bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The research skill factor as a cause for high postgraduate attrition rate
Authors: Ssegawa J.K. , Rwelamila P.D. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims in the first part to document experiences encountered in dealing with challenges facing students embarking on their postgraduate research journey. It gives a brief background on the consequences for not being able to handle properly the research processes. It also identifies factors that contribute to postgraduate attrition and long completion periods focusing on the perceived major contributor to problem – the lack of skills in research on the part of students especially in the early part of the research process. Second, the paper aims to describe and discuss the proposed framework for approaching the research project definition and design process in a systematic and logical manner after formulating a research framework.Design/methodology/approachExperience recording method is used by reflecting on the authors' supervision experience at honours, masters and doctoral level. A reflection on these experiences is compared with good practices in research approaches to identify gaps which need to be addressed. The second part of the paper is used as a building block in producing a fully fledged research proposal. Two tasks forming the backbone of writing a research proposal at post framework are at the centre of this paper – developing an outline of literature review and the actual writing of the proposal.FindingsIt is clearly established that major reasons for the problems facing student researchers are the lack of hands‐on skills in the research process on the part of students especially in the early part of the research process (research definition and design) and hence the need for a facilitative framework. The second part of the paper discusses in detail the three main components of the research proposal. Finally, the paper reveals the “final picture” of the research proposal made out of the three components, and an emphasis is put on the need to treat the proposal as a plan which is highly likely to change depending on the research environment forces faced by researchers as they embark on the research journey in the post proposal phase.Originality/valueThe original value is two‐fold. First, there is an opportunity for educators to identify common problems facing student researchers, hence this information could be used when supervising student researchers. Furthermore, the student has an opportunity to understand the dynamics of research approaches and this provides a good base to avoid bad practices. Second, the paper provides solutions towards overcoming typical problems, and this will help both educators and student researchers to manage the dynamics of research processes. The proposed research framework in order to facilitate the research thought process in a more systematic, logical and integrated manner is an encompassing recommendation which should be used by educators and research students.
Effects of grain size on mechanical properties of nanostructured copper alloy by severe plastic deformation (SPD) process
Authors: Sanusi K.O. , Oliver G.J. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeSevere plastic deformation (SPD) has provided new opportunities in investigations of enhanced mechanical properties like high strength and ductility by permitting grain refinement to a nanometer level, especially ultra‐fine grained and nanocrystalline metals and alloys. These materials have been attracting more and more research interest during the past few decades due to scientific curiosity and their engineering potentials with a significant advancement in their understanding. The purpose of this paper is to find the relationship between processing, structures and properties of these novel materials with the ultimate goal of producing a model to account for the grain size changes at the nano‐scale.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, specimens with various grain sizes from 23 to 80 μm are obtained via processing by SPD, using equal channel angular press (ECAP) technique. The effect of grain size on the hardness properties of nanostructured copper alloy has been investigated using micro‐hardness testing of the samples to test the mechanical properties of this material.FindingsThe results reveal that the copper alloys processed by SPD using ECAP technique after various passes differ in the grain size and mechanical properties. The hardness test exhibits grained size dependence according to Hall‐Petch relationship from room temperature. The increase in the hardness with number of passages suggest increasing in strain during deformation, as the passes increase the smaller grain size can be produced.Originality/valueThe paper usefully shows how nanostructured materials by SPD technique will offer a possible solution to the problem of using light metals for certain applications by increasing the strength of materials which could be used in structures where previously strength requirement in various industries, including such as, for example, transportation, medical devices and electronics. Understanding the relationship between processing, structures and properties will enhance the performance of metals and alloys in a target application which is important in improving the mechanical properties of engineering materials that are necessary fundamental for applications of lightweight materials and structures. The influences of structural parameters, such as grain size, grain shape on plastic deformation which is important parameters in study the mechanical properties of nanostructured materials.
