bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generalized hierarchical bases: a Wavelet‐Ritz‐Galerkin framework for Lagrangian FEM
Authors: D'Heedene S. , Amaratunga K. , Castrillón‐Candás J. 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper presents a novel framework for solving elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) over irregularly spaced meshes on bounded domains.Design/methodology/approachSecond‐generation wavelet construction gives rise to a powerful generalization of the traditional hierarchical basis (HB) finite element method (FEM). A framework based on piecewise polynomial Lagrangian multiwavelets is used to generate customized multiresolution bases that have not only HB properties but also additional qualities.FindingsFor the 1D Poisson problem, we propose – for any given order of approximation – a compact closed‐form wavelet basis that block‐diagonalizes the stiffness matrix. With this wavelet choice, all coupling between the coarse scale and detail scales in the matrix is eliminated. In contrast, traditional higher‐order (n>1) HB do not exhibit this property. We also achieve full scale‐decoupling for the 2D Poisson problem on an irregular mesh. No traditional HB has this quality in 2D.Research limitations/implicationsSimilar techniques may be applied to scale‐decouple the multiresolution finite element (FE) matrices associated with more general elliptic PDEs.Practical implicationsBy decoupling scales in the FE matrix, the wavelet formulation lends itself particularly well to adaptive refinement schemes.Originality/valueThe paper explains second‐generation wavelet construction in a Lagrangian FE context. For 1D higher‐order and 2D first‐order bases, we propose a particular choice of wavelet, customized to the Poisson problem. The approach generalizes to other elliptic PDE problems.
The integration of lean management and Six Sigma
Authors: Arnheiter Edward D. , Maleyeff John 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo eliminate many misconceptions regarding Six Sigma and lean management by describing each system and the key concepts and techniques that underlie their implementation. This discussion is followed by a description of what lean organizations can gain from Six Sigma and what Six Sigma organizations can gain from lean management.Design/methodology/approachComparative study of Six Sigma and lean management using available literature, critical analysis, and knowledge and professional experience of the authors.FindingsThe joint implementation of the programs will result in a lean, Six Sigma (LSS) organization, overcoming the limitations of each program when implemented in isolation. A thorough analysis of the two programs provides some likely reasons why the programs alone may fail to achieve absolute perfection.Practical implicationsA lean, Six Sigma (LSS) organization would capitalize on the strengths of both lean management and Six Sigma. An LSS organization would include three primary tenets of lean management, and the LSS organization would include three primary tenets of Six Sigma.Originality/valueSuggestions are made regarding concepts and methods that would constitute a lean, Six Sigma organization. Figures summarize the nature of improvements that may occur in organizations that practice lean management or Six Sigma, and the corresponding improvements that an integrated program could offer.
Strategic quality management for the construction industry
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Hui Hong Sze 
Published: January 2005

PurposeAs the key to value creation, construction firms should treat quality as a strategic issue. However, strategic quality management (SQM) is still a relatively new concept for construction firms. This paper aims to examine the application of the strategic treatise, Sun Tzu's Art of War with SQM in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachTwo sets of 20 statements each from SQM principles and Sun Tzu's Art of War were identified. A pilot survey and a questionnaire survey of construction project managers in Singapore were conducted to establish the relative ratings as well as correlations in the rankings of these two sets of statements.FindingsThe findings suggested that Sun Tzu's Art of War appears relevant for SQM thinking and practices for construction where appropriate lessons may be drawn.Research limitations/implicationsThere are, however, limits to the analogy between war and construction. Warfare represents an extreme situation that demands exceptional responses, espionage and sacrifice of human lives, which could lead to unethical practices in construction.Practical applicationsNevertheless, this study helps to prompt construction firms into thinking about SQM through drawing appropriate lessons from Sun Tzu's Art of War.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is to synthesize the strategic issues encapsulated in Sun Tzu's Art of War with SQM principles in the construction industry.
The evolution of TQM
Authors: Motwani Jaideep , Prasad Sameer , Tata Jasmine 
Published: January 2005

