bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic inhibition of carbon steel by tertiary butyl phosphonate, zinc ions and citrate
Authors: Narmada P. , Venkateswara Rao M. , Venkatachari G. , Appa Rao B.V. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo develop a new corrosion inhibitor formulation for carbon steel in low chloride environments.Design/methodology/approachCorrosion inhibition efficiencies were evaluated by the weight loss method and by impedance measurement studies. The nature of the inhibition process was evaluated using potentiostatic polarization studies. The nature of the protective film was investigated using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The concept of synergistic effect was used in the development of the new synergistic inhibitor formulation.FindingsA new corrosion inhibitor formulation, containing tertiary butyl phosphonate (TBP), zinc ions and citrate, has been developed to control the corrosion of carbon steel in low chloride environments. This inhibitor formulation was found to offer a maximum inhibition efficiency of 96 per cent in a neutral pH test environment. It was interesting to observe that the binary system, consisting of higher concentrations of the TBP and zinc ions, offered only 79 per cent inhibition efficiency. The ternary system, consisting of relatively lower concentrations of the phosphonate, zinc ions and citrate offered a higher (96 per cent) efficiency. This ternary inhibitor system also was found to be efficient in acidic as well as basic environments in the pH range 5‐8. The inhibitor combination was determined to function as a “mixed”‐type inhibitor, though being predominantly cathodic. A plausible explanation of the mechanism of corrosion inhibition is proposed.Practical implicationsThe ternary inhibitor formulations based on phosphonate, zinc ions and another environmentally friendly synergists like citrate will be quite useful for corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in cooling water systems as they contain relatively less concentrations of phosphonate and zinc ions.Originality/valueThe research paper presents the results of a new synergistic inhibitor formulation and also discusses the mechanistic aspects of corrosion inhibition.
Marketing of beef and lamb in England: the role of EBLEX
Authors: Palmer Roger , Croston David , Garvey Andrew , Mead Simon 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a case study of strategy development and implementation for a food sector related non‐departmental public body. This is reviewed against a well‐established model of change.Design/methodology/approachA single case study is appropriate where there is a unique example of practice. In this case a newly founded organisation defines and implements its strategy within the context of the English red meat sector.FindingsThe literature provides rather less guidance on strategy selection for not for profit organisations. The network model of strategy was implemented by EBLEX. Market research guided the selection of strategy and implementation involved in‐ and out‐sourcing, communication to stakeholders, project and process based management and the sharing of information and objectives. The need to deliver in the short term may inhibit longer‐term objectives by reducing flexibility and responsiveness. The ability to identify, recruit and retire network partners is a necessary capability. Having developed the organisation afresh, significant challenges lie ahead in generating growth and managing increasing complexity.Research limitations/implicationsA single case study is limited in the extent to which generalisations can be made. There is a need to confirm the emerging findings with additional cases in similar and different contexts. Building on this research, theoretical propositions can be derived to guide future work and to develop theory.Practical implicationsThis case provides insight into the management and development of a non‐departmental public body.Originality/valueThis paper investigates a unique opportunity for research in this field.
British beers: a survey of cask ale character
Authors: Thomas Keith 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to survey and analyse the characteristics of cask ale beers in the UK.Design/methodology/approachRetail sampling and laboratory analysis of 453 beers from 190 breweries allowed beer styles to be defined and described. Analysis of the styles allowed comparisons to be made and trends established.FindingsA total of 12 distinct beer styles were identified and described. Comparison with the largest selling keg beers indicated that cask beers have a wider variety of character. Cask ales produced by smaller microbreweries did not differ significantly from those produced by more established traditional breweries. Changes were seen in selected beers analysed over a five‐year period.Research limitations/implicationsA wider range of analysed parameters such as malt, hop and yeast derived flavours may provide a more exact view of common features between and, particularly, within styles. A more detailed timed series of analyses would help show how trends in styles change. Beers with unspecified styles could be further analysed.Practical implicationsThe data presented could act as a benchmark for style definitions and be relevant to the brewing industry, to consumer groups and to trading standards considerations. Defined styles may assist academic and clinical investigations into how different beers may affect health and disease.Originality/valueThis paper provides a broad and comprehensive overview of UK beers and assesses how contemporary beers have developed in comparison to traditional products. It conducts some novel comparisons and will be of value to the brewing industry, consumer groups, trading standards authorities and to academics.
