bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision making under uncertainty for a class of production systems with serial and parallel operations
Authors: Orski D. , Hojda M. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present results concerning resource distribution problems for a class of production systems composed of production operations described by relations with uncertain parameters – for newly considered serial‐parallel and parallel‐serial structures.Design/methodology/approachThe resource distribution problems are formulated. For the typical mathematical model of a single production operation, the resource distribution algorithms are derived analytically or, when that is impossible, numerical procedures for finding solutions to distribution problems are suggested.FindingsThe uncertain variables have been proved as a convenient tool for solving specific optimization problems in production management based on relational knowledge representation with unknown parameters.Originality/valueThe paper presents analytical resource distribution and numerical algorithms for determining the optimal resource distribution, which may be applied in knowledge‐based management‐level decision systems for serial‐parallel and parallel‐serial structures of production systems.
Exploring the components of success for the Korean chaebols
Authors: Sig Choi Du , Michell Paul , Palihawadana Dayananda 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the profiles of Korean chaebols involved in global electronicsDesign/methodology/approachThe research was conducted among 132 of their Korean suppliers, with linked in‐depth interviews with chaebol managers. From an initial set of literature‐based variables, factor analysis is used to generate six chaebol characteristics, which are then correlated with four chaebol‐supplier relationship outcomes.Findings“Decision making” and “social exchange”, in particular, are found to correlate positively with all four chaebol‐supplier relationship outcome measures, relationship satisfaction, performance, cooperation and conflict resolution. “Partnership” is associated positively with three of these outcomes, and “strategy‐longevity” with relationship satisfaction. The chaebols' “structure‐control” and “leadership” are not found to be predictors of successful relationship outcomes as measured in this study. A combination of higher quality, lower cost products with linkages to a foundation of decision making, social exchange, partnership and strategy‐longevity appears to be a potent mix for global players.Originality/valueThe paper provides the underpinnings of the marketing strategy and component strategy profiles of a number of major Korean multinationals in the belief that they would inform western relationship marketing strategies.
Overcoming the difficulties of accessing the ETF library intervention fund in Nigeria
Authors: Enyia Christian O. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the problems which the library management at the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) encounter in accessing and utilizing library intervention money from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses problems experienced by NINLAN Library, including: inadequate period specified for retirement of utilized funds, delay in securing approval for new projects, effort of some members of committees to influence award of contracts, and absence of librarians in most ETF project committees.FindingsThe management of NINLAN Library, educational institutions in Nigeria and ETF, should be proactive in planning for development programmes, and articulating projects to be funded by the ETF. There should be clear guidelines for accessing, utilizing and retiring the funds approved for different projects.Originality/valueThe paper offers suggestions to alleviate the problems. These include increasing in the allocation of library intervention funds, extending the period for utilization and retirement of project funds, and inclusion of librarians in various committees for library intervention projects.
Trying to thrive: making do without making waves
Authors: Steele Kirstin 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to consider how a stationary materials budget might be rearranged to permit the purchase of new electronic resources.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the likely ways money can be saved or reallocated: canceling; negotiating better prices; substituting free resources; and finding money outside the annual institutional allotment.FindingsIt was surprising not to find in the current literature a tool for comparing journal aggregates and library databases with open source options, since there seem to be plenty of comparisons between commercial and open source software programs.Originality/valueThe paper offers suggestions as to how libraries can save or reallocate money.
Interoperable data
Authors: Evans Joanne , Reed Barbara , McKemmish Sue 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe ability to establish sustainable frameworks for creating and managing recordkeeping metadata is one of the key challenges for recordkeeping in digital and networked environments. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the Clever Recordkeeping Metadata Project, an Australian research project which sought to investigate how the movement of recordkeeping metadata between systems could be automated.Design/methodology/approachThe project adopted an action research approach to the research, utilising a systems development method within this framework to iteratively build a prototype demonstrating how recordkeeping metadata could be created once in particular application environments, then used many times to meet a range of business and recordkeeping purposes.FindingsRecordkeeping metadata interoperability, like recordkeeping metadata itself, is complex and dynamic. The research identifies the need for standards and tools to reflect and have the capacity to handle this complexity.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into the complex nature of recordkeeping metadata and the kind of infrastructure that needs to be developed to support its automated capture and re‐use in integrated systems environments.
