bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of strength of reinforced lightweight soil using an artificial neural network
Authors: Park H.I. , Kim Y.T. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeReinforced lightweight soil (RLS) consisting of dredged soil, cement, air‐foam, and waste fishing net is considered to be an eco‐friendly backfilling material because it provides a means to recycle both dredged soil and waste fishing net. It may be difficult to find an optimum mixing ratio of RLS considering the design criteria and the construction's situation using the limited test results because the unconfined compressive strength is complicatedly influenced by various mixing ratios of admixtures. As a result, in order to expedite the field application of RLS, an appropriate prediction method is needed. The paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model that was based on experimental test results performed on various mixing ratios, was developed to predict the unconfined compressive strength of RLS.FindingsIt was found that the unconfined compressive strength of RLS at a given mixing ratio could be reasonably estimated using the developed neural network model. In addition, sensitivity analysis was also conducted to evaluate the effect of mixing conditions on the compressive strength of RLS.Practical implicationsRLS is considered to be environmentally friendly because it provides a means to recycle both dredged soil and waste fishing net. The contractors could use the proposed ANN model as an alternative method to predict the strength of RLS with a specific mixing ratio.Originality/valueThis paper reveals that the developed ANN model can be served as a simple and reliable predictive tool for the strength of RLS without excessive laboratory tests for various admixture contents. An optimum admixture ratio of composed materials to get a designed strength could be easily found by using the proposed ANN model.
A multidimensional typology of customer relationships: from faltering to affective
Authors: Dalziel Nurdilek , Harris Fiona , Laing Angus 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe complexity of customer relationships has been recognized in the relationship marketing literature. Yet, the understanding of how this complexity impacts on the formation and development of different relationship forms is limited. Focusing on the development of customer‐service provider relationships in a financial services context, this paper aims to critically examine the nature and formation of business‐to‐consumer service relationships.Design/methodology/approachQualitative methods were employed, with in‐depth interviews undertaken with a sample of UK bank customers.FindingsThe complexity of customer relationships was documented by approaching relationships as multidimensional, dynamic and contextual. A relationship typology based on four key relationship components (trust, commitment, buyer‐seller bonds, and relationship benefits) is proposed. This typology suggests that for a relationship to exist it does not necessarily have to encompass an emotional dimension. Moreover, the paper demonstrates the importance of the fit between customers' relational expectations and their experiences with service providers in developing long‐term committed relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to the UK context. The extension of this study to other sectors or financial institutions operating in different regulatory and technological environments needs to be tested.Practical implicationsIt is crucial that relationships are viewed as multidimensional, taking into account various relationship components. Since different relationship components influence relationships differently, organisations need to develop different relationship marketing strategies for each consumer segment according to consumers' relational expectations.Originality/valueBuilding on preceding research, this paper broadens understanding of the complexity of customer‐firm relationships by presenting insight into the affective element of relationships and highlighting the role of the fit between customers' relational expectations and their experiences in relationship development.
Characteristics of HS‐15250 traction motors: a case study in quality control
Authors: Chandra Mahesh 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe paper aims to discuss a case study involving the speed load characteristics of DC series motors used for traction application. The variation of characteristics from motor to motor in a mass manufacturing situation is required to be maintained within a narrow band.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted was to analyze the data, compare these with competitors' corresponding data and study the base documents to identify the root cause. Having done that an attempt to achieve specific improvements and measure improvements was carried out.FindingsThe paper finds the limits being followed had to be corrected. Strict control on a few selected parameters was established. An improvement on the method of setting neutral axis was tried with advantage. It was found that motors manufactured by a manufacturer were not able to meet the requirements. An investigation was undertaken to determine the root cause and corrective measures.Research limitations/implicationsIn the absence of computerised models, the experimentation had to be done in shop on a limited scale.Practical implicationsThe method can be applied to solve the same problem on any other design of traction motor. Also the approach remains useful for handling other problems in traction motors.Originality/valueThe inference regarding the relationships of speed with pole diameter, the importance of accuracy of magnetic neutral and method of refining neutral settings are the original findings.
