bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of varying viscosity and thermal conductivity on steady MHD free convective flow and heat transfer along an isothermal plate with internal heat generation
Authors: Sharma P.R. , Singh Gurminder 
Published: January 2009

PurposePhysical properties of a viscous fluid, e.g. viscosity and thermal conductivity change with temperature and in most of the studies concerned with natural convection, generally, the simultaneous effect of temperature dependent viscosity, thermal conductivity have been neglected. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the simultaneous effects of varying viscosity and thermal conductivity on free convection flow of a viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid and heat transfer along an isothermal vertical non‐conducting plate in the presence of exponentially varying internal heat‐generation and uniform transverse magnetic field.Design/methodology/approachThe governing equations of motion and energy are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformation. The resulting boundary valued, coupled and non‐linear differential equations are converted into system of linear differential equations and solved using Runge‐Kutta fourth order technique along with shooting method.FindingsIt was found that: fluid velocity decreases with the increase in magnetic parameter or Prandtl number; fluid temperature increases with the increase in magnetic parameter; velocity and temperature profiles increase due to increase in heat generation parameter; varying viscosity and thermal conductivity modifies the flow and heat transfer characteristic; and skin‐friction and heat transfer are affected by simultaneous change in viscosity and thermal conductivity in presence/absence of exponentially varying heat generation.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is applicable to an incompressible viscous fluid flow and heat transfer with linearly varying viscosity and thermal conductivity.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful information on the physical properties of a viscous fluid with regard to viscosity and thermal conductivity change with temperature.
Effect of computational grid in industrial‐scale boiler modeling
Authors: Saario A. , Oksanen A. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effect of a computational grid in computational fluid dynamics‐based mathematical modeling, focusing on but not limiting the attention to industrial‐scale boilers.Design/methodology/approachA full boiler model is used to show the difficulties related to judging iteration and discretization errors in boiler modeling. Then, a single jet is studied in detail to determine the proper degree of local grid refinement required in the vicinity of jets in the full boiler model. Both a nonreactive axisymmetric jet exhausting into a quiescent atmosphere and a reactive jet exhausting into a crossfiow are studied.FindingsOver two million computational cells are required for the grid‐independent solution for a single jet. Local grid refinement is shown to be a good option for improving the results consistently without an excessive increase in the number of computational cells. Using relatively coarse grids of tetrahedral cells with a finite‐volume‐based solver may cause serious errors in results, typically by overpredicting the jet spreading rate and underpredicting the mean axial centerline velocity. Relatively coarse grids of hexahedral cells are less prone to error in a case where a jet exhausts into a quiescent atmosphere. However, their performance deteriorates when a crossfiow is introduced. As assumed, the differences in the predicted reaction rate and species concentrations are significant in the reactive case. It is confirmed that the standard k‐ε model tends to overpredict the axisymmetric jet spreading rate. The estimated inlet turbulence intensity is not among the most critical factors in modeling. Estimations of the axisymmetric jet centerline velocity from the analytical correlation may not coincide with the modeling results.Practical implicationsThe error caused by the computational grid may easily dominate the errors caused by simplifying models used in industrial‐scale boiler modeling (turbulence, combustion, radiative heat transfer, etc.).Originality/valueThe present study deals with grid independency issues in industrial‐scale boiler modeling in a systematic and profound manner.
Impact of intellectual capital on organisational performance
Authors: Hang Chan Kin 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper, which is written in two parts, is to investigate empirically if intellectual capital (IC) has an impact on the financial aspects of organisational performance as well as attempting to identify the IC components that may be the drivers for the leading financial indicators of listed companies. The study sought evidence from the companies of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.Design/methodology/approachUsing data of all the constituent companies of the Hang Seng Index of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange from 2001 to 2005 and the VAIC™ methodology used in the measurement of IC by Pulic, regression models were constructed to examine the relationships between IC and the selected financial performance measures of these companies. Part 1 of the paper first explores a working definition of IC as well as appraising some of the methods in IC measurement. After advocating the use of VAIC™ and reviewing the relevant prior studies, research hypotheses are developed for this study. Part 1 of the paper concludes with a discussion of the research method and regression models used in investigating the hypotheses.FindingsThe results of the analysis is presented in Part 2 of the paper, which examines the association between IC, as measured by VAIC™, and the four measures of financial performance in the sample companies surveyed in Hong Kong. Part 1 of the paper develops the hypotheses for the study and establishes the research method used to investigate these hypotheses.Originality/valueIt is believed that this is the first study conducted in Hong Kong involving the use of VAIC™ for the measurement of IC. It not only contributes to the knowledge of IC research, but adds to the existing literature of the progress of IC development in relation to financial performance in companies internationally.
