bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of the organisation mode for international property investments
Authors: Falkenbach Heidi
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to identify different organisation modes for international property investments and analyse the rationales for selecting each mode.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the findings of an interview study conducted among international investors in the Finnish property market.

Findings

The study identifies four main organisation modes for international property investments, the selection of each mode being dependent of the investors' perception of the informational barriers and local nature of the property market. Most of the interviewed investors also apply the same strategy in other markets they invest in, and thus the selection of the organisation mode seems not to be very dependent on the characteristics of the investment market.

Research limitations/implications

The paper analyses the organisation modes and their selection criteria only in the Finnish market.

Practical implications

The study indicates that informational barriers are still of major concern for the investors entering foreign markets. Thus, activities contributing to lowering these barriers would be beneficial for those markets wanting to attract international property investments.

Originality/value

The study is the first to analyse the organisation modes of international property investors.
XML schema for UNIMARC and MARC 21
Authors: Dimić Bojana , Milosavljević Branko , Surla Dušan
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a model for an XML document that will carry information about bibliographic formats. The model will be given in the form of an XML schema describing two bibliographic formats, UNIMARC and MARC 21.

Design/methodology/approach

The description of bibliographic formats using the XML schema language may be discussed in two ways. The first one relates to creating an XML schema in a way that all elements of the bibliographic format are described separately. The second way, used in this paper, is creating an XML schema as a set of elements that presents concepts of bibliographic formats. A schema created in the second way is appropriate for use in implementation of cataloguing software.

Findings

The result is an XML schema that describes MARC 21 and UNIMARC formats. The instance of that schema is an XML document describing a bibliographic format that will be used in software systems for cataloguing. An XML document that is an instance of the proposed XML schema is applied in the development of the editor for cataloguing in the BISIS library information system. This XML document represents input information for that editor. In this way, the implementation of the editor becomes independent of the bibliographic format.

Practical implications

The created XML schema cannot serve as an electronic manual because there is some information about the format that is not included in it. In order to overcome this shortcoming an additional XML schema that will contain remaining format data may be provided.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the idea of creating one XML schema for two bibliographic formats. The schema contains elements that are models for data used in cataloguing tools. On the basis of that XML schema, the object model of bibliographic formats is implemented as well as software component for manipulating format data. This component can be used in development of library software systems.
Measuring Omani information professionals' competencies
Authors: Jabr Naeema H.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The variable applications of information technology (IT) have brought with it remarkable changes in the total setting of the information professionals' (IPs') preparation programs around the world. In Oman, several considerations have been taken into account as they are related to the information profession and professionals, including the establishment of the Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), the Omani Librarianship Association (OLA), Learning Recourse Centers, and the Omani e‐Government Project. It is, then, the aim of this paper to investigate such developments and to explore the Omani IPs' perspectives toward a list of competencies that they are effectively participating in and agreed with for managing their information institutions, resources, services, and others related to their attitudes toward the use of technology and their professional personality.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the Omani IPs' perspectives toward the set of competencies, a questionnaire was developed based on the predefined competencies for IP. The list and definitions of the competencies were prepared by the Special Committee on Competencies for Special Librarians for the Special Libraries Association Board of Directors in 2003.

Findings

The results show that Omani IPs are generally carrying positive perspectives toward the list of different groups of competencies for common satisfaction of their users. Yet, their prominence perspectives center on technical skills, general awareness of technology, and current awareness competencies, but are less concentrated on and agreed with competencies related to new tools and techniques of management such as evidence‐based librarianship, negotiation, consultation, association networks, and satisfaction measurement.

Originality/value

The paper provides an inclusive view of the Omani IPs' perspectives toward the predefined list of competences and recommends that the DLIS and the OLA and the parent organizations should cooperate together to develop a kind of “job approach” preparation and training approach so that a new picture of the Omani IPs as being effective partners in their workplace will be achieved.
Software architecture of distributed client/server library circulation system
Authors: Milosavljević Branko , Tešendić Danijela
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model and implement software architecture for transparent communication of client and server sides of library circulation system in order to enable system operation in different network configurations.

