bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selected MRP II Standard System requirements presented in Z‐notation
Authors: Greniewski Marek J. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the ability of Z‐notation to formulate formal requirements specification of huge application software based on an example of the Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II) Standard System. Z‐notation is using formal transformation approach to obtain operating software instead of traditional programming. The original MRP II software requirement specification possesses descriptive form extended by list of control questions. To make formal requirements specification, the original specification must be extending by some definition taken after APICS Dictionary. The definitions respect such concept as: item, item code, location, and order.Design/methodology/approachWriting schemas based on subsystem order of MRP II Standard System and treating the system as three level structures (user interface, business logic, and database), the schemas described business logic level only. As a conclusion was necessity to extend descriptive requirements specification by definitions. The limited size of the presentation contains few examples of formalization process only mainly limited to the main schemas as: item system (full definition), inventory system, bill of material, work centers and routings, generic order system, master production schedule, and material requirement planning.FindingsAs a result of the research, it can be said that Z‐notation apparatus is sufficient to build requirements specifications of big application systems like MRP II, enterprise resource planning, or customer relationship management.Originality/valueLibraries of typical algorithms like MRP II designed through formal approach could replace traditional programming and open new prospects in the future development of broad computerization.
Application of C‐uncertain variables and systemic approach to resource distribution in a class of operation systems
Authors: Orski Donat 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine and evaluate resource allocation algorithms for mixed‐structure operation systems with unknown parameters characterized by experts using the formalism of C‐uncertain variables.Design/methodology/approachAggregation and decomposition of mathematical models of operations, performed using analytical‐numerical optimization methods, lead to serial and parallel structures for which allocation algorithms are known. Evaluation of allocations carried out by means of a computer simulation.FindingsResource allocation problems for mixed‐structure operation systems may be solved by applying aggregation, decomposition and allocation algorithms determined for simple structures. Allocation algorithms based on C‐uncertain variables outperform these based on basic uncertain variables.Research limitations/implicationsApplication of the presented algorithms is limited to some mixed structures, however, the methodology used appears general enough to allow developing algorithms for other mixed structures.Practical implicationsThe algorithms developed may be embedded into a knowledge‐based system supporting management‐level decisions concerning optimal distribution of limited financial resources.Originality/valueOriginally determined rules for aggregation and decomposition, as well as resulting allocation algorithms. The presented methodology seems promising for developing a general resource allocation algorithm – valid for any mixed structure of an operation system.
Admission control in computer networks with uncertain parameters
Authors: Gąsior Dariusz 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to deal with a problem of admission control in computer networks when some of their parameters are uncertain. The case is considered when the most common probabilistic description of the uncertainty cannot be used and another approach should be applied.Design/methodology/approachThe uncertain versions of admission control problem with quality of service requirements are considered. The uncertain variables are used to describe possible values of the unknown parameters in computer networks.FindingsGiven are formulations for the admission control problem in computer networks with unknown values of the capacities based on the network utility maximization concept. Solution algorithms for all these problems are proposed.Research limitations/implicationsIt is assumed that an expert can describe possible values of uncertain network parameters in the form of a certainty distribution. Then the formalism of uncertain variables is applied and the knowledge of an expert is modelled with the use of certainty distributions. Decisions strongly depends on the quality of an expert's knowledge.Practical implicationsObtained admission control algorithms can be useful for planning and designing of computer networks.Originality/valueA new approach to the admission control problem in computer networks in the presence of uncertainty, in the case when the uncertain variable can be applied, is proposed and discussed.
Production flow prototyping subject to imprecise activity specification
Authors: Bocewicz Grzegorz , Bach Irena , Wójcik Robert 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present research in the area of the applications of knowledge‐based and constraint programming (CP)‐driven methodology in production planning and development of decision‐making software supporting scheduling of multi‐robot in a multi‐product job shop, taking into account imprecise (fuzzy) activity specification, and resource sharing by some industrial processes that simultaneously produce different products.Design/methodology/approachApplications of the knowledge‐based, logic‐algebraic and CP‐driven approach for multi‐robot task allocation problem and generating of fuzzy plan/schedule of production activities for a given period of time.FindingsThis paper illustrates the useful information that can be obtained from fuzzy and crispy‐like schedule describing production activities in a multi‐product job shop.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of knowledge‐based and CP‐driven methodology for production planning in a multi‐product job shop was a very effective method dedicated to solve typical decision problems in the area of project‐driven production flow management applied in make‐to‐order manufacturing.Practical implicationsThe methodology discussed in the paper can be used to design fuzzy Gantt diagrams, which define admissible schedule of production orders for a given period of time.Originality/valueThe paper's contribution covers various issues of decision making while employing the knowledge‐ and CP‐based framework. The proposed approach provides the framework allowing one to take into account distinct (pointed), and imprecise (fuzzy) data, in a unified way and treat it in a unified form of a discrete, constraint satisfaction problem.
