bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specular reflectance and derivative spectrometric studies on lac‐epoxy resin blends
Authors: Bhatia Deepika , Alam M. , Sarkar P.C. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to gain a greater insight into the molecular level changes occurring in lac‐epoxy blends, at elevated temperatures for different intervals of time. It is also to determine the changes in key physico‐chemical parameters of these blends, before and after applying thermal stress on these blends.Design/methodology/approachFilms of lac‐epoxy blends, applied on tin panels, were baked at 200°C for different time intervals. The baked films were examined by specular reflectance spectroscopy, as these were otherwise difficult to examine through conventional IR techniques, using KBr pellet method. The results obtained were compared and reported. The blends were also tested for different physico‐chemical parameters like scratch hardness, flexibility, adhesion, acid resistance, etc.FindingsOn baking the blends of lac‐epoxy resin at 200°C for different time intervals, the strained three membered epoxy ring apparently break open, releasing some free hydroxyl groups, which react with carboxylic groups in lac resin to form ester linkages, resulting in condensation. In terms of different physico‐chemical parameters, blends of 70 per cent lac:30 per cent epoxy were found to be better in performance than blends of 50 per cent lac:50 per cent epoxy and blends of 30 per cent lac:70 per cent epoxy resins, baked at 200°C for different time intervals. Adhesion and acid resistance of lac‐epoxy blends were very good compared with the parent resins.Research limitations/implicationsThe spectral studies on lac‐epoxy blends were done qualitatively. Although desirable, quantitative studies could not be carried out, due to the inherent difficulties in handling the resins.Practical implicationsLac‐epoxy blends may find an important role in printing inks, varnishes and finishing industries owing to their very good adhesion, gloss, scratch hardness and resistance to the action of acids.Originality/valueAs of now, there is no record of specular‐reflectance and derivative spectrometric studies on lac‐synthetic resin blends. This paper represents the first attempt to obtain and correlate reflectance data with physico‐chemical changes. It also highlights the convenience of the method and the scope of sophisticated data analysis, including derivative spectrometry and spectral subtraction techniques.
Synthesis, characterisation and curing studies of BCCOMB
Authors: Maity T. , Samanta B.C. , Dalai S. , Banthia A.K. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeIn order to study its cure response and to understand its kinetic behaviour, this paper seeks to examine how a multifunctional epoxy resin, N,4‐bis(4‐(bis(2‐oxiranylmethyl)amino)‐2‐chlorobenzyl)‐3‐chloro‐N‐(2‐oxiranylmethyl)benzenamine (BCCOMB), synthesised from amine functional chloroaniline formaldehyde condensate (AFCFC) and epichlorohydrine, is cured with AFCFC as curing agent.Design/methodology/approachFor effective curing, AFCFC (12.5 phr, part per 100 resin) was added to BCCOMB resin and mixed thoroughly for 15 minutes. The clear viscous solution was then subjected to DSC analyses for kinetics study of the curing reaction.FindingsThe AFCFC was successfully utilised as curing agents for BCCOMB as the DSC curves show complete curing exotherm. The presence of oxirane group in the BCCOMB was able to react with active hydrogen atoms of amine. This led to conversion of liquid monomers of thermoset resin into three‐dimensional network.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present discussion, the curing study of BCCOMB had been done using AFCFC as a curing agent. However, other curing agents, synthesised from other amine and aldehyde, could also be used to see whether they would be effective for curing study of BCCOMB.Originality/valueThe method for curing study of multifunctional epoxy resin (BCCOMB) was novel and the cured epoxy network could find numerous applications as surface coating and adhesive on to an intricate structure.
Effect of strain rate on compression loading of 3D woven composites in three directions
Authors: Guo X. , Li W. , Gu B. , Qiu Y. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis study sets out to compare the response of three‐dimensional (3D) woven composites subjected to high strain rate (HSR) compression loading with the dynamic response.Design/methodology/approachThe 3D composites were manufactured using Kevlar woven fabrics with epoxy resin system utilising vacuum bag moulding approach. Samples were subjected to HSR compression loading in three directions using a modified split Hopkinson's pressure bar.FindingsPeak stress and stiffness of 3D composites were higher for dynamic loading when compared with static loading in case of both in‐plane direction and out‐of‐plane direction. The peak stress and modulus increased with the increase in strain rate for both in‐plane direction and out‐of‐plane direction. Peak stress and dynamic modulus were higher when the samples were loaded in the fill direction compared with the warp direction loading. The failure strain in through‐the‐thickness direction was far higher than in in‐plane warp and fill direction.Research limitations/implicationsOther strength parameters of 3D composites could be studied.Practical implicationsThe study provided the strength comparison of 3D composites in different situations.Originality/valueThe paper provide data on 3D composites for engineering applications.
