bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progress of quality management practices in Australian manufacturing firms
Authors: Prajogo Daniel I. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to identify changes in quality management practices that occurred in Australian manufacturing firms between 1994 and 2001.Design/methodology/approachThis study used two sets of data drawn from two separate surveys. The first survey was conducted in 1994 by the Australian Manufacturing Council (AMC) and the second survey was conducted in the early 2001 among the members of Australian Organisation for Quality (AOQ). After screening both data sets, 336 and 101 responses were usable for analysis using MANOVA.FindingsIn the year 2001, Australian manufacturing firms were investing less in training and development of employees, and saw themselves as needing to provide greater levels of leadership in pursuing best practice than in 1994. In addition, maintaining a high‐quality of working environment and managing customer relationships were considered far more important in 2001 than previously, and less emphasis was placed on the standardising and documenting of internal procedures. Finally, suppliers were increasingly involved in product development, suggesting a shift of competitive advantage from an internal focus into a supply‐chain orientation.Research limitations/implicationsThe significant discrepancy in the sample size and the different populations of the two surveys are the major limitations in generalising the findings of this study.Practical implicationsThe findings would be useful for practitioners who wish to track trends among Australian manufacturing firms and for those who want a benchmark against which to measure an individual firm's performance. Practitioners may also be interested in issues such as supplier involvement and documentation.Originality/valueThis study contributes new knowledge by assessing the trend of adoption of quality management practices in two separate cross‐sectional studies at two different times.
Business relatedness measurements
Authors: Pehrsson Anders 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of business relatedness, a concept that is central to diversification issues. These questions are put forward: What characterizes existing types of measurements of business relatedness? What are the weaknesses of these types? What would be the features of a model for measurement of business relatedness?Design/methodology/approachAs relatedness concerns specific business attributes, common attributes used in measurements are presented. A review of previous studies on types of measurements of business relatedness (codes or indices, researcher assessments and managerial perceptions) is followed by a discussion on correlations between perceptual and objective measurements.FindingsThe review shows that application of standard industrial classification codes/indices and researcher assessments suffer from weak content validity of the measurements, and underestimation of the multidimensionality of the construct. Use of managerial perceptions needs to address the uncertainty inherent in managerial self‐assessments; previous research has found a major divergence between perceptual and objective measurements.Practical implicationsA model is proposed for the measurement of business relatedness using perceptual data. It is stressed that the context of the comparisons (i.e. reason for comparison and units to be compared) has a major influence on the outcomes. Business attributes to be subjectively compared by managers are those that have been singled out as important for financial performance.Originality/valueThe paper is unique as it represents a continuation of the most recent research on measurement of business relatedness, i.e. those measurements that are based on managerial perceptions. Another key value is that the review of research leads to a measurement model.
An improved analysis of bagging of textile fabrics. Part II: experimental work
Authors: Amirbayat J. , Namiranian B. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeAims to analyse the stress distribution in a circular flexible sheet. Part II verifies the theory with experimental work.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation includes analysing the stress distribution in a circular flexible sheet clamped around its circumference under an externally applied force by a spherical object. Movement of the material normal to its original plane is then related to the external force and the elastic properties of the sheet, i.e. the elastic modulus and the Poisson's ratio. The effects of the size of the force‐applying object, relative to the sample radius, are also investigated.FindingsThe relationship between the applied force on the centre of a flexible sheet material by a spherical object and the sag of the sheet was derived. Poisson's ratio has an important role on the mechanism of deformation, restricting the extension of the sheet when it is high and intensifying the discontinuity of the strain at the interface.Research limitations/implicationsThe work could be expanded to industrial fabrics and to composite materials.Practical implicationsThe two papers provide a first step in an attempt for a better understanding of the stresses involved in bagging of a linear elastic sheet. They provide the basis for the development of fabrics that can withstand bagging problems. This research may also put forward improved methods of measuring bagginess. Some of the theoretical work may be used to predict bagginess of fabrics based on properties.Originality/valueThe paper has two improvements on previous work: the inclusion of the effect of fabric Poisson ratio, and the suggestion of a better method of calculating the overall anisotropic properties.
