bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pull of the Past
Authors: Neal David T. , Wood Wendy , Wu Mengju , Kurlander David
Published: August 2011

To identify the factors that disrupt and maintain habit performance, two field experiments tested the conditions under which people eat out of habit, leading them to resist motivational influences. Habitual popcorn eaters at a cinema were minimally influenced by their hunger or how much they liked the food, and they ate equal amounts of stale and fresh popcorn. Yet, mechanisms of automaticity influenced habit performance: Participants ate out of habit, regardless of freshness, only when currently in the context associated with past performance (i.e., a cinema; Study 1) and only when eating in a way that allowed them to automatically execute the response cued by that context (i.e., eating with their dominant hand; Study 2). Across all conditions, participants with weaker cinema-popcorn-eating habits ate because of motivations such as liking for the popcorn. The findings reveal how habits resist conflicting motives and provide insight into promising mechanisms of habit change.
Marital Status, Gender, and Home-to-Job Conflict Among Employed Parents
Authors: Nomaguchi Kei M.
Published: August 2011

Although researchers argue that single parents perceive more work–family conflict than married parents, little research has examined nuances in such differences. Using data from the 2002 National Study of Changing Workforce ( N = 1,430), this study examines differences in home-to-job conflict by marital status and gender among employed parents. Findings indicate that single mothers feel more home-to-job conflict than single fathers, married mothers, and married fathers. Some predictors of home-to-job conflict vary by marital status and gender. Job pressure is related to home-to-job conflict more for single parents than for married parents. Age of children is related to conflict for single fathers only. Whereas an unsupportive workplace culture is related to conflict especially for married fathers, the lack of spouses’ share of domestic responsibilities is related to conflict especially for married mothers. These findings indicate that marital status and gender create distinct contexts that shape employed parents’ perceived home-to-job conflict.
Is Ototopical Nystatin Ototoxic? A Chinchilla Model
Authors: Daniel Sam J. , Sahmkow Sofia , Akinpelu Olubunmi V.
Published: August 2011

In this prospective controlled animal study, the authors investigated the potential ototoxic effects of ototopical application of nystatin through a tympanostomy tube, using their established chinchilla animal model. Each of the 10 animals used had ventilation tubes inserted in both ears; 1 ear was randomly assigned to receive nystatin suspension, whereas the other ear did not receive any medication, serving as control. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured in each animal before application of nystatin and at 45 and 60 days after application. Each cochlea was also processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at the end of the experiment. There was no significant difference in the DPOAEs and SEM appearances of the experimental and control ears over the 60‐day period of the experiment. The authors conclude that transtympanic nystatin did not produce any long‐term ototoxic effects detectable by DPOAEs or SEM.
Parotidectomy by Periauricular Incision
Authors: Petroianu Andy
Published: August 2011

Objective

According to the literature, periauricular combined with submandibular or cervical incision is used in nearly every parotidectomy. The aim of this study was to present the results of the use of only periauricular incision in parotid surgical procedures.

Design

A case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Patients of the author were operated on at the Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Subjects and Methods

Forty‐one consecutive partial or total parotidectomies (27 cases of pleomorphic adenoma, 9 of other benign tumors, 3 of parotid cysts, and 2 of chronic parotiditis) were performed using only periauricular incision.

Results

The parotid tumors were removed in all cases with no need for any further skin procedures, as the incisions produced a good aesthetic result. All patients presented temporary hypoesthesia in the area that had been operated on for no more than 6 months. Ear discomfort was reported by 18 patients for a short period of time. Local infection occurred in 1 case successfully treated with systemic antibiotics.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that periauricular incision is a high‐quality and highly aesthetic option for surgical procedures concerning benign conditions of the parotid gland.
Vocalizations of infants (9—11 months old) in response to musical and linguistic stimuli
Authors: Reigado João , Rocha António , Rodrigues Helena
Published: August 2011

This study analyzes infant vocal responses in order to determine whether infants exposed to both linguistic and musical stimuli exhibit different types of vocalizations in response to those two different kinds of stimulation. Twenty-one infants, from 9 to 11 months of age, were observed in four weekly sessions over the period of a month. Each session consisted of two presentations: musical, in which the experimenter sang, and linguistic, in which the experimenter narrated poems. Infants’ vocalizations were recorded and submitted to aural and acoustic analysis. The results showed that infants’ vocalizations in response to both presentations displayed different characteristics of duration and vocal extension. Infant vocalizations in response to musical stimuli consisted predominantly of isolated sounds, with a high percentage of first and third steps of the scale of the musical stimuli as well as a predominance of melodic intervals and contours outlining important scalar steps of the stimuli. Descending intervals were also a characteristic of infant vocal production in response to musical stimuli.
Developing and testing the guitar songleading performance scale (GSPS)
Authors: Silverman Michael J.
Published: August 2011

