bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supply network initiatives – a means to reorganise the supply base?
Authors: Holmen Elsebeth , Pedersen Ann‐Charlott , Jansen Nikolai 
Published: April 2007

PurposeWhile numerous articles have stressed the importance of developing and maintaining supply networks, there is still a dearth of studies that address how supply networks arise and change over time. The purpose of this article is to describe and conceptualise how a firm initiates the development of a supply network, and how the structure of the firm's supply network and supply base change over time as a consequence of the type and duration of initiative taken?Design/methodology/approachEmpirically, the article is based on a longitudinal, single case study, which is real‐time, theory‐led and contextual. The case study concerns the efforts of a main contractor (within the construction industry) who changed its sourcing strategy, initiated the development of a supply network, and restructured part of its supply base. Theoretically, the article reviews both supply base and supply network management literature, highlights important issues related to both concepts, and discusses similarities and differences between them.FindingsIt is possible to discern between supply network initiatives of more permanent versus more temporary character. Supply network initiatives of a more permanent character comprise the establishment of, for example, organisational structures, functions, manuals and (explicit) routines aimed at continually supporting the maintenance of the supply network. Supply network initiatives of a more temporary character are organised as projects and aim to set in motion a process that may result in the creation of a supply network which develops over time without institutionalised network support structures. A single temporary supply network initiative is useful to consider in relation to the pre‐initiative stage, the ongoing initiative stage and the post‐initiative stage of the initiative. Furthermore, supply networks may be managed through an emergent series of temporary supply network initiatives aimed at supporting the supply network as it emerges over time in a changing context.Practical implicationsManagers may benefit from considering whether a supply network initiative is of a more permanent or a more temporary nature. If it is of a more temporary character, managers may consider analysing the initiative in its pre‐initiative, ongoing initiative, and post‐initiative stages in order to reflect on and learn from the initiative. Furthermore, if the initiative is temporary but form part of a planned or an emerging sequence of initiatives, managers may search for and consider earlier initiatives which may be viewed as “experiments” in a emerging trial‐and‐error learning process aimed at managing supply networks.Originality/valueThe article illustrates how a temporary supply network initiative can be used as a means to instigate reform of a supply base.
Sourcing from outside – six managerial challenges
Authors: Freytag Per V. , Mikkelsen Ole S. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeAs companies become more aware of their role in the business network and their own value contribution hereto, the question of the companies’ sourcing strategy and use of suppliers has simultaneously come more and more into focus of their decision making. The purpose of this paper is to describe some managerial challenges on the sourcing side, which companies must address in order to be able to act appropriately in relation to their own role and the cooperation with others in the network. The paper aims to focus on managerial implications of deliberate strategic sourcing.Design/methodology/approachBased on empirical observations, discussions with managers, and previous research the paper discusses six significant strategic managerial challenges that companies must address in their quest to form their role in the network.FindingsStrategic sourcing is not a stand alone activity, but an activity impacting the whole network. The paper pinpoints how important it is to address the raised managerial challenges when relationships are to be terminated, maintained or developed.Originality/valueThe paper helps managers to navigate and focus in discussing their strategic sourcing process.
Reactions to the glass cliff
Authors: Ryan Michelle K. , Alexander Haslam S. , Postmes Tom 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the phenomenon of the glass cliff, whereby women are more likely than men to be placed in precarious leadership positions. Men's and women's reactions to this subtle form of gender discrimination are examined, the identity processes involved, and the implications for organisations who must manage this change in the gender make‐up of their workforce.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is qualitative analysis of participants’ spontaneous explanations for the glass cliff, after having read about the phenomenon on an online news web site.FindingsThe research demonstrates clear differences in men's and women's reactions to the glass cliff. While women were more likely to acknowledge the existence of the glass cliff and recognise its danger, unfairness, and prevalence for women, men were more likely to question the validity of research into the glass cliff, downplaying the dangers. These patterns were mirrored in the explanations that individuals generated. While women were most likely to explain the glass cliff in terms of pernicious processes such as a lack of alternative opportunities, sexism, or men's ingroup favouritism, men were most likely to favour largely benign interpretations, such as women's suitability for difficult leadership tasks, the need for strategic decision‐making, or company factors unrelated to gender.Originality/valueThis research examines people's reactions to a new form of subtle sexism in the workplace which allows one to develop a more thorough theoretical understanding of the phenomenon and of the likely impact of practical interventions designed to help eliminate discriminatory appointment practices.