Gordon Pask: exchanges between cybernetics and architecture and the envisioning of the IE
Authors: Miguel Furtado Cardoso Lopes Gonçalo 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study a series of exchanges between cybernetics and the arts, focusing on Pask's lifelong envisioning of the so‐called information environment (I.E). It follows the author's previous PhD dissertation which was concerned with the exchanges between systems research and architecture; Gordon Pasket al.; and a couple of outstanding architectural projects related to systems and computation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper was mainly supported by archival research of Gordon Pask's Archive (held at the time by his daughter) and Cedric Price's Archive (held at the Canadian Centre for Architecture); supplemented with interviews and bibliographical research (research was made possible by a FCT grant – POCI 2010).FindingsThe paper details and discusses exchanges between the fields of cybernetics and the arts; and it focuses on Pask's lifelong exchange with architecture and the manifestation of his ideas in this field. One highlights, among others, Pask's exchanges within the British milieu and the AMG during the 1960s and 1970s; the seminal manifestations of his main C2 achievement – the Conversation Theory – in the field of architecture; and his later architectural performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe previous primary archival research conducted at Pask's daughter house, is being expanded by the author through use of new material.Originality/valueThis paper is intended for historians of sciences and the arts. It briefly overviews Pask's well‐known main works and, in addition, it includes reference to some rare little‐known materials.
Synthesis and characterisation of thermally expandable microcapsules by suspension polymerisation
Authors: Hu J. , Zheng Z. , Wang F. , Tu W. , Lin L. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to synthesise and characterise novel thermally expandable microcapsules having poly (acrylonitrile (AN)‐methyl methacrylate (MMA)‐butyl acrylate (BA)) copolymer shells and p‐toluenesulphonylhydrazide (TSH) cores.Design/methodology/approachThe novel thermally expandable microcapsules are synthesised by suspension polymerisation. The effects of various parameters including monomers and surfactant compositions on thermal expandability and stability, and particle size and size distributions of the microcapsules obtained are studied. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) analyses are employed to characterise the chemical structure and morphology of the microcapsules obtained.FindingsSuspension polymerisation with the monomers composition of 70 per cent AN/20 per cent MMA/10 per cent BA can yield microcapsules having a good expansion property and heat stability at 150°C. The paper also finds that when the amount of the incorporated PA reaches 20 per cent, the shells of microcapsules obtained will adhere together and some shells rupture resulting in the collapse of many of the expanded microcapsules. During the course of polymerisation, high‐molecular surfactant styrene – maleic acid copolymer sodium salt can help to achieve microcapsules with more uniform size distribution. FTIR and SEM characterisation show that the chemical structure of microcapsules contain core material and copolymeric shell and the morphology of microcapsules is very well defined, core‐shell type, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe shell copolymer in the present context is synthesised from acrylonitrile‐methyl methacrylate‐ and butyl acrylate. Besides, it can be synthesised from other monomers also. In addition, the expansion efficiency of microcapsules can be studied.Practical implicationsThe learning gained through this paper can be applied to the synthesis and application of other microcapsule or even nano‐capsule systems.Originality/valueThe method for preparation of TSH microcapsules by suspension polymerisation is novel and the microcapsules could find applications in water‐based intumescent and flame retardant wood coatings.
