bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public sector reforms and the public interest
Authors: Uddin Shahzad , Tsamenyi Mathew 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to examine the changes to budgetary control and performance monitoring in the context of a series of World Bank sponsored public sector reforms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a longitudinal study of a state enterprise (the Ghana Food Distribution Corporation (GFDC)) in which the World Bank‐sponsored reforms were imposed. This paper especially draws on the dialectic of control from structuration theory.FindingsThe paper shows that budgetary practices at the GFDC did not change substantially, with the exception of the reporting practices. Budgeting remained politicised, delayed, directionless and ineffective. Reporting to the monitoring agency did not make any positive changes to accountability and performance and was thereby unable to serve public interests.Research limitations/implicationsWith hindsight, the authors wished they had undertaken more in‐depth investigations of workers' and farmers' roles in whole performance contracting scenarios and public sector reforms at the GFDC. The failure so to do was mainly because of a shortage of time and the difficulty of obtaining relevant data.Practical implicationsThis paper has raised a number of important but neglected issues concerning the public sector reforms in less developed countries (LDCs) for aid agencies and policy makers.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates the usefulness of Giddens' idea of the dialectic of control in the contextual study of management controls, including budgeting and performance in the public sector in LDCs. Also, the paper makes an important contribution highlighting the public interest role of management controls especially in the context of public sector reforms.
Social and environmental accountability research
Authors: Parker Lee D. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo investigate, analyse and critique contemporary research in social and environmental accounting.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis and critique of the social and environmental accountability (SEA) research field since the late 1980s. The study revisits two key prior seminal papers on the field, examines the remit for SEA researchers' focus on practice and policy and offers an empirical analysis of the profile of SEA publication.FindingsTheories are identified in two groups: augmentation and heartland theories. These have been more deductively than inductively generated, evidencing limited attention to field‐based engagement. An alternative to the elusive all‐embracing unitary SEA theory is presented. Researchers' concerns with capture of the SEA field is critiqued and an alternative researcher engagement orientation is offered. Environmental research dominates more recent SEA published output, the dominant methodological approach is literature‐based theorising, and national practices/comparisons and regulations are leading topic areas occupying researchers.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysis of publishing patterns including the balance between social and environmental accountability research, research methodologies employed and SEA topics addressed is largely confined to four leading interdisciplinary accounting research journals.Practical implicationsThe paper argues for greater SEA researcher engagement with SEA practice and involvement in SEA policy contributions.Originality/valueThe paper offers a contemporary assemblage and critique of the multiple theoretical perspectives applied to the SEA field and offers insights into the range and predominance of research methods and topics within the published SEA field.
Part II: implementations
Authors: Fang Jing‐Jing , Liao Chang‐Kai 
Published: January 2007

PurposeA significant garment restyling tool was developed to perform garment design in three dimensions. It provides the professional designers the abilities of 3D garment creation, restyling, omni‐angle visualization, and fitting evaluation on a digital mannequin model. According to the body tape‐measurements defined in ISO 8559:1999(E) and ASTM D5219‐99 (1999), the extracted feature lines on computer mannequin dominate the shape of the apparel and also its associated fitting results. In this paper, the garment creation by the provided interfaces and its outcomes based on the developed system kernel and its formulas described in part I of the paper is demonstrated.Design/methodology/approachIn part II of this paper, a three‐dimensional garment creation and restyling software based on the kernel infrastructure and formulas is implemented.FindingsCurrently, three fundamental dresses, two basic collars, and sleeve are successfully implemented in the creation of free style mannequin‐made apparels. Fitting results in static status are easily performed by detecting the allowances along the body feature lines and its near by. The base of an intuitive 3D computer‐aided garment design and manufacture is gradually formed starting from here.Originality/valueIn this paper, it is proved that garment creation and restyling can be achieved in three dimensions. This work provides a solution to how to manipulate a modifiable geometry in three dimensions and provide a friendly tool for reshaping.
