bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structuring IT qualifications: lessons from the German case
Authors: Grollmann Philipp , Tutschner Roland , Wittig Wolfgang 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide research findings on learning and the structuring of qualifications in the IT‐sector in Germany and relate this to the international discussion on the structuring of qualifications for the IT‐industry.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on desk research as regards the international discussion. The empirical findings stem from a standardised survey and case studies on learning in the IT sector within Germany and analysis of supplementary studies.FindingsTwo general approaches can be distinguished: one based on coherent occupational profiles and one based on market‐driven smaller unit certificates. The German system can be interpreted as a hybrid. It includes elements of both, thus allowing for a direct comparison of the two approaches. The empirical findings illustrate an acceptance problem. The study also suggests that work process‐oriented learning is not always sufficient to generate the necessary competences required for new tasks, that profiles do not correspond to the more comprehensive profiles in small and medium‐sized enterprises and that they do not match career aspirations of employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe research presented here is based only on empirical research in the IT sector in Germany. It is hoped that this can be extended to other contexts in the future.Practical findingsFrom the performance of the German case and the empirical findings it can be concluded that the model of comprehensive profiles is more promising in terms of mobility and transfer of qualifications. This is interesting for stakeholders and decision makers.Originality/valueEmpirical evidence on the topic is scarce. This article aims at contributing to filling this gap.
Pluralistic tensions in expatriating managers
Authors: Perkins Stephen J. , Daste Romain 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to enhance understanding of influences on interaction between corporate personnel and development specialists and line functions associated with expatriating managers. Line managers are expected to accept greater responsibility for people management and development. But line managers' strategies for managing risks inherent in supervising expatriate managers may cause to surface incompatibilities with specialists' corporate “policy conscience” role. A pluralistically inclined perspective on “managerial interest streams” offers insights into inter‐group perceptions and behaviour.Design/methodology/approachFocusing on organisational actors' interpretations, a non‐standardised survey by e‐mail, covering a small sample of expatriate managers (n=20) employed in various countries by a large UK‐headquartered healthcare retail group, was complemented by semi‐structured interviews with personnel and development specialists in a further seven large multinational companies.FindingsPotential tensions around the application of corporate expatriation policy may be attributed to factors “educating” line and specialist orientations to expatriate managers.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in the development of an original model sketching pluralistically located interaction around expatriation management. While limited to an exploratory empirical investigation, the practical implications derive from specification of opportunities and threats to partnership building between those involved in expatriating managers.
Electromagnetic models for metallic carbon nanotube interconnects
Authors: Gaetano Chiariello Andrea , Miano Giovanni , Maffucci Antonio , Villone Fabio , Zamboni Walter 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo investigate the possible application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as interconnects and antennas.Design/methodology/approachAn electromagnetic macroscopic modelling of CNT is derived. The conduction electrons of the nanotube are considered as a 2D fluid moving on the surface representing the positive ion lattice. The linearized Euler's equation describing the fluid motion is used as a macroscopic constitutive relationship to be coupled to Maxwell's equation. A surface integral formulation coupled to the fluid model is solved numerically using a finite element method. For peculiar configurations, transmission line‐like parameters of CNTs are derived.FindingsSingle wall CNT interconnects, due to the high resistance and characteristic impedance with respect to ideally scaled silicon technology, should be used in arrays and bundles.Research limitations/implicationsOnly single wall CNTs are considered.Originality/valueThe paper present a novel approach to CNTs and provides a comparison among the behaviour of CNTs with respect to ideally‐scaled silicon technology.
Chemical and heat resistance of silicone‐acrylic‐based binder and paint system on mild steel panels
Authors: Chew K.W. , Arof A.K. , Puteh R. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out to study the characteristics of silicone‐acrylic‐based resin and paint systems on mild steel panel for chemical resistance and high‐temperature applications.Design/methodology/approachSilicone resin has been incorporated into acrylic resin at various compositions. The mixed resins binders and paint systems have been characterised using physical test, acceleration test, electrochemical test and microstructure observation.FindingsThe addition of silicone resin into acrylic resin showed significant improvement against high temperature. The results showed that coating film containing at least 30 per cent of silicone resin by weight was able to withstand high temperature of at least 250°C. With the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment into the best performing silicone‐acrylic‐based resin system, the system with pigment volume concentration of 30 per cent TiO2 showed the best performance which indicated the value of critical pigment volume concentration. The finding showed blistering formed in low‐PVC systems and rusting in high‐PVC systems.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the environmental issue, water‐based silicone‐acrylic resins should be explored to reduce the emission of harmful organic solvent. This can be done using solventless or powder coating technique.Practical implicationsSilicone‐acrylic resin coatings are a cost‐effective high‐temperature coating that have moderate resistance against corrosive environment such as marine water and also outdoor exposure with rain/sunshine cycles.Originality/valueThe studies of this resin may give useful reference to other researchers.
Eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitors: inhibitive action of ethanol extracts of Garcinia kola for the corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4 solutions
Authors: Okafor P.C. , Osabor V.I. , Ebenso E.E. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the inhibitive effect of ethanol extracts of Garcinia kola (EXG) for the corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4 solutions. The study is another trial to find a cheap and environmentally safe inhibitor for mild steel corrosion.Design/methodology/approachThe inhibition efficiency has been evaluated using the hydrogen evolution technique at 30‐60°C. The mechanism of adsorption inhibition and type of adsorption isotherm were proposed based on the trend of inhibition efficiency and kinetic data.FindingsThe results obtained indicate that EXG inhibits the corrosion of mild steel in acidic medium and that the inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in the concentration of ethanol extracts and decreasing temperature. The inhibition efficiency increased on addition of potassium iodide to EXG, indicating synergism. The experimental data obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm as well as the El‐Awady et al. thermodynamic‐kinetic model. The activation energy of inhibition of 6.8508 KJ/mol calculated for the corrosion process suggests that the EXG molecules are physically adsorbed on the metal surface.Research limitations/implicationsFurther investigations involving electrochemical studies such as polarization method will provide further enlightenment on the mechanistic aspect of the corrosion inhibition.Originality/valueThis paper provides new information on the possible application of EXG as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor under the specified conditions. This environmentally friendly inhibitor could find possible applications in metal surface anodizing and surface coatings.
Postponement: an evolving supply chain concept
Authors: Boone Christopher A. , Craighead Christopher W. , Hanna Joe B. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess and document the progress of postponement research, identify current gaps, and provide direction for future research efforts.Design/methodology/approachPostponement literature published from 1999 to 2006 was reviewed.FindingsThe review revealed a significant increase in the number of postponement research efforts, many of which at least partially addressed past challenges noted in previous research. Several opportunities to continue addressing these past challenges were identified. Future researchers are challenged to validate new postponement concepts and extend postponement research beyond its manufacturing context. Other challenges call for the continued assessment of the relationship between postponement and uncertainty and the investigation into the slow rate of postponement adoption among practitioners.Research limitations/implicationsThis effort is not an exhaustive review of all postponement research. This review does not consider unpublished papers, papers in non‐academic journals, or papers presented at conferences.Practical implicationsThis review is a useful resource for supply chain researchers interested in supply chain strategies and the evolution of postponement as a supply chain concept.Originality/valueThis paper uses the challenges of past research as a measure of the progress of postponement thought and theory. The gaps identified and challenges made will serve as a foundation upon which future researchers can build.
Modelling contractors' mark‐up behaviour in different construction markets
Authors: Lan Oo Bee , Drew Derek , Lo Hing‐Po 
Published: September 2007

PurposeIn order to compete successfully, international contractors need to have an understanding not only of the make‐up of the different competitive environments within each country, but also of contractors' competitive behaviour within those environments. Contractors' mark‐up decision making in public sector contracting is directly compared in two construction markets – Hong Kong and Singapore.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis is used to compare the lowest percentage mark‐up in both markets against four mark‐up decision factors that fall into two groups – market‐environment factors (i.e. number of bidders, market conditions) and project‐specific factors (i.e. type and size of project). Data were gathered using a designed bidding experiment.FindingsIn line with de Neufville et al.'s “good year‐bad year” study, the effect of market conditions was found to be independent of the number of bidders in both markets; contractors' mark‐up decreases as the number of bidders increases, with lower mark‐up in recession. In addition, this study provides evidence that contractors' mark‐up behaviour varies in different markets: Hong Kong contractors' mark‐up behaviour is more straightforward, in that only the market‐environment factors are significant. However, Singapore contractors' mark‐up behaviour is affected by project type in addition to the market‐environment factors. Project size was not found to be significant in either market.Originality/valueThe empirical findings provide a valuable insight into contractors' mark‐up behaviour, especially those contractors intending to bid for jobs in these two internationally renowned construction markets.
