bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global optimization by V‐dense curves in topological vector spaces
Authors: Mora Gaspar 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to solve a global optimization problem raised from industry, named the M‐problem, posed in the space L1 of Lebesgue measurable functions of integrable absolute value.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces the new concept of V‐dense curve (VDC), a generalization of that of α‐dense curve, to densify subsets of topological vector spaces not necessarily metrisable. It is proved that the feasible set of the M‐problem, namely the subset D of L1 of all probability functions, is densifiable by VDC provided that L1 to be endowed with the weak topology.FindingsIt is proved that the M‐problem, consisting of finding a probability function f of D associated to the mean life of an electronic devise that minimizes the expectation defined by a certain functional on L1, is not a well‐posed problem in D. Nevertheless, by virtue of the compactness, the M‐problem has solution on each weak VDC in D for arbitrary weak 0‐neighbourhood V, which allows to find an approximate probability function with arbitrary precision.Originality/valueThe paper has designed, by means of the VDC‐method, a convergent algorithm to find approximate solutions in ill‐posed global optimization problems when the feasible set is contained in a non‐metrisable topological vector space.
Solving integral equations of the first kind by decomposition method
Authors: Ngarasta Ngarkodje 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find methods for solving linear or non‐linear integral equations. The decomposition method may be applied, but a difficulty arises when it is applied to integral equations of the first kind which are not in canonical form. This paper aims to describe some techniques to obtain canonical form of Adomian decomposition method (ADM) for solving integral equations of the first kind.Design/methodology/approachAmong various numerical methods for solving integral equations, the ADM has shown a good skill for determining the solutions as polynomial series forms. In this paper, some methods based on regularization, derivation or substitution techniques are presented to permit the application of ADM to integral equations of the first kind.FindingsBy using the three proposed methods the decomposition method can then be easily used to solve integral equations of the first kind. The three methods allow to obtain the canonical form and a solution to find using the ADM.Research limitations/implicationsThe three methods provide the solution by the application of the decomposition method of George Adomian as extended by other researchers. All are efficient: the derivation and substitution techniques giving interesting results for linear and non‐linear equations of Volterra type; the regularization technique is also efficient for the equations of Fredholm type, but difficulties could arise from the calculations of the required series.Practical implicationsThe research provides three efficient methods for solving integral equations of first kind.Originality/valueThe three methods illustrate the powerful use of the decomposition techniques pioneered by Adomian and a result of their applications may be applied for solving of functional equations of any kind. This paper shows some methods for applying the Adomian techniques to integral equations of the first kind.
New results on the approximate solution of the non‐linear partial derivative equation system of corona‐electrostatic separation
Authors: Caron Armand 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to add precisions to a method, to demonstrate the convergence, to explain time and memory space complexities and new simulated results on a non‐linear partial derivative equation system governing corona‐electrostatic electric field for granular mixture separation.Design/methodology/approachThe method converts the non‐linear partial derivative system into an iterative system of linear equations. Using the well‐known finite difference approximation, a numerical solution is computed very quickly.FindingsThe paper gives the truncated error and the approximation error to conclude to the convergence.Originality/valueThe paper shows the fast numerical solution leads to confidence in the numerical approximations for the comprehension of the phenomenon. Extends the corona‐electrostatic electric field for granular mixture separation to new geometries easily.
