bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new technique for solution of a parabolic inverse problem
Authors: Lakestani Mehrdad , Dehghan Mehdi 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe main aim of this paper is to use the cubic B‐spline scaling functions for the numerical solution of the 1D parabolic inverse problem with temperature overspecification.Design/methodology/approachA 1D parabolic partial differential equation with given initial condition and known boundary conditions and subject to overspecification at a point in the spatial domain is solved using the cubic B‐spline scaling functions.FindingsIn this paper, a numerical technique is developed for solving an inverse parabolic problem.Practical implicationsThe scheme described is efficient. The numerical results obtained using the new algorithm for a test problem show that the new method can solve the model effectively.Originality/valueThe problem investigated in this research has already been studied by several authors. However, to the best of one's knowledge this is the first time that the new approach has been employed to solve the given model.
Rise and fall of knowledge power: an in‐depth investigation
Authors: Salma Bee Hj Noor Mohamed Abdul Latiff Hjh , Hassan Abul 
Published: March 2008

PurposeMuslims as anummah(community) held knowledge power for more than 500 years and dominated in the field of historiography, religious texts, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, sciences, literature, geography and travel and many other areas during AD 750‐950 in world history. But the present Muslim world is far behind in knowledge power than the rest of the world despite the fact that it holds vast sources of economic resources. How Muslim knowledge powers became great and how they declined is a question that confronts today's researchers. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors responsible for the rise and fall of Muslims’ knowledge power and the scope for its restoration.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth analysis was made based on the information from secondary sources.FindingsIn order to restore the flagging knowledge power, six factors have been identified and analyzed in the light of presenting the scope for initiative to power the knowledge economy in the Muslim world.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the concept of knowledge power not only identifies circumstances in which the Muslim world can restore knowledge economy well but also in which it should come up with a realistic action plan in the area of higher education and human resources development.
Efficiency and competition of Islamic banking in Malaysia
Authors: Mokhtar Hamim S. Ahmad , Abdullah Naziruddin , Alhabshi Syed M. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeIn an attempt to enrich the literature of the efficiency of Islamic banks, this study aims to empirically investigate the efficiency of the fully fledged Islamic banks as well as Islamic windows in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThis study measures the technical and cost‐efficiencies of these banks using the non‐parametric frontier method, data envelopment analysis (DEA).FindingsThe findings show that, on average, the efficiency of the overall Islamic banking industry has increased during the period of study. The study also revealed that, although the fully fledged Islamic banks were more efficient than the Islamic windows, they were still less efficient than the conventional banks. Finally, Islamic windows of the foreign banks were found to be more efficient than Islamic windows of the domestic banks.Originality/valueThe findings of this study will provide some empirical insights as to how these two modes of Islamic banks had fared in the competitive environment from 1997 to 2003.
Banking for the poor: the role of Islamic banking in microfinance initiatives
Authors: Wajdi Dusuki Asyraf 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to review the microfinance scheme and discuss how Islamic banks can participate in such an endeavour without actually compromising the issue of institutional viability and sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an extensive review of microfinance with the objective of building a case for Islamic banking to participate in a microfinance initiative.FindingsAs reviewed in this paper, microfinance requires innovative approaches beyond the traditional financial intermediary role. Among others, building human capacity through social intermediation and designing group‐based lending programmes are proven to be among the effective tools to reduce transaction costs and lower exposure to numerous financial risks in relation to providing credit to the rural poor. This paper also suggests the use of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) as one of the possible alternatives for Islamic banks channelling funds to the poor.Research limitations/implicationsIslamic banks may benefit from the spectrum of Shariah‐compliant sources of funds and offer a wide array of financing instruments catering for different needs and demands of their clients. Furthermore, the use of a bankruptcy‐remote entity like SPV can protect Islamic banks from any adverse effect of microfinance activities.Originality/valueThe analysis here is valuable in drawing the attention of Islamic banking practitioners to the fact that they can actually practise microfinance without undermining their institutional viability, competitiveness and sustainability. This is evident from the proposed model to incorporate SPV into their microfinance initiatives.
