bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of testing‐effort dependent inflection S‐shaped software reliability growth models with imperfect debugging
Authors: Ahmad N. , Khan M.G.M. , Rafi L.S. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how to incorporate the exponentiated Weibull (EW) testing‐effort function (TEF) into inflection S‐shaped software reliability growth models (SRGMs) based on non‐homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP). The aim is also to present a more flexible SRGM with imperfect debugging.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the EW TEFs and discusses inflection S‐shaped SRGM with EW testing‐effort to get a better description of the software fault detection phenomenon. The SRGM parameters are estimated by weighted least square estimation (WLSE) and maximum‐likelihood estimation (MLE) methods. Furthermore, the proposed models are also discussed under imperfect debugging environment.FindingsExperimental results from three actual data applications are analyzed and compared with the other existing models. The findings reveal that the proposed SRGM has better performance and prediction capability. Results also confirm that the EW TEF is suitable for incorporating into inflection S‐shaped NHPP growth models.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents the WLSE results with equal weight. Future research may be carried out for unequal weights.Practical implicationsSoftware reliability modeling and estimation are a major concern in the software development process, particularly during the software testing phase, as unreliable software can cause a failure in the computer system that can be hazardous. The results obtained in this paper may facilitate the software engineers, scientists, and managers in improving the software testing process.Originality/valueThe proposed SRGM has a flexible structure and may capture features of both exponential and S‐shaped NHPP growth models for failure phenomenon.
The public value of the National Audit Office
Authors: Talbot Colin , Wiggan Jay 
Published: January 2010

PurposeSupreme audit institutions (SAIs) have become increasingly active in recent years in carrying out “performance audits” of various public bodies. But how does SAIs report on their own performance? The purpose of this paper is to report on a study (commissioned by the UK National Audit Office (NAO)) of how SAIs report on their own performance and explores a possible conceptual framework – a synthesis of work on “performance regimes”, “public value” and “competing values” approaches – which might provide a basis for enhancing such reporting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based first on a review of self‐reporting of performance by SAIs in Australia, Canada, the USA, New Zealand and with a specific focus in more detail on the UK's NAO. In Section I, it explores existing self‐reporting practices of a number of SAIs based on their published reports. Section II of this paper is more conceptual. Drawing on notions of “performance regimes”, “public value” and “competing values”, it seeks to re‐conceptualise how SAIs in general, and the NAO specifically, might usefully report on their performance for multiple external audiences.FindingsThe conclusions drawn from the first part of the paper include that multiple measures of SAI performance have evolved, including impacts on governments; financial savings; impact on parliament; media impact, etc. The second part concludes tentatively that a synthesis of “public value” and “competing values” might provide a conceptual framework for making more sense of such multiple reporting.Practical implicationsThe immediate practical value of this paper should be for SAIs in providing a possible framework for analysing and developing their own performance reporting policies to address multiple dimensions of achievement and meet the needs of multiple stake holders. More widely, this framework can be applied to other public agencies.Originality/valueThere are few, if any, current studies of comparative SAI self‐reporting of performance, so this paper makes a substantial contribution in this area. The conceptual framework developed in the second half of the paper is also unique in synthesising two important streams of thinking about “public value” and “competing values” which has far wider applicability than the study of SAIs.
Measuring the service quality of internet banking: scale development and validation
Authors: Ho Chien‐Ta Bruce , Lin Wen‐Chuan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a multiple item scale for measuring internet banking service quality.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts the dimensions of electronic service quality (e‐service quality) and customer‐perceived service quality to develop a framework that can be used to measure internet banking service. Also, this research uses Taiwan's internet banking users as survey targets for its empirical studies.FindingsThrough the process of factor analysis, the refined scale is identified. There are five dimensions and 17 items in the measurement scale for measuring the service quality of internet banking. The five dimensions are named customer service, web design, assurance, preferential treatment, and information provision.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the understanding of the key service quality dimensions and the perception of customers toward e‐service quality, managers may discover methods to improve customer satisfaction, build customer trust, and create loyal customers.Originality/valueThis paper adapts an e‐service quality model as the basis to measure internet banking service. This method is more suitable than that of the previous studies that are based on the traditional service quality model.
