bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LMX‐citizenship behavior relationship: justice as a mediator
Authors: Bhal Kanika T. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIt has been proposed that issues of justice and equity should be incorporated in the dyadic study of leadership (LMX) for predicting subordinate outcomes, as both the theories are based on social exchange. This research had two objectives: to assess the impact of two dimensions of LMX – contribution and affect – on citizenship behavior and to test the mediating impact of the three types of justice – distributive, procedural and interactional – on the LMX‐citizenship relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe study reports responses of 306 professionals from 30 software organizations operating in different parts of India. Data were collected on a structured questionnaire containing standard scales of LMX, citizenship behavior, distributive, procedural and interactional justice. After establishing the psychometric properties of the scales, hypotheses were tested through statistical analysis of the data. Proposed mediation hypotheses were tested using Baron and Kenny's recommendations.FindingsResults indicate that contribution dimension of LMX is more likely to predict citizenship behavior than the affect dimension of LMX. Further, procedural and interactional justices fully mediate the relationship of perceived contribution with citizenship behavior. However, distributive justice does not mediate this relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of common method bias and cross sectional data are discussed in light of implications for future research. The results have implications for LMX enhancement interventions. In general enhancing work related interaction through guiding coaching or delegation can result in higher‐level employee outcomes.Originality/valueIdentifies how the two theories work in tandem to predict citizenship behavior.
Desired qualities of public library leaders
Authors: Mullins John , Linehan Margaret 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to add to the limited extant literature on public library leadership.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates the desired qualities and behaviours required for public library leaders by interviewing 30 senior librarians from Ireland, the UK and the east coast of the USA in order to develop an understanding of the perceptions of current leaders in the field of public librarianship. A review of the relevant literature was used to design an interview guide which was used to conduct structured in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews.FindingsThe findings illustrate that there is no universal or common behaviour, even within national boundaries, for effective public library leadership. Two‐thirds of the interviewees, however, prioritised attention to the implementation of vision – desired goals – as the most essential element of library leadership.Practical implicationsDemonstrates a lack of focus in the leadership problem in librarianship and the need for work to be devoted to the development of leaders. Shows that there is also an absence of success in planning.Originality/valueThe current study is the most in‐depth study to date on this topic, drawing on face‐to‐face interviews with 30 public library leaders. Prior to his study, no in‐depth face‐to‐face study on the topic of leadership in librarianship has been researched and published outside of North America. As this study was undertaken in three national jurisdictions – Ireland, the UK, and the USA – it is also the first interview‐based transnational study on the topic.
Research on embedded MAS based manipulator control
Authors: Ning Kejun 
Published: July 2006

PurposePresents an embedded MAS (Multi‐Agent System) based control method for multi link series manipulators.Design/methodology/approachThe manipulator's completing operation work is based on several agents' cooperation. The entire embedded MAS of a manipulator is implemented in one ARM7 microprocessor. The multi agents and the communications between the agents are constructed depending on the real‐time multitasking capability and the system services of real time operation system,μC/OS‐(tm). An improved distributed inverse kinematics algorithm, which is the foundation the agents' behavior strategies, and the system architecture designing are described in detail.FindingsThis method is very suitable for tele‐operation redundant manipulators' embedded control systems designing, with high reliability.Research limitations/implicationsUsing this paradigm, the embedded system firmware development for a redundant manipulator would be very easy and the code would be reusable. A few amendments should be made for miscellaneous manipulators.Practical implicationsIt is suitable for controlling a high reliability expected tele‐operation manipulator system.Originality/valueThe embedded MAS based manipulator control paradigm has several attractive advantages, led from MAS theory. Basing this method, we do not require computing the traditional inverse (or pseudoinverse) Jacobian matrix to control a redundant manipulator, especially for mobile redundant robot based on a compact embedded control system, expecting high reliability and potential complexity for coping with dynamical environments. The development procedure would be very easy and the code would be reusable. A few amendments should be made for different manipulators.
