bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of KPIs for facility performance measurement: review of literature
Authors: Lavy Sarel , Garcia John A. , Dixit Manish K. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and categorize them based on specific aspects of facility performance measurement in order to facilitate a holistic performance assessment.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach, based on the literature, is adopted. This approach relies on an extensive literature search of extant research papers, assessment reports, surveys and presentations to identify KPIs. The KPIs are arranged in appropriate categories based on their purpose and content.FindingsThe paper identifies indicators for performance measurement and classifies them into four major categories: financial, physical, functional, and survey‐based. Indicators are arranged from general to the most specific indicators. The list presents indicators with their description, units of measurement, and literature sources.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could focus on further analysis of the list of KPIs in order to generate a more concise list of easily measurable indicators that exhibit wide applicability and valid categorization.Practical implicationsThe lack of proper categorization hampers frequent and widespread use of performance metrics by the industry. This study proposes a list of KPIs and presents it in appropriate categories so it can be used more practically by facility management practitioners.Originality/valueThe list of KPIs generated covers aspects of facility performance assessment and shows wider applicability; thus, it could be utilized by practitioners for a holistic assessment of a wide range of facilities.
Building operation and maintenance: education needs in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Joseph H.K. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeBuilt facilities, in order to be sustainable, have to be operated and maintained by practitioners who possess the appropriate types and levels of knowledge. The study reported in this paper aims to identify the available higher education programmes in this relation and to investigate what kinds of education are needed by the operation and maintenance (O&M) practitioners in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThe published information of the building‐related programmes offered by the local higher education institutions was reviewed. A questionnaire, designed, piloted and distributed with the support given by the leading O&M society in Hong Kong, was used to survey the perceptions and opinions of the practitioners.FindingsNo education programme had been tailored for producing professionals to meet the rising demand for O&M works. The practitioners indicated their strong wish to learn more, in particular, about energy and environmental management, and testing and commissioning. Their desire for dedicated O&M programmes was also overwhelming.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey and analysis method used in the study may be taken to investigate the education needs in other developing industries.Practical implicationsThe relatively low levels that the practitioners perceived about their knowledge in most aspects of their works imply that there is room for improving work quality through enhancing O&M education.Originality/valueThe survey findings unveiled the contemporary education needs of the O&M practitioners, which are essential information that supports the development of some matching courses.
New procedure for wind farm maintenance
Authors: Orosa Jose Antonio , Oliveira Armando C. , Martín Costa Angel 
Published: July 2010

PurposeConditions monitoring system (CMS) is a tool for describing the present condition of the components of a system. To achieve this objective, there is a need to develop an efficient fault prediction algorithm. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses four real wind farms with control charts of indices derived from UNE EN15341:2008 standard indicators, as the main CMS algorithm to define which index must be considered for improving wind farm maintenance and related costs.FindingsThe findings show that climatic conditions are related to maintenance cost indices. Employing the statistical control process of various wind energy converter (WEC) indices proposed by wind farm operators is an adequate procedure to monitor and control wind farm performance. In particular, only the maintenance cost index and the hourly maintenance cost index presented a clear relationship with respect to weather conditions.Practical implicationsClimatic conditions must form the basis for organising maintenance activities. Despite this, future maintenance models must be centred on indices obtained from experience, like the maintenance cost index and hourly maintenance cost index, and not solely in general indicators defined by standards.Originality/valueA practical case study of wind farm maintenance based in the new UNE EN15341:2008 standard and wind farm operators experience is shown, defining real indices to be employed in future maintenance procedures.
The effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty
Authors: Zhou Tao , Li Hongxiu , Liu Yong 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the effect of flow experience on mobile social networking service (SNS) users' loyalty.Design/methodology/approachBased on 305 valid responses collected from a survey questionnaire, structural equation modeling (SEM) technology was employed to examine the research model.FindingsThe results show that both information quality and system quality significantly affect users' trust and flow experiences, which further determine their loyalty. The results indicate that flow experience is the strongest determinant of users' loyalty.Practical implicationsMobile SNS providers need to consider user experience when seeking users' loyalty. They should enhance information quality and system quality in order to improve user trust and flow experience.Originality/valueAlthough much research has been conducted to explore the effects of extrinsic motivations, such as perceived usefulness, on mobile commerce user behavior, the effect of intrinsic motivations, such as flow experience, is seldom tested. This research found the effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty to be significant.
