bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supplier evaluation model for computer auditing and decision‐making analysis
Authors: Shih Kuang‐Hsun , Hung Hsu‐Feng , Lin Binshan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a model and a supporting approach for effective supplier selection decisions.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis are applied to test the evaluation principles and samples. Next, the data tested by SEM is used for artificial neural network (ANN) by Likert and fuzzy scales to structure a classification model, accompanying with canonical discriminate analysis (CANDISC) to diminish variables. After the training and test of the model, multiple discriminate analysis is applied to compare the accuracy of the classification. Last, the CANDISC variable reduction method with ANN classification model utilized in the study is applied.FindingsThe supplier selection model designed with ANN classification model and fuzzy scales will be more effective than with the traditional statistics analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe new paradigm for decision making includes a combination of several effective methods and analysis.Practical implicationsThis research provides an integrated model for internal auditors and managers to classify their supplier selection decisions.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the new approach of the decision model building process for computer auditing and improves the classification accuracy effectively.
Migrating personality theories Part 2: towards a theory of the balanced personality?
Authors: Yolles Maurice , Fink Gerhard 
Published: October 2009

PurposeSome personality schemas are seen to compete with others, but are they really complementary? The purpose of this paper is to show that two trait approaches, Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Mindscape theory, which are normally considered to be competitive, shall be migrated into a more complex modeling space using knowledge cybernetics, when they are shown to have a complementary potential.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the meta‐framework of knowledge cybernetics (KC) part of the relevantial universe identified by Maruyama, to migrate different theoretical approaches and relate them. A consequence is the possible development of a more sophisticated trait theory that is capable of providing more complex information about personality.FindingsThe findings indicate that current type theories are not necessarily stand‐alone, but may be seen as complementary within a broader conceptual framework.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to the investigation of MBTI. However, it offers a generic approach that can be applied to other solitary theories like MBTI.Practical implicationsThe paper leads to the possibility of improved explanatory power for a type theory than is currently possible.Originality/valueVery little comparative work has been done relating representations of MBTI and Mindscape theory. This also appears to be the first serious extensive direct comparison between any form of MBTI and Mindscapes. KC uses Habermas's three world theory and shows that it is possible to consider MBTI and Mindscape theory as conceptually distinct and complementary, and together contributing to a new way of exploring the field of personality theory.
A model for assessing organizational knowledge inventory
Authors: Wei Chiu‐Chi , Chen Su‐Hui , Lee Yu‐Chen 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model that can quantitatively and vividly measure the current capability of enterprises by evaluating their existing knowledge inventory.Design/methodology/approachKnowledge management starts from assessing the current position of enterprises, visioning future intention, and then specifying knowledge objectives and formulating knowledge strategies. Along with this process, a critical component that must be realized in order to assist management in determining knowledge objective and strategies is the assessment of existing knowledge inventory.FindingsThe paper finds that enterprises can better position themselves by deciding realistic objectives and formulating achievable strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe force that drives human history from agricultural age to industrial age, information age, and finally to the knowledge age was innovation, and the crucial element determining the level of products and services innovation lies in people. In other words, all innovations come from human resources, and knowledge enables human beings to be creative. Especially, in this global era with stiff competition, enterprises should create, manage and preserve knowledge better than their competitors in order to maintain competitive advantage, and therefore remain ever‐lasting existence.Practical implicationsPrevious investigations mainly employed qualitative methods, such as questionnaire survey and in‐depth interviews, to explore knowledge management performance of enterprises.Originality/valueThe paper shows that by categorizing the knowledge inventory in terms of knowledge depth and width, enterprises would be able to formulate suitable knowledge strategies of accumulation, widening, deepening, or strengthening and specify proper learning strategies to bridge the knowledge gap to cope with the competition.
Success factors and competencies in organisational evolution
Authors: Bertoncelj Andrej , Kovač Darko , Bertoncel Rok 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate organisational evolution and change forces that influence the adaptation process. Despite significant research interest in this topic, the knowledge is still incomplete.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the importance of organisational evolution and introduces two frameworks, five change forces and success factors and competencies, in the process of transformation from the new economy to the innovative economy.FindingsThe paper finds that organisational capacity for transformation in response to the economic change forces has become the critical success factor in the ever‐changing business environment where more competition means more intense selection. As organisations fight to remain on the market, unadaptive and consequently unsuccessful rivals fail to capture an adequate market share and have to exit.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be particularly interesting to conduct studies in different countries to see whether the results are affected by the cultural context.Practical implicationsIn today's knowledge‐based economy, different resources are used in creating new value and a broader circle of participants is involved than in the past. Human capital is becoming more important than economic capital.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the discussion on adaptive evolution of organisations and emphasizes which economic forces have impact on organisations in an era of innovative economy.
