bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer‐aided SPC and cybernetic view on quality control
Authors: Pan Xia 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to put forward the view that systems theory, cybernetics, information theory, and dissipative structure theory should be the fundamental principles underlying quality management. These “new sciences” relate to quality management not just in terms of philosophy but also in the requirements of the well‐structured quantitative analysis methods.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses several issues in quality management and control from the views of the new sciences, then proposes the concept of computer‐aided statistical process control (CASPC) to bridge traditional statistical process control and automatic process control, and the use of ARIMA models to achieve CASPC for linear systems.FindingsNotes that there are implications of the new sciences for quality control and presents a discussion of same.Originality/valueIs of value by pointing out that computer‐aided statistical process control for dynamic systems can be the realistic way of leading towards more advanced systematic control approaches.
Considering unlearning in HRD practices: an Australian study
Authors: Becker Karen , Hyland Paul , Acutt Bruce 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the level of consideration given to unlearning during human resource development interventions and to identify the methods being used to reinforce training and development.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered questionnaire was given to a convenience sample of employers in regional Queensland and the Northern Territory, Australia. Analysis of responses using descriptive statistics was conducted to identify whether approaches differed in relation to unlearning and reinforcement between large and small organisations, and between those with high labour turnover and those with low labour turnover.FindingsResults reveal that larger organisations give far more consideration to unlearning than smaller organisations. Those organisations with high labour turnover focus less on unlearning that those with a more stable workforce. Coaching and performance feedback were reported as the most commonly used method of reinforcement of learning and unlearning.Research limitations/implicationsLow response rates mean that results are not statistically generalisable. Owing to the regional location of respondents there may be differences in findings in large metropolitan centres.Practical implicationsReinforces to practitioners the need to consider unlearning, and also indicates a need for further research in this area. From a managerial perspective the results show that managers need to employ a range of tools and techniques to ensure unlearning can occur.Originality/valueThis paper reports on a study examining unlearning; and begins to address the lack of empirical research on this important concept.
Does class matter? Mentoring small businesses' owner‐managers
Authors: Greenbank Paul 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper examines the way social class influences the relationship between business mentors and small business owner‐managers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the author's experience of mentoring businesses with The Prince's Trust. Three businesses were selected as cases. The methodological approach involved participant‐observation over an extended period of time. These observations were supplemented by semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe paper focuses on Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and cultural capital as key influences on the values and dispositions of owner‐managers. The working class owner‐managers in this study lacked a future orientation and as a result “lived for today”. They also had a fatalistic attitude to life arising from both their experience and an understanding of their “position” in society. Low aspiration levels were also evident in the way the owner‐managers in this study viewed ambition as “pretentious” and “getting above oneself”. In addition, they resisted the idea of being “rational” and preferred to utilise informal or “hot” information.Practical implicationsThis paper concludes that professionals should resist adopting a “deficit model” that automatically assumes the values of the mentor are superior to those of the owner‐manager. In order to avoid this it is suggested that professionals should adopt a reflexive approach in their relationships with clients.Originality/valueIt could be argued that other factors besides social class will influence the owner‐manager/business mentor relationship and the way these businesses are run. However, a focus on social class was felt to be appropriate because of its neglect in small business research.
Construction machines
Authors: Ćirović Goran , Plamenac Darko 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo define the ratio of usability of various options in the choice of construction machinery for concreting operations which is realistic in practice, as well as the ratio of usability of various mathematical tools.Design/methodology/approachIn construction industry optimal choice of options of construction machines is obtained mostly by a conventional procedure. However, a conventional procedure does not often give a clear answer to a question which option should be chosen as the best one, so that some other method for the choice of machinery should be employed in a decision‐making process. Owing to uncertain and imprecise environment in which a system of construction machines exists, the theories of rough sets and fuzzy sets are chosen as mathematical framework to solve a problem of optimal choice of construction machinery.FindingsThe need for application of three models – conventional procedure and rough and fuzzy sets approaches, in optimal choice of options of construction machines, is recognized.Research limitations/implicationsAccessibility and availability of data are the main limitations which model will be applied.Practical implicationsA very useful advice for construction processes managers.Originality/valueThe new approach of optimal choice of options of construction machines due to fuzzy and rough sets. The paper is aimed at operational researches and engineers, especially those who dealt with machinery.
