bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic lenses for neutron beams
Authors: Füzi J.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide information on magnetic lens design principles for neutron beam focussing and to characterize the efficiency of these devices.

Design/methodology/approach

Magnetostatic and neutron optical computations are presented for permanent magnet and electromagnetic hexapole lenses for neutron beam focusing. The numerical results are verified by magnetic and neutron beam measurements.

Findings

Neutron lenses built from brick‐shaped permanent magnets approximating the six‐pole Halbach structure yield relatively high field constant for a relatively small useful diameter. Electromagnets are weaker, but allow field constant adjustment.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of both presented solutions resides in the difficulty of obtaining high magnetic flux densities. Superconducting coils in hexapole configuration can overcome this limitation.

Practical implications

The magnetic lenses can be used for beam focusing in scattering neutron instruments. The focused beam is also polarized.

Originality/value

Analytical formulae are supplied for the neutron path calculation in a six‐pole magnetic field. An electromagnet design with permanent magnet flux enforcement is provided.
Fast integral equation solution for electric field shielding
Authors: Cranganu‐Cretu Bogdan , Ostrowski Joerg , Andjelic Zoran
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide first insight onto the application of hierarchical matrices and adaptive cross approximation (ACA) techniques for electromagnetic scattering problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The shielding effectiveness of metallic casings with apertures is analyzed via an electric field integral equation. To reduce the storage needs and the complexity of matrix equation solution, a technique combining the use of hierarchical matrices (H‐matrix) in conjunction with the ACA technique is used.

Findings

Provides first results for compression of a matrix resulting from a Helmholtz problem by means of hierarchical matrices and ACA techniques. Gives insight into the importance of obtaining a “cheap” preconditioner.

Research limitations/implications

The technique resides on the smotheness of kernel functions – which is no longer valid for big wave numbers.

Practical implications

Gives means of solving problems of big dimensions in terms of number of unknowns – without the need to tailor the approach for the specific kernel function. The original integration functions used to fill the full matrix can be used here.

Originality/value

The paper represents one of the first attempts to use the above‐mentioned techniques for the high frequency domain.
On being cybernetic
Authors: Ray Wendel A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide personal memories of the work of Heinz von Foerster.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is one of personal reflection.

Findings

How the philosophy and science of cybernetic and cybernetics of cybernetics Heinz von Forester helped create was visible in his behavior with others is described. The relationship between von Forester and research associates of the Mental Research Institute is outlined.

Originality/value

Provides an insight to the importance of the work of von Foerster.
Observing systems and psychotherapy: what I owe to Heinz von Foerster
Authors: Elkaïm Mony
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To consider how the approach and work of Heinz von Foerster, among others, can aid psychotherapists.

Design/methodology/approach

A family therapist, as every therapist, is caught in the dilemma that (s)he cannot separate what (s)he sees from who (s)he is. One possibility to understand what happens in a therapeutic system is by means of the model of resonance. The therapist observes himself or herself and regards these thoughts and emotions as part of the therapeutic system. (S)he takes part in the reciprocal double binds, i.e. the strategy how each member of a human system s(he) is part of is protecting the worldview of the others by acting in a way, which is reinforcing their worldviews. Thus, a homeostasis is maintained.

Findings

Proposes a new systemic approach closer to Ilya Prigogine's work on systems far from equilibrium where chance plays a role helping members of human systems to leave a world of predictability and to enter a universe of freedom and responsibility. Also uses the teachings of Heinz von Foerster about being part of the world and not separated observers. The viewpoint of constructed realities entails freedom and responsibility and is a highly ethical position.

Originality/value

Provides help in understanding how the teachings of Heinz von Foerster, among others, can aid psychotherapists.
Heinz von Foerster: the withoutist
Authors: Birkas Dezsoe
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To write about Heinz von Foerster: to interpret him, to describe his real thoughts, to be “a foersterist”.

Design/methodology/approach

Considers that Heinz von Foerster, who used admiration and a not knowing approach as an epistemological basis, like most outstanding, emblematic figures in the history of mankind, liked to be called someone without disciplines, without “‐ist‐s”. It is the author's preference to call him a “withoutist”. The withoutist conveys knowledge from her/his epistemological position of self reference in an a priori manner.

