bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of TPM implementation initiatives in an Indian manufacturing enterprise
Authors: Ahuja I.P.S. , Khamba J.S. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify maintenance‐related losses for ascertaining and addressing the performance losses, and affecting improvements in the manufacturing performance in an organization through strategic total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper TPM initiatives in the steel manufacturing plant have been elaborated to ascertain the tangible and intangible benefits accrued as a result of successful TPM implementation. The approach has been directed toward justification of TPM implementation for its support to competitive manufacturing in the context of Indian manufacturing industries.FindingsThe paper establishes the long‐term effects of TPM on organizational performance in the Indian context. TPM implementation initiatives have shown marked improvements in the equipment efficiency and effectiveness, and have also brought about appreciable improvements in other manufacturing functions in the organization. It has been observed that systematic interventions regarding TPM deployment have significantly contributed toward improving the manufacturing system productivity, quality, safety, morale and besides ensuring the cost effectiveness of the manufacturing function within the organization. The case study reveals that holistic TPM implementation has lead to establishment of strategic proactive maintenance practices in the organization for avoiding future system and equipment‐related losses, and has marshaled the organization toward capability building for sustained competitiveness in the global marketplace.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights the contributions of maintenance function to ensure enhanced equipment reliability, thereby affecting improvements in the manufacturing system performance. In this study the TPM implications in a steel manufacturing plant have been highlighted, which may be implemented in other manufacturing plants to improve their performance.Originality/valueThe present study encompasses systematic identification of maintenance‐related losses, setting up of targets regarding maintenance performance improvements and developing guidelines for achieving enhanced manufacturing system performance through strategic TPM initiatives in the steel manufacturing plant, which can also be important to all concerned with maintenance and safety in various manufacturing enterprises.
A maintenance optimisation framework in application to optimise power station boiler pressure parts maintenance
Authors: Tam Allen S.B. , Price John W.H. , Beveridge Alan 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe boiler pressure parts are a major asset of a power station, and the maintenance cost is often accountable for a huge portion of the annual budget. In the power generation industry, the outage costs due to loss of production, both planned or forced, are very significant and thus it is of interest to seek for a meaningful approach to the management of boiler pressure parts maintenance such that the enterprise performance is optimised. This paper aims to do this.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a framework that introduces the division of the enterprise objectives into the three decision dimensions. The framework is applied to the case of power station boiler pressure parts maintenance to optimise maintenance outages decisions for Loy Yang, a power station in Victoria, Australia.FindingsThe study finds that the framework provides meaningful approach to optimising maintenance decisions and is generic for application in different cases.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new insight and integrated approach to optimising asset maintenance for an enterprise with the use of a case study.
A multi‐criteria decision‐aiding model using PROMETHEE III for preventive maintenance planning under uncertain conditions
Authors: Cavalcante C.A.V. , de Almeida A.T. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a model that permits more rational planning for preventive maintenance, by controlling failures in the specific context of equipment breakdown. Thus not only the cost and reliability parameters are dealt with, but also the peculiarities of different contexts in which maintenance activities occur. Furthermore, it aims to include Bayesian methodology in the procedure to overcome main difficulties in failure data.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐criteria decision‐aiding model capable of overcoming the two main difficulties related to preventive maintenance: establishing a replacement periodicity based on more than one criterion, and the ability to provide a solution in uncertainties situations, has been developed from adaptation of classical models. This model also uses Bayesian elements to address uncertainties during equipment failures.FindingsThe paper finds that in a preventive maintenance planning, as a multi‐criteria decision problem, different types of uncertainties may be identified, which may be categorized as external uncertainties and internal uncertainties. In the proposed model a division of procedures has been established, dealing with external uncertainties first, then the internal uncertainties related to the structure of the problem and analysis of the decision are addressed using the multi‐criteria decision‐making method PROMETHEE III that allows the amplification of the notion of indifference. In this way, a suitable structure to connect two types of uncertainties was structured.Practical implicationsThe model will assist the decision‐maker in preventive maintenance planning to take uncertainties into account, seeing the alternatives that are closest, through an amplification of the notion of indifference provided by PROMETHEE III. Furthermore, in practice the proposed model have an impact on maintenance cost and reliability of production plant.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a multi‐criteria decision‐aiding model capable of overcoming the two main difficulties related to preventive maintenance: establishing a replacement periodicity based on more than one criterion; and the ability to provide a solution even when failure data are unavailable or incomplete.
