bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and nutrient intake of Hallelujah vegetarians
Authors: Donaldson Michael S.
Published: January 2003

Reports the results of a survey of followers of the mostly raw, pure vegetarian, Hallelujah diet, which is promoted by the Hallelujah Acres Foundation in the USA. Seven‐day semi‐quantitative dietary records kept by 141 followers of the diet were collected and analyzed for nutrient intake. Claims self‐reported improvements in health and quality of life after adoption of the diet were significant (p < 1E‐07). Mean daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was 6.6 servings and 11.4 servings, respectively. Salads, fruits, carrot juice and grain products provided 60‐88 per cent of most nutrients. The mean energy intake was 1,460kcal/day for women and 1,830kcal/day for men. Claims that, with some modifications, this diet pattern allows people to adopt a low calorie diet sufficient in most nutrients.
Acceptability and chemical composition of bread from beniseed composite flour
Authors: Afolabi Wasiu A.O. , Oguntona Clara R.B. , Fakunmoju Bilkisu B.
Published: January 2003

Reports a study to determine the suitability of beniseed for bread making as well as the chemical composition and acceptability of the bread among Nigerian bread consuming population. Three bread samples were developed from wheat, beniseed, and cassava composite flour using the formulae 85:10:5, 80:15:5 and 75:25:5. Baking characteristics, chemical composition and acceptability tests were carried out on the samples with wheat bread serving as control. Results show that bread produced from beniseed composite flour has similar baking characteristics in terms of appearance, colour and flavour when compared with wheat bread. Consumer acceptability tests indicated that the bread samples were all acceptable, with the sample with formula 85:10:5 ranked first and being the most preferred. Analysis of chemical composition indicated that the bread samples contain higher protein, fat, crude fibre and ash. This study has shown that acceptable bread of higher nutritional value can be produced from beniseed.
Entrepreneurial and vocational education and training in central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Matlay Harry
Published: January 2003

Since the late 1980s most of the countries in central and Eastern Europe have been undergoing a radical socio‐economic and political transformation, generally referred to as the “transition” from a centrally planned, command system to a more or less liberalised, Western‐style, market economy. The new thinking and the hopes for economic regenerations in the region were centred mainly upon the two inter‐related concepts of entrepreneurship and small business development. In these countries, however, relatively little is known about the education and training needs of entrepreneurs and their workforce. This paper outlines the preliminary results of a longitudinal research study (1995‐1999) that focussed specifically upon the training needs of 6,000 small and medium sized businesses in six of the former communist countries in central and Eastern Europe.
Training and HRD strategies in family and non‐family owned small businesses: a comparative approach
Authors: Matlay Harry
Published: January 2003

Family‐owned small businesses constitute a large proportion of the overall small business population of industrially developed and developing countries. A great deal of theoretical and practical knowledge exists on various aspects of small business growth and development, including: management, marketing, finance, production, research and development. There exists, however, a paucity of comparative research on the training and HRD strategies of small family and non‐family businesses. This article sets out to redress this imbalance in current small business research. It outlines the preliminary results of a recent study that focused on the training and HRD needs of a randomly selected sample of 6,000 small businesses in Great Britain. The data shows that there are considerable differences in owner/manager attitudes and approaches towards the training needs of family members employed in a business as compared to non‐family employees. The results suggest that these differences could have a significant influence upon the competitive strategies of family and non‐family owned small businesses in the UK.
Engaging SME managers and employees in training: lessons from an evaluation of the ESF Objective 4 Programme in Great Britain
Authors: Devins David , Johnson Steve
Published: January 2003

This paper draws on a telephone survey of 116 independent SMEs to explore the impact of a variety of training interventions on human resource (HR) practices and business performance in Great Britain. The paper investigates the extent to which targeting such interventions on the managers of SMEs affects the impact and the likelihood of changes in HR practices but finds no statistically significant relationship. The research findings suggest that whilst training interventions have positively contributed to the establishment of HR practices and are perceived by SME managers to have met the needs of the organisation, their impact on a range of business performance indicators is fairly modest. Furthermore the research identifies the propensity of SMEs who are currently engaged in training to become involved in these interventions whilst the majority of SMEs who are not engaged in external training activities remain untouched by the policy intervention.
Innovation and education policy in SMEs: a Czech perspective
Authors: Lloyd‐Reason Lester , Muller Karel , Wall Stuart
Published: January 2003