Automated processes for composite aircraft structure
Authors: Grant Carroll 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper provides a general review of automated processing methods currently being used to fabricate aircraft composite structure.Design/methodology/approachPresents a description of the Automated Tape Layer (ATL) process and the Fiber Placement (FP) process. These processes are the most “automated” of all processes being used to fabricate composite aircraft structure. Fiber Placement machines and Automated Tape Layers are composites machine tools and they are the closest comparison the composites industry has to metals machining equipment.FindingsThere is a need for more variety of composites automation and more affordable machines in the aerospace composites industry. The limited variety of automation and the cost of equipment tend to limit the spread of automation throughout the aerospace composites industry. ATL and FP are composites laminating technologies that could be adapted to a wide range of machine sizes, configurations, and price ranges.Originality/valueMore widespread use of automated processes in composites would tend to lower the cost of composite aircraft structure on a global basis.
Organisational adaptation processes to external complexity
Authors: Größler Andreas , Grübner André , Milling Peter M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeBased on a conceptual framework of the linkages between strategic manufacturing goals and complexity, the purpose of this paper is to investigate adaptation processes in manufacturing firms to increasing external complexity.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses are tested with statistical analyses (group comparisons and structural equation models) that are conducted with data from the third round of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey.FindingsThe study shows that manufacturing firms face different degrees of complexity. Firms in a more complex environment tend to possess a more complex internal structure, as indicated by process configuration, than firms in a less complex environment. Also depending on the degree of complexity, different processes of adaptation to increases in external complexity are initiated by organisations.Research limitations/implicationsResearch studies taking into account the dynamics of adaptation processes would be helpful in order to draw further conclusions, for instance, based on longitudinal analyses or simulation studies.Practical implicationsDepending on the level of complexity a firm has been confronted with in the past, different adaptation processes to further growing complexity can be initiated. Firms in high complexity environments have to re‐configure their strategic goals; firms in low complexity environments have to build‐up internal complexity to cope with demands from the outside.Originality/valueThe paper distinguishes between adaptation processes in low and high complexity environments and provides explanations for the differences.
Professional service acquisition in public sector procurement
Authors: Schiele Joseph J. , McCue Clifford P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to use a case‐based approach to develop an improved understanding of the conditions under which municipal purchasing departments can be meaningfully involved in acquisition processes for consulting services.Design/methodology/approachData were collected at five Canadian municipalities and involved a detailed examination of ten cases where the supply function demonstrated meaningful involvement in the acquisition process.FindingsFindings, along with organizational behavior literature on trust, were used to develop a conceptual model and tentative measurement scales that may be used to test the validity of the theory developed.Originality/valueThis work addresses the problem of low public sector purchasing department involvement in these important purchase decisions and some significant gaps in the public procurement literature.
Materials supply systems design in product development projects
Authors: Johansson Eva , Johansson Mats I. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research aims to develop a model for describing and analysing materials supply systems (MSSs) design in product development projects (PDPs).Design/methodology/approachLiterature on materials supply and production systems design is reviewed in order to derive a MSSs design model. The model is applied to empirical data from a qualitative case study, which exemplifies how the model can serve to describe MSSs design in PDPs. Moreover, the model is used to analyse the empirical data related to the focus and characteristics of the design issues.FindingsThe model developed contains six areas: materials feeding, storage, transportation, handling, packaging, and manufacturing planning and control at four levels: supply chain, plant, sub‐unit, and utility.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could complement the model by developing a design process to enable systematic design of the MSS as well as the integration of materials supply aspects at an early stage of PDPs. Such a design process should also consider the design of the flows of specific components.Practical implicationsThe importance of considering the relationships between the six design areas as well as evaluating the whole MSS is highlighted.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on the materials supply aspects dealt with in PDPs, which have been the subject of little research interest so far, despite the fact that extensive resources are required for materials supply activities.
Implementation of patient safety initiatives in US hospitals
Authors: McFadden Kathleen L. , Stock Gregory N. , Gowen Charles R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the use of patient safety initiatives (PSIs) at the US hospitals. These PSIs include such approaches as open discussion of errors, education and training, and system redesign. In particular, the paper seeks to examine factors that influence the implementation of PSIs as well as the benefits realized from their implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the TQM and medical safety literatures to develop a conceptual framework for improving patient safety. Extensive survey data were gathered from 252 hospitals throughout the US to test McFadden et al.'s model of the factors influencing successful implementation of PSIs.FindingsCertain barriers (lack of top management support, lack of resources, lack of incentives and lack of knowledge) significantly impeded implementation while other factors (perceived importance of PSIs) facilitated implementation. It was also found that implementation of PSIs was associated with benefits to the hospital in areas such as medical error reduction, cost reduction, and patient satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a single respondent represents a possible limitation. Future research will explore organizational culture and its relationship to patient safety.Practical implicationsThe findings provide direction for implementing more effective PSIs at hospitals.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on patient safety and medical errors by testing specific mechanisms that are associated with successful implementation of PSIs.
