bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of two‐lobe four recessed hybrid journal bearing
Authors: Jain Satish , Sharma Satish , Sharana Basavaraja J. , Kushare Prashant
Published: October 2010

Purpose

In recent years, researchers have focused a great deal of attention on multirecess hybrid journal bearing systems. The non‐circular journal bearings are widely used in industry on account of their better stability, simplicity, efficiency and low cost. The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical investigation into the performance of a two‐lobe multirecess hybrid journal bearing system.

Design/methodology/approach

The Reynold's equation governing the lubricant flow in the clearance space between the journal and bearing together with restrictor flow equations has been solved using finite element method. The bearing static and dynamic performance characteristics have been presented for the various values of the offset factors (0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.50) for the hybrid mode of operation of the journal bearing system compensated by capillary and orifice restrictors for the commonly used bearing operating and geometric parameters. The offset of the journal has been accounted for by defining a non‐dimensional factor called offset factor delta.

Findings

The numerically simulated results indicate that a two‐lobe four recessed hybrid journal bearing provides a better performance than the corresponding similar circular recessed journal bearing system. The study further reveals that in order to get an improved performance of a two‐lobe four recessed journal bearing, a proper selection of bearing offset factors along with type of restrictor (capillary or orifice) is essential.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper are useful for bearing designers.
Dispersion and tribological properties of liquid paraffin with added aluminum nanoparticles
Authors: Peng De‐Xing , Kang Yuan , Chen Shih‐Kang , Shu Fu‐Chun , Chang Yeon‐Pun
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the dispersion and tribological properties of liquid paraffin with aluminum nanoparticles as additive, which are prepared by the surface‐modification method using oleic acid (OA).

Design/methodology/approach

The dispersion stability of aluminum nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is measured by spectrophotometry, which can be optimization by Taguchi method. The tribological properties are evaluated by using a ball‐on‐ring wear tester.

Findings

The results show that few concentrations of aluminum nanoparticles as additives in liquid paraffin have better antiwear and antifriction properties than the pure paraffin oil. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer analyses can show that the thin films on the rubbing surfaces can be formed by these aluminum nanoparticles, which not only bear the load but also separate the both interfaces, thus the wear and friction can be reduced.

Originality/value

Machine components and mechanism pairs rely on high‐quality lubricants to withstand high temperature and extreme pressure. Extreme pressure and antiwear additives are typically adopted to improve the tribological performance of a fluid lubricant in reducing friction and surface damage under severe conditions.
Friction and wear studies of die cast aluminum alloy‐aluminum oxide‐reinforced composites
Authors: Kathiresan M. , Sornakumar T.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are engineered materials formed by the combination of metal matrix and reinforcement materials. They have a stiff and hard reinforcing phase in metallic matrix. The matrix includes metals such as aluminum, magnesium, copper and their alloys. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an aluminum alloy‐aluminum oxide composite using a new combination of vortex method and pressure die casting technique and the subsequent tribological studies.

Design/methodology/approach

An aluminum alloy‐aluminum oxide composite was developed using vortex method and pressure die casting technique. The aluminum alloy‐1 wt% aluminum oxide was die cast using LM24 aluminum alloy as the matrix material and aluminum oxide particles of average particle size of 16 μm as a reinforcement material. The friction and wear characteristics of the composite were assessed using a pin‐on‐disc set‐up; the test specimen, 8‐mm diameter cylindrical specimens of the composite, was mated against hardened En 36 steel disc of 65 HRC. The tests were conducted with normal loads of 9.8, 29.4 and 49 N and sliding speeds of 3, 4 and 5 m/s for a sliding distance of 5,000 m. The frictional load and the wear were measured at regular intervals of sliding distance.

Findings

The effects of normal load and sliding speed on tribological properties of the MMC pin on sliding with En 36 steel disc were evaluated. The wear rate increases with normal load and sliding speed. The specific wear rate marginally decreases with normal load. The coefficient of friction decreases with normal load and sliding speed. The wear and friction coefficient of the aluminum alloy‐aluminum oxide MMC are lower than the plain aluminum alloy. The wear and coefficient of friction of the entire specimens are lower.

