bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supporting disaster response and recovery through improved situation awareness
Authors: Son Jeongwook , Aziz Zeeshan , Peña‐Mora Feniosky 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss how a high level of situation awareness (SA) has the potential to enhance first responders' performance and manage work demand resulting from distributed, dynamic, and chaotic situations resulting from a disaster in modern urban environments. It also aims to present a theoretical framework to address needs of an effective disaster response, enhanced collaboration and improved SA. The purpose of this is to help better understand current disaster response schemes in terms of SA, based on the understanding, find a way to improve the disaster response effectiveness, and quantitatively evaluate existing and future disaster response processes. The paper seeks to characterize current disaster response operations by various shortcomings, including inability to access information, lack of coordination, and poor communications. All this makes it difficult to deal with dynamic work demand resulting from disasters.Design/methodology/approachA response framework, integrating IT and Civil Engineering components is presented highlighting the relationship between situation awareness, collaboration and performance. Also, the implementation approach is discussed.FindingsThe paper finds that SA is very relevant to ensuring how much a current disaster response system is effective cognitively and physically, and in understanding how well disaster response systems support the responders at both strategic and operational levels.Practical implicationsSupport of Civil Engineers and IT components can increase the response performance by facilitating collaboration through improved SA.Originality/valueThe paper presents a comprehensive framework and implementation approach to ensure effectiveness of disaster response operations. The framework ensures high situation awareness while supporting collaboration among first responders, including improved civil engineers' roles and exploiting IT components to collect, analyze, and share information.
The effect of polypropylene fibres within concrete with regard to fire performance in structures
Authors: Richardson Alan , Dave Urmil V. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of various polypropylene fibre additions (types and volume) to concrete with regard to explosive spalling when subject to high temperatures similar to those experienced in building or tunnel fires.Design/methodology/approachMedium strength concrete was manufactured with varying proportions of polypropylene fibres. Plain control samples were used to determine the original concrete strength and this was used as a benchmark following high temperature heat tests to evaluate the surface condition and final compressive strength. A pilot study was used to determine an appropriate heat source for the test. This was three Bunsen burners, however sufficient heat could not be generated within 150 mm concrete cubes and the concrete was shown to be a significant insulator and fire protection for structural members. The concrete test cubes were tested in a saturated condition which may reflect conditions where concrete is used in an external environment and thus is subject to soaking.FindingsOne hundred and fifty millimetre concrete cubes with and without fibres were placed into a furnace at 1,000°C. Explosive spalling was shown to be reduced with the use of polypropylene fibres but the final compressive strength of concrete was significantly reduced and had little residual structural value after a two hour period of heating.Research limitations/implicationsAs the concrete tested was saturated, this condition provided a worst case scenario with regards to the build up of hydrostatic and vapour pressure within the cube. A range of percentage moisture contents would produce a more evenly balanced view of the effects of fibres in concrete. A single grade of concrete was used for the test. As the permeability of concrete influences the rate at which steam can escape from the interior of a saturated concrete cube, testing a range of concrete strengths would show this aspect of material performance with regard to spalling and final residual strength. Further research is recommended with regard to moisture contents, strengths of concrete and a range of temperatures.Practical implicationsThis research has significance for the designer, in that buildings subject to terrorist activity may suffer from impact damage and an outbreak of fire following the initial attack.Originality/valueThe use of polypropylene fibres in concrete to provide anti spalling qualities is relatively new and this research adds to the knowledge regarding fibre type and volume with regard to first spall time, total area and number of areas subject to spalling and the final compressive strength of concrete following two hours of raised temperatures.
