bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progress towards wafer‐scale fabrication of ultrasound arrays for real‐time high‐resolution biomedical imaging
Authors: Bernassau Anne , Hutson David , Demore Christine E.M. , Flynn David , Amalou Farid , Parry Jonathan , McAneny Jim , Button Tim W. , Desmulliez Marc P.Y. , Cochran Sandy 
Published: October 2009

PurposeHigh‐frequency transducer arrays that can operate at frequencies above 30 MHz are needed for high‐resolution medical ultrasound imaging. The fabrication of such devices is challenging not only because of the fine‐scale piezocomposite fabrication typically required but also because of the small size of arrays and their interconnects. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of research to develop solutions for several of the major problems in high‐frequency ultrasound array fabrication.Design/methodology/approachNet‐shape 1‐3 piezocomposites operating above 40 MHz are developed. High‐quality surface finishing makes photolithographic patterning of the array electrodes on these fine scale piezocomposites possible, thus establishing a fabrication methodology for high‐frequency kerfless ultrasound arrays.FindingsStructured processes are developed and prototype components are made with them, demonstrating the viability of the selected fabrication approach. A 20‐element array operating at 30 MHz is patterned and characterised. Furthermore, an electrode pattern suitable for a 20‐element array operating at 100 MHz is created to demonstrate the state of the art of photolithography processing directly on piezocomposite.Practical implicationsThe work reported suggests that ultrasound arrays for real‐time biomedical imaging will be viable at higher frequencies than presently available commercially or previously reported in the research literature.Originality/valueThe main elements of a novel, fully mask‐based process for high‐frequency ultrasound transducer array fabrication are presented in outline in this paper.
MEMS ultra low leak detection methods: a review
Authors: Millar Suzanne , Desmulliez Marc 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review traditional hermeticity test methods when applied to typical micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) cavity volumes and to propose potential solutions.Design/methodology/approachStandards for traditional testing have been applied to typical MEMS cavity volumes and the resulting issues of range and sensitivity discussed. In situ test structures have been designed and fabricated with access to the internal cavities to allow characterisation of the structures as a function of pressure.FindingsThe ultra low leak rates necessary to guarantee hermeticity of MEMS cannot be measured using traditional methods. Optical test methods are possible although in situ test structures currently provide the greatest sensitivity. A portfolio of test techniques is required to allow accurate hermeticity testing of MEMS.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides a starting point for further investigation into several methods of MEMS hermeticity testing.Originality/valueThis paper provides a review of the limitations of traditional testing and proposals for future testing as the trend towards smaller volume packaging continues.
Implantable electronic devices technology challenges for long‐term human implantation
Authors: Vanhoestenberghe Anne 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the requirements for long‐term implantation of electronic devices with a focus on packaging and encapsulation.Design/methodology/approachOwing to their intended long‐term use in the human body, implants for electrical stimulation present specific challenges to the engineers. The respective roles of packaging and encapsulation must be clearly understood to make the most of new materials and modern machining technologies. This paper offers an introduction to the current situation and highlights challenges for future developments.FindingsThe innovative application of modern technologies may be useful to tackle key issues of encapsulation and sealing of small electrical devices for long‐term implantation.Originality/valueTwo examples of innovative application of alternative package manufacture and sealing method are described.
Segmentation of unevenly illuminated line scanned images
Authors: Chiou Yih‐Chih , Tsai Meng‐Ru 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThough many segmentation methods have been published, few of them are developed especially for line scanned images. An ill‐illuminated line scanned (IILS) image tends to have a uniform intensity distribution in column direction while non‐uniform intensity distribution in the row direction. So, it is improper to segment IILS images using either a pixed threshold or threshold surface. In view of this, the purpose of this paper is to develop a segmentation method that is suitable for segmented IILS images.Design/methodology/approachTo obtain satisfactory segmentation results, the illumination variation across the column of a line scanned image was taken into account and a column‐based segmentation method was developed. The method first calculates each column's standard deviation. Then a threshold value is automatically assigned to each column based on the derived values. Finally, by assembling each columns threshold value, a so‐called threshold line is formed. The method is threshold‐line segmentation method based on standard deviation (TLSTD).FindingsThe developed threshold‐line‐based segmentation method is compared with Otsu's fixed threshold segmentation method and Niblack's threshold‐surface‐based segmentation method. The results show that the threshold‐line‐based segmentation method is more suitable for segmenting IILS images.Research limitations/implicationsDespite TLSTD outperforming Otsu's and Nilblack's segmentation methods, there are some limitations to it. The most obvious one is that the predetermined allowable deviation has influences on the integrality of the extracted flaws. Besides, since the proposed method is designed specifically for segmenting images captured by line scan cameras with a slant line light source, it is suitable for segmenting the kind of images only. In other words, the method shows no advantages in segment area scanned images.Practical implicationsGenerally, the approach is useful in automated visual inspection where line scan cameras are employed.Originality/valueThe merit of the proposed method is that the slant of the line light source is now allowed. In other words, even if a grabbed line scanned image is unevenly illuminated, the proposed segmentation method is still able to successfully detect desired flaws.
