bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work and family balance through equal employment opportunity programmes and agreement making in Australia
Authors: Burgess John , Henderson Lindy , Strachan Glenda
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to assess the ability of formal equal employment opportunity (EEO) programmes and workplace agreement making to facilitate work and family balance for women workers in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses documentary analysis and semi‐structured interviews in six Australian organisations that are required to develop formal EEO programmes.

Findings

Formal EEO programmes and agreement making are limited in their ability to promote work and family‐friendly arrangements at the workplace. Informal arrangements and managerial discretion are important in realising work and care balance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is Australian based, and the case studies were confined to six organisations, which restricts the findings.

Practical implications

Leave and work arrangements need to be required within agreements and EEO programmes. Most programmes gravitate towards minimum requirements, hence, it is important to ensure that these minimum requirements provide for work and care reconciliation. Programmes beyond the workplace, such as funded childcare, are important in this context.

Originality/value

The article highlights that formal mechanisms cannot achieve work and care reconciliation for women workers if they are built upon very limited minimum requirements, are voluntary and are dependent upon a bargaining process at the workplace.
A study of consortium models for e‐books in university libraries in Korea
Authors: Park Yeon‐Hee
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the Korean consortia models generally and discuss how the consortium governing body, Korea Education & Research Information Service (KERIS), manages the e‐book consortium effectively from the Korean perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is conducted with overall consortia models of online resources by KERIS. Over several years of modeling it has contrived to develop a few consortia modeling patterns in Korea and assess their effectiveness on collection management. The e‐book consortium modeling process entailed the following: identifying the appropriate consortium model, sampling the consortium size for pricing models and selecting the criteria for e‐book title selection.

Findings

Two types of e‐book consortium models are presented. One is the subscription model and the other is the purchasing model. Both sharing and purchasing options are quite cost‐effective for Korean universities since they try to balance the digital and paper collections. The consortium model for e‐books in Korean universities was successful and fit into the conservative collection management in Korea for academic use. Also, perpetual access and purchase model is preferred rather than annual access and lease model.

Originality/value

Online resources including e‐books need a sustainable model for continuous access due to budget constraints. Considering the life‐span of information we need to find the appropriate business and service models for all the resources available online. Various criteria for consortia have been presented. No previous research has been conducted on the nationwide consortium model in Korean universities.
Interviews with collection development coordinators
Authors: Cassell Kay Ann
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the work of collection development coordinators.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the three collection development coordinators was interviewed.

Findings

Although each collection development coordinator had a slightly different approach, they were all concerned with some of the same issues which include the balance of print and e‐resources to be acquired and how to market the library's resources to its users.

Originality/value

This paper will provide insight into the work of collection development coordinators at the beginning of the twenty‐first century.
The 28th BCSC Shopping Centre Management Conference and Exhibition 2007, 26‐28 February 2007
Authors: Hamidi Nik Mustapha Nik , Finch Edward
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to review the 28th BCSC Shopping Centre Management Conference and Exhibition 2007, held at Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, from 26 to 28 February 2007, organised by the British Council Shopping Centre (BCSC) in association with the College of Estate Management.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the themes of the presentations including the importance of a brand for business excellence, utilising the shopping centre assets, the key issues surrounding the new service charge code, the future of brands and performing in a changing world.

Findings

New ideas and issues presented by the speakers gave an opportunity for practitioners and researchers to share good practice and explore the evolution of the current retail business climate.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of the 28th BCSC Shopping Centre Conference and Exhibition 2007.
The use of a multi‐attribute tool for evaluating accessibility in buildings: the AHP approach
Authors: Wu S. , Lee A. , Tah J.H.M. , Aouad G.
Published: June 2007

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to develop a quantitative building accessibility assessment model for the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The building accessibility assessment criteria are incorporated in a hierarchy structure based on the relevant building regulations and British standards. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is employed to determine the priority of the accessibility criteria. A review of the application of AHP is included in the paper. Finally, a case scenario is used to illustrate the method. Findings – This paper provides a methodology to prioritize the building accessibility criteria and to indicate how well a building design meets accessibility requirements quantitatively. Practical limitations/implications – A model is advocated for use by accessibility consultants and building designers to establish a quantitative assessment for building accessibility. It can also be used in the development of accessibility assessment software. Originality/value – This paper presents a novel quantitative building accessibility assessment model.
The interactive effect of attention control and the perceptions of others' entitlement behavior on job and health outcomes
Authors: Hochwarter Wayne A. , Meurs James A. , Perrewé Pamela L. , Todd Royle M. , Matherly Timothy A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine how attention control moderates the relationship between perceptions of others' entitlement behavior and employee attitudinal, behavioral, and health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

In study 1, data were collected from 309 employees of a municipality. In the second study, the independent and dependent variables were collected two months apart (and matched) from 584 individuals working in a range of occupations and organizations.

