bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A modular robotic system for industrial applications
Authors: Acaccia Gabriella , Bruzzone Luca , Razzoli Roberto 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is the development of a modular robotic system for generic industrial applications, including assembly.Design/methodology/approachA library of robotic modules has been designed; they are divided into two categories: link modules, not actuated, and joint modules, actuated; the library is characterized by a relatively low number of elements, but allows the assembly of a wide variety of medium‐size serial robots.FindingsThe prototypes of two joint modules (a revolute joint module and a wrist module) and of some link modules have been realized. The behaviour of several serial robots composed of the designed modules has been assessed by multibody simulation. The results confirm the goodness of the proposed approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe two prototype modules are under test in combination with simplified modules. The further steps of the research programme will be the completion of the prototype library, and an experimental campaign on different serial chains.Practical implicationsModularity allows one to achieve a great variety of robots starting from a small set of modules, in order to match different operative requirements. Moreover, modularity dramatically reduces the time‐to‐repair of the robot and consequently improves its overall availability; this is a fundamental feature for modern industrial enterprises aiming at maximizing the resources availability.Originality/valueThe proposed mechanical design of the revolute joint modules, based on a harmonic drive that connects two bodies in relative rotational motion, is compact and robust. Modularity is not restricted to mechanics: a distributed control system is adopted to make the reconfiguration of the robot easier and quicker.
Earnings management in China: an exploratory study
Authors: Noronha Carlos , Zeng Yun , Vinten Gerald 
Published: April 2008

PurposeIn recent years, China has been making progress in internationalizing its financial reporting system. However, it is believed that earnings management from legitimate accounting choices to fraud that violates generally accepted accounting principles, is common in the mainland. The purpose of this study is to identify the most frequently used earnings management techniques in China and the underlying factors that motivate firms to engage in earnings management.Design/methodology/approachData were gained through a questionnaire sent to managers and accountants in mainland Chinese companies.FindingsThe results show that the size and form of ownership of companies materially influence earnings management incentives and techniques in China. Public ownership companies have stronger incentives to manage earnings for management compensation, while private ownership companies pay more attention to tax expense savings. Also, several popular techniques employed in China are revealed.Originality/valueThis study presents a general picture of earnings management in China by surveying the opinions of accountants and financial managers in Chinese companies.
A model for a multi‐agency response management system (MARMS) for South Africa
Authors: Reid Pat , van Niekerk Dewald 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe promulgation of disaster management legislation and policy in South Africa necessitates the development of a uniform multi‐agency incident and disaster response system. This paper aims to argue that a uniform response by numerous government agencies in South Africa can only be achieved through the application of an accepted model, which is based on the requirements of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 as well as the National Disaster Risk Management Framework of South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe model was developed using grounded theory methodology through the use of the internet and focus group interviews with South African as well as international experts. During the process of analysing the data by open and axial coding, key elements emerged which were then clustered into categories from which the core concepts of the model emerged. The emergent core concepts were then dimensionalised, which formed the major constructs of the model thereby ensuring that the model was grounded in the theory. Constant comparisons were drawn with the experiences in the field throughout the process in order to ensure theoretical sensitivity. During the process of axial coding certain intervening conditions emerged which could negatively or positively affect its application. The developed model was therefore subjected to scrutiny by means of a quantitative attitudinal test amongst senior professionals involved in the field of emergency and disaster management, resulting in triangulation.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that in order for the proposed model to be implemented effectively it is necessary to refine each level of response in terms of authority, communication and reporting lines.Originality/valueThis model can be used as the foundation for the development of a comprehensive response management system for South Africa and other similar countries, and that the model can further contribute to the development of a basic training module for inclusion in the curricula of response agency personnel.
