bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal replacement of systems subject to shocks and random threshold failure
Authors: Rangan Alagar , Thyagarajan Dimple , Sarada Y 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to generalize Yeh and Zhang's 2004 random threshold failure model for deteriorating systems.Design/methodology/approachAn N‐policy was adopted by which the system was replaced after the Nth failure.FindingsThe model was found to have practical applications in warranty cost analysis.Originality/valueBy identifying the instance of a shock as the failure of the system and the threshold times as the warranty period offered and changing the definition of lethal shock (system failure in this case) as the occurrence of a shock within a threshold period in our generalized model, one can study the renewing warranty cost analysis.
Higher vocational education in China
Authors: Durden G.R. , Yang G. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper addresses the increasingly important economy of China and its associated higher vocational education and training (HVE) system. More specifically, the paper aims to present the findings of a critical review of recent developments in the HVE system in Liaoning province.Design/methodology/approachAs part of this review, specific problems faced by Liaoning provincial and central government agencies in meeting the labour market needs of an economy in transition are explicated, as are current constraints in the implementation of the ongoing reform of the HVE system vis‐à‐vis economic reform. Predominantly secondary data sources were used to conduct the review and one of the authors was directly involved in their compilation. The review period was 1997‐2003, which represented the time span between the enactment of the central government's vocational education law and the most current point in time for which statistics on HVE were then available.FindingsPreliminary findings provide evidence to support the view that the Liaoning HVE system has made a small but significant positive contribution to the growth and development of the provincial economy over the period. Equally, however, the findings identified a number of constraints to the effective operation of the HVE system which could serve to limit continued economic growth. These constraints exist in the form of a low degree of market orientation; an insufficiency of resources both intellectual and physical, stemming from a chronic lack of financial investment; a relatively low level of overall cost effectiveness and a poor image in terms of the perceptions of the population at large as to the value of HVE as a tertiary education pathway. It is the authors' view that the constraints identified within the Liaoning HVE system exist as a general set of constraints within the overall Chinese HVE system.Research limitations/implicationsUnderstanding the nature of any labour market is a challenging and complex process and the authors are conscious that their preliminary review is deficient in a number of key areas. Firstly, further work is required to better understand the range and relative importance of the strategic drivers of economic and HVE reform in Liaoning province and China generally. Secondly, little has been said regarding the impact of the on‐going state owned enterprises reforms on the performance of the Liaoning HVE system, notwithstanding the fact that the underlying cost effectiveness imperative is greatly affected by these reforms.Originality/valueInternationally, the Chinese economy is seen as a major driver of growth in the global economy. In light of this it is the authors' view that the findings of this preliminary review provide a better understanding of the issues relating to its continued development, specifically as they relate to reform of the labour market and associated HVE system.
Formal calculus for real‐valued fractional Brownian motions prospects in systems science
Authors: Jumarie Guy 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo define the main elements of a formal calculus which deals with fractional Brownian motion (fBm), and to examine its prospects of applications in systems science.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on a generalization of the Maruyama's notation. The key is the new Taylor's series of fractional order f(x+h)=Eα(hαDα)f(x), where Eα( · ) is the Mittag‐Leffler function.FindingsAs illustrative applications of this formal calculus in systems science, one considers the linear quadratic Gaussian problem with fractal noises, the analysis of the equilibrium position of a system disturbed by a local fractal time, and a model of growing which involves fractal noises. And then, one examines what happens when one applies the maximum entropy principle to systems involving fBms (or shortly fractals).Research limitations/implicationsThe framework of this paper is applied mathematics and engineering mathematics, and the results so obtained allow the practical analysis of stochastic dynamics subject to fractional noises.Practical implicationsThe direct prospect of application of this approach is the analysis of some stock markets dynamics and some biological systems.Originality/valueThe fractional Taylor's series is new and thus so are all its implications.
An evolutionary view of innovation
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe early appearance of a form of innovation is accounted for as a feature of the evolutionary origins of intelligence. This is part of a view of intelligence in which the manipulation of continuous variables is argued to be more primitive than concept‐based processing.Design/methodology/approachIt has been shown that continuous‐variable schemes embodying self‐organisation by automatic term selection can model aspects of biological learning, but only when applied to one particular task. On the other hand, a person faces many different tasks, and a versatile‐learning system needs to have a means of classifying situations, and then associating the results of continuous‐variable learning with the appropriate situation class.FindingsThe classification of task environments postulated as part of the evolutionary viewpoint can be seen as the beginning of concept‐based thought, as well as of innovation.Practical implicationsThe implications are general but may suggest how innovation can be fostered.Originality/valueThe viewpoint is consistent with previous treatments of continuity as an aspect of intellect, notably that of MacKay.