Toward semantical model of reaction‐diffusion computing
Authors: Schumann Andrew , Adamatzky Andrew 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to fill a gap between experimental and abstract‐theoretic models of reaction‐diffusion computing. Chemical reaction‐diffusion computers are amongst leading experimental prototypes in the field of unconventional and nature‐inspired computing. In the reaction‐diffusion computers, the data are represented by concentration profiles of reagents, information is transferred by propagating diffusive and phase waves, computation is implemented in interaction of the traveling patterns, and results of the computation are recorded as a final concentration profile.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyzes a possibility of co‐algebraic representation of the computation in reaction‐diffusion systems using reaction‐diffusion cellular‐automata models.FindingsUsing notions of space‐time trajectories of local domains of a reaction‐diffusion medium the logic of trajectories is built, where well‐formed formulas and their truth‐values are defined by co‐induction. These formulas are non‐well‐founded set‐theoretic objects. It is demonstrated that the logic of trajectories is a co‐algebra.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper uses the logic defined to establish a semantical model of the computation in reaction‐diffusion media.Originality/valueThe work presents the first ever attempt toward mathematical formalization of reaction‐diffusion processes and is built building up semantics of reaction‐diffusion computing. It is envisaged that the formalism produced will be used in developing programming techniques of reaction‐diffusion chemical media.
Human motion design in hierarchical space
Authors: Miatliuk Kanstantsin , Hyuk Kim Yoon , Kim Kyungsoo 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define the process of human motion design in hierarchical space by cybernetic technology using mathematical symbol construction of hierarchical systems (HSs) and realize the technology in tasks of biomechanical motion design.Design/methodology/approachSuggested HS technology allows definition of human motion on level space. HS are presented by their two main symbol images, i.e. mathematical symbol construction and graphic image. Those images connect all the strata of HS, show the acts of systems multiplying (learning) and uniting (design), the place of man in hierarchical space and human activity on higher levels. The design&control tasks are solved by HS coordinator.FindingsThe paper proves that HS technology presented allows design&control tasks of human motion in hierarchical space to be solved. Coherence of man's construction deformations and correspondent changes of his interactions with environment elements (his motion) is controlled by HS coordinator. Coordinator design tasks are formulated. The possibility of computer program description in frames of the proposed technology is revealed.Practical implicationsThe technology presented gives an instrument for the design&control of different kinds of human motion in hierarchical space, predicts connected motion dynamics on different levels. It is applied in design tasks of biomechanical motion.Originality/valueThe method (technology) presented meets all the requirements of practical cybernetic (design&control) tasks. It brings new light to theory and practice of human motion design, presents human motion as hierarchical process in the level space, allows motion design&control task to be solved as coordination task of HS coordinator.
Algorithm for qualitative analysis of a system's dependencies
Authors: Lloret‐Climent M. , Esteve‐Calvo P.F. , Almenara‐Carmona E. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeBased on knowledge of the variables of a link system and their interrelation, the purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to specify all the objects relating to dependency chains of a discrete system which are essential in systemic analysis of any system.Design/methodology/approachAn algorithm is designed based on previously developed theoretical concepts which enables the discovery of the aforementioned objects.FindingsA tool has been developed which is able to analyse any system with given variables and dependencies in a fast and economical manner.Practical implicationsThese results can be applied to a number of cases. For example, in the case of an ecosystem, the structural function associated with each species of the ecosystem can be determined, it could be ascertained whether a group of species covered another group of species, whether there is an invariant group of species can be determined, and the orbit of each species analysed.Originality/valueThe algorithm presented in this paper is innovative in that it is a direct transfer of the theoretical results presented in recent publications, and therefore presupposes a different treatment of the qualitative analysis of the system.