Performance modeling and optimization for the stock preparation unit of a paper plant using genetic algorithm
Authors: Khanduja Rajiv , Tewari P.C. , Chauhan R.S. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deal with the performance modeling and optimization for the stock preparation unit of a paper plant using genetic algorithm. It provides the optimum unit availability level for different combinations of failure and repair rates of the subsystems of the stock preparation unit of the paper plant concerned.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, efforts have been made to develop performance models based on real situations for the stock preparation unit. The performance in terms of availability has been evaluated on the basis of Markov birth‐death process. After that, the performance optimization using genetic algorithm is done, which gives the optimum unit availability levels for different combinations of failure and repair rates of the subsystems of stock preparation units for enhancing the overall performance of the paper plant.FindingsThe effect of genetic algorithm parameters, namely number of generations, population size and crossover probability on the unit performance i.e. availability has been analyzed and discussed with the concerned paper plant management. It is found that these results are highly beneficial to the maintenance engineers for the purpose of effective maintenance planning to enhance the overall performance (availability) of the stock preparation unit of the paper plant.Originality/valueMost of the researchers have confined their work to the development and analysis of theoretical models which has little practical significance. To fulfill this deficiency, efforts have been made in the present work to develop a model based on real situations for the stock preparation unit.
Sex and position status differences in workplace aggression
Authors: Lee Raymond T. , Brotheridge Céleste M. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis study aims to examine sex and position status differences in the experience of workplace aggression. Based on the imbalance of power thesis, the aim is to posit that: women would report targeting other women; men would report targeting either sex; supervisors would report targeting a peer or subordinate; victims would report that a supervisor more often uses indirect forms of aggression; a peer more often uses direct forms of aggression; and; after controlling for position status, men would report using direct forms of aggression more often than women who, in turn, would report using indirect forms of bullying more often than men.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 180 Canadian supervisory and non‐supervisory workers from several industries completed a questionnaire that included measures of aggressive acts.FindingsMost men reported being targeted by another man, and most women reported being targeted by another woman. Similarly, most men reported that they targeted another man, and most women reported that they targeted another woman. Most respondents reported that their aggressor had either higher or the same position status as them, whereas, if the respondents targeted others, their victim had the same or lower status. Compared to similar status aggressors, higher status aggressors were reported by the respondents as using both direct and indirect forms of aggression more often. After controlling for position status, compared to women, men reported using both forms more often as well.Originality/valueThe findings have implications for how victims cope with workplace aggression and for developing organizational anti‐harassment policies.
Exploring the role of country and client type on the auditor's client risk assessments and audit planning decisions
Authors: De Martinis Michael , Fukukawa Hironori , Mock Theodore J. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether country (Australia or Japan) and client type (public sector or private sector) impact the auditor's client risk assessments, subsequent audit planning decisions (planned audit hours) and audit planning responsiveness to client risk assessments.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on previously developed audit planning models and uses working paper‐sourced data of planned auditor effort and nine client risk assessments. The study samples are taken from public and private sector audit engagements of two major audit firms in Australia and Japan, respectively.FindingsEvidence is found that country and client type do have an impact on the auditor's client risk assessments and planned total audit hours, but they do not moderate audit planning responsiveness to client risk assessments.Research limitations/implicationsThe test variable is confounded by the country and client type characteristics inherent in the study's samples. If the differences are caused by country, this suggests that audit planning decisions vary across countries, even when the same auditing standards are adopted. However, if they are caused by client type, this suggests that the same audit approach (i.e. the audit risk model) is applied differently depending on client characteristics.Practical implicationsThese findings are useful to international standard setters, audit practice quality control and training, and audit research.Originality/valueNo prior study has examined the role of country and client type on the auditor's client risk assessments and audit planning decisions. Further, no prior study has examined whether the relationship between the auditor's client risk assessments and audit planning decisions is moderated by country and client type.
