bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The teaching and research environment in Finland in 2020
Authors: Hormia‐Poutanen Kristiina , Kuusinen Iiris , Saarti Jarmo , Vattulainen Pentti 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe entire higher education legislation in Finland has been overhauled with effect from the beginning of 2010. The aim of the restructuring of higher education is to enhance teaching and research quality and increase effectiveness through a streamlined network of institutions coupled with stronger institutional profiling and priorities. University and polytechnic libraries form a key infrastructure in teaching and research, so it is vital for the development of higher education to ensure their operational quality. This paper seeks to describe the results of the work of a committee that was given the job of making recommendations on the successful implementation of the new legislation, especially from the point of view of library and information services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a case study.FindingsThe committee suggests an efficient network of local libraries tied in with centralized services, as well as sound funding and legislation that will help fulfill the libraries' main tasks when building digital services for students and academics.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on experience in Finland.Practical implicationsThe paper gives examples of the action needed in restructuring the library network for the digital age.Originality/valueThe paper provides a model for national cooperation between centralized services and libraries at institutes of higher education.
Organisational learning and leadership styles in healthcare organisations
Authors: Franco Mário , Almeida Joana 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to understand the association between organisational learning and leadership styles in the healthcare context.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was applied in two continuous care units in the same Portuguese healthcare organisation (single case study). Data were obtained from a survey of 28 collaborators and an interview with its manager‐leader/general director. Documental analysis was also used.FindingsThe findings attested to the central role of organisational learning and leadership in organisational performance/effectiveness within healthcare organisations. Different levels of performance were identified in the organisation selected. The practical implications of findings are also discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study of a single case has been analysed, with the consequent disadvantage of not considering generalisation. For this reason, further research should be carried out to detect structural and cultural differences in healthcare organisations. On the other hand, most of the writing on organisational learning and leadership is conceptual, so this empirical study was important.Originality/valueDespite the vast quantity of studies in the domain of leadership and organisational learning, very little work associates these two topics. Taking into account the relevance of these research topics for healthcare organisations, the findings give additional support to the argument that leadership plays an important role in instilling organisational learning in the healthcare sector.
An exploration of perspective taking as an antecedent of transformational leadership behavior
Authors: Gregory Brian T. , Nathan Moates K. , Gregory Sean T. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore dyad‐specific perspective taking as a potential antecedent of transformational leadership behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe study's hypothesis was explored through a sample of 106 supervisor/subordinate dyads working in a hospital. Supervisors self‐reported their dyad‐specific perspective taking, while subordinates evaluated the transformational leadership behaviors of their supervisors.FindingsResults indicate that dyad‐specific perspective taking is related to transformational leadership behavior and not related to transactional leadership behavior.Practical implicationsResults suggest that managers wishing to improve their skills as leaders may want to increase the frequency with which they attempt to look at issues from the perspective of their subordinates.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature by suggesting that dyad‐specific perspective taking is related to transformational leadership behavior.
Mobile hospital robots cure numerous logistic needs
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how mobile robots are addressing a variety of hospital logistic needs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes in‐depth interviews with developers of the Aethon hospital mobile robot logistics system.FindingsRobotics can greatly improve hospital logistic services such as moving food, lab samples, prescriptions and even add a bit of entertainment in the process.Practical implicationsHospital administrators have new answers to the old challenges of moving items in a timely and cost‐effective manner around their facility.Originality/valueHospitals are first implementers of mobile robotics to look for answers to their logistic problems. They do not have to break new ground for themselves.
