bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of spurious‐free finite element methods in electromagnetics
Authors: Fernandes Paolo , Raffetto Mirco
Published: July 2002

From a theoretical point of view the question of spurious modes has been regarded as a closed problem. However, in this paper we show that even a precise definition of spurious‐free approximation was lacking. Hence, a sound definition of spurious‐free finite element method is given and a set of necessary and sufficient conditions ensuring that a finite element method is spurious‐free in the defined sense is stated. A critical comparison between the proposed theory and the currently accepted one is then carried out and existing counterexamples to the latter are pointed out. Comparison with an older theory leads to another set of necessary and sufficient conditions providing a better grasp of the key feature a finite element space must have to rule out spurious modes. The impact of the proposed theory is stressed, showing that Nedelec's tetrahedral edge elements of all orders provide spurious‐free approximations in all conditions of practical interest. Finally, it is shown, for the first time to the best of authors’ knowledge, that also many high‐order edge elements, recently proposed in the engineering literature for the analysis of electromagnetic problems, provide the same kind of reliable approximation.
Evaluating the voltage regulation of a UPFC using PI and fuzzy logic controller
Authors: Al‐Mawsawi S.A. , Qader M.R. , Lo [1] K.L.
Published: July 2002

In recent years it has been illustrated that the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) installation location plays an important role in effecting nonlinearly its steady state performance. A Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) based UPFC used as a voltage regulator is modeled and analyzed to investigate its optimal position in the transmission line. From the simulation results it is demonstration that by varying the modulation index of the device it can control the distribution of the active and reactive power flows. In addition, this paper deals with the definition and simulation of the control strategy of the closed‐loop UPFC with a series compensation block when it operates as a terminal voltage regulator using Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP). The design and simulation of two types of digital controller strategies for the study system in this paper have been carried out. The dynamic performance in terms of speed stability, accuracy, robustness and simplicity of a PI controller with gain scheduling and a fuzzy logic controller have been tested and compared.
Decomposition method applied to hydrology
Authors: Guellal S. , Cherruault Y. , Pujol M.J. , Grimalt P.
Published: July 2002

In some papers G. Adomian has presented a decomposition technique in order to solve different non‐linear equations. The solution is found as an infinite series quickly converging to accurate solutions. The method is well‐suited for physical problems and it avoids linearization, perturbation and other restrictions, methods and assumptions which may change the problem being solved – sometimes seriously – unnecessarily. Proofs of convergence are given by Cherruault and co‐authors. Many numerical studies for physical phenomena, such as Fisher’s equation, Lorentz’s equation and Edem’s equation are given and solved. In this work, the general equation given by ∂ p \over ∂ t = (∇ ⋅(q(x)⋅ ∇p)) + f(x, t) is solved by using decomposition methods, and is compared to other techniques. This equation can be used to describe the motion of a fluid flow in the so‐called reservoir region, where p(x, t) represents the pressure distribution, f(x, t) describes the withdrawal or injection of the fluid, and q(x) is the transmissibility in the reservoir region.
Brain organization and information activity
Authors: Chorayan O.G. , Chorayan G.O.
Published: July 2002

Some ideas about the structural and functional nature of organization and self‐organization processes and their evolutionary dynamics are considered from the standpoint of organization, control, and information activity in brain cellular and system structures.
Organisations, complexity, and viable knowledge management
Authors: Yolles Maurice
Published: July 2002

Organisations experience complex situations that affect their ability to survive in the longer term. Complex situations are full of uncertainty and lack of knowledge and clarity. It is through the manifestation of information and the creation of knowledge that complexity can be addressed, thus affording organisations the possibility of greater viability. Information is manifested through structured methods of inquiry, and in the systems domain there has been a great deal of exploration into methods that create information. However, methodological exploration into the creation of knowledge is less well developed. One knowledge creation cycle by Nonaka and Takeuchi operates a constructivist process through a positivist structure. A different critical approach for knowledge creation comes from viable systems that are not susceptible to this schizophrenia.
On the effects of random time in dynamical systems
Authors: Jumarie Guy
Published: July 2002

Analyzes the effects of internal random time in some dynamical systems. Assumes that this relative time is equal to the absolute time disturbed by an additive random term in the form of a Gaussian white noise, and it is shown that, as a result of the special properties of Brownian motion, it is recommended to use Taylor expansions up to the second order, in the approximations (whilst the first order is usually sufficient for deterministic systems). Examines the consequences of this property on the dynamical system. This analysis is more especially relevant to biological systems, and to dynamical systems involving human factors. It is well‐known, for instance, that the scale of time is not the same for senior citizens and teenagers.
A new method for calculating multiple integrals
Authors: Cherruault Yves , Mora Gaspar , Tourbier Yves
Published: July 2002

