bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of second‐generation ebook readers
Authors: Gibson Chris , Gibb Forbes 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study seeks to evaluate a selection of second‐generation ebook readers in order to determine which devices deliver the best experience for the user, in terms of functionality and overall experience. The technical and physical elements of the devices are also compared.Design/methodology/approachThis paper starts with a brief discussion of the current ebook marketplace, and previous studies that evaluate ebook readers. It then reports on a study in which 33 Master's students from an Information and Library Studies course were each given an ebook reader and asked to complete a task designed to engage them with the device. The participants then evaluated the devices by completing a questionnaire. A discussion of the results of the study and implications for the development of ebook reading devices follows.FindingsAlthough some issues, specifically size, weight, and screen quality, have been addressed in the new generation of ebook readers, some residual dissatisfaction remains. The participants in the study preferred to use devices with which they were familiar.Originality/valueThis study provides guidance on the usability of ebook readers and provides insights into the future of ebook reading devices. It will be of benefit to information professionals seeking to utilise ebook reading devices, and to designers of ebook readers.
Is there a second life for librarians?
Authors: Elliott Naomi , Probets Steve 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of libraries within Second Life from the viewpoint of the librarians experienced in experimenting within virtual worlds.Design/methodology/approachExploration of currently available literature was undertaken to determine the important issues affecting libraries and librarians within virtual worlds. To explore these issues further, ten Second Life librarians were interviewed in order to distinguish which were most important and why.FindingsThere is considerable diversity in the opinions of Second Life librarians, but all interviewees shared the belief that their efforts within Second Life had helped others and improved their own professional development. There was a strong consensus that it was important for librarians to embrace Second Life now, in order to be prepared for a future when virtual worlds, although perhaps not Second Life itself, were commonplace.Practical implicationsVirtual worlds are growing in popularity, particularly with younger generations. If they are to be accepted as part of a multidimensional information space, the possibilities available within the virtual space need to be appreciated and understood by the information community. Librarians have a responsibility to aid their users in understanding the complexity and possibilities of information provision and delivery offered by virtual worlds. This can only occur by accepting and supporting experiments in environments like Second Life.Originality/valueThis paper illustrates to the library community how Second Life is currently being used to provide information services, and to further an understanding of how the entire information community can benefit from embracing the possibility of exploring virtual worlds.
Verifying performance of axial‐flow pump impeller with low NPSHr by using CFD
Authors: Li Wen‐Guang 
Published: July 2011

PurposeA method for optimizing net positive suction head required of axial‐flow pumps has been proposed by the present author, which is based on the two‐dimensional potential flow model and without considering the tip gap effect. The objective of the paper is to confirm if the method is just and feasible for the case of viscous fluid flow in impellers with tip gap.Design/methodology/approachA series of steady, three‐dimensional, noncavitating and cavitating, turbulent, incompressible flows of water through two axial‐flow pump impellers were calculated by using CFD code Fluent. The two impellers included a reference one with constant circulation at outlet and an optimized one with variable circulation designed with the author's method and code. In computations, the throttling and unthrottling approaches were used, respectively. Comparison of hydraulic performance, averaged flow variables at the impeller inlet and exit, flow in the tip gap, flow variables on blade surfaces and suction performance between the optimized and reference impellers was made.FindingsIt was confirmed that the optimized impeller has better hydraulic and suction performances. The method for optimizing with variable flow circulation profile along blade span at the outlet to impeller is proper and practical. Additionally, an unstable regime in the head curves of two impellers is presented. In the regime, a stall occurs on the pressure side of the blade and a hysteresis exists, which causes a hysteresis‐loop.Research limitations/implicationsThe effect of suction entry on flow is represented approximately by using a free‐vortex and uniform axial velocity. The diffusing component behind the impellers is not taken into account. The unsteadiness of flow is not considered, which would have a connection with stall pattern in an axial‐flow impeller.Originality/valueThe hydraulic and suction performances and flow variables of two axial‐flow pump impellers with tip clearance are obtained successfully with CFD. Stall and hysteresis as well as hysteresis‐loop in head curve are observed by using throttling and unthrottling approaches.
