bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of men's shirt pattern based on 3D body measurements
Authors: Chan A.P. , Fan J. , Yu W.M. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe paper discusses the prediction of shirt patterns for different body sizes using multiple linear regression (MLR).Design/methodology/approach – A total of 29 pattern parameters from men's tailor‐made shirt and 34 body parameters obtained from a body scanner were designed for analysis. MLR has been applied to examine the underlying relationship between shirt pattern parameters and body measurements.Findings– Compared with formulae from the pattern expert, the prediction of shirt pattern from MLR has been improved.Originality/value – The findings could help to predict pattern size with different body sizes more accurately.
Evaluation of drape characteristics in fabrics
Authors: Kenkare Narahari , May‐Plumlee Traci 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo provide researchers with the details of developments in instruments to measure fabric drape and review the literature related to fabric drape.Design/methodology/approach – In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in investigating the aesthetic behavior of fabrics due to the developments in objective evaluation techniques. To understand drape behavior, it is essential to know how drape is measured quantitatively. This paper reviews research related to drape characteristics of fabrics, two‐dimensional instruments and analysis of drape by measuring stiffness, three‐dimensional instruments developed to measure drape, fabric mechanical properties and their influence on drape measurement, and the latest developments in the field including image analysis, the dynamic drape tester and other related research.Findings – Many instruments for measuring drape have been developed including the earliest that assessed stiffness of fabrics, later versions of drape meters and recent innovative instruments for capturing complex drape information. Even though extensive detail for simple geometric forms such as circles and squares can be provided by the newest methods, measurement of the drape characteristics of complex forms needs the consideration of researchers to extend the work on drape measurement to garments. It was also noted that there are some contradictory conclusions regarding the properties influencing fabric drape.Originality/value – This paper is offered as a concise reference for individuals beginning research in the area of fabric drape.
Controlling the sustainability of food supply chains
Authors: Hamprecht Jens , Corsten Daniel , Noll Manfred , Meier Evelyn 
Published: February 2005

PurposeFor the food industry, the depletion of arable land and a growing world population demand controlling the sustainability of agricultural inputs to the industry. Controlling the sustainability of these supplies means controlling the economic, social, and environmental performance of the supply chain. In practice, little is known about how companies can efficiently extend their existing supply chain controls to cover these aspects. This paper tries to address this particular gap.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose a method for integrating controls of social and environmental performance in a supply chain controlling framework. This method is illustrated with case studies on Nestlé's food supply chains.FindingsThe case studies highlight why quality controls along the whole food supply chain are an import precondition for controlling sustainability.Originality/valueThis study is useful for the food industry in the control of sustainability of agricultural inputs to the industry.
Should an organisation join a purchasing group?
Authors: Nollet Jean , Beaulieu Martin 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe article deals with issues such as the size of a purchasing group, the types of benefits aimed for, and the real beneficiaries of purchasing groups.Design/methodology/approachThe observations are based on the literature, as well as on interviews, mostly with Canadian and US health‐care managers.FindingsAlthough often associated with the public sector, purchasing groups are also an alternative considered more and more by managers of the private sector. A purchasing group increases volume consolidation, making it possible to have only one negotiation, in order to increase the purchasing group members' power vis‐à‐vis that of its suppliers. However, a purchasing group also constitutes an additional link in the supply chain and its objectives could go contrary to those of some of its members. This is why organisations considering joining a purchasing group should analyse this option strategically, in order to assess correctly the potential long‐term benefits.Originality/valueThis article suggests key questions and an analytical framework to help managers assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining a purchase group.
Comparative analysis on value of information sharing in supply chains
Authors: Li Gang , Yan Hong , Wang Shouyang , Xia Yusen 
Published: February 2005