Fabrication and compressive properties of Ti6Al4V implant with honeycomb‐like structure for biomedical applications
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Chengtao , Zhang Wenguang , Li Yuanchao 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify the feasibility and evaluate the compressive properties of Ti6Al4V implants with controlled porosity via electron beam melting process. This process might be a promising method to fabricate orthopedic implants with suitable pore architecture and matched mechanical properties.Design/methodology/approachTi6Al4V implants with controlled porosity are produced using an electron beam melting machine. A scanning electron microscope is utilized to examine the macro‐pore structures of the Ti6Al4V implants. The compressive test is performed to investigate the mechanical properties of the porous implants.FindingsThe fabricated samples show a fully interconnected open‐pore network. The compressive yield strength of the Ti6Al4V implants with the porosity of around 51 percent is higher than that of human cortical bone. The Young's modulus of the implants is similar to that of cortical bone.Research limitations/implicationsThe surface of samples produced by electron beam melting process is covered with loosely spherical metal particles. Polishing and ultrasonic cleaning have to be used to remove the loose remnants.Originality/valueThis paper presents the potential application in the fabrication of orthopedic or dental implants using electron beam melting process.
Sponsoring the Beijing Olympic Games
Authors: Söderman Sten , Dolles Harald 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the key driving forces in international sponsorship during the years preceding the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.Design/methodology/approachA “means‐objectives model” is applied, thereby linking sponsorship to brand equity factors and to strategic aims. Co‐branding, revenue streams and new customers are identified as means factors. The objective factors are presented in three dimensions: product, corporation and region. The analysis is based on 492 advertisements, articles and press releases collected from Chinese newspapers and Chinese official web pages covering the period 2001‐2007.FindingsAnalysis sees seven dominant means‐objectives combinations in sponsorship leading to different pattern of sponsor advertising strategies depending on the lead time to the Olympic Games. First, sponsors mainly focus on co‐branding marketing efforts. In the second stage, global Olympic sponsors link co‐branding with corporation image, Chinese brands are focusing on product/corporation image and new customers. In the third stage global Olympic sponsors focus more on local markets and customers in advertising. Chinese brands tend to keep an activation strategy based on revenue and product. Only a few local sponsors place emphasis on leveraging their sponsorship investment toward creating an international image.Research limitations/implicationsData collection is limited to a period of altogether three months in 2006 and 2007, focusing on Chinese print media available in Beijing and Shanghai universities' libraries. Given the size of the Chinese media market the data therefore consist only of a random selection of advertisements. Further, the sample does not cover different marketing channels, like TV, radio etc., which might also be part of the sponsor's advertising strategy.Originality/valueIn addition to providing further understanding of Olympic sponsor advertising behavior and sponsorship in an emerging market context, this paper provides insights into how the strategic aims related to sponsorship depended on the level of internationalization of the firm.
Competitive flows of intellectual capital in value creating networks
Authors: Solitander Maria , Tidström Annika 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop intellectual capital theory to include competitive aspects that influence value creation of the network.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical part of the paper is based on a qualitative case study of a network of collaborating competitors within the natural products industry in Finland. A total of 29 interviews are conducted involving 11 informants. The empirical material is examined through Verna Allee's value network analysis.FindingsBusiness relationships include both collaborative and competitive dimensions. By adding a competitive dimension to Allee's value network, a more exhaustive picture of the network emerges. Hence, the relationships not only consist of collaborative tangible and intangible flows between the actors of the network, but also of competitive flows that per definition may only be intangible.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on a single case study. The paper includes collaborating competitors, but opens up interesting avenues for further research as competitive elements surely are present also in other types of business relationships.Practical implicationsKnowledge received from partners is not always trustworthy. Still, managers gain more from getting access to knowledge they do not know if it can be trusted, than to be excluded from the collaboration.Originality/valueThis paper brings forward the notion of competitive elements in collaborative relationships. IC research has tended to mostly focus on the positive aspects of the knowledge economy, but has much to gain by realising that there are also negative aspects that affect the creation and distribution of value in a network.