Guitar songleading is a critical component in music education and music therapy training curricula. However, at present, there is no standardized instrument to evaluate guitar songleading performance that is both valid and reliable. The purpose of this article is to describe the construction, development, and testing of a guitar songleading feedback form devised specifically for music therapy and education majors, but also applicable for other types of students. The guitar songleading performance scale (GSPS) was designed to provide specific feedback and constructive criticism for music therapy and music education majors in an efficient manner. Experts in guitar, music therapy, and music education were interviewed and provided feedback throughout the development of the GSPS to ensure its face and content validity, practicality, usefulness, and usability. Inter-observer reliability was found to be high during 105 songleading evaluations. Longitudinal data indicate that over the course of a semester and year, students’ guitar songleading performance scores increased on the GSPS in accordance with their skills. This study suggests the GSPS can be a practical, useful, reliable, and valid measure of guitar songleading performance. Future research can provide additional data and explore other aspects of reliability and validity in the GSPS.
Direct oxymetric peripheral tissue perfusion monitoring during open heart surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass: preliminary experience
Authors: Lonsky V , Svitek V , Brzek V , Kubicek J , Volt M , Horak M , Mandak J
Published: August 2011

Background: Regional hypoperfusion has been associated with the development of postoperative organ dysfunction in cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Direct tissue oxymetry is a potentially new method for monitoring the quality of the peripheral tissue perfusion during CPB. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of CPB in skeletal muscle oxygenation when measured in the deltoid muscle by direct oxymetry during perioperative period.

Method: Seven patients underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Direct oxymetry was performed by an optical cathether introduced into the deltoid muscle. Continuous measurement was made during the surgical procedure and the postoperative period. Mean arterial blood pressure, blood flow during CPB, laboratory markers of tissue hypoperfusion, blood gases and body temperature were also recorded.

Results: Interstitial muscle tissue oxygen tension (pO2) decreased after the introduction to anaesthesia and, more significantly, during CPB. After the disconnection from CPB at the end of the operation, the pO2 returned to pre-anaesthetic values. During the first hours after admission of the patients to the intensive care unit, the pO2 progressively decreased, reached a minimum value after four hours, and increased slowly thereafter. There was a significant correlation of pO2 with mean arterial blood pressure and blood flow during that time.

Conclusion: The result of this first measurement seems to demonstrate that the standard technique of conducting cardiopulmonary bypass produces low muscle oxygen tension and, thus, little perfusion of skeletal muscle. The data also indicate that both high mean arterial blood pressure and high flow are necessary during CPB to ensure skeletal muscle perfusion. The investigation is continuing.
Successful use of a percutaneous miniaturized extracorporeal life support system as a bridge and assistance to left ventricular assist device implantation in a patient with severe refractory cardiogenic shock
Authors: Haneya A , Philipp A , Puehler T , Camboni D , Hilker M , Hirt SW , Schmid C
Published: August 2011

We present a 51-year-old man with cardiogenic shock in whom a percutaneous extracorporeal life support system (ECLS) was inserted to restore cardiopulmonary stability. After successful stabilization, a left ventricular assist device was implanted, using the ECLS without switching to a conventional cardiopulmonary bypass system to reduce its side effects.
Mitigating the Acoustic Impacts of Modern Technologies
Authors: Shepherd Daniel , Billington Rex
Published: August 2011

Wind turbine noise is annoying and has been linked to increased levels of psychological distress, stress, difficulty falling asleep, and sleep interruption. For these reasons, there is a need for competently designed noise standards to safeguard community health and well-being. The authors identify key considerations for the development of wind turbine noise standards, which emphasize a more social and humanistic approach to the assessment of new energy technologies in society.
Structure and properties of polyacrylic acid modified hydroxyapatite/liquid crystal polymer composite
Authors: Shen Deyong , Fang Liming , Chen Xiaofeng , Tang Youhong
Published: August 2011

A bioactive ceramic-reinforced liquid crystal polymer compoasite was developed as a bone replacement material. Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was modified with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and then compounded with Vectra A950 (VA) by twin screw extrusion, finally the mixture was injection-molded to prepare the HA/VA composites with different mass ratios. TEM characterization shows that PAA modification effectively broke the HA agglomeration to primary particles. FTIR and XPS analyses indicate that PAA was successfully coated on HA powder by a bridging coordination. The loading of PAA on HA surface measured by TGA was 2.2% (by weight). Rheological study shows that PAA modification increased the physical and chemical interactions between HA powder and the polymer matrix, and hence a homogenous dispersion was obtained as revealed by SEM characterization of the fractured composite surface. Tensile tests show that PAA-modified HA/VA composite (mass ratio of 20:100) has a strength of 138 MPa, modulus of 9.3 GPa, and fracture strain of 7.2%, which match those of load-bearing bone well.
Barriers to Successful Treatment Completion in Child Sexual Abuse Survivors
Authors: McPherson Paul , Scribano Philip , Stevens Jack
Published: August 2011