Educational reform in Ghana: the leadership challenge
Authors: Zame Martin Y. , Hope Warren C. , Respress Trinetia 
Published: March 2008

PurposeLeadership is a key commodity in twenty‐first century organizations. This is especially true for school organizations. This paper aims to respond to six questions about head teachers and leadership of basic schools.Design/methodology/approachHead teachers responded to survey items about proficiencies required for effective leadership and those demonstrated in practice. The Greater Accra region of Ghana was the setting and head teachers constituted the sample. A survey with a unique identifier was distributed to head teachers at their schools. Analysis was conducted using SPSS and output was translated into frequencies and percentages.FindingsA premise of the research was that heads of basic schools lacked leadership proficiencies because of the absence of school leadership preparation programs. Heads of basic schools lack professional preparation in leadership, and practice management and administrative behaviors rather than leadership.Practical implicationsGhana has implemented several reforms with the intent of developing a quality education system; however, there has not been a focus on leadership. The literature is clear about the vital role head teachers have in effective schools and student achievement. This research calls attention to the leadership needs of head teachers in the Ghana education system.Originality/valueThis research reveals that Ghana faces a leadership challenge related to head teachers' professional development. The results are an alert to policy makers to institute educational reform that addresses head teachers' leadership in basic schools.
A quality framework for providers of further education in the German context
Authors: Guellali Chokri 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe aim of this study is to show that it is not necessary to use one of the current models of quality management. Self‐evaluation is to be considered as an essential practice for further education providers willing to improve their quality. The study aims to propose a quality framework with field‐related criteria.Design/methodology/approachThe quality framework was developed on the base of a comparative model analysis. Its suitability was confirmed after an investigation with experts in further education.FindingsIt is possible to use the same criteria by implementing different models.Practical implicationsQuality criteria have to be completed with other instruments (indicators, reference parameters, etc.) in order to be operationalised.Originality/valueThe quality framework developed in this work was conceived for the German context, but can be used in other countries. Learners are integrated in the concept as a determinant of quality.
Job satisfaction of Catholic primary school staff: a study of biographical differences
Authors: De Nobile John J. , McCormick John 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis study's purpose is to examine the relationships between the biographical characteristics gender, age, years of experience and employment position, and job satisfaction of staff members in Catholic primary schools.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 356 staff members from Catholic primary schools. Research hypotheses were tested using multivariate analysis and comparison of means.FindingsAge, gender and position were related to a number of facets of job satisfaction as well as overall job satisfaction. No significant relationships were identified for years of experience.Practical implicationsThe findings hold implications for Catholic diocesan school systems and school administrators in relation to teacher retention and for further research regarding teacher's aides.Originality/valueThis study includes non‐teaching staff and investigates the role of employment position as a biographical variable.
High‐tech versus high‐touch education: perceptions of risk in distance learning
Authors: Kulchitsky Jack D. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeAs colleges implement alternative forms of education delivery, prospective students must consider the method of instruction when choosing a post‐secondary institution. The purpose of this research paper is to assess the search criteria considered most important to prospective undergraduate students and to evaluate their preference for online versus on‐campus instruction.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews a selection of literature on college choice behavior, with special reference to on‐campus (high‐tech) versus online (high‐touch) delivery. A pilot study together with a conjoint methodology is used to measure the importance students place on method of instruction, relative to several traditional criteria.FindingsThe conjoint results identify two unique student segments (risk‐sensitive and cost‐sensitive) based on attitudes toward high‐tech versus high‐touch delivery. While the risk sensitive segment expresses strong preference for high‐touch delivery, the cost sensitive segment is open to high‐tech delivery, if the price is right.Practical implicationsMany studies have concluded that online education may be more suited for mature, graduate students. This study, however, identifies an undergraduate student segment with a propensity toward high‐tech education. As online technology continues to diffuse through society, prospective undergraduates are expected to become less averse to alternate means of instruction.Originality/valueAlthough many studies have compared online versus on‐campus learning, few, if any, have examined the attitudes of prospective students applying to a post‐secondary program, having no experience with distance education. This study focuses on the needs of prospective undergraduate students, highlighting differences in attitude toward cost and risk.
Idiocentrism‐allocentrism and academics' self‐efficacy for research in Beijing universities
Authors: Zhao Jingsong , McCormick John , Hoekman Katherine 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThis article aims to explore how self‐efficacy is related to academic research activities and how intra‐culturally relevant factors may play a role in self‐efficacy in the context of higher education in Beijing. In particular, relationships of self‐efficacy for research with research productivity and idiocentrism‐allocentrism are to be examined.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to academics in ten randomly selected universities in Beijing and generated 296 valid questionnaires. Data were analysed using factor analysis and multiple regression.FindingsGender and discipline are identified as predictors of self‐efficacy. Specifically, female academics reported lower levels of self‐efficacy for research than males. Academics in the social sciences reported lower levels of self‐efficacy for research than those in the natural sciences. Moreover, relationships are also found between self‐efficacy for research and idiocentrism‐allocentrism.Originality/valueThe study makes an extensive investigation of self‐efficacy theory, originally developed in Western contexts, in an Eastern culture and provides evidence that intra‐cultural and demographic factors play substantial roles in research self‐efficacy.
