bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban quality development and management
Authors: Lehmann Martin , Fryd Ole
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss the development and the structure of a new international master on the subject of urban quality development and management (UQDM), and explore the potential of the process and the outcome in serving as models adoptable by faculty at other universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been carried out as action research. Using innovation and user‐producer interaction as the framework, the authors present the development process; the structure, contents and methodology of the programme; and report on their research findings.

Findings

UQDM is dependent on human resource development, institutionalised networks and confident exchange of knowledge, and must identify and incorporate multiple environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects. The authors find that at the core of innovative societies, an interlinkage exists between practice (business, civil society, governance) and theory (research, education). The case illustrates how a new curriculum takes time to develop and implement and how it relies on confidence and trust between partners, in this case cities and universities, before being able to plant the seed for a sustainable response to the needs of city administrations. University consortia may be particularly useful as providers of a broad framework and an enabling setting in which diffusion of innovation can occur.

Practical implications

The paper presents a successful approach to developing new curricula. Basing itself on user‐producer interaction within the framework of innovation and innovation theory, the programme addresses urban quality through a multi‐disciplinary and inter‐institutional collaboration between city administrations and universities. Per se, the approach is easily replicable but will require time, effort and dedication by all involved, both during development and in later execution.

Originality/value

The paper reports on a new, unique programme and further places the development of the curriculum and the curriculum itself explicitly in the context of user‐producer interaction and with innovation as the framework. While this framework is widely used both descriptively and prescriptively in product development, it has seemingly yet to be applied extensively for other types of developments, including university educations.
Environmental worldview and concern of college students in the Philippines
Authors: Sia Su Glenn L.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Most people profess to care for the environment, but there is considerable diversity on what people generally care for and the reasons for their concern. This study aims to understand college students' worldviews, attitudes, and perceptions and determine the factors affecting their environmental concern. The study aims to focus on college students, as they will be tomorrow's leaders and stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Copies of a self‐administered questionnaire were distributed to selected public and private universities in the Philippines. The binomial logistic regression analysis determined the factors predicting the probability of the students' environmental concern.

Findings

Gender and environmental attitudes affect students' environmental concern (p<0.05). Most of the students' expressed strong environmentally supportive views and beliefs.

Originality/value

The derived model confirmed that gender and environmental attitudes are significant factors to students' environmental concern.
Sustainability in higher education in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Beringer Almut , Wright Tarah , Malone Leslie
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose is to ascertain the state of sustainability in higher education (SHE) in Atlantic Canada (sustainability education/curriculum; research and scholarship; operations; faculty/staff development and rewards; community outreach and service; student opportunities; and institutional mission, structure and planning).

Design/methodology/approach

All Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) member institutions in Atlantic Canada were sampled in 2005/2006 to examine sustainability performance. Data were collected using the sustainability assessment questionnaire (SAQ) and were triangulated with document, webpage, and additional survey research.

Findings

The majority of higher education institutions in Atlantic Canada are engaged in sustainable development work, most notably in the area of curriculum. Sustainability research and scholarship is spread amongst faculty and students; many institutions have inter‐ or multi‐disciplinary research structures to address sustainability questions across campus and in collaboration with community partners. Much unrealized potential remains within physical operations, faculty/staff development and rewards, and student opportunities. No single university emerges as the Atlantic Canadian SHE leader; Acadia University (Wolfville, Nova Scotia), St Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, Nova Scotia) and Mt Allison University (Sackville, New Brunswick) excel in a regional peers comparison.

Research limitations/implications

The Atlantic Canada study commences a series of five regional SHE assessments in Canada.

Practical implications

The study strengthens ongoing efforts for creative institutional solutions to reduce the ecological footprint of higher education institutions. It contributes to SHE knowledge transfer and capacity‐building.

Originality/value

The study is the first regional SHE performance assessment in Canada. It serves as a pilot study and strategic planning tool.
The Auditing of Efficiency in Government
Authors: Dittenhofer Mortimer A.
Published: January 2008

Management looks to internal auditing to do more than verify the validity and accuracy of financial statements and to detect fraud. Although fairness of presentation of the financial statements is important and although the deterrence of fraud and misuse of resources is also important, management is usually aware that losses sustained as a result of inefficiency and ineffectiveness are equally or more critical to the health of the organisation. This philosophy is equally true for organisations in both the public and private sectors.
The Psychology of Internal Audit
Authors: Chambers Andrew D.
Published: January 2008

