bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student residential satisfaction in research universities
Authors: ‘Ulyani Mohd Najib Nurul , Aini Yusof Nor’ , Zainul Abidin Nazirah 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the level of student satisfaction with campus student housing facilities (SHF) at Malaysian research universities (RUs) and the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe student residential satisfaction (SRS) framework has been proposed to investigate residential satisfaction from the students' viewpoint. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents in three RUs. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics.FindingsIn general, students are satisfied with the provided SHF with the SRS index of 2.96 or 74 per cent satisfaction level and there is a significant relationship between overall satisfaction and loyalty behaviour. The results also confirmed that the proposed model is an adequate instrument to measure SRS.Practical implicationsThe existence of quality SHF is likely to act as an effective medium to attract local and international students to enrol in Malaysian universities. Further actions should be geared towards achieving a higher score of SRS index.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a practical model of SRS to be applied to universities in other countries with similar climate and culture.
Settlement of cyber disputes through terrestrial provisions
Authors: Mahabubur Rahman Mohammad , Ahmed Fariduddin , Osiur Rahman Mohammad , Hoque Azizul 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on how law, together with the internet, has created a new environment in the legal arena; and how the USA as a high‐tech nation relying upon previous territorial experience is making a new pathway for all the concerned persons and organizations to overcome the problems that have come out of cyber peculiarity.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on keen observation and intensive analysis of the US case laws and practices. This article concentrates on the study of the American cases as a representative type of hi‐tech nations for searching the influences of traditional territorial concept on the settlement of internet cases.FindingsIn spite of the inevitability of a distinct set of laws and legal principles to be adopted for cyber offences, the traditional territorial law can provide elements for cyber‐legal issues. As for being a pioneer hi‐tech nation, the US courts, whether federal or provincial, are very much inclined to decide the internet cases on the basis of territorial concept by applying the principles of traditional territorial notions.Originality/valueThe judges, lawyers, jurists, governments, public authorities, local authorities, statutory bodies and all other persons and institutes concerned from around the world shall find indications to chalk out the framework of solution for cyber disputes from the US practices.
Leading with purpose: a case for soul leadership
Authors: Graham Kirsten 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explores the notion that leadership is not the accumulation of leadership skills but the discovery and expression of a leader's true nature. The paper also aims to introduce the concept of the 4Ps of soul leadership.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers the author's independent perspective and commentary on leadership development in the current organizational context.FindingsThe paper finds that the strongest leaders are those that lead through an awareness and expression of their unique 4Ps (passion, purpose, possibilities, place) of soul leadership. This is increasingly true in complex, global environments of unprecedented change.Practical implicationsLeadership development (and skill building in general) is more effective if built on a foundation of self‐awareness and connection to an individual's 4Ps.Social implicationsSoul leadership encourages individuals and organizations to be the best possible version of themselves. In aligning to one's passions and purpose natural leadership, productivity and creativity are likely to come to the fore, which fuels individual, organizational and societal growth in turn.Originality/valueReframing leadership as a unique expression of an individual's 4Ps with implications for individuals, organizational leaders and learning and development practitioners.
Analyzing the interaction of factors for success of total quality management in SMEs
Authors: Kr Singh Rajesh 
Published: July 2011

PurposeAfter globalization of markets, product quality and satisfaction of customers have become essential for sustainable growth of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to identify and develop the structural relationship among different factors for success of total quality management (TQM) in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachIn this research a total of 11 factors have been identified for successful implementation of TQM. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been applied to develop a structural relationship among these factors.FindingsTop management commitment, employees' training and empowerment, supplier development and coordination between departments are found to be the major driving factors for implementing TQM, whereas process management, product/service design, product quality and customer satisfaction are observed as dependent variables.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that management of SMEs needs to address driving variables more carefully for successful implementation of TQM.