Child sexual abuse (CSA) often requires psychological treatment to address the symptoms of victim trauma. Barriers to entry and completion of counseling services can compromise long-term well-being. An integrated medical and mental health evaluation and treatment model of a child advocacy center (CAC) has the potential to reduce barriers to mental health treatment. Objective: (a) to describe characteristics between CSA patients who engage versus those who do not engage in mental health treatment and (b) to identify factors associated with successful completion of mental health treatment goals. For design/setting, a retrospective cohort study was conducted of CSA patients (ages 3-16 years) referred to mental health services following a CAC assessment. Outcome variables included linkage with treatment and completion of treatment. Independent variables included demographics, abuse characteristics, and therapist characteristics. Data were abstracted from the CAC and billing databases. Results: Four hundred ninety subjects were evaluated. Subjects were as follows: predominately female (74%), White (60%), and more than half received Medicaid (56%). Mean age was 8.4 years. About 52% linked with mental health services and 39% of patients that successfully linked with mental health services completed therapy. Successful linkage was independently associated with referrals to other counseling services (AOR 8.4 [2.5, 27.7]). Successful completion of therapy was independently associated with caregiver participation in therapy (AOR 3.2 [1.8, 6.0]) and if the patient was referred to other counseling services (AOR 4.1 [1.9, 8.5]). There were no differences between subjects that linked and/or completed therapy and those that did not with regard to demographic characteristics or abuse severity. Conclusion: In contrast to previous reports, efforts at our CAC seem to overcome linkage barriers in this population. However, there remain challenges in achieving successful completion of treatment goals in this population. Engaging caregivers’ involvement in therapy services had a positive effect with successfully achieving treatment goals.
Multiple extrusion and dilution of nanocomposites and their effect on the mechanical properties
Authors: Hassinger I , Burkhart T
Published: August 2011

Commercially available TiO2 and BaSO4 nanoparticles were incorporated in polyamide 6 (PA 6) via twin screw extrusion. The primary particle size of these two nanoparticles was 15 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The compounds were manufactured via multiple extrusion and dilution processing steps. The dispersion of the nanoparticles in the matrix was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and image analysis. The mechanical properties were determined via tensile and bending tests. The toughness was investigated by the Charpy V-notch impact strength test. It was found that for TiO2 fillers a threefold extrusion process is sufficient to realize a dispersion index of 94.4%. BaSO4 fillers were hardly dispersible, ending up with a maximum dispersion index of 71%. Tensile and bending properties are maintained constant, or can be improved with the number of performed extrusion steps. Despite good deagglomeration, impact strength at low concentrations was not improved in case of TiO2, which is probably due to remaining microagglomerates.
Producing governable subjects: Images of childhood old and new
Authors: Smith Karen
Published: August 2011

Conceptions of childhood in terms of ‘evil’ and ‘innocence’ transcend time and culture. These conflicting images are deployed by Chris Jenks as the Dionysian and Apollonian models of childhood to symbolize external and internal forms of control. Drawing on the literature on governmentality this article revisits these models and introduces a third – the ‘Athenian’ child – loosely analogous and supplementary to those developed by Jenks. This model is necessary in order to take account of relatively recent strategies in the government of childhood, which, predicated on understandings of children in terms of competence and agency, operate via responsibility and reflexivity.
Cloud manufacturing: a computing and service-oriented manufacturing model
Authors: Tao F , Zhang L , Venkatesh V C , Luo Y , Cheng Y
Published: August 2011

Combining the emerged advanced technologies (such as cloud computing, ‘internet of thing’, virtualization, and service-oriented technologies, advanced computing technologies) with existing advanced manufacturing models and enterprise ‘informationization’ technologies, a new computing- and service-oriented manufacturing model, called cloud manufacturing (CMfg), is proposed. The concept, architecture, core enabling technologies, and typical characteristics of CMfg are discussed and investigated, as well as the differences and relationship between cloud computing and CMfg. Four typical CMfg service platforms, i.e. public, private, community, and hybrid CMfg service platforms, are introduced. The key advantages and challenges for implementing CMfg are analysed, as well as the key technologies and main research findings.
Morphological synthesis of metamorphic mechanisms based on constraint variation
Authors: Zhang W X , Ding X L , Dai J S
Published: August 2011