An empirical study of green supply chain management practices amongst UK manufacturers
Authors: Holt Diane , Ghobadian Abby 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the extent and nature of greening the supply chain (SC) in the UK manufacturing sector; and the factors that influence the breadth and depth of this activity.Design/methodology/approachBased on the findings from a sample of manufacturing organisations drawn from the membership of The Chartered Institute for Purchasing and Supply. Data are collected using a questionnaire, piloted and pre‐tested before distribution with responses from 60 manufacturing companies.FindingsOn average manufacturers perceive the greatest pressure to improve environmental performance through legislation and internal drivers (IDs). The least influential pressures are related to societal drivers and SC pressures from individual customers. Green supply chain management (GSCM) practices amongst this “average” group of UK manufacturing organisations are focusing on internal, higher risk, descriptive activities, rather than proactive, external engagement processes. Environmental attitude (EA) is a key predictor of GSCM activity and those organisations that have a progressive attitude are also operationally very active. EA shows some relationship to legislative drivers but other factors are also influential. Operational activity may also be moderated by organisational contingencies such as risk, size, and nationality.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation to this paper is the relatively small manufacturing sample.Practical implicationsThis paper presents a series of constructs that identify GSCM operational activities companies to benchmark themselves against. It suggests which factors are driving these operational changes and how industry contingencies may be influential.Originality/valueThis paper explores what is driving environmental behaviour amongst an “average” sample of manufacturers, what specific management practices take place and the relationships between them.
Factors affecting the success of world class manufacturing implementation in less developed countries
Authors: Eid Riyad 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify a comprehensive set of potential determinants influencing the successful implementation of world class manufacturing (WCM) in a less‐developed country environment on the basis of a research conducted among manufacturing firms in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachData for this paper are collected using a self‐administrated questionnaire that is distributed to 200 Egyptian manufacturing firms. Of the 200 questionnaires posted, a total of 96 questionnaires are returned and used for the analysis. The respondents express their opinions concerning the importance of subsequent factors for implementation success and about the factors' presence in their manufacturing firms. Moreover, the impact of the factors on the implementation success is examined.FindingsThe challenge for the Egyptian manufacturers today is to advance their manufacturing activities. To address this challenge the Egyptian manufacturing firms need to understand what are the factors that play critical role in utilising the WCM techniques and their implications on business strategic objective to compete successfully in the global arena. This paper discusses the above issues and proposes seven critical factors classified into two categories and validated empirically through a sample of 96 companies being surveyed in Egypt. The results clearly demonstrate that WCM strategic and tactical success factors have catalytic influence on WCM success.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to empirically test and refine the proposed factors, and to explore relationships among the various variables by collecting data from organisations that have already implemented WCM.Practical implicationsThe research outcomes are useful for professionals who lead WCM implementation and those who make decisions for the first time on WCM implementation. The results can be used by practitioners while managing the project and handling people's attitudes.Originality/valueThis paper proves the influence of particular factors on the success of WCM implementation in certain circumstances, thus giving insight into the genuine mechanisms determining WCM implementation outcome.
Agility through rapid prototyping technology in a manufacturing environment using a 3D printer
Authors: Vinodh S. , Sundararaj G. , Devadasan S.R. , Kuttalingam D. , Rajanayagam D. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of rapid prototyping (RP) technology using three dimensional (3D) printer for infusing agility in traditional manufacturing environment.Design/methodology/approachThe computer aided design (CAD) model of a knob of an electronics switch is developed using Pro/E software. Keeping this model as a reference, CAD models of new six knobs are developed. A 3D printer is used to build the prototypes of five of those CAD models. The receptivity of the practitioners over adopting CAD models and 3D printer for achieving agility is investigated.FindingsThe sensitisation of the industry captains and employees of traditional manufacturing sector is the imperative for exploiting the power of 3D printer and achieving mass customisation.Originality/valueThe paper reports an original research in which the practicality of using 3D printer is investigated with the objective of enabling the traditional manufacturing companies to imbibe agile characteristics.
