bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of oat flour and oat bran‐based bread formulations
Authors: Tiwari Uma , Cummins Enda , Brunton Nigel , O'Donnell Colm , Gallagher Eimear 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare and evaluate for quality characteristics and β‐glucan analysis during different stages of the oat flour and/or oat bran based bread baking process.Design/methodology/approachA 100 per cent wheat flour (WF) formulation was substituted with 30, 50 and 70 per cent oat flour (OF) or oat bran (OB) to improve its nutritional quality characteristics of bread. The flour blends were evaluated for quality characteristics (loaf volume, texture profile analysis) and β‐glucan analysis during different stages of the bread baking process.FindingsA significant decrease in specific volume, number of cells and crumb brightness was observed with increasing WF substitution levels with OF or OB. The crumb hardness was observed to be negatively correlated with specific volume of OF (r =−0.90, p<0.0001) and OB (r =−0.84, p<0.0001) bread. The level of β‐glucan was significantly reduced by 37.8 −42.9 per cent in dough during 45 min fermentation time, which indicating the enzymatic action. The β‐glucan content of OF and OB bread was found to increase from 0.13 g/100 g bread (db) (control) to 1.35 and 3.61 g β‐glucan/100 g bread (db) for 70 per cent WF substitution with OF and OB, respectively. Results show that a bread of acceptable quality can be prepared by substituting WF by up to 50 per cent for OF and up to 30 per cent by OB.Practical implicationsReplacing white bread with oat flour/bran containing β‐glucan facilitates human consumption of soluble dietary fibre.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comparative evaluation of the oat flour and/or bran based bread and its critical factors influencing the level of β‐glucan during baking process, which attributes to improve the nutritional quality.
Monopoly and wine: the Norwegian case
Authors: Lai M.B. , Cavicchi A. , Rickertsen K. , Corsi A.M. , Casini L. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe Norwegian retail market for alcoholic beverages is controlled by a state monopoly. Wine and other alcoholic beverages above 4.75 per cent alcohol, can only be bought in government stores called The Wine Monopoly (Vinmonopolet in Norwegian) or consumed in hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, or catering firms. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Norwegian wine market and present some of the major opportunities and constraints facing foreign producers.Design/methodology/approachThe objective of this article is twofold: first, to explain the role of the actors in the Norwegian wine market and second, to identify the market opportunities for Italian and other foreign producers. The organisation of the monopoly, the strategies wine producers may use to introduce new wines into the market, and the marketing levers that can be used to utilise the market opportunities are of special interest. The key informant techniques as well as official statistics are used.FindingsComparing the outcome of the authors' field research, done during the winter of 2010, with government statistics on wine consumption, it is clear that the competitive environment evolves daily. Consumers' tastes and perceptions play a crucial role in this dynamism.Originality/valueThere have not been many studies of the effects of the alcohol monopoly on the Norwegian market. Therefore, it is of particular interest to investigate the organisation of the Norwegian alcohol monopoly and how wine producers may successfully introduce new wines into this market. This paper makes a positive contribution to the literature in this field, giving some promotion strategies which could be achievable and could work in the Norwegian wine market.
Automation pushes the envelope of postal mail handling efficiency
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the impact automation is having on improving the efficiency of handling all types of mail.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents information from in‐depth interviews with producers of postal automation equipment, visits to automated postal facilities and interviews of postal workers and individuals involved with postal automation over the past half century.FindingsAll three major classes of mail: envelopes, flats and cartons (parcel post) are now handled almost entirely automatically, including even reading the address.Practical implicationsOthers with the need to handle large quantities of mail‐like items can see how automation has greatly increased the efficiency of handling such items.Originality/valueThe paper provides an expert insight into how automation innovation continues to reduce cost, improve accuracy and speed the logistics of handling letters, packets or flats and cartons.
Real‐time integration of prototypes in the product development process
Authors: Liu Bingjian , Campbell R.I. , Pei Eujin 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the strengths and weaknesses associated with physical and virtual prototyping and propose an approach that utilises a real‐time integration of both methods through an automated process.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a literature review, the paper presents the results of a survey investigating the current use of prototyping. It then discusses a series of trials that were developed for the proposed tool.FindingsPhysical and virtual prototypes are not competitive but rather complementary. An integrated real‐time system would reduce cost and shorten the product design process.Originality/valueThis paper provides recommendations on how real‐time integration of both physical and virtual prototypes could potentially streamline the new product development process.