PurposeBusiness process change (BPC) is an organizational initiative to achieve significant improvement in performance and has been extensively reported in the information systems literature. Total quality management (TQM) has been employed to improve the quality of processes within a business unit. In this research an attempt is made to link BPC with TQM.Design/methodology/approachUsing case‐study methodology, an attempt is made to connect the two fields. Specifically, examines how quality management falls within the various BPC constructs.FindingsResults of this study indicate that the BPC concept is generalizable to accommodate TQM.Originality/valueThis has important ramifications for both practitioners and researchers. Practitioners will now have a methodology that is flexible to adjust as the demands of the business evolve from quality objectives into other needs such as mass customization and shortened lead times. The results of this study provide a theoretical model to the evolution of quality management.
Tobacco prevention with Mississippi elementary teachers and students
Authors: Carver Vivien , Reinert Bonita , Range Lillian M. , Campbell Catherine 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo examine a tobacco prevention elementary school project completed in 2000 in one rural state in the southeastern USA.Design/methodology/approachInitially, 721 public school fourth through sixth grade teachers across Mississippi attended (for reimbursement) a tobacco prevention workshop that included curriculum‐integrated material; 658 completed a follow‐up questionnaire (91.3 percent return rate). In addition, 1,762 of their students completed an anti‐tobacco pre‐test and 1,723 (868 girls, 853 boys) completed an anti‐tobacco post‐test (97.8 percent return rate).FindingsStudents improved from pre‐ to post‐test; girls scored better than boys. African American students and teachers completed more lessons than White students and teachers. Sixth graders completed fewer lessons and scored lower than fourth and fifth graders.Research limitations/implicationsThe test had a yes‐no format and a low ceiling, so many students answered correctly at pretest. Also, teachers were mostly white women, though they were demographically similar to teachers across the state, other groups would expand generalizability. Further, a true control group could evaluate the possibility that results were due to a secular trend.Practical implicationsNot only were teachers positive about a tobacco prevention workshop that included curriculum integrated materials, but also their students scored healthier after having tobacco prevention lessons. Further, those who received the most lessons improved the most, indicating a dose‐specific learning curve.Orginality/valueA challenge for the future would be to assess whether these improvements continue over the long term, and translate into less willingness to experiment with and use tobacco.
Web‐enhanced learning: engaging students in constructivist learning
Authors: Neo Mai 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the impact of a web‐based constructivist learning environment, which was developed based on a course given to students in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) on student learning.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a web‐based multimedia‐mediated project was developed based on an Internet Applications course where students were taught to use specific web authoring tools to solve a web‐related problem. The mode of learning was geared towards a student‐centred, constructivist learning perspective where students were active learners, worked in a group environment and constructed knowledge and understanding in their learning process. An online survey was given to the students to assess their reactions towards this learning environment.FindingsThe results obtained were positive and satisfactory. In this learning process, students were able to understand the problem, work collaboratively, construct their own solutions, and determine their own learning outcomes. Feedback on the online survey provided further support of the students' positive attitudes towards this learning environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of this research study are that students found that the web‐based learning environment allowed them to be more active participants in their learning process, increasing their critical and creative thinking skills as well as improving their problem‐solving skills. They learned “how to learn” and developed several learning skills such as communication, teamwork, collaboration and presentation, as well as achieving ownership of these learning outcomes. The use of multimedia‐ and web‐based tools for their project allowed them to be innovative in their presentations, making the project more fun for them.Practical implicationsThis research provides educators with an innovative approach to teaching with technology, and students with a more effective learning environment.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils Malaysia's MSC initiative to include ICT in the classroom teaching environment and to focus on learner‐centred teaching and learning strategies. This constructivist‐based learning environment also enabled students to build their problem‐solving and collaborative skills as well as their creative and critical thinking abilities in order to meet the rising demands of twenty‐first century organisations.
Managing in‐house development of a campus‐wide information system
Authors: Shurville Simon , Williams John 
Published: January 2005

PurposeTo show how a combination of hard and soft project and change management methodologies guided successful in‐house development of a campus‐wide information system.Design/methodology/approachA case study of the methodologies and management structures that guided the development is presented.FindingsApplying a combination of the dynamic systems development method, rapid prototyping, PRINCE 2, Checkland's soft systems methodologies and change management helped to develop a product that met user needs, offered value for money and was delivered on time.Practical implicationsThe case study shows that the advantages of formal governance brought by PRINCE 2 can be retained in a softer environment where user needs generate work packages and stage gates.Originality/valueThere is widespread evidence that more than half of all IT projects fail and that the softer people issues are essential for success. The paper presents an example of fusing softer approaches with formal governance. It should interest programme and project managers, senior sponsors, software developers and usability specialists.
Group communication media choice and the use of information and communication technology to support learning: a case study
Authors: Shahriza Abdul Karim Nor , Heckman Robert 
Published: January 2005