Gives a new method for defining and calculating multiple integrals. More precisely proposes that it is possible to define a multiple integral by means of a simple integral. This can be performed by using α‐dense curves in Rn, already introduced for global optimization using the ALIENOR method.
The concept of complexity in organisations and information systems
Authors: Backlund Alexander
Published: July 2002

The definition of complexity is discussed, both in general and, mostly, in relation to organisations and information systems. Considering the subjective nature of complexity, complexity is defined as the effort (as it is perceived) that is required to understand and cope with something, but several other definitions and characterisations are also considered. Complexity is related to variety and information. The infological relation is reversed, and it is argued that there is a certain connection between information loss and the complexity of an information system. It is also argued that organisations and information systems can benefit from being simple, even if that would mean a decrease in variety. There seems to be a (somewhat obscure) connection between the limitations of our short‐term memory and what we perceive as complex. It is desirable to empirically verify the characterisations of complexity that previous researchers have made.
What is cybernetics?
Authors: Beer Stafford
Published: July 2002

An address delivered at the University of Valladolid, Spain. Asks the Question‐What is Cybernetics?. Discusses popular notions and genuine difficulties. Looks at the origins, derivations and definitions of cybernetics. Considers intrinsic control and Socio‐Economic Governance in real‐time. Relates cybernetics to the current world situation.
Designing a superstructure for parametric search for optimal search spaces in non‐trivial optimization problems
Authors: Östermark Ralf
Published: July 2002

In the paper we design a super genetic hybrid algorithm (SuperGHA), an integrated optimization system for simultaneous parametric search and nonlinear optimization. The parametric search machine is implemented as a genetic superstructure, producing tentative parameter vectors that control the ultimate optimization process. The family of parameter vectors evolves through ordinary genetic operators aimed at producing the best possible parameterization for the underlying optimization problem. In comparison to traditional genetic algorithms, the integrated superstructure involves a twofold ordering of the population of parameter vectors. The first sorting key is provided by the objective function of the optimization problem at issue. The second key is given by the total mesh time absorbed by the parametric setting. In consequence, SuperGHA is geared at solving an optimization problem, using the best feasible parameterization in terms of optimality and time absorbance. The algorithm combines features from classical nonlinear optimization methodology and evolutionary computation utilizing a powerful accelerator technique. The constrained problem can be cast into multiple representations, supporting the integration of different mathematical programming environments. We show by extensive Monte Carlo simulations that SuperGHA extracts suitable parameter vectors for fast solution of complicated nonlinear programming problems.
Communications and forum
Authors: Bouderah B. , Mekias H.
Published: July 2002

In the present paper we investigate a two dimensional potential flow produced by a submerged sink of fluid of infinite depth located at the vertex on a sloping bottom. We considered the cusp configuration. Both the effects of the acceleration of gravity g and the surface tension T are included in the free surface condition. We computed numerically the solutions via a series tuncation method for different values of the angle γ(0≤γ<π/2). The numerical computation shows that there exist two critical values μ˜ and μmin of the importance measure of surface tension μ for all values of γ(0≤γ<π/2). When μ→∞, the results of Craya, Hocking, Tuck, Vanden‐Broeck and Keller are reproduced and confirmed.
Approximating multiple integrals via α‐dense curves
Authors: Mora G. , Cherruault Y. , Benabidallah A. , Tourbier Y.
Published: July 2002

This paper is intended to provide a numerical method for computing integrals of several variables. The method is based on a intuitive geometric idea relative to the meaning of densifying a domain in Rn+1(n≥1) by a curve h(t), contained in that domain, say K, with a very small density α (this must be interpreted as the following property: for any point of K there exists a point of the curve at distance less or equal than α).Thus, the method states that any area, volume, etc, can be computed as the limit of the length of a certain curve, densifying that domain, multiplied by a power of its density. Therefore, the computation of a multiple integral of a nonnegative continuous function can be approached by a simple integral corresponding to the length of the curve h(t) and certain power of its density.
Studies on cashew (anacadium) nut shell liquid and resorcinol modified peanut skin tannin extract for wood adhesives
Authors: Wankasi D. , Akaranta O.
Published: July 2002

