bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for optimal maintenance interval incorporating the cost of rejections in manufacturing
Authors: Pandey Divya , Kulkarni Makarand S. , Vrat Prem 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model that incorporates the effect of rejection cost on optimal maintenance planning decisions. Such a model will help in further modelling the interrelationships between preventive maintenance and quality control policy.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper a model is developed for obtaining optimal preventive maintenance interval based on block replacement policy to incorporate the effect of rejection cost. An illustrative example is presented to compare economic performance of the proposed model (M2) and the conventional model (M1). Model M1 stands for optimal preventive maintenance interval without considering the rejection cost and model M2 stands for optimal preventive maintenance interval considering the rejection cost. The comparison is done for different production rates, costs of rejection and cost of lost production. The impact of control chart parameters on preventive maintenance decision is also studied.FindingsIn this paper it is found that model M2 gives better results as compared to model M1. The improvements are more significant at higher production rate, lower cost of lost production and higher rejection cost. The impact of control chart parameters on preventive maintenance planning decision becomes significant as the cost of rejection increases.Research limitations/implicationsConventionally only the down time cost and the cost of repair/replacement are considered for optimal maintenance interval determination. However in the case of machine tools, failure may not always bring the system immediately under complete breakdown but may lead to the functioning of system with degraded performance like process shift from in‐control state to out‐of‐control state. It results into poor quality and thus may lead to higher rejection cost. The cost of rejections may be significantly high in some production systems and, if not incorporated properly during maintenance planning decision may adversely affect the effectiveness of the maintenance planning. Hence the approach presented in this paper gives a better way of maintenance planning. Though the work presented here is illustrated through a simple example considering a single component operating as a part of machine, the approach can be extended to multi‐component system.Originality/valueThe outcome is of significant value as it opens up a new perspective into the development of integrated model for maintenance planning and quality control decisions for reducing the operating costs associated with the manufacturing processes.
Dynamic adjustment towards target capital structure: evidence from Indian companies
Authors: Mukherjee Sulagna , Mahakud Jitendra 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the dynamics of capital structure in the context of Indian manufacturing companies in a partial‐adjustment framework during the period 1993‐1994 to 2007‐2008.Design/methodology/approachThis paper specifies a partial‐adjustment model and uses the generalized method of moments technique to determine the variables which affect the target capital structure and to find out the factors affecting the adjustment speed to target capital structure.FindingsFirm‐specific variables like size, tangibility, profitability and market‐to‐book ratio were found to be the most important variables which determine the target capital structure across the book and market leverage and the factors like size of the company, growth opportunity and the distance between the target and observed leverage determine the speed of adjustment to target leverage for the Indian manufacturing companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe behavioural variables like managers' confidence and attitude towards raising the external finance have not been incorporated in the model to determine the target capital structure due to the data constraint.Practical implicationsThis paper has implications for corporate managers in India, for example, to consider the various adjustment costs while altering the financing decisions of the company with other variables like flexibility of the manager, direct cost of debt and equity.Originality/valueThis paper is first of its kind to study both the determination of target capital structure and the speed of adjustment to target capital structure in the context of Indian companies.
A review of Australian PPP governance structures
Authors: Wilson David I. , Pelham Nick , Duffield Colin F. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to critique specific governance requirements of public‐private partnerships (PPPs) with the objective of understanding what constitutes sound governance of these projects and conceptualises a framework that sets out the structure, resources, communication, reporting and monitoring systems that are essential for PPP governance that is consistent with an organisations corporate or strategic vision.Design/methodology/approachGeneral governance requirements are explored through a literature review of corporate, major capital projects and long‐term PPP arrangements. These governance requirements have been cross‐analysed based on the literature, interviews with senior project managers and investigation of different governance arrangements used on Australian PPP projects.FindingsIt is concluded that the governance principles and requirements for PPPs is similar to best governance practice but there are significant differences between how traditional projects and PPPs are governed due in part to the multiple parties responsible for the governance.Practical implicationsThe conceptual framework developed provides a succinct summation of how sound governance would sensibly be shared between the government and the private sector for PPPs.Originality/valueThree distinct PPP governance models are provided and these are a valuable thought starter for the ongoing management of PPPs.
