bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clustering search results. Part I: web‐wide search engines
Authors: Jacsó Péter 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine clustering search results. Traditionally, search results from professional online information services presented the results in reverse chronological order. Later, relevance ranking was introduced for ordering the display of the hits on the result list to separate the wheat from the chaff.Design/methodology/approachThe need for better presentation of search results retrieved from millions, then billions, of highly unstructured and untagged Web pages became obvious. Clustering became a popular software tool to enhance relevance ranking by grouping items in the typically very large result list. The clusters of items with common semantic and/or other characteristics can guide the users in refining their original queries, to zoom in on smaller clusters and drill down through sub‐groups within the cluster.FindingsDespite its proven efficiency, clustering is not available, except for Ask, in the primary Web‐wide search engines (Windows Live, Yahoo and Google).Originality/valueSmaller, secondary Web‐wide search engines (WiseNut, Gigablast, and especially Exalead) offer good clustering options.
Integrating self‐managed work teams into project management
Authors: Roper Kathy O. , Phillips Deborah R. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeTo present the advantages and possible deterrents of self‐managed work teams, and offer recommendations on ways to integrate these teams into project management.Design/methodology/approachA range of works, which provide a description and practical advice about self‐managed work teams, are reviewed in an effort to provide a thorough picture of self‐managed work teams. The information is sorted into sections: history of self‐managed work teams; self‐managed work teams: a definition; characteristics of self‐managed work teams; the role of emotional intelligence in self‐managed work teams; developing and empowering the team; barriers to successful self‐managed work teams; factors to consider before forming a self‐managed work team; and the longevity of self‐managed work teams.FindingsIntegrates theories and findings from other works to offer a holistic view of self‐managed work teams in today's workplace.Research limitations/implicationsResources from USA, as well as European writings, were analyzed to bring global perspectives. Applications are not specific to FM or construction, but business in general.Practical implicationsA useful source for project managers or other managers considering implementing self‐managed work teams to increase productivity and employee morale.Originality/valueTakes an integrated approach in exploring all areas of self‐managed work teams, including emotional intelligence. Provides useful information on integrating self‐managed work teams in project management.
Impact assessment and biodiversity considerations in Nigeria
Authors: Hamadina Mohammed K. , Otobotekere Dimie , Anyanwu Donald I. 
Published: February 2007

PurposeNiger Delta University (NDU) campus is located on the fringe of a Nun River Forest Reserve (NRFR) in Nigeria. The NRFR covers 97.15 km2 of humid tropical rainforest characterized by torrential rains, seasonal flooding, and multi‐layered vegetation. This paper aims to conduct a wildlife study, to assess the effects of the NDU campus project on NRFR.Design/methodology/approachThe assessment was preceded by “scoping” to determine key wildlife issues. Thereafter a mix of methods, including literature search, reconnaissance visits, field exercises, and interviews with hunters, was adopted to gather information. These were augmented with diurnal and nocturnal forest expeditions to find evidence(s) of wildlife species existence.FindingsThere is a rich assemblage of wildlife species; of which 12 are enlisted in the 2006 IUCN Red List of threatened species, while 14 are protected by Nigeria's statutes; and they are threatened by human activities. The NDU campus project shall have significant adverse impacts on the wildlife: directly through habitat loss/fragmentation, nuisance, influx of people; and indirectly by exacerbating the existing threats.Research limitations/implicationsThis work is limited to the NDU campus project and its impact on NRFR. The brevity of time spent in the field coupled with the generally inaccessible terrain and remote location of the NRFR constitute the limitations that must have influenced the findings in this paper.Originality/valueThis paper reports the results of an original work, discusses the impacts of NDU campus on NRFR, and highlights conservation‐friendly local beliefs/practices that could fit into a wildlife management plan, and fosters the debate on methodologies and field initiatives.
