bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the aesthetics of non‐conventional structures
Authors: Abu‐Obeid Natheer , Hassan Reem F. , Ali Hikmat H. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to compare the aesthetic responses of three groups (architects, engineers and non‐experts) to a set of non‐conventional structures.Design/methodology/approachA group of 150 respondents (divided into three equal sub‐groups of architects, structural engineers, and non‐experts) were selected to participate in the main study, which used 14 different non‐conventional structural systems. The images of these systems were derived from an earlier pilot study. The evaluation tool included 38 semantic items, also derived from the pilot study. Two statistical analyses were applied to the collected data: factor analysis and ANOVA.FindingsFinds, first, that factor analysis revealed a set of factors identified by all participants as meaningful dimensions, by which they evaluate structural systems. Second, ANOVA revealed differences between the three groups when evaluating different structural systems using the identified factors. Differences between the groups were attributed to their different backgrounds and technical training.Practical implicationsThe study argues that understanding the aesthetic experience of architects, engineers and ordinary users of structures is essential. First, it helps the designers to establish the basis for selecting appropriate structural methods and materials in relation to building design. Second, it would also help the designers to better understand the relationship between the structure and architecture in terms of a trade‐off between the technical and aesthetic issues. Third, it helps the designers to better understand how their designed structures are perceived by the public.Originality/valueThis study introduces an alternative approach to the study of the aesthetics of structures, with a focus on non‐conventional structures.
A study of the use of a performance‐based approach to fire safety design in buildings
Authors: Lo S.M. , Zhao C.M. , Yuen K.K. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTraditionally, buildings are designed in accordance with prescriptive building and fire codes. Rapid urbanization causes an increase in urban population and commercial activities, and an increase in demand for large and complex buildings. Buildings that have been constructed in accordance with the old prescriptive requirements may not have the same fire safety level as the standard enforced today, even if all fire safety items are maintained at the original design standard. It is the usual practice that any upgrading or alteration works to be carried out in an existing building are required to comply with the requirements currently enforced. The demand for using a performance‐based approach for designing large complex buildings as well as alteration works in existing or historical buildings is increasing. The paper aims to discuss the issues involvedDesign/methodology/approachThis paper presents a brief comparison of the use of performance‐based fire safety design in three locations and presents the use of a system dynamics model to examine how the technological investment will affect the use of performance‐based fire safety design.FindingsThe model predicts that increased investment by the Hong Kong authorities would see a rise in the number of building projects using a performance‐based approach within a few years.Originality/valueThe research in this paper provides guidance to the building control regime in Hong Kong on how to achieve an increase in the use of a fire‐engineered approach to enhance fire safety design in buildings.
Implications of thermal and building integrity performance on buildability of a worker dormitories project
Authors: Low Sui‐Pheng , Liu Junying , Lim John 
Published: May 2008

PurposeWhere buildability is concerned, the six total building performance (TBP) mandates are seldom taken into consideration.. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between buildability and the two TBP mandates of thermal performance and building integrity performance.Design/methodology/approachA real life case study of a worker dormitories building project was used as the base model for analysis. A breakdown of the buildability scores for the project was first noted. Thereafter, the TBP guidelines relating to thermal performance and building integrity performance were incorporated into the base model and the buildability scores were recomputed.FindingsFollowing the thermal performance guidelines, a negative relationship with buildability was observed. However, a positive result was established between the building integrity performance guidelines and buildability. The different relationships occurred due to the different aspects of the base model that needed to be changed to conform to the guidelines for both mandates.Practical implicationsIt appears that the incorporation of guidelines for any one of the six TBP mandates will yield different results depending on the situation. This was the case for both thermal performance and building integrity performance in the present study.Originality/valueThe paper establishes the relationship between the TBP mandates of thermal performance, building integrity performance and buildability for the first time, which is beneficial to building designers.
