bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The study of the temperature field in an infinite slab under line and plane heat source
Authors: Qing-Cheng Wang , Zhao-Chun Wu , Xiang-Ping Zhu 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to reveal the characteristics of the temperature field under different types of heat sources, which are significant to the temperature control encountered in practical manufacturing processes.Design/methodology/approach– The temperature fields in an infinite slab under line or plane heat source are calculated numerically by control volume approach and ADI scheme, and the numerical results of the temperature rise have been compared among the different types of the heat sources.Findings– The numerical results show the different changing patterns of temperature fields under line and plane heat source, respectively, and demonstrate that the magnitude of temperature rise depends strongly on the type of the heat sources. The order of temperature rise from high to low is point, line and plane heat source base on the same input heat.Originality/value– The study is original and findings are new, which demonstrate the different changing patterns of temperature fields and the magnitude of temperature rise under line and plane heat source. The numerical solution is significant for the temperature control in practical manufacturing processes.
Soret and Dufour effects in three-dimensional flow of Maxwell fluid with chemical reaction and convective condition
Authors: Hayat T. , Bilal Ashraf M. , Alsaedi A. , Alhothuali M. S. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to address the heat and mass transfer effects in three-dimensional flow of Maxwell fluid over a stretching surface with convective boundary conditions. Mass transfer is considered in the presence of first order chemical reaction. Conservation laws of energy and concentration are based upon the Soret and Dufour effects. Convergent series solutions to the resulting non-linear problems are developed. Effects of Biot and Deborah numbers on the Sherwood number are decreasing. Local Nusselt reduces with an increase in Eckert numbers. It is also interesting to note further that variations of Prandtl and Biot numbers on the Nusselt number are increasing while Sherwood number decreases with an increase in Prandtl number.

Design/methodology/approach
– The involved partial differential systems are reduced to the ordinary differential systems using appropriate transformations. Series solutions by homotopy analysis method are constructed and analyzed. Graphical results are presented and examined in detail.

Findings
– It is found that roles of Deborah and Biot parameters on the Nusselt number are opposite. However, the Sherwood number is qualitative similar for both Biot and Deborah numbers. It is also interesting to note further that variations of Prandtl and Biot numbers on the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are similar.

Originality/value
– The purpose of present communication is to investigate the three-dimensional flow of Maxwell fluid over a stretching surface with convective condition. Analysis has been carried out in the presence of mass transfer with first order chemical reaction and Soret and Dufour effects.
The future of traceability within the U.S. food industry supply chain: a business case
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Heustis Dawn , Graham Jacqueline M 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the US food industry supply chain based on a case study of a leading US global processed food manufacturer to determine areas for improvement in the recall process to reduce the possibility of harming consumers with unsafe products.

Design/methodology/approach
– Current US Food and Drug Administration and US Department of Agriculture regulations were evaluated to understand the minimum requirements placed upon members of the supply chain within the US food industry. Thereafter, a situation analysis was conducted followed by a cause and effect analysis to illustrate weaknesses within typical recall procedures. Substantiation of the analysis was based on specific information provided by managers from various functional areas of the processed food manufacturer in their interviews and their perspective about the recall/traceability process and its complexities.

Findings
– Improvement concepts considered were: the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID); the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Recall Portal; and standardized global regulations within the food industry. Various phases of RFID are being piloted within the US food industry, but are not yet being widely studied due to the lack of immediate implementation requirements. Specific results pertaining to the FMI Recall Portal are not available due to its recent launch. Research indicated various regulatory processes implemented in individual countries, but no global standards have been agreed upon and initiated.

Practical implications
– The improvement ideas have implications for timely communication among supply chain partners, resulting in less contaminated product in the hands of consumers. The ability to make these improvements will require collaboration among global suppliers through global regulations and top management support.

