bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic inquiry – exploring organisations
Authors: Klein Louis 
Published: June 2005

PurposeChange management approaches and attempts of organisational development often fail. In search of business excellence, best practice managers and consultants overestimate the value of conceptual work and forget about the actual organisation and the virtues of the people who have to carry the burden of Change.Design/methodology/approachThe theory of Applied Narratives from which the systemic inquiry (SI) methodology is derived relates to Heinz von Foerster's impact on the practice of organisational development, change management and systemic intervention. Understanding an organisation being an observer of itself gives way to benefit from constructivism and systems theory and puts the people and their contribution back into the centre of interest.FindingsApplied Narratives and SI give a good insight into the importance of the mechanics of organisational identity for change management and organisational development. SI facilitates genuine change and real improvements. It works with the opportunities of the organisation and the capabilities of the people and avoids the limitations of short sighted concepts.Practical implicationsSystemic Inquiry shows a way to work closer with the organisation and the people. SI overcomes the necessity to deal with resistance. People who find their virtues and ideas well appreciated do not resist, on the contrary they contribute and support. They become the change agents conventional change management always dreamt of.Originality/valueSystemic inquiry addresses both managers and consultants. SI shows how a systemic approach can help to implement effective, genuine and authentic change.
Learning how to learn
Authors: Poerksen Bernhard 
Published: June 2005

PurposeSome of Heinz von Foerster's central topics of reflection (the crucial role of the observer, the admission of the autonomy of the knowing subject, the rejection of all absolute conceptions of truth, the significance of paradoxical and circular figures of thought, etc.) are of consequence to university education and teaching in many different ways.Design/methodology/approachThe author crucially describes the central ideas of Heinz von Foerster and related authors on education, learning and teaching.FindingsThe author shows that the concepts developed by Heinz von Foerster suggest a paradigmatic re‐orientation; the concept of knowledge transfer must be replaced by the stimulation of self‐directed learning geared to the reality of students; learning environments must be created that enable students to recognise and experience ready‐made answers primarily as questions, and solutions primarily as problems. The constructivist understanding of the multiplicity of worlds and realities is particularly well suited for university teaching to support intellectual curiosity, fascination, and cooperative reflection.Originality/valueHeinz von Foerster's brand of subversive constructivism inspires the dismantling of stifling hierarchies of knowledge, encourages dialogue‐oriented learning, relies on the autonomy and intellectual self‐sufficiency of the individual, and stimulates the delineation of ideal‐type role‐models and interaction patterns of different kinds.
Systemics: the social aspects of cybernetics
Authors: Lutterer Wolfram 
Published: June 2005

PurposeConceptual discussion of central viewpoints of Heinz von Foerster including parallels to the thinking of Gregory Bateson. Application to systems theory and social problems.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis and discussion of selected publications of both authors.FindingsCoining the term of “systemics” instead of “second‐order cybernetics”, limits of systemic thinking, flaws in ignoring these limits for example, in the systems theory of Niklas Luhmann.Originality/valueDefinition of “systemic”, parallels between Foerster and Bateson.
Analog, digital, and the cybernetic illusion
Authors: Pias Claus 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo reconstruct the way in which the difference of analog vs digital was introduced in the 1940s and to investigate why this difference was so fundamental to the whole cybernetic epistemology.Design/methodology/approachA close reading of the discussions about the terms “analog” and “digital” at the Macy‐Conferences (held during 1946‐1953) reveals how cybernetic discourse is founded on a suppression of the “real” (i.e. the physical, continuous, material, analog) by the “symbolic” (i.e. the artificial, discrete, logical, digital).FindingsFirst, the difference between “analog” and “digital” resembles the Kantian difference of “senses” and “reason”. Together they form the “illusionary” function, which a digital‐oriented cybernetics tries to abandon. Second, the attempt to get rid of this illusion produces itself a “cybernetic illusion”, that replaces the anthropological illusion established (according to Michel Foucault) in late 18th century.Originality/valueShowing that Heinz von Foerster's work could be seen as an attempt to establish a balance of power between analog and digital, and to respect the illusionary function of cybernetic knowledge.
Phantoms really exist – don't they?
Authors: Hug Theo 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo discuss the concept of phantom reality.Design/methodology/approachWhen one begins to look at the phenomenon of phantoms, one comes across different sections, which are referred to in expressions such as phantom limb pain, phantom circuits or phantom pregnancy. When are these phantoms? What are they all about? In which contexts are these expressions used? Do they have similarities or aspects in common? How can we deal with them and which reality do they belong to?FindingsEven if we consider these questions as undecidable ones in the sense of Heinz von Foerster, more differentiated answers can be given on the basis of Nelson Goodman's and Catherine Z. Elgin's concept of variations.Originality/valueThe paper offers ideas for dialogue and orientation in the area of conflict of phantom and reality.