The internal audit function
Authors: Soh Dominic S.B. , Martinov‐Bennie Nonna 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the current roles and responsibilities of the internal audit (IA) function and the factors perceived to be necessary to ensure its effectiveness. The current performance evaluation practices of IA are also examined.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were utilised to elicit the perceptions of key corporate governance actors about the evolving role of IA, as well as IA effectiveness, in terms of its design, measurement and evaluation.FindingsThe results of the study suggest significant expansion and refocus of the role of IA and perceptions of its effectiveness. However, the findings also suggest that performance evaluation mechanisms of IA have not evolved contemporaneously. The misalignment between the role and evaluation gives rise to difficulty in assessing the extent to which IA functions are meeting stakeholders' expectations.Practical implicationsThe findings are useful in informing the deliberations of regulators and standard setters, as well as providing a benchmark for internal auditors and audit committees. The insights are also relevant for external auditors who are required to consider various aspects of corporate governance, including the objectivity and quality of IA.Originality/valueThe use of semi‐structured interviews facilitates an in‐depth insight and understanding of the perceptions of roles, effectiveness and evaluation of IA and adds depth to the predominantly questionnaire‐based survey approach of prior studies.
Pricing in the digital world
Authors: Docters Rob , Tilstone Lisa , Bednarczyk Susan , Gieskes Martijn 
Published: July 2011

PurposeBusinesses understand that digital technologies and applications can create value, but how to capture that value has been elusive. Particularly for established businesses, the practice of applying traditional price structures to new digital platforms has resulted in revenue, market and share deterioration. This article describes how to adapt price structure to digital migration and hybrid digital/pre‐digital product sets.Design/methodology/approachBased on case studies from entertainment, publishing, education, avionics, gaming and software industries, the article observes how price structure directly transported from pre‐digital products have not been effective in maintaining revenues and margins. Successful digital product introduction requires careful examination of the new capabilities and price drivers of a digital context.FindingsThis article shows that frequently the price drivers of digital products require a new price structure. In particular, the unit of measure (e.g. users, downloads, enterprise size, etc.) is critical to success. Typically when product developers choose a measure that most resembles the pre‐digital unit of pricing, results are sub‐optimal. Further, the overall structure must reflect the risks which are often implicit in digital migration – the benefits of sharing and increases in efficacy can often accrue to the buyer, and elude the seller.Originality/valueProduct developers and pricers tend to focus on the similarity between pre‐digital and digital generations of product. Often, they wrongly assume that digital is better for all. However, the context of the product (workflow, applications, scaling, competitors, etc.) can be much more important than the product itself, and pricing must reflect that. As a result of poorly managed digital transitions, industries have seen billions of dollars of revenues wiped out – quite needlessly. This article identifies specific frameworks for minimizing the risk of revenue loss.
Made in heaven – produced on earth: creative leadership as art of projection
Authors: Reckhenrich Jörg , Kupp Martin , Anderson Jamie 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe paper “Made in heaven – produced on earth: creative leadership as art of projection” is about the concept of projection in the context of leadership.Design/methodology/approachThis article takes a close look at Jeff Koons, a successful and highly controversial contemporary artist. The paper explores the way in which storytelling linked to his artwork has been the key element of the way he has projected himself as a credible leader in the world of contemporary art.FindingsThis article examines how the artist Koons is using the three universal story lines used by leaders to excite and gain buy‐in from an audience as described by the sociologist Howard Gardner: (1) who am I – How life experience has shaped my individuality and character; (2) who are we – Demonstrate the values and behaviors of a group; and (3) where are we going – Explains what is new, and creates a sense of excitement about direction. The authors find that throughout his career and his various artistic production cycles like the inflatables, the New, Equilibrium, Luxury Degradation, Statuary, Kiepenkerl, Banality, Made in Heaven, Puppy, Celebration, Easyfun, Popeye, and Hulk Elvis, Jeff Koons is using key elements of the art of projection by linking his art work to the three universal story lines who am I, who are we, and where are we going. A closer analysis of Koons' work reveals how he has leveraged each of these dimensions of effective storytelling as a broad narrative to link his various series together as a consistent whole.Practical implicationsThe authors suggest that Koons' use of storytelling, and the manner in which he has come to embody the themes and concepts that he seeks to communicate through his artworks, present powerful lessons for managers as to how they can manage their own leadership projection. By looking at Koons, managers can better understand not only how to establish credibility and drive buy‐in, but also how to project themselves as leaders in their respective fields of business endeavor.Originality/valueWhile there is literature on the art of storytelling there has been less focus on the sphere of art and how artists use storytelling and projection to take their audience with them. This new perspective not only creates new insights on the concept of storytelling and potential future research but has implications for managers and leaders and the way they want to drive change in organizations and take people on their managerial journey.