Findings

To use a metaphor: she/he is so sharp that he does not wound his/her counterpart by conveying information, since there are no subject‐object borders to pierce through. He tries to learn learning, understand understanding. The term “withoutist” has a paradoxical meaning: being classified a withoutist means at the same time not to be classifiable.

Originality/value

Understanding a withoutist means not to understand him/her, but understand ourselves: it is a second‐order understanding. It shows up the never‐ending self referential process of construction and knowledge, observer and observed. The ethical position of the withoutist is the a priori acceptance of her/his counterparts opinion, his/her being right.
Self‐responsibility. Thoughts to the education of our management elites
Authors: Philipp Andreas , Kuhl Bastian
Published: June 2005

Purpose

How responsible is the management elite for the so‐called “world‐problems”, e.g. like “the scandalous economic scissors between north and south”, population growth and food scarcity or environmental problems? To give first answers on these questions is the purpose of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

As we began to think about these sorts of questions, we became very much aware, that there are numerous reasons to get down from the “ivory tower” and start being more concerned about the role of business administration within this “world‐problem” issue. The theoretical scope of the paper is observing management attitudes by the glasses of the system theory. The practical outcome of this work is giving managers the chance to reflect themselves.

Findings

By asking questions to the traditional business administration as a science and as a practice we will develop a new attitude of self‐responsibility in the spirit of Heinz von Foerster for a new, alternative academic management education.

Originality/value

This paper describes the core elements of a new “I‐want” reflection‐theory and tries to “irritate”; better: perturbate management‐systems in order to keep the dynamics of self‐reflection going.
Systemic inquiry – exploring organisations
Authors: Klein Louis
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Change management approaches and attempts of organisational development often fail. In search of business excellence, best practice managers and consultants overestimate the value of conceptual work and forget about the actual organisation and the virtues of the people who have to carry the burden of Change.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of Applied Narratives from which the systemic inquiry (SI) methodology is derived relates to Heinz von Foerster's impact on the practice of organisational development, change management and systemic intervention. Understanding an organisation being an observer of itself gives way to benefit from constructivism and systems theory and puts the people and their contribution back into the centre of interest.

Findings

Applied Narratives and SI give a good insight into the importance of the mechanics of organisational identity for change management and organisational development. SI facilitates genuine change and real improvements. It works with the opportunities of the organisation and the capabilities of the people and avoids the limitations of short sighted concepts.

Practical implications

Systemic Inquiry shows a way to work closer with the organisation and the people. SI overcomes the necessity to deal with resistance. People who find their virtues and ideas well appreciated do not resist, on the contrary they contribute and support. They become the change agents conventional change management always dreamt of.

Originality/value

Systemic inquiry addresses both managers and consultants. SI shows how a systemic approach can help to implement effective, genuine and authentic change.
Learning how to learn
Authors: Poerksen Bernhard
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Some of Heinz von Foerster's central topics of reflection (the crucial role of the observer, the admission of the autonomy of the knowing subject, the rejection of all absolute conceptions of truth, the significance of paradoxical and circular figures of thought, etc.) are of consequence to university education and teaching in many different ways.

Design/methodology/approach

The author crucially describes the central ideas of Heinz von Foerster and related authors on education, learning and teaching.

Findings

The author shows that the concepts developed by Heinz von Foerster suggest a paradigmatic re‐orientation; the concept of knowledge transfer must be replaced by the stimulation of self‐directed learning geared to the reality of students; learning environments must be created that enable students to recognise and experience ready‐made answers primarily as questions, and solutions primarily as problems. The constructivist understanding of the multiplicity of worlds and realities is particularly well suited for university teaching to support intellectual curiosity, fascination, and cooperative reflection.

Originality/value

Heinz von Foerster's brand of subversive constructivism inspires the dismantling of stifling hierarchies of knowledge, encourages dialogue‐oriented learning, relies on the autonomy and intellectual self‐sufficiency of the individual, and stimulates the delineation of ideal‐type role‐models and interaction patterns of different kinds.
Systemics: the social aspects of cybernetics
Authors: Lutterer Wolfram
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Conceptual discussion of central viewpoints of Heinz von Foerster including parallels to the thinking of Gregory Bateson. Application to systems theory and social problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis and discussion of selected publications of both authors.