Practical implications

The development of aluminum alloy‐aluminum oxide composite using vortex method and pressure die casting technique will revolutionize the automobile and other industries, since a near net shape at low cost and very good mechanical properties are obtained.

Originality/value

There are few papers available on the development of (or tribological studies of) MMCs including aluminium/aluminium alloy‐ceramic composites developed by combination of vortex method and pressure die casting technique.
Innovative practice in the teaching and learning of human resource development
Authors: Holden Rick , Griggs Vivienne
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an introduction to the special issue on the subject of innovative practice in the teaching and learning of HRD.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper positions the special issue within a context of issues and dilemmas facing those who teach and train HRD. Ten papers are introduced which reflect a wide ranging and changing landscape of professional practice.

Findings

The paper introduces innovative practice within a context of a particular challenge facing teachers and trainers of HRD. There is a unique relationship between subject matter and the very teaching learning and assessment strategies used to deliver such content.

Originality/value

There is limited published research into the teaching and learning of HRD. The paper provides a basis for the special issue's contribution to an initial understanding of innovative practice in teaching and learning of HRD and, importantly, in encouraging a higher profile for the discussion of research and practice implications.
Teaching, learning and assessing HRD
Authors: Sambrook Sally , Stewart Jim
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse and explore the results of a research project, which aimed to identify recent and current research on TLA within HRD programmes. From that base the project also intended to identify areas for future research and a basis for establishing a Special Interest Group.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken and an electronic questionnaire survey was conducted of academic members of the UFHRD, EHRHD and AHRD databases. This provided coverage of widespread international population.

Findings

Findings suggest that while research into HRD as a subject and academic discipline is very healthy, there is a dearth of research into the TLA of HRD educational programmes or at least research that is published. They also suggest that academics involved in delivering HRD programmes would welcome support in TLA through additional and new resources as well as ideas on innovative approaches and methods of TLA. TLA in HRD, though, is subject to some constraints, including the role of the professional body in the UK and parts of Europe, the status of HRD in relation to wider business management as a subject and HRM in particular and the size and diversity of student groups. Respondents to the survey, however, were confident that these problems can be addressed.

Practical implications

A key conclusion drawn is that innovative practice in the TLA of HRD is probably more widespread than is evident from the literature. In addition, the notion of “innovative” does not have a fixed meaning and is context specific. This means that TLA practice, which is considered normal or usual in one context could and probably would constitute an innovation in different contexts.

Originality/value

Provides the first overview of research into the TLA of HRD educational programmes.
From sentimentalism towards a critical HRD pedagogy
Authors: Armitage Andrew
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach for the teaching and delivery of HRD practices, professional skills and theory that challenges the modernist orthodoxy of contemporary organisational life and the requirements of professional bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the territory of a critical HRD pedagogy is defined within practices that respect human freedom and individual dignity as opposed to instrumentalism and target setting. Second, it will advocate an approach for a HRD pedagogy that has its roots within the lost paradigm of sentimentalism that emphasises the belief in the goodness of humanity informing the romantic notions of human imagination, creativity and respect for the individual that is realised through the dialogical process.

Findings

The findings, evinced by vignettes, advocate a critical HRD pedagogy and the development of professional skills that base their values and ethics within emancipatory practices if organisations are to create and support sustainable learning environments rather than those located within the conventional wisdom of modernist orthodoxy.

Practical applications

This paper calls for a critical HRD pedagogy and learning environments where individuals are engaged in the transformation of their socio‐historical‐political worlds and advocates dialogue is central to classroom practice if it is to realise the potential and creative impulses of individuals.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the critical HRD discourse in the development of knowledge, skills, values and professional practice by addressing the constraints of classroom practice in its response to the demands and tensions of professional bodies. It explicitly develops a critical HRD pedagogy that has implications for the assessment of HRD programmes and of their resourcing.
Developing critical understanding in HRM students
Authors: Butler Michael J.R. , Reddy Peter
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on developing critical understanding in human resource management (HRM) students in Aston Business School, UK. The paper reveals that innovative teaching methods encourage deep approaches to study, an indicator of students reaching their own understanding of material and ideas. This improves student employability and satisfies employer need.

