bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integral metamap creates common language for urban change
Authors: Hamilton Marilyn 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAn integral metamap creates a common language to dynamically track values‐based urban change at multiple levels of scale: individual, organization, neighbourhood, city, bio‐region and nation.Design/methodology/approachIn a pilot project, using an ethnographic codebook, analysis of data collected from urban residents via telephone interviews, discloses diverse lenses, indicators and values at different levels of complexity. A four quadrant metamap of the data reveals the relationship between four sets of values: (subjective, intersubjective, objective and interobjective) at eight levels of complexity.FindingsA review of taxonomies of indicators shows how multiple existing data bases can be translated into a common integral map. The pilot project demonstrates how the four quadrant‐based analysis and feedback methodology creates vital signs monitors for what we value, want to change (stop or improve), and how we can develop processes to influence change.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of application is global, and embedded in a paradigm shift to an integral worldview, implying users share that worldview. However, the methodology can be applied anywhere, on all scales.Practical implicationsConclusions show how metamapping research data, planning and management, contributes to improving choices, monitoring and influencing change and the quality of urban life.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a new integral common language to frame and track urban change.
Flexibility on whose terms?
Authors: Twiname Linda J. , Humphries Maria , Kearins Kate 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAs part of an ongoing project on worker well‐being, this paper aims to examine the application of flexible work arrangements through the experiences of core workers in a small, European‐owned, New Zealand manufacturing firm.Design/methodology/approachA participatory action research approach is taken.FindingsThe research reveals that flexible employment arrangements utilised in this firm did not afford protection to core workers as theory suggests. Both core and peripheral workers were exposed to pressure primarily to extend their hours of work and to reduce their expectations regarding remuneration. Production level increases were not reflected in increases in numbers of core workers; in fact perceived job security was low. Core workers felt pressure to work extended hours out of their commitment to the firm, each other, and to maintain their own employment.Practical implicationsThe use of more democratic processes inherent in action research oriented at workplace well‐being are shown to have had some value toward enhancing worker well‐being.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that the participative project placed pressure upon management and that it had the potential to redress a power imbalance within the employment relationship.
What role can a training needs analysis play in organisational change?
Authors: Reed Jacqueline , Vakola Maria 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research sets out to examine how the process for developing a training needs analysis tool could influence organisational change.Design/methodology/approachThe organisation that is the subject of this research is a large, complex health system which is in transition from a traditional bureaucratic, hierarchy with a command and control management style to a more participative, people centred approach. A processual, organisation development, action research‐based approach to the development of a training needs analysis process was taken in the study so that the changes desired in the organisation could be modelled in the first instance and secondly, in order to learn and understand more about what works and does not in order to continuously develop and progress the change agenda. In order to do this a parallel structure was established through which to progress the process which was tracked in an action research process. In addition, a series of interviews were conducted with top and senior management in order to ascertain their views about the process, its necessity, roles in relation to it, its potential benefits and how to introduce the process across the organisation.FindingsA number of key points emerged from the research: first, the culture and change issues arising during the development of the learning and development needs analysis process were very significant. Second, the development and piloting of the needs analysis process needed to be approached as a change management process. Third, linking the needs analysis process with existing organisational processes was a key factor in the success of the process and created a strategic dimension. Finally, in a large, complex organisation a balance must be struck between standardisation and customisation of the needs analysis process to allow for the different structures, subcultures and levels of readiness in the organisation.Originality/valueThis research highlighted the significant impact the dynamics of hierarchy and the legacy of a bureaucratic, autocratic system has on the way a system operates and how people react to change and participation.