Impact of governance on project delivery of complex NHS PFI/PPP schemes
Authors: Patel Manju , Robinson Herbert 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of governance on project delivery in complex private finance initiative (PFI) projects. Governance is crucial in delivering successful projects within budget, time and in accordance with other project objectives.Design/methodology/approachA two‐stage approach was used to address the research questions. First, a literature review was carried out and second, a multiple case study approach based on detailed semi‐structured interviews with project directors and senior managers was conducted to provide an in‐depth insight on how two major PFI projects were planned, managed and delivered in the National Health Service (NHS, UK).FindingsProject governance influences project delivery in terms of cost, speed of completion, quality and its financial viability as it is critical in providing clear organisational structure, effective decision‐making structures and control processes. The success of one scheme was attributed to an appropriate governance structure enabling necessary reviews and adjustments to be made to render the scheme financially viable and affordable. The failed scheme, subsequently abandoned at a cost of over £15 million to tax payers, was due to an inadequate governance structure creating conflicting priorities of stakeholders, complex decision making with negative impact on project deliverables such as cost and time.Originality/valuePrevious research has not addressed the management aspect of governance which has a significant influence on financial outcomes of NHS PFI schemes. This will enable NHS and other public client organisations to understand the need for adequate governance structure in reducing the risks of projects running over time and incurring increase costs to ensure financial viability and affordability, particularly in large complex schemes.
A strategic partnering framework analysis methodology for public‐private partnerships
Authors: Roumboutsos Athena , Chiara Nicola 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to view and analyse public‐private partnerships (PPPs) under a strategic partnering approach between the key parties involved, i.e. public sector, private sector and lenders, and their business environment.Design/methodology/approachA strategic partnering framework analysis methodology has been devised based on existing and well‐known business strategic analysis tools (the political‐economic‐social‐technological (PEST) and strengths‐weaknesses‐opportunities‐threats (SWOT) analysis). The methodology consists of modules and may be used to identify the potential of strategic partnering in a sector and/or country and/or for a particular project in a procurement process. By using appropriate modules of the methodology, public sector partnering requirements or the market potential for PPPs, in general, may be assessed.FindingsThe small‐scale application of a module of the methodology is demonstrated through an international consultation on the influence of the present credit crunch. Findings indicate market changes and trends that may be pursued.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed strategic partnering methodology may be used in all business partnership applications. Its scope is to identify the key elements on which the particular partnership should be based.Originality/valuePPPs have been viewed through finance‐ and service‐based approaches. The present study introduces the view of a partnership‐based approach. In the effort, the study also presents improvements to the commonly used PEST and SWOT analysis by adding a dynamic dimension to the analysis.
Social infrastructure partnerships: a firm rock in a storm?
Authors: Gilmour Tony , Wiesel Ilan , Pinnegar Simon , Loosemore Martin 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use the example of public housing renewal public‐private partnerships (PPPs) to build knowledge on whether social infrastructure PPPs may appeal to the private sector as a less risky investment in a time of global financial uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on an international literature review and a limited number of semi‐structured interviews with social housing PPP participants in England, the USA and Australia. These interviews were conducted by Dr Gilmour as part of his doctoral research in 2008.FindingsThe familiar distinction between social and other forms of infrastructure PPPs has been found to be unhelpful in the case of public housing renewal. This type of PPPs, through their cross‐subsidisation model, face relatively high revenue risk during a recession. However, the commitment of the public sector to the social goals of such projects suggests contract negotiation rather than default is likely if problems occur. PPP risks need to be understood by studying their detailed contract terms, rather than by broad categorisations.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides a grounded discussion rather than detailed research findings. Only a small number of projects are included and they are not necessarily representative. Cross‐national comparison is challenging because of different housing policies and economic conditions.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the literature by both contrasting approaches to a particular type of social infrastructure PPP in different countries, and by making an early assessment of the likely impact of recent turbulence in financial and property markets.