A metamorphic mechanism can be considered as a mechanism set composed by multiple kinematic chains which have the ability to be transformed sequentially from one to another following specific rules in order to meet different requirements of tasks. The process of its configuration transformation results from the variation of constraints. A special classification approach of constraints is proposed based on its characteristic of multi-configuration. The basic modes to achieve configuration transformation of metamorphic mechanisms and the design principle of metamorphic kinematic pairs are further presented. Finally, a configuration synthesis methodology of the metamorphic mechanism is proposed based on a morphological matrix. The essence of this methodology is to realize variation and coupling of mechanisms in adjacent configurations by applying metamorphic kinematic joints according to the functions, constraints, and configuration sequence. The approach is verified by developing a vehicle that can convey materials with a metamorphic driving mechanism. This study provides a fundamental theory for the design of new metamorphic mechanisms.
Finite element simulation of inelastic contact for arbitrarily shaped rough bodies
Authors: Olshevskiy A , Yang H I , Kim C-W
Published: August 2011

Accounting for surface roughness in contact simulation can significantly change the calculated values of contact stresses for many objects. This can be important for high-precision mechanisms where displacements of tens of micrometers are required, such as a machining attachment used to clamp machine elements during processing on high precision machine tools. In this case, even a small deformation changing the shape of asperities can be sufficient to influence the operation of the mechanism. For problems with extensive contact areas and relatively low nominal contact pressures, accounting for surface roughness can change the distribution of the contact stresses and the contact area. Therefore, a contact simulation should be run with minimum set of assumptions. A universal approach to account for surface roughness in the contact of arbitrarily shaped bodies using the finite element method is described. A contact between bodies with nominally flat rough surfaces is considered in order to obtain diagrams of normal and tangential contact stiffness. An elastic–plastic pattern of material deformation is determined using yield theory. The distribution of the contact area during load growth is discussed. The application of contact stiffness diagrams in contact simulation for rough is described, and some numerical results are given.
Crashworthiness design optimization using equivalent static loads
Authors: Yi S-I , Lee J Y , Park G-J
Published: August 2011

Crashworthiness is an issue that should be considered when designing a passenger vehicle to ensure the occupants’ safety in a vehicle accident. Many governments and insurance companies around the world suggest conditions relating to passenger safety in designing vehicles, and regulations that include the conditions have been utilized. The suggested regulations reflect the crashworthiness of structures in order to consider passenger safety. Therefore, these conditions should be used as objective functions or constraints when optimizing a vehicle structure. However, it is difficult to apply gradient-based optimization methods to crash optimization problems because of the large non-linearities of the problems which should be considered in the time domain. The non-linearities and oscillation of the responses make it difficult to calculate the sensitivity information. Therefore, a design method regarding the crash optimization problem needs to be developed. A crash problem should consider the crashworthiness of the vehicle. That is, a design problem should be solved regarding the crash energy conveyed from the outside and injuries to the human body. In the present research, a crashworthiness design optimization method using equivalent static loads that considers the strain energy and injuries of the human body is proposed. The equivalent static loads method for non-linear static response structural optimization (ESLSO) is modified to handle responses imposed on the strain energy and the head injury criterion (HIC) responses. The proposed ESLSO is verified through three practical examples. Design optimization of a crash box and a knee bolster are carried out to maximize absorbed impact energy, and size optimization of a frontal structure of a simplified vehicle is performed to reduce head injury. In verifying the proposed method, traditional optimization methods such as the response surface method are used. The excellence and usefulness of the proposed crashworthiness optimization method are proved by successfully applying it to a crash problem and improving the crashworthiness of the vehicle.
Development of a tilt control method for a narrow-track three-wheeled vehicle
Authors: Berote J , Darling J , Plummer A
Published: August 2011

The space and weight savings provided by narrow tilting vehicles could make them a solution to the pollution and congestion problems seen in urban environments. The success of this new type of vehicle relies heavily on the control method used to balance the vehicle in corners. A tilting three-wheeled vehicle was developed at the University of Bath as part of an EU-funded project. The original direct tilt control method implemented on the prototype was shown to perform well in steady state, but rapid transients were shown to potentially lead to instability. A new type of controller was therefore required to reduce the load transfer across the rear axle during transient state manoeuvres.