An analysis of students' knowledge and choice criteria in retail bank selection in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Narteh Bedman , Owusu‐Frimpong Nana 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to offers a deeper insight into bank selection of Ghanaian students so as to offer bank managers the opportunity to tailor‐measure programmes aimed at attracting and retaining customers.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the problem. The “drop and pick” convenience sampling method adopted resulted in 223 completed questionnaires. The mean ranking and factor analysis methods were employed to identify the major factors that influence the respondent bank selection.FindingsOver all, student customers consider image, attitude and behaviour of staff, core service delivery and technology‐related factors as the major issues that influence consumers' decision to open and maintain an account.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the study relates to the student population used for the study, which limits the generalisability of the findings. The study, however, contributes to the academic knowledge of bank selection and provides insights into the critical factors considered by sample students in their bank selection decisions.Practical implicationsIn a market where consumers respond differently to a marketing offer, market segmentation becomes a necessity and therefore differences in male and female consumers' selection criteria emanating from this study provide an excellent opportunity for the banks to adopt segmentation‐based strategies to serve the customers.Originality/valueIn this paper, gender and educational level provide a deeper understanding of bank selection criteria among the Ghanaian bank customers. The four constructs can be used by bank management as bases for designing marketing strategies to deliver efficient service, and engage in relationship marketing practices to attract and retain customers.
Fund assortments, gender, and retirement plan participation
Authors: Morrin Maureen , Broniarczyk Susan , Jeffrey Inman J. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to promote an understanding of gender effects on retirement plan participation as a function of fund assortment size.Design/methodology/approachA decision simulation was conducted among 349 US adults whose task was to invest in a hypothetical 401(k) retirement plan. The number of mutual funds offered for investment was varied and the effects on the incidence and extent of participation observed.FindingsThe results indicate that larger fund assortments tend to reduce participation among women, but increase it among men.Research limitations/implicationsReplication in other contexts and with other data sets would be worthwhile.Practical implicationsTo enhance retirement plan adoption/participation, financial service firms may want to tailor such plans according to gender (and other consumer characteristics) according to the present set of findings.Originality/valueFirst time authors are aware that the interaction between gender and assortment size is examined.
Deployment of business excellence in Asia: an exploratory study
Authors: Mann Robin , Adebanjo Dotun , Tickle Matthew 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the use of business excellence in Asian organisations. The study examines the effectiveness of business excellence in the organisations that adopt it as well as the approaches used to deploy business excellence. Finally, the study investigates the attitudes of organisations with respect to business excellence awards.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey of 74 organisations across five Asian countries was carried out in order to collect quantitative data. In addition, qualitative data was collected from 21 discussion groups held in all five countries and from 13 interviews held with senior executives of organisations that had won business excellence awards.FindingsThe organisations believe that business excellence is important in helping them reach their organisational goals. The results also show that participation in and winning business excellence awards is a key objective for many organisations in the region. However, the region still suffers from some barriers to long‐term commitment to business excellence including lack of development of a business excellence culture, a lack of resources and a failure to fully educate the majority of staff in business excellence.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was directed at organisations that were deploying business excellence. It therefore provides an insight into their activities but it does not explore levels of adoption of business excellence in the study countries and consequently, does not investigate reasons for non‐adoption in organisations that have not used business excellence.Practical implicationsNational productivity organisations and national award administrators have a crucial role to play in ensuring that Asian organisations are aware of business excellence initiatives and that the necessary support structures and activities to facilitate deployment are made available.Originality/valueWhile there are many studies on the adoption of business excellence in western countries, no such studies have been carried out in Asian countries to date. Even in the west, few studies have obtained the views of so many national award winners (30 in this study) and few have investigated the role of the award administrators. Given that the adoption of business excellence in Asia lags western countries, it is important to understand how it has been adopted in Asia and the perceptions of the organisations that have adopted it.
