bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Power and strategic change in a multinational industrial corporation
Authors: Kerttula Kari , Takala Tuomo 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe aim of the study was to analyze the use of power in a strategic change process within a large forest industry company. The organization in question had a total of 7,700 employees, 6‐8 organizational levels, over 30 production units and a widespread international sales network. The study highlighted the organization's internal narration as an important element in the use of power. It started in conjunction with the appointment of the new management group and continued throughout the two‐year monitoring period, so that gradually all organizational layers were involved in interpreting their roles and positions in the new structure.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data were collected during a period of more than two years through participatory observation and the change narrative was made using the change report method. The use of power was observed from the perspective of the management group. The researcher had a dual role; he served both as a researcher and a member of the management group.FindingsThe first conclusion revealed that the change did not represent a separate process that was taking place outside the normal, established functioning and management process of the organization. The second conclusion was that implementing a transformative change in a large organization is a multi‐stage and challenging learning process, both for the change makers as well as for other members of the organization. The third conclusion was that there were no shortcuts to change. It took place through the thinking and actions of the people starting from the understanding of the measures required for the change.Research limitations/implicationsThere are three limitations to the study. First, its findings are based on the viewpoint of the new management group. Second, the role of the researcher and the episodic progress narrative edited by himself defined the change process as a five‐phased process. Third, and closely linked to the previous limitation, the possible narrowness of the researcher in his thinking is also a potential limitation.Practical implicationsThe results of the study could pave the way to a more realistic understanding of power and change in large multinational companies.Originality/valueThis article is a genuine research paper with profound fieldwork. It broadens viewpoints considering power, change and the role of top management in a large and global Finnish forest industry corporation.
Work‐family enrichment in Korea: construct validation and status
Authors: Hun Lim Doo , Choi Myungweon , Hoon Song Ji 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe aim of this study is to validate the Korean version of the work‐family enrichment (WFE) scale and identify the current status of work‐family enrichment of workers within the Korean cultural context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors performed a forward and backward translation procedure to develop the Korean version of the WFE scale, which contains the linguistic equivalence between the two language versions of the WFE scale (English and Korean). Also, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were utilized to test the psychometric fit of the underlying structure of the Korean WFE scale compared with the English version.FindingsThe results indicate that the Korean version of the WFE indicates psychometric properties parallel to the English version of the WFE. The findings also include differences in the WFE mean scores for Korean workers based on demographic and work‐related variables.Originality/valueAs in the USA, improving the work‐family balance is perceived as a social imperative in other cultural settings. Empirical studies conducted in the Korean context can potentially demonstrate how individualist‐based hypotheses regarding work‐family interface fit a collectivist‐based cultural setting.
Servant leadership and paternalistic leadership styles in the Turkish business context
Authors: Hale Öner Zeynep 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test an adaptation of the servant leadership survey to Turkey for the first time and to explore the relationship between perceptions of servant leadership and paternalistic leadership styles in the Turkish business context to contribute to the complex process of contextual dynamics of leadership.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 305 self‐administered surveys completed by white‐collar mid‐level managers in Istanbul, Turkey. These white collar employees conveyed their perceptions about the leadership styles of their immediate supervisors.FindingsThe results revealed that Turkish employees perceived a high correlation between paternalistic and servant leadership styles, demonstrating that leadership practices held by employees are strongly culture‐specific. In particular, all dimensions of servant leadership construct – i.e. altruism, relationship, empowerment and participation – showed a significant positive correlation with the paternalistic leadership construct. Servant leadership attributes as perceived by Turkish employees reflect a higher degree of “people orientation”.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this is a cross‐sectional study, its findings have implications for contemporary leadership research and practice, particularly with regard to understanding of leadership in the cultural context.Practical implicationsThe study findings may assist human resources practitioners in multinational corporations and in Eastern and Western countries to unravel the confusion and misunderstandings created when different cultures perceive leadership in disparate ways.Originality/valueThis paper is among the first to establish empirically a possible link between servant leadership and paternalistic leadership perception as shown in the understanding of the Turkish employees. Turkish mid‐level managers did not consider servant leadership and paternalistic leadership styles as inconsistent, while the Western populace thinks of them as mutually exclusive. This study is a step in the complex process of theorizing about the contextual dynamics of leadership.