A novel approach to the synthesis of a non‐toxic, platy pigment for anticorrosive paints
Authors: Emira H.S. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo develop a method for the preparation of micaceous zinc ferrite (MZF), anticorrosive pigment having desirable chemical and physical properties.Design/methodology/approachMZF pigment was prepared after firing the oxidised solid molten salts without washing. The MZF pigment obtained was characterised using X‐ray diffraction analysis, crystal size analysis, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The pigment obtained was also evaluated chemically with respect to moisture content, content of water‐soluble salts, hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and weight loss; and physically with respect to particle shape, colour, specific gravity and oil absorption. Commercially available micaceous iron oxide and zinc ferrite pigments were also characterised in comparison.FindingsA spinel, MZF pigment was prepared using relevant oxidised solid molten salts. The preparation produced a lamellar structure with a basic nature giving not only barrier protection but also chemical passivation of the substrate.Research limitations/implicationsThe anticorrosive properties of the pigments obtained could be evaluated using more conventional methods such as salt‐spray test.Practical implicationsThe pigment prepared could be used as a highly efficient pigment for anticorrosion coating for steel.Originality/valueThe method for the preparation of MZF pigment was novel. The pigment obtained could be used in various resin systems to produce anticorrosive paints for steel protection.
Nickel(II) silicates and oxides – highly dispersed green pigments
Authors: Klapiszewska B. , Krysztafkiewicz A. , Jesionowski T. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe study reported here concerned production of green pigments, hydrated nickel(II) silicates and oxides, obtained by precipitation from solutions of sodium metasilicate and sodium hydroxide using nickel(II) sulphate.Design/methodology/approachThe pigments were analysed using a number of techniques including scanning electron microscopy for particle surface morphology and dynamic light scattering for particle structure and the tendency of the particles to agglomerate.FindingsThe most desirable physicochemical parameters were shown by highly dispersed nickel(II) silicates precipitated in presence of the modifying agents. Silicate pigments precipitated in the presence of Rokanol K‐7 had low bulk densities, a high capacity to absorb water, dibutyl phthalate and paraffin oil within the primary particles, which is particularly noteworthy.Practical implicationsDue to their good dispersibility, well developed surface and appropriate coating power, coloured silicates of, e.g. chromium(III) and nickel(II) may be used as pigments and fillers for surface coatings.Originality/valueThe method of obtaining nickel(II) pigments developed was novel and provided a solution for problem of post‐galvanic nickel solutions.
Determination of the performance of epoxy coatings containing feldspars filler
Authors: Kouloumbi N. , Ghivalos L.G. , Pantazopoulou P. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo study the effect of feldspars as inorganic filler on the mechanical and dielectric properties of epoxy coatings.Design/methodology/approachCoating systems used were of either filler‐free epoxy resin (as reference), or epoxy resin filled with feldspars powder at four different levels by weight. Mechanical properties of the coatings were evaluated via damping hardness and abrasion and impact resistance measurements. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were used for the evaluation of the dielectric properties while visual observations of the test panels after salt‐spray test were also made.FindingsThe addition of 15 per cent w/w feldspars resulted in a formulation giving the most positive results, e.g. improvement of the coating's mechanical characteristics and dielectric behaviour similar to that of filler‐free epoxy coatings. Practically comparable to this behaviour was that possessed by coatings with 30 per cent w/w feldspars, while further increase of the feldspars content resulted either in a reduction in the extent of the enhancement of the mechanical behaviour or even in a worsening of both mechanical and dielectric characteristics.Originality/valueFeldspars are the most abundant group of minerals in the earth's crust; it is an inorganic, environmentally friendly material, which exhibits high Mohs hardness. The effects of feldspars in improving the mechanical characteristics of organic coatings, while not causing any reduction in the anticorrosive performance of the polymeric matrix was found through the study.
Voluntary export restraint (VER) without market restraints?