Findings

Perceived entitlement behavior was associated with increased tension and depressed mood at work and decreased satisfaction and citizenship for employees low in attention control.

Research limitations/implications

The exclusive use of data collected via a survey methodology is a limitation. However, tests of multicollinearity offered no evidence of method inflation. Future research should expand the scope of conceptualization to consider both individual difference (i.e. mood, affect) and contextual (i.e. justice, equity) factors when considering the effects of the perceptions of others' entitlement behavior and attention control on work outcomes.

Practical implications

By having the ability to better regulate attention, the negative effects of the entitled behavior of others are minimized. Attention control can be learned or improved, and employers should attempt to develop this ability. Managers may also find it useful to find out why some employees act entitled while others do not.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the interrelationship between the perceptions of others' entitlement behavior and attention control in actual work settings. Hence, gaps in multiple bodies of literature (i.e. stress and wellbeing, organizational behavior, psychology, cognitive science) are addressed.
Design and business: why can
'
t we be friends?
Authors: Martin Roger
Published: June 2007

Purpose

– As design becomes more important for business, designers and business people need to work together more. However, they tend to find the relationship difficult, challenging and less productive than either side would wish. The purpose of this paper is to help both designers and business people work more productively with one another.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper identifies the underlying schism between validity, which is favored by designers, and reliability, which is favored by business people, as the source of the relationship conflict. It then uses the key attributes of validity and reliability to form recommendations for each side to deal better with their counterparts.

Findings

– There are five practical and actionable things that designers can do to work better with business people and five equivalent things that business people can do to work better with designers.

Originality/value

– Currently, neither business people nor designers have a productive or coherent theory as to why their counterparts behave in ways that appear to them to be unproductive. To fill the theory gap, they tend to think badly of their counterparts. This paper provides both sides a productive theory of the other and a prescription for utilizing the theory to promote more productive collaboration.
Abduction: a pre-condition for the intelligent design of strategy
Authors: Dew Nicholas
Published: June 2007

Purpose

– This paper seeks to introduce the concept of abduction to strategists and show how abduction is an important influence on the effective design of strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper defines what is meant by abduction, and describes why abduction is a pre-condition for intelligent designing. It reviews different characteristics of abduction, and suggests several situations in which abduction is used in strategic thinking. It describes a framework managers can use to get better at abductive thinking.

Findings

– The paper finds that strategists can gain a lot from knowing how to use abduction well. Abduction is making inferences to the best explanation from information that is surprising or anomalous – both very typical in strategic decision making. Abduction is frequently integral to problem defining. Problem defining, in turn, sets the stage for possibility thinking, and choice of the best alternative. Therefore, good abductive thinking is a pre-condition for intelligent designing in strategy.

Originality/value

– The paper shows that abduction is of practical relevance to business strategists, just as much as it is for the practice of law and medicine – two professions that have traditionally put it to effective use.
Corporate governance: a paradigmatic look
Authors: Ardalan Kavous
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a paradigmatic look at corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts with the premise that any worldview can be associated with one of the four basic paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. The paper looks at the current state of mainstream academic finance and notes that it is founded only on the functionalist paradigm. It argues that any view expressed with respect to corporate governance is based on one of the four paradigms or worldviews. It, therefore, discusses four views expressed with respect to the nature and role of corporate governance.

Findings

The paper emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the nature and role of corporate governance from a certain paradigmatic viewpoint. Emphasizing this example in the area of corporate governance, the paper concludes that there are opportunities for mainstream academic finance, in general, and corporate governance, in particular, to benefit from contributions coming from the other three paradigms if they respect paradigm diversity.

Originality/value

The paper recommends a serious conscious thinking about the social philosophy upon which finance, in general, and corporate governance, in particular, is based and of the alternative avenues for development.
Gender differences in occupational status in the South Korean labor market: 1988‐1998
Authors: Turner Charlie G. , Monk‐Turner Elizabeth
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine gender differences in occupational status among South Korean workers in 1988 and 1998. In 1988, the South Korean National Assembly enacted an Equal Employment Opportunity Act. The goal is to better understand how occupational status differs by gender between these time periods.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the “88 and 98 Occupational Wage Bargaining Survey on the Actual Condition (OWS),” the paper examines occupational differences by gender and log wage using OLS.

