bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of industrial equipment
Authors: Vijay Kumar Edwin , Chaturvedi S.K. , Deshpandé A.W. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to ascertain overall system health and maintenance needs with degree of certainty using condition‐monitoring data with hierarchical fuzzy inference system.Design/methodology/approachIn process plants, equipment condition is ascertained using condition‐monitoring data for each condition indicator. For large systems with multiple condition indicators, estimating the overall system health becomes cumbersome. The decision of selecting the equipment for an overhaul is mostly determined by generic guidelines, and seldom backed up by condition‐monitoring data. The proposed approach uses a hierarchical system health assessment using fuzzy inference on condition‐monitoring data collected over a period. Each subsystem health is ascertained with degree of certainty using degree of match operation performed on fuzzy sets of condition‐monitoring data and expert opinion. Fuzzy sets and approximate reasoning are used to handle the uncertainty/imprecision in data and subjectivity/vagueness of expert domain knowledge.FindingsThe proposed approach has been applied to a large electric motor (> 500kW), which is treated as four subsystems i.e. power transmission system, electromagnetic system, ventilation system and support system. Fuzzy set of condition‐monitoring data of each condition indicator on each subsystem is used to ascertain the degree of match with the expert opinion fuzzy set, thus inferring the need for periodical overhaul. Subjective expert opinion and quantitative condition‐monitoring data have been evaluated using hierarchical fuzzy inference system with a rule base. It is found that the certainty of each subsystem's health is not the same at the end of 600 days of monitoring and can be classified as “very good”, “good”, “marginal” and “sick”. Degree of certainty has helped in taking a managerial decision to avoid “over‐maintenance” and to ensure reliability. Large volumes of condition‐monitoring data not only helped in assessing motor overhaul health, but also guide the maintenance engineer to suitably review maintenance/monitoring strategy on similar systems to achieve desired reliability goals.Practical implicationsCondition‐monitoring data collected for long periods can be utilized to understand the degree of certainty of degradation pattern in the longer time frame with reference to domain knowledge to improve effectiveness of predictive maintenance towards reliability.Originality/valueThe paper gives an opportunity to evaluate quantitative condition‐monitoring data and subjective/qualitative domain expertise using fuzzy sets. The predictive maintenance cycle “Monitor‐analyse‐plan‐repair‐restore‐operate” is scientifically regulated with a degree of certainty. Approach is generic and can be applied to a variety of process equipment to ensure reliability through effective predictive maintenance.
The mediating role of psychological contract violation on the relations between psychological contract breach and work‐related attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Suazo Mark M. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of psychological contract violation (PCV) as a mediating variable in the relations between psychological contract breach (PCB) and work‐related attitudes and behaviors. In addition, this study aims to expand the generalizability of psychological contract theories by examining service‐oriented employees rather than a population of managers as in most research on PCB.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to 196 service‐oriented employees working in the USA. Factor analyses (principal components, varimax rotation) were conducted on all the variables in the study to determine the factorial independence of the constructs. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the main effects and mediating hypotheses.FindingsThe findings are consistent with the proposed mediation model of the study. PCV was found to fully mediate the relations between PCB and job satisfaction, organizational commitment, intentions to quit, perceived organizational support, service delivery, service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior, and participation service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior. PCV was found to partially mediate the relation between PCB and loyalty service‐oriented organizational citizenship behavior. PCV was not found to mediate the relation between PCB and in‐role job performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a cross‐sectional non‐experimental design does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding causality and there is a possibility that the results may be influenced by common method variance.Practical implicationsManagers need to carefully consider and manage the psychological contracts of their subordinates from a cognitive perspective (PCB) and an affective perspective (PCV).Originality/valueThe paper empirically examines the PCB‐PCV Outcomes model using a sample of service‐oriented employees.