After considering the various dimensions of innovation policy, this paper reviews the experiences of the Czech Republic (CR) in implementing such policies in the post‐1990 transition period. Particular attention is paid to the contribution of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in innovation activities and to the various direct and indirect measures used by the CR in their support. The paper also focuses on the education and training issues and policy prescriptions deemed most appropriate to medium‐term goal setting in the CR. It is noted that in order for such education and training policies to be effective, they must be informed by a number of well‐established patterns and trends within globalised, knowledge‐based economies as well as by the particular circumstances faced by the CR or other transition economies.
Do they or don’t they? A comparison of traditional and discourse perspectives of HRD in SMEs
Authors: Rigg Clare , Trehan Kiran
Published: January 2003

Understanding of HRD in SMEs has frequently been based on impoverished research resulting from underdeveloped theory. This article argues for the potential offered to researching, understanding and practising HRD in small organisations, of taking a discourse perspective on organisation, learning and development. Through a comparative interpretation, from a traditional and a discourse perspective on HRD, of research material collected ethnographically in three small companies, the article aims to contribute to an approach which can deepen understanding of HRD in SMEs by combining three strands that have not generally been integrated: ideas from recent debates on what HRD comprises, perspectives on learning, and a discourse perspective on organisation. The implications for research indicate a need for methods that enable the study of HRD in action – the micro‐processes of development.
Entrepreneurship education at university: a driver in the creation of high growth firms?
Authors: Galloway Laura , Brown Wendy
Published: January 2003

There is, in the UK, increasing attention being paid to the potential of university education to facilitate high quality growth firms. While some commentators believe that this potential can be realised in the short term, many believe that only a long‐term view of the entrepreneurial potential of graduate entrepreneurship is feasible as new graduates lack the resources, skills and experience necessary for sustainability and growth of ventures. Like most university entrepreneurship “departments”, the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Strathclyde examines the profile of students and outcome of entrepreneurship electives in terms of student ambition and motivation. Using data from this exercise along with data from a study of 2,000 Strathclyde alumni, an impression of potentiality and actual outcome of entrepreneurship electives is possible.
Defining the development needs of entrepreneurs in SMEs
Authors: Davies John , Hides Mick , Powell James
Published: January 2003

This paper focuses on the theme of entrepreneurship education, learning and development and specifically, on the challenge for higher education institutions (HEIs) of supporting entrepreneurial and enterprising individuals and organisations. This is examined from the perspective of the definition of appropriate development needs of entrepreneurs in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). HEIs are undergoing a phenomenal amount of change driven by the various stakeholders (e.g. government, students and local committees). The government continues to emphasise the importance to the economy of the set up and development of SMEs. If this is to happen then SMEs will need support in developing entrepreneurial and enterprising individuals. This convergence of needs presents the opportunity for HEIs to contribute to this support. A prerequisite for this support is the definition of the development needs of entrepreneurs in SMEs.
Towards a healthy high street: identifying skills needs in small independent retailers
Authors: Byrom John , Parker Cathy , Harris John
Published: January 2003

This paper details work undertaken to identify and assess the skills needs of small, especially food‐related, independent retailers in the United Kingdom. The paper, part of a European Social Fund (ESF) assisted project: “Towards a healthy high street (II)”, considers the specific skills areas deemed to be lacking at present in the sector. From this, higher‐level learning materials will be developed which relate to the skills areas identified. The prime source of evidence for skills needs identification draws upon research undertaken as part of two previous ESF projects. The key aim of this paper is to combine and articulate the findings from this earlier ESF research with material published by practitioners, academics and government pertaining to the provision of training in this vital sector of the economy. Three key areas upon which to focus training in the sector are explored: “Building and sustaining competitive advantage”, “E‐commerce” and “Retail operations”.
Entrepreneurship education and training in Canada: a critical assessment
Authors: Ibrahim A.B. , Soufani K.
Published: January 2003

Management training is constantly seen as an effective way of providing small‐medium size enterprises with the management expertise they require in order to develop and grow. The SME sector in Canada plays a prominent and essential role in the growth and expansion of the domestic economy through its contribution to the domestic output and job creation. However, this sector suffers from a considerably high failure rate that is largely attributed to the lack of management skills and planning, which can potentially be improved by providing training and education in different business areas. This paper assesses the entrepreneurship education and training efforts in Canada and identifies the common challenges that face this process.
The determinants of training in SMEs in Northern Ireland
Authors: Reid Renee S. , Harris Richard I.D.
Published: January 2003