An experimental study of the factors affecting the indentation of fabric under a pinch gripper
Authors: Lin H. , Taylor P.M. , Bull S.J. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper presents an experimental study of the influence of variables such as strain rate, the number of fabric plies, the type of fabric, the kinds of fibre and the shape of indenter on the indentation of fabric under differently shaped pinch gripper.Design/methodology/approachThis experimental study will be approached from three different angles. It will look into an indenter pressing a sample with a much larger size, which is important in practice in the world of grasping by a pinch gripper. It will research a flat indenter, but also an indenter with a curved surface and will investigate fabric compression particularly with regard to the differences between single‐layer and multi‐layer stacks.FindingsThe type of fabric architecture and the kind of fibre have been proven to be important for the indentation. Even more important is the indenter geometry. Evidence collected to date suggests that the grasping action is more sensitive to indenter geometry. This leads to three possible approaches: close regulation of the materials and processes, handling processes to change in the material properties, and thirdly, intelligent systems which can learn from and adapt to each situation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study suggests that a picking up operation should change in the material properties, that is, the operation should be controlled by using fabric characteristics as the control information in an intelligent environment.Originality/valuePrevious work on compression has been concentrated on an indenter with a size identical to a specimen, this study will look into an indenter pressing a sample with a much larger size. On compression, previous work has focused on single‐layer fabric compression by a flat indenter, but this research will not only research a flat indenter and single layers, but also an indenter with a curved surface, and multi‐layer stacks.
Heritage groups challenge George W. Bush nominee for US Archivist: so what?
Authors: Barry Richard E. (“Rick”) , Steemson Michael J. (“Mike”) 
Published: January 2007

PurposeExplores why it is that archivists and records managers rarely discuss important aspects of the highest ranking record‐keeping job in any country. There are plenty of issues about what is or should be one of the most critical positions in any democratic society, whether at the national, state/provincial or local government level, worthy and in need of open discussion and debate within the professional community and more broadly in the public domain.Design/methodology/approachUsing the controversial, ongoing case of President Bush's nomination of a new Archivist of the United States (historian Professor Allen Weinstein), this article focuses on some of the above issues.FindingsLargely out of sight or earshot of the US public, US historians, archivists, librarians and information managers have united in community force to challenge President George W. Bush's nomination for the next Archivist of the United States. Discusses the possibilities of real or perceived political interference in the management of the nation's archives and especially ready public access to its Presidential records.Originality/valueThe dispute highlights changing thinking about what constitutes proper selection process and qualifications for national archivists that could stimulate professional debate world‐wide.
How prepared are public bodies for the implementation of the UK Freedom of Information Act, in January 2005?
Authors: Screene Lorraine 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo assess how prepared public bodies are for the implementation of the UK Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in January 2005.Design/methodology/approachThe FOI Act 2000 established a general right of access to information held by public authorities in the UK, subject to certain exemptions. This article reports on research undertaken in the summer of 2004 which sought to establish the state of preparedness in UK public bodies by the assessment of four case studies, comprising a local authority, a national museum, a police force, and a university. Structured interviews were conducted with key staff in each organisation using the Department for Constitutional Affairs’ model action plan for preparing for FOI as the basis. The key aspects of the analysis are leadership, training, records management, customers and systems and procedures.FindingsThe investigation has revealed that, overall, the majority of organisations implemented the most basic and immediate changes required to cope adequately in January 2005 when customers were expected to start to request information. Their level of preparedness is therefore limited to tackling the superficial areas of concern, as a result of the short‐term and reactionary approach adopted.Originality/valueHighlights organisational, legislative and governmental weaknesses in preparing for the FOI Act. This investigation also concludes that the enactment of the proposed new archival and records management legislation is essential to ensure that public bodies are compelled to further improve the provision and management of records.
The benefits of electronic records management systems: a general review of published and some unpublished cases
Authors: Johnston Gary P. , Bowen David V. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo review published case studies, and some unpublished results, to identify the benefits actually achieved by implementing an electronic records management system or an electronic document management system (ERMS, or EDMS).Design/methodology/approachDraws on the literature and unpublished results of work undertaken by the authors’ organisation.FindingsFew case studies were found in which clear, quantitative benefits are described. The reasons for this are discussed. Those studies that did show clear benefits with good evidence for them demonstrated five principles: (1) the “system” must include the people (policy makers and users); (2) the EDRMS must be integrated with the processes of the organisation; (3) frequently the role of records managers is to educate, advise and support the users; (4) a continuum model covering documents and records gives clearer benefits than separate document and record lifecycles; and (5) there is no single magic bullet to solve information management problems.Practical implicationsAn organisation which is planning to implement an EDRMS, or which is planning to upgrade or modify an existing EDRMS, can be confident that real benefits and an acceptable return on investment are possible.Originality/valueThis paper identifies benefits that have been realised in practice from EDRMS implementations.
