bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How El Al Airlines transformed its service strategy with employee participation
Authors: Herstein Ram , Mitki Yoram 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to trace the process by which the new management of an airline company sought to implement a premium service strategy and to assimilate this strategy into its organizational culture, with the aim of positioning the company as a high‐quality airline with a place among the leading international airline companies.Design/methodology/approachIn‐depth semi‐structured interviews with the chairman, CEO, marketing manager, service manager, human resource manager and employees from different units were held during a period of four months. In addition, documents (reports, industry analyses, newspaper publications, and periodical reports) relating to the change process were collected and reviewed.FindingsThe case study suggests that any attempt by an airline company to change its service culture and to reach high‐quality standards should be led by a planned strategy which fully involves employees, utilizing their knowledge and experience. This should be done through a well‐thought‐out process designed to ascertain customers' concerns and needs, the types of service changes required to meet these needs, and practical steps that can be taken to implement these changes.Originality/valueThis case depicts a unique process of creating a premium‐service culture based on the provision of high‐quality personal service both before the flight, during the flight and after landing.
The Sears acquisition: a retrospective case study of value detection
Authors: Calandro Joseph 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper introduces the base‐case‐valuation pattern, which is derived from the modern Graham and Dodd valuation methodology, and it demonstrates how that pattern could be utilized in M&A by way of a case study.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a case study of the 2004 acquisition of Sears by hedge‐fund manager Eddie Lampert. It draws on previously published Graham and Dodd methodological materials as well as Sears' publicly available financial information. The valuation calculations presented in the case is the sole work of the author.FindingsThe results of the case suggest that base‐case valuation could be practically utilized in M&A. Significantly, it could also be utilized in the formulation of an M&A‐negotiating strategy, shareholder‐communication plan, and performance‐improvement plan.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper demonstrates how that acquisition contained a reasonable margin‐of safety, or price discount to estimated value, even though it occurred at a multiple of 1.8x Sears' book value at the time.Practical implicationsThis case demonstrates the practical utility of base‐case value in M&A by way of the 2004 Sears acquisition.Originality/valueThis work introduces the base‐case‐valuation pattern, and it is the first work, as far as we are aware, that applies the Graham and Dodd methodology to the Sears acquisition even though Eddie Lampert is a noted Graham and Dodd‐based practitioner.
Defending corporate reputation from litigation threats
Authors: Fred Garcia Helio , Ewing Anthony 
Published: May 2008

PurposeClass action litigation has the potential to severely damage the image customers have of a company (brand), often with calamitous consequences for its strategy. Such risks increase when plaintiff's attorneys use all of the instruments of influence to embarrass and persuade large corporations to settle large lawsuits before they ever reach a courtroom. The aim of this paper is to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a five‐point plan that organizations can use to pro‐actively defend themselves from aggressive litigants and thus protect their brand.FindingsThe paper finds that companies that cede the litigation communication advantage to their adversaries commit a fundamental mistake. They fail to understand the threat they face.Practical implicationsCorporations facing class action litigation need to understand that: it is more than a legal fight; and plaintiffs' lawyers count on corporate defendants to act (and communicate) in predictable and often counterproductive ways. Litigation (and all supporting communication) is at its core a battle for the hearts and minds of the stakeholders. It is a simultaneous public relations and political war being waged against the defendant company.Originality/valueThe paper shows how organizations can defend their reputation in litigation by: understanding the context of the fight; identifying the likely assault; pre‐empting their adversary; and communicating forcefully.
Public private partnerships: an exploratory study in health care
Authors: Sciulli Nick 
Published: May 2008

PurposePublic private partnerships (PPPs) are a relatively new policy that some governments now use to secure infrastructure assets. The objective of this paper is to document the construction and development of a Victorian state government hospital, Casey Hospital (CH), to identify the essential features of this contract and the relationship between the government and the private sector provider.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is employed. The boundaries of the CH case study are limited to the identification of the service or program that was/is subjected to PPP, the reasons for adopting the PPP policy in this instance and what the criteria were that led to a successful/unsuccessful outcome for this project. Data collection methods included interviews with key participants and analysis of archival documentation.FindingsThe findings suggest that clear outcomes as specified in the contract specifications, previous experience in the hospital sector and a willingness to be flexible were key factors that resulted in a successful outcome. The government defines success for PPP projects as being built on time and within budget.Research limitations/implicationsGiven that governments in Australia and in many developed countries worldwide have now accepted the procurement model known as public private partnerships, further research is required to ensure that future projects meet defined objectives. This study provides an analysis of one case study and further research needs to be carried out for a thorough assessment of this policy.Originality/valueCasey Hospital was the first hospital in Australia to be constructed and its ancillary facilities operated under the auspices of a PPP policy. This study is significant as public sector managers can use the findings of this report to help inform future decision making with respect to PPP projects.