Auditing involves a high degree of interaction with clients and colleagues if it is to be successful. We need therefore to be more aware of the psychological factors related to audit work.
AUDITING THE COMPUTER WORK STATION: PART 1 — IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMS
Authors: Mason David , Willcocks Leslie
Published: January 2008

The extent of the work‐station problem is reviewed and an attempt is made to separate myth from reality. The reported complaints are discussed and some likely causes are identified. It is argued that the problems are real and commonplace, but that they are preventable.
AUDIT REPORTING AND CONFERENCING FOR DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT STYLES
Authors: Wallace Wanda A. , Wallace James J.
Published: January 2008

The management style of an organisation can influence the relative effectiveness of alternative approaches to conferencing and reporting. Implications of autocratic, supportive, custodial and collegial management styles are described. Generally, Theory X environments should be addressed with more formal reports and detailed implementation plans, Theory Y environments call for greater interaction and explicit commentary by auditees, and Theory Z environments warrant a joint approach from the initial conference to the final report. The applicability of quality circles to the communication channels between auditor and auditee is explained, with a suggestion that auditees be educated as to the advantages of the audit and internal controls.
POSITIVELY MOTIVATING AUDITORS AND MANAGERS
Authors: Codori Carol A.
Published: January 2008

Concepts and practical applications are used to explore motivation from the perspectives of auditors, managers and psychologists. The premise is that improved communication positively affects auditor and manager performance. Several theories of motivation are examined, including behaviour types, as explored through the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Putting theory into practice, ways are looked at in which audit supervisors can enhance audit staff motivation by more actively involving them in audit planning and report writing. From the manager's perspective, how to use the audit process more effectively to encourage managers to make organisational improvements is addressed.
THE BENEFICIAL IMPACT OF INTERNSHIPS IN INTERNAL AUDITING
Authors: Sumners Glenn E. , Apostolou Barbara
Published: January 2008

The growing prominence of the internal auditing profession has led to new college and university courses. Louisiana State University began one such course in its summer internship programme. The advantages of the internship programme to employers, the profession and the university are stated. The academic benefits of internship to the student are presented, as are its contribution to the student's professional growth and its impact on the student's perception of internal auditing as a profession.
DETERMINING AND MEETING THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS IN LARGE INTERNAL AUDIT DEPARTMENTS
Authors: Mitchell John
Published: January 2008

Within British Telecom training requirements are considered as part of the strategic planning process. The Internal Audit Division of BT has had an almost 70 per cent staff turnover in the last five years, with the majority of staff obtaining promotion within the company. In order for the division to exploit the greatest benefit from its staff, a drastic change in its training policy was required.
INTERNAL AUDIT TRAINING IN ISRAEL
Authors: Gliezner Shmuel
Published: January 2008

The IIA‐lsrael has for many years wished to conduct a professional internal auditing course. A diploma course and an advanced course are now offered in Israel. The courses are described from all angles: concept, aims, finance and sponsorship, administration and execution. Course content is given in detail. The author looks ahead to how the courses will develop in the near future, to improve the training of internal auditors.
Today's Business Management and Quality Leadership
Authors: Feigenbaum A.V.
Published: January 2008

This article outlines what is required today for modern management to create strong economic growth through successful emphasis on quality. The factors discussed are the management approaches, product development, production action and quality management.
Production and Quality Information Systems — “We Should be Talking to Each Other”
Authors: Baines R.W. , Hughes D.R.
Published: January 2008

After current trends towards establishing standards for information systems have been explored a de facto standard for production control is discussed. The article then goes on to consider a potential quality information system standard based on the widely accepted requirements of BS 5750. Next it is shown that production control software can be modified to alleviate the present lack of information systems support for quality systems. The article concludes with a functional specification for an integrated production and quality information system.
Reliability Management Programmes for Developing Countries
Authors: Stipho N.A.
Published: January 2008

Introduction It is generally accepted that industrial systems in the majority of developing countries operate at lower efficiency and productivity levels than those in developed countries. For this reason, developing countries have the urgent problems of not only having to compete against time to narrow the technological gap and keep pace with developing new technologies, but also to improve the productivity and efficiency of their operating industrial systems.
Reliability Management Programmes: A Military Customer's Overview
Authors: Blackney Gp. Capt. A.B. , Williams Wg. Cdr. D.
Published: January 2008

The techniques and procedures available to assist the customer in his quest for a reliable product are reviewed. The blending of these techniques and procedures into a cohesive and fully integrated programme spanning the equipment life cycle is discussed along with those characteristics that have a significant effect on the success or failure of such a programme.
Health and Quality Circles
Authors: Hyde Paul C.
Published: January 2008