Originality/value
– Understanding the gaps within current regulations and emphasizing the global footprint of how the food industry truly transformed itself into a global marketplace. Future studies need to focus on the cost impact of full RFID implementation across the entire food industry, with an understanding of cost burden ownership and worldwide integration.
Key observations from a survey about Six Sigma implementation in Brazil
Authors: Jesus Abel Ribeiro de , Antony Jiju , Lepikson Herman Augusto , Cavalcante Carlos Arthur M. Teixeira 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a survey on Six Sigma and key observations on which variables/management practices are the most important for a successful Six Sigma implementation, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the practices observed in companies in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach
– Five research questions were proposed, and an exploratory field study was carried out. A sample of 103 questionnaires was obtained. In total, 26 independent variables were analyzed, with a factor analysis reducing this number to 14, for which three main constructs were observed.

Findings
– Large manufacturing industries are implementing the Six Sigma program in Brazil. Three main constructs were observed to be critical for the success of Six Sigma. The strengths and weaknesses of the 14 independent variables studied within each construct were found.

Practical implications
– This paper has practical implications in that companies can use the conclusions of this study to improve their implementation of the Six Sigma program.

Social implications
– This research may initiate cooperation between the companies within the study and academia, which may lead to a better understanding of Six Sigma within these organizations.

