bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reaching the heart and mind of the customer: Japan's best practices in customer service
Authors: Turpin Dominique 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWhat can we learn from the emphasis Japanese firms now place on the customer? Professor Turpin describes the seven golden rules of customer service in Japan

Corporate mission defined in terms of customer benefits.
Senior management commitment.
Make the right attitude a criterion for recruitment.
Train, train and retrain employees.
Communicate quality standards and measure results.
Use IT to improve customer satisfaction.
Exceed customer expectations.
The effect of external influences in the cross‐cultural negotiation process
Authors: Gulbro Robert , Herbig Paul A. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Internationalization, the buzzword of the eighties, has become the necessity for firms to survive in the nineties
Contact with foreign firms is a given for American businesses. With this contact comes the issue of cross‐cultural negotiations
How do American businesses prepare themselves and conduct such negotiations?
This paper examines the use of external agents, translators, bicultural brokers and renegotiating briefers/experts in the cross‐cultural negotiation process and looks at those factors which relate to success or failure in cross‐cultural negotiations.
Process strategies for turnaround change agents: Crisis and non‐crisis situations
Authors: Armenakis Achilles A. , Fredenberger William B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper describes the process strategies that turnaround change agents can use in facilitating change readiness, adoption and institutionalization. Examples of each strategy are taken from actual cases of such notable corporations as British Airways, Chrysler, GE, GM, Toyota, Whirlpool and Xerox. Strategies and tactics useful in facilitating change are discussed in terms of their appropriateness for crisis and non‐crisis situations.
Paradigm shifts in manufacturing ownership and leadership
Authors: Platts M. J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article contrasts two paradigms of how companies are viewed. One concentrates on the rights and emphasizes return on investment of those who own the business; the other sees a company as a partnership between capital and labour, serving a much wider purpose.The author argues that the second, which has been termed by Sir Adrian Cadbury as the ‘Continental view’, is the more wholesome.
National renewal and strategic change—first lessons from an early mover in deregulation
Authors: Campbell‐Hunt Colin , Harper David A. , Hamilton Robert T. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe scope and pace of economic liberalization in New Zealand have been judged by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as the most extensive of any undertaken in a developed economy during the past decade. This paper reports on a project aimed at determining how and at what rate New Zealand businesses have adapted to this major deregulation of their commercial environment. We first describe the nature of reform in New Zealand, and then we develop a qualitative model of the adjustment processes set in motion by deregulation. The process of strategic adaptation is represented as a continuum comprising four stages: stability, survival, sharpbending and sustained adaptation. This model is embellished with evidence on actual changes that have been observed in New Zealand business since deregulation. We conclude that, after 8 years of substantial economic reform, the majority of businesses have not fully adapted to the new environment.
How successful intrapreneurs pilot firms through the turbulent 1990s
Authors: Lombriser Roman , Ansoff Igor 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSuccess in the turbulent 1990s requires a new breed of general managers called intrapreneurs.A successful intrapreneur combines three talents and skills:
an entrepreneur's ability to creatively visualize new strategies;
an organizational architect's skill in designing change‐seeking internal capabilities.
a charismatic leader's talent for piloting changes through resistance‐laden organizations.
This article is based on an empirical study of 30 top managers who transformed their business firms.
Performance management and the small firm: Dilemmas, tensions and paradoxes
Authors: Beaver Graham , Harris Lynette 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSmall firms are a major and growing provider of employment and are playing a vital role in economic regeneration.The contribution of contemporary, relevant and focused management techniques to enhance competitive advantage is crucial, especially in performance management and reward systems.The performance management systems of large organizations simply cannot be scaled down to fit the smaller enterprise which often exhibits a radically different management process and operating context.The skills and abilities of managers are fundamental to the success of any performance management system. Consistency and clarity in both design and implementation are essential features.Smaller enterprises need to be aware of the paradox of formalized performance management systems which may erode the flexibility, innovation and team working required for long‐term success and strategic health.
Developing competencies that drive business performance
Authors: Cannon Fred 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe need to strengthen the link between business strategy and management development becomes critical in achieving strategic change.The article shows how to replace managers' ‘learning by accident’ with ‘learning by experience’.An argument is given for a strategic approach to competencies.Against this background the author provides an explicit case history of how one multinational turned management development into a source of competitive advantage.The focal point of the approach is business‐driven management development.
