bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
55+ people as internet users
Authors: Vuori Satu , Holmlund‐Rytkönen Maria 
Published: February 2005

PurposeExplores internet‐related needs and wants of older adults and identifies internet user segments among them.Design/methodology/approachThe internet, primarily designed for the young, has been at the centre of research and business attention for a number of years, whereas so far older age groups have received surprisingly little attention. A survey in the Greater Helsinki area in Finland was undertaken.FindingsThe survey showed that every 55+ respondent was acquainted with the internet and that one‐third of the respondents were non‐users, while the majority were frequent web visitors using and purchasing internet services to an extent fairly similar to younger counterparts. Two segments in line with the life‐stage model, labelled healthy indulging and ailing outgoing internet users, were found and show that there is heterogeneity among this age group.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation common to surveys also concerns this study, namely that the sample was quite small – 127 respondents – and strictly defined. Therefore in future studies it would be justified to expand the number and type of studied 55+ respondents, and also to conduct studies that reveal their real internet behaviour such as observation and participatory studies. Implications for web designers, service providers, and politicians are presented which are based on the respondents' own practical development ideas and suggestions.Originality/valueThe study is valuable because it sheds light on a rapidly increasing market segment on which there currently are very limited empirical findings, in particular outside the USA and concerning internet values and behaviour.
Business use of the internet
Authors: Koh Chang E. , “Ted” Nam Kyungdoo 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis study explores the relevance of the value chain concept in internet‐driven business and assesses the extent to which businesses utilize the internet from a value chain perspective. It attempts to answer the following three questions: is the value chain concept relevant and applicable to the internet as a means of understanding the internet? To what extent do organizations utilize the internet according to a value chain perspective? Does the business use of the internet change over time?Design/methodology/approachTo answer these questions, a longitudinal survey study was conducted over a two‐year period. The first study collected data from 110 firms on the way they utilize the internet. Two years later, a similar survey was conducted with 70 firms using the same instrument used in the first study.FindingsThe study provided empirical support for the use of the value chain concept as a viable taxonomy for assessing the level of adoption of the internet. The study also provided a time‐lapsed glimpse of how organizations evolve in adopting the internet.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the shortcomings of the study is in the sampling process, although various measures were taken to ensure that the data represent a wide range of organizations, so that the findings can be reasonably generalizable.Practical implicationsThe most important practical contribution of the study is that it provides practitioners with a tool to systematically plan and deploy an ever‐increasing array of internet applications. The internet value chain model should provide organizations with a strategic and macro perspective to evaluate and manage various internet applications.Originality/valueAn important contribution of this study is that it empirically observed the evolution of the internet practices in business according to the value chain framework. There has been plenty of anecdotal evidence of changes in the way business utilizes the internet, but no study has empirically assessed these changes systematically based on a theoretical framework. The study provides a valuable theoretical framework for researchers to continuously accumulate knowledge on the use of the internet in business.
Causes influencing the effectiveness of the post‐implementation ERP system
Authors: Yu Chian‐Son 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis article aims to find a chain of causal relations affecting the operating effectiveness of the implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) system instead of focusing on either the evaluation of software/vendors/consultants or critical successful factors (CSF) identification for ERP implementation, a course followed by the dominant ERP literature.Design/methodology/approachThis article is a process‐oriented approach and aims to give a moving picture of how one step affects another step from pre‐implementation stage, to during‐implementation stage, and to post‐implementation stage.FindingsA significant insight learned from this study is that end‐users across the organization must be educated from the onset of ERP implementation. Although education is a corner‐stone of ERP implementation, the user training is usually only emphasized and the courses are centered on computer/system operation rather than on understanding the ERP concept and spirit.Originality/valueThis article may be interesting to some academic researchers and practical managers, and hopefully can provide a link/step for advanced researches in exploring post‐implementation ERP.
Perceptions about the ISO 9000 (2000) quality system standard revision and its value: the Dutch experience
Authors: van der Wiele Ton , van Iwaarden Jos , Williams Roger , Dale Barrie 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo assess the relative value of the 2000 version of the ISO 9000 series of quality management system standards in comparison with the 1994 version.Design/methodology/approachA total of 773 organisations in The Netherlands which have all been certified to the ISO 9000 standard were surveyed (a response rate of 21.4 per cent) and of these only 22 had not yet converted to the 2000 version of the standard.FindingsAmongst the major findings is an overall positive perception of the value of the ISO 9000 (2000) quality system standard and a consistently higher appreciation of the 2000 version compared with the 1994 version.Originality/valueAdds to the body of knowledge concerning the ISO 9000 series with particular focus on The Netherlands and the 2000 version of the standard.