Impact of intellectual capital on organisational performance
Authors: Hang Chan Kin 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper, which is written in two parts, is to investigate empirically if intellectual capital (IC) has an impact on the financial aspects of organisational performance as well as attempting to identify the IC components that may be the drivers for the leading financial indicators of listed companies. The study sought evidence from the companies of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.Design/methodology/approachUsing data of all the constituent companies of the Hang Seng Index of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange from 2001 to 2005 and the VAIC™ methodology used in the measurement of IC by Pulic, regression models were constructed to examine the relationships between IC and the selected financial performance measures of these companies. The research hypotheses and research method are detailed in Part 1 of the paper. In this paper – Part 2, the results and findings of the investigation are analysed and discussed.FindingsThe results of the analysis revealed no conclusive evidence to support a definitive association between IC, as measured by VAIC™, and the four measures of financial performance in the sample companies surveyed in Hong Kong. At best, only a moderate association was recorded between IC and the profitability measures. The study further revealed that physical capital is highly regarded by the companies surveyed for enhancing market valuation, productivity and profitability.Research limitations/implicationsEvidence from Hong Kong shows that there is an overall lack of association between IC and financial performance, which contradicts some prior studies conducted overseas. This may suggest that Hong Kong may be lagging behind, for example, some Asian competitors such as Taiwan and Singapore in IC development. In addition, the empirical results suggest that physical capital continues to play a prominent role in the territory, which may be an indication of Hong Kong's ongoing reliance on “tangibles” as the strategic asset to generate corporate performance. These findings may, however, illustrate that the association between IC and financial indicators such as market valuation may not be a universal and uniform one. Rather, the association may vary from market to market, probably depending on the level of IC awareness in the investors.Originality/valueIt is believed that this is the first study conducted in Hong Kong involving the use of VAIC™ for the measurement of IC. It not only contributes to the knowledge of IC research, but adds to the existing literature of the progress of IC development in relation to financial performance in companies internationally.
Institutional narcissism, arrogant organization disorder and interruptions in organizational learning
Authors: Godkin Lynn , Allcorn Seth 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis article aims to present an alternative approach to diagnosing behavioral barriers to organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper juxtaposes interruptions in organizational learning with characteristics of narcissism and arrogant organization disorder. Psychoanalytically informed theory and DSM‐IV criteria are applied to interruptions in organizational learning and an alternative approach to diagnosing behavioral barriers to organizational learning is suggested.FindingsThis paper illustrates how managers might account for human failings when considering organizational learning in less than ideal settings.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates how informed psychoanalytical theory can be applied to the learning organization and provides a framework from which to diagnose and deal with arrogant organization disorder.
Learning organization and transfer: strategies for improving performance
Authors: Weldy Teresa G. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis study aims to explore a relationship between the learning organization and transfer of training as strategies for learning and managing knowledge to make performance improvements and gain or maintain a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachVarious similarities are identified in the literature that are indicative of a relationship between the learning organization and transfer of training such as: emphasis on both as strategies for a competitive advantage, focus on learning and knowledge, emphasis on taking action to improve performance, link between individual learning and organizational learning, and the focus of previous studies. This paper proposes a positive relationship suggesting that learning organizations are more likely to practice transfer of training.FindingsThe importance placed on the learning organization and transfer of training as critical factors for improving performance and gaining a competitive advantage necessitate that both areas be further investigated. Any relationship between the learning organization and transfer of training could lead to performance improvements and maximize the benefits gained and enable organizations to remain competitive in the face of global competition, a constantly changing environment, and unstable economic conditions.Originality/valueThis paper introduces an important stream of research relevant to a relationship between the learning organization and transfer of training as strategies for facilitating learning and knowledge management. Although numerous similarities are identified in the literature, no theoretical or empirical studies have been conducted.