Accounting for the development of human capital in manufacturing organizations
Authors: Iqbal Chaudhry Naveed , Azam Roomi Muhammad 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the impact of human capital development in organizations. It is based on some conceptual aspects of human resource accounting and considers how investments in the development of human capital can be measured in order to investigate the financial returns for organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe study is exploratory in nature as this is the first of its kind in the Pakistani manufacturing sector. The technique of convenience sampling was used to collect the data due to time and resource limitations. The sample comprises of 30 leading companies in the Pakistani textile sector. A self‐administered postal questionnaire was designed for the research survey. The results focus on the benefits derived by using the capital investment appraisal techniques of human resource accounting including: return on investment, benefit to cost ratio, weighted average cost of capital, and bottom line evaluations.FindingsThe results provide evidence of an association between investment in the development of human capital and the benefits, which organizations can reap from such investments. It further finds that the organizations investing in training and development programs provide high employee productivity that ultimately contributes towards high‐organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the research design, the results may exhibit a lack of generalizability to other sectors. As the results cannot be applied to other organizations, further research can be done by using the same techniques.Originality/valueThis paper is a groundbreaking work in Pakistan and thereby an addition to the existing global literature on human resource accounting. This research provides new directions for the literature in this area, by encouraging a debate about the importance of investing in the development of human capital.
Workforce health as intellectual capital
Authors: Kahn Howard , Stevenson Joanna E. , Roslender Robin 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report and discuss the principal findings of a recent study of thinking and practice about workforce health and wellbeing among UK accounting and finance and human resource management professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe data informing the paper were collected using postal questionnaires to two samples of 1,000 UK accounting and finance and human resource directors. The research design incorporated the facility for a full second mailing to respondents.FindingsThe responses received from the sample of human resource directors were generally more supportive of viewing workforce health and wellbeing as a valuable organisational asset. Accounting and finance professionals employed in private sector organisations were the least enthusiastic about such issues.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the design of the questionnaire afforded the opportunity for commentary on answers by respondents, semi‐structured interviews will allow a more detailed exploration of the issues.Practical implicationsThe UK accountancy profession has yet to fully appreciate the significance of the intellectual capital phenomenon. In seeking to engage health and wellbeing issues, it may be desirable to consider collaboration with the human resource management profession.Originality/valueHealth and wellbeing have seldom been recognised as key constituents of human capital. Consequently, this is the first such study to be carried out.
Power and the internet
Authors: Bertola Vittorio 
Published: November 2010

PurposeStarting from the end‐to‐end principle, a founding element of the internet's technical architecture, the paper aims to discuss its extension and effects at the social level. It shows how the internet moves power from governments and private entities to individual citizens, restructuring our societies and creating a new global stakeholder class – individual users of the internet. It connects the advent of this stakeholder class with a traditional principle of internet governance, “rough consensus”. It discusses advantages and risks of this change, suggesting that this shift of power might be beneficial to solve deadlocks in the governance of global phenomena and to ensure that solutions pursue the global public interest. Finally, it discusses how this social evolution can be protected from opposing forces, countering the opinion that the freedom of the internet is intrinsic and not needing regulatory supports.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds upon observation of case studies, such as the struggle between the industry and users over peer‐to‐peer music downloads, and upon the author's first‐hand experience in global internet governance processes.FindingsThe paper formalizes a social expression of the end‐to‐end principle and demonstrates the need for such principle to be recognized and protected by regulation, to preserve the social model described in the paper and its benefits.Originality/valueThe paper explores the connections between the technical, economic and social architectures of the global network, providing support for understanding the political dynamics of the internet and other global phenomena, and for designing effective governance processes to address them.
Issues with the modelling of manufacturing performance: the trade‐offs
Authors: Sarmiento Roberto 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight issues with current methodologies and rationales used to model the achievement of high business performance in operations management studies, particularly those dealing with the trade‐offs – cumulative capabilities concepts. The paper also attempts to provide solutions to these problems.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual approach and critique of previous methodologies and rationales is utilised. In particular, use is made of a “thought experiment” in order to illustrate the issues that need to be addressed.FindingsWidely accepted approaches and rationales used to model the achievement of high levels of performance are limited. This is particularly true when more recent theoretical developments in the field are considered. Thus, more comprehensive methodologies, rationales and terminologies that resolve the identified difficulties are necessary. To address this issue, this paper offers a more holistic way to examine the relationships between two or more competitive criteria.Practical implicationsThe main implications are related to research methodologies, rationales and approaches.Originality/valueThe paper makes two important and novel contributions to this area of research: it brings the attention to problems that have been largely ignored, and it provides solutions to these issues. The results should be of interest to researchers in the area of strategic/operations management, especially those interested in the modelling of high levels of firm performance, as represented by the trade‐offs and cumulative capabilities concepts.