This paper presents a linearized model of the tilting vehicle system which is used to optimize a new tilt controller in the frequency domain. The controller, which uses combined steer and tilt control inputs, is shown to significantly reduce transient roll moments compared to the previous control method. This results in a much safer and more predictable handling characteristic.
On the loosening mechanism of a bush press-fitted in the small end of a connecting rod
Authors: Marmorini L , Baldini A , Bertocchi E , Giacopini M , Rosi R , Strozzi A
Published: August 2011

The loosening mechanism is explored of a bush press-fitted into the small end bore of a con-rod. A modelling of the bush loosening mechanism is proposed. Numerical and analytical forecasts of the tensile inertial force responsible for the bush loosening are presented for a purely elastic model. Proper design charts are compiled that allow (a) the initial interference precluding any bush loosening to be determined within the respect of an imposed safety factor and (b) the maximum elastic stress within the small end to be computed for a general inertial load.
Negative Transfer in Human Associative Learning
Authors: Griffiths Oren , Johnson Ameika M. , Mitchell Chris J.
Published: August 2011

Models of attentional allocation in associative learning are typically structured according to one of two guiding principles: the predictiveness principle, which posits that attention is paid to cues that have reliably predicted an outcome in the past, or the uncertainty principle, which states that attention is paid to cues about which little is known. Both principles are well supported by studies of animals. However, in studies of human learning, there is very little direct empirical support for the uncertainty principle. In the study reported here, we addressed this gap by investigating negative transfer, a phenomenon that may provide unique support for the uncertainty principle. In two human learning experiments using an allergist task, we replicated the primary findings of previous research on animal learning. We believe that these data provide the first direct evidence for the uncertainty principle in human associative learning.
Reading, the library, and the elderly: A Singapore case study
Authors: Luyt Brendan , Ann Ho Swee
Published: August 2011

Singapore is now one of the fastest aging societies in the world. By 2030 those over 65 years old are expected to number 1.41m strong, 26.8 percent of the country’s entire population. Given these numbers, it is not surprising that aging is a key concern in Singapore. This article reports on a qualitative study of 32 individuals over the age of 55 who frequented one branch of Singapore’s public library system. It sheds light on the current views of the elderly on their reading and some of the facilities that the library currently offers them. In particular it argues that attention needs to be paid to four issues: gender disparities, class differences, the effects of ageism, and an instrumental view of reading.
Current Assets Management: A Comparative Study of India, Singapore and Thailand
Authors: Jain P.K. , Yadav Surendra S.
Published: August 2011

The management of current assets (CA) such as cash, marketable securities, inventory and debtors, etc. is a vital aspect of corporate finance. These assets must be managed efficiently in order to maintain the liquidity of the firm while also ensuring that they are not kept at high levels either. This paper presents an empirical study, based on the data of corporate enterprises of India, Singapore and Thailand. Comparative practices with regard to CA management of the three countries have been examined. It has been observed that Singapore companies carry excessive cash balances, much more than the normal requirement. As regards inventory levels, Indian and Thai companies hold on average about 40 per cent of CAs as inventory as against 25 per cent in Singapore. It is noteworthy that the debtor-to-CA ratio is almost the same (about 33%) in all the three countries.
Concepts of Culture and Organisational Analysis: A Perspective
Authors: Srivastava Sanjay
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to certain aspects of organisational culture on Edgar Schein's perspective. It is assumed that free market economy evolves a competitive environment demanding quality and efficiency for success. An organisation may have significant idiosyncratic beliefs and the combination of these will develop unique culture of the organisation. The cursory overview of these perspectives suggest that there are serious overlapping concerns among these perspectives. On the basis of this understanding it may be asserted that these perspectives need to be juxtaposed in a complementary manner and the insights from all the perspectives need to be drawn and utilised for examining and managing organisational culture. Against this backdrop an attempt has been made to examine organisational culture, competence and effectiveness in three organisations namely Maruti Udyog Limited, Escorts Limited and Pepsi Foods Limited which are all highly profit making and performing extremely well. The results showed that value systems classified both as functional and traditional, are most likely to contribute to development of work values and consequently to organisational effectiveness from the perspective of culture.
J. Krishnamurti and the Practice of Management
Authors: Srinivasan T. S.
Published: August 2011

J Krishnamurti is widely regarded as one of the leading thinkers of our time. He attracted world-wide attention in the 1920s when he declined to accept the global leadership of the theosophical movement conferred on him by the leading lights of that movement at the time. Since then, until his death in 1984, he expounded through lectures and books his rather unorthodox views on religion and spirituality. While his views are generally unconventional, his core message, as developed in the following sections, seems to have strong roots in individual and social psychology. And it might, for that reason, be of some relevance to the practice of management.