Compact climbing robot rolling on flexible magnetic rollers, for generator inspection with the rotor still installed
Authors: Fischer Wolfgang , Caprari Gilles , Siegwart Roland , Moser Roland 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the design and prototype implementation of a compact climbing robot with magnetic adhesion, which is only 8 mm high and allows for moving in any direction on the stators or rotors of power generators.Design/methodology/approachAfter a brief description of the industrial environment where it is supposed to be used (inspection of generator stators with the rotor still installed), this paper describes the basic mechanical concept, pointing to the core innovation and the advantages towards previous designs. The paper concludes with a prototype implementation and some test results; and provides an outlook on future extensions in the final industrial version.FindingsThanks to a new locomotion system based on flexible magnetic rollers (= magnetic wheels fixed on motorized flexible shafts; patented technology), the robot is able to span over gaps and non‐magnetic zones, both in axial and circumferential direction, while still being flexible enough for adapting to the large curvature of the rotor/stator (∼0.5 m‐2 m).Originality/valueWith this new design, it is now possible, for the first time, to access all types of large power generators (>100 MW) with only one device – while still keeping the mechanical complexity at a level which allows for realizing the robot in a robust way and at reasonable cost.
Laser scan matching for self‐localization of a walking robot in man‐made environments
Authors: Skrzypczynski Piotr 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a novel application of the well‐established 2D laser scan‐matching technique for self‐localization of a walking robot. The techniques described in this paper enable a walking robot with a 2D laser scanner to obtain precise maps of man‐made environments, which can be useful in search and reconnaissance missions, e.g. in warehouses, production plants, and other industrial areas.Design/methodology/approachThe presented system combines two scan‐matching algorithms (PSM and PLICP) to deal with low‐quality range data from a compact laser scanner and to provide robust self‐localization in various types of man‐made environments. Data from proprioceptive sensors and simplifying assumptions holding in man‐made environments are exploited to compensate for the varying attitude of the walking robot, particularly in uneven terrain.FindingsThe experimental results suggest that neglecting either the poor initial pose guess obtained from the legged odometry, or the varying attitude angles of a walking robot's body, may lead to unacceptable results in self‐localization and scan‐based mapping. It is also demonstrated that using the PSM algorithm to compute the initial pose estimate for the more precise PLICP scan‐matching algorithm improves the results of self‐localization.Research limitations/implicationsSo far, the presented self‐localization system was tested in limited‐scale indoor experiments. Experiments with more extended and realistic scenarios are scheduled as further work.Practical implicationsApplying techniques described in this paper, the author was able to obtain the robot pose and precise maps of man‐made environments, which can be useful in USAR and reconnaissance missions, also in warehouses, production plants, and other industrial areas.Originality/valueThe scan‐matching algorithms used in the presented research are not new, the contribution lies in combining them in order to overcome issues specific to a small‐size legged platform, using only common affordable hardware.
Intelligent systems for industrial robotics: application in logistic field
Authors: Wang Ting , Ramik Dominik M. , Sabourin Christophe , Madani Kurosh 
Published: April 2012

PurposeDifferent machines are already present in the human environment, easing human beings' daily life. In the future, this tendency will be accentuated by integration of numerous robots (e.g. wheeled robots, legged robots, humanoid robots, network sensors, etc.) in the human environment. A wide range of applications, such as those dealing with warehouse management, industrial assembling, military applications, daily‐life tasks, can benefit from multi‐robot systems. The purpose of this paper is to propose an intelligent system for industrial robotics in the logistic field, based on collaboration between heterogeneous robots.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed infrastructure for this multi‐robot system is composed of a robots' network including one humanoid robot, wheeled robots, cameras, and remote computer. All devices can communicate between them by using wireless network. The goal of the humanoid robot is to lead the wheeled robots according to the environment and wheeled robots are used to carry a load. The camera allows providing complementary information about the environment; and thanks to machine learning, this control strategy allows complex tasks to be perormed for these logistic applications.FindingsThis concept is implemented on real robots within the frame of a demonstrator including the above‐mentioned kind of robots. The preliminary results, obtained during experimentations, prove the feasibility of the presented strategy for real applications.Originality/valueThe main originalities of this work are, on the one hand, the use of an heterogeneous multi‐robots system for logistic tasks, and on the other hand, the proposed machine learning allows a collaboration task between heterogeneous robots in an autonomous manner.