Design for viable organizations
Authors: Schwaninger Markus 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper attempts to underpin the theoretical claim of the viable system model to specify the necessary and sufficient preconditions of organizations for viability.Design/methodology/approachA number of case studies are explored.FindingsThe evidence documented in the paper both corroborates the model's claim and provides evidence of its enormous diagnostic power.Originality/valueThe cases documented here cover a wide range of applications, thus underlining the vast potential of the VSM. The case studies exemplify the unparalleled strength of the model as a conceptual framework for better organizational diagnosis and design, and can therefore be used for didactic purposes.
Innovative organisation approach to sustainable tourism development in rural areas
Authors: Sibila Lebe Sonja , Milfelner Borut 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo work out an innovative organisation model for tourism destinations in rural areas.Design/methodology/approachBy outlining the problematic of tourism development in rural areas and implementing the concept of network management and the systems theory, we developed an innovative approach to destination management for non‐urban areas.FindingsNetwork management means a new lesson for destination management. Our model has been conceived to systematically deal with different subsystems and both systemic and non‐systemic entities in a rural destination.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus is limited to destination management in rural areas only. Although several methods suit different types of destinations, some seem to be less adequate for rural areas. The model was intended to search an optimal organisational model only.Originality/valueThe model introduces an original approach to the destination management and allows its application in a wide range of real situations. It can help achieving a better organisation and thus an improved competitiveness of a rural destination.
Moral invention in meaning‐constituting systems
Authors: Laflamme Diane 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo present the concept of moral invention as discussed by philosopher Paul Ricoeur and to examine how the selections operated by systems described by Niklas Luhmann as meaning‐constituting systems allow for the emergence of distinctions that would qualify as moral invention.Design/methodology/approachRicoeur's philosophical position on ethics and morality is rooted in Husserlian phenomenology. So is Niklas Luhmann's description of meaning‐constituting systems and his discussion of their capacity to produce meaningful distinctions, including ethico‐moral ones. An interdisciplinary approach is used in order to highlight the conditions under which moral invention could become possible. In order to provide grounds for further discussions across disciplines, the extensive use of quotations is deemed necessary so that the material referred to can be traced back within Luhmann's extensive corpus, written and published in many languages.FindingsPropositions are formulated as comments following the presentation of three of Luhmann's statements about meaning. These propositions indicate how meaning‐constituting systems could make distinctions or selections that would qualify as moral inventions.Originality/valueTo shows how second‐order cybernetics and philosophy, using as a common basis a description of meaning inspired by Husserlian phenomenology, can develop complementary propositions about ethics and morality.
Study on venture problem of potential optimal pure strategy solution for grey interval number matrix game
Authors: Fang Zhi‐geng , Liu Si‐feng , Ruan Aiqing , Zhang Xuewei 
Published: October 2006

PurposeA study is made of the payoff matrix which is made up of grey interval number because of asymmetry information, player's finite knowledge and bounded rationality and all sorts of stochastic and non‐stochastic factors.Design/methodology/approachOn the base of concept of equipollent, superior and inferior potential degree, the paper designs determinant rules of interval grey number potential relations, opens out player's decision‐making laws in the conditions of finite knowledge and logos. And it designs the grey game decision‐making rules which player choices maximum potential degree of grey game value (the most favorableness situation) under the cases of that there are all likely to be minimum potential degree of grey game value (the most disadvantage situation), which is a reliable way for both sides to accept.FindingsThe paper recognizes and defines overrated and underrated risk of potential optimal pure strategy in the grey game, designs arithmetic for determining player's overrated and underrated risk under the situation of potential optimal pure strategy.Practical implicationsThe presents system meets the requirement of judging pure strategy solutions in the grey potential situation.Originality/valueThis paper builds up the system of judgment for grey potential.
