bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of nutritional composition and anti‐nutrient status of fermented, germinated and roasted bambara groundnut seeds (vigna subterranea)
Authors: Steve Ijarotimi Oluwole , Ruth Esho Taiwo 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to demonstrate that the nutritional composition of bambara groundnut (BG) seeds can be influenced when subjected to three traditional processing methods (i.e. fermentation, roasting, and germination).Design/methodology/approachProximate, minerals, amino acids and antinutritional factors of each of the processed food samples were investigated using AOAC methods. The results of the study were as follows: For the proximate analysis, moisture content ranged between: 1.50‐2.16 g/100 g; fat 6.02‐6.57 g/100 g; protein 20.00‐20.49 g/100 g; ash 1.17‐3.46 g/100 g; carbohydrate 65.82‐68.74 g/100 g and energy 400.2‐412.18kcal. For the minerals composition, calcium ranged between 14.12± 0.01‐18.26±0.01 mg/100 g, potassium 57.61±0.01‐80.62±0.02 mg/100 g, magnesium 50.47± 0.01‐69.34±0.02 mg/100 g, sodium 19.05±0.01‐25.97±0.01 mg/100 g, iron 0.15±0.01‐0.48± 0.01 mg/100 g, selenium 0.00±0.00‐0.21±0.01 mg/100 g and phosphorus 164.73±0.01‐187.13± 0.01 mg/100 g, while the Ca/P and Na/K ratios of the food samples range between 0.10±0.01‐0.19±0.01 and 0.30±0.01‐0.35±0.01 respectively. The total amino acid and percentage of total essential amino acid for children and adults were higher in germinated BG seed flour than fermented and roasted BG flour respectively.FindingsThe findings were that the antinutritional content of fermented bambara groundnut seed flour was low compared with germinated and roasted bambara groundnut seed flour.Research limitations/implicationsThe protein content of fermented bambara groundnut flour was higher and also had a low level of antinutritional factors compared with other processed bambara groundnut flour. In view of these, further study may be conducted to establish the suitability of incorporating the fermented bambara groundnut flour into weaning food.Originality/valueThe study showed that these traditional processing methods, that is, fermentation, germination and roasting, influenced the nutritional composition of bambara groundnut seeds.
Author self‐citation pattern in science
Authors: Reza Davarpanah Mohammad , Amel Farzaneh 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the author self‐citation behavior in four disciplines: electronic engineering, general and internal medicine, organic chemistry and plant sciences.Design/methodology/approachBy using SCI and random stratified method 1,000 articles were analysed as a sample in the four disciplines during 2004‐2006.FindingsIt was found that about 60 per cent of the articles in the four disciplines' literature contained at least one self‐citation. Four disciplines all showed skewed distributions of articles citation rates, either self‐citation or other citations. Organic chemistry articles had the highest self‐citations than the other disciplines. Share of self‐citation decreases with growing time window. The expected self‐citation rate increased with growing number of citation, co‐authorship and author productivity.Originality/valueThe outcomes of this study suggest that self‐citation indicators should be used as supplementary indicators in evaluative bibliometrics.
Common sense in philosophical and scientific perspective
Authors: Redekop Benjamin W. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deepen our understanding of the philosophical and scientific pedigree of the concept of “common sense”, and explore the implications for managerial decision‐makers.Design/methodology/approachAfter examining the management literature on this topic, a brief history of the notion and philosophy of common sense is followed by a review of recent findings in cognitive science and other fields and a discussion of implications for managerial decision‐making.FindingsThe notion of common sense has a stable perceptual basis in the makeup of the human mind, as has been shown by philosophers and scientists. Common sense intuitions serve as the basis for making sense of the world: visual perception, scientific reasoning, language, psychology, mathematics, and moral judgments are all rooted in “mental hardware” of common sense. While it is a necessary element of human cognition, common sense can nevertheless lead us astray if we are unaware of its contours and limitations, which are outlined in this paper.Practical implicationsUnderstanding that the mind comes equipped with a host of common sense mental instincts will have an impact on both one's own decision‐making processes, and how decision‐makers attempt to influence others.Originality/valueBased on original research as well as literature from a variety of disciplines, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the philosophical and scientific pedigree of “common sense” and its implications for decision‐makers.