The following article discusses the development of a Health Authority Nursing Team and describes briefly the stages of development it went through until finally ending with Quality Circles as a means to improve the quality of patient care and produce an effective, efficient service. Quality Circles, whilst important as a means to achieving organisational goals, also have a number of “spin‐off” effects, namely, developing leadership skills within individuals, and group identities. The effect of these cannot be positively measured, although the effect is felt by everyone within the organisation. Nurses in the North Warwickshire Health Authority are convinced Quality Circles are the only way to achieve the improvements necessary within the National Health Service (NHS) and, as a result, expect to continue the development of Quality Circles in a multi‐disciplinary method.
Quality Assurance and Computer‐Assisted Production
Authors: Willborn Walter
Published: January 2008

Quality assurance is more than mere compliance with customer requirements. It is to assure that product design, production and performance is soundly rooted in modern technology. This means that production is fully rationalised, costs are minimised, and customer satisfaction is maximised. In this article, we analyse the basic relationship of quality assurance and advancing technology in the creation of competitive products and services. The various impacts of modern technology on traditional inspection and quality control at the individual workplace and quality assurance of software will be included.
Dimensions of Japanese QC Circles and Industry Type
Authors: Seelye H.N. , Sween J.A.
Published: January 2008

Based on a survey of 136 successful Japanese quality control circles (QC Circles), six underlying QC circle dimensions are identified through factor analysis. The surveyed industries were categorised into four types: automotive/steel; other manufacturing; construction; retail/service. All circle dimensions except one (techniques of data collection and analysis used by the circles) differ significantly across industry type. This finding suggests that quality circles planning, implementation, and evaluation may encounter industry‐specific characteristics that need to be taken into account.
An Expert System for Advanced Data Analysis and Data Retrieval
Authors: Schrijen Laurens M.
Published: January 2008

When a user of a data bank provides a search profile numerous excellent query programs are available to search the data base. But the composition of the search profile is a task only human beings can perform. In this article a tool is presented which elevates a given search profile to a profile that gives answers to a client's problem and not only to the client's question or the translation of that question into a search profile. The tool in question is an expert system and this article introduces expert systems in general and the above‐mentioned interface in particular.
The Singapore Syndrome: The Decline of British Manufacturing Industry, and How to Fight It
Authors: Price F.
Published: January 2008

Organisations, whether they are companies or nation‐states, are just as prone to falling sick as are individuals; they too may exhibit the symptoms of ill health which characterise a syndrome. Many of our organisations today are less than healthy, particularly those which comprise what is left of our withering manufacturing industry, which throws away resources to the tune of £1,500 million a year due to ineffective quality management. In this article the lessons learned from the defeat of Singapore in 1942 are used to reflect on the challenge facing British manufacturing industry from the attack by the Japanese using the weapons of quality management. It is a story of lions and donkeys.
Micro‐Electronic Components Failure Rate Data Comparison
Authors: Smith David J.
Published: January 2008

The available failure rate sources are compared. Models require repeatability to be valid. Whereas the parameters and conditions of Boyle's law enjoy this feature, failure rate models are not so constrained. Hence wide ranges apply when comparing data sources. These ranges are wide compared with the acceptable tolerances for failure rate predictions. It is argued that a simple failure model, as depicted in Table IV, is justified by the foregoing.
A Co‐Operative Quality Management System for Small Companies
Authors: Deshpande A.B. , Dusting F.P.J. , Younger A.
Published: January 2008

Small companies have limited management and financial resources and, although better quality assurance will in the longer term reduce manufacturing costs, many are intimidated by the set up and running costs of certification under an approved scheme such as BS 5750. The article describes the first year's operation of a pilot scheme intended to help small companies resolve these problems. Experienced quality managers, recruited by an academic institution and with the institution's backing, have acted as managers for a group of small companies on a shared cost basis. The experience gained from this scheme is discussed.
Some Common Measurement Limits Used in Quality Control
Authors: Goh T.N.
Published: January 2008

A variety of quantitative specifications, usually in terms of numerical limits, have been developed in industry for the description, prediction and control of product quality. As the theoretical foundations of these specifications are often beyond the working knowledge of many manufacturing engineers and managers, this article gives a non‐mathematical account of some of the limits commonly encountered in discussions related to product design, manufacture and inspection; emphasis is placed on the distinctions in their intended purposes and methods of application.
User‐Vendor Relationships in the Scottish Electronics Industry
Authors: Masson R.J.
Published: January 2008

