bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the relationship between leadership, emotional intelligence and intuition in senior female managers
Authors: Downey L.A. , Papageorgiou V. , Stough C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo assess the relationship between leadership style, intuition, and emotional intelligence (EI) measured by a general and a workplace specific measure of EI in female managers.Design/methodology/approachThe study consisted of 176 female managers from several industries across Australia who completed a questionnaire battery consisting of the multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ), the cognitive style index (CSI), the trait meta‐mood scale (TMMS), and the workplace Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Test (workplace SUEIT).FindingsThe results indicated that female managers displaying transformational leadership behaviours were more likely to display higher levels of EI and intuition than female managers displaying less transformational leadership behaviours. The workplace measure of EI was found to be the better predictor of transformational leadership behaviours than the general measure of EI, which was attributed to the workplace specific nature of the workplace SUEIT.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of this research suggested the greater utility of workplace specific EI measures when concurrently assessing workplace outcomes. Research into leadership, EI and intuition may increase our understanding of effective leadership and could lead to the development of better tools for the selection, training and development of leaders.Originality/valueThis paper extends upon prior research that has identified a relationship between transformational leadership and EI, and also explores their relationship to the construct of intuition in female managers. It also addresses the important issue of the utility of two measures of EI in light of the workplace nature of the research.
Plotting future UK robotics research programmes
Authors: Rooks Brian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo report on a workshop, “Future UK Robotics Research Opportunities and Challenges”, held at Salford University in November 2005.Design/methodology/approachThe driver for the workshop was fear that the UK could miss out on future opportunities in the robotics market, which recent figures suggest could be six times larger in 20 years' time compared with today. The workshop was split into two main sessions. In the morning, the theme was funding sources currently available for research programmes, with presentations from representatives of the European Commission, EURON (the European Robotics Research Network), EUROP (European Robotics Platform) and the UK EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). All these bodies can provide support to UK researchers for appropriate projects. In the afternoon, the focus was on the technical challenges for robotics particularly in the service domain, which is forecast to be the big growth area. Three areas were discussed: human‐robot interfaces, robot modularisation and field robotics. Finally, the outcomes from a final “break out” session are given, the main proposal being a UK national “Grand Challenge” that would reinforce the relevance of robotics to future everyday life.FindingsThere are many opportunities in both the funding of and the challenges to UK (and other European) researchers in robotics, particularly in service environments.Originality/valueProvides a review of the current status of European robotics research programmes and the fundings available to UK teams.
Learning to plan for robots using generalized representations
Authors: Pisokas John , Gu Dongbing , Hu Huosheng 
Published: July 2006

PurposeRobots operating in the real world should be able to make decisions and plan ahead their actions. We argue that learning using generalized representations of the robot's experience can assist such a ability.Design/methodology/approachWe present results from our research on methods for enabling mobile robots to plan their actions using generalized representations of their experience. Such generalized representations are acquired through a learning phase during which the robot explores its environment and builds subsymbolic (connectionist) representations of the result that its actions have to its sensory perception. Then these representations are employed by the robot for autonomously determining task‐achieving sequences of actions (plans),for attaining assigned tasks.FindingsSuch subsymbolic mechanisms can employ generalization techniques in order to pursue plans through unexplored regions of the robot's environment.Originality/valueSubsymbolic motion planning can autonomously determine task‐achieving sequences of actions in real environments, without using presupplied symbolic knowledge, but instead generating novel plans using previously acquired subsymbolic representations.