Design/methodology/approach

Student response to two second year business modules, matched for high student approval rating, was collected through focus group discussion. One module was taught using EBL and the story method, whilst the other used traditional teaching methods. Transcripts were analysed and compared using the structure of the ASSIST measure.

Findings

Critical understanding and transformative learning can be developed through the innovative teaching methods of enquiry‐based learning (EBL) and the story method.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that this is a single case study comparing and contrasting two business modules. The implication is that the study should be replicated and developed in different learning settings, so that there are multiple data sets to confirm the research finding.

Practical implications

Future curriculum development, especially in terms of HE, still needs to encourage students and lecturers to understand more about the nature of knowledge and how to learn. The application of EBL and the story method is described in a module case study – “Strategy for Future Leaders”.

Originality/value

This is a systematic and comparative study to improve understanding of how students and lecturers learn and of the context in which the learning takes place.
The learner as facilitator: moving outside the “same old cage”
Authors: McKinlay John W. , Grogan Shona , Sedakat Pat , McKinlay Christopher J.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical, reflective examination of the organisation, delivery and evaluation of a training event conducted by postgraduate students undertaking a module on human resource development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks to offer a triangulation of semi‐structured interviews, archival student written reflective accounts of the training event together with oral narrative from past participants on the module.

Findings

This paper examines the form and nature of a training event used as part of an assessment strategy on the human resource development (HRD) module of the MBA programme at the University of Abertay. The findings document the meanings and multiple realities that the participants ascribe to the training event. The interactional variable inherent in the informal and formal dichotomy of learning are also illustrated. Finally, the process of empowerment and reflection for all learners leads to a range of outcomes beyond the fulfilment of the assessment task.

Research limitations/implications

The study is exploratory and the authors do not attempt to assess the generalisability of the findings.

Practical implications

The significance of the assessment of the training event lies in the manner of its execution and the involvement of the postgraduate student learners. It is anticipated that the wider dissemination of the practice is deemed to be in the interests of the HRD community.

Originality/value

The paper highlights an innovative approach to the teaching and learning of human resource development at postgraduate level.
Making a virtue out of a necessity: part time work as a site for undergraduate work‐based learning
Authors: Shaw Sue , Ogilvie Chrissy
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to challenge the view that student part time employment detracts from academic attainment and presents evidence that when linked to formal undergraduate study provides rich learning experiences. It also explores the extent to which formerly accepted pre‐requisites for work based learning (WBL) apply in this model and how the workplace adds value to student learning, while essentially being a source of income through low level and not necessarily degree related employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore the literature on WBL, most of which refers to a model that differs in form to the one described here. The paper draws on small‐scale research data on the student experience, gathered through tutorial groups, sample interviews and a reflective essay. This data was analysed against both pre‐determined and emergent themes.

Findings

There is clear evidence of benefits to students from this form of WBL, both in their studies and learning skills, which were anticipated, but also in their performance, job satisfaction, reward and prospects in the workplace, which were not.

Practical implications

This study suggests that student part time employment, derived from economic necessity can deliver real benefits to students and reduce some of the limitations of classroom based HRD learning by using a Virtual Learning Environment to link the University's academic delivery with the student workplace. This has implications not only for how academics regard the workplace as a vehicle for learning but also for how HRD students and practitioners might view the training and development of part‐time/casual (student) employees.

Originality/value

There is very little published research on this form of work based learning.
Teaching and learning intuition: some implications for HRD and coaching practice
Authors: Mavor Penny , Sadler‐Smith Eugene , Gray David E.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine conceptual and theoretical links between intuition and coaching; investigate accomplished coaches' practical experiences of intuition; identify skill set of an intuitive coach; discuss implications of findings for coaches', HRD professionals', and line managers' learning and development.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth, semi‐structured, individual interviews with 14 accomplished experienced executive coaches (eight males and six females) averaging 14.5 years as a coach.

Findings

Outline of core attributes of an intuitive coach.