Design/methodology/approach

Object‐oriented methodology and design patterns are used for modeling system architecture. Modeling is carried out in the CASE tool that supports the Unified Modeling Language (UML 2.0) by means of class and sequence diagrams. The implementation is carried out in the Java programming language using open source components.

Findings

The result is a software package for transparent communication of client and server side of library circulation system. Database operations are executed through this package. The package can execute the operations under different protocols, which enables the work of the library circulation system in the intranet and internet environments.

Research limitation/implications

The proposed software architecture and implementation are integrated into the circulation subsystem of the BISIS library information system and rely on the Hibernate package for object/relational mapping. For integration into other systems where operations would not be related to the database or would use some other ORM technologies, it would be necessary to make corresponding changes in the implementation.

Practical implications

The package is integrated, together with the library circulation system, into the fourth version of the BISIS system. Testing and verifying were carried out in public and special libraries.

Originality/value

Originality of the paper is to be found in the proposed software architecture that is network‐agnostic and facilitates transparent communication of client and server sides of the circulation system while not imposing a single communication technology or protocol. Besides, the architecture does not depend on the functionality of the circulation system and can be used for different purposes, and not only for communication with the database as presented in the paper. Adding new functionalities is simple and does not require changes in the existing program code.
Factors affecting sustainability of internet usage among youth
Authors: Safar Hasim Mohd , Salman Ali
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that affect sustainability of internet usage by Malay youth in Kota Bharu, a rural town in the north east of peninsular Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used survey research for obtaining data. Some 225 respondents were sampled from the young Malay internet users in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. They were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics included frequency, percentages, means and standard deviation while the inferential statistics included reliability test, computed means and multiple regression.

Findings

From the results there is sustainability of internet usage among Malay youth. As far as factors that have positive effects on sustainability of internet usage is concerned, the results of the study showed that interpersonal and social network and perceived and realized benefits have significant positive effects on sustainability of internet usage by Malay youth. The results also showed that issues relating to security concerns and interruptions have significant negative effect on the sustainability of internet usage by Malay youth.

Practical implications

Sustainability of usage has practical implications on the implementation of innovations, especially the internet and ICT related projects.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind on sustainability of internet usage, especially among Malay youth. It contributes to the innovation diffusion process by including sustainability. It determines and measures sustainability.
Contextual analysis of the e‐records management requirements of Turkish Red Crescent Society
Authors: Külcü Özgür , Uzun Külcü Hande
Published: April 2010

Propose

The paper aims to identify the conditions and problems of electronic records management in the Turkish Red Crescent Society with respect to the institutional practices, international expectations, and through the records management capacity assessment system (RMCAS) with a related software program.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used in this research; data were gathered through questionnaire and analysis. The analysis is carried out in order to identify the conditions and problems in institutional electronic records management through RMCAS

Findings

The analysis shows that there are issues and difficulties in defining metadata for accessing records, restrictions to access, evaluation and annihilation processes, and applying the methods among the units, along with the fact that founding an electronic base for communication and daily correspondence should be among the priorities.

Practical implications

The techniques used in this study are considered to serve as a guide to other institutions anywhere in the world encountering similar dilemma.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical information about analyzing the e‐records management capacity of any institutions, considering the local and international expectations.
Human values and attitudes toward bank services in Brazil
Authors: Vinhal Nepomuceno Marcelo , Barreiros Porto Juliana
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The relationship between personal values and behaviour has been widely studied, and previous studies have demonstrated the mediating role of attitudes. The purpose of the study is to test the “values‐attitude” relation in banking services (car insurance, life insurance, home insurance and retirement plan) on a Brazilian sample and demonstrate the role of negative incidents with services on the relation between sellers' personal values and attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

The Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) and an attitude measurement developed for this research were used. The data were collected with 1,061 employers who sell these services and work in a large Brazilian bank. A structural equation model was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that values of conservation were the best predictor of the attitudes, demonstrating that attitude towards bank services is explained mostly by the motivation to maintain the social tissue. However, the values showed little or no impact on the attitude of those who have had negative incidents with the services.