Authors: Seidenfuss Kai‐Uwe , Kathawala Yunus 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to research the mechanics of voluntary export restraints (VERs). It first develops a comprehensive VER research agenda, subsequently covering a 1991 VER between the European Union (EU) and Japan that established “voluntary” quotas on Japanese cars until 1999.Design/methodology/approachReflecting gaps in research, an overall VER research agenda is set up. Then, referring to the only source providing ex ante hypotheses on the specific EU/Japan VER, those hypotheses by Preusse are checked against available ex post data at the time of writing in 2002.FindingsFirst, Japan has not exhausted any of its yearly quotas during and even accepted a cut of quota in some years – an outcome only partly influenced by lower than expected market growth in the relevant period. Then, the competitive power of the Japanese producers appears overestimated, while the European capability to catch up was underestimated. Potential “escape routes” such as transplants and third‐country imports fell short of estimations – providing no particular support for Preusse's efficiency effect hypothesis and competitive effect hypothesis.Research limitations/implicationsTypical research limitations such as data source availability and actor accessibility notwithstanding, it is shown that the product upgrading effect often associated with VERs may happen independently of such agreements.Originality/valueThis first results‐based, hypothesis‐driven exploration of particular VER mechanisms supports the authors’ call for a dual, actor‐driven and multi‐disciplinary VER research approach. It holds promise for the potential avenues for related research.
Leveraging expert systems technology to improve service industry
Authors: Metaxiotis K. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeIntelligent solutions, based on expert systems (ES), to solve complicated practical problems in various sectors are becoming more and more widespread. However, the role of expert systems in the improvement of service industry has not yet been studied in the research community. The primary objective of this paper is to discuss the important role that ES can play in the improvement of service industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on the diplomacy, preparedness and engagement responsibilities with the aid of technology ((DPEAT) model proposed by Agnihothri et al. the article presents how ES can be used in order to create an effective service organization.FindingsThe key findings of the study show that carrying out ES‐based DPEAT can result in superior service outcomes.Originality/valueService industries are growing in importance in all over the world. These industries operate in a very competitive market where the need to differentiate a service from the competitor is analogous to survival. The effective use of information technology (IT) to help service companies improve service quality, financial performance, customer satisfaction and productivity is a very crucial issue nowadays. However, the role of expert systems in the improvement of service industry has not yet been studied in the research community. The value of this paper is that it describes how the DPEAT model can be used in order to create effective service organization.
Corporate social responsibility: the way forward? Maybe not!
Authors: Papasolomou‐Doukakis Ioanna , Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Katsioloudes M. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe paper seeks to consider the findings that emerged from a preliminary study into Cypriot businesses and their attitudes and behaviour towards corporate social responsibility (CSR). The overarching aim of the discussion is to explore whether Cypriot businesses have realized the opportunity of using CSR to build a strong reputation, a practice “embraced” and adopted by many successful and profitable corporations, or whether they ignore their social responsibilities and do it at their peril.Design/methodology/approachA total of 4,000 questionnaires were given to the Employers Federation in Cyprus to mail to its members. Two issues were addressed: one dealing with philanthropic and the other with the stewardship CSR projects, covering social responsibility not only towards customers and society at large but also towards employees, suppliers, investors, and the environment.FindingsIt appears that local corporations primarily emphasize the importance of meeting their responsibilities and obligations towards their employees and customers. The majority of respondents postulate that their philanthropic donations are made to approved organizations for tax deduction. So, financial gain appears to be a key motive for the adoption of social responsibility by the business sector in Cyprus.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was characterized by a low response rate, which has implications to the generalization of the research findings. Perhaps future research can focus on certain sectors and their approach to the practice of CSR instead of exploring several sectors in the Cypriot economy, which was the approach adopted in this study.Originality/valueThe paper reports findings from the first nationwide study carried out in the area of CSR.
The influence of virtual communities on distribution strategies in the internet
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Guinalíu Miguel 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to present the virtual community as a strategy that can increase the chance of success in the distribution of products over the internet.Design/methodology/approachFirst, this paper describes the concept of a virtual community. Second, it analyzes how five well‐known companies are using virtual communities to back up the distribution of their products over the internet. Following the study of the various companies, the additional benefits arising from the use of virtual communities are explained and a series of recommendations for managing them.FindingsThrough the conceptual analysis of the virtual community and the descriptive study of five real cases of companies that use the virtual community in their online marketing strategies, this paper shows, among other things, how it is possible to attain greater brand awareness, more precise market segmentation and the highest degree of supply differentiation.Research limitations/implicationsVirtual community is a tool that can increase the chances of success in the marketing and distribution of products over the internet. Therefore, there are several lines of research that might be followed in the future. Foremost among these might be a study that gives rise to a quantitative assessment of the impact of virtual communities. A thorough assessment of the effect of virtual communities on various sectors will also be needed. Thus, the study of the virtual community as a knowledge management system in the corporate or educational fields would be particularly useful.Practical implicationsThe case studies and the recent literature have enabled us to define various management recommendations, such as promoting self‐management of virtual communities, minimizing control or promoting specialization of their members.Originality/valueThis work thoroughly examines one of the phenomena that is reaping the most success on the internet and yet, paradoxically, has received the least attention from marketing researchers: virtual communities.