Requisite variety: more on Gaia
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to mention a set of suggestions for analysing the current financial crisis, but with reservations about the usefulness of one based on Ashby's principle of requisite variety. The reservations are supported by reference to a mechanism of chemotaxis in bacteria. A recent publication concerning the Gaia hypothesis and global warming is reviewed.Design/methodology/approachThe aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.FindingsThe significance of complexity, in government and management, is not disputed, but doubts are expressed about validity of laws that are purported to treat it quantitatively. A pessimistic view of world future is due to James Lovelock, the originator of the Gaia hypothesis, though there is some reason to believe he is more hopeful than is suggested in an interview.Practical implicationsThe reservations about Ashby's treatment of complexity are essentially theoretical and do not negate findings based on its robust and imprecise application. Lovelock indicates a means of saving the Earth from disastrous climate change but has little hope that it will be implemented.Originality/valueIt is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Characterizing Cantorian sets by entropy‐like quantities
Authors: Karamanos Konstantinos 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the recognizability of Cantorian stochastic automata by generalized entropy‐like qualities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives a necessary entropy condition, valid for all sequences on the alphabet {0, 1} read by lumping and generated by a Cantorian stochastic automaton.FindingsThe paper finds that, on this basis, once can determine that a given sequence is not generated by Cantorian stochastic automata and reconstruct the automaton when the sequence is generated by a Cantorian stochastic automaton.Originality/valueThis paper derives a new diagnostic for Cantorian stochastic automata, which could find a direct application to biology, where there is a recent claim that the coding regions of chromosomes form Cantor sets.
National Seminar on Open Access on Textual and Multimedia Content: Bridging the Digital Divide: brief report
Authors: Gupta Pawan Kumar , Arora Jagdish 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a national seminar held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on 29‐30 January 2009.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive report.FindingsThe national seminar focused on open access of textual and multimedia content looking at collaboration between two inter‐university centres of the University Grants Commission (UGC), INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network) Center in Ahmedabad and the Center for Educational Communication (CEC) in New Delhi.Originality/valueIt will be of interest to the library and information professionals especially to the media professionals across the country. It may also be helpful to the professionals of the Asian countries at some extend. A detailed version of this report published in the seminar website and it may also appear in the forthcoming INFLIBNET newsletter for the INFLIBNET members.
Developing inventories for satisfaction and Likert scales in a service environment
Authors: Braunsberger Karin , Gates Roger 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to produce up‐to‐date inventories for satisfaction and Likert scales that contain commonly used scale point descriptors and their respective mean scale values and standard deviations.Design/methodology/approachAll data were collected online using the SSI Survey Spot Panel. This panel is national (USA) in scope. Thirty‐nine satisfaction items and 19 agreement items were tested on a random sample consisting of individuals 21‐65 years old.FindingsThe mean value and the standard deviation were calculated for each of these descriptors. Even though only six of the items that had been tested by Jones and Thurstone (1955) were included in the list of satisfaction scale descriptors, the semantic meanings of those six have changed very little over the years.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation might be that scale point descriptor inventories developed within the context of health insurance might not be valid in other service contexts.Practical implicationsSince the present study focuses on Likert and satisfaction scales which are frequently used in service environments, the major contribution of this study is to provide services marketers with quantitative measurement of the meanings of commonly used scale point descriptors. This permits the development of successive and/or equal interval scales and thus aids in the analyses of data sets. It will thus help service marketers to develop questionnaires that more accurately reflect actual consumer satisfaction and opinions.Originality/valueThe development of up‐to‐date inventories for satisfaction and Likert scales.
An empirical investigation of relationship development in professional business services
Authors: Karantinou Kalipso M. , Hogg Margaret K. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeRelationship development is presented as an optimal strategy across all sectors of economic activity, although relationships, and their appropriateness, vary by industry sector. In order to contribute to academic and managerial understanding of relationships in professional business services, this study aims to investigate the characteristics of relationship development in management consultancy.Design/methodology/approachData collection involved semi‐structured interviews with both consultants and clients and employed a multilevel perspective for the investigation of relationships.FindingsThe findings provide a more nuanced reading of relationships and relationship development. First, a distinction between within‐project and between‐projects relationships and the important strategic implications which flow from these two different types of relationships are identified. Second, a distinction between relationship‐seekers and relationship‐switchers, and the resource allocation decisions associated with managing these two different client groups are identified.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory study based on a qualitative methodology and thus no claims are made about generalizability. The study primarily aimed to achieve a theoretical generalization. The emerging conceptualizations could be extended to and tested by other cases in future studies.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for managers because of the insights it offers into the mechanisms for relationship development; the strategic value of relationships; what the clients have to say about relationships; and the elements that characterize successful long‐term relationships.Originality/valueThe study contributes to relationship management theory within services marketing by offering a more refined understanding of company‐client relationships, compared with the more generic interpretations of relationships which often characterize studies of relationship management.