China and the Olympics: views of insiders and outsiders
Authors: Heslop Louise A. , Nadeau John , O'Reilly Norm 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the views of residents and foreigners of the Olympics and the host country before and after the mega‐event within the context of marketing theory on country image effects and psychology theories attribution.Design/methodology/approachThis is achieved by studying the views of American and Chinese respondents of China and the Olympics before and after the Beijing Olympics. Samples of Chinese and Americans were surveyed before and after the Beijing Summer Olympics concerning their images of the Olympics, China and its people, and China as a vacation destination. Cross‐national and pre‐post comparisons are made and interaction effects are noted using MANOVA.FindingsSignificant cross‐national and time differences and several interaction effects are found across all three focal objects of image measurements. Large country differences are found. Despite how technically successful the Games might have looked, post‐event assessments are overwhelmingly lower. Additional differences in views and interaction effects are discussed in terms of the intended and unintended impacts of the event on local and foreign respondents.Research limitations/implicationsOnly one location in China and one foreign country are surveyed.Practical implicationsThe paper has important implications for both the effects of mega‐events on country images and the effects of the host country on the event brand image. These issues have relevance for countries seeking to host mega‐events and those who manage these events and make decision about where they will be held.Originality/valueThis is the first cross‐national study of the Olympics and their effects using before‐and‐after event measures. It also combines analyses of both the event and the place images from the perspectives of both those who live in the country and residents of other countries. Attribution theory is a useful reference theory for mega‐event assessments.
Consumer‐based brand equity for Australia as a long‐haul tourism destination in an emerging market
Authors: Pike Steven , Bianchi Constanza , Kerr Gayle , Patti Charles 
Published: July 2010

PurposeAlthough the branding literature emerged during the 1940s, research relating to tourism destination branding has only gained momentum since the late 1990s. There remains a lack of theory in particular that addresses the measurement of the effectiveness of destination branding over time. The purpose of this paper is to test the effectiveness of a model of consumer‐based brand equity (CBBE) for a country destination.Design/methodology/approachA model of CBBE was adapted from the marketing literature and applied to a nation context. The model was tested by using structural equation modelling with data from a large Chilean sample (n=845) comprising a mix of previous visitors and non‐visitors. The model fits the data well.FindingsThe paper reports the results of an investigation into brand equity for Australia as a long‐haul destination in an emerging market. The research took place just before the launch of the nation's fourth new brand campaign in six years. The results indicate Australia is a well‐known but not compelling destination brand for tourists in Chile, which reflects the lower priority the South American market has been given by the national tourism office.Practical implicationsThe paper suggested that CBBE measures could be analysed at various points in time to track any strengthening or weakening of market perceptions in relation to brand objectives. A standard CBBE instrument could provide long‐term effectiveness performance measures regardless of changes in destination marketing organisation staff, advertising agency, other stakeholders and budget.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the nation‐branding literature by being one of the first to test the efficacy of a model of CBBE for a tourism destination brand.
Group decision making based on the LCLR method
Authors: Chen Zhijie , Chen Weizhen , Chen Qile 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new group decision‐making approach, which can only use simple mathematical calculations to perform a group decision‐making task.Design/methodology/approachThe large column and large row (LCLR) method is designed and applied.FindingsThe paper finds four propositions to support LCLR methods to be a simple and effectual means for group decision making.Research limitations/implicationsThe aggregated matrix constructed in LCLR methods should be generated from non‐contradictory circles.Practical implicationsEffective group decision‐making results can be obtained by easily used methods, not necessarily by using complex mathematics technology to conduct the task.Originality/valueThe new approach based on LCLR methods proposed in this paper may be one of the most easily used and effective means for group decision making.