High performance anisotropic conductive adhesives for lead‐free interconnects
Authors: Li Yi , Wong C.P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo study the interface properties of anisotropic conductive adhesives (ACAs) and improve the electrical properties of ACA joints as a replacement for Sn/Pb solder in the electronics industry.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, different types of self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) compounds were introduced into the interface between the metal filler and the substrate bond pad. The formation of these SAMs on gold and silver surface and their thermal stability were investigated by measuring the contact angles with water of these SAM coated surfaces. The SAM compounds used had either hydrophilic or hydrophobic tail groups, and included octadecanethiol (ODT), mercpatoacetic acid (MAA), 1,4‐benzenedithiol (dithiol) and malonic acid (acid M). Epoxy resins with two different curing temperatures were used as polymer matrices for the ACA formulations. The electrical properties of ACA joints containing these SAMs were studied by measuring their current‐voltage relationship.FindingsThe results show that SAMs can be successfully coated onto specific metal surfaces, depending on the affinity of their functional groups with the specific metal. The SAM treated ACA joints show much lower resistance at the same applied current than non‐treated joints, and the effect on the low curing temperature epoxy matrices was more significant. Nano‐Ag filled ACAs show more significant improvements in their electrical properties due to the greater surface area and higher surface energy of nano‐particles and consequently their higher thermal stability when coated with SAMs.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to use functional organic monolayers to enhance the interface properties of electrically conductive adhesives and, in particular, for ACAs.
Quality thinking and systems thinking
Authors: Conti Tito 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe full meaning of quality and quality management concepts can be only understood within the framework of systems thinking. The need for a new paradigm, based on systems theory, is even more evident when the attempt is made to extend quality management concepts from the material level of economic transactions to the immaterial level of social relations, to create value for people, organisations and societies.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of previous papers by the author, where the connection between quality and value was explored, this paper recalls some basic principles of systems thinking in relation to social systems, focussing then on the theme of quality management in the systems thinking perspective.FindingsThe problem of redesigning TQM models in the systems perspective is addressed. Starting from a model of the organizational system and its environment, a logical representation of quality management models in the systems perspective is given.Originality/valueThe paper visits quality management concepts in the light of systems thinking.
Key performance factors of manufacturing effective performance
Authors: Gomes Carlos F. , Yasin Mahmoud M. , Lisboa João V. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this study is to investigate the differences between high and low‐performing manufacturing organizations in relation to critical organizational performance dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe types and frequency of performance measures used by the sampled manufacturing organizations are compared using factor and cluster analysis.FindingsBased on the results of this study, it appears that high‐performing manufacturing organizations, relative to their low‐performing counterparts, tend to emphasise more the performance aspects related to employees, customers and market share. As such, these organizations appear to consider employees and costumers related performance aspects as critical elements of the overall organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample used in this study is specific in nature. It consisted of Portuguese manufacturing organizations. Thus, the results should be interpreted accordingly.Practical implicationsThis study clearly shows that organizational investments aimed at improving the aspects of organizational performance related to customers, employees and market share are justified.Originality/valueThis study has both practical and theoretical value, as it empirically explores the practical implications of some important issues related to organizational performance.
Pareto analysis of critical success factors of total quality management
Authors: Karuppusami G. , Gandhinathan R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this literature review is to identify and propose a list of few vital critical success factors (CSFs) of total quality management (TQM) for the benefit of researchers and industries.Design/methodology/approachEven though there has been a large number of articles published related to TQM in the last few decades, only a very few articles focused on documenting the CSFs of TQM using statistical methods. The main objective of this literature review is to investigate and list the CSFs of TQM according to the descending order of frequencies of occurrences. The domain of review is the scale development studies and the TQM effect versus performance measurement studies. The review period is between 1989 and 2003. Rigorous statistical reliability tests and validity tests were conducted during these studies to factorize the CSFs and hence these studies were chosen for the literature review. Finally, the quality tool “Pareto analysis” was used to sort and arrange the CSFs according to the order of criticality.FindingsAn examination of 37 such TQM empirical studies resulted in compilation of 56 CSFs. Implementation difficulties exist to operationalize such a large number of CSFs in organizations. This study analyzed and sorted the CSFs in descending order according to the frequency of occurrences using Pareto analysis. A few vital CSFs were identified and reported. The results of this study will help in a smoother penetration of TQM programs in organizations.Practical implicationsIn future, the researchers in quality management may develop models to measure and sustain the level of implementation of TQM in industries. CSFs are the essential constructs based on which further statistical analysis can be carried out. The present study will guide the researchers in selecting the reliable set of CSFs for empirical studies. Industries can benefit by adopting the results of this study for effective implementation of TQM.Originality/valueThis paper presents a solution to the difficulties hitherto faced by the organizations in operationalizing the very large number of CSFs proposed by the various empirical studies published in TQM during the last two decades.