Manager's requisite holism between personal and organisational values
Authors: Udovičič Karli , Mulej Matjaž 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo provide a link between psychology and management in order to promote a requisitely holistic thinking about human values. Managers need co‐workers rather than employees. Hence, they must holistically see their own, their co‐workers' and their organization's values.Design/methodology/approachMulej's dialectical systems theory is applied implicitly.FindingsValues are an interdisciplinary topic, belonging in older times to philosophers, later to psychologists, and needed by managers. It is especially important in the contemporary innovative society in which extrinsic motivation works less effectively than the intrinsic one and the manager's empathy in impact over it.Research limitations/implicationsResearch was limited to company setting and managerial viewpoints. Results imply the need for managers to be requisitely holistic in order to understand and influence co‐workers.Practical implicationsValues of employees and bosses are much more interdependent than one observes at the first sight. All need implicit systemic thinking.Originality/valueThis is to best of our knowledge the first case of dealing with values based on the dialectical systems theory and defining them as an interdisciplinary topic, which is much more crucial and difficult to handle in the innovative society than earlier.
Cooperation and opportunistic behaviour in transformational outsourcing
Authors: Rebernik Miroslav , Bradač Barbara 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate possible opportunistic behaviour in transformational outsourcing relationship and to indicate possibilities how to avoid it.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of literature survey authors discuss several important aspects of managing successful outsourcing relationship.FindingsHolistic perception of business processes and expertise on critical success factors in transformational outsourcing become increasingly important. For a collaboration in which the process of transformational outsourcing will prosper participants must be interdependent (and be aware of their interdependence) and have a long‐termed strategic interest to cooperate.Originality/valueIntroduced insight is important for understanding the long‐term outsourcing partnership, and to recognize possible opportunistic behaviour and be able to avoid it.
Systemic approach for innovative education process
Authors: Likar Borut , Macur Mirna , Trunk‐Širca Nada 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe main objective was to establish which are the most important phases within the invention‐innovation processes in Slovenian vocational education and training. We focused on the most important “outcome” of the educational process – the innovative student and tried to establish his/her interdependence with the teacher, educational system and supporting environment.Design/methodology/approachWe used questioner for analyses of the current situation on performing the mentioned chain and influencing factors. We used descriptive statistics and correlations among variables (Pearson correlation coefficient). The study was conducted among secondary school teachers.FindingsThe results show that teachers are aware of the importance of innovative processes. But the level of their non‐optimal support depends on their knowledge, experience and motivation as well as the school system at micro level. On macro level, the local community, regional and national support are the influencing factors. Concerning systemic approach, there is still a lot to be done at the national level. The paper presents the most important topics which require further improvements.Research limitations/implicationsWe showed key findings concerning current situation. Owing to the complexity of the problem we could not identify all the reasons for such situation which is an important motive for further research. Also a target group of interviewees represents a limitation.Practical implicationsThe results are useful for teachers/mentors, for school principals, for Slovenian supporting environment and for the educational system leaders, who can contribute more in creating innovative environment.Originality/valuePaper attempts to measure a complex subject of innovation processes in school in close interdependence with the teacher, educational system and supporting environment. Also major findings are important.
The dialectical network thinking – a new systems theory concerned with management
Authors: Rosi Bojan , Mulej Matjaž 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo show that holism, which has been the original aim of the systems theory as a worldview of holism rather than reductionism, is best attained by application of those versions of systems theory that result from synergies of mutually complementary systems theories as methodologies.Design/methodology/approachMulej's dialectical systems theory (DST) is applied as worldview and methodology of requisite holism using Mulej's dialectical systems concept.FindingTwo methodologies of co‐operative systems thinking – the network thinking and the DST – are compatible and complementary. They can be used for development of a new systems theory.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is limited to making a methodology helping managers attain more holism in a new synergy of two well established systems theories. Its application is expected with managers of business organizations.Practical implicationThe new concept was tried in railway management successfully. But this paper is too short to contain this application.Originality/valueAuthors neither know books nor articles presenting the new “Dialectical Network Thinking” theory nor its application except for their own unpublished texts.
