bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and realities of supply chain integration: the case of food manufacturers
Authors: Pieter van Donk Dirk , Akkerman Renzo , van der Vaart Taco 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate the limitations and barriers for supply chain integration that food manufacturers experience and to highlight their planning and scheduling problems. Possible ways to cope with these are offered.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is theoretical/conceptual in nature: the findings are illustrated in an explorative case study.FindingsIt is often suggested that food supply chains are typical for what can be achieved in supply chain management. This paper challenges this belief by investigating the possibilities and limitations for supply chain integration for food manufacturers. The authors argue that a combination of typical food characteristics and the use of shared resources limit the possibility for integration, while uncertainties and complex business conditions increase the need for integration. In a case study, the paper explores alternatives to cope with that situation.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on previous empirical work, which is applied and further developed in a case‐study setting of a consumer product food manufacturer. The authors argue that the case has several generic characteristics, but further research is needed to test the main ideas in a wider context.Practical implicationsProduction managers and planners in food manufacturing are often aware of the described situation, but general managers, marketing managers, and supply chain managers can learn that there are limits to aligning operations to customers. The paper offers a number of solutions that might assist production managers in better understanding their situation and thinking about improvements.Originality/valueThe paper introduces buyer focus, shared resources and the limitations of supply chain integration into the field of food supply chains.
Managing capabilities for talent engagement and pipeline development
Authors: Bhatnagar Jyotsna 
Published: February 2008

PurposeWith talent management becoming an area of growing concern in the literature, this paper seeks to investigate talent management, employee engagement and talent pipeline development.Design/methodology/approachA case study of best practice in talent pipeline development is followed using interviews and archival data as shared by the organization.FindingsThe findings of the case looked at interventions of employee engagement and dialogue. Establishing talent pools and identification of talent through talent matrix is highlighted. A basic HR architecture is emphasized. Global managerial diversity with rotational assignments in different markets is another finding of the case which grooms future leaders for the organization.Originality/valueThe present study indicated that a good level of engagement may lead to high retention and grooming of future leaders for the organization.
Developing transnational leaders: five paradoxes for success
Authors: Fisher‐Yoshida Beth , Geller Kathy 
Published: February 2008

PurposeAs consultants working with multinational organizations predominantly in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the authors frequently find themselves working with clients to create strategies for building their talent pipeline and developing leaders at multiple managerial levels. The purpose of this article is to introduce a model and approach for developing transnational leaders that will serve as a basis for learning design going forward.Design/methodology/approachThe authors introduce the reader to five paradoxes: presenting a continuum for each dilemma; listing the key aspects of the dilemma; describing a situation in which this particular paradox has manifested itself; and posing a provocative question to stimulate thinking and dialogue to address the paradox.FindingsThe five paradoxes leaders and managers in the twenty‐first century need to consider to effectively manage for organization success are the: paradox of knowing (self and other); paradox of focus (individual and communal); paradox of communication (direct and indirect); paradox of action (doing and being); and the paradox of response (time focus: short and long‐term).Practical implicationsLeading transnationally is a continuing dilemma to be considered and managed. It requires a willingness to understand the system in which one is operating and requires adaptability and flexibility in response.Originality/valuePrevious leadership development efforts have been primarily designed to offer competency based skills and tools. The authors instead propose that transnational leadership development needs to focus on paradox management, which will develop abilities to manage these dilemmas.
How a general and a specific thesaurus cover expressions in patients' questions and physicians' answers
Authors: Eerola Johanna , Vakkari Pertti 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the degree to which General Finnish Thesaurus (GFT) and FinMeSH cover various semantic expressions of medical concepts in patients' questions and physicians' answers concerning cardiovascular diseases. The former represents lay persons' information needs.Design/methodology/approachA total of 50 question‐answer pairs were collected in a medical web site. Concepts and their expressions (terms) with their semantic relations were identified in questions and answers.FindingsFinMeSH covered 65 per cent and GFT 41 per cent of all medical terms in texts. The expressions of patients and physicians matched better with FinMeSH than GFT regardless of the type of expression. The difference in favour of FinMeSH was typically about 25 per cent‐units.Originality/valueThe low fit with users' vocabularies makes GFT a poor tool for supporting searching, whereas the relatively high fit of FinMeSH suggests that it is a reasonable tool in assisting searching. Conclusions concerning the bridging of these two thesauri are discussed.