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and resorcinol modified peanut skin extract adhesive resins were prepared. These resins were subsequently used to produce glues for sapele veneer panels. The bond properties of the plywood were evaluated and results show that the glues formulated using resorcinol modified extracts performed better than those modified with cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). This was attributed to the high reactivity of resorcinol as compared to the cashew nut shell liquid as shown by the gel times of the various resins.
The impact of consumer environments on consumption patterns of children from disparate socioeconomic backgrounds
Authors: Page Christine , Ridgway Nancy
Published: July 2002

Past consumer socialization research suggests that differences in the consumption patterns of children from dissimilar socioeconomic backgrounds can be attributed to differences in their consumer skills. We suggest, however that children’s consumer environments rather than deficiencies in skills may be able to better explain differences in children’s consumer behaviors. Toward that end, two studies are conducted. In the first, we perform an extensive qualitative evaluation of the consumer environments of children from disparate socioeconomic backgrounds. In the second, we survey the same children to gather data on their consumption patterns. Neighborhood of origin appears to play a large role in the children’s responses.
Marketing Management: A Simple Quiz to Help Your Company Master
Marketing
Authors: Kearney Robert E.
Published: July 2002

Technological and market changes make it increasingly difficult to
manage marketing organizations and programs. These changes have affected
how products and services are taken to market and how marketing and
sales should be organized and managed. Describes the Marketing
Opportunity Quiz, which has been developed for use with top management
and marketing management of any size organization. The quiz uses 24
questions to touch upon key marketing issues throughout the organization
and provides insight into areas where further investigation may be
worthwhile. From this process, management can focus its efforts on how
it can adapt its organization and marketing programs to today′s rapidly
changing world.
Brand Orientation – A Strategy for Survival
Authors: Urde Mats
Published: July 2002

Brand orientation means that the formulation of company strategy is
based on brands. By focussing the company′s commitment and resources on
building, developing and nurturing brands, a platform for a sustainable
competitive strategy is achieved. Presents a model of a brand‐oriented
company using the concepts of product, trademark, corporate name,
corporate identity, positioning, target group and brand vision. It is
management′s task and challenge to synchronize these concepts with a
view to generating added value and brand loyalty. The case of the
Pharmacia Nicorette provides an illustration of the transition from
product focus to brand orientation. The importance of brand orientation
for industry and commerce is enhanced by three drivers: decreasing
product divergence, increasing media costs and continuing market
integration. A corporate management capable of exploiting the potential
of brands may obtain long term competitive advantages – a strategy for
survival in a growing number of companies.
The Tarnished Image
Authors: Hogan Henthorne Beth , Henthorne Tony L.
Published: July 2002

The impact of negative publicity on health services organizations can be
severe and wide ranging. Being able to cope effectively with, and
minimize, the impact of negative publicity should be an important
consideration for all care providers. Reviews the typical causes of
negative publicity and then offers suggestions and direction for dealing
constructively with this far‐reaching problem.
Using strategic alliances to develop credible green marketing
Authors: Mendleson Nicola , Polonsky Michael Jay
Published: July 2002

Manufacturers of consumer goods face various problems when they
attempt to integrate environmental attributes into their marketing mix.
In many cases the inclusion of environmental issues in the marketing mix
is largely motivated by the organization′s desire to address consumers′
increasing level of environmental awareness. However, producers face
three problems when they attempt to utilize environmental marketing: a
lack of credibility; consumer cynicism; consumer confusion over claims.
Strategic alliances with environmental groups can assist manufacturers
of consumer goods to overcome these problems, as well as provide other
advantages. These other advantages are: increased consumer reliability
in green products and their claims; increased access to environmental
information; increased access to new markets; publicity and reduced
public criticism; and education of consumers about key environmental
issues relating to a firm′s product. To achieve these benefits,
producers need to follow a careful selection process when choosing an
environmental strategic alliance partner. This selection process
includes: determine alliance objectives; specify outcomes desired; and
determine the fit between the organization, environmental group, and
target market.
Japanese attitudes toward American business involvement in Japan:
an empirical investigation
Authors: Akhter Syed H. , Hamada Toshikazu
Published: July 2002

Examines Japanese attitudes and behavioral intentions toward US
products, firms, and government. Findings indicate that, although
Japanese consumers do not regard US products as better than competing
Japanese products, they still tend to purchase them. Furthermore, they
want their government to keep an eye on US businesses, but not to set
limits on market share and investments or restrict repatriation of
profits. The respondents were open to the idea of Japanese scientists
and firms sharing their technology with US firms. Presents the strategic
implications of these findings.
Birth order as a market segmentation variable
Authors: Claxton Reid P.
Published: July 2002

