bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the death of organisations from old age in Turkey
Authors: Kasimoglu Murat 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the models which are used to analyse organisations as evolutionary adaptations to their environment.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses empirical data on the survival of business organisations in the Canakkkale region of Turkey to investigate the probability that they will cease to exist in any period of their operation.FindingsThere are indications of the effects predicted by both approaches; companies face heightened risk of death in three stages of their life.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of companies in the study is small, and consequently the results have to be viewed with caution.Originality/valueThis study shows how information about actual organisations can be used effectively.
Work teams to favor knowledge management: towards communities of practice
Authors: Zárraga‐Oberty Celia , De Saá‐Pérez Petra 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide evidence about that the process calledknowledge managementcan happen in work teams, but only if they have the necessary characteristics to be considered communities of practice.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper identifies the characteristics of the work team that favor knowledge management from a revision of existing literature about communities of practice. Second, by means of an empirical study of 363 individuals working in permanent teams, the paper obtains confirmation that those characteristics exercise a favorable influence on knowledge management. The empirical study is carried out by means of statistical analysis: exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach'sαanalyses were carried out to check the validity and reliability of scales; conducted correlation analyses were also conducted to test the six hypotheses regarding direct relationships and multiple regression analyses to assess the relative importance of each of the characteristics of the work team in knowledge management.FindingsEmpirical evidence is obtained that knowledge management is favored in work teams that possess certain characteristics: self‐management, leadership, individual autonomy, climate of trust, common understanding, and the members' heterogeneous and complementary skills. The paper also provides a detailed examination of that relationship. Evidence is obtained about what characteristics of work teams favor the knowledge management process in its different phases (i.e. creation of knowledge, and transfer and integration of knowledge).Research limitations/implicationsOn the one hand, the group rather than the individual would have been a more suitable unit of analysis. So, it should be noted that our findings are to be interpreted as individual perceptions. On the other hand, our scales represent new measures. So, they must be interpreted cautiously.Practical implicationsThe paper provides evidence that will help companies to understand the value of knowledge to their success and to obtain maximum performance through the organization of their human resources into teams with the appropriate characteristics to become communities of practice.Originality/valueThis paper fills an empirical gap in the literature around communities of practice and knowledge management.
How international are the top academic journals? The case of marketing
Authors: Rosenstreich Daniela , Wooliscroft Ben 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the level of international involvement in the editorial boards and content of the leading journals of the marketing discipline to investigate a reported bias against non‐US material.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed two approaches: editorial board and content analysis of ten leading marketing journals, and interviews with an expert panel of senior marketing academics.FindingsThe top journals of the marketing journal were found to have low levels of international involvement, with high proportions of both US authors and data, and US membership of editorial boards. The editorial board analysis also revealed institutional links with journal boards, and a network of overlapping membership between the editorial boards. The expert panel provided divergent views on reasons for the USA dominance, but the board analysis seemed to best fit with the suggestion of networks of scholars who are naturally inclined to favor research that fits their world view.Practical implicationsTo improve publishing success under the current status quo, scholars can emulate the favored (US) research approach and writing style; network with the “right” people; or raise a new research paradigm to dominance. Journal editors can increase the diversity in editorial boards to encourage international involvement in their publications.Originality/valueThe research combines traditional empirical investigation with qualitative input via an expert panel to provide new insight into barriers to global dissemination of scholarly research.
Academic publishing
Authors: Gilmore Audrey , Carson David , Perry Chad 
Published: January 2007

PurposeWriting and publishing research is an integral part of any academic's job. It is important for an individual's academic progression and is vital for the development, updating and refinement of teaching materials. This paper aims to focus on the purpose and value of publishing.Design/methodology/approachEditors, reviewer and authors have different roles to play in the pre‐publishing life of a potential article and so the different perspectives of editors, reviewers and authors in relation to successful journal article publication are discussed.FindingsThe paper describes the process of preparing academic papers and a stage by stage approach to writing an article. This includes how to target a suitable journal, taking account of the editor, reviewers and potential readers of an article, how to write an academic article, with an appropriate structure and style, redrafting and sending a paper off for review and carrying out requested revisions.Originality/valueThe views expressed in this paper are based on the authors' combined experience of performing all three roles over a number of years. This experience has been enriched by participation in discussions at “meet the editors” sessions at a variety of academic conferences throughout the world, and from discussions of academic committees, in particular, the Academy of Marketing Research Committee during 2005.
