bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vocational education and training (VET) and young people
Authors: Polesel John 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to consider the role played by vocational education and training (VET) for young people in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an analysis and synthesis of the existing research and literature, including the author's own body of research in the field, regarding VET delivered in schools and in adult sector institutions.FindingsThis research presents evidence that VET in Schools (VETiS) constitutes an important and significant curriculum reform in upper secondary schooling, but that it is usually offered at the most basic qualification levels within the subject model paradigm of senior secondary certificates. Its heavy use by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds raises concerns regarding social selection and it suffers from problems of low esteem and variable quality, with its place often questioned within the traditional academic culture of secondary schooling. With respect to adult VET providers, the article argues that the role of TAFE across Australia for 15‐19 year‐olds is relatively limited, with questions raised regarding the quality of programs for younger clients, and that low SES students are more likely to enter post‐school VET destinations.Practical implicationsThis article argues that an integrated approach to VET provision, both during and after school, is needed to create quality pathways for students of all backgrounds.Originality/valueThe article presents an integrated view of the role played by VET across different sectors for young people. It is designed to be of value to policy makers and practitioners seeking coordinated policy responses designed to offer curriculum, diversity, and strong pathways into further education and quality full‐time employment.
Using CBR to develop a VR‐based integrated system for machining fixture design
Authors: Gaoliang Peng , Guangfeng Chen , Xinhua Liu 
Published: July 2010

PurposeA fixture is a special tool used to accurately and stably locate the workpiece during machining process. Proper fixture design improves the quality and production of parts and also facilitates the interchangeability of parts, which is prevalent in much of modern manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to combine the rule‐based reasoning (RBR) and case‐based reasoning (CBR) method for machining fixture design in a virtual reality (VR) based integrated system.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, an approach combining the RBR and fuzzy comprehensive judgment method is proposed for reasoning suitable locating features and clamping features. Based on the reasoning results, a CBR method for machining fixture design is then presented.FindingsThe paper finds that the proposed system is an efficient tool for machining fixture design.Practical implicationsThe proposed system enables the designers to perform fixture design with automated fixture locating method reasoning and make a new fixturing solution quickly by referencing previous design cases.Originality/valueA VR application for machining fixture design is presented.
Capturing, structuring and maintaining knowledge: a social software approach
Authors: Jackson Paul 
Published: July 2010

PurposeKnowledge capture from experts is important when that knowledge is of value, scarce, and threatened by loss, as is the case with the expected departure of “baby boomers” from the workforce. This paper seeks to provide a theoretically grounded, practical methodology for initial knowledge capture and ongoing maintenance of this knowledge using “Web 2.0” technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used a participatory action research project in which a methodology was developed for the capture of knowledge from experts in an organization experiencing both knowledge loss and rapid growth. The methodology used simple, affordable technologies such as digital cameras and digital editors, Wikis with a “semantic web” and social tagging.FindingsThe paper was able to integrate an initial knowledge capture into an ongoing cycle of knowledge organizing, sharing and maintenance. It was found that, whilst it is an economical and appropriate solution to problems of knowledge loss and knowledge sharing, sustainability of the information capture and its validation and ongoing maintenance by others require explicit management attention.Research limitations/implicationsThis methodology provides a process model for investigating the conversion of tacit to explicit knowledge and the effectiveness of knowledge capture methods for inter‐generational knowledge in particular, but knowledge capture from experts in general.Practical implicationsThe knowledge capture methodology derived in this project can be used by managers and practitioners to address knowledge loss and under‐utilization.Originality/valueThe methodology is original and based on a process model of tacit‐explicit knowledge conversion. It uses cheap accessible tools, integrates an initial capture into an ongoing lifecycle, and uses modern, lightweight Web 2.0 tools and concepts.
