bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aftermarket support and the supply chain
Authors: Theodore Farris M. , Wittmann C. Michael , Hasty Ron 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo examine supply chain competences necessary to efficiently and/or effectively succeed in aftermarket support.Design/methodology/approachUsing the aerospace industry as a context, this paper provides a brief overview of aftermarket support practices and trends and discusses the broader implications for aftermarket supply chain managers.FindingsThere are multiple approaches to aftermarket support. Which approach should be used depends on key variables including: technology, need for visibility and/or traceability, and need for collaborative product commerce.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is a general review. Future research should examine resources necessary in individual industries, other forms of relationships, and the influence of new technologies.Practical implicationsIn many industries, there are significant opportunities for incremental profit in aftermarket support. Collaborative product commerce, alliances, a number of new technologies (e.g. web commerce), and security needs may play critical roles in determining whether or not a company's aftermarket support practices will be profitable. Firms without competences in these areas should seek help from trusted partners to fill competence gaps.Originality/valueThis paper explores an often ignored but significant line of business – aftermarket support. Lessons demonstrated in this paper may be used in a number of industries that rely on aftermarket support for incremental profit.
Competitive strategies and manufacturing logistics
Authors: Chan Joseph W.K. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeSets out an exploratory study to give an alternative viewpoint of manufacturing logistics.Design/methodology/approachBased on causal analysis, the relationship between competitive strategy and manufacturing logistics was explored. Variables, including both positioning and competitive dimensions, in the competitive strategy that interacted with manufacturing logistics were identified. The elements of manufacturing logistics for this study included master production scheduling, capacity requirements planning, material planning, purchasing, and inventory control. A weighted business performance index was used to segregate the sample firms into three groups: high‐, average‐, and low‐performing organizations. For each of the performance group, the causal relationships between strategic elements and the performance of manufacturing logistics were then analyzed.FindingsThe results showed a significant relationship between competitive strategy and manufacturing logistics system performance.Research/limitations/implicationsNot all the elements in manufacturing logistics may contribute to the logistics performance. The construct of manufacturing logistics depends on a particular set of strategic variables that the organization designs.Originality/valueExtends the study of manufacturing logistics beyond its boundary through a broader strategic perspective.
World‐class logistics: Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Mollenkopf Diane , Dapiran G. Peter 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper reports on a study of the logistics and supply chain practices of Australian and New Zealand firms.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses the Supply Chain 2000 Framework developed at Michigan State University as a basis for analyzing logistics/supply chain capabilities and competencies of Australian and New Zealand firms. A mail survey instrument was used in both countries.FindingsThere are indeed Australian and New Zealand firms who are operating at world‐class levels with respect to logistics/supply chain capabilities. The majority of firms, however, still focus their efforts on internal logistics integration issues, compared with external integration issues. A comparison of industry groups shows that the motor/transport and the chemicals/petroleum sectors perform the best, while there is much room for improvement in the food, clothing/textile and primary industry sectors.Research limitations/implicationsThis research takes a snapshot of Australian and New Zealand businesses at a point in time, and uses a framework developed in North America to assess the logistics competencies of the ANZ firms. These two issues can be considered research limitations, in that businesses are constantly evolving, and thus future research should be conducted to evaluate the evolution of ANZ firms as they continue to develop their logistics capabilities. Additionally, the business environment of North America is considerably different from the environment found in Australia and New Zealand. Thus, future research should also consider the logistics competencies within the specific context of the ANZ environment.Practical implicationsThis research provides a baseline for ANZ managers to assess their logistics competencies and capabilities, and provides a framework for developing further logistics capabilities.Originality/valueFrom a practical perspective the research enriches understanding of the state and practice of logistics in Australia and New Zealand, about which very little has been previously published. Theoretically, the study extends a conceptual framework in an international setting.