Uncertain variables as a tool for analysis and decision making in uncertain knowledge‐based systems
Authors: Bubnicki Zdzislaw 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo present new results concerning the applications of the uncertain variables to analysis and decision problems in a class of uncertain knowledge‐based systems described by a relational knowledge representation.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis and decision‐making problems are formulated, the general forms of the solutions are described, the theorem concerning the optimal solution is presented, numerical examples illustrating the general theoretical approaches are included.FindingsThe uncertain variables have been proved as convenient tool for solving specific optimization problems based on relational knowledge representations with unknown parameters.Originality/valueFormulation and solving optimization problem for the given certainty threshold, application to the problem of resource and task distributions in a complex of parallel operations, indications of possible practical applications.
Multi‐attribute grey incidence decision model for interval number
Authors: Dang Yaoguo , Liu Sifeng , Mi Chuanmin 
Published: October 2006

PurposeBased on the characteristics of interval number, the distance of interval number is defined. And based on the grey incidence degree theory, the degree of interval number incidence is defined. These extend grey incidence analysis theory from real number sequence to interval number sequence.Design/methodology/approachStudies the multi‐attribute incidence decision‐making problems for interval number and models the incidence decision‐making model of multi‐attribute interval number.FindingsAn application example is given based on grey incidence decision model with multi‐attribute interval number.Research limitations/implicationsThis new model can avoid the difficulty of seeking the dummy optimal scheme and the negative optimal scheme, and it regards evaluated scheme as a whole to seek the optimal scheme.Practical implicationsIt is easy to realizing on computer and the evaluated result is more objective than the results obtained by other methods.Originality/valueStudies multi‐attribute decision‐making problems.
The economic‐cultural context of the EU economies
Authors: Živko Tjaša 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo analyse the European Union (EU) economies in the economic‐cultural context using a combination of soft variables and hard economic indicators in different time periods.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical frame was used as a foundation for the empirical analysis. The process of cultural convergence was empirically based on 16 cultural variables of 22 European countries, longitudinal data was used. The process of economic‐cultural convergence was based on five economic‐cultural variables of 22 European countries, longitudinal data was used.FindingsThe cultural diversity on its own is not a obstacle for the introduction and enforcement of modern social structures in Europe. The level of homogenisation of the cultural value orientations is in the year 1999 higher than in the year 1990. Culture is more oriented toward global care, reflecting more holism and interdependence.Research limitations/implicationsThe research explores new empirical views on convergence process in the context of the EU integration processes.Practical implicationsThe research is of great importance to policy makers and decision takers on a national and supranational level.Originality/valueThe research proposes a different methodological perspective on convergence processes in the EU.
Synthesis, characterisation and thermal stability of 5‐ferrocenylidene‐(1, 3‐dimethylbarbituric acid) and 5‐ferrocenylidene‐(1, 3‐diethylthiobarbituric acid)
Authors: Asiri A.M. , Al‐Amoudi M.S. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo discuss synthesis and evaluation of organo‐metallic dyes as second‐order nonlinear optical (SONLO) material.Design/methodology/approachNew dyes have been synthesised via Knovoenagel reactions of ferrocene carboxyaldehyde and two active methylene compounds.FindingsThe ferrocenyl dyes prepared have shown bathochromic shift and thermal stability.Practical implicationsThese compounds have UV‐Vis bathochromic shift, enabling them to be used as SONLO materials as well as dyes.Originality/valueThe paper provides further information on the thermal studies of these types of molecules.
Effect of concentration, voltage, take‐over distance and diameter of pinhead on precursory poly (phenylene vinylene) electrospinning
Authors: Wang C. , Zhang W. , Huang Z.H. , Yan E.Y. , Su Y.H. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo study the effect of concentration, voltage, take‐over distance and diameter of pinhead, etc. on precursory poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) electrospinning, in order to improve uniformity and achieve desired ultra‐fibre.Design/methodology/approachVarious ultra‐fibres were prepared under different conditions aiming at revealing the major effective factors. Thus, various ultra‐fibres were made at different concentrations of precursory PPV, by changing voltage and take‐over distance, etc. Diameter and morphology of ultra‐fibres were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).FindingsA method of preparation of PPV nanofibres with the PPV precursor, via electrospinning method, was introduced. The effects of concentration of PPV, voltage, take‐over distance, diameter of pinhead on the diameter and morphology of the fibres were studied. It was found that solution concentration was the major factor, as indicated by the result that it should be above 0.4 per cent by weight (wt%). Different voltage, concentration, distance, and diameter of pinhead, etc. also affect the distribution and dimension of PPV ultra‐fibres to an extent.Research limitation/implicationsThe polymeric ultra‐fibre, PPV, used in the present context was electrospun from precursory PPV, which was not well ordered. Therefore, other parallel nanofibres of PPV can also be used to improve the end – product.Practical implicationsThe method provided a simple and practical technology for forming nanofibres of any kind of materials.Originality/valueElectrospinning of precursory PPV was creative in methodology and can be used in the preparation of solar cell, non‐linear optics, conducting and semi‐conducting materials.