The development of multi‐response experimental designs for process parameter optimization
Authors: Goethals Paul L. , Rae Cho Byung 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe selection of the optimal process target for a manufacturing process is critically important as it directly affects the defect rate, rejection and rework costs, and the loss to customers. A recent review of process target literature suggests that future work should incorporate models using multiple quality characteristics. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to create a more flexible and realistic approach to solving the multi‐response process target problem.Design/methodology/approachA design of experiments methodology is proposed to provide estimates of process parameters and a nonlinear constrained optimization scheme is employed to identify optimal settings.FindingsThe approximation of cost savings undoubtedly has a higher degree of accuracy than in the case where the engineer assumes values for the process parameters. Furthermore, greater flexibility is obtained in finding solutions that support both the manufacturer and the customer.Research limitations/implicationsThis methodology relies on controlled experimentation and the replication of observations made on multiple nominal‐the‐best quality characteristics. Future research may include examining the effects of using smaller‐the‐better or larger‐the‐better type characteristics.Originality/valueUnlike traditional attempts at solving the process target problem where the process mean, variance, and covariance between characteristics are assumed known in advance, this paper uses an approach that removes these assumptions, thereby providing a more practical depiction of the overall system. Furthermore, this methodology broadens the scope of process target problem research by seeking the simultaneous optimization of process parameters and considering a loss in quality attributed to deviation from a target value.
ISO 9000:2000 certification and business results
Authors: María Marín Luz , Carmen Ruiz‐Olalla María 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between ISO 9000:2000 certification and business results. It aims to provide reliable and valid constructs for measuring quality results and operative results in a specific sector: the furniture industry in Spain and to test the effects of certification on the aforementioned results.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted in 130 Spanish companies. Confirmatory factor analysis tests were used to verify scales validity and reliability. The analysis of the variance (ANOVA) was utilised to investigate the statistical effects of ISO certification.FindingsThe results revealed two reliable and valid constructs: quality results and operative results. These measurement scales differentiated all the certified companies in the sample from the non‐certified enterprises due to the better results obtained by the former.Originality/valueAlthough some studies have concentrated on analysing different quality results deriving from certification and the results of different operations, there is still a clear need for research using previously validated tools to measure results. This research aims to fill this gap by validating two scales to measure both types of results: quality results and operative results.
Reliability improvement of modern aircraft engine through failure modes and effects analysis of rotor support system
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Kumari Minakshi , Kumar Santosh 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this analysis was to attempt to improve the reliability of a rotor support system of a modern aircraft engine.Design/methodology/approachThe process used for carrying out FMEA is specified by MIL‐STD‐1629A procedure for carrying out failure mode, effects and criticality analysis.FindingsIn increasing demand in the avionics sector, particularly in modern defence and civil aircraft, safety and reliability are the prime concerns to complete the mission successfully. Technocrats are made to rethink the safety of complete systems by adding redundancy to the critical activities. A rotor support system (RSS) is an integral part of a gas turbine engine used in any aircraft. As its name implies, the rotor support system shares the load of the rotating component of an engine, hence the rotor support system plays a vital role in any aircraft engine. It shares the load of compressor rotor and stator, turbine rotor and stator, inter‐casing, and exhaust system of a gas turbine engine. Any failure in such a system may make the entire aircraft fail. Therefore it is worth carrying out Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) on such a critical system. FMEA is one of the effective reliability assessment tools, which evaluate systematically and document the potential failure modes of a system or equipment and their causes. It helps in grading the severity of all potential failure modes and is useful in carrying out the changes in the early phase of design. The analysis starts with the potential failure of the smallest component at the final indenture and goes up to the initial indenture level.Originality/valueThe paper adds insight into the reliability improvement of the rotor support system of modern aircraft.
Getting newcomers engaged: the role of socialization tactics
Authors: Saks Alan M. , Gruman Jamie A. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between socialization tactics and newcomer engagement and the mediating role of person‐job (PJ) and person‐organization (PO) fit perceptions, emotions, and self‐efficacy.Design/methodology/approachA survey was completed by 140 co‐op university students at the end of their work term.FindingsInstitutionalized socialization tactics were positively related to PJ and PO fit perceptions, emotions and self‐efficacy, but not newcomer engagement. Socialization tactics were indirectly related to newcomer engagement through PJ fit perceptions, emotions, and self‐efficacy.Research limitations/implicationsSocialization tactics might be too broad and general to predict newcomer engagement. Future research should measure more specific socialization practices and job resources.Practical implicationsOrganizations that want to engage new hires should use social socialization tactics to create positive emotions, develop higher PJ fit perceptions, and strengthen newcomers' self‐efficacy beliefs.Social implicationsOrganizations can contribute to the well being of individuals and society by designing socialization programs that will engage new hires.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine relationships between socialization tactics and newcomer engagement and to study engagement as a socialization outcome.
