that gather appropriate data to test out the models described would be important.

Practical implications

Companies with a global supply chain as well as third party logistics companies will find the framework presented in this paper very useful.

Originality/value

A new integrated framework that incorporates key decision issues like complexities of extended supply chains and network coordination into the firm's decision making has been presented. This has not been reported in previous research.
Assessing consequences of low‐cost sourcing in China
Authors: Fredriksson Anna , Jonsson Patrik
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop a framework for low‐cost sourcing assessment and to explore the consequences of low‐cost sourcing in China for a European manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The low‐cost sourcing framework generated from literature and the consequence analysis is based on a case study of a European company that has outsourced part of its casting processes to Chinese suppliers.

Findings

Characteristics of low‐cost sourcing are based on a literature review divided into three categories: country characteristics, supply network structure, and supply network relationships and the case study shows that these three categories of characteristics jointly create negative effects. A two‐directional cause and effect relationship is proposed between the characteristics and the operational supply chain performances. The presented low‐cost sourcing assessment framework should be a good starting point for low‐cost sourcing assessment, including mapping a firm's total characteristics, and for analysing their performance impact.

Research limitations/implications

The conducted single case study is not enough for identifying, formulating, and validating all existing relationships between the low‐cost sourcing characteristics. The present study has identified the existence of the relationships but has not evaluated their levels of impact.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware of how suppliers in low‐cost countries may affect the structures, relations, and operational supply chain performances of the supply network. This paper presents a sourcing assessment framework enabling describing what dimensions of the sourcing characteristics would be affected by sourcing to a specific area of the world and what consequences and performance effects this would have.

Originality/value

Few prior studies have focused on companies with already established relationships with low‐cost‐country suppliers and how these companies should make the best out of these supply chains. This study takes a holistic perspective on low‐cost sourcing and identifies several streams for further research.
Assessing logistics maturation through author concentration
Authors: Maloni Michael J. , Carter Craig R. , Carr Amelia S.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

While most researchers would generally agree that the field of logistics has been maturing over recent decades, this maturation has not yet been empirically established. The purpose of this paper is to assess the maturity of research in the field by measuring author concentration in logistics journals over a sixteen‐year period.

Design/methodology/approach

Research propositions of logistics author concentration are first developed from the extant literature. The propositions are then tested by assessing author concentration across 1,796 articles from five scholarly, peer‐reviewed logistics journals from 1992‐2007. The results are compared to similar studies of other academic business disciplines, including accounting, finance, management, and marketing. We also apply regression analysis to the time series data to verify changing author concentration trends.

Findings

The results indicate that logistics publications generally have higher author concentration than other business disciplines, suggesting that logistics research is less expansive and still maturing compared to these other disciplines. However, logistics author concentration has continued to decrease since 1992 relative to schools, countries, degree‐granting schools, and individual authors. This suggests that the field has been expanding and will continue to do so at a consistent pace in the near future.

Originality/value

This paper allows logistics researchers to better understand the recent research history of the field as well as its future research prospects. Additionally, The implication for is presented the international expansion of the field as well as the increasing acceptance of logistics journals by other academic disciplines. In addition, concerns about increased author competition and research proliferation are voiced.
Identifying requirements for a disaster‐monitoring system
Authors: Bayrak Tuncay
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to identify and define three sets of factors that might be useful for designing a disaster monitoring and response system.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a literature (meta) analysis is presented using academic research. The method was mainly based on a review of the scientific literature. The paper then identifies three sets of factors that may be employed when designing disaster monitoring and response systems.

Findings

The paper finds that successful operation of an organization that hosts a disaster monitoring system requires that operators and computers work together.

Research limitations/implications

The model itself in this study is not all‐inclusive. An issue that deserves to be looked into is what role other technical, human, and organizational factors play in system performance.

Practical implications

The importance of disaster monitoring and response systems increased in recent years because of an increase in the numbers of deaths, the numbers of people affected by disasters and their devastating impacts on human life, economy and environment. These systems have the potential to significantly reduce losses from natural disasters.

Originality/value

This study proposes a model which may be valuable to state and federal agencies, public sector managers and administrators, system analysts, trainers in disaster management, researchers and practitioners involved in disaster and emergency response studies, managers of police, fire, and ambulance systems, and mayors and governors.
A CAD‐based feature recognition system for escape route planning
Authors: Gittens Anton , Chowdary Boppana V.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to introduce the development of a novel feature recognition system for escape route planning. The genetic algorithm (GA) can be a useful tool in solving route planning problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A computer‐aided design (CAD) system is proposed to help to predict the best escape route. The system is based on a feature recognition process, which will scan a CAD drawing to determine the centroid points of corridors, and determine the best escape route with the help of GA.

Findings

The feature recognition system provides a quick method of determining the available pathways for use in escape route planning.

Research limitations/implications

Factors such as multiple story buildings, number of occupants, or fire spread are not considered. Thus the system will be useful in the initial stages of escape route planning.

Practical implications

The system is limited to perpendicular walls, which should be of the same thickness. Doorways should also be a constant size. Thus the system will be useful in determining where escape routes exist, and attempt to determine the best route based on that information.

