bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultures of consumption of caraficionados
Authors: Hewer Paul , Brownlie Douglas 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the virtual consumption communities which cohere around the object of the car. Focusing upon the cultural practice of debadging, the paper intends to reveal forms of connectivity and resistance within communities of car customization.Design/methodology/approachA netnography in the form of non‐participant observation is used to explore the talk of caraficionadosaround issues of customization and affiliation.FindingsThe paper discusses the importance of internet discussion boards as forums for the exchange of information and advice, but also as a site to express their passion for cars and their affiliation with like‐minded others. The research reveals that the question of aesthetics is a significant one for caraficionados. This enables us to theorize such consumers as akin to designers for whom the discussion boards exist as key reference points.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory study and its primary limitation is one of scope and method. Netnography provides access to web‐based communication. In this sense, a novel channel of access to new forms of expression and ways of doing social relations is employed. Clearly, the insights generated from this study are mediated by the character of the empirical site and the limits of non‐participatory netnography.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper resides in its attempt to theorize the significance of the cultural practice of debadging as a key constituent in community‐formation.
Cool Cymru, rugby union and an imagined community
Authors: Harris John 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically reflect upon the place of rugby union in contemporary Wales where the game is used as an important tool to promote images of the nation. Using Benedict Anderson's conceptualisation of the nation as an “imagined community” the paper aims to locate and analyse the game within and around discourses of Cool Cymru, a term coined in the late twentieth century to promote images of a new vibrant Wales as popularised through its leading music bands.Design/methodology/approachA critical sociological approach analyses and problematises notions of Welshness as it relates to the national sport of rugby.FindingsThe nation is often (re)presented and conceptualised as a monolithic whole where rugby's assumed centrality is rarely questioned. This essay focuses upon the areas of language, geography and gender to demonstrate the situated limits of these (re)presentations. Rugby union and Cool Cymru are also located alongside devolution and are examined further with specific reference to the postmodern sporting celebrity.Originality/valueThis work highlights an increasing primacy afforded to the capital city of Cardiff within a re‐imagining of the nation and the national game.
Mainstreet USA revisited
Authors: Penaloza Lisa 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the nature of market politics in a Latino/a community in Southern California, USA.Design/methodology/approachResearch methods combine orignial ethnographic and historical work with secondary sources on marketing and political activities in their relation to consumption.FindingsFindings highlight conflicts brought about by the burgeoning development of the consumer market for Mexican immigrants in the area, as proponents of conventional industrial and residential development projects clash with Latino/a consumers, Latino/a and Asian buisnessmen and women, and community activists.Research limitations/implicationsA partial view of Latino community is provided that stems from the treatment of consumer culture as fragmented, contradictory, and increasingly mediated by marketing activity and social relations.Practical implicationsImplications strive to re‐imagine Latino/a community and develop policy directives by considering the place of consumption, labor, and capital, and by taking into account the fluid nature of identity, the porous and dynamic bounds of community, and in/formal structures of political power.Originality/valueThis research contributes to our understanding of social relations between mainstream and minority groups as played out in marketing activity and consumer culture. It should prove valuable to academics, policy analysts, and community activists.
International adoption: a sociological account of the US experience
Authors: Engel Madeline , Phillips Norma K. , Dellacava Frances A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis article aims to focus on social structures and national and international factors as they influence international adoption. Special attention is paid to the impact of media, social welfare policies, legislation, and international monitoring groups on international adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe article reviews relevant literature in sociology, social work, and the media. Much of the focus is on adoption in the USA since it has the largest number of internationally adopted children.FindingsInternational adoption is becoming more common and is likely to continue to do so despite the concerns of some countries, some minority groups, and international monitoring agencies regarding trafficking in children, cultural genocide, and social justice issues related to transracial/intercultural adoption.Originality/valueAdoption has generally been studied by social workers, psychologists and others concerned with its impact on the individual adoptee, birth mother and adoptive family. This article presents a sociological perspective of international adoption and considers its implications for families. The article is useful for policy makers, practitioners and others concerned with the occurrence of international adoption and its potential consequences.