Nation branding and integrated marketing communications: an ASEAN perspective
Authors: Dinnie Keith , Melewar T.C. , Seidenfuss Kai‐Uwe , Musa Ghazali 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the extent to which the nation branding activities of export promotion organisations (EPOs), investment agencies (IAs), national tourism organisations (NTOs) and embassies follow the principle of coordination that characterises an integrated marketing communications approach.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative exploratory approach was taken, comprising face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews with key informants from five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) involved in the implementation of nation branding communications in terms of export promotion, tourism, investment attraction and public diplomacy.FindingsSeven key dimensions of interorganisational coordination in a nation branding context emerge from our results. These dimensions include sector, organisation domicile, mode, strategy formulation, nature, frequency and target audience.Research limitations/implicationsThe relatively small dataset as well as the restricted geographic scope of the study limits the generalisability of the findings; further research is required to ascertain whether the findings of this study also apply in other settings.Practical implicationsEnhanced coordination needs to occur not only between the different governmental organisations engaged in nation branding strategy, but also between those organisations and their respective private sector stakeholders.Originality/valueThis paper extends previous work on the need for countries to adopt a coordinated approach to their nation branding activities. The paper is original in its examination of actors’ perceptions of the optimal degree of coordination that should occur between a country's EPO, IA, NTO and embassies. The paper is also original in its reporting of findings from a region (ASEAN) that is under‐researched relative to other areas, such as Europe and North America.
Parameters identification for ship motion model based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Chen Yongbing , Song Yexin , Chen Mianyun 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the Nomoto ship model parameters accurately, in order to produce a very close match between the predictions based on the model and the full‐scale trials.Design/methodology/approachVarious ship maneuvering mathematical models have been used when describing the ship dynamics behavior. The Nomoto ship model is a class of simplified hydrodynamic derivative type models which are the most widely used, accepted and perhaps well developed. To determine the model parameters accurately, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is chosen as an evolution algorithm in this paper. This arithmetic can guarantee the convergence and global optimization ability, and avoid sinking into a local optimal solution.FindingsThe process of PSO for identifying the Nomoto ship model parameters is given.Research limitations/implicationsAvailability of the full‐scale trial data are the main limitations.Practical implicationsThe ship model parameters provide very useful advice in ship's autopilot process.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new parameter identification method for the second‐order Nomoto ship model based on PSO.
Advanced process control applied to distributed control systems
Authors: Hu Hongpu , Xu Yanli , Liang Wannian , Lin Yi , Liu Min , Liu Liqun , Hu Pengfei , Peng XiaoXia , Peng Yingchun 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore concrete design methodology which can improve production technology.Design/methodology/approachAn application of advanced process control (APC) on distributed control systems (DCS) was designed by defining the project target, scope, and control strategy. Calculation is based on heat and mass conservation, such as RPID=FC 203×900×(DC 241 PV‐400)×1.06/500 DC 241 PV; CATRATE=LEVELRATE×0.22×3.14/4. The quality controller writes the control target on the density controller, which writes the initial value or output value onto the DCS.FindingsThe technique has dramatically increased the control quality of the DCS system: production capacity of the equipment has been improved and the aim of fecundity with little input is realized. The transit time of the product name is shortened and the excess stock is reduced.Originality/valueThe paper is aimed at operational researches and engineers.
Designing a GIS‐based regional competitiveness evaluating system
Authors: Ling Bo , Chen Zhigang , Lu Yongcheng 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a GIS‐based regional competitiveness evaluating software system. With a regional competitiveness evaluating software system, researchers can compare their studies with each other, so that more generally accepted concepts, models, and evaluating methodologies can be obtained. Furthermore, such a system can facilitate researchers to conduct studies more efficiently and effectively, so that a deep insight into regional competitiveness can be achieved.Design/methodology/approachBased on the system theory, a thorough investigation into the nature of a region and its competitiveness are conducted, so that the software designing demands are identified and a client/server and browser/server architecture is proposed for the system. In addition, the Delphi method is employed to improve the performance of the software system, while a primary experimental study is conducted to verify its effectiveness.FindingsDeveloping such a software system, the GIS and database techniques should be harnessed, while Delphi method should be employed to improve system performance.Research limitations/implicationsIdentifying evaluating index set and obtaining corresponding data are the main limitations of the system working.Practical implicationsThe ideology of designing a regional competitiveness evaluating software system is proposed.Originality/valueAn efficient and generic methodology of evaluating regional competitiveness is devised.