Global dual‐career exploration and the role of hope and curiosity during the process
Authors: Harvey Michael , Novicevic Milorad , Breland Jacob W. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use hope theory as a foundation from which to understand the global dual‐career exploration phenomenon. Additionally, the concept of curiosity is explored as a triggering mechanism for dual‐career couples to explore and learn about career options in a global context.Design/methodology/approachHope theory is used to provide theoretical support for the proposed conceptual model.FindingsIt is concluded that hope and curiosity are important elements for dual‐career couples to leverage in order to reduce stress, maintain marital status, and allow the trailing spouse to resolve the potential dramatic and negative impact on their career path.Practical implicationsBoth hope and curiosity have been argued to have developmental aspects, meaning that individuals can nurture and strengthen their level of hopefulness and curiosity. Organizations which aid individuals in developing these abilities will likely increase the probability that their global employees will successfully complete their foreign assignment.Originality/valueThe paper explicitly examines dual‐career exploration as it occurs in a global context. More specifically, it takes the perspective that global dual‐career exploration is a continuous and adaptive process in which individuals who are hopeful and curious will be more successful in exploring and adapting to career options.
Examining exchange relationships among high‐tech firms in the evolving global economy
Authors: Leach Mark 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper intends to further understanding of the world marketplace by examining the procurement practices of high‐tech suppliers across several countries in Central and Eastern Europe and in the USA. In particular, this examination will focus on the extent to which the smaller and less developed countries of Eastern Europe utilize IT procurement as an integral part of their purchasing strategy.Design/methodology/approachExploratory qualitative interviews conducted with purchasing decision makers across various high‐tech industries in Eastern Europe are compared with those in Central Europe and the USA.FindingsThe findings suggest that information technology is perceived as being less valuable by European firms and is utilized to a lesser degree. In addition, multinational companies operating in Eastern Europe appear to be focused on developing the product quality and operational efficiency of local Eastern European suppliers and less concerned about facilitating their adoption of IT procurement systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are consistent with past research and theory development in the area of relationship marketing. Although one can argue with whether buyer perceptions of electronic procurement are accurate, their reasons for adopting or not adopting this technology center on reducing transaction costs, reducing uncertainty, and trust concerns. Interestingly, findings suggest that within the high‐tech sectors in Eastern Europe very little commerce is taking place electronically.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that organizations buying globally need to pay close attention to the business culture from which they intend to source. This is important for a large number of well‐researched reasons; however, the study expands on these by suggesting that various markets have differing exposure, knowledge, and comfort levels with electronic procurement.Originality/valueAs with most qualitative studies, evidence was found that supports many of the established and evolving theories of buyer‐seller relationships as well as a few more surprising insights. For example, the prevalence of the desire for local suppliers by global multinationals and the extent to which they were “developing” these suppliers form an interesting area deserving further research attention. The lack of interest in IT procurement systems among the firms interviewed was also surprising.
Relational governance in B2B electronic marketplaces: an updated typology
Authors: Chelariu Cristian , Sangtani Vinita 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to apply the relational exchange framework, updated by insights on interimistic relationships, to analyze governance implications for the three types of e‐marketplaces currently in operation: independent exchanges, consortia, and private exchanges. These three archetypes are analyzed from a functional perspective and, more importantly, from a relationship governance perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is conceptual in approach.FindingsThe three e‐marketplace archetypes currently in existence correspond to different levels of operational integration and, in turn, to three different types of inter‐firm relationships. Moreover, the three types of relational structures proposed offer different solutions for governance processes such as partner qualification, monitoring, and enforcement.Research limitations/implicationsThe network of relationships between firms is changing all the time as a result of dynamic industry conditions. The relational continuum proposed can explain the focal firm's shifting reliance on one or another of the e‐marketplace types as a result of industry volatility.Practical implicationsThe analysis advocates a portfolio approach to e‐marketplace adoption, based on the varying strengths of their connections with different industry partners. This approach also implies a new type of segmentation, based on the place that the trading partner occupies on the relational continuum.Originality/valueWhen analyzing e‐marketplaces, a focus on technology and functional parameters alone misses an essential aspect: when choosing among various e‐marketplace formats currently in operation, firms cannot overlook the inter‐firm relationships that characterize these marketplaces and give them their identity.
