bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bathtub curves and pipe prioritization based on failure rate
Authors: Singh Amarjit , Adachi Stacy 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze conditional failure rates, and prioritize water pipelines for replacement based on their expected failure rate where pipes are grouped based on age and pipe type. Thus, predictions can be made on the expected number of breaks in future years.Design/methodology/approachThe time to failure of a pipe can be characterized by the stochastic properties of the population as a whole, from which the likelihood of component failure is derived. When the corresponding failure rate is plotted against time, a bathtub‐shaped curve results. The bathtub curve assists in determining maintenance schedules depending on the age of the pipe. Failure rates help determine whether the rates are more than an acceptable best practice threshold to signal replacement.FindingsDuctile iron pipes had the highest failure rates, followed by asbestos cement pipes; PVC and concrete cylinder pipes had the lowest failure rates, but because concrete cylinder pipes are very time‐consuming to repair and very expensive to install, only PVC pipes are recommended on the basis of this study. Cast iron pipes fit the bathtub shape; ductile iron and asbestos concrete were somewhat bathtub shaped, though the early phase period was not apparent; the bathtub curve for concrete cylinder was fully inverted; while PVC pipes showed zero probability of failure during the middle period. The shapes of bathtub curves drawn on conditional failure rates were similar to those for the failure rates. The bathtub curves indicate that the general failure performance of pipe materials is somewhat contrary to general principles in manufacturing.Practical implicationsAnalysis of failure serves a practical purpose for water utilities to allocate funds for pipe maintenance and prepare a schedule for pipe replacement, so as to provide the best quality services and safe drinking water to users of the utility.Social implicationsThe proper prioritization of water supply pipes for repair and replacement is of great social importance to the public at large, which expends considerable funds to maintain their drinking water supply.Originality/valueThe study of bathtub curves has not been seen before in the analysis of water supply pipes. A unique discovery is that the traditional shape of the bathtub curve is not always applicable for water supply pipes.
Autotelic capabilities and their impact on technological capabilities
Authors: Karagouni Glykeria , Protogerou Aimilia , Caloghirou Yannis 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on the emerging concept of autotelic capabilities and their impact on operational capabilities, and in particular, technological capabilities.Design/methodology/approachAutotelic capabilities and their dimensions are discussed since they constitute a novel framework for new venturing in knowledge‐intensive, low‐tech industries. Links among the dimensions of autotelic capabilities and technological capabilities formation are explored, focusing on production technologies.FindingsThe suggested links among autotelic and technological capabilities highlight the need to go beyond individual‐centered explanations of entrepreneurial activities towards the formation of integrated capabilities. They strengthen the assumption that autotelic capabilities exist as higher‐order capabilities in low‐tech but knowledge‐intensive venturing, are very specific, can be managed, and endue new ventures with technological capabilities.Research limitations/implicationsAs it is only a theoretical approach, the hypotheses’ validity needs empirical evaluation and further theory building and development. Research could include the rest of operational capabilities, issues of causalities and the empirical exploration of the concept’s generalizability across a variety of contexts.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurial and/or managerial teams should realize the importance of possessing and further cultivating autotelic capabilities in recognizing technological patterns connecting seemingly unrelated pieces of science and technologies. Intentional and organized cultivation of autotelic capabilities supports competitive new venture creation and sustainable development of both operational and dynamic capabilities.Originality/valueThe paper forms a part of the pioneering autotelic capabilities perspective, developed by the authors, which offers an alternative approach to much conventional entrepreneurial thinking. It is an original contribution to relevant literature, with both theoretical and practical value.
Response to the papers
Authors: Nussbaum Martha C. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis article aims to provide a response to the papers in this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology employed is philosophical.FindingsIn her response, Nussbaum thanks the authors for their contributions and addresses their most salient arguments.Originality/valueNussbaum in this article responds to the papers in this issue ofIJSEand addresses the authors' most salient arguments.
Understanding the outsourcing of facilities management services in Uganda
Authors: Natukunda Cathy M. , Pitt Michael , Nabil Amir 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThis study is aimed at analysing the current procurement practice of facilities management services in Uganda, from which the growth of facilities management in Uganda may be projected.Design/methodology/approachSurvey questionnaires were carried out, along with self‐administered surveys.FindingsIt was discovered that although some organisations insource a number of facilities management services, the majority is outsourced. The analysis showed that the most popularly outsourced services are security and catering. The most common driver for outsourcing was the necessity to gain quality services from another organisation's expertise. For the organisations that procure services in‐house, the most common motivation to do so was the desire to control the service quality and response time.Originality/valueOne of the key conclusions drawn is that the facilities management industry in Uganda – though not officially recognised – exists in a capacity separate to property management. It is a field that shows steady growth in line with the economy.