Designing a multimedia platform for emergency management
Authors: Nikolic Vesna , Savic Suzana , Stankovic Miomir 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe research, the objective of which was the development of models, methodologies, and tools for the realization of the multimedia platform for emergency management in technological systems.Design/methodology/approachThis objective was achieved through the operationalization of the following major tasks: the theoretical research on the specific characteristics of emergency management system structure and processes; definition of educational structures, processes, and subjects for emergency management; development of models and software tools for the analysis of emergency development; development of information (web) services to support the collaborative decision making.FindingsA model of multimedia platform for emergency management in technological systems has been developed, which defines emergency services with appropriate information infrastructure, the structure and characteristics of the interoperability system and their mutual communication.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should result in: the concrete structure and processes of virtual organisation for emergency management in technological systems; software for the support of collaborative decision making; models for emergency management education and training based on multimedia technologies. The limitations are primarily related to model implementation, since there are no suitable emergency databases.Practical implicationsThe platform can be used by: industrial companies, companies that provide building maintenance, public services, insurance companies, educational institutions, local authorities (by an adequate upgrade of models and software).Originality/valueThis paper presents the information flow identified in emergency management and the structure of a multimedia platform which, by creating favourable environment for collaborative decision making, enables effective and efficient emergency management in technological systems, as well as emergency management education and training.
Assessing social and economic impacts associated with changes in the coal mining industry in the Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ivanova Galina , Rolfe John , Lockie Stewart , Timmer Vanessa 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe coal mining industry makes a key contribution to the Queensland economy, and is the underlying driver of employment and economic conditions in many local and regional communities. This article aims to focus on how the social and economic impacts of mining should be assessed and negotiated with local and regional communities.Design/methodology/approachThe following assessment tools were trialed to ascertain the impacts on communities of changes in the mining industry: extended stakeholder analysis of key community representatives; economic modeling of changes in the level of mining activity; a random survey of householders involving choice experiments to assess tradeoffs; and experimental workshops to assess how residents were prepared to prioritise different community development options.FindingsThe results showed that impact assessment should be addressed using different economic and social science tools to ensure regulatory approval as well as community acceptance.Originality/valueThis article suggests alternative social and economic impact assessment mechanisms that can be applied to any industry and any situation (e.g. growth, decline, new development, simultaneous changes).
A dynamic view on strategic resources and capabilities applied to an example from the manufacturing strategy literature
Authors: Größler Andreas 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of a dynamic analysis of the development and management of strategic capabilities and resources in manufacturing. It aims to present dynamic resource/capability systems as a means to understand an issue from manufacturing strategy.Design/methodology/approachA case study from a standard textbook on manufacturing strategy is used to illustrate the approach that is mainly based on Warren's strategy dynamics. Extensions to this approach are introduced.FindingsDiagrams of dynamic resource/capability systems are valuable tools for understanding issues of interconnected and changing strategic resources and capabilities. Resources and capabilities can be interpreted as stocks in dynamic simulation models following ideas from system dynamics.Research limitations/implicationsThe exact nature of strategic capabilities and their relationships needs to be further investigated. Approaches need to be developed to measure and to quantify these concepts. The connection between Hill's order winners/qualifiers and the inflows/outflows of capability and resource stocks should be further examined.Practical implicationsStatic analyses of strategic issues are often difficult to interpret. The dynamic nature of strategic issues needs to be reflected in the tools used for analysing them.Originality/valueApplies a dynamic analysis to manufacturing strategy and uses a textbook example in a new way to illustrate the relevance of the approach.
Improving factory layout under a mixed floor and overhead material handling condition
Authors: Djassemi Manocher 
Published: February 2007

PurposeIn spite of having a number of general‐purpose algorithms for solving plant layout problems, facility planners may still face a challenging task to adjust these algorithms to handle special, but not uncommon, layout problems. The purpose of this study is to propose a new method for addressing the impact of overhead space utilization on a plant layout solution.Design/methodology/approachA new method for adjusting material flow under a mixed floor and overhead material handling condition is incorporated in an existing plant layout procedure. A case study involving the layout improvement in a lawn mower engine assembly facility is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.FindingsThe analysis of solutions for the case study shows that the layout generated by the proposed modified material flow approach is a more economical solution. The case also shows, when it is important to optimize the use of space, the overhead space should be considered as part of any methodology for designing a good layout.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed modified material flow approach can be applied to any facility where the use of overhead space for material handling is justifiable by limited floor space and/or by high cost of land. The proposed method can be applied to small to medium size problems with minimal computational effort. However, as the size of facility grows, the manual calculation becomes more time consuming and potentially erratic.Originality/valueThis paper should be useful to both researchers and practitioners who deal with overhead space utilization in designing facility layouts.