Finite element simulation of reinforced concrete structures under impact accident
Authors: Tahmasebinia F. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeAn accidental impact load can be caused by mishaps in industry as well as accidents stemming from transportation or man‐made disasters. There are a number of ways to predict how an impact load will affect a concrete slab, some of which may be impractical or expensive but because there have been significant developments in technology, numerical techniques rather than experimental approaches have become popular methods for developing detailed responses. This paper aims to investigate finite element techniques. Therefore, to numerically examine reinforced concrete slabs subjected to impact load in order to better understand their behaviour can be considered a cost effective matter.Design/methodology/approachThe paper evaluates reliability of finite element techniques to simulate the significant responses of reinforced concrete structures subjected to low velocity impact loading by taking advantage of a commercial finite element package ABAQUS/Explicit code.FindingsThe paper finds that finite element analysis is capable of making reasonable estimations available in order to determine the possible failure modes of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to impact loads. Finite element simulation can be used to construct the physical interaction between steel and concrete (bond action) as well as create an interaction between flexural and shear reinforcement. Modelling composite material such as a reinforced concrete slab is possible provided that the appropriate conditions for creating the interaction between steel and concrete are fulfilled.Originality/valueThe quantity of mesh density and direction of the sub‐division on the surface of a concrete slab, where it may follow the trajectory of cracking, can play an important role in simulating finite element analysis. By taking full advantage of hourglass control and mesh distortion control, and provided the number of mesh elements have increased, the simulation results would be close to the obtained experimental result.
Generational differences at work: introduction and overview
Authors: Macky Keith , Gardner Dianne , Forsyth Stewart 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis introduction seeks to provide a brief background to the notion that there are generational differences at work and to introduce the papers included in this special issue of the Journal of Managerial Psychology.Design/methodology/approachThe current context concerning generational differences at work is briefly outlined followed by a description of the core theory underpinning the notion of generational cohorts. Criticisms of this theoretical premise are provided before a brief outline is given to each article in the special issue.FindingsThere is evidence for changes in personality profiles across generations, and for differences in attitudes towards work and careers. However, effect sizes tend not to be large, and some findings are inconsistent with popular stereotypes regarding generational differences. Little support was found for differences in work values or motivation.Practical implicationsContrary to popular hype concerning generational differences at work, managerial time may be better spent considering employee needs relating to age (maturity), life‐cycle and career stage differences than developing generationally specific management policies and practices. Significant methodological problems remain in generational research.Originality/valueThe papers facilitate a critical understanding of the challenges facing generational research and its limitations, and provide a litmus test against which popular stereotypes can be compared.
Generational differences in personality and motivation
Authors: Wong Melissa , Gardiner Elliroma , Lang Whitney , Coulon Leah 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine whether personality and motivational driver differences exist across three generations of working Australians: Baby Boomers, Gen Xs, and Gen Ys.Design/methodology/approachUsing the Occupational Personality Questionnaire and the Motivation Questionnaire, the study examined cross‐sectional differences in personality and motivational drivers across three generations.FindingsThe results are not supportive of the generational stereotypes that have been pervasive in the management literature and the media. Specifically, few meaningful differences were found between the three generations. Moreover, even when differences have been observed, these have related more to age than generation.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the key limitations is the use of cross‐sectional data. To further explore this issue, it would be interesting to undertake a longitudinal study to assess personality preferences and motivational drivers of the different generations, when the participants are at the same age or the same point in their career.Practical implicationsThe research emphasizes the importance of managing individuals by focusing on individual differences rather than relying on generational stereotypes, which may not be as prevalent as the existing literature suggests.Originality/valueManagers and HR professionals may find the lack of differences across generations interesting and refreshing, in contrast with the popular management literature.
Generational differences in work values, outcomes and person‐organisation values fit
Authors: Cennamo Lucy , Gardner Dianne 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate differences between three generational groups currently in the workforce (Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y), in work values, job satisfaction, affective organisational commitment and intentions to leave. The study also seeks to examine generational differences in person‐organisation values fit.Design/methodology/approachA total of 504 Auckland employees representing a range of industries completed an online questionnaire. Generation X (57 per cent) was defined as those born between 1962‐1979, Baby Boomers (23 per cent) were born 1946‐1961 and Generation Y (17 per cent) were born 1980‐2000. The remainder (3 per cent) were born 1925‐1945.FindingsThe youngest groups placed more importance on status and freedom work values than the oldest group. Baby Boomers reported better person‐organisation values fit with extrinsic values and status values than Generation X and Generation Y but there were no other generational differences in fit. Where individual and organisational values showed poor fit there were reduced job satisfaction and organisational commitment, and increased intentions to turnover across all three generational groups.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was cross‐sectional and based on self‐report data, limiting the generalisability of findings.Practical implicationsValues are important in guiding behaviour and enhancing work motivation. Organisational values must be able to meet the needs of different employees, and organisations need to clarify their work values and expectations with staff.Originality/valueThe paper presents evidence that person‐organisation values fit is important for all generational groups and popular notions about generational differences should not be over‐generalised.