Comparison of hyperelastic material models in the analysis of fabrics
Authors: Julio García Ruíz Manuel , Yarime Suárez González Leidy 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis work presents a review of the application of hyperelastic models to the analysis of fabrics using finite element analysis (FEA).Design/methodology/approachIn general, a combination of uniaxial tension (compression), biaxial tension, and simple shear is required for the characterization of a hyperelastic material. However, the use of these deformation tests to obtain the mechanical properties of a fabric may be complicated and also expensive. A methodology for characterizing the fabric employing a different experimental test is presented. The methodology consists of a comparison of the results of the fabric characterization with only a tensile test and the combination of shear, biaxial, and tension experimental tests by using FEA.FindingsNumerical results of the fabric behavior contribute to estimate the effects of experimental limitations in the material characterization and to select the best fit material model to modeling fabrics. Finally, a comparison of hyperelastic material models is illustrated through an example of a rigid body in contact with a hyperelastic fabric in 3D.Originality/valueHyperelastic models are used to characterize textile materials.
The influence of mechanical properties of sewing threads on seam pucker
Authors: Dobilaite Vaida , Juciene Milda 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to evaluate the influence of mechanical properties of sewing threads on the seam pucker.Design/methodology/approachThe mechanical properties of sewing thread were obtained performing tensile testing research. The seam pucker of lightweight fabric was evaluated after sewing, then after 24 h, after 48 h as well as after washing and drying. To determine dimension changes of fabric, the relaxation shrinkage was calculated. The results of thread properties and seam pucker were compared.FindingsIn respect of seam pucker the best results were established sewing with polyester threads, the reversible strain of which were the least. After washing and drying, the highest pucker was typical of the specimens sewn with cotton sewing threads. It was noticed that increasing the amount of layers in sewing the influence of threads on seam pucker decreases. Washing and drying made considerably greater influence on the occurrence of pucker then time.Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications in the clothing and other nearly related industries. In the paper recommendations involved with application of sewing thread and evaluation of seam pucker are presented.Originality/valueIn most cases the changes of sewn thread mechanical properties after sewing is analysed. This study is aimed to determine the influence of thread properties on seam pucker. Recommendations in the area of sewing thread and garment quality are based on the research.
The role of technology readiness in customers' perception and adoption of self‐service technologies
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Sheng Chris , Hsieh Pei‐ling 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis study aims to examine how technology readiness (TR) influences customers' perception and adoption of self‐service technologies (SSTs) through development of an empirical model to explore the relationships among TR, perceived service quality, satisfaction and behavioral intentions toward SSTs.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework is proposed to suggest the links between the four constructs. Extant research and concepts from various fields, including marketing, psychology and information system (IS), are reviewed, deriving six hypotheses. Data from SST users is examined through structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsResults indicate TR influences perceived SST service quality and behavioral intentions, while perceived SST service quality has a positive impact on customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions toward SSTs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study represents an early attempt at explaining the role of TR in customer SST usage. Future research directions are discussed, with an emphasis on incorporating attitudinal, behavioral, situational and psychographic factors to improve our understanding of SST usage.Practical implicationsTR should be given increased attention by firms implementing SSTs to improve customer perception and adoption of SSTs. Firms also need to examine all SST service quality dimensions in order to improve customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions toward SSTs. An aggressive approach toward strengthening TR drivers and reducing TR inhibitors will show benefits for both firms and customers.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first study to propose and empirically examine the relationships among TR, perceived SST service quality, satisfaction and behavioral intentions toward SSTs.
Value chain analysis in consumer focus improvement
Authors: Keivan Zokaei A. , Simons David W. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeA key vision of tomorrow's industry is creating supply chains which collaboratively strive on enhancing the value to the end‐consumer. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the food value chain analysis (FVCA) methodology for improving consumer focus in the agri‐food sector based on the lean paradigm, value stream mapping and value chain analysis (Porter, 1985).Design/methodology/approachThis contribution presents a case‐study of a UK red meat supply chain explaining how the FVCA method enabled a team of researchers and practitioners to identify the misalignments of both product attributes and supply chain activities with the consumer needs.FindingsThis paper explains how the FVCA methodology potentially realigned the processes along the supply chain with the true consumer requirements and why the supply chain effectiveness was improved; this follows with a description of the subsequent efficiency gains from application of the FVCA methodology.Originality/valueThis paper further defines the demarcation between supply chain “effectiveness” and “efficiency”. This paper contributes to the debate on the importance of supply chain effectiveness by linking to consumer value at every stage of the supply chain.