Model and approach of fuzzy bilevel decision making for logistics planning problem
Authors: Zhang Guangquan , Lu Jie 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThis study aims to develop a decision making model and approach for logistics planning problem which naturally involves two or more decision units at a hierarchical structure. Such a decision problem in practice often involves uncertain and imprecise factors with the parameters of a bilevel decision model, either in the objective functions or constraints.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a fuzzy bilevel decision making model for a general logistics planning problem and develops a fuzzy number based Kth‐best approach to find an optimal solution for the proposed fuzzy bilevel decision problem.FindingsThe proposed approach illustrates an optimal solution in logistics management, which meets maximally/minimally the objectives of both supplier and distributor (or other parts of the logistics chain). The proposed fuzzy bilevel decision approach can have a wide range of logistics management applications.Research limitations/implicationsThe decision model, approach and system will be further tested for some more complicated real cases in the future.Originality/valueThe proposed fuzzy bilevel decision model and approach are new, which offer theoretical and practice help to logistics management.
Prioritization of key performance indicators
Authors: Shahin Arash , Mahbod M. Ali 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an integrated approach that prioritizes organizational key performance indicators (KPIs) in terms of the criteria of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time‐sensitive) goal setting.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique as the basis for pairwise comparisons of SMART criteria, considering each KPI.FindingsA new approach is outlined, encompassing step‐by‐step guidelines for decision makers to conduct the prioritization process of SMART KPIs. The results of the case study highlight the applicability of the proposed approach and the calculation process for prioritizing KPIs.Research limitations/implicationsThe rating scales used in the AHP analysis are conceptual; although it identifies which dimensions require improvement, the proposed approach does not provide guidance on an appropriate action plan to address deficiencies; another limitation is that the framework adopted only the SERVQUAL service dimensions.Originality/valueThis paper gives a novel approach for prioritization of KPIs. The proposed approach has a holistic mechanism; it could empower decision‐making teams; it is capable of enhancing advanced quality engineering approaches; and provides great opportunities for future research.
Bonds of burden and bliss: the management of social relations in a peacekeeping organisation
Authors: Tallberg Teemu 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the gendered social bonds and the everyday organisational practices and discourses of peacekeepers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on preliminary analysis of empirical material gathered through a seven‐month ethnography among Finnish peacekeeping officers in training and service.FindingsIn contrast to studies on homosociality, men's bonding and cohesion as a basis of optimal combat performance in military organisations, I suggest looking at the militarized social encounters, masculinities and collectives from the perspective of hybridity tensions and management. Peacekeepers' everyday practices and social structures can be interpreted as management of context‐specific power tensions.Originality/approachOffers a view to everyday life of peacekeeping and builds a basis for analysing men's social relations in organisations.
A study of factors affecting the success of private label brands in Chinese e‐market
Authors: Huei‐Chen Hsu 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe major objective of this study is to explore factors effect in purchasing preferences for foreign brands versus private label brands (PLB) in urban China on the internet.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the research is designed to investigate the factors perception mentioned above how to affect consumers' online purchasing PLB intention. Along with literature review, an online survey is conducted to test the conceptual model. LISREL 8 is used to analyses the hypothesized model and a two‐step model‐building approach is used, in which the measurement models are tested prior to testing the structural model.FindingsUsing the data collected in GuangZhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai and Nanjing cities, it is found that both their direct and indirect effects. Interesting to find, that Chinese consumers' exposure to online products is relatively new, it appears that searching and experience online in reducing their perceived risk of quality concern, and it affects their choice of PLB. Price consciousness is very important to choose domestic PLB across all purchase situations, whereas the other types of factors have differential impact. It seems that Chinese respondents get used to surf on the internet, that is, their perceived risk is not low, which is different from other literatures studied.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the implications for e‐marketers' management of web sites in China.
An exploratory study on the environmental factors influencing the adoption of MAPs in Chinese SOEs and JVs
Authors: Wu Junjie , Drury Colin 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the environmental factors (either internal or external) that influence the adoption of management accounting practices (MAPs) in Chinese state ‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and foreign joint ventures (JVs) located in China.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional survey and comparative study based on questionnaires from SOEs and JVs respondents.FindingsThe study finds a significant difference in the adoption levels of MAPs according to the ownership type of the enterprise (JVs and SOEs). This study provides some support for the findings from previous researches. It confirms that Chinese enterprises participating in foreign‐partnered JVs have made more changes to their management accounting systems when compared to similar Chinese enterprises that had no collaborative venture operation with foreign firms. This paper has also presented a detailed historic background and an in‐depth discussion to explore some environmental factors influencing the adoption of MAPs in SOEs and JVs and explain possible reasons.Originality/valueThis study is thought as one of the first attempts to systematically investigate of the benefits derived from traditional and contemporary practices of management accounting used in Chinese SOEs and JVs.