This study looks at SME spending on training in Northern Ireland. We include a range of human resource management functions, as well as workforce characteristics, the external environment, size, and the impact of changes in ownership status as important determinants of training expenditure in SMEs. Particular attention is also paid to the importance of whether the enterprise is family owned and/or managed. Generally, our results show that HR functions do generally matter; however, workforce characteristics (other than shift working), ownership characteristics and external factors, and even to some extent size, were much less important than expected. What our results do show is that whether the firm is family‐owned/managed is a major factor in determining training budgets in SMEs in Northern Ireland.
A process modelling approach at Xerox of Brazil
Authors: Belmiro T.R. , Pina A.A.D.
Published: January 2003

Notes that, in order to remain competitive, manufacturing industries seek to eliminate inefficiency and speed innovation, perhaps by joining together traditionally distinct functions (the internal “micro companies”) in order to build up an enterprise resource planning (ERP) project. This process of integrating, and then possible automating, business processes has resulted in a need for improved business process modelling techniques and tools. This article explains the importance of first establishing clear guidelines for, and parameters of, any improvement exercise in the organisation. This may involve the creation of a model that accurately describes the existing business processes, exposing the opportunities for improvement. Based on a real‐world model, developed at Xerox of Brazil (Resende Plant), demonstrates the difficulties and the gains throughout the modelling process. Concludes that modelling can assist understanding and engagement within the company as part of a change programme.
Cultural influences on organizational processes in international projects: two case studies
Authors: Pheng Low Sui , Shi Yuquan
Published: January 2003

Observes that Singaporean construction firms have made increasing investments in China in recent years. It is important that these firms, as well as their Chinese counterparts, appreciate and understand each other’s cultural differences/similarities. Although Singaporean culture appears to be based predominately on Chinese culture, there remain differences between the two, which, if not properly understood, can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective working. Using the four dimensions of a national culture established by Hofstede, this study is concerned with examining what constitutes Singaporean and Chinese culture. Through two case studies in China, with Singaporean and Chinese employees, the study identifies cross‐cultural influences brought about by the two cultures which can affect project effectiveness.
Psychosocial and socio‐economic issues relating to female workers in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahasan Rabiul , Laukkala Helena , Sadeque Sadia
Published: January 2003

Identifies religious and cultural factors affecting attitudes towards, and behaviours of, female workers in Bangladesh. Discusses the role of government, non‐governmental organisations and the private sector in moving beyond this history and tradition to a state where female workers are accorded equal rights with regard to education, health, employment prospects and an acknowledgement of their role in society.
Informing the knowledge workers
Authors: Martin Paul , Metcalfe Mike
Published: January 2003

Being part of a “learning community” requires that knowledge workers keep themselves informed of developments in their area of expertise. However, as we all know, an information saturation problem exists, not least because of the Internet. Modes of informing are specific to each person’s concerns, as are the topics they want to be informed about. Libraries and information centers have sought to accommodate this need in the past by promoting Current Awareness Services (CAS) and Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), either through print or electronic means. With the migration of these systems to the Internet, intranet, or corporate portal, it has become the vogue to customize or personalize these access points in accordance with user interests. On the horizon is the promise of intelligent software agents as an additional aid for filtering and retrieving information. This article will argue that librarians need to continue embracing the model principle of CAS, as a tool of relevance, and as a function for remaining visible to their client communities.
Communicating with and empowering international students with a library skills set
Authors: Baron Sara , Strout‐Dapaz Alexia
Published: January 2003

Much library research over the last decade has focused on serving this particular group of library user. The project synthesizes and supplements past recommendations with a survey of academic institutions in the Southern USA. Data were collected from 123 colleges and universities. Both librarians and international student support staff agreed that the major challenges international students face are language/communication problems, adjusting to a new educational/library system, and general culture adjustments. The paper recommends a model for library skills training for internationalstudents by weaving together ACRL’s Information Literacy Competency Standards with the communication, educational and cultural adjustments international students encounter when studying in the USA.
Library instruction and information literacy – 2000
Authors: Johnson Anna Marie
Published: January 2003

This year’s annual bibliography includes materials reflecting various aspects of library instruction and information literacy. The academic literature continues to generate the greatest number of citations in these areas, but a small increase in the special libraries area was noted for 2000. The themes of standards for information literacy and assessment were apparent in all areas of the literature.
The operation of the Low Pay Commission
Authors: Brown William
Published: January 2003