The efficiency and profitability effects of China's modern enterprise restructuring programme
Authors: Chen Gongmeng , Firth Michael , Wei Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2008

PurposeIn the mid‐1990s, China introduced the Modern Enterprise System (MES) to selected state‐owned enterprises (SOE). The paper aims to examine whether this reform led to improved efficiency and profitability.Design/methodology approachThe efficiency and performance of enterprises before and after the economic restructuring are examined. Univariate and multivariate (regression) analyses are used to investigate whether there has been a significant change in an enterprise's performance.FindingsThe paper finds there is no improvement in efficiency and profitability after the restructuring. This can be attributed the lack of improvement to the state's ownership of enterprises, bureaucratic management, and poor corporate governance. These things have to change in order to improve corporate efficiency and performance.Originality/valueChina's reform of SOEs is very important to the economic well‐being of the country. This paper is the first to investigate the MES as applied to wholly state‐owned enterprises.
Particle velocity detection in laser deposition processing
Authors: Giuliani V. , de Witt B. , Salluzzi M. , Hugo R.J. , Gu P. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeParticle velocity is a critical factor that can affect the deposition quality in manufacturing processes involving the use of a laser source and a powder‐particle delivery nozzle. The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to detect the speed and trajectory of particles during a laser deposition process.Design/methodology/approachA low‐power laser light sheet technique is used to illuminate particles emerging from a custom designed powder delivery nozzle. Light scattered by the particles is detected by a high‐speed camera. Image processing on the acquired images was performed using both edge detection and Hough transform algorithms.FindingsThe experimental data were analyzed and used to estimate particle velocity, trajectory and the velocity profile at the nozzle exit. The results have demonstrated that the particle trajectory remains linear between the nozzle exit and the deposition plate and that the particle velocity can be considered a constant.Originality/valueThe use of low‐power laser light sheet illumination facilitates the detection of isolated particle streaks even in high‐powder flow rate condition. Identification of particle streaks in three subsequent images ensures that particle velocity vectors are in the plane of illumination, and also offers the potential to evaluate in a single measurement both velocity and particle size based on the observed scattered characteristics. The method provides a useful simple tool to investigate particle dynamics in a rapid prototyping application as well as other research fields involving the use of powder delivery nozzles.
Over‐infiltration mechanisms in selective laser sintered Si/SiC preforms
Authors: Stevinson B. , Bourell D.L. , Beaman J.J. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to evaluate mechanisms for silicon overfilling including volume expansion of silicon on solidification for composite silicon/silicon carbide (SiC) objects generated using post‐process infiltration of selective laser sintered (SLS) SiC preforms.Design/methodology/approachOverfilling was characterized through geometrical means and microscopy, and results were used for further study and discussion of overfilling mechanisms.FindingsSilicon overfilling in silicon infiltrated SLS SiC parts is attributed primarily to its infiltrant silicon volume expansion on solidification. Si/SiC composites were found to be thermally stable with good material bonding.Research limitations/implicationsSilicon as an infiltrant is unusual as it expands on solidification, whereas most infiltrants contract. Overfilling during infiltration of SLS porous performs is therefore not considered to be prevalent.Originality/valueThis paper provides an examination of the value of silicon as an infiltrant material for SLS SiC preforms. Various mechanisms are presented for volume change during post‐process infiltration of indirect SLS non‐metallic performs.
Effect of infra‐red power level on the sintering behaviour in the high speed sintering process
Authors: Majewski C.E. , Oduye D. , Thomas H.R. , Hopkinson N. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTo investigate the effects of the infra‐red power level on sintering behaviour in the high speed sintering (HSS) process.Design/methodology/approachSingle‐layer parts were produced using the HSS process, in order to determine the effect of the infra‐red power level on the maximum achievable layer thickness, and the degree of sintering. The parts were examined using both optical microscopy and contact methods.FindingsIt was initially expected that an increase in the infra‐red lamp powder might allow an increase in the depth of sintering that could be achieved, as a result of increased thermal transfer through the powder. However, results in fact indicated that there is a maximum layer thickness that can be achieved, as a result of part shrinkage in the z direction. Optical microscopy images have shown that a greater degree of sintering occurs at higher power levels, which would be expected to correspond to an improvement in the mechanical properties of the parts produced. These images also indicate that the radiation absorbing material forms in small “islands” on the powder bed surface. As sintering progresses, these islands begin to merge; this occurs to a greater extent at higher infra‐red lamp powers.Research limitations/implicationsThese results are based only on single layer parts. Further work will examine the sintering characteristics of multiple layer parts.Practical implicationsResults have shown that, whilst it is not possible to increase the achievable layer thickness of the parts produced by modifying the infra‐red lamp power, the degree of sintering can be improved greatly by increasing the power.Originality/valueHSS is an entirely new process which is currently still under development; the results presented here will directly impact the direction of further development and research into this process.