Sustainable leadership at Siam Cement Group
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan , Avery Gayle C. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study examines the question of whether sustainable leadership principles, also known as Rhineland leadership, can apply to a listed business in an emerging economy.Design/methodology/approachAvery's sustainable leadership grid provided the framework for analysis of a major publicly‐listed Thai enterprise, the Siam Cement Group (SCG). A multi‐method case study used semi‐structured interviews with various stakeholders, observations, and internal and external documentation. The Rhineland principles were grouped into six categories for analysis: long‐term perspective, investing in people, organizational culture, innovation, social and environmental responsibility, and behaving ethically.FindingsOverall, data showed moderate to strong evidence for 18 of the 19 grid practices at SCG, the exception being the CEO serving as speaker of the top team rather than being a heroic leader. Moderate evidence was found for consensual and devolved decision making and self‐governing teams. All 16 other elements were strongly evident.Research limitations/implicationsCase studies cannot lead to generalizations, and therefore further research is required into other businesses to gauge the extent of Rhineland practices in Thailand and other developing economies.Practical implicationsRhineland principles link to enhanced brand and reputation, customer and staff satisfaction, and financial performance compared with business‐as‐usual practices. Therefore, managers are advised to evaluate their current practices with a view to adopting more sustainable versions. The sustainable leadership grid provides a useful checklist for this purpose.Social implicationsSociety and the planet stand to benefit under Rhineland practices. Increasingly, business is expected to help address many of the pressing problems facing humankind, such as climate change, pollution, unethical practices, and shortages of fossil fuels, water, and other resources. Rhineland leadership can contribute here because of its concern for the wider effects of its activities on society and the environment.Originality/valueThis paper is highly original. It contains the first examination of Rhineland leadership in a developing economy. In addition, it shows that even a public company can resist pressures to conform to business‐as‐usual practices and adopt the long‐term, socially responsible principles of Rhineland leadership.
Self‐regulation: a strategic alternative for small firms?
Authors: Anderson Alistair R. , Russell Ellina O. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeRegulations and complying with regulation are a considerable burden on small firms, which consistently report that regulation is an obstacle to growth. Regulation for small business includes financial and psychological costs and worry about non‐compliance. Accordingly, regulation inflation raises increasing difficulties in understanding and complying with new regulation. Time and resources are diverted from running or growing the business. This paper explores self‐regulation as a mechanism for resolving the problems of regulation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first sets out the “regulation problem” as seen by the research community and by small business. The analysis explores the issues associated with small business regulation and compliance. They show that “imposed” regulation is expensive and may not be very effective. They continue by examining the nature of self‐regulation and consider a case study: the auto trade.FindingsSelf‐regulation can have beneficial effects. All regulation need not be top down control and command and self‐regulation can be effective if done well.Practical implicationsSelf‐regulation seems to offer a number of advantages over legislation for small businesses, but it appears that a number of conditions need to be met if they are to be seen as effective. The authors discuss the implications and benefits of SFROs as an alternative way of assuring regulatory compliance.Originality/valueSelf‐regulation presents an attractive solution to some of the problems encountered by small business regulation through providing a credible, flexible and cost effective alternative to command and control legislation.
Women and the press in British India, 1928‐1934: a window for protest?
Authors: Chapman Jane , Allison Kate 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to understand how, in tough economic times, British‐owned, English language newspapers such asThe Pioneerreceived and filtered news, especially gender‐related and nationalist‐related events and thinking.Design/methodology/approachUsing qualitative and quantitative methods to assess communications by and about pro‐nationalist women, coverage of female activities was categorised into two groups: first, educational, social and peaceful campaigns and second, direct action such as strikes, burning of British cloth and business/land rent boycotts.FindingsDirect action provided “bad news” coverage, but it simultaneously gave a small window for publicity. Less threatening peaceful campaigns provided a bigger window – enhanced by the novelty value of female activism.Research limitations/implicationsHistorians need to look specifically at Indian newspapers during the struggle for independence for a counter‐hegemonic discourse that reached a wide public. When evidence of women's activism is paired with financial news, it becomes clear that women had a negative impact on British business. Furthermore,The Pioneer's own business dilemmas made the paper part of the economic and ideological maelstrom that it reported on.Originality/valueThis is the first time that the colonial press in India itself has been scrutinised in detail on the subject of the rising nationalist movement and women. Findings underline female influence on both economics and ideology – a neglected aspect of Indian gender scholarship and economic history.