User‐vendor relationships are examined in a sector of the electronics industry where the manufacturing process is sensitive to the performance of vendors in terms of price, quality and delivery. Two similar user companies with different vendor management approaches are considered and the effects these have on vendor performance and the subsequent results for aspects of the companies' performance examined. Vendors supplying both companies were interviewed on the rationale of their behaviour towards the companies. It is shown how, for this type of manufacturing process, forgoing short‐term price opportunities by developing long‐term relationships with vendors can lead to greater overall benefits for the manufacturing process.
The Status of Quality at Mullard Blackburn—October 1985
Authors: Payne B.J. , Greene P.G.
Published: January 2008

This article reports on the quality improvements made at Mullard Blackburn covering the period July 1982 to July 1985. The way a coherent quality policy was developed and how it linked in with the company‐wide quality initiatives is described together with plant and product group quality objectives. A detailed account of the implementation programme is given along with a selection of the direct results of various improvement activities. Finally, the article outlines how the company is managing to “hold the gains” followed by some notes on future plans to extend the improvement initiatives, with particular emphasis on quality of performance, and the definitives of performance measures and improvement goal setting in the service areas.
The Soft Approach to Quality of Hospital Care
Authors: Thompson A.G.H.
Published: January 2008

It is argued that traditional methods of measuring the quality of hospital services in the National Health Service in Britain have tended to be limited to aspects of economy and utility. More recent interest in incorporating the views of service users has led to ad hoc surveying which is likely to be of limited and perhaps questionable value. This article shows how a model can be developed to provide indices of patient satisfaction, in a way that provides the means for quality assurance and control through the power of comparative as well as absolute measurement.
Recent Advances in Optimal Design of Structures from a Reliability Point of View
Authors: Thoft‐Christensen P. , Sørensen J.D.
Published: January 2008

Structural optimisation and reliability theory are considered, and described. A general reliability‐based structural optimisation problem is formulated, and consideration given to procedures for solving it. Two different examples suggest the efficacy of these procedures. The amount of calculations depends to a great degree on the definition of failure of the structure. In order to reduce this by improving optimisation procedures, more research is needed, and the convergence of the optimisation is very dependent on accurate evaluation of the gradients of the reliability constraints.
Progress towards an Intelligent Computer‐Aided Risk Evaluation System
Authors: Stead J.P. , Strutt J.E. , Billingham J.
Published: January 2008

The trend in computer‐based risk and reliability assessment is foreseen as moving away from current algorithmic methods, towards information systems built around human‐like reasoning processes. Here a trial Computer‐Aided Risk Evaluation system under development at Cranfield Institute of Technology is outlined. The system is being programmed using the logic programming language, PROLOG. The method of representing materials failure knowledge within the system is described, and problems associated with endowing the system with a measure of intelligence are discussed. Ideas for future development of such systems are presented.
Availability Assessment of Oil and Gas Production Systems
Authors: Brok J.F.C.
Published: January 2008

The operating costs and production losses due to equipment failure of offshore gas and oil production systems can exceed initial investment cost. The article explores the probability distribution of downtime associated with random equipment failure and applies availability assessment to design optimisation.
A Framework for Developing a Quality Strategy in a Customer Processing Operation
Authors: Johnston Robert
Published: January 2008

Increasing competition in the service sector provides an opportunity for firms to differentiate their services from the competition by providing and improving service quality. The development of a quality strategy to improve service quality is presented and the critical points in customer processing are identified.
The Development of a Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance Policy for a Hospital Supply Company
Authors: Hanks Robert Francis
Published: January 2008

Companies in the health field supplying drugs to government hospitals and medical services need to have accurate information on the relevant regulatory standards. This article describes a regulatory affairs and quality assurance programme instituted and operated by a major multinational drug manufacturer and supplier, referring to the appropriate British standards.
Assuring the Quality in Procurement Systems: Some Observations
Authors: Mohanty R.P. , Myeong‐jae Shin
Published: January 2008

The problem of achieving desired levels of quality in products purchased from suppliers is one which faces all companies who make use of purchased inputs. The authors of this article discuss the problems of procurement quality assurance and present examples of five successful procurement quality assurance schemes. From these successful schemes the authors extract and present an approach to achieve procurement quality which is based on surveys of supplier characteristics.
Design Implications of Product Liability
Authors: Roche J.G.
Published: January 2008