A model of excellence for total quality management: LETQMEX
Authors: Ho Samuel K. M. , Fung Christopher K. H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn modern day business, it is well recognized that in order for companies to continue to survive and grow, the quality of their goods and services is of prime importance.In contemporary management in the 90s, total quality management (TQM) is a proven approach for success. It is applicable to manufacturing, services and public sectors.This paper explores what is so special about TQM and develops an excellence model based on some proven approaches adopted by the Japanese in particular. It looks at the current thinking and development of TQM. It discusses the relationship between continuous improvement and TQM.
Strategies of restructuring in East Central Europe: The example of Hungary
Authors: Papanek GÁBor 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHungary provides an example of the change at macro and micro levels that is ongoing in the former communist bloc countries of Central Europe.This article shows how the structure of the economy changed over the period 1989–1993.Provides evidence of the shrinking domestic market and decline in industrial performance.Offers research on the factors that binder Hungarian companies from increasing production.Gives a view of actions that have to be taken to improve competitiveness.
Manage the change or change the management? Guidelines for renewing, rewriting or breaking the organizational Contract
Authors: Boscheck Ralf 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper applies some concepts of transaction cost economics to clarify the contractual context of change.It is suggested that the contract perspective helps to make the underlying determinants of cooperation explicit, and therefore contributes to a systematic analysis of a range of change issues arising inside the firm, within supplierbuyer relationships, as well as across alliances and partnerships.At the same time, the contract view sheds light on what it takes to manage, i.e. to effect, channel and adjust to change, and who and for what reason can ‘lead change’, and ‘motivate people’.It also helps to clarify when the limits of change are reached, i.e. from which point onwards change cannot be accommodated by adjustable contracts but requires a change in contract partners or management.
Managerial preferences in international merger and acquisition partners
Authors: Cartwright Sue , Cooper Cary L. , Jordan Joseph 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMerger and acquisition (M&A) activity is predominantly driven by a rational‐economic model.A growing body of evidence suggests that M&A outcomes also depend on sociocultural dynamics, especially perceived cultural compatibility.The issue of perceived cultural compatibility, and the emergence and acceptance of a new organizational culture and integrated managerial style are particularly critical to long‐term success.When the M&A is performed at an international level, then the dynamics are complicated by differences in national cultures and associated managerial styles.This article reports on a study to establish whether different national managerial groups (n=480) have similar/dissimilar attitudinal preferences towards strategic alliances with foreign partners. These preferences are then considered in the context of current patterns of actual activity.
Firm characteristics and industry influences as drivers of internationalization: An examination of US business responses to the new European Union
Authors: Fitzgerald Elizabeth M. , Veliyath Rajaram 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis research examined the strategic responses of 70 US manufacturing firms to the European Community's unification movement.In general, internal firm's characteristics such as competitive advantages, performance goals, and the firm's current presence in Europe significantly influenced the nature of strategic responses.Surprisingly, external industry influences appeared somewhat ineffectual.The findings contradict conventional wisdom that posits industry influences as being the primary drivers of internationalization.
In simplicitate veritas
Authors: Leach P. G. L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe two paradigms of Mechanics, videlicet the Kepler Problem and the Simple Harmonic Oscillator, are renowned, each in its own way, for their beautiful mathematical and algebraic properties. We demonstrate that the free particle contains all of these properties and more and recall the relationship of the two paradigms to this most elementary problem of Mechanics. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VC‐dimension on manifolds: a first approach
Authors: Ferri Massimo , Frosini Patrizio 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Vapnik–Chervonenkis‐dimension is an index of the capacity of a learning machine. It has been computed in several cases, but always in a Euclidean context. This paper extends the notion to classifiers acting in the more general environment of a manifold. General properties are proved, and some examples of simple classifiers on elementary manifolds are given. A large part of the research is directed toward a still open problem on product manifolds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature dependence of ligand–protein complex formation as reflected by saturation transfer difference NMR experiments
