bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of the current expansion of the European Union on international marketing strategies on Norwegian multinational farmed salmon producers
Authors: Melewar T.C. , Mui Helene , Gupta Suraksha , Knight Joseann 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of the recent European Union (EU) expansion on the international marketing strategies of Fjord Seafood, a Norwegian farmed salmon producer.Design/methodology/approachThe Norwegian salmon industry provides an interesting case study because it reflects the complexities of a dynamic international environment. Not only must the industry grapple with the threats and opportunities brought on by the expansion, but also it must confront the potential repercussions of, an at times troubled relationship with EU authorities.FindingsThe findings as a consequence of the study are based on the changes in the market place, provide a theoretically driven analysis of said changes, and suggest viable marketing strategies to accommodate the dynamism and complexity of the newly enlarged EU. As for the future, convergence of the market may make increased standardisation possible. However, food is very much culture dependent, so it is uncertain to what extent standardisation can and will occur.Originality/valueThe paper makes a two‐pronged contribution to the literature on international marketing. The paper commences with a discussion of the macro‐environmental factors which now confront Fjord Seafood. Building on existing theories, the discussion moves on to consider which marketing strategy and marketing mix options would be viable in a newly enlarged EU. Finally, the paper concludes with an integrated synopsis and several reasoned suggestions for future market growth.
How export marketing research affects company export performance
Authors: Haluk Köksal Mehmet 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to help exporting companies to increase the performance of their exporting activities through collecting sound export information and using it effectively. Specifically, the research objective is to determine the effects of the export information sources, information types, export research methods and the way the export information is used within the company on the measures of export company performance, namely export sales, export growth and export profitability.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on the above objectives and aims at enlightening them by testing some hypotheses. A structured questionnaire was sent to 350 Turkish exporting companies through the mail, and 102 responses were received.FindingsThe research determined that companies collect export information from different sources and use it for various purposes in their decision making. The research also clearly indicated that the differences in export information sources and information types employed, and information usage in decision making, have different effects on their export performance, mainly measured in terms of sales, market share and profitability.Originality/valueAlthough some of the studies in the literature have focused specifically, and in a piecemeal fashion, on the determination, acquisition and utilization of export information into export information systems, there is a lack of studies integrating all the elements into export marketing information systems and investigating the effects of companies' export marketing information systems on company performance. The paper tries to bring all the elements of the export information system in a model and tests the effects of the export information elements on export performance. It is hoped that, the findings will help managers and policy makers.
Cost‐oriented failure mode and effects analysis
Authors: von Ahsen Anette 
Published: June 2008

PurposeConventional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) may lead to wrong decisions in terms of a company's financial objectives. Thus, the aim of this paper is to develop an improved approach to prioritizing failures within the procedure of the FMEA.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the current “risk priority number” (RPN) being used within the FMEA is developed. Second, a case study is conducted in cooperation with an automotive supplier in order to test the applicability and benefits of the new approach.FindingsBy implementing the cost‐oriented FMEA, quality management can be improved. In order to decide on improvement actions, costs arising from faults detected by the customer, costs of faults detected within the boundaries of the company and costs associated with false positive inspection results should be included in the evaluation of potential failures. This case study confirms the benefits of the new approach.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to implement this modified FMEA, a precondition is to estimate failure costs precisely and comprehensively. This precondition could constitute a serious obstacle, because quality costs are often difficult to quantify. In addition, future research should focus on the potential to include interdependencies among various failure modes and effects.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach enables managers and designers to prevent expensive faults and hence facilitates decisions, which make better use of resources in optimising products and processes.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new approach to FMEA and thus contributes to the development of cost‐oriented quality management.