Research limitations/implications

Results can be used on the implementation of marketing strategies, pointing to the impact of values on attitudes when individuals have not had experienced a negative incident. The research limitations are related to its setting, data collection, sample and measurements used.

Originality/value

This is the first research in the field using a Brazilian population. It is also one of the very few studies in the field that examines the moderating role of negative incidents on the relationship between values and attitude with bank services.
Relationships between organizational support, customer orientation, and work outcomes
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Babakus Emin
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the nature of relationships between six organizational support mechanisms, a personal resource, and selected psychological and behavioral work outcomes. A related objective of the study is to uncover whether these relationships exhibit similar patterns between employees with different characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected from the employees of a large bank in New Zealand. Usable responses were obtained from 530 employees.

Findings

Results show that supervisory support is most closely associated with psychological work outcomes. On the other hand, job performance is more susceptible to influences of service technology and empowerment. Also customer orientation, as a personal resource, impacts job performance.

Research limitations/implications

Using multiple‐informants (e.g. measuring frontline employees' job performance on the basis of their supervisors' or customers' assessments) would help minimize common‐method variance. To cross‐validate our results, replication studies among other samples of frontline employees in banking as well as other service settings are in order.

Practical implications

To fuel greater affective organizational commitment and job satisfaction among frontline employees and to reduce their turnover intentions, management must take proactive actions for the frontline employees to receive support and encouragement from their supervisors. Instituting a structured mentoring program and providing training programs to supervisors in support skills can also pay dividends.

Originality/value

The study shows that an undifferentiated approach is warranted in managing employees. Similar strategies would be equally effective in inducing favorable and reducing negative affective and performance outcomes among employees with different demographic characteristics.
The association between corporate governance guidelines and risk management and internal control practices
Authors: Sarens Gerrit , Christopher Joe
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the weaker focus on risk management and internal control within the Belgian corporate governance guidelines is associated with less developed risk management and internal control systems within Belgian companies, when compared to Australian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical arguments were drawn from institutional theory. Data for the study were collected through a questionnaire that was sent out to chief audit executives in Australia and Belgium.

Findings

The paper finds that the weaker focus of the Belgian corporate governance guidelines on risk management and internal control is associated with less developed risk management and internal control systems in Belgian companies than in Australian companies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on corporate governance, as it suggests that the specific content of corporate governance guidelines is an important variable to take into account. This paper also confirms that institutional theory is a relevant framework to study on the one hand, corporate governance practices in a “comply or explain” context, and on the other hand, corporate governance practices within unlisted companies.
Internal audit and audit fees: further evidence
Authors: Singh Harjinder , Newby Rick
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the direction of the relationship between a firm's internal audit function and its external audit fees, extending a previous study by Goodwin‐Stewart and Kent, which used data from 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses publicly available information to analyse the relationship between internal audit and audit fees.

Findings

The findings support Goodwin‐Stewart and Kent's result that the existence of an internal audit function in a firm has a significantly positive relationship with audit fees. In fact, the strength of this relationship has increased since 2000.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the top 300 public companies from a market capitalisation perspective and, therefore, the results may not be generalisable to other smaller public companies or to private firms. Second, the dichotomous experimental variable used in the study (existence of internal audit) might not be an ideal measure of internal audit usage since it may not be sensitive enough to capture all the variation in external audit fees. The findings suggest that companies use internal audit and audit fees in a complementary way to strengthen their overall control/operating environment.

Originality/value

Although the study extends and validates work already completed by Goodwin‐Stewart and Kent, the true value of its result is that users can use publicly available information to determine that firms with an internal audit function are more likely to use it in a complementary way with audit fees, thereby potentially indicating a commitment by that firm to a stronger monitoring/control environment.
Internal audit independence and objectivity: emerging research opportunities
Authors: Stewart Jenny , Subramaniam Nava
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the recent literature on internal audit independence and objectivity and discuss opportunities for future research. The topics examined are the organizational status of internal audit, the internal auditor's dual role as a provider of assurance and consulting activities, internal audit's involvement in risk management, outsourcing and co‐sourcing of internal audit activities, and the use of internal audit as a training ground for managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this paper is a review of the literature followed by an identification of further research opportunities.