The paper provides an account of the working of the Low Pay Commission that was established to advise on the introduction of a statutory National Minimum Wage for the UK. It discusses the way in which the Commission was constituted and the consultation procedures and research methods it developed over its first four years. An account is provided of the principles the Commission developed and of the problems that had to be overcome in delivering what proved to be a successful labour market intervention.
Individual statutory employment rights since 1997: constrained expansion
Authors: Dickens Linda
Published: January 2003

This article explores developments in statutory individual employment rights since the election of the Labour Government in 1997. It also discusses the mechanisms for the adjudication and enforcement of individual employment rights. There have been changes in the institutions and dispute settlement processes and procedures, although I argue that an opportunity for a radical re‐think was missed. There are continuities with Conservative thinking, as well as departures from it. Part of my argument is that policy is being based on a problematic representation of “the problem” of increased exercise of individual rights. There is also a neglect of the inter‐relationship between individual employment rights and collective representation at the workplace. The weakening of individual employment rights under previous Conservative Governments was achieved in part by weakening collective organization. Although the Labour Government has addressed the former by strengthening and expanding individual statutory rights, I argue that achievements are constrained by its seeming ambivalence towards the latter.
Values and organizational commitment
Authors: Elizur Dov , Koslowsky Meni
Published: January 2003

The main objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between work values, gender, and organizational commitment. Research on the relationship between work values, in general, and commitment, in particular, has not identified clear trends. As recent work has shown that gender may be a moderator in predicting outcomes from work values, a model combining these variables was examined. The 24‐item Work Values Questionnaire, constructed by Elizur in previous research and an abbreviated version of the Porter et al., nine‐item organizational commitment questionnaire were used in the study. Data were collected from 204 students, all of whom work outside school. A moderated regression analysis showed that work values, especially cognitive ones, are positively related with commitment and the interaction of values with gender was also found to be a significant predictor of commitment. Some implications of the results were discussed.
Ethical attitudes and ethical behavior: are managers role models?
Authors: Kantor Jeffrey , Weisberg Jacob
Published: January 2003

Ethical attitudes and ethical behavior in organizations may have substantial ramifications on a firm’s operation. This study investigates whether or not managers are perceived by employees to exhibit ethical attitudes and ethical behavior and thereby being their role models. A sample of 111 employees within the finance department of a major municipality who are exposed to unethical behavior responded to a structured questionnaire concerning ethical and unethical episodes. There were three major findings: first, consistently perceived ethical behavior is lower than perceived ethical attitudes of the employee, his peers and of his managers; second, self‐enhancing bias exists; and third, managers do not exhibit an ethical role model in the organization. Implications for human resource management and policies are discussed.
Organizational learning: teachers’ perceptions of the “ideal student” trait system
Authors: Maslovaty Nava
Published: January 2003

This study relates to a setting which approaches organizational learning. The professional ideal student trait system and the personal value system, as perceived by prospective and practicing teachers, are presented as constructs of the belief system. Conclusions are drawn from a comparative analysis of seven samples. Although the constructs of the personal value system and the ideal high school student trait system were similar, their content priorities were different, focusing professionally on academic traits and personally on interpersonal values. The structure of the ideal high school student multivariate system confirmed Schwartz’s bipolar continue value model: conservation versus openness to change and self‐transcendence versus self‐enhancement. Two techniques for organizational learning are presented for promoting, theorizing, and evaluating teachers’ perceptions of the ideal student trait system.
Dispersing change agency in high velocity change organisations: issues and implications
Authors: Doyle Mike
Published: January 2003

Across the UK organisations are experiencing high‐velocity, discontinuous, radical change scenarios. As part of their strategic response, many are introducing more flexible and empowering structures and cultures. One outcome of this strategy has been the dispersal of change agency to a more diverse “cast of characters”. Traditional models of the singular, mandated change agent are now juxtaposed with the notion that “everybody is/can be a change agent”. Reveals some of the wider issues associated with change agency dispersal. Argues that the dispersal of change agency to a wider “cast of characters” creates strategic risk for organisations and has implications for strategic leadership and the way change agents are managed in the future. Discusses some of the dilemmas facing those seeking to control and manage change agents. Concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications facing those who have responsibility for managing those who find themselves cast in the role of “change agent”.
Mission statements miss the point
Authors: Denton D. Keith
Published: January 2003

