bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Could enterprise resource planning create a competitive advantage for small businesses?
Authors: Lenny Koh S.C. , Simpson Mike 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to show how enterprise resource planning (ERP) could create a competitive advantage for small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe main methods used in this study were questionnaires and interviews based on the application of an uncertainty diagnosing business model. Data were collected, using a questionnaire administrated to 126 SMEs, in the form of percentage contributions of the underlying causes of uncertainty (structured in the business model) on product late delivery. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out in SPSS to analyse the effects of the underlying causes of uncertainty in SMEs.FindingsERP could create a competitive advantage in delivery for SMEs by being responsive and agile to change, but not to uncertainty. Results suggested that only a few features in an ERP system were used to deal with change due to uncertainty. It was found that SMEs generally use their ERP system to generate a plan for production and use it as a guideline. SMEs concurrently use a range of buffering or dampening techniques to tackle uncertainty for crating a competitive advantage in delivery.Research limitations/implicationsThe application of the business model in SMEs has provided useful knowledge to make‐to‐stock (MTS), make‐to‐order (MTO) and mixed‐mode (MM) manufacturing enterprises in which underlying causes of uncertainty were significantly affecting their product late delivery performance.Originality/valueThis is a highly original application of an uncertainty diagnosing business model to SMEs using ERP systems.
Future shape of the responsive manufacturing enterprise
Authors: Saad Sameh M. , Gindy Nabil N.Z. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to report on some of the preliminary results of an ongoing scoping study into the shape of the manufacturing enterprise of the future.Design/methodology/approachThis paper evolved through a combination of literature review, focused group discussions, interviews and a questionnaire survey of six aerospace companies in the UK. It is primarily an attempt to provide a broad framework for synthesizing some of the information generally available as a contribution to the current debate regarding the future of manufacturing systems.FindingsThe results to date show that the product development process and supply network efficiency are the two most significant domains influencing manufacturing responsiveness. Within those domains, customer driven product development and supply chain design, intelligent and flexible technology, producibility analysis, integrated product and process development and the concurrency of the extended manufacturing enterprise are considered as the most significant elements towards achieving responsiveness. In addition a Responsive Manufacturing Model (RMM) is provided.Research limitations/implicationsThe RMM reported in the paper is at an early state of development and the work is ongoing to refine it further. The development of appropriate measures and methods of assessment for the various facets and attributes of manufacturing responsiveness is an important step towards full model development which is still to be addressed.Practical implicationsThe process of structuring the various elements influencing manufacturing responsiveness into logical groups in a hierarchical model has proved very useful during model development. It proved a significant aid during the focused group discussions and interviews that preceded completion of the questionnaire. The results to date are very encouraging and provide several interesting insights into the domains and elements of manufacturing responsiveness and the relative importance attached to them in the UK aerospace sector.Originality/valueThe work was funded by EPSRC (IMI) research grant as it was the first attempt in this field over within the UK. The proposed model and the obtained results have led to another research project funded by EPSRC over three years to further investigate the proposed model and the implication of its implementation.
Compulsory acquisition of oil exploration fields in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogedengbe P.S. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the problems of compensation for compulsory acquisition of oil exploration fields in Delta State with particular reference to the oil field acquired by Agip Oil Company for gas pipeline way leave in Irri and Okpai towns of Delta State.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted in which questionnaires were administered on some residents whose lands were acquired compulsorily on one hand and some estate surveying and valuation firms who are professionals in the fields of compensation on the other hand. The data collected were analyzed and presented using simple statistical methods.FindingsThe findings in this paper show that the compensation paid to residents whose lands were acquired is grossly inadequate, since professionals are not always involved in the process.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that the issue of compensation for compulsory acquisition for oil exploration is very central in the oil‐rich Niger‐Delta, and if this is not handled carefully, it can lead to uncontrollable crisis.Originality/valueThis paper empirically examined the process involved in compulsory acquisition and compensation of land in the Niger‐Delta for oil exploration with a view to determining the adequacy or otherwise of the compensation paid.