Disclosure regulation, situational risk, situational ethics, and earnings management
Authors: Gélinas Patrice 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain an economic incentive to manage earnings derived from the intersection of disclosure theory and equity theory and to discuss its behavioral implications.Design/methodology/approachThis is a theoretical paper.FindingsA taxonomy of possible managerial reactions to increased disclosure regulation shows that deception (e.g. earnings management) bears relatively low‐situational‐ethics and high‐situational‐risk.Research limitations/implicationsThe taxonomy suggests that deceptive behavior would be better explained by broadening the traditional agency model with a situational ethics component and by relaxing its risk‐aversion assumption.Practical implicationsTheoretical findings suggest that the implementation of additional mandatory disclosure is not an appropriate strategy to limit earnings management in a context where the production of information is implicitly costly for managers, and where information asymmetry exists between managers and investors. However, regulations that raise managers’ awareness regarding personal risks involved with earnings management, such as the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act, appear likely to reduce the prevalence of earnings management.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to focus on economic incentives, ethical considerations, and personal risk considerations simultaneously.
Supplier performance improvements in relational exchanges
Authors: Fink Robert C. , Edelman Linda F. , Hatten Kenneth J. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis study aims to test both customer and supplier performance benefits associated with closer relational exchanges in light of both resource and technological environmental contingencies.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved a survey of 1,170 managers in the pulp and paper industry to understand their relationship with their primary supplier of process control equipment (PCE). Each respondent was asked to provide their views on the closeness of their supplier relationship, the performance gains realized from their supplier relationships, and the linkage between their performance gains and improvements in supplier performance.FindingsThe results indicate that although customers may be achieving better performance through closer relationships, suppliers may not always be reaping reciprocal benefits. Specifically, improvements in customer purchasing performance did not result in improved supplier performance, but customer improvements in production performance resulted in supplier performance gains.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on the exchange of one product line, PCE, within one industry. Further research is necessary to investigate customer‐supplier relationships involving other products such as parts and material incorporated into the customer's end product and crossing multiple industries. In addition, further research is needed to develop and test other potential performance outcomes and environment contingencies.Originality/valueSince mutual performance improvements may not always be achieved in relational exchanges, this study suggests some critical considerations for suppliers making decisions to pursue closer customer relationships. These important considerations include the competitive nature of the supplier's market, the customer's desired performance improvement, the customer's level of internal expertise or knowledge, and the supplier's ability to provide differentiated products, services and knowledge.
The extent of technology usage and salespeople: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Senecal Sylvain , Bolman Pullins Ellen , Buehrer Richard E. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeIncreasingly, salespeople adopt, or are being asked to adopt, and use a variety of technologies to increase their selling productivity and efficiency. Given this trend, many researchers have begun to explore the question of sales force adoption of technology. However, little work has been done to consider what happens once this technology is adopted. The purpose of this paper is to report two studies that investigated if and why salespeople had different technology usage and if the extent of usage had an impact on their performance.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a qualitative study was performed to gain insights about extent of technology usage and the reasons that may explain differences. In order to test some of the research propositions that emerged from the qualitative study, an empirical study was conducted with 130 salespeople.FindingsInnovativeness was found to be helpful in distinguishing between different technology usage levels across various technologies (internet, e‐mail, intranet, etc.). Results also suggest three potential antecedents of technology use, as well as a potential moderator of the usage to performance relationship.Originality/valueThis paper provides a research agenda for studying this important area. Further, the practicing manager will gain insight into some variables that help predict usage extent, and may provide better ideas on implementing and managing the use of technology by their sales force.