Research on mission statements has shown considerable variability in their value as well as equal disagreement about their value. Mission statements and strategic objectives are often created in the hope that they can help push the organization toward some desired destination. Every person and every organization needs to have a clear destination for their group or organization, but it will require finding better vehicles than simple mission statements. Successful organizations should probably spend 90 percent of their time keeping people focused and 10 percent figuring out how to get there. Ineffective organizations tend to spend 90 percent of their time making rules, regulations, and procedures. Asking good questions is a fine start, but it also takes hard work and continual feedback; otherwise, you end up with a lifeless mission statement. It may not be essential for the entire group to think as one or to reach a complete agreement or singularity about what they are supposed to be about, but the process of continually monitoring and evolving this process is essential.
Emotional intelligence and the challenges of quality management today
Authors: Møller Claus , Powell Sarah
Published: January 2003

In this article, Claus Møller talks to Sarah Powell about his company, the concept of emotional intelligence, and the major challenges of quality management today. Claus Møller is the founder and chairman of Time Manager International A/S, a provider of “soft” or people skills‐related consulting in Europe. His approach focuses on the quality not only of products and services, but primarily of the people who produce them, which represents a more humane and deeper concept of quality. Claus Møller is the author of several books, including: Putting People First, Time Manager – the Key to Personal Effectiveness, Employeeship, A Complaint Is a Gift, Be a Double Bagger and, most recently, Heart Work – Emotional Intelligence – Improving Personal and Organizational Effectiveness.
The transformational‐transactional leadership model in practice
Authors: Sarros James C. , Santora Joseph C.
Published: January 2003

Explores the nature of transformational and transactional leadership among business executives. Comments reveal that most executives believe there are weaknesses as well as strengths with both leadership constructs in practice. Overall, major leadership strengths are in the role modelling, coaching, and consideration behaviors of executives. Major weaknesses are in failure to motivate and challenge workers beyond the expected outcomes. Other facets of each of the four transformational and two transactional leadership behaviors are examined in this article. Lists leadership strategies and approaches for achieving positive results and implications for future research are also provided.
Employee commitment: the key to absence management in local government?
Authors: Bennett Hadyn
Published: January 2003

Employee absence has been widely acknowledged in recent years to be a growing problem for organisations, including local government organisations. This paper investigates linkages between organisational commitment, absence management policies and absenteeism in local government from three perspectives – those of human resource practitioners, line managers and employees – through a series of semi‐structured interviews and focus group discussions. The conclusion is reached that much employee absence in this sector can be attributed to the adoption of a “compliance”, or transactional approach, to employee commitment by both management and employees, and the absence of shared values between the employees and the organisation (internalised commitment). The implications which this holds for the management of employee absence are also examined.
Leading urban institutions of higher education in the new millennium
Authors: Rantz Rick
Published: January 2003

This study gained insight into the impinging realities that college and university presidents will face in the new millennium, into the roles and strategies available for tackling these realities, and into the personal attributes that contribute to organizational effectiveness. Case study methods were employed, as the participants were all similarly bound by time and space. Qualitative analytic procedures were utilized to interpret data elicited in response to interview protocol, a process involving: organizing data; generating categories, themes, and patterns; testing emergent hypotheses against the data; and searching for alternative explanations of the data. Results substantiate findings that leaders transform their respective institutions into ethical and moral organizations by demonstrating their own moral and ethical fortitude.
Target setting for evolutionary and revolutionary process change
Authors: Johnston Robert , Fitzgerald Lin , Markou Eleni , Brignall Stan
Published: January 2003

Considers the relationship between the types of targets or benchmarks used and reward structures adopted in two contrasting performance improvement strategies – continuous improvement and radical change. Hypothesises that the process of target setting and the reward structures adopted will be different between the two strategies. The propositions are that organisations involved in continuous improvement of a process will base their performance targets on past performance and internal benchmarking, arrived at through consultation and with a mixture of financial and non‐financial rewards for achieving targets. For processes involving radical change, targets will be based on external benchmarks imposed by senior management, with financial rewards for their achievement. The findings from a semi‐structured questionnaire conducted in 40 UK service organisations reveal that most continuous improvement targets were based on past performance and that processes undergoing radical change made limited use of external benchmarks. In the majority of cases, targets were imposed by managers without consultation, with rewards linked to theachievement of those targets. Financial rewards, particularly financial bonuses, predominated in both improvement strategies. The implications are that the potential benefits of adopting process changes are being constrained. In continuous improvement the lack of participation in target setting could be undermining the team‐based empowerment philosophy of the strategy. The aim of radical change is to achieve a paradigm shift involving revolutionary rather than evolutionary change which is less likely to be fulfilled with targets based on past performance.
A survey on shop floor control techniques in Polish make‐to‐order companies
Authors: Wermus Marek
Published: January 2003

