bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of “green‐collar workers” on organizations
Authors: Harvey Diane M. , Bosco Susan M. , Emanuele Gregory 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of the presence of “green‐collar workers” in organizations, including whether their perception of the organization with regard to environmental activities would affect their willingness to recommend the employer to others. It also aims to analyse generational differences with regard to this phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a survey developed from other research on green‐collar workers. It was distributed electronically and the data analysed using primarily χ2 and analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsThere were differences in knowledge levels regarding environmental topics such as the Kyoto treaty and the Green‐Collar Jobs Act. Significant correlations were also found among the variables of generation, willingness to recommend employer, and importance of school/workplace being environmentally friendly.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of an online survey was a limitation due to the need for technology access to respond. Despite this limitation, subjects included sufficient members of all four generations to perform the analyzes.Practical implicationsOrganizations that are trying to “go green” may well benefit from improved employee relations as a result. Employees who are interested in environmental issues will more likely recommend their companies to others when they feel the organization reflects their interest.Originality/valueOther studies have not included gender or generational aspects of the issue of environmentalism in their work. This empirical study also investigates the relationship between organizations’ environmental activities, employee perceptions of the organization, and their willingness to recommend their company to others.
Robots at the International Robot Exhibition 2009 in Tokyo
Authors: Kusuda Yoshihiro 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan 2009, with emphasis on new trend of Japanese robot industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on in‐depth interviews with exhibitors and the reporter's insight in Japanese robot industry.FindingsA big change is observed in the direction of the Japanese industrial robotics in an attempt to overcome the economic crisis.Practical implicationsNew markets, new applications, new robot types, and new robot‐based production systems will be emerging.Originality/valueThis is the first report describing the “change” in the Japanese robot industry after the breakout of the world economy recession.
Robotic watercraft make a big splash at the unmanned vehicle show
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the 2009 AUVSI Conference and Show held in Washington, DC with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on the ground, in the air, and in the water.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is of in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles and the providers of the technologies which are fundamental to their design and deployment.FindingsThe unmanned robotic vehicle industry is largely driven by government requirements, both military and civilian. Unmanned service robots are also found in commercial applications such as pipeline surveillance, crop monitoring, and fish school location at sea.Practical implicationsDevelopers will be challenged to meet the need for improvements in speed, payload, sensor capabilities, autonomous operation, and command and control of fleets of unmanned vehicles.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into trends and new products in the unmanned robotic vehicle industry.
Design principle based on maximum output force profile for a musculoskeletal robot
Authors: Niiyama Ryuma , Kuniyoshi Yasuo 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on an engineering application of the vertebrate musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system has unique mechanisms such as bi‐articular muscle, antagonistic muscle pairs and muscle‐tendon elasticity. The “artificial musculoskeletal system” is achieved through the use of the pneumatic artificial muscles. The study provides a novel method to describe the force property of the articulated mechanism driven by muscle actuator and a transmission.Design/methodology/approachA musculoskeletal system consists of multiple bodies connected together with rotational joints and driven by mono‐ and bi‐articular actuators. The paper analyzes properties of the musculoskeletal system with statically calculated omni‐directional output forces. A set of experiments has been performed to demonstrate the physical ability of the musculoskeletal robot.FindingsA method to design a musculoskeletal system is proposed based on an analysis of the profile of convex polygon of maximum output forces. The result shows that the well‐designed musculoskeletal system enables the legged robot to jump 0.6 m high and land softly from 1.0 m drop off.Originality/valueThe paper provides a design principle for a musculoskeletal robot. The musculoskeletal system is the bio‐inspired mechanism for all multi‐degrees‐of‐freedom articulated devices, and has the advantages of optimized actuator configuration and force control.
