bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential for reducing empty running by trucks: a retrospective analysis
Authors: McKinnon Alan C. , Ge Yongli 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe aim is to examine the recent trend in empty running by trucks in the UK and assesses the potential for a further reduction in empty running in the food supply chain using a new technique.Design/methodology/approachData from the UK Government's main road freight survey and other studies are used to investigate the causes of the decline in empty running. Previous attempts to quantify opportunities for backloading are reviewed. The 2002 KPI Survey in the UK food supply chain created a large multi‐fleet database of over 20,000 trips, which permitted retrospective analysis of backloading opportunities. A method was devised to screen these opportunities against four selection criteria and assess the overall potential for cutting empty truck‐kms.FindingsSuitable backloads were found for only 2.4 per cent of the empty journey legs, representing 2 per cent of empty truck‐kms. The analysis highlights the operational constraints on backloading in a sector characterised by short average trip length, tight scheduling and variable use of refrigeration.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis provides a more accurate and realistic assessment of backloading potential than previous studies, though is still deficient in several respects. The main shortcomings relate to the sampling method and structure of the Transport KPI Survey. The analytical framework requires further development to refine backload search areas, incorporate commercial data and permit sensitivity analysis.Originality/valueThe paper shows how retrospective analysis of road deliveries made over a short period (48 hour) can identify opportunities for backloading at a sectoral level. It combines government statistics and original survey data to provide both a macro‐ and micro‐level perspective on the empty running problem.
Values‐based service brands: narratives from IKEA
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Enquist Bo , Hay Michael 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a model for values‐based service brands grounded in values‐based service management. In undertaking this task, the paper addresses two research questions: “What is the role of values in creating customer value and corporate identity?” and “How can values and corporate identity be communicated to customers and thus contribute to customer‐perceived service value?”.Design/methodology/approachBased on five narratives from a value‐driven company, IKEA, the paper proposes a model of values‐based service brands in action. The model is based on interpretations of how IKEA manages and communicates values in practising values‐based service management.FindingsThe study distinguishes four types of “values” in the example of IKEA: economic, social, environmental, and communication‐based. These are incorporated into the model.Originality/valueThis is the first study of the role of values‐based service brands in creating value in use for customers.
The role of private branding in improving service quality
Authors: Herstein Ram , Gamliel Eyal 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the potential contribution of private branding to the service sector, and to integrate private branding into the SERVQUAL model.Design/methodology/approachA total of 300 customers of a health maintenance organization (HMO) were asked about the five dimensions of the service‐quality model and about several aspects of their HMO's private brand.FindingsThe study finds that satisfaction with service quality among subjects who were aware of the HMO's private brand was higher than that of unaware subjects when asked directly. In addition, a positive relationship was found between the perceptions of service quality in the HMO and the evaluation of a private brand in the HMO those customers who were aware of the private brand. The data analysis suggests that private branding constitutes an additional (sixth) dimension in the SERVQUAL model.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted during the initial stages of the market penetration of the HMO's private brand.Practical implicationsHMOs, and other service providers, should consider private branding as a pivotal strategy in reinforcing service quality.Originality/valueThis research is of importance for service providers because it identifies private branding strategy as having significant marketing potential for improving service quality.
A finite element model of the squeeze casting process
Authors: Lewis Roland W. , Postek Eligiusz W. , Han Zhiqiang , Gethin David T. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present a numerical model of squeeze casting process.Design/methodology/approachThe modelling consists of two parts, namely, the mould filling and the subsequent thermal stress analysis during and after solidification. Mould filling is described by the Navier‐Stokes equations discretized using the Galerkin finite element method. The free surface is followed using a front tracking procedure. A thermal stress analysis is carried out, assuming that a coupling exists between the thermal problem and the mechanical one. The mechanical problem is described as an elasto‐visco‐plastic formulation in an updated Lagrangian frame. A microstructural solidification model is also incorporated for the mould filling and thermal stress analysis. The thermal problem is solved using enthalpy method.FindingsDuring the mould‐filling process a quasi‐static arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian (ALE) approach and a microstructural solidification model were found to be applicable. For the case of the thermal stress analysis the influence of gap closure, effect of initial stresses (geometric nonlinearity), large voids and good performance of a microstructural model have been demonstrated.Research limitations/implicationsThe model can also be applied to the simulation of indirect castings. The final goal of the model is the ability to simulate the forming of the material after mould filling and during the solidification of the material. This is possible to achieve by applying arbitrary contact surfaces due to the sliding movement of the cast versus the punch and die.Practical implicationsThe presented model can be used in engineering practice, as it incorporates selected second‐order effects which may influence the performance of the cast.Originality/valueDuring the mould‐filling procedure a quasi‐static ALE approach has been applied to SQC processes and found to be generally applicable. A microstructural solidification model was applied which has been used for the thermal stress analysis only. During the thermal stress analysis the influence of gap closure and initial stresses (geometric nonlinearity) has been demonstrated.