Originality/value

This paper shows how legacy drawings from various CAD systems may be reused to plan escape routes, rather than creating new drawings for the same purpose. This is useful to those in escape route planning, since the redrawing of plans using custom software is inefficient.
Disaster management: findings from a systematic review
Authors: Lettieri Emanuele , Masella Cristina , Radaelli Giovanni
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss a systematic review of the literature about disaster management within the period 1980‐2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The research protocol is based on the methodology that is commonly used in healthcare for analysing the literature and provides a state‐of‐art medical discipline. The paper presents both a descriptive analysis and a thematic analysis in order to provide a state‐of‐art of international literature. The research protocol is provided in order to make transparent the review process.

Findings

The descriptive analysis highlights the peculiarities of the literature in terms of attention paid during the years, country of provenience and clusters of content of the selected papers. The thematic analysis deepens the content of the papers formalising the state of art.

Research limitations/implications

The review considered only academic journals and peer‐reviewed published papers, excluding working papers and books.

Practical implications

Through both the analyses the authors argue for scholars in disaster management specific streams for further research and for providing practitioners with a state of art of disaster management discipline.

Originality/value

The paper is original and is aimed at translating to the disaster management discipline the methodology of the systematic review commonly used in healthcare disciplines.
One crisis after another
Authors: Enander Ann , Hede Susanne , Lajksjö Örjan
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical understanding of experiences of crisis management among municipal leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 16 chief officers and three politicians from three different municipalities were interviewed concerning experiences of dealing with a severe storm. Data were analyzed by a grounded theory approach.

Findings

Data analysis generated a model. Central to the model is an evaluation sphere, which reflects tension between everyday circumstances and crisis needs, between assessments of legislation and practices as a support or hindrance, and assessments of human vulnerability versus coping resources. Manager characteristics, the societal context within which the event occurred, and crisis characteristics all influence this evaluation sphere. Particular stressors include the fact that the leaders themselves were personally affected by the storm, the difficult decisions and assessments that had to be made, the uncertainty of the situation and the timing, soon after the tsunami. Crisis management, decisions and actions can be seen as formed from the evaluation sphere and the influencing factors.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has a small sample and limited representativeness. Generalizability of the model should be tested in other crisis events.

Practical implication

The model can be used as a tool to design exercises and as a guideline for authorities, in providing preparedness and crisis support.

Originality/value

The paper provides a theoretical model highlighting the complex evaluations underlying managers' decisions and actions in real‐ life situations.
The role of earthquake information management systems (EIMSs) in reducing destruction
Authors: Ajami Sima , Fattahi Mahshid
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The daily life of people is threatened by natural disasters. Crisis management is that in which attempts are made to before, during and after disasters. The most important factor for a manager to be able to overcome a crisis depends on his/her readiness before it. The main objective of this study was determining an earthquake information management system (EIMS) in Japan, Turkey and Iran and describing how it can reduce destruction by crisis management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was an analytical comparison in which data were collected by questionnaire, observation and checklist. The subject was the EIMS in selected countries. Sources of information were staff in related organizations, scientific documentation and the internet. To analyze the findings, criteria rating technique, Delphi technique, and descriptive method were used.

Findings

Findings showed that the EIMSs in Japan, Turkey and Iran are decentralized. The EIMS is called “Phoenix” in Japan, and “natural disaster management information system” or “AFAYBIS” in Turkey. In Iran there was not a useful and efficient EIMS to evaluate earthquake information. According to outcomes, it is clear that an information system can only influence decisions if it is relevant, reliable and available for the decision‐makers in a timely fashion. Therefore, it is necessary to reform and design a model. The model contains responsible organizations and their functions.

Originality/value

This paper contains valuable information on EIMSs and their role in reducing destruction.
Health knowledge construction and pedagogical style in Finnish health education textbooks
Authors: Kosonen Anna‐Liisa , Haapala Irja , Kuurala Säde , Mielonen Salla , Hänninen Osmo , Carvalho Graca S.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the construction of health knowledge in the Finnish national curriculum and recent Finnish health education textbooks, at primary and secondary levels of education. The authors examine the visual and textual content of the textbooks in an attempt to identify their pedagogical style and approach to health education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is part of an international, European Union funded, FP6 STREP Project, Biohead‐Citizen. Conceptual health knowledge construction is analysed evaluating the emphasis placed on a biomedical model or on a health promotion ( HP) approach. Pedagogical style of the text and illustration is classified as either neutral, persuasive, participative or injunctive, out of which especially persuasive and participative reflect the constructionist approach.

Findings

The textbooks cover a wide range of health topics and meet the core contents of the national curriculum. The approach used was primarily that of HP and used a persuasive and participative approach. The pedagogical style of text, tasks and illustrations reflected current pedagogical thinking.

Research limitations/implications

The study encourages future research to explore the effects of pedagogical construction on materials and learning in health education.

Originality/value

The paper usefully analyzes the pedagogical properties of recent Finnish health knowledge textbooks.