Chinese pragmatism and the learning organisation
Authors: Elkin Graham , Cone Malcolm H. , Liao Jianqiao (Jim) 
Published: January 2009

PurposeFor 40 years, it has been widely believed in the West that learning organisations would be healthier, flexible and more competitive than other organisations. By now, one might expect them to be widespread. However, fully developed learning organisations are rare in the West. In contrast, Chinese organisations seem naturally to be learning organisations. The paper aims to explore the impact of Eastern (largely Chinese) and Western (largely US) philosophies upon the development of learning organisations and suggests that for learning organisations to develop in the West a different philosophical approach may be needed.Design/methodology/approachThe Chinese worldview, and Chinese pragmatism in particular, are discussed in the context of learning organisations. A link is made with the American pragmatism of Dewey. These philosophical traditions are compared to the prevailing worldview and philosophical tradition in the West, which may help explain the rarity of the learning organisation in the West.FindingsA pragmatic philosophy and a relational worldview allow the development of natural learning organisations in China. The recovery in the west of pragmatism and a relational worldview might allow Western organisations to move towards becoming learning organisations. Without this philosophical underpinning, it is unlikely that there will be more than visionary glimpses of utopian ideas for learning organisations.Originality/valueThe significance of pragmatism in the development of learning organisations needs to be considered as a factor in the failure to develop widespread learning organisations in the West.
International joint ventures: an integrated framework
Authors: Vaidya Sameer 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of issues that are involved in forming joint ventures (JVs) as well as subsequent operation of the venture.Design/methodology/approachThis paper looked at a wide range of literature on international joint ventures (IJVs) to analyze issues managers face during the formation and implementation of these ventures. This paper aims to provide not only avenues for further research in the area but also practical advice to managers in what they need to be aware of while deciding whether to enter an IJV.FindingsThis paper provides a comprehensive overview of the literature with respect to IJVs. Issues with formation include such topics as trust, motives for formation, control issues, and culture. An integrated framework is suggested by the author to look at a diverse range of issues together. This paper takes the small pieces of the IJV literature and connects them into a big picture to make it easier for practitioners as well as academicians to understand the complexities.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper could not review all the possible relationships and variables that affect IJVs.Practical implicationsA useful source for managers who manage JVs as well as for business executives who are thinking about forming a JV with a foreign partner.Originality/valueAlthough many papers have studied the issues relating to JVs, not too many have identified an integrated framework to show the relationships between the various factors that affect JVs.
Using the internet for news and perceptions of news organization bias
Authors: Christie Thomas B. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal perceptions of news organization bias among people who use the internet.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were drawn from the Pew Research Center June 2005 News Interest Index. Respondents were asked if news organizations were politically biased in their reporting. Another question asked respondents if news organizations had a liberal or conservative bias. The final question asked respondents to judge news organization bias on political and social issues.FindingsIn two of the three perceptions of internet user/non‐user ratings of ideological bias in news organizations, internet news users surveyed rate news organizations as more biased than non‐users. However, when asked to ascertain either liberal or conservative bias in news organizations, non‐internet news users were more likely to claim that news organizations were biased.Research limitations/implicationsMore valid measures of the dimension of liberal and conservative bias could help in analyzing the effect of this particular variable on the use of the internet for news. Also, there is the possibility of some confusion in identifying internet news sources.Practical implicationsAdvertising revenue of traditional media could decline as news use shifts to internet sources, and customers of the traditional US news networks would continue to migrate to the internet.Originality/valueAs this new media technology has the potential to reach new markets throughout the world, consumers who perceive that traditional news media are ideologically biased may favor the new medium over more traditional sources of news.
Before and after 2000: revenue and high tech valuation
Authors: Xu Lianzan , Cai Francis 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the concerns that high‐tech “new economy” companies employ aggressive revenue recognition practices to boost stock prices.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test empirically the hypothesis that revenue is more value relevant than other key performance measures traditional earnings and operating cash flows, especially in the case of high‐tech firms with losses.FindingsTest results from this study demonstrate the association between stock prices and reported revenues, both before and after year 2000 the stock market meltdown.Research limitations/implicationsThe study limits its scope on the high‐tech new economy sector. The findings may not be applicable to other industries.Practical implicationsAn important implication of the findings is that the association between stock prices and revenue is presumably the underlying reason for aggressive revenue recognition.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence demonstrating the association between stock prices and revenues, which is very valuable to policy makers and market participants.