Findings

Occupational segregation by gender was more extreme in 1988 than 1998. In 1988, 83.3 percent of all female workers were employed in three broad occupational categories. Few women (5.4 percent) worked as professional, technical or administrative workers. By 1998, 11.5 percent of female workers were employed as professionals. The highest paid occupational categories, in South Korea, have the lowest percentage of female workers. Women benefit from additional educational experience, though less so than holds for men, and from being in a union (in 1988). Women are penalized, in terms of occupational status prestige, when working in large firms and when married.

Practical implications

If South Korea aims to make full use of the human capital of all workers, measures need to address how women might enjoy returns on their educational investment that approach those realized by men. Further, efforts to integrate women into professional occupations categories might be examined.

Originality/value

Little has been explored with regard to occupational gender differences in South Korea. This work provides a better understanding of occupational status differences by gender and how they vary across time.
Perfectly matched layers for T, Φ formulation
Authors: Matzenauer Gernot , Bíro´ Oszka´r , Hollaus Karl , Preis Kurt , Renhart Werner
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Perfectly matched layers (PMLs) are used for reflectionless truncation of the problem boundaries in finite element methods applications. In this paper, the method of PMLs is extended to truncate any lossless medium and the method is implemented for the T formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic concept behind PMLs is to create an artificial material with a complex and diagonal anisotropic permittivity and permeability. For the A, V formulation PMLs are well known.

Findings

It is shown that it is possible to truncate any linear lossless material with PML layers, and if the material has small losses the PML works fine.

Originality/value

In the present paper, an artificial anisotropic lossy material is applied to a 3D edge finite‐element T, formulation to form perfectly matched layers.
Transmission line meshes for computational simulation of electromagnetic modes in the Earth's atmosphere
Authors: Morente Juan A. , Portí Jorge A. , Blanchard Cedric , Besser Bruno P. , Lichtenegger Herbert I.M. , Salinas Alfonso , Navarro Enrique A. , Molina‐Cuberos Gregorio J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Two transmission line meshes to simulate electromagnetic waves in the Earth's atmosphere are developed, one with the link transmission lines connected in parallel and the other with connections in series.

Design/methodology/approach

The equations describing propagation of waves through these parallel or series meshes are equivalent to the Maxwell equations for TEr or TMr modes in a spherical cavity with lossy dielectric material between the external conducting surfaces, respectively.

Findings

The transmission line meshes are used for a numerical study of the natural electromagnetic noise due to lightning discharges in the Earth‐ionosphere cavity.

Originality/value

The numerical algorithm finds values for Schumann resonances very close to the experimental ones, which allows us to affirm that this methodology is a valid numerical tool for predicting these resonances on other planets or moons as well.
Influence of the discretization error on the reconstruction accuracy in electrical capacitance tomography
Authors: Watzenig Daniel , Steiner Gerald , Fuchs Anton , Zangl Hubert , Brandstätter Bernhard
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The investigation of the influence of the modeling error on the solution of the inverse problem given uncertain measured data in electrical capacitance tomography (ECT).

Design/methodology/approach

The solution of the nonlinear inverse problem in ECT and hence, the obtainable accuracy of the reconstruction result, highly depends on the numerical modeling of the forward map and on the required regularization. The inherent discretization error propagates through the forward map, the solution of the inverse problem, the subsequent calculation of process parameters and properties and may lead to a substantial estimation error. Within this work different finite element meshes are compared in terms of obtainable reconstruction accuracy. In order to characterize the reconstruction results, two error measures are introduced, a relative integral error and the relative error in material fraction. In addition, the influence of the measurement noise given different meshes is investigated from the statistical point of view using repeated measurements.

Findings

The modeling error, the degree of regularization, and measurement uncertainties are the determining and limiting factors for the obtainable reconstruction accuracy of electrical tomography systems. The impact of these key influence factors on the calculation of process properties given both synthetic as well as measured data is quantified. Practical implications – The obtained results show that especially for measured data, the variability in calculated parameters strongly depends on the efforts put on the forward modeling, i.e. on an appropriate finite element mesh size. Hence, an investigation of the modeling error is highly recommended when real‐world tomography problems have to be solved.