Originality/value

Immersion in experience, a reflective approach to practice, effective feedback and supervision, and attending to personal well‐being are likely to enable coaches, HRD practitioners and line managers to take a more informed and intelligent approach to “going with their gut” in coaching and other situations where inter‐ and intra‐personal awareness are important.
Utilising a virtual world to teach performance appraisal
Authors: Morse Shona
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to give a critical assessment of a study designed to investigate the potential of a new method for teaching HRD students about performance appraisal. It is argued that this approach is in the vanguard of developments in IT and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an explorative study which is undertaken in the context of a virtual world setting.

Findings

There is potential value added for HRD teaching and learning using virtual world technology. Subjects identified strengths and weaknesses in their use of Second Life© for performance appraisal skills training. Importantly, there was some evidence that subjects emotionally identified with their online characters, with potential implications for the impact of training. Necessary adjustments to research methods are identified.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small scale study. Initial enquiry will inform larger scale research.

Practical implications

The model gives HRD students scope to practice different roles in performance appraisal and, in the longer term, to experiment with “ways of being”. Subjects could be mentored during their engagement in the appraisal process, enabling active tutoring for skill development. Also, a variety of teaching strategies could be employed such as exploring cultural aspects and engaging students in peer‐to‐peer teaching.

Originality/value

The paper presents an innovative method, blending IT with a more conventional training concept, role‐play.
Do women like options more than men? An examination in the context of service recovery
Authors: Mattila Anna S.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the benefits of letting customers choose among compensation methods following a service failure. The author is also interested in the role of gender in influencing satisfaction with the compensation method and post‐recovery emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

A between‐subjects quasi‐experiment was conducted in addition to a series of pretests.

Findings

Findings from this study indicate that women are more satisfied with the compensation when given the opportunity to choose from alternatives than are men. Moreover, women seem to value the act of choosing more than their male counterparts. The findings further suggest that service operators and retailers might benefit from offering the customer a choice between hedonic and utilitarian compensation options as part of the service recovery process. Letting the customer choose his/her preferred recovery option enhances satisfaction with the chosen compensation method, thus somewhat mitigating the ill‐effects of service failures.

Originality/value

This research contributes to understanding of service recovery efforts both from a theoretical and practical standpoint.
The role of the customer contact person's age in service encounters
Authors: Wägar Karolina , Lindqvist Lars‐Johan
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether older customers prefer older customer‐contact persons and whether younger customers prefer younger customer‐contact persons in a variety of service settings with different search, experience, and credence qualities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a statistical analysis of data from a survey of younger and older Finnish customers using a structured questionnaire.

Findings

Older customers prefer older customer‐contact persons to younger customer‐contact persons in all the studied service settings. Younger customers prefer younger customer‐contact persons to older customer‐contact persons in all the studied service settings, with the exception of services high in credence qualities – in which they preferred older customer‐contact persons.

Practical implications

Age is a relevant factor in service design. Service providers therefore need to: take age into account in service design: adapt their service offerings according to the age of the clientele; and consider having both younger and older customer‐contact persons in their workforce.

Originality/value

Research into the role of age in service encounters is scarce. This study contributes to the field of services marketing by investigating this issue. The study provides empirical support for the commonly accepted presumption that customer‐contact persons closer in age to the customer are perceived by the customer as being better at adapting service.
Are services advertised differently? An empirical examination
Authors: Décaudin Jean‐Marc , Lacoste Denis
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to study the relevance of a specific approach to services advertising by testing the absolute and relative impact of the product/service variable on advertising strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A content study of 4,233 press advertisements, taken from generalist magazines, was conducted using an original analytical framework based on competitive advantage. This framework was used to measure the impact on the advertising strategy of the following variables: type of offer, type of market and industry.

Findings

The research indicates that three variables significantly influence advertising strategy: type of offer, type of market, and industry. However, the type of industry is the most influential variable. The study shows that the product/service contrast alone cannot adequately explain the choice of advertising strategy.

Research implications/limitations

The conclusions indicate that the product‐service variable should not be used in isolation, but rather in combination with other variables such as the type of target and the nature of the sector. The research, however, does not enable one to determine the relevance of the advertising choices highlighted.