“The lady vanishes”: some thoughts on women and leadership
Authors: Höpfl Heather , Matilal Sumohon 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper is concerned with some speculations and observations on the position of women in relationship to leadership roles in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a theoretical piece. It attempts to analyse some of the reasons why women find it difficult to attain leadership roles and reflects on the costs to them when they do.FindingsIt considers why women are considered a threat to organizations and why organizations seek to subject women to the therapeutic imperative of rationality as the price of membership and of “success”. Put simply, it considers how women have to demonstrate male characteristics in order to “succeed” as leaders and must set aside feminine qualities: to live hyper‐abstractly “in order thus to earn divine grace and homologation with the symbolic order”. This results in an irresolvable lack in terms of what the organization desires for its completion.Originality/valueLeadership is defined by the phallus and women's leadership by its absence. The woman vanishes.
The international protean career: four women's narratives
Authors: Crowley‐Henry Marion , Weir David 
Published: April 2007

PurposeUsing narratives from four women following international careers in France, this paper seeks to offer an insight into the depth and complexity of career issues for women working in a foreign country.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative hermeneutic inductive research undertaking on international protean careers, using in‐depth interview data together with contextual information regarding the specificity of the location in question.FindingsThe concept of the protean career is highlighted in the findings. This concept is described as “having an ability to reform oneself” also referred to as “morphing”. The findings in this study demonstrate how the women in the sample had the proven capability of morphing their professional role over time due to circumstance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited as they cannot be generalised to a wider population due to the small sample size. However, the aim was not to generalise, but to share an in‐depth collection of real‐life stories from women.Practical implicationsCareers are complex, even more so on an international level. Individual choices regarding career pathways require more individualised career management approaches within organisations.Originality/valueThis research adds to the limited extant European research on women and international careers from a qualitative perspective.
Logistical network design with robustness and complexity considerations
Authors: Meepetchdee Yongyut , Shah Nilay 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a logistical network design framework with robustness and complexity considerations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines robustness, complexity, and normalised efficiency of a logistical network. A mathematical model is then constructed based on the conceptual framework and applied to a hypothetical case study with varying robustness requirements. The mathematical model is formulated as an Mixed‐Integer Linear Programming problem. Furthermore, the paper introduces a graph‐theoretic view of the logistical network and presents its topological properties such as average path length, clustering coefficient, and degree distribution.FindingsThe results show that logistical network configurations can be obtained with desirable robustness levels whilst minimising cost. The relationships of robustness versus normalised efficiency and complexity are also presented. The results show that relationships between logistical network topological properties and robustness exist, as in other real world natural and man‐made complex networks.Practical implicationsLogistical network design is one of the earliest strategic decisions in supply chain management that supply chain managers have to make. Practitioners and researchers typically focus on optimising efficiency and/or responsiveness of logistical networks. It is argued that logistical network designers should also consider robustness and complexity as they are important characteristics of logistical network functionality. The logistical network design frame work successfully incorporates robustness and complexity into design considerations.Originality/valueThis paper newly introduces other important performance measures, robustness and complexity, into the logistical network design objective. The design framework is highly relevant and adds value to logistical network designers and managers.
The role of online and offline features in sustaining virtual communities: an empirical study
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Fen 
Published: April 2007

PurposeBy expanding the technology acceptance model, the purpose of this paper is to provide a research model to examine the impact of online (information quality, system quality and service quality) and offline (offline activities) features on the sustainability of virtual communities.Design/methodology/approach– Based on a survey of 165 community members, the paper uses structural equation modeling approach to investigate the research model.FindingsThe findings indicate that perceived of usefulness, perceived ease of use and offline activities are determinants of sustainability of virtual communities. In addition, information quality affects perceived usefulness, while system‐quality and service quality influence both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of virtual communities.Research limitations/implicationsSince this study only considered non‐profit virtual communities, it is unclear whether these analytical results can be generalized to other virtual communities. Further research can apply this research model to examine profit‐oriented virtual communities, such as eBay.com.tw or brand communities.Practical implicationsTo sustain a successful virtual community, attention must be paid to enhance both online and offline interactions, including content management, specific sets of web site functions and offline communication. Virtual community providers can apply the findings of this study to focus on the determinants of success for their virtual communities.Originality/valueTheoretically, while drawing upon the extended TAM, this paper provides a model that is capable of understanding the determinants of sustainability of virtual communities. From a managerial perspective, the findings should provide further insight into member behaviors, leading to more effective strategies for expanding the virtual community.