R&D team governance and R&D performance
Authors: Yunsheng Zhang , Deming Zeng , Lifei Zhang , Yang Lu Lucy 
Published: February 2007

PurposeWith the clarification of three effective methods (share holding, decision participation and promotion of technical grade) to govern R&D teams in software enterprises, the purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical investigation of the application of these methods in Chinese software enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a quantitative approach with 34 items designed in the questionnaire to measure the indicators. All items were rated by respondents on a five‐point Likert‐type scale. In order to testify the validity of the three methods of R&D team governance, a correlation analysis and a linear regression were made to examine the relationship between these methods of R&D team governance and R&D performance.FindingsThe evidence shows that decision participation and promotion of technical grades are the two most effective methods to govern R&D teams in Chinese software enterprises, while share holding is not conducive to R&D performance. The share holding level of R&D staffs is fairly low; even “no share.” What is more important is that many software enterprises regard it as a welfare institution but not an incentive method. Therefore, the shareholding mechanism cannot enhance R&D performance. In addition, relevant regulations have not been established completely. There are many deficiencies in the process of intellectual property management of Chinese enterprises. These factors have hindered the effective performance of R&D staff.Practical implicationsThe research findings emphasize the importance of governance of R&D teams in the Chinese software industry and highlight the critical issues that need to be addressed in order to enhance the performance of R&D staff.Originality/valueThe concept of R&D team governance is examined and elaborated within the context of China, which points to the need of developing new direction of R&D team management.
Knowledge transfer in international educational collaboration programme
Authors: Li‐Hua Richard 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the literature of international development strategy of high education and examine what is happening currently in terms of education collaboration between the UK and China and attempt to address various challenges in capacity building through knowledge transfer.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical analysis supported by observation and interviews.FindingsThe study has identified that there are a certain number of elements, which are crucial to the success of international educational collaboration, of which, the appropriateness and effectiveness of knowledge transfer/knowledge sharing is vital to the capacity building of higher educational institutions. The study examines on‐going Sino‐British education collaboration programme and fuelled the debate concerning knowledge transfer/knowledge sharing in high education between the developed and developing countries.Originality/valueBased on a comprehensive examination and analysis of the process of knowledge transfer/knowledge sharing in a Sino‐British educational collaboration programme, this study emphasizes the significance of incorporating both cultural and organisational factors that play a role in the whole process. This paper describes the process of knowledge transfer between foreign and Chinese faculties when they work together on academic collaboration project in China. Furthermore, the paper addresses the appropriateness and effectiveness of knowledge transfer/knowledge sharing during the implementation of the international academic collaboration programme.
Digital B2B interactions in Romania
Authors: Gurău Călin 
Published: February 2007

PurposeThe development of new information technology and telecommunication (ITT) devices has increased the complexity of business‐to‐business (B2B) interactions, forcing the service organisations to adopt a multi‐channel, customer‐oriented approach. The purpose of this study is to present an exploratory study of B2B interactions in Romania, which measures the preference of both service providers and client firms for various channels of interaction, and identifies the main dimensions of the interactive process.Design/methodology/approachThe primary data were collected through an e‐mail questionnaire that was answered by 113 service providers and 102 client organisations, and then analysed using the SPSS statistical package.FindingsFive main interaction dimensions have been identified as the framework used by client organisations to evaluate the quality of B2B interactions. These dimensions are complex constructs that have a double projection in the context of ITT systems and CRM procedures.Originality/valueThe process of B2B interactions is poorly documented for transition economies, such as Romania. After describing the dimensions of B2B interactions, the paper proposes a diagnostic procedure for evaluating the perception gaps between the service provider firm and the client organisation, concerning the quality level of each dimension. This diagnostic can be adapted and used by each service provider organisation to identify the possible areas of customer dissatisfaction and the requirements for future improvements.