Analytical modeling of third party service provider selection in lead logistics provider environments
Authors: Singh Bhatti Rajbir , Kumar Pradeep , Kumar Dinesh 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the choice parameters for selection of third party logistics service providers in global lead logistics provider (LLP) environments.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical hierarchy process (AHP) modeling has been carried out after questionnaire‐based survey, results of which were moderated with inputs from experts from industry and academics.FindingsThe findings of this study revealed the under lying sub‐parameters which come into play while rating/choosing or evaluating service providers in the global LLP situations of today.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of service providers, selection criteria and the number of members of the AHP assessment team have been identified as some of the limitations of the present work.Practical implicationsThe study has significant practical implications for the service providers and for the organizations which have to choose them. The fourth party logistics scenario entails this choice to be made by the LLP.Originality/valueThis paper deals with inputs from the Indian LLPs and the Indian service providers. With India emerging as the second most important outsourcing destination after China, the assessment of parameters specific to this country while modeling is of practical importance to LLPs beyond the political boundaries of India also.
Construction project selection using fuzzy TOPSIS approach
Authors: Tan Yong‐tao , Shen Li‐yin , Langston Craig , Liu Yan 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a quantitative method for assisting contractors to select appropriate projects for bidding by considering multiple attributes and integrating decision group member opinions.Design/methodology/approachThe fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is used to help contractors make decision on project selection and the linguistic terms are defined for representing the triangular fuzzy numbers for ratings of alternatives and weights of criteria.FindingsThe selection of appropriate projects for bidding is a multiple attribute group decision‐making exercise. In a real decision process, there are many uncertainties and ambiguities, and time limitations mean that decision makers cannot always make precise judgments. The numerical example demonstrates that the fuzzy TOPSIS approach can be used to simulate the decision process in project selection, and the results provide contractors with valuable insight into the project selection problem.Originality/valueSelecting appropriate projects for bidding is to use a contractor's limited resources more efficiently and increase the probability of winning contracts. Therefore, there is a need for a quantitative method to help contractors make better decision on project selection. That leads to the formulation of this paper. The fuzzy TOPSIS method can assist contractors to make better decisions in bidding.
When in Britain, do as the British do: if anyone knows what that means
Authors: Wilson Jonathan A.J. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeMulticulturalism and diversity are both evident and encouraged in the UK. However, this paper highlights evidence pointing towards the passive and sporadic transmission of unifying values – especially prevalent when interacting with individuals across cultures, or in culturally diverse settings. The aim is to stimulate debate surrounding day‐to‐day practices and accountability, at an operational level.Design/methodology/approachReflective practitioner‐based commentary, using inductive reasoning as a basis for critical discourse analysis. Evidence gathered from literature reviews – supported by anecdotal evidence, personal observations and experiences.FindingsThe position held is that critical to the future long‐term successes of business education, students and lecturers should adopt a two‐way bottom‐up approach which prioritises the implementation of the following: an appreciation and participative study of culture, followed by active encouragement towards embracing further multiculturalism, and finally the preservation and transmission of tacit knowledge within a cultural paradigm – between host and surrogate cultures. Without this, business schools and the study of business are hampered. Using the analogy of an orchestra conductor, the suggestion is that lecturers as facilitator conductors should increase their efforts towards championing culture, embedding them within the formative aspects of their duties. To this end, they should be nurtured and supported as such.Practical implicationsFurthermore, lecturers require resources and recognition from institutions, beyond mere compliance with human resource legislation and the pursuit of institutional commercial gains.Originality/valueThe paper presents a proposed innovative approach – centred on cultural diffusion innovation, convergence continuum and hybridisation.