An introduction to radio frequency identification (RFID) methods and solutions
Authors: Ranky Paul G. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce some of the most important engineering, and information systems management principles and challenges, that radio frequency identification (RFID) researchers, implementers and users should keep in mind when developing such systems, and/or planning for such applications.Design/methodology/approachProvides a general review of RFID systems.FindingsRFID technologies with the appropriate IT infrastructure help both major distributors and manufacturers, as well as other logistics operations, such as the health‐care system, defense industries, and others, dealing with complex, global supply chains in which products and product shipments must be traced and identified in a non‐contact, wireless fashion using a computer network, because of cost, or security, or safety, or because parts are subject to corrosion, or food/medicine is subject to quality degradation, or other reasons. All of these requirements point to an automated, wireless‐readable sensory‐based identification method, and network, that offers more functionalities and is significantly “smarter” than the well known bar code or the unified product code. RFIDs are available as passive and/or active radio read/write sensor‐packages with active read (and often write) capabilities in relatively large areas (like a large distribution centre warehouse, or a containership), all performed automatically, supervised by computers and communicated in a wireless fashion over secure intranets. RFID represents great research, technology, as well as huge business opportunities.Practical implicationsRFID has the potential to change the way we do business all around the world. It is a huge challenge, not just because of the sophisticated sensor‐network technology, but also because of the vast systems integration and IT tasks ahead of us.Originality/valueReviews the current state‐of‐the‐art and future opportunities.
Assembly feature design in an augmented reality environment
Authors: Pang Yan , Nee Andrew Y.C. , Khim Ong Soh , Yuan Miaolong , Youcef‐Toumi Kamal 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to apply the augmented reality (AR) technology to assembly design in the early design stage. A proof‐of‐concept system with AR interface is developed.Design/methodology/approachThrough AR interface, designers can design the assembly on the real assembly platform. The system helps users to design the assembly features to provide proper part‐part constraints in the early design stage. The virtual assembly features are rendered on the real assembly platform using AR registration techniques. The new evaluated assembly parts can be generated in the AR interface and assembled to assembly platform through assembly features. The model‐based collision detection technique is implemented for assembly constraint evaluation.FindingsWith AR interface, it would be possible to combine some of the benefits of both physical and virtual prototyping (VP). The AR environment can save a lot of computation resource compared to a totally virtual environment. Working on real assembly platform, designers have more realistic feel and the ability to design an assembly in a more intuitive way.Research limitations/implicationsMore interaction tools need to be developed to support the complex assembly design efficiently.Practical implicationsThe presented system encourages designers to consider the assembly issues in the early design stage. The primitive 3D models of assembly parts with proper part‐part constraints are generated using the system before doing detailed geometry design.Originality/valueA new markerless registration approach for AR system is presented. This generic approach can be also used for other AR applications.
Line balancing and simulation of an automated production transfer line
Authors: Masood Syed 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper presents an investigation on the line balancing of an automated cylinder block production transfer line in order to reduce the total cycle time and increase machine utilization in an automotive plant. Results were verified by computer simulation, which showed increased throughput and higher machine utilization as a result of line balancing.Design/methodology/approachThree main operation lines of the transfer line were identified as critical and having the highest cycle time and were chosen for optimisation study. Strategies of re‐sequencing of existing operations and tools were used to reduce the cycle time of these critical operations and to balance the line. Results of a simulation study using Simul8 software are also presented to demonstrate the increase in machine utilisation and throughput as a result of line balancing.FindingsOwing to line balancing, the cycle time of cylinder block line was reduced from 293.9 to 200 s, an almost 32 per cent reduction. This also resulted in increased throughput and machine utilisation. Throughput was increased by 65 per cent. Machine utilization was found to increase at all stations, with the highest increase at one station was recorded from 48 to 95 per cent due to balancing.Originality/valueIntroduces a new application to line balancing of automotive cylinder block production line. Demonstrates that effective strategies of re‐sequencing and changing of tools can lead to more balanced production line with increased throughput and higher machining utilisation, resulting in higher productivity.