A comparative study of heuristic algorithms to solve maintenance scheduling problem
Authors: Asif Raza Syed , Mustafa Al‐Turki Umar 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of two meta‐heuristics in solving the problem of scheduling maintenance operations and jobs processing on a single machine.Design/methodology/approachThe two meta‐heuristic algorithms, tabu search and simulated annealing are hybridized using the properties of an optimal schedule identified in the existing literature to the problem. A lower bound is also suggested utilizing these properties.FindingIn a numerical experimentation with large size problems, the best‐known heuristic algorithm to the problem is compared with the tabu search and simulated annealing algorithms. The study shows that the meta‐heuristic algorithms outperform the heuristic algorithm. In addition, the developed meta‐heuristics tend to be more robust against the problem‐related parameters than the existing algorithm.Research limitations/implicationsA future work may consider the possibility of machine failure along with the preventive maintenance. This relaxes the assumption that the machine cannot fail but it is rather maintained preventively. The multi‐criteria scheduling can also be considered as an avenue of future work. The problem can also be considered with stochastic parameters such that the processing times of the jobs and the maintenance related parameters are random and follow a known probability distribution function.Practical implicationsThe usefulness of meta‐heuristic algorithms is demonstrated for solving a large scale NP‐hard combinatorial optimization problem. The paper also shows that the utilization of the directed search methods such as hybridization could substantially improve the performance of a meta‐heuristic.Originality/valueThis research highlights the impact of utilizing the directed search methods to cause hybridization in meta‐heuristic and the resulting improvement in their performance for large‐scale optimization.
CSR expectations: the focus of corporate marketing
Authors: Podnar Klement , Golob Urša 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between individuals' expectations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and their readiness to support the socially responsible behaviour of companies in light of the expectational relationship a company has with its stakeholders, as defined in the corporate marketing model.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected using an online survey of 354 respondents from different backgrounds. The sample was 57 per cent female and 43 per cent male with 66 per cent of respondents aged between 20 and 40 years. The authors conducted descriptive statistics, a factor analysis, and structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results show that expectations of ethical‐philanthropic CSR tend to have a significant positive influence on both types of intended CSR support by customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the research is the limited scope of the model. For more insight into the relevance of CSR for corporate marketing, it would be interesting to include other relevant variables from this field, such as identification with a corporate brand and corporate reputation.Practical implicationsThe model suggests that ethical‐philanthropic responsibilities seem to lead to a competitive advantage which is based on a desired customer response and reward. This is in line with the main focus of corporate marketing, which is the meeting of stakeholder and societal needs.Originality/valueThe paper empirically considers and challenges the acknowledged Carroll's classification of CSR, and links it with the readiness to support socially responsible behaviour of companies in general. In addition, it links the notion of CSR with that of corporate marketing, which strives to develop meaningful relationships with customers and other stakeholders.
Understanding the pitfalls in the corporate rebranding process
Authors: Gotsi Manto , Andriopoulos Constantine 
Published: September 2007

PurposeWhile the corporate rebranding momentum is accelerating, corporate decisions are not currently informed by strong theory and academic research in this area. To broaden the understanding, the purpose of this paper is to generate empirical insights into the key pitfalls in the corporate rebranding process.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory qualitative study included 14 personal semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with executives involved in the corporate rebranding of a leading telecommunications firm, and a review of relevant archival materials.FindingsThe analysis highlighted common reports of four key pitfalls in corporate rebranding. These are: disconnecting with the core; stakeholder myopia; emphasis on labels, not meanings; one company, one voice: the challenge of multiple identities.Research limitations/implicationsThis presents a single case study but one which provides empirical insights that advance theoretical thinking in corporate rebranding, and highlights interesting avenues for further research.Practical implicationsThis study highlights: the importance of marketing and organisational research in designing new corporate brands; the value of engaging staff in the rebranding process from a very early stage; the need to ensure that internal processes and systems encourage employees to endorse the new corporate brand values through their attitudes and behaviours.Originality/valueCorporate rebranding campaigns are not only expensive exercises, but also critical for sustaining competitive advantage in light of changing corporate priorities. This is one of very few papers that provide insights on the pitfalls in the corporate rebranding process.