Authors: Groves Patrick , Kövér Katalin E. , André Sabine , Bandorowicz‐Pikula Joanna , Batta Gyula , Bruix Marta , Buchet René , Canales Angeles , Cañada F. Javier , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Laurents Douglas V. , Naranjo Jose R. , Palczewska Małgorzata , Pikula Slawomir , Rial Eduardo , Strzelecka‐Kiliszek Agnieszka , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe show that temperature is an important parameter for the sensitivity of saturation transfer difference (STD) spectroscopy. A decreased intensity of STD signals is observed for lactose binding to growth‐regulatory galectin7 (p53‐induced gene 1), as well as for nucleotide binding to annexin A6, when the temperature is increased from 281 to 298–310 K. Opposite temperature effects on STD intensity are observed for S‐peptide binding to S‐protein to reconstitute RNase S. However, the STD signals for tryptophan binding to downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator of the human prodynorphin gene (DREAM)are relatively unaffected between 281 and 298 K. The known kinetics of the binding of ATP by the uncoupling protein from brown adipose tissue mitochondria (UCP1) predicted an observable STD at 310 K, but rapid sample degradation limits the experiments to much lower temperatures. Temperature strongly influences the kinetics and affinity constant of various types of complex formation and in so doing influences the observed STD effects. Therefore, temperature can be exploited to facilitate the optimization of STD‐based applications, and at the same time minimize the number of test samples. STD‐based screening protocols to detect new target‐specific compounds may yield a larger number of potential ligands if screened at various temperatures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadrature rules for triangular and tetrahedral elements with generalized functions
Authors: Holdych David J. , Noble David R. , Secor Robert B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractQuadrature rules are developed for exactly integrating products of polynomials and generalized functions over triangular and tetrahedral domains. These quadrature rules greatly simplify the implementation of finite element methods that involve integrals over volumes and interfaces that are not coincident with the element boundaries. Specifically, the integrands considered here consist of a quadratic polynomial multiplied by a Heaviside or Dirac delta function operating on a linear polynomial. This form allows for exact integration of expressions obtained from linear finite elements over domains and interfaces defined by a linear level set function. Exact quadrature rules are derived that involve fixed quadrature point locations with weights that depend continuously on the nodal level set values. Compared with methods involving explicit integration over subdomains,
the quadrature rules developed here accommodate degenerate interface geometries without any need for special consideration and provide analytical Jacobian information describing the dependence of the integrals on the nodal level set values. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated for a simple conduction problem with the Neumann and Robin‐type boundary conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correction of enzyme levels with allogeneic hematopoeitic progenitor cell transplantation in Niemann‐Pick type B
Authors: Schneiderman Jennifer , Thormann Kimberly , Charrow Joel , Kletzel Morris 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNiemann‐Pick type B (NP) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder with variable phenotypes for which few patients have undergone hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation. We present an 18‐month old with NP type B who underwent two allogeneic HPC transplants from her HLA‐identical sister. Sphingomyelinase in the peripheral leucocytes and skin fibroblasts was absent at diagnosis. Engraftment failed following initial transplant; therefore a second with the same donor was performed. Engraftment since has been durable; all subsequent sphingomyelinase levels have been normal. Our experience indicates that HPC transplantation for patients with NP type B is feasible and beneficial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:987–989. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute intestinal pseudo‐obstruction after induction treatment of relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia with arsenic trioxide
Authors: Park Jeong A , Yun Jong Hyung , Kang Hyoung Jin , Shin Hee Young , Ahn Hyo Seop 
Published: July 2007

AbstractArsenic trioxide (As2O3) is an effective agent for the treatment of relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). We report a patient with intestinal pseudo‐obstruction, which occurred while treating relapsed APL with As2O3. A 6‐year‐old female with relapsed APL developed paralytic ileus, hyperleukocytosis, and a high fever while being treated with As2O3. Although As2O3 was discontinued and dexamethasone was administered, vomiting and abdominal distension worsened. An ileostomy was performed and diffuse patch‐like infiltrations on the bowel surface were noted. Pathologic findings revealed APL cells involving the entire intestinal layers. This case history suggests that As2O3 when used for reinduction therapy for APL may adversely affect the intestine and cause acute intestinal pseudo‐obstruction. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:872–874. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of well‐defined [polystyrene‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine)]n star‐block copolymers with poly(2‐vinylpyridine) corona blocks
Authors: Ji Haining , Sakellariou Georgios , Advincula Rigoberto C. , Smith Grant D. , Kilbey S. Michael , Dadmun Mark D. , Mays Jimmy W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article describes the synthesis and characterization of [polystyrene‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine)]n star‐block copolymers with the poly(2‐vinylpyridine) blocks at the periphery. A two‐step living anionic polymerization method was used. Firstly, oligo(styryl)lithium grafted poly(divinylbenzene) cores were used as multifunctional initiators to initiate living anionic polymerization of styrene in benzene at room temperature. Secondly, vinylpyridine was polymerized at the periphery of these living (polystyrene)n stars in tetrahydrofuran at −78 °C. The resulting copolymers were characterized using size exclusion chromatography, multiangle laser light scattering, 1H NMR, elemental analysis, and intrinsic viscosity measurements. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3949–3955, 2007