Trends in smoking among adolescents and young adults in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sandford Amanda 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine trends in smoking prevalence among adolescents and young adults in the UK and to identify any developments in health education theory and practice relating to adolescent tobacco use since 2000. The implications of such research are discussed.Design/methodology/approachA literature search was conducted focusing on UK studies covering the period 2000‐2007.FindingsSince the start of the new millennium a slight downward shift in smoking prevalence has been recorded among 11‐15 year olds after at least two decades of little change. International studies suggest that smoking rates among British adolescents are below the average of other European nations. Greater declines in smoking have been evident in young adult smokers. Smoking uptake occurs in response to a range of factors. Recent research has provided further insight into the psychology of young people although young people's attitudes towards smoking do not necessarily predict smoking uptake. Although there is a correlation between smoking uptake and other substance use, the evidence to support the gateway theory is inconclusive. Youth smoking prevention programmes devised by the tobacco industry may do more harm than good and the motives for providing such schemes are questionable. Despite extensive research, there is little evidence that school‐based smoking education programmes have a lasting impact on youth smoking prevalence. By contrast, population‐wide measures are more likely to result in the de‐normalisation of smoking and have a stronger influence on youth smoking. Health educators should support government and other agency initiatives to reduce smoking across the population as a whole rather than focusing on purely youth‐oriented campaigns.Originality/valueThis paper examines trends in youth smoking in the UK since the millennium. In addition it provides a comparison with international trends and points to the value of population‐wide tobacco control measures. It will be of interest to those involved with health and education.
Ac‐Count‐able HR
Authors: Ward Alison 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper outlines the importance of HR Business Partner using business data in order to contribute at a strategic level.Design/methodology/approachProvides evidence for a three year pan‐European case study of the correlated link between a HR influence on employee engagement and customer loyalty and financial performance. Also provides anecdotal insights of HR professional's historical approach to data and a way of using business data strategically.FindingsProvides two charts ‐ one which demonstrates the link between HR disciplines and the business and one which depicts the different types of data that the HR professional can gain value from.Practical implicationsUrges HR Business Partners to address their knowledge gaps in understanding business data and provides an outline of useful data sources.Originality/valueHighlights the importance of business data in providing a credible and strategic HR contribution.
What about negotiator styles?
Authors: Ogilvie John R. , Kidder Deborah L. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review research on styles of negotiating and distinguish them from conflict styles and individual difference measures studied in negotiation contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe literature on negotiating styles is reviewed, a model is presented that synthesizes previous research, and suggestions for future research are presented.FindingsPrevious research has predominantly considered leadership styles in terms of the five conflict‐handling styles (collaborating, competing, compromising, accommodating, and avoiding) from the Dual Concerns Model. While this focus has been useful, the paper also points out that other measures exist that may be more useful for understanding negotiating styles, although they have yet to be validated.Originality/valueNegotiating styles, as distinct patterns of behavior, are critical for understanding effective negotiations as well as being able to train students in negotiation skills.
Determinants of Bahraini managers' acceptance of business process reengineering
Authors: Kamhawi Emad M. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the possible underlying factors that influence managers' intentions towards adopting business process reengineering (BPR) in a less‐developed country (LDC) context, namely Bahrain.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a survey method to elicit opinions from 104 managers from 14 different big Bahraini businesses.FindingsThe results showed that the existence of some organizational capabilities such as “effective project management experiences” and “the ability to build an organizational‐wide need for change” are important requisites to gain positive salient beliefs toward accepting BPR. Moreover, it showed that “managers' cognitive style” and “level of education” had significant influences on their “intentions to adopt BPR approach.” The findings also suggest that other external factors such as “competitive pressures” and “managers' beliefs about BPR” are significant antecedents to BPR perceived ease of use.Research limitations/implicationsConclusions are drawn about BPR experiences in countries such as Bahrain. Those experiences are compared and contrasted with the related prior studies, which are mainly from western countries' practices. Possible future research issues are raised to extend the author understanding of how BPR initiatives are promoted in organizations. However, the sample was limited to one LDC, which limits the possibility of generalizing its findings to all less‐developed countries.Originality/valueThe study provides insights into the required organizational capabilities, circumstances, and/or beliefs that ease promoting BPR initiatives in businesses. Accordingly, possible‐related strategies can be devised to enhance BPR practices in organizations.