Gender and leadership style
Authors: Rohmann Anette , Rowold Jens 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze whether German male and female leaders differ in their leadership behavior, focusing on transactional vs transformational leadership styles.Design/methodology/approachA field study in which followers were asked to evaluate their respective leaders was conducted in three different organizational contexts in Germany using questionnaires: a recreational sports club (n = 183), a government agency (n = 267), and a public transport services company (n = 203). Additionally, students (n = 518) were asked to evaluate historical world‐class leaders in terms of their leadership styles after a standardized presentation of their life and leadership style using biographies, essays, and movies.FindingsResults in all four samples show that female leaders were perceived as exhibiting more transformational leadership behavior than male leaders. Moreover, female leaders were evaluated as more effective and as producing more satisfaction than their male counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsSelf‐report data were used and leadership was assessed from the perspective of the followers. Future research should also include leaders' and peers' perspectives.Originality/valueThe finding that women have a more transformational leadership style than men is extended to another cultural context. The importance of analyzing different organizational contexts is highlighted.
Mentoring for enhancing females' career development: the bank job
Authors: Maxwell Gillian 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how formal mentoring programmes may enhance female mentees' career development, particularly in a case study of a major high street bank.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical case study work, from mentees' and mentors' points of view, on the evaluation of a pilot formal mentoring programme for the career development of females is discussed. The two stage evaluation encompasses gender issues such as the impact of gender imbalance and the nature of ambition, together with mentoring issues such as expectations and development of the programme.FindingsOverall, it is found that the mentoring programme is considered, in different ways to mentees and mentors, to be highly successful. Further, it can offer benefits to mentors too. Although females' self‐perceptions, gendered values and perceptions of management and leadership can often impede the career development of females, effective, formal mentoring can be seen to offset such impediments.Practical implicationsThe main inference is that effective formal mentoring can actively bolster females' management career development. The case evaluation exposes a series of good practice points in formal mentoring programmes. Capitalising on these points, organisations can enable females' development in management roles.Originality/valueThe paper acts to support greater gender equity in females' career development in management in the UK finance sector, conceptually and practically.
Management competencies: a comparative study between Thailand and Hong Kong
Authors: Sudsakorn Tawit , Swierczek Fredric William 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the management competencies required by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate to succeed as a global business manager in an increasingly competitive business environment in Asia.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyzes the differences in management competencies of nearly 600 MBA students from 13 universities in Thailand and Hong Kong. In the questionnaire, the MBA students are asked to indicate the levels of the management competencies which they have gained from studying the MBA program.FindingsThe findings indicate that the work competency of the Hong Kong MBA students is significantly higher than the Thai MBA students. The levels of interpersonal competency do not, however, differ significantly between the Thai and Hong Kong students. The findings also show that there are significant relationships between the background variables, e.g. job title and cultural values – namely individual success and social power – and work and interpersonal competencies.Practical implicationsTo improve the value of the MBA programs in Thailand, business schools will need to put more emphasis on the work competencies in their curricula. More workshops that actively stimulate work competencies must be emphasized in the Thai MBA programs.Originality/valueThe study of management competencies in Asia representing Thailand and Hong Kong is rare. New management development approaches are proposed for business schools to train their business students to become world‐class global managers.