Occupant satisfaction with workplace design in new and old environments
Authors: Schwede Dirk A. , Davies Hilary , Purdey Brian 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate time‐factors in occupant‐environment relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses satisfaction ratings on 12 workplace environment features collected from more than 5,000 occupants in 48 office buildings in Australia. The database is divided into seven environment categories: first occupied after construction; new occupation after major update; recent relocation into an existing environment; re‐occupying an environment after refurbishment; relocation of workspace in an existing environment; acclimatised occupation of a refurbished workspace; and continued occupation of an existing environment. Cumulative frequency profiles of the collected ratings for each of these categories are analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.FindingsThe study shows that updated environments which are occupied by the same organisation before and after refurbishment are more successful than environments which are occupied by a new organisation after update. New buildings provide the greatest number of satisfied occupants. While many workplace design aspects are successfully addressed in newly designed and updated environments, satisfaction with acoustic and visual design features is equally poor in all investigated environment categories.Originality/valueThe study develops understanding of which environment categories, defined by the duration of the occupant‐environment relationships, are most successful in providing satisfying design features. The study thereby provides advice for facility management decision making.
Facilities design incorporating just‐in‐time principles for ramp‐up light factories in Singapore
Authors: Pheng Low Sui , Ying Show Mei 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the successful implementation of the just‐in‐time (JIT) philosophy in the manufacturing industry has helped to reduce cost and time and increase quality of products. Existing studies on JIT principles in the building industry were predominantly focused on the construction stage.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical part consisted of pilot interviews with architects who designed ramp‐up light factories and a survey of tenants operating out of these factories.FindingsThe findings from the survey of tenants suggest that architectural designs, in terms of space and layout, have met the tenants' operational facilities needs. The tenants were generally satisfied with the ramp‐up light factory facilities design features, in relation to the relevant JIT principles.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical findings were based on the user's perceptions and not on analyzing the actual physical facilities design of the ramp‐up factories with respect to JIT principles. This area is recommended for future research.Practical implicationsThe application of JIT principles to further improve the facilities design of ramp‐up light factories would help to reduce waiting time and double handling of goods during transportation. In addition, the application of JIT principles also enhances the smooth flow of delivery to every unit with less damage to the quality of the goods being delivered.Originality/valueThis exploratory study is not about how the management of the design process can be improved. Rather, it examines, for the first time, whether the application of JIT principles to improving the facilities design of ramp‐up light factories would effectively meet the tenants' operational facilities needs and improve their productivity after they have moved into the premises.
A constructive study on creating core business relevant CREM strategy and performance measures
Authors: Lindholm Anna‐Liisa 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to describe the creation process of the model for identifying the added value of corporate real estate management (CREM), implement the developed model in a case organisation and test whether it works in practice.Design/methodology/approach– The study is carried out using a constructive research approach, where the validity of the model built is tested through a single, but in‐depth, case study.Findings– The research presents the model for identifying the added value of CREM, the theoretical connections from the empirical research and practical implications of the developed model. Furthermore, the study presents the main step of a constructive research approach and examines the applicability of this research approach to real estate and facilities management‐related research.Practical implications– The model tested and developed in this research provides corporate real estate and facilities managers with the tools they need to identify their contribution to the wealth of the firm. The model also helps organisations to ensure the match between a company's business and real estate and facilities strategies.Originality/value– Previous research has not tested the model for identifying the value added by corporate real estate and facilities management (FM). The research approach of the paper, a constructive study, is also quite unfamiliar to and untested by real estate and FM researchers.
A mixture model with modified mass transfer expression for cavitating turbulent flow simulation
Authors: Liu Shuhong , Li Shengcai , Zhang Liang , Wu Yulin 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a mixture model with modified mass transfer expression for calculating cavitating (two‐phase) flow.Design/methodology/approachThe mass transfer relations are derived based on the mechanics of evaporation and condensation, in which the mass and momentum transfer count for factors such as non‐dissolved gas, turbulence, surface tension, phase‐change rate, etc.FindingsAs shown by two calculation examples, the modified model can predict the cavitating flow with high accuracy, agreeing well with experimental results.Originality/valueThe methods described are of value in improving stability in numerical calculations.