On distributed mechatronics controller for omni‐directional autonomous guided vehicles
Authors: Sylvester Tlale Nkgatho 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIn this paper, two omni‐directional mobile vehicles are designed and controlled implementing distributed mechatronics controllers. Omni‐directionality is the ability of mobile vehicle to move instantaneously in any direction. It is achieved by implementing Mecanum wheels in one vehicle and conventional wheels in another vehicle. The control requirements for omni‐directionality using the two above‐mentioned methods are that each wheel must be independently driven, and that all the four wheels must be synchronized in order to achieve the desired motion of each vehicle.Design/methodology/approachDistributed mechatronics controllers implementing Controller Area Network (CAN) modules are used to satisfy the control requirements of the vehicles. In distributed control architectures, failures in other parts of the control system can be compensated by other parts of the system. Three‐layered control architecture is implemented for; time‐critical tasks, event‐based tasks, and task planning. Global variables and broadcast communication is used on CAN bus. Messages are accepted in individual distributed controller modules by subscription.FindingsIncrease in the number of distributed modules increases the number of CAN bus messages required to achieve smooth working of the vehicles. This requires development of higher layer to manage the messages on the CAN bus.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the research is that analysis of the distributed controllers that were developed is complex, and that there are no universally accepted tool for conducting the analysis. The other limitation is that teh mathematical models of the mobile robot that have been developed need to be verified.Practical implicationsIn the design of omni‐directional vehicles, reliability of the vehicle can be improved by modular design of mechanical system and electronic system of the wheel modules and the sensor modules.Originality/valueThe paper tries to show the advantages of distributed controller for omni‐directional vehicles. To the author's knowledge, that is a new concept.
Exploring adaptive locomotion with YaMoR, a novel autonomous modular robot with Bluetooth interface
Authors: Moeckel Rico , Jaquier Cyril , Drapel Kevin , Dittrich Elmar , Upegui Andres , Jan Ijspeert Auke 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to present a novel modular robot that provides a flexible framework for exploring adaptive locomotion.Design/methodology/approachA new modular robot is presented called YaMoR (for “Yet another Modular Robot”). Each YaMoR module contains an FPGA and a microcontroller supporting a wide range of control strategies and high computational power. The Bluetooth interface included in each YaMoR module allows wireless communication between the modules and controlling the robot from a PC. A control software called Bluemove was developed and implemented that allows easy testing of the capabilities for locomotion of a large variety of robot configurations.FindingsWith the help of the control software called Bluemove, different configurations of the YaMoR modules were tested like a wheel, caterpillar or configurations with limbs and their capabilities for locomotion.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that modular robots can act as a powerful framework for exploring locomotion of a large variety of different types of robots. Although present research is limited to exploring locomotion, YaMoR modules are designed to be general purpose and support a variety of applications.
Using signs for configuring work tasks of service robots
Authors: Heikkilä Mikko , Terho Sami , Hirsi Minna , Halme Aarne , Forsman Pekka 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe how signs can be used as a part of the work task scenarios with service robot.Design/methodology/approachThe signs are used to control a work task of a mobile service robot. Tests are done in real outdoor and non‐structured environments with the WorkPartner robot. In the test scenario the signs are used to define the boundaries of a working area. Two different kinds of signs are tested: passive and active.FindingsThe signs can be used as a simple way to define the parameters of a work task. One of the advantages is usability. For example, the signs can just be carried to the working area and no other actions are needed.Research limitations/implicationsThe tests focused only on bounding the working area with signs. Using the signs for pointing a direction, marking a route, or defining a location of a single target will be tested in the future.Practical implicationsSigns are an easy way to configure work tasks of service robots. The concept can be applied to various kinds of mobile robots.Originality/valueThe signs are introduced as an alternative or complementary tool for passing information of the task plan of a work task from the human operator to the service robot.
Central city socio‐economic characteristics and public participation strategies
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article aims to examine the mechanisms used by municipalities to stimulate public participation and, in part, to argue that contrasts between the socio‐economic make‐up of central cities in the USA and Canada explain these divergent techniques.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a survey of planning departments measuring the types of public participation strategies used by local governments.FindingsThe article's findings indicate that Canadian municipalities adopt a broader range of public participation techniques related to: voluntarism and public engagement, neighborhood and strategic planning, and e‐government. In contrast, the article's findings indicate that US municipalities are more likely to promote public participation through mechanisms such as annual community meetings and referendums on public issues.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusion of the article offers recommendations for expanding the scope of public participation and developing strategies that maximize citizen input in community development activities in both countries.Practical implicationsThe survey was conducted to identify the scope of public participation techniques used by local governments in the Niagara region. One limitation of this methodology is that it does not gauge the effectiveness of the participation techniques used by local governments or the intensity of public engagement. However, the results from this study provide future researchers with a mechanism for focusing future analysis.Originality/valueThe findings can assist in identifying new directions for enhancing public participation in the USA and Canada.