Practical implications

The framework can enable one to link marketing strategy to advertising strategy. It enables one to clearly pose the problem of advertising strategy upstream from questions of creative approach and executional tools.

Originality/value

This research shows that the product/service variable is not the best explanatory variable of the advertising strategy.
Checking in healthcare safety: theoretical basis and practical application
Authors: Shillito James , Arfanis Konstantinos , Smith Andrew
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Healthcare includes important processes such as checking to reduce errors. Checking is a prescribed part of many patient care activities with many checks being performed during one hospital admission. Some may be standard but unwritten practices, whereas others are laid down in official guidance. Errors in the bedside checking procedure are the commonest cause of mis‐transfusion, so more thorough checking could prevent adverse events. This paper aims to explore and enhance understanding regarding healthcare checking procedures. In doing so it seeks to identify a further research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The computerised databases CINAHL, PsycLIT, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO and MEDLINE were searched using specific indexing terms and free text including “bedside, peri‐operative safety, theatre checking and checklists”. Only English publications were included.

Findings

Like any human activity, checking is part of personality and behaviour. There are several psychological factors relevant to patient safety, including: memory, prospective memory, automaticity and responsibility. All are relevant to healthcare.

Research limitations/implications

Bandolier criteria have not explicitly been used within this review but have been met. It would be beneficial for future reviews to explicitly state how Bandolier criteria are met. This would possibly enhance the publications' scientific quality.

Practical implications

There is much to learn regarding interacting factors that influence healthcare checking procedures and ultimately checking performance. The authors recommend that relationships between checking and personality should be explored. Furthermore, exploring how healthcare “mindfulness” might be promoted and what reminder/checking strategies healthcare staff already use in their day‐to‐day work routines should be examined.

Originality/value

Several psychological factors involved in checking and its relevance to healthcare and patient safety are identified. Additionally, recommendations for further research are indicated.
Educational governance in the NHS: a literature review
Authors: Coward Rob
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to survey the literature relating to educational governance's application to healthcare. Its purpose is to establish the extent to which this type of governance is recognised by healthcare staff, and to develop an understanding of how it is defined and used.

Design/methodology/approach

The starting point for the literature review was an academic database search supplemented by a Google Scholar search. The results were sifted using evidence strength criteria and filtered for relevance using secondary keywords.

Findings

The educational governance in healthcare literature search indicates that this is a relatively under‐researched area. There are few attempts to define educational governance, although several authors note similarities with clinical governance. Authors cite educational governance as an important component of integrated approaches to healthcare governance, noting inter‐dependent relationships between areas such as clinical governance, organisational development and risk management.

Research limitation/implications

Given the diverse academic and grey literature used for the review, it was difficult to apply conventional evidence‐strength scales, especially because most articles cited in the text are based on expert opinion rather than systematic review.

Practical implications

The review highlights educational governance's value to healthcare organisations and provides references for organisational staff contemplating developing this area.

Originality/value

The paper is the first known attempt to survey the literature relating to National Health Service educational governance.
Quality differentials and reproductive health service utilisation determinants in India
Authors: Anand Sandip , Sinha R.K.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to establish relationships between women's reproductive health service use, assessed longitudinally and by facility type, with service quality perceptions related to public or private health facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was mainly secondary and quantitative in nature. It included analysing data collected by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) and The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) as a follow‐up study to the 1998‐1999 National Family Health Survey (NFHS‐2). The follow‐up survey was carried out in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand. In 2002‐2003, these four states were selected to capture socio‐economic and demographic variations. Analysis includes composite indices and logistic regression analysis. A scale was constructed to measure utilisation levels. Dimensions include: service proximity, doctor availability, waiting time, medicines, facility cleanliness, dignified treatment, privacy, service affordability and treatment effectiveness.

Findings

Findings indicate that doctor availability, waiting time, cleanliness, privacy and affordability at private health facilities enhance the probability that a health facility will be used for any reproductive health purpose. At the combined states level, medicine availability and treatment effectiveness at public health facilities enhances service use.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation is that the study includes only selected Indian states.