Engineering Libraries Division (ELD) of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Meeting
Authors: Gelfand Julia 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo capture conference content and presentation.Design/methodology/approachA conference report that spans the disciplines of engineering and technology education and engineering librarianship.FindingsTechnology plays an important role in nearly all applications performed by an engineering librarian.Originality/valueA report of interest to library and information professionals.
American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference Report
Authors: Costello Gina , Cox Christopher , Daugherty Alice L. , Haley Connie , Jackson Millie , Ranti Junus S.G. , Zhuo Fu 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo highlight content of interest to this journal’s readership that promotes current thinking and activities in Information Technology.Design/methodology/approachSelective conference report of the annual meeting of the American Library Association and pre‐conference.FindingsThe largest conference of librarians, the variety of programs, activities, exhibit halls, creates one of the best professional development opportunities for librarians. Attracting librarians from all sectors and work environments from around the globe, this conference is hard to describe in a brief way except to say it is an experience. The article documents relevant programs about information technology was the goal of this contribution.Originaligy/valueContains information of particular interest to readers who did not attend these sessions. Introducers them to presenters and important hot topics. Provides an alternative to not being present while gaining some information and coverage.
The Campus of the Future: A Meeting of the Minds, Honolulu, Hawaii, July 2006: A Summary
Authors: Boone Morell 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis article reviews the Campus of the Future meeting held in Honolulu, Hawaii in July 2006.Design/methodology/approachProvides a review of some of the events of the conference.FindingsThis conference was attended by university administrations interested in facilities planning and business affairs with a focus on forecasting developments in the future of higher education over the next ten to 20 yearsOriginality/valueA conference report of interest to information management professionals, especially those involved with facilities planning and business affairs
Blogging: An Introductory Look at an Old Pastime in a New Medium
Authors: Young Michelle L. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis article was written to offer an introduction to blogging.Design/methodology/approachThe initial research was undertaken as a project stemming from a request to present on blogging at the Virginia Library Association Paraprofessional Annual Conference in May of 2006.FindingsThe article covers a range of topics from history, to a description of what a blog is, and why to create or use one (personally and professionally).Originality/valueLibraries have only just begun to think about blogging and this introductory piece may help novices.
Improving Web Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Walsh John 
Published: October 2006

PurposeErgonomic concerns dictate the need to be attentive to web accessibility for the visually impaired. The purpose is to update readers about how the ADA is influencing new standards for web accessibility for the visually impaired. There are many new products and tools that contribute to improving the accessibility of web content.Design/methodology/approachOverview of how libraries are responding to the ADA mandates.FindingsWith reasonable accommodation libraries can make a big difference in how visually impaired readers can have a better experience with using the computer.Originality/valueThis paper is useful for current information on this new directive and there are many new resources listed for consultation.
A history of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing
Authors: LaPlaca Peter J. , Johnston Wesley J. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeSeeks to provide a historical case study of the founding and development of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing from the perspective of the two editors of the journal covering the first 20 years of publication.Design/methodology/approachThe editors report on their experiences of establishing and nurturing the journal over a 20‐year period. Individual experiences are reported along with specific historical events and specific journal contents.FindingsThe paper provides information about the history of the journal and its founding, indicating the difficulties and managerial skills necessary to accomplish such a task. The paper also recognizes the 20‐year growth and contribution of the journal and those who contributed to it.Research limitations/implicationsThe viewpoints of the editors are anecdotal and recall events as far back as 20 years. They summarize the events of a 20‐year period in the article, relying on memory and information from archival files.Practical implicationsThe paper provides one description of the founding and development of a leading journal in the field of business and industrial marketing. A list is presented summarizing Special Issues and significant milestones of the journal. The paper is a must‐read for anyone contemplating starting a new journal.Originality/valueThis article presents the only complete history of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing.