bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benefits and impacts of THRIP‐supported applied research projects
Authors: Oscar Dassah Maurice , Uken Ernst 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to highlight the benefits, impacts and spin‐offs of 52 THRIP‐supported applied research projects conducted in South Africa between 2001 and 2003. Benefits, impacts and spin‐offs were realised in human resource development/intellectual, technological, commercial/economic and social domains. These value‐for‐money aspects indicate that funding of science, engineering and technology (SET) projects is important for raising citizens' quality of life and making South Africa competitive.Design/methodology/approachA main questionnaire, followed by a secondary one, was circulated to contact persons in industry (sponsors) and individual researchers. They were asked to identify the benefits resulting from their THRIP projects to themselves, the wider South African society and the economy. Responses to items in the questionnaires were thematically analysed and recurring dominant themes were identified.FindingsBoth researchers and industry representatives agreed that human resource development was generally achieved. Also realised to a large extent were commercial/economic and technological spin‐offs. The percentage of industry respondents reporting on such benefits and spin‐offs was generally higher than for researchers. Similar results were obtained in respect of differences or impacts THRIP projects made.Research/limitations implicationsOf the targeted 70 project leaders (academics/researchers) and an equal number of industry contact persons, 44 of the former and 21 of the latter responded, respectively.Practical implicationsSustained funding of SET research and development projects is critical for South Africa not only to raise quality of life for citizens, but also for the country to become competitive.Originality/valueThis paper originates from an empirical research undertaken for a doctoral degree. It answers to the need to objectively assess the benefits and impacts of THRIP/industry‐funded applied research projects.
Cleaner production for environmental conscious manufacturing in the foundry industry
Authors: Fore S. , Mbohwa C.T. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to illustrate application of the cleaner production concept so as to incorporate environmental protection into business performance. The study analyses areas pertaining to the foundry industry that impact negatively on the environment leading to unsustainable resource utilisation and suggests options for promoting sustainable development within the industry, with specific focus on a foundry in a lower income country (LIC).Design/methodology/approachData were collected using the cleaner production (CP) Methodology. Pre‐assessment and assessment was carried out and options generated. The options included both low cost and capital intensive approaches.FindingsThe paper finds that the CP approach adopted provides clear guidance for generating options and can be used as a practical basis for managerial decision making and policy formulation. Of major concern is resource depletion and pollution associated with the foundry processes. Used resin sand contains toxic chemicals cause leaching and as such, reclamation of resin sand is suggested. There is need for low income countries (LIC's) to identify the best available technologies (BAT's) that are available within the foundry industry and take these aboard or better still improve on them.Research limitations/implicationsThis research developed environmental options that can be applied in the foundry industry. However, it can be said that the findings may have limited global application since the analysis was carried out at one Foundry Company.Practical implicationsThe paper focuses on a single foundry factory, since the case study approach was used. As such, environmental indicators and options may vary, since the processes from one foundry to another are bound to differ.Originality/valueThis paper is an attempt at combining theoretical and practical ideas to cover the scope of sustainable manufacturing in the setting of a developing country with a view to identify the lessons that can be learnt and to identify the points of departure when compared with studies done elsewhere. The work informs cleaner production assessment at any level, with a focus of production experiences in the foundry industry in a lower technology, developing economy that is less industrialized. The paper establishes a framework of options that can be applied in the foundry industry and other pollution‐intensive industries.