Practical implications

The findings may enhance Indian service‐quality policy.

Originality/value

The paper's main contribution is that seemingly for the first time in India, healthcare service use has been measured longitudinally and then explained through service quality variables by comparing public and private health facilities.
Hotel performance: state of the art
Authors: Sainaghi Ruggero
Published: October 2010

Purpose

How do we measure the success of a hotel business? What factors determine performances? This paper seeks to explore the responses which researchers and practitioners have given to these questions in the last 20 years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the analysis of 152 contributions and uses the balanced scorecard as a model to rationalize the main streams of research.

Findings

The analysis of literature shows the gradually assumed importance of the balanced scorecard as a satisfactory performance measurement system. The findings related to the determinants of results are instead highly complex and far‐reaching. The determining factors are generally looked for within the enterprise. Four main functional research fields have been identified (strategy, production, marketing and organization) and for each one main research goals, findings and open questions are defined. The horizontal axis of the balanced scorecard (customer perspective, strategy and process perspective) is the area of greatest research (over half of the papers). This evidence appears in line with the structural features of the hotel business and with the importance held, respectively, by customer relations and the protection of the efficiency of management processes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows the main weaknesses and strengths in previous research design in terms of: dependent and independent variables, sample and data sources. At theoretical level, the current research is strongly based on six countries (69 percent of the sample). Given the profound diversity of national contexts, researchers focusing on internal determinants should use external control variables more extensively. Furthermore, some recent subfields appear very fragmented especially in terms of independent variables used.

Originality/value

The paper identifies research streams and gaps in the field of hotel performance.
Teacher research as continuous process improvement
Authors: Ellis Charles , Castle Kathryn
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Teacher research (inquiry) has been characterized as practice improvement, professional development and action research, among numerous names and descriptions. The purpose of this paper is to support the case that teacher research is also a form of quality improvement known as continuous process improvement (CPI).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the underlying characteristics, processes and sub‐processes employed by teacher researchers. Next, the same approach is applied to the underlying characteristics, processes and sub‐processes of CPI. Lastly, an analysis is performed to identify parallels between teacher research methodology and the methodology employed in CPI to support the case that teacher research is a form of CPI.

Findings

It is believed that a defensible analytical case has been built that where teacher research is conducted, the teacher's practice and the education of the students is undergoing CPI.

Practical implications

Schools and school administrators searching for techniques to improve the learning that takes place in their school should strongly consider and support teacher research as an effective means of quality improvement.

Originality/value

The paper presents a different perspective and view of teacher research in the context of CPI, which was once considered the domain of businesses and corporations.
The psychosocial costs of conflict management styles
Authors: Chung‐Yan Greg A. , Moeller Christin
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interactive effect of interpersonal conflict at work and adopting an integrating/compromising conflict style on workers' psychosocial wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 311 employed young adults completed an online questionnaire.

Findings

Moderated hierarchical multiple regression analyses support the hypothesis that integrating/compromising interacts with interpersonal conflict at work to predict psychosocial strain. Specifically, it was found that integrating/compromising is related to psychosocial strain in a U‐shaped fashion when work conflict is high. Although a moderate degree of integrating/compromising is psychosocially beneficial for workers and can buffer the negative impact of work conflict, beyond a certain point, integrating/compromising is associated with an increase in psychosocial strain when work conflict is high.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study suggest that investigations of conflict styles should focus not only on managing the occurrence of conflict – or resolving it when it does occur – but also on the psychosocial costs of adopting particular conflict styles. The data are cross‐sectional; therefore, inferences about causality are limited.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few to empirically test the psychosocial costs of adopting particular conflict styles. In addition, compared with similar studies, more complex relationships (i.e. nonlinear) between the variables are assessed.
Using experts to develop a supply chain maturity model in Mexico
Authors: Garcia Reyes Heriberto , Giachetti Ronald
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This research aims to develop a supply chain maturity model so that Mexican firms can evaluate their current supply chain operations and develop an improvement road‐map.