Relationship outcomes as determinants of reputation
Authors: Simcic Brønn Peggy 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the basis of reputation building through a relationship approach in order to demonstrate that quality of relationships is a determinant of reputation.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted on three groups of stakeholders from a collection agency (a typical outsourcing firm) over a period of two years. A questionnaire was developed based on the work by public relations researchers on measuring relationship outcomes. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics with means and standard deviations. A correlation analysis was performed to investigate the possible effects of a number of the questions on reputation.FindingsThe findings from the study showed correlations between a number of the statements measuring the relationship outcomes and the firm's perception among its stakeholders. The most important finding in this study was the significant correlation between the firm's treatment of its clients' customers and the impact on the clients' reputation.Research limitations/implicationsWhile it has been used by researchers in at least three countries without discussion, the questionnaire's Norwegian translation is a challenge. The relationship described in this paper between a debtor and a collection agency is also unusual.Practical implicationsResults indicate that the quality of a firm's stakeholder relationships can impact customer image. For this reason, firms need to allocate resources for corporate marketing strategies across stakeholder groups.Originality/valueThis research adds to previous corporate identity research and provides valuable insight into the dynamics of an outsourcing relationship.
Understanding the meaning of corporate identity: a conceptual and semiological approach
Authors: Olutayo Otubanjo B. , Melewar T.C. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to attempt to examine how corporate identity (one of the elements of Balmer's 6Cs of corporate marketing) could be better understood, whilst also addressing how the deconstruction of one of the other elements (i.e. communications: corporate advertising) could provide deeper insight into what corporate identity truly means.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines various theoretical approaches which have compartmentalised the meaning of corporate identity. It also highlights how these compartments interrelate. The paper introduces the semiotic method and illustrates how this method could deconstruct firms' perception of corporate identity.FindingsTwo conceptual models and a semiotic method process were contributed. The first model reveals three main constructs of corporate identity, namely symbolism, behaviour, and corporate communications, and the second model reveals the corporate personality construct. The semiotic method reveals the positioning of corporate identity as a corporate personality construct.Originality/valueThis paper provides a better understanding of the meaning of corporate identity by developing two conceptual models and a semiotic method. The conceptual models provide an analysis of how various theoretical approaches which have compartmentalised the meaning of corporate identity interrelate. The semiotic method provides a stage‐by‐stage process of how a firm's perception of corporate identity is deconstructed. The conceptual models and the semiotic method give a better understanding of the meaning of corporate identity.
The rule of law
Authors: Baldwin Fletcher N. , DiPerna Theresa A. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore complexities of compliance with international and customary law when faced with terrorist threats. The paper's thesis asserts that terrorism cannot be successfully repelled unless the legitimacy of international and domestic law is adhered to by states out of a sense of reciprocal obligation in accordance with the principle of pacta sunt servanda (pacts shall be respected).Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines US pronouncements in order to assess strategic validity.FindingsWhile the Middle East, particularly Iraq, has been the focus of the US “War on terrorism,” the paper suggests two questions: what has been the US response to terrorist threats in the Americas? Have US national security priorities post‐9/11 been unnecessarily diverted from the Americas where much needed support is promised but lacking, and instead have resources been concentrated far beyond domestic and international norms?Originality/valueThe paper examines the US national security priorities, concluding that they have been unproductively diverted from the Americas to the Middle East in general and Iraq in particular. The US fixation upon Middle East “regime‐change”, while neglecting to recognize the dangerous nexus and presence of organized crime and terrorist organizations in the Americas, is illustrative of how the present administration has diverted its post.
Public awareness of corruption in Australia
Authors: Bowman Diana , Gilligan George 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine public awareness and perceptions on corruption in Australia, a country that traditionally has been viewed as having relatively low levels of corruption.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the findings of a random telephone survey of 300 people aged 16 and above, across the three most populated Australian states.FindingsThe paper suggests that corruption may be a greater issue of concern for the Australian public than has been assumed in the past, given the relatively low levels of reported systematic corruption in Australia. Moreover, while there may be widespread agreement that corruption in Australia is harmful and perhaps inevitable, people can find it difficult at times to differentiate between what is corrupt and what is not.Originality/valueThe findings presented in this paper illustrate that corruption is an issue of concern for members of the Australian public, with the majority of respondents agreeing that corruption seems to be increasing in Australia. These findings should be considered by state and federal anti‐corruption bodies as they frame their policies and processes.
Tax and terrorism: a new partnership?