Effects of interactivity and product information on consumer satisfaction in an online retail setting
Authors: Ballantine Paul W. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis study aims to examine how two aspects of an online shopping environment can influence consumer satisfaction. The two independent variables examined in this study were the level of interactivity and the amount of information provided by an online shopping environment.Design/methodology/approachA web‐based experiment (using a 3 × 3 between‐subjects factorial design) was conducted, where respondents were exposed to a simulated online retail store. A total of 360 responses were collected from web users.FindingsResults suggest that the level of interactivity and the amount of information provided by the web site had a significant effect on consumer satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations included the use of a fictitious retail web site, self‐selection bias, the use of a single type of online retailer, and the one‐shot nature of the experimental design. Future research should replicate this study to a fully functional or real‐world web site, extend this study to include other types of online retailers, and examine what other features found in a web site may elicit consumer satisfaction.Originality/valueThe importance of consumer satisfaction in bricks‐and‐mortar retail stores has long been emphasised in the literature. This study provides guidance as to the role of two web‐specific variables on consumers’ assessments of satisfaction with the interface provided by an online retail store.
Drivers of supply chain vulnerability: an integrated framework
Authors: Peck Helen 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to report on findings of a cross‐sector empirical study of the sources and drivers of supply chain vulnerability.Design/methodology/approachThe research was undertaken in accordance with the realist tradition. It begins with a descriptive exploratory stage involving an in‐depth exploratory case study of aerospace industry supply chains, validated through in‐depth interviews with managers representing other “critical sectors” of the UK economy. This is followed by an explanatory theoretical stage. The work is supported throughout with reference to relevant literature sources.FindingsThe findings highlight the absence of any widespread understanding of the scope of and dynamic nature of the problem, which should be considered from multiple perspectives and at four levels of analysis: value stream/product or process; asset and infrastructure dependencies; organisations and inter‐organisational networks; and social and natural environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is normative rather than positive, so focuses on understanding why supply chains are vulnerable to disruption, rather than presenting itself as a prescription for management. The paper does not investigate academic definitions or existing taxonomies of risk.Practical implicationsThe work provides some useful insights for practising managers and policy makers.Originality/valueThe paper reports on empirical research, then draws as appropriate on network theory and complex systems perspectives to produce a conceptual model of a supply chain as in interactive adaptive system.
The role of information connectivity in making flexible logistics programs successful
Authors: Closs David J. , Swink Morgan , Nair Anand 
Published: June 2005

PurposeAims to conceptualize flexible logistics programs and information connectivity as two important aspects of logistics flexibility and to examine the role of information connectivity in making flexible logistics programs successful.Design/methodology/approachA hierarchical regression model is used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results suggest that flexible logistics programs are strongly related to all performance dimensions, and that information connectivity fully mediates the relationship between flexible logistics programs and asset productivity and partially mediates the relationship between flexible logistics programs and delivery competence.Research limitations/implicationsFuture theoretical research can develop a detailed conceptualization of logistics flexibility. In this paper, the constructs are developed utilizing an exploratory factor analysis approach. Future research utilizing confirmatory factor analysis approach will allow a better validation of the performance constructs. The paper also considers that studies that link flexible logistics program, information connectivity and performance in a structural equations modeling framework will further enrich one's understanding. In this framework, flexible logistics programs can be considered as a latent variable comprising several individual resource level flexibility measures.Practical implicationsThis research highlights the need for organizational structure, role dependencies and a proactive preparedness in terms of managerial policies. The concept of special programs for accommodating changing customer requirements exemplifies the importance for a firm to be aware of shifting demand characteristics and the ability to tailor service delivery accordingly.Originality/valueAn examination of the research questions sheds some light on logistics flexibility as a critical component of logistics capability. With this study logistics flexibility is characterized in terms of flexible logistics programs and information connectivity and hypotheses are tested that link these aspects with performance. It is believed that this enhances and enriches the existing logistics literature and presents avenues for further investigation. Meanwhile, testing the link presents managerial insights for prudent decision making. An investigation of the role of information connectivity provides directions for firms to align their information system strategies with their flexibility‐oriented planning decisions.