Birth order studies have an established history in the academic
world just as demographics have an established history in marketing.
Discusses how birth order may influence several socio‐economic
mechanisms and thereby influence select consumption behaviors. As a
likely influence of certain consumption behaviors, birth order may be
useful in segmenting certain markets. Offers a corporate advertising
example to demonstrate the practical significance of investigating links
among birth order, consumption, and market segmentation. Analysis of
responses from 156 subjects who were shown the advertisement revealed
birth order relationships. Few, if any, empirical studies currently link
birth order, consumption, and segmentation, perhaps because of a priori
convictions that such links do not exist. The time is at hand, however,
to refute or confirm the existence of such links empirically. Offers
five hypotheses for initiating research. Postulates characteristics of
first borns, only children, middle borns and last borns with regard to
selling. Discusses managerial implications.
Japanese pricing policies
Authors: Howard Carol , Herbig Paul
Published: July 2002

Reviews the strategy and cultural foundations of Japanese pricing practices. Looks at: pricing objectives, pricing factors, pricing tactics, discounts, rebates and credits. Concludes that for Japanese companies it is not the apparent profit an individual product can earn, but the profitability of portfolios of related products.
Foods that help prevent disease: consumer attitudes and public policy implications
Authors: Childs Nancy M.
Published: July 2002

States that over half of the adult US population (55 percent) believes in the disease‐preventative properties of natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and cereal grains. Consumer belief in the nutraceutical category has increased significantly in the past two years. The segmented nature of consumer beliefs, interest, and product preference in this new nutritional category suggest a more targeted approach to pubic health education policy, as well as marketing plans, when introducing consumers to the preventative health advantages of such foods.
Alcohol warnings and warning labels: an examination of alternative alcohol warning messages and perceived effectiveness
Authors: DeCarlo Thomas E.
Published: July 2002

Examines consumer perceptions regarding the effectiveness of government‐mandated alcohol warning labels and organizational efforts to promote responsible drinking from the perspective of social judgment theory. Investigates receiver involvement as a predictor of perceived effectiveness for alcohol warnings and warning labels. Finds the relationship between levels of alcohol consumption and perceptions of warning‐label effectiveness to be insignificant; and that health consciousness to be ineffective in predicting perceptions of label effectiveness. However, health consciousness was related to the tendency to read product warning labels. Additionally, examines the source credibility and language intensity of the message for their effects on perceptions of alcohol warning effectiveness. The findings demonstrated that when highly credible sources use intensely worded alcohol warnings, the message is perceived to be more effective than when high‐credibility sources use less intensely worded warnings or when messages are presented by low‐credibility sources.
Free advisory services create an entrepreneurial opportunity
Authors: McGinty Robert L.
Published: July 2002

This paper discusses the dualistic characteristics of franchising as a means for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the business arena with their own start‐up venture. It discusses an alternative to franchising. A methodology referred to as “Sources and uses of information” is introduced and used to demonstrate the availability of information required to make important decisions related to the marketing of a business, business idea, or product line. The paper provides readers with an opportunity to experience how information is presented on the information highway and contains a number of representative URL hotlinks embedded in the context. The format used was designed to help familiarize readers new to the Internet with how “links” are used to connect similar topics.
Italian ethnic identity and its relative impact on the consumption of convenience and traditional foods
Authors: Laroche Michel , Kim Chankon , Tomiuk Marc A.
Published: July 2002

Ethnic identity or the retention or loss of the attitudes, values and behaviours of one’s culture of origin is presented as a multidimensional construct. It is further suggested that acculturation or the acquisition of traits of the dominant/host culture constitutes a separate yet correlated process. Initial exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on responses from Italian‐Canadians to various items designed to tap Italian ethnic identity. These analyses revealed that ethnic identity did indeed constitute a multidimensional process. Specifically, three dimensions were identified: Italian Social Interaction and Participation, Italian Language Use with Family Members, and Catholicism. A final CFA model incorporated the three ethnic identity dimensions and two dimensions of acculturation. Consistent with previous findings, LISREL VIII estimation resulted in significant negative correlations between some ethnic identity and acculturation dimensions. The discriminant validity of ethnic identity was also more thoroughly established vis‐à‐vis acculturation by computing 95 per cent confidence intervals for the parameter estimates. Finally, subsequent stepwise regression analyses showed that the three ethnic identity dimensions along with the two acculturation dimensions and three socioeconomic factors had differential impacts on the consumption of various convenience and traditional foods. A hypothesis holding that ethnic identity was negatively related to the consumption of convenience foods was partly confirmed. Another holding that it was positively related to the consumption of traditional Italian foods was better established.
Barriers to the adoption of really‐new products and the role of surrogate buyers
Authors: Aggarwal Praveen , Cha Taihoon , Wilemon David
Published: July 2002