This article adopts the Juran concept of fitness for use which is defined and difficulties in achieving the ideal design are briefly mentioned. The author contends that insufficient attention to one aspect of design, product safety, has led to considerable consumer dissatisfaction and to the introduction of strict product liability in the USA and in Europe. Selective quotations from the EEC's Product Liability Directive are used to emphasise how product safety must be an essential component of the designer's brief. The paper concludes by noting that the design function is an important part of a comprehensive product liability prevention programme.
Cusum Charts — Give Your Data a New Look
Authors: Bissell A.F.
Published: January 2008

Cumulative Sum methods were first developed 30 years ago as an alternative to conventional quality control charts. In this article, the basic features of Cusum plotting are introduced, largely through a practical example. Cusum charts, either as an alternative or (preferably) a supplement to conventional “run” charts, assist in identifying instabilities or special causes of variation — an important aspect of process control and improvement. Location of change points and estimation of local averages (valuable in diagnosis of causes and calculation of corrections required to restore target conditions) are particular advantages of Cusum methods.
Product Quality and UK Trade Performance
Authors: Slater J.R.
Published: January 2008

It has been suggested by a number of authors that Britain's relative decline as a manufacturing economy is not irreversible. In particular, it has been argued, the relative advantage of the developed economies vis‐à‐vis the developing and newly industrialising countries lies in high‐technology and high‐quality products. The relationship between high value‐added production and trade performance in the 1970s and 1980s is explored. Whilst the theoretical reasoning behind the hypothesis is appealing, traditional empirical methods seem unable to offer evidence in support.
Testing for Long Life Performance Employing Short Term (Routine) Tests
Authors: Lawrence C.
Published: January 2008

The central issues are listed that affect the implementation of a short‐term test technique that is intended to make the routine quality checks of production of components in plastic pipes that are expected to have a service life of 50 to 60 years. It is concluded that, in view of the needs of industry for a short‐term quality control test procedure and in the absence of a viable alternative, there is much to recommend the adoption of fatigue as the basis of a production quality assurance system.
Investing to Improve Product Quality
Authors: Primrose P.L. , Leonard R.
Published: January 2008

Quality problems have traditionally been measured in term of cost penalties, and therefore efforts to improve quality have been aimed at a reduction in such factors as scrap or rework. When quality is viewed as a potential company asset however, a fundamental change in attitude is needed, because an asset is an attribute that can systematically be increased in value. Techniques have been developed at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) which enable the company‐wide benefits of improving product quality to be included in a financial evaluation of technology needed to bring about the improvement. Various examples are given relating to investments in advanced manufacturing technology, and these show how quality improvement affects the technical specification that is required for new plant.
Quality Circles and Organisation Culture
Authors: Dolores Moreno Luzon M.
Published: January 2008

This article is an attempt to increase knowledge of the best conditions for application of a programme of quality circles. It suggests that before applying such a programme, the top management team must clarify: the purpose of application, the ways to use the circles, and analyse the organisational characteristics, especially the organisation culture. The search for such coherency will contribute to the success of the programme.
Cost of Quality in Service Industries
Authors: Asher J.M.
Published: January 2008

Discussing quality as a series of customer‐supplier relationships, the writer shows the need for cost of quality evaluation in service industries and outlines the differences between cost of quality evaluation in service and other industries. The use of cost of quality as a tool for quality improvement is discussed.
TQM in Continuous‐process Manufacturing: Dow‐Corning (Australia) Pty Ltd
Authors: Chapman Ross L. , Clarke Paul , Sloan Terry
Published: January 2008

The implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles and practices in continuous‐process manufacturing operations is described from initial consideration through to TQM becoming part of the normal operations of the company. The importance of management‐led project teams in the early phases of implementation and the subsequent shift to operator‐initiated and ‐controlled quality improvements is detailed. Accreditation to international quality system standards (ISO 9002) and the interaction of such accreditation with the cultural change required for successful TQM implementation is discussed. Problems confronting effective TQM implementation or quality‐system accreditation are discussed such as: relationships between the multinational parent company and the domestic subsidiary, and the geographical separation of sections of the company between head offices and manufacturing site. A detailed examination is made of the organisational structure utilised to develop a TQM culture within the company, and the dynamic nature of such an organisational structure in the early phases of implementation is observed. The major requirement for increasing employee involvement in quality‐improvement activities is found to be an increasing commitment to employee training in the areas of: TQM principles; statistical tools; group problem‐solving skills; and leadership skills.
Total Resource Management in the Third World
Authors: Kinder Clive R.
Published: January 2008