What recantation? The wages fund doctrines of J.S. Mill in light of Smith, and Ricardo
Authors: McKenzie Russell , Levendis John 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the various forms of the classical wages fund, and especially the claim that J.S. Mill reversed his position on the nature of the wages fund.Design/methodology/approachTextual research from original publications of Adam Smith, David Ricardo and J.S. Mill, as well as references to current interpretations of their work are used in this paper.FindingsAlthough J.S. Mill was a supporter of the classical wages fund model, he did not consistently embrace its assumption of a fixed fund. His comment in his Principles that the “discretion of the capitalist” influences the size of the fund contradicts this assumption. Without consistent support for this component of the doctrine, the “recantation” loses its historical significance, in that it is simply a reaffirmation of the views which Mill held throughout.Research limitations/implicationsIt is hoped this paper can close the book on the debate on Mill's supposed recantation. There was no recantation because Mill held no firm position to recant.Originality/valueIt is understood that no one has made the connection between Mill's recantation and his other inconsistencies regarding aspects of the wages fund.
A privatization success story: accounting and narrative expression over time
Authors: Craig Russell , Amernic Joel 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper is the third in a trilogy of papers to explore the use of accounting as a fundamental element in senior management's narrative regarding the privatization of a major transportation enterprise, Canadian National Railway (CN). The paper aims to examine how two accounting performance benchmarks (the operating ratio, and free cash flow) were deployed to help sustain a rhetoric of post‐privatization success. The aptness (and the danger) of accounting language in strategic narrative is highlighted.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the importance of senior management discourse in the aftermath of a privatization. A narrative perspective is adopted, in which an imagined future post‐privatization era initially articulated in accounting language is then told and re‐told as the post‐privatization years unfold. Accounting performance measures highlighted in the story of success of the privatization in the Annual Letters to Shareholders by the CEOs of CN in the ten years following privatization in 1995, and celebrated in the Annual Report, are examined critically.FindingsThe results emphasize the important features and role of accounting language and accounting‐based performance benchmark measures in the narrative construction of the success of a privatization by corporate leaders.Research limitations/implicationsCase studies possess the strength of specific instance detail and interpretation, and the ostensible weakness of interpretation of a sample of one. But such research can provide for a reframing of conceptual perspectives and stimulate additional efforts to interrogate the role of accounting language in events of major social change.Practical implicationsThe paper strongly endorses the adoption of a critical analytical perspective by those affected by a major social change (such as a privatization) in which the role of accounting language is subtle, but nonetheless persuasive and enduring.Originality/valueThe paper examines a case study in which the narrative framing of success is made rhetorically potent by deploying accounting performance measures. The paper reinforces the view that accounting is not an innocent bystander in the political and narrative manoeuvrings associated with a privatization. Accounting does not axiomatically provide an objective measure of some underlying financial truth, but is part of an arsenal of rhetoric to achieve political ends.
Accounting change in central government
Authors: Gomes Delfina , Carnegie Garry D. , Lima Rodrigues Lúcia 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the adoption of double entry bookkeeping at the Royal Treasury, Portugal, on its establishment in 1761 and the factors contributing to this development. The Royal Treasury was the first central government organization in Portugal to adopt double entry bookkeeping and was a crucial first step in the institutionalisation of the technique in Portuguese public administration.Design/methodology/approachSet firmly in the archive, this paper adopts new institutional sociology (NIS) to inform the findings of the local, time‐specific accounting policy and practice at the Portuguese Royal Treasury.FindingsEmbedded within the broader European context, this study identifies the key pressures exerted upon the Royal Treasury on its formation in 1761, which resulted in major accounting change within Portuguese central government from that date. The study provides further evidence of the importance of the state in the institutionalization of accounting practices by means of coercive pressures and highlights for Portugal the importance of individual actors who, as powerful change agents, made key decisions that influenced accounting change.Originality/valueThis study examines a major instance of accounting change in European central government and broadens the application of NIS in accounting history research to a different country – Portugal – and to a different time – the eighteenth century. It also serves to illuminate the difficulties of collecting pertinent evidence pertaining to this long‐dated time period in identifying certain forms of institutional pressures.