Inventory management support systems for emergency humanitarian relief operations in South Sudan
Authors: Beamon Benita M. , Kotleba Stephen A. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo develop and test three different inventory management strategies as applied to the complex emergency in south Sudan.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative modeling, simulation, and statistics.FindingsThis research identified critical system factors that contributed most significantly to inventory system performance, and identified strengths and weaknesses of each inventory management strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThis research represents a first step in developing inventory management systems for humanitarian relief. Future work would include modeling correlation among relief items, multiple items, and considering the impact of information.Practical implicationsIn a domain that has seen limited application of quantitative models, this work demonstrates the performance benefits of using quantitative methods to manage inventory in a relief setting.Originality/valueThis research has value for relief organizations by providing a real‐world application of quantitative inventory management strategies applied to a complex emergency, and demonstrated performance advantages of quantitative versusad hocmethods. This research has value for researchers by providing a new application of simulation and mathematical modeling (humanitarian relief).
Supplier selection construct: instrument development and validation
Authors: Hsu Chin‐Chun , Kannan Vijay R. , Keong Leong G. , Tan Keah‐Choon 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo develop and test a reliable and valid supplier selection measurement scale that can be applied in different geographic regions, namely, the USA and Europe.Design/methodology/approachA three‐factor supplier selection measure is developed via extensive literature review and practitioner interviews. Psychometric properties of the survey instrument are evaluated using data from the ISM‐US sample via exploratory factor analysis. Based on the results, the survey instrument is modified and the revised instrument is mailed to a larger sampling group (APICS‐US and APICS‐Europe). Confirmatory factor analysis is used to validate the proposed three‐factor supplier selection construct and to test its validity across national boundaries.FindingsThis study demonstrates that underlying the documented supplier selection criteria is the need to assess a supplier's quality and service capabilities as well as its strategic and managerial alignment with the buyer.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research design incorporates extensive literature reviews, it does not capture every aspect of complex supplier selection criteria. Future efforts should establish a valid, reliable instrument for the underlying constructs.Practical implicationsThis study provides supply management professionals with guidelines for analysing selection decisions, and also shows that the underlying dimensions of supplier selection are applicable for both US and European firms.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by answering the following two questions: what exactly constitutes effective supplier selection and what are the appropriate measures for selecting key suppliers?
Quality‐based pricing: a catalyst for collaboration and sustainable change in the agrifood industry?
Authors: Hines Peter , Francis Mark , Bailey Kate 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo establish learning points on how an alternative to traditional standard costing and inter‐company transfer pricing mechanisms can be developed and implemented for non‐engineered (agrifood) products such as primary farm produce that acts as a catalyst for inter‐firm collaboration as a part of a supply chain‐wide Lean change initiative. This approach is termed holistic quality‐based pricing (QBP) because it incorporates criteria that incentivise responsiveness to customer demands in addition to (narrower) product quality criteria that are a feature of most existing QBP schemes.Design/methodology/approachAn action research‐based, 18 month longitudinal exploratory case study of Lean change initiative called “The Perfect Pineapple Supply Chain Programme” at an Australian canned pineapple supply chain. The focal company was the processing plant called Golden Circle. The case also involved fieldwork with four representative pineapple growers; three key suppliers of cans, cartons and pallets; and Australia's leading grocery retailer (Woolworth). Data collection instruments included observation of workshop activity, semi‐structured interviews and access to key company documentation.FindingsThis paper explains the development and evolution of the holistic QBP scheme that was used as a key catalyst for change within the Perfect Pineapple programme. It also suggests how the scheme could be used with other enabling approaches such as supplier development and factory gate pricing to progress down a Lean improvement path.Originality/valueThis paper characterises six critical success factors for practitioner firms considering the implementation of such a scheme as part of a supply chain‐wide Lean change initiative. It also provides a new decision support framework for informing how such an holistic QBP approach or adaptation might be applied to a range of primary produce environments.
