bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An efficient spreading method for sheet metal parts based on outside normal
Authors: Jian‐jun Wu , Han‐ping Yang 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to provide a new spreading method for sheet metal parts, which aims to improve the standard radial spreading method.Design/methodology/approachA new radial spreading approach considering outside normal direction, which is based on geometric mapping method and triangle elements, is developed to resolve blank development in sheet metal forming.FindingsThrough practical applications, the effectiveness and usefulness of the approach presented are evaluated, and the development result is more reasonable, meanwhile, the obtained blank shape should be a better initial values in the application of one‐step analysis for fast deep drawing simulation.Originality/valueThis paper offers a more reasonable spreading method for sheet metal parts.
Numerical time integration for dynamic analysis using a new higher order predictor‐corrector method
Authors: Rezaiee‐Pajand M. , Alamatian J. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a simple and accurate higher order predictor‐corrector integration which can be used in dynamic analysis and to compare it with the previous works.Design/methodology/approachThe predictor‐corrector integration is defined by combining the higher order explicit and implicit integrations in which displacement and velocity are assumed to be functions of accelerations of several previous time steps. By studying the accuracy and stability conditions, the weighted factors and acceptable time step are determined.FindingsSimplicity and vector operations plus accuracy and stability are the main specifications of the new predictor‐corrector method. This procedure can be used in linear and nonlinear dynamic analysis.Research limitations/implicationsIn the proposed integration, time step is assumed to be constant.Practical implicationsThe numerical integration is the heart of a dynamic analysis. The result's accuracy is strongly influenced by the accuracy and stability of the numerical integration.Originality/valueThis paper presents simple and accurate predictor‐corrector integration based on accelerations of several previous time steps. This may be used as a routine in any dynamic analysis software to enhance accuracy and reduce computational time.
Product‐country images in the arts: a multi‐country study
Authors: d'Astous Alain , Giraud Voss Zannie , Colbert François , Carù Antonella , Caldwell Marylouise , Courvoisier François 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe country‐of‐origin literature has focused mainly on tangible products and has neglected largely intangible services and products such as the arts. The objective of this study is to examine the impact that country of origin may have on consumer perceptions of artistic and cultural products and to explore the variables that explain how consumers form their perceptions of countries as producers of cultural products.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among adult consumers in Australia, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, and the USA that assessed participants' perceptions of 16 countries with respect to their reputation for nine cultural products.FindingsThe results indicate that product‐country images in the arts are affected by country and product familiarity as well as consumers' openness to foreign cultures and home country bias. Countries more proximate to the participants' home country were also better evaluated, especially when the proximity factor played a significant role in the consumption of cultural products.Research limitations/implicationsWhile almost all of the hypotheses were supported, additional research is needed to examine the cultural products of non‐Western and emerging markets as well as product‐country perceptions in these markets.Originality/valueThis study extends our understanding of country‐of‐origin effects in the context of aesthetic, intangible, and complex products that elicit both cognitive and affective responses. It demonstrates that familiarity with a country of origin has a stronger association with positive perceptions of product‐country reputation than does product familiarity, and that openness to foreign cultures, home country bias, and proximity have a positive effect on product‐country evaluations.
Service quality measurement in the Chinese corporate banking market
Authors: Guo Xin , Duff Angus , Hair Mario 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct a measurement instrument to capture service quality in the Chinese corporate banking market.Design/methodology/approachTo create the measurement instrument, Chinese Banking Service Quality (CBSQ), constructs are utilised from the generic service quality literature and Chinese business culture. In addition, 18 financial managers were interviewed to identify how other aspects of the Chinese banking market could be included in the new instrument. CBSQ was administered to 259 corporate customers in China. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assist data reduction, test hypothesised models and refine scales.FindingsFactor analysis identifies that service quality in Chinese corporate banking is measured by a nested model, consisting of two higher‐order constructs (i.e. functional quality and technical quality) and four lower‐order dimensions (i.e. reliability, human capital, technology and communication).Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected from corporate customers in China, and hence the findings of this paper may not be generalisable to other contexts.Practical implicationsThe presence of CBSQ is timely given the rapid development of the Chinese banking sector, allowing Chinese domestic banks and international banks to incorporate service quality issues into their strategic planning. Particularly, bank management could benefit from focusing their efforts on the four dimensions of CBSQ.Originality/valueThis research contributes to our understanding of service quality in the Chinese banking market by creating CBSQ – a model to capture the quality of service provision in corporate banking. The utility of CBSQ for academics and practitioners is discussed along with avenues for future research.
