bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organizational learning, change process, and evolution of management systems
Authors: Aramburu Nekane , Sáenz Josune , Rivera Olga 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between the organizational learning capacity of manufacturing companies in the Spanish Basque Region and their management systems.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, anad hocquestionnaire was devised and addressed to the Chief Executive Officers of a representative sample of 200 companies from all manufacturing sectors of the Basque Country.FindingsThe results obtained show that the characteristics of the management system of a company (the strategy formulation process and organizational design) do not condition the learning level that can be attained as a result of an experience of concrete change. However, it is true that companies which have experienced changes in which a high level of learning has been achieved have adapted their management systems more according to what theorists deem appropriate to help future learning.Originality/valueThe research carried out allows a better practical knowledge of the existing relationship between management systems, change processes, and levels of organizational learning.
Information communication technology (ICT) implementation constraints
Authors: Peansupap Vachara , Walker Derek H.T. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report upon research undertaken on deployment of information communication technology (ICT) diffusion initiatives in the Australian construction industry. The paper seeks to explain how innovation implementation drivers and barriers facilitate diffusion at the organisational, group and individual levels.Design/methodology/approachData from two web‐based document management case studies and one intranet document management system case study are used to analyse ICT diffusion dynamics within three large information technology (IT) literate Australian construction firms. The sample was purposefully limited to large IT‐literate construction contracting organisations with a need to use ICT for their operational effectiveness.FindingsConstraints at the personal level include limited budget for ICT investment, commitment from other project participants, issues of ICT standardisation, and security problems. At the organisational level, constraints include basic levels computer experience, time available to learn, and the identification of clear benefits of ICT use. Constraints at the group level include time available to share information, quality of personal contact and geographical distance.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was purposefully limited to large IT‐literate construction contracting organisations with a need to use ICT for their operational effectiveness.Practical implicationsThe driver and barrier models presented indicate that ICT innovation implementation requires intense management interventions to facilitate a supportive workplace environment that strongly links personal and organisational resource investment with demonstrated outcome benefits.Originality/valueThis study provides rich insights of the dynamics of ICT innovation implementation. Few studies in the literature have provided such insights that link the organisational, group and individual levels.
Optimization of EDM machining parameters using DMLS electrode
Authors: Meena Vijay Kumar , Nagahanumaiah  
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to optimise the electro‐discharge machining (EDM) parameters and investigate feasibility of using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) parts as EDM electrodes.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper the effects of discharge current, pulse‐on‐time, flushing pressure are optimized for minimum tool wear rate (TWR), maximum metal removal rate (MRR) and minimum surface roughness (Ra). Taguchi‐based L9 orthogonal array has been used for performing experiments on EDM machining of EN 24 steel using DMLS electrodes. The grey relational analysis combined with ANOVA techniques have been employed to determine the optimal level as well as their significance.FindingsExperimental results have shown that the performance characteristics of the EDM process (TWR, MRR and surface roughness) using DMLS electrode can be quantified and controlled effectively by grey relational approach presented in the study. Current is found to be the most affective parameter in EDM machining using DMLS electrode. Excessive DMLS tool (electrode) wear was also reported, which limits the use of DMLS tool for EDM machining and it has been found out that porosity (which was about 20 per cent) was one of the primary cause.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper was focused on understanding the effects of important EDM parameters on three performance characteristics (TWR, MRR and surface roughness). While this study identifies that DMLS electrode wear rate is high and porosity could be one of the main cause, presently it does not cover the investigations on reducing the porosity level and its implications.Practical implicationsThe DMLS material had shown huge potential to be used as EDM electrode. The current investigation established a structured experimental approach to understand the effects of EDM parameters on multi response characteristics. The results derived from this study helps to focus future research on two aspects including enriching the copper content and reducing the porosity level, thereby the benefits of lead time reduction in EDM electrode making could be realized.Originality/valueThe previous research attempts were not focussed on optimising the EDM machining process using rapid tooling electrodes. With the best of author's knowledge none of the researchers have reported these aspects especially for DMLS electrodes. Application of grey relational analysis for performance evaluation of rapid tooling‐based EDM electrodes (DMLS electrodes) appear to be completely new.