A taxonomy for selecting global supply chain strategies
Authors: Christopher Martin , Peck Helen , Towill Denis 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the increasingly important question of supply chain design for global operations. With the rise of off‐shore sourcing and the simultaneous need for improved responsiveness to customer demand, the choice of supply chain strategy is critical.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws its conclusions from case‐based research supported by survey data.FindingsThe paper provides evidence that the choice of supply chain strategy should be based upon a careful analysis of the demand/supply characteristics of the various product/markets served by a company. It presents the basis for a taxonomy of appropriate supply chain strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe case studies and empirical research reported in this paper are specific to the clothing manufacturing and fashion industries and there would be benefit in extending the research into other sectors.Practical implicationsGiven the increasing trend to out‐sourcing and off‐shore sourcing, the choice of supply chain strategy is of some significance and clearly impacts competitive performance.Originality/valueWhilst there is a growing recognition of the need to match the supply chain to the market, there is still limited research into what criteria should be utilised to aid the choice of supply chain strategy. This paper attempts to extend our understanding of the issues.
The role of anticipated emotion, desire, and intention in the relationship between image and shopping center visits
Authors: Hunter Gary L. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify variables that intervene in the relationship between shopping center image and frequency of visits to that shopping center. Variables investigated as intervening are desires, intentions, and positive anticipated emotions.Design/methodology/approachThe method uses a two wave mail survey. One wave gathers intentions and variables antecedent to intentions while a second wave gathers behavioral data.FindingsFindings suggest that desire (i.e. motivation), intention, and positive anticipated emotions intervene between shopping center image and frequency of shopping center visits. Positive anticipated emotions are not emotions felt while shopping but are the expected emotional consequences of achieving a goal, in this case visiting a shopping center. Visiting a shopping center might be a goal in itself or it could be the means to goal attainment (e.g. shopping to get a product).Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study is that results are aggregated across types of shopping centers and across respondent classifications.Practical implicationsResults provide evidence that desire, intention, and positive anticipated emotions intervene between shopping center image and frequency of visits to the shopping center. Implications for shopping center managers are guidance for allocating resources towards increasing desire, intention, and positive anticipated emotions.Originality/valueThe value of this study is investigation of the process by which shopping center image impacts the frequency of visits to a shopping center. Focusing on this process should allow shopping center managers to more efficiently allocate resources. The value of this study is offering resource allocation guidance to shopping center managers.
The interplay of service complexity and spatial layouts
Authors: Värlander Sara , Yakhlef Ali 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay of the internet and the spatial designs of the bricks‐and‐mortar contexts within which face‐to‐face services are provided.Design/methodology/approachFocuses on the travel, the banking and book‐selling industries; the methods involve interviews, observation and visual material of the new physical spaces within which customer‐sales representatives interact face‐to‐face.FindingsThe internet has not reduced the importance of physical space; on the opposite, this study argues, it has revalorised and emphasized the significance of space.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's explorative nature does not allow for generalization. Whereas space and time are traditionally regarded as contextual factors, this study recognizes their dynamic nature, regarding spacing and timing as economic phenomena. However, further studies may seek to establish more thoroughly such economic effects.Practical implicationsChanges in spatial layouts of a work place leads to novel spatial practices, which require new personnel competencies. For example, employees' more intimate interactions with customers entail new demands on employees' interpersonal skills and competence. By the same token, new metrics are required for measuring the performance and efficiency of employees.Originality/valueHighlights the relationship among new technologies, changes in the nature of face‐to‐face services, spatial layouts, and change in time orientation, namely a change from time effectiveness towards interaction effectiveness.
Enabling or disabling technologies? A critical approach to web accessibility
Authors: Adam Alison , Kreps David 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the continuing problem of web accessibility for disabled people as a critical information systems issue.Design/methodology/approachThe ways in which the web is used by disabled people, and problems that can arise, are described and related to the development of critical disability theory from older models of disability, including the medical and social models, noting that the social construction of disability model may tend to mask the embodied, lived experience of disability.FindingsThe lack of interaction of the critical disability approach and dominant discourses of web accessibility and internet studies, particularly in relation to embodiment, is a major contributor to the continuance of an inaccessible Worldwide web.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not offer a comprehensive set of web accessibility issues, concentrating instead on the most common problems as exemplars.Practical implicationsThe paper raises awareness of web accessibility.Originality/valueThe paper brings the topic of accessibility of technology by disabled people into the critical information systems arena and also incorporates social construction of disability and theoretical considerations of embodiedness in its analysis.