Magnetic fluid‐based squeeze film between porous rotating rough circular plates
Authors: Patel Himanshu , Deheri Gunamani M. , Patel Rakesh M. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study and analyze the effect of roughness and magnetic fluid lubricant on the performance of the squeeze film formed when the upper plate with a porous facing approaches an impermeable and flat lower plate by considering the rotation of the plates.Design/methodology/approachThe roughness of the bearing surface is modeled by a stochastic random variable with non‐zero mean, variance and skewness. The associated Reynolds' equation is stochastically averaged with respect to the random roughness parameter. Results for bearing performance characteristics such as load‐carrying capacity and response time for various values of mean, standard deviation and measure of symmetry are numerically computed. The results are presented graphically as well as in tabular form.FindingsIt is observed that the bearing suffers owing to the transverse surface roughness. However, negatively skewed roughness may enhance the performance of the bearing system for suitable values of variance. It is also seen that rotation decreases the load‐carrying capacity but it has marginal influence in the presence of the magnetic fluid. Further, the performance of the bearing system registers a steady improvement with the increasing values of the magnetization parameter. In addition, the response time follows the trends of the load‐carrying capacity.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper lies in the fact that the roughness must be accounted for while designing the bearing system, even though a suitable rotation ratio parameter is chosen in the presence of a strong magnetic fluid. Of course, the best performance of the bearing system is registered in the case of negatively skewed roughness.
Making mentoring stick: a case study
Authors: Karallis Takis , Sandelands Eric 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a case study of the mentoring process within Kentz Engineers & Constructors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reflects the experiences of those leading the mentoring process within Kentz with insights extracted from a process of action, reflection and live experimentation.FindingsThe paper concludes that mentoring is effective in the early stages of careers, but that care needs to be taken to ensure that organization‐wide mentoring programmes achieve their objectives.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are based on the experiences of one company and further research would be needed in order to generalize from these findings.Originality/valueThe mentoring process analysed is unique to Kentz Engineers & Constructors, drawing on lessons from the broader literature. Published papers from the construction industry are rare in comparison with other market sectors.
Addressing South Africa's engineering skills gaps
Authors: Hall Jonathan , Sandelands Eric 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a case study of how engineering skills gaps are being addressed by Murray & Roberts in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on skills challenges in South Africa from a reflective practitioner perspective, exploring a case example from an industry leader.FindingsThe paper explores how Murray & Roberts, within the context of the broader construction industry in South Africa, has addressed skills shortages with an integrated, multi‐faceted approach with more general application.Research limitations/implicationsThe integrated approach to labour mobilization and development proposed has been successful in addressing major infrastructure construction projects. Further research will be needed to establish its broader application.Originality/valueThe paper pragmatically addresses live skills challenges, exploring creative solutions to the scarcity of skilled construction labour experience.
Same time, next year?
Authors: Ainsworth Susan , Purss Alice 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics between management approach, human resource systems and practices, and responses of seasonal workers.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing literature on contingent workers focusing on seasonal workers in particular, this paper presents a case study of how seasonal work is managed in a specific organisational context.FindingsThere is a noticeable gap between the organisation's initial approach to human resource management (during recruitment and induction) and the way employees are actually managed during the course of their employment. While seasonal employees may have low levels of organisational commitment as a consequence, nevertheless their commitment to colleagues, supervisors, and in some cases, clients has side‐benefits for the organisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a single case study and has illustrative value. The characteristics of seasonal work described in the case reflect a specific industry and organisational context.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that employers of seasonal workers should consider the influence of human resource management systems and practices on the expectations and experience employees have of work.Originality/valueThe paper makes an empirical contribution as seasonal work has received little attention to date. Moreover, as seasonal work potentially combines short‐term finite employment with longer‐term relational aspects, we are able to highlight the relevance of cyclical time to an understanding of how employees perceive and experience work.