Guidelines to help practitioners of design of experiments
Authors: Costa Nuno R.P. , Pires António R. , Ribeiro Celma O. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus the application of design of experiments (DOE) using industrial equipments, reinforcing idea that non‐statistical aspects in planning and conducting experiments are so important as formal design and analysis.Design/methodology/approachTwo case studies are presented to illustrate typical industrial applications and difficulties. Supported on these case studies and literature, this paper presents guidelines to planning, conducting and analysis involving technical and organizational aspects.FindingsSolving problems in industry, including in companies recognized as competent in the respective industrial sector, is not just a question of applying the right technique. Ceramic industry case study illustrates how important are non‐statistical issues in DOE application. Paint industry case study illustrates the strong relationship of the results with incorporating presented guidelines into practice. Moreover, both case studies consolidating a fundamental advantage of DOE: experimentation provides more knowledge about products, processes and technologies, even in unsuccessful case studies.Research limitations/implicationsUnsuccessful cases studies are very useful for identifying pitfalls and others limitations. This paper highlight difficulties aroused from non‐statistical aspects, although it is possible to find unsuccessful case studies due to statistical issues also. So, papers illustrating inadequate application of statistical techniques are welcome.Practical implicationsSuccessful DOE implementation depends on statistical and non‐statistical aspects. Although none of them shall be neglected, technical skills and technological knowledge about processes and products, management understanding of potential possibilities of statistical techniques and statistical fundamentals and knowledge about techniques of DOE must be ensuring to successful case studies in industrial setting.Originality/valueThis paper highlights non‐statistical aspects instead of the statistical ones. Tob overcome difficulties structured guidelines were designed to support DOE application in industrial setting.
Model developed for the assessment of quality management level in manufacturing systems
Authors: Ivanović Milan D. , Majstorović Vidosav D. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe main goal of the research is the investigation of quality management (QM) practices in the West Balkan countries and their advancement according to the models in developed countries presented in this paper. For the purpose of this investigation the model for the assessment of QM practice was developed.Design/methodology/approachThe improvement of QM in industrially developed countries is essentially based on the application of business excellence models. Different business excellence models respect specific features of environments in which they have been developed and in fact represent QM paradigms based on total quality management (TQM). The implementation of these models in transitional economies or in economies with lower level of development where quality management paradigm is based on inspection, quality control (QC) or quality assurance (QA) does not provide the most suitable information for improvement, i.e. process re‐design for QM.FindingsThe paper reviews a developed model for assessment of QM maturity built on evolutionary development of QM paradigm through inspection, QC, QA and TQM. The identification of individual evolutionary phases through improvement paradigms such as: SDCA – product, SDCA – manufacturing processes, SDCA – supporting processes, PDCA – product and process thus creating precondition for the assessment of effectiveness of applied paradigm, as well as for diagnostics in cases of non‐effectiveness, i.e. failure in QM development. The change of management paradigms is not evolutionary in character, but actually represents a breakthrough approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe above investigation was carried out on the sample of 59 certified organizations amounting to about 5 percent of the total number of QMS certificates issued in Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. All assessed organizations of different size (SME or bigger) belonged to the manufacturing sector.Practical implicationsThe transition process of the West Balkan countries to the EU require the harmonization of QM practice issues as well. This investigation is a contribution to the development of good QM practice in the organizations from these countries.Originality/valueThe application of the model based on evolutionary management development enables the transfer of knowledge about process re‐design for QM and thus provides a sustainable development of QM in manufacturing systems with lower level of development.
Platform management
Authors: Mikkola Juliana H. , Skjøtt‐Larsen Tage 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo identify some of the major issues and problems firms face, when they collaborate with suppliers in new product development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a case study of a leading Danish hearing aid manufacturer.FindingsEarly involvement of suppliers in new product development reduces time‐to‐market, but increases the risk that proprietary knowledge is leaked to the competitors. Therefore, the supplier approval process is very important.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper discusses the implications of platform management for new product development and sourcing strategies. The paper is based on a single case study. In order to generalize the findings, it is necessary to study more companies from different industries, with different technologies, competition, and contextual features.Practical implicationsThe paper illustrates the risk of single sourcing and raises the question, how buyers without leverage can become an interesting customer for large suppliers.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes the implications of platform management for new product development and supply chain management at the interfaces between focal company and its suppliers and customers.
