bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transforming with levity: humor, leadership, and follower attitudes
Authors: Hughes Larry W. , Avey James B. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis study seeks to offer an empirical test of a model addressing how a leader's humor use will moderate the effects of a transformational leader style on follower attitudes, such as trust, identification, affective commitment, and job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachWorking adults (n=369) participated in a two‐phase data collection of self‐reported attitudes and their perceptions of leadership behavior. Perceptions of transformational leadership and humor were collected at Time 1. Trust, identification, affective commitment, and job satisfaction were collected a week later.FindingsResults demonstrate significant relationships between transformational leadership and trust, identification, affective organizational commitment, and job satisfaction. The moderator effect was only supported in relationships between transformational leadership and both trust and affective commitment, suggesting that transformational leaders who are seen as using more humor rate higher on these outcomes than followers of low humor leaders.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitation of the study is the potential for single source bias in that both perceptions of leader behavior and self‐reported attitudes were measured from the followers' perspectives.Practical implicationsThe findings have several managerial implications. Primarily, a transformational leader who effectively uses humor might expect an effect on the outcomes explored here, but also on more distal results of which the study variables may be theoretically antecedent, such as job performance and turnover.Originality/valueThere has been little research on the influence of a leader's humor use on the relationships between transformational leadership and trust, identification, commitment and job satisfaction. The study augments the extant literature on these relationships.
Motoman markets co‐operative and humanoid industrial robots
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the advantages of two‐arm robots in the industrial environment.Design/methodology/approachThe innovative thinking behind Motoman's dual arm humanoid robot is presented. Then, its technical design and its industrial applications are studied. The general advantages of co‐ordinating multiple robot arms are given.FindingsMotoman has designed a two‐arm robot of human size to take over industrial tasks still performed manually, providing an alternative to the practice of outsourcing such operations to low‐cost labour countries. However, its variance from traditional robot design means that its applications are not immediately apparent, and sales so far have been mostly in Japan. The NX100 multiple robot controller allows high‐density layouts and reduced cycle times, and makes programming simpler than for a cluster of individually controlled robots.Originality/valueHumanoid robots tend to attract hobbyists rather than industrial users. This paper concentrates on a commercially available dual‐arm robot series and its industrial potential.
Developing hardware capability for mobile manipulation by low‐cost humanoid robot (LOCH)
Authors: Xie Ming , Wang Lei , Linbo Xian , Li Jing , Yang Hejin , Song Chengsen , Zhang Li 
Published: October 2009

PurposeAutonomous mobile manipulation depends on a lot of effort at various levels. In general, the hardware design is as important as algorithm (or software) design. In particular, the absence of certain capabilities of hardware can seriously affect the feasibility and performance of algorithms. The purpose of this paper is to present work on developing hardware capability for mobile manipulation by low‐cost humanoids (LOCH) humanoid robot.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents research work on developing the hardware support which enables vision‐guided mobile manipulation realized on top of a biped humanoid robot called LOCH. One important goal which guides the development is to achieve the hardware capability with human‐like dexterity, modularity, functionality, and appearance.FindingsThis paper discusses the detail of solutions leading to the realization of the intended hardware capability, focusing in particular on the issues related to mechanism, actuation, distributed sensing, and distributed control of humanoid head, humanoid hands and humanoid arms. Finally, the paper shows the result of the actual prototype, which can be controlled by a remote control station through wireless connection.Research limitations/implicationsIn designing a machine, it is common to do motor‐sizing and material selection. Since these are standard procedures, these details are omitted because readers with the training in mechanical engineering should be able to work out such details in order to select the appropriate motors and materials. Also, this paper does not delve into the description of the biped system of LOCH humanoid, because such work requires another long paper in order to reveal major details.Originality/valueThis paper presents the major detail of research efforts toward developing hardware capabilities for achieving autonomous mobile manipulation by LOCH humanoid robot, focusing on three important modules, namely: perception head, human‐like hands, and arms. The uniqueness of this work is twofold. First, LOCH humanoid robot's perception head has the most versatile sensing capabilities, which are fully integrated into a compact and human‐like head. Second, each of LOCH humanoid robot's hands has 14 degrees of freedom, which are realized within a mechanism which is of human‐hand size and shape. In addition, the perception head, humanoid hands and humanoid arms are seamlessly integrated together owing to the adoption of a distributed system which supports networked sensing and control through the use of both control area network bus and transmission control protocol/internet protocol internet.