Analytical approximate solution of a SIR epidemic model with constant vaccination strategy by homotopy perturbation method
Authors: Yıldırım Ahmet , Cherruault Yves 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce an efficient method for solving susceptible‐infected‐removed (SIR) epidemic model. A SIR model that monitors the temporal dynamics of a childhood disease in the presence of preventive vaccine. The qualitative analysis reveals the vaccination reproductive number for disease control and eradication. It introduces homotopy perturbation method (HPM) to overcome these problems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers HPM to solve differential system which describes SIR epidemic model. The essential idea of this method is to introduce a homotopy parameter, say p, which takes values from 0 to 1. When p=0, the system of equations usually reduces to a sufficiently simplified form, which normally admits a rather simple solution. As p is gradually increased to 1, the system goes through a sequence of deformations, the solution for each of which is close to that at the previous stage of deformation. One of the most remarkable features of the HPM is that usually just few perturbation terms are sufficient for obtaining a reasonably accurate solution.FindingsHPM is employed to compute an approximation to the solution of the non‐linear system of differential equations governing the problem.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in presenting, via some tables and figures, some numerical experiments which resulted from applying new methods on test problem.
Sextic B‐spline collocation method for the modified Burgers' equation
Authors: Irk Dursun 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the numerical solutions of the Burgers' and modified Burgers' equation using sextic B‐spline collocation method.Design/methodology/approachCrank‐Nicolson central differencing scheme has been used for the time integration and sextic B‐spline functions have been used for the space integration to the modified and time splitted modified Burgers' equation.FindingsIt has been found that the proposed method is unconditionally stable and obtained results are consistent with some earlier published studies.Originality/valueSextic B‐spline collocation method for the Burgers' and modified Burgers' equation is given.
Monte Carlo simulation for solving Fredholm integral equations
Authors: Farnoosh Rahman , Morteza Ebrahimi 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a Monte Carlo variance reduction method based on Control variates to solve Fredholm integral equations of the second kind.Design/methodology/approachA numerical algorithm consisted of the combined use of the successive substitution method and Monte Carlo simulation is established for the solution of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind.FindingsOwing to the application of the present method, the variance of the solution is reduced. Therefore, this method achieves several orders of magnitude improvement in accuracy over the conventional Monte Carlo method.Practical implicationsNumerical tests are performed in order to show the efficiency and accuracy of the present paper. Numerical experiments show that an excellent estimation on the solution can be obtained within a couple of minutes CPU time at Pentium IV‐2.4 GHz PC.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new efficient method to solve Fredholm integral equations of the second kind and discusses basic advantages of the present method.
Renewable energy; tapping and typing the citizen's mind
Authors: Guardiola Sandy , Gabay Gillie , Moskowitz Howard R. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of consumer preferences and mind‐set regarding the transition to using renewable energy.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is an experimental design of messaging (conjoint analysis).FindingsThe study uncovered different segments of individuals, with different mind‐sets, needing different types of messaging. Results show what marketing messages might best work to interest consumers in the transition to renewable energy. The study revealed two different mind‐set segments among respondents. The first segment comprised residents who preferred a gradual transition toward using 80 percent renewable energy, and 20 percent conventional energy, with no specific transition time span, and with no tax increases. The second segment comprised residents who preferred a five year, fixed‐time plan for the conversion to renewable energy sources (RES), along with service plans, and an accompanying “money back” guarantee.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not include the testing of pricing elements to the messaging about the transition to “green” process. Thus, insights concerning the interaction of financial concerns with mind‐sets in the transition to “green” are yet to be studied.Practical implicationsAfter identifying the segment to which each individual belongs, data permit the creation of a “typing tool” to identify segment membership, thus allowing more targeted and effective messaging when building awareness and demand for green power.Originality/valueThis is a pioneering study that looks at the “mind” of the customer, to investigate how different ideas and messaging drive the consumer's comfort level regarding the use of RES, and the future of their energy consumption and transitional needs. This is a multi‐disciplinary study incorporating public policy and marketing together with practical application.