As Peter Drucker points out management has become a crucial activity in modern society. And quality of management has emerged as a critical factor in the success of families, businesses, non-profit organisations, communities and nations. This paper attempts to explore the relevance of Krishnamurti's message to the practice of management. The paper is exploratory rather than prescriptive in nature and its purpose is mainly to stimulate a debate on the subject rather than to offer any firm conclusions.
A Two-Stage Appraisal Model for Public Financial Institutions
Authors: Bhaumik P.K.
Published: August 2011

A public financial institution, through the appraisal process, tries to select projects for financing that are bankable and also meet certain development objectives. It uses conventional financial tests for the former, whereas the latter is more ad hoc with no clear guidelines except that preference is given to projects creating large employment or investment in backward areas, etc. This paper proposes a two-stage appraisal process, the second stage added to consider the development objectives using a goal programming formulation, after justifying the need to consider such objectives.
Supply Chains in India: Can We Organise Them Better?
Authors: Sahay B S , Cavale Vasant , Mohan Ramneesh , Rajini Renu , Gupta Preetesh
Published: August 2011

Worldwide, interest in supply chain management has increased steadily since the 1980s when companies began to see the benefits of collaborative relationships. The supply chain concept is still nascent in India. However the need for the same, at this stage, is more than ever before because of the challenges unleashed on the competitiveness of the Indian industry by deregulation and globalisation. An essential first step in the process is to assess the current supply chain capability. The article is based on a recently concluded extensive research carried out jointly by Management Development Institute, Gurgaon and KPMG India, the first of its kind in the country, to gauge the current state of supply chain management in the Indian industry. The research concludes that a beginning has been made and large number of Indian organisations today are realising the importance of developing and implementing a comprehensive supply chain strategy - and then linking that strategy to deliver bottom-line results.
Emerging Challenges before Higher Educational Institutions — Need for Reorientation of Activities
Authors: Jain B K , Bandyopadhyay M
Published: August 2011

After the introduction of economic liberalisation in the country, the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are faced with severe problems of shortage of funds, shortage of motivated faculty and lack of interest among meritorious students in opting for science and research career. Under the changed environment, the institutions must reorient their activities by establishing links with industry and facilitating exchange of teachers and industry professionals between academic and research institutions and industry; develop and transfer technologies applicable to industry; and initiate schemes to encourage teachers and students to carry out innovative in-house projects. The institutions should behave as entrepreneurs and find outside sources of revenue as far as practicable rather than solely depending upon public sector support.
What Makes People Visit Internet Stores Again? Customer Loyalty for Purchase Involvements for Electronic Commerce
Authors: Kim Jinwoo , Lee Jungwon , Moon Jae Yun
Published: August 2011

Retaining customer loyalty is crucial in electronic commerce because the value of an Internet store is largely determined by the number of its loyal customers. This paper proposes a multi-phased model of customer loyalty for Internet shopping, which takes the characteristics of the Internet and cyber shopping into consideration. In order to validate the model, we conducted a web-based survey of the customers of various Internet stores, and the data was processed using structural equation modeling analysis. The results indicate that several factors can effectively increase customer loyalty towards an Internet store and that the relative importance of the identified factors varies according to the level of involvement with the product purchased through the store. We suggest several managerial implications in developing Internet stores for higher customer loyalty based on these results.
Case Study ERP Systems Extended to B2B e-Business
Authors: Jaiswal M.P. , Sharma Anjali
Published: August 2011

The paper presents the best practice case on ERP enabled B2B e-Business systems. The study is based on an in depth analysis of a leading FMCG company's experience on such initiative. The paper discusses how an ERP system can be used to optimise the entire supply chain functions along with the internal functions of an organisation. The significant improvement in the business performance particularly the achievement of negative working capital and reduction in channel inventory on post ERP implementation provides a new insight on value of an extended enterprise system.
The Need for Inter-Organizational-Trust in Web-Enabled Supply Chain Management
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: August 2011

The Internet has changed the way in which supply chains are managed, planned and controlled. The information, decisions, and processes that form supply chain management are moving towards the web, and are breaking old paradigms of inter-organizational boundaries. While it is true this is not the whole story without proper integration of technology and people, much time and capital can be wasted. Businesses that want to succeed in this new e-commerce environment need to enhance communications and build trust among their channel partners. The aim of this paper is to explore insights on the importance of trust among channel partners in web-enabled supply chain management activities. Trust dimensions were examined in four organizations using an in-depth case study approach in the data communications and telecommunications industry. The findings indicate that the type and complexity of e-commerce applications (I OS) and channel partner relationships can affect trust. Overall, the findings contribute to the importance of channel partner trust in web-enabled supply chain management.
The Supply Chain Critical Link to E-Commerce Success: An Indian Scenario
Authors: Sahay B.S. , Gupta Arun K.
Published: August 2011