Authors: Michelle Gallant M. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper has the purpose of being a preliminary exploration of the link between taxation and the contemporary assault on the financial aspect of terrorism.Design/methodology/approachThis is a discussion paper.FindingsLocating the origins of the link in the terrorist attacks of September 2001, it considers the ramifications of the fusion of taxation and international tax havens with terrorist finance.Originality/valueThe paper considers the link between taxation and the financial aspect of terrorism.
A critical appraisal of the role of UCLAF
Authors: Quirke Brendan Joseph 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the mission of Unité de Coordination de la Lutte Anti‐Fraud (UCLAF); how it cooperated with Member States and how it accounted for its actions. The paper seeks to detail examples of its investigations and to consider the criticisms made of UCLAF by the European Court of Auditors and the Committee of Independent Experts which had been established to investigate allegations of fraud, nepotism and mismanagement within the European Commission. It will also seek to draw lessons from the UCLAF experience for the future fight against EU fraud.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used a combination of semi‐structured interviews with EU and national officials in the UK and Ireland as well as a review of secondary materials such as organisational reports and academic sources.FindingsThe paper found that the fight against fraud was fatally undermined by the high degree of fragmentation due to the multiplicity of national and EU agencies involved. There were some self‐inflicted weaknesses on the part of UCLAF such as poor use of intelligence databases and the employment of a high number of staff on temporary contracts which led to high‐staff turnover and disrupted the investigative process.Practical implicationsThe paper reveals how not to fight against transnational fraud. Lessons need to be learned from the UCLAF experience, so that the same mistakes are not made again.Originality/valueThe paper is an addition to a body of work which is not particularly extensive. It strives to offer some lessons for the future fight against fraud.
Capital movement through trade misinvoicing: the case of Africa
Authors: de Boyrie Maria E. , Nelson James A. , Pak Simon J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify capital flows due to trade misinvoicing in 30 African nations.Design/methodology/approachData from 30 African nations were examined for deviations from average import and export prices as an indicator of capital flows This paper uses US customs data to document the amount of capital flows which may be hidden in commodity trade. Deviations from average prices (price filter matrix) within these commodity classes are used to identify abnormal prices and to produce conservative estimates of the amount of capital movement from 30 countries in Africa to the USA.FindingsThe results of this study demonstrate that, between 2000 and 2005, capital outflows from all 58 countries in Africa to the USA grew by more than 50 percent, through both low‐priced exports and high‐priced imports.Research limitations/implicationsA clear understanding as to the true purpose of the overall capital movement is not easy to determine from the data. Approximately half of the countries (16 out of 30) utilized low‐priced exports as a means to move more money into the USA, while the other half (14 out of 30) used high‐priced exports to move the most money.Practical implicationsWhen trade misinvoicing is used as a tool to move capital in and out of a country or continent in order to evade taxes and/or customs duties, avoiding quotas, smuggling, and laundering illegally obtained money, or as a means of capital flight, the economic development of the given country is severely hindered. This movement of capital may be due to tax evasion, duty reduction, money laundering, capital flight, or other reasons beyond the scope of this paper.Originality/valueThe technique of using a price filter matrix can be of value to researchers and governments to identify capital flows due to trade misinvoicing.
The ghost of 0.7 per cent: origins and relevance of the international aid target
Authors: Clemens Michael A. , Moss Todd J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the historical origins of the international goal for rich countries to devote 0.7 per cent of gross national income (GNI) to aid, in order to assess its present relevance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews all the original documents, interviews decision makers of that era, and uses their same essential method to estimate a new goal with today's data.FindingsFirst, the target was calculated using a model which, applied to today's data, yields ludicrous results. Second, no government ever agreed in a UN forum to actually reach 0.7 per cent – though many pledged to move toward it. Third, ODA/GNI per se does not constitute a meaningful metric for the adequacy of aid flows.Research limitations/implicationsAny further work on aid targets must be based on a country‐by‐country assessment of realistic funding opportunities.Practical implicationsThe 0.7 per cent goal has no modern academic basis, has failed as a lobbying tool, and should be abandoned.Originality/valueAnyone who studies or works on the ways that rich countries can assist the development process must confront the 0.7 per cent goal sooner or later. The paper shows for the first time that it arose from an economic model with no modern credibility, and that – contrary to conventional wisdom – none of the UN documents contains a promise to meet the goal.