Microstructure and wear properties of AISI 1038 H steel weldments
Authors: Uygur Ilyas 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo provide information about technical data; wear behaviour of worn rotor parts in mining industry and for the other application of ferrous alloys.Design/methodology/approachWear behaviour of the various filler wires were tested (tensile, hardness, and wear) and compared with each other in the light of microstructure, chemical, and mechanical properties.FindingsThe results showed that the wear rates were significantly increased with the increasing load, welding current, wear distance and poor mechanical properties. A larger amount of C, Cr, and Mn specimen showed the best wear resistance since it contained a number of hard MC‐type carbides and coarse grains. Furthermore, for all materials the weight loss increases linearly with the increasing of welding arc current, load and wear distance.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be interesting to search about the toughness values and fatigue behaviour of these materials. It could be the good idea for future work could be concentrated fracture surface analysis of these materials.Practical implicationsFor these materials choosing the right chemical composition of the filler material, certain arc current and ideal microstructure is crutial for the wear response.Originality/valueThe main value of this paper is to contribute and fulfil the mechanical properties of welding wires that is being studied so far in the literature such as the effects of chemical composition, applied road range, and arc current on the tensile, hardness and wear behaviours of the welding wires.
The HR function in large‐scale mergers and acquisitions: the case study of Nordea
Authors: Björkman Ingmar , Søderberg Anne‐Marie 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to report on an in‐depth study of the merger and acquisition processes involved in the creation of the leading financial services corporation in the Nordic countries: Nordea. The purposes are, first, to describe the roles played by the HR function and examine the effects of the roles enacted by the HR function on how the workforces were managed and integrated in the post‐merger processes; second, to analyze issues influencing the changing roles played by the HR function in Nordea during the merger processes.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this paper were collected mostly through 60 interviews with HR managers and top executives in Nordea. In addition to the interviews, access was provided to company‐internal material and consultancy reports concerning the HR function.FindingsThe paper finds that the Nordea case shows, on the one hand, typical problems in organizing and managing HR issues, but also illustrates, on the other, how the HR function is easily left with a secondary non‐strategic role in these processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that the general limitations of any single case analysis apply also to the present study.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates that the communication of expectations both to and from the HR function may be particularly important in clarifying the roles the function is to play in the post‐merger process.Originality/valueThe paper offers unique insights into the roles played by the HR function in merger processes.
Outsourcing vs insourcing in the human resource supply chain: a comparison of five generic models
Authors: Kosnik Tom , Wong‐MingJi Diana J. , Hoover Kristine 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of human resource supply chain (HRSC) models that enable comparison of different models for making more informed strategic HR outsourcing decisions.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper interviews and company documents were used to construct multiple comparative case studies.FindingsThe paper finds that five generic HRSC models were identified in two broad categories – two in‐sourcing models (local contracting and HR centralizing) and three outsourcing models (purchasing HR, non‐staffing HR, and staffing HR). Additional findings relate to the redistribution of power and competencies for managing HR within and between organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that future research should account for different HRSC models to address various dependent variables, especially distribution of power and HR competencies in managing HR supply chains and contribution to firm performance. Future studies on strategic alliances can benefit from building on the HRSC models in building different types of partnerships.Practical implicationsIn this paper it is found that managers have a means for comparison of different HRSC models to make more fully informed strategic outsourcing decisions and to develop related HR competencies related to each one of the generic models.Originality/valueThis paper clarifies critical differences in five different generic HRSC models that must be accounted for in research on strategic HR and outsourcing. Without understanding the differences in HRSCs, managers often unwittingly relinquish power and control over critical HR functions to other organizational units or vendor organizations.