The interactive interface of service quality
Authors: Svensson Göran 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to describe a conceptual framework that addresses the interactive interface of service quality in service encounters.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is described and discussed in relation to previous research efforts in the field.FindingsService encounters have been largely researched as a non‐interactive phenomenon. This means that the complexity and dynamics of the construct have not been sufficiently explored. Researchers have described the construct of service quality in different empirical contexts and have developed different models and dimensions – all of which tend to be derived from the service receiver's perspective.Research limitations/implicationsIn making the description, the framework acknowledges that service encounters and service quality pertain not only to human interactions, but also involve interaction between individuals and self‐service technology. It may also to some extent serve as a fundamental to scholars in their quest for generic structures across contexts, and over time to explore the interactive interface of service quality in service encounters. In addition, the framework may be used to position previous, ongoing and forthcoming research efforts of service quality.Practical implicationsThe conceptual framework may contribute to describe and enhance operative service performances in service encounters.Originality/valueThe framework may contribute to describe and conceptualize the interactive interface of service quality in service encounters. The idea has been to convert some of the theory‐oriented knowledge of service performance in literature into a framework applicable to both scholars and practitioners.
Marketing strategy: taxonomy and frameworks
Authors: El‐Ansary Adel I. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present taxonomy of marketing strategy concepts and integrative frameworks that differentiate and integrate its formulation and implementation processes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is conceptual based on a review of academic literature on marketing strategy chronicled in major marketing journals January 1990‐April 2006. We present selected references classified by key marketing strategy topics for further pursuit by interested readers. Also, the paper reflects our experience and views based on practices chronicled in corporate case studies and trade journals.FindingsThe literature casts marketing strategy formulation and implementation in the context of strategic planning and marketing strategy process models. The focus of the strategic planning model is on achieving corporate financial objectives through the implementation of product, pricing, promotion, and place (distribution) programs. The focus of the marketing strategy process model is on the formulation of segmentation, targeting, differentiation, and positioning strategies to create, communicate, and deliver the value to the customer resulting in gaining customer satisfaction and loyalty; i.e. marketing objectives.Practical implicationsThe propositions and frameworks constitute guidelines useful in the process of marketing strategy formulations and implementation by practitioners and establish bases for academic researchers to test concept validity, examine concept differences, and explore concept relationships.Originality/valueThis paper advances propositions that clearly differentiate, but interrelate, marketing strategy formulation and implementation processes and recast the strategic planning financial‐oriented model and the marketing strategy process models into a set of frameworks to demonstrate that: the road to healthy financial results must first be paved by sound marketing strategies; explicitly state and underscore the role of branding and organizational strategies in mediating formulated marketing strategy into actionable marketing programs; and broaden the concept of firm orientation to reflect its role in mediating corporate strategy into a set of functional strategies including marketing.
Regional microclimate humidity of clothing during light work as a result of the interaction between local sweat production and ventilation
Authors: Ueda Hiroyuki , Inoue Yoshimitsu , Matsudaira Mitsuo , Araki Tsutomu , Havenith George 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore the influence of the clothing ventilation in three body regions on the humidity of the local clothing microclimates under five work‐shirts immediately after the onset of sweating in light exercise.Design/methodology/approachThe clothing microclimate ventilations were measured at chest, back and upper arm using a manikin. Separate wear trials were performed to determine the sweat production and the humidity of the clothing microclimate at the same locations as where the ventilation was measured during light exercise.FindingsEvery shirt shows the greatest value of ventilation index (VI) for the chest and the smallest one for the upper arm. The values of VI differ remarkably at the chest among the five shirts. Comfort sensation became gradually worse as the time passed after starting exercise. There was no significant difference among the clothing conditions in mean values of rectal temperature, local skin temperatures, microclimate temperatures, microclimate relative humidities and local sweat rates at three regions over 10 min after the onset of sweating. A relationship was observed between the ratio of the mean moisture concentration in the clothing microclimate to the mean sweat rate at the chest and the back and the VI.Originality/valueThe results suggest that clothing ventilation should be measured in different body regions in response to sweat rates in corresponding regions.