Robotic transtibial prosthesis with biomechanical energy regeneration
Authors: Hitt Joseph , Sugar Thomas , Holgate Matthew , Bellman Ryan , Hollander Kevin 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a project which seeks to develop a new generation of powered prostheses based on lightweight, uniquely tuned, energy‐storing elastic elements in series with optimal actuator systems that will significantly reduce the peak power requirement of the motor and the total system energy requirement while providing the amputee 100 percent of required “push‐off” power and ankle sagittal plane range‐of‐motion comparable to able‐bodied gait.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the design, power, and energy‐efficiency analyses, and the results of a five‐month trial with one trans‐tibial amputee subject as part of the first phase of the Spring Ankle with Regenerative Kinetics project.FindingsThe data show that by leveraging uniquely tuned springs and transmission mechanisms, motor power is easily amplified more than four fold and the electric energy requirement is cut in half compared with traditional approaches.Originality/valueThis paper describes an energy efficient, powered transtibial prosthesis currently unavailable commercially. Motor power and energy requirements are reduced with use of a unique design that employs regenerative kinetics.
Path planning using hybrid grid representation on rough terrain
Authors: Gu Jiajun , Cao Qixin 
Published: October 2009

PurposePath planning approaches based on conventional occupancy grid maps are problematic in off‐road environment because impossible areas include not only obstacles but also landscapes like ramps and pits. The purpose of this paper is to develop a path planning method in a hybrid grid map, which aims to provide a better solution for outdoor navigation.Design/methodology/approachA hybrid vision system which consists of one stereo vision and one omnidirectional vision is adopted to provide environmental information for 2.5D grid and 2D grid mapping, respectively. An improved planning method originated from conventional D*‐based search algorithm is proposed for more efficient navigation in such hybrid grid maps.FindingsIt is confirmed by simulations and experiments that the path planning in the hybrid grid map is more efficient than that in conventional grid maps. Furthermore, it helps to guarantee a safe exploration for field and planetary robots.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a path planning approach in a hybrid grid map representing unstructured environment. The map consists of two different grid representations with diverse resolutions and structures, named 2.5D and 2D grids. The navigation process is expected to become efficient by reducing the replanning times and track length.
Back to Bourgeois? French social policy and the idea of solidarity
Authors: Béland Daniel 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing literature on the policy impact of ideas and related cultural and discursive processes by exploring the historical embeddedness of the idea of solidarity in French social policy debates.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a qualitative, historical approach that traces the development of – and the relationship between – policy ideas and social programs over time.FindingsFirst, exploring the work of reformer and politician Léon Bourgeois, the paper investigates the emergence of this concept in nineteenth and early twentieth century France. Second, analyzing the work of centrist scholar and intellectual Pierre Rosanvallon, the paper studies the French debate on solidarity and welfare state reform in the late 1980s and 1990s.Originality/valueAt the broadest level, this paper shows that contemporary social policy debates are grounded in long‐term historical as well as cultural processes and repertoires. Policy ideas that acquire the status of culturally resonant “keywords” can have a long history, and tracing their development is necessary to illuminate the role of ideas in contemporary social policy change.
Dialectics in socio‐scientific inquiry: Islam contra Occident
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study dialectical methodology as a scientific reasoning process in Islam comparatively with mainstream philosophy of science.Design/methodology/approachComparative discursive method of inquiry using the language of philosophy of science and abstract mathematization (limited use).FindingsThis is a theoretical paper of an intellectual category, which presents the arguments within the framework of the principle of universal and pervasive complementarities as the evidential sign of the epistemology of unity of knowledge studied through functional ontological logical formalism.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical nature of an argumentative paper is at best a foundation one rather than an empirical one.Practical implicationsAn example of the Islamic dialectical methodology of unity of knowledge is applied to socioeconomic development in Islamic perspective.Originality/valueThere is believed to be no other paper on Islam and its dialectical methodology in scientific reasoning compared to the theory of dialectics in mainstream philosophy of science in the contemporary literature.