Originality/value

The results presented in this work clearly show how the modeling error as well as inherent measurement uncertainties influence the solution of the inverse problem and the posterior calculation of certain parameters like void fraction in process tomography.
3D topology optimization using an immune algorithm
Authors: Campelo Felipe , Watanabe Kota , Igarashi Hajime
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper introduces an evolutionary algorithm based on the artificial immune systems paradigm for topology optimization (TO) in 3D.

Design/methodology/approach

The 3D TO algorithm is described, and experimentally validated on an electromagnetic design problem.

Findings

The proposed method is capable of finding an optimal configuration for the validation problem used.

Research limitations/implications

More tests are needed in order to fully assert the capabilities of the algorithm. Moreover, further improvements are needed in order to obtain smoother topologies at the end of the optimization procedure.

Practical implications

The paper presents a novel tool for the design of electromagnetic devices, using a TO approach.

Originality/value

So far most of the TO algorithms did not tackle true 3D problems, and the ones capable of 3D optimization do it at high computational costs. The algorithm presented here is capable of true 3D design at a reasonable computational budget.
A perturbation finite element method for modeling moving conductive and magnetic regions without remeshing
Authors: Dular Patrick , Sabariego Ruth V.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To develop a sub‐domain perturbation technique for efficiently modeling moving systems in magnetodynamics with a magnetic field h‐conform finite element (FE) formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A reference problem is first solved in a global mesh excluding some moving regions and thus avoiding the inclusion of their meshes. Its solution gives the sources for a sequence of perturbation problems with the supplementary moving magnetic and conductive regions. Each of these sub‐problems requires an appropriate proper volume mesh of the associated moving region and its surrounding region, with no need of interconnection. The solutions are transferred from one problem to the other through projections of source fields between meshes.

Findings

The consideration of sub‐problems and associated sources, in a sequence of perturbation problems, leads to a significant speed‐up of the repetitive solutions in analyses of moving systems. A free movement in any direction can be considered with no need of remeshing.

Originality/value

When working with the perturbation fields, the volume sources can be limited to the moving regions, what allows for homogeneous perturbation boundary conditions and reduces the computational efforts for projecting and evaluating the sources. The curl‐conformity of the unknown magnetic field is preserved during the whole process thanks to the use of edge FEs for both the magnetic field and the intermediate source quantities. The sub‐problem approach also gives an easy way to directly express the time derivatives in moving frames.
Efficient design analysis of a novel magnetic gear on a high performance computer
Authors: Hafla Wolfgang , Buchau André , Rucker Wolfgang M. , Weinläder Andreas , Klotz Benjamin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Aims to show that efficiency and accuracy of integral equation methods (IEMs) in combination with the fast multipole method for the design of a novel magnetic gear.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel magnetic gear was developed. Magnetic fields and torque of the gear were simulated based on IEMs. The fast multipole method was applied to compress the matrix of the belonging linear system of equations. A computer cluster was used to achieve numerical results within an acceptable time. A three‐dimensional post‐processing and visualization of magnetic fields enables a deep understanding of the gear.

Findings

IEMs are very well suited for the numerical analysis of a magnetic gear. Especially, the treatment of the air gap between the rotating components, which move with significant varying velocities, is relatively easy. Furthermore, a correct computation and visualization of flux lines is possible. A magnetic gear is advantageous for high rotational velocities.

Research limitations/implications

A quasi static numerical simulation has sufficed for an understanding of the principle of the magnetic gear and for the development of a prototype.

Practical implications

IEMs are very suitable for the analysis of complex problems with moving parts. Nowadays, the efficiency is very good even for large problems, since matrix compression techniques are well‐engineered.

Originality/value

The design of a novel magnetic gear is discussed. Well‐known techniques like IEMs, fast multipole method and parallel computing are combined to solve a very large and complex problem.
Electromagnetically excited audible noise – evaluation and optimization of electrical machines by numerical simulation
Authors: Schlensok C. , Schmülling B. , van der Giet M. , Hameyer K.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Disturbing vibrations and noise of electrical machines are gaining impact. The paper aims to focus on the necessity of estimating the electromagnetic, structure‐dynamical, and acoustic behaviour of the machine during designing and before proto‐typing.

Design/methodology/approach

An adequate tool is numerical simulation applying the finite‐element method (FEM) and the boundary‐element method (BEM) allowing for the structured analysis and evaluation of audible noise also caused by manufacturing tolerances.