CFD simulation on a thermal power plant with air‐cooled heat exchanger system in north China
Authors: Wang Q.W. , Zhang D.J. , Zeng M. , Lin M. , Tang L.H. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the overall flow and temperature field of the air in the whole power plant, especially around the air‐cooled heat exchanger (ACHE) to evaluate the feasibility of the thermal plant project.Design/methodology/approachThe commercial computational fluid dynamics code FLUENT with standard k‐ε turbulent model was used. The buoyancy of the air was also considered.FindingsIt is concluded that plume recirculation occurs in each case due to the wind effect and the suction of the fan. Installing a side board below or above the fan platform (side board I or side board II) is an effective method of avoiding the plume recirculation and, the higher the board, the better the effect. When the height of the side board I H1≥10 m or the height of the side board II H2≥12 m, the temperature distributions of the fan platform will be sufficient to meet the requirement.Research limitations/implicationsA proper distance between the adjacent high buildings and the ACHE should be found with further investigation.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a very useful numerical method for the prediction of the flow and temperature field around ACHE or in a large space.Originality/valueThe paper provides the numerical simulation of the flow and heat transfer inside the whole thermal power plant. Suggestions which can effectively avoid the unfavorable influence and ensure the whole system in safe conditions are offered. The study gives some useful information to the design of a thermal power plant with an ACHE system.
Breaking through the cultural clutter
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Wilson Rick T. , Zdravkovic Srdan , Xin Zhou Joyce , Westjohn Stanford A. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine and compare the validity of different operationalizations of cultural and institutional distance.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a review of the theoretical background for Hofstede's, Schwartz's, Trompenaars's, and Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness' (GLOBE) cultural frameworks is provided, as well as the institutional environment. Then, the validity of each framework is assessed by evaluating how well each framework groups countries into appropriate clusters, and finally comparisons between the different frameworks are drawn.FindingsIt was found that the cultural distance (CD) constructs based on Hofstede and Trompenaars have strong convergent validity. CD constructs based on Schwartz and GLOBE are found to have the weakest validity. The institutional distance (ID) constructs are conceptualized to be broader than the traditional CD constructs. However, high correlations indicate a strong overlap between ID and CD. Additionally, the ID constructs are highly correlated with factors related to economic development, potentially limiting their usefulness.Originality/valueBoth researchers and practitioners can choose from a variety of CD/ID frameworks to fill their needs; however, variance in the performance between frameworks may lead to faulty conclusions. In response to this need to accurately capture cross‐cultural differences, the validity of nine different operationalizations of CD/ID have been examined. Contrary to popular belief, the traditional CD construct based on Hofstede is shown to compare favorably with other frameworks and calls for the abandonment of this index may be premature.
Culture study in international marketing: a critical review and suggestions for future research
Authors: Yaprak Attila 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of culture study streams in international marketing and offer suggestions for future development.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive review of earlier and current approaches to culture study in international marketing is offered. Shortcomings of earlier studies are highlighted and suggestions for remedies are presented. Future research suggestions are also offered.FindingsFive streams of earlier studies and their shortcomings are presented, along with four avenues for future research.Practical implicationsMore sharply framed culture study will lead to a deeper understanding of culture's role in targeting, segmentation, and positioning and strategy formulation by scholars and managers of international marketing.Originality/valueThe paper integrates a large body of research in an important research area in international marketing and offers future research directions.
Cross‐cultural examination of the relationships among firm reputation, e‐satisfaction, e‐trust, and e‐loyalty
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Yong Park Jin , Kim Jiyoung 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically compare the impact of firm reputation on consumers' evaluation of e‐tailers' market response outcomes (satisfaction, trust, and loyalty) in two cultures, the USA (individualism, low uncertainty avoidance, low context, and high‐trust society) and South Korea (collectivism, high uncertainty, high context, and low‐trust society).Design/methodology/approachTwo sets of data were collected, one in the USA and the other in Korea, using a mall intercept method. Males and females over 18 who had online purchase experience were chosen as respondents.FindingsThe results with 385 usable questionnaires (182 from the USA and 203 from Korea) revealed that firm reputation contributes to customer loyalty by increasing customer satisfaction, and this effect is stronger in Korea than in the USA. However, contrary to the expectations, no cultural differences were found in reputation‐trust and trust‐loyalty links. That is, firm reputation leads to customer loyalty through trust in both cultures and the impacts are the same across cultures.Research limitations/implicationsFurther validation of the findings with other cultural settings merits attention.Practical implicationsThe firm reputation‐satisfaction‐loyalty link is stronger in Korea than in the USA. While it may be premature to conclude the link is stronger in all Asian markets, international managers should carefully consider this finding when establishing operations in Asian markets.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first systematic cross‐cultural examinations of how firm reputation functions in an e‐tailing context increase market response outcomes.