Building learning capability: enhancing the learning talent chain by connecting environments
Authors: Clements Michael D. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint on the importance of building learning capability through enhancing the learning talent chain.Design/methodology/approachThis paper identifies approaches to building learning capacity in an organization through contributing to the learning talent chain. It offers a perspective on how organizations and education providers could collaborate to provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge through work experience, benefiting both the student and organization.FindingsThe initial feedback from organizations support the framework as a mechanism to connect industry, the student body and the education provider.Practical implicationsUnderstanding how industry and education providers can better collaborate will enhance organizations ability to develop talent in tough economic times. This viewpoint challenges learning talent chain members to contribute jointly to providing an environment to thrive on changeOriginality/valueThe value of this paper is to provide the reader an approach to building learning capacity through work related learning opportunities with students.
Management orientation and export performance: the case of Norwegian ICT companies
Authors: Arthur Solberg Carl , Olsson Ulf H. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contrast three management orientations relevant for exporters: export, technology and customer orientations. The general hypothesis is that all orientations covariate positively with export performance. However, an alternative hypothesis regarding customer relations is propounded (negative impact on performance).Design/methodology/approachRegression‐based techniques are used.FindingsThe results support the hypotheses that export performance increases with export commitment. Technology orientation correlates positively with export performance. On the other hand, the much venerated customer orientation shows negative correlation with export performance.Originality/valueThis paper argues that customer orientation may turn into what might be called customer obsession, without due attention to cost consequences and strategic orientation. Also, too much customer orientation may lead the firm away from its ability to innovate, leaving the company behind its competitors in the longer term. The interaction between customer and technology orientation gave no effect.
Does size matter?
Authors: Kouznetsov Alex , Dass Mohan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore areas where business corruption in Russia affects distributors of foreign goods (both local and foreign owned) and whether its effects vary depending on whether the distributor is small or large.Design/methodology/approachThe paper primarily employs a qualitative research technique of face‐to‐face interviews. The in‐depth semi‐structured interview method is chosen because it is the only option for collecting data on such a sensitive topic.FindingsThe findings reveal the areas of corruption where distributors of foreign goods in Russia are most likely to be affected and suggest that, though widespread in Russia, corruption may have far greater effect on smaller distributors as compared to large firms. Large distributing firms can avoid involvement in corruption in some of the areas explored. This in turn may limit small‐sized foreign manufacturers' capability to compete in this market, as they are most likely only able to contact small‐sized distributors.Research limitations/implicationsThe research could be extended to a broader sample of other sectors of the economy where distribution of foreign‐made goods takes place. Carrying out a study in other emerging economies to test findings of this research would also contribute to the limited body of research on business environment in emerging economies.Originality/valueThe paper presents findings that are based on primary sources – interviews with distributors conducting business in Russia. Hence, its originality and value to contemporary distributors, whether currently in business or conducting feasibility studies to distribute foreign goods in Russia. This research paper can also be considered a valuable platform for further research in this field.
The role of a human resource manager as a facilitator of learning
Authors: Zuzevičiūtė Vaiva , Teresevičienė Margarita 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine and summarize the findings of a survey carried out to identify the role of a human recourse manager in Lithuanian organisations today, emphasizing that the role of a human resource (HR) manager should focus on the facilitation of individuals' learning.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this study includes a critical and systemic analysis of available literature on the subject as well as quantitative research, which was completed in 2006‐2007. The following methods are used: analysis of recent legal and political educational documents, the questionnaire comprising of open and closed type questions.FindingsIt is found that researchers emphasise the diversity of sub‐roles that a human recourse manager is expected to perform in organisations. It can be concluded that in Lithuanian organisations, the role of a HR manager is comprised of the following functions: to support and organise learning in organisations that is related to professional development in specific professional fields; to support and also organise learning in organisations that is related to opportunities for upward mobility (promotion); to negotiate and maintain good relations with the system of formal education (various institutions within it), as members of organisations still highly value formal education as a preferred context for learning; to inform employees about the opportunities for learning at all levels, with emphasis on those holding lower positions, since employees in lower positions reported not having received information about possibilities to learn, or employees do not considered these opportunities designed for them; to encourage employees, especially in lower positions, to use the available opportunities for learning, as employees in those positions need additional support and investment and to expect that a HR manager will support and facilitate learning for pursuing personal interests.Research limitations/implicationsAs only members of organisations in the Klaipeda District (one of ten administrative districts in Lithuania) took part, this may be considered as the primary limitation of the study.Practical implicationsThe findings could be used to design procedures for educating professionals to perform the role of HR manager in contemporary organisations, as well as to develop study programs of HR managers for initial education in HE.Originality/valueA targeted study enables an informed identification of the attitudes of members of organisations towards the perceived role of HR managers and the support for learning in organisations.