Work‐family conflict and work‐family synergy for generation X, baby boomers, and matures
Authors: Beutell Nicholas J. , Wittig‐Berman Ursula 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore generational effects on work‐family conflict and synergyDesign/methodology/approachThe design is cross‐sectional and investigates large US national probability samples. Multiple regressions and ANOVAs were used in the analyses.FindingsGenerational differences in work‐family conflict and synergy were found. Mental health and job pressure were the strongest predictors of work‐family conflict for each group. Matures were significantly more satisfied than baby boomers and generation Xers.Research limitations/implicationsAll measures were self‐reports collected at one point in time. Thus, common method variance may be an issue and causal inferences cannot be made. Life stage and family stage differed for the generational groups and this should be explored in subsequent research.Practical implicationsManagers and human resource professionals need to consider generational differences in work‐family program design and monitor patterns of program usage for each group. Generation X members are particularly concerned about work/life balance.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to investigate generational issues affecting work‐family conflict and synergy. The findings are particularly relevant to managers and human resource professionals.
How do virtual teams process information? A literature review and implications for management
Authors: Curşeu Petru L. , Schalk René , Wessel Inge 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to inform readers on what is known on information processing in virtual teams and to discuss the consequences of these findings for the management of virtual teams.Design/methodology approachSystematic review of the literature on information processing in virtual teams based on a general information processing model for teams.FindingsAn overview of the most relevant factors that influence the effectiveness of virtual teams is provided.Research limitations/implicationsThe review is based on existing literature on virtual teams and it discusses future research directions opened by the conceptualization of virtual teams as information processing systems.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies the factors that can improve the effectiveness of information processing in virtual teams.Originality/valueThe general information‐processing model for teams enables a systematic integration of the fragmented literature on virtual teams.
Auditors general's universe revisited
Authors: Morin Danielle 
Published: August 2008

PurposeAs practised by Auditors General in governmental organizations, the value for money (VFM) audit is ultimately destined to improve the management of public affairs. This study aims to examine to what extent Auditor General of Quebec has been achieving this objective through the VFM audits conducted in the Canadian province of Quebec from 1995 to 2002. For the purposes of this research, a model was designed that measured the impact these VFM audits may have had on the management of the organizations audited and that exposed the determinants of this impact.Design/methodology/approachA survey was sent out exclusively to auditees who are the representatives of the organizations audited: top and middle managers and department professionals (specialists in their area: health, education, etc.) having interacted with the auditors during VFM audits. A five‐category Likert‐type scale was selected for the survey. A total of 188 questionnaires were sent out and, of the questionnaires filled out by auditees, a total of 99 were considered valid, that is 53 percent response rate. Quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS software. For each of the elements measuring the impact of VFM audits on the management of organizations audited, principal components factor analysis (with VARIMAX rotation when there was more than one factor) was performed. These analyses sought to understand the correlation structure of the variables for each of the elements.FindingsThe changes made after the auditors' visits have not been radical and there have been no revolutions in the organizations audited, but the influence of auditors is perceptible for all ten of the elements measured. The will of those at the base of the organization and the intervention of parliamentarians turn out to have a decisive influence on the impact that auditors will or will not have on the management of organizations audited.Research limitations/implicationsThe point of view reported is exclusively that of auditees. There can be no claim for total objectivity on their part. Moreover, it was practically impossible to corroborate their statements with other sources. Some respondents might have tended to minimize the influence that auditors might have had on them. Others could have shaped facts to their advantage.Originality/valueMeasurement of the impact of VFM audits on the management of government organizations, from auditees' point of view, has not been much examined by scholars. This research constitutes a major contribution to advance knowledge about the impact of VFM audits in a Canadian context.