Information technology and its implications for internal auditing
Authors: Abu‐Musa Ahmad A. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the impact of emerging information technology (IT) on internal auditors' (IA) activities, and to examine whether the IT evaluations performed in Saudi organizations vary, based on evaluation objectives and organizational characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA survey, using a self‐administered questionnaire, is used to achieve these objectives. About 700 questionnaires were randomly distributed to a sample of Saudi organizations located in five main Saudi cities. In total, 218 valid and usable questionnaires – representing a 30.7 percent response rate – were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences – SPSS version 15.FindingsThe results of the study reveal that IA need to enhance their knowledge and skills of computerized information systems (CIS) for the purpose of planning, directing, supervising and reviewing the work performed. The results of the study are consistent with Hermanson et al. that IA focus primarily on traditional IT risks and controls, such as IT data integrity, privacy and security, asset safeguarding and application processing. Less attention has been directed to system development and acquisition activities. The IA's performance of IT evaluations is associated with several factors including: the audit objectives, industry type, the number of IT audit specialists on the internal audit staff, and the existence of new CIS.Practical implicationsFrom a practical standpoint, managers, IA, IT auditors, and practitioners alike stand to gain from the findings of this study.Originality/valueThe findings of this study have important implications for managers and IA, enabling them to better understand and evaluate their computerized accounting systems.
Performance parameters interrelations from a balanced scorecard perspective
Authors: Cohen Sandra , Thiraios Dimitris , Kandilorou Myrto 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe proponents of balanced scorecard (BSc) claim that lead factors interrelate and their improvement ultimately leads to increased financial performance. The purpose of this paper is to use the underlying hypotheses of BSc in order to assess whether improvements that relate to learning and growth, internal processes and customers actually contribute to alterations of reported financial performance.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used and data were gathered from 90 leading Greek companies in relation to the progress they have experienced during a three‐year period regarding various activities that can be broadly classified as aspects of the three qualitative perspectives of BSc (i.e. the learning and growth perspective, the internal business and production process perspective, and the customer perspective). Published financial data were used in order to calculate several financial ratios for all sample firms for the same time period.FindingsThe empirical data verified the underlying theoretical hypothesis of BSc that lead BSc perspectives are positively correlated with one an: other at a statistically significant level in a sequential way. However, within a given perspective not all measures exhibit homogeneous behaviour in terms of statistical significance. Supportive evidence was also found that the companies that have improved their return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) during the analysis period have increased their efforts towards aspects that characterize the learning and growth perspective more than the companies whose ROE and ROA values decreased.Originality/valueThe innovative dimension of this research work relies mainly on the fact that the BSc framework was used as a general structured model in order to assess the relationships between non‐financial parameters and financial performance. Thus, conclusions are not restricted only to companies that actually apply BSc.
Base material selection for reliable lead‐free processing
Authors: Hövel Bernd , Verbrugge Tom 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTo demonstrate a method of selecting base materials for lead‐free processing based on the kinetics of decomposition.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the calculation of Arrhenius kinetic parameters from common “time to delamination” data (T260). Delamination is correlated to a certain conversion into the decomposition reaction. With both of these parameters, various soldering scenarios are analysed.FindingsThe findings highlight the fact that conventional FR‐4 materials are only good for a few reflow cycles. A higher number of reflow cycles can only be fulfilled with RoHS compliant base materials. However, rework and repair may even shift those more thermally resiliant materials over the limit. The peak temperatures are over proportionally responsible for delamination failures and need to be controlled carefully.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in its ability to provide guidance on the selection of base materials to comply with various soldering processes. A model has been developed that is able to predict failure limit for a given base material and a given process.
A solution for PCB drilling with strict requirement on hole wall quality
Authors: Fu Lianyu , Yang Fan 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTo provide a solution for PCB drilling with strict requirements on hole wall quality.Design/methodology/approachThe influential mechanism of key micro drill bit parameters on hole wall roughness is analyzed. A new type of micro drill bit is developed on the basis of theoretical analysis and experimental verifications.FindingsThe key factors in drill bit design which can enable superior hole wall quality are described. Experimental results show that very good hole wall quality is achieved by such newly developed drill bits. Meanwhile, the new drill bits show good performance in terms of wear‐resistance and hole registration accuracy. A solution for PCB drilling with strict requirements on hole wall quality is provided.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the influential mechanism of key parameters of micro drill bit design on the hole wall quality of PCBs. A new kind of micro drill bit which can achieve superior hole wall quality has been developed.