Low‐cost and automated calibration method for joint offset of industrial robot using single‐point constraint
Authors: Liu Yong , Xi Ning 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe industrial robot has high repeatability but low accuracy. With the industrial robot being widely used in complicated tasks, e.g. arc welding, offline programming and surgery, accuracy of the robot is more and more important. Robot calibration is an efficient way to improve the accuracy. Previous methods such as using coordinate measurement machines, laser trackers or cameras are limited by the cost, complex operation or the resolution. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach and calibration equipment to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method relies mainly upon a laser pointer attached on the end‐effector and single position‐sensitive devices (PSD) arbitrarily located on the workcell. The automated calibration procedure (about three minutes) involves aiming the laser lines loaded by the robot towards the center of the PSD surface from various robot positions and orientations. The localization is guaranteed by precise PSD feedback servoing control, which means physically the intersections of each pair of laser lines (virtual lines) are on the same point. Based on the untouched single‐point constraint, the robot joint offset calibration is implemented. Using the authors' proposed approach, a portable, low‐cost, battery‐powered, wireless and automated calibration system was implemented. Error analysis was conducted on the system.FindingsThe localization error of the developed calibration system is within 2 μm. The errors in joint space are magnified in PSD plane, and consequently the resolution in the joint space is improved. The standard deviation of the identified parameters was small (10‐2), indicating the stability of the calibration method. Both simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed method and demonstrate the developed calibration system can identify joint offset with uncalibrated laser tool parameters.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a portable calibration system for joint offset of industrial robots was developed and how the goal of fast, automated, low‐cost, portable, and high precision calibration methods for joint offset was achieved.
Modeling and analysis of robotic wheel loading process in trim‐and‐final assembly
Authors: Chen Heping , Wang Jianjun , Zhang Biao , Fuhlbrigge Thomas 
Published: October 2011

PurposeMoving production lines are widely used in many manufacturing factories, such as automotive and general industries. However, industrial robots are hardly used to perform any tasks on the moving production lines. One of the main reasons is that it is difficult for conventional industrial robots to adjust to any sort of change. Therefore, the authors developed an industrial robotic system to track the random motion of the moving production lines while performing assembly processes. Before setting up a physical system to measure the system performance, it is desirable to develop a method to analyze the system performance. The purpose of this paper is to develop a performance analysis method for a robotic assembly system on a moving production line.Design/methodology/approachThe developed system is based on the synergic combination of visual servoing and force control technology. Since it is difficult to model the system accurately, a second‐order system is used to approximate it. The system performance for force control and visual servoing is then analyzed. The tracking errors are calculated and compared with experimental results.FindingsThe developed method is evaluated using an experimental system and simulation. The simulation results are quite close to the experimental results. Hence, the developed method can be used to estimate the system performance.Research limitations/implicationsSince only one system is set up to validate the developed method, more testing is needed to generalize it.Practical implicationsThe developed technology is validated using the experimental results and the results are promising. Even though there is a limitation, the developed method can be used to estimate the system performance before setting up a physical system.Originality/valueThis paper provides a system performance analysis method for a robotic assembly on a moving production line. It is important to estimate the system performance before setting up a physical system because it will save a lot of time and resources in the manufacturing floor.
Robotic manufacturing by shaped metal deposition: state of the art
Authors: Escobar‐Palafox Gustavo , Gault Rosemary , Ridgway Keith 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of shaped metal deposition (SMD). SMD is an additive manufacturing process which uses a robotic cell to create fully dense, near‐net shape, metallic parts directly from computer‐aided design files.Design/methodology/approachResearch into optimising the SMD process was carried out as part of the 6th Framework RAPOLAC project. This included developing both robotic and weld models, creating a weld controller, and using a design of experiments approach to optimise parameters based on the resultant component microstructure and material properties. Extensive metallurgical analysis and mechanical testing was carried out.FindingsA mechatronic model of the robot was produced and integrated with a novel controller to allow parts to be manufactured with little or no operator intervention. Computational models of the temperature field, microstructure, strain and stresses that occur during deposition were also developed. Variation in weld parameters was linked to part microstructure and mechanical properties.Research limitations/implicationsThis research focussed on a common titanium aerospace alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V).Practical implicationsThe SMD process is applicable to a variety of parts in a range of industrial sectors. It is cost‐effective for low‐volume parts and prototypes, but it is envisaged that its main use will be to add material to previously forged or cast components and therefore SMD will allow companies to reduce both the size of forgings and material waste. SMD as a repair technique is also being investigated.Originality/valueThe paper provides a summary of the latest advances in robotic manufacturing by SMD.