Findings

Coining the term of “systemics” instead of “second‐order cybernetics”, limits of systemic thinking, flaws in ignoring these limits for example, in the systems theory of Niklas Luhmann.

Originality/value

Definition of “systemic”, parallels between Foerster and Bateson.
Analog, digital, and the cybernetic illusion
Authors: Pias Claus
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To reconstruct the way in which the difference of analog vs digital was introduced in the 1940s and to investigate why this difference was so fundamental to the whole cybernetic epistemology.

Design/methodology/approach

A close reading of the discussions about the terms “analog” and “digital” at the Macy‐Conferences (held during 1946‐1953) reveals how cybernetic discourse is founded on a suppression of the “real” (i.e. the physical, continuous, material, analog) by the “symbolic” (i.e. the artificial, discrete, logical, digital).

Findings

First, the difference between “analog” and “digital” resembles the Kantian difference of “senses” and “reason”. Together they form the “illusionary” function, which a digital‐oriented cybernetics tries to abandon. Second, the attempt to get rid of this illusion produces itself a “cybernetic illusion”, that replaces the anthropological illusion established (according to Michel Foucault) in late 18th century.

Originality/value

Showing that Heinz von Foerster's work could be seen as an attempt to establish a balance of power between analog and digital, and to respect the illusionary function of cybernetic knowledge.
Phantoms really exist – don't they?
Authors: Hug Theo
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To discuss the concept of phantom reality.

Design/methodology/approach

When one begins to look at the phenomenon of phantoms, one comes across different sections, which are referred to in expressions such as phantom limb pain, phantom circuits or phantom pregnancy. When are these phantoms? What are they all about? In which contexts are these expressions used? Do they have similarities or aspects in common? How can we deal with them and which reality do they belong to?

Findings

Even if we consider these questions as undecidable ones in the sense of Heinz von Foerster, more differentiated answers can be given on the basis of Nelson Goodman's and Catherine Z. Elgin's concept of variations.

Originality/value

The paper offers ideas for dialogue and orientation in the area of conflict of phantom and reality.
A novel approach to the synthesis of a non‐toxic, platy pigment for anticorrosive paints
Authors: Emira H.S.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To develop a method for the preparation of micaceous zinc ferrite (MZF), anticorrosive pigment having desirable chemical and physical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

MZF pigment was prepared after firing the oxidised solid molten salts without washing. The MZF pigment obtained was characterised using X‐ray diffraction analysis, crystal size analysis, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The pigment obtained was also evaluated chemically with respect to moisture content, content of water‐soluble salts, hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and weight loss; and physically with respect to particle shape, colour, specific gravity and oil absorption. Commercially available micaceous iron oxide and zinc ferrite pigments were also characterised in comparison.

Findings

A spinel, MZF pigment was prepared using relevant oxidised solid molten salts. The preparation produced a lamellar structure with a basic nature giving not only barrier protection but also chemical passivation of the substrate.

Research limitations/implications

The anticorrosive properties of the pigments obtained could be evaluated using more conventional methods such as salt‐spray test.

Practical implications

The pigment prepared could be used as a highly efficient pigment for anticorrosion coating for steel.

Originality/value

The method for the preparation of MZF pigment was novel. The pigment obtained could be used in various resin systems to produce anticorrosive paints for steel protection.
Nickel(II) silicates and oxides – highly dispersed green pigments
Authors: Klapiszewska B. , Krysztafkiewicz A. , Jesionowski T.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The study reported here concerned production of green pigments, hydrated nickel(II) silicates and oxides, obtained by precipitation from solutions of sodium metasilicate and sodium hydroxide using nickel(II) sulphate.

Design/methodology/approach

The pigments were analysed using a number of techniques including scanning electron microscopy for particle surface morphology and dynamic light scattering for particle structure and the tendency of the particles to agglomerate.

Findings

The most desirable physicochemical parameters were shown by highly dispersed nickel(II) silicates precipitated in presence of the modifying agents. Silicate pigments precipitated in the presence of Rokanol K‐7 had low bulk densities, a high capacity to absorb water, dibutyl phthalate and paraffin oil within the primary particles, which is particularly noteworthy.

Practical implications

Due to their good dispersibility, well developed surface and appropriate coating power, coloured silicates of, e.g. chromium(III) and nickel(II) may be used as pigments and fillers for surface coatings.