The shifting sands of support planning
Authors: Williams Val , Porter Sue , Strong Steve 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present a critical analysis of the current issues about support planning within personal budgets (PBs) for disabled and older people.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on data from a round of professional workshops in five local authorities, which represented the first stage of a research study about support planning. Focus group discussions were held with participants from voluntary sector organisations (VSOs), as well as social services participants, and the paper is based on a thematic analysis of those discussions.FindingsWhile there was considerable agreement about the desired outcomes for personal budget users, and the ingredients of good support planning, some major concerns were voiced about current constraints. Budgetary cuts were felt to impinge negatively on support planning, and conflicts were identified for social services between the facilitation of PB users’ choices, and the need to keep budgets limited. Support planning was often being re‐colonised by social services, and VSOs felt that their own role was being curtailed. Some suggestions were made about equalising the power relationships between social services, VSOs and PB users themselves.Originality/valueThese workshops represent five local authority areas which volunteered to take part in research, building on existing good practices in support for PB users. The obstacles they identified are likely to be very general ones, and need to be addressed by strategic solutions at national and local level.
Crowdsourcing: divide the work and share the success
Authors: Britton Constance J. , Level Allison V. , Gardner Melanie A. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe Agriculture Network Information Collaborative (AgNIC) is a voluntary alliance of members working to provide access to agricultural information over the internet. This paper aims to report on a group effort by AgNIC partners to identify institutional repositories with desirable content for metadata harvesting. Once identified, the metadata is captured through an automated harvest and added to a searchable resource database.Design/methodology/approachThe project utilized a crowdsourced approach to the repository review. Partners were invited to participate in a harvest to identify sites with desirable content. A Google Docs accessible spreadsheet containing names and URLs for the target repositories was shared by participants and used to record results.FindingsCrowdsourcing the review of institutional repositories by AgNIC partners was an effective method to complete a web‐resources project. Success was achieved by having a clear goal, defined steps, a shared document for recording results, and a limited time period to execute the project.Originality/valueWhile AgNIC is a highly collaborative group, this crowdsourcing project demonstrated another approach to shared effort.
Philosophy of escapism in the open access world: studying author pay model
Authors: Shah Tariq Ahmad , Gul Sumeer 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the economic perspective in open access publishing. The status of the article processing charges in open access journals is explored and highlighted.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the analysis of journals indexed by Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and the fee structure levied by them as article processing charges (APCs).FindingsOpen access journal publishers have to evolve a mechanism that will share the burden of the authors interested in publishing in OA journals that levy article processing charges.Research limitations/implicationsThe study can act as an eye‐opener for the publishers and associations affiliated with authors to support them and their works in making them publishable in open access journals which charge fees for article publishing. Also, the study can be extended on the basis of economic models that open access journals share in different disciplines and additional work can be carried out to highlight the perception of the authors who are benefitted from article processing charges.Social implicationsAn economic divide between the authors who belong to the developed nations and the authors who reside from third world nations can be bridged.Originality/valueThe study is first of its kind, as it highlights the economic burden that the authors share in a fee‐based open access publishing world.
A lean approach for service productivity improvements: synergy or oxymoron?
Authors: Carlborg Per , Kindström Daniel , Kowalkowski Christian 
Published: June 2013

PurposeService productivity continues to receive ever‐greater amounts of attention as service covers a greater portion of the economy. As competition increases, service productivity becomes increasingly important. This study aims to explore the applicability of lean principles in a service context and to conceptualize how these principles impact service productivity.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a conceptual analysis of the six most commonly used lean principles in manufacturing and their applicability to a service context for different types of services. Using this analysis, six propositions are developed to examine the influence of lean on service productivity.FindingsThis study suggests promising synergies, as well as important obstacles, for applying lean principles in services. Standardizing services and increasing reliability in service processes through lean principles can increase efficiency. However, the customer's active role in certain services and, simultaneously, high diversity make the application of lean principles increasingly difficult. Also, customer satisfaction must be considered when improving service productivity, otherwise the positive long‐term effects of a lean approach in service will be absent.Practical implicationsThese findings are useful for organizations aiming to improve their service productivity. Particularly, lean principles are invaluable to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction for services with low diversity and low customer participation. This paper suggests a direction for the proper use of lean principles for different service types, and how efficiency and customer satisfaction are affected through a lean approach.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the research on service productivity and continues the discussion on prototypic characteristics of service and manufacturing orientations.