A study of improvement of D* algorithms for mobile robot path planning in partial unknown environments
Authors: Guo Jianming , Liu Liang 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the D* algorithm which has been used usually in robotics for mobile robot navigation in unknown or dynamic environments.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the model of 2D workspace with some obstacles is expressed in regularity grids. The optimal path is planned by using the improved D* algorithm by searching in the neighbor grid cells in 16 directions. It makes the robot that the smallest turning angle drops to π/8. The robot moving angle discrete precision is raised and the unnecessary cost of path planning is reduced so the robot motion path is smoother. Then, the improved D* algorithm is simulated in MOBOTSIM software environment and is tested by the WiRobotX80 mobile robot.FindingsTo search in the neighbor grid cells in 16 directions instead of eight directions by using D* algorithms for path planning.Research limitations/implicationsThe map should be expressed in regularity grids.Originality/valueThe improved D* algorithm is effective and it can result in a higher quality path than the conventional D* algorithm at the same map environment.
Lp‐maximal regularity for incomplete second‐order Cauchy problems
Authors: Huang Yongzhong , Feng Yan 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the Lp‐maximal regularity for the abstract incomplete second order problem.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper gives the definition of the Lp‐maximal regularity for incomplete second‐order Cauchy problems and lists their basic properties based on Chill and Srivastava's recent work for completing second order problem. Second, the paper establishes its characterization by means of Fourier multiplier and the operator‐sum theorem. Finally, it considers an application to quasilinear systems by the regularity and linearization techniques.FindingsTwo criteria of Lp‐maximal regularity are obtained, and the existence of the local solution for the second order quasilinear problem is given. In addition, the connection on maximal regularity between second order problems with initial values and that with periodic problems is investigated. A perturbation result is given.Originality/valueThe maximal regularity is an important tool in the theory of non‐linear differential equations. The results obtained in this paper are universal because the operator is not necessarily the generator of a cosine operator function. Using this unifying approach it is possible to clarify the Lp‐maximal regularity and the existence of the solution for some systems described by partial differential equations, such as wave equations.
Optimal procurement strategies from multiple suppliers with total minimum commitments and order constraints
Authors: Li Wu , Yue Chaoyuan , Han Shoudong , Zhu Mingfu 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to derive the optimal procurement policy of an item for a buyer and reduce the total cost to the buyer.Design/methodology/approachIn a multi‐supplier setting and from the perspective of the buyer, the paper addresses long‐term supply contracts for a single item with total minimum commitments and order constraints each period. Under the conditions, the buyer agrees to procure at least a certain quantity of an item from every selected supplier over the predetermined plan horizon and the order constraints specify the minimum and maximum of the quantity purchased each period. An optimization model is developed minimizing the total cost to the buyer, including purchase, transportation, and storage cost of all periods. To derive the optimal procurement policy for the buyer, a two‐phase solution is proposed integrating multidimensional dynamic programming with heuristic method.FindingsThe optimal procurement policies can be computed easily and result in a certain decrease on the total cost to the buyer. There may be multiple optimal procurement strategies resulting in the same total cost to the buyer. The commitments to the suppliers result in an increase on the total cost to the buyer.Research limitations/implicationsSensitivity analysis should be provided and uncertain demands should be considered.Practical implicationsThis paper presents a very useful approach to derive optimal procurement strategy for such buyers as project owners.Originality/valueThe paper extends the total minimum commitment to a multi‐supplier setting.
Research on performance simulative models of gas turbines
Authors: Liang Qian‐chao , Lin Wen‐you , Huang Rong‐hua , Jia Sheng‐wei , Huang Jin‐ming 
Published: July 2010

PurposeIn order to further improve the accuracy of nonlinear simulation models, the purpose of this paper is to make some improvements to the general mode.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts the calculation method of variable specific heat, taking the variation of gas‐oil ratios and discharge pressure into account, and establishes a nonlinear dynamic simulative model of biaxial gas turbine considering about the inertia of volume based on MATLAB/SIMULINK.FindingsThe simulation result, compared with test data, shows that this simulative model is more accurate to reflect the system's dynamic characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThe hot inertial has not been taken into account. Meanwhile, the quantity of data is less, so this paper adopts interpolation method.Practical implicationsIt is used to simulate calculation of gas turbines.Originality/valueThis paper adopts the calculation method of variable specific heat, considering the effect of the gas‐oil ratio variation and the discharge pressure variation (the total pressure of discharge duct) on the system.