Finite element modeling of the lost foam casting process tackling back‐pressure effects
Authors: Houzeaux Guillaume , Codina Ramon 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo develop a numerical methodology to simulate the lost foam casting (LFC), including the gas back‐pressure effects.Design/methodology/approachBack‐pressure effects are due to the interactions of many physical processes. The strategy proposed herein tries to model all these processes within a simple formula. The main characteristic of the model consists of assuming that the back‐pressure is a known function of the external parameters (coating, temperature, gravity, etc.) that affects directly the heat transfer coefficient from the metal to the foam. The general framework of the simulation is a finite element model based on an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) approach and the use of level set function to capture the metal front advance.FindingsAfter experimental tunings, the model provides a way to include the back‐pressure effects in a simple way.Research limitations/implicationsThe method is not completely predictive in the sense that a priori tuning is necessary to calibrate the model.Practical implicationsProvides more realistic results than classical models.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a theoretical framework of a finite element method for the simulation of LFC process. The method uses an ALE method on a fixed mesh and a level‐set function to capture metal front advance. It proposes an original formula for the heat transfer coefficient that enables one to include back‐pressure effects.
Linear tetrahedral finite elements for thermal shock problems
Authors: Fachinotti Víctor D. , Bellet Michel 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to present an original method for the numerical treatment of thermal shocks in non‐linear heat transfer finite element analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe 3D finite element thermal analysis using linear standard tetrahedral elements may be affected by spurious local extrema in the regions affected by thermal shocks, in such a severe ways to directly discourage the use of these elements. This is especially true in the case of solidification problems, in which melted alloys at very high temperature contact low diffusive mould materials. The present work proposes a slight modification to the discrete heat equation in order to obtain a system matrix in M‐matrix form, which ensures an oscillation‐free solution.FindingsThe proposed “diffusion‐split” method consists basically of using a modified conductivity matrix. It allows for solutions based on linear tetrahedral elements. The performance of the method is evaluated by means of a test case with analytical solution, as well as an industrial application, for which a well‐behaved numerical solution is available.Originality/valueThe proposed method should be helpful for computational engineers and software developers in the field of heat transfer analysis. It can be implemented in most existing finite element codes with minimal effort.
On iterative solvers for non‐Newtonian flow equations
Authors: Iliev Oleg , Linn Joachim , Moog Mathias , Niedziela Dariusz , Starikovicius Vadimas 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis study proposes to develop and investigate different iterative solvers for non‐Newtonian flow equations.Design/methodology/approachExisting approaches for the time discretization of the flow equation and for an iterative solution of the discrete systems are discussed. Ideas for further development of existing preconditioners are proposed, implemented and investigated numerically.FindingsA two‐level preconditioning, consisting of a transformation of the original system in the first step and subsequent preconditioning of the transformed system is suggested. The GMRES iterative method, which usually performs well when applied to academic problems, showed dissatisfactory performance for the type of industrial flow simulations investigated in this work. It was found that the BiCGStab method performed best in the tests presented here.Research limitations/implicationsThe iterative solvers considered here were investigated only for a certain class of polymer flows. More detailed studies for other non‐Newtonian flows should be carried out.Originality/valueThe work presented in this paper fills a gap related to the usage of efficient iterative methods for non‐Newtonian flow simulations.