This paper examines adoption of really‐new products (RNPs) from a consumer perspective. The unique characteristics of RNPs which differentiate them from other innovative products are examined in relation to the role which these characteristics play in creating barriers to adoption of RNPs. These characteristics in turn affect different stages of the adoption process. Surrogate buyers, acting as agents used by adopters to provide guidance, direction, and/or advice related to marketplace activities, can significantly impact consumer adoption and commercial success of RNPs by minimizing or overcoming barriers related to the stages of the adoption process and characteristics of RNPs.
Leaving home: brand purchase influences on young adults
Authors: Feltham Tammi S.
Published: July 2002

A widely held assumption is that brands purchased by the family will continue to be purchased by the children when they become adults. However, little consumer research actually exists on continued parental influence on young adults’ purchasing decisions. Using data from two surveys of over 500 students in a four‐year undergraduate business program, two studies examined parental influence (the degree to which brands purchased by students corresponded to brands purchased by parents), roommate influence, and additional factors such as price perceptions, brand differences, and brand comparisons. Discrete choice regression analyses (ordered probit) in both surveys revealed that correspondence with parental brand choice decreased significantly with year in university. As parental influence lessened, brand choice correspondence with roommates increased. The reduction in parental influence may indicate an important marketing opportunity. When a student leaves home, their brand loyalties shift significantly from that of the family unit.
The efficiency of franchising in the residential real estate brokerage market
Authors: Anderson Randy I. , Fok Robert
Published: July 2002

Franchising has been present in the residential real estate brokerage market for many years. Today, nearly one of every five firms in this sector is organized as a franchise and one of every three agents works for an affiliated organization. Despite this high incidence of franchising, no current study has addressed how the decision to franchise impacts productive efficiency levels for these firms. The current paper measures the productive efficiency levels of real estate brokerage firms by employing data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA was used to estimate overall, allocative, technical, pure technical, and scale efficiency levels for a set of franchised and non‐franchised firms gathered by the National Association of Realtors. The results suggest that firms in general are productively inefficient. Franchised firms were found to be more efficient in allocating resources, while non‐franchised firms were shown to be more scale and technically efficient.
Diversity in large firm international franchise strategy
Authors: Connell John
Published: July 2002

Compares two of the largest and most recent examples of international franchising with Europe. Data collected from UK master franchisee personnel are used to illustrate how Friendly Hotels became the European master franchisee for Choice Hotels International and how Scotts Hotels became a major provider of Marriott International hotels in the UK. Focuses particularly on a comparison of the two relationships and on levels of product‐system transfer. Concludes by drawing out the issues relating to the introduction and marketing of international franchise brands.
Values and adoption of innovations: a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Daghfous Naoufel , Petrof John V. , Pons Frank
Published: July 2002

The adoption process for new products varies from one individual to another according to socio‐economic and demographic characteristics. This article focuses on cultural values because an individual’s inclination to adopt a new product is also influenced by his system of values. The advantage of using values to explain innovativeness is that this variable transcends national, cultural and social boundaries. In order to determine the influence of values on adoption, this study utilizes a multicultural research framework consisting of consumers living in a large metropolitan area and coming from three distinct cultural groups: business school students from Quebec, France and North Africa. The results of this study suggest that individual values have a significant impact on consumers’ inclinations to adopt new products. In multi‐ethnic heterogeneous markets, segmenting consumers according to their values should be an important tool in the strategic kit of marketing managers.
Riding the coat‐tails of a positive review: rave reviews and attitude transfer
Authors: Chapman Kenneth J. , Aylesworth Andrew
Published: July 2002

Investigates the attitude transfer that can occur when a product receives rave reviews. As expected, incorporating rave reviews into an advertisement positively influences the evaluation of the advertised product and the parent company. In addition, our findings indicate that the positive evaluation from the rave reviews transfers to other products. Further, the results show that attitude transfer occurred not only to related products within the brand, but also had a small effect on related products outside the brand family. These findings are discussed in terms of a model of memory as an associational network. The results suggest several advertising strategies that will allow a firm to accrue benefits from a product that has received some form of rave reviews.
Green marketing and Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour: a cross‐market examination
Authors: Kalafatis Stavros P. , Pollard Michael , East Robert , Tsogas Markos H.
Published: July 2002