Who moved MY job?
Authors: Nassif Maggie , Roe William 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a model of possible solutions to potential employment issues arising from the outsourcing job trend. The case study offers university administrators and education policy makers the rationale to develop sequential, fully articulated education programs that equip the students with job skills that make them competitive in a global work force.Design/methodology/approachThe objective is achieved through a case study of an outsourcing outfit in Jonesboro, Arkansas. A range of recently published academic research and vocational literature provide the statistical background for the experiment conducted at Arkansas State University.FindingsThe US education system is not competitive when compared to Asian and European education systems, which emphasize math, science, and foreign languages. Collaboration between government‐funded entities and corporate America to invest in training the American human capital, as in the case of rural sourcing, is crucial to guarantee America's continuing position as a super world power.Research limitations/implicationsResources include academic research as well as popular vocational publications to ensure the valid representation of academia and corporate America. In addition, several on‐site interviews and observations were conducted. However, due to the fluidity of the outsourcing situation, constant updating of data are required. Consulting the most recent statistics and publications is recommended to stay abreast of the situation.Practical implicationsRecommendations to globalize the American education system are made and are currently being shared with education policy makers at the state level. These recommendations include the implementation of foreign language requirements and more rigorous math and science programs in high schools.Originality/valueThis paper identifies practical tools to overcome the threats of outsourcing jobs to Asia through offering a road map to globalize the American education system with the goal of preparing a competitive workforce for the twenty‐first century.
A balanced scorecard model with incremental analysis for the motor homes industry based on survey results
Authors: Pineno Charles J. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a balanced scorecard model methodology to develop an approach for decision making for the motor homes industry that is used to communicate and evaluate achievement of the corporate mission and strategy. The index, success indicator, gives management a “bottom line” result including non‐financial as well as financial measures based on the targeted improvement efforts as well as the actual result. The comprehensive set of measures helps to focus their organization's strategic objectives in the areas of financial, customer, learning, and growth.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative analysis and the quantitative survey of the motor homes industry were summarized to develop generalized measures and applications as a basic for formulating a special balanced scorecard model.FindingsVarious financial, customer, learning, and growth metrics were identified for a possible template for an actual balanced scorecard.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on a methodology for use by the manufactured home industry that would quantify the intuitive understanding needed to project the possible results. The advantage of using the analysis and the “success indicators” would be to give a “bottom line” result (financial and non‐financial) based on corporate efforts within the industry as presented in the simulation. Further modeling would be necessary to investigate changes in multiple measures.Practical implicationsThe strategy cannot be executed if it cannot be understand, and it cannot be understood if it cannot be described.Originality/valueThis paper develops an approach for decision making by formulating a specific balanced scorecard model for the motor homes industry.
Instructional design and e‐learning
Authors: Hussin Husnayati , Bunyarit Fatimah , Hussein Ramlah 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the elements of effective instructional design in an e‐learning environment in selected Malaysian higher learning institutions. In addition, the study also seeks to investigate the e‐learning use behaviour among these e‐learners.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the interview method of data collection to examine the e‐learning systems used at the selected institutions and a questionnaire‐based survey to gather responses from students on their perception of the effectiveness of instructional design elements and their e‐learning use behaviour.FindingsFindings of the study indicate positive perceptions of e‐learning among students in the selected universities. Student involvement and course content are among the most satisfactory factors for instructional design principles as perceived by the students.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study relate to the generalisability of the findings to other user groups. The findings of the study provide insights on the relevance of instructional design elements to an effective e‐learning environment.Practical implicationsThe findings should assist instructors and e‐learning implementers in designing course materials that would be more effective for e‐learning at the tertiary level of education.Originality/valueThe research provides some evidence from an e‐learners' perspective on the effectiveness of instructional design for an e‐learning environment in the Malaysian context.