Indirect fabrication of collagen scaffold based on inkjet printing technique
Authors: Yeong Wai‐Yee , Chua Chee‐Kai , Leong Kah‐Fai , Chandrasekaran Margam , Lee Mun‐Wai 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper presents a new indirect scaffold fabrication method for soft tissue based on rapid prototyping (RP) technique and preliminary characterization for collagen scaffolds.Design/methodology/approachThis paper introduces the processing steps for indirect scaffold fabrication based on the inkjet printing technology. The scaffold morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The designs of the scaffolds are presented and discussed.FindingsTheoretical studies on the inkjet printing process are presented. Previous research showed that the availability of biomaterial that can be processed on a commercial RP system is very limited. This is due mainly to the unfavorable machine processing parameters such as high working temperature and restrictions on the form of raw material input. The process described in this paper overcomes these problems while retaining the strength of RP techniques. Technical challenges of the process are presented as well.Research limitations/implicationsHarnessing the ability of RP techniques to control the internal morphology of the scaffold, it is possible to couple the design of the scaffold with controlled cell‐culture condition to modulate the behavior of the cells. However, this is just initial work, further development will be needed.Practical implicationsThis method enables the designer to manipulate the scaffold at three different length scales, namely the macroscopic scale, intermediate scale and the cellular scale.Originality/valueThe work presented in this paper focuses on important processing steps for indirect scaffold fabrication using thermal‐sensitive natural biomaterial. A mathematical model is proposed to estimate the height of a printed line.
Low power critical voltage transition logic
Authors: Chan Y.H. , Lim C.C. , Lau K.T. , Foo S.H. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo show new design methodology of low power circuit design (Low Power Critical Voltage Transition Logic – LPCVTL) over the conventional CVTL methodology. The comparison is in terms of speed, area and power consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe new design employs feedback mechanism with a different clocking methodology to overcome high static power dissipation of conventional CVTL design.FindingsLPCVTL has lower power dissipation property as compared to the conventional CVTL design through the observation of the simulated results of an inverter chain and half adder designs. LPCVTL power dissipation is about eight times smaller than the conventional CVTL.Research limitation/implicationsThe desired clock frequency is limited by the output signal response.Originality/valueLPCVTL is an alternative to dynamic digital IC design methodology which has high speed advantage while maintaining low power consumption.
Repeater stage timing analysis for VLSI resistive interconnects
Authors: Chandel Rajeevan , Sarkar S. , Agarwal R.P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIn this paper output voltage waveform of CMOS repeater driven VLSI long interconnects is analysed, for deep submicron technologies. Ramp inputs are considered in the analysis as these are more practical than step inputs.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical models are developed for the time dependence of output voltage of repeater driven interconnect loads for rising as well as falling ramp input signals. The interconnect is modelled as a resistive‐capacitive load. Various operating regions of the MOSFETs are considered in the models. Method has also been given for determining the time at which MOSFET transits from saturation to linear region.FindingsA good agreement between the analytical and SPICE results is obtained, with analytical error 3 per cent at the most. The models developed work accurately for scaled‐supply voltages too. For a repeater loaded interconnect the variation of 90 per cent delay with number of repeaters at different supply voltages has also been determined by the proposed model. It is found that the optimum number of repeaters decreases with voltage‐scaling and this decrease is technology independent.Research limitations/implicationsThe parasitic inductance component in long interconnects is not considered in this analysis.Practical implicationsThe work is useful for timing analysis of repeater driven resistive interconnects.Originality/valueA very concise analytical approach for a CMOS repeater stage timing analysis is developed.
Optimization of a photo resists coating process for photolithography in wafer manufacturing via design of experiments method
Authors: Yang Yung‐Kuang 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe investigation uses design of experiments (DOE) approach to determine the optimal parameters of photo resist (PR) coating process for photolithography in wafer manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachPlans of experiments via nine experimental runs are based on the orthogonal arrays to determine the optimum factor condition. In this study, the mean thickness and the uniformity of thickness of the PR are adopted as the quality targets of the PR coating process. This partial factorial design of the DOE method provides an economical and systematic method of determining the optimal process parameter.FindingsA model for the mathematical prediction of the mean thickness and the uniformity of thickness for the PR has been developed in terms of the PR temperature, the chamber humidity, the spinning rate, and the dispensation rate by means of the DOE method. The PR temperature and the chamber humidity are found to be the most significant factors in both the mean thickness and the uniformity of thickness for a PR coating process.Research limitation/implicationsThis analysis is valid of dynamic dispensing of the specific type of PR with constant material properties and applying onto a wafer size of eight inches.Practical implicationsA systematic method has been developed to find suitable combinations of process parameters; hence, the traditional approach such as the trial‐and‐error method that is very time‐consuming can be avoided. Furthermore, the efficiency of designs the parameter and the quality of the products are greatly improved.Originality/valueThis approach can be easily applied to design an optimal parameter setting to meet various requirements of different types of products.