Introduction to the special issue: integrating sustainability in business models
Authors: Arevalo Jorge A. , Castelló Itziar , de Colle Simone , Lenssen Gilbert , Neumann Kerstin , Zollo Maurizio 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce this special issue, conceptualized and realized by a group of scholars engaged in the Global Organizational Learning and Development Network (GOLDEN) for Sustainability programme. It aims to adopt the overarching research question of the GOLDEN research programme “How do firms learn to integrate and manage sustainability in their business models, including their organizational purpose, strategy, processes, systems and culture?” as the guiding principle for case selection.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first presents the key ideas underpinning the previous research question and illustrates the research approach and agenda of GOLDEN for Sustainability. Second, it introduces the eight case studies presented in this special issue.FindingsThe cases offer good illustrations of the ongoing transition by both medium‐sized and multinational corporations dealing with learning and change challenges posed by the identification and management of sustainability issues. The selected cases represent firms operating in diverse contexts and industries, and are developed by scholars specializing in various fields connected to corporate responsibility and sustainability.Originality/valueThe paper presents cases of organizations that have made sense of the sustainability challenge and also the different approaches taken to tackle the challenge, and the results stemming from their efforts..
Integration of company responsibility, the learning process: the Autogrill case
Authors: Ragusa Rosario 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to provide an insight into the learning process leading to the integration of company responsibility, in companies that are moving from a generic approach of Corporate Social Responsibility towards a holistic approach of stakeholder management. The analysis of a case study of a multinational Italian company, Autogrill Group S.p.a., will be explored as an organizational learning process using the framework of a recent approach of Total Responsibility Management.Design/methodology/approachThe method of qualitative research is based on the analysis of the theory of the subject and through the use of various techniques to study the case to give a longitudinal perspective.FindingsThe use of the case study suggests that the path from a CSR perspective toward a stakeholder management model of responsibility is a “gradual” learning process that requires vision, commitment, integration, innovation, competence, management systems and resources. This learning process is also very important as a “catalyst” of innovation and for the continuous improvement of the company.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research the aim is to inquire: How do companies learn to integrate their responsibilities in the process of management, moving from a generic approach of CSR toward a holistic approach of stakeholder management?Originality/valueThe stakeholder management model of Total Responsibility Management in this research is used to assist understanding the importance of managing the company responsibly and to show a way of reading the progress of a multinational company, which is on the path towards a more stakeholder‐oriented model of responsibility.
Acciona: a process of transformation towards sustainability
Authors: Arenas Daniel , Fosse Jeremie , Murphy Matthew 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis teaching case seeks to explain the main aspects of Acciona's sustainability strategy and the process of transformation of the company after the new CEO took office in 2004. It also aims to present some possible difficulties of maintaining such strategies in the new economic and political environment. The purpose of the case is to show how three aspects play a relevant role in a company's transformation towards sustainability: cultural change; collaboration with external stakeholders; and the innovations introduced.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a case study that narrates the process of six years of transformation towards sustainability of a company. The case was constructed through the analysis of company documents and several interviews with key actors in the company as well as external stakeholders.FindingsThe paper shows how cultural change, collaboration with external stakeholders and innovation form a vital combination in the transformation process towards sustainability. It also reveals that acquisitions and internationalization can help accelerate or consolidate this process.Practical implicationsThe paper is presented as a teaching case with discussion questions at the end. The aim is to engage readers and participants in educational and training programmes in discussions about the factors that may contribute to start and maintain a transformation towards sustainability. The practical implication of the paper is to show how cultural factors, collaboration and innovation form a vital combination for changing the way businesses do things.Originality/valueThe value of the case lies in showing how business efforts of embedding sustainability into business practice can be more effective by combining cultural factors, collaboration and innovation.
Embedding CSR as a learning and knowledge creating process: the case for SMEs in Norway
Authors: von Weltzien Hoivik Heidi 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis case study aims to single out two companies in Norway belonging to the NCE Subsea cluster in the Bergen region, which are in the process of developing internationalization strategies. Most of the companies in the Subsea cluster are small to medium‐sized companies. Until recently they have not seen or felt the need to make their own understanding or actions regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) explicit, even though knowledge about what CSR entails – now often shortened to CR or even SR (Social Responsibility) – may very well already exist in the mindset of managers and employees. However, to respond to potential international customers' demands – often coming from the larger oil companies – SMEs in the Subsea sector are seeking now a way to resolve this by starting a process within their own organizations, using the new process standard ISO 26000. For this reason, the central element of this study focuses on describing such internal processes, which embed CSR knowledge in the respective companies as part of an organizational learning process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopted a case study method known as Appreciative Inquiry (AI).FindingsThe findings show that the initial phases of such processes are extremely important. It is crucial to view the embedding process of CSR/CR as part of a strategic implementation process, which is capable of interlinking and interlocking business goals with human, social and environmental objectives in order to foster a financially and socially responsible business.Originality/valueThe two cases provide insights into how ISO 26000 can be adapted by SMEs in order to embed a deeper understanding of CSR into the organization, using a participatory dialogue process. The cases can serve as a model for other SMEs who want to live up to the expectations of their main stakeholders, using a process where strategy, business innovation, personal development and continuous learning are interlocked with understanding social responsibility.
Realism versus simplicity in strategic marketing planning: the impact of temporality
Authors: Logman Marc 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to get insight into managers' cognitive maps with respect to simplicity, realism and confidence, when talking about strategic marketing planning. Moreover, it analyses the impact of temporal modes of thinking on the three cognitive constructs studied.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research is performed, touching the core of what is really going on in the manager's mind rather than just skimming the surface.FindingsPast and present oriented thinking (often found in deductive and inductive approaches) are found to be more simple but less realistic than an abductive (may be) or even visionary (will be) approach. Moreover, managers seem to integrate elements of various schools of management thought when thinking about simplicity, realism and confidence.Practical implicationsManagers use management tools, frames and dimensions in a compound way when developing strategic marketing plans.Originality/valueThe paper sheds another light on how various schools of management thought are used in strategic marketing planning practice.
Conceptualising the value of web content in marketing research
Authors: Chang Joshua 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to conceptualise the value of analysing web content for marketing research based on a conceptual perspective with some practical views. This article chooses to use a conceptual base for its discussion in the view that it is important to establish a fundamental academic understanding as opposed to practical examples that can vary in significance and timeliness.Design/methodology/approachThis article is a conceptual review of how technological advancements on the web have engendered a valuable platform for content analysis research.FindingsThe literature review and discussion points out that content analysis using web data can now be carried out with significant advantages such as greater accuracy, timeliness, and lower cost compared to the offline alternative. This article postulates the current value of web content analysis in marketing research requires re‐evaluation.Practical applicationsThis article is expected to provide a better understanding of the value of using web data for content analysis by professional and academic marketing researchers, and more importantly, enables a more informed decision in choosing between offline and web data.Originality/valueSentiments on the value of web content are mixed in the research community. The hype generated in the nascent stages of the internet has selectively damaged its credibility as a reliable platform for research. In light of technological advancements, this paper suggests a re‐evaluation of this platform for research based on a conceptual discussion.
The affective and cognitive components of country image
Authors: Maher Amro A. , Carter Larry L. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to utilize the BIAS map from the social psychology literature to operationalize and simultaneously examine the effects of the affective and cognitive components of country image.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers collected survey data using a snowball sample of undergraduates from a prominent university in Kuwait. The final sample consisted of 410 Kuwaitis who were 18 years or older; 52 percent of the respondents were female.FindingsThe results of this study confirmed that affective country attitudes (i.e. contempt and admiration) relate to Kuwaitis’ willingness to buy American products. The results also support the conclusion that warmth and competence are positively related to admiration but negatively related to contempt.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should identify situations in which the affective dimensions of country image play the more dominant role in consumer decision making. The model should also be tested across other cultural samples to increase the generalizability of these results.Practical implicationsManagers must correctly prioritize the affective and cognitive components of country image, in order to either emphasize or downplay the country of origin, or when deciding to use foreign branding strategies.Originality/valueThis study provides a theoretical foundation for differentiating between the cognitive and affective components of country image and differentiates between the various dimensions of each of these components. The study further enables managers to determine whether country affect or cognition is the main driver of country‐of‐origin perceptions.