bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic decision‐making in the healthcare industry: the effects of physician executives on decision outcomes
Authors: Parayitam Satyanarayana , Phelps Lonnie D. , Olson Bradley J. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeResearch on strategic decision‐making has emphasized the importance of team decision‐making as it brings the benefits of synergy. Literature on healthcare is silent on the role of professional doctors in the strategic decision‐making process and their impact on decision outcomes. The purpose of the present paper is to empirically examine the outcomes of decisions when physician executives were involved in strategic decision‐making process in healthcare organizations.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured survey instrument, this paper gathered data from 361 senior executives from 109 hospitals in USA and analyzed the data using regression techniques on whether the presence of physicians in strategic decision‐making processes enhanced decision quality, commitment, and understanding.FindingsResults showed the presence of professional doctors in the decision‐making process enhances commitment and decision quality in healthcare organizations.Research limitations/implicationsOnly the healthcare industry was considered. Self‐report measures may have some inherent social desirability bias.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to both practicing managers as well as to strategic management literature. This study suggests that healthcare administrators need to engage physician executives in strategic decision‐making to have successful decision outcomes.Originality/valueTo the extent strategic decision‐making process is similar in other industries, the findings can be generalizable across other industries.
Direct writing of digital images onto 3D surfaces
Authors: Sung Raymond C.W. , Corney Jonathan R. , Towers David P. , Black Ian , Hand Duncan P. , McPherson Finlay , Clark Doug E.R. , Gross Markus S. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeAims to develop a greyscale “painting system” by enabling the physical reproduction of digital texture maps on arbitrary 3D objects selectively exposing “pixels” of photographic emulsion with a robot mounted light source.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing existing methods of “decorating” 3D components, the properties of photographic emulsion are introduced and the nature of the rendering process' pixels discussed. A proposed path planning algorithm, used to derive both the robot's movement and the exposure times directly from a VRML representation, is then presented.FindingsResults obtained from successfully rendering images on the surface of a test object are presented.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of current system include the overall process time and the inability to handle objects with concave geometry.Originality/valueThe system requires no bespoke production tooling and fills an automation gap in rapid prototyping and manufacturing technology that is currently occupied by hand painting.
The implementation of world class manufacturing techniques in Egyptian manufacturing firms
Authors: Ismail Salaheldin Salaheldin , Eid Riyad 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purposes of this paper are to illustrate how the world class manufacturing (WCM) techniques which could be described as outperforming the industry's global best practices have been implemented in the Egyptian manufacturing firms, to identify the critical driving and resisting forces toward WCM techniques implementation in Egyptian manufacturing firms, and to provide guidelines for the successful implementation of WCM by Egyptian manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachThe data analyzed in this study are collected from a mail questionnaire sent to 200 manufacturing firms in Egypt.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that the Egyptian manufacturers are still in the 1970s and 1980s, when compared with world‐class manufacturers. The most important variables that promote the implementation of WCM techniques are “reduced operating costs (marketing and production)” and “global issues (environment‐market).” More importantly, the results of this study indicate that poor planning and lack of knowledge are the most significant barriers to WCM implementation in the Egyptian manufacturing sector.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to empirically explore the benefits of WCM implementation by the Egyptian manufacturing companies. Furthermore, more research is needed to study how the perceived importance of these drivers and barriers may differ across each industry such as manufacturing equipment, chemical and plastics, telecommunications, hardware equipment, textile industry, home equipment, scientific and medical equipment, management consulting, and software development.Practical implicationsThis study hopes to create more awareness among management and employees about the strategic importance of WCM techniques to operations processes in the Egyptian manufacturing firms.Originality/valueAlthough the last few years have witnessed phenomenal growth in WCM techniques, the underlying factors driving and inhibiting its diffusion are not well understood specially in the context of less developed countries in general and Egypt in particular. Therefore, this paper presents an empirical research that investigated the factors driving and inhibiting WCM implementation in Egypt and it provides insight into the strategies currently being adopted by Egyptian manufacturers in an effort to meet the challenge of obtaining WCM status.