PurposeThis paper reports a study conducted longitudinally to investigate group communication media choice and the use of a web‐based learning tool, as well as other types of communication media, such as e‐mail, telephone, and face‐to‐face, for communication and collaboration to complete given tasks.Design/methodology/approachThis study was designed following the case study research methodology and design of Yin. Longitudinal observation was made on groups in their naturalistic research setting. Twenty‐three groups of four or five students working on five similar tasks were selected as the unit of analysis.FindingsThe findings showed that groups' choice‐making process of communication media evolved over a period of time. A pattern of group communication emerged, namely face‐to‐face, virtual, and mixed (the use of both face‐to‐face and virtual communication). The three group communication categories were significantly different in performance, with the mixed category performing the highest in terms of grade.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are related to the case study methodology and the subjectivity of some interpretations.Practical implicationsThe findings should assist in the design of both on‐campus and distance learning course modules to facilitate learning through group project or assignment. The findings should also assist the design and implementation of the e‐learning systems and tools that are acceptable to users.Originality/valueThe study provides insight into how such ICT applications can be made useful and effective, and why, when given the freedom to choose, the use of a web‐based tool is the least attempted for communication.
IT‐enablement of supply chains: understanding the barriers
Authors: Jharkharia Sanjay , Shankar Ravi 
Published: January 2005

PurposeInformation technology (IT) is increasingly being used towards the effectiveness of supply chains. There are, however, some barriers in this process. These barriers influence one another and also adversely affect the IT‐enablement of a supply chain. The aim of this paper is to understand these mutual influences so that those barriers which are at the root of few more barriers (called driving barriers) and those which are most influenced by the others (called dependent barriers) are identified.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to rank the barriers.FindingsThe results of the survey and the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology have been used to evolve the mutual relationships among these barriers.Originality/valueIt is observed that there are some barriers, which have both high driving power and dependency and therefore need more attention.
Modelling knowledge worker behaviour in business process studies
Authors: Elliman Tony , Eatock Julie , Spencer Nicky 
Published: January 2005

PurposeAims to describe a successful use of simulated knowledge worker behaviour used in the developing online procedures and software for arbitration – the E‐Arbitration‐T projectDesign/methodology/approachPresents four common factors – deadline, length of task, importance of customer, importance to business – that need to be incorporated within any business process model of knowledge worker behaviour.FindingsA richer model of knowledge worker behaviour is postulated and elements not necessary for the E‐Arbitration‐T model are identified. The knowledge worker's day was defined as being made up of Scheduled, On‐demand and At‐will tasks, only some of which may relate to the business process being modelled. A particular question that must be addressed in this extended model is how to model the choices knowledge workers make between competing at‐will tasks.Originality/valueThe two pieces of work reported here have generated a rich model of knowledge worker behaviour ready for application and refinement in further business process modelling studies.
Unlocking the value of business model patents in e‐commerce
Authors: Jim Wu Yen‐Chun 
Published: January 2005

PurposeAims to provide an overall picture of the current status of business methods in e‐commerce.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive comparison of the business models among countries, sectors and companies is conducted. Insightful evidence on the current state of patenting in business models is also provided.FindingsThe findings of the paper in, accordance with the USPTO white paper on business methods, show that patent applications being examined in Class 705 strongly reflect the basic software engineering that underlay each inventionOriginality/valueThis study of business model patents presents information about the character of business method patenting activity and provides valuable insights into the current development of business method technology.
Demystifying productivity and performance
Authors: Tangen Stefan 
Published: January 2005