A measurement tool for the evaluation of organizational leadership capability
Authors: Kivipõld Kurmet , Vadi Maaja 
Published: January 2010

PurposeCollective concepts of leadership open up some essential aspects of organizational leadership that could be defined as the collective ability of leadership to detect and cope with changes in the external environment by maintaining the primary goals of the organization. The purpose of this paper is to design a tool to evaluate organizational leadership capability.Design/methodology/approachA total of 445 respondents from six Estonian organizations participated by completing a questionnaire about organizational leadership. Next, a quantitative analysis is performed and sets of factors obtained from a partial least squares regression and Cronbach alpha test. Finally, the pattern of individual items (statements) within each of the factors is identified and the results, which indicate organizational leadership capability, are plotted.FindingsDuring the last two decades, leadership on the collective level has come under greater focus. This has arisen from the necessity to transfer leadership capabilities to the strategic assets of organizations that allow them to achieve performance on a daily basis with long‐term success. That means organizational leadership capabilities that are based on the leadership skills and knowledge of organizational members on the one hand, and the extent to which these skills and knowledge are embedded in the structure of an organization on the other. Therefore, the measurement of organizational leadership capability is an important issue for improving organizational performance in the long term.Originality/valueFrom the practical point of view, the measurement tool has many advantages: it is easier to collect answers from a large sample of respondents; it is simple to calculate and analyse the collected answers; it is also possible to measure organizations as a whole or by separate areas or management levels. Also, the measures in the measurement tool provide support to help managers increase the quality and efficiency of management in every day practice.
Examining market accessibility of Malaysia's Harumanis mango in Japan: challenges and potentials
Authors: Musa Rosidah , Hassan Faridah , Mohd Yusof Jamaliah , Mohd Daud Norzaidi 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to seek to illuminate the challenges and potentials that might be encountered by the exporters of Malaysian's tropical fruits, particularly the Harumanis mango into the Japanese market.Design/methodology/approachThe research method utilised in the study were in‐depth interview with appropriate government authorities, fruit traders, importers and retailers in Malaysia and Japan.FindingsThe findings suggest that to succeed in this challenging and competitive yet lucrative market environment, it is vital that farmers, fruit exporters and relevant government agencies implicitly understand the aforementioned regulations, procedures and the Japanese trend of fruit consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on the challenges and potential of Malaysian's tropical fruits, especially Harumanis mango into the Japanese market.Practical implicationsThe results provide insights to the Malaysian agricultural sector and other organizations of similar structures of how they could market tropical fruits into the Japanese market.Originality/valueThis study is perhaps one of the first to investigate on the challenges and potentials of Harumanis mango into the Japanese market.
Measurement of knowledge management maturity level within organizations
Authors: Khatibian Neda , Hasan gholoi pour Tahmoores , Abedi Jafari Hasan 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model for measuring knowledge management maturity level in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper defines and extracts effective factors and indicators on knowledge management and proposes a schema for prioritizing and specifying the weight of each factor and variable. The paper further surveys and evaluates existing knowledge management models and presents a knowledge management maturity model with defined factors and variables.FindingsDefining and extracting 8 factors and 42 variables that affect knowledge management and subsequently developing a knowledge management maturity model. The model of this study is practical and helps to determine the maturity position of an organization in knowledge management by defining existing status of in factors and variables, and from the prioritization of factors and variables enabling the organization to optimize its profile.Research limitations/implicationsFor increasing generalization of model, future should utilize other organizations in diverse industries.Originality/valueThe base model of this research is CMMI instead of CMM and instead of KPAs we use CSFs and for measuring maturity position of organization using a questionnaire. This research model can be utilized as an alternative model in comparison to existing models.