bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing inventory management theory
Authors: Buxey Geoff 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper sets out to discuss practical inventory control systems. Orthodox theory revolves around the purchaser and balances ordering costs against charges for carrying goods in stock. However, for any company holding thousands of different items the directives for constructing the best system(s) are confusing and the logic seems inconsistent. The research objective is to clarify this hitherto unsatisfactory situation and to provide robust guidelines for managing such inventories.Design/methodology/approachA small number of published examples are described in sufficient detail to reveal what these firms actually do. Each case is dissected to uncover management's motives, since the original reports were not embellished with useful analytical comments. The aim is to reconstruct the overall design process.FindingsThe myopic standpoint of established models neglects the impact of various ordering policies at the supplier's end, where the promotion of cost‐effective and responsive warehouse and transport operations is paramount. As a rule, both areas benefit from stable resources planning, based on cyclic orders and delivery schedules along fixed vehicle routes.Practical implicationsAn alternative “top down” approach is proposed. The main thrust is the efficient deployment of a designated transport fleet. Also, some salient points are made concerning the relative merits of P‐ and Q‐type stock replenishment modes.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new perspective on stock control that brings theory into line with modern supply chain management concepts.
The effects of lean production on worker job stress
Authors: Conti Robert , Angelis Jannis , Cooper Cary , Faragher Brian , Gill Colin 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis empirical paper seeks to address the neglected work condition aspect of lean production (LP) implementation, specifically the relationship between LP and worker job stress.Design/methodology/approachThe Karasek job stress model was used to link shopfloor practices to expected worker stress. The model incorporates the effects of job demands (physical and psychological), job control and social support. The study employs management and worker questionnaires, management interviews and structured plant tours. The response variable is total worker job stress – the sum of the physical and mental stress levels. The independent variable for the first question is the degree of lean implementation at the sites.FindingsThe results are based on 1,391 worker responses at 21 sites in the four UK industry sectors. About 11 tested practices are significantly related to stress and an unexpected non‐linear response of stress to lean implementation is identified. Results indicate that LP is not inherently stressful, with stress levels significantly related to management decisions in designing and operating LP systems.Practical implicationsThe hypotheses tests shed light on the relationships between LP practices and job stress, and reveal a significant managerial influence on stress levels. The regression model shows the scale and significant lean practices of this influence, with the work practices explaining 30 percent of job stress variations. The stress reduction and stress control opportunities identified in the study show the potential for designing and operating effective lean systems while also controlling stress levels.Originality/valueThis is the first known multi‐industry empirical study of the relationship of job stress to a range of lean practices and to the degree of lean implementation.
The strategic pursuit of mix flexibility through operators' involvement in decision making
Authors: Karuppan Corinne M. , Kepes Sven 
Published: September 2006

PurposeFast‐paced, hyper‐competitive environments require organizations to use flexible resources and delegate decision making. This paper aims to examine the synergistic effects of operators' involvement in decision making (IIDM) and equipment reliability across operations on mix flexibility when speed is emphasized. A theoretical framework integrating strategic decision making and operations management theories is proposed to uncover the dynamics of such relationships.Design/methodology/approachBoth objective and subjective data were collected at the individual level from different sources in a single organization. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the framework.FindingsResults show that: an emphasis on speed and experience interact to predict IIDM; and IIDM and machine reliability have compensatory effects in predicting mix flexibility, i.e. greater operator IIDM results in a more varied output mix, but this effect wanes as machine reliability increases.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a single research facility permitted extensive data collection and strengthened internal validity, but it also limited the generalizability of the results. Assuaging this concern is the fact that the results support well‐established theories.Originality/valueLabor flexibility should be construed in terms of job enlargement and enrichment. For organizations, the study highlights the importance of a well‐trained workforce to support and exploit technological capabilities. It also sets parameters over which decision making is most effective.