Low‐income families: experiences and responses to consumer exclusion
Authors: Hamilton Kathy 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on low‐income families who are excluded from consumer culture. It explores their experiences and responses to material deprivation, social deprivation and stigmatization.Design/methodology/approachGiven the need for identification and calculation of exclusion thresholds to be supplemented by the voice of the excluded themselves, the study is based on qualitative analysis of 30 in‐depth interviews with low‐income families who encounter consumption constraints in the marketplace.FindingsWhile the harsh realities of consumer exclusion cannot be denied, findings also present a more positive outlook as excluded consumers can achieve empowerment through employment of stigma management strategies, creative consumer coping and rejection of the stigmatizing regime.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is based only on families with children under the age of 18; future research on older people and exclusion would prove a useful comparison.Practical implicationsThe research raises a number of important policy issues in relation to social barriers to inclusion and the role of marketing in contributing to consumer exclusion.Originality/valueSocial policy studies surrounding social exclusion in terms of separation from mainstream society tend to focus on employment. This paper highlights that a social exclusion discourse can also provide a useful perspective to investigate exclusion in relation to consumerism.
A typology of coordination strategy in multi‐organizational product development
Authors: Hong Yunsook , Pearson John N. , Carr Amelia S. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore a manufacturer's strategy to coordinate efforts of multiple suppliers' involvement in the product development process. The paper also proposes critical factors in determining the appropriate coordination strategy.Design/methodology/approachBased on the synthesis of the literature and relevant theories, a typology of coordination strategies is developed. Propositions are developed pertaining to the performance implications of the coordination strategies and the key determinants of the effectiveness of the coordination strategies.FindingsFour ideal types of coordination strategies are: centralized‐programming, centralized‐feedback, decentralized‐programming, and decentralized‐feedback. Prior research and recently reported industry examples indicate that a manufacturer's coordination with multiple suppliers varies in terms of the information‐processing structure and thelocusof control. The effectiveness of a manufacturer's coordination strategies is influenced by the extent of component modularity, product complexity, technology uncertainty, and the technical capability of suppliers.Practical implicationsThe four coordination strategies involve trade‐offs on certain performance dimensions. Decentralized‐programming promotes process efficiency, while centralized‐feedback facilitates problem solving. Centralized‐programming favors integrative product design, while decentralized‐feedback favors innovation from supplier's technical expertise.Originality/valueWhile research on supplier involvement in product development has primarily focused on a single supplier's integration in the process, this paper extends understanding of multi‐organizational coordination by applying information‐processing decision‐making theories to the product development context.
Performance management and the outsourcing process
Authors: McIvor Ronan , Humphreys Paul , McKittrick Alan , Wall Tony 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the applicability of a number of performance management techniques in the outsourcing process, in a business services context.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured outsourcing framework, performance management techniques are applied in a financial services organisation over a three‐year period. A case study approach is employed to undertake the research, which involved the research team engaging directly with the organisation throughout the outsourcing process.FindingsApplying performance management techniques in the outsourcing process is challenging in a number of areas including comparison difficulties, incomplete information and inadequate performance management systems. However, benchmarking and cost analysis are useful mechanisms for improving performance, and reducing costs via internal process redesign or outsourcing. Performance management techniques can be employed to remove inefficiencies from processes both prior to outsourcing and during the outsourcing relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThere are a number of limitations of the research approach including gaining full participation from the company, having access to all relevant company information and time constraints.Practical implicationsThe research findings highlight the implications of applying performance management techniques in a practical outsourcing setting. As well as identifying the challenges, the research highlights the value of integrating critical success factors, cost analysis, benchmarking and other performance management techniques into the outsourcing process.Originality/valueThere are few studies in the literature of applying performance management techniques in the outsourcing process at an operation's level. The findings have identified the challenges and benefits of performance management techniques in the outsourcing process. The findings have highlighted the importance of operations management concepts such as performance management, operations strategy, business improvement and process re‐design to services outsourcing, and the need for further research in this area by operations management scholars.