PurposeExamines the ways in which the concepts of “productivity” and “performance” are dealt with in the literature, demonstrating that terms used within these fields are often vaguely defined and poorly understood.Design/methodology/approachReviews related performance literature from the past 30 years (of both an academic and a practical nature).FindingsClarifies the meaning of five terms (productivity, performance, profitability, efficiency, effectiveness) and shows how they are inter‐related.Research limitations/implicationsThe creation of a common grammar is not an easy task; one must therefore still accept the fact that people will continue to interpret the terms described in this paper in slightly various ways.Practical implicationsMeasurement and improvement regimes are often built without a clear understanding of what is being measured or improved. This can be regarded as simply a pragmatic approach to improvement, or a missed opportunity to fully understand and then optimise important factors relating to competitiveness and success.Originality/valueThe paper creates a terminology that reduces the existing confusion within the field. Certainly, within academia and industry, a shared vocabulary and grammar are helpful in ensuring rigorous and robust development of shared understanding.
Influence of the larval environment on performance and adult body size of the wood‐boring beetle Phoracantha semipunctata
Authors: Hanks L.M. , Paine T.D. , Millar J.G. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractLarge body size confers a reproductive advantage to adults of the wood‐boring beetle Phoracantha semipunctata (F.) (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Phoracanthini). Larvae of this species feed subcortically in stressed and dying eucalypt trees and logs. We evaluated the influence of the larval environment on larval performance and adult body size by manipulating the post‐felling age of host logs (from freshly cut to 2‐weeks‐old) and the density of colonizing neonates (low density with minimal competition for resources vs. high density with intense competition). Adult beetles emerged in greater numbers from logs that had been subjected to the aging treatment which reduced bark moisture content and favored colonization by neonates. Survival was greatest in larger logs having lower densities of neonates, but was greatly diminished in all treatments by mortality during pupation. Development time varied from 2 months to more than a year and was shortest in smaller logs having high densities of larvae. The size of adult beetles emerging from a log was not influenced by larval density, but was positively correlated with the age of logs when the neonates colonized, and log size. These findings suggest that the optimal developmental conditions for P. semipunctata larvae, in terms of larval performance and adult body size, are available in large, aged host logs having low densities of larvae. Manipulation of the larval environment in this study resulted in a considerable variation in adult body size, but large individuals were relatively more common in the wild population that was the source of neonates for the experiment. Potential body size may have been constrained by our use of only one host species and a narrow range of log dimensions.
Reduced antennal sensitivity, behavioural response, and attraction of male codling moths, Cydia pomonella, to their pheromone (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol following various pre‐exposure regimes
Authors: Judd Gary J.R. , Gardiner Mark G.T. , DeLury Naomi C. , Karg Gerhard 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe effects of pre‐exposing male codling moths, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), to their pheromone (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol (codlemone), in static and moving air, under laboratory and field conditions, on subsequent antennal sensitivity, behavioural responsiveness, and attraction to codlemone were investigated. In flight tunnel experiments, the percentage of moths wing fanning and taking flight were mostly unaffected, but upwind flight to, and contact with, pheromone sources known to elicit responses of both were shown to depend on the intensity and duration of previous exposure to codlemone and recovery time between exposure and assessment. Ten to 30‐min pre‐exposures to codlemone in static air (≈ 35 µg l−1) not only caused a 99% reduction in attraction, but also significantly reduced electroantennogram response to codlemone. Recovery of full antennal sensitivity to codlemone took more than 1 h, but recovery of attraction took over 4 h, suggesting that habituation is also partially involved in reduced behavioural responsiveness following pre‐exposure. Seventy‐five min exposures to codlemone in moving air (5–10 cm s−1) at rates of 0.9, 4.5, and 18 µg h−1 from Celcon fibres caused 75, 86, and 99% disruption, respectively. However, 30–34‐h exposure of caged moths to air moving through an orchard treated with 1000 Isomate‐C® dispensers ha−1 releasing approximately 20 µg h−1 per dispenser during tests, had no impact on moth response in flight‐tunnel assays 30 min after removal from the orchard. In this treated orchard, catches of free‐flying moths in pheromone‐baited traps were completely inhibited. If observed mechanisms such as long‐lasting antennal adaptation or habituation of the central nervous system contribute to the disruption of pheromone communication among codling moths under field conditions, it seems unlikely that they occur following exposure to the average atmospheric concentrations of codlemone. For these effects to be important, codling moths may require close contact with pheromone sources for extended periods, or repeated close encounters.