Podcasting for e‐learning, communication, and delivery
Authors: Shim J.P. , Shropshire Jordan , Park Sungmin , Harris Howard , Campbell Natalie 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of podcasting and webcasting, and to examine student preferences between the different delivery richness of communication media.Design/methodology/approachBackground information regarding podcasting and webcasting is discussed. A conceptual model, based on media richness theory, is developed to explain student's perceptions. For the testing of the model, a survey metric is introduced, and a research methodology is explained. Finally, a conclusion and research limitations are discussed.FindingsThe conceptual model of the motivations to use podcasting was adopted from media richness theory. It was proposed that six factors are related to future media use; immediacy of feedback, personal focus, transmission of cues, functionality, usability, and ease of use. The methodology relied heavily on logistic regression analysis for testing the various hypotheses. The authors collected data for hypothesis testing. The results of the study were inconclusive. This may be due to the lack of user experience with podcasting.Research limitations/implicationsSome instructors have even adopted such techniques as their primary means (within the classroom or outside classroom) of communicating to students. However, the selection of appropriate communication media requires an understanding of the students' perceptions, preferences and receptiveness of these new technologies.Practical implicationsThe findings from this exploratory research will be valuable for podcasting users.Originality/valueThis study is the first kind of empirical research in this area. With this study, the authors examined the perceived value of podcasting.
Entrepreneurs: the artists of the business world
Authors: Daum Kevin 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper relates the connection and influence of arts‐based training and practical experience to entrepreneurial endeavors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper was based upon anecdotal examples as well as author‐performed surveys and inquiries examining entrepreneurs who have arts backgrounds and use arts practices in their businesses.FindingsMany entrepreneurs have backgrounds in the arts and apply those practices in their businesses. Universities separately teach related arts practices and business practices in their respective departments but rarely combine the efforts in an interdisciplinary manner.Practical implicationsBy creating interdisciplinary approaches between arts and entrepreneurship, benefits can be achieved in both areas in the universities, small businesses and large‐scale corporate arenas.Originality/valueThis paper is possibly the first to suggest a direct correlation between arts training and entrepreneurial endeavors. Businesspeople may be inspired to examine the arts world as a resource for training in entrepreneurship and initiative. Entrepreneurs may be inspired to explore the arts for training.
Numerical comparison of sensor arrays for magnetostatic linear inverse problems based on a projection method
Authors: Di Rienzo Luca , Haueisen Jens 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo define a methodology for comparing sensor arrays for solving magnetostatic linear inverse problems.Design/methodology/approachA singular value decomposition related projection method is used for comparing sensor arrays and we applied it to a biomagnetic inverse problem, as an example. Furthermore, a theoretical reference sensor system is introduced and used as a benchmark for the analysed sensor arrays.FindingsThe method has turned out to be effective in comparing three different theoretical sensor arrays, showing the superiority of the two arrays constituted by three‐axial sensors.Research limitations/implicationsThe method has been applied only to the case of over‐determined problems. The underdetermined case will be considered in future work.Practical implicationsFrom the applicative point of view, the illustrated methodology is useful when one has to choose between existing sensor arrays or in the design phase of a new sensor array.Originality/valueA new methodology is proposed for comparing sensor arrays. The advantage of the methodology are to take into account the regularization in the solution of the inverse problem and to be general, not depending on a particular source configuration.
Visualization of concept formation and learning
Authors: Inselberg Alfred 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo discuss some of the work of Heinz von Foerster with regard to multidimensional visualization.Design/methodology/approachAn introduction to multidimensional visualization, followed with the connections derived from the Biological Computer Laboratory.FindingsVisualization provides insight through images. Considers the steps involved in interacting and learning so that this will lead the individual into their own “concept formation”.Originality/valueStudies aspects of Heinz von Foerster's work that are of importance for understanding multidimensional visualization.
Do hotel managers have sufficient financial skills to help them manage their areas?
Authors: Burgess Cathy 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate whether managers in hotels have sufficient financial skills to help them effectively manage their areas, within the context of a changing industry.Design/methodology/approachAdditional findings from a series of recent research projects amongst hospitality financial controllers have been utilised to give an alternative viewpoint to those found from literature.FindingsA review of literature identified a strong need for managers to have financial skills, but there is little recent evidence as to whether they actually hold these skills. Hotels are changing fast with pressure to maintain profits resulting in new approaches to management, but there is concern that the development of systems has meant an over‐reliance on these to control costs. Financial controllers consider that departmental and general managers do not have enough business skills – and finance skills in particular – to optimise costs and revenues and hence maintain profits.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were based on a fairly small sample of respondents, utilising projects designed for alternative purposes. However, the findings raise questions as to the trust that hotel companies have placed in their systems and approaches.Practical implicationsIf the concerns expressed by controllers are not addressed by hotels, then inevitably standards of control will suffer, costs will rise and hence profitability will be negatively affectedOriginality/valueThere has been little recent consideration of the realities and the impact of systems changes on management, the majority of earlier projects considering the need for skills rather than the actual possession of these amongst managers.