Improving the candidate experience
Authors: Carpenter Leigh 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to cover the inaugural UK employment candidate experience awards (The C&Es). It aims to include details of the program, best practice case studies and some of the 2012 C&Es winner success stories.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on research findings from participating organizations that shared data on their candidate experience processes and practices. This also includes research findings from 857 candidates who applied to these organizations. References may also be made to the North American research data – the second year has just concluded – with 90 participating companies and 17,500 candidate responses. Some of the organizations featured include UK winners GE Capital, Risk Management Solution and Avanade, and North American winners Adidas Group and Deloitte.FindingsOrganizations which do not recognize the importance of providing good candidate experience practices will find it increasingly difficult to source the right talent. Candidates expect a return on investment, and time invested will become the currency that fuels their expectations. Their key expectation/requirement will be timely, accurate and transparent communication. A personalized experience, and all that entails, will become the norm.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidenced research findings which were verified by candidates who experienced part or all of the organizations' recruitment processes.
Explaining bullying: using theory to answer practical questions
Authors: Brotheridge Céleste M. 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to build a practical understanding of the workplace bullying process through the perspective of multiple theories.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a number of questions regarding bullying in the workplace that a practitioner, described in the paper, may have. Then, each question is answered through the vantage point of a particular theoretical perspective. In particular, theories are referenced that have not typically been used to explain workplace bullying, but that have proven useful for understanding behavior in other contexts.FindingsThe answers to a number of practical questions are informed by multiple theoretical perspectives on workplace bullying. These questions include why people engage in and persist in bullying others, why certain individuals are targeted by bullies, how targets deal with bullying, and why bullying may be tolerated in organizations. Bullying is complex and multi‐determined. It is, in part, an individual level problem concerning the dyadic relationship between two individuals. In this manner, it can be seen that there are various personality attributes, both strengths and weaknesses, and personal background characteristics at play in the bully‐target relationship. However, it is grounded in a social context, at the team level and more broadly, that permits it to happen and indeed fosters its development. This context includes other individuals in the workplace who support it in some fashion, the work team and the organization itself.Practical implicationsAlthough there are no simple answers, managers and human resource professionals can draw upon the insights that are presented as a means of planning multiple points of intervention in the bullying process.Originality/valueThe paper builds a bridge between theory and practice as a means of connecting researchers and managers. The sampling of theoretical perspectives that are employed answer relevant questions in a coherent manner and, in doing so, provide a unique way of understanding bullying.
Key practice indicators of team integration in construction projects: a review
Authors: Izam Ibrahim Khairil , Costello Seosamh B. , Wilkinson Suzanne 
Published: June 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify, review and classify the key practice indicators of successful team integration in construction projects, with the intention of gaining a greater insight into how they influence team dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThis is a review paper that draws on existing research and, through observation of previous studies, identifies patterns to produce a greater understanding of the indicators affecting team integration in construction projects.FindingsThe review identified 15 key practice indicators of team integration from the literature, which together form the basis for transforming disparate project teams into a highly integrated team. It is argued that although there is an element of interdependence between some of the indicators, for the purpose of defining team integration practice by means of key indicators it is important to consider them independently because each indicator represents a key element of team integration practice. The indicators were classified as either “Relationship Oriented Indicators”, whereby the relationship between project teams is directly influenced through human behaviours, or “Non‐Relationship Oriented”, whereby relationships are indirectly influenced by putting systems or processes in place to promote, or at the very least allow, members of different functions to collaborate.Practical implicationsThe process of integration is a result of a combination of many indicators and this review presents a complete picture of team integration for construction projects developed from past team integration research. It is hoped that the proposed framework will make a contribution by providing the necessary groundwork for further research and development in this area, with the aim of bridging the current gaps in the understanding of team integration in the construction management discipline.Originality/valueAlthough there is a diversity of current thinking on team integration practice in construction projects, there is currently no consolidated set of key indicators embedded in integration practice. This study achieves that while recognising a complex system of interdependency between some of the indicators. It further extends the team integration literature by providing deeper insights into the characterisation and importance of exercising and improving integration practice.