Findings

The simulated results show good accordance to measurement results. The methods and simulation tools allow the analysis and evaluation of every type of energy converter with respect to its electromagnetic, structure‐dynamical and acoustic behaviour.

Originality/value

The methods developed and proved can be applied to any electromagnetic device in general.
de Rham currents in discrete electromagnetism
Authors: Auchmann B. , Kurz S.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To describe and extend existing concepts of discrete electromagnetism in a unified formalism; to give examples for the usefulness of the presented ideas for our theoretical work, especially with regard to energy.

Design/methodology/approach

After a concise introduction to the mathematical concepts of discrete electromagnetism, we introduce continuous de Rham currents and give their discrete counterpart. We define operators acting upon discrete currents, and apply the theory to electromagnetism.

Findings

de Rham current theory yields a mathematical framework for the discussion of discrete electromagnetic problems: The focus is on energy‐balance equations; a discrete Lagrangian can be defined for various modeling problems; the Galerkin approach fits nicely into the proposed formalism; boundary terms in discrete formulations are an implicit feature to the theory.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, we use the interpolation of discrete fields by Whitney forms on a simplicial cell complex. The resulting discrete formulation is identical to a Galerkin finite‐element method. Other numerical techniques that do not resort to Whitney‐form interpolation can equally be discussed in de Rham‐current terminology.

Originality/value

Rather than a novel numerical technique, the paper presents a unified mathematical framework for the discussion of different practical approaches. We advocate a canonical treatment of energy‐related quantities and of boundary terms in discrete formulations.
Error control schemes for adaptive time integration of magnetodynamic systems with variable spatial mesh resolution
Authors: Wimmer Georg , Steinmetz Thorsten , Clemens Markus
Published: June 2007

Purpose

A combination of both time step adaptivity and spatial mesh adaptivity is presented for transient magneto‐quasistatic fields.

Design/methodology/approach

Error controlled time step adaptivity is achieved using an implicit integration scheme and the spatial mesh resolution is adapted in each time step in order to effectively resolve the appearing and disappearing local transient saturation effects and eddy current layers. Two spatial refinement strategies are considered, the red‐green refinement leading to a regular mesh and the red refinement leading to an irregular mesh. Numerical results for 2d nonlinear magneto‐dynamic problems are presented.

Findings

An algorithm is proposed which computes the solution of a transient magnetostatic problem given a user prescribed error tolerance for the time stepping and the spatial refinement. The red refinement leading to irregular meshes requires projection techniques in the iterative conjugate gradient solver. However, the algorithm with red‐green refinement turns out to perform faster since the projection is too expensive.

Originality/value

The combination of error controlled time stepping and spatial adaptivity is firstly established in electromagnetic field computation.
Investigation of load noise generation of large power transformer by means of coupled 3D FEM analysis
Authors: Ertl Michael , Landes Hermann
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present a 3D numerical analysis of the load noise generation associated with large, oil immersed three‐phase power transformers.

Design/methodology/approach

After studying the mechanical behavior of the winding structures of transformers, the results of coupled magneto‐mechanical simulations are presented.

Findings

An appropriate modeling strategy of the vibratory winding structures of transformers is necessary to reduce complexity and computational resources.

Originality/value

The presented model setup describes a fully transient, 3D coupled magneto‐mechanical simulation of the vibratory winding structure of large power transformers.
Design of an electromagnetic actuator for parametric stiffness excitation
Authors: Schmidt Erich , Paradeiser Wolfgang , Dohnal Fadi , Ecker Horst
Published: June 2007

Purpose

An overview is given on design features, numerical modelling and testing of a novel electromagnetic actuator to achieve a controllable stiffness to be used as a device for parametric stiffness excitation.

Design/methodology/approach

In principle, the actuator consists of a current driven coil placed between two permanent magnets. Repellent forces are generated between the coil and the magnets, centering the coil between the two magnets. The 2D finite element analyses are carried out to predict the forces generated by this arrangement depending on coil current and coil position. Force measurements are also made using the actual device.

Findings

Actuator forces as predicted by the finite element analyses are in excellent agreement with the measured data, confirming the validity of the numerical model. Stiffness of the actuator is defined as the increase of force per unit of coil displacement. Actuator stiffness depends linearly on the coil current but in a nonlinear manner on the coil displacement. The performance of the actuator is sufficient to demonstrate the effect of a so‐called parametric anti‐resonance on a test stand.