Design/methodology/approach

The Delphi Method was used with 80 experts in Mexico. The Delphi Method gathers multiple perspectives on supply chain operations and delineates a path to reach a group consensus. The results lead to the specification of a supply chain maturity model S(CM)2. S(CM)2is validated through experimentation and a pilot test to verify the ability of the model to help managers assess the supply chain processes of a firm by identifying their maturity level in each model viewpoint. A pilot test with a Mexican firm demonstrates the practical implementation of the model.

Findings

The research results in a meta‐model, called the supply chain maturity model S(CM)2, that describes supply chain maturity at five levels across multiple competency areas, and provides guidance to specify an improvement plan.

Research limitations/implications

The meta‐model was developed in Mexico and may not apply to the operations of supply chains in other countries. Additionally, the large scope of the meta‐model calls for further testing and refinement.

Practical implications

The research provides a means for firms to evaluate their supply chain operations and develop improvement plans.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by integrating the ideas of reference frameworks, capability maturity models, and improvement processes and demonstrates how a holistic meta‐model can be developed to evaluate supply chain operations.
Understanding e‐auction use by procurement professionals: motivation, attitudes and perceptions
Authors: Tassabehji Rana
Published: October 2010

Purpose

E‐auctions have had a big impact on procurement over the past decade. Despite the benefits, there has been well documented resistance to this procurement medium. There is a need to understand factors which influence motivation to use and attitude towards e‐auctions, in order to facilitate practitioners' ability to develop and adapt e‐auctions into an effective procurement tool. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of the inter‐relationships between e‐auction drivers is derived from an analysis of the literature. Data from a sample of senior procurement professionals across several industry sectors were collected by online questionnaire and a structural equation model was fitted using PLS.

Findings

The study reveals that e‐auction use for procurement is motivated by building relationships with suppliers and not solely as a means of optimising prices of goods and services. Where attitude towards e‐auction use is negative, this is mainly driven by a strategic approach to procurement.

Originality/value

Nowhere in the extant literature has there been a study on the impact of how the organisational role of procurement by the organisation impacts e‐auctions use and attitudes. Furthermore, by distinguishing between motivations for using e‐auctions and attitudes towards them, procurement professionals are found to have a negative attitude to e‐auctions, but at the same time their motivations for using them are significantly linked to building relationships with their suppliers. This suggests that the potential of e‐auctions as a powerful procurement tool is being realised, but as yet has not been fully developed and implemented. The implications are that procurement managers should focus on developing the use of e‐auctions in a more strategic way to maximise both their effectiveness and the investment in them for the longer term.
The logistics services outsourcing dilemma: quality management and financial performance perspectives
Authors: Gotzamani Katerina , Longinidis Pantelis , Vouzas Fotis
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Logistics has become an essential service for synchronous companies. Many companies have recognized the potential benefits gained through a high quality system of logistics services, which are provided either internally or externally by a third party logistics company (3PL). The 3PL is positioned between the company and its customers, in a new‐shaped logistics triad, having a crucial role in handling end‐customer information and feedback. Thus, service quality becomes one of the most important criteria for a decision to outsource logistics services and further to select a provider. This paper aims to evaluate the dilemma to outsource logistics services and the decision to select a provider based on quality management and financial performances criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was provided to a sample of 66 manufacturing and 3PL companies. This instrument explored quality management issues and achievements in logistics services. Statistical inference tests and cluster analysis were employed in order to test the research hypotheses which were built and reflected the basic purpose of the paper.

Findings

3PL providers are ahead of manufacturing companies that operate logistics departments on quality implementation and improvement issues in logistics services. Furthermore, the research proved a positive relationship between quality performance and financial performance for 3PL providers.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a single country data. Further multi‐country studies will enable the generalization and validation of the findings.

Practical implications

The paper helps managers evaluate the logistics outsourcing dilemma in terms of quality management and quality service. Also the paper proves the strong relationship between effective quality management and sound financial performance for 3PL providers.