Understanding dynamics of intellectual capital of nations
Authors: Ståhle Pirjo , Bounfour Ahmed 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe paper aims at creating understanding on the dynamics of intellectual capital (IC), which has emerged recently as one of the major issues on the research agenda. The theme is studied from a national point of view.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis has been conducted using data from the IMD Competitiveness Report covering the data of 51 countries from the years 2000‐2005. Data analysis is aimed at analysing time dependent relationships between intellectual capital and GNP growth. The research provides parameters of four types of effects for a nation's GNP growth: sustaining effects, boosting effects, linear growth potential and exponential growth potential. Based on the developmental stage of the countries they were grouped to: developing; transitional; and developed countries, and the effects of IC was studied within and between these groups.FindingsThe analysis specifies the types of IC factors that have important effects on economic growth on different level of economics. The analysis also provides an analytical framework for designing the context in which IC of nations can be adequately considered in the mid‐long term perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has to be considered as exploratory. It has been conducted using only one database with certain limitations. Further research is needed especially by integrating other components of intellectual capital, e.g. reputation, decision‐making processes, and cultural dimension.Practical implicationsFrom a practical perspective the findings also provide important guidelines and framework for policy makers.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new view on the dynamics of IC at national level by relating IC ingredients to economic performance and specifying under which circumstances IC has important effects on national GNP growth.
A simulation model for evaluating the tariff stability of concession‐based PPP proposals
Authors: Ng S. Thomas , Xie Jingzhu 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to devise a simple but practical model to assist decision makers in evaluating the tariff stability of concession schemes.Design/methodology/approachTo develop such a model necessitates the identification of parameters that could contribute to an increase or decline in investment return. With that a Monte‐Carlo‐based simulation model is devised to determine the probability that the tariff regime remains unchanged even when the identified risks do occur at the operational stage. Sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most influential factors to investment return and tariff stability.FindingsThe results of the scenario indicate that the internal rate of return could be profoundly influenced by the risk factors which reaffirm the needs for a more comprehensive model for tariff stability evaluation.Research limitations/implicationsThrough the simulation model, a tariff stability indicator is derived and when integrated with the results of sensitivity analysis this could generate a weighted indicator for alternative tariff regimes for use in decision support systems.Practical implicationsWith the aid of simulation techniques, decision makers can predict the impact of a range of possible market conditions and/or levels of demand on the investment return and hence the stability of the tariff regime.Originality/valueThe model could be extended to other types of public‐private partnerships schemes upon suitable adjustment
Using wikis and blogs to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing
Authors: Payne Judy 
Published: April 2008

PurposeLeading business thinkers agree that knowing how to collaborate is the key to effective knowledge creation and sharing, and to future business success. But collaboration is voluntary, and difficult to manage for hierarchical organizations accustomed to top‐down control. This is reflected in the difficulties organizations typically encounter when trying to persuade people to use technology tools designed to support collaboration. Social software, such as wikis and blogs, appears to be different. Wikis and blogs have become established outside the business world in phenomena such as Wikipedia and are now moving into mainstream business practice. The purpose of this article is to explore the role of wikis and blogs in supporting collaboration.Design/methodology/approachThe article explores the use of social software in organizations through three case studies produced as part of a Henley Knowledge Management Forum research project.FindingsThe findings suggest that social software has the potential to help organizations develop collaboration capability, but the bottom‐up features that make it attractive to users can also make it unattractive to groups of people with a stake in preserving existing organizational structures.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that the impact of social software in an organization depends on the nature of the existing hierarchy and bureaucracy, and that social software can help organizations break down traditional hierarchies that impede collaboration and knowledge sharing. Preliminary work to develop a framework for understanding and managing these interactions is also presented.