Travel abroad or stay at home?
Authors: Figueira Catarina , Nellis Joseph , Schoenberg Richard 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the extent of bank industry consolidation across the European Union, the patterns that have emerged from the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and the regulatory framework that underpins these processes. It aims to identify the key challenges that have to be addressed if M&As are to expand.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the reasons that have led some financial institutions to merge, both domestically and cross‐border, and the developments that have taken place in the economic, legal and political environment. The paper presents an empirical analysis of bank industry M&As within the EU between 1993‐2004 and identifies possible explanations for the patterns of consolidation.FindingsThe analysis provides evidence that M&As predominantly take place at the national level and that two main strategies have emerged, namely the consolidation of commercial banking and the creation of universal banking groups.Research limitations/implicationsTen countries joined the EU in 2004 and are excluded from the analysis, due to data limitations.Practical implicationsMore cross‐border mergers should be encouraged if EU countries are to continue to integrate their financial markets. Moreover, if universal banking groups do not succeed in exploiting the economies of scope on which they are founded, divestment of non‐core activities may follow, thus providing acquisition opportunities for others, with the resulting more focused organisations wishing to diversify geographically, via cross‐border M&A.Originality/valueThe study suggests that the limited cross‐border M&A activity observed may be due to the existence of non‐legislative barriers, such as internal control issues raised by geographic diversity and, more specifically, the perceived cultural barriers to pan‐European operation.
Audit quality attributes of European Union supreme audit institutions
Authors: Clark Colin , De Martinis Michael , Krambia‐Kapardis Maria 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo examine the enabling legislation of European Union (EU) member country supreme audit institutions (SAIs) for their accountability to parliament and independence from the executive arm of government.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprises the SAIs of the 25 EU member countries and the European Court of Auditors. Data were collected on 30 accountability and independence issues directly from the enabling legislation of these SAIs.FindingsResults indicate that apart from a number of instances where the enabling legislation is silent, provisions generally provide for adequate independence of the SAIs from the executive arm of government. On the other hand, the provisions for the accountability of the SAIs to parliament are somewhat weaker.Research limitations/implicationsIf actual practice or convention does not reflect the literal interpretation and application of the enabling legislation, then SAIs may have more or less independence and/or accountability than suggested by the analysis of the legislation alone.Practical implicationsResults of this study highlight where current provisions could be further strengthened through appropriate amendments to the enabling legislation.Originality/valueSuch findings may be useful to policy makers and legislators.
Assessing the management status of South Africa
Authors: Nienaber Hester 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the status of management in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThis is achieved by firstly, providing a concise summary of the classical management theory. This is followed by a presentation of selected dimensions of South Africa's economic, social and political profile (cultural profile), as reflected in secondary sources. A discussion of South Africa's profile vis‐à‐vis management theory is presented.FindingsThe findings show that South Africa is faced with unique competitive challenges, which fall within the realm of management. Unfortunately, the unavailability of competent senior managers forms part of South Africa's problem, aggravating the situation.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that South African managers need to face their reality, by acquainting themselves with the sound theory underpinning management, available from reputable sources and applying these principles with insight. In so doing they will not only improve the competitive positions of their enterprises but also that of South Africa, as a whole. Moreover, they will impact the economy positively, be it domestically, regionally or globally and reap the benefits of success just like other firms and countries.Originality/valueThis paper is original in the sense that it seeks to give a comprehensive, however, brief overview of a complex topic, classical management, while linking it to South Africa's unique challenges. The value of this script lies in the concise presentation of classical management thought and the consequent implication that its consistent application could play a vital role in overcoming the competitive challenges facing South Africa.