Network externality and future usage of Internet services
Authors: Yong Chun Sung , Hahn Minhi 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate different effects of three network externality factors, i.e. local network size, network strength, and total network size, on online messenger, online community, chat room and e‐mail services.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper hypotheses are tested with a regression model using a survey data collected from 107 MBA students at a business school in South Korea.FindingsThe paper finds that the three network externality factors have different effects on the users' future usage intention for the four Internet services. Local network size is significant for online messenger services, local network size and network strength are significant for online community services, and total network size is significant for chat room services. For email services, none of the network externality factors are significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that a total network size is an important network externality factor affecting the success of a network. However, users' satisfaction with network services and two additional network externality factors, local network size and network strength, are also important determinants. To generalize the finding, investigations into other network services in other environments and into some offline networks are necessary.Originality/valueThe paper shows that depending on types of networks, managers can focus on different important network externality factors in managing their networks.
An overview of the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) as an anti‐phishing mechanism
Authors: Görling Stefan 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and discuss its merits for adoption as an anti‐phishing mechanism.Design/methodology/approachAll of the active domains in the .se zone were probed to determine if they have an SPF‐policy. This data collection step is combined with a theoretical discussion of the SPF standard and related initiatives.FindingsThis paper finds that the adoption ratio is very low. Few seem to be interested in deploying it, despite it being designed for easy adoption and being consistently implemented in several popular anti‐spam solutions.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that despite the low adoption‐ratio the standard merits implementation by IT/IS managers and software vendors.Originality/valueThis paper analyzes the adoption ratio, which is valuable both for software vendors and endorsers of the standard. It also provides an overview of the standard itself as an attempt to avoid common misconceptions about the role of the standard and its relation to other anti‐spam initiatives.
The impact of web site structure on link analysis
Authors: Mandl Thomas 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis web mining paper aims at analyzing whether the number of links pointing to a web page is biased by the structure of web sites.Design/methodology/approachBy web‐design mining methods, two collections of web pages are extracted and the in‐links counts are determined by querying web search engines.FindingsThe paper finds that the structure bias and pages on a higher hierarchical level are likely to receive more links than other pages.Research limitations/implicationsThe links are set by web page authors whose behaviour is not yet fully understood and which requires further research.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that the structure bias of in‐links should be considered by link analysis measures used in search engines. Potential consequences are presented.Originality/valueThe number of links toward a web page are considered to be an indicator for the quality of that page. This measure is biased and cannot be solely trusted as a knowledge source for the quality of a page.
Conceptualization of hybrid web sites
Authors: Navarro Antonio , Fernández‐Valmayor Alfredo 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a mechanism to characterize web sites, at the conceptualization stage, whose information content can be defined in terms of hybrid conceptual models. Usually in this type of web site, some of the domain information units are modeled in terms of classes/entities while others remain as heterogeneous irregular elements. Web sites built on this type of hybrid conceptual domain are referred to as hybrid web sites in this paper.Design/methodology/approachThe paper characterizes a hybrid web site, at the conceptualization stage – the site of the Virtual Campus of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. For the characterization of this site the Pipe notation, a notation that has proven to be appropriate when characterizing web sites built on irregular domains, was used. In addition, the Pipe notation was combined with entity‐relationship diagrams to characterize the most homogeneous and regular elements of the web site. The paper also analyzed several alternative notations intended for the characterization of web sites.FindingsIt was found that if in hybrid web sites, entity‐relationship diagrams are complemented with other notations able to characterize the most heterogeneous and irregular elements of these web sites, important benefits can be obtained from a modeling point of view. These benefits are later easily translated into an easier evolution and maintenance of the web site.Research limitations/implicationsOnly some web applications can be characterized as hybrid web sites. Therefore, there are many web applications whose conceptual domain is best characterized using classes/entities based models.Practical implicationsPersons in charge of modeling web sites must first identify the nature of the information domain of the web site in order to choose the most appropriate modeling mechanism.Originality/valueThis paper explicitly identifies hybrid web sites and provides a notation, which is able to characterize them at the conceptualization stage.