Organizational disasters: why they happen and how they may be prevented
Authors: Wei Choo Chun 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at why organizational disasters happen, and to discuss how organizations can improve their ability to recognize and respond to warning events and conditions before they tailspin into catastrophe.Design/methodology/approachA review of research on organizational disasters suggests that there are a number of information difficulties that can prevent organizations from noticing and acting on warning signals. The paper describes these difficulties using recent examples of organizational mishaps from: 9/11, Enron, Merck Vioxx withdrawal, Barings Bank collapse, Columbia Space Shuttle breakup, and Children's Hospital Boston.FindingsThe paper identifies three types of information impairments that could lead to organizational disasters: epistemic blind spots, risk denial, and structural impediment. It examines common information and decision practices that make it hard for organizations to see and deal with warning signals. Finally, the paper suggests what individuals, groups, and organizations can do to raise their information vigilance.Originality/valueThe paper shows that organizational disasters have a structure and dynamic that can be understood, and proposes a number of strategies by which organizations can become better prepared to recognize and contain errors so as to avert disaster.
Anti‐climate change management (ACCM)
Authors: Svensson Göran 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an initial seed of anti‐climate change management (ACCM) in business practices and theory generation.Design/methodology/approachAn approach of ACCM is coined and a framework is outlined.FindingsTwo interconnected levels of ACCM may be distinguished.Research limitations/implicationsA recent UN‐report indicates the timing is ripe to link the global and business levels together on the agendas of practitioners and scholars.Practical implicationsACCM suggests a major twist in business practices and theory generation from being only business‐oriented, and in part environment‐oriented, to being planet‐oriented as well.Originality/valueACCM assists in repositioning and expanding the boundaries of current chain management approaches considered in business practices and theory generation. It also contributes to linking business and non‐business research disciplines together. Furthermore, it stresses the requirement of “bottom‐up” and “top‐down” approaches so as to highlight the connection between local practices and global sustainability.
Performance improvement of Al‐alloyed materials via plasma spray coating
Authors: Salman Serdar , Topal Ali , Findik Fehim 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe aim of the research is to increase piston and engine performance by using ceramic coated pistons instead of pistons which are manufactured from aluminum alloys and having a coated flame chamber.Design/methodology/approachThermal torch and thermal shock tests were performed on the pistons and some specimens of 1.5 mm thick were prepared according to ASTM standards; both have the same material characteristics. In the present work, plasma spray technique was used for ceramic coating.FindingsIt was found that the ceramic coating, which, when performed properly, has compatible expansion coefficient with the aluminum alloy pistons, increases performance of pistons and engines.Research limitations/implicationsCoatings were limited with one type of bonding and two ceramics, and coated parts were subjected to thermal torch and thermal shock tests.Practical implicationsFor future work, instead of using other coating materials, stable yttria is used as the best coating material with optimum thermal resistance. By this process, working life of the machine parts can be extended and a number of economical advantages may also be obtained.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils the identified information and offers practical help to the industrial firms working with ceramic coatings and also to the academicians working on wear of materials.
The role of heavyweight product manager in new product development
Authors: Rauniar Rupak , Doll William , Rawski Greg , Hong Paul 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to empirically investigate how a heavyweight product manager (HW) can impact the cross‐functional team and project performance (PP) through actively influencing the ways and the extent of strategic alignment (SA), shared project mission, and clarity of project targets in the early front‐end stage.Design/methodology/approachBased on past studies on leadership role theory and goal‐setting theory for teams, this study hypothesizes that the role of the HW for SA of the project, shared project mission, and clarity of the project target are positively related. The study further hypothesizes that these roles of the HW can have a positive impact on PP measures such as product cost, time, and customer satisfaction.FindingsPrimary data collected from 191 new product development (NPD) projects from the US automotive industry were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques. All the hypotheses presented in this study regarding the role of the HW in a cross‐functional team are supported. These roles of the HW also seem to indicate a positive relationship with overall PP.Practical implicationsRather than blindly subscribing to generic and prescriptive “best practices” for the HW, the causal relationship detailed in this study makes it now possible to rationalize the role of HW in cross‐functional product development teams. Through formal and informal influence of the HW, the project and the team gain SA, shared mission, and clear project targets that can drive better PP.Originality/valueThis is the first study to focus specifically on the role of HW in NPD in a cross‐functional team environment.