Operations management associations in Europe – a history
Authors: Karlsson Christer , Voss Chris 
Published: October 2009

PurposeIn 2009, the European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) celebrates its 15th anniversary and its precursor, the UK OMA, its 25th anniversary. The purpose of this paper is to review the origins and foundations of today's EurOMA and how it has progressed to being a vibrant and successful organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe review draws on archived documents, especially newsletters and board minutes, as well as memories of all of those involved.FindingsThe review shows an important evolution from two groups of like minded individuals, through building annual conferences and brings these together as one. It then shows how it has evolved both through formalisation of its activities, building international links and, most importantly, developing a portfolio of activities to develop and support young researchers.Research limitations/implicationsWhere records are not available, the paper draws on individual memories of events from a long time ago.Originality/valueAs well as providing an invaluable record, it can provide a model for the development of similar organisations.
Patterns of vendor‐managed inventory: findings from a multiple‐case study
Authors: Kauremaa Jouni , Småros Johanna , Holmström Jan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to address two questions: what kinds of benefits are realized from a vendor‐managed inventory (VMI) program (operational, i.e. efficiency related, vs strategic, i.e. sales related) and how the benefits are shared at the dyad level (suppliers vs buyers).Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an exploratory multiple case study with data from five operational VMI dyads, evaluating both buyer and supplier perspectives.FindingsThree empirically grounded patterns of VMI are proposed. Five contextual inhibitors of VMI impacts are suggested.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework presented has been generated from a relatively small number of cases. Threats to external validity have been mitigated with case selection from multiple operational contexts and grounding findings in prior literature.Practical implicationsUsing the conceptualization, potential VMI adopters can set more realistic and explicit implementation targets. The suggested contextual factors will help to design more appropriate VMI systems.Originality/valuePast research on VMI can be mainly characterized by modeling/simulation approaches, focus on operational efficiency implications, and concern with impacts to buyers. In contrast, empirical studies on the actual impacts and dyad‐level reasons considering also the strategic (sales related) motivations for implementing VMI are few. This study contributes by suggesting how VMI is in some instances motivated not by bilateral interests to develop a supply chain, but by unilateral interests, with buyers searching for effortless purchasing, and suppliers for a means to lock in and secure sales.
Critical success factors for B2B e‐commerce use within the UK NHS pharmaceutical supply chain
Authors: Cullen Andrea J. , Taylor Margaret 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine those factors perceived by users to influence the successful on‐going use of e‐commerce systems in business‐to‐business (B2B) buying and selling transactions through examination of the views of individuals acting in both purchasing and selling roles within the UK National Health Service (NHS) pharmaceutical supply chain.Design/methodology/approachLiterature from the fields of operations and supply chain management (SCM) and information systems (IS) is used to determine candidate factors that might influence the success of the use of e‐commerce. A questionnaire based on these is used for primary data collection in the UK NHS pharmaceutical supply chain. Factor analysis is used to analyse the data.FindingsThe paper yields five composite factors that are perceived by users to influence successful e‐commerce use. “System quality,” “information quality,” “management and use,” “world wide web – assurance and empathy,” and “trust” are proposed as potential critical success factors. Of these, all respondents ranked information quality, system quality, and trust as being of most importance, but differences in the rankings between purchasing and selling respondents are evident.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical study is limited to a single supply network, and although the findings seem intuitively to be of relevance to other sectors and supply contexts, there remains an opportunity to test this through further research. There is also an opportunity to extend the survey research, particularly into the wholesaler organisations that operate in the sector of study.Practical implicationsThe managerial implications that result from this research provide practical guidance to organisations in this sector on how to ensure that e‐commerce systems for B2B buying and selling are used successfully.Originality/valueThis paper furthers knowledge and understanding in the fields of operations management, IS, and SCM, by suggesting potential determinants of successful e‐commerce use in both buying and selling organisations within supply networks.
The viability of Fiji's sugar industry
Authors: Mahadevan Renuka 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the impact of various socio‐economic factors on the viability of sugar production by focusing on the technical efficiency of farm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe examination is undertaken by empirically estimating the random coefficient production frontier using farm level data. The paper uses Fiji as a case study.FindingsIn general, farmers produced 25 per cent less than their potential output. Among the farm inputs, land (labour) was the most (least) efficiently used input. Empirical evidence also suggests that large‐scale farming should be seriously considered by amalgamating land leases. Lastly, sugar reform can be successful with the use of appropriate best farming techniques to improve cane yield, and if there is successful expansion of sugar‐related products.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to estimate the random coefficient frontier model that enables the examination of overall technical efficiency of the farm as well as input‐specific technical efficiency for improved policy formulation.