A “360” degree view for individual leadership development
Authors: Drew Glenys 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived usefulness to participants of a particular 360‐degree leadership survey process to assist an understanding of how ratees receive and respond to 360‐degree feedback.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes a sample of eight new and emergent leaders at one university in Australia who complete a 360‐degree feedback survey. Through semi‐structured interviews, they are asked to report on their learning as a result of undertaking the 360‐degree exercise. A constant comparison method of data analysis is used to analyse the participants' responses.FindingsThe research study finds from the group undertaking the 360‐degree feedback process that, in equal proportion, participants report receiving: no surprising feedback but reinforcement and affirmation; and new insights, with developmental strategies identified to effect change as a result of feedback. The paper argues, from findings of the literature and the study, the importance of a measure of institutional support for the feedback process including sound facilitation. The results of the semi‐structured conversations held with the small sample attest to the importance of self‐efficacy (belief of capacity to learn and develop) on the part of ratees to act on feedback gained, and of the organisation's role in assisting self‐efficacy in 360‐degree programs. The findings support an incremental theory approach in that participants see the feedback exercise as an opportunity to improve their capabilities and pursue learning goals over time by acting on development items suggested by the feedback. It is posited that support received by participants in undertaking the feedback activity as part of a program of development contributes to the positive response. The paper concludes by providing some guidelines for conducting effective 360‐degree feedback discussions.Originality/valueThere is a reasonable body of literature about 360‐degree feedback processes from a theoretical standpoint. This qualitative study addresses a relative gap in the literature to explore how participants describe their experience of undertaking a facilitated 360‐degree feedback exercise, including whether they gain new knowledge, or no new knowledge. The paper also suggests some principles that might be employed in facilitating 360‐degree feedback to maximise benefit from the process.
An exploratory content analysis of situational leadership
Authors: Papworth Mark A. , Milne Derek , Boak George 
Published: October 2009

PurposeHersey and Blanchard's situational leadership (SL) model is widely utilised, but it has limited empirical support. This paper aims to investigate the model through content analysis of the transcripts of supervision sessions.Design/methodology/approachEight transcripts of successful supervision interviews are subjected to in‐depth content analysis to investigate the validity of aspects of the SL model, principally that successful leadership interactions would vary systematically according to the level of supervisee experience. The supervisees consist of a novice, four training therapists, and three post‐graduate therapist practitioners. Statistical analyses are undertaken to investigate fundamental, predicted differences between the speech behaviours associated with the different developmental levels of these supervisees.FindingsThe findings offer only partial support for the model. As predicted, an increased proportion of supervisor speech is observed in the supervision of increasingly less experienced therapists. However, the majority of the more specific speech behaviours associated with supervisee experience level are not in keeping with the model.Originality/valueThese results are consistent with the findings of other evaluations of the SL model. As the present results are based on a novel approach, this increases the plausibility of the claim that SL lacks adequate empirical support. Areas of development and exploration are recommended, and limits associated with the model's utility are highlighted.
The strategy of stakeholder briefing during merger negotiation in the bank market
Authors: Konstantopoulos Nikolaos , Sakas Damianos P. , Triantafyllopoulos Yiannis 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the variable stakeholder briefing in the successful completion of merger negotiations in the Greek banking branch.Design/methodology/approachThe codification is attempted by means of software, so as to clarify the trends for negotiations in win‐win conditions. Data collected by the negotiation process of two large banking companies.FindingsThe paper concludes that an important factor for the successful outcome of a merger is also the methodology of briefing enacted by the leaders of the banking branch during both the negotiation and merger process.Originality/valueThe two banks follow a different briefing strategy in the issue of stakeholder briefing as well but there is congruency in briefing strategies concerning substantial goals, because both banks develop in a market that modulates tactics of consuming and investing behaviors through forming an “opinion” by the image that the banks give to consumers and investors about their plans.