An enthalpy method for moving boundary problems on the earth's surface
Authors: Voller V.R. , Swenson J.B. , Kim W. , Paola C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present a novel moving boundary problem related to the shoreline movement in a sedimentary basin and demonstrate that numerical techniques from heat transfer, in particular enthalpy methods, can be adapted to solve this problem.Design/methodology/approachThe problem of interest involves tracking the movement (on a geological time scale) of the shoreline of a sedimentary ocean basin in response to sediment input, sediment transport (via diffusion), variable ocean base topography, and changing sea level. An analysis of this problem shows that it is a generalized Stefan melting problem; the distinctive feature, a latent heat term that can be a function of both space and time. In this light, the approach used in this work is to explore how previous analytical solutions and numerical tools developed for the classical Stefan melting problem (in particular fixed grid enthalpy methods) can be adapted to resolve the shoreline moving boundary problem.FindingsFor a particular one‐dimensional case, it is shown that the shoreline problem admits a similarity solution, similar to the well‐known Neumann solution of the Stefan problem. Through the definition of a compound variable (the sum of the fluvial sediment and ocean depths) a single domain‐governing equation, mimicking the enthalpy formulation of a one‐phase melting problem, is derived. This formulation is immediately suitable for numerical solution via an explicit time integration fixed grid enthalpy solution. This solution is verified by comparing with the analytical solution and a limiting geometric solution. Predictions for the shoreline movement in a constant depth ocean are compared with shoreline predictions from an ocean undergoing tectonic subsidence.Research limitations/implicationsThe immediate limitation in the work presented here is that “off‐shore” sediment transport is handled in by a “first order” approach. More sophisticated models that take a better accounting of “off shore” transport (e.g. erosion by wave motion) need to be developed.Practical implicationsThere is a range of rich problems involving the evolution of the earth's surface. Many of the key transport processes are closely related to heat and mass transport. This paper illustrates that this similarity can be exploited to develop predictive models for earth surface processes. Such models are essential in understanding the formation of the earth's surface and could have a significant impact on natural resource (oil reserves) and land (river restoration) management.Originality/valueFor the most part the solution methods developed in this work are extensions of the standard numerical techniques used in heat transfer. The novelty of the work presented rests in the nature of the problems solved, not the method used. The particular novel feature is the time and space dependence of the latent heat function; a feature that leads to interesting analytical and numerical results.
Venus envy: problematizing solidarity behaviour and queen bees
Authors: Mavin Sharon 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to critique solidarity behaviour as a means of advancing women in management; questions the queen bee concept and raises negative relations between women.Design/methodology/approachConceptual paper which critiques extant research and approaches to advancing women in management identifying alternative perspectives.FindingsAssumptions of solidarity behaviour set expectations of senior women which cannot be fulfilled. Continued use of the unproblematized queen bee label, without acknowledgement of the embedded gendered context for women in senior management, perpetuates a “blame the woman” perspective as a “one‐woman responsibility”. Emerging from the gendered nature of organization, female misogyny may be a means of exploring negative relations between women to challenge existing gendered organizations which sustain thestatus quo.Research limitations/implicationsMediates recommendations of senior women as mentors and role models, whilst blaming them for being more male than men, by calling for action to challenge and change the gendered social order which impacts on women in management. Empirical research is required.Originality/valueConsiders the impact of negative relations between women to highlight how the gendered social order encourages and exacerbates differences between women; challenges assumptions of solidarity behaviour and problematizes the queen bee label.
Women and the glass ceiling in South African banks: an illusion or reality?
Authors: Mathur‐Helm Babita 
Published: July 2006

PurposePresent research seeks to examine the reality of the glass‐ceiling phenomenon in South Africa's four major retail banks.Design/methodology/approachInvestigates women's low numbers in their top management jobs. A total of 40 women managers were interviewed for their in‐depth responses, which were content analyzed.FindingsResults indicate that the glass ceiling considered a myth by many, is real and is nurtured by the organizational culture, policies and strategies besides women's own inadequacies. Only the most decentralized organizations, characterized by a culture that supports women's top positions, will help in breaking down the glass ceiling, along with women's own efforts to grow, develop and empower themselves through academic and career development.Research limitations/implicationsIt is limited to South Africa's four largest retail banks only and provides limited awareness about certain work practices that are insufficient tools to break down the glass ceiling, hence, future research may construct such tools and examine the extent to which the glass ceiling exists in different countries and the influence of the local culture in it is formation.Practical implicationsThe paper provides clarity for organizational leaders to identify growth barriers existing in their organizations, leading their women workforce towards a glass ceiling.Originality/valueIt distinguishes between a glass ceiling and a job barrier and recommends organizations to practise cultural change and decentralization to break it down. This is a research paper and clarifies the difference between common career barriers and the glass ceiling by attempting to elucidate the existence of the glass ceiling.