Research on direct torque control based asynchronous dynamometer for dynamic emulation of mechanical loads
Authors: Liu Shuxi , Wang Mingyu , Li Taifu 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel dynamometer employing direct torque control (DTC) method, which has wide application prospects in the industry field.Design/methodology/approachConventional dynamometers such as eddy dynamometers waste energy, waste water, and operate inconveniently. In this paper, a novel digital electric power dynamometer is proposed which uses a three‐phase squirrel‐cage induction machine as the loading machine. The system uses a digital signal processor named TMS320LF2407A as the controller to control the three‐phase induction machine employing an improved DTC for precise torque tracking. The power dynamometer is in generating mode, using the common‐DC‐bus to implement energy circulating or through the energy regenerating unit feeding back the networks energy. A direct‐torque‐controller dynamometer allows very fast torque responses and flexible control. The load torque is regulated conveniently and swiftly.FindingsSimulations and experiment results show that the design of the electronic power dynamometer based on improved DTC is proper, the control is simple, and digitized and is simple to use.Research limitations/implicationsThe precise torque controls are the main limitations for the high‐performance power dynamometer applied. Torque ripples should be small.Practical implicationsPower dynamometer based on DTC is one of the novel ones worth being generalized in place of conventional dynamometers.Originality/valueThe new approach of a novel digital power dynamometer based on an improved DTC is introduced.
Research and optimization of reconfigurable manufacturing system configuration based on system reliability
Authors: Lv Chao , Li AiPing , Xu LiYun 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to research the impact of hybrid series‐parallel and parallel‐series system configurations on system performances based on system reliability and to develop a configuration model to meet the requirement of reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS).Design/methodology/approachBased on the criterion of system reliability, a RMS configuration model is presented – the hybrid parallel‐series model with waiting system characteristics. The configuration model is evaluated from reliability, productivity, and cost by combining system engineering theory, Boolean algebra methodology with statistical analysis theory. The model reliability has been used to ameliorate by adopting the integrated algorithm based on Shrama and Misra optimization algorithm.FindingsThe need for application of this method and model – some constraints must be limited, the hybrid parallel‐series configuration is superior and the integrated algorithm is effective to RMS system configuration.Research limitations/implicationsCost constraints, equipment weight constraints, and function independency of equipment are main limitations.Practical implicationsThe model and method have been used to ameliorate the reconfigurable automobile parts product line in SH automobile motor company of Shanghai. The operation result illustrates the validity of this configuration model and algorithm.Originality/valueThe new RMSs configuration model has been proposed. The new algorithm is proposed to ameliorate and optimize a reconfigurable product line with the integrated algorithm based on Shrama and Misra algorithm. The actual running effect is significant.
Taxonomy of service‐based loyalty program members
Authors: Hansen John D. , Deitz George D. , Morgan Robert M. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis study aims to present a taxonomic framework that categorizes hotel loyalty program members on the basis of involvement and a mix of behavioral outcome variables.Design/methodology/approachThe taxonomy is derived through mixture modeling from a sample of 1,395 loyalty program members of two global hotel chains.FindingsStudy results suggest the presence of four classes of program members across both hotels. Class members differ with respect to the attitudes they hold, the behaviors they exhibit, and the motivations they have for maintaining membership in the program.Practical implicationsFirst, the study enhances understanding of member differences that exist within loyalty programs. Second, the study advances understanding of the ways through which loyalty programs can best be managed. Third, the study illustrates the usefulness of mixture modeling as a classificatory tool.Research limitations/implicationsStudy results are not generalizable beyond the sample used in deriving them. Further, decisions pertaining to what variables to include in developing a taxonomic framework are critical to its usefulness. The choice to include certain variables as well as their related measures, to the exclusion of others, represents a second limitation.Originality/valueThe study is but the second to empirically categorize loyalty program members, and the first to do so in a services context. Two classes of high‐involvement customers emerge, each with contrasting attitudes and behaviors. Thus, our findings suggest that high levels of involvement invoke the most extreme of customer attitudes and behaviors.