Performance comparison of carbon nanotube, nickel silicide nanowire and copper VLSI interconnects
Authors: Singh Duksh Yograj , Kaushik Brajesh Kumar , Sarkar Sankar , Singh Raghuvir 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and evaluate the performance comparison of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and nickel silicide (NiSi) nanowires interconnects as prospective alternatives to copper wire interconnects.Design/methodology/approachThe increasing resistivity of the copper wire with scaling and rising demands on current density drives the need for identifying new wiring solutions. This paper explores the various alternatives to copper. The metallic bundle CNTs and NiSi nanowires are promising candidates that can potentially address the challenges faced by copper. This paper analyzes various electrical models of carbon nanotube and recently introduced novel interconnect solution using NiSi nanowires.FindingsThe theoretical studies proves CNTs and NiSi nanowires to be better alternatives against copper on the ground of performance parameters, such as effective current density, delay and power consumption. NiSi nanowire provides highest propagation speed for short wire length, and copper is the best for intermediate wire length, while bundle CNTs is faster for long wire length. NiSi nanowire has lowest power consumption than copper and CNTs.Originality/valueThis paper investigates, assess and compares the performance of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and NiSi nanowires interconnects as prospective alternatives to copper wire interconnects in future VLSI chips.
Application of creative design concept to braking system synchronization in two wheeler bikes
Authors: Vinodh S. , Arun M. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a research in which creative design concepts have been applied for braking system synchronization in two wheeler bikes.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review on creative design concepts and braking system scenario has been carried out. By studying the existing braking system and applying creative design concepts, modified braking system has been developed.FindingsThe research experience indicated that the effectiveness of braking system has been improved by the adoption of proposed system.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has been carried out for an automobile two wheeler. The findings of this research work could be extended to similar models of two wheelers.Practical implicationsThe usage of the proposed system reduces the number of accidents and it adds significantly to the life of the brakes.Originality/valueA case study has been reported to indicate the application of creative design concepts for enhancing the synchronization of automotive braking system in two wheeler bikes.
Targeted drug delivery to ischemic heart with use of nanoparticulate carriers
Authors: Galagudza Michael , Korolev Dmitry , Sonin Dmitry , Postnov Viktor , Papayan Garry , Uskov Ivan , Belozertseva Anastasia , Shlyakhto Eugene 
Published: October 2010

PurposeClinical outcome in patients with ischemic heart disease can be significantly improved with the implementation of targeted drug delivery into the ischemic myocardium. The purpose of this paper is to review the data of recent literature and present original findings relevant to the problem of therapeutic heart targeting with use of nanoparticles.Design/methodology/approachFor literature review, a public‐domain database (Medline) was searched using a web‐based search engine (PubMed) and the following key words: “nanoparticles”, “nanocarriers”, and “targeted drug delivery”. Experimental approaches included fabrication of carbon and silica nanoparticles, their characterization and surface modification. The acute hemodynamic effects of nanoparticle formulation as well as nanoparticle biodistribution were studied on male Wistar rats.FindingsCarbon and silica nanoparticles are biocompatible materials that can be used as carriers for heart‐targeted drug delivery. Concepts of passive and active targeting can be applied to the development of targeted drug delivery to the ischemic myocardial cells.Originality/valueThe present paper is believed to be the first on ligand‐directed targeted drug delivery into the damaged myocardium.
Physiological research of efficiency of biologically safe bacterial fertilizers
Authors: Sokolova Marina G. , Akimova Galina , Vaishlya Olga , Vedernikova Anna 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study bio‐safe technology – impact of rhizospheric bacteria Azotobacter and Bacillus within the composition of environmentally clean complex microbiological biofertilizer “BioWais” prepared on the basis of nitrogen‐, phospho‐ and silicon‐bacterin on physiological parameters of plants: growth, productivity, the role of rhizobacteria in plants resistance to biotic and abiotic factors.Design/methodology/approachThe following contemporary methods of investigation of physiological parameters of biological objects: immunoenzyme analysis of phytohormones, method of combinatory light dissemination, determination of amino acid composition of grain proteins by ion‐exchange chromatography, spectrophotometric methods were used.FindingsThe positive impact of biofertilizer “BioWais” on plant growth and development, enhancement of resistance of bacterized plants to hypothermia and pathogenic infection, increase of carotid content were demonstrated.Research limitations/implicationsThe bacteria under study biopreparation were shown to act as plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria foster increase of plant anti‐oxidant protection, adaptation of seedlings to hypothermia, synthesize cytokinins and indolyl acetic acid.Practical implicationsBacterial preparation increases quality and amount of agricultures yield, it may be recommended to treat seeds prior to planting with the view to stimulate germination, to enhance plants resistance to hypothermia and fungus‐induced diseases, for improvement of plant growth and development.Originality/valueNew, innovative, environmentally pure bacterial preparation BioWais showed significant efficiency for a number of agrocultures and may be used for acquisition of safe plant products of high quality (with high content of protein, essential amino acids and carotin, potential source of vitamin A, low content of nitrates).