Making the decision to outsource human resources
Authors: Woodall Jean , Scott‐Jackson William , Newham Timothy , Gurney Melanie 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and describe how the decision to outsource human resources was made by 12 large and five small organisations.Design/methodology/approachDesk research and key informant interviews with senior HR staff who lead the decision to outsource human resources in a purposive sample of organisations identified through an initial search of the professional literature and nomination by an expert panel.FindingsThe research identifies a number of drivers that lead organisations to consider outsourcing their HR. In large organisations cost considerations are dominant, but other factors arise out of the organisational history and context, and very often, senior managers from outside the HR function are very influential. For most organisations, paradoxically, the decision to outsource appears not to be made on the basis of a thorough analysis of costs, with consequences for the quality of HR service offered to line managers, and also for the career paths and skill sets required from HR staff.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses upon the perceptions and experiences of senior HR managers, but excludes the perceptions and experiences of all staff employed in the HR function. Also, while the use of a qualitative research design makes it possible to uncover the individual perceptions and motivations of the key informants in the sample, there are obvious limitations in respect of statistical generalisation.Practical implicationsThe findings relate mainly to the future shape of the HR function in organisations where HR activity is outsourced, with consequent implications for the skill sets and career paths for HR professionals.Originality/valueThe views of HR directors and senior managers have provided a valuable insight into the strategic decision to outsource HR activity and will be of interest to those involved in the same field.
Executive development
Authors: Preece David , Iles Paul 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review some uncertainties experienced by a group of CEs, and how they are assuaged through their participation in an executive development (ED) programme. These uncertainties relate both to their involvement in the programme as such, particularly during their early days of membership, and to their everyday work experience.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth, longitudinal case study of an ED programme undertaken by the authors, using participant observation, semi‐structured interviews and documentary analysis.FindingsFive main CE uncertainties are identified: knowledge, job/career, behavioural, personal, and contextual. The case study section of the paper outlines each of these uncertainties, and illustrates how they are being assuaged through the CE programme.Research limitations/implicationsThe usual caveats apply about generalising from a case study. On the other hand, the paper presents a rare detailed “insider” account of and reflection upon chief executives' experience of an ED programme, situating it in the wider contexts of their work and anxieties.Practical implicationsIn the light of the uncertainties identified, a number of implications for the design and operation of executive development programmes are outlined and discussed.Originality/valueNew data is presented and analysed, linked to relevant themes in the ED/Leadership Development literatures.
Assessing the status of six sigma implementation in the Indian industry
Authors: Antony Jiju , Desai Darshak A. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results from an empirical investigation of six sigma status in the Indian industry and underrepresented region of investigation on six sigma implementation.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire which applied in the UK industry is applied in India. The survey is adapted so that it is suitable to Indian industry. The results of the study are based on descriptive statistics.FindingsThe results of this empirical study reflect the reasons for application of six sigma by Indian organizations, the most and least commonly used tools and techniques, critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of six sigma, and common impediments in the implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was carried out with some boundaries such as the number of companies surveyed, time and budget constraints. Moreover, a detailed understanding of the status of six sigma applications in Indian industry by means of semi‐structured interviews could not be executed due to above constraints.Originality/valueVery little research has been carried out relating to the status of six sigma implementation in the Indian industry. This paper will provide value to academics, practitioners of six sigma and those researchers who are involved in six sigma research.
Re‐assessing minimum‐age standards for children's work
Authors: Bourdillon Michael F.C. , White Ben , Myers William E. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to call for re‐thinking of the universal minimum‐age approach to problems of child labour.Design/methodology/approachThe authors point out that there has been no serious policy analysis on universal minimum‐age approaches, and question common assumptions concerning such policies by reviewing available knowledge on the impact of work on children.FindingsAvailable research does not support a presumption that blanket minimum‐age laws are beneficial. In some cases, it is clear that they are injurious to children, underlining the need for systematic policy analysis.Practical implicationsThe promotion of universalized minimum‐age policies should cease until their effect on children has been reliably assessed. In the meantime, more energy and investment should be devoted to alternative, proven ways of combating forms and conditions of work that are genuinely likely to cause harm, and to promoting access to education.Originality/valueThis paper contributes towards introducing more appropriate policy on children's work.
