bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employee commitment and organizational policies
Authors: Foote David A. , Seipel Scott J. , Johnson Nancy B. , Duffy Michelle K. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo propose new commitment construct‐policy commitment, and to examine the influence of attitude, role clarity, and role conflict on policy commitment, as well as the influence of policy commitment on citizenship behavior.Design/methodology/approachUsing a self‐report questionnaire and a sample of 148 workers in a rural manufacturing plant, we use structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to examine the effects of attitude, role clarity, and role conflict on policy commitment, as well as the effect of policy commitment on the conscientiousness and civic virtue dimensions of citizenship behavior.FindingsSEM revealed that attitudes and role clarity positively influenced policy commitment, and that policy commitment positively influenced conscientiousness and civic virtue.Research limitations/implicationsOur sample is relatively small (N=148) and largely homogeneous, which may limit its generalizability. A number of additional research opportunities are suggested in the study, including those designed to further explore the nature of the policy commitment construct and those designed to examine its relationship with other known commitment antecedents and outcomes. Implications for practitioners and researchers are suggested.Originality/valueCommitment in organizations has long been conceptualized as acceptance of organizational goals and dedicated effort on behalf of the organization itself. However, we believe this conceptualization of commitment may be considerably less salient in today's highly mobile work environment. This study introduces the construct of policy commitment, a conceptualization of commitment as belief in and proactive endorsement of specific courses of action (i.e. policies) that embody the values resident within organizations.
John Seely Brown
Authors: Powell Sarah 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo determine the views of a prominent speaker, author and teacher on his views on nurturing invention and managing innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe article is an interview with John Seely Brown, a visiting scholar at the Annenberg Center at the University of Southern California.FindingsThe interview covers Brown's opinions on a range of issues about invention, innovation and information technology.Originality/valueProvides insights into the thinking of a prominent researcher in organizational and individual learning.
Influence of contextual factors on health‐care leadership
Authors: Kay Brazier Davina 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo extend understanding of the influence of contextual factors on: power and influence; creativity and innovation; and leadership behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe review has been compiled following a search of seven electronic databases from 1999 to 2004. The author also uses her experience as a physiotherapy manager within a children's hospital NHS Trust to reflect on some of the theories in the workplace.FindingsWhile the literature is contradictory in places, some trends do emerge. Bureaucratic organizations can inhibit an empowering environment, as can those that are poor at disseminating information or communicating a vision. Hierarchical structures, high staff turnover and lack of resources are likely to stifle creativity and innovation. Organic structures tend to facilitate a more transformational leadership style, whereas bureaucratic structures encourage a more transactional style. The quality of leader‐member exchange is thought to be related to work group size, work group cohesiveness and organizational climate.Research limitations/implicationsCare is needed in applying these findings to the National Health Service as theory that is developed in one organisation or culture may not be transferable to another. The author suggests that an empirical investigation should be undertaken in different National Health Service units.Originality/valueThis paper explores an aspect of leadership that is often neglected. Organizations that wish to nurture and develop their leaders and managers will need to be mindful of the environmental context within which this takes place.
The OmniTread serpentine robot for industrial inspection and surveillance
Authors: Granosik Grzegorz , Hansen Malik G. , Borenstein Johann 
Published: July 2006

PurposeDescribes the design, construction, and performance of the OmniTread serpentine robot. Provides a review of other designs in this new area of mobile robotics. Presents innovative and unique mechanical and control solutions.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical analysis of key aspects of the mechanical design and their implications on the performance of the robot is presented. Extensive experimentation and testing helped optimize choices of materials for the critical components: tracks and pneumatic bellows. Performance was evaluated by an independent third party: the Southwest Research Institute.FindingsIt was found that pneumatic bellows are optimal joint actuators for serpentine robots. They can provide both strength and compliance, depending on the task, at minimal volume and weight.Research limitations/implicationsThe described prototype is tethered to external sources of electrical and pneumatic power. A smaller and fully self‐contained version of the OmniTread is currently under development.Practical implicationsA fully functional OmniTread serpentine robot will provide unprecedented mobility on rough terrain, such as the rubble of a collapsed building. The ability to climb over high obstacles and span large gaps, while still fitting through small openings suggests use of this robot in urban search and rescue, industrial inspection, and military reconnaissance tasks.Originality/valueThe OmniTread serpentine robot incorporates multiple original features, which resulted in three recent patents. Most notably are the Integrated pneumatic joint actuator with proportional position and stiffness control system and the “Tracks all Around” design. These features provide dramatic performance improvements in serpentine robots.