Empirical validity of Baldrige criteria: New Zealand evidence
Authors: Jayamaha Nihal P. , Grigg Nigel P. , Mann Robin S. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the validity of Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (CPE) for New Zealand organisations and to identify methodological gaps.Design/methodology/approachBy means of data collected from a sample of 91 New Zealand organisations, through a self‐assessment instrument (as a proxy for the CPE) a structural equation model was studied using the partial least squares method. The measurement validity of the CPE as well as the implied causal relationships in the CPE framework was tested. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to gain additional insights.FindingsThe measurement validity of the CPE was established; of the 13 implied causal relationships in the CPE framework, 11 were statistically significant, which compared favourably with past studies. The results endorse some salient features of quality management: reliance on measurement, analysis, and knowledge management; the involvement of people; and the role of leadership in setting direction.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study was based on a small sample, this model needs to be tested with other data sets. The study revealed the need to meta‐analyse past measurement and structural models as well as measurement instruments.Practical implicationsThe study endorsed the reliability and validity of a well designed, well administered, self‐assessment instrument.Originality/valueAs the first New Zealand CPE validity study, the paper introduces the partial least squares method and shows some of its relevant versatile features, introducing some measurement perspectives not conceptualised before in CPE validation studies.
Exploring the antecedents of quality commitment among employees: an empirical study
Authors: Demirbag Mehmet , Sahadev Sunil 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the major factors that impact the quality commitment of employees in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a cross‐sectional design and the propositions are validated through two sample surveys conducted in two separate organizations in Turkey.FindingsThe study presents four independent variables as the major factors affecting quality commitment of employees, viz. the leadership commitment towards quality; the quality orientation of the organization; team effectiveness and effectiveness of quality‐related communication. The four hypotheses are found to be valid.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to contribute towards the literature on quality commitment of employees. So far, studies on quality commitment have been quite limited and hence this effectively fills a gap in the literature. Examination of data collected from a government ministry and a manufacturing company reveals some significant findings, which contributes to quality management literature.
An inspection maintenance strategy using the inspection factor
Authors: Mathew Subhash 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model an inspection maintenance strategy that is superior to existing strategies and which incorporates the inspection factor.Design/methodology/approachAn appropriate inspection maintenance strategy can help prevent breakdown failure and reduce breakdown and repair costs. However, every inspection also incurs costs. The optimal model for an inspection maintenance strategy would be such that the inspection frequency closely follows the hazard rate of the equipment over its lifetime.FindingsA model with a three‐layered structure needs to be developed. Over time, equipment can be expected to demonstrate a hazard rate that is decreasing, constant or increasing with time. In the first stage a model for inspection frequency is developed that is time‐dependent and can address this requirement. Second, the hazard rate has a dynamic relationship with the inspection frequency, i.e. as the inspection frequency increases, the hazard rate is known to decrease. In the second stage this is incorporated into the model, using the inspection factor. In the last stage a model for costing is superimposed for cost optimization.Originality/valueThe model developed in this paper provides maintenance managers with a powerful practical tool for determining the optimal inspection frequency for equipment over its lifetime.
UK Public Libraries and Social Networking Services
Authors: Burton Jim 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how public libraries can gain social networking services for the first time with DS Arena.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a description of DS Arena and outlines its potential uses.FindingsDS Arena is built on modern foundations which is critical in service delivery in the rapidly evolving Web 2.0 landscape. It uses a framework of web services to provide content and interactive services; these web services can be extended and revised in an incremental manner over time.Originality/valueDS Arena provides a real opportunity for library and information services to deliver services and thereby redefine and extend their service offering to the citizen.
Automated side‐seam placement from 3D body scan data
Authors: Ashdown Susan P. , Sung Choi Mee , Milke Eric 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe three‐dimensional (3D) body scanner is an important new technology that will impact the design and production of apparel, but use of this tool is at an early stage of development. Appropriate measurement extractions from the complex 3D scans that will address the needs of apparel patternmakers are an essential part of the development process for this new tool. The paper aims to address these developments.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a method of automatically locating the side seam for torso fitting garments from 3D body scans for a variety of body types was developed and tested. The method is based on the location of center points of body depth measurements, and five different body landmarks or combinations of body landmarks were tested to determine the best choice for implementation.FindingsBased on rankings and ratings of the results by apparel experts, a method using the average value of body depth measurements taken at about 100 locations equally spaced from the axilla to the crotch was chosen as the best solution.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional testing of this method and development of a method for locating the side seam for lower body garments is the next step in this research.Originality/valueIdentifying appropriate landmarks and body measurement extraction processes for apparel or style‐based measurements is as important as the more commonly derived anthropometric measures based on body landmarks. Landmarks such as side‐seam placement pose unique challenges that must be solved with analysis and reconstruction of style‐based data. The paper provides information on these factors.