Performance evaluation of the cell‐based algorithms for domain decomposition in flow simulation
Authors: Wang Junye , Zhang Xiaoxian , Bengough Anthony G. , Crawford John W. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe cell‐based method of domain decomposition was first introduced for complex 3D geometries. To further assess the method, the aim is to carry out flow simulation in rectangular ducts to compare the known analytical solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe method is not based on equal subvolumes but on equal numbers of active cells. The variables of the simulation are stored in ordered 1D arrays to replace the conventional 3D arrays, and the domain decomposition of the complex 3D problems therefore becomes 1D. Finally, the 3D results can be recovered using a coordinate matrix. Through the flow simulation in the rectangular ducts how the algorithm of the domain decompositions works was illustrated clearly, and the numerical solution was compared with the exact solutions.FindingsThe cell‐based method can find the subdomain interfaces successfully. The parallelization based on the algorithm does not cause additional errors. The numerical results agree well with the exact solutions. Furthermore, the results of the parallelization show again that domains of 3D geometries can be decomposed automatically without inducing load imbalances.Practical implicationsAlthough, the approach is illustrated with lattice Boltzmann method, it is also applicable to other numerical methods in fluid dynamics and molecular dynamics.Originality/valueUnlike the existing methods, the cell‐based method performs the load balance first based on the total number of fluid cells and then decomposes the domain into a number of groups (or subdomains). Thus, the task of the cell‐based method is to recover the interface rather than to balance the load as in the traditional methods. This work has examined the celled‐based method for the flow in rectangular ducts. The benchmark test confirms that the cell‐based domain decomposition is reliable and convenient in comparison with the well‐known exact solutions.
Angel grants employees their wish – for time off in return for high performance
Authors: Parkes Carole 
Published: June 2008

PurposeDescribes a new breed of HR strategies that encourage employee involvement and commitment as part of high‐performance working (HPW).Design/methodology/approachFocuses on managing employee attitudes and skills through careful attention to leadership, reward and job‐design policies. Highlights the differences between people's formal employment contracts and their less formal “psychological contracts”, and emphasizes the importance of the latter. Provides a case study of UK recruitment consultancy Angel Services Group Ltd, which allows staff who meet their daily targets to go home an hour early.FindingsUrges companies to have processes in place to understand the needs of individual employees. This can be done through leadership policies that require all supervisors and managers not only to manage their staff but also to know them as people.Practical implicationsEmphasizes that organizations need to see HPW initiatives as part of the normal way of managing people, and not as “flavour of the month”.Originality/valueOutlines a wide range of initiatives that could help organizations to gain their employees' commitment.
Risk aversion and brand loyalty: the mediating role of brand trust and brand affect
Authors: Matzler Kurt , Grabner‐Kräuter Sonja , Bidmon Sonja 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the customer's risk aversion and its relationship with brand loyalty and to test empirically whether this relationship is mediated by brand trust and brand affect.Design/methodology/approachA randomly selected sample of Austrian mobile phone users was drawn. Their risk aversion, two forms of loyalty (attitudinal and repurchase loyalty), brand trust and brand affect have been measured with existing and tested scales. The hypothesized model has been tested using PLS (Partial least squares).FindingsCustomer's risk aversion is significantly related to the two forms of loyalty (attitudinal loyalty and brand loyalty). When brand affect and brand trust are introduced into the model, the previously highly significant relationship between domain‐specific risk aversion and attitudinal loyalty becomes insignificant and the risk aversion‐repurchase relationship becomes much weaker, while risk aversion strongly influences brand trust and brand affect.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited to mobile phone users. The generalisation of the results could be extended by broadening the list of products, for example with other durable products and services in which brand affect and brand trust may be even more important in developing brand loyalty.Practical implicationsThis paper explains why certain customers have more trust and experience more affect than others and how this is related to loyalty. Hence, marketers can increase brand loyalty by targeting more risk aversive customers.Originality/valueFrom a theoretical point of view the results of this study illuminate the relationship between enduring individual differences and important brand related constructs. From a practical point of view, they explain why certain customers have more trust and experience more affect than others. It is hypothesized and demonstrated empirically that risk aversion is also related to loyalty via brand trust and brand affect.