Research limitations/implications

Although the performance of the actuator is satisfactory, there is potential for further improvement of the actuator design.

Originality/value

This paper reports for the first time on an electromechanical device to create a time‐periodic stiffness variation to be used for research in the field of parametrically excited mechanical systems. The device is used to prove experimentally an effect to suppress mechanical vibrations which has been studied so far only in theoretical studies.
3D magnetic field analysis of permanent magnet type of MRI using preconditioned MRTR method
Authors: Takahashi N. , Muraoka A. , Miyagi D. , Fujino S. , Miyata K. , Ohashi K.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper examines the convergence characteristics of the “minimized residual method based on the MRTR (three‐term recurrence formula of CG‐type) method” for solving large linear simultaneous equations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an example of magnetic field analysis of permanent magnet type of MRI taking account of the minor loop and eddy current.

Findings

It is shown that the preconditioned MRTR method can get a stable and quick convergence for such a relatively ill‐conditioned problem.

Originality/value

Illustrates that the convergence of the Incomplete Cholesky Conjugate Gradient method is one of the important issues in the practical 3D magnetic field analysis.
Implementation of surface impedance boundary conditions in the cell method via the vector fitting technique
Authors: Alotto P. , De Cian A. , Molinari G. , Rossi M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To show a possible implementation of surface impedance boundary conditions (SIBCs) in a time domain formulation based on the cell method (CM).

Design/methodology/approach

The implementation is based on vector fitting (VF), a technique which allows a time domain representation of a rational approximation of the surface impedance to be found.

Findings

It is shown that very little computational effort is needed to find a very good VF approximation of simple SIBCs and that such approximation is easily fitted into existing CM codes.

Research limitations/implications

The extension to higher order SIBCs has not been taken into account.

Practical implications

The proposed approach avoids the use of convolution integrals, is accurate and easy to implement.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the use of VF for the approximate time domain representation of SIBCs.
An efficient parallel PCG method for eddy current analysis
Authors: Watanabe Kota , Igarashi Hajime
Published: June 2007

Purpose

It is important to investigate large‐scale numerical analyses of electromagnetic fields in design processes of electromagnetic machines. Thus, faster solvers for eddy current analyses are necessary. Parallel computation methods for linear solvers in electromagnetic field analyses have been investigated. These methods have gained importance due to the diffusion of PC clusters and multi‐core CPUs in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discuses linear solvers for the finite element method in eddy current analyses on parallel computers. The preconditioned conjugate gradient method with overlapping domain decomposition is treated. Some techniques treated to improve the convergence was investigated.

Findings

The numerical results show that the overlapping effect results in good convergence in eddy current analyses.

Originality/value

The preconditioned conjugate gradient method with overlapping domain decomposition has been treated. The numerical results show that the overlapping method works more efficiently for eddy current analyses. Moreover, this method enables large‐scale analyses on popular computers such as PC clusters.
Transient calculation of the induced currents inside the brain during magnetic stimulation
Authors: Barchanski A. , Gjonaj E. , De Gersem H. , Weiland T.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Transient calculation of currents in brain tissue induced during a transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of the short pulses used in this technique a time‐harmonic approximation is no longer valid, and transient effects have to be considered. We have performed a Fourier analysis of the induced currents calculated in a high‐resolution model of the brain using the extended scalar potential finite differences (Ex‐SPFD) approach.

Findings

The peak induced currents in the transient development of the pulse are higher by a factor of approximately seven than the time harmonic solutions at the fundamental frequency. Furthermore, an analysis of the impact of the conductivity dispersion revealed an increase in the peak induced currents by 17.3 percent for white matter and by 20.8 percent for gray matter.

Originality/value

Using the numerically efficient Ex‐SPFD approach, along with a high performance cluster, the current densities inside the brain can be calculated incorporating more details than previous calculations of this type.
Unredeemed gift cards and the problem of not providing customers with value
Authors: Horne Dan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the “money for nothing” attitude about gift card non‐redemption, that pervades retailing, directly conflicts with a customer focus. Further, it aims to show how short‐term financial benefits are completely offset by long‐term increases in indirect costs and damage to brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses examples of behavior to demonstrate common attitudes of practitioners revolving around gift card issuing and redemption. Additionally, the use of simple case study brings into question the common assumptions about the short‐ and long‐term effect on organizational performance of non‐consumer‐centric policies.