Evaluation of customer satisfaction in R&D organization: a conceptual framework
Authors: Sarkar Tapas , Batabyal Asit Kr. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to develop an evaluation model of the customer satisfaction index (CSI) in an R&D organization. A conceptual framework on customer satisfaction with a probabilistic approach has been attempted based on customer requirements and expectations in compliance with the clauses of ISO 9001:2008.Design/methodology/approachA survey through a well‐designed customer feedback data sheet has been used as an effective tool for the measurement of CSI. The questionnaire was framed on the basis of the requirements of a quality management system with advice to the customer for allotting grade points on a given scale to the quality parameters. The research model has been analyzed based on a fault‐tree approach and the probability of failure of each quality parameter has been assigned on the basis of grade point average. Data analysis for the estimation of the probability of failure at a customer satisfaction level (CSL) was carried out based on the probability of failure of each quality element graded by the customers. The data were also tested through statistical inference of whether customer‐to‐customer satisfaction level differs or not.FindingsAs a result of case study analysis, 88 percent of customers are fully satisfied. This gives significant information to the management process as well as providing a guiding tool for future improvements. The analysis was carried out based on a framed questionnaire graded by the customer and the result reveals that there is no significant difference between customer satisfaction levels.Research limitations/implicationsThis model can be used by any organization, irrespective of the number of customers participating, as well as the number of quality parameters being assigned in the customer feedback analysis.Originality/valueA literature review found that there are various approaches for evaluating a CSI. The paper describes how a newly‐applied conceptual model based on the failure of CSL in the form of a fault‐tree approach was designed and how the probability of failure of each element/parameters was assigned on the basis of a grade point average to evaluate the CSI, as well as the variation in satisfaction levels between customers being analyzed.
Possibility of using water mist fire suppression system in Hong Kong
Authors: Chow W.K. , Chan L.Y. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe water mist fire suppression system (WMFSS) is an environmentally friendly fire protection system, replacing the total flooding halon system. It is starting to be popular in Hong Kong with five systems approved. However, such systems were tested under some scenarios very different from real fires. Performance under practical scenarios should be evaluated thoroughly. Full‐scale burning tests should be carried out to support that the systems would work in real fire scenarios as expected. This paper aims to briefly discuss whether the water mist system is suitable for use in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachFive water mist systems were approved in Hong Kong based on the fire test certificate provided by the manufacturers. Four systems were selected in this paper for discussion. Conditions of the fire scenarios in which the approved systems would work are described. The test scenario encountered should match with real fires. Such systems would work satisfactorily in the application area proposed. They are good for enclosed rooms such as machinery spaces and plant rooms. But applying such systems for use in retail areas or libraries should be watched carefully, particularly those with high ventilation rates.FindingsIt is observed that the four approved systems were only evaluated on machinery plant rooms with volume less than 500 m3. They are demonstrated to be effective in extinguishing a wide range of bigger Class B fires with very little residual water in a short time. However, the loss of water vapor under mechanical ventilation conditions might reduce the extinguishing capability of mist. The water mist nozzle should not be installed near to the exhaust and supply positions of the mechanical ventilation system. Note that WMFSS is not effective in handling shielded fires due to the lower mist concentration.Practical implicationsFull‐scale burning tests on pool fires of different shapes under water mist were carried out. It was demonstrated that WMFSS might not work under some fire scenarios. Different scenarios on the amount and arrangement of combustibles, room geometry and sizes would affect the system performance. Further, shop fires were burnt with performance of the water mist system evaluated. Heat release rate curves on the shop fire with and without discharging water mist are measured. Reignition occurred once water supply was shut down, burning up all combustibles.Originality/valueEffectiveness of WMFSS is determined by other factors, including the spray characteristics, fire size, ceiling height and ventilation rate in the compartment. Their performance in mechanical ventilation rooms should be watched. As a result, the total flooding system might not be so good. Localized water mist systems directed to the hazard might be more reliable to suppress fire. Water nozzle design is a key area as raised by the principal author. Anyway, the possible fire scenarios must be identified in designing workable WMFSS. Full‐scale burning tests should be conducted to demonstrate the system performance.