Development of an industrial pipeline inspection robot
Authors: Tavakoli Mahmoud , Marques Lino , de Almeida Aníbal T. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe design and development of a pole climbing robot (PCR) for inspection of industrial size pipelines. Nowadays, non‐destructive testing (NDT) methods are performed by dextrous technicians across high‐level pipes, frequently carrying dangerous chemicals. This paper reports development of a PCR that can performin situmanipulation for NDT tests.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces a PCR including a novel four‐degrees of freedom climbing serial mechanism with the nearly optimal workspace and weight, unique V‐shaped grippers and a fast rotational mechanism around the pole axis. Simplicity, safety, minimum weight, and manipulability were concerned in the design process.FindingsThe developed prototype proved possibility of application of PCRs for NDT inspection on elevated structures. Design and development of PCRs which are able to pass bends and T‐junctions faces much more difficulties than those which should climb from a straight pole.Practical implicationsThe robot is successfully tested on an industrial size structure (exterior diameter of 219 mm) with bends and T‐junctions.Originality/valueDesign and development of a novel pole climbing and manipulating robot for inspection of industrial size pipelines. The robot is able to pass bends and T‐junctions. The V‐shaped grippers offer many advantages including safety and tolerance to power failure. After grasping the structure, in case of power failure in any of the grippers' motors, the robot does not slip on the structure. TheZ‐axis rotational mechanism provides fast navigation around the pole which is not possible with the traditional serial articulated arms.
Community empowerment
Authors: Adamson Dave 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine Communities First, an area‐based regeneration policy in Wales to explore the barriers to community empowerment. Three related research projects provide data to inform the discussion of community empowerment and to consider the implications of delivery of the policy for theorising the relationship between the citizen and the state as mediated through regeneration partnerships.Design/methodology/approachData from three related research projects are discussed. These are an evaluation of local delivery of the Communities First programme, the delivery of technical support to participating communities and a Joseph Rowntree‐funded case study of nine regeneration partnerships. All projects are concerned with exploring the experience of community members within regeneration partnerships.FindingsThe findings identify major barriers to the achievement of community empowerment including issues of community capacity, institutional capacity, organisational cultures and regulatory frameworks. The findings identify mechanisms for improving community participation and empowerment. The findings are also used to identify community actor agency within regeneration partnerships and to argue against an analysis of regeneration initiatives as a mechanism of social control and incorporation of community activism into a state led agenda.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper explores one specific policy within a UK devolved region and is not able to comment extensively on similar policy programmes in other areas of the UK. However, it uses this specific experience to comment on generic issues in the community empowerment field and to elaborate theory on the relationship between the citizen and the state.Practical implicationsThe paper offers practitioners and policy makers insight into the community experience of participation in regeneration partnerships and proposes methods and policy refinements which can improve empowerment outcomes and assist community participation to achieve higher levels of influence over statutory partners.Originality/valueWhile the paper identifies barriers to empowerment that are recognised in the wider literature, it demonstrates that such barriers can prevail even within a highly participative policy framework such as Communities First. The paper also provides evidence of a clear sense of agency on the part of community members of regeneration partnerships and counters models which suggest regeneration partnerships are simple mechanisms of social control which diffuse community activism.
Economic inequality and poverty: where do we go from here?
Authors: Smith Noel 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to compare applied social policy approaches to child poverty and economic inequality, the latter being mainly operationalised in the UK in terms of social mobility.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers the theoretical stance underpinning New Labour's approach towards social policy, with particular reference to “individualisation”, and reviews Government strategies towards tackling poverty and economic inequality.FindingsDespite a decade of unprecedented investment, there is an impasse in reducing child poverty and economic inequality has increased. Policy now relies on education as being the clinching factor to break this impasse. Education is vital but education alone will not tip the balance in eradicating poverty. The assumption that education will facilitate social mobility, by serving to position the UK at the high end of the global labour market, fails to address the prevalence of the “low‐pay‐no‐pay” cycle associated with the flexible labour market. Further measures are necessary to ensure that the labour market accommodates the needs of those entering it.Originality/valueThe paper shows that, given the failure of current social policy to address poverty and inequality, especially given that post‐recession conditions are likely to be less favourable than in the last decade, there is an urgent need for bold, new policy thinking. Pinning all hopes on education – and seeing solutions only in terms of individuals' skills and aspirations, without critical consideration of the nature of the labour market – cannot be accepted as the best way forward.