Obstacle‐responsive navigation scheme of a wheeled mobile robot based on look‐ahead control
Authors: Yu Lwin Yu , Yamamoto Yoshio 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design a mobile robot controller which is able to pursue a given goal with obstacle‐avoiding capability in which the two tasks, i.e. aiming at the goal and avoiding obstacles, are fused together in a coherent framework of look‐ahead control method.Design/methodology/approachNavigation toward a goal is typically executed based on global information obtained from GPS. Obstacle avoidance, however, is local in nature, and a higher priority temporarily should be placed on avoiding a collision with the obstacle than taking the shortest path toward the goal. The former is handled by the goal‐aiming mode while the latter is dealt with by the obstacle‐avoiding mode. These two tasks with different natures are treated under so‐called “look‐ahead control” by simply changing coordinate frames and associated elements within the same controller. Therefore, continuity and smoothness of the resulting motion and trajectory is maintained throughout its mission.FindingsTwo different tasks, goal aiming and collision avoiding, can smoothly be switched back and forth within the same controller by replacing its coordinate frame, decoupling matrix and corresponding reference signals to follow. It is found through simulation and real experiments that the proposed scheme can graciously handle obstacles, static or dynamic, regardless of the number of obstacles. Also, the look‐ahead control guarantees smoothness of resulting trajectories.Originality/valueMobile robot autonomous navigation in outdoor obstructed areas offers challenging study for robot researchers. The vital aspect is to smartly control the mobile robot to move to the desired location autonomously, without colliding with any obstacles. The proposed method provides a stable and robust navigation framework for any kind of mobile robot, especially for outdoor use.
High‐level robot programming based on CAD: dealing with unpredictable environments
Authors: Neto Pedro , Mendes Nuno , Araújo Ricardo , Norberto Pires J. , Paulo Moreira A. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a CAD‐based human‐robot interface that allows non‐expert users to teach a robot in a manner similar to that used by human beings to teach each other.Design/methodology/approachIntuitive robot programming is achieved by using CAD drawings to generate robot programs off‐line. Sensory feedback allows minimization of the effects of uncertainty, providing information to adjust the robot paths during robot operation.FindingsIt was found that it is possible to generate a robot program from a common CAD drawing and run it without any major concerns about calibration or CAD model accuracy.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the proposed system has to do with the fact that it was designed to be used for particular technological applications.Practical implicationsSince most manufacturing companies have CAD packages in their facilities today, CAD‐based robot programming may be a good option to program robots without the need for skilled robot programmers.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a new CAD‐based robot programming system. Robot programs are directly generated from a CAD drawing “running” on a commonly available 3D CAD package (Autodesk Inventor) and not from a commercial, computer aided robotics (CAR) software, making it a simple CAD integrated solution. This is a low‐cost and low‐setup time system where no advanced robot programming skills are required to operate it. In summary, robot programs are generated with a high‐level of abstraction from the robot language.
Direct kinematic analysis of a heavy‐payload forging manipulator in the grasping stage
Authors: Xiaobing Chu , Feng Gao , Hao Ge 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the direct kinematic analysis of a heavy‐payload forging manipulator. In the grasping stage, the manipulator is equivalent to a 3‐DOF under‐actuated mechanism. In order to deal with the direct position kinematics of the under‐actuated mechanism, the analysis is performed in two steps.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes the direct position kinematics of the 3‐DOF under‐actuated mechanism as follows: first, the authors add a virtual constraint on the mechanism, convert it to a 2‐DOF fully actuated mechanism and calculate the direct kinematics of the constrained mechanism. Then, the constraint is applied to many different positions and the corresponding direct kinematics of the constrained mechanism are calculated, respectively. Finally, the mechanism with lower gravitational potential energy than any other constrained mechanism is chosen, and its direct position is what is needed for the 3‐DOF underactuated mechanism.FindingsThe paper provides a solution for the direct kinematic analysis of a heavy‐payload forging manipulator in the grasping stage. Furthermore, the simulation and experiment results confirm the effectiveness of the solution.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a methodology to deal with the direct position kinematics of the 3‐DOF under‐actuated mechanism in two steps.