Beating the commoditization trend: a framework from the electronics industry
Authors: Olson Eric G. , Sharma Deepak 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that some of the critical questions that top executives from electronics companies ask are not unique to their industry and, in fact, are the same ones that confront executives across a variety of industries and virtually all company sizes. Questions that address issues of product complexity and the breadth of product offerings, how to respond to competitive forces, and how to meet the challenges that come from shortened product lifecycles and shrinking the time it takes for products to ultimately reach the marketplace are all relevant across multiple industries. Still, the electronics industry is one that is experiencing an especially unprecedented degree of change spurred by the increasing complexity of end products, higher competitive intensity, and shorter time to commoditization.Design/methodology/approachThe article provides the methodology and tool set needed to develop and assess a product portfolio map, determine changes needed to marketing and sales focus as well as future actions to take in order to sustain higher profitability and return on investments. It includes: definition of the key dimensions and characteristics of the six key zones for product, sales, and marketing; summary of product, marketing and sales focus by zone; key challenges and actions that an organization can undertake for each zone; and methodology to apply the framework and develop an actionable transformation roadmap. This answers key questions such as: Does the current coverage align with existing core competencies? Which zone has the most profitable products? If playing in every zone which business should be divested? If there is heavy emphasis on one zone what does it mean for M&A strategy? Where do the top 100 customers map in the framework? What looking at product and technology roadmap going forward, which zones do we start entering?FindingsThis article provides a framework that enables businesses to ascertain their current state and identify actions appropriate to achieve a desired future state. It provides insights that lead to an actionable transformation plan.Originality/valueMost companies in the electronics industry are executing multiple strategies based on acquisitions, sales transformations, new product introductions, and cost cutting measures to deal with the situation. However, the success rate of these strategies leaves significant room for improvement at many companies. So what is the answer? As is often the case when many variables need to be considered simultaneously and the competitive environment is complex such as this, it is important to establish a structured way to approach the challenges at hand. In this case, the key elements to consider are the customer experience, the product portfolios, and sales and marketing competencies. Achieving the right level of interaction and focus among these elements is critical to achieving success. This article provides a new and insightful framework to enable a structured analysis of the multi‐variable system.
Taking advantage of disaster: misrepresentation of housing shortage for political gain
Authors: Vuk Vedran 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper aims to explore the reports of housing shortages in post‐Katrina New Orleans especially for low‐income residents in the face of a returning working poor population. Despite the availability of housing vouchers by the New Orleans Housing Authority to any previous residents of New Orleans housing projects, a political uproar has claimed no homes are available and that destroying the previously failing New Orleans housing projects would amount to “forced homelessness.”Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is done by reflecting on different commentary from persons claiming the housing projects must be preserved while also exploring the failed goals of the same public institutions. Further, a brief overview of the housing situation regarding availability of homes is conducted.FindingsThe findings show that the poor of New Orleans are being misled about available housing, and there is a continuing process of decline in sovereignty of local public policy makers. Politicians benefit by elevating their public persona.Originality/valueThe paper explores the political benefactors of perpetuating falsehoods in order to make political gains.
Corporate governance rating of family firms at the Athens exchange market
Authors: Spanos Loukas J. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeCorporate governance (CG) has mainly focused on highly dispersed corporations. This paper has two objectives: to enrich the debate in this area and to contribute to the increasing body of literature by exploring the CG of the listed family firms in Greece; and to place the CG practices of Greek family firms within the international debate, especially in the framework of a small open capital market. In addition, this paper presents an attempt to quantify the compliance of family firms with international best practices.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consisted of the creation of a questionnaire reflecting the Greek CG code and other well‐regarded CG codes, like the OECD principles. The authors constructed a CG rating system and applied it to distinguish family from non‐family firms.FindingsThe main conclusion is that the family firms lack an efficient CG mechanism and they demonstrated poor governance compared with non‐family firms.Practical implicationsThe results disclose the potential strengths and weaknesses of the existing CG framework of the family‐owned firms. The methodology applies in a small open economy and may have significant implications in other similar capital markets.Originality/valueMethodologically, the merit of the exercise lies in its approach toward the creation of “collectively subjective” weightings, and is valuable to policymakers and academics.