Locating cyclone shelters: a case
Authors: Dalal Jyotirmoy , Mohapatra Pratap K.J. , Mitra Gopal C. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present the cyclone shelter location problem as a problem of grouping a set of villages into a minimum number of clusters and finding the location and capacity of the shelters.Design/methodology/approachProposes an algorithm to solve the location problem that uses a distance matrix of the villages, applies Elzinga‐Hearn method iteratively to group them into circular clusters, and determines the shelter size. It is implemented in a software package, which reads the village records from a database, executes the steps of the algorithm, and writes the results into a file.FindingsThe villages are grouped into 13 clusters, eight requiring cyclone shelters to be built and five requiring no shelter, taking into consideration the available space in double‐storeyed buildings in the villages. The capacity and location of the each shelter are also obtained.Research limitations/implicationsThe approach can be modified to address several practical constraints. For example, for the villages situated far from the coast, the limiting travel distance can be increased, considering that a lesser intensity cyclone would give more time to the villagers to reach the shelter.Practical implicationsFunds are available from a number of public and private organizations to construct cyclone shelters, which could be used properly only when optimal locations for the cyclone shelters are identified.Originality/valueOriginality of the work lies in adapting Elzinga‐Hearn method iteratively to group the villages into circular clusters and implementing the algorithm in software solution. The concerned authority, to take cyclone shelter location decisions, can use the software.
A history and critique of quality evaluation in the UK
Authors: Harvey Lee 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo provide a history of the emergence of quality systems from the mid‐1980s. To show how quality became a primary policy concern in higher education policy. To map the development of quality processes and raise questions about dominant approaches and express concerns for the future.Design/methodology/approachHistorical document analysis.FindingsThe problems in institutionalising quality are analysed and it is concluded that the British system of quality monitoring failed to engage with transformative learning and teaching.Practical implicationsAs the UK developments guided many other countries into developing a system of quality, the UK history of the emergence and development of quality processes 1985‐2005 is of interest to international readers. It identifies both good practice and what to avoid.Originality/valueThe historical analysis reveals how quality evaluations were guided as much by political pragmatism as rational evaluation.
How technology‐driven business strategy can spur innovation and growth
Authors: Berman Saul J. , Hagan Jeff 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe aim of this article is to show how technology‐driven business strategy can offer some distinct advantages.Design/methodology/approachThe IBM Institute for Business Value studied ten companies that are known within their respective industries for strong innovation.FindingsThe study found that these companies' innovations stood out because they accomplished one or more of the following: changed the basis of competition; broke the rules of scale; and/or introduced totally new business models.Practical implicationsMany of today's most exciting and “disruptive” innovations now tend to occur at the intersection of market insight and technological know‐how, and many of the companies that are seizing the initiative in this new competitive environment are doing so by taking a fundamentally different approach to strategy development – an approach the authors call “technology‐driven business strategy.”Originality/valueThe authors observed six common principles that innovative companies, like the ten in their study and others that they have worked with, seem to follow in their approach business strategy development: Consider technology a core input. Revisit strategy and technology context regularly. Uniquely manage emerging businesses opportunities. Plan for disruptions. Manage for today's and tomorrow's context. Focus technology on the customers’ priorities.
A vision for valuation
Authors: Gilbertson Barry , Preston Duncan 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to stimulate debate amongst valuers and users of valuations over what action is needed to ensure the provision of the valuation services that the modern economy requires.Design/methodology/approachThis paper looks at developments and trends affecting the nature of and the need for valuation services around the world in the short to medium term.FindingsThere is a bright future for those valuers who understand the dynamics in their market and anticipate or always respond to change. The consequence of failing to respond is inevitable decline in the long term. More automated valuation processes and products have an important role to play in the future provision of valuation services. The valuation community must rise to the challenge of developing a professional class of valuers in emerging economies. Governments should insist on good quality valuation in their jurisdictions as they have a major role to play in consumer protection. The leading professional organisations in the world must ensure that collectively and individually they attract the best possible candidates into it.Originality/valueWhatever the drivers of change in the valuation marketplace, it is fundamental for the survival of professional valuation services that the public interest is protected. This paper considers the challenges and opportunities in a range of areas brought about by these changes – a vision for valuation.