Automatic slub detection using Gabor filters
Authors: Liu Xiuping , Wen Zhijie , Su Zhixun , Yi Shaogeng 
Published: June 2008

PurposeAutomatic slub detection is vital in the classification and identification of fabric images. This paper seeks to present a rapid and accurate approach for automatic detection of slub in fabric images using Gabor filters.Design/methodology/approachSlub can be regarded as defects along weft or warp. Gabor filters as bandpass filters consider the directional characteristics of slub and its frequency spectrum after Fourier transform. Choosing appropriate parameters for Gabor filters, slub can be detected accurately.FindingsThe proposed method achieves automatic detection of slub. The experimental results suggest that the authors approach is effective.Originality/valueThis paper considers appropriate parameters to design a Gabor filter for automatic detection of slub. And it is helpful to classify and identify fabric images.
Shrinkage prediction of plain‐knitted fabric based on deformable curve
Authors: Su Zhixun , Zhou Xiaojie , Zhao Guohui , Liu Xiuping , Choi Ka‐Fai 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to develop a new method to predict the potential shrinkage of plain‐knitted fabric.Design/methodology/approachThe presented method is based on deformable curve. The delivered plain‐knitted fabric is represented as a deformable parametric curve, and the relaxed fabric can be reached by minimizing the energy of the curve. Compared to the delivered‐knitted fabric, the length and width shrinkage percentages can be calculated accordingly.FindingsThe new method is more convenient than the traditional trial and error method, and need less‐input parameters than the STARFISH technique. Experimental results show that this method is feasible.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new method for shrinkage prediction of plain‐knitted fabric based on deformable curve and energy minimum. The work can be linked with shrinkage control in textile industry.
Seam pucker indicators and their dependence upon the parameters of a sewing machine
Authors: Juciėnė Milda , Dobilaitė Vaida 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to establish and introduce seam pucker assessment indicators and their dependence upon the fabric characteristics and parameters of a sewing machine.Design/methodology/approachSeams pucker defect is specific to garment from lightweight fabrics, therefore the investigation was performed with this kind of fabrics. The structure and friction properties of fabrics were determined. The influence of rotational frequency of the main shaft (varied from 200 till 2,300 min−1) and pressing force (from 25 till 85 N) on seam pucker was analysed. The seam pucker was evaluated by characteristic of sharpness calculated as ratio of pucker height and length.FindingsAnalysis of the obtained results allows stating that pucker sharpness increases with growing rotational frequency of the main shaft and decreases, increasing pressing force. On the basis of correlation analysis, the relationship between proposed new indicator of seam pucker evaluation and parameters of sewing machine was sought. The obtained result demonstrates that in most cases the relative pucker coefficient is dependent upon rotational frequency of the main shaft: increasing rotational frequency also leads to higher pucker coefficient. The linear relationship between the pucker coefficient and pressing force was not observed.Practical implicationsThis investigation has practical implications in the clothing and other nearly related industries. In the paper, results involved with evaluation of seam pucker are presented.Originality/valueThe research showed that in order to define seam pucker more comprehensive, it is necessary to evaluate not only ratio of pucker height and length, but also the quantity of puckers as well as their propagation. Considering to this, the new criterion for seam pucker evaluation was proposed.
Heat and moisture transmission properties of clothing systems evaluated by using a sweating thermal manikin under different environmental conditions
Authors: Celcar Damjana , Meinander Harriet , Geršak Jelka 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate thermal comfort properties, such as heat and moisture transmission through male business clothing systems, by using a sweating thermal manikin Coppelius that simulates heat and moisture production in a similar way to the human body and measures the influence of clothing on heat exchange in different environmental and sweating conditions.Design/methodology/approachTen different combination of male business clothing systems were measured using the sweating manikin, under three environmental conditions (10°C/50 per cent RH, 25°C/50 per cent RH and −5°C), and at 0 and 50 gm−2 h−1 sweating levels, in order to evaluate the influence of environmental and sweating conditions on thermal comfort properties of clothing systems.FindingsThe results show how business clothing systems influence on the dry and evaporative heat loss between the manikin surface and environment in different environmental and sweating conditions.Practical implicationsWhen using sweating thermal manikin Coppelius, water vapour transmission (WVT) through and water condensation on the clothing can be determined simultaneously with the thermal insulation (It) of clothing system. Measured thermal comfort properties of clothing systems evaluated with a sweating thermal manikin can provide valuable information for the clothing industry by manufacturing/designing new clothing systems.Originality/valueIn this investigation, the heat and moisture transmission properties of male business clothing systems were measured in different environmental and sweating conditions. In the past few years, clothing materials containing microencapsulated phase‐change materials (PCMs) have appeared in outdoor garments, particularly sportswear; therefore, we decided to investigate the thermal comfort properties of different standard male business apparel, as well as male business clothing that contain PCMs used as liner and outerwear material.