A case study of a performance improvement programme in a Third World hospital is used to illustrate the Total Resource Management approach in institutional development. The approach requires a careful securing of both organisational effectiveness and efficiency. The causes of poor performance are described and an implementation plan, using action learning techniques, is presented.
Local Government Finance and Training in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Hopkins David
Published: January 2008

The results of an assignment to examine local government finance and training in Benue State, Nigeria are presented in this case study. The financial and management techniques which need to be developed are discussed. A résumé of the financial and administrative condition is given and policy and organisational issues are discussed. Target areas — revenue, budgeting and accounts — are identified, as are training requirements and problems encountered.
On the Corporate Cultures of Cross‐cultural Organizations
Authors: Al‐Shammari Minwir
Published: January 2008

Introduction Ask most people what the term “culture” means to them and the reply frequently displays a notion of shared characteristics (such as language, religion, heritage) and values that distinguish one group of people from another. In organizational settings, culture can be defined as the set of norms, values, guiding beliefs, ways of thinking, and practices shared by members of an organization (Schein, 1990).
The Importance and Relevance of Cross‐cultural Management
Authors: Fish Alan
Published: January 2008

There is little doubt that the face of business has changed. Examples of changed international and global business arrangements are evidenced in the form of new licensing arrangements, a variety of joint ventures and new types of business consortium, and industry and international trade blocks. The proposed formation of the Asia‐Pacific Economic Community (APEC) in the Asia‐Pacific region, Asian/American Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), the reformation of the European Community as well as new alliances between the public and private sectors, new approaches to attracting capital, the integration of different arms of business as well as the satisfaction of individual career needs as a consequence of these changes all point to circumstances that demand attention to effective cross‐cultural management practice. In each of these the importance of cross‐cultural management as a significant area for research attention and practical application is evidenced.
Influencing Local Cultures — The Key to a Healthy Cross‐cultural Future?
Authors: Embleton Doug
Published: January 2008

One of my favourite sentences from a collection of old phrase books for international travellers is found in a Guide to British Businessmen Visiting South America which was published in 1907. The sentence reads “Can you prove to us that you are to be trusted?”
Being “a third culture man”
Authors: Sanders Geert J.E.M.
Published: January 2008

Addresses the third culture perspective and the relevance it has for intercultural co‐operation. Highlights the Gersdam case, a joint venture of a West and East German company. Describes the open‐minded attitude of the Dutch researcher and the consequences this had for a better mutual understanding in the joint venture. Predicts the increasing importance of the third culture perspective for cross‐cultural management where imagination will be increasingly necessary.
How familiar are expatriate managers with their subordinates' work values?: the case of Singapore
Authors: Selmer Jan
Published: January 2008

Examines to what extent Swedish executives are familiar with the work values of their own host country national subordinates in Singapore. Investigates the work values of host country national middle managers who were employed in Swedish subsidiaries in Singapore as well as their Swedish bosses’ perceptions of those values. The results showed a considerable lack of insight on the part of the expatriate managers. Discusses implications for international business and future research.
Strategies for integrating gainsharing and restructuring into the post‐NAFTAmaquiladoraindustry
Authors: Wilhelm Paul G.
Published: January 2008

The moderate Mexican labour cost has been the key incentive for the relocation of US production operations in Mexico. This co‐operative operational programme, known as “production sharing”, has developed in the US/Mexico border zone and in designated regions of the Mexican interior. This programme is also known by the common Spanish name ofmaquiladora(meaning “contract milling”) industry. Ironically, one of the most neglected factors of production in themaquilaindustry is labour management. Until recently, human resource management has been executed with minimal consideration to labour costs. American corporations desperately jockeying for global market share soon realized that by attending to and restructuring Mexican manufacturing operations, management would then be able to place the firm ahead of the competition. Restructuring is an essential part of progressive management but can hinder production and reduce profitability if poorly implemented. Restructuring by downsizing can have detrimental effects on the organization, especially in Mexico where cultural, political, and legal considerations favour the employee. In the past downsizing has proven ineffective for many corporations. The management of human resources in Mexico presents an extraordinary challenge to the American manager. A downsizing model has been designed with the Americanmaquiladoramanager in mind. The model was formulated by accommodating the Mexican cultural and legal phenomena.
Disney's European theme park adventure: a clash of cultures
Authors: Trigg Marie C. , Trigg David
Published: January 2008