A dual challenge facing management education
Authors: Moratis Lars , Hoff Jeroen , Reul Bert 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIn anticipation of the demands of its constituents, management schools have to deal with the dual challenge facing management education: the challenge of relevance, in particular to integrate the subject of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the management curriculum, and the challenge to develop and implement innovative learning methods for educating students. This article seeks to expound on these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first reflect on the imminent and essential need to pay attention to CSR, as driven by general trends and developments in the corporate context as well as by recent business scandals. The uses, roles and functions of simulations are then reviewed, followed by a report of a project at Rotterdam University/HES, a Dutch university of professional education, that aimed to counter both identified challenges. This project involved two simulations in the field of CSR.FindingsRecognizing the changes in this environment, opines that the school has to reconsider its approach to management education consequently if it wants to offer relevance to the communities the school serves. At the same time, the school has to explore new methods of learning that contribute to creating effective management learning environments. Simulations, particularly since they enable comprehensive learning, may offer a viable and fertile direction to achieving this objective. The conclusions drawn from this project and the project evaluations clearly support this.Originality/valueBased on the experiences, the article identifies a number of conditions for the effective implementation of innovative educational projects, which include the school having a vision on CSR and displacing learning responsibilities.
Lakdinu Electronics Company: a teaching case on relevant costs in an outsourcing decision
Authors: Kanthi Herath Siriyama 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo increase students' knowledge of differential analysis and its application in an outsourcing decision.Design/methodology/approachA teaching case with practical implications was designed. Teaching notes are also included.FindingsIt is important to emphasize the importance of reporting for internal management purposes and the limitations of rule‐based financial reporting in managerial decision making. Understanding of the need for different information for different purposes is essential for business decision making. Any outsourcing decision should encompass both quantitative and qualitative factors.Practical implicationsImproves decision‐making process through an analysis of relevant costs in an outsourcing decision.Originality/valueThe article creates a practical approach for instructors to explain the use of differential analysis in outsourcing decisions.
Knowledge and perception of operation and maintenance practitioners in Hong Kong about sustainable buildings
Authors: Lai Joseph H.K. , Yik Francis W.H. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the knowledge and perception of serving and prospective operation and maintenance (O&M) practitioners about the key aspects of sustainable buildings, and to study the contribution of the current education and training means to their knowledge level.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted on full‐time practitioners attending continuous professional development (CPD) courses related to building services engineering (BSE) or facilities management (FM); full‐time practitioners studying part‐time on undergraduate BSE/FM courses; and full‐time undergraduate BSE/FM students. A total of 168 responses were collected and analysed.FindingsThe respondents were largely unaware of the initiatives for promoting building environmental performance and sustainability. Their knowledge level about sustainable buildings was generally low and bore little correlation with their work experience, attendance to CPD training and undergraduate studies that they attended. Good O&M for buildings was perceived by both O&M practitioners and building designers to be highly relevant to sustainable buildings.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to study how the education and training means should be revamped and coordinated to tailor for the O&M practitioners. More stringent CPD requirements by relevant professional bodies would help motivate the practitioners to continuously acquire knowledge which is essential for making buildings sustainable.Practical implicationsThe findings have unveiled the need for tailor‐made undergraduate and CPD training programmes to effectively enhance the knowledge of O&M practitioners.Originality/valueThis paper presents an unpopular but important research which uncovered the state of knowledge and perception of O&M practitioners, who play a crucial role in realizing the goal of sustainable buildings.
Strategic facilities management of Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Authors: Tay Linda 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight how facilities can enhance the strategic competitive position of a business organisation.Design/methodology/approachThe methods of investigation used in this study include observation, in‐depth interviews and secondary data.FindingsThis case study has shown that both hardware, i.e. facilities and software, i.e. business philosophy of the organisation are important to enhance its competitive position.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has looked at only one case. Future research may use the same five‐force model to assess and determine the contribution of facilities to the competitive position of a business organisation.Practical implicationsThis study hopes to create more awareness among senior management of the strategic importance of facilities to a business's bottom‐line.Originality/valueUsing a strategic management model, this paper illustrates the contribution of facilities management to the broader corporate goals.