Determining the most probable natural resting orientation of sector shaped parts
Authors: Udhayakumar S. , Mohanram P.V. , Keerthi Anand P. , Srinivasan R. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeIdentifying the most probable natural resting orientation of a part, in automatic handling, helps in the effective design of feeder and orientation devices. For parts with complex geometries and topologies, it is not always intuitively apparent what the natural resting probability of each orientation is. The purpose of this paper is to determine, by theoretical methods, the probability of occurrence of each natural resting orientation of eight different typical sector shaped parts.Design/methodology/approachProbability of natural resting orientations were found using theoretical methods and drop test. Pearson's χ 2 test was used to decide whether to accept or reject the expected data by comparing with the observed data.FindingsIrrespective of dimensions and material, the most probable natural resting orientation was the same. Height of drop was influential in the probability of most probable natural resting orientation.Research limitations/implicationsThe research does not include objects with minimum thickness (i.e. 2D objects).Originality/valueThe paper shows that determining the most probable natural resting orientation will help designers to design the part feeders effectively.
Basic behaviour control of the vision‐based cognitive robotic disassembly automation
Authors: Vongbunyong Supachai , Kara Sami , Pagnucco Maurice 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an automated disassembly cell that is flexible and robust to the physical variations of a product. In this way it is capable of dealing with any model of product, regardless of the level of detail in the supplied information.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of cognitive robotics is used to replicate human level expertise in terms of perception and decision making. As a result, difficulties with respect to the uncertainties and variations of the product in the disassembly process are resolved.FindingsCognitive functions, namely reasoning and execution monitoring, can be used in basic behaviour control to address problems in variations of the disassembly process due to variations in the product's structure particularly across different models of the product.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a practical approach to formulating the disassembly domain and behaviour control of the cognitive robotic agent via a high‐level logical programming language that combines domain‐specific heuristic knowledge with search to deal with variations in products and uncertainties that arise during the disassembly process.Practical implicationsFull disassembly automation that is flexible and robust to the uncertainties that may arise potentially replaces human labour in a difficult and hazardous task. Consequently, the disassembly process will be more economically feasible, especially in developed countries.Originality/valueThe paper provides a practical approach to the basic cognitive functions that replicate the human expert's behaviour to the disassembly cell.
Implementing strategies and policies
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis article aims to report findings relating to strategy and policy implementation of a five‐year investigation of different approaches to transforming performance.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation draws on a program of research studies to identify critical success factors and what high performers do differently in areas that contribute directly to key corporate objectives. It involves examination of the results of early adoptions of performance support, a “bottom‐up” approach that can simultaneously boost productivity, cut support costs, speed up responses, reduce stress, facilitate learning and quickly deliver large returns on investment.FindingsThe findings suggest many boards should devote more attention to implementation. Top‐down and “command and control” leadership can be less effective than cheaper, quicker, less disruptive and more supportive routes to creating high performance organizations.Originality/valueRather than focus on motivating and leading, perhaps there should be more emphasis on helping and providing the assistance people – including customers – need to achieve their and corporate objectives. “New leadership” favors approaches like performance support that deliver multiple objectives, are flexible and adaptable, and enable key work groups to be current, relevant and competitive during transformation journeys. A more affordable and quicker way of changing “front‐line” behaviors is identified. Wider adoption could help boards avoid gaps between aspiration and achievement.
Innovating for a sustainable future: an interview with Patrick Deconinck, Senior Vice President Western Europe for 3M
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Patrick Deconinck, Senior Vice President Western Europe for 3M.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an interview with Partick Deconinck.FindingsDeconinck discusses the importance of innovation and R&D investment for winning in a flat market.Originality/valueThe interview offers advice for business leaders operating in a challenging business environment.