Effectiveness, inequality and ethos in three English schools
Authors: Engel Laura C. , Holford John , Pimlott‐Wilson Helena 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the nature of effective schools serving socially disadvantaged communities, and to point to an overlooked feature in the literature on school effectiveness in relation to social inclusion.Design/methodology/approachAs part of a trans‐European project, three English schools are investigated. A qualitative case study approach is utilised. The schools selected have high proportions of ethnic minority students with low socio‐economic status backgrounds, yet demonstrate successful results.FindingsThe data show the importance of high expectations, and the development of classroom and school‐wide systems to translate these into practice. This reflects areas highlighted by earlier research on schools in disadvantaged communities. The data also point to important conclusions about school ethos.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a sample of three schools. Though purposively selected (as successful in challenging circumstances), further research is needed into the role of an inclusive ethos in school effectiveness.Practical implicationsAs Scheerens and Bosker argue, schools are most important for underprivileged and/or initially low‐achieving students. Improving the effectiveness of schools in disadvantaged communities is therefore vital, and an ethos of inclusion is an essential dimension in this.Originality/valueThe conclusions mirror in many respects the findings of earlier research on effective schools in socio‐economically deprived communities. However, the paper also draws attention to the importance of developing and sustaining an ethos of inclusion in schools serving disadvantaged communities.
New class inequalities in education
Authors: Ball Stephen J. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to develop a case for re‐considering the role of schools in education policy. The argument is made that considerable amounts of the variation in pupil performance may in fact derive from factors based on variations in parents' ability to buy‐in support and enrichment of various kinds for their children.Design/methodology/approachThe argument of the paper is developed using secondary sources to make the case for non‐school explanations of variations in pupil performance and then offers a set of illustrations of the variety of types of bought‐in support and enrichment now being used in some families.FindingsThe paper concludes with the point that two contradictory education policy discourses are in play under New Labour. One, the discourse of standards/achievement, which works through testing, benchmarks, league‐tables, “coasting” schools, special measures, etc. totalises, individualises and commodifies the student as an “ability” – a cluster of performances. And in turn gives rise to “local economies of student worth” that “value” students differently within the processes of “school choice”. The other, the discourse of choice and active parenting, totalises, individualises and commodifies parents and families as “consumers” of education and investors in cultural capital.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is discursive, exploratory and wide‐ranging. It sets out to make a plausible case that would merit further research rather than to establish at this stage a set of firm conclusions.Practical implicationsIf the argument is taken seriously then the focus of education policy would be decisively shifted. There is some evidence of a shift of emphasis towards more intervention and individual attention but achievement differences remain firmly located within schools.Originality/valueLittle attention has been focused on this kind of argument and there has certainly been no attempt to map the variety of and growth in private educational services.
Customer relationship oriented marketing practices in SMEs
Authors: Reijonen Helen , Laukkanen Tommi 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) gather customer information and act on it keeping in mind the profitability of the business operations. A customer relationship oriented marketing process is suggested. This process includes customer information gathering, customer segmentation, creating value by differentiation and managing customer profitability. Special attention is paid to whether industry, size and customer markets affect the extent to which these tasks are performed.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected mainly through an online questionnaire from SMEs in three industries operating in North Karelia, Finland. Principal component analysis was used and, thereafter, the variables loaded on each of the factors were combined to composite measures. These composite measures were used as dependent variables in the analysis of variance exploring the differences between the SMEs.FindingsThe results show great differences in the activity of different marketing tasks, e.g. following how the customer relationships develop and pursuing profitable customers are performed often, whereas such tasks as segmentation and differentiation in terms of marketing communication are carried out less frequently. Based on the results, it can be argued that customer relationship oriented marketing practices differ between SMEs. The SMEs that are micro‐sized, operated in the industry of other personal services and in consumer markets seemed to put less effort on marketing practices than did the other studied enterprises.Practical implicationsIt is shown in this paper that marketing activities frequently do not get enough attention especially in the smallest SMEs. In these enterprises, the role of the owner‐manager is significant and consequently more attention should be paid to enhancing their marketing capabilities.Originality/valueThe paper offers deeper insight into the little researched area of SME marketing and, especially, into the differences in marketing practices within SMEs.
