bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An embarrassment of riches or a poverty of opportunities?
Authors: Kambil Ajit 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to ask what companies should do when sustainable growth rates far exceed revenue growth rates.Design/methodology/approachProvides an overview of US corporate profitability.FindingsFinds that today, for the first time since 1969, corporate profitability as a share of the gross domestic product exceeds business investments.Originality/valueIs of value in suggesting that shareholders and executives should question how to unlock greater value more quickly from their companies, and understand future shape of businesses in America.
Challenges in the manufacture of glass substrates for electrical and optical interconnect
Authors: Hutt David A. , Williams Karen , Conway Paul P. , Khoshnaw Fuad M. , Cui Xiaoyun , Bhatt Deepa 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo present the aims and preliminary findings of a research project to investigate the manufacture of multilayer glass substrates built up from thin glass sheets.Design/methodology/approachThe approaches that may be taken to create glass substrates and the challenges involved are described. Excimer laser machining was used for the formation of microvias and other features in individual glass sheets. In addition, methods for the electroless copper metallisation of the smooth glass surfaces were studied. Finally, a technique for the lamination of the glass layers using low temperature, pressure assisted bonding was investigated.FindingsMicrovias with 100 μm diameter entry holes were successfully machined in 100 μm thick glass sheets and process windows were identified to reduce debris and hole taper. Using appropriate pre‐treatment steps, electroless copper coatings could be deposited uniformly over the smooth glass surface, however, further improvements in adhesion were found to be necessary. The direct lamination of glass layers was found to be possible using pressure and temperature applied over long periods of time. Improvements to the lamination process were made to reduce the initiation of cracks which were assessed using fatigue testing.Research limitations/implicationsThe feasibility of the individual steps in the fabrication of glass substrates has been demonstrated. Further work is necessary to control the processes in order to limit microcrack formation, improve copper coating adhesion and ensure uniform lamination of multiple glass layers.Originality/valueThe use of glass materials could enable the manufacture of substrates for high density electrical interconnect with integrated optical waveguides.
Pigments with Ti4 +  −Zn2 + , Ca2 + , Sr2 + , Mg2 + ‐based on mixed metal oxides with spinel and perovskite structures for organic coatings
Authors: Kalendová A. , Veselý D. , Kalenda P. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to synthesise X2TiO4 spinel‐type anticorrosion pigments and YTiO3, perovskite‐type anticorrosion pigments, where X = Zn, Mg, Ca, Sr; Y = Ca for metal protective paints.Design/methodology/approachAnticorrosion pigments were synthesised from oxides or carbonates at high temperature. The following pigments were synthesised: TiO2 · ZnO, 2TiO2 · ZnO, TiO2 · 2ZnO, TiO2 · MgO, TiO2 · CaO, TiO2 · ZnO · MgO, and TiO2 · ZnO · SrO. The pigments obtained were characterised by means of X‐ray diffraction analysis, measurement of particle sizes and scanning electron microscopy. The anticorrosion pigments synthesised were used to produce epoxy coatings with PVC = 10 per cent for each synthesised pigment. The coatings were tested for physical‐mechanical properties and in corrosion atmospheres. The corrosion test results were compared with those of alumino zinc phosphomolybdate.FindingsA spinel or perovskite structure was found in the pigments synthesised. High anticorrosion efficiency was identified in all the synthesised pigments, the highest efficiency being demonstrated in the TiO2 · ZnO pigment of spinel structure and in the TiO2 · CaO pigment of perovskite structure.Practical implicationsThe pigments synthesised can be conveniently used to protect metal bases from corrosion.Originality/valueThe use of pigments synthesised in anticorrosion coatings for metal protection presents a new approach. Its benefits are the use and the method of synthesising the anticorrosion pigments that do not contain heavy metals and that are acceptable for the environment.
Oman's keritsu, cultural money walks, and the economy
Authors: Al‐Moharby Darwish , Khatib Nada 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo show the social role of money and how Omanis understand and work upon this social concept.Design/methodology/approachSample surveys and diagrams for easy understanding of sampling results.FindingsA strong sense of the social concept of money exists among Omanis. This is displayed by the wish to have interest‐free Islamic concept of money and savings.Research limitations/implicationsCan be developed more elaborately by larger samples and more analytical methods.Practical implicationsA pilot project to study the response of Omanis to the Islamic social concept of money in Omani economy and social perspectives.Originality/valueThis is an original paper as it touches on a sample survey for data on strategic planning of future financial instruments to satisfy Omani Islamic needs in an interest‐free environment.