Process planning method for mask projection micro‐stereolithography
Authors: Limaye A.S. , Rosen D.W. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeMask projection micro‐stereolithography (MPμSLA) is an additive manufacturing process capable for fabricating true three‐dimensional microparts and hence, holds promise as a potential 3D MEMS fabrication process. With only a few MPμSLA systems developed and studied so far, the research in this field is inchoate and experimental in nature. In order to employ the MPμSLA technology for microfabrication, it is necessary to model its part building process and formulate a process planning method to cure dimensionally accurate microparts. The purpose of this paper is to formulate a process planning method for curing dimensionally accurate layers.Design/methodology/approachA MPμSLA system is designed and assembled. The process of curing a single layer in resin using this system is modeled as the layer cure model. The layer cure model is validated by curing test layers. This model is used to formulate a process planning method to cure dimensionally accurate layers. The process planning method is tested by conducting a case study.FindingsThe layer cure model is found to be valid within 3 percent for most of the features and within 10 percent for very small features (<250μm). The paper shows that ray tracing can be effectively used to model the process of irradiation of the resin surface in a MPμSLA system.Research limitations/implicationsThe process planning method is applicable only to those imaging systems, which are aberration limited as opposed to diffraction limited. The dimensional errors in the lateral dimensions of single layers cured by MPμSLA have been modeled, but not the vertical errors in 3D parts.Originality/valueIn this paper, a process planning method for MPμSLA has been presented for the first time.
Dimensional accuracy analysis of wax patterns created by RTV silicone rubber molding using the Taguchi approach
Authors: Rahmati S. , Akbari J. , Barati E. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeDimensional accuracy analysis of wax model created by room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone rubber molding to be used in investment casting is presented. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effective parameters of dimensional accuracy in RTV tooling technique.Design/methodology/approachAfter producing a pattern by stereolithography (SLA) and then creating the RTV silicone rubber mold by the SLA pattern, dimensional accuracy of wax models produced by RTV tool are analyzed. Design of experiments (DOE) using the Taguchi approach is used for analysis and determination of optimum condition.FindingsExperiments show that the dimensional accuracy in RTV technique is as accurate as in traditional molding. Hence, RTV tooling technique can be used in investment casting. Using Taguchi approach based on DOE, it was realized that the optimum condition to achieve acceptable accuracy is 35°C for mold temperature, 85°C for wax temperature, and −0.5 barG for vacuum pressure.Practical implicationsRTV silicone rubber mold is a useful alternative of metallic mold to produce wax patterns for investment casting. It has benefits such as reduction in production lead‐time and cost, compared with traditional metallic mold.Originality/valueA case study for research of dimensional accuracy of wax patterns created by RTV silicone rubber mold had not been attempted as such. In addition to reduction in production lead‐time and cost, the dimensional accuracy of wax patterns using RTV tooling technique are as accurate as in traditional technique.
Sell‐side analysts' creation of value – key roles and relational capital
Authors: Johansson Jeaneth 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase the transparency of the value‐creation chain in the stock market. It aims to: conceptualize the value‐added through the relational capital, inductively develop models on how values are created, and discuss the values created for the analyst firm, the clients and investors in the stock market in general.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a case study of sell‐side analysts at a big Swedish investment bank and their work with real life situations of changes in recommendations.FindingsThe findings of the case study indicate that analysts, through their relational capital, access competitive advantages needed for remaining on a highly competitive market. They get access to value‐added information and knowledge and also business for the firm. This helps them to fulfill the three roles played, i.e. as information intermediaries, knowledge builders and businessmen. However, the analysts' dependencies, due to their relational capital and the analysts' conflicting roles, result in ambiguous or even biased information. The values added to clients differ between prioritized clients who receive value‐added information through the relational capital with the analysts and non‐prioritized clients with limited, or no access, to the analysts' services.Originality/valueValue created through relational capital within organizations has been intensively studied within the area of intellectual capital. However, the sell‐side analysts' value‐creation chain linked to their relational capital with company representatives and clients, considered in the present study, has been neglected.