Evaluating the comparative service quality of supermarkets using the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Min Hokey 
Published: July 2010

PurposeAs the household budget tightens in uncertain economic times, many grocery shoppers are constantly looking for the best deal in town. To attract and retain these savvy shoppers, a supermarket should understand what they value most and how they comparison‐shop. With this in mind, this paper aims to develop a set of benchmarks that helps supermarkets monitor their service delivery process, identify relative weaknesses, and take corrective actions for continuous service improvements.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and competitive gap analyses to measure the service performances of supermarket franchises in the Southeastern USA. It also uses exploratory factor analyses to identify salient factors influencing the service performances of supermarkets.FindingsThis study found that a service attribute considered most important to the supermarket customers' impression of service quality was product quality. It was followed by cleanliness of the store, competitive price, product variety and fast checkouts. This study discovered a direct correlation between the relative service performance of the supermarket and its “word‐of‐mouth” reputation. Supermarket customers tended to favor large‐scale, national supermarket franchises such as Meijer, Kroger, and Wal‐Mart than small‐scale, regional counterparts such as Pic‐Pac, Aldi, and Save‐A‐Lot in terms of overall service quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of the current study was primarily represented by customers in the Southeastern USA. Thus, the sample used in this study may not reflect the opinions of the general public in the USA.Practical implicationsThis paper provides practical guidelines as to how supermarkets can cope with increasing competition and changing customer needs by measuring their service performances relative to their leading competitors and improving their service performances continuously.Originality/valueThis paper identifies service attributes that shape the customer perception of supermarket service quality and uncovers the areas of weaknesses in the supermarket franchises' service offerings. In addition, it helps supermarkets formulate the future survival and growth strategies by providing the detailed picture of where they stand in terms of competitiveness. This paper is the first attempt to utilize AHP to develop performance benchmarks for supermarkets in the increasingly competitive grocery industry. The proposed AHP can be easily modified or extended to similar service settings in other regions of the USA and other countries in Europe and Asia.
Consumer sociability and service provider expertise influence on service relationship success
Authors: Spake Deborah F. , Megehee Carol M. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of consumer sociability and service provider perceived expertise on service relationship success.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 281 consumers in the USA, randomly selected with the assistance of a commercial list service, completed the survey. Structural equations modeling, was used to test the proposed model.FindingsThe findings show that customer sociability and service provider expertise are important to relationship success. In addition, the duration of the relationship was found to be a consequence of satisfaction and a driver of social benefits, which strengthens customer commitment.Research limitations/implicationsPersonality traits have been previously examined in a low involvement retail setting and not found to be a significant influence on commitment. This study finds that sociability does have a significant impact on service relationship success; thus, providing support for the importance of customer traits in relationship marketing in some contexts.Practical implicationsWhile provider characteristics are expected to influence customer commitment, this study provides evidence that at least one consumer personality trait (i.e. sociability) appears to impact commitment to a provider in high involvement services. Healthcare providers should be aware that the personality of the patient may be a driver of satisfaction with and commitment to the physician, despite the doctor's perceived level of expertise.Originality/valueThis research fills a gap in the literature on the link between customer traits and service relationships in a healthcare setting. Since consumers are co‐participants in service delivery, it is important to understand how their characteristics impact service relationship success.
Design dimensions of experience rooms for service test drives
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Enquist Bo , Johnston Robert 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe objective of this exploratory study is to analyse “test drives” of service offerings in a variety of service contexts by applying existing design dimensions of experience rooms in order to develop some principles to assist service designers who are interested in developing such “test drives” for their potential customers.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative study was undertaken using three case studies with varying levels of simulation/artificiality. Data were collected from documents and interviews with service providers and customers and analysed using a framework of six dimensions.FindingsThe study adds a sixth dimension to the existing five dimensions or experience rooms found in the literature. It also proposes seven principles to guide designers who seek to create new service “test drives”. The study also introduces the new notion of “value in pre‐use” (a development of “value in use”) to describe the potential value of “real” services yet to be purchased. Finally the study documents some of the advantages and disadvantages of using “test drives”.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory and interpretive nature of the research, and the limited number of cases and respondents, limits the generalisability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe study provides several principles that can be used in the design of service “test drives”.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to analyse the design dimensions of service “test drives” and to propose the notion of “value in pre‐use”.
Financial crimes
Authors: Faridah Abdul Jabbar Siti 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish that financial crimes are unlawful (haram) in Islam and accordingly, the responsibilities of theSharia'sSupervisory Boards of Islamic financial institutions include the prevention and control of financial crimes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an analogy (qiyas) of the injunctions in theQur'anandSunna.FindingsFinancial crimes are prohibited in Islam as much as, if not more than, their prohibition by temporal laws.Practical implicationsThe responsibilities of theShari'aSupervisory Boards in ensuring “Shari'a‐compliance” on the part of the Islamic financial institutions include a wider ambit. It includes the prevention and control of financial crimes.Originality/valueThe paper provides additional dimension toSharia'sgovernance framework for the Islamic financial services industry.