Originality/value
– The originality of this study is that the survey was conducted with companies in Brazil, a country that suffers from a lack of information on Six Sigma programs. A robust methodological strategy was used that determined the three most important constructs for successful implementation of Six Sigma.
Advancing performance measurement
Authors: Manes Rossi Francesca , Aversano Natalia 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the implementation of performance measurement tools by medium-to-large size Italian Local Governments (ILGs) with the aim of establishing their position in comparison with the content of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board’s (IPSASB’s) Consultation Paper (CP) on Reporting Service Performance Information and the points of views of other countries.Design/methodology/approach– A survey of all ILGs with more than 50,000 inhabitants has been carried out with the objective of evaluating which kind of performance management tools are implemented; moreover, these results are compared with the content of the IPSASB’s CP to evaluate the role of this guide as well as the main differences between the IPSASB’s approach and the current situation in Italy.Findings– Data collected highlight that several performance measurement tools required by law are generally prepared in ILGs even if a limited use of them for decision-making or accountability purposes occurs. Moreover, in accordance with the opinions of the countries that submitted letters of comment to IPSASB’s CP, Italian results reveal that information on the scope of the service performance information, on the entity’s objectives and their achievement, including a narrative discussion of this achievement, are perceived as relevant.Originality/value– The research investigates the future development of the CP by analyzing the points of view of the countries that submitted letters of comments to IPSASB. It also examines whether the current Italian situation is in line with the IPSASB’s position.
Improving productivity with self-organised teams and agile leadership
Authors: Parker David W , Holesgrove Melanie , Pathak Raghhuvar 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– Many organisations remain adverse to self-organised teams. The reasons are non-trivial and complex, but it is suspected that not willing to let go to direct control by senior management is at the root cause. There is a perceived security in following traditional, hierarchical chains of command under the guise of reducing risks and maintaining efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a research agenda that will empirically test in the field a range of widely held assumptions around leadership of self-organised teams. In total, 23 companies have agreed to participate in the proposed longitudinal research.Design/methodology/approach– An extensive literature review has identified extant theories, frameworks, and methodologies adopted by researchers to gain greater understanding of self-organised teams. This knowledge will be used as the basis for generating hypotheses for subsequent testing in the field.Findings– There is a considerable knowledge base established for self-organised teams. However, there is limited understanding of the benefits or detrimental effects of self-organised teams on organisational productivity and the appropriate style of leadership. This initial research has identified several hypotheses that will be used to develop questionnaires and instruments for information collection.Research limitations/implications– The tools and techniques presented in this article need to be adapted to the organisation’s specificities as well as to the contextual situation.Practical implications– The work is of significant practical use. The research will be completed in a number of companies. There will be continuous input from operational and executive management. The findings from the work will be disseminated through various channels including workshops and conferences. Companies implementing and using self-organised teams will benefit from the knowledge generated.Social implications– Self-organised teams are used in a variety of settings – commercial businesses, not-for-profit, NGOs. The work will explore issues around behavioural networks and inter- intra-team relationships.Originality/value– There is much rhetoric around the adoption and uses of self-organised teams, yet there appears to be little understanding of the effect of leadership style of these teams and effect on productivity. This work will therefore contribute to the understanding of self-organised teams. While prior research has been conducted in the motivational and behavioural implications of self-organised teams, the knowledge is at best scant when leadership models for self-organised teams and operational factors are explored.
Participative work design in lean production
Authors: Lantz Annika , Hansen Niklas , Antoni Conny 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore job design mechanisms that enhance team proactivity within a lean production system where autonomy is uttermost restricted. We propose and test a model where the team learning process of building shared meaning of work mediates the relationship between team participative decision-making, inter team relations and team proactive behaviour.Design/methodology/approach– The results are based on questionnaires to 417 employees within manufacturing industry (response rate 86 per cent) and managers’ ratings of team proactivity. The research model was tested by mediation analysis on aggregated data (56 teams).Findings– Team learning mediates the relationship between participative decision-making and inter team collaboration on team proactive behaviour. Input from stakeholders in the work flow and partaking in decisions about work, rather than autonomy in carrying out the work, enhance the teams’ proactivity through learning processes.Research limitations/implications– An investigation of the effects of different leadership styles and management policy on proactivity through team-learning processes might shed light on how leadership promotes proactivity, as results support the effects of team participative decision-making – reflecting management policy – on proactivity.Practical implications– Lean production stresses continuous improvements for enhancing efficiency, and such processes rely on individuals and teams that are proactive. Participation in forming the standardization of work is linked to managerial style, which can be changed and developed also within a lean concept. Based on our experiences of implementing the results in the production plant, we discuss what it takes to create and manage participative processes and close collaboration between teams on the shop floor, and other stakeholders such as production support, based on a shared understanding of the work and work processes.Social implications– Learning at the workplace is essential for long-term employability, and for job satisfaction and health. The lean concept is widely spread to both public bodies and enterprises, and it has been shown that it can be linked to increased stress and an increase in workload. Finding the potential for learning within lean production is essential for balancing the need of efficient production and employees’ health and well-being at work.Originality/value– Very few studies have investigated the paradox between lean and teamwork, yet many lean-inspired productions systems have teamwork as a pillar for enhancing effectiveness. A clear distinction between autonomy and participation contributes to the understanding of the links between job design, learning processes and team proactivity.
Circulating power and in/visibility: layers of educational leadership
Authors: Mifsud Denise 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study circulating power and in/visibility. In the unfolding Maltese education scenario of decentralization and school networking, suffused with entrenched power, with added layers of leadership and more subtle levels of accountability, this paper explores the underlying power relations among the top educational leaders, namely, the College Principal and Heads of School, and among the Heads of School themselves.Design/methodology/approach– Foucault’s theories of power, governmentality and subjectivation are used as “scaffoldings” for the exploration of power relations. This case study research exploring one “college” is carried out through in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observation of Council of Heads (CoH) meetings, as well as documentary analysis of the policy mandating this reform, explored through narrative analysis.Findings– Analysis shows that layers of hierarchical leadership do translate into layers of “visibility”, with the Principal being rendered the most “visible” actor according to role designation and policy rhetoric. Struggles in the dynamics between tiers of leaders are a reality. Despite a deeply felt presence of the circulation of power, it is the Principal who has the final say.Originality/value– This is expected to contribute to educational leadership literature with regards to the relationship among top educational leaders. Through its provision of a diverse reading of leadership, it is deemed to be of particular relevance to professional work and learning in areas of leadership, of interest to budding scholars, seasoned Foucauldians and practicing educational leaders.
Mentoring in the rail context: the influence of training, style, and practice
Authors: Naweed Anjum , Ambrosetti Angelina 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate workplace learning in the context of the rail industry, specifically for the type of learning required to become a train driver. It examines the impact of changes to the traditional learning model, and explores the potential of mentoring in the learning/training model.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper uses a participative research approach to examine training experiences with trainee drivers and driver trainers (n = 61) in six Australian rail organisations. The data are synthesised based on an inductive thematic analysis from focus groups, interviews and cab-rides.