The diffusion of human‐resource information‐technology innovations in US and non‐US firms
Authors: Florkowski Gary W. , Olivas‐Luján Miguel R. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the diffusion patterns of eight information technologies that are transforming HR service‐delivery in North America and Europe: HR functional applications, integrated HR suites, IVR systems, HR intranets, employee and manager self‐service applications, HR extranets, and HR portals. Little is known about the diffusion process for these innovations within or across countries despite mounting professional and academic interest in their proliferation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows that external‐, internal‐, and mixed‐influence models were applied to the HRIT‐adoption decisions of a cross‐sectional sample of US, Canadian, UK and Irish firms. Parameter estimation was guided by nonlinear regression procedures with starting values for p and q set at levels similar to those reported in prior IT‐diffusion studies. Senior HR executives provided the underlying data by means of a dynamically branching, web‐based survey.FindingsThe paper finds that overall diffusion was best characterized as an outgrowth of internal influences, fueled primarily by contacts among members in the social system of potential adopters. Similar results were obtained when controls were introduced for national setting, targeted end‐user, and technology type.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows that future investigations would benefit from higher response rates outside of North America and the utilization of smaller time intervals to identify when each application was acquired.Practical implicationsIn the paper the modest correlation between the number of acquired ITs and HR‐transaction automation supports the general call for more formalized HR‐technology strategies at the firm‐level to coordinate purchasing and implementation decisions.Originality/valueIn addition to reviewing the extant literature on HR information systems, this paper presents the first empirical study of the diffusion process for HR software applications within and across countries.
Outsourcing effects on firms' operational performance
Authors: Jiang Bin , Frazier Gregory V. , Prater Edmund L. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis research aims to empirically investigate the effect of outsourcing on firm level performance metrics, providing evidence about outsourcing influences on a firm's cost‐efficiency, productivity and profitability.Design/methodology/approachThis study is concerned with empirically examining the impact of outsourcing on a firm's performance. The results are based on a sample of 51 publicly traded firms that outsourced parts of their operations between 1990 and 2002. Publicly available accounting data are used to test for changes in operating performances that result from outsourcing decisions. Operating performances are examined over a four‐quarter period after the outsourcing announcement.FindingsThis research provides evidence that outsourcing can improve a firm's cost‐efficiency. While existing literature on outsourcing has also sought to draw anecdotal and conceptual evidence that highly visible companies have improved their productivity and profitability as well through outsourcing, the research reveals no evidence that outsourcing will improve a firm's productivity and profitability.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to what is available in public databases. Also, financial data pertain to the firm as a whole and not just to the outsourcing department or division, which would obscure the real outsourcing effects on the particular department or division.Practical implicationsThis research makes two contributions to both practice and theory. First, this is the first empirical study to examine the link between outsourcing implementation and firm‐level performance metrics. Second, empirical evidence is provided of the difference between outsourcing firms' performance and their non‐outsourcing competitors'. Outsourcing firms have an obvious significant advantage in cost efficiency over their counterparts which do not outsource any activities at the same time. They also may obtain more available resources from outsourcing to invest in other productive capacities.Originality/valueThis research on outsourcing effects is the first to empirically test the relation between the outsourcing decision and the firm's productivity and profitability. Never before has outsourcing played such an important role in business, yet the overall impact of outsourcing on performance remains largely an unexplained puzzle. The research explores opportunities for further research to investigate the returns on outsourcing.
Routes to chaos in macroeconomic theory
Authors: Gomes Orlando 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to survey literature on macroeconomic nonlinear dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies five influential types of models where the possible generation of endogenous cycles and chaotic motion arises. First, the frameworks that make use of the one‐hump logistic type equation; second, the models inspired on the growth literature of the 1940s; third, intertemporal utility maximization problems with increasing returns; fourth, models that can be represented as piecewise dynamic maps; and, fifth, bounded rationality – heterogeneous expectations setups.FindingsThe attention will be mainly focused on the theme of business cycles; an interpretation of the deterministic real business cycle model with increasing returns is proposed and a graphical analysis of the underlying system shows that strange attractors are observable for specific sets of parameter values.Practical implicationsThe study of endogenous cycles in macroeconomic literature has important implications for policy: if fluctuations are due to deterministic reasons this may imply that by manipulating policy parameters governments may be able to change the qualitative nature of the economy's dynamics.Originality/valueThe paper gives a comprehensive view of nonlinear dynamics in macroeconomics. It shows that various relevant subjects might be addressed in this kind of models, e.g. economic growth, asset pricing, business cycles, consumption decisions, among others.