Supply shocks and menu costs
Authors: McGarrity Joseph P. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how firms respond to adverse supply shocks.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines a supply shock within the framework of Mankiw's Menu Cost Model.FindingsThe analysis in this paper illustrates that the type of adverse shock is important. An immediate increase in the money supply may work well in response to a negative aggregate demand shock, but be counter‐productive in response to a negative supply shock. This paper finds that output will decrease when the Federal Reserve increases the money supply in response to an adverse supply shock.Practical implicationsThe implication is that when the Federal Reserve first spots a negative supply shock (such as an increase in oil prices), it should not immediately respond with an increase in the money supply. Doing so might cause a recession.Originality/valueWhen there is a negative supply shock, conventional wisdom holds that an increase in money supply can offset the decrease in output that would occur without a policy response. That is, increases in money supply have the exact opposite influence that most economists often suppose.
A review and measurement of capacity utilisation in the Nigerian economy
Authors: Raimi L. , Adeleke I. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the issue of capacity utilisation (CU) in the Nigerian economy over the last 12 years (1991‐2003) with the view to determining if there has been significant improvement in CU despite changes in government policies initiated to boost the productive capacity level.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is basically descriptive and analytical. Planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of secondary data are adopted to explain CU situation in Nigeria.FindingsThe paper shows that CU trends in Nigeria from 1993‐2003 ranges between 30 and 60 per cent.Practical implicationsThe government and organised private sector organisations have a monumental role to play for positive changes and sustainable improvement of CU level in Nigeria through boosting aggregate demand, improved employment, low interest rate, improved export drive, cheap fuel and power supply, creation of enabling environment for businesses.Originality/valueThe results of this paper support the finance‐economics view that the relatively low level of CU across the sectors analysed suggests that firms in Nigeria are subject to economic constraints.
After the credit crunch: the future of Shari’ah compliant sustainable investing
Authors: Hassan Abul 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Shari’ah compliant sustainable investing in the light of the credit crisis and catastrophic climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses that the climate change, natural resource shortages, fuel crisis and global financial crisis, etc. will not go away just because there is a recession. In this regard, Shari’ah compliant finance has a broader responsibility to consider societal goals and should be preparing for the post‐credit crunch world. The paper evaluates the performance of Shari’ah compliant sustainable funds using the traditional measures of performance in relation to risk‐adjusted benchmarks to see if there is any ethical effect.FindingsThe paper advocates that preventing future market meltdowns and avoiding catastrophic climate change requires a new era of longterism in Shari’ah compliant sustainable investing. The study assesses the performance of the Shari’ah compliant sustainable investing. The result shows that Shari’ah compliant funds outperformed the conventional benchmark and therefore, the challenge for Shari’ah compliant sustainable investing is not to become like conventional investing but, rather, to replace.Research limitations/implicationsShari’ah compliant sustainable finance is a recent phenomena and therefore, rigorous analytical predication of Shari’ah compliant sustainable investing variables are at present not possible using evolutionary and complex system approaches; however, such system can be fruitfully studied in future through simulation methods and certain types of econometric modeling when the long‐term data will be made available.Originality/valueAs the credit crunch has evolved into a full‐blown economic crisis, many have turned to the Shari’ah compliant finance to provide a route map out of recession. With an increasing number of conventional banks and corporations struggling to find funds to support their businesses, Shari’ah compliant financial institutions represent a potential solution to bridge the liquidity gap in the global markets.
Investigating complaints to improve practice and develop policy
Authors: Parry Julianne , Hewage Udul 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to make use of patient complaints as a valuable source of information to enable improvements to the quality of health service delivery.Design/methodology/approachThematic analysis was used to analyse records of de‐identified patient complaints made about medical or nursing staff or medical or nursing services between January 2006 and May 2008 in the Mount Isa Health Service District.FindingsThree main themes were identified. These themes were labelled: “communication”, “wait times” and “clinical”. The latter related to specific concerns about the care provided to the patient or their relative. There were 101 complaints analysed. The majority (60 per cent) of complaints related to communication. Wait times for appointments (13 per cent), and clinical (28 per cent) were included in the remainder.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this research are not generalisable beyond the Health Service District within which the data were collected. However, the principle of systematically using complaints information to improve practice and develop policy can be applied within all health services.Practical implicationsRecommendations to develop policies and improve practice that will address the matters identified in the complaints are made. Changes to complaints data records to assist future research are suggested. The need to facilitate indigenous patients' contribution to suggestions for service delivery improvement is highlighted.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to research that makes use of patient complaints to produce higher standards of patient service delivery.