This paper focuses on production activity control (PAC) techniques used in Polish manufacturing companies. Investment in Polish plants by Western European, Japanese, Korean, and US companies raises the question of how ready Polish manufacturing companies are to implement various managerial techniques that have been used for many years in industrialized countries. A survey was sent to over 300 Polish companies. It asked the managers how they deal with typical shop floor control problems such as authorization to start work on an order, determining the sequence at work centers, deciding when to make the schedule and who can make changes in the schedule, adherence to due dates and determining lot sizes. Most of the managers received education from Polish schools and were not taught the principles of modern PAC techniques. The study shows that in many cases the managers learn fast and are in the process of understanding modern shop floor control principles. The research results should help many potential foreign investors to better understand the readiness of Polish manufacturing management to implement modern production planning and control techniques such as MRP, MRPII, or JIT.
Corporate architectures for sustainability
Authors: Griffiths Andrew , Petrick Joseph A.
Published: January 2003

While there exists a growing literature on corporate “green” strategies, there is a research gap about which corporate architectures and organizational change processes enable “green” strategies. This article addresses the research gap in an interdisciplinary manner by focusing on two questions: What conditions characterize ecological and humanly sustainable corporations? What alternative architectures can generate and institutionalize corporate sustainability? Three alternative architectures for sustainability are treated and three research propositions are identified to further future empirical research on specific architectures that link organization design and corporate sustainability.
Web enabled performance measurement systems
Authors: Bititci U.S. , Nudurupati S.S. , Turner T.J. , Creighton S.
Published: January 2003

In order to respond proactively to the new emerging challenges, management requires up‐to‐date and accurate information on performance. Such performance measurement systems are still not common because there is not sufficient research focused on management implications of IT enabled performance measurement systems. This paper presents an empirical case study where a fully integrated IT enabled performance measurement system was implemented and its management implications studied. The paper concludes, based on a single case study, that if properly implemented, such systems would promote a proactive management style and greater confidence in management decisions.
The involvement of management accountants in operational process change
Authors: Johnston Robert , Brignall Stan , Fitzgerald Lin
Published: January 2003

This paper suggests that there is a natural tension between operations managers and management accountants. This tension is particularly evident when decisions are being made about process change. Semi‐structured interviews with 40 operations managers revealed that accountants were only involved in about half of change processes. Surprisingly this proportion was the same for both continuous and radical change programmes despite the latter involving greater risk and capital investment. Six case studies were then used to identify the factors which underpin the degree of involvement where there was close interaction between accountants and operations managers. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for operations managers and some suggestions for further research.
Cost targets and time pressure during new product development
Authors: Everaert Patricia , Bruggeman Werner
Published: January 2003

Investigates the impact of using cost targets during new product development (NPD), in terms of design quality, product cost and development time. An NPD environment with cost targets is compared with an NPD environment where design engineers receive no specific cost targets, but are expected to “minimize” the cost level of future products. The impact of cost targets versus no‐cost targets is investigated in combination with high/low time pressure. The 2 * 2 factorial design was tested in a laboratory experiment that simulated a real design process, with customers asking for the highest design quality. The results demonstrate that cost targets during NPD lead to lower‐cost new products, while not impairing design quality or development time. However, under high time pressure, cost targets lead design engineers to work longer on the design, without a corresponding cost decrease.
Factors influencing co‐design adoption: drivers and internal consistency
Authors: Spina Gianluca , Verganti Roberto , Zotteri Giulio
Published: January 2003

As customers ask for increasing levels of performance, functionality and customisation, firms rely on suppliers not only as a source of components, but also as a source of innovation. Several researchers have investigated the adoption of co‐design, its potential benefits and its costs. Recently, scholars have increasingly underlined the need for bringing this rich stream of studies within a contingency framework, taking into account context variables and internal characteristics of the firm. This paper contributes to this contingency theory of co‐design adoption. We investigate the role of three factors that might influence the intensity of supplier involvement in product development: structural characteristics (industry, size and degree of vertical integration), strategic priorities (strategic fit) and internal consistency with purchasing and new product development practices. An empirical analysis of 67 Italian manufacturers demonstrates that co‐design adoption is actually related to most of these factors.
An early evaluation of the introduction of euro banknotes and coins
Authors: Vuchelen Jef , Van Hove Leo
Published: January 2003