Novel synthesis of biodegradable amphiphilic linear and star block copolymers based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Lemmouchi Yahia , Perry Michael C. , Amass Allan J. , Chakraborty Khirud , Schacht Etienne 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBiodegradable, amphiphilic, diblock poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL‐b‐PEG), triblock poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PCL), and star shaped copolymers were synthesized by ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether or poly(ethylene glycol) or star poly(ethylene glycol) and potassium hexamethyldisilazide as a catalyst. Polymerizations were carried out in toluene at room temperature to yield monomodal polymers of controlled molecular weight. The chemical structure of the copolymers was investigated by 1H and 13C NMR. The formation of block copolymers was confirmed by 13C NMR and DSC investigations. The effects of copolymer composition and molecular structure on the physical properties were investigated by GPC and DSC. For the same PCL chain length, the materials obtained in the case of linear copolymers are viscous whereas in the case of star copolymer solid materials are obtained with low Tg and Tm temperatures. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3975–3985, 2007
Polyelectrolyte complexation between poly(methacrylic acid, sodium salt) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) or poly[2‐(methacryloyloxyethyl) trimethylammonium chloride]
Authors: Burke Nicholas A. D. , Mazumder M. A. Jafar , Hanna Mark , Stöver Harald D. H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPolyelectrolyte complexes between poly(methacrylic acid, sodium salt) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) or poly[2‐(methacryloyloxyethyl)trimethylammonium chloride] (PMOETAC) form gels, liquid phases, or soluble complexes depending on charge ratio, total polymer loading, polymer molecular weight, and ionic strength. Increasing the ionic strength of the medium led most polyelectrolyte pairs to transition from gel through liquid complexes (complex coacervate) to soluble complexes. These transitions shift to higher ionic strengths for higher molecular weight polymers, as well as for PMOETAC compared to PDADMAC. The complex phases swelled with increasing polymer loading, ultimately merging with the supernatant phase at a critical polymer loading. The isolated liquid complex phases below and above this critical loading were temperature‐sensitive, showing cloud points followed by macroscopic phase separation upon heating. Incorporating 5 mol % lauryl methacrylate into the polyanion led to increased complex yield with PDADMAC, and increased resistance to ionic strength. In contrast, incorporating 30 mol % of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate into the polyanion led to decreased complex yield, and to lower resistance to ionic strength. Two polyelectrolyte systems that produced liquid complexes were used to encapsulate hydrophobic oils, and in one case were used to demonstrate the feasibility of crosslinking the resulting capsule walls. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4129–4143, 2007
Field tests of release, ignition, and explosion from silane cylinder valve and gas cabinet
Authors: Ngai Eugene Y. , Huang Kelvin Pai‐Ping , Chen Jenq‐Renn , Shen Chun‐Cheng , Tsai Hsiao‐Yun , Chen Shang‐Kay , Hu Shui‐Chin , Yeh Pao‐Yua , Liu Chun‐Der , Chang Yo‐Yu , Peng Deng‐Jr , Wu Hong‐Chun 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis work presents field test results of silane releases from a cylinder valve into an open environment and into a gas cabinet. The following release tests were performed: (1) Leak from the valve outlet connector with and without a restrict flow orifice (RFO), (2) Leak directly from the two leak check holes of a capped Diameter Index Safety System (DISS) after the cylinder valve with and without a RFO, (3) Leak from cylinder valve stem retainer thread (via the loosened valve), and (4) High pressure releases from a 0.32‐ and 0.64‐cm tube into a ventilated single cylinder gas cabinet.Release pressures varied from 120 psig to the full cylinder pressure of 1,250 psig. Both digital video and high speed cameras were used to record the ignition, pop, and explosion behavior. The results confirmed that the ignition behavior of a silane leak is strongly related to the release pressure, flow rate, aperture, and the exit environment.This study has shown that silane leaks from a fully opened cylinder valve (without an RFO) or the loosened retainer thread will not autoignite while a silane leak from fully opened cylinder valve (with an RFO) or a loosened DISS cap with and without an RFO will ignite immediately even at full cylinder source pressures.The RFO results show that the RFO increases the likelihood of the autoignition of the release, and significantly decreases release rate and the intensity of the flame. This information is important when designing systems and developing safe practices for handling silane cylinders in the semiconductor and thin‐film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT‐LCD) industries. The results also demonstrates safe cabinet ventilation rate to prevent explosions.This article also includes a literature review of the most important research concerning the handling of silane. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2007