Overview of remote sensing techniques in earthquake prediction
Authors: Valizadeh Alvan Habibeh , Omar Husaini b. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe matter of predicting disasters has always been one of the hottest and most challenging tasks in geology. Earthquakes are among the most destructive ones among all the natural hazards. Occurring often without any warning, they are the most feared and unpredictable natural phenomena. In recent years with the emergence of new remote sensing instruments and techniques, geologists interested themselves to define accurate and reliable procedures to foresee disasters using this new technology. This paper aims to examine some of the data that have been used so far in earthquake prediction as well as cheap, relevant remotely sensing and geographic information systems methods to acquire and manipulate data.Design/methodology/approachEarthquakes are not the same in terms of origins, places (depth) and effects. So after having a brief look at the earthquakes, this paper examines the data that can be used for predicting earthquakes and reviews some of the remote sensing methods used to predict tectonic earthquakes. According to the types of measurements, remote sensing methods can be categorized in three main types; crust displacement, thermal and electromagnetic detecting techniques. Regarding the area's geological characteristics, satellites with optical and/or synthetic aperture radar sensors applications in prediction of large‐scale natural disasters will be discussed.FindingsPresentation of the definitions and characteristics of earthquakes, categorized representation of the types of data used in this field as well as the types and names of the ground, aerial‐ and space‐borne data providers are the most important products of this review paper.Originality/valueThis method, if fully and systematically conducted, can be the cornerstone of an earth‐predicting system.
Application of RCM for a chipping and sawing mill
Authors: Fore Stanley , Mudavanhu Thabani 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis research is focused on the application of reliability‐centred maintenance (RCM) in a chipping and sawmill company. The aim of the study was to illustrate the application of RCM in a chipping and sawing mill.Design/methodology/approachRCM is a structured process, which develops or optimises maintenance requirements of a physical resource in its operating context in order to realise its inherent reliability by logically incorporating an optimal combination of reactive, preventive, condition‐based and proactive maintenance practices. A detailed analysis of the RCM approach is presented as a step towards improving preventive maintenance (PM) within a sawmill.FindingsThe study shows that the way that PM tasks are specified is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the PM program and could be a major source of maintenance‐related downtime. It is also revealed that most maintenance programs, which purport to be proactive, are in fact reactive. The paper also shows that RCM can be successfully applied to industries anywhere; even in less industrialized countries.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on a pilot study of a section of a chipping and sawmill. The development and implementation of the RCM approach is elaborated based on a pilot program in the edging unit of a sawmill company. Further application to the entire plant, albeit time‐consuming, is recommended.Originality/valueApplication of RCM in sawmill industries, within developing countries, has had limited application. The paper demonstrates that regardless of technological challenges in less developed economies, maintenance approaches such as RCM can still be fruitfully applied in order to achieve maintenance excellence. The paper should be useful for maintenance practitioners and researchers, particularly in less industrialized countries.
A survey of AI in operations management from 2005 to 2009
Authors: Kobbacy Khairy A.H. , Vadera Sunil 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe use of AI for operations management, with its ability to evolve solutions, handle uncertainty and perform optimisation continues to be a major field of research. The growing body of publications over the last two decades means that it can be difficult to keep track of what has been done previously, what has worked, and what really needs to be addressed. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to present a survey of the use of AI in operations management aimed at presenting the key research themes, trends and directions of research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds upon our previous survey of this field which was carried out for the ten‐year period 1995‐2004. Like the previous survey, it uses Elsevier's Science Direct database as a source. The framework and methodology adopted for the survey is kept as similar as possible to enable continuity and comparison of trends. Thus, the application categories adopted are: design; scheduling; process planning and control; and quality, maintenance and fault diagnosis. Research on utilising neural networks, case‐based reasoning (CBR), fuzzy logic (FL), knowledge‐Based systems (KBS), data mining, and hybrid AI in the four application areas are identified.FindingsThe survey categorises over 1,400 papers, identifying the uses of AI in the four categories of operations management and concludes with an analysis of the trends, gaps and directions for future research. The findings include: the trends for design and scheduling show a dramatic increase in the use of genetic algorithms since 2003 that reflect recognition of their success in these areas; there is a significant decline in research on use of KBS, reflecting their transition into practice; there is an increasing trend in the use of FL in quality, maintenance and fault diagnosis; and there are surprising gaps in the use of CBR and hybrid methods in operations management that offer opportunities for future research.Originality/valueThis is the largest and most comprehensive study to classify research on the use of AI in operations management to date. The survey and trends identified provide a useful reference point and directions for future research.