Based on the survey carried out by Management Development Institute, Gurgaon and KPMG India, the paper suggests a framework to utilise supply chain management as key to success for e-commerce, business-to-business and business-to-commerce ventures. The paper also concluded that the success will lie to those companies who will be able to tailor its physical and information supply chain to the e-commerce application for fulfilment of customer demand and effective and efficient flow of information, material and cash among supply chain members and intra-organisational departments.
Collaborative Research: Issues and Trends
Authors: Sunita V , Susheela V , Saket K. , Jagadeesh N.
Published: August 2011

Collaborative Research is gaining popularity among universities as well as the industry. It is widely believed to be the way of the future. As business issues become increasingly complex, no one entity will have either the technical skills or sometimes even the technological and financial resources to operate alone. Collaboration can be among any group of entities - from within an industry or between industry and universities or between organizations in complementary industries. Each participant brings their own unique strengths to the venture and the result is a faster more efficient and better solution than otherwise. In this paper, the authors discuss the various facets of Collaborative Research including the factors that have supported collaboration, barriers that need to be taken cognizance of and issues in its implementation. Emerging technological trends that will pave the way for future growth in collaborative research efforts have also been discussed.
Agriculture, India and World Trade Organisation
Authors: Singh Rakesh
Published: August 2011

One of the major agreements that were concluded in the Uruguay round of negotiations signed in Marrakesh in April 1994 was the agreement on agriculture. (AOA). It is argued intensively that Indian agriculture will benefit immensely with developed countries complying with the WTO norms. But various questions are being raised about India's preparedness to globalise with the world agriculture. It becomes imperative for us to explore few basic questions regarding AOA. I.e. what is India's interest and options with respect to AOA? What should India forcefully negotiate in order to reap maximum from AOA in future? What is the role government can play in making farmers realise the benefit of the new agricultural regime under WTO? This paper is an attempt to address the above-mentioned issues. It is divided into four sections. First section deals with the agreement on agriculture and the progress made so far. Second section reviews the expected benefit, which is expected to accrue to Indian agriculture. Third section looks at the constraints, which needs to be tackled if Indian agriculture has to make the most out of AOA.
The Role of Insurance in Disaster Reduction
Authors: van Oppen Charles
Published: August 2011

Insurance is a composite risk treatment – a risk transfer mechanism that reduces the adversity of the financial impact of hazards by (a) directly covering the loss, (b) indirectly reducing vulnerability to disasters by reducing the susceptibility to poverty and (c) ensuring adherence to disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. Insurance has many benefits for the economy as a whole. The most appropriate method of insuring will depend on the needs of the country and its people. Insurance may be organised by the state, private companies or mutuals. It may be mandatory or voluntary. It may be arranged on a macro-scale to cover sectors of the economy or specific catastrophes, or it may be arranged at a micro-level to serve the needs of poor people. It may be formal, enforced by law, or informal – organised on a local level and enforced by social sanctions. The important point to realise is that the principle of insurance remains the same: the many policyholders that do not suffer loss pay for the few that do. If properly managed, insurance can increase the capacity of a person, group or state to deal with disasters.
Financing Industrial Infrastructure in India: A Conspective Review
Authors: Sarkar A.N.
Published: August 2011

Development of infrastructure is fast becoming critical to attaining desired level of economic growth in different industrial sectors in the country to keep pace with the Government's ongoing economic reforms initiatives as well as meeting the challenges thrown open by globalisation, especially under WTO regime.

This paper offers a conspective over-view of the emerging roles played by various financial institutions in creation and strengthening of infrastructure to support large, medium and small-scale industrial ventures in different industrial sectors to help build and reconstruct Indian economic base. The paper also highlights certain major policy initiatives for accelaration in the magnitude as well as pace of growth of micro enterprises as well as rural infrastructure to help improve and transform the rural economy. The scope of complementary support of the insurance sector, mutual funds and venture capital by international donor agencies in financing industrial infrastructure on a selective basis has also been discussed in the paper.
Appraising Managers: A Grid Managerial Approach
Authors: Yusof Ab. Aziz
Published: August 2011

Performance appraisal is claimed to be the only mechanism for differentiating performance among managers in the organization. The differences that are supposed to be taken into account are their skills, knowledge, physical abilities, responsibilities and attitudes that should be appraised so that everyone will have an equal and fair share of rewards in relation to their contribution to the organization. These differences should be recognized either through pay, promotion or other intrinsic rewards as a basis toward the establishment of fairness and equity in the organization. Organization should also realize that none of their managers will give the same level of contribution and loyalty to the organization. Some have strengths in certain aspects but are weak in other aspects of work. Perhaps, it is organizational responsibility to understand the internal career profiles such as motives, values and attitudes and learn to use these differences in career orientation for their benefit. In short, performance appraisal system should accommodate different types of managers, simultaneously maximizing their strengths, potentials and talents that they have.
Training Trends in Indian Industry
Authors: Sahgal Punam , Shankar Roopashree
Published: August 2011