Impact of technology on PLL power and frequency
Authors: Sulaiman Mohd‐Shahiman 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper presents a prediction on the impact of technology scaling on phase‐locked loop (PLL) performance behaviour. Power and maximum operating frequency of an Analogue PLL and a Type II phase‐frequency detector (PFD)‐based PLL from which the behaviours of other PLLs derived from the two architectures can be estimated, are analysed and their future behaviours as a function of technology are predicted.Design/methodology/approachAnalogue models were developed and Mentor Graphics VHDL‐AMS mixed‐signal simulations were performed on the two PLL architectures. Behavioural power and frequency equations as a function of technology were derived based on thorough data and graphical analyses.FindingsA prediction of PLL frequency and power dissipation as a function of technology for two main PLL architectures.Research limitations/implicationsThe parameters in each equation derived should include other contributing factors as well as other design approaches such as multi‐VDD, multi‐Vth, etc. future work should also include prediction of jitter and phase noise for the two main PLL topologies.Originality/valueThis paper is of high significance in PLL design. The predicted equations could be used to reduce a major portion of a PLL designers' design time when choosing a PLL topology, and help them predict the impact of technology on the performance of the chosen architecture.
Executive compensation in the UK
Authors: Keasey Kevin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWhile executive compensation has attracted quite a lot of media interest in the UK over the past decade, it is worth emphasising that the debate in the UK has had far less “heat” than that in the USA; this seems to be explained by the UK avoiding, for a number of reasons, the excesses of executive compensation seen in the USA and also excessive, high profile corporate failures (e.g. Enron). The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of executive compensation with respect to the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a general review of the academic and business literatures.FindingsThe paper emphasises the need to keep the broader context in mind when reviewing issues of executive compensation, and offers a framework of analysis which is broader than that used in the existing literature. It summarises the stylised facts which have emerged from the extensive academic literature and then offers brief summaries of the recent trends in UK executive compensation and the ABI guidelines issued at the end of 2005, respectively.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the challenges facing executive compensation in the UK.
Product innovation and consumer choice in the UK financial services industry
Authors: Costanzo Laura A. , Ashton John K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeWithin the UK, low levels of saving has been a continuing policy concern for both government and financial regulators. Why individuals save less than might be expected has been increasingly associated with an inability of ma… financial services consumers to comprehend product quality and to underta… of firms in this debated through examining the product choices presented to consumers by financial services providers.Design/methodology/approachWe examine two aspects of poor consumer decision making, yet to be fully explored in the wider regulatory literature. Initially, we review how financial services providers consider product innovations and the marketing strategies they pursue in constructing their offerings to consumers. Secondly, we ass… a popular financial product, the interest bearing deposit account, to examine what savings product choices are actually presented to consumers. These areas are explored through semi‐structured interviews undertaken with semi financial services managers and through a review of the entire product offerings to the interest bearing deposit market.FindingsWe report that savings markets are characterised by high product turnover and short duration. Consumers in the UK, alike many developed nations, and often unfamiliar with, and lack confidence when, buying savings products. Example consumers often have difficulties when making product comparis… Faced by so much proliferation of undifferentiated products, consumers find difficult to make a straightforward comparison between products.Research limitations/implicationsIt is concluded that further public education, a greater understanding of ho… firms present product choices to consumers and how consumers perceive s… choices are areas demanding further research and consideration.Originality/valueConsideration of how firms make decisions with regard to product innovation and savings problem more generally is an area demanding further investigation from a range of disciplinary approaches. Finally, given the perceived high importance of financial services to individuals and the nation… economy at large, some scrutiny should be placed on the issue of the high profitability of the financial services industry and how this is reflected into product innovations and, therefore, differentiated quality choices presented various categories of consumers.