Mapping the structure of MBA (AMBA‐accredited) programmes in the UK and France
Authors: Paucar‐Caceres Alberto 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to determine possible grouping of similar MBA programmes offered by 45 British and French business schools accredited by the Association of Master Business Administration (AMBA) as of January 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the statistical co‐plot method reported in a similar study of leading full time MBA programmes in the USA. The method is used to map/group the schools according to both core and elective units offered by the business schools.FindingsThe paper outlines the features of the six groups of MBA programmes found (Cluster 1: Manchester and Bath; Cluster 2: Warwick, Lancaster and London; Cluster 3: five top French business schools and Cranfield; Cluster 4: two French schools – Grenoble and Audiencia‐Nantes; Cluster 5: two French schools – ENPC‐EAP and IEP; Cluster 6: the remaining UK MBA programmes). The differentiating characteristics of core and option units offered by business schools in each cluster are described and discussed.Originality/valueThe study makes a contribution under the application area of international business education (specifically the design of MBA programmes), as well as in the area of statistical analysis by using co‐plot cluster analysis, an approach not used before when comparing UK and French Business schools to explore aspects of curriculum design.
Effect of strain on whisker growth in matte tin
Authors: Southworth A.R. , Ho C.E. , Lee A. , Subramanian K.N. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeTo evaluate the role of imposed strain on whisker growth in matte tin, and to identify the appropriate deformation states and environments that will facilitate the development of a reliable, accelerated test methodology to provide results representative of whisker growth under long‐term service conditions.Design/methodology/approachWhisker growth in matte tin coated strips and wires of copper subjected to various outer fibre strains was characterized at three different temperatures under different humidity conditions.FindingsThis study presents findings of the influence of imposed strain and temperature on whisker growth in a matte tin layers present on a copper substrate. A decrease in incubation time and accelerated growth of whiskers occur with critical imposed strain and specific environmental temperature.Originality/valueWhisker growth in tin coatings is becoming a major reliability concern in modern microelectronics. Immersion coating that produces a matte tin layer is being used extensively in electronic applications. The findings of this study facilitate the development of accelerated tests which represent events that occur over long periods of time during service so that suitable mitigation strategies can be evaluated in a reasonable time period.
Effect of interconnection area on shear strength of sintered joint with nano‐silver paste
Authors: Qi Kun , Chen Xu , Lu Guo‐Quan 
Published: March 2008

PurposeTraditional chip‐level interconnection materials show many weaknesses given the development trend of microelectronic packaging technology. In order to meet the needs of high‐temperature packaging for wide‐bandgap semiconductors, low‐temperature sintered nano‐silver as a novel semiconductor device‐metallized substrate interconnection material is being developed. One phenomenon that larger interconnection area would cause poor interconnection quality had been found in the industry butut the mechanisms were never previously studied. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe changes in the shear strengths and microstructures of nano‐silver joints induced by the changes of interconnection areas were investigated by shear tests and scanning electron microscopy.FindingsThe increased interconnection area blocks the organic components to be burnout and causes a higher pore ratio. Thus, it reduces the bonding quality. To ensure a good and steady sintering quality, the interconnection area should be limited to 3 × 3 mm2.Research limitations/implicationsA sintering technology or paste with oxygen agent will be studied in the future.Originality/valueA relationship of shear strength and interconnection area of sintering joints with nano‐silver paste was observed.
Microstructural changes of lead‐free solder joints during long‐term ageing, thermal cycling and vibration fatigue
Authors: Fix Andreas R. , Nüchter Wolfgang , Wilde Jürgen 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the microstructural development of SnAgCu solder joints under different loading conditions (isothermal storage, thermal cycling and vibration).Design/methodology/approachThe observed microstructural changes have been studied with respect to grain growth and grain refinement, crack formation and crack growth. The growth kinetics of the intermetallic phases encountered as particles in the bulk as well as a reaction layer on the copper pad, were studied in the temperature range of 125‐175°C.FindingsDynamic recrystallisation of the tin matrix leads to a change in the diffusion controlled growth mechanism, which causes an increase of the particle growth rate compared to isothermal storage. Thus, these grain boundaries are separated forcibly by crack growth during thermal cycling. This stress causes intergranular cracks while vibration stress induces transgranular cracks.Originality/valueThe paper adds insight into microstructural changes of lead‐free solder joints during long‐term ageing, thermal cycling and vibration fatigue.