The strategic influence of structural manufacturing decisions
Authors: Urgal‐González Begoña , Manuel García‐Vázquez José 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the implementation of certain structural manufacturing decisions and the importance that is attached to certain competitive priorities in the firm's business strategy. The paper seeks to analyse the role these decisions play in the creation of a firm's competitive advantage, and aims to provide evidence of which decisions provide the firm with strategically relevant production capabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses were tested using data collected from business units in the metal industry in Spain, by means of a postal survey. A total of 188 completed questionnaires were obtained and a structural equations analysis was conducted on the results.FindingsThis study has provided evidence for the strategic importance of structural decisions in the production area. The findings of this research suggest that the implementation of certain decisions can originate capabilities on which a competitive advantage can be based.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this research are specific to the industry, and the analysis is static. Further research should be conducted in other industries. A longitudinal study would be convenient, in order to obtain a good understanding of the causal relationships between structural production decisions and the competitive priorities emphasised in the business strategy.Practical implicationsStrategic management of the capabilities which derive from structural manufacturing decisions is shown to have a relevant role in the creation of competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe present paper contributes to the study of the strategic function of manufacturing from the perspective of manufacturing capabilities. In particular, we examine the strategic contribution of structural manufacturing decisions by contributing different capabilities.
Flexibility from a supply chain perspective: definition and review
Authors: Stevenson Mark , Spring Martin 
Published: June 2007

PurposeA growing body of literature has begun to recognise that in the era of supply chain management it is important to look beyond the flexible factory to the flexible supply chain. This paper seeks to further our understanding of supply chain flexibility and provide a comprehensive review of the available literature.Design/methodology/approachPublished literature on supply chain flexibility has been considered. Where appropriate, additional insights have been obtained from related streams such as manufacturing flexibility, agility and supply chain responsiveness.FindingsMuch of the existing research has a limited definition of supply chain flexibility and describes flexibility simply as a reactive means to cope with uncertainty. Supply chain flexibility has emerged from the manufacturing flexibility literature and hence to date is largely confined to a manufacturing context (neglecting the role of services). Empirical research often takes the form of a cross‐sectional postal questionnaire conducted at the firm‐level that fails to explore the inter‐organisational components of supply chain flexibility.Originality/valueThe paper presents a timely review of the available literature and provides a more complete definition of flexibility in the context of supply chains. It is argued that future empirical research should approach research design from a network perspective, treating the supply chain as the unit of analysis, in order to develop a more complete understanding of the effects of flexibility across the whole supply chain. The paper also explores combining a flexible supply chain strategy with proactive means of reducing unwanted supply chain uncertainty, focusing on the roles of supply chain design, supply chain collaboration and inter‐organisational information systems.
The J‐curve dynamics of Turkish bilateral trade: a cointegration approach
Authors: Halicioglu Ferda 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study empirically the dynamics of Turkish bilateral trade between Turkey and her nine trading partners, in addition to aggregate trade balance data.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs cointegration, generalized impulse response analysis, and stability tests.FindingsThe empirical results suggest non‐existence of the J‐curve effect at disaggregate and aggregate levels. However, Marshall‐Lerner condition holds for the aggregate data along with some of the trading partners. With regard to the stability of trade balance equations, the findings are mixed.Practical implicationsConclusions drawn from this study could be useful for the policy makers of governments and practitioners in international trade organizations.Originality/valueThis paper extends the existing literature by providing initial evidence at disaggregate data in the case of Turkey. Moreover, for the first time disaggregate and aggregate data are utilized in the same analysis.
Market power, competition policy and developing economies
Authors: Vindelyn Smith‐Hillman A. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to measure the influence of institutional capacity and population differences between Sub‐Saharan African and Caribbean economies, on the efficacy of competition policy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses multiple regression analysis to evaluate the significance of demographics, as captured through population size, and institutional capacity on the performance of the national competition authority.FindingsThe model identifies institutional capacity as a statistically significant factor enabling robust enforcement of competition policy. Wide disparities in the provision of competition expertise between Western economies and developing countries effectively frustrate attempts in this respect.Research limitations/implicationsThere is the considerable shortage of economic data, both broadly, as it relates to time series, and narrowly, within the remit of competition policy developments, within Sub‐Saharan African economies.Originality/valueBoth African and Caribbean economies represent significantly under‐researched areas, particularly in the sphere of competition policy. This paper represents a small contribution towards filling that void through application to specific country experience as against discussion in the abstract.
HR: how to make friends and influence people
Authors: Hobbs Graeme 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper examines looks at role of the human resources (HR) team during mergers or acquisitions.Design/methodology/approachThis is a viewpoint paper.FindingsFinds that the role of the HR department is especially important during mergers/acquisitions in promoting internal communications and perhaps changing the directions of people's careers and motivating them to want to be part of the new team.Originality/valueThe paper will be of interest to those involved with HR and team building within companies.
Resultsmanship
Authors: Barekat Matthew 
Published: June 2007

PurposeReviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsThe managing partner of a consultancy gives a personal overview of the current backlash against questionable ethics employed by some consultanciesPractical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Collision avoidance technology: from parking sensors to unmanned aircraft
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo examine the sensors and techniques used in preventing the collision of moving vehicles.Design/methodology/approachA review of automobile‐guidance research projects carried out in European universities and advanced safety vehicle development by Japanese car manufacturers is followed by a description of driver assistance systems in current use. A new research initiative for autonomous unmanned aircraft is then discussed.FindingsFully‐autonomous prototype vehicles have demonstrated impressive feats on public roads, but car manufacturers are currently concentrating on driver assistance systems. Research is underway to extend the use of unmanned aircraft into the civil field, and to allow them to share airspace with piloted planes.Originality/valuePresents current policies in automotive and aerospace development, and describes the range of sensor technologies applied to collision avoidance.
Nanometrology: a critical discipline for the twenty‐first century
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo illustrate the importance of nanometrology, the discipline of metrology at the nanoscale, and to describe the techniques involved.Design/methodology/approachThis firstly highlights the importance of nanometrology and considers some future applications with particularly demanding metrological requirements. The main techniques used to characterise nanoscale devices are described. Research and the activities of certain national metrology institutes are discussed.FindingsThis illustrates that nanometrology is a critical discipline that will underpin the nanotechnology revolution. It shows that a range of techniques exist for characterising nanomaterials and devices, although most are costly and complex. It further shows that nanometrology developments are underway on a global scale.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates the importance of nanometrology and describes in detail the techniques used.
Resonating gyroscopes: the next big challenge for MEMS technology
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo describe the operation and historical development of MEMS gyroscopes and to consider their prospects in emerging high volume consumer markets.Design/methodology/approachThis paper firstly describes the Coriolis effect and its application to MEMS‐based resonating gyroscopes. Designs are discussed and manufacturers identified. Applications and the prospects for MEMS gyroscopes in emerging, high volume markets are considered. Reference is made to a venture‐financed American start‐up who has targeted this sector.FindingsThis shows that technologically sophisticated MEMS gyroscopes are now in volume production and that prices are falling to a point where they may compete with accelerometers in the rapidly developing consumer markets.Originality/valueThis paper describes the principles and evolution of MEMS gyroscopes and identifies critical emerging markets.
In‐line quality control of product coding from Cobalt IS
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo show how the integration of standard sensors with software has produced a very powerful aid to food‐safety compliant product labelling in the production environment.Design/methodology/approachA review of the requirements of food labelling for traceability is followed by a description of the Cobalt Sentinel system for validating the packaging process. The advantages of biometric authentication over passwords for operator access control, and the installation and commissioning options are explained. Further, information is given about the range of sensors and software enhancements supplied by the company.FindingsCobalt IS has a lot of experience with the hardware needed for high quality product labelling, and writes its own software to configure it to meet application requirements. The Cobalt Sentinel ensures labelling equipment is correctly set up for each run, and links to the factory network for further checks against the production scheduling database. It aims to pay for itself within 12 months.Originality/valueInforms food packaging companies of a practical solution to the increasing demands of regulation and customer expectation for food traceability.
Machine vision inspection system for film
Authors: Jin‐Jiang Wang , Zheng Wang , Xu‐Tao Mo , Peng Wang , Ming Liu , Li Ren , Yue Zhu , Fang Zhang , Wen‐Yao Liu 
Published: June 2007

PurposeFilm is an important recording medium in industry. How to ensure film quality is a problem, because the film is produced in a dark room. Aims to focus on this.Design/methodology/approachAn inspection system based on machine vision is presented which could assure illumination and imaging at 940 nm which is safe for film.FindingsAn objective evaluation is given using an image processing method and satisfactory results are obtained. Now, the inspection system is used by the biggest film company in China.Originality/valueThis work focuses on an important issue in film production.
Multi‐modality multi‐interface level sensor with segmented capacitance and inductance sensing elements
Authors: Hwili A.O. , Yang W.Q. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeCrude oil separation is an important process in the oil industry. To make efficient use of the separators, it is important to know their internal behaviour, and to measure the levels of multi‐interfaces between different materials, such as gas‐foam, foam‐oil, oil‐emulsion, emulsion‐water and water‐solids. To develop a multi‐interface level sensor.Design/methodology/approachMulti‐modality sensor with segmented capacitance and electromagnetic sensing elements. Some key issues are addressed, including the effect of salt content in water on measurement.FindingsWorking with gas/oil/saline water, the simulation and experimental results show that the newly designed sensor is promising.Originality/valueFirst time to present this multi‐modality sensor, which can cope with current problems with saline water.
iPOS: a fault‐tolerant and adaptive multi‐sensor positioning architecture with QoS guarantees
Authors: Bohn Jürgen 
Published: June 2007

PurposeTo describe the architecture of iPOS (short for iPAQ positioning system), a novel fault‐tolerant and adaptive self‐positioning system with quality‐of‐service (QoS) guarantees for resource‐limited mobile devices.Design/methodology/approachThe iPOS architecture is based on a novel sensor modelling technique in combination with a probabilistic data‐fusion engine, which is capable of efficiently combining the location information obtained from an arbitrary number of heterogeneous location sensors. As a proof of concept, the paper present a prototypical implementation for handheld devices, which was evaluated by means of practical experiments.FindingsA major advantage of the iPOS positioning system is its extensibility and flexibility, which is achieved by means of an open plugin architecture and the support of global positioning coordinates according to the WGS‐84 standard. The iPOS system scales very well with respect to the number of sensor plugins that can be operated in parallel. The main limiting factor for the number of supported active plugins is the amount of available system resources on the MoD. With regard to recognition, the experimental results indicate a good accuracy of the fusion‐based positioning system in comparison to the accuracy of the individual sensing technologies. Thanks to the explicit modelling of reliable sensor events, the iPOS system is capable of providing QoS guarantees to applications with regard to the achieved positioning accuracy.Research limitations/implicationsDuring the experiments, the author recognized time synchronisation as an important challenge that should be addressed as part of future work.Practical implicationsThe system enables resource‐restricted mobile devices and computerised objects to exploit computing resources found in their immediate physical vicinity (locality).Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel lightweight sensor‐fusion architecture for fault‐tolerant and adaptive self‐positioning that performs well on resource‐limited mobile devices. A special feature of the developed data‐fusion architecture is the application of a novel event modelling technique that enables the positioning system to give QoS guarantees under certain conditions.
Passing the buck: gender and management of research production in UK Higher Education
Authors: Fletcher Catherine 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to evaluate the views of manager‐academics on gender equity and research in one UK institution.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on semi‐structured interviews with 22 manager‐academics in one UK institution, against a context of national data.FindingsIt was found that manager‐academics had little knowledge of the conceptual issues surrounding gender equity and used a discourse of choice and agency to explain continuing inequalities in the research careers of women academics.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the case study was carried out in one institution, it replicates many of the issues raised by national studies and data.Practical implicationsGood practice in encouraging gender equity for women academics engaged in research includes role models, confidence and support networks, gender awareness training for managers, mentoring and building networks.Originality/valueThe paper provides new empirical data on gender equity and research in one UK university and critically analyses the gap between theory on gender equity and practice of manager‐academics. It provides a link between a micro‐agentic viewpoint and a meso‐institutional viewpoint and suggests that both these as well as a macro national and supranational view will give a fuller analysis of the issue of gender equity and research careers for women academics.