Employee stock option plan and employee attitudes
Authors: Selvarajan T.T. , Ramamoorthy Nagarajan , Flood Patrick , Rowley Peter 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe objective of this research is to present a causal model of the influence of stock options on psychological contract and employee attitudes, and report results of an initial empirical examination of this model.Design/methodology/approachTo test the model, data were collected using a survey methodology from 98 employees in a large financial services firm. Multiple‐regression equations were used to derive the path coefficients.FindingsThe psychological contract variable of met expectations mediated the relationships between stock options and tenure intent and organizational commitment thus providing support for the intrinsic value model. Equity perceptions mediated the relationship between stocks exercised and met expectations. Equity perceptions, however, did not mediate the relationship between stock options and employee attitudes. Similarly, stock earnings also had a direct effect on external career intent indicating that employees who had exercised their stock options were looking for outside career opportunities contrary to our hypothesis.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should attempt to reconcile the intrinsic versus extrinsic value stock options may have on employee attitudes. These results should be considered tentative and interpreted with caution due to the cross‐sectional nature of data. The support for the intrinsic model suggests that organizations that use stock options may expect positive attitudes from their employees.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first study that attempts to develop and test a causal model.
IT use in supporting TQM initiatives: an empirical investigation
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Cristóbal , Dewhurst Frank W. , Rafael Martínez‐Lorente Angel 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide insights into current IT and total quality management (TQM) theory and practice on operational and quality performance, in particular the use of IT in supporting TQM policies and practices.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses derived from the key features of TQM and IT presented by previous authors are tested using structural equation modelling through field research on a sample of 234 manufacturing companies in Spain.FindingsThe results indicate that the sampled firms make considerable use of IT to support their TQM initiatives and that overall such efforts generate significant positive gains on operational and quality performance. The few exceptions to this are noted and discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications and limitations of the survey together with suggestions for further research are fully discussed.Practical implicationsA survey of IT in support of TQM initiatives on operational and quality performance in manufacturing suggests how firms and other organisations should focus their IT investments to improve performance.Originality/valueBoth information technology and TQM have had, and continue to have, a significant impact on most organizations. Although each paradigm has been widely researched there is little empirical research on the relationship between the two and how they both relate to business performance.
Using learning networks to enable industrial development
Authors: Morris Mike , Bessant John , Barnes Justin 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of inter‐firm learning and the ways in which “learning networks” can be established and facilitated. Underlying this is the argument that significant traction on the problem of organizational learning – in this case around process innovations – can be gained through deploying structured and purposeful inter‐organizational learning networks.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on three case studies drawn from the experience of firms in South Africa, covering both vertical (supply chain) and horizontal (cross‐sector) groupings in automotive components and timber products.FindingsThe paper reports on the ways in which the learning networks were set‐up and operated, mapping this experience against a model framework which emphasizes a number of core operational processes. It suggests that the success of both the automotive component groupings and the failure of the timber products network can be explained through reference to this model and the different approaches taken to managing these core processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe research reported here draws on a small number of detailed cases and further work is needed to verify the model and the guidelines for action.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights guidelines for policy agents – for example, in business support agencies or regional development authorities – in setting up and running effective learning networks.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to theory around inter‐organizational networking and organizational learning and provides micro‐level detail of how learning networks can be established and sustained.
ERP in the minds of supervisors
Authors: Bendoly Elliot , Bachrach Daniel G. , Wang Hui , Zhang Shouyang 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the existence of direct and moderating effects of task interdependence and culture on supervisory views of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.Design/methodology/approachTo analyze these effects, an experiment was conducted in the USA and The People's Republic of China. A total of 304 management supervisors participated. Participants were exposed to an interdependence manipulation and then rated the importance of ERP in the case contexts described by experimental treatments.FindingsResults support the moderating effects of culture on the extent to which task interdependence impacts managerial views of the communicative capabilities of ERP systems. Task interdependence effects are much less severe among the views of Chinese managers.Research limitations/implicationsMain limitations potentially stem from our specific operationalizations of the factors studied as well as selectivity of the subject pool. As with many empirical comparisons of culture, these limitations may confine the application of the findings to the two national contexts studied.Practical implicationsIf managers in China (as compared to their US counterparts) are more enthusiastic of the communication capabilities provided by ERP systems regardless of the extent to which internal processes are interdependent, then the business cases that support ERP adoption and extension should be expected to emphasize the benefits of such capabilities. This may foster a strategic distinction in the use of these architectures in the two settings.Originality/valueThis study specifically examines the interactive effects of task interdependency and culture on managerial perceptions regarding ERP communicative capabilities.