Nurturing property investment by re‐engineered systems for land pricing by local authorities
Authors: Matipa Wilfred M. , Barham Ronald 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe research in this paper is aimed at re‐engineering existing approaches to the analysis of proposed developments in local authorities – from land pricing to planning permission – hence reducing the loss of revenue in councils, and nurture property development.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a case study of seven city councils on the Copperbelt province of Zambia was conducted using the same template of questions.FindingsThe research found that councils had overly politicised management structure, static appraisal methods, poor market data capture, analysis and use. Additionally, councils did not use market data on property values; hence the existing analysis and appraisal systems are static and ineffective.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that extracting current data from the councils proved a severe limitation.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that councils can: learn how overly politicised their interdepartmental communication and data exchange is; enhance paper based systems of appraising proposed developments by adding established methods of project appraisal that can ease the collection, analysis and synthesis of construction business data used in the appraisal process; Employ, and support qualified personnel with adequate resources necessary to perform their duties professionally; make gradual improvements to existing systems within the cultural and political atmosphere of the council; and appraise proposed developments using accepted business approaches; just like private sector consultants do.Originality/valueThe research provides practical solutions that enhance professional appraisal techniques in councils of most underdeveloped countries, hence setting the basis upon which market driven strategies for nurturing property development can be made
Expert groups as production units for shared knowledge in energy foresights
Authors: Erik Karlsen Jan , Karlsen Hanne 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis article seeks to investigate the knowledge sharing processes in expert teams working with foresighting, creating knowledge for and about the future in electronic work groups.Design/methodology/approachObservations and assessments have been made this study in two expert workshops conducted on the European level aimed at assessing the true status of plausible hydrogen technologies and their potential.FindingsBuilding on an understanding of knowledge sharing as cyclic in its orientation, it is proposed that knowledge creation in expert teams draws heavily on latent knowledge embedded in the individual experts. Explicating latent knowledge is seen as occurring during reconstructions that involve questioning, confrontations and debates. Such reconstructions are not fully explicated in the dualistic representation of knowledge often referred to as explicit and tacit.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the assumption that expertise used in foresighting is embedded in some sort of implicit knowledge, which is latent, but not necessarily expressed previously, two hypotheses are proposed to be explored and pursued by means of a quasi‐experimental design to improve the understanding of the nature of knowledge creation and sharing processes as well as the linkage between implicit and explicit knowledge.Practical implicationsAs a nominal group process, the use of an interactive electronic workshop seemingly produces information (ideas, assessments, measures, actions, etc.) more unbiased, more effectively and more abundantly than traditional expert groups.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the discussions of the linkages between the use of electronic work groups as a mode for eliciting expert information, and the foresight strategic planning processes.
Marshall plan for Haiti: initial project of the global partnership for development
Authors: Nováček Pavel , Mederly Peter , Armand Pierre C. , Skácelová Irena 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to formulate future‐oriented vision of development for Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.Design/methodology/approachSWOT analysis, development indicators and alternative scenarios have been used in the study.FindingsThe paper reveals the construction of the Quality and Sustainability of Life Index for Haiti and normative proposals for future‐oriented development for Haiti.Practical implicationsThis study can be used by governmental institutions in Haiti as well as by nongovernmental development organizations.Originality/valueAccording to the authors' knowledge such future‐oriented study has not been done yet for Haiti; methodologically new is construction of Quality and Sustainability of Life Index for Haiti.
Quebec confronting its future: some tools for public decision making
Authors: Colson Aurélien 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to analyse the tools and initiatives developed in the public sector in Quebec to anticipate futures challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe paper surveys and analyses forward‐looking activities within governments, the public sector and institutes in Quebec.FindingsThe paper finds that Quebec is taking care of its future, especially through sustainable development policies. Strategic planning is in widespread use, boosted by administration reforms in the 1990s; strategic intelligence is gaining ground through a network gathering the main public institutions; and a promising foresight is going on.Originality/valueThe study provides an insight into the state of futures research in Quebec and its characteristics.