Evaluating the performance of technology transfer offices
Authors: Ustundag Alp , Uğurlu Seda , Serdar Kilinc Mehmet 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal relationships among the factors influencing the technology transfer offices' (TTOs) performance.Design/methodology/approachThe fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) method is used in this study.FindingsThe findings from this research is that TTO human resources, industry research demand, R&D budget of university and economic uncertainty are the most influential factors on the performance of TTOs. The performance outputs which are mostly affected are the factors, licenses, patents, established spin‐offs, industry research contracts and consulting income.Originality/valueThis study provides a contribution by building the mental map among the concepts which are influencing the TTOs' performance. The causal relationships are defined in a non‐hierarchical network model. Indirect effects are considered in examining the TTOs performance. The pair wise influence degrees of the factors are determined by an empirical study. Using the FCM, the impact of factors on the performance of TTOs is investigated.
Guanxidynamics and identity construction
Authors: Kosmala Katarzyna , Xian Chunyan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to examine aspects of the construction of professional identity, based on an interpretative inquiry in two Chinese professional service firms in Beijing.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered through participant observation, archival material and interviews. The interpretive nature of the research experience facilitated openness to the local field and avoidance of a heavy reliance on assumptions that derive from privileging the Western constructions of professional identity, where “I” (the researcher) am situated epistemologically.FindingsProfessionalism discourse, a powerful resource of ambiguity, becomes an arena where identity is “asserted” through organisational performance, incorporated in normative Western‐driven laws. Enacted professionalism appears consistent with the pursuit of an elevated Western image. The relationships with the clients, however, are embedded inguanxidynamics and related accountabilities, reflecting the local ways of doing things.Originality/valueEmpirical material offers insights into professionalisation processes in Chinese firms, with a focus on the construction of professional identity, located within organisational micro‐dynamics.
Experiences with G2G: a location‐aware mobile social networking system
Authors: Mourtzoukos Konstantinos , Christou Ioannis T. , Efremidis Sofoklis 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to report on lessons learnt from operating a location‐aware mobile social networking application, and critical functionalities that were deemed necessary in order to provide a pleasant user experience. As a result of user feedback, the authors enhanced their social networking system, G2G, with functionalities such as login with Facebook.com credentials without the need to sign up to their system first, and a much improved localization system that works across different mobile operators. Mobile advertisement was included for enhancing the user experience.Design/methodology/approachA modular approach has been followed for the system design. The original G2G system interfaced cleanly with the Facebook application programming interfaces (APIs) and the mobile advertisement subsystem through wrapper components.FindingsThe result was a much improved user experience as existing Facebook subscriptions facilitated new users to use the system. Mobile advertisement functionalities were seen as an essential add‐on. The aforementioned functionalities, combined with the ability to upload/search/download location‐aware multimedia notes, and a back‐end interface that allows advertisers to add location‐aware, personalized content, resulted in a significantly enhanced user experience as evidenced by higher user active participation to the system.Originality/valueThe enhanced system integrates seamelessly with Facebook (facilitating thus the entry of new users) and with a mobile advertisement platform, and provides for advanced security functionalities. Moreover, it supports Android‐based smart‐phones.
Joint ventures between US MNCs and foreign governments
Authors: Glambosky Mina , Gleason Kim , Wiggenhorn Joan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the initial stock price reaction and long‐run returns for joint venture announcements between US MNCs and foreign governments as well as the firm characteristics and political risk factors of the foreign governments that affect the abnormal returns. In addition we determine changes in total and systematic risk following the joint venture.Design/methodology/approachAnnouncement abnormal returns are calculated using event study cumulative abnormal returns. Long‐run returns use a buy and hold methodology. Cross section regressions are performed on both the announcement and long run returns.FindingsAnnouncement abnormal returns are a positive 0.37 percent; however, the long‐run returns are a significant −3.99 percent the end of the first year. Both short‐run and long‐run returns are higher when the level of internal conflict is low, and surprisingly when the level of corruption is high. Also, surprisingly, short‐run returns are higher when ethnic violence is higher, but, as expected, long‐run returns are higher when there is higher democratic stability.Research limitations/implicationsOne implication is that when US managers are confronted by foreign government corruption, there may be a conflict between the success of the project and the ethical/legal requirements of the company.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on joint ventures with foreign governments rather than the usual foreign companies. Also, unlike previous papers that have used only one measure of political risk, this paper uses five of the PRS categories of political risk.