bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supply network delegation and intervention strategies during supplier involvement in new product development
Authors: Johnsen Thomas E. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper proposes and empirically investigates two strategies that companies can employ to involve indirect suppliers in new product development (NPD): supply network delegation; and supply network intervention. The implications of the two strategies are explored.Design/methodology/approachThe paper brings together the traditional NPD literature, organizational behaviour and organizational economics literature, and reports on three in‐depth case studies of NPD projects, involving 39 semi‐structured interviews across three supply networks.FindingsThe findings reveal different manifestations of the two strategies of supply network intervention and delegation, when applied as part of supplier involvement in product development, and positive and negative indications of delegation and intervention, depending on the actor perspective: manufacturers perceive a need to control the product development process across several supply network tiers through intervention in supplier selection and communication, but these actions are likely to “tie the hands of the suppliers”.Practical implicationsManagers are advised to explicitly delegate decisions to suppliers, for example, by issuing parts approval lists and encouraging communication and problem solving amongst suppliers, and to exercise caution in applying the intervention strategy.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a better understanding of how to involve indirect (sub‐) suppliers in product development, and the implications of these actions for multiple supply network actors.
Learning in the panic zone: strategies for managing learner anxiety
Authors: Palethorpe Rob , Wilson John P. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study aims to highlight the value of stressful and challenging environments as a strategy to enhance learning and to provide an inventory of strategies for use in cases where participants experience anxiety‐related blockages to learning.Design/methodology/approachThis article adopted a qualitative research strategy which consisted of a literature review which was then triangulated with a survey and practitioner interviews.FindingsThis paper describes the behaviour of anxious learners when faced with a stressful learning environment. It then reviews suggestions from the literature which indicate theoretical solutions to debilitating anxiety and, finally, reports on the techniques that trainers actually use when helping delegates to overcome anxiety‐related blockages to learning. The Yerkes‐Dodson law, and not Rohnke, would appear to be the foundation for the various “comfort‐stretch‐panic” models. Moderate levels of stress would appear to encourage and stimulate learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are presented as an initial investigation only, and further work would be required to indicate if the experiences of this small sample are representative of the wider population of training and development practitioners. Further work is being undertaken to categorise approaches to resolving debilitating learner anxiety and to develop a simple practitioner‐oriented model which may assist trainers who face this issue.Practical implicationsAnxiety is idiosyncratic and therefore it is difficult to design programmes which provide optimum development opportunities for all delegates. The article provides practical guidelines for trainers who wish to make use of challenging activities but who, as a result, need occasional recourse to strategies to alleviate any temporary debilitating state anxiety that delegates might experience.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the role of anxiety on learning and makes the case for the inclusion of carefully‐managed challenging learning environments in contrast to the majority of articles which advocate supportive learning environments.
The growing concept and uses of training needs assessment
Authors: Zahid Iqbal Muhammad , Khan Rashid Ahmad 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to review the relevant literature on training needs assessment (TNA) with an objective to provide users/beneficiaries of TNA with the understanding of its growing concept, multiple uses (outcomes), and valuing these uses (antecedents).Design/methodology/approachTo conduct the literature review on uses of TNA, the authors used the systematic search comprising four stages: selection of appropriate search terms such as training, needs assessment, needs analysis, training needs assessment, and training needs analysis; carrying out search in established databases such as EBSCOhost, Emerald, JSTOR, SpringerLink, and Wiley‐Blackwell; initial sample filtering (relevance‐based); and further sample filtering (access‐based). Based on this review, a conceptual framework for examining the forward and backward linkages between TNA and nine human resource management and development areas is proposed for further examination.FindingsThis paper highlights training plans, goal setting, employee development, managing change, career development, knowledge, skills, and attitude, learning motivation, cost effectiveness, and performance appraisal as nine major human resource management and development areas revealing different uses of TNA. This gives an appropriate place to the expanding view of TNA.Practical implicationsThis paper offers important implications for human resource professionals. Their learning about multiple uses of TNA can help them attain comprehensive solutions of varied organisational problems.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to make a significant contribution towards understanding the growing concept of TNA by expanding the long‐established way of looking at it through increasing its potential effects and subsequently enhancing its purposes and uses for both training and non‐training initiatives.