A service effort allocation model for assessing customer lifetime value in service marketing
Authors: Shaw‐Ching Liu Ben , Petruzzi Nicholas C. , Sudharshan D. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply customer lifetime value models to assess the overall value of the service encounter and to establish implications that such an assessment has for managing customer relationships under a fixed‐size salesforce.Design/methodology/approachUsing a specific relationship between customer servicing activities and the buying rhythms of customers, an analytical model for assessing the overall value of a service encounter is developed.FindingsA stochastic parameter is identified, characterizing the level of quality to compute the long‐term value of a given customer and stochastic ordering properties to determine the relative value of different customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications discussed are analytical to help service managers shaping their thought process in decision making. Future research can empirically test the model proposed.Practical implicationsThe theorem specifies the optimal solutions to determine: how much capacity should be committed to a given customer; and how to choose a customer in the first place. These are important and useful tools for managers in making their managerial decisions in service marketing.Originality/valueA general model of resource allocation is provided, under which those seminal models such as CALLPLAN, DETAILER are special cases. This is particularly valuable as key account management has become more important in globally operated businesses.
Banking patronage motives of the urban informal poor
Authors: Graham Saunders Stephen , Bendixen Mike , Abratt Russell 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the banking needs of urban informal poor consumers in South Africa. These consumers find it difficult to obtain access to banking products.Design/methodology/approachA survey of consumers was undertaken in a large informal settlement outside Johannesburg. A qualitative exploratory pilot study was undertaken first to gain a better understanding of these consumers and to develop a research instrument. Second, a quantitative analysis was undertaken among 200 households.FindingsBanking products used by the sample are discussed as well as all their patronage motives. It was established that the majority of consumers did have a bank account and there was a significant association between having an account and various demographics such as income level, employment status and level of education.Research limitations/implicationsEach informal settlement may have unique characteristics and therefore it may be difficult to generalize the findings.Practical implicationsBanks will have to address the patronage factors of these consumers as they have very different needs when compared to middle and upper income customers. Specify strategies are recommended to bank management.Originality/valueNo study has been done on the banking needs of this segment of the market and very little is known about the urban informal poor in general. This paper gives insight into how banks can play their part in uplifting the poor in societies where they make up large segments of the population.
A comparison of institutional stakeholders' perceptions of presidential effectiveness
Authors: McGoey Shane P. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to extend the research of Michael, Schwartz, and Balraj pertaining to presidential effectiveness. Faculty senate chairpersons, academic deans, senior‐level institutional officers, and student leaders were surveyed in order to ascertain whether there was a relationship between stakeholders' perceptions and whether the findings support the original study conducted by Michael et al.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive, survey research methodology was utilized to survey 36 institutions of higher learning in the state of Ohio. Each participant was requested to complete a two‐page survey that included questions related to indicators of presidential effectiveness, factors associated with the president's role at their respective institution, and ways of improving presidential effectiveness. Analysis of the data included a descriptive analysis of means and standard deviations; Spearman rho coefficient to obtain correlations of ranked data; and an Analysis of Variance to identify differences among each independent variable.FindingsAnalysis of the data showed that participants agreed that all of the indicators of effectiveness were important. Additionally, stakeholders and trustees agree more than they disagree on the indicators of effectiveness and the role of a president.Practical implicationsThe implications of this research suggest that an assessment of the president should include institutional stakeholders in the process coupled with a detailed assessment of the institution. Strong oversight by the governing board is important to ensure integrity of the process, respect for individuals and the office of the president, and support for the professional development of a president.Originality/valueThis study extended the research of Michael et al. pertaining to presidential effectiveness.
Health care performance and accountability
Authors: Dummer J. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to examine health care performance and accountability.Design/methodology/approachA strategic view of how quality assurance fits into other initiatives aimed at bringing about improvements in health care is offered in the paper.FindingsThe paper finds that the task of defining the way in which health care can be most efficiently and effectively delivered is the concern of all health care staff. Aims, should be clarified, performance criteria and measures agreed on and, wherever possible and appropriate standards set up. Management also has the responsibility of ensuring the consistency and coherence of the many different activities that contribute to the aim of good health care.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the planning and performance of quality assurance in health care.