The new researcher
Authors: Bowrey Graham 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis poem is a reflection of the processes and associated emotions early career academic researchers may experience in preparing, presenting and publishing their research.Design/methodology/approachFictional poem.FindingsThis poem highlights that the processes an early career academic researcher undertakes to publish his/her research is not necessarily the hardest lesson to learn. Rather the hardest lesson is learning to cope with the mix of emotions they will experience during the process.Research limitations/implicationsProvides early career academic researchers, and their supervisors, with a guide of what they can expect to experience during the first few years during their research.Originality/valueA fun review of the early career of a new academic researcher.
Improved service system design using Six Sigma DMAIC for a major US consumer electronics and appliance retailer
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Strandlund Erika , Thomas Douglas 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create a strategy for “Best Buy”, a major consumer electronics and appliance retailer in the USA, to improve their service system to ensure that they can continuously gain market share. This study will examine and analyze Best Buy's store service blueprint in comparison to its competitors' service blueprints. The study will then examine Best Buy Geek Squad's service blueprint and recommend improvements that can be implemented to provide higher quality service to Best Buy's customers.Design/methodology/approachA combination of design methods was used which included creating multiple service blueprints and implementing the Six Sigma DMAIC approach. A Service Quality (SERVQUAL) Survey was conducted and analyzed the data, to give an understanding of customer satisfaction with the service provided at Best Buy, compared to its major competitors. The service blueprint was analyzed and strategies were recommended to improve the present system, with the goal of providing better customer service and an improved shopping experience. With the recommendations an “improved service model” for Best Buy was created, along with fail safe mechanisms to ensure that service guarantees will be met.FindingsIn the Six Sigma DMAIC Process Improvement approach, poka‐yokes were implemented to improve the Best Buy service blueprint, which were identified through cause‐and‐effect diagrams that were created. By implementing the new service blueprint, along with the poka‐yokes, Best Buy will see a significant improvement in customer satisfaction.Practical implicationsBest Buy and other retail service providers should consider investing in adequate staffing of technically savvy and customer sensitive store associates and implement customer service training programs to improve their education relating specifically to the quality of service delivery to their customers.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on the business case for implementing Six Sigma tools to improve the service provided by retailers. This should lead to long‐term profitability and improved customer service.
The importance of retail atmospherics in B2B retailing: the case of BOC
Authors: Noad Jeremy , Rogers Beth 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an industrial retailer used a small‐scale study to explore the importance of retail atmospherics in non‐consumer retailing and made a considerable contribution to its success. It focuses on the importance of interior and point of purchase retail atmospherics as a sales tool in industrial retailing. It also explores the relevance of previous research findings on atmospherics in business‐to‐consumer (B2C) retail outlets to the business‐to‐business (B2B) environment.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out using a quantitative questionnaire method using closed questions in a face‐to‐face interaction with respondents in the case study company's best‐performing B2B retail outlet.FindingsThe findings indicate that atmospherics are relevant to B2B retailing, although there are differences in the levels of importance attached to various atmospheric elements. Also, the level of importance of the elements varies with trade customers depending on whether they are participating in a planned purchase, an alternative/substitute purchase (when the planned purchase is not possible), or an impulse purchase.Originality/valueConsumer retailing atmospherics has been subject to considerable examination and proved to be influential in maximising the potential sales of stores. However, industrial (B2B) retailing has been generally overlooked by academic studies. This study not only explores industrial retail buying, but indicates that B2C findings are transferable to some degree and may contribute to improved performance.