The product innovation process of quick‐service restaurant chains
Authors: Ottenbacher Michael C. , Harrington Robert J. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to outline the innovation process activities described by quick‐service restaurant (QSR) managers and to compare it with an earlier QSR process model and with those used in other food service settings.Design/methodology/approachSix semi‐structured interviews with QSR chain executives in the USA were conducted to better understand the underlying factors and dimensions that describe successful innovation process practices.FindingsFor new QSR menu innovations, the development teams follow a structured approach to reduce the likelihood of failure due to issues such as poor consumer demand or implementation. QSR screen new food innovations approximately five times during the development process. Furthermore, today's QSR innovation process integrates more sophisticated market research technology and a post‐audit is carried out after the new food concept has been launched. In comparison with studies of Michelin‐starred chefs QSR development teams use an approach that is much more explicitly structured as a whole due to the larger scale roll‐out as well as greater cross‐functional and regional differences to consider in the QSR setting.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in only one country and on a small sample. Based on an analysis of the findings, the innovation development process of QSR can be broken down into 13 main steps. Compared with earlier hospitality innovation studies, the process in this setting includes multiple screenings for high‐risk innovations, and greater emphasis on operational and training issues.Originality/valueThe study expands the scope of hospitality innovation research and the findings have important implications not only for QSR settings but also for other restaurant segments, and for other hospitality service endeavours.
Drivers of job satisfaction as related to work performance in Macao casino hotels
Authors: Gu Zheng , Chi Sen Siu Ricardo 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the relationship between work performance and job satisfaction in Macao's casino hotels and to attempt to determine how job satisfaction may be enhanced to improve work performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among Macao casino hotels' employees to collect data on work performance and job satisfaction. Coefficients of correlations were computed to determine the relationship between the two. Job satisfaction drivers were identified through backward stepwise regression analysis.FindingsMediocre interpersonal skills are the major weakness of the labor force and job satisfaction is significantly correlated with job performance. Training opportunities, salaries and benefits, and support from colleagues and superiors are significant drivers of job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper used convenience sampling and the survey was not exhaustive to include all possible job satisfaction drivers. Also, social desirability bias may exist in the employee survey. Future research should use probability sampling, if possible, and include more potential job satisfaction variables to find out how employee job satisfaction may be maximized. Furthermore, a study based on customer survey is desired for examining Macao casino workforce performance. While the findings are applicable to Macao casino hotels, they do provide evidence from the gaming industry to support the theory on job satisfaction drivers. The findings may also carry important implications for gaming jurisdictions with low incomes such as those in East Europe and Southeast Asia.Practical implicationsThe study provides an assessment of the Macao casino hotel workers' performance and job satisfaction and offers useful insights on how work performance and job satisfaction may be improved. On‐the‐job training is proposed for the industry to boost job satisfaction and work performance.Originality/valueLabor force performance has been a concern for the Macao gaming industry but has been thinly researched. The paper identifies problems in work performance as related to job satisfaction and proposes solutions. The identified solutions should help improve job satisfaction and workforce performance for Macao casino hotels.
Cluster‐based diffusion: aggregate and disaggregate level modeling
Authors: Kumar Yogendra , Sarkar Runa , Swami Sanjeev 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a modeling approach for aggregate and disaggregate level models for cluster‐based diffusion of a new technology. The aggregate approach refers to the diffusion modeling of a product at the overall population level, while the disaggregate approach refers to the diffusion process at the individual entity level.Design/methodology/approachThe pattern of diffusion of a new technology in a representative two‐cluster situation is studied. In the aggregate level modeling, a diffusion model is developed in which potential adopters of both clusters learn about the new technology from each other. This is done by a Lotka‐Volterra type of dynamical system of equations. Then, to focus on relatively micro‐level phenomena, such as different propensities of imitation and innovation of firms within a cluster, an agent‐based disaggregate model for cluster‐based diffusion of technology is proposed. In these disaggregate models, the effects of heterogeneity and the inter‐cluster and intra‐cluster distances between the agents are captured.FindingsThe results highlight two major points: first, both aggregate and disaggregate models are in agreement with each other, and second, both of the models exhibit a form similar to the Bass model. Thus, consistent with the general theme of why the Bass model fits without decision variables, it is found that the Bass model, when extended appropriately, can be expected to work well also in the cluster‐based technology diffusion situation.Practical implicationsThis modeling approach can be applied to the modeling of those situations in which heterogeneous industrial units are present in geographical clusters. It can also be applied in the related contexts such as diffusion of practices (e.g. quality certifications) within a multi‐divisional organization or across various networked clusters.Originality/valueFor a homogenous population, the Bass model has been used extensively to predict the sales of newly introduced consumer durables. In comparison, little attention has been given to the modeling of the technology adoption by the industrial units present in disparate groups, called clusters. The major contribution of this paper is to propose a framework for cluster‐based diffusion of technological products, and then to present an analysis of that framework using two different methodologies.