Employees as customers judging quality: enhancing employee assessment
Authors: Harer John B. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate current practices in employee satisfaction assessment to determine if quality in the production of library services and work systems are being assessed from the employees' perspective. It is grounded in the theoretical perspective that customers judge quality and that employees are internal customers, equally important to assessment efforts as are external customers. The paper argues that employees provide a unique perspective to the assessment of quality that external customers cannot provide and that quality assessment needs to be an additional form of employee assessment from that of employee satisfaction or organizational climate initiatives.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis of measures in organizational climate surveys gathered from the Association of Research Libraries was performed. Each item of several organizational climate surveys was analyzed for words and phrases identified as associated with quality assessment. Conclusions were made based on this analysis.FindingsEach of the organizational climate surveys examined included some measures of quality, though there was no consistent focus on quality. Quality issues in these surveys included sharing skills, work load issues, and alignment with library vision and mission.Research limitations/implicationsThis is the first part of an ongoing research project. The next steps include content analysis of employee satisfaction instruments and a Delphi study of quality measures gleaned from this analysis.Originality/valueThe paper contends that quality assessment is different than employee satisfaction assessment, but significantly enhances employee assessment in general – providing benefits to both the library and its employees.
Green library design and evaluation: the Taipei Public Library, Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Shu‐hsien 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the planning and architectural design features, and the post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) of the Beitou Branch Library in the Taipei Public Library System. This paper also proposes possible solutions in response to the public's suggestions for improvements.Design/methodology/approachA library‐user survey was employed to appraise the functioning of the Beitou Branch Library by the general public. The questionnaire for this survey was divided into three parts: background information of patrons; patrons' use of the Beitou Branch Library; and patrons' opinions on the facilities of the Beitou Branch Library. The 511 valid returned patron questionnaires were numbered and processed by means of Microsoft Excel statistical analysis. Chi‐square testing, ANOVA and Pearson T‐test were then used to analyze the relevant data and statistics.FindingsThe findings from the Beitou Branch Library survey are as follows: its innovative design and unique architecture and furniture has created a trend for new design concepts in Taiwan; it increases the number of library visits; it increases the visibility of the library and changes the stereotype of the library in the public's mind; it embodies the principles of ecological education and has become a multi‐faceted learning center; it has gained the support of local residents and professional experts; it has generated corporate sponsorship of green library buildings; and the average numbers and distribution of frequency indicate that, other than “convenient parking” and “number of computers in the computer area”, patrons were generally satisfied with the library's facilities, with all other categories receiving an average rating of 3.5 or greater.Originality/valueThis paper provides details of the experience of Taipei Public Library in planning and designing a diamond class green library and may increase public libraries' concerns about the issues of environmental protection and energy conservation.
Challenges for science and society in the digital age
Authors: Koren Marian 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the second IFLA Presidential Meeting held in Berlin, Germany in January 2008.Design/methodology/approachAn outline description of the issues, contents and participants of this conference is presented in the paper.FindingsThe meeting followed three themes – commercialisation or public financing, how libraries are managed to provide literature for science and society, and digitalisation relating to the cultural and societal context.Originality/valueThe paper provides a brief conference report of value to library and information professionals regarding “Libraries on the agenda”.
Forecast competitor service strategy with service taxonomy and CI data
Authors: Liu Chun‐Hsien , Wang Chu‐Ching 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to develop a service taxonomy model and a mathematical process to forecast a competitor's service business strategy in a multiple service business context by inputting CI data such as the profits of existing core services.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative method of literature review is adopted to build a service taxonomy model and form two propositions. Based on the multiple business process integration concept of the resource‐based view, a mathematical process constituted by service modules and weights is developed. Salient components of the competitor's service business are identified to forecast the competitor's service business strategy after utilizing optimization heuristics of 80/20 and large number rules.FindingsThe model is able not only to forecast a competitor's service business strategy, but can also help develop the firm's own new service strategy. The resources of the firm can then be realigned to counteract the competitor's strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe developed model is mainly applicable to service businesses. The collection and use of CI data must consider ethical issues, which might limit the sources of data.Practical implicationsTo forecast a competitor's strategy correctly , good quality CI practice is necessary. Experienced people in the CI department are critical to the production of good quality forecasts.Originality/valueThe contribution to CI impact studies is that the mathematical forecasting process is developed based on qualitative service taxonomical research. Key elements of the service process are identified as salient elements, which serve as the main focusing points in forecasting competitors' strategy.