Organizational resistance to performance‐enhancing technological innovations: a motivation‐threat‐ability framework
Authors: Bao Yongchuan 
Published: January 2009

PurposeOrganizational resistance to technological innovations creates hurdles to diffusion of innovations in industrial technology markets. This study aims to examine the causes of this problematic phenomenon and develop useful strategies to overcome innovation resistance of organizational customers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's conceptual framework is adapted from the motivation‐opportunity‐ability (MOA) paradigm of consumer and organizational information processing. The analysis draws on a body of multidisciplinary literature, empirical observations, and case studies.FindingsThe determinants of organizational innovation resistance encompass the psychological, economic, technological, political, strategic, and organizational structural aspects of a technological innovation. Information flow is the key to breaking through the resistance barrier and promoting diffusion of innovations among industrial customers.Research limitations/implicationsAn empirical study is needed in the future to test the propositions developed.Practical implicationsThe study offers useful strategies to overcome organizational innovation resistance and new approaches to segment and target organizational buyers in technology markets.Originality/valueThe paper fills a research gap in studies on diffusion of innovation by explaining organizational innovation resistance and proposing useful strategies to tackle this problem.
Theoretical and practical study of supply chain coordination
Authors: Soroor Javad , Tarokh Mohammad J. , Shemshadi Ali 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis research aims to focus on supply chain coordination and its three determinants, i.e. responsibility interdependence, uncertainty, and inter‐functional conflict, developing research propositions to conceptualize how supply chain coordination is driven by its determinants.Design/methodology/approachThe research propositions are tested by a case study in a shoe factory to examine the differences between the theory and the practice of coordination.FindingsThe findings show that the firm carried out only piecemeal coordination in defining and fulfilling customer needs.Originality/valueA supply chain is known as a network of facilities and distribution options that performs the functions of procurement of materials, transformation of these materials into intermediate and finished products, and the distribution of these finished products to customers. Supply chain coordination plays a critical role in integrating different actors along the supply chain to enhance performance.
Quality improvement in primary care: ethical issues explored
Authors: Tapp Laura , Elwyn Glyn , Edwards Adrian , Holm Søren , Eriksson Tina 
Published: January 2009

PurposeQuality improvement (QI) processes in family medicine are becoming increasingly complex. Their influence on the organisation of the sector and on the daily work processes is profound and increasing. The literature indicates that many ethical issues are arising from QI work. Therefore this paper aims to identify the experiences of professionals involved in planning and performing QI programmes in European family medicine on the ethical implications involved in those processes.Design/methodology/approachFour focus groups were carried out with 29 general practitioners (GPs) and administrators of general practice quality work in Europe. Two focus groups comprised EQuiP members and two focus groups comprised attendees to an invitational conference on QI in family medicine held by EQuiP in Barcelona in November 2006.FindingsFour overarching themes were identified, including implications of using patient data, prioritising QI projects, issues surrounding the ethical approval dilemma and the impact of QI. Each theme was accompanied by an identified solution.Practical implicationsPrioritising is necessary and in doing that GPs should ensure that a variety of work is conducted so that some patient groups are not neglected. Transparency and flexibility on various levels is necessary to avoid harmful consequences of QI in terms of bureaucratisation, increased workload and burnout on part of the GP and harmful effects on the doctor‐patient relationship. There is a need to address the system of approval for national QI programmes and QI projects utilising more sophisticated methodologies.Originality/valueThis study provides data from GPs who are experienced quality improvers across 17 countries. Many ethical issues were identified and it was possible to clearly map the themes and their relationships and to summarise the identified solutions from an international perspective.
Factors affecting performance of hospital nurses in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Ahmadi Hanan 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify factors influencing performance of hospital nurses in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia. Specific objectives were to estimate self‐reported performance, and determine whether differences in employee demographics, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment, influenced performance.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 15 hospitals were randomly selected. The questionnaire was sent to all nurses (1,834) in these facilities and 923 nurses responded. Statistical analysis included correlation,t‐test, and regression analysis.FindingsThe study finds that job performance is positively correlated with organizational commitment, job satisfaction and personal and professional variables. Both job satisfaction and organizational commitment are strong predictors of nurses' performance. Job performance is positively related to some personal factors, including years of experience, nationality, gender, and marital status. Level of education is negatively related to performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study have a limited generalisability due to the fact that all measures used are based on self‐reports. Future research may be directed to other objective measures of performance.Practical implicationsEmphasis should be placed on effective supervision, empowerment, and a better reward system. Cultural diversity is a reality for most health organizations in Saudi Arabia; therefore, they need to adopt effective human resources strategies that aim to improve commitment and retention of qualified workers, and build a high performance organizational culture based on empowerment, open communication, and appreciation of impact of national culture on work attitudes.Originality/valueThis study fulfills a research gap in the area of nursing performance, and its relationship with work attitudes in Saudi Arabia. The paper also highlights the impact of national culture on job performance and work attitude among nurses in Saudi Arabia, and other countries facing the issue of multi‐national work force.