Local‐genetic slicing of point clouds for rapid prototyping
Authors: Percoco G. , Galantucci L.M. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose to overcome the limitations of polygonization of point clouds for rapid prototyping purposes, by using a direct slicing approach, based on a hybrid local‐genetic algorithm to achieve a robust direct slicing system.Design/methodology/approachAt first a volume analysis is performed on the point cloud and a space decomposition is realized using elementary voxels. Then, considering each Z level of the voxelized point cloud, the external non‐void voxels are linked togheter using an hybrid local and genetic approach, to generate the contour of the object with an automatic process. The contour of the object is finally converted into slice files suitable for the rapid prototyping machine.FindingsThe genetic algorithm (GA) is very effective in detecting those slices where an optimal solution is not achieved with the local approach, and in finding the minimum path that connects the points belonging to the slice contour.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies must be conducted to improve the efficiency of the approach to the travelling salesman problem (TSP) and to the relation between the cell dimension and the point cloud density. In this context, the use of adaptive slicing will be considered, in order to improve time performances.Practical implicationsThe approach is fully automated and enables the direct creation of layered manufactured copies of 3D scanned products directly from the point clouds, avoiding the tessellation phase that is often time consuming and characterized by errors in the STL file.Originality/valueThe use of TSP problem to solve the direct slicing of point clouds is more effective than simple spline fitting techniques, avoiding self‐crossing curves. This approach solves the TSP problem for each slice, exploiting the volumetric space decomposition to fasten the achievement of the solution. In fact the local knowledge is used by the nearest neighbours local search and the partial solution achieved is the starting point of the GA. The GA is effective in finding global minima and results to be fastened by the local approach.
Hedge fund administrators and asset valuations – does it all add up?
Authors: McVea Harry 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the role of hedge fund administrators, particularly in relation to valuing complex and/or illiquid financial instruments.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proceeds by way of an analysis of key trends and developments within the hedge fund administration industry in relation to the regulatory challenges posed by complex and/or illiquid instruments.FindingsThe paper argues that, because of inherent problems over the attribution of value to complex and/or illiquid assets, emphasis on independent valuation by administrators is largely misplaced. Recent events concerning valuation difficulties in the subprime mortgage market illustrate these very concerns.Originality/valueThe paper questions the ability of independent hedge fund administrators to provide reliable valuations for complex and/or illiquid instruments. Independent valuation of such assets suggests a level of scrutiny that is in fact not present. Moreover, the financial market meltdown surrounding the collapse of the subprime mortgage market provides a timely and salutary reminder that independent valuations of complex and/or illiquid instruments are inherently unreliable.
Trading strategies of the US‐based international mutual funds and test of the SEC regulation
Authors: Imtiaz Mazumder M. , Miller Edward M. , Naka Atsuyuki 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the predictability of the US‐based international mutual fund returns by investigating 2,479 daily observations for all categories of international equity, bond and hybrid mutual funds. Further, trading strategies are proposed and tested under different scenario including a proposed regulation by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).Design/methodology/approachThe sample is split and the initial sub sample is used to investigate return patterns of international funds and to develop trading rules based on the predictable return patterns. Trading rules are then tested on the holdout sample.FindingsEmpirical results demonstrate statistically significant predictabilities. Various trading strategies show that the returns of both load and no‐load funds are economically significant beating a buy‐and‐hold strategy. Empirical findings are consistent across the fund categories irrespective of sizes and styles. The tested strategies are profitable even with various limits on frequency of trading, minimum holding periods and even under a recent SEC's proposed regulation. Further, possible contracting and regulatory changes are proposed to improve the efficiency in the mutual fund industry.Originality/valueThe results confirm previous findings of statistically and economically significant regularities from trading strategies that involve following the US markets. A test of SEC's proposed regulation documents that short‐term investors may benefit from active trading strategy even if the SEC's rule is implemented.