RobTank Inspec – in service robotized inspection tool for hazardous products storage tanks
Authors: Correia da Cruz A. , Silva Ribeiro M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present an entirely new technology to be used in the in‐service inspection of storage tanks for hazardous products in several different industries.Design/methodology/approachCurrent interior storage oil tank plate inspection is a very expensive and time‐consuming task. The related tasks involve high cost, several hazards to environment and the operators involved in the cleaning jobs. Several research areas were investigated during the development of this tool, fundamentally robotics and non‐destructive test tools. Initial trials in laboratory were complemented with a field test program in near‐real conditions.FindingsA new design of tool for in‐service inspection of such equipments proved to be feasible to be constructed and operated and in accordance with current safety regulations.Research limitations/implicationsNew robotics application in non‐destructive testing methodologies for application in in‐service storage equipments. The internal conditions possible to find in the interior of a storage tank, like fixtures, properties of the stored products (inflammable and aggressive), sludge and sand on the bottom, no ambient light, etc., are significant challenges to the development of such a tool.Practical implicationsDeveloped a robotized tool for inspection of the floor and walls of in‐service tanks, in order to allow an evaluation of the condition of the plates of these tanks, avoiding the long period, hazards and high costs necessary for creating the conditions for reality out of service inspection.Originality/valueThe novelty of the RobTank Inspec project could be evaluated from the two or three existing competitors in the world, and the results of the surveys undertaken.
A hybrid pole climbing and manipulating robot with minimum DOFs for construction and service applications
Authors: Tavakoli M. , Zakerzadeh M.R. , Vossoughi G.R. , Bagheri S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to describe design, prototyping and characteristics of a pole climbing/manipulating robot with ability of passing bends and branches of the pole.Design/methodology/approachIntroducing a hybrid (parallel/serial) four degree of freedom (DOF) mechanism as the main part of the robot and also introduces a unique gripper design for pole climbing robots.FindingsFinds that a robot, with the ability of climbing and manipulating on poles with bends and branches, needs at least 4 DOFs. Also an electrical cylinder is a good option for climbing robots and has some advantages over pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.Research limitations/implicationsThe robot is semi‐industrial size. Design and manufacturing of an industrial size robot are a good suggestion for future works.Practical implicationsWith some changes on the gripper module and the last tool module, the robot is able to do some service works like pipe testing, pipe/pole cleaning, light bulb changing in highways etc.Originality/valueDesign and manufacturing of a pole‐climbing and manipulating robot with minimum DOFs for construction and service works.
The added value of facilities management: benchmarking work processes
Authors: Wauters Bram 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a review of the various approaches to benchmarking and best practice facilities benchmarking techniques currently applied on the European Facilities Management Market.Design/methodology/approachUsing practical examples, the benchmarking methodologies for assessing the three main aspects of facilities service provision – i.e. process, quality and costs – are identified and discussed in the context of their relationship one to the other. The central mechanics and approaches to benchmarking are identified prior to a more detailed assessment of the various methodologies.FindingsThe benchmarking techniques discussed are all applicable to derive benchmarks for comparison with industry standards. It recognises the pros and cons of each methodology and highlights the circumstances at which to best implement them.Practical implicationsFacilities management is at different degrees of development in the EU member states and as such the benchmarking methodologies discussed in this paper might not be appropriate for immediate implementation in each of the member countries.Originality/valueThis paper evaluates a current main topic within the facilities management industry and provides a step‐to‐step guide to organisations that want to commence benchmarking their facilities services provision.