RFID in the healthcare supply chain: usage and application
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Swanson Eric , Tran Thuy 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purposes of this study are to first, determine the most efficient and cost effective portions of the healthcare supply chain in which radio frequency identification devices (RFID) can be implemented. Second, provide specific examples of RFID implementation and show how these business applications will add to the effectiveness of the healthcare supply chain. And third, to describe the current state of RFID technology and to give practical information for managers in the healthcare sector to make sound decisions about the possible implementation of RFID technology within their organizations.Design/methodology/approachHealthcare industry literature was reviewed and examples of specific instances of RFID implementation were examined using an integrated simulation model developed with Excel, @Risk and Visio software tools.FindingsAnalysis showed that the cost of implementing current RFID technology is too expensive for broad and sweeping implementation within the healthcare sector at this time. However, several example applications have been identified in which this technology can be effectively leveraged in a cost‐effective way.Practical implicationsThis study shows that RFID technology has come a long way in the recent past and has potential to improve healthcare sector productivity and efficiency. Implementation by large companies such as Wal‐mart has helped to make the technology become much more economical in its per unit cost as well as its supporting equipment and training costs.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in the idea that few practical and pragmatic approaches have been taken within the academic field of study for the implementation of RFID into the healthcare supply chain. Much of the research has focused on specific companies or portions of the supply chain and not the entire supply chain. Also, many of the papers have discussed the future of the supply chain that is heavily dependent on advances in RFID technology. A few viable applications of how RFID technology can be implemented in the healthcare supply chain are presented and how the current state of technology limits the broad use and implementation of this technology in the healthcare industry.
Data mining in pharma sector: benefits
Authors: Ranjan Jayanthi 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe amount of data getting generated in any sector at present is enormous. The information flow in the pharma industry is huge. Pharma firms are progressing into increased technology‐enabled products and services. Data mining, which is knowledge discovery from large sets of data, helps pharma firms to discover patterns in improving the quality of drug discovery and delivery methods. The paper aims to present how data mining is useful in the pharma industry, how its techniques can yield good results in pharma sector, and to show how data mining can really enhance in making decisions using pharmaceutical data.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper is written based on secondary study, research and observations from magazines, reports and notes. The author has listed the types of patterns that can be discovered using data mining in pharma data.FindingsThe paper shows how data mining is useful in the pharma industry and how its techniques can yield good results in pharma sector.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough much work can be produced for discovering knowledge in pharma data using data mining, the paper is limited to conceptualizing the ideas and view points at this stage; future work may include applying data mining techniques to pharma data based on primary research using the available, famous significant data mining tools.Originality/valueResearch papers and conceptual papers related to data mining in Pharma industry are rare; this is the motivation for the paper.
The relationship between outsourcing and organizational performance
Authors: Bolat Tamer , Yılmaz Özgür 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate empirically the impacts of outsourcing, and to examine the relationship between the outsourcing process and organizational performance in hotels.Design/methodology/approachData for the study were obtained from 80 hotels in the city of Antalya in Turkey through questionnaires. A paired‐sample t test, and correlation and regression analyses were used to analyse the data.FindingsThe analyses provide strong support for the impacts of outsourcing on organizational performance. Cooperation with a vendor has led to significant improvement in organizational effectiveness, productivity, profitability, quality, continuous improvement, quality of work life, and social responsibility levels. Hotel managers think that organizational performance has increased after outsourcing.Research limitations/implicationsThe most significant limitation of this study is the impact of outsourcing on organizational performance relying on perceived results rather than direct measures for measurable dimensions. In future research, financial metrics must be used to provide more objective evaluations of a hotel's outsourcing impact on the dimensions of profitability and productivity.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that outsourcing is very important for organizational performance. Also, the effectiveness of the outsourcing process significantly affects organizational performance. If the outsourcing process is planned and implemented effectively, the required results can be achieved in terms of organizational performance.Originality/valueLittle has been found in the literature on the impact of outsourcing in hotels. This paper presents new data and empirical insights into the relationship between outsourcing and organizational performance in hotels in Turkey.