The refinement of design for manufacture: inclusion of process design
Authors: Lu Qiang , Wood Lincoln 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThere are three distinct functions in the product realisation chain (product design, process design, and process execution) and thus there are two interfaces (product design – process design; process design – process execution) rather than one (product – manufacturing). This fact supports a need to shift from dyadic relationships to triadic relationships and from the traditionally single interface concept of design for manufacture (DFM) to multiple “design for” elements. This study seeks to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThrough an in – depth case study in an electronics plant and qualitative data analysis, we reveal the existence and functions of these “design for” elements are revealed, and also the link between the implementation of these elements to the levels of process engineering capability.FindingsProactive and capable process engineering allows improvement of technical coordination among functions. This enables the “design for” mechanisms for both upstream elements (product design) and downstream elements (process execution); this has a positive impact on the performance of product realisation (especially time to market) and thus operational competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsSince this is a single case study, future empirical research with larger sample sizes should provide further validation of these findings and demonstrate better generalisability of developed concepts.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights several initiatives, conceptually linked to the appropriate “design for” elements, which may be applied in manufacturing settings to support product realisation objectives. Process design, as a significant and proactive intermediate component, should be given sufficient attention and investment.Originality/valueThe study expands the existing DFM concept to several new “design for” concepts and discusses some implementation‐related issues.
A reexamination of welfare states from an institutional perspective
Authors: Sasaki Norio 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo explain a fiscal rule that functions in a different way from a constitutional ideal of a welfare state, as Japan's case, and to give a literary examination of that kind of thoughts in modern economics and theory of public finance.Design/methodology/approachCompares neo‐institutional economics and fiscal sociology about the role of a government, using recent fiscal data of developed countries.FindingsFor neo‐institutional economics it is difficult to explain “welfare state” that substitutes the role of a family because the approach can only explain a complementary relationship of organizations in higher levels with lower organizations.Practical implicationsPoints out that neo‐institutional economics should be examined by a historical formation of each rule and a real legal system in each country.Originality/valueDiscusses institutional economics and fiscal sociology from an aspect of possibility of applying to the field of public finance and social welfare.
Bismarck and the social question
Authors: van Meerhaeghe Marcel 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the work of Bismarck in relation to social legislation.Design/methodology/approachBismarck's points of views are sketched mainly through quotations from his speeches in Parliament. His position regarding social protection is discussed and a brief evaluation of his policy is presented.FindingsGermany, through the work of Bismarck, was the first country where the state organised a modern social‐security system. Compulsory sickness, accident and old‐age insurances were passed in 1883, 1884 and 1889, respectively. However, the Chancellor's social policy was not the result of a comprehensive, global, “definitive” programme. It was an opportunist policy influenced more by political than by social motives.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into Bismarck's social policy in the context of the social question.
Outsourcing – how to do it right
Authors: Sinton Charles 
Published: September 2006

PurposeReviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsOrganizations are often reluctant to relinquish control of core services but the trend in appointing outside contractors to handle non‐core activities should and can work well if arrangements are handled carefully.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Effective leadership and successful career advancement: perspectives from women in health care
Authors: Hopkins Margaret M. , O’Neil Deborah A. , Bilimoria Diana 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis exploratory study describes the images of effective leadership and successful organizational advancement held by women in numerous positions in the health care fields.Design/methodology/approachSurveys of 140 women in the health care field were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed.FindingsDifferences were found between the characteristics of effective leadership and the characteristics contributing to successful advancement. Women in health care predominantly portray effective leadership in other‐oriented (team or organizationally focused) and stereotypically feminine or gender‐neutral terms. In contrast, successful advancement in organizations was predominantly and almost exclusively described in self‐focused and stereotypically masculine terms. Similarities and differences in the perspectives on leadership effectiveness, career advancement, satisfaction, and development strategies were examined among physicians, nurses, administrators, faculty, and others (scientists and researchers).Research limitations/implicationsImplications of the disparate perspectives held by women in health care are discussed and future directions for research are proposed.Originality/valueSince women overwhelmingly dominate employment in the health care field, to explicate their unique perspectives of leadership and career advancement.