Developing measurements of success for performing musical groups
Authors: Fisher Caroline , Pearson Michael M. , Goolsby Jerry R. , Onken Marina H. 
Published: July 2010

PurposePrevious studies of musical group performance have suggested the need for reliable and valid measures of success. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approachUsing Nunnally's methodology, this study developed 18 items that might indicate relative success of performing musical groups. These items were administered to 338 musical groups from Louisiana.FindingsSignificant correlations were found among most of the measures. Factor analysis yielded two distinct success scales, one objective and one subjective scale.Research limitations/implicationWhile this study sampled only Louisiana‐based musical groups, the formulated scales provide a needed basis for success measurement in research on performing groups, such as musical groups, theater companies, dance and other group performance companies.Practical implicationsA musical group could track their objective measures over time to determine the group's continual improvement. Subjective items could be gathered using a questionnaire given to the band members on a regular basis. Decreases in subjective ratings would indicate decreasing satisfaction among group members, and would alert the band that changes might need to be made.Originality/valueResearch on performing service groups, such as musical groups, is often limited because of lack of accepted measures for the dependent variable of success. This research study has developed two success scales that can help measure success in these groups. The authors suggest that future research could use these success scales and the criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards Program to better research the marketing and management of performing service groups.
Corporate entrepreneurship in the face of changing competition
Authors: Sebora Terrence C. , Theerapatvong Titikorn , Lee Sang M. 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThe paper sought to extend previous research on factors associated with corporate entrepreneurship (CE) by surveying operating managers and top executives in Thai manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used an expanded case method that combined face‐to‐face interviews with the top executives and results of responses to the corporate entrepreneurship assessment instrument (CEAI) by middle managers in three large and three medium Thai manufacturing firms.FindingsThe results of this paper suggest that management support for CE, their use of rewards and recognition, and their allowing workers discretion in their jobs all are significantly related to improving competitiveness, as indicated by internal performance improvement and firm financial improvement. Unlike previous studies, time allocated to idea generation/innovation activities and cross‐boundary communication are not found to be significantly associated with CE in Thai manufacturing firms. These quantitative results are augmented by the interview results, which suggest that CE in Thai manufacturing firms is affected by global competitiveness, technology, and government policies.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the findings are limited by the size of the sample and the use of a single industry.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that Thai firms can affect change in their CE activities and that these changes will impact the bottom line. CE activities are influenced by competition and government policy.Originality/valueThe paper combined the insights of personal interviews with top managers and the feedback from top managers in their firms to gain an overview of CE activity.
Autonomy, market orientation and performance in Indian retail banking
Authors: Barnabas Nattuvathuckal , Mekoth Nandakumar 
Published: July 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to find out whether superior autonomy at boundary spanning levels in service organizations results in better market orientation and performance and whether autonomy and decentralization, though conceptually different, have similar practical implications. Researchers developed a theoretical model and tested it in the post‐liberalized Indian retail banking context to address these concerns.Design/methodology/approachBank branches constituted the unit of analysis. Further to getting initial insights on market orientation in retail banking through interviews researchers conducted a survey among branch managers. A total of 305 branch managers were contacted of which 122 cooperated.FindingsRegression results suggest that superior personnel related and goal setting autonomy at boundary spanning levels have positive market orientation as well as performance implications. Marketing autonomy did not have significant impact on market orientation. Autonomy and decentralization though conceptually different displayed similar implications on market orientation and performance. Formalization while negatively impacting market orientation did not directly impact performance.Practical implicationsAs firm performance is dependent on subunit performance, managers should naturally be interested in factors that enhance performance at subunit level. Current research finds evidence for superior personnel and goal setting autonomy as well as less rigid rules facilitating market orientation and performance at the subunit level.Originality/valueThis is the first effort to study market orientation at the boundary spanning levels in service organizations. Besides providing evidences from the Indian retail banking context about the impact of autonomy on market orientation and performance the paper also presents primary evidence for clarifying the similarities and differences between autonomy and decentralization.