Considering connectivity in operations journals
Authors: Piercy Niall , Caldwell Nigel , Rich Nick 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the coverage of identified topics that represent three key themes of change in management practice. These themes, focused on the new interconnected modern business operation, consist of: cross‐functional or process‐based working, supply networks, and systems thinking. The paper seeks to examine the coverage of these themes in operations journals as a proxy to determine how well the academic operations community is adapting to the interconnected business world.Design/methodology/approachTwo separate lists compiled to rank the quality of operations journals (one based in the UK, the other in the USA) are used to structure a search for keywords representing the identified connectivity themes in the identified “top” leading operations journals to determine how well the different topics are covered. The term “operations” is intended to refer to the related specialities of both operations management and operations research.FindingsFindings indicate overall very weak coverage of the three connectivity topics. Systems thinking was best represented. However, this representation was not in operations management journals but predominantly operations research sources. Both supply network and cross‐functional working were poorly represented as topics more generally. The implication of the findings is that the operations literature has yet to embrace key issues of connectivity and greater attention should therefore be paid to these areas to better inform business practice.Originality/valueTo the best of one's knowledge no such study of this type or breadth has been previously conducted.
An instrument for the self‐appraisal of scientific research performance
Authors: Ryan James C. , Awais Tipu Syed 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings related to an instrument for the self‐appraisal of scientists' research performance, and highlight the suitability of self‐appraisal instruments for members of the scientific community.Design/methodology/approachAn examination of the literature on self‐appraisal and the measurement of scientific research is presented. The initial development of the instrument employed qualitative methods through interview and discussions with PhD‐qualified scientific researchers (n=13). A quantitative investigation of the usefulness of the instrument was then conducted on a sample of biological and chemical research scientists (n=270). Results were compared with an existing performance measure and examined for representative reliability.FindingsResults suggest that the instrument may be a reliable measure of research performance when used in a non‐critical context.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the instrument shows promise, further research is needed to examine aspects of inter‐rater reliability. Additional research is also needed to further examine relationships between it and other measures of research performance at the same level of analysis. While the usefulness and validity of this instrument at the “international level” has been examined, further research is needed to examine the relative validity and reliability of the instrument at the “institutional” and “national” levels.Practical implicationsThe instrument provides a useful and cost‐effective tool for use in the performance appraisal process of research scientists, and for use in focusing discussion on performance for developmental purposes. It is also useful as a research tool for the timely and cost‐effective measurement of research performance at an institutional, national and international level.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original paper and pencil instrument for the appraisal of scientific research performance at an institutional, national, and international level.
Performance improvement possibilities within the US airline industry
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Johnson Kevin L. , Lai Steven T. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze some of the issues US airlines are facing to control costs and improve operations.Design/methodology/approachA detailed comparison of two major airlines (American Airlines and Southwest Airlines) is performed to identify key differences and to confirm the areas on which airlines need to focus improvement efforts. Cause and effect diagrams are used to identify the factors triggering the issues. Process analysis is also used to offer improvements to reduce costs and improve customer service. Analysis is based on publicly available airline and industry information.FindingsRevenue, costs, growing economic concerns and an extremely competitive environment are the major areas on which airlines need to focus to be successful. Recommendations are offered in these areas. Owing to the impact of the internet and travel consolidators such as Expedia, revenue increases are challenging, but suggestions are tendered to improve this area.Originality/valueThe study may cause airline management to consider the operational improvement possibilities that are still available within their industry. Be they major network carriers or growing low cost carriers, potential opportunities are identified for improved operational profitability, while maintaining and enhancing customer service. The use of process analysis can provide insights into the inefficiencies which exist within current processes and place more emphasis on demand pull type processes which require forecasting operational schedules.