Service, services and products: rethinking operations strategy
Authors: Spring Martin , Araujo Luis 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper proposes a new approach to operations and supply strategy in the light of recent developments in the analysis of the respective roles of products and services in delivering benefits to customers.Design/methodology/approachReviews and synthesises concepts from operations management (OM), marketing, economics and related areas. Examples of product and service combinations are considered, drawing attention to the ways in which services may be distinguished from products. An institutional basis for defining services is favoured over IHIP. A corollary of this is how services are made tradable: the modularity theory of the firm is used to do this. The paper then outlines, considers and compares various approaches to the combination of products and services: “service‐dominant logic”, support services, product‐service systems, systems integration, performance‐based logistics, bundling and, finally, the notion of “the offering”.FindingsIt is found that the notion of the business model is useful as an integrating concept. This focuses on four areas: network structure, how transactions are made, how revenue models and incentives interact and how capabilities are accessed. Implications for future research in OM are considered.Research limitations/implicationsHitherto, operations strategy (OS) has concentrated on intra‐firm capabilities, which is only part of one of the four areas identified. Therefore, an extensive agenda for research into inter‐firm capabilities and the other three areas identified is presented.Originality/valueThis is among the first papers in OM to break completely with IHIP as a basis for service definition and to work through the implications for OS. It is also the first to develop systematically an understanding of how the emerging concept of the business model can inform OM.
Developing integrated solution offerings for remote diagnostics
Authors: Brax Saara A. , Jonsson Katrin 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThis paper analyzes two manufacturing firms entering condition based maintenance business reveals the complex nature of establishing integrated solutions. Existing literature on integrated solutions is contrasted critically against empirical findings.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive, comparative case study focuses on solution offerings in two different companies. The data consist of 57 thematic interviews of both manufacturer and customer representatives and company documents.FindingsIn integrated solutions, value is created incrementally through the customer‐provider co‐production process. Building integrated solutions business requires managing the interdependence of the solution components – both within the provider company and the offering, and between the provider and the client – to enable this collaborative process.Research limitations/implicationsThe case studies were first conducted separately and later compared. However, despite some minor differences in case methodologies, no problems were encountered in the comparative analysis of the data sets.Originality/valueThe paper departs from the canons of earlier literature as it proposes a revised definition for integrated solution offerings; it emphasizes balanced amalgamation of multiple perspectives instead of just replacing the old ones; it questions the view of solutions development as a straight‐forward implementation process; and it switches perspective from the manufacturer to the business of the client as the main system.
Managing corporate assets with RFID
Authors: Conneely Karen 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the benefits to be obtained from radio frequency ID (RFID) for improved asset management and accountability.Design/methodology/approachExamines the technology's potential for asset management across industry sectors.FindingsFinds that the majority of companies have very little grasp of how inaccurate the asset register can be, believing stored data could only be a maximum of 5 per cent inaccurate. RFID tags allow those responsible for managing fixed assets far greater visibility into the true condition and value of those assets. For example, workers of heavy machinery, such as mechanics and drivers, can gain instant insight to all the machinery parts' maintenance history as well as information on unique identifiers including part numbers, serial numbers and manufacturers' codes.Practical implicationsBy adopting RFID, scanning can be undertaken by line managers on a regular basis in a matter of minutes, without impacting the organisation's core operations in any way. The tight integration with the full asset history and general ledger ensures unprecedented accuracy and auditability of the entire asset register.Originality/valueDraws attention to the benefits of RFID and the current under‐utilisation of this established technology.
The potential for management development in NGO‐private sector partnerships
Authors: Borwankar Anjaney , Ramakrishna Velamuri S. 
Published: April 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the potential for management development in non‐governmental organization (NGO)‐private sector partnerships.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an in‐depth case study of a program run by the British subsidiary of a large European financial services company that had sent 60 middle and senior managers and two external consultants over a ten‐year period (1994‐2004) on capacity building assignments to nine NGO partners in southern India. Questionnaires, interviews and archives of the program were the sources of data.FindingsThe study finds that assignees described the effect of the assignments on them as profound, some as transformational. Managers completed the capacity building assignments successfully and returned with greater self‐awareness and enhanced self‐confidence, and with a greater ability to handle ambiguity and uncertainty. Based on the input provided by the NGO partners, they also benefited from the assignments. However, the benefits to the private sector company (financial services organization) are not clear from the study.Research limitations/implicationsThis theoretical contribution is situated in the literature on self‐awareness and proposes management development as a viable objective in NGO‐private sector partnerships. Limitations of generalizing from a single case study are acknowledged and future research avenues identified.Practical implicationsThe ten‐year experience of a large European multi‐national organization of partnering with nine Indian NGOs highlights rich potential for management development in such partnerships, through the development of self‐awareness and self‐confidence of key managerial talent. The circumstances under which such interventions might be appropriate are suggested.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, the potential for management development in NGO‐private sector partnerships has been under‐studied in the academic literature. The authors believe that the paper offers interesting insights and suggests further avenues for exploration.