Policy, professionalism, professionality and the development of HR practitioners in the UK
Authors: Bailey Moira 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the role of relevant policies in the professional development of HR practitioners in the UK.Design/methodology/approachA review of literature was carried out on the subject of the role of relevant policies in the professional development of HR practitioners in the UK. In doing so, the issues of profession and professionalism in the context of the HR occupation were explored.FindingsThe paper highlights the importance of HRD in the improvement of HR practitioners’ practice, and as a result, enhancing the status of the occupation.Research limitations/implicationsA number of areas which are potentially worthy of further empirical investigation have been identified as a result of the review in this paper.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the importance of policy and changing working environments on professional practice. It illustrates the importance of HRD on improving that practice and suggests the use of informal learning mechanisms as a cost effective means of going some way to achieve that improvement.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is its contribution to the discussion on professional development in the context of the HR occupation.
Impact of impregnation with Imersol Aqua on the surface adhesion strength of synthetic, acrylic, polyurethane, and water‐based varnishes
Authors: Keskin Hakan , Atar Musa , Korkut Süleyman , Sevim Korkut Derya 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of Imersol Aqua impregnation of Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir on the surface adhesion strength of various types of varnishes. The finding obtained would benefit the manufacturers of building materials and furniture, where the surface adhesion strength of water‐based varnishes is a concern.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, test samples were prepared from Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir woods that met the requirements of ASTM D 358. The samples were impregnated with Imersol Aqua using short‐, medium‐, and long‐term immersion techniques according to ASTM D 1413 and the manufacturer's instructions. After impregnation, surfaces were coated with synthetic, acrylic, polyurethane, and water‐based varnishes in accordance with ASTM D 3023 standards. After the varnishing process, the adhesion strength of the samples was determined in accordance with ASTM D 4541.FindingsIt was also found that among the wood samples, the adhesion strength was highest in Scotch pine and lowest in Uludağ fir. The synthetic varnish produced the highest adhesion strength, whereas polyurethane and acrylic varnishes had the lowest adhesion strength. The adhesion strength was highest after medium‐term immersion and lowest after long‐term dipping. The highest adhesion strength (4.299 MPa) was produced by a combination of Scotch pine, medium‐duration immersion, and the use of a wood‐based varnish. The lowest adhesion strength (2.090 MPa) resulted from the combination of Uludağ fir, long‐term immersion, and a water‐based varnish.Research limitations/implicationsImpregnating woods using materials with appropriate water repellent, biotic, and abiotic effects before the application of varnishes and paints is important for long‐term protection against photochemical degradation, dimensional changes, biological factors, and fire.Practical implicationsThe effect of a varnish on surface adhesion strength can determine the usefulness of the varnish.Originality/valueImproving surface adhesion of some varnishes via medium‐term impregnation with Imersol Aqua impregnation should be used on Scotch pine, Oriental spruce, and Uludağ fir woods which could be used in the manufacturing of building materials and furniture, where the surface adhesion strength of water‐based varnishes is a concern.
Crosslinkable poly(vinyl acetate) emulsions for wood adhesive
Authors: Lu Jia , Easteal Allan J. , Edmonds Neil R. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to enhance the water resistance and the heat resistance of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) emulsion adhesive, by providing the emulsion with controllable thermosetting capability.Design/methodology/approachEmulsion polymerisation was used to synthesise PVAc/VeoVa 10 copolymers with varying proportions of acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM) incorporated in the copolymer chains. The AAEM component provided sites for crosslinking the chains via reaction of diamines with AAEM. The emulsion copolymers formed crosslinked films on addition of a range of diamines, during drying at ambient temperature. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were employed to characterise the copolymerisation and crosslinking reaction. Glass transition temperatures of the polymer films were measured using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis to quantify the effects of copolymer composition variation and crosslinker. The performance of the crosslinked emulsions as wood adhesives was evaluated in accordance with the ISO 6238 standard by measuring the maximum shear stress of wood joints.FindingsThe crosslinking reaction between acetoacetoxy groups in the copolymer chains and the added diamines gives enamine structures, and occurs rapidly at ambient temperature. Major changes in the 13C NMR spectrum include the appearance of an enamine signal at 82 ppm, and disappearance of the acetoacetoxy carbonyl signal at 202 ppm. The new vibrational band at 1,597‐1,606 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum is assigned to the vibrations of the enamine double bond. The experimental results showed substantial increases in Tg and viscosity as the AAEM proportion in the copolymer emulsion increased. The crosslinked adhesives showed superior wood adhesive performance to unmodified PVAc emulsion.Research limitations/implicationsIt was necessary to adjust the pH of the emulsion for extended shelf life.Practical implicationsThe method developed provides a simple and practical route to emulsions with improved water and heat resistance and bonding strength.Originality/valueThe method for enhanced water and heat resistance of PVAc wood adhesive was novel, straightforward and environmental friendly.