Simulation of Gunn oscillations with a non‐parabolic hydrodynamical model based on the maximum entropy principle
Authors: Mascali Giovanni , Romano Vittorio 
Published: February 2005

PurposeOn the basis of the maximum entropy principle, seeks to formulate a hydrodynamical model for electron transport in GaAs semiconductors, which is free of any fitting parameter.Design/methodology/approachThe model considers the conduction band to be described by the Kane dispersion relation and includes both Γ and L valleys. Takes into account electron‐non‐polar optical phonon, electron‐polar optical phonon and electro‐acoustic phonon scattering.FindingsThe set of balance equation of the model forms a quasilinear hyperbolic system and for its numerical integration a recent high‐order shock‐capturing central differencing scheme has been employed.Originality/valuePresents the results of simulations of n+ ‐n‐n+ GaAs diode and Gunn oscillator.
An application of SHEPWM technique in a cascade multilevel inverter
Authors: Tuncer Servet , Tatar Yetkin 
Published: February 2005

PurposeIn this paper, a new application of the Selected Harmonic Elimination Pulse Width Modulation (SHEPWM) technique used in the cascade multilevel inverter topology which is formed by series connections of one‐phase bridge type inverters (H‐bridge) is introduced. The advantage of the SHEPWM technique is its ability to operate in low switching frequency that makes it suitable for high power applications.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the switching angles are calculated using constrained optimization technique. By using these switching angles, the fundamental harmonic can be controlled and the selected harmonics can be eliminated. Then, using these calculated switching angles, a set of equation is formed which calculate the switching angles with respect to the modulation index. The switching angles at any modulation index can be easily obtained by solving the equation set. In this study, this equation set has been solved online using dSPACE DS1103 controller board. Using this technique, three‐phase voltages have been obtained from a five‐level cascade inverter. These voltages are applied to an induction motor.FindingsThe simulation results are verified by the experimental results. The results show that selected harmonics can be eliminated and an ac voltage with variable amplitude and frequency can be obtained using the proposed technique.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new application of the (SHEPWM) technique for multilevel inverters.
Multifrontal method preconditioned GMRES‐FFT algorithm for fast analysis of microstrip circuits
Authors: Chen R.S. , Mo L. , Yung Edward K.N. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeAims to apply the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) algorithm combined with the fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique to solve dense matrix equations from the mixed potential integral equation (MPIE) when the planar microstrip circuits are analyzed.Design/methodology/approachTo enhance the computational efficiency of the GMRES‐FFT algorithm, the multifrontal method is first employed to precondition the matrix equations since their condition numbers can be improved.FindingsThe numerical calculations show that the proposed preconditioned GMRES‐FFT algorithm can converge nearly 30 times faster than the conventional one for the analysis of microstrip circuits. Some typical microstrip discontinuities are analyzed and the good results demonstrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.Originality/valueIn the future, some more efficient preconditioning techniques will be found for the mixed potential integral equation (MPIE) when the planar microstrip circuits are analyzed.
Speculative parallel processing applied to modelling of initial problems
Authors: Jordan Andrzej , Forenc Jarosław , Tudruj Marek 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo present a new parallel method for solving differential equations that describe transient states in physical systems.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed speculative method first solves a differential equation with a large integration step to determine initial data for parallel computations in sub‐intervals of time, then speculatively computes in parallel solutions in all the sub‐intervals with a smaller integration step and finally composes the final solution from the speculatively computed ones. The basic numerical method applied is the well‐known Runge‐Kutta algorithm.FindingsThe speculative method allows important reduction of the computation time of sequential algorithms. The speed‐up of the speculative method that we propose, as compared to the sequential execution, depends on the number of sub‐intervals that are defined inside the total analysed time interval. The speed‐up increases almost linearly with the number of sub‐intervals. The good accuracy of computations in the presented example was obtained.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed method can be applied to non‐linear systems without discontinuity points and to stable systems (i.e. systems insensitive to the selection of initial conditions).Practical implicationsThe method can be especially applied for long‐lasting computations with a slow convergence of state variables values along with the decrease of integration steps.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original parallel method for solving differential equations, which significantly speeds up transient states analysis in physical systems.