Originality/value

The paper presents substantive evidence supporting: the logistics services outsourcing decision based on quality management and performance criteria, and the importance of quality as a criterion to choose a 3PL provider, based on the positive relationship between effective quality management and financial performance for 3PL providers.
Information sharing and collaboration practices in reverse logistics
Authors: Olorunniwo Festus O. , Li Xiaoming
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the use of information technology (IT) and supply chain management initiatives (information sharing and collaboration) impact a company's performance in reverse logistics (RL).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey based on a previous exploratory research and literature review was sent out to 600 US companies having substantial activities in RL. Issues addressed in the survey, such as IT types deployed, IT operational attributes, information sharing, and collaboration, involve multiple parties in multi‐tier RL networks, extending beyond a simple buyer‐supplier dyad.

Findings

The results revealed that the type of IT used per se did not have a differential impact on a company's performance in RL. However, IT operational attributes positively affected RL performance and information sharing and collaboration are critical to RL performance.

Practical implications

Investment in IT alone cannot improve a company's performance; managers should take full account of IT attributes when deciding IT in RL. IT operational attributes tend to support one another – an improvement in one would lead to improvements in the others. With no exception in RL, companies need to share information and collaborate with their partners.

Originality/value

The paper reports an empirical survey of the IT use and collaboration practices in RL, and provides insights into the relationships and impacts of IT, RL operational attributes, information sharing, and collaboration on one another as well as on RL performance.
Collaborative supply chain practices and performance: exploring the key role of information quality
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Humphreys Paul , Cao Guangming , Fynes Brian , McKittrick Alan
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to report the results of a study examining the importance of information quality for the efficacy of collaborative supply chain practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was sent to procurement managers throughout the supply chain within the German automotive industry. Regression analyses illustrate the differences in performance of collaborative practices under high and low information quality scenarios.

Findings

The study illustrates that the impact of collaborative supply chain practices (i.e. information sharing, incentive alignment, joint‐decision making) on performance varies significantly depending on the quality of information that is exchanged throughout the supply chain. Specifically, whilst information sharing improves operational performance when low and high quality information is exchanged, incentive alignment and joint decision making only improve operational performance when the information is of high quality.

Originality/value

Although research on the performance impact of collaborative supply chain practices has advanced over the past decade, there is still a scarcity of research acknowledging the multidimensional nature of collaboration. Additionally, the importance of information quality for the success of collaborative practices has not been firmly established. The paper addresses this void in the literature by reporting results of an empirical study examining collaborative supply chains and practices within the German automotive industry. The paper will thus be beneficial to supply chain managers considering collaborative practices and will support further empirical research work in the collaborative supply chain research field.
Supplier integration strategy for lean manufacturing adoption in electronic‐enabled supply chains
Authors: So Stuart , Sun Hongyi
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to formulate supplier integration strategy with the aim to eliminate Ohno's manufacturing wastes and empirically examines its influence on lean manufacturing adoption in electronic‐enabled manufacturing supply chains (EMSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical model is tested with the survey data obtained from 558 manufacturers in 17 countries which is stratified into two groups of small/large firms for measuring the significance of measurements.

Findings

The influential factors comprising the supplier integration strategy, i.e. information sharing, e‐business systems and policy‐based supplier selection, have positive influence on the long‐term lean manufacturing adoption in small‐ and medium‐sized firms. Besides, the results reveal that manufacturers may commit ongoing use of lean manufacturing only if it has been using regularly.

Research limitations/implications

The study is conducted from the stand point of a manufacturing firm. Hence, the constructs are not appropriate for distributors and retailers. Besides, the concepts measured in the study can only be generalized to small‐ and medium‐sized firms.

Practical implications

Implementing supply strategy in practice requires the collaboration of manufacturers and suppliers, and manufacturers are in better position to select the suppliers in favor to the implementation of lean manufacturing in EMSC. Also, small manufacturers tend to adopt lean manufacturing along with relevant supplier integration tactics due to having less complex organizational structure.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of papers that study the impact of supplier integration on lean manufacturing through combining practitioner's lean implementation methodology and academia's decision theory. This paper is beneficial to manufacturers who intend to revise their e‐supply strategy in coping with sustainable imitative in recessionary time.