Measuring situational triggers of television channel switching
Authors: Dix Steve , Phau Ian 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a scale (SITUZAP) to measure the situational factors that trigger channel switching, specifically within the television environment.Design/methodology/approachThe domain construct is defined and 14 potential scale items were drawn from the literature and qualitative research. The scale was purified during the pilot phase and three scale items removed. The scale was re‐tested during the main study via an independent sample, confirming the two‐dimensional nature of the scale.FindingsReliability analysis indicates that the scale is internally consistent with co‐efficient alpha high across both pilot and main studies. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis supports the two‐factor measurement model – “advertising triggers” and “RCD empowerment”. The test‐retest result (r=0.662) further provides evidence of stability within the scale. The scale has also been verified for content, criterion, discriminant, and nomological validity. All other indicators are within the acceptable range of statistics.Originality/valueThis is the first scale that measures the effect of situational factors on channel switching.
Television advertisements and children's buying behaviour
Authors: Priya Pankaj , Kanti Baisya Rajat , Sharma Seema 
Published: May 2010

PurposeChildren differ in their cognitive ability while trying to interpret television advertisements and hence form different attitudes towards them. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of children's attitudes towards television advertisements on their resultant buying behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe research has been based on exploratory and descriptive research design. Exploratory research includes a literature review and in‐depth interviews with child psychologists, advertisers and parents of young children. This was further carried forward by carrying out a survey of children in the age group five to 11 years, while they were in their class room. The filling up of the questionnaires was aided by the class teacher, which had response options in a pictorial manner.FindingsThe demand for the advertised products is heavily influenced by the children's attitude towards advertisements. Further, the cognitive changes among the different age groups leads to the formation of varying attitudes towards the advertisements. Yet there are other potent factors apart from advertisements, which result in the requests for a product or brand.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has been carried out among children studying in English medium schools in the National Capital region of Delhi. Hence, the sample size is too small and restricted. The interplay of the various buying dimensions on each other have not been probed.Practical implicationsMore focused approach is required by advertisers while planning their advertisement campaign for different age groups of children, rather than considering them as one homogenous group. Various elements of the advertisements have to be meticulously planned for different age groups.Originality/valueAt the lower age group it is the entertaining ability of the advertisements, whereas at the higher age groups the credibilty element in the advertisements has the potential of creating a favourable attitude towards the advertisements. There seems to be a complex relationship between attitude formation towards advertisements and the resulting buying behaviour because of the presence of other intervening variables. Characters from folklores can be depicted for creating aspiration.
Children's buying behaviour in China
Authors: Fan Ying , Li Yixuan 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report an empirical study on children's buying behaviour in China, with a special focus on their information sources.Design/methodology/approachThe key literature on consumer socialisation of children is reviewed. Primary data were collected from a sample of 155 children aged ten‐13 using questionnaire survey. Various statistical methods such as Pearson correlation and tests were employed to analyse the data.FindingsChinese children regard television commercials as an important information source for new products. However, they place greater level of trust in interpersonal information sources, especially in their parents who are perceived as the most credible information source with respect to their learning about new food products.Originality/valueThe paper has made a contribution to the extant literature on Chinese children as consumer. The findings would be valuable in assisting companies, specially those in the food industry, to have a better understanding of Chinese children's buying behaviour.
“Lights, camera, action...!” Marketing film locations to Hollywood
Authors: Hudson Simon , Wing Sun Tung Vincent 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand and identify the marketing strategies and specific promotional tools used by film commissions to attract the production of films and television.Design/methodology/approachThe paper involves in‐depth interviews with film commissions worldwide and a content analysis of their promotional materials.FindingsFilm commissions employ three key strategic marketing approaches when promoting their locations to film producers – product differentiation, service differentiation, and cost advantages. They use six main specific promotional tactics – advertising, sales promotions, joint promotions, public relations, online marketing, and direct marketing and personal selling. A model explaining the relationship between film commissions and film producers involving these strategies and promotional tools is suggested.Research limitations/implicationsThe marketing of film locations is under‐researched and has to be further addressed in the marketing literature. Future research can seek to identify the specific marketing activities that will lead to success for the marketing of film locations.Practical implicationsExamples of the best marketing practices amongst film commissions are highlighted.Originality/valueThis is an original contribution in that it is the first academic paper to address the marketing of film locations. It will be of significant value to film locations seeking to attract production to their locations.