Blood transfusion policy in Dutch hospitals
Authors: van Everdingen J.J.E. , Klazinga N.S. , Casparie A.F. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the quality in health care with regard to the blood transfusion policy in Dutch hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThe value of an approach to good standards of health care practice, based on Consensus Development Conferences is analysed in the paper in the context of blood transfusion policies.FindingsThe paper finds that the Consensus Development Conference on transfusion policy had a substantial impact on daily practice of care in Dutch hospitals.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on maintenance of good health care standard with regard to blood transfusions in Dutch hospitals.
The secondary Head of Department and the achievement of exceptional student outcomes
Authors: Dinham Stephen 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the secondary Head of Department (HoD) in leading teams producing exceptional education outcomes in Years 7‐10 in New South Wales (NSW, Australia) government schools.Design/methodology/approachSites where exceptional educational outcomes were believed to be occurring were selected using a variety of data including performance in standardised tests, public examinations, various value added measures and nominations from various stakeholders. Sites were of two types: subject departments responsible for teaching certain subjects and teams responsible for cross‐school programmes in Years 7‐10. Sites were selected to be broadly representative. Some schools had more than one site, e.g. Mathematics and Student Welfare. A total of 50 sites across NSW from 38 secondary schools were studied.FindingsWith both subject departments and teams responsible for cross‐school programmes, leadership was found to be a key factor in the achievement of exceptional educational outcomes. Analysis of data revealed certain qualities, attributes and practices of the HoD of these schools, which are explored, central to which is a focus on students and their learning.Research limitations/implicationsHoDs were those of secondary schools from one state educational system.Practical implicationsDespite the pressures of the secondary HoD role, the HoDs studied had been able to lead and facilitate teams that were thriving when others struggle to perform. Whilst innate, personal qualities are important, much of what these HoDs possessed and demonstrated had been learned from others.Originality/valueDetailed case studies have provided an examination of HoD leadership effectiveness in a wide range of contexts, with much commonality revealed. Thus, the study can inform future professional learning for secondary HoDs and possibly other middle managers in education. It may also have value for HoD selection.
An examination of tenant evolution within the UK factory outlet channel
Authors: Jones Richard O. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe research paper examines the commercial evolution of retail tenants within the UK factory outlet sector. The research aims to identify the key characteristics of commercialisation and the resulting strategic positions occupied by tenants.Design/methodology/approachThe paucity of research surrounding the research objectives necessitated exploratory research based on 32 in‐depth interviews conducted with factory outlet tenants, managers and owners.FindingsThe research presents four tenant segments used to analyse commercial evolution. Although many tenants are initially pushed into the channel to solve a physical stock problem they invariably increase their level of commercialisation as they apply the experience curve, economies of scale and opportunism. Ultimately, the key to commercialisation lies in the ability of a factory outlet tenant to make adjustments to their retail business model, through sales productivities and improved cost ratios. The single biggest adjustment lies in the potential of made for outlet merchandise which secures both product continuity and enhanced margin.Originality/valueThe research provides a conceptual framework for evaluating the relevance of current factory outlet leasing and performance management programmes. Practical application of the framework will require a correlation to be established between the stages of commercialisation and actual sales performance across a wider sample of tenants. The finding provide possible stepping stones to further research within the sector, not least the evolutionary pattern of factory outlet tenants across Europe. The findings provoke many questions related to the role of outlets within a tenant's overall multi‐channel distribution strategy. The sophistication of certain tenants' outlet business models and the high level of integration across channel of distribution suggest factory outlet centres are becoming increasingly accepted as part of mainstream growth strategies.