Future and emerging information technologies
Authors: Rudall B.H. , Mann C.J.H. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review future and emerging information systems.Design/methodology/approachGeneral review and survey of selected research and development topics.FindingsIllustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics and systems. Aims to further research and development activity.Practical implicationsThe choice of review provides an awareness of the current trends in these areas of endeavour but are necessarily selective.Originality/valueThe reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Islam and totalitarianism, IFSR silver anniversary
Authors: Andrew Alex M. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeA discussion on the CybCom list about relations with Islam and other ideologies is reviewed, as well as another prompted by the 25th anniversary of the International Federation for Systems Research. The latter includes warnings of a perilous situation for mankind, with the suggestion that the work of von Bertalanffy offers a remedy. The Social Science Research Net, and a newsletter giving advice to users of the Windows operating system, are briefly described.Design/methodology/approachThe aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.FindingsAttention is drawn to certain worrying features ascribed to Islamic culture, but with attention also to its peaceful side and much thoughtful discussion about the place of ideologies in society. An imminent crisis in human affairs is predicted, with some pointers towards a remedy.Practical implicationsThe CybCom list, and others mentioned, are valuable sources, both of thoughtful treatments and practical hints.Originality/valueIt is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
The company‐cause‐customer fit decision in cause‐related marketing
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Pirsch Julie 
Published: October 2006

PurposeCause‐related marketing activities are increasingly becoming a meaningful part of corporate marketing plans. This paper aims to examine the relationship between the company, cause and customer, and how fit between these three groups influences consumer response via generating a positive attitude toward the company‐cause alliance and purchase intent for the sponsored product.Design/methodology/approachTwo studies are carried out, first among students and second among consumers.FindingsTwo studies (study 1=232 students, study 2=531 consumers) demonstrate that company‐cause fit improves attitude toward the company‐cause alliance and increases purchase intent. Additionally, this effect is enhanced under conditions of customer‐company and customer‐cause congruence, and the consumer's overall attitude toward the sponsoring company. Skepticism about the company's motivation for participating in a cause‐related marketing initiative was not relevant to consumer purchase decisions.Research limitations/implicationsResults from these studies suggest that consumers may in fact make two different assessments of the sponsoring company in a cause‐related marketing campaign. One assessment may be more cognitive where the consumer compares his or her own identity to that of the company: “Is this company like me? Are our identities alike?” The second assessment is more affective or emotional: “Do I like this company? Do I feel positively about this company?” The strength of the consumer sample suggests that when building a cause‐related marketing program, marketing managers should select a cause that makes sense to the consumer to be a partner in the alliance, build a general positive feeling toward their brand, and limit any self‐serving promotion of the cause‐related marketing alliance to the target consumer population.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the relationship between the company, cause and customer, and how the fit between these three groups influences consumer response.
“I'll always be in debt”: Irish and UK student behaviour in a credit led environment
Authors: O'Loughlin Deirdre , Szmigin Isabelle 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis research seeks to explore current attitudes, motivations and behaviours in relation to student credit and debt consumption in the UK and Ireland.Design/methodology/approachKey qualitative consumer research based on 20 interviews with Irish and UK higher education students is presented.FindingsThe findings highlight that, while the UK and Irish student contexts are significantly different in terms of accommodation costs, tuition fees and living expenses, many Irish students reported relatively high debt levels, with some exceeding their UK counterparts. The research identifies key contextual factors associated with the credit‐friendly environment in which students live in addition to shedding light on student orientation towards credit and debt, with specific conclusions for future student debt.Research limitations/ implicationsGiven the rise in debt and its detrimental consequences, the study has far‐reaching implications for policy makers, consumer agencies financial providers and marketers in terms of creating an environment where good student financial capability and management is developed and facilitated through increased financial education and regulation. The research has implications for other western countries in terms of predicting comparative trends in student credit and debt attitude and behaviour.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the lack of analytical and academic commentary exploring the dynamics and nature of student credit and debt, particularly within an Irish context, in addition to providing a cross‐cultural comparison between credit and debt consumption in Ireland, where debt is a relatively new phenomenon, and the UK, a country well‐entrenched in debt.