The final stage of the changeover to the euro consisted of the introduction of euro coins and banknotes on 1 January, 2002. The national changeover plans, that provided the scenarios, were based on the exclusive transaction function of money. However, in most European countries high‐denomination banknotes were significantly hoarded and/or used in the underground economy. Since the holders of these banknotes could not convert them anonymously in the two months changeover period, some feared that many banknotes would invade the payment system, leading to a cash‐crash. Nevertheless the changeover process evolved smoothly. As for the future, chances are that some users in the regular sector have permanently changed their payment habits by shifting towards electronic means of payment. In the longer run we believe, however, that the tolerant attitude of the authorities with respect to currency use in the underground sector, will sustain the demand for currency.
Concessional foreign capital inflows and domestic savings across countries
Authors: Hasan Mohammad S.
Published: January 2003

Using the notions of unit root, cointegration theory and Granger‐Akaike’s synthesis of modelling strategy, this paper examines the nature of stationarities, cointegration properties and Granger causal relationship between domestic savings and aid based on a sample of 27 developing countries. The KPSS unit root test results indicate that variables of interest in a trivariate vector autoregressive system such as aid inflows, domestic savings and income exhibit a dissimilar trend in the majority of countries, with the exceptions of Bolivia and Korea. The cointegration test results based on the Johansen and Juselius testing procedure found evidence of cointegration among the variables, domestic savings, aid and income in Bolivia and Korea. However, the presence and direction of causality between aid inflows and domestic savings are mixed across countries. Whilst the findings are indicative of a causal independence in a majority of the cases, little support is attached to either Griffin’s dependency hypothesis or Papaneck’s reverse causality hypothesis.
Industrial productivity in China: the case of the food industry in Guangdong Province
Authors: Wai‐kwong Mok Vincent
Published: January 2003

This study presents empirical evidence on the effects of incentives on industrial productivity in China’s food industry. Data covering the 1990‐1996 period were collected from 30 food enterprises in Guangdong Province. The empirical results support the use of bonus schemes to motivate enterprises to achieve higher levels of productivity. Moreover, the study indicates an important variable affecting productivity: the proportion of temporary workers in the total labour force. It was found that flexibility in the use of temporary workers could produce a positive effect on enterprise productivity. This finding strongly supports the need for flexibility in employment policies. When compared to state‐owned and collective‐owned enterprises, their counterparts, e.g. foreign ventures and joint‐stock enterprises, were relatively more efficient in production.
A note on Launhardt’s market area analysis: the opportunity cost of transportation concept
Authors: Backhaus Ursula
Published: January 2003

An important aspect often overlooked in discussions is the concept of opportunity costs. In this note, location theory is emphasized in terms of opportunity costs.
Distance center students deserve main campus resources
Authors: Darryl Bibb David
Published: January 2003

As universities attempt to expand access to higher education through the establishment of distance centers, it is important that those distance students receive library services equivalent to those offered on the main campus. The author describes how Southeast Missouri State University is attempting to serve these non‐traditional learners through innovative techniques and resources. By making use of both subscription and freely available online databases, providing document delivery through the interlibrary loan department, recycling still valuable reference materials, and developing a list of recommended materials that each distance center should have available in its own collection, the library is fulfilling its mission to these students.
Finding a way: the influence of endowments in collection development
Authors: Speer Lisa K. , Pracht Carl
Published: January 2003

In 1986, Kent Library of Southeast Missouri State University received $250,000 from an alumna for the purpose of library collection building. After receiving the initial gift, university administrators pledged to add to this fund until it reached $1 million. This money supports the Kent Library Program Development Fund, also called the Tweedy Endowment, which provides a means of purchasing library materials through a competitive grant‐writing process open to all university faculty, including librarians. This article outlines the history of the fund, the competitive process, the distribution of money, and discusses the program’s success.
Fingerprint sensing and analysis
Authors: Braggins Don
Published: January 2003

Fingerprints have been used to identify people for 100 years, and as a form of authentication for almost two centuries. Today’s computer and communications oriented world places great importance on authentication, and this article looks at how a new Swedish company, Precise Biometrics, has abandoned traditional fingerprint classification methods for authentication applications, after first describing those traditional methods used for both forensic and civil tasks.
Charting the experiential territory
Authors: Hale Feinstein Andrew , Mann Stuart , Corsun David L.
Published: January 2003