Making technology public
Authors: Ross Winthereik Brit , Johannsen Nis , Strand Dixi Louise 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThrough an analysis of a demonstration video presenting a new national e‐health portal, this paper aims to explore the assumptions and limitations of the concept of “script” and suggests a different approach to analysing the moral order of technology design.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the work of authors who have written about scripts and scripting, and thereafter analyses a demonstration video with a particular user script. Based on the analysis of the video coupled with material from interviews, observation and analysis of other representations, the paper examines the transformative potential of the portal presentation for reconfiguring relationships between citizens, health care systems, and information and communication technology (ICT). The analysis is guided by Haraway's notion of diffraction.FindingsThe analysis demonstrates the particular way in which the user is scripted in an e‐health demo, as a manager of his own health and, consequently, as a good citizen. This is a kind of script that does not directly groom its user, as implied in the notion of script, but rather figures up a probable future user in order to create and manage strategic partnerships that may secure the future of the technology and organisation behind it.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper extends the script metaphor beyond a limited designer‐technology‐user configuration and argues that scripts in the paraphernalia of technologies also can and should be “de‐scribed” in understanding the making of the technology and the distributed networks of actors involved.Originality/valueThe paper is a contribution to the discussion on inscriptions in technology and the politics of technology design. Its originality lies in the combined use of notions of script and making things public. Empirically it contributes to the discussion of transformed patient identities following in the wake of implementation and use of ICT in the health care sector.
A social representations perspective on information systems implementation
Authors: Gal Uri , Berente Nicholas 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advocate a “social representations” approach to the study of socio‐cognitive processes during information systems (IS) implementation as an alternative to the technological frames framework.Design/methodology/approachThe paper demonstrates how social representations theory can improve research outcomes by applying it to three recent studies that employed the technological frames framework.FindingsIt is found that because the technological frames framework is overly technologically centered, temporally bounded, and individually focused, it may lead to symptomatic explanations of IS implementation. Alternatively, using the theory of social representations can offer more fundamental causal explanations of IS implementation processes.Research limitations/implicationsIS researchers are encouraged to use a social representations approach to study IS implementation as the theory provides a rich vocabulary to examine the formation, change, and content of representations of IS, and their relationship to people's actions toward IS.Originality/valueThe paper introduces a new theoretical perspective into the IS research discipline, which can be applied to provide better research results concerning IS implementation.
Riding a hydra
Authors: Timms Carolyn , Lankshear Colin , Anderson Neil , Courtney Lyn 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify aspects of work environment, culture or expectations that contributed to women's comfort or discomfort within the information and communication technology (ICT) industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study is empirical in nature and addresses the perspectives of 178 professional women currently working within the Australian ICT industry who responded to the “Women in ICT” survey conducted through James Cook University. Likert‐scale responses were subjected to principal component analysis and then K‐mean cluster analysis, distinguishing four groups of respondents. Explanations for group membership were then sought from responses to open‐ended survey questions.FindingsThere was common agreement among respondents that, when making their career decisions, they had expected to enjoy good community image, and that their work would be socially useful, satisfying and flexible. Respondents also agreed that careers in ICT are rewarding, and provide opportunities, and disagreed with prevailing negative stereotypes about the industry. Opinions diverged on the organisation‐specific issues of management approachability and equality, as well as around respondents' confidence in their own technical ability and their intention to encourage young women to enter the industry.Originality/valueThis paper identifies distinct patterns of response and thereby provides support for the thesis that the widely reported discomfort of women within the ICT industry is not a cultural (industry‐wide) phenomenon but, rather, one that has its roots within particular workplace relationships. It is these relationships that appear to encourage or undermine confidence and women's intentions to encourage others to enter ICT.