Professional women's mid‐career satisfaction: an empirical exploration of female engineers
Authors: Auster Ellen R. , Ekstein Karen L. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe dynamics of professional women's mid‐career satisfaction are important to understand, given the vast knowledge, experience and skills typically accrued by mid‐career that are often difficult to replace.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically examines Auster's multilevel framework of factors affecting the mid‐career satisfaction of professional women using a sample of 125 professional women engineers.FindingsResults of logistic regressions reveal that individual, career, job, stress and organizational factors all impact the mid‐career satisfaction of professional women, but that stress and job factors are the most powerful determinants for this sample of women.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study offers many insights and possible directions for future research on women at mid‐career, there are a number of limitations. Future research could broaden the macro and micro factors explored, as well as compare these results with those of women in other fields and industries, women at other career stages, and women across other geographic regions.Practical implicationsOrganizations should strive to be more transparent about advancement options and opportunities, provide interesting and challenging work and more flexibility in work schedules (emphasize output, not face time), and offer support for key drivers of stress.Originality/valueThis is the first fairly large‐scale empirical study of macro and micro factors affecting women's mid‐career satisfaction. This article should be of interest to managers concerned with retention of high‐performing employees, HR practitioners, and academics specializing in careers, women's issues, and human resource management.
Equal opportunity and affirmative action for South African women: a benefit or barrier?
Authors: Mathur‐Helm Babita 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to examine whether the South African government and its corporate organizations have been successful in employing women as professional equals by utilizing them fully in senior and top management positions after equal opportunity and affirmative action legislation was introduced by the democratic government.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive and theoretical paper, and thus secondary data from previous studies are used as comparative analysis for discussions and examinations.FindingsReaching top level positions is still uncommon for South Africa's women, as its corporate environment is not yet ready to accept women as professional equals, resulting in government legislation and policies working against women's growth and advancement instead of working in their favour. Suggestions are made for future studies to investigate what makes women worldwide flourish in government and public sector jobs, but fail in private and corporate sectors.Practical implicationsRecommends implications for South Africa's corporate organizations to become more women‐sensitive and friendly by empowering women as a group regardless of their race and colour for government policy and legislation to be successful. This area is unexplored, thus making it a new topic.Originality/valueThis paper may be of value to those professional women who are oblivious to barriers affecting their advancement and to corporate organizations puzzled by the imperceptible upward mobility of women in top management positions despite the implementation of equal opportunity and affirmative action legislation.
Diversity reporting: how European business is reporting on diversity and equal opportunities
Authors: Holton Viki 
Published: March 2005

PurposeReviews and reflects on how well European businesses are doing with regard to diversity, specifically with regard to reporting on diversity.Design/methodology/approachReviews diversity and diversity reporting in several large European companies.FindingsDiversity reporting is still in its infancy. The growing public pressure for diversity reporting seems likely to continue, though at present there are few mandatory requirements. Pressure from shareholders, fund managers or pressure groups may help. Another less expected pressure point may come from a younger generation of workers who have higher expectations than their predecessors. The biggest change will occur when companies seize the business case for diversity.Originality/valueProvides a snapshot of current diversity reporting in European companies.
Editorial
Authors: McWhirter Jenny 
Published: March 2005

PurposeAims to assess the merits of random drug testing in UK schools.Design/methodology/approachOutlines the arguments for and against drug testing and draws on evidence from studies in the USA that seek to determine whether young people are deterred from using drugs by random drug testing.FindingsBoth theory and practice suggest that drug testing in schools will not prevent or delay drug use in the UK.Originality/valueThe balance of the argument is against drug testing in schools, and will remain so until evidence suggests otherwise.
Post‐16 students’ perceptions to health and healthy eating in Welsh secondary schools
Authors: Thomas Malcolm 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess how post‐16 students in Wales conceptualized health and healthy eating.Design/methodology/approachA health survey questionnaire was completed by 297 post‐16 students who were pursuing Biology at A level in year 12. The questionnaire was issued towards the end of the summer term in year 12 which ensured that at that stage in their A level studies, all students had received teaching on the nutritional and biochemical component of the syllabus they were taking.FindingsFor the majority of respondents, and particularly males, being healthy was seen as the absence of illness and having the capacity to function as expected whereas female students significantly reported the importance of positive health behaviours, such as the need for exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. Of concern, only a small percentage of the respondents reported the importance of eating fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy diet. Despite an increased emphasis on health issues within the school curriculum, it was apparent that female students possessed a more positive view of health as well as demonstrating a better understanding of what healthy eating means.Originality/valueIt is recommended that greater attention needs to be devoted to how health and nutritional education is taught in secondary schools.
Is it as easy as young people claim for them to buy cigarettes?