Lloyd's names fail in claim against government based on failure to implement insurance directive
Authors: Gray Joanna 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report and comment on the Court of Appeal, Poole and Others v. HM Treasury.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the facts surrounding the case and comments on the ruling.FindingsLord Justice Buxton gave the only judgment in this appeal, with which his fellow judges concurred, and he confirmed that the lower Court was right to dismiss the appellants' claim based on their interpretation of the 1973 insurance directive and the effect of the European Court of Justice decision in Francovich.Originality/valueThe Court of Appeal, in this decision, confirms that the principles of European law surrounding state liability are unlikely to be of much help to those who suffer such losses and see them partly as a result of state or regulatory failure.
Supply chain visibility: lost in translation?
Authors: Francis Vernon 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe miscommunication about the ubiquitous term “supply chain visibility” (SCV), to propose a precise definition for it and identify its salient characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA literature search was conducted to describe the widespread use of the term SCV and the miscommunication that occurs surrounding its use. The proposed definition and the salient characteristics of SCV are original conceptual contributions.FindingsThe study finds that the term SCV is widely used in the supply chain management and logistics communities Many vendors, third party logistics providers, transportation and other companies profess to have or provide it, yet SCV remains one of the top issues consistently mentioned in surveys of supply chain management professionals. This occurs in part because of the confusion surrounding its meaning.Research limitations/implicationsUsage of the term SCV is ubiquitous and a complete review of all sources is not possible, revealing over 348,000 sources from internet and academic database searches. Only selected, key results are from these sources are reported. The proposed definition for and characterization of SCV are the author's conceptual contributions, open to discussion and debate.Practical implicationsA precise definition of SCV along with its important attributes helps to promote consistent understanding, interpretation and to clarify communications, especially between vendors and logistics service providers.Originality/valueThe proposed definition is new, as well as the discussion of its important attributes and implications.
Drivers for the participation of small and medium‐sized suppliers in green supply chain initiatives
Authors: Lee Su‐Yol 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe what facilitates small and medium‐sized suppliers in participating in green supply chain initiatives. These initiatives are inter‐organizational initiatives attempting to improve environmental performance throughout the entire supply chain. This paper seeks to examine buyer green supply chain management practices, government involvement, and internal readiness of the suppliers themselves, as possible drivers.Design/methodology/approachThe research framework and hypotheses were examined by using a mail survey conducted in South Korea in 2005. The empirical analysis used data from 142 small and medium‐sized suppliers. Validity and reliability of the scales for the construct of interest were assessed through a factor analysis and Cronbach‐alpha test. To test the hypotheses for the drivers of suppliers' willingness to participate in green supply chain initiatives, hierarchical linear regression was adopted.FindingsThe study finds that buyer environmental requirements and support were positively linked to their suppliers' willingness to participate in green supply chain initiatives. The government can play an important role in motivating these suppliers. Finally, the paper reveals that the more slack resources and organizational capabilities suppliers had, the more willingly they were to participate in those initiatives.Originality/valueThis research is one of the few studies which explore the drivers of participation in green supply chain initiatives by considering small and medium‐sized suppliers and their most important stakeholders, including buyers and the government.
Creating satisfaction in the demand‐supply chain: the buyers' perspective
Authors: Cambra‐Fierro Jesús J. , Polo‐Redondo Yolanda 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to analyze the concept of satisfaction in firm‐supplier relationships.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach is considered in the study. The paper offers a set of scales to analyze the main antecedents of the relationship quality concept. Causal relations are also analyzed by testing a model based on structural equations.FindingsCooperation, communication, trust and adaptation to expectations explain satisfaction. Proposals for further research related to commitment and long‐term orientation of supply relationships are also included.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper takes the Spanish context as reference. Generalization of the conclusions should begin with a previous analysis to consider the similarities and differences between contexts. The data of the research are based on the buyer's perspective.Practical implicationsSuppliers are able to identify elements affecting satisfaction. In order to establish lasting relationships, suppliers must identify the real needs of companies. They must also manage cooperation, communication and trust. The model and measurement scales could easily be adapted beyond the dyad and beyond the whole demand‐supply chain. The conclusions could be valuable to both buyers and sellers.Originality/valueThe paper highlights that some works published in Supply Chain Management: An International Journal indicate that the factors determining company‐supplier relationships have to be thoroughly studied and additional models explaining these relationships have to be tested.