Preparation, optimisation and characterisation of lignin phenol formaldehyde resin as wood adhesive
Authors: Abdelwahab N.A. , Nassar M.A. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the preparation of adhesive by incorporation of kraft lignin as an agricultural waste into phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin structure and to evaluate the mechanical properties of lignin phenol formaldehyde (LPF) as wood adhesive.Design/methodology/approachPF resin (resole) was prepared using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. Different concentrations of lignin were incorporated into PF resin structure. The effect of lignin concentration, formaldehyde to phenol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, temperature and time upon solid content, adhesive strength and gel time was studied. The kraft lignin, PF and LPF resins were characterised using FT‐IR and thermal analysis.FindingsThe incorporation of lignin into PF resin (resole) increases adhesive strength and decreases gel time. The highest adhesive strength and the lowest gel time were achieved at 90 per cent of kraft lignin, formaldehyde to phenol molar ratio, 7.2 and 10 per cent of catalyst, after 4 h and at 80°C.Research limitations/implicationsThe effect of different concentrations of kraft lignin, formaldehyde/phenol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, temperatures and time upon solid content, gel time and adhesive strength was studied.Practical implicationsIncorporation of kraft lignin into resole leads to adhesive with improved mechanical properties.Originality/valueIt was found that LPF resin is better than PF resin from the economical point of view and has the better mechanical properties.
Electrochemical properties of carbon aerogels derived from resorcinol‐formaldehyde‐aniline for supercapacitors
Authors: Jin Zheng , Liu Yuxi , Bai Xuduo , Ren Xiaomin , Qin Chuanli , Wang Yunhua 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a facile method to synthesise nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels to increase the capacity of supercapacitors.Design/methodology/approachNitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels are prepared as electrode materials through sol‐gel method, using resorcinol, formaldehyde and aniline as raw materials. A series of symmetric supercapacitors are assembled by putting Ni‐MH battery separator between two carbon aerogels electrodes. The electrochemical performances of carbon aerogels and supercapacitors are studied.FindingsThe results show that the optimal molar percentage of aniline in the total molar ratio of resorcinol and aniline is 15 per cent, the mass specific capacitance of which is supposed to be about three times that of RF carbon aerogels. This result could be attributed to the pseudocapacitive effect of nitrogen heteroatoms. Moreover, the nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels are found to exhibit lower charge transfer resistance at the electrolyte/carbon aerogels interface and lower Warburg impedance.Practical implicationsThe supercapacitors can be used in the field of automobile and can solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollutions.Originality/valueFor the first time, nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels are prepared through sol‐gel method, using resorcinol, formaldehyde and aniline as raw materials.
Novel urethane/acrylic hybrid emulsions for VOC compliant coatings
Authors: Athawale V.D. , Nimbalkar R.V. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a volatile organic component‐free water‐based binder with improved coating properties from urethane‐alkyd acrylate by emulsion polymerisation.Design/methodology/approachAlkyd resin based on interesterification of sardine fish and linseed oil (50:50 w/w) was synthesised and reacted with isophorone diisocyanate to form urethane alkyd. The resultant urethane alkyd and acrylic monomers in different ratios were polymerised by emulsion polymerisation to form air‐drying water‐based binders and studied for physicochemical and other coating properties.FindingsUrethane alkyd, co‐polymerised with acrylates by emulsion polymerisation process, can be used to prepare water‐based air‐drying binders with excellent coating and application performance. The increase in acrylate component in the system resulted in improvement of performance properties.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present study, refined fish oil (FO) was obtained from sardine fish. Different FOs can be used to produce alkyd resin. Urethane alkyd and acrylic monomers in different ratios can be polymerised by emulsion polymerisation techniques.Practical implicationsThe emulsion polymerisation is the most effective technique used to produce water‐based binders with excellent coating properties.Originality/valueWater‐based binders can be widely used in exterior coatings and waterproofing of cement and roofs.