Temperature distribution in aluminum billets heated by rotation in static magnetic field produced by superconducting magnets
Authors: Fabbri Massimo , Morandi Antonio , Negrini Francesco 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of a novel scheme of high‐efficiency induction heater for nonmagnetic metal billets which use superconducting coils.Design/methodology/approachThe idea is to force the billet to rotate in a static magnetic field produced by a DC superconducting magnet. Since a static superconducting magnet has no losses, the efficiency of the system is the efficiency of the motor used. In order to evaluate the temperature distribution arising from the field profile produced by a given SC coil configuration, a numerical model, based on an equivalent electric network with temperature‐dependent parameters, is developed.FindingsA substantial independence of the shape of the temperature profile on the angular velocity and the value of the uniform magnetic field applied, is observed. A strong temperature gradient is observed in the radial direction in the proximity of the penetration front and in the axial direction at the top and bottom surface of the billet. Small temperature gradient was observed in the central part of the billet.Research limitations/implicationsThe reported temperature profile is inadequate for an actual extrusion process which is desired to happen at a constant temperature. The appropriate profile along the billet length can be achieved by a suitable axial shaping of the magnetic field, through the optimization of the coil layout, whereas the undesired radial gradient can be reduced by interspacing the rotation with temperature smoothing intervals.Practical implicationsThe investigation of the profile of applied magnetic field and the heating procedure which allow to achieve the distribution of temperature suitable for the extrusion process can be carried out by using the present model.Originality/valueA high‐efficiency induction heater for nonmagnetic metal billets using superconducting coils in a novel scheme is investigated.
Stirring velocity effectiveness of two‐ and three‐phase EMS for small to medium cross section billets and blooms
Authors: Lavers J.D. , Tallbäck G.R. , Beitelman L.S. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo use an experimentally calibrated turbulent flow model to determine whether two‐ and three‐phase electromagnetic stirrers provide equivalent stirring when continuously casting steel billets and blooms.Design/methodology/approachThe results obtained in this paper were obtained by using a 3D quasistatic electromagnetic model to obtain the Lorentz forces that act on the liquid steel. A computationally efficient method was used to account for the effect of the conducting fluid motion on the forces. A 3D turbulent flow model that incorporated Reynolds stresses and high order upwinding was used to predict the fluid flow. The model has been calibrated using the experimental data.FindingsThe paper shows that for square and rectangular cross section casting moulds, having inside dimensions of 140 × 140 mm and 140 × 196 mm, respectively, a two‐phase electromagnetic stirrer consistently produces stirring velocities that are 12‐15 percent below those produced by an equivalent three‐phase design.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact on the fluid entering the casting mould through the submerged nozzle has been neglected. The model should be further developed to consider this important factor.Practical implicationsA two‐phase stirrer is much more compact than the equivalent three‐phase design, and since space is at a premium in the vicinity of the casting mould, being able to use a compact design is desirable. The two‐phase design was long believed to produce inferior stirring due to the negative impact of electromagnetic space harmonics. This paper shows that for the range of mould dimensions considered in the paper, there is a good trade‐off between the compact two‐phase design and the slightly lower stirring velocities that result.Originality/valueThe paper presents the first quantitative comparison between two‐ and three‐phase electromagnetic stirrers that illustrates, in a practical sense, the stirring effectiveness of each approach. The paper will be of value to users of this equipment.
Simplifying serials sourcing
Authors: White Sonya , Eric Davies J. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo describe work by the Library and Information Statistics Unit (LISU) based at Loughborough University to support decision making by managers in academic information and library services in the UK in the realm of providing access to scholarly information through serials.Design/methodology/approachA model was built against which to assess a series of propositions, or “deals”, from different publishers for electronic journals collections through the National Electronic Site Licence Initiative (NESLI). NESLI represented a fusion of the quantitative analysis of empirical data with the subjective assessment of a range of serials management factors and drew on the expertise and experience of LISU's team.FindingsThe results informed negotiations between NESLI and publishers and revealed useful insights into the cooperative acquisition of electronic journals. Particularly noteworthy is the inherent difficulty in purchasing electronic journals cooperatively, as the larger institutions involved usually were able to make the most of the various deals offered by publishers.Originality/ValueIllustrates that assessing the value of separate deals is a complex matter involving not only fees, but institutional subject interests, existing serials holdings, user preferences, and available technology.