Feasibility assessment of creating an inter‐library loan system and document delivery services in public libraries of Fars Province (Iran)
Authors: Biranvand Ali , Sharif Moghaddam Hadi 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe aim of this research is to display an applied and descriptive survey, assessing the feasibility of creating an inter‐library loan (ILL) system and document delivery services in public libraries of Fars Province (Iran).Design/methodology/approachThe tool for gathering data in this study is a questionnaire distributed to 254 people from public library managers and librarians in Fars Province. Data analysis was performed with statistical software SPSS (version 16), using descriptive statistics and the Friedman test.FindingsBased on the findings, 69.94 percent of research librarians and 95.9 percent of managers surveyed need to implement an inter‐library loan system. Activity of libraries in Fars Province in the field of ILL and document delivery library services was very low (5.73 percent). Research subjects indicated that the limitations and potential problems in implementation included: no guarantee that prevents damage to resources (97.3 percent), a lack of consistent rules using library services ILL (95 percent), a lack of funding for cooperation among libraries (92/1 percent), a lack of cooperation between public libraries in ILL library (91.3 percent), the high cost of cooperation among libraries, non‐credit provision for main organization (89.4 percent), a lack of equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and faxes (89 percent), a lack of librarians familiar with network technologies and databases (83.9 percent), a lack of trust among professionals in the field of librarianship and library document delivery services (80 percent), and a lack of coordination between the center and the library system for implementation (80 percent).Originality/valueThe paper offers recommendations which, if enacted, would lead to a much needed improvement to the ILL and document delivery services of public (and other libraries) in Fars Province.
Digital social networks as complex adaptive systems
Authors: Hasgall Alon 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define optimal behavioral characteristics for members in digital social networks (DSNs). To this end, an assumption was tested that DSN members behave similarly to autonomous agents in a complex adaptive system (CAS) by maintaining a process of self‐branding.Design/methodology/approachOnline questionnaires were presented to 94 DSN users. Their answers were used to assess: different parameters of their behavior on the DSN; and their perception of the DSN's effectiveness. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine possible correlations between these parameters and the optimal behavioral characteristics of individual agents in the CAS model.FindingsSubjects who reported a higher degree of functional autonomy and self‐branding on the DSN also reported a higher degree of DSN effectiveness. A significant positive linear correlation was found between the degree of self‐branding and optimal behavioral characteristics described previously for individual agents in a CAS.Practical implicationsThe study provides first empirical evidence that the CAS model parameters can be used to explain DSN‐related phenomena in general, and the perception of DSN effectiveness in particular. This suggests that individual DSN members should generate and maintain a powerful self‐brand through autonomous activities to increase DSN effectiveness. Such activities can be manifested through behavioral processes characterizing individuals in CAS, and especially through maximizing situational sensitivity and integration of information.Originality/valueThis is the first study to empirically test the CAS theoretical model on DSNs. It specifies behavioral characteristics, which individual DSN members should incorporate to increase the perceived DSN effectiveness.
An online knowledge‐centred framework for faculty support and service innovation
Authors: He Wu , Abdous M'Hammed 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the authors' experience gained while implementing a systematic knowledge‐centred support approach to providing both support and service innovation within an organization whose mission is the offering of instructional design, learning technologies integration, multimedia production, and faculty development to faculty members. As it proposes a knowledge‐centred support (KCS) framework for faculty support and service innovation, this paper aims to help other faculty support organizations to improve their current knowledge management and support practices.Design/methodology/approachThis paper shares the authors' practical experience in implementing a knowledge‐centred support approach for both faculty support and service innovation. The paper uses the authors' experience to introduce the proposed framework.FindingsThis paper develops a KCS framework for faculty support and service innovation. Practical concerns and insights are provided to help other faculty support organizations adopt and implement the framework. It is hoped that this sharing of best practices can increase discussion about using knowledge management approaches to improve service quality and innovation among other faculty support organizations.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the framework has been developed based on the authors' organizational environment, the framework may lack generalizability. However, other faculty support organizations are encouraged to revise or to adapt this framework to suit their specific organizations' cultures and goals.Practical implicationsIncreasing service quality and innovation are major concerns for many faculty support organizations. Many faculty support organizations are exploring ways to provide a better service experience to faculty. This paper shares the authors' experience in this area and has the potential to inspire other faculty support organizations to examine, rethink, and improve their current practices, using a knowledge management perspective.Originality/valueFew articles discuss how faculty support organizations can use knowledge management approaches to increase service quality and innovation. This paper identifies such a shortage in the literature and can be used as a starting point to motivate other faculty support organizations to share their knowledge management experience for improving service quality and innovation.