PurposeInformation sharing is an important component of cooperation in supply chain management. However, it has long been debated whether there is value in information sharing, how large the value is, if any, and what factors affect it. The purpose of the paper lies in investigating these three issues by comparing and analyzing 12 information models in supply chains.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the above purpose, the paper first presents a general information‐sharing model in supply chains and characterizes three major factors in the model (objective, supply chain partnership constraint, information sharing constraint). Based on the general model, 12 representative models are selected from the literature and their relationship and distinctions are compared and analyzed.FindingsBy insights from comparative analysis of these representative models, the paper concludes that information sharing in supply chains is valuable. However, the value and affecting factors are dependent on analytical methods. It would be meaningless simply to compare the numerical values.Practical implicationsThe framework developed in this paper provides a useful guidance for the practical managers in evaluating and measuring the value of information‐sharing strategies.Originality/valueThe paper critically reviews representative information‐sharing models in supply chains. This work is helpful in answering some questions that have been long debated in this area and in inspiring new endeavors to overcome the limitations of current research.
Use the supply relationship to develop lean and green suppliers
Authors: Simpson Dayna F. , Power Damien J. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between a supplier and firm's level of environmental management activity and the structure of the customer‐supplier manufacturing relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a conceptual framework and looks at the literature in order to investigate this relationship. Three main concepts (supply relationship, lean manufacturing, and environmental management practices) and their relationship to one another are described and the discussion concludes with major hypotheses for further research in this area.FindingsA major literature review reveals that efforts to improve or influence a supplier's environmental management practice raises critical issues of transaction costs and efficacy of approach for the buyer. The review allowed development of a model for approaching issues of supplier environmental performance through lean supply.Originality/valueThe environmental performance of suppliers to the supply function can prove to be a costly endeavour if not managed correctly. The framework presented in this paper may be of use in this respect.
Communities of Competence: new resources in the workplace
Authors: Smith Elizabeth A. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper examines the ways social networks, socialization, self‐organizing systems, and systems thinking have influenced the gradual evolution of communities of practice into Communities of Competence.Design/methodology/approachProposes a Community of Competence as a new framework and a methodology to describe, assess, and combine separate strengths and core competencies of individuals, groups, and organizations into a meaningful, goal‐oriented whole.FindingsDecisions to assign people to work groups are seldom based on current, valid, reliable assessments of skills, abilities, and knowledge, or overall competence. Productivity, job satisfaction, and work quality can be improved when competencies and job requirements are closely matched to maximize job fit. Individual selection criteria, like self‐efficacy, achievement motivation, and emotional intelligence, and group process variables, like workload sharing, can enhance job placement. Members of a flexible, cohesive, goal‐driven Community of Competence will likely make better use of their unique and shared competencies, tacit and explicit knowledge, and experience in more effective and efficient ways than traditional forms of groups.Originality/valueHelps in understanding that Communities of Competence, corporate universities, and enterprise academies, as dynamic learning organizations, are positive forces driving systemic organisational change.
The implementation and use of e‐learning in the corporate university
Authors: Macpherson Allan , Homan Gill , Wilkinson Krystal 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe use of e‐learning in corporate universities enables access and broadens the curriculum. This paper assesses the use and implementation of e‐learning through case material, and explores some of the challenges and emerging concerns.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the corporate university concept and considers how an e‐learning pedagogy might contribute to its success. Three case reviews of e‐learning adoption within corporate universities in the UK are included.FindingsThe paper argues that if corporate universities do not incorporate both the pedagogical and learner preferences perspectives into their use of e‐learning, this will seriously devalue the training experience. It concludes that the advantages of an online pedagogy are not fully exploited due to limitations in technology and other strategic priorities. In addition, a number of lessons have been learned by the pioneers of corporate e‐learning, including the evolutionary nature of the programmes and the need to create “organisational readiness”.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research into the views of learners in this debate is necessary.Originality/valueProvides evidence of the potential of e‐learning as a key learning and development strategy within corporate universities.
Managing relationships of the republic of science and the kingdom of industry
Authors: Gomes Jorge F.S. , Hurmelinna Pia , Amaral Virgílio , Blomqvist Kirsimarja 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis article investigates the reasons for collaboration and the barriers to cooperation between universities and industry organizations. In an increasingly integrated world, cooperation between universities and companies is likely to grow in forthcoming years.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken in this article differs from previous works in the sense that it reveals the psychological frameworks that academics and managers hold about collaborating with each other. Data come from a survey of academic and managerial staff working in several universities and companies in Portugal and Finland.FindingsOverall results show that academics still see companies as information sources for their researches, but they are also willing to participate in joint projects in which academic knowledge is not the sole output.Originality/valueProvides information for companies and universities with regard to how to embark on such cooperative endeavors.
Organisational intelligence
Authors: Yolles Maurice 
Published: February 2005