Findings

The paper finds that claims that retailers get “money for nothing” on unredeemed gift cards are illusionary. The actual costs of non‐redemption are quite high because the retailer misses the opportunity to bring both existing and, importantly, new customers into the retail environment. Further, brand equity may suffer if consumers feel that retailers have taken advantage of them. Brand equity damage can grow exponentially if media and governmental interests step into the fray.

Originality/value

The real issue is whether retailers pay lip‐service to their gift card‐holding public or really embrace the potential value that a gift card‐holding customer generates. Long‐term benefits accrue to organizations that reject the “money for nothing” mentality and actively try to attract gift card shoppers.
A comparison of younger and older baby boomers: investigating the viability of cohort segmentation
Authors: Reisenwitz Timothy , Iyer Rajesh
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the relationship between two age cohorts within the baby boomer group, younger baby boomers (born between 1956‐1965) and older baby boomers (born between 1946‐1955), based on various behavioral variables. It is postulated that, even though this group is exceedingly large in number, there are more similarities than differences among its younger and older members.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample was a convenience sample and consisted of 295 respondents who were in the 40‐58 age category. A questionnaire was administered with scales that were well established and that have been used in previous research.

Findings

With the exception of cognitive age, there were no significant differences between younger and older baby boomers regarding a large number of salient behavioral variables. This conclusion suggests that marketers use caution when applying the widely accepted age segmentation strategy of splitting baby boomers into younger and older boomers.

Originality/value

The results of this study caution the marketer in further dividing the baby boomers group based on cohort segmentation. The results of this study suggest that cohort segmentation is a viable beginning for dividing consumers into groups, but that other demographic and/or psychographic methods need to be considered in subsequent segmentation efforts for baby boomers.
Teleshopping adoption by Spanish consumers
Authors: Ruiz Mafé Carla , Sanz Blas Silvia
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse key drivers of teleshopping adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of demographics, televiewing behaviour, non‐store shopping previous experience and attitude to teleshopping in present and future teleshopping decisions is analysed in the paper.

Findings

Data analysis shows that attitude towards teleshopping and teleshopping genre exposure are the main predictors of teleshopping behaviour, while consumer attitude towards teleshopping and previous experience as user of non‐store shopping channels (catalogue and television) are the most relevant factors influencing future teleshopping intention.

Practical implications

This research enables companies to know the key drivers influencing teleshopping adoption and, therefore, what aspects to highlight in their marketing strategies. Companies that use television as a shopping channel must increase their presence on the television market and improve televiewers' opinion of the teleshopping system as it would allow televiewers to maintain a relation with the teleshopping genre and to increase their probability of purchase. The significant influence that non‐store previous experience exerts on willingness to teleshop shows managers that the complementary use of other non‐store shopping systems becomes a key tool to increase teleshopping in the future.

Originality/value

Despite dramatic differences being discovered between non‐store shoppers, very limited research has been conducted to examine them. There are still not enough studies that examine the demographic, behavioural and attitudinal differences among televiewers and teleshoppers. This paper analyses the background of teleshopping and key drivers of future teleshopping decisions among Spanish consumers.
Exploring change in construction: supply chain management
Authors: Fernie Scott , Thorpe Anthony
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the process of change within organisations in the construction sector related to the content of change called for by reformers such as Egan, Latham, Constructing Excellence and the “rethinking construction” movement. The concept of supply chain management is used within the research to facilitate this kind of exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

The broad framework adopted in the paper is contextual in nature and informed by structuration theory and new institutionalism. The approach followed is a case study method that looks for literal replication across a number of cases.

Findings

Supply chain management is found to be both synonymous with the concept of partnering and particularly problematic for organisations to implement within the construction sector due to specific contextual factors.

Research limitations/implications

All methodological positions have limitations. Like all research this piece of work is the product of choices that could have been different and achieved different outcomes.

Originality/value

The findings support a view that contextual approaches provide greater insight into the problematic nature of change in the construction sector and concerns regarding the development of a robust, relevant and sustainable agenda for change within the sector.
Issues in the selection of fall prevention and arrest equipment
Authors: Cameron Iain , Gillan Gary , Roy Duff A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The research objectives are to investigate current methods of fall protection, identify issues in their selection and use, and produce guidance on best practice for designers and constructors.