Examines the determinants that influence consumers’ intention to buy environmentally friendly products. Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour (TPB) provides the conceptual framework of the research and the appropriateness of the theory and is tested in two distinct market conditions (UK and Greece). Although the findings offer considerable support for the robustness of the TPB in explaining intention in both samples, there is some indication that the theory is more appropriate in well established markets that are characterised by clearly formulated behavioural patterns (i.e. the model fitting elements of the UK sample are superior to the corresponding ones obtained from the Greek sample). The results are consistent with previous research on moral behaviour.
It’s who you know: intracultural differences in ethnic product consumption
Authors: Chung Ed , Fischer Eileen
Published: July 2002

Reports a study of 214 Chinese Canadian consumers across eight product categories. This study shows that intracultural differences in consumer behavior are inadequately explained by the psychological construct of ethnic identification, and that additional explanatory power is achieved when incorporating the ethnic homogeneity of social ties. The results of the study support the proposition that the ethnic homogeneity of strong social ties exerts significant influence over an individual’s consumption of ethnic products, and is a much more robust predictor variable than ethnic identification. Also calls for a more theory‐based measure for the construct ethnic identification.
Top ten issues for a consortium migrating to a client/server system
Authors: Bugg Louise
Published: July 2002

This article presents ten issues in migrating a multi‐type library consortium to a shared client/server library system. The issues have been selected as especially pertinent to a consortium and describe the migration experiences of the Detroit Area Library Network (DALNET), a consortium of 20 academic, public and special libraries in the Metropolitan Detroit area. The issues are: (1) more control to member libraries; (2) pre‐migration decisions; (3) Web interface design; (4) training; (5) consortium staffing; (6) communication; (7) system maintenance; (8) security issues; (9) telecommunications network; and (10) commitment of member libraries. The capabilities of the client/server system will enable the consortium to provide new information and new information services not possible before, and will help consortium staff to meet the challenges of such a complex migration.
The Information Commons at Lied Library
Authors: Church Jennifer , Vaughan Jason , Starkweather Wendy , Rankin Katherine
Published: July 2002

Presents the development of the Information Commons in the new Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, from conceptualization to realization. Discusses the goals of the facility, including the need to create a space that simultaneously supports access, collaboration, and production in scholarly endeavors. Also addresses the impact of the Information Commons concept on patterns of service, and illustrates the challenges in designing Information Commons workstations, including such considerations as user authentication and resources for those with disabilities.
Practical engagement programs: the “PEP” at Michigan‘s School of Information
Authors: Peterson Holland Mauritia
Published: July 2002

The School of Information at the University of Michigan has adopted a bold interdisciplinary curriculum focused on creating a new discipline. Two of the program‘s central tenets hold that students will learn the practice of the new discipline in the real‐world activities and that faculty must also establish firm links between their research and the communities which ultimately benefit. Therefore, the School’s Practical Engagement Program is developing models which will sustain and foster practice‐
integration. This article lays out the models and identifies the anticipated challenges.
Dirt road or yellow brick superhighway? Information and communication technology in academic libraries of South Africa
Authors: Darch Colin , Underwood Peter G.
Published: July 2002

Information and communication technology (ICT) development in South African libraries cannot be understood outside the context of the post‐apartheid period. The society consists of a technologically sophisticated sector, and an underdeveloped Third World sector. Higher education and other libraries attempt to straddle this divide. Government policy emphasises the importance of connectivity in redressing inequality. Policy is a contested area, and investigations have been conducted with little concrete result. The main development has been the emergence of academic library consortia, which have succeeded in attracting funding from the USA and other foundations. But without information literacy, these developments will have little impact. There are grounds for techno‐pessimism, as digital information resources are seen by advanced countries as commodities for which payment must be made, even if knowledge production originally took place in the South.
Design for the management of power and communication systems based on conversations with JayE. Frank, FAIA, and others
Authors: Newman Kim , Lorch Metz Lynn
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of the various options available today in the management of power and communication systems within a library. These options are measured against several factors: the library’s program goals, its budget, and its structure. As library architects and interior designers, the design of the building must meet the user’s needs and the owner’s goals and be flexible to change as these needs and goals change. The facility’s ability to support technology and provide for adaptation to future changes is key to its success. This article describes six methods of managing and accessing power and communication in both new and renovated facilities. It describes the advantages and disadvantages of each system, and provides examples of their practical applications. The solutions to managing wiring for power and communication within the furniture systems is also discussed relative to how the connections interface with the building and the users. On reading this article, librarians and owners will have a better understanding of the options available and how their decisions regarding these options impacts the future adaptability of the facility.
Acoustical considerations in planning and design of library facilities
Authors: Wrightson Denelle , Wrightson John M.
Published: July 2002