Soil aggregate stability increase is strongly related to fungal community succession along an abandoned agricultural field chronosequence in the Bolivian Altiplano
Authors: Duchicela Jessica , Sullivan Tarah S. , Bontti Eliana , Bever James D. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Soil aggregate stability is an important ecosystem property which deteriorates overtime due to agricultural practices. The cessation of cultivation allows the potential recovery of soil aggregate binding agents such as soil micro‐organisms and biochemical properties. Consequently, an increase in soil aggregate stability is expected. However, this outcome is difficult to predict because the response of each individual soil component and its contribution to soil stability varies.

This study utilized a chronosequence of 12 ex‐arable fields in the Bolivian Altiplano, representing six soil ages of abandonment after cessation of potato cultivation, to examine whether soil aggregate stability increases after abandonment and the extent to which changes in soil bacterial and fungal community composition and soil chemical properties are involved in stability recovery.

Fields with the longest time since disturbance (15 and 20 years) have a greater proportion of water‐stable aggregates than more recently abandoned fields (1 and 3 years) and exhibit larger differences in bacterial and fungal composition. Total N, , C and organic matter also increased with time since the last intensive agricultural practice.

Water‐stable aggregates were strongly correlated with soil fungal community composition. Analysis of covariance is also consistent with the soil fungal community being an important mediator of the recovery of aggregate stability.

Synthesis and applications. Soil aggregate stability increased by 50% over the 20 years following disturbance. This recovery was associated with shifts in soil fungal community composition, as is consistent with fungal mediation of this recovery. Land management strategies focusing on restoration of the soil fungal community may enhance soil aggregate stability, a key aspect for soil conservation, restoration, sustainability of agroecosystems and erosion prevention.
Lights and shadows in the evolutionary patterns of insular bovids
Authors: ROZZI Roberto , PALOMBO Maria Rita 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEndemic bovids are intriguing elements of insular faunas. The living species include the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) and the Formosan serow (C. swinhoei), the tamaraw from Mindoro, Philippines, (Bubalus mindorensis) and the anoas (B. depressicornisandB. quarlesi), 2 species of dwarf buffalos endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Fossil endemic bovids are only recorded in some Asian, North American and Western Mediterranean islands. Here we present a comprehensive overview of the changes in body size and evolutionary patterns exhibited by both extant and extinct insular bovids. Our appraisal indicates that each insular representative of Bovidae shows its own peculiar evolutionary model, albeit some parallel trends exist (e.g. reduction in body size, allometric changes in limb bones, alteration of the life history traits). Some changes in morphology (e.g. the simplification of horn cores, the increase in hypsodonty, the acquisition of a ‘low‐gear’ locomotion), for instance, appear as common, albeit not general, patterns triggered by a combination of selective forces. Body size patterns support the ‘generality of the island rule’ and suggest that biotic interaction had/have a major role in influencing body size evolution in these species, although in different ways on different islands. All things considered, available evidence suggest that a major role in the evolution of insular bovids is played by the structure of the insular community, the nature of available niches and by the dynamics of ecological interactions.
Does Obesity Matter for Wages? Evidence from the United States
Authors: Alauddin Majumder Md. 
Published: June 2013

It is generally claimed that obesity adversely affects wages. This article is devoted to identifying the extent to which the claim is consistent with data. Drawing upon the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97), it examines the effects of obesity on wages by gender and ethnicity. First, an ordinary least squares model is estimated. Second, a fixed‐effects (FE) model is used to remove time invariant unobserved heterogeneity. Finally, the FE specification is further estimated after replacing contemporaneous weight variables by one‐year lags of weight variables to avoid reverse causality. Body mass index (BMI) is used as a continuous measure of weight and BMI splines (BMI ≥ 30 for obese, 30 > BMI ≥ 25 for overweight, 25 > BMI ≥ 18.5 for healthy weight and BMI<18.5 for underweight) are used as binary measures of weight. Lots of variables related to human capital, demographics, family background and personal attitude are controlled for. Findings provide evidence that white males receive a wage premium for higher BMI. Wages of all other ethno‐gender groups seem to remain unaffected by obesity.