Financial Services and Markets Tribunal rules prohibition order is appropriate
Authors: Gray Joanna 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo report and comment on the tribunal case Jonathan Milnroy Townrow v. Financial Services Authority.Design/methodology/approachOutlines the facts and explains the decision.FindingsShows that, even though this was an extreme case, it is likely that any Tribunal would have reached the same outcome on the evidence provided.Originality/valueProvides a useful commentary on regulated activities of retail investment advisors and other financial investments.
Re‐thinking the regulatory environment of credit reporting
Authors: Ferretti Federico F. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper examines the activities carried out in the UK by credit refer agencies, current business practices, and the legal standing of credit reporting.Design/methodology/approachLegal analysis that aims to demonstrate that the current legal framework is inadequate.FindingsIt suggests areas and issues for further legal debate and policy consideration. Ultimately, this study puts forward the case for specific legislative intervention to strike a balance between privacy rights, discrimination concerns, and the needs of the credit industry.Originality/valueLittle or no research has been conducted on the topic by lawyers.
Reforming provident and pension fund regulation in India
Authors: Asher Mukul G. , Nandy Amarendu 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine the case for reforming India's current provident and pension fund governance and regulatory structures.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews various components of India's social security system with a view to identifying reform needs in their governance and regulatory structures. It then assesses the new pension system to be supervised and regulated by the proposed Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).FindingsThe paper finds that the current arrangements do not provide sufficient incentives for professionalism and system‐wide perspective essential to meet India's social security challenges. Urgently operationalizing the PFRDA, and modernizing the relevant laws and regulations could greatly assist in meeting India's social security challenges. Modernization of Employees Provident Fund Organization is also essential.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis suggests that the need for greater professionalism and system‐wide perspective should be accorded high priority by India's provident and pension fund organizations. The analysis in the paper is quite aggregative and qualitative. This underscores the need for more robust database and greater focus on empirical evidence‐based policies in this area.Originality/valueThe paper will provide a better appreciation of the governance and regulatory issues involved in reforming India's provident and pension funds. It will also provide a base for other researchers to identify and undertake more detailed analysis of specific aspects such as ways to internationally benchmark administration and compliance costs of provident and pension fund organizations; achieving coordination among PFRDA, banking, insurance, and capital market regulators.
Finding influence: examining the role of influence in public relations practice
Authors: Reber Bryan H. , Berger Bruce K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine how public relations practitioners define influence and where they find influence.Design/methodology/approachDepth interviews with 162 public relations practitioners.FindingsPublic relations professionals defined influence in terms of shaping decisions, having access, and being heard. They said they were most influential in crisis situations and when preparing communication messages or plans. They are least influential in strategic decision making, when they are perceived as technicians, and in interactions with senior executives. The most common influence tactic used by these professionals was rational influence.Practical implicationsThe authors suggest eight tenets regarding influence for public relations practitioners.Originality/valuePractitioners have long noted the need for increased influence across the organization. But, there is little scholarship that examines just how public relations pracitioners should increase their influence and ascent to organizational decision making circles.
The impact of culture on web site content, design, and structure
Authors: Fletcher Richard 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in designing web sites that are likely to be read by different cultural groups within one's own country or by people outside one's own country.Design/methodology/approachThe link between culture and communication is established via research and this relates to the web as the web is an increasingly important vehicle for communication. A literature review is undertaken into the variables that impact on both culture and cross‐cultural comparison in terms of likely impact on web site content, design and structure.FindingsCultural sensitivity is a critical factor in communication and must be taken into account if the web site is to be an effective vehicle for communication in a cross‐cultural context.Practical implicationsThose designing web sites should adopt a structured approach of firstly assessing the extent to which it is necessary to take culture into account in designing the web site. Then they need to determine the communication objectives and establish whether there is a need to design sites specifically for the target group in each country. Then they need to cluster such markets in terms of cultural similarities to see whether the same web site can be an effective communication vehicle in more than one country.Originality/valueManagers with an international focus can benefit from the focus in the paper on the linking of culture to web site content design and structure in improving its communication effectiveness taking into account the under exploited potential of the global and multicultural medium.