The mechanical and impact properties of MWNTs/LDPE nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Dongyu , Wang Shuhong , Wu Jie , Bai Xuduo , Lei Qingquan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study a new method with which multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can be dispersed and aligned in low density polyethylene (LDPE) for improving its mechanical properties.Design/methodology/approachDispersion and alignment of MWNTs in LDPE matrix are enhanced by ultrasonic vibration, solution casting and melt mixing and flow moulding method. The properties of the composite are characterised using scanning electron microscopy, tensile testing machine and the Izod impact testing machine.FindingsIt is found that MWNTs in LDPE achieve some dispersion and alignment resulting in improvement in LDPE's strength and toughness.Practical implicationsPolymer/CNTs nanocomposites are expected to have good process ability of the polymers and high mechanical and functional properties of the CNTs. Enhancing dispersion and alignment of MWNTs in the polymer matrix will promote and expand the applications and development of polymer/MWNTs nanocomposites.Originality/valueThe method that enhances MWNTs dispersion and alignment in LDPE matrix provides a new way for alignment of other CNTs in polymer matrix.
Phenolated larch‐bark formaldehyde adhesive with various amounts of sodium hydroxide
Authors: Yuan Jianlong , Gao Zhenhua , Wang Xiang‐Ming 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of different amounts of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) introduced during the resin synthesis on the properties of bark‐phenol‐formaldehyde (BPF) adhesives aims at achieving a balance between storage life and other properties of BPF adhesives.Design/methodology/approachBased on the best synthetic technologies for the production of BPF adhesives obtained in a previous study, a new synthetic technology is developed for the production of BPF adhesives that involve a three‐step addition of NaOH using different amounts of NaOH in the third charge. Gel permeation chromatography is used to evaluate properties of the phenol‐formaldehyde (PF) and BPF adhesives.FindingsThe amount of NaOH in the third charge has an important influence on many BPF adhesive properties. The paper determines that the synthetic technology involving three‐step NaOH additions with only water introduced in the third charge of NaOH produces a BPF adhesive with the longest storage life and best bonding strength.Research limitations/implicationsBPF adhesives are very complex systems with many unknown variables.Practical implicationsThe improved storage life of the BPF adhesive prepared with the new synthetic technology is comparable to that of a commercial PF adhesive, which indicates that this new technology shows greater potential for commercial applications.Originality/valueA new synthetic technology is developed to produce a BPF adhesive that is more comparable to commercial PF adhesives than other BPF adhesives in terms of storage life and other resin properties.
The marketing myths and consumers' fear of marketing
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to assert how common yet unfounded claims to persuasion power are not in the best interest of marketing professionals. News reports of any pervasive marketing activity include a direct assertion, or at least an implicit presumption, that business managers do it because they know it “works.” And since consumers know that marketing wishes to influence their decisions, they fear that they are being manipulated.Design/methodology/approachWith marketing professionals claiming great power to move the masses despite their uncertainty of just how effective their tools might be in causing sales, consumers tend to believe the claims of sales influence and, in turn, blame marketing for many consumer or social problems.FindingsMarketing is not as all‐powerful as some consumers believe or fear, but marketing professionals tend to claim their work has all sorts of expansive powers.Originality/valueMany public debates put marketing people in the strange position of noting the limits of their persuasion power and the uncertainty of past claims successes. Unfortunately, as marketing professionals try to gain new business budgets and make claims of their worth, their failure to admit the limits to knowledge of how or why people might be persuaded to buy products results in many consumers blaming marketing for all types of social problems. Public education and understanding might be best helped by some practitioner honesty.
Reality television (Supernanny): a social marketing “place” strategy
Authors: Ganeshasundaram Raguragavan , Henley Nadine 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of the Supernanny reality television programs in teaching parenting techniques and changing parenting behaviors.Design/methodology/approachA telephone survey was conducted with a random sample of 400 respondents who had watched at least one episode of the Supernanny program.FindingsAlmost 75 percent of the respondents had viewed the program regularly for interest and/or for educational reasons; significantly more people who said they watched for education could recollect parenting techniques than those who said they watched for entertainment. Respondents agreed that the program informed them about different techniques for managing the behaviors of their children (88 percent) and said they had used (53 percent) or intended to use (23 percent) a number of those techniques. A total of 80 percent of the respondents saw the show as realistic and 93 percent of the viewers perceived the program as useful to some extent in terms of changing their behaviors and their children's behaviors in positive ways. There were some significant differences, with greater effects in women, younger respondents, and parents of younger children.Practical implicationsReality television can be used as an effective social marketing, mass media “place” strategy to convey positive parenting techniques and to promote positive behavior change.Originality/valueEdutainment (combining entertainment with education) has been used to promote positive social behaviors for some years but the use of the specific entertainment vehicle “reality television” has not previously been examined as a social marketing place strategy.