Originality/value

The method of obtaining nickel(II) pigments developed was novel and provided a solution for problem of post‐galvanic nickel solutions.
Determination of the performance of epoxy coatings containing feldspars filler
Authors: Kouloumbi N. , Ghivalos L.G. , Pantazopoulou P.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To study the effect of feldspars as inorganic filler on the mechanical and dielectric properties of epoxy coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

Coating systems used were of either filler‐free epoxy resin (as reference), or epoxy resin filled with feldspars powder at four different levels by weight. Mechanical properties of the coatings were evaluated via damping hardness and abrasion and impact resistance measurements. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were used for the evaluation of the dielectric properties while visual observations of the test panels after salt‐spray test were also made.

Findings

The addition of 15 per cent w/w feldspars resulted in a formulation giving the most positive results, e.g. improvement of the coating's mechanical characteristics and dielectric behaviour similar to that of filler‐free epoxy coatings. Practically comparable to this behaviour was that possessed by coatings with 30 per cent w/w feldspars, while further increase of the feldspars content resulted either in a reduction in the extent of the enhancement of the mechanical behaviour or even in a worsening of both mechanical and dielectric characteristics.

Originality/value

Feldspars are the most abundant group of minerals in the earth's crust; it is an inorganic, environmentally friendly material, which exhibits high Mohs hardness. The effects of feldspars in improving the mechanical characteristics of organic coatings, while not causing any reduction in the anticorrosive performance of the polymeric matrix was found through the study.
Voluntary export restraint (VER) without market restraints?
Authors: Seidenfuss Kai‐Uwe , Kathawala Yunus
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to research the mechanics of voluntary export restraints (VERs). It first develops a comprehensive VER research agenda, subsequently covering a 1991 VER between the European Union (EU) and Japan that established “voluntary” quotas on Japanese cars until 1999.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflecting gaps in research, an overall VER research agenda is set up. Then, referring to the only source providing ex ante hypotheses on the specific EU/Japan VER, those hypotheses by Preusse are checked against available ex post data at the time of writing in 2002.

Findings

First, Japan has not exhausted any of its yearly quotas during and even accepted a cut of quota in some years – an outcome only partly influenced by lower than expected market growth in the relevant period. Then, the competitive power of the Japanese producers appears overestimated, while the European capability to catch up was underestimated. Potential “escape routes” such as transplants and third‐country imports fell short of estimations – providing no particular support for Preusse's efficiency effect hypothesis and competitive effect hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

Typical research limitations such as data source availability and actor accessibility notwithstanding, it is shown that the product upgrading effect often associated with VERs may happen independently of such agreements.

Originality/value

This first results‐based, hypothesis‐driven exploration of particular VER mechanisms supports the authors’ call for a dual, actor‐driven and multi‐disciplinary VER research approach. It holds promise for the potential avenues for related research.
Leveraging expert systems technology to improve service industry
Authors: Metaxiotis K.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Intelligent solutions, based on expert systems (ES), to solve complicated practical problems in various sectors are becoming more and more widespread. However, the role of expert systems in the improvement of service industry has not yet been studied in the research community. The primary objective of this paper is to discuss the important role that ES can play in the improvement of service industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the diplomacy, preparedness and engagement responsibilities with the aid of technology ((DPEAT) model proposed by Agnihothri et al. the article presents how ES can be used in order to create an effective service organization.

Findings

The key findings of the study show that carrying out ES‐based DPEAT can result in superior service outcomes.

Originality/value

Service industries are growing in importance in all over the world. These industries operate in a very competitive market where the need to differentiate a service from the competitor is analogous to survival. The effective use of information technology (IT) to help service companies improve service quality, financial performance, customer satisfaction and productivity is a very crucial issue nowadays. However, the role of expert systems in the improvement of service industry has not yet been studied in the research community. The value of this paper is that it describes how the DPEAT model can be used in order to create effective service organization.
Corporate social responsibility: the way forward? Maybe not!
Authors: Papasolomou‐Doukakis Ioanna , Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Katsioloudes M.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The paper seeks to consider the findings that emerged from a preliminary study into Cypriot businesses and their attitudes and behaviour towards corporate social responsibility (CSR). The overarching aim of the discussion is to explore whether Cypriot businesses have realized the opportunity of using CSR to build a strong reputation, a practice “embraced” and adopted by many successful and profitable corporations, or whether they ignore their social responsibilities and do it at their peril.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 4,000 questionnaires were given to the Employers Federation in Cyprus to mail to its members. Two issues were addressed: one dealing with philanthropic and the other with the stewardship CSR projects, covering social responsibility not only towards customers and society at large but also towards employees, suppliers, investors, and the environment.

Findings

It appears that local corporations primarily emphasize the importance of meeting their responsibilities and obligations towards their employees and customers. The majority of respondents postulate that their philanthropic donations are made to approved organizations for tax deduction. So, financial gain appears to be a key motive for the adoption of social responsibility by the business sector in Cyprus.

Research limitations/implications

The study was characterized by a low response rate, which has implications to the generalization of the research findings. Perhaps future research can focus on certain sectors and their approach to the practice of CSR instead of exploring several sectors in the Cypriot economy, which was the approach adopted in this study.

Originality/value

The paper reports findings from the first nationwide study carried out in the area of CSR.
The influence of virtual communities on distribution strategies in the internet
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Guinalíu Miguel
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to present the virtual community as a strategy that can increase the chance of success in the distribution of products over the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper describes the concept of a virtual community. Second, it analyzes how five well‐known companies are using virtual communities to back up the distribution of their products over the internet. Following the study of the various companies, the additional benefits arising from the use of virtual communities are explained and a series of recommendations for managing them.

Findings

Through the conceptual analysis of the virtual community and the descriptive study of five real cases of companies that use the virtual community in their online marketing strategies, this paper shows, among other things, how it is possible to attain greater brand awareness, more precise market segmentation and the highest degree of supply differentiation.

Research limitations/implications

Virtual community is a tool that can increase the chances of success in the marketing and distribution of products over the internet. Therefore, there are several lines of research that might be followed in the future. Foremost among these might be a study that gives rise to a quantitative assessment of the impact of virtual communities. A thorough assessment of the effect of virtual communities on various sectors will also be needed. Thus, the study of the virtual community as a knowledge management system in the corporate or educational fields would be particularly useful.

Practical implications

The case studies and the recent literature have enabled us to define various management recommendations, such as promoting self‐management of virtual communities, minimizing control or promoting specialization of their members.

Originality/value

This work thoroughly examines one of the phenomena that is reaping the most success on the internet and yet, paradoxically, has received the least attention from marketing researchers: virtual communities.
Effects of interactivity and product information on consumer satisfaction in an online retail setting
Authors: Ballantine Paul W.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study aims to examine how two aspects of an online shopping environment can influence consumer satisfaction. The two independent variables examined in this study were the level of interactivity and the amount of information provided by an online shopping environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based experiment (using a 3 × 3 between‐subjects factorial design) was conducted, where respondents were exposed to a simulated online retail store. A total of 360 responses were collected from web users.

Findings

Results suggest that the level of interactivity and the amount of information provided by the web site had a significant effect on consumer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations included the use of a fictitious retail web site, self‐selection bias, the use of a single type of online retailer, and the one‐shot nature of the experimental design. Future research should replicate this study to a fully functional or real‐world web site, extend this study to include other types of online retailers, and examine what other features found in a web site may elicit consumer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The importance of consumer satisfaction in bricks‐and‐mortar retail stores has long been emphasised in the literature. This study provides guidance as to the role of two web‐specific variables on consumers’ assessments of satisfaction with the interface provided by an online retail store.
Drivers of supply chain vulnerability: an integrated framework
Authors: Peck Helen
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to report on findings of a cross‐sector empirical study of the sources and drivers of supply chain vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was undertaken in accordance with the realist tradition. It begins with a descriptive exploratory stage involving an in‐depth exploratory case study of aerospace industry supply chains, validated through in‐depth interviews with managers representing other “critical sectors” of the UK economy. This is followed by an explanatory theoretical stage. The work is supported throughout with reference to relevant literature sources.