The impact of public and private sector transparency on foreign direct investment in developing countries
Authors: Seyoum Belay , Manyak Terrell G. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of public and private transparency in attracting inward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study tests the hypothesis that developing countries with low levels of public and private sector transparency attract lower levels of FDI inflows. It also tests the hypotheses that private sector transparency in developing countries has a greater impact on inward FDI than public sector transparency. A cross‐sectional model was tested for 58 developing countries (using regression analysis) over the 2003‐2006 period.FindingsThe empirical analysis shows that: private sector transparency has a significant and positive effect on inward FDI flows to developing countries; public sector transparency has a positive and significant effect on FDI inflows; and private sector transparency has a greater influence on FDI inflows to developing countries than public sector transparency.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the impact of different forms of transparency on FDI. Existing studies tend to examine the subject in a separate fashion without considering their joint effect on foreign investment inflows.
Personal reflections on attending the Australian Grand Prix
Authors: Cairns George 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to prompt critical reflection on the relationship between international business (IB) and climate change by reference to an example at the margins of IB. The author reflects on personal experience of attending the Australian Grand Prix. Being heavily involved, with others, in research into the social, environmental and economic impacts of climate change in Australia and across Asia Pacific he has reason to be personally reflective on the environmental impacts of Formula 1 and other forms of motor sport. These impacts are both direct, in relation to the racing cars' energy consumption and emissions, and indirect, with regard to spectator, sponsor and support show contributions to carbon emissions.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on personal reflection on experienced events, critical consideration of the discourse of Formula 1 emanating from the organizations involved and associated with it, and consideration of criticism of motor sport as anathema.FindingsReflecting on the nature and impact of Formula 1 racing and its associated events, and on different possible responses to its negative impact on climate and environment, the paper considers internal initiatives to change the nature of its resource consumption. However, the paper also sees that these changes may be largely symbolic within a global business framework in which such moves represent mere “tinkering at the edges” of a major problem to which there is no real solution under current and foreseeable socio‐economic conditions.Originality/valueIn considering various options for “greening” Formula 1, including current projects to reduce its resource inputs and emissions outputs to the extreme of banning it – and similar activities – outright, the paper ponders the (im)possibility of “greening” any organization that is embedded in resource consumption.
A non‐constant weight code approach for fast link assessment in multihop wireless mesh networks
Authors: Prasad Rajesh , Nelavelli Ravi , Wu Hongyi 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a novel link assessment scheme where the link assessment packets are transmitted efficiently according to a set of non‐constant weight codes, which achieves low collision probability within a short link assessment period.Design/methodology/approachEach node considers the actual nodal degree while choosing the codeword for its link assessment. A link assessment procedure is designed and a set of theorems established that provide the necessary condition for successful link assessment.FindingsThe wireless mesh network (WMN) is experiencing tremendous growth with the standardization of IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.16 technologies. Compared to its wired counterpart, the resource of the WMN is limited. Worst yet, the wireless link quality is time and space varying, depending on the environment and interference. In order to make efficient use of the scarce channel resource during topology formation, scheduling and routing, it is vital to understand the quality of the links in the WMN (in terms of, e.g. probability of successful transmission or signal to noise ratio (SNR)). The existing approaches for link assessment consume substantial amount of time and thus introduce significant delay and overhead. Extensive simulations show that the proposed approach reduces link assessment delay by over 70 percent compared to the OOC‐based approach.Practical implicationsThis scheme can help in faster link assessment and can lead to better routing, scheduling which contributes to higher throughput and better bandwidth utilization in any WMN.Originality/valueThe scheme defined in this paper can help in faster link assessment in WMN.
Performance comparison of advanced antenna systems for wireless mesh routers in an outdoor environment
Authors: Babich Fulvio , Comisso Massimiliano , Manià Lucio 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the low‐cost switched‐beam antennas and the more expensive adaptive antennas in a wireless mesh network (WMN) scenario.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical framework is adopted in order to determine, for the two antenna systems, the number of sustainable simultaneous communications and the achievable throughput of a backbone WMN in a realistic outdoor environment.FindingsThe paper includes a thorough examination of benefits and crucial implementation issues concerning the adoption multiple antennas on mesh routers.Originality/valueThe paper investigates the relationship between the antenna system and the adopted channel coding technique, to determine the set‐up that may offer the best compromise between performance and complexity.