Public libraries have a number of acoustical demands which are often not considered during the design and construction process. These issues can include noise intrusion from exterior and interior sources such as aircraft and building mechanical systems, excess reverberation in public spaces, speech communication, and intrusion from potentially non‐compliant uses, such as public meeting rooms. Recommendations are presented for the library professional to monitor attention to acoustical issues by the design professional, and to coordinate with architects during the design and construction of new or renovated library spaces.
Activity‐based costing: a powerful tool for pricing
Authors: Lere John C.
Published: July 2002

Explains the differences between traditional cost behavior, which divides costs into variable and fixed categories, and activity‐based costing (ABC), which divides these same costs into those that vary with unit‐level activities, batch‐level activities, and product‐level activities and facility‐level costs. Describes how recognition that cost may vary with something other than volume can make ABC a powerful tool for industrial marketers in three ways: yielding cost estimates to use in pricing that reflect significant differences among product specifications; providing the industrial marketer with guidance as to which product specifications may be adjusted in negotiations to yield significant cost reductions; and indicating areas in which to change company operations to yield cost reductions that will allow the company to satisfy customer wishes better.
The PISCESSM Process: guiding clients to creative positioning strategies
Authors: Vardis Harry , Vasa‐Sideris Sandra
Published: July 2002

Creativity is essential to the development of positioning strategies. However, for these creative solutions to be implemented, the client must be willing to accept them. Built on a foundation of extensive research and practice in the field of creativity, the PISCESSM Process (plan, imagine, select, create, evaluate, start) is a guided creative process that leads to successful positioning action plans. By design, the process is structured to engage the client from the beginning, thereby increasing buy‐in of the creative solutions that are developed. This makes the process immediately more attractive to clients because it “puts the client in the driver’s seat.” The five‐step PISCESSM Process has been used successfully to develop new advertising as well as to create new products, extend a product line, and to reposition an existing product. This paper provides an overview of the steps in the PISCESSM Process including some of the creativity tools used and presents an example of successful application of the process.
Customer perceived value: a substitute for satisfaction in business markets?
Authors: Eggert Andreas , Ulaga Wolfgang
Published: July 2002

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the value construct among both marketing researchers and practitioners. Despite a growing body of research, it is still not clear how value interacts with related marketing constructs. Researchers have called for an investigation of the interrelationship between customer satisfaction and customer value to reduce the ambiguities surrounding both concepts. Investigates whether customer value and satisfaction represent two theoretically and empirically distinct concepts. Also addresses whether value is a better predictor of behavioral outcomes than satisfaction in a business marketing context. Two alternative models are developed and empirically tested in a cross‐sectional survey with purchasing managers in Germany. The first model suggests a direct impact of perceived value on the purchasing managers’ intentions. In the second model, perceived value is mediated by satisfaction. This research suggests that value and satisfaction can be conceptualized and measured as two distinct, yet complementary constructs.
An Examination of the Determinants of Global Sourcing Strategy
Authors: Alguire Mary S. , Frear Carl R. , Metcalf Lynn E.
Published: July 2002

Explores the factors that motivate companies to utilize offshore
sources or prevent them from doing so. One‐hundred‐and‐fifteen firms
representing 68 different industries were surveyed. The findings
indicate that buyers in the responding companies followed a more
traditional approach to purchasing, concentrating on a search for the
lowest cost source of supply. The ability to access and rely on a global
network of world‐class suppliers holds the key to competitiveness in
today′s environment.
A concept of commitment: alternative views of relational continuity
in business service relationships
Authors: Young Louise , Denize Sara
Published: July 2002

Explores the role of commitment in maintaining relationship bonds
even when the level of satisfaction with specific transactions is low. A
strong relationship can exist between these professional service
providers and their clients even when participants do not feel positive
about their interactions. A study of the factors which influence
accountant choice and switching behavior shows a great reluctance by
clients to alter the existing client/accountant relationship.
Accountants′ clients are often unwilling to explore alternative service
options even if dissatisfied. A number of different bases of commitment
emerge from analysis of both the factors which might lead to a change in
accountant and attitudes towards the current provider.
The perceived effectiveness of marketer responses to industrial buyer complaints: suggestions for improved vendor performance and customer loyalty
Authors: Hansen Scott W. , Swan John E. , Powers Thomas L.
Published: July 2002

It is important for the industrial marketer to understand and effectively manage the process of complaining behavior in which dissatisfied buyers typically engage. By better managing this process, marketers can improve customer loyalty and prevent buyers from undertaking further complaining behavior which may damage the seller’s reputation. Reports on the types of order problems that occur with suppliers, as well as buyers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of supplier responses to different types of complaints from the buyer.
Theory of rejecting superior, new technologies
Authors: Woodside Arch G.
Published: July 2002