The quest for quality: translation of a mythical idea
Authors: Dobosz‐Bourne Dorota , Kostera Monika 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the model of the translation of particularly important ideas for the organization and its context, called mythical ideas.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on ethnographic research.FindingsIt is found that change processes based on mythical ideas are especially dynamic but also very vulnerable. The consequences of failure can be vital for the organization and its environment.Originality/valueThe paper explores the outcomes to which the translation of a mythical idea can lead. The findings are of value for people involved in organizational change processes.
Quality management in a healthcare organisation: a case of South Indian hospital
Authors: Manjunath Usha , Metri Bhimaraya A. , Ramachandran Shalini 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of quality management using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria (MBNQA) criteria in a 300‐bed hospital in South India.Design/methodology/approachBased on Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) criteria in‐depth interviews are conducted with the heads of the departments in the case hospital. Data is analysed and compared with the MBNQA points to evaluate the performance of the hospital in all the seven criteria's of MBNQA.FindingsThe paper presents the strengths and opportunities for improvement through MBNQA criteria. The total points scored are 753 out of 1,000 points. This reveals that quality performance of case hospital is of higher level. However among all the seven criteria, the hospital has still more opportunity to improve the quality in MBNQA criteria no. 4, i.e. measure, analysis and knowledge management.Research limitations/implicationsThis study brings out a potential area of research about how the ratings and activities in the case hospital compares with other health care organisations.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this paper clearly indicates that MBNQA criteria act as a powerful tool to analyse the quality performance of the hospital. The health care organisations can use MBNQA as self‐assessment tool to evaluate and to improve the health of the hospitals. MBNQA as self‐assessment tool help the hospitals to lay the road map for world‐class performance.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the measurement of quality performance through MBNQA to the healthcare administrators that is the first step for managing and improving quality in health care organisations. It provides lessons for those hospitals that have already started quality initiatives.
Service quality attributes determine improvement priority
Authors: Chen Shun‐Hsing , Yang Ching‐Chow , Lin Wen‐Tsann , Yeh Tsu‐Ming 
Published: February 2007

PurposeAlthough there are many quality measurement theories and models, all are imperfect; that is, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Particularly, some models cannot indicate accurate improvement priorities. The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated performance model that improves service quality and acquires accurate improvement priorities that promote customer satisfaction and eliminate resource wastage.Design/methodology/approachThis study applied a performance matrix and quality loss function (QLF) theory to determine priority items needing improvement. A questionnaire was designed to determine the priority of improvement objectives derived from certain questionnaire items that do not fall into the appropriate performance zone (APZ) of the performance matrix. Finally, the QLF was adopted to rank the improvement objectives in terms of priority. A large QLF area indicates customer satisfaction needs improvement.FindingsThis study utilized an employee satisfaction survey to demonstrate this matrix, and found that it reflects the improvement priorities of different items and avoids the shortcomings of other models. In this case study, 11 items must be improved; furthermore, five items with the greatest QLF areas became the priority items for improvement.Originality/valueThis performance matrix also considers the items of surplus resource investment, which can be included in improvements, thereby avoiding resource wastage.
The analysis of personal and delay allowances using work sampling technique in the sewing room of a clothing manufacturer
Authors: Gunesoglu Sinem , Meric Binnaz 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to study the operator activities in garment industry and the percentages of distribution of operations and to analyze the personal and delay allowances by observing the operations and deriving the ratios within a manufacturing period.Design/methodology/approachA work sampling technique is used. Relevant reports (1978‐2004) are studied to give the basis and methodology of the technique. In accordiance with work sampling techique, the operations to be observed in a sewing room are defined, the number of observations and observers required for each day and the procedure for making observations are determined and the distributions of work flows are calculated.FindingsIt is found that 72.7 per cent of working time in an general sewing room was spent for productive activities and 23.2 per cent for personal and unavoidable delay allowances.Practical implicationsWork sampling technique gives information about personal and delay allowances in a work flow of any sewing room. When the distributions of activites are determined, it is possible to find which activities are most responsible for low efficiency. For this purpose, standard operations time in a sewing room should be determined by time measurement studies and work flow should be organized.Originality/valueThis paper deals with an actual sewing room and gives general information about the distributions of activites in work flow which should be used for organization of any sewing room.