Enhanced fluorescence‐based bio‐detection through selective integration of reflectors in microfluidic lab‐on‐a‐chip
Authors: Chandrasekaran Arvind , Packirisamy Muthukumaran 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper proposes to examine a simple and cost‐effective method of integrating a reflector surface with a silicon‐based microfluidic channel for enhanced biosensing through the method of fluorescence in a microfluidics and nanofluidics‐based lab‐on‐a‐chip device.Design/methodology/approachHerein, the reflector is integrated with silicon‐based microfluidic channels and fluorescence measurements were carried out using alexafluor 647 particles. Two types of microfluidic channel surfaces were used, with and without reflector integration, for the experiments.FindingsThe experimental results prove that the proposed technique of partial reflector integration within microfluidic or nanofluidic channel surfaces is highly suitable for fluorescence‐based detection of single molecules and low concentration fluorophore‐tagged receptors.Originality/valueIt is believed that this is a novel work of integrating a reflector with a microfluidic channel surface for fluorescence‐based biodetection. This method will be very useful for fluorescence‐based biosensors in detecting low concentration fluorophores and single molecules.
Novel X‐ray imaging and segmentation of root structures
Authors: Page David , Koschan Andreas , Abidi Mongi , Michaels Ron , McDonald Dan 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a novel X‐ray system and associated image segmentation algorithm for imaging the below‐ground root structures of plants.Design/methodology/approachA matched filter design for segmenting the important root structures from the background clutter in the X‐ray images was presented.FindingsThe feasibility of root imaging and the applicability of matched filters to this problem domain have been demonstrated.Originality/valueThis research offers a novel approach over existing methods for in situ monitoring of root structures through the application of matched filters for image segmentation.
Gender, professions and public policy: new directions
Authors: Kuhlmann Ellen , Lynn Bourgeault Ivy 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis article aims to provide an overview on key trends in public sector policy and professional development and how they intersect with gender and diversity. It seeks to explore new configurations in the relationship between gender and the professions and to develop a matrix for the collection of articles presented in this volume.Design/methodology/approachThe authors link social policy and governance approaches to the study of professions, using the health professions and academics as case studies. Material from a number of studies carried out by the authors together with published secondary sources provide the basis of our analysis; this is followed by an introduction of the scope and structure of this thematic issue.FindingsThe findings underline the significance of public policy as key to better understand gender and diversity in professional groups. The outline of major trends in public sector professions brings into focus both the persistence of gender inequality and the emergence of new lines of gendered divisions in the professions.Practical implicationsThe research presented here highlights a need for new models of public sector management and professional development that are more sensitive to equality and diversity.Originality/valueThis article focuses on the “making” of inequality at the interface of public policy and professional action. It introduces a context sensitive approach that moves beyond equal opportunity policies and managerial accounts and highlights new directions in research and policy.
Procuring professional housing maintenance services
Authors: Lam Terence Y.M. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThis study aims to develop an evaluation model for public managers in Hong Kong to assist in the procurement of best value consultants for professional housing maintenance services as part of the privatisation process.Design/methodology/approachThe model developed is termed the “strategic evaluation model”, in which the strategic objective of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of resources through privatisation is used as the basis for evaluation. A value for money (VFM) ratio can represent both efficiency and effectiveness. This ratio refers to the output service quality versus the input costs, which are assessed independently. Production and transaction costs are quantitative figures, and as such the key issue in the analysis is the forecast of the output quality. It was hypothesized that there was a correlation between output quality and input management and economic factors. A triangulation methodology was used to develop and test out the correlation whereby the literature review and qualitative interviews with the maintenance consultancy management practitioners of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) were used to generate the hypothesis, which was then tested by quantitative regression, using data from the maintenance consultancies of the Authority. The hypothesis was validated, and hence an authentic, objective evaluation model was substantiated.FindingsThe main hypothesis was “In evaluating the competitive consultants for providing professional services for housing maintenance, the decision approach to ensuring the optimum use of resources can be determined by an objective comparison of the value for money of the respective services”. The sub‐hypotheses considered the relationships between output service quality and individual input factors of competition level, past performance, project leadership and quality benchmarking. The results of the qualitative and quantitative studies confirmed and validated the hypotheses, and hence substantiated the strategic evaluation model which is based on objective VFM assessment.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the model was developed in the context of housing maintenance in the Hong Kong Housing Authority, it can form the baseline from which further research can build to provide an evaluation model for procuring property management and construction professional and contractor services in many other public‐ and private‐sector settings.Practical implicationsThe weighted quality and price assessment method previously used is unable to obtain value services. This combined assessment method should therefore be replaced by the strategic model in order to achieve an optimum use of resources.Originality/valueThis paper establishes an evaluation framework for public managers to obtain best value services and hence ensure optimum use of resources in outsourcing of those facilities management (FM) services.