Findings

The paper summarizes the existing body of knowledge relating to internal audit independence and objectivity and identifies gaps in the literature where further research is needed.

Originality/value

The paper provides researchers with a useful summary of the literature on internal audit independence and objectivity and stimulates them to engage in further research in the area.
Effects of ethical context on conflict and commitment among Chinese accountants
Authors: Shafer William E. , Wang Zhihong
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to addresses the impact of organizational ethical context (ethical climate and ethical culture) and Machiavellianism on organizational‐professional conflict (OPC) and affective organizational commitment (OC) among Chinese accountants. The paper also aims to test for interactive effects of ethical context and Machiavellianism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a field survey of 89 professional accountants employed by companies operating in Mainland China.

Findings

Two aspects of the organizational ethical culture, expectations of obedience to authority and strong ethical norms/incentives, emerged as the dominant influences on both OPC and affective commitment. Strong negative correlations are observed between OPC and OC, and between Machiavellianism and OC. Contrary to expectations, the organizational ethical context had the greatest impact on OC among high Machiavellians. For low Machiavellians, OPC fully mediated the relationship between ethical context and OC, but no such mediation effects are found for high Machiavellians.

Originality/value

This is the first study of the relationships among ethical context, OPC and OC among industry accountants in China, and the first study of the effects of Machiavellianism on these relationships. The results generally support our contention that organizational ethical context will be a key determinant of OPC and OC. The fact that weaker ethical cultures were strongly associated with increased conflict and decreased commitment suggests that managers of accounting/auditing departments should take a proactive approach to developing and nurturing positive or supportive cultures. The differences in results for high and low Machiavellians also raise interesting questions that should be addressed in future research.
Development of RMJ
Authors: McLeod Julie , Hare Catherine
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine critically the history of Records Management Journal on its 20th anniversary; it aims to review and analyse its evolution and its contribution in the context of the development of the profession and the discipline of records management. The paper seeks to provide the context and justification for the selection of eight articles previously published in the journal to be reprinted in this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises the contents of Records Management Journal (1989 to date) to present a thematic analysis of topics covered and their development over time, and statistical data (from 2002 to date) provided by the current publisher to assess quantitatively the use and impact of the journal worldwide. The paper then compares this with a series of key turning points in the records management profession.

Findings

There is evidence that the initial aspiration for the journal to make an important and long‐lasting impact on the field of records management in the UK has been exceeded because its readers and contributors are global. The volume of downloads has continued to increase year‐on‐year and the journal appears to be the only peer‐reviewed journal in the world in the records management discipline. The journal has responded to and kept abreast of the records management agenda.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is based on the work of the current and immediate past Editor and did not seek the views of its Editorial Board members, readers or contributors to the journal.

Practical implications

Looking to the future, the journal must seek to widen its impact on other key stakeholders in managing information and records – managers, information systems designers, information creators and users – as well as records professionals. It must also continue to develop the scope of its content, whilst maintaining its focus on managing records, and must keep pace with technology developments. It should try to influence the professional agenda, be controversial, stimulate debate and encourage change. And it should remain a quality resource.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique critical analysis of the journal, its history and contribution to the development of records management, on its 20th anniversary of publication.
Ways of seeing: contextualising the continuum
Authors: Cumming Kate
Published: April 2010

Purpose

In this commemorative issue of Records Management Journal, milestones from the last 20 years of recordkeeping practice are being celebrated. This paper aims to provide a retrospective of the records continuum and examine its evolution, its impact and its influence, and to reference some of the controversy it has inspired.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of literature and a historical assessment, which are intended to contextualise and explain the continuum.

Findings

The continuum has a long history in Australian recordkeeping culture, but significant international research and theory have also fed into its development. The continuum has an enduring relevance and remains a fundamental tool for assessing and realigning recordkeeping practice today.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is strongly supportive of the continuum approach, and as such is not an impartial assessment of the model and of the criticism that has been levelled against it.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the paper helps to foster further understanding and use of the records continuum model.

Originality/value

While owing a great deal to Sue McKemmish and Frank Upward, the paper aims to present a fresh perspective on continuum theory, in a way that helps to explain and encourage the adoption of continuum‐based approaches to recordkeeping.
Records management and data management: closing the gap
Authors: McDonald John
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the information landscape of organizations by focusing on the evolution of the fields of so‐called records management and data management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on his personal experience with the National Archives of Canada.

Findings

Records management and data management quite literally mean the same thing. There is no “gap”, as indicated in the title. The only gaps that exist are in the perceptions of what each concept means and the functions and status of the information jurisdictions that have claimed each for their own.

Originality/value

The paper recommends an integration of what has been perceived to be the disparate fields of records management and data management, finding that records or data should be managed from a global and corporately defined perspective
The future of information management
Authors: Best David P.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the future of information management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the trends in information management that were current at the time of its original publication, and makes suggestions as to what the future might hold.

Findings

The critical areas of information transfer and storage must be closely and accurately defined for each system. The differences between departments and corporate information must be carefully distinguished, and where possible minimised. Areas where there may be conflict between local and corporate information systems must be carefully circumscribed. Mechanisms must be put in place to monitor the information autonomy of units, divisions or departments.

Originality/value

Systems for information management must take account of the need to control, value, and measure the flow of information and to audit the systems which process it. The way ahead for information management is to develop techniques and tools in the areas of administering and accounting for information which will allow general management to guide the use and development of information in the same way that they guide the use and development of the other resources of the business.
Appraisal and access
Authors: Cook Michael
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a statement of the author's personal opinion on some of the effects of media discussion of issues with a records component.

Design/methodology/approach

In the discussion, appraisal of records for retention and the access to be given to users of these are singled out. Effects of electronic records management are included.

Findings

Accountability is seen as being the main principle in the appraisal of public records, but is extended to the private sector in such matters as environmental protection. Access is effected by the opening of the hitherto secret records of Eastern Europe, but also by new legal provision for data protection and freedom of information.

Originality/value

Principles for further development of professional action in records and archives management are suggested.
Concepts and principles for the management of electronic records, or records management theory is archival diplomatics
Authors: Duranti Luciana
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The greatest challenges which digital systems present are the creation and maintenance of reliable records and the preservation of their authenticity over time. It is vital for every organisation that its records should be able to stand for the facts which they concern, i.e. that their content is trustworthy. To meet these challenges the international community of records professionals must develop appropriate strategies, procedures and standards. This paper seeks to explore the concepts and principles derived from archival diplomatics that should guide the management of electronic records and therefore these developments, as well as drawing conclusions about the nature of the research work required.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the problems presented by electronic records, considers a definition of electronic records, and discusses the authenticity and reliability of electronic records.

Findings

Research work needs to be carried out to formulate the principles that will guide the development of international, national and organisational policies, strategies and standards, the specific criteria for each type of policy, strategy and standard, and the procedural methods for their implementation. The most important thing is to ensure that the policies, strategies and standards are consistent with one another, and this is only possible when they are based on the same concepts and inspired by the same principles.

Originality/value

Concepts, laws and models from various fields must be studied to foster useful transfers from one field to another, to encourage the development of theory in emerging areas of endeavour and investigation, to eliminate the duplication of theoretical efforts in different fields, and to promote consistency of scientific knowledge. However, in order to develop the body of knowledge of records management, concepts, laws and models of archival diplomatics must be brought to bear.
A functional approach to appraisal and retention scheduling
Authors: Man Elizabeth
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper sets out to present the approach being taken to appraisal and retention scheduling at the National Patient Safety Agency based upon the principles of ISO 15489.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sets out the background to, and the factors affecting, the development of appraisal and scheduling practice. It then focuses on the use of a functional analysis approach to appraisal and scheduling within the context of a pilot project, describing the appraisal methodology, survey and scheduling techniques used within the pilot and evaluating their effectiveness in meeting relevant statutory and organisational requirements for records retention.