Time out of work: career costs for men and women US managers
Authors: Schneer Joy , Reitman Frieda 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis study examines the impact of employment gaps on career success for men and women managers. Women have had concerns about their ability to achieve career success in managerial careers that had required uninterrupted commitment.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyzes mail survey data collected in early post‐MBA career from men and women MBAs. Two cohorts of alumni were sent surveys containing questions on career and demographic factors. Career success was assessed using an objective measure (yearly income) and a subjective measure (career satisfaction).FindingsMBAs with employment gaps earned less than those continuously employed for both the early and recent cohorts. This income penalty appears to be worse for men. Career satisfaction is not impacted by an employment gap for the recent cohort.Research limitations/implicationsSince the sample is geographically limited, the findings may not apply to other regions of the US or other countries.Practical implicationsThere is still a bias against managers with discontinuous work histories. While the managers themselves have accepted alternate career patterns, employers have not. The nature of career paths is changing and organizations need to accept this.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the career literature by providing analyses of two data sets from different decades with the same controlled educational background. It seems that women and men can achieve a satisfying managerial career even with time out of work although there are still some income penalties.
Modelling a culturally sensitive approach to fuel poverty
Authors: Todd Stephen , Steele Andrew 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss the need for the development of a more flexible measure of energy efficiency based on an ever increasing multi‐cultural society.Design/methodology/approachOutlines the reasons for the prevalence of fuel poverty among the BME community, using the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities as case studies. Then considers how culture and tradition among these communities directly impact on their use of their home and how this has implications for Energy Assessment Procedures. Individual cultural issues have traditionally not been modelled in the assessment of Fuel Poverty. These issues include the different use of the dwelling; whereas white householders would generally only use one room as their main living room, it is traditional for those of the BME householder to use two rooms. This is significant in energy usage terms as these rooms are heated to a higher temperature than the rest of the house and therefore affect the amount required to be spent on energy. It is also true that the BME community are likely to spend more on cooking and appliance usage and this should be taken into account to provide an accurate assessment.FindingsThis methodology provides a more scientific base for the determination of how hard an individual dwelling is to heat and therefore whether or not an individual household is in fuel poverty.Originality/valueEvidence has been collected from a number of studies to identify how a BME household utilises space and heating within their dwelling. In order to ascertain fuel poverty these issues have not generally been taken into account, which can lead to inaccurate determinations. However, by the use of BREDEM tools and household knowledge these issues can be assessed accurately.
Criteria for the indoor environment for energy performance of buildings
Authors: Olesen Bjarne W. , Seppanen Olli , Boerstra Atze 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo provide input data to design and energy performance calculations of buildings and ventilation, heating, cooling and lighting systems.Design/methodology/approachEuropean directive for energy performance of buildings was approved in the beginning of 2003. The transition period is 3‐6 years depending on the article. European Standardisation Organisation (CEN) has drafted several standards to help the member countries implementing the directive. One of these is the “Criteria for the indoor environment including thermal, indoor air quality (ventilation) light and noise.” The standard has been developed based on existing international standards and guidelines for the indoor environment taken into account the latest results from published research.FindingsThe standard specifies design values of indoor environment, values to be used in energy calculations, and methods how to verify the specified indoor environment in the buildings. The paper describes some of the principles used in standards, and gives examples presented in the standard. The standard covers all building types but the paper is focuses on the non‐residential buildings, numeric examples are given only for offices.Research limitations/implicationsThe draft standard is under international review process during writing this paper, and subject to changes. The standard give default criteria for the indoor environmental parameters, which can be used if no national requirements are available.Originality/valueThis paper describes the indoor environmental parameters, which are important for people's health, comfort and energy consumption of buildings. This will help users to select more uniform input data for energy calculations.