An investigation into supplier responsiveness
Authors: Holweg Matthias 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe ability of a manufacturing system to respond to customer demand in a timely fashion is widely accepted as a source of competitive advantage. While quick response concepts at system level have been widely discussed in a range of industry sectors, such as textile, electronics and fast moving consumer goods, few studies so far have specifically investigated the responsiveness of the component supply chain. This exploratory study hence aims to reconcile the considerable ambiguity that exists around the concept of supplier responsiveness, supported by an empirical investigation into the automotive parts industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses the responsiveness of first‐tier automotive suppliers in Europe. The research is based on a multi‐method approach comprising of a survey, coupled with in‐depth processing mapping and complimenting interviews of production control staff at a subset of the surveyed companies.FindingsThe findings suggest that supplier responsiveness is constrained by both endogenous factors originating from within their own manufacturing operations, as well as exogenous factors related to both their respective up‐stream and downstream tiers. Furthermore, the study highlights how first‐tier suppliers are “squeezed” between demanding vehicle manufacturers on the one hand, and an unresponsive raw material supply base on the other, constraining their overall ability to respond to changing market requirements.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusions derived from this research are bound by the sample these are drawn from, and additional large‐scale analyses are suggested as further research.Originality/valueWhile the concept of “responsiveness” has been widely discussed in the supply chain literature, this debate has largely remained in the realms of qualitative description. Few studies have empirically addressed the issue of supply chain responsiveness, and if so, often focused on a subset of factors (e.g. schedule variations) only. In this paper, an holistic approach to responsiveness is adopted that aims at identifying the key variables that impact on supply chain responsiveness, as well as providing quantitative evidence to support these claims.
Product value‐density: managing diversity through supply chain segmentation
Authors: Lovell Antony , Saw Richard , Stimson Jennifer 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to identify the importance of segmentation both as part of the network design process and as an operational tool for correctly allocating products to appropriate supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe allocation is based upon a wide range of possible factors relating to the characteristics of the product, to the market, to the source and to the geographic/commercial context. The application of this framework is presented in a case study of a global electronics company, where large costs savings were achieved through the segmentation of supply chains.FindingsA logical basis for segmentation is derived and an operational framework developed, which highlights the importance of product value density (PVD), throughput volume and product availability.Originality/valueDemonstrates the paramount importance of throughput, demand variability/service factor and PVD as the key drivers in the segmentation process.
Evaluating suppliers within a self‐organized logistical network
Authors: Ounnar Fouzia , Pujo Patrick 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis research paper proposes that the conduct of supplier relationships can be improved through a “self‐organized logistical network”.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis has been conducted on logistical supply chain which ensures to define a self‐organized logistical network. In such a network, each supplier can evaluate its own performance by using a decision‐making method involving multiple criteria. Indeed, such method is therefore recommended to reach a satisfactory solution. For that, a typology of performance was proposed and a multiple criteria method was chosen. Indeed, among several methods available, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method has been chosen.FindingsThe paper suggests quantifying an evaluation of each potential supplier who responds to a call for proposal from a customer, according to rules and criteria that are impartial and common to all. The process enables the emergence of the “best” supplier. The proposed approach allows a balance to be achieved between load and capacity at the supplier level, and produces a smoothing of the load curve among the various suppliers with the long‐term objective of establishing a fair system among the suppliers on the network. Our approach suggests a customer‐supplier (C‐S) relationship control where all entities C‐S partners, communicate and negotiate to respond as best as possible to the customers requirements. To each supplier, we associate a decision‐making centre through which he can self evaluate his performance in order to be able to take part to negotiations within a self organized logistical network.Originality/valueThe research focuses particularly on the study of the decision‐making centre.
Flow pattern transition of natural convection in a horizontal annulus with constant heat flux on the inner wall
Authors: Yoo Joo‐Sik 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study considers the natural convection in a horizontal annulus with constant heat flux on the inner cylinder, and investigates the transition of flows for various Prandtl numbers.Design/methodology/approachThe streamfunction‐vorticity equation and the energy equation governing the flow and temperature field are solved with finite difference method.FindingsResults are presented to show the transition of flow patterns with increase (or decrease) of the Rayleigh number, and a hysteresis phenomenon is observed.Originality/valueDual solutions are shown by using a numerical analysis in a horizontal annulus with constant heat flux on the inner wall.