Value‐based localization strategies of automobile subsidiaries in Thailand
Authors: Johri Lalit M. , Petison Phallapa 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo analyse the scope of localization strategies and corresponding benefits of these strategies to subsidiaries of international companies in the automobile industry in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have adopted the case research method to investigate localization strategies of subsidiaries of seven companies (Toyota, Hino, Honda, Isuzu, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, and Auto Alliance) as well as 14 of their dealers and suppliers in Thailand. The information was gathered by conducting in‐depth multiple interviews with 120 local and expatriate employees at various levels in the organizations; by referring to annual reports, policy documents and internal reports of these companies; and by observation during plant visits.FindingsContrary to the belief that international companies implement localization strategies to simply match the local market environment, it was found that these companies implement a wide range of localization strategies to achieve multiple benefits. The paper identifies nine areas of localization: localization of strategic decision making; building and exploiting the local knowledge pool; deployment of local human resources; localization of R&D; localization of products; use of local supplier networks; adaptations to manufacturing processes; local deployment of subsidiary profits; and localization of corporate image. These localization strategies are not just based on the principle of “cost‐based localization” but are based on “value‐based localization.” These strategies work in tandem and create value through a system of multiple benefits, such as managements' ability to comprehend and deal with uncertainty in the operating environment; make informed decisions to respond to challenges in developing efficient local assembly and marketing systems; cost reduction; higher degree of commitments by local employees; product customization and acceptance; and greater brand equity and image as a good corporate citizen.Practical implicationsBased on concrete illustrations of seven companies, this study identifies nine distinct areas for planning and implementing localization strategies and their corresponding benefits. The managers of subsidiaries can benefit by focusing their localization efforts in these areas to gain maximum advantage from host country context and then translate these advantages into a competitive international strategy.Originality/valueCEOs of subsidiaries in emerging markets can learn how to build and harness local advantages for global competitiveness by implementing a wide range of localization strategies.
An evaluation of customers' perception and usage of rural community banks (RCBs) in Ghana
Authors: Owusu‐Frimpong Nana 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo ascertain customers' usage level and perceptions of the image of rural community banks (RCBs) in Ghana. This research examines whether women and men differ in their levels of satisfaction and expectation about the banks' services. It also assesses the contribution of RCBs towards infrastructural development in the rural areas.Design/methodology/approachBoth desk and primary research methods were employed. Face‐to‐face interviews took place in 15 bank branches in the eastern region of Ghana. Over 170 respondents consisting of 105 males and 65 females co‐operated for this study. Analyses are presented in a statistical format using mean score and t‐test.FindingsRCBs are perceived as fairly active in rural infrastructural development, and have collaborated with NGOs to help identify, mobilise and educate rural groups in the usage and benefits of banking services. Men and women are gradually cultivating the banking culture. Both genders perceive the quality of financial advice, provision of information and service delivery as areas that need significant improvement. There are no significant differences between both genders in their perceptions and expectation of the banks services.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size was limited to only one part of Ghana and may not be entirely representative.Practical implicationsThis study provides a meaningful insight into consumer behaviour in rural banking sector and useful platform for future studies in marketing of financial services in a developing country context.Originality/valueThe study is unique in that it looks at a rural banking service provision in a sub‐Sahara African country, a setting that markedly differs from the traditional high street banks sectors in the developed world. The results will enable financial service providers to consider the changing needs and wants of RCBs customers.
Attitudes and values in Chinese manufacturing companies
Authors: Alas Ruth 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate employee values and work‐related attitudes in Chinese manufacturing companies in comparison with values and attitudes in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThe paper will investigate employee values at the societal level, attitudes toward the employing organization, work and the determinants of pay. A survey was conducted in two plants in the electronics industry in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. A standardised questionnaire comprising 39 items was developed by the Denki Ringo research group.FindingsThe results of an empirical study in Asian manufacturing companies indicate significant differences, as well as similarities, among values at the societal level and job‐related attitudes in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. It is argued that the differences in work‐related attitudes are influenced by the respective societies' historical legacy, and in particular differences in institutional development.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to draw broader conclusions, it is necessary to explore alternative explanations and conduct further empirical research in other industries.Practical implicationsMultinationals interested in developing manufacturing in China could benefit from information given in this paper about the work‐related attitudes of Chinese employees compared to employees in other Asian societies, where they may already have experience.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of factors influencing values and work‐related attitudes at the societal, organizational, and individual level.