Learning‐based fuzzy colour prediction system for more effective apparel design
Authors: Hui Chi‐Leung , Lau Tak‐Wah , Ng Sau‐Fun , Chan Chun‐Chung 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to design and develop a learning‐based fuzzy colour prediction system for providing more effective apparel design in computer‐aided design system.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, we propose using a fuzzy system integrated with preliminary knowledge of colour prediction for facilitating apparel design. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated in terms of its computational efficiency and robustness. In addition, the proposed system is evaluated by target group of customers.FindingsIt was found that the performance of the proposed system is better than the traditional approach.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the proposed system has some limitations, the outcome of this study could be used to produce a future breakthrough in providing an intelligent computer‐aided design system for apparel product.Originality/valueUsing such an approach, an apparel designer could predict the favourite colours of garment for a target group of customers. The system uses preliminary knowledge about the customers' profiles and evaluations. Such fuzzy approach for colour prediction is established, which is not used in a traditional way in apparel design.
A new way of understanding the customer for fibre manufacturers
Authors: Lofthouse Vicky , Bhamra Tracy , Burrow Tom 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper describes the novel approach taken in a collaborative research project that aimed to investigate new ways of understanding the customer, for Derby‐based fibre manufacturer, Tencel Limited. The overall aim of the research described in this paper, was to help identify and establish a significant retail programme with a major UK store group for Tencel limited.Design/methodology/approachIn an iterative process, the target customer for the focus groups was identified, the main aims of the process were discussed, the test garments were identified and the empathic design tools were adapted. The team developed a programme of activities that would capture customer focused information on these critical issues.FindingsUsing the Grove techniques helped to make the project transparent and inclusive, and enabled the whole team to be involved in the decision‐making process. Using these techniques have provided Tencel with a non‐scientific way of understanding how their end customer perceives their fibre, providing unequivocal evidence of the customer true feelings recorded as “raw” video based evidence.Practical implicationsThe Tencel/IF project has also led to a number of additional advantages for the company, such as the development of new relationships within the supply chain, the development of new relationships within Tencel and the enhancement of multi‐disciplinary team working and concurrent engineering.Originality/valueThis paper has presented the novel approach that the combined Tencel/IF team took to develop a better understanding of the end customer and illustrates how techniques which were developed for one industry can be successfully adapted and applied to a quite different industry with excellent results.
Analysis of the modeling methodologies for predicting the sewing thread consumption
Authors: Jaouadi M. , Msahli S. , Babay A. , Zitouni B. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a rapid and accurate method to predict the amount of sewing thread required to make up a garment.Design/methodology/approachThree modeling methodologies are analyzed in this paper: theoretical model, linear regression model and artificial neural network model. The predictive power of each model is evaluated by comparing the estimated thread consumption with the actual values measured after the unstitching of the garment with regression coefficient R2 and the root mean square error.FindingsBoth the regression analysis and neural network can predict the quantity of yarn required to sew a garment. The obtained results reveal that the neural network gives the best accurate prediction.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is interesting for industrial application, where samples are taken for different fabrics and garments, thus a large body of data is available.Practical implicationsThe paper has practical implications in the clothing and other textile‐making‐up industry. Unused stocks can be reduced and stock rupture avoided.Originality/valueThe results can be used by industry to predict the amount of yarn required to sew a garment, and hence enable a reliable estimation of the garment cost and raw material required.
Automatic segmenting and measurement on scanned human body
Authors: Zhong Yueqi , Xu Bugao 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper presents methods and algorithms to automatically segment and measure the human body.Design/methodology/approachIn the segmentation procedure, two different methods are designed to find the crotch point for the situation of non‐contacted thigh and contacted thigh, respectively. Three different methods: minimum distance algorithm, minimum inclination angle algorithm, and directional neighbor identification algorithm are introduced to search the branching points or triangle. In the body measurement procedure, a pre‐sorted circling method is designed for circumference measurement, and the basic principle of landmark acquisition has been discussed. These techniques are validated via testing over different type of scanned model.FindingsThe results of automatic segmentation and body measurement have verified that our methods are efficient and versatile in processing different type of scanned body.Research limitations/implicationsThe accurate and automatic locating of wrist, ankle and knees contour can be more difficult than it appears to be.Practical implicationsThe main usage of scanned body in our research is for 3D garment try‐on.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the methods for crotch identification, and the methods including minimum distance algorithm, minimum inclination angle algorithm, and directional neighbor identification algorithm for human body segmentation. It also explains the fundamental measuring techniques, and outlines the results of using these techniques in segmentation and measurement.