Financial and operational performance indicators applied to public and private water and wastewater utilities
Authors: Hassanein Amr A.G. , Khalifa Reham A. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to assess the performance of 234 public and private water and wastewater utilities from industrialized and developing countries.Design/methodology/approachA group of financial and operational indicators was calculated for the sample utilities.FindingsSome indicators calculated for the private sector, represented by US and UK water and wastewater utilities, demonstrated better values compared with public utilities, such as staff number per 1,000 connections and return on equity ratio and tariffs charged. On the other hand, the percentage of unaccounted‐for water and the debt to equity ratio evidenced no advantage in private over public utilities. Further, the performance of water and wastewater utilities of developing countries and Egypt does need improvement.Originality/valueA key problem in most of water and wastewater utilities is the absence of performance assessment tools. To this end, this research utilized indicators as a means of performance assessment of water/wastewater utilities.
SBU 2.0: a new tool for selecting business opportunities for the multi‐unit organization
Authors: Jonk Gillis J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeToday, the strictly vertical SBU is increasingly being replaced by SBUs that reach across organizational boundaries to create cross‐unit synergies, promote radical outsourcing, foster the emergence of new businesses out of what had once been functions, and pursue growth through strategic alliances at this same functional level. Both corporate and SBU executives need practical help to select which opportunities to pursue and how to prioritize them.Design/methodology/approachThe solution proposed here offers simple guidelines for opportunity assessment – a combination of analysis and a recipe – for the leveraged SBU. A.T.Kearney calls this model SBU 2.0.FindingsThe SBU 2.0 model allows the organization to see and evaluate many opportunities, not just the obvious or the trendy ones, and to make the best tradeoffs in deciding what to pursue and what to forego.Research limitations/implicationsAn illustrative case study showing best practice is offered.Practical implicationsThe evolution of the SBU has been so swift that, at many companies, there's a danger of being overwhelmed by the number of seemingly inviting opportunities for “synergy” or “leverage,” whether in the context of sharing activities, sourcing them, or recombining them. The SBU 2.0 model is designed to improve opportunity assessment.Originality/valueIntroduces the the SBU 2.0 model, which is likely to be of interest to top corporate leadership and SBU management.
Engaging the board of directors on strategy
Authors: Townsend Donley 
Published: September 2007

PurposeOver the last several years, many corporate boards have sought a more substantial role for directors in the strategy‐setting process. The author suggests a proven system for educating board members about company strategy and gaining a more valuable contribution from them.Design/methodology/approachThe author offers a five‐point process for effectively engaging a board of directors on strategy that he developed working together with corporate leaders.FindingsWhen the CEO thinks through this process and engages the directors, the board and the CEO can enter into a dialogue that leads to collaboration and a greater chance of achieving the goals of the organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe author has implemented this five‐step process with a number of boards of directors.Practical implicationsA key beginning point is for the CEO to work out, in collaboration with the chairman and other directors, a year‐long agenda of strategy topics for board meetings.Originality/valueThe five‐step process enables the boards, chairmen, CEOs, and top managers to begin to forge an effective process to engage directors on strategy that will grow stronger over time.
The potential for learning in industrial work
Authors: Gustavsson Maria 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to discuss the potential for learning that is present for process operators in their work at a paper mill. The term learning potential is used to denote the opportunities operators have for learning in their daily work.Design/methodology/approachA case study of the work and learning of process operators in four different shift teams in four different departments at a paper mill, using diaries and interviews, provides the data for identifying potential for learning in the work of process operators.FindingsFindings show that the work of operators is dominated by an adaptive form of learning, that is becoming better at an already known task, and solving daily work problems. At the same time there is potential for a more development oriented learning, but with a local and ad hoc emphasis in the shift teams. However, the desire and willingness of the operators is important for the utilization of existing learning potential.Research limitations/implicationsIn general, limitations of the case study methodology mean that it may not be possible to generalize to other industrial and organizational settings.Practical implicationsThe research highlights that there is potential for learning, but the “invisible” learning that is found on the shopfloor in the shift teams must be supported by the company so that it can lead to development of the organization.Originality/valueThe research has indicated that potential for development has a mainly local and ad hoc emphasis, primarily through the contradictions that exists in shift teams. Nothing, however, indicates that this potential might also include development of the organizational level at the paper mill.
Performance measurement action research
Authors: Zhou Moss Qi , Alho Johanna , Alexander Keith 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarise the four phases of the action learning processes that Centre for Facilities Management have undertaken with a major central government department.Design/methodology/approachAction research. The researchers have been imbedded in the client organisation through knowledge transfer programme and went through an action learning process with the organisation.FindingsThe researchers have implemented the new and improved performance management system and shared KPIs with the department. The new system has been aimed to address the problems within the previous system.Research limitations/implicationsThe action learning cycle was not fully completed as the new system has not been evaluated by the researcher yet.Practical implicationsThe problems with the department's performance measurement system (PMS) are very common among other facilities department who are trying to manage their suppliers. Therefore, they should be able to learn the lessons and processes of how to establish an effective performance management system.Originality/valueThis is the first time the researchers have published the whole action research process they went through in trying to review, design and implement the PMS.