A review of the effectiveness of urban renewal in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Eddie C.M. , Wong Joe T.Y. , Wan Janice K.M. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the progress of rehabilitation and redevelopment and review the effectiveness of the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance (LCSRO) (Cap. 545) and proposals that influence the urban renewal process in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThe study largely relies on the review of the LCSRO and the Government's proposal, and the urban renewal progress. Rehabilitation and redevelopment data was collated and analyzed to assess how effective the renewal process and the Government legislation have been in tackling the urban decay problem in Hong Kong. This study benchmarks the good practices of Singapore.FindingsThe pace of urban renewal activities in Hong Kong is lagging behind its policy goal. The implementation of the urban renewal programme has not adequately resolved the serious problem of ageing buildings. The existing legislation has not been effectively attracting private sector's participation either. The proposed relaxation of the compulsory sale threshold for specified classes of lots under the LCSRO aims to assist private sector‐led redevelopment. However, it is not a panacea for urban decay. Whilst the private sector's participation is facilitated, the Government should consider complementary measures, e.g. the relaxation of such criteria as the building age, plot ratio and height limitation for a more effective and efficient process, particularly in less attractive sites. A careful balance should be maintained in redeveloping different regions in the city. The Government should also be cautious about the negative externalities that might affect to the community.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies the implementation gap of urban renewal in Hong Kong. Practical suggestions are made to the Government and related organizations to expedite urban renewal works.Originality/valueThe paper assesses Hong Kong's urban decay problem in a quantitative way. This approach has hardly been applied in a local context. It also highlights important issues relating to private sector involvement in urban renewal activities and various concerns over the proposed changes to the LCSRO. The paper will benefit local policy makers, property developers and professionals in the area. Its results will form a basis for further research on the impact of the proposals on land supply and housing prices after its implementation.
Rent control revisited: effects on property management
Authors: Klingenberg Beate , Brown Roger J. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how an optimization model previously published by the authors is employed to study the effects of rent control on income optimization for the owner and the manager, as well as on the principal‐agent relationship. The model explains effects on management, maintenance and housing quality observed under rent control.Design/methodology/approachThe optimization model is developed by applying a transaction cost framework to the context of income structures in investment properties and their management. Rent control is introduced into the model as a rent maximum.FindingsUnder rent control, the manager is forced to optimize income solely through cost control, without motivation to provide above minimum services. The owner is unable to optimize income. Income and funds available for management and maintenance are reduced by costs uncontrollable by the owner. Consequently, management and maintenance are reduced, if not eliminated, resulting in deterioration of the housing stock, notwithstanding minimum habitability standards imposed by regulators. This dilemma argues against dropping management entirely and interferes with the owner's quest to find the right incentive structure for the agent.Research limitations/implicationsRent control is modeled as a cap on rents. Many rent control policies employ a maximum in rent increase instead, with the maximum often linked to inflation. As the results of the model are in line with real‐world observations, this simplification seems to be non‐critical.Practical implicationsRent control was implemented with the intent to provide affordable housing to the less fortunate in society. Economic and social effects of rent control have since been heatedly discussed, in the public arena and in academia. This paper supports the view that rent control has unintended, negative consequences not only for the property owner, but also for the property manager (who is at the brink of elimination) and for the tenant (as housing quality deteriorates). This paper therefore encourages a renewed discussion and review of rent control policies.Originality/valueThe paper expands existing literature by analyzing the effects of rent control on property management. By using an optimization model, theory‐based results are provided that supplements real‐word observations, which is interesting for both academics and practitioners. Furthermore, the applicability of the previously developed optimization model is strengthened.