Findings

The findings highlight the absence of any widespread understanding of the scope of and dynamic nature of the problem, which should be considered from multiple perspectives and at four levels of analysis: value stream/product or process; asset and infrastructure dependencies; organisations and inter‐organisational networks; and social and natural environment.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is normative rather than positive, so focuses on understanding why supply chains are vulnerable to disruption, rather than presenting itself as a prescription for management. The paper does not investigate academic definitions or existing taxonomies of risk.

Practical implications

The work provides some useful insights for practising managers and policy makers.

Originality/value

The paper reports on empirical research, then draws as appropriate on network theory and complex systems perspectives to produce a conceptual model of a supply chain as in interactive adaptive system.
The role of information connectivity in making flexible logistics programs successful
Authors: Closs David J. , Swink Morgan , Nair Anand
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Aims to conceptualize flexible logistics programs and information connectivity as two important aspects of logistics flexibility and to examine the role of information connectivity in making flexible logistics programs successful.

Design/methodology/approach

A hierarchical regression model is used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that flexible logistics programs are strongly related to all performance dimensions, and that information connectivity fully mediates the relationship between flexible logistics programs and asset productivity and partially mediates the relationship between flexible logistics programs and delivery competence.

Research limitations/implications

Future theoretical research can develop a detailed conceptualization of logistics flexibility. In this paper, the constructs are developed utilizing an exploratory factor analysis approach. Future research utilizing confirmatory factor analysis approach will allow a better validation of the performance constructs. The paper also considers that studies that link flexible logistics program, information connectivity and performance in a structural equations modeling framework will further enrich one's understanding. In this framework, flexible logistics programs can be considered as a latent variable comprising several individual resource level flexibility measures.

Practical implications

This research highlights the need for organizational structure, role dependencies and a proactive preparedness in terms of managerial policies. The concept of special programs for accommodating changing customer requirements exemplifies the importance for a firm to be aware of shifting demand characteristics and the ability to tailor service delivery accordingly.

Originality/value

An examination of the research questions sheds some light on logistics flexibility as a critical component of logistics capability. With this study logistics flexibility is characterized in terms of flexible logistics programs and information connectivity and hypotheses are tested that link these aspects with performance. It is believed that this enhances and enriches the existing logistics literature and presents avenues for further investigation. Meanwhile, testing the link presents managerial insights for prudent decision making. An investigation of the role of information connectivity provides directions for firms to align their information system strategies with their flexibility‐oriented planning decisions.
Coping with customs clearance uncertainties in global sourcing
Authors: Sawhney Rajeev , Sumukadas Narendar
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Seeks to show how developing countries are becoming important links in global sourcing networks. However, inefficient functioning of governments as customs‐clearance agents adversely impacts the flow of goods to and from these countries. This uncertainty not only impacts firms in the developing countries, but also seeps into the global supply networks in which these firms participate. Existing strategic supplier partnership (SSP) models do not address the role of government.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes observations gathered from a field study to understand better the mechanisms that companies use to cope with government‐induced import uncertainty. The paper draws insights from a buyer‐buyer collaboration mechanism found among a few firms in the printed circuit board manufacturing industry in India. To generalize the findings to other settings, the paper investigates how such a mechanism came to be, and how others in different settings might benefit from similar mechanisms.

Findings

The paper advances nine theoretically grounded propositions regarding other situations in which such buyer‐buyer collaboration may be suitable in other industries or countries.

Research limitations/implications

The propositions advanced here need to be subjected to empirical examination, to test and extend the theory's boundaries to other industries and countries. Several “original” concepts generated here need to be developed into researchable constructs, and valid, reliable instruments need to be generated.

Originality/value

The propositions advanced here regarding buyer‐buyer cooperation among competing firms represent a clear extension of the traditional buyer‐supplier cooperation extensively studied in SSP models. Moreover, the results are highly usable and add value to supply chain practices.
Influences of element size and variable smoothing on inviscid compressible flow solution
Authors: Thomas C.G. , Nithiarasu P.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To improve inviscid compressible flow solution.

Design/methodology/approach

A local element‐size calculation procedure in the streamline direction and a local variable smoothing approach are employed to improve inviscid compressible flow solution. The characteristic based split approach is used as basic solution procedure to demonstrate the employed improvements.

Findings

Results show that employing the element size in the streamline direction improves the solution accuracy in the transonic flow region. The nodal variable smoothing is very effective below a Mach number of 0.85 and produces results without any spatial oscillations.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap by suggesting novel procedures to study Mach number range between zero and supersonic flow.
Backlash in the workplace
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This exploratory study examined backlash in the workplace. Backlash was operationalized by employee views on how much their employer had done to support the advancement of four designated groups (women, disabled, aboriginal people, racial/visible minorities): too much, about right, too little.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 2,514 employees of a single financial services organization (1,962 women, 480 men) using anonymous questionnaires.

Findings

The majority of the sample thought their employer had done about the right amount. Women thought the firm had done less for women than men did; men thought the firm had done less for aboriginals than women did. Males more strongly endorsing backlash had longer company tenure and tended to be at lower organizational levels. Women and men endorsing backlash were then compared on a variety of work and organizational outcomes. Men believing the firm had done too much, and women believing the firm had done too little generally indicated less satisfying work and organizational outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Study needs to be replicated in other organizations using a different measure of backlash.

Practical implications

Suggestions for dealing with backlash are offered.

Originality/value

Examines a relatively important but under‐researched subject.
Gender differences and job satisfaction: a study of university teachers in the United States
Authors: Okpara John O. , Squillace Michael , Erondu Emmanuel A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of gender on the job satisfaction of US academics.

Design/methodology/approach

The population for this study consisted of full‐time college and university teachers listed in the “Brain Track University Index Directories of the United States Colleges and Universities”. A sampling technique was used to select the respondents surveyed for this study. A total of 1,100 questionnaires were administered to respondents chosen from 80 universities. A total of 560 usable questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 51 percent.

Findings

The findings of this research show that there are gender differences apparent in the job satisfaction levels of university teachers surveyed for this study. Female faculty were more satisfied with their work and co‐workers, whereas, their male colleagues were more satisfied with their pay, promotions, supervision, and overall job satisfaction. Results also indicated that ranks were significant in explaining gender differences and job satisfaction of the respondents.

Research limitations/implications

This research is delimited to 4 year colleges and universities. Thus, the results of this study cannot be generalized to 2 year and community colleges.

Practical implications

Findings of the study provides institutional leaders, university and college administrators, and human resources professionals with key information that would enable them to recruit, reward, promote, and retain women faculty. The finding would also enable the government address the issues concerning female academics.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical recommendations to higher education administrators and human resources professionals on how to enhance job satisfaction of female faculty. It also offers suggestions to how to maintain more balanced gender equity in higher education.
Female managers in Japan: early indications of career progression
Authors: Duignan René , Iaquinto Anthony
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Aims to determine the self‐perceptions of Japanese female white‐collar employees regarding defined aspects of their work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of Japanese workers employed in Japanese and foreign (US and European) financial services companies. The self‐perceptions were tested and compared: directly with the self‐perceptions of male counterparts, and within an exclusively female sample divided into two subsets of Japanese and foreign companies operating in Japan.

Findings

Results show that despite recent employment system changes, clearly segregated gender roles persist in the Japanese workplace with female employees reporting significantly lower self‐evaluations of their training‐received, future prospects and understanding of operations than their male counterparts. However, when female results are subdivided by national origin of their company, Japanese women employed in foreign companies show significantly higher self‐evaluations of training‐received, future prospects than their female counterparts employed in Japanese companies.

Research limitations/implications

To eliminate cross‐industry interference and erroneous differences the research focuses exclusively on the financial securities industry. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized to other companies operating in other industries in Japan.

Practical implications

The results suggest that foreign companies are providing a higher degree of gender empowerment and offer important early insights into the hiring, training and creation of a new cadre of female white‐collar workers in Japan.

Originality/value

The study extends research into understanding issues surrounding female white‐collar workers in a period of great change in Japanese companies and society itself.
Institutional change in the corporation: the new social charter
Authors: Wilson Ian
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To analyze the extent of, and the reasons for, institutional change in the private corporation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies seven “new rules of corporate conduct” which, in total, represent a radical change in the social contract between society and the corporation. It then speculates about future changes in corporate purpose and governance.

Findings

A central feature of the new corporate charter is that it is likely to entail a redefinition of the relationship between profit and corporate purpose. The purpose is service to society (i.e. serving social needs), while profit provides the means, motive and measure.

Originality/value

This paper provides the basis and rationale for moving the corporation from “profit‐as‐purpose” to “service‐as‐purpose” as the organizing principle for its strategies, values and actions.
Seven secrets of transformation
Authors: Cebrowski Arthur K.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To offer seven guides to institutional change.

Design/methodology/approach

The Director of the Office of Force Transformation draws on his experience in transforming the US military to offer seven guides to institutional change.

Findings

The seven guides are as follows: some major changes are inevitable and should be noted as such; having a good forecast ahead of others is of little use if they are not ready to acknowledge it; future trends must rely on data‐free research to some extent; it is possible to use the media for your purposes by focusing on pivotal ideas they like to promulgate; to change institutions requires changing their culture, which in turn requires changing carefully selected values and symbols; transformation demands not only creative imagination but the hard work of implementation; and look for those crucial tipping points when achieving a critical mass can swing dramatic changes quickly.

Originality/value

Offers an experience‐based insight into the world of organizational transformation.
From organizational to institutional change
Authors: Inayatullah Sohail
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To provide a futures‐oriented perspective on institutional change.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents methods and case studies of attempts to engage in institutional change. An international authority on future studies draws on his field to provide a futures‐oriented perspective on institutional change. This perspective includes the use of futures tools, strategy, capacity building, the central role of memes, emergence of self‐organization, and the underlying role of meaning and symbols. Five case studies are used to illustrate these principles.

Findings

One company was struggling over its governing choice of institutional metaphor: the tortoise versus the hare. Another was caught up in treating hackers as good versus evil, but realized that they needed new concepts to grasp the frontier of cyberspace. A third case involved moving from developing a monolithic plan to forming self‐organizing groups of stakeholders that actually created a collective new vision. A city council was able to recognize the need to shift toward an innovative organizational structure. The final case challenged a group of mayors to adopt a “rainforest” model of cities that is inclusive, green, human‐centered.

Originality/value

Mapping, understanding and transforming the “myths” discussed in this paper are crucial for the move from individual to organization to institutional change.
Factors that impact United States retailers' expansion into the international marketplace
Authors: Maharajh Lisa , Heitmeyer Jeanne
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This research investigated the foreign expansion of US‐owned retailers into the Latin American markets of Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. The purpose of this study was to determine how important the following factors were in a retailer's decision to establish a presence in Latin America: political and economic stability of the country, retail market size and growth, real estate issues, government regulations in terms of types of entry modes, customer base or target market, competition, and technical feasibility. This study also determined if there was a significant difference in these factors for US‐owned retailers who were interested in international retailing and US‐owned retailers who were not interested in international expansion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered via a questionnaire administered to vice‐presidents of the international development division for US retail companies.

Findings

Factors determined important for a retailer's decision to expand into an international market were political and economic stability of the country and the size of the retail market. The least important factor was the technical feasibility. Retailers interested in expansion into Latin America and retailers not interested in expansion into Latin America did not score the factors significantly different.

Originality/value

This study identifies factors important for expansion into the international marketplace. Success in these ventures is necessary for the economic well‐being of the retail industry.
Patterns of strategic adjustment in the US textile and apparel industries since 1979
Authors: Kilduff Peter
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The paper seeks to explain the pattern of strategic responses by the US textile and apparel industries to changes in their business environment since 1979.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a literature review and interviews with officers from leading US corporations, government agencies and trade associations. The approach examines strategic responses to environmental change. The study takes a macro perspective to permit an understanding of the forces operating at the industry level.

Findings

Shifting market requirements, intensifying international competition, powerful retailers, and rapid technological change have confronted the US textile and apparel sectors. In responding to these, companies have developed more creative, change‐seeking business cultures, and more flexible operational arrangements. However, both industries have exhibited change‐resisting characteristics in their responses. Many companies have been forced into bankruptcy. Today both industries are radically different, in terms of their strategies, business scope, technological intensity, organizational structure, and supply chain relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a generalized perspective on the broad thrusts of strategic changes across the two sectors. Further work could develop this analysis at a micro level.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the need for US companies to develop more change‐seeking business cultures, more flexible operational arrangements, an international orientation and a sharper business focus.

Originality/value

The paper provides a long‐term, systemic perspective on strategic responses to environmental change at the industry level. It has policy‐making value to practitioners and government agencies, and instructional value to teachers and students.