Universal service in an IP‐enabled NGN environment
Authors: Xavier Patrick , Ypsilanti Dimitri 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify concerns developing in regard to current approaches used to define, deliver and fund universal service obligations (USOs) for telecommunications due to developments in competition, new technology, e.g. wireless, convergence and next generation networks (NGN), including voice over internet protocol (VoIP). To stimulate thinking about the policies required to deliver USOs in an IP‐enabled NGN environment.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the nature and scope of USOs, including the concept of “functional internet access” to address questions about whether in an NGN environment: present USOs are sustainable; USOs need to change; and whether USOs should include access to broadband? The paper also examines alternative/complementary sources of funding for USOs.FindingsWith falling revenue (due to increasing competition and declining prices) occurring alongside strong demand for funds to deploy NGN, telecommunications operators are less able to provide USOs sustained by cross‐subsidisation. Universal service funds, too, may be under pressure. Also there is likely to be an uneven migration to NGN since it is likely that NGN will be deployed first in more profitable, densely populated areas and then only later (if at all) in relatively less commercially viable rural/remote areas. The paper concludes that present USOs can be maintained in an NGN environment. It concludes that since USOs is an evolving concept, there should be regular systematic reviews of whether USOs should be extended to include broadband. The paper concludes that increased funding from general taxation revenue is warranted and would link decisions concerning the nature and scope of USOs more closely with financial responsibility for such decisions.Originality/valueThe paper stimulates rethinking about whether, and if so how, arrangements relating to USOs need to change? In adopting a longer term perspective of universal services, the paper may be a valuable complement to the reviews of USOs being conducted in various countries (since short term decisions should be consistent with longer term developments).
The emergence of the internet to deliver video programming: economic and regulatory issues
Authors: Meisel John 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the internet as an emerging video distribution platform and to analyze the corresponding emerging economic and legal issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the historical evolution of the business model for the television business and, using a layered model of communications, identifies issues that accompany the growth of the internet as both a complement and a competitor to existing distribution platforms.FindingsAs video is increasingly distributed using the internet, a new business model is developing that possesses characteristics such as, unbundled content, irrelevance of geographic exclusivity, irrelevance of structured time or structured release, and new business combinations, alliances, and ventures.Practical implicationsPublic policy makers throughout the world are faced with the need to update, replace, and/or revise existing regulations that govern the relationships between and among traditional video distribution platforms, such as over‐the‐air and cable/satellite providers, as the internet emerges as a viable video distribution platform.Originality/valueThe paper provides a summary of key economic (such as the network‐affiliate relationship) and regulatory issues (such as leveraging economic power in the physical and logical layers into the applications and content layers and the extension of content regulation) that are developing as the internet emerges as a video distribution platform.
A handset‐based platform for measuring mobile service usage
Authors: Verkasalo Hannu , Hämmäinen Heikki 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to demonstrate the viablity of a handset‐based research platform in measuring mobile service and application usage through various descriptive empirical studies.Design/methodology/approachA handset‐based research platform was used in measuring mobile usage in an international panel consisting of more than 500 mobile subscribers. The panel took place in 2005‐2006.FindingsThe research paper finds various interesting data points which cannot be derived with any other method. In addition, the paper finds that there are significant differences in certain mobile service and application use cases between different demographic groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe main research limitations are the size of the sample and lack of clear business implications. The main idea of the paper was just to demonstrate the type of measurements and studies that can be done with the developed research platform.Practical implications3G technology drives packet data usage and 3rd party application usage in smartphones is very promising. Handset‐based research platform can and should be used in the future in various empirical studies on the mobile telecommunication marketOriginality/valueA handset‐based research platform has never before been utilized in doing market research, and therefore the process and results discussed in this paper are pioneering ones.
Methodology for determining key internal business processes based on critical success factors
Authors: Quesada Henry , Gazo Rado 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a methodology to help manufacturers determine and rank key internal business processes based on critical success factors (CSF).Design/methodology/approachFirst, company CSF and key performance measures were determined based on vision, mission and strategic objectives statements. Second, most important CSF were prioritized according to rating scores such as cost savings, necessary improvement, and own discretion using a balanced scoreboard procedure and a prioritization matrix. Third, CSF were related to internal business processes based on “strength of relationship” in order to define the most critical internal processes. Fourth, possible differences in the perception of CSF and strategic objectives among different management levels were compared. Fifth, the methodology was validated in three furniture manufacturing companies.FindingsIt was found that when a firm is missing vision or mission statements, it is imperative to define them before CSF can be identified. The CSF found through this case study were related to customer service, manufacturing management, quality and price of the products. The key internal business processes identified for the companies in this study were customer engagement, product operations and supply chain management. Conclusions show that better results were obtained when this methodology was applied to highest‐level of management.Originality/valueThis study has proved to be a useful tool to determine a strategy based on CSF and their relationship to internal business processes. Plant managers in our case studies were able to prioritize the critical internal business processes for their plants based on the most important CSF.