Developing disaster survivor resiliency: the home away from home
Authors: Barnes Joshua 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of psychological resiliency for evacuated disaster survivors and the possible implementation of a concept known as homes away from home aimed at fostering such resiliency.Design/methodology/approachTo address the topic of resiliency in evacuated disaster survivors, first an evacuation scenario is explored. The scenario is followed by a discussion of disaster psychology, resiliency, and a development of the homes away from home concept.FindingsThe development of an evacuated disaster survivor's individual and community resiliency shows promise as an effective means of mitigating the psychological damage of a disaster or terrorist attack. The implementation of the homes away from home concept, designed to foster such resiliency in emergency shelters could be effective.Practical implicationsIncorporating accommodations for the development of individual and community psychological resiliency in emergency shelters in emergency operations plans could be more tangible with the homes concept. A shift in sheltering practices is necessary to meet not only the basic needs of survivors but higher needs as well.Originality/valueThe homes away from home concept is new as there are few if any models for emergency shelters that specifically offer direction to local jurisdictions to develop individual and community resiliency.
Fueling the fire
Authors: Neal Mark , Younis Talib 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the organizational antecedents and management of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic in the UK in the 1990s in order to answer the following questions. What organizational factors contributed to the development of the epidemic? How did they do so? What can we learn from the management of BSE that can help us in tackling future epidemics?Design/methodology/approachThe research involved content analysis of the most extensive documentation of the crisis, the Philips Report, and other official and non‐official sources, to gain a phenomenological understanding of the organizational/departmental/financial contexts in which key decisions were taken.FindingsThe organization of the institutions charged with managing BSE ensured slow, shortsighted and atomized decision‐making, inappropriate to the management of an epidemic. Organization‐ and department‐specific priorities, budgets and boundaries ensured piecemeal, “locally rational” responses to BSE, which cumulatively exacerbated the crisis.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the fact that it is based upon the Philips Report, and other official and non‐official sources. Further studies could assess these research findings through direct interviews with those involved. The implications of the study are that rapid and appropriate responses to epidemics do not necessarily arise spontaneously from co‐operation between bureaucratic institutions.Practical implicationsThrough identifying the organizational reasons for the inadequate responses to BSE, this research clearly shows the need for pan‐ or super‐institutional emergency teams, able to address future epidemics unhindered by localized bureaucratic imperatives.Originality/valueThe phenomenological analysis is new and significant in that it highlights the localized rationality of decision‐making before and during the crisis, and shows how locally rational decisions cumulatively exacerbated the epidemic. The research will be of interest to those involved in the prevention and management of epidemics.
The level of preparedness of the schools for disasters from the aspect of the school principals
Authors: Ozmen Fatma 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose is, depending on the views of principals and teachers, to determine the level of preparedness of primary schools towards prospective earthquakes from the aspect of the effectiveness of school principals; and to develop some recommendations due to the obtained results and the review of the literature.Design/methodology/approachIn the research, the views of school principals and teachers were taken by a Likert type questionnaire, developed by the researcher herself. The sample of the research comprises all the elementary schools in the city centre of Elazig, a city in the Eastern Anatolian Region. As total 589 subjects responded the questionnaire. The data were computed by means of t‐test, and ANOVA according to parametric or non‐parametric situations.FindingsThe findings have revealed that the preparedness level of the schools are not so well for prospective disasters, and there are significant differences among the views of the subjects. In other words, the school principals were not so effective in achieving high level preparedness and for prospective earthquakes.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited with the views of the teachers and of principals obtained in the city centre of Elazig. Therefore, observation‐based researches may also be complementary for the reflection of the real life situation at schools.Originality/valueAlthough Turkey is placed a very seismically active region, the attained literature review has indicated that there have not been any researches done about the preparedness of schools for the earthquakes in Turkey, yet. Therefore, this research is an original one by obtaining the views of school teachers and of principals about the preparedness of schools towards earthquakes.