Findings

The pilot survey provided valuable learning. Functional appraisal and surveying techniques were found to be particularly effective for establishing the business context of records and identifying their primary values; that is the legal and organisational requirements governing their retention. However, they were less effective at recognising secondary values such as archival value or dealing with the legacy records.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by considering the lessons learned and how they are influencing the development of retention policy and practice.
What is the essence of records management?
Authors: Ryan David
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share impressions of a witness seminar conference which explored the Essence of Records Management held in May 2006 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the concluding remarks made by the author as the conference rapporteur.

Findings

The paper concludes that the witness seminar format of the conference was very successful with much interaction between the speakers and participation from the audience; on the issues explored there has not been a paradigm shift; and that there are important areas which are still to discuss.

Originality/value

The paper shares impressions from a very different conference format which encourages debate amongst experts; it also raises some very important questions and challenges for records managers going forward.
Service‐oriented architectures and recordkeeping
Authors: Reed Barbara
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that the digital world has introduced new challenges to recordkeeping professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial response has been to transfer traditional recordkeeping systems to automated solutions. Increasingly these are being challenged for fit in dynamic organizational environments. Web services as a building‐block for next generation software applications are growing in acceptance both in governments and innovative product offerings.

Findings

The paper outlines the concepts of web services architectures and begins an exploration of the uses that recordkeeping professionals may define for such a potentially radical change to the way recordkeeping functionality is delivered.

Originality/value

The paper challenges recordkeeping professionals to ensure that they are very firmly grounded in best professional practice in recordkeeping to grasp such a technology opportunity.
Exploring the business case for e‐procurement
Authors: Smart Alan
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Although e‐procurement has been adopted in many industries, the business case for this technology has only partially been explored in the literature. This paper aims to investigate, through a case study approach, the extent of the business case developed for e‐procurement adoption in three implementations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a case study method and examines three industrial firms through in‐depth interviews with managers involved in the projects. The cases were presented and explored individually, followed by identification of relevant drivers and problem factors.

Findings

The research identifies 18 drivers which can form the basis of a business case for e‐procurement. A further 17 problem factors are presented, which have the potential to militate the original case. It is apparent that the firms involved only developed a limited case for adoption and that there is a significant element of faith that the eventual results will justify the investment.

Practical implications

A framework of the business drivers for e‐procurement is introduced, in the form of a multi‐attribute hierarchy. This framework can assist managers to classify relevant issues in assessing and developing the case for e‐procurement adoption.

Originality/value

Whilst the literature offers theoretical benefits for e‐procurement, the paper provides managers and researchers with empirical evidence of the drivers for this technology and of the problems encountered in implementation.
Analytical approach to fractional partial differential equations in fluid mechanics by means of the homotopy perturbation method
Authors: Yıldırım Ahmet
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present a general framework of the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) for analytic treatment of fractional partial differential equations in fluid mechanics. The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical illustrations that include the fractional wave equation, fractional Burgers equation, fractional KdV equation and fractional Klein‐Gordon equation are investigated to show the pertinent features of the technique.

Findings

HPM is a powerful and efficient technique in finding exact and approximate solutions for fractional partial differential equations in fluid mechanics. The implementation of the noise terms, if they exist, is a powerful tool to accelerate the convergence of the solution. The results so obtained reinforce the conclusions made by many researchers that the efficiency of the HPM and related phenomena gives it much wider applicability.

Originality/value

The essential idea of this method is to introduce a homotopy parameter, say p, which takes values from 0 to 1. When p = 0, the system of equations usually reduces to a sufficiently simplied form, which normally admits a rather simple solution. As p is gradually increased to 1, the system goes through a sequence of deformations, the solution for each of which is close to that at the previous stage of deformation.
A transient inverse problem in simultaneous estimation of TDTP based on MEGA
Authors: Ranjbar A.A. , Famouri M. , Imani A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to utilize the different forms of functions for the numerical solution of the two‐dimensional (2‐D) inverse heat conduction problem with temperature‐dependent thermo‐physical properties (TDTPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed numerical technique is based on the modified elitist genetic algorithm (MEGA) combined with finite different method (FDM) to simultaneously estimate temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity and heat capacity. In this paper, simulated (noisy and filtered) temperatures are used instead of experimental data. The estimated temperatures are obtained from the direct numerical solution (FDM) of the 2‐D conductive model by using an estimate for the unknown TDTPs and MEGA is used to minimize a least squares objective function containing estimated and simulated (noisy and filtered) temperatures.