When companies internationalize, the dimension of individual national cultures needs to be considered in conjunction with corporate culture. Theme parks deliberately set out to portray the cultures and fantasies of other times and places, thereby compounding the issues affecting corporate and national cultures. Explores the tensions that the corporate culture of Walt Disney Corporation imposes on its French subsidiary, Euro Disney SCA, to determine if the resultant conflict has contributed to its poorer‐than‐expected performance. Using the three‐level construct of culture proposed by Schein an examination of the corporate culture of Disney will be made with particular reference to its programme of internationalization and the ultimate “clash” of its corporate culture with French national culture. The strength of Disney's corporate culture has led to conflict, and blinded the organization to the differences in the surrounding local culture.
Repatriation — clues to successful international operation?
Authors: Ratnam Christine , Sansom Jennifer
Published: January 2008

Considers the area of repatriation/reassignment of employees after international assignments and the effect that it may have on the successful internationalization of organizations. By specifically highlighting experiences in this area, suggests that organizations may need to develop their international human resources policies further if they are to maximize workforce investment in globalization. Draws on recent research conducted (via survey and interview) with over 40 companies, together with other relevant research and the personal and professional experiences of the writers. Specifically focuses on the main organizational issues raised and, in particular, effects of disregarding repatriation, effects on strategic and organizational development, lessons to be learned for globalization and the need for a fully integrated HR approach.
Management in France
Authors: Morden Tony
Published: January 2008

Begins by analysing the nature of work relations in France. These work relations can be categorized as relatively impersonal, formal, hierarchical, partitioned, subtly politicized and flexible; and holistic. Leads into an examination of the character and role of the cadre (the manager), and of the relative professional status enjoyed by French managers. The discussion should be viewed from the viewpoint of Hampden‐Turner and Trompenaars' description of France as a “fascinating country for English‐speaking cultures to study” but which may require the outsider to be prepared “to question, even to confound, their own basic assumptions” about the culture, role and practice of management.
Achieving new venture success in the emerging Arab countries: a study of comparative cultures and strategies in two segments of the Arab world
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Zimmerer Thomas
Published: January 2008

Examines the cultural and business realities of the Arab world. Presents a framework which incorporates cultural variables and their influence on business, in two similar yet distinct Arab subcultures. Discusses business strategies with cultural dimensions within the context of the framework.
Connections and partners for small joint ventures in China
Authors: Speece Mark W. , Kawahara Yukiko
Published: January 2008

China's huge population and rapidly developing economy have attracted many foreign companies, but operating in China can be very difficult. Connections are a necessity for most firms, and this usually requires a partner. Finding partners in China is very easy, but finding good ones is very difficult. Most potential partners can be categorized into a few main types. Some overseas, Hong Kong, or Taiwan Chinese really do have connections and/or know how to operate successfully in China. More often, they do not. Some PRC companies, private or state, actually want an operating joint venture (JV). Many do not, they simply want the privileges that go with having a JV. Discusses connections, different types of partners, advantages and disadvantages of having them, and offers hints on how to tell the good from the bad.
Conglomerates in the world economy: comparing keiretsu, chaebol and grupos
Authors: Minor Michael S. , Patrick J. Michael , Wu Wann‐Yih
Published: January 2008

Although corporate structures in Japan and, to a lesser extent Korea, have been examined in the literature, in most cases the framework is not comparative. In other cases the framework is comparative, with keiretsu and chaebol compared to US conglomerates. A third foreign conglomerate, the Mexican grupo, has thus far escaped much serious attention by scholars. Attempts to compare the structure of keiretsu, chaebol, and grupo in terms of the other. Aims to identify what can be learned from comparing foreign corporate structures with other foreign corporate structures, rather than with corporate structures in the USA.
SAUDI ARABIAN vs U.S.A. PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS: An Exploratory Cross Cultural Analysis
Authors: Marshall Hunt David , At‐Twaijri Mohammed I.
Published: January 2008

Stafford & Waifs (1985) research focused on delineating what constitutes a social problem. ‘Issues managers’ will benefit greatly from an improved understanding of the characteristics which delineate issues as social problems in the eyes of the public, the public being only one of their stakeholders (e.g. public, customers, suppliers, government, shareholders and employees) Greening & Gray (1994). This research is an international or cultural extension of the Stafford & Warr research on a U.S.A. sample to a Saudi Arabian sample. Saudi Arabia is a distinctly different culture in values and language from the U.S.A. and therefore offers some interesting cross‐cultural contrasts and comparisons with regard to perceptions of social issues. As many organizations go global, they must develop an understanding of what constitutes a social problem within each of the cultures they operate in. The results of this study show significant differences between what Saudi's and U.S.A. citizen's perceive to be social problems/issues. These findings strongly support Stafford & Warr's three part scheme for delineating social issues.
Students Today, Colleagues and Managers Tomorrow (A Demonstration of Cross‐Cultural Differences and Similarities Between Norwegian, US, German and Spanish Business Students)
Authors: Brinkmann Johannes
Published: January 2008