Managing demand and supply uncertainties to achieve mass customization ability
Authors: Liu Gensheng (Jason) , Shah Rachna , Schroeder Roger G. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeManaging demand and supply uncertainties is critical for all manufacturers, but it has added importance for companies that intend to achieve mass customization (MC) ability because these uncertainties are an intrinsic characteristic of MC. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how managing uncertainties in a firm's demand and supply affects its MC ability.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are conducted on data collected from 189 manufacturing plants to empirically test two hypotheses.FindingsBoth demand and supply uncertainty management have a positive impact on a company's MC ability. However, managing either demand or supply uncertainties independently of the other is not enough to achieve MC ability; instead, a company needs to concurrently manage both demand and supply uncertainties to achieve MC ability.Originality/valueThe current literature lacks a sound theoretical basis to link demand and supply uncertainty management with MC ability. The paper provides such a theoretical foundation, and systematically identifies several demand and supply uncertainty management mechanisms that enable firms to achieve superior MC ability. In addition, it is one of the first large‐scale empirical studies to address the impact of managing both demand and supply uncertainties on MC ability.
Study of vendor‐managed inventory practices in Indian industries
Authors: Borade Atul B. , Bansod Satish V. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeIn the global economy, vendor‐managed inventory (VMI) is gradually becoming an important element of supply chain management strategy of organizations. Recently, Indian industries, both large and small, have started adopting VMI for their supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to investigate apparent differences among large and small industries in terms of objectives, drivers, obstacles and impacts of VMI in Indian context.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to examine organizational objectives, strategic drivers, obstacles and affected operations pursuant to VMI adoption. By reviewing the literature, four hypotheses were formed and tested from the responses.FindingsIt is observed that both large and small industries in India have started adopting VMI for improving the business performance. Results clearly indicate that adoption factors are different in large and small industries.Originality/valueThe paper explores current practices with respect to VMI in Indian industries. The analysis would be useful for the developing VMI adoption strategies in Indian context.
It's unwritten in the Cloud: the technology enablers for realising the promise of Cloud Computing
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Mustafee Navonil 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate, through arguments, the enabling factors that are expected to facilitate the adoption of Cloud Computing.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on the study of the recent developments in ICT and the authors' views and arguments as to how such advancements are expected to lead to an increased adoption of Cloud Computing.FindingsSeveral ICT areas have to be developed in conjunction for the promise of Cloud Computing to be realised. These include (but are not limited to) the development of parallel programming paradigms and open source software, Cloud access to high performance computing, Green IT, investment in low‐cost access‐cum‐computing devices and hi‐speed networks.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the current advances in ICT and its expected influence on the adoption of Cloud computing. Furthermore, it lays emphasis on the developing economies and discusses the low‐cost technologies and infrastructure investments (including government subsidies) required to provide Cloud‐access to the masses.