Findings

The accuracy of the MEGA is assessed by comparing the estimated and the pre‐selected TDTPs. The results show that the measurement errors do not considerably affect the accuracy of the estimates. In other words, the proposed method provides a practical and confident prediction in simultaneously estimating the temperature‐dependent heat capacity and thermal conductivity. From the results, it is found that the RMS error between estimated and simulated temperatures is smaller for linear simulation and also we found this form convenient for parameters estimations.

Research limitations/implications

Future approaches should find the optimal design of case study and then apply the proposed method to achieve the best results.

Originality/value

Applications of the results presented in this paper can be of value in practical applications in parameter estimation even with one sensor temperature history.
Energy flux vectors as a new tool for convection visualization
Authors: Hooman Kamel
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to introduce a new technique for convection visualization. This is similar to Bejan's heatlines and is even an exact match to Landau and Lifshitz's energy streamlines for two‐dimensional geometries.

Design/methodology/approach

The work benefits from a combination of numerical and analytical tools to show that, in two‐dimensional space, heatlines and energy streamlines are effectively the same. More importantly, the energy flux vectors are tracing both of them accurately; as verified for some cases of free and forced convection problems in this paper.

Findings

The new technique is easier to implement compared to the existing counterparts which are available in the literature. More specifically, the advantage of this new technique is that, contrary to heatlines and energy streamlines, it does not require further numerical analysis in addition to solving momentum and energy equations.

Originality/value

Energy flux vectors offer higher resolution compared to existing visualization tools.
Free convection flow of a conducting couple stress fluid in a porous medium
Authors: Shantha G. , Shanker Bandari
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the unsteady flow of an incompressible, viscous, conducting couple stress fluid flow through a porous medium over an infinite plate that is started into motion in its own plane by an impulse. The presence of a uniform magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plate is assumed.

Design/methodology/approach

Casting the governing equations into matrix form, the authors use state space approach and Laplace transform technique to obtain the field variables. The inversion of Laplace transform is carried through the adoption of a numerical technique.

Findings

Two specific problems related to a heated plate and a plate under uniform heating are examined and the variation of temperature and velocity with respect to the couple stress parameter numerically is studied. Numerical results concerning velocity and temperature distribution are presented graphically.

Originality/value

The authors have attempted the problem in fluid dynamics through state space approach which is exploited with tremendous success in modern control theory but not enough in fluid dynamics.
On steady MHD flow and heat transfer past a rotating disk in a porous medium with ohmic heating and viscous dissipation
Authors: Sibanda P. , Makinde O.D.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the hydromagnetic steady flow and heat transfer characteristics of an incompressible viscous electrically conducting fluid past a rotating disk in a porous medium with ohmic heating, Hall current and viscous dissipation are also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Using appropriate similarity variables and boundary‐layer approximations, the fluid equations for continuity, momentum and energy balance governing the problem are formulated. These equations are solved numerically by using the most effective Newton‐Raphson shooting method along with fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta integration algorithm.

Findings

It was found that magnetic field retards the fluid motion due to the opposing Lorentz force generated by the magnetic field. Both the magnetic field and the Eckert number tend to enhance the heat transfer efficiency. The Hall parameter however reduces the heat transfer rate. In terms of the friction coefficient, the magnetic interaction parameter, the Hall parameter and the Eckert number all combine to increase the skin friction, while increasing the Darcy number (increasing permeability) reduces the skin friction so increasing the fluid velocity.

Practical implications

This paper provides a very useful source of information for researchers on the subject of hydromagnetic flow in porous media.