Effect of Ag content on wetting properties and solidus temperature of Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga lead‐free solders
Authors: Lai R.S. , Lin K.L. , Salam B. 
Published: March 2008

PurposeTo study the effect of Ag content on the melting temperature and wetting properties of Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga lead‐free Solders.Design/methodology/approachThe solder alloys used in the experiment were Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1 and 1.5). In this study, the alloys were initially studied using differential scanning calorimetry to determine their melting temperatures. Afterward, the solderability of the solders was studied using wetting balance and contact angle methods. Moreover, the microstructures of the solders were also investigated with an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction and electron probe micro analysis.FindingsA small increase in Ag content in the Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga solders, from 0.1 to 1.0 wt%, has been found to lower their solidus temperature from 198.05°C to 190.20°C. A Ag content of 1.5 wt% increased the solidus temperature of the studied solder systems to 197.79°C. Furthermore, the study also found that the addition of silver lowered the wetting forces of the studied solders. The formation of multi‐intermetallic layers of Cu‐Zn and Ag‐Zn at the interface between the studied solders and copper might explain the reduction of the wetting forces.Research limitations/implicationsThe silver contents in the studied Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga solders were limited to 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt%.Practical implicationsUseful literature for solder alloy designers and SMT engineers.Originality/valueThe paper provides the answers to the research question of what is the effect of silver content on the melting temperature and wetting properties of Sn‐8.5Zn‐xAg‐0.01Al‐0.1Ga solders.
The role of business schools in the doctoral paradox
Authors: Madureira Ricardo 
Published: March 2008

PurposeTo develop an analytical tool that captures the linkages between academic and business innovation. To assess dominant notions of information society, doctoral education and business school as well as their influence on current European focus in terms of R&D policy.Design/methodology/approachIntegration of findings from various streams of research with those of recent European reports. Illustration of R&D policy dilemmas with the case of management development.FindingsProvides an analytical tool which details academic and business innovation activities – the innovation value‐added cycle model. Identifies apparent biases in empirical reports by which R&D incentives may produce other than their intended outcomes (the doctoral paradox).Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical reports are exclusively European and qualitative. The findings are illustrated with the case of management development only.Practical implicationsThe analytical tool may support the strategic participation of individuals (researchers and entrepreneurs) as well as communities (universities and locations) in the international innovation division of labour. The three decisional dilemmas in terms of R&D incentives may support decision making of supra‐national, national and local authorities as well as business schools.Originality/valueThe paper details the linkages by which academic and business value‐added activities are acknowledged. In addition, it raises awareness on the potential bias of policy‐makers towards positivist knowledge, entrepreneurial researchers and entrepreneurial universities to the detriment of post‐positivist knowledge, researching entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial locations, respectively.
The beauty of measurements
Authors: Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan , Freytag PerVagn , Damgaard Torben 
Published: March 2008

PurposeThere is a clear focus upon increasing research output, improving research quality and securing closer interaction between universities and the private market of businesses. Research should be evaluated according to usefulness and relevant criteria, where increased competition between universities and business schools for research grants should be established, such that the greatest number of publications, with the highest impact factors and most citations trigger most funding. Measurements and rankings have become hot topics for universities and business schools – this paper aims to discuss possible measurements and ranking impact for research and education.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses development trends in research and education based upon available research literature and analyses a brief questionnaire‐survey completed by professors from 13 different European countries, which includes quantitative and qualitative features.FindingsThere is a clear trend towards publishing research in high‐ranked journals and developing student financed MBA programmes. However, there is a conflict between the political objectives of trying to connect universities and business schools with industry, while supplying further incentives to fund research grants through, for instance, publications and citations.Research limitations/implicationsGiven a continued policy of furthering research merely for publication in high‐rankling journals, the consequence may be a widening gap between research output and its practical relevance.Originality/valueThe paper provides novel data and evidence for the issue of European research development.