Authors: Croghan Emma , Aveyard Paul , Johnson Carol 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThere is a discrepancy between the ease of purchase of cigarettes reported by young people themselves and the results of ease of purchase obtained by tests done by official sources such as Trading Standards Units. This discrepancy suggests that either data from young people or from trading standards are unreliable. This research set out to find out whether young peoples’ perceptions of easy purchasing from shops were true.Design/methodology/approachSix volunteer young people visited shops around the West Midlands region and attempted to buy cigarettes. They conducted the attempt in as realistic fashion as possible. All volunteers were assessed independently as looking under 16. Shopkeeper, shop, area and youth attributes were recordedFindingsYoung people were able to make purchases in 31 out of 38 shops. The young people were very surprised by their rates of successful purchase attempts across such a large geographical area.Practical implicationsShopkeepers and communities need to be given more help to recognise underage youth purchasers in order to reduce this important source of tobacco to young people. Trading standards protocols for test purchases need to be revised to reflect the reality of ease of purchasing for young people.Originality/valueThis research confirms that young people who say that it is possible to buy cigarettes from shops appear to generally be correct in their perceptions.
Understanding the food related experiences and beliefs of a specific group of low‐income men in the UK
Authors: Daborn Cathy , Dibsall Louise , Lambert Nigel 
Published: March 2005

Purpose“Male” and “low‐income” are both risk factors for eating a nutritionally sub‐standard diet. The aim of the study was to explore the attitudes and experiences of typical low‐income males towards food and health. Information would build upon that previously obtained from a matched group of women, providing the opportunity to explore possible gender issues.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was used to meet the study aims. Face‐to‐face, in‐depth interviews were conducted in 2001 with eleven middle‐aged men who were typical of a substantial low‐income sub‐group. Interviews focussed upon the issues of cancer prevention and fruits and vegetables. Transcripts were analysed using an established interpretative phenomenological approach.FindingsPrevious life‐experiences and control beliefs concerning personal health were key themes influencing dietary attitudes and behaviours. Lack of food/health information and access to healthy foods were not significant factors. Although money was limiting, this in itself, did not prevent the men from eating appropriately. Core findings were similar (with certain exceptions) to those reported previously for a comparable group of women.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies are needed to test the transferability of these findings to low‐income men of different age, region and ethnicity, as well as to more affluent men.Practical implicationsGreater emphasis on sociological frameworks is needed in both the setting of public health nutrition policies and in how food and nutrition is taught in schools. The potential dangers of stigmatising “the poor” as consumers of “bad” diets should be considered.Originality/valueSimplistic statistical correlations do not adequately explain the complex causes of unhealthy diets and a greater emphasis upon social and cultural dynamics is required.
Health at work in small and medium sized enterprises
Authors: Griffin Barbara L. , Hall Nicky , Watson Nigel 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to explore a health at work initiative (“Fair Chance at Work”) for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and identify opportunities for improving engagement of businesses in such activities.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is usedFindingsTwo problems are identified ‐ engagement and participation. A model of engagement incorporating aspects of Prochaska and DiClemente's transtheoretical model of behaviour change is proposed based on findings from the case study and existing literature. It is concluded that improving the engagement of SMEs requires a greater understanding of their current needs, perceptions and attitudes towards health at work. Schemes such as the Teaching Companies Scheme could be useful in testing the model.Research limitations/implicationsThe Teaching Companies Scheme could be useful in testing the model.Practical implicationsThese findings may inform the development of health promotion projects to SMEs using an applied model behaviour change.Originality/valueThis paper is useful to health promotion workers when developing projects in SMEs.