Corporate risk and corporate governance: another view
Authors: Li Hao , Jahera John S. , Yost Keven 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance strength as measured by the Gompers governance index (gindex) and other related factors on corporate risk as measured by implied volatility of returns.Design/methodology/approachThe research incorporates implied volatility as the measure of risk, as compared to earlier studies that have used historic volatility measures. Governance variables include the Gompers Index, as well as other measures to control for firm size, ownership and leverage.FindingsThe findings indicate that corporate risk is significantly inversely‐related with the gindex, which essentially gauges how extensively antitakeover provisions are adopted by a firm. Firm size is the other variable significant in both univariate and multivariate models. Financial leverage and the percentage of outsiders on the board are significantly related to firm risk when not controlling for other factors. Board percentage of voting power does not appear to affect firm riskiness statistically.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research needs to examine specifically why higher takeover defenses lead to lower implied volatility. This includes exploring whether the lower level of expected volatility is due to lower levels of takeover activity or whether firms with poor governance assume a suboptimal amount of risk.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature by the use of implied volatility as the measure of risk. The results are robust and provide further support for the relationship between corporate governance and risk. While counter to initial expectations, these results suggest, at the very least, a firm with good governance may not necessarily have low implied volatility in its stock price.
What motivates seasoned equity offerings? Evidence from the use of issue proceeds
Authors: Bayless Mark , Jay Nancy R. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discover how firms use issue proceeds from seasoned equity offerings (SEOs).Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a large sample of industrial corporations, the authors perform a series of regressions in which the dependent variable is one of six use categories and the independent variables are issue proceeds, other sources, and control variables. The impact of macroeconomic conditions on the use of issue proceeds is explicitly considered and the primary use is found to be investment in R&D.FindingsSome evidence is found that issue proceeds are funnelled into cash, capital expenditures, and acquisitions but these do not seem to be the primary use. While the results suggest a motive for issue that does not rely on behavioural theories, they also suggest that investment theories must reconcile the weak post‐issue performance of SEO firms with the fact that, in general, R&D investment is associated with positive abnormal returns and operating performance. To that end the evidence is consistent with equity issues being made in reaction to exogenous reductions in required returns and during periods when growth opportunities are more plentiful.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to explicitly consider the role of macroeconomic conditions in the use of proceeds from seasoned equity issues and to document that the primary use is investment in R&D. The results will help scholars better understand the motivation for SEOs and assist in evaluating explanations of the poor performance of issuers. The results also provide practitioners with valuable benchmarks of the use of issue proceeds, which they can use to evaluate equity as a source of external funding for their company.
A proposed procedure for construct definition in marketing
Authors: Gilliam David A. , Voss Kevin 
Published: January 2013

PurposeLatent constructs represent the building blocks of marketing theory. The purpose of this paper is to provide marketing researchers with a practical procedure for writing construct definitions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews important contributions to construct definition in the literature from marketing, management, psychology and the philosophy of science. The authors expound construct definition in both practical and theoretical spheres to motivate the proposed procedure.FindingsA six‐step procedure for construct definition and redefinition in marketing is developed. The proposed procedure addresses important aspects of definitions including the level of abstraction, scope, nomological relationships, explanatory and predictive power, ambiguity, vagueness, and preventing construct proliferation.Research limitations/implicationsWhile techniques for developing measures have received a great deal of attention, those for the earlier step of construct definition have not. Researchers will benefit from more precise definitions through improved model specification, better measures, and more reliable determination of the direction of causality. The role of the individual researcher's linguistic skill in construct definition must still be determined.Practical implicationsMarketing practitioners can also use the procedure to define latent constructs for which they must develop measures.Originality/valueThe literature on construct definition is fragmentary, scattered across disciplines and occasionally even arcane. It is further often descriptive of what a good definition looks like rather than prescriptive of how a good definition can be developed. The six steps are simple, broadly applicable, based on both theory and practical experience, consist of relatively few discrete steps, and feed directly into the modern measure development paradigm in marketing.