First‐line supervisor's perceptions of police integrity
Authors: Schafer Joseph A. , Martinelli Thomas J. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine supervisor perceptions of police integrity situations using the measurement of police integrity instrument. Additional survey questions focused on aspects of integrity of particular relevance within the study agency. The latter concerned that agency's on‐going legal arrangement with the federal government to address alleged sub‐standard patterns and practices of officer/agency performance.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 478 sergeants and lieutenants from the study agency completed the survey instrument. This represented 97 percent of those asked to complete the instrument and approximately 60 percent of first‐line supervisors.FindingsThe results paralleled some aspects found in prior research, in particular that respondents cast themselves as having stronger integrity than their peers. Findings also illustrated potential weaknesses in efforts to enhance police integrity in light of federal intervention in the study agency.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings represented the first focused effort to replicate the measurement of police integrity instrument among first‐line supervisors. Such personnel were key figures in efforts to modify deficient patterns and practices, making them a prime focus for research consideration.Practical implicationsThe skepticisms expressed by some supervisors illustrated issues worthy of consideration in future efforts to enhance integrity in police organizations. First‐line supervisors play key roles in shaping officer conduct, particularly in larger agencies. As such, more consideration needs to be given to the role they play in organizational change efforts.Originality/valueIn addition to informing scholarly understanding through the measurement of police integrity instrument, the findings are of importance in applied efforts to enhance integrity or otherwise modify police organizations.
The new Italian Banking Regulation concerning banks' organization and corporate governance
Authors: Opromolla Gabriella 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the Bank of Italy's new comprehensive regulatory framework containing guidelines on the organization and corporate governance of banks.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the structure of the regulatory framework and the content of the rules, including rules on a bank's choice of board model, a bank's corporate governance project representing bylaws and internal organization, tasks and powers of governing bodies, composition of governing bodies, compensation and incentive mechanisms, and information flows.FindingsThe paper reveals that the new rules are in line with recent prudential measures that assign a central role to corporate organization and require banks to establish appropriate corporate governance arrangements and efficient management and control mechanisms aimed to support the risks to which they are exposed. The new regulatory framework also pivots on the principles set forth by Basel Committee's guidance on corporate governance for banking organizations.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful introduction to new Italian organization and corporate governance guidelines for banks by an experienced banking and securities lawyer.
A question concerning subject in The Spirit of Chinese Capitalism
Authors: Xu Qi 
Published: June 2008

PurposeRecognising interest in the nascent “rise of China”, the purpose of this paper is to engage with the normative social science approach to comparative management, positing that it is inadequate for an enlightened view of the Chinese subject.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a critical appraisal of extant literature, specifically Redding's The Spirit of Chinese Capitalism, by drawing resources from Fabian's epistemological critique of anthropology and Levinas' ethics to replace ontology as first philosophy, and by reference to historical studies on China's economic culture and its language.FindingsAttention is drawn to how Redding's research subject is made an object of knowledge. In the objectification process, the subject's continuity is interrupted, its voice deprived, and its capacity for dialogue denied. This is evident in Redding's framework for analysis. Indeed, his Weberian social science template manifests a certain “imperialism of the same” and is symptomatic of much in comparative management regarding non‐western subjects. After critique, this essay then explores a supplement to Redding.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes three principles for finding one's way out of objectification: ethics before “knowledge”, justice before “power”, and dialogue before “vision”.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to discourse on how comparative management must transcend its imperial social science legacy before it can find a just footing, and be born again.
Emerging technology assessment
Authors: Chen Hongyi , Daim Tugrul U. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess effective integration of two emerging technologies, new emerging opportunities for them and their diffusion in China.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐perspective analysis and causal models were developed to assess the emerging technologies as a result of the integration. In addition, an initial system dynamics model is developed to explore their diffusion.FindingsBased on multi‐perspective analysis and causal models in both global and national environments, problems such as security and reliability are identified. System dynamics modeling is used in this paper to assist such foresight process. Different scenarios are proposed by the modeling to offer possible solutions facilitating the development of voice and video over wireless area network (VVoWLAN) in China.Research limitations/implicationsWhile, the purpose of system dynamics modeling is to demonstrate the application of the methodology, simplifying assumptions are made. To deliver an accurate foresight model, additional data and modeling details will be required. This will lead to future works as an improvement of the model.Practical implicationsA multi‐perspective analysis and causal models were developed to assess the emerging technologies as a result of the integration. These models can easily be used by decision makers evaluating such technologies. The framework suggests that the diffusion of such emerging technologies like VVoWLAN needs to be planned strategically in order to fully realize the value of the integration opportunities identified in the first step.Originality/valueThe paper provides a framework for assessing emerging technologies in China.