Evidence‐based behavior change curriculum for the ambulatory clerkship
Authors: Williams Geoffrey C. , Markakis Kathryn M. , Ossip‐Klein Deborah , McIntosh Scott , Tripler Scott , Grady‐Weliky Tana 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo provide a rationale regarding the importance of physician behavior change counseling. To describe the double helix behavior change curriculum at the University of Rochester (UR). To provide initial evidence that the curriculum is effective.Design/methodology/approachEvidence that physician use of the 5A's model is effective in changing important patient health behaviors is summarized. The behavior change curriculum is described. Initial evidence assessing knowledge, attitudes and skills for behavior change counseling is reviewed.FindingsPhysicians will be better prepared to intervene to improve their patients quality and quantity of life if they consistently counsel patients using a brief standard model (the 5A's) that integrates biological, psychological, and social aspects of disease and treatment. Past efforts in the UR's curriculum have demonstrated that students adopt broader “biopsychosocial values” when the curriculum supports their learning needs. Initial evidence demonstrates that double helix curriculum students learn this model well and are able to provide the counseling in a patient‐centered style.Research limitations/implicationsThese results are limited by the observational design, and the reliance on student self‐reports and standardized patient observations of student behavior rather than change in patient behavior.Practical implicationsStrong evidence exists that physicians can be effective in providing behavior change counseling. Additional research is called for to create, implement, and fully evaluate behavior change counseling curricula for medical students.Originality/valueAn example of a behavior change curriculum is provided for medical educators, and initial evidence of its effectiveness is provided.
Construction firms at the crossroads in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan John K.W. , Tam C.M. , Cheung Ruby K.C. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo assist contractors in Hong Kong to review their past financial performance and to formulate new strategies for their business survival in the coming years.Design/methodology/approachThe financial accounting ratios and distress scoring are very useful tools to measure the financial performance. These tools are also useful to compare the performance among themselves and over the years. The mathematical analysis together with a review of the current business environment and the characteristics of construction industry will assist contractors in Hong Kong to formulate new strategies for their own business survival in the coming years.FindingsThe results have shown that the financial performance of most contractors in Hong Kong have been deteriorating very fast in the past few years. The results of all financial ratios, together with the prevailing situation of over competition, inelasticity of construction costs and reduced aggregate demand in Hong Kong, has revealed the extreme difficulty of reversing the financial performance in the coming years.Originality/valueContractors in Hong Kong now understand that their own financial performance have been deteriorating to an alarming limit. There is an urgent need to review their business environment and to formulate new corporate strategies.
Perceptions of positive and negative factors influencing the attractiveness of PPP/PFI procurement for construction projects in the UK
Authors: Li Bing , Akintoye A. , Edwards P.J. , Hardcastle C. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to report the findings of research into perceptions of what makes the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) attractive or unattractive as a procurement system for projects in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a postal survey questionnaire technique for primary data collection. Literature review is used to identify relevant factors, which are then incorporated into the design of the survey instrument. Survey response data is subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and subsequently to rotated factor analysis.FindingsPublic/private partnerships (PPP)/PFI project procurement is perceived as most attractive in terms of positive factors relating to better project technology and economy, greater public benefit, public sector avoidance of regulatory and financial constraints, and public sector saving in transaction costs. Negative aspects, relating to factors such as the inexperience of the participants, the over‐commercialisation of projects, and high participation cost and time, make PPP/PFI procurement less attractive.Originality/valueThe procurement of public facilities and services under arrangements involving partnerships between the public and private sectors is claimed to provide a wide variety of net benefits to the public sector and to the private sector participants. In the project development process, the parties have to make decisions based on suitable evaluation criteria. At the early stage of preparing a business case, a clear and common understanding of the positive and negative factors surrounding PPP/PFI procurement will provide a more informed basis for decision making.
Partnering practice and the delivery of construction projects for Housing Associations in the UK
Authors: Fortune Chris , Setiawan Shinta 
Published: March 2005

PurposeHousing Associations in the UK are being encouraged to change the way in which they procure their building projects. This work aims to provide a snapshot of current practice in relation to the use of partnering as a procurement approach.Design/methodology/approachAccordingly a quantitative research design was used to capture data from a sample of 100 of the largest Housing Associations involved in the commissioning of new house building projects in 2003. Two administrations of the survey generated a 43 per cent response rate.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that two differing types of partnering alliance could be identified. The types of partnering alliance identified were considered to have either a ”supply side” or ”demand side” focus. The results show that partnering practice, open‐book cost management, risk analysis and the use of standardised and pre‐fabricated components are now widespread and believed to deliver benefits in project costs, delivery times and quality levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited due to the size of the sample frame and the measuring instrument used which could not uncover reasons for the current practices that were revealed.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of the work provide practice with benchmarks that can be used to evaluate organisational approach and if necessary develop alternative approaches to the delivery of partnered projects.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the body of knowledge available on partnering practice in a client group that has been identified as being key in driving forward the post‐Egan agenda in the construction industry.