The logistics of information management within an eGovernment context
Authors: Sharif Amir M. , Irani Zahir 
Published: October 2010

PurposeDevelopments in the world of distributed computing have made possible the successful integration of diverse information systems working in different environments. Electronic government (eGovernment) provides governmental stakeholders with a wealth of information stored at the various entities in the organisation. Decision makers are often overloaded with the amount of information that they receive. Notwithstanding the logistics of information flows from government bodies to citizens, the flow of information between various entities with national and local government organisations has become a critical issue. As a result, this paper seeks to analyse the logistics of information decision‐making flows, within an eGovernment implementation, by modelling and extrapolating those key decision factors via a cognitive mapping approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a multi‐method approach in terms of combining an empirical qualitative case study with a quantitative analytical simulation technique for analyzing decision‐making behaviour relating to policy considerations within the eGovernment realm in a Gulf municipality, through the use of a Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) approach.FindingsBy using the FCM approach, the paper was able to highlight the unique interplay between eGovernment stakeholders in the case context, whereby inherent relationships were shown to exist between decision‐making eGovernment stakeholders and the consumers of eGovernment information. Thus, project management information, relationships and deployment; evaluation of information systems, relationships and policy, change management policy and processes, system validation, processes and deployment; and alignment with strategic eGovernment drivers, deployment with policy are identified.Research limitations/implicationsThis realisation of the demand and supply of the underlying logistics information management needs, within an eGovernment context, provides an understanding of the principal factors which drive and define those technological and organisational challenges experienced by the eGovernment municipality. By exploring these factors through a combination of qualitative discourse and quantitative simulation, it is subsequently shown that an abundance of information exists within a seemingly placid organisational system, the basis for which resides in the constant flow of information between and among stakeholders, processes, and systems.Originality/valueThe paper uses a combination of a qualitative case research with quantitative analysis/simulation technique in order to identify inter‐relationships in the decision‐making criteria of a Gulf‐based municipality in order to shed light on the key components of their policy control.
Organizational context, supplier management practices and supplier performance
Authors: Chuah PohLean , Peng Wong Wai , Ramayah T. , Jantan M. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationships among supplier management practices, organizational context and supplier performance. The contexts selected for supplier management practices are economics transactional practices and high involvement work practices (HIWP); while power asymmetry and competition intensity are considered within the organizational context.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted on a multinational semiconductor company. A two‐phase statistical analysis, which comprised phase one (reliability and factor analysis), and phase two (hierarchical multiple regression analysis), was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe study provides empirical evidence to support the conceptual and prescriptive statements in the literature regarding the impact of supplier management practices and the dynamics between organizational context and supplier management towards supplier performance. The results show that high involvement work practices (HIWP) mediate the impact of competition intensity on suppliers' quality performance and partially mediate the effect of competition intensity on suppliers' flexibility. The limitation of this study is that it does not use longitudinal data, which would be more useful to examine changes in variables that affect performance; nevertheless, as this study was conducted in‐house, it was able to control the extraneous factors.Originality/valueThe study provides important insights for managers to understand the disposition of the firm to better leverage organizational context by exploiting relationships with suppliers. The paper has extended organizational theory and marketing theory into a supply chain context. Moreover, it is among the first empirical work that specifically investigates the relationship between organizational context and supplier management practices; thus the paper fills an important gap in the supply chain literature.
Investigating homeworkers' inclination to remain connected to work at “anytime, anywhere” via mobile phones
Authors: Lal Banita , Dwivedi Yogesh K. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeMobile phones are said to enable homeworkers to remain connected for work purposes at “anytime, anywhere”, irrespective of time or location. This paper seeks to argue that, despite this assertion, little is known beyond the anecdotal literature about whether homeworkers actually remain connected as such.Design/methodology/approachThe paper aimed to address the issue described previously by conducting semi‐structured interviews with 25 homeworkers who were recruited using snowball sampling.FindingsThe findings show that homeworkers tried to distinguish between “work” and “home” by allocating specific time and space to each domain, but nevertheless remained connected via their mobile phones outside the time and space allocated for work activity. This resulted in work crossing into the home domain and individuals potentially becoming connected and contactable at “anytime, anywhere”. However, the findings identify that homeworkers took various actions in order to control their contactability outside the work domain, which suggests that, despite the potential, remaining connected “anytime, anywhere” is often not the reality. Such actions are discussed in this paper in the context of the existing literature.Practical implicationsImplications for organisations employing homeworking are also presented, together with how the limitations of the study can be overcome in future research.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the less explored and existing homeworking and boundary literature and provides implications for practitioners of homeworking.