The long tail of loyalty: how personalized dialogue and customized rewards will change marketing forever
Authors: Ferguson Rick , Hlavinka Kelly 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper is aimed at describing how companies can find new opportunities for customer retention and lifetime value by applying the concepts of dialogue marketing, network‐building and relevant rewards.Design/methodology/approachThe paper cites the work of Chris Anderson, Editor‐in‐Chief of Wired Magazine, and the work of Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. The paper explains how the works of these two men, and how programs put into place at two companies (Hewlett‐Packard and Rain Bird), have opened new vistas in customer retention.FindingsThe study found that by applying specific marketing principles, companies can do a better job of retaining all customers, specifically those customers who are not in the top 20 percent of revenue‐producers.Practical implicationsMost companies believe that 80 percent of their business comes from 20 percent of their customers. However, by applying specific marketing principles, companies can do a better job of retaining all customers, specifically those customers who are not in the top 20 percent of revenue‐producers.Originality/valueThe paper takes a new look at an old principle (the 80‐20 Pareto Principle).
How Database‐Driven Web Sites Enhance Accessibility
Authors: Hunter Dunlap Isaac 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis article provides an update on “web accessibility” issues.Design/methodology/approachProvides background information on currently applicable accessibility standards and offers a framework for exploring issues and highlighting potential pathways for success.FindingsThis article provides an overview of how a database driven approach to web development can help address significant technical challenges related to providing universal information access.Originality/valueThis paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of database driven approach to web development.
Trust: looking forward and back
Authors: Young Louise 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper considers ways forward in the study of trust in business relationships and networks.Design/methodology/approachThe 25 papers focusing on trust previously published in theJournal of Business & Industrial Marketingare categorized as to their focus and compared to the body of work on trust concluding there is little considering the nature of trust. A model that integrates conceptualizations of the past and present and extends these to incorporate nature of trust as affective – including calculation and emotion – is presented.FindingsThis broadened conceptualization of trust contains focused, interacting components enabling both holistic and well as focused study of relationships and the role of trust within them.Research limitations/implicationsAn important direction for business relationship and network research is consideration of thebestway to conceptualize and measure trust. The way that trust components combine and vary in different settings, including in different cultures is also needed in future work. Operationalisations that are both more parsimonious and valid are likely.Practical implicationsUnderstanding as to value of measures of propensity to trust (which this model can guide) has potential value to managers as does an effective measure of generalized trust and understanding as whether this is a first step in relationship trial.Originality/valueThis is first detailed model of the nature of trust in business relationships that has been published in the marketing literature.
The evolution of an evolutionary perspective on B2B business
Authors: Wilkinson Ian F. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe paper seeks to review recent developments in theory and research regarding the nature and role of relations and networks in business markets and to argue for a more dynamic, interactive and evolutionary view.Design/methodology/approachComplexity theory, as well as theories of distributed cognition and control, is used to show that business markets, relations and networks are complex adaptive systems of interacting people, firms, activities, resources and ideas in which no one player is in control.FindingsThe theoretical perspective described has profound implications for management practice, policymaking and research. In particular it leads to the concept of soft assembled strategies in which management and firms utilize the inherent response properties of the relations and networks in which they operate to extend what they can do, sense, know and think.Research limitations/implicationsRelevant research methodologies for addressing the academic, management and policy issues arising from this perspective are described.Originality/valueThe paper shows the relevance of developments in the complexity sciences and distributed cognition to business marketing and management.
Fostering hope: a leader's first and last task
Authors: Walker Keith D. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to call upon educational leaders to consider the forces that hinder hope‐giving and to consider viewing their work as inspiring warranted hope among their constituents in situations of well‐defined reality.Design/methodological/approachThe author argues that hope is an essential component of leader agency which when unhindered and defined in a multidimensional fashion may be used to transform the experiences of learning communities.FindingsThe author argues that leaders who foster warranted hope in constituents will gain transformational leverage to improve educational practice and the experiences of learners and their communities.Practical implicationsThe author provides leaders with an overview of the utility of a reality‐based notion of hope that may serve to legitimate and focus constituent energies and make sense of key organizational challenges.Originality/valueProvides a unique framing and synthesis of the multi‐dimensional concept of hope into the context of educational leadership, association with relevant allied constructs, and the challenges of education in the twenty‐first century.