Findings
– Current driver-learning approaches contain a number of haphazard elements that provide an unfavourable learning experience. Mentoring practices appear to be happening incidentally, despite train drivers wanting mentoring experiences.

Practical implications
– In the designing and planning of new driver-learning frameworks, it is important to identify the unintended consequences of implementing a condensed “classroom” curriculum. The condensed and accelerated driver-learning model currently used could be enhanced through the incorporation of a mentoring process.

Originality/value
– The article fills an important research gap in the space of workplace learning and mentoring in the rail industry. The themes and findings provide a basis for why mentoring should be integrated as part of the training process. It draws attention to the importance of the situational context, and contributes to communities of practice by outlining important considerations for a holistic model of mentoring in the rail industry.
Consumers’ environmental behaviour towards staying at a green hotel
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah , Mohd Suki Norbayah 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between returning consumer environmental behaviour and tourists’ propensity to stay in a green hotel, particularly in the Malaysian context. Next, the influence of a moderating variable (i.e. green hotel knowledge) on returning tourists’ propensity to stay in a green hotel is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research used a hierarchical regression for data analysis across a sample of 400 young respondents who stayed at a green hotel at least once in a year. Their participation was purely voluntary.

Findings
– Empirical analysis via hierarchical regressions confirmed that returning tourists’ intention to stay at a green hotel was influenced positively by perceived behavioural control and attitude. However, the subjective norm was found to be not significantly related to returning tourists’ intention to stay at a green hotel.

Research limitations/implications
– The current data were only collected from respondents within one area which may not represent the entire population of Malaysia. Hence, it is imperative that sample size be expanded, and wider geographical areas with different cultural values covered to improve generalizability of findings.

Practical implications
– These empirical results may benefit the hotel industry involved in green initiatives and activities in formulating effective marketing strategies to review the demand of returning consumers to stay in green hotels and evaluate the acceptance level of the returning consumers towards green behaviour. The hotel industry should take its environmental and social responsibility seriously and uphold aspects of energy efficiency, natural resources and environment and indoor environmental quality in business operations in a sustainable manner besides focusing on maximizing profit.

Originality/value
– The results of this study offer a new forward motion to the findings of prior studies on environmental behaviour, which is not much covered in the literature in the Malaysian context by providing additional information in narrowing the research gap with regard to understanding returning consumers’ intention to stay in green hotels. Next, the proposed framework could be the basis for further research investigating returning consumers’ intention to stay in green hotels, within the Malaysian context.
Environment challenges in Africa: further dimensions to the trade, MNCs and energy debate
Authors: Osabuohien Evans , Efobi Uchenna R. , Gitau Ciliaka M. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the linkage between environmental challenges, multinational corporations (MNCs) activities, trade and energy in Africa; and further elaborate on the role of institutions, as an intervening variable.Design/methodology/approach– In this study, the authors extended the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model by including indicators of the presence of MNCs, trade and energy in the basic EKC model that has measures of environmental pollution (CO2), economic growth (gross domestic product per capita) and its squared value. The role of institutions was also considered and included as an inter-mediating variable. This model was tested on a sample of 27 African countries, for the period 1996-2010. The systems GMM was applied for the empirical analysis. This approach was aimed at circumventing the possibility of reverse causality and endogenous explanatory variables-such as institutions.Findings– Trade and MNCs’ activities may not have much contemporaneous impact on the environment. However, their lagged values have adverse and significant influence on the current values of environmental challenge. This implies that environmental policies regarding trade and MNCs require time response lag. Energy was significant only at contemporaneous value but not at its lagged value. Institutional development helps to suppress the negative excesses (like pollution) from the activities of trade, MNCs and energy, and consequently reduce environmental pollution.Originality/value– This paper included the role of institutions in the environmental pollution, trade, MNCs and energy debate. Empirical studies in this regard have inadvertently excluded this variable, but have, at best, included it as part of policy recommendations.