Discusses several propositions on the causes and realized strategies that are likely to be found in different industrial marketing‐purchasing situations involving rejecting versus accepting superior technological innovations ‐ innovations independently verified to provide superior operating characteristics and lower total costs compared to currently used products and manufacturing processes. Develops a theory of customer rejection of superior manufacturing technologies and product‐service innovations as a vehicle for summarizing a set of related propositions explaining such behavior. Reviews suggestions for empirical research to test the theory.
A dyadic model of relationships in organizational buying: a synthesis of research results
Authors: Wren Brent M. , Simpson James T.
Published: July 2002

Since the mid‐1960s scholars have sought to better understand the issues which affect the effectiveness of buyer‐seller interactions. While much progress has been made, existing knowledge is rather scattered and disjointed due to a lack of integration. Assesses the contributions of various research frameworks and incorporates them into a comprehensive model of the buyer‐seller relationship. Of particular importance is the model’s focus on the interaction environment of the buyer‐seller relationship. Provides a discussion and rationale for the variables included in the contingency framework and discusses the implications of the proposed model.
Examining an industrial buyer’s purchasing linkages: a network model and analysis of organizational buying workflow
Authors: Buckles Tom A. , Ronchetto John R.
Published: July 2002

Employs conceptual contributions from management, work networks, and organizational buying behavior research, and presents the results of a study which integrates these contributions through an internal marketing exchange model. Specifically, network analysis is used to describe purchasing workflow patterns within a single industrial firm. Both prescribed networks (i.e. hierarchical level departmental membership and product purchasing assignment) and emergent networks (i.e. position on the organizational boundary and centrality links within the firm’s buying system) are investigated. In addition, the position of a particular buyer is discussed in terms of his positional role within the organization’s internal marketing exchange system. Results provide implications for purchasing managers and organizational buying researchers, and directions for future research are discussed.
Hybrid governance: the role of transaction costs, production costs and strategic considerations
Authors: Bello Daniel C. , Dant Shirish P. , Lohtia Ritu
Published: July 2002

Practitioners often are confused by theories that offer ambiguous prescriptions for designing the institutional forms or governance structures in which business activities are conducted. Unclear prescriptions for organizing tasks within the main governance alternatives leave key design decisions unguided: which tasks to perform in‐house (hierarchy), which to contract to outside agencies (market), and which to perform jointly by economic units within and outside the firm (hybrid)? A popular current theory ‐ transaction cost analysis ‐ suggests that governance structures should be aligned to tasks in a “mainly transaction cost economizing way.” Argues that the importance of transaction costs is overstated, and that observed patterns of firms’ governance structures suggest that firms also account for other theoretical issues ‐ production costs and strategic considerations ‐ in determining efficient boundaries. Begins by illustrating that transaction costs are not always primary. Then discusses the factors that impact production costs and transaction costs, and reviews certain strategic considerations that impact the choice of governance structure for a task. Offers practitioners guidance in choosing governance structures through a contingency analysis that examines the interaction of production costs, transaction costs, and strategic considerations. Illustrates normative implications for designing governance structures through corporate examples that are driven by both cost and strategy considerations.
What makes firms more innovative? A look at organizational and environmental factors
Authors: Özsomer Aysegul , Calantone Roger J. , Di Bonetto Anthony
Published: July 2002

Innovative firms are generally more successful in both industrial and consumer markets. However, factors that make firms innovative are often elusive and complex. Looks at how strategic posture, organization structure, environmental hostility and uncertainty interact and how each factor contributes to an explanation of firm innovativeness. Suggests that strategic posture is a major factor determining the innovativeness of firms while organization structure mediates the effects of strategic posture, uncertainty, and hostility. Hence, for managers striving to make their firms more innovative, a prerequisite is to adopt a proactive strategic posture which gradually leads to a flexible organizations structure ‐ the two factors that have a direct effect in making firms more innovative.
The integration of market‐scanning activities: effects of market distance
Authors: Belich Thom J. , Dubinsky Alan J.
Published: July 2002

An increasing number of small firms are moving into export operations. This paper reports the results of a study that examined the influence of market distance on managers’ choosing between use of in‐house expertise (integration) or external sources to obtain foreign market information. Market distance is defined as the sum of factors that affect the flow of information from and to the foreign market. Findings indicate that increased market distance leads to greater reliance on external sources (less integration) for market information.