Interactive garment pattern design using virtual scissoring method
Authors: Hwan Sul In , Jin Kang Tae 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe designing and initial alignments of 2D garment patterns in 3D space are the key procedures in 3D apparel design. This paper presents a new methodology to prepare and edit initial pattern shape in 3D space by simulating virtual cloth scissoring.Design/methodology/approachIn conventional apparel CAD tools, flat 2D patterns are drawn and sewn in 3D space. Thus, the final appearance of 3D garment cannot be easily predictable for non‐specialized personnel from the flat patterns. This paper adopts the real pattern designing method of “draping”, incorporating it into computer‐based designing so that the user can realistically cut, sew and add the cloth by only using a mouse. 2D and 3D meshes are edited simultaneously and thus a flattening process is not needed.FindingsSeveral mesh‐based operations such as cutting, sewing, adding, and fixing are devised and have been successfully applied to virtual garment cutting.Practical implicationsOur new pattern drawing method has an advantage that designer can look and feel the garment appearance interactively during the design process. Virtual cutting is identical to the real pattern draping technique and is easy to adopt for designers.Originality/valueWith current computer hardware speed and through using the drape simulation technique, it was possible to drape and cut cloth in real‐time. In addition, both the 3D pattern and 2D flat pattern could be simultaneously acquired.
Proactive product development integrating consumer requirements
Authors: May‐Plumlee Traci , Little Trevor J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper presents a model for an effective product development process, which is now becoming increasingly critical to success of apparel firms.Design/methodology/approachThis research modeled apparel product development as a market driven process and integrated the consumer purchase decision in the model of proactive product development integrating consumer requirements (PPDICR). The PPDICR links the consumer purchase decision and multiple consumer research strategies to specific stages of the no‐interval coherently phased product development model for apparel through 15 avenues of consumer input.FindingsThe PPDICR model contributes to our understanding on how consumer input can be used to facilitate the process and through what avenues that input may be acquired. This model provides an effective tool for intra‐company to inter‐business analysis of consumer input into the apparel product development process.Research limitations/implicationsThe PPDICR provides a theoretical understanding of apparel production, and is useful to researchers in visualizing the impact of changes in the business environment, integrating research projects, and establishing research priorities.Practical implicationsPractitioners may use the model to improve and develop products, select appropriate consumer input, and strategically plan organizational changes.Originality/valueThis model is a useful tool for effective product development both for researchers and industrialists alike. It brings in the important element of the integration of consumer information.
Prediction of the air permeability of woven fabrics using neural networks
Authors: Çay Ahmet , Vassiliadis Savvas , Rangoussi Maria , Tarakçıoğlu Işık 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe target of the current work is the creation of a model for the prediction of the air permeability of the woven fabrics and the water content of the fabrics after the vacuum drying.Design/methodology/approachThere have been produced 30 different woven fabrics under certain weft and warp densities. The values of the air permeability and water content after the vacuum drying have been measured using standard laboratory techniques. The structural parameters of the fabrics and the measured values have been correlated using techniques like multiple linear regression and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The ANN and especially the generalized regression ANN permit the prediction of the air permeability of the fabrics and consequently of the water content after vacuum drying. The performance of the related models has been evaluated by comparing the predicted values with the respective experimental ones.FindingsThe predicted values from the nonlinear models approach satisfactorily the experimental results. Although air permeability of the textile fabrics is a complex phenomenon, the nonlinear modeling becomes a useful tool for its prediction based on the structural data of the woven fabrics.Originality/valueThe air permeability and water content modeling support the prediction of the related physical properties of the fabric based on the design parameters only. The vacuum drying performance estimation supports the optimization of the industrial drying procedure.