Employer perceptions of skills gaps in retail: issues and implications for UK retailers
Authors: Hart Cathy , Stachow Grazyna B. , Farrell Andrew M. , Reed Gary 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the skills gaps associated with retail employees in SME and multiple retail companies, and to investigate the potential training and business implications that arise from these skills gaps, from the point of view of retail employers.Design/methodology/approachResearch was conducted within one geographical region and across five counties within the UK. Telephone and face‐to‐face interviews and focus group workshops were conducted, resulting in responses from 52 retailers.FindingsThe key issues and areas of concern to emerge were: the industry image and impact on recruitment and retention; employee and management skills gaps; and barriers to training.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings highlight the need for UK retail industry to raise the image of the sector, to identify the skills sets for specific roles, and to clarify the retail qualifications and training required delivering these.Originality/valueSucceeds in identifying the skills gaps associated with retail employees in SME and multiple retail companies and in investigating the potential training and business implications arising from these skills gaps.
Gender, age and self‐employment: some things change, some stay the same
Authors: Walker Elizabeth A. , Webster Beverley J. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate age and gender differences in initial motivations for starting a business. What is not known, however, is whether the initial motivations for starting the business are different for older people and whether any gender differences exist. Historically, women were “pushed” rather than “pulled” into business ownership, but more recent studies have indicated that, overall, many women now actively choose self‐employment. However, age may be a new barrier for women and men.Design/methodology/approachThe study combined a self‐administered questionnaire which was used to collect data relating to general information about the respondent and their business, in addition to their start‐up motivations. In total 270 questionnaires were returned. About 15 in‐depth interviews were also conducted to verify the empirical findings.FindingsThe results showed that self‐employment is a reactive rather than proactive decision for both older women and men; however, women were less inclined to actively seek self‐employment as their employment option of choice. In addition, the findings also show that a significant motivation for many younger women is still because of the double domestic shift, indicating therefore that some things change but some things stay the same for women.Originality/valueWhereas the majority of previous research has looked at start‐up motivation, few have considered age and gender as independent variables. Given the increasing number of “baby boomers” starting their own businesses, this research can have practical policy implications.
Sexual behaviours and reproductive health knowledge among in‐school young people with disabilities in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Olaleye Adeniyi O. , Anoemuah Olayinka A. , Ladipo Oladapo A. , Delano Grace E. , Idowu Grace F. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to explore sexual behaviours and reproductive health knowledge among in‐school young people with disabilities (PWD) in Ibadan, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper a structured questionnaire was administered to 103 randomly selected PWD, aged ten to 25, from four integrated secondary schools in Ibadan. The data were collected through face‐to‐face interview. Five categories of disability included were hearing and speech, sight, speech, intellectual, and physical disabilities.FindingsThe paper finds that 57 percent of the sample were females and 43 percent were males. Of the 36 (35 percent) respondents who were sexually active, 17 did not give a definite reason for their sexual initiation, nine were influenced by peers, five were “experimenting” with sex, four were raped, while one person began sexual activity for monetary gains. A total of 17 percent of the respondents had either procured abortion or been involved in the procurement of abortion for a sexual partner. In total 28 percent of the sample reported ever being raped. In total, 43 percent had been fondled, kissed, or caressed, against their wishes. Knowledge of contraceptives was reported by 40 percent. A total of 23 percent had never used condoms, while 6 percent were consistent condom users. Half of the respondents had heard about HIV/AIDS, 9 percent had tested for HIV, while 16 percent reported previous episodes of sexually transmitted infections. In total, 70 percent did not know where they could access reproductive health services.Originality/approachThe paper shows that there is an urgent need to develop specific programs for young people with disabilities, especially for those in schools, to address knowledge and behaviour issues regarding reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.
The evolutionary research process
Authors: Medeiros Norm 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis article seeks to describe the evolution of key technologies that have improved the research process.Design/methodology/approachThe article is an opinion piece that reflects on some technological advances to the information world since 1999, and makes judgments about the future role of academic libraries in light of these new technologies.FindingsThe article finds that libraries need to become comfortable with the commercial entities that provide access to information. Libraries should focus on the value‐added services unique to their profession.Originality/valueThe article should encourage thoughts and discussion on a topic of interest to most libraries.