Causes and prevention of symptom complaints in office buildings
Authors: Mendell Mark J. , Brennan Terry , Hathon Lee , Odom J. David , Offerman Francis J. , Turk Bradley H. , Wallingford Kenneth M. , Diamond Richard C. , Fisk William J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe goal of this project was to develop practical strategies for preventing building‐related symptoms in office buildings, based on the experience of those who investigate buildings with health complaints, and suitable for use by those who own, lease, or manage office space.Design/methodology/approachIdeas from six experienced building investigators on primary causes and key prevention strategies were gathered and prioritized through consensus and voting in a structured, multi‐day workshop.FindingsIEQ investigators from diverse climatic regions agreed on the most important problems causing symptom complaints in office buildings, and the key strategies for prevention. The top ranked problems identified were, in priority order: excessive building moisture, inadequate outdoor air, excessive dust, pollutant gases and odors, inadequate thermal control, and inadequate attention by management to indoor environments. The highest priority recommended prevention strategies for building‐related symptoms were: managing moisture at building exteriors, operating ventilation systems per design intent, providing at least the minimum recommended ventilation rates, and maintaining indoor temperatures at 72°F±2° (22°C±1°). Available scientific findings were generally consistent with these recommendations.Research limitations/implicationsValidity of these findings, from a subjective synthesis of empirical knowledge, not from scientific research, has not yet been scientifically confirmed.Practical implicationsThese recommendations, including managing moisture at building exteriors, providing adequate ventilation, and controlling indoor thermal conditions, provide practical, empirically based guidelines for those who own, manage, or maintain office buildings.Originality/valueThe empirical knowledge of practitioners, concentrated and synthesized here, offers more direct guidance for health‐protective strategies in office buildings than current science.
A critical review of the impact of embedded smart sensors on productivity in the workplace
Authors: Shabha Ghasson 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the embedded smart sensors (ESS) technologies and productivity; it seeks to provide an overview regarding the use and impacts of ESS in particular on users' performance. An attempt will be made to explore some of the current ESS tools and technologies, which might affect user performance.Design/methodology/approachA literature review and critical analysis of recently published papers (1999‐2005) related to intelligent buildings and smart sensors which aims to assess their impacts on productivity and performance in office buildings.FindingsIn today's immense challenges of uncertainty, workforce mobility and ever increasing insecurity and unpredictability characterizing many business organizations ESS and will have a wide‐ranging ramifications to office productivity which is partially dependent on the utility of the space and internal environment within which business operates.Practical implicationsIntelligent networks based on open, interoperable and interchangeable ESS will be of a paramount importance in optimizing the operational efficiency of office buildings as much as it will provide a long‐term multi‐ strategic approach for facility and property management. This will be beneficial to varying property stakeholders including clients, owners, facilities managers and end‐users of office building; this in turn determines the responsiveness of space.Originality/valueIt is anticipated that that the findings will be vital for all those professionals involved into the design process, management and operation of workplace.
Buyers' perceptions of pirated products in China
Authors: Cheung Wah‐Leung , Prendergast Gerard 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo investigate buyer attitudes and behaviour with respect to pirated products, in China, and to present findings potentially usable as the basis for planning effective marketing strategies to counteract this endemic competitive threat facing multinational entrants to the crucial Chinese market.Design/methodology/approachExisting knowledge in the published literature was combined with inputs from focus groups in three cities to design and administer a questionnaire‐based “mall intercept” survey in the same locations. Data were analysed and interpreted by means of principal component analysis and varimax rotation. Respondents were classified as heavy or light purchasers of pirated products, on criteria derived from the focus‐group and survey findings.FindingsResponses from 1,152 buyers of two categories of pirated product suggest that tertiary‐educated males in white collar occupations are heavy purchasers of pirated video discs, attracted by their speed of publication, variety and supply. Heavy and light buyers of pirated clothing and accessories has similar demographic and attitudinal profiles, and were mainly attracted by the appearance of the product. Both product categories were rated less positively on their ethical and legal dimensions, and on after‐sales service.Research limitations/implicationsThough the research sample was large and carefully controlled, the three cities in which data were collected, though chosen for their distinctive characteristics, cannot be considered representative collectively of the whole of China. Caution is, therefore, required in drawing general conclusions. Directions are suggested for future research studies.Practical implicationsThe findings provide useful marketing intelligence on an important phenomenon, and further suggest a number of strategies and tactics available to planners concerned to counter erosion of their market share in China by the producers and distributors of pirated products.Originality/valueAdds a fieldwork‐based dimension to the body of knowledge about a serious challenge facing multinational marketers operating in the self‐evidently crucial Chinese consumer market.