Suicidal behaviour and associated risk factors among opioid‐dependent individuals: a case–control study
Authors: Maloney Elizabeth , Degenhardt Louisa , Darke Shane , Mattick Richard P. , Nelson Elliot 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To examine suicidal behaviour and the associated risk factors among opioid‐dependent cases and non‐opioid‐dependent controls.Design  Case–control study.Setting  Sydney, Australia.Participants  A total of 726 opioid‐dependent cases and 399 non‐opioid‐dependent controls, matched on age, sex and employment status.Findings  Cases had significantly higher life‐time prevalence of suicidal thoughts (66% versus 55%), suicide attempts (31% versus 20%) and multiple attempts (19% versus 11%) compared to controls. Cases were significantly more likely to indicate a severe intent to die (63% versus 43%). Both cases and controls who had attempted suicide were significantly more likely than others to suffer from substance use and psychological disorders, as well as childhood maltreatment. Risk factors which predicted suicide attempts were the same among cases and controls, including screening positive for borderline personality disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder and persistent suicidal thoughts.Conclusions  Although controls had elevated levels of suicidal behaviour compared to those seen in general population surveys, the prevalence of suicidal behaviour among cases was still much higher. Although opioid dependence was related to suicidal behaviour, it did not make a unique contribution to the risk of suicide attempts over and above the other risk factors identified.
The effect of epidural opioids on maternal oxygenation during labour and delivery
Authors: PORTER J. S. , BONELLO E. , REYNOLDS F. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe effects of epidural fentanyl on the incidence of maternal hypoxaemia during labour and on neonatal welfare were examined. Women were randomly allocated to receive one of two epidural infusions, bupivacaine 0.125% alone or bupivacaine 0.0625% with 2.5 μg.ml−1 fentanyl, and maternal arterial oxygen saturation was monitored continuously until delivery. The median incidence of desaturation (Spo2 < 95%) during the active phase of the second stage of labour was significantly greater in the fentanyl group than in controls (2.9 versus 0.6 min.h−1, p = 0.02). Similarly, the incidence ofdesaturation to Spo2 < 90% was greater in the fentanyl group than in controls (p = 0.02). There was no correlation between maternal oxygenation or plasma fentanyl concentration and neonatal welfare as measured by umbilical arterial and venous blood gas and acid base status. Apgar score and Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity Score.
Use of the Airtraq laryngoscope in a model of difficult intubation by prehospital providers not previously trained in laryngoscopy
Authors: Woollard M. , Mannion W. , Lighton D. , Johns I. , O'Meara P. , Cotton C. , Smyth M. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThis study evaluated the ability of prehospital providers who had no previous training in intubation, to use an Airtraq laryngoscope to intubate a manikin model of a Cormack and Lehane grade III/IV view. Volunteers attending the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals conference, Adelaide, in November 2006 received approximately 5 min of Airtraq training. First‐time intubation success rate was 26/33 (79%) (95% CI 61–91%); oesophageal intubation rate was 0/33 (0%) (95% CI 0–11%); median time to intubation was 17 s (IQR 10–25 s (range 5–30 s)); and median subject‐rated difficulty of use score was 21 out of a maximum of 100 (IQR 7.5–35.5 (range 1–65)). Pre‐hospital providers without previous laryngoscopy training achieved high first‐time intubation success rates when managing a model of a grade III/IV difficult intubation with an Airtraq laryngoscope. Users evaluated it as easy to use and achieved intubation within an acceptable breath‐to‐breath interval.
Comparison of cricothyroidotomy on manikin vs. simulator: a randomised cross‐over study*
Authors: John B. , Suri I. , Hillermann C. , Mendonca C. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryWe compared the time taken to perform cricothyroidotomy on a manikin to that on a medium fidelity simulator, to assess the effect of psychological stress and time pressure on performance. Seventy anaesthetists participated in this randomised cross‐over study. Fifty‐four (77%) anaesthetists took longer on the simulator, with the mean (SD) time taken to perform the procedure on the manikin and simulator 34 (18) and 48 (11) s, respectively (p < 0.001). Anaesthetists with more experience performed the procedure more quickly on both manikin and simulator. We conclude that psychological stress and time pressure in real‐life scenarios can affect the performance of cricothyroidotomy.