Numerical analysis of reliability and availability of the serial processes in butter‐oil processing plant
Authors: Gupta Pawan , Lal Arvind Kumar , Sharma Rajendra Kumar , Singh Jai 
Published: July 2006

PurposeProposes a method to compute reliability and long‐run availability of the main parts of the butter‐oil (melted butter) manufacturing plant. This manufacturing plant consists of eight sub‐systems working in a series. Two sub‐systems, namely pump and chiller, are supported by stand‐by units with perfect switch‐over devices and the remaining six sub‐systems are prone to failure.Design/methodology/approachMathematical formulation of the model is carried out using mnemonic rule for these six sub‐systems. Reliability, availability and MTBF of the serial process in the butter‐oil processing plant have been computed for various choices of failure and repair rates of sub‐systems of this plant.FindingsAnalysis of reliability, long‐run availability and mean time before failure of the butter‐oil manufacturing plant can help in increasing the production and quality of the butter‐oil.Originality/valueIndustrial implications of the results have also been briefly discussed.
Mathematics and academic finance: the role of paradigms
Authors: Ardalan Kavous 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAny adequate analysis of the nature of mathematics and its role in sciences necessarily requires fundamental understanding of the world views underlying the views expressed with respect to the nature and role of mathematics. Aims to discuss four general views with respect to mathematics and its role in sciences, corresponding to four broad worldviews.Design/methodology/approachThis paper starts with the premise that any worldview can be positioned on a continuum formed by four basic paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. It looks at the current state of mainstream academic finance and notes that it is founded only on the functionalist paradigm. It argues that any view expressed with respect to the nature of mathematics and its role in sciences is based on one of the four paradigms or worldviews.FindingsEmphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the nature and role of mathematics from a certain paradigmatic viewpoint.Originality/valueConcludes that there are opportunities for mainstream academic finance to benefit from contributions coming from the other three paradigms, if it respects paradigm diversity.
Information technology safeguards, logistics asset specificity and fourth‐party logistics network creation in the food retail chain
Authors: Bourlakis Constantine , Bourlakis Michael 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the evolutionary process of the retail logistics network formation, and to propose a relationship framework between the logistics asset buyer (the retailer) and the logistics asset supplier (the third‐party logistics firm).Design/methodology/approachThe evolutionary process is based on the way the asset specificity element of transaction costs theory can be perceived by the logistics asset buyer and the logistics asset supplier. The asset specificity element is linked to both network and buyer‐supplier relationship theories with the aim of conceptualising a buyer‐supplier relationship framework. Secondary data for the UK food retail chain are also employed.FindingsA new relationship framework is developed based on the buyers’‐suppliers’ perceptions in relation to logistics asset specificity, and the conditions required for the formation of the retail logistics network are illustrated. If transaction costs are perceived as high by both the buyer and the supplier of a logistics asset, the retailer will engage into a fourth‐party logistics network formation where the use of information technology systems is of critical importance. At this stage, these systems will become the primary co‐ordination device for the reduction and absorption of complexity in the retail chain.Originality/valueThe paper offers a unique buyer‐supplier partnership framework by proposing that the formation of a fourth‐party logistics network will decrease the complexity of modern retail logistics operations. The paper will assist retail managers responsible for the development of logistics strategies and will be beneficial to researchers examining logistics and supply chain management operations.
The evolution of China's telecommunications equipment market: a contextual, analytical framework
Authors: Low Brian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to provide the contextual framework for local and foreign manufacturers in assessing the market potential of China's telecommunications equipment market, including an analysis of contemporary economic, political and historical issues.Design/methodology/approachThis is an inductive, interpretative case study.FindingsHistory matters in the evolution of China's telecommunications market especially given its concern over maintaining control of a strategic interest, as well as the protection of vested interests within the state‐controlled economy.Originality/valueTo practitioners: the importance of research, vis‐a`‐vis interpretation and argument, in assessing market potential in a high‐technology market. To academics: the role of government in the value chain and network especially when they have controlling stakes, as is the case here with China's telecommunications equipment manufacturers and operators.
The role of SMEs in improving the competitive position of the European Union
Authors: Floyd David , McManus John 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the increasing importance of small firms in the European Union (FEU). It further contrasts policy making in EU member states and it traces the development of an emerging EU‐wide policy‐making process.Design/methodology/approachTheories of entrepreneurship are drawn upon and data on the role of small firms are considered.FindingsEvidence suggests that some reorganisation of policy making in this field may be justified.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of current policy making are considered and suggestions are made on how enterprise policy making should be shaped in the future.Originality/valueFurther work contrasting the success of other global competitors may also be warranted.