A generalised “layered methodology” framework
Authors: Voros Joseph 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo outline and present a generalised scheme for using “layered methods” in foresight work.Design/methodology/approachA number of different approaches to “layering” in futures studies and foresight work are examined and synthesised into a generalised scheme. The place of layered methods in foresight work is also examined, and the role of perceptual filters in interpretation is discussed.FindingsA schema of four major “strata”, each potentially containing multiple sub‐layers, is developed. The strata range from, for example, short‐term trends in the shallowest level, through to long‐term macrohistorical forces at the deepest level.Practical implicationsThe generalised scheme enables the practitioner to progressively move to greater levels of understanding as new layers of meaning are uncovered or constructed, as appropriate to the specific nature of the particular foresight engagement. The scheme also represents a template from which purpose‐built interpretive frameworks can be constructed, as needed, in foresight processes and work.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new, generalised and integrated approach to the use of interpretive frameworks in foresight work.
Nuptial food gifts influence female egg production in the scorpionfly Panorpa cognata
Authors: ENGQVIST LEIF 
Published: April 2007

Abstract 1. Before copulation, male Panorpa cognata scorpionflies offer females a salivary secretion, which is consumed by the female during copulation. It has previously been demonstrated that this nuptial food gift functions as mating effort by increasing male attractiveness and by increasing ejaculate transfer during copulation.2. In this study, the effect of saliva consumption on female reproductive output was investigated, and thus the possibility that nuptial food gifts also serve as paternal investment. The experimental design enabled the effect of nuptial gift consumption to be disentangled from other possible effects of multiple mating or increased copula duration.3. The results showed that saliva consumption increases female egg production by on average 8% (4.5 eggs) per consumed salivary mass, whereas mean egg weight was not influenced.4. These results have important implications for the evolution and maintenance of both male nuptial gifts and female polyandry in this and other species.
Alpha and beta diversity of arthropods and plants in organically and conventionally managed wheat fields
Authors: CLOUGH YANN , HOLZSCHUH ANDREA , GABRIEL DOREEN , PURTAUF TOBIAS , KLEIJN DAVID , KRUESS ANDREAS , STEFFAN‐DEWENTER INGOLF , TSCHARNTKE TEJA 
Published: April 2007

Summary

Most studies in applied ecology use measures of α‐diversity measures, i.e. the mean diversity on a site, to compare biodiversity effects of different management schemes. The total or α‐diversity within a region, however, need not be correlated with the mean α‐diversity within any site of the region. Thus, analyses of α‐diversity alone may misrepresent the contributions of other diversity components (β) to total diversity (γ).
We apply a biodiversity‐partitioning approach to species richness from a comparison between paired organic and conventional wheat fields in 21 sites from three regions in Germany, where we recorded plants, bees, carabids, staphylinids and spiders in the centre and edge of the fields.
Relative values of α‐ and β‐diversity depended on taxon. Both between‐site and between‐region β‐diversity were very high (in total 60–85%). α‐Diversity and between‐site β‐diversity was larger on the edge than in the centre of fields for all taxa.
α‐Diversity, between‐site β‐diversity of plants and bees and between‐region β‐diversity of bees were higher in organic than in conventional fields, providing local as well as larger‐scale species richness benefits. α‐Diversity did not differ between management types for the epigaeic arthropods. Lower between‐site β‐diversity was found for spiders in organic fields than in conventional fields, resulting in higher total species richness in conventionally managed wheat.
Similarity in composition of landscapes surrounding the study fields was correlated with similarity in species composition for epigaeic arthropods in conventional fields. For this group of organisms the variability of landscapes in the sample contributed to increasing β‐diversity.
Synthesis and applications.β‐Diversity accounts for the major part of species richness in agro‐ecosystems. Implementing an agri‐environment scheme such as organic agriculture may result in either an additional increase of total diversity, as could be shown for plants and bees, or in a decrease in total diversity as was the case for the spiders. Therefore, β‐diversity needs to be included in the evaluation of different management schemes for conservation. For plant and bees it is recommended to implement agri‐environment schemes in contrasting landscapes and in different regions to maximize total species richness benefits.