The effectiveness of self‐management training in organisations from two culturally different countries
Authors: Pattni Indira , Soutar Geoffrey N. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of short training in self‐management skills on employees' efficacious beliefs and skills across cultures.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal pre‐post field investigation repeated measures analysis is used to compare the effectiveness of the self‐management training between employees from Australia (individualistic country) and Kenya (collectivistic country).FindingsThe results suggest that there is a significant improvement in the learning of skills and efficacious beliefs post‐training (24 weeks). However, there are no significant differences in improvement between the two cultures and the training is similarly effective in both cultures.Research limitations/implicationsTraining focus is based on previous research that is primarily individual focused and further studies need to explore the training ethos. The assessments are developed for the study and need further examination to test their reliability and validity in other contexts. The individualistic and collectivistic criteria are drawn from Hofstede's work and may need further investigation as Hofstede's sample size of the Kenyan population is small. Finally, the results are unique to retail banking.Originality/valueThe effectiveness of this low‐cost training for enhancing employee efficacy has positive organisational outcomes, especially for those that have a multicultural workforce. It may be particularly useful for organisations in developing countries where cost is of concern.
An analysis of the environment and competitive dynamics of management research
Authors: Thomas Howard , Wilson Alex 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper examines some of the controversies facing business schools in their future evolution and pays particular attention to their competitive positioning as centres of management research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper combines and builds on current literature to provide an analytic overview of the environment and competitive challenges to management research in business schools.FindingsThe paper assesses the impacts of a globalized environment and ever‐changing competitive dynamics, for example in terms of the supply of high‐quality faculty, on the activity of management research in business schools. It points out that research impacts must be judged not only in terms of theoretical development but also managerial and policy impact. However, managerial impact is difficult to measure and the “voice of practice” must be carefully identified.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the current challenges for undertaking innovative research in business schools in light of their competitive environment. Three interrelated conjectures focusing particularly on managerial impact are raised which identify problems and limitations of current debates on management research in business schools.
The theory/practice gap: a problem for research in business schools?
Authors: Reed Michael I. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and evaluation of the “theory/practice” gap in business and management research as it has been developed in relation to US and European business and management schools.Design/methodology/approachThe paper combines theoretical and institutional analysis to construct a framework for analyzing the “theory/practice” gap and its wider implications.FindingsThe paper suggests that a “dialogical” rather than “linear” model of knowledge production and dissemination is the most analytically and practically useful way of approaching the “theory/practice” gap in business and management research.Originality/valueThe paper reviews and updates the “theory/practice” gap in business and management research and offers a more nuanced and realistic appreciation of how it might be resolved.
Forces for and forces against
Authors: Huxham Chris 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore some of the forces which militate against building capacity for research in business and management that satisfies the double‐hurdle criteria of academic rigour and relevance to practice, despite strong pressures in favour of it.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a reflective piece based on a small number of interviews with researchers, and a variety of initiatives and events in the business and management environment.FindingsForces for practice relevant research include rhetorical statements from high‐profile academics, government, the research councils, and many business and management researchers. Forces against it relate principally to editorial and reviewer processes relating to journal publication and grant awards. Modes of academically rigorous, practice relevant research actually carried out are highly varied – some variations are discussed – but these are not widely understood by funding councils, editors, reviewers, or even by researchers working in different modes of such research.Originality/valueThe principal point of this paper is a call for capacity building to develop in the community an understanding of the nature of rigour in different modes of practice relevant and cumulative research. This contrasts with, but is in addition to, more traditional calls for effort to be applied to the further development and promulgation of practice relevant research approaches themselves.
From crisis to purpose
Authors: Starkey Ken , Tempest Sue 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that the current economic crisis offers an opportunity to rethink the role of the business school and how business schools can reinvent what they do by an engagement with history and the design sciences.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on an ongoing research project into the role of the business school. It provides an historical analysis of the business school's evolving role.FindingsDebates about the nature of the business school fall into two camps, one that argues that the business school is a professional school, and another that says the business school needs to be a better social science school. This paper suggests an alternative perspective, more geared to a view of management as an art, rather than a science, offering less economics, more humanities and history.Originality/valueThe paper aligns itself with a growing call for business school reform and suggests how alternative disciplines might help shape its future.
Research in UK Business Schools or management research in the UK?
Authors: Wensley Robin 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper takes an overview of the history of both the funding and the assessment of research within Business Schools in the wider context of social science research which examines the practice of management.Design/methodology/approachHistorical archives and current statistical data are both considered in the context of various writings on the nature of management and business school research.FindingsMany of the issues are deep seated but overall it is particularly important to emphasise the importance of “translation” in both engagement and interaction and also better links through intermediaries.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the on‐going debate about the relevance of management research as well as the role of business school.