Assessing the roles and training needs of educational superintendents in Palestine
Authors: Kanan Hana M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research study was to examine the role perceptions of superintendents and their supervisors in Palestine regarding the roles and training needs of superintendents. It was part of a larger study conducted by the Department of Administration and Educational Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory approach was used in this study. Data were collected by interviewing 16 superintendents and four general directors using guided qualitative interviews, in addition to examining Ministry of Education documents and archival data.FindingsThe grounded theory approach analysis revealed that superintendents and general directors held variant perceptions regarding the roles and training needs of superintendents. Most superintendents felt they were ill prepared for the job and had to rely on the Ministry of Education for support and direction. They perceived their role as a combination of educational managers and educational leaders. Their supervisors, however, perceived them as keepers of the status quo. The findings showed that superintendents in countries similar to Palestine (newly emerging) appear to experience problems similar to their counterparts in other transitional societies.Originality/valueThe findings of this research are important to new educational systems. It shows clearly the difficulties experienced by superintendents in a newly emerging system. Furthermore, superintendents in such systems may require training needs different than their counterparts in developed systems. The findings are discussed in terms of their relevancy and contributions to educational leadership theory.
Retailers and sustainable development in the UK
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hillier David , Eastwood Ian 
Published: July 2006

PurposeAims to offer a simple exploratory review of how the major retailers in the UK are tackling the issue of sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachThe top 20 retailers, based on 2002 sales figures, were selected for analysis and an internet search of their web sites, exploring their “corporate social responsibility” reports and statements, was undertaken.FindingsThe review suggests that the majority of the major retailers are addressing sustainability agendas, that they recognise, albeit in varying measure, the impacts their businesses have on the environment, the economy and society and several of them are looking to measure and benchmark their performance.Originality/valueSustainable development is attracting increasing attention in government and in the business community and the paper provides students pursuing retail and business management programmes, academic staff teaching on them and retail researchers and consultants with a contemporary view of how the UK's large retailers are addressing the issue.
Benefits of IT in supply chain management: an explorative study of progressive companies
Authors: Auramo Jaana , Kauremaa Jouni , Tanskanen Kari 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide empirical evidence of benefits from IT in supply chain management.Design/methodology/approachData in this qualitative study were collected through multiple enquiries. SCM consultant interviews gave an understanding of the current state of practice. A survey of 48 progressive companies was conducted to identify what IT solutions they have implemented in SCM. This was followed by 18 in‐depth case studies to identify the mechanisms for achieving benefits of IT in SCM.FindingsBased on the empirical studies five propositions are presented on the use and benefits of IT. First, successful companies have developed focused e‐business solutions for improving customer service elements that are most important in their business. Second, improved efficiency allows company personnel to focus more on critical business activities. Third, the use of e‐business solutions improves information quality. Fourth, e‐business solutions support planning collaboration and improved agility of the supply network. Finally, to gain strategic benefits, the use of IT has to be coupled with process redesign.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of companies used in the study was selected by expert assessment and is biased towards companies willing to discuss and share results openly. Additionally, the focus of the paper was on single companies and not on the entire supply network. However, the findings of this study present an opportunity to further develop understanding of the underlying mechanisms of how IT investments benefit supply chain management.Originality/valueThe paper fulfils an identified need for in‐depth case studies that analyze the possible mechanisms behind the practical benefits of IT in supply chain management.
Abductive reasoning in logistics research
Authors: Kovács Gyöngyi , Spens Karen M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo construct a framework for exploring and discussing the use of different research approaches – deductive, inductive and abductive – in logistics.Design/methodology/approachA review of research articles in three major logistics journals (International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management and Journal of Business Logistics) from 1998 to 2002.FindingsRecognizes the dominance of deductive research in logistics, and the need for more inductive and, in particular, abductive research for theory development. Discusses the use of the abductive research approach in logistics.Research limitations/implicationsKeywords searches led to a small sample size; more thorough content analysis is needed to apply the findings from the constructed framework.Practical implicationsUseful source of information on the three different research approaches, their possibilities and implications for research.Originality/valueThe abductive research approach has not yet been discussed in logistics.