Soy protein adhesives improved by SiO2 nanoparticles for plywoods
Authors: Xu Hua‐Neng , Ma Shufeng , Lv Wenping , Wang Zhouping 
Published: May 2011

PurposeSoy protein has been considered as a renewable and environmentally friendly source of adhesives. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new approach for making a soy protein adhesive modified by SiO2 nanoparticles.Design/methodology/approachThe objective of this investigation was to evaluate the adhesive properties by determining the viscosity, wettability and shear strength of soy protein adhesive. The effects of nano‐SiO2 content, wood surface roughness and processing pressure on shear strength between soy protein adhesive and wood were investigated. Four nano‐SiO2 contents (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 percent), two wood surface roughness (40 and 280 grits), and two processing pressure (1 and 2 MPa) were tested. Adhesive performance was evaluated based on the maximum force required for shearing the adhesive bond between cherry wood pieces.FindingsThe modified soy protein adhesives by SiO2 nanoparticles showed a significant enhancement in dry strength with nano‐SiO2 content of 1 percent. The mechanism appears to be related to the increased interaction between adhesive and wood and the elimination of voids on the wood surface by SiO2 nanoparticles.Research limitations/implicationsThe adhesive resins used in the present context was soy protein isolate, not from commercially available soy flour. The wet strength was not satisfactory. Further study is needed to solve this problem.Practical implicationsThe method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the shear strength of soy protein adhesives.Originality/valueThe enhancement method for adhesion strength of soy protein was novel and could find numerous applications in wood industry, avoiding formaldehyde emission and reducing the dependence on petroleum products.
Researching the Information Commons (RIC)
Authors: Smith Kerry 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to describe the establishment and progress of an online initiative: RIC – Researching the Information Commons.Design/methodology/approachWho has really challenged and thought through in a research sense about the issues that surround the commons provision of information; a concept dear to the hearts of many of the world's librarians? This question leads to the development of a researcher networking initiative, represented on the web as RIC (http://infocommons.curtin.edu.au).FindingsThe web site has a growing number of participants, not all working together, but who are interested in information commons matters from a research point of view.Research limitations/implicationsRIC is a federated network of colleagues researching in this many faceted arena and it is slowly gathering momentum. Expressions of interest to join have been sought, and a web site has been developed.Practical implicationsRIC will operate through: openness and feedback; shared decision making; diversity within the commons; honouring social and legal equity amongst its members; and fostering sociability within the commons.Social implicationsThe vision for the RIC Group is to nurture and mentor a community of researchers interested in matters relating to the information commons, by being in itself an information commons.Originality/valueThe topic of information commons has considerable use and currency but there appears to be only one RIC.
Comparative study and review of grid, cloud, utility computing and software as a service for use by libraries
Authors: Patel Ahmed , Seyfi Ali , Tew Yiqi , Jaradat Ayman 
Published: May 2011

PurposeGrid computing, cloud computing (CC), utility computing and software as a service are emerging technologies predicted to result in massive consolidation as meta‐level computing services of everything beneath one umbrella in the future. The purpose of this study is to foster the understanding and differentiation, by using the three aforementioned types of computing technologies and software, as a service by both public and private libraries to meet their expectations and strategic objectives.Design/methodology/approachThe approach in this study is a review based on comparing the four computing technologies with a brief analysis for researching and designing the mind map of a new meta‐level computing service approach, taking into consideration the need for new economic tariff and pricing models as well as service‐level agreements.FindingsSince it is anticipated that there will be likely potential consolidation and integration of computing services, a study of these four most advanced computing technologies and their methodologies is presented through their definition, characteristics, functionalities, advantages and disadvantages. This is a well‐timed technological advancement for libraries.Practical implicationsIt appears that the future of library services will become even more integrated, running over CC platforms based on usage rather than just storage of data.Social implicationsLibraries will become an open useful resource to all and sundry in a global context, and that will have huge societal benefits never imagined before.Originality/valueConcisely addresses the strategies, functional characteristics, advantages and disadvantages by comparing these technologies from several service aspects with a view to assisting in creating the next generation outer space computing.