The literature around experiential learning is unclear regarding the similarities and differences among simulation, games, and role play. In order to appropriately evaluate instructional processes, definitional clarity is necessary. In this article, we provide a definitional foundation and classification scheme for the topics of computer simulation, role play, and games. The educational and training outcomes of each are discussed, providing readers the means to determine for themselves, the pedagogical appropriateness of simulation, games, or role play to a given situation.
Assuring corporate leadership for the future
Authors: Kur Ed , Bunning Richard
Published: January 2003

Corporate leadership development can no longer simply rely on planning the replacement of existing leaders. The function of leadership is moving from a transactional to a transitional mode and leaders will increasingly work to inspire knowledge era workers within a constantly changing organisation to embrace an unknown future. In order to meet this leadership development challenge, this article proposes a three‐track model of leadership development based on theory and practice. It is aimed not at individual leaders, but at the total leadership function. The three tracks are: a business track where individuals study the total enterprise and its business environment; a leadership track which teaches behaviourally‐based skills to influence individuals, teams and the total organisation; and a personal track where the individuals understand themselves and how to best manage their personal resources.
Performance evaluation of a knowledge‐based system for subsidence management
Authors: Anumba C.J. , Scott D.
Published: January 2003

This paper describes the approach adopted in the evaluation of a knowledge‐based system for subsidence management, subsidence case management system (SCAMS). It introduces general principles in the evaluation of knowledge‐based systems, highlighting some of the various techniques available. The criteria adopted for SCAMS’s evaluation are then established, followed by a description of the evaluation methodology. The paper concludes with an appraisal of the evaluation process and a discussion of its outcome.
The assessment of risk in conservation refurbishment projects
Authors: Reyers John , Mansfield John
Published: January 2003

A literature review suggested that conservation refurbishment work was perceived by design professionals to be inherently more risky than new‐build projects. The objective assessment of risk items helps ameliorate its impact. The results of a large questionnaire‐based survey evaluating specialist design consultants’ risk identification and management approaches are presented. The risk management approaches of specialist design consultants are divergent, reflecting their professional philosophies, educational programmes and experience. Further differences emerge according to practice size and contract value. Particular attention is paid to the responses considering contingency pricing, project budget forecasts and extensions of time. Results suggest that client education via briefing and consultants’ wider use of confidence limits can help improve the management of risk.
Modelling culvert construction in artificially frozen ground using finite element analysis
Authors: Malekzadeh H. , Edwards D.J. , Frank F.C.
Published: January 2003

This paper describes the development of a computer finite element method (FEM) model for simulating the temporary earthwork support technique, artificial ground freezing. Specifically, ice‐wall thickness growth and ground movement (due to frost heave and thaw settlement) were evaluated with the use of the finite element software package ABAQUS. Other parameters modelled were obtained from a combination of a priori research and invaluable practitioner experience. Simulation results were then compared with measurements obtained from a live field project to assess model accuracy. Output results obtained from the FEM analyses provided demonstrable evidence of the model’s inherent ability to simulate “realistically” the effects of ground freezing analysis process.
What is the moisture meter trying to tell us?
Authors: Burkinshaw Ralph
Published: January 2003

Many surveyors are confused about the role and accuracy of moisture meters. Draws upon extensive field experience of their use and reports the findings of laboratory testing of various materials with the most frequently used moisture meter. The meter is tested in pin probe and “search” modes on timber, PFA block, lime plaster and plasterboard. The resulting graphs help to explain what the meter reading on screen actually means and can only help surveyors get more out of the meter to diagnose dampness more effectively.
Strengthening of RC beams: some experimental findings
Authors: Leung H.Y.
Published: January 2003

This paper aims to study the effect of external glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) plates on the flexural and shear behaviour of structurally deficient reinforced concrete (RC) beams, a total of ten 180mm×250mm×2,500mm beams, including over‐designed, unplated under‐designed and plated under‐designed, were tested under four‐point bending condition. Experimental results indicate that the use of GFRP plates enhances the strength and deformation capacity of RC beams by altering their failure modes. Application of side plates on shear‐deficient RC beams appears to be more effective than using bottom plates on flexure‐deficient RC beams. However, without any improvement of concrete compressive capacity, additional shear capacities provided to the beams under the action of side plates increase the likelihood of beam failure by concrete crushing. Simultaneous use of bottom and side plates on flexural‐ and shear‐deficient RC beams may result in reduced deflection.