Creating melodies and baroque harmonies with ant colony optimization
Authors: Geis Michael , Middendorf Martin 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an algorithm that is based on the ant colony optimization (ACO) metaheuristic for producing harmonized melodies. ACO is a nature inspired metaheuristic where a colony of ants searches for an optimum of a function. The algorithm works in two stages. In the first stage it creates a melody. The obtained melody is then harmonized according to the rules of baroque harmony in the second stage. A multi‐objective version of the algorithm is also proposed, where each tier is optimized as a separate objective.Design/methodology/approachThe ACO metaheuristic is adapted to graphs representing notes and chords. Desirability of a sequence of notes is measured by conformance to compositional rules. The fitness of a melody is evaluated with five equally weighted rules governing smoothness of the melody curve, its contour, tendency tone resolution, tone colors and the pitch of the final note. Harmonization is guided by six rules, grouped into three tiers of two rules each. These rules cover chord arrangement, voice distance, voice leading, harmonic progression, smoothness, and chord resolution. Rules of a tier do not score unless those of the previous tier yield high values.FindingsThe proposed algorithm improves on the only other existing musical ACO by adding the notion of harmony and by evolving voices codependently. The output is comparable to different types of other existing algorithms (genetic algorithm, rule‐based search algorithm) in the field. The multi‐objective variant significantly enhances solution quality and convergence speed, which makes extensions of the system for real time performance realistic.Originality/valueThis algorithm is the first ACO algorithm proposed for the problem of melody creation and harmonization.
An agent‐based simulation for multi‐UAVs coordinative sensing
Authors: Ming Chen Yee , Hao Chang Shu 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a model developed for emergent formation of multi‐unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into functional teams that cooperatively complete a mission in which they search for specific mobile targets and escape obstacles.Design/methodology/approachThe design and development of distributed UAVs simulator use agent‐based platform employing a decentralized control which follows the flocking behavior‐based design philosophy.FindingsThe results of the simulation indicate that the emergent behavior‐based search procedure for UAVs is autonomous, effective and robust. It is especially well suited for emergent teams to quickly solve dynamic teaming and task allocation.Practical implicationsThe development of a UAV is expensive, and a small error in automatic control results in a crash. Therefore, the platform is useful to develop and verify the coordination behavior of UAVs through software simulation prior to real testing.Originality/valueThe proposed emergent behavior simulated environment is working on an agent‐based UAV simulated platform, and hence, it naturally adapts to the behavior of a distributed and concurrent situation. The authors' can easily improvise the execution environment without changing the UAV simulator.
Energy efficient grid‐based routing in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Vidhyapriya Ranganathan , Thangapandian Vanathi Ponnusamy 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore grid‐based routing in wireless sensor networks and to compare the energy available in the network over time for different grid sizes.Design/methodology/approachThe test area is divided into square‐shaped grids of certain length. Energized nodes are placed randomly in the terrain area with the sink node in a fixed position. One node per grid is elected as the leader node based on the highest energy level and the proximity to the centre of the grid. The sink node floods the network to identify a path from sink to source. The path from the sink to the source through the leader nodes are computed using three different methods: shortest path; leader nodes which have the highest energy; and leader nodes based on their received signal strength (RSS) indicator values. After the path is computed, transmission of data is continued until the leader nodes run out of energy. New leader nodes are then elected using the same mechanism to replace the depleted ones.FindingsIdentified the optimal grid size to minimize the energy consumption in sensor networks and to extend the network lifetime. Also proposed is a new routing protocol which identifies routes based on energy threshold and RSS threshold.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of RSS threshold is identified to be the good metric for path selection in routing the data between source and the sink.Practical implicationsSimulator software and the protocol developed can be used for in optimizing energy efficiency in sensor networks.Originality/valueThis work contributes to the discussion on uniform and non‐uniform grid sizes and emphasizes a new method for reducing the energy consumption by identifying an optimum grid size. It also utilizes bursty data for simulation.