Originality/value

This type of problem has potential to serve as a prototype for practical swirl problems, for example, axisymmetric flow in combustors.
Shape optimization of a flat channel with an array of discrete, flush‐mounted heat sources on one plate being cooled by forced convective water
Authors: Campo Antonio , Johnson Richard , Landon Mark D. , Cabezas‐Gómez Luben
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a suitable linkage between a computational fluid dynamics code and a shape optimization code for the analysis of heat/fluid flow in forced convection channels normally used in the cooling of electronic equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

A parallel‐plate channel with a discrete array of five heat sources embedded in one plate with the other plate insulated constitutes the starting model. Using water as the coolant medium, the objective is to optimize the shape of the channel employing a computerized design loop. The two‐part optimization problem is constrained to allow only the unheated plate to deform, while maintaining the same inlet shape and observing a maximum pressure drop constraint.

Findings

First, the results for the linearly deformed unheated plate show significant decrease in the plate temperatures of the heated plate, with the maximum plate temperature occurring slightly upstream of the outlet. Second, when the unheated plate is allowed to deform nonlinearly, a parabolic‐like shaped plate is achieved where the maximum plate temperature is further reduced, with a corresponding intensification in the local heat transfer coefficient. The effectiveness of the computerized design loop is demonstrated in complete detail.

Originality/value

This article offers a simple, harmonious technique for optimizing the shape of forced convection channels subjected to pre‐set design constraints.
Experimental and numerical investigation of isothermal flow in an idealized swirl combustor
Authors: Benim A.C. , Escudier M.P. , Nahavandi A. , Nickson A.K. , Syed K.J. , Joos F.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of the paper is the validation of different modelling strategies for turbulent swirling flow of an incompressible fluid in an idealized swirl combustor.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments have been performed and computations carried out for a water test rig, for a Reynolds number of 4,600 based on combustor inlet mean axial velocity and diameter. Two cases have been investigated, one low swirl and the other high swirl intensity. Measurements of time‐averaged velocity components and corresponding rms turbulence intensities were measured using laser Doppler anemometer, along radial traverses at different axial locations. In the three‐dimensional, unsteady computations, large eddy simulation (LES) and URANS (Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier‐Stokes Equations or Reynolds Averaged Numerical Simulations) RSMs (Reynolds‐stress models) are basically employed as modelling strategies for turbulence. To model subgrid‐scale turbulence for LES, the models due to Smagorinsky and Voke are used. No‐model LES and coarse‐grid direct numerical simulation computations are also performed for one of the cases.

Findings

The predictions are compared with the measurements and reveal that LES provided the best overall accuracy for all of the cases, whereas no significant difference between the Smagorinsky and Voke models are observed for the time‐averaged velocity components.

Originality/value

This paper provides additional valuable information on the performance of various modelling strategies for turbulent swirling flows.
Performance management in service operational settings: a selective literature examination
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Gomes Carlos F.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine, the specific literature related to performance measurement in the service sector. In the process, it also aims to classify and examine innovative approaches and models utilized to measure performance in service operational settings. Based on this investigation, the paper seeks to identify relevant benchmarking implications.

Design/methodology/approach

A database of 141 peer‐reviewed publications, published between 1981 and early 2008, was utilized for the purpose of this paper. The published works included contributions from both practioners and scholars.

Findings

The International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management is found to be the leading journal in terms of contributions to performance measurement in service operational settings. It contributed 25 articles. The bulk of published work appeared in international journals. These contributions were mixed in nature. They included empirical, conceptual, case studies, literatures reviews and interviews. The focus of the articles examined was also mixed. These articles tended to emphasis operational, customer, strategic, supplier, and environmental aspects of service.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings of this paper, it is concluded that this area of research is in need of more future efforts aimed at solidifying theoretical constructs and practical applications.

Practical implications

Findings derived from this investigation have relevant benchmarking implications. In this context, understanding the different approaches to performance measurement as utilized in service organizations is critical to the efforts of these organizations' performance improvement efforts.

Originality/value

Understanding the types and scopes of the different approaches and models utilized to measure performance in service operational settings is important in light of the growing significance of the service sector.