Approaches for personalised knowledge retrieval
Authors: Loew Robert , Kuemmel Katrin , Ruprecht Judith , Bleimann Udo , Walsh Paul 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe new search methods based on semantic information structures to offer a personalised and interactive knowledge retrieval to the user.Design/methodology/approachA careful look on existing “knowledge management projects” leads to a proposed approach of a “knowledge broker network” where transfer of knowledge is based on communication between humans. To enhance the quality of search results a new search algorithm (“Search Assistance Algorithm (SAA)”) is described in a simplified manner.FindingsThe paper provides information on the knowledge broker network and shows the advantages of this concept especially of the automated part.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows the proposed approach has not formally being tested yet. Some pilot studies have been made and a study especially for the SAA is planned for the near future.Practical implicationsThis approach has the potential to change the way of transfer of knowledge using a knowledge broker network based on knowledge management systems, which could be improved by our SAA in practice.Originality/valueUsing knowledge management systems in a “standard way” by feeding in information and using retrieval methods is not optimal for sharing knowledge between humans. To provide and update information is very cost‐intensive. Using “meta‐information” about “who is expert in which area” and bring information‐seeker and experts together could be the optimal method. This knowledge broker network helps to bring this idea into reality.
Reporting CSR – what and how to say it?
Authors: Ellerup Nielsen Anne , Thomsen Christa 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to analyse and discuss what organizations say and how they say it when reporting Corporate Social Responsibility. It raises the question whether organizations report consistently on CSR in terms of genres, media, rhetorical strategies, etc.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis takes critical discourse analysis of selected corporations' CSR reporting, on the one hand, and theories and research on CSR and stakeholder relations, on the other hand, as its starting‐point. A model of analysis is proposed which presents discourse as a result of four kinds of challenges facing corporations today. The model serves to establish an ideal typology of CSR concepts and discourses and to analyse these discourses from a modern organizational and corporate communication perspective.FindingsThe analysis shows that annual reports are very dissimilar with respect to topics on the one hand and dimensions and discourses expressed in perspectives, stakeholder priorities, contextual information and ambition levels, on the other hand. The paper argues that corporations seem to be wrapped in divergent configurations of interest stemming from different institutional affiliations, such as government, regional institutions and NGOs.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper is to highlight the value of the discourse and the discourse types adopted in the reporting material. By adopting consistent discourse types which interact according to a well‐defined pattern or order it is possible to communicate a strong social commitment, on the one hand, and take into consideration the expectations of the shareholders and of the other stakeholders, on the other hand.
Leading the charge for consumer acceptance
Authors: Basso Joe , Hines Randy 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to conduct a qualitative analysis to determine if organizational attempts to communicate positive images affect consumer perceptions of organizational effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThrough a rhetorical analysis, the authors categorized responses into four basic types of issues: issues of fact, issues of definition or category, issues of value, and issues of policy. The authors then employed qualitative analysis, using a rhetorical approach to categorize respondents' opinions related to their shopping experiences.FindingsData results support the notion that consumers' buying habits are forged or altered based on stimuli outside the quality of goods or services. Some of the factors that most influence a consumer's decision to continue to patronize a retail outlet include courtesy of sales associates, responsiveness of management in dealing with complaints and concerns, and added values such as knowledgeable staff.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors acknowledge that further research could be employed, using a larger sample size. Their nonrandom, convenience sample provided the data.Practical implicationsThe overall effectiveness of an organization in developing brand‐loyal consumers seems to hinge on a combination of factors. These include developing awareness through structured and poignant commercial messages, delivering products and services with an eye toward customer satisfaction, and hiring and training qualified and courteous sales associates.Originality/valueThe authors' methodology looked at the issue from a rhetorical analysis perspective, not a quantitative analysis. The study should prove to be of value to retailers and organizations interested in a marketing communications approach.
Design of an asynchronous least common multiple circuit
Authors: Bansal V. , Nandy A. , Lau K.T. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to focus on the development of an asynchronous application which helps to compute the least common multiple (LCM) of two 4‐bit numbers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses a top‐down approach where the design starts from a high level of abstractions and is refined until the transistor level is reached. Circuit techniques rather than optimization have been emphasized in this paper.FindingsAsynchronous circuits are the low power alternatives to the synchronous ones. Even through asynchronous circuits are less developed, they have tremendous potential of becoming the main‐stream design technology in future.Originality/valueThe reader is able to gain a wider perspective and detailed knowledge of the implementation of the handshaking circuits, the signaling protocols, the control path, and the data path among others.