Effective assimilation of intra‐technology spillover as a key to sustainable functionality
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Saiki Tomoko , Shin Jae‐Ho , Ouchi Noritomo , Watanabe Chihiro , Tou Yuji 
Published: July 2009

PurposeA virtuous cycle between effective utilization of external resources and functionality development can be constructed. Given that the timely emergence of new functionality in an efficient way is crucial to a firm's competitive strategy in an era of mega‐competition, construction of such a virtuous cycle is a key element with regard to a firm's technopreneurial strategy. The purpose of this paper is to identify a trigger for such a virtuous cycle.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical comparative analysis taking copying machines development trajectories in Canon and Ricoh and the patent data analysis were conducted.FindingsCumulative learning from preceding relevant technology development is found to stimulate intra‐technology spillover. Timely intra‐technology spillover from preceding innovation plays a triggering role.Practical implicationsAttempting a broad and comprehensive learning exercise should be strongly encouraged for the effective utilization of external resources for innovation. Fruitful effects of learning should be pursued to the hybrid management of technology fusing indigenous strength and the effects of the comprehensive learning.Originality/valueAiming at identifying the trigger emerging a virtuous cycle between effective utilization of external resources and functionality development, core technologies instilled in the copying machines just short of the emergence of functionality development were investigated. In order to anticipate thorough capturing of all dimensions of color technologies utilized for the emergence of new functionality development through indigenous development as well as utilization of externally developed technologies, F‐term retrieval of patent registration data was attempted.
Analysis of interaction among the enablers of agility in supply chain
Authors: Pandey V.C. , Garg Suresh 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key supply chain variables, on which the practitioner should focus, to make supply chains of manufacturing enterprises more agile. Further, these variables are structured to determine their interactive behavior.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretive structural modeling (ISM)‐based approach has been employed to model the agility variables of supply chains. These variables have been categorized into five levels based on their driving power and dependence.FindingsThe paper identifies various enablers used by researchers and practitioners for flexibility, integration and responsiveness to customers needs. ISM is used to establish mutual relationships among these enablers and to prepare a hierarchy‐based model.Practical implicationsThe index of enablers, based on driving power and dependency provides useful insights to supply chain managers in identifying strategic variables having high driving power and effective use of these can help in achieving the corporate goals.Originality/valueBy presenting enablers in the form of hierarchy using ISM and ranking them into various driving power and dependent categories, this paper is an attempt to develop insights related to agile supply chains in the Indian context.
Event‐based conceptual modeling
Authors: Bækgaard Lars 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to obtain insight into, and provide practical advice for, event‐based conceptual modeling.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes a set of event concepts and uses the results to formulate a conceptual event model that is used to identify guidelines for creation of dynamic process models and static information models.FindingsThe paper characterizes events as short‐duration processes that have participants, consequences, and properties, and that may be modeled in terms of information structures. The conceptual event model is used to characterize a variety of event concepts and it is used to illustrate how events can be used to integrate dynamic modeling of processes and static modeling of information structures.Originality/valueThe results are unique in the sense that no other general event concept has been used to unify a similar broad variety of seemingly incompatible event concepts. The general event concept can be used to improve dynamic and static modeling.