Achieving flexible manufacturing competence
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Vonderembse Mark A. , Cao Mei 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo respond to increasing environmental uncertainty, manufacturers are enhancing flexible manufacturing competence (FMC) as a source of competitive advantage. This study aims to extend research on FMC to its antecedent variables by investigating the impacts of advanced manufacturing technology and operations improvement practices (OIP) on FMC.Design/methodology/approachUsing survey data from 273 manufacturing firms, this research tests additive, mediating, and moderating models that relate these variables.FindingsAmong three alternative models, the moderating model is best supported. The results indicate that advanced manufacturing technology has a stronger positive impact on FMC when OIP are effectively implemented than when they are not.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses attention on the antecedent variables to production competence, rather than on the concept and positive performance effect of production competence.Practical implicationsFor managers, the issue is not simply purchasing automation but developing OIP to effectively use advanced manufacturing technologies, thereby achieving the magnifying effects of human capital on FMC.Originality/valueThis paper investigates FMC and its antecedent variables by testing three alternative models, and it offers assistance to managers who are implementing advanced manufacturing technologies and OIP.
Supply chain management: a structured literature review and implications for future research
Authors: Burgess Kevin , Singh Prakash J. , Koroglu Rana 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe field of supply chain management (SCM) has historically been informed by knowledge from narrow functional areas. While some effort towards producing a broader organizational perspective has been made, nonetheless, SCM continues to be largely eclectic with little consensus on its conceptualization and research methodological bases. This paper seeks to clarify aspects of this emerging perspective.Design/methodology/approachA total of 100 randomly selected refereed journal articles were systematically analyzed.FindingsA number of key findings emerged: the field is a relatively “new” one; several disciplines claim ownership of the field; consensus is lacking on the definition of the term; contextual focus is mostly on the manufacturing industry; predominantly “process” conceptual framing prevails; research methods employed are mostly analytical conceptual, empirical surveys or case studies; the positivist research paradigmatic stance is prevalent; and theories related to transaction cost economics and competitive advantage dominate.Originality/valueThis review identifies various conceptual and research methodological characteristics of SCM. From a philosophy of knowledge perspective, it is suggested that SCM be framed as a Lakatosian Research Program, for this has the best potential to assist in the development of SCM body of knowledge in a sustainable way into the future.
An empirical taxonomy of purchasing functions
Authors: Cousins Paul D. , Lawson Benn , Squire Brian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the different patterns of purchasing function configuration, and the relationship between such patterns and organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachDespite considerable attention, there is little evidence showing the current situation toward the development of purchasing functions within organisations. Through quantitative data collected from 151 UK purchasing executives, cluster analysis is used to uncover and characterize four purchasing function configurations.FindingsFour configurations, termed strategic, capable, celebrity, and undeveloped, were identified according to the characteristics they possess. Significant differences in supplier‐ and organisational‐related performance outcomes were found across these four purchasing function configurations. Purchasing skills were also shown to be a precondition for purchasing to exert influence within the organisation.Research limitations/implicationsA cross‐sectional survey provides limited longitudinal insight into the evolution of purchasing functions. Future research could examine how firms move between purchasing configurations. This study does, however, improve understanding of the different types of purchasing functions, their performance outcomes, and makes recommendations for potential strategies to be adopted for purchasing function improvement.Practical implicationsThe findings are useful for practitioners seeking to improve the performance and standing of the purchasing function through identification of the characteristics and potential limitations faced at each phase.Originality/valueThis paper is one of few studies to provide an empirical test of purchasing function configuration, and the implications for organisational performance.