This survey focuses on current management training practices, the services that are valued from a training vendor and the growth of e-learning market in corporate India. The emerging trends suggest definite shifts in customer priorities and greater consciousness towards evaluating the impact of learning and return on investments. Technology barriers are slowly diminishing thereby increasing the demand for on-line services to provide cost-effective training. To secure a sizable market share, training providers would need to develop solutions that are competitive on three fronts. Firstly, content that is need specific as against “canned”, off-the shelf products; on-line training in addition to the interactive training approach and thirdly, value-adding Services that goes beyond delivering a training program, to developing an integrated approach that incorporates needs assessment, curriculum development, training evaluation, performance support and performance tracking.
Impact of Weightless Capital on the Pattern of Economic Growth and Employment
Authors: Agrawal Raj
Published: August 2011

The defining feature of current world economic growth is the increasing scope of weightless capital in the composition of total output. It is currently debated among economic pundits to prophesy that the weightless capital is dramatically altering the structure of the world economy by increasing the higher level of economic growth in the era of liberalization and globalisation. Furthermore, It is also argued, new technologies will alter the structure and composition of total output. This may lead to an inexorable rise in unemployment in the world. Although there is not sufficient long-term empirical evidence that unemployment, at the aggregate level at least, is caused by technological changes resulting due to the impact of weightless capital. Although in the short run, there may be increase in unemployment but this is purely because of structural adjustment. In India's case this may not be because of only increasing role of weightless capital but presence of certain other factors vis-a-vis lesser investment in agriculture etc.

Even though globalized and weightless activities have become increasingly important, they do not pose insurmountable threats to the world economy. The overall message may be an optimistic one: inequality and unemployment need not rise in the face of competition from the developing world in response to technological change. However, government policy can play a major role in promoting adjustment to change.
Changing Work Culture in Manufacturing Organizations: A Case Study
Authors: Srivastava Dinesh Kumar
Published: August 2011

Indian organizations are facing a competitive business environment after the opening of the economy in 1991–92. Gradually a number of MNCs are starting their business operations in India. Therefore, Indian companies have to find ways and means for survival and growth. They have to modernize their technology, develop new products and improve business processes. These interventions can be successful only if organizations are able to develop a strong work culture. This paper analyzes problems and challenges in changing the work culture in Indian companies. The paper is based on the consulting experience of the author in two companies. A case study of two organizations has been reported in the paper. Various issues like resistance to change, intervention methods for changing attitude and behaviour have been discussed in the paper.
Building Corporate Transformation New HR Agenda
Authors: Bhandarker Asha
Published: August 2011

The present study focuses on understanding the role of HR in achieving corporate transformation in the Indian context. Responses from 89 senior and top level HR professionals (questionnaire mode) brought out the following:

HR professionals are experiencing a gap between organizational demand versus their own knowledge as well as personal competencies.

HR role is changing, internal demands on HR professionals are increasing. The extent to which HR will be able to deliver and become a true strategic partner for change management will depend on the extent to which there is CEO support for HR, combined with HR professionals with high levels of expertise. Changes in HR practices are taking place, although not to the desired extent. CEO support and high HR status have been found to be essential to introduce systematic efforts to change mindsets in the company HR status has been found to be a key factor to facilitate change in mindsets, change in HR practices as well as in creating a pro-change orientation in the company.
The Nature and Success of Emerging High Potential Entrepreneurships in Nigeria
Authors: Ottih L. O. , Hamilton D. I. , Ezeh J. C.
Published: August 2011

This study examined the nature and success factors of the Emerging High Potential Entrepreneurships (EHPEs) in Nigeria through the study of thirty randomly selected companies in three Eastern States of Nigeria. The findings show that (a) this new set of firms cover a wide range of the panoply of autonomous consumption of the people of Nigeria, (b) the basic production inputs are reasonably locally sourced, (c) entrepreneurs have the necessary educational and job experience backgrounds, and (d) the chosen lines of business have high market growth rates. These features underscore the fact that Nigeria is set on the path of industrial growth.
Company Characteristics and Common Stock Returns: The Indian Experience
Authors: Kumar M , Sehgal S
Published: August 2011

The paper examines the relationship between selected company characteristics and common stock returns. The empirical results suggest that there is a strong size effect in the Indian stock market using both market-based as well as non-market based measures of company size. We also detect a weak value effect on stock returns, especially when E/P ratio is employed as a relative distress proxy. The study further finds that the present stock classification system in India fails to differentiate in returns on different categories of stocks. We recommend an alternative stock classification system based on company size and relative distress. The proposed classification procedure will provide better insights to investors about the risk-return characteristics of common stocks.