The article examines business student attitudes in four countries ‐ Norway (n 337), the United States (n 295), Germany (n 109) and Spain (n 137). Certain differences by subsample are presented and then questioned, suggesting tra ditional third variable control to check if bivariate inter‐sample differences “stand” third variable controls by potentially relevant attitude variables.
Managing Relationship Marketing: A cross‐cultural perspective of a Chinese Market
Authors: Tiu Wright Len
Published: January 2008

This paper reports on research in China to investigate the exporting of industrial cranes and the building of long‐term relationships between foreign suppliers and their Chinese customers. The qualitative research findings showed the importance which the Chinese placed on the building of the customersupplier relationship in a competitive environment which is becoming increasingly fierce in certain segments. This is despite the fact that in broad terms, China is still very much an economy of planning and control where demand exceeds supply. However, at the sales management level, the nurturing of relationships with customers is as important as in the West.
“Mr. Company”: White Managers, Black Voices Revisited in Post Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Marshall Hunt David
Published: January 2008

Many human resources managers and others have dealt with changing worker motivations and declining productivity amidst change. However, when dramatic socio‐political events occur in a culture or globally, they often bring on new hopes and expectations for workers which may or may not be fully understood by ‘Mr. Company’, a patriarchal moniker South African workers often use when talking about the management of their employing company. South Africa's blue‐collar workers before and after apartheid are an example of the need to more frequently examine the impact of change on worker attitudes and of the perception of that change by management. This study revisits South Africa after apartheid to survey a sample of black workers and their white supervisors from three mining operations for changes in their attitudes since a baseline study performed by Harari & Beaty in the mid 1980's. The implications, to Mr. ‘Company's’ human resource managers and managers of other multinational enterprises, of these dramatic changes and resultant rise in workers' expectations are examined in light of the new, Nelson Mandela and African National Congress led, South African government's recommendations for enhancing black quality of life, involvement, and development.
Making Acquisitions Work by the Book
Authors: Kransdorff Arnold
Published: January 2008

Mergers and acquisitions are a favoured alternative to organic growth for many companies. A colossal £27.67 billion was spent on this expansion stratagem in the UK in 1990 alone.
Bases of Power, An Empirical Case Study in Saudi Arabia Cultural Dimension
Authors: At‐Twaijri Mohammad I. , Matter Al‐Ghamdi Salem
Published: January 2008

This study presents the results of a field research designed to assess the seven bases of supervisory influence over respondents in industrial organisations working in Saudi Arabia. These seven bases of influence are: referent, experience, reward, coercive, legitimate, connection and information. The sample is composed of Saudi subjects as well as non‐Saudi subjects. The respondents ranked the seven methods of influence according to their importance. Results pertaining to factor analysis indicate that culture can decide the significance of an influence method over another. This points to the fact that Saudi participants and non‐Saudi participants have different sets of power bases.
Cultural Values As Anchors For Acquiring And Building Competitive Capabilities in Firms: Indian‐US Experiences
Authors: Jallat Frédéric , Johri Lalit M.
Published: January 2008

Based on analysis of six companies, three each from India and US, it is found that companies using cultural values as anchors for acquiring and building competitive capabilites have outsmarted other companies that followed only conventional routes such as product and process innovations, operating efficiencies, responsiveness to consumers and quality of products and services to build competitive advantage. These six case companies have leveraged their performance by focusing on traditional as well as newly emerging cultural values and practices at the level of an individual, family and professional group. Culture often means “corporate values” in the United States whereas it means “social and sociological values” in India. The cultural management perspective is indeed much broader in India, where Indian managers often refer to a very old history and national culture, to multicentury values and traditions, whereas American managers develop strategies mainly based on emerging values and fashions.
Corporate Strategy for Doing Business in the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Salleh Mohammed , Grunewald Donald
Published: January 2008

Multinational companies are very active players in the business environment in the Asia Pacific region. This article gives some views on how a multinational corporation should approach this region. The major differences between the Asia Pacific region and other regions of the world are underlined and specific steps in strategy formulation and implementation at the business and corporate level are proposed.