A Hong Kong study of advertising credibility
Authors: Prendergast Gerard , Liu Po‐yan , Poon Derek T.Y. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe aim of the research reported in this paper was to identify for which types of products and services consumers find the advertising to lack credibility and in which media this effect is most serious. The association between self‐esteem and skepticism towards advertising was also explored.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured questionnaire, 200 Hong Kong shoppers were surveyed in mall intercept interviews.FindingsThe results showed that ads for weight‐loss products were considered the least credible. The broadcast media (radio, broadcast television and cable television) were considered the most credible advertising media, while direct mail and the internet were considered the least credible. Self‐esteem was found to be positively related with skepticism towards advertising.Research limitations/implicationsThe study had two key limitations. First, the list of products and services was not exhaustive. Second, the study did not consider how frequently the interviewees were exposed to each medium.Practical implicationsBy recognizing the credibility of their advertisements and the media in which they are placed, and the influence of self‐esteem on advertising skepticism, the findings are of use to advertisers in formulating their strategies. The findings also provide information of value for policy makers trying to combat non‐credible and deceptive advertising.Originality/valueThe primary contribution from this work comes in the form of methodological considerations. This is the first study to consider the relationships between self‐esteem and skepticism after controlling for socially desirable responding. Also, this study takes a broader perspective by looking at credibility of advertising across a range of products and media, and with a broader audience, than has been considered in previous research.
Impact of contextual factors, brand loyalty and brand switching on purchase decisions
Authors: Shukla Paurav 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe consumer culture in recent times has evolved into one of the most powerful ingredients shaping individuals and societies. Although the behavioural intentions and purchase decisions related models continue to dominate research and managerial practice, a deeper look indicates that most studies do not take the complete picture in account and study parts of the above mentioned phenomena. Furthermore, consumers operate in a dynamic and ever‐changing environment which in itself demands a re‐examination of their behavioural intentions and purchase decision influences from time to time. This paper aims to focus on these issues.Design/methodology/approachUsing the context of the young adults market, this study looks into how contextual factors vis‐à‐vis loyalty and switching impact consumer purchase intentions. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative research methodology.FindingsThe findings suggest that contextual factors have the strongest influence on purchase decisions. Furthermore, contextual factors influence the brand loyalty and switching behaviour.Practical implicationsThe findings provide important insights with regards to the factors on which practitioners should focus to better tailor their content and approaches.Originality/valueThe study supplies unique learning to managers and researchers alike, through conceptualising and subsequently empirically verifying the issue of purchase decision, brand loyalty and switching with regard to contextual factors.
Gender differences in information search: implications for retailing
Authors: Barber Nelson , Dodd Tim , Kolyesnikova Natalia 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence on search behavior of gender, purchase confidence, and internal knowledge in different purchase situations. It is expected that there will be gender differences on search behavior, particularly given different purchase situations.Design/methodology/approachMultivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the main and interaction effects of the independent categorical variables on multiple dependent interval variables. An online survey was distributed to employees in different geographic locations in the USA.FindingsThe results of situational use indicate that sources of information are perceived differently by males and females depending on their levels of purchase confidence and internal knowledge, suggesting that, when consumers consider sources of information, such as retail clerk, family/friends or themselves, the purchase situation influences that decision.Research limitations/implicationsThe measure of the situational influence through brief descriptions of hypothetical consumption situations was required. Such descriptions could not include every possible feature of a natural setting, resulting in subjective interpretation by respondents of what are socially acceptable, possibly confounding results.Practical implicationsConsumers bring to the buying decision different types of experiences and expectations. Understanding how males and females seek varied sources of external information is relevant to the service industry in designing promotional plans, whether the product of choice is a restaurant, vacation resort, and hotel or tourism destination such as a winery.Originality/valueThe contribution of the research is to broaden the understanding of search behavior and the role gender plays, particularly in different purchase situations.