Developing diverse teams to improve performance in the organizational setting
Authors: Yeager Katherine L. , Nafukho Fredrick M. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe use of teams in organizations given the current trend toward globalization, population changes, and an aging workforce, especially in high‐income countries, makes the issue of diverse team building critical. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of team diversity and team performance through the examination of theory and empirical research. Specifically, the paper seeks to answer the question: “How might individuals with diverse characteristics such as culture, age, work experience, educational background, aptitude and values, become successful team members?”.Design/methodology/approachA review of theories that are pertinent to individual differences and team formation, including social identity theory, mental models, inter contact theory, social comparison theory, and chaos theory, was conducted. Team formation and diversity literature were reviewed to identify ways of developing diverse and effective teams.FindingsIt is a truism that working together in teams is a smart way of achieving organizational performance goals. This paper discusses the theories, research and practices that underlie the development of efficient and effective teams. It demonstrates that recognizing the underlying individual differences, mental models, and assumptions that team members bring to the organization can help build teams that are able to overcome dysfunctional barriers and ensure performance improvement of the individuals, teams and organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe approach used to review the literature is a limitation of this study as the authors may have missed a discussion surrounding an important concept or theory related to team diversity and performance.Practical implicationsHuman resource development interventions that target team building, team work and team learning include modules that raise awareness of the perspectives of team members' individual differences and appropriateness of actions. Training at the team level should focus on the interaction between factors that shape the identity of individuals. Procedures and work design systems should be redesigned to insure that the development of strong and functional teams is supported from a holistic and organizational perspective.Originality/valueThis paper highlights diversity issues related to individual differences that underlie team formation and suggests strategies needed to develop effective teams.
Decision making regarding access to training and development in medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Coetzer Alan , Redmond Janice , Sharafizad Jalleh 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of factors that impinge on managerial decision‐making processes regarding employee access to structured training and development (T&D) opportunities that are at least partially funded by the firm.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews incorporating the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) were conducted with 14 managers of medium‐sized enterprises based in Perth, Western Australia. The interviews explored decisions managers have actually made regarding employee access to T&D and yielded 42 useable critical incidents that served as the unit of analysis.FindingsThere were three key findings: first, employee access to T&D was initiated primarily by managers; employees did not exhibit developmental proactivity. Regulatory requirements and performance deficits were the main factors triggering T&D. Second, decisions regarding employee access to T&D were influenced by a wider range of factors than the decision making factors that commonly feature in literature that discusses “barriers” to T&D in SMEs. Third, decision makers tended to neglect the evaluation phase of the decision making process and engaged in post‐decisional justification.Research limitations/implicationsThe study holds a number of lessons that are based on an analysis of the authors' experiences of using the CIT. The lessons are potentially important for researchers who will be using the technique to study similar topics in the years ahead.Originality/valueThis study addresses the lack of research into factors that affect managers' decisions when they consider providing employee access to firm‐sponsored structured T&D opportunities. It also assesses the effectiveness of the CIT as a tool for studying managerial decision‐making processes regarding employee access to T&D opportunities.
A composite model for employees' performance appraisal and improvement
Authors: Manoharan T.R. , Muralidharan C. , Deshmukh S.G. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative method of performance appraisal that will be useful for designing a structured training programme.Design/methodology/approachEmployees' performance appraisals are conducted using new approaches, namely data envelopment analysis and an integrated fuzzy model. Interpretive structural modelling is used to design a training programme for employees.FindingsPerformance appraisals using data envelopment analysis focus on output enhancement, while an integrated fuzzy model using quality function deployment (QFD) and multi‐attribute decision‐making focuses on input enhancement. For overall and continuous improvement of employees' knowledge, skills and attributes, this composite model provides an in‐depth analysis and also offers a means for designing a structured and effective training programme through interpretive structural modelling.Research limitations/implicationsIn data envelopment analysis, the number of employees for performance appraisal should be equal to or greater than three times the selected number of input and output factors. In the integrated fuzzy model, the number of main factors should not exceed seven for pairwise comparison. The size of the QFD matrix should not be more than 30.Practical implicationsThe factors selected for appraisal and the method of appraisal should be known by the employees concerned. Consensus among all those concerned is necessary for effective application and utilization of the model.Social implicationsThis model provides a means to increase the knowledge, skills and attributes of employees by adopting a structured approach to designing a training programme for employees of various categories. The approaches used are well‐established and can be applied in many other fields.Originality/valueIn this paper, approaches used for appraisals and designing training programmes are new to this field of study, although they have been successfully proven in many other fields. The results obtained using these methods are useful for helping management to make decisions on training needs, bonuses, incentives and promotions. For the employees, a structured training programme design improves their KSA, quality and standards.