Using the web to look for work
Authors: Jansen Bernard J. , Jansen Karen J. , Spink Amanda 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe web is now a significant component of the recruitment and job search process. However, very little is known about how companies and job seekers use the web, and the ultimate effectiveness of this process. The specific research questions guiding this study are: how do people search for job‐related information on the web? How effective are these searches? And how likely are job seekers to find an appropriate job posting or application?Design/methodology/approachThe data used to examine these questions come from job seekers submitting job‐related queries to a major web search engine at three points in time over a five‐year period.FindingsResults indicate that individuals seeking job information generally submit only one query with several terms and over 45 percent of job‐seeking queries contain a specific location reference. Of the documents retrieved, findings suggest that only 52 percent are relevant and only 40 percent of job‐specific searches retrieve job postings.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides an important contribution to web research and online recruiting literature. The data come from actual web searches, providing a realistic glimpse into how job seekers are actually using the web.Practical implicationsThe results of this research can assist organizations in seeking to use the web as part of their recruiting efforts, in designing corporate recruiting web sites, and in developing web systems to support job seeking and recruiting.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first studies to investigate job searching on the web using longitudinal real world data.
Security of the internet‐based instant messenger
Authors: Kim Sangkyun , Seong Leem Choon 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo identify controls that can harness the power and capabilities of instant messengers (IM) while minimizing potential security risks.Design/methodology/approachA risk analysis method and (CIS)2 model are used.FindingsIM is a great tool for enterprise productivity. However, it has so many risks, but one could identify and control these risks with technical and managerial countermeasures.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper fails to provide detailed and specific risks of commercial IMs, and the case study provided in this paper focuses on the technical rather than managerial issues.Practical implicationsA very helpful case study which provides general risks and controls of recent IMs for the security officers of various organizations.Originality/valueThis paper outlined the risks of IM and potential controls for securing public IM in the workplace.
The motivation to become an entrepreneur
Authors: Segal Gerry , Borgia Dan , Schoenfeld Jerry 
Published: February 2005

PurposeSince the 1950s, organizational psychology research investigating work‐related motivation has progressed from static content models to dynamic process models. Entrepreneurship research has evolved along a similar trajectory, adapting organizational psychology findings to better understand the motivation to become an entrepreneur. This paper reviews motivation research from both fields, explores some of the commonalities among current theories, and presents a new model of entrepreneurial motivation.Design/methodology/approachIn an exploratory study, the ability of tolerance for risk, perceived feasibility, and perceived net desirability to predict intentions for self‐employment is examined in a sample of 114 undergraduate business students at Florida Gulf Coast University.FindingsResults indicated that tolerance for risk, perceived feasibility and net desirability significantly predicted self‐employment intentions, with an adjusted R2 of 0.528.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the sample consisted entirely of undergraduate business students, findings may not be generalizable to non‐student populations. This research did not examine the role of negative motivations, or “push” factors. The cross‐sectional rather than longitudinal design of the study raises the usual caveats regarding lack of causal evidence. Finally, a limitation of any survey research is the inability to ask follow‐up questions and explore in more depth the reasoning behind any finding. Future research including qualitative interviews and/or focus group sessions could therefore provide rich explanatory information that could add value to the survey data.Practical implicationsAs a result of this research, educators, government officials, and others interested in stimulating entrepreneurial motivation should consider how their words and actions affect potential entrepreneurs’ perceptions of entrepreneurial feasibility and net desirability.Originality/valueAlthough the model is original and unique, it is based on established theories and models. It provides a well‐supported explanation of the motivation to become an entrepreneur that will be useful to potential entrepreneurs and those who encourage and guide them.
Adoption of behaviour: predicting success for major innovations
Authors: Langley David J. , Pals Nico , Ortt J. Roland 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe goal of this article is to show that memetics is particularly useful to predict the adoption of major innovations.Design/methodology/approachDescribes how TNO Telecom, an applied research institute in The Netherlands, adopted the theory of memetics to develop an instrument that predicts the adoption of major innovations. Explains and defines relevant aspects of this focus.FindingsInitial results are encouraging and suggest that the approach may provide qualitatively better results than the existing methods when applied to major innovations.Originality/valueDescribes for the first time how the theory of memetics can be used to gain a real insight into the market adoption of major innovations as well as to focus and optimise product development.