Design/methodology/approach

A steering group with both health and safety and production experience directed a variety of data collection methods: interviews with industry specialists to assist in identifying the significant issues in fall protection and selecting fall protection systems; study of published research, legislation, codes of practice, and system technical data; focus groups to investigate both generic and system‐specific issues; and visits to manufacturers, suppliers, contractors' offices and sites, to observe and discuss systems in development, planning, erection and operation.

Findings

This paper deals with all the general issues in equipment selection: a hierarchy of selection; legislative guidance; interaction with the structure; impact on site operations; rescue of fallers; issues specific to maintenance and refurbishment; and costs arising from equipment selection.

Originality/value

The paper provides a summary of the most important issues contained in the full Health & Safety Executive report of the research, the only comprehensive source of such practical guidance.
Enhancing the capability of rapid bridge replacement after extreme events
Authors: Bai Yong , Hoon Kim Seong , Burkett William R.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The potential threats of extreme events to highway bridges have received increased attention from government agencies, the engineering and construction communities, and the traveling public. These events include terrorist attacks as well as human‐induced and natural hazards such as earthquakes, explosions, fires, floods, and hurricanes. To respond to the potential threats on highway bridges, a research project was conducted to identify rapid bridge replacement processes, techniques, and needs for improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objectives, a detailed case study of previous bridge replacement following an extreme event was conducted. The case study was performed using a three‐step approach. First, the research team reviewed the literature related to the case. Second, the research team interviewed the people who were involved with the case via the telephone. Third, the research team conducted a written survey to gain knowledge about the previously unanswered questions and additional information related to the case.

Findings

After studying the case, lessons learned were identified first. Then, the research team determined the processes that were used in the rapid bridge replacements and the needed improvements so that the research community could investigate new technologies to advance current practices.

Originality/value

The lessons learned could be of benefit to government agencies who are responsible for development of the enhanced emergency response plans for highway bridges, and engineering and construction communities who are responsible for design and reconstruction of the damaged bridges. The development of new technologies, if successful, will ultimately enhance the capability of rapid bridge replacement after extreme events.
A heterogeneous resource based view for exploring relationships between firm performance and capabilities
Authors: DeSarbo Wayne S. , Di Benedetto C. Anthony , Song Michael
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm has gained much attention in recent years as a means to understand how a strategic business unit obtains a sustainable competitive advantage. In this framework, several research studies have explored the relationships between resources/capabilities and firm performance. This paper seeks to extend this line of research by explicitly modeling the heterogeneity of such relations across firms in various different industries in exploring the interrelationships between capabilities and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique latent structure regression model is developed to provide a discrete representation of this heterogeneity in terms of different clusters or groups of firms who employ different paths to achieve firm performance vis‐à‐vis alternative capabilities. An application of the proposed methodology to a sample of 216 US firms were provided.

Findings

Finds that the derived four group latent structure regression solution statistically dominates the one aggregate sample regression function. Substantive interpretation for the findings is provided.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of the performance effects of investing in capabilities in the RBV framework, which has previously been lacking, especially in the areas of information technology capabilities.
Application of grey‐based rough decision‐making approach to suppliers selection
Authors: Li Guo‐Dong , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Nagai Masatake
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to resolve the uncertain problem in suppliers selection chain management system through using the proposed multiple attribute decision‐making (MADM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach which combines grey system theory with rough set theory is proposed.

Findings

This proposed approach take advantage of mathematical analysis power of grey system theory and at the same time take advantage of data mining and knowledge discovery power of rough set theory. It will be suitable to decision making under a more uncertain environment.

Originality/value

Provides a viewpoint on the attribute values and attribute weights of rough set decision table for all alternatives are decided by grey number based on grey system theory. The best ideal supplier can be decided by grey relational analysis based on grey number.
The development of planning horizon theory and the comparison of decision/forecast horizons for dynamic lot size models
Authors: Lin Feng‐Jyh
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the case of the multi‐period optimisation problem where decisions are obtained from a finite horizon model and will be implemented in a situation in which the system will operate indefinitely.

Design/methodology/approach

The production planning problem is addressed in which the quantity of the product required (demand) in future periods is being forcast, from which one must decide when and how much to produce.

Findings

Finds that a regeneration set is key for finding forecast horizon (FH) and decision horizon (DH) in the dynamic lot size model (DLSM). A regeneration set contains the optimal regeneration points in some conceivable future horizon.

Originality/value

This paper extends the research on horizons which has accumulated in the literature over the last 40 years.