Strategy making: the approach matters
Authors: Pretorius Marius , Maritz Rachel 
Published: July 2011

PurposeMore than ever, businesses need to get their strategy right. Part of achieving this is the approach to strategy making that is chosen. The purpose of this paper is to describe how strategy making happens on the continuum of deliberate versus emerging strategy.Design/methodology/approachThrough in‐depth interviews with “strategy informants” (CEO's) in businesses and questionnaires to respondents (managers) in the same organizations, statistical techniques have helped us draw interesting conclusions about strategy making approaches, its elements and factors moderating the choice of strategy making approach. Through factor analysis, the construct of strategy making is informed by three concepts namely: “performance consensus”, “ends and means specificity” as well as “ends and means flexibility”.Findings“Ends and means specificity” was associated more with the deliberate strategy approach while “ends and means flexibility” was associated more with the emerging strategy approach. “Performance consensus” was neutral and therefore relevant to both approached. Approaches also show differences depending on the following characteristics: “degree of risk taking preferred”, “comfort with stability and predictability” as well as “primarily autonomous or individual behavior preferred”. Finally, strategy making approach is moderated by “firm size”, “CEO influence” and “environmental uncertainty”.Originality/valueKnowing the appropriate strategy making approach gives managers flexibility. There is no need to choose one approach above the other but rather to be aware of benefits that can be derived from both. The fast changing environment places pressure on the use of emergent strategy, therefore performance consensus is critical contributor to successful use thereof.
Is child work a deterrent to school attendance and school attainment?
Authors: Khanam Rasheda , Ross Russell 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the linkages between child work and both school attendance and school attainment of children aged 5‐17 years using data from a survey based in rural Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first looks at school attendance as an indicator of a child's time input in schooling; then it measures the “schooling‐for‐age” as a learning achievement or schooling outcome using logistic regression models.FindingsThe results from this paper show that school attendance and grade attainment are lower for children who are working. The gender‐disaggregated estimates show that probability of grade attainment is lower for girls than that of boys. The results further reveal that child work has the highest impact on schooling of Bangladeshi children, followed by supply side correlates (presence of a school in the community), parental education and household income, respectively.Practical implicationsThe results obtained in this paper are of interest to policy makers seeking to design policies that increase school outcome and reduce child labor.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the limited empirical literature that has explored the impact of child work on schooling on Bangladesh by considering supply side correlates of schooling, and unpaid household work in modeling child labor.
Malnutrition in primary school‐age children
Authors: Ejaz Ali Khan Rana , Azid Toseef 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the determinants of malnutrition of primary school‐age (five to ten years) children in urban and slum areas. The ultimate objective is to frame policy proposals for children's nutritional welfare.Design/methodology/approachIn this empirical study, logit model is applied to 882 observations of primary data. The composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) is constructed to use an indicator of malnutrition.FindingsThe probability for anthropometric failure increases by age, birth‐order, female sex and activity of the child (child labor or home‐care activity) other than schooling. The parents' education, specifically mothers' education, can play an important role for child's nutritional status. Malnutrition is positively related with congestion in the household (number of household members per room), while provision of electricity, safe drinking water and underground drainage turns out to be negatively affecting children's malnutrition. The children living in slums are more likely to experience anthropometric failure.Research limitations/implicationsFrom the policy perspective awareness about gender equity of child, adult education, growth of household income specifically of slum areas and improvement in living conditions (through public health works program) may contribute to enhance children's nutritional status.Practical implicationsThe slums need targeted policy for children welfare regarding their nutrition in the form of provision of public utilities and income support.Originality/valueFrom the methodological point of view, CIAF has been estimated as a measure of malnutrition. The findings of study may support academicians, policy makers and social activists for human development programs.