Machine vision developments
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo review recent developments in machine vision hardware and techniques, as revealed in the Image Processing and Optical Technology Exhibition, 2006.Design/methodology/approachDifferent sections of the paper examine new cameras and their interfacing, smart cameras with DSP processors, a powerful framegrabber, high intensity light emitting diode (LED) lighting, and developments in teraherz sources and detection.FindingsSmart cameras now exist with greater processing speed than a PC. A new generic programming interface aims to ease the incompatibilities of digital cameras. Water cooling has produced a very intense and long life LED light, and a novel goniophotometer has no moving parts. Rapid advances are occurring in the field of terahertz imaging.Originality/valueProvides an update on machine vision technology for scientists and engineers generally, and a source of contact information for specialists to follow up where necessary.
Does implementation of a JIT‐with‐customers strategy change an organization's structure?
Authors: Green Kenneth W. , Inman R. Anthony 
Published: October 2006

PurposeManufacturers have begun to develop and implement strategies that focus on strengthening the operations/marketing interface with customers. Claycomb et al. originally identified and described one such strategy, just‐in‐time (JIT)‐with‐customers, and assessed its impact on organizational structure. Generally, this study seeks to replicate their original work with two primary differences: marketing, rather than logistics executives, are surveyed and structural equation modeling, rather than regression analysis, is used to analyze the data.Design/methodology/approachData collected from 180 marketing executives are analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach to assess the impact of JIT‐with‐customers on the organizational structure dimensions of integration, performance control, specialization and decentralization.FindingsResults of this study indicate that JIT‐with‐customers impacts integration, performance control and specialization but is not related to decentralization.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings generally support the proposition that adoption of a JIT‐with‐customers strategy will result in changes in organizational structure.Practical implicationsManufacturing managers working to strengthen relationships with customers through a JIT‐with‐customers approach should prepare for organizational change in terms of increased integration, performance control, and specialization.Originality/valueJIT strategies focusing on the operations/marketing interface are being implemented within the manufacturing sector. This study assesses the impact of one such strategy, JIT‐with‐customers, for only the second time. The results verify the earlier work of Claycomb et al. and expand the operations/marketing interface literature.
The relationship between proximate supply and build‐to‐order capability
Authors: Lyons Andrew , Coronado Adrian , Michaelides Zenon 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo investigate the opportunities provided by proximate supply to support build‐to‐order (BTO) capability and to provide empirical analysis to identify the extent to which supplier parks as a means of facilitating proximate supply can improve supply chain performance and enhance BTO capability in the automotive sector.Design/methodology/approachA case‐based approach was employed to analyse the relationship between proximate supply and BTO.FindingsThe key results of the research demonstrate how proximate supply in the automotive sector achieved through the presence of supplier parks situated adjacent or close to vehicle assembly plants, has provided the means for moving the customer‐order decoupling point upstream and, therefore, increase the percentage of a vehicle that is BTO. BTO is generally regarded as a qualitative concept yet the results are demonstrated by adopting measures that act as a proxy for building to a unique order. In addition, first‐rate performance is seen to be achieved in inventory levels and lead time with the proximate supply arrangement.Research limitations/implicationsThe research presented in this paper considers day‐to‐day, transactional supply chain performance. No attempt is made in this work to cost the implications of setting up a supplier park or to evaluate such arrangements on a life‐cycle basis.Practical implicationsThe results have practical implications for the future of supply chain design and location strategies in the automotive and other industries.Originality/valueTo date, the relationship between proximate supply and BTO capability has not been documented.
The attribution of success and failure in IT projects
Authors: Standing Craig , Guilfoyle Andrew , Lin Chad , Love Peter E.D. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to determine how project managers attribute information technology (IT) project success and failure.Design/methodology/approachIT personnel from large Australian organisations completed an adapted version of the Attributional Styles questionnaire, which asked them to attribute causes along a number of attribution dimensions, for IT projects which have either succeeded or failed.FindingsThe results indicate that IT support workers attribute failure to external factors, whilst attributing success to themselves. On the other hand, executive management took a more balanced perspective which attribute success to external factors and only partially to themselves, whereas they attribute significant personal responsibility for failure.Practical implicationsMore junior professionals and operational IT employees can learn from their senior professionals in attributing success and failure. Post‐implementation reviews and debriefings conducted by senior IT professionals are ways of passing on their experience in relation to project and self‐evaluations.Originality/valueThis paper takes a well established psychology theory and applies it to the management of information systems (IS)/IT projects. IS/IT research has not examined how IT professionals attribute success and failure within projects.