Offshore technology outsourcing: overview of management and legal issues
Authors: Pai Arjun K. , Basu Subhajit 
Published: February 2007

PurposeOffshore outsourcing of non‐core business process has rapidly evolved as a ubiquitous organisational phenomenon. However, failure to follow a clear, systematic and effective outsourcing strategy to evaluate threats, uncertainties and numerous imponderables can cause global enterprise businesses major setbacks. The reasons for such setback could be largely due to lack of core competency, careful legal planning and due diligence to operating models associated with an outsourcing initiative. This paper attempts to collate and exemplify the distinct qualifying processes accommodating contractual and intellectual property rights and provide a worthwhile debate on intricate legal considerations when structuring multi‐jurisdictional outsourcing deals.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a comparative analysis of strategic legal and management framework by weighing the risks and evaluating the threats which would assist the decision making process of firms when selecting an appropriate offshore partner to carry out their IT‐development work.FindingsImportance of legal intervention and due diligence to service agreements is further elevated as, at every phase of an outsourcing arrangement, compliance issues and contractual obligations can affect the success of an enterprise customer and its relationship with their outsourcing service provider.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors suggest that an exhaustive qualitative and quantitative industry specific research analysis be conducted in order to better define the principles and standards governing sub‐contracting arrangements.Practical implicationsA broader exposure to the strategic management and regulatory framework might provide firms with vantage points from which they could assess and identify new opportunities, evaluate threats and adopt effective risk mitigation strategies. Compliance to security standards and safeguard of information acquisition, analysis and usage should emerge as the mainstream strategy for outsourcing.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights and an overview of management and legal issues in the context of offshore technology outsourcing.
Complementing DRM with digital watermarking: mark, search, retrieve
Authors: Wolf Patrick , Steinebach Martin , Diener Konstantin 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how digital watermarking can be applied to assist and improve cryptography‐based digital rights management (DRM) systems by allowing the protection of content beyond the domain protected by the DRM system.Design/methodology/approachDigital watermarking is a passive technology, not allowing the active prevention of copyright violations. But it allows the irreversible linking of information with multimedia data, ensuring that an embedded watermark can be retrieved even after analogue copies. Therefore watermarking can be used where DRM fails: whenever content needs to be moved out of the protected DRM domain, e.g. when playing back content via analogue output channels it can mark the content with information that would help to identify its origin if it is used for copyright violations. The remaining challenge now is to find the marked content within the channels regularly used for copyright violations. The paper therefore introduces a concept for scanning file sharing networks for marked content.FindingsThe vast number of files present in the file sharing networks prohibits every approach based on completely scanning and analysing each file. Therefore concepts for filtered search queries where only potentially watermarked files are downloaded are discussed.Originality/valueThe paper shows how watermarking can be applied as a technology to allow active content protection beyond the limitations of current DRM systems.
A class of non‐linear asymptotic fingerprinting codes with ε‐error
Authors: Fernandez Marcel , Cotrina‐Navau Josep , Soriano Miguel 
Published: February 2007

PuposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that a fingerprinting code is a set of code words that are embedded in each copy of a digital object, with the purpose of making each copy unique. If the fingerprinting code is c‐secure, then the decoding of a pirate word created by a coalition of at most c dishonest users, will expose at least one of the guilty parties.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a systematic strategy for collusions attacking a fingerprinting scheme. As a particular case, this strategy shows that linear codes are not good fingerprinting codes. Based on binary linear equidistant codes, the paper constructs a family of fingerprinting codes in which the identification of guilty users can be efficiently done using minimum distance decoding. Moreover, in order to obtain codes with a better rate a 2‐secure fingerprinting code is also constructed by concatenating a code from the previous family with an outer IPP code.FindingsThe particular choice of the codes is such that it allows the use of efficient decoding algorithms that correct errors beyond the error correction bound of the code, namely a simplified version of the Chase algorithms for the inner code and the Koetter‐Vardy soft‐decision list decoding algorithm for the outer code.Originality/valueThe paper presents a fingerprinting code together with an efficient chasing algorithm.