Phase change in a three‐dimensional rectangular cavity under electromagnetically simulated low‐gravity
Authors: Veilleux Douglas L. , Gonçalves Eduardo , Faghri Mohammad , Asako Yutaka , Charmchi Majid 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo demonstrate, through numerical models, that it is possible to simulated low‐gravity phase change (melting), of an electrically conducting material (gallium), in terrestrial conditions via the application of electromagnetic fields.Design/methodology/approachA complete three‐dimensional mathematical formulation governing a phase change process in the presence of an electromagnetic field has been developed. In addition a comprehensive parametric study has been completed to study the various effects of gravity, Stefan number, Hartmann number and electromagnetic pressure number upon the phase change process.FindingsThe results show that the application of an electromagnetic filed can be used to simulate key melting characteristics found for actual low‐gravity. However, the resulting three‐dimensional flow field in the melted region differs from actual low‐gravity. The application of an electromagnetic field creates a flow phenomenon not found in actual low‐gravity or previously seen in two‐dimensional problems.Research limitations/implicationsFuture work may include the use of oscillating electromagnetic fields to enhance convection in energy storage systems in a low‐gravity environment.Practical implicationsThe ability to suppress unwanted convective flows in a phase change process without the high magnetic fields necessary in magnetic field only suppression systems.Originality/valueThis work fills a void in the literature related to conducting fluids and the effects of magnetic and electromagnetic fields.
Modifying best practices in women's advancement for the Latin American context
Authors: Maxfield Sylvia 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo stimulate research on Latin American businesswomen's career development and help human resource practitioners design culturally‐adapted advancement programs.Design/methodology/approachA total of 27 interviews with human resources professional from US Fortune 500 companies with business in Latin America undertaken during 2001‐2003 are the basis for reporting on women's advancement programs in Latin America. A survey of literature on culture in Latin American work organizations provides basis for suggestions about cultural adaptation of these programs. Latin American businesswomen's perceptions of their own career development, recorded in interviews with over 100 businesswomen in six Latin American countries in 2002 by participants in the Women Business Leaders in Latin America project, corroborate these suggestions.FindingsWomen's initiatives imported from the USA to Latin America are likely to suffer several shortcomings unless modified to accommodate several common cultural attributes of Latin American work organizations.Practical implicationsProvides a guideline for developing gender diversity practices specifically suited to the Latin American context.Originality/valueMajor cross‐national projects on women, culture and leadership in business to date tend to neglect the Latin American region. This research begins to highlight and remedy that lacuna.
The emerging identity of women managers in post‐Soviet Belarus
Authors: Rees Christopher J. , Miazhevich Galina 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper critically reviews women managers' experiences of managing transition in post‐Soviet Belarus. The main aim of the paper is to explore the emerging learning experiences and learning practices of women managers in Belarus who are working in small and medium‐size business enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe paper commences with an exploration of the country context. It then seeks to draw attention to ongoing economic, political and cultural transformations within Belarus with a view to highlighting ways in which these transformations have impacted on the professional identities of women in Belarus in the post‐Soviet era. Interviews with 16 female managers were constructed to investigate specific issues such as how women managers in Belarus learn to be managers, how they perceive their own positions within organisations, the ways in which women managers use learning strategies as sense‐making mechanisms, and the career‐related obstacles faced by women managers in Belarus.FindingsThe findings indicate that women managers have adopted a variety of learning strategies to adjust to the changing nature of Belarusian business culture. These strategies involve drawing on multiple notions of a feminine work identity, which both resists and reaffirms traditional gender roles. The findings highlight women have learn to cope with a fragmented learning organisational context that is devoid of established networking and mentoring systems that are accessible normally to women managers. As such, the interview data indicate that women are developing and adopting individualised learning strategies and mechanisms to enable them to survive and succeed within business organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThis research describes experiences of middle‐aged, urban, educated women employed in small and medium business enterprises without taking into account generational, ethnic and other differences.Originality/valueAlthough this paper was written from the experiences of women in Belarus, it will be of interest to women experiencing career‐related obstacles.