PurposeSeeks to explore the notion of organisational intelligence as a simple extension of the notion of the idea of collective intelligence.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses organisational intelligence using previous research, which includes the Purpose, Properties and Practice model of Dealtry, and the Viable Systems model.FindingsThe notion of organisational intelligence requires a metaphorically defined psychological frame of reference. In trying to formulate this metaphor, there has been a need to explore the collective from a psychological perspective. Applications of the notion of organisational intelligence operate in a variety of areas, and two of these are in organisational learning and managerial cybernetics. In the latter an interest lies in dealing with organisational pathologies, resulting in viable systems.Originality/valueAddresses the need for developing organisational intelligence.
An overview of strategic alliances between universities and corporations
Authors: Elmuti Dean , Abebe Michael , Nicolosi Marco 
Published: February 2005

PurposeStrategic alliances generally represent inter‐firm cooperative agreements aimed at achieving competitive advantage for the partners. In recent years, there has a dramatic increase in strategic alliances by multinational firms.This paper aims to explore the essence of these alliances and why they have become such a growing area of research in business in recent years.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses strategic alliances between corporations and institutions of higher education. The major underlying motives for creating these alliances and the critical success factors are also discussed. The paper also analyzes the success stories.FindingsHighlights the major advantages for the academic community – research funding and practical learning opportunities for students – and for industry – lower research and development costs and technology transfer opportunities that affect competitiveness. The drawbacks may include the partners’ different working cultures and values. Finds that alliances must be supported by continuous learning and restructuring processes to overcome the differences.Originality/valueExtracts the valuable lessons that might help others to effectively utilize strategic alliances between corporations and institutions of higher education.
Corporate universities: driving force of knowledge innovation
Authors: Rademakers Martijn 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to explain the rapid emergence of corporate universities on the basis of fundamental developments presently shaping the economy and society on a world‐wide scale.Design/methodology/approachFour key forms of innovation are identified and combined with the corporate university concept. The paper explains why corporate universities are emerging world‐wide as strategic weapons in the competitive battle among companies, countries and international economic power blocs.FindingsCompanies endorsing the importance of knowledge innovation cannot get around the corporate university concept as part of their strategy. Three major corporate university types are identified and linked to their strategic role as the driving force of knowledge innovation.Originality/valueHelps to explain why corporate universities have evolved as an answer to the challenge of competing in a knowledge‐driven economy.
Cross‐market dynamics in property stock markets
Authors: Hiang Liow Kim , Ooi Joseph , Gong Yantao 
Published: February 2005

PurposeAims to investigate the long‐run and short‐term relationships among four Asian property stock markets of Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia; and four European property stock markets of UK, France, Germany and Italy. Additionally, aims to examine the relationships between equally‐weighted Asian and European regional property stock indices.Design/methodology/approachThe long‐term analysis is undertaken using Johansen multivariate cointegration approach. The degree of short‐term dependence is investigated with an extended EGARCH model for evidence of mean and volatility spillovers across the property stock markets.FindingsThe combined findings of minimal cointegration, weak mean transmission and lack of significant evidence of cross‐volatility spillovers among the Asian and European property stock markets imply that investors would benefit from diversifying property stock portfolios internationally in Asia and Europe in the short‐ and long‐run.Originality/valueThis study contributes significantly to the empirical literature on capital asset pricing and on the risk‐return performance of international real estate. In particular, the findings from the study will be useful for European investors to understand better the potential portfolio implications of investing in Asian real estate.
Transparency in the German real estate market
Authors: Schulte Karl‐Werner , Rottke Nico , Pitschke Christoph 
Published: February 2005

PurposeGerman real estate markets used to show little transparency in the past. This has changed over the last 15 years. The purpose of this study therefore is to examine the current state of transparency.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates and discusses the concept of transparency in general, availability of private and public market data, major real estate investment products, performance measurement, changes in the regulatory environment and the emergence of organizations and publications. The findings of this study are obtained in a comparative manner: The transparency status of the 1990s in the different areas researched is compared to the current German and other international standards. The authors describe the relatively opaque German real estate market as it was at the beginning of the 1990s and show how it has improved to date.FindingsThe results show that transparency in the German real estate market has noticeably improved in all researched areas. But still, compared with the USA or the UK, the German real estate industry and real estate market still lack transparency and are characterized by information asymmetries and opaqueness.Originality/valueThe results indicate that the German real estate market and industry become more mature and bit by bit converge with their US and UK archetype.
An open‐labelled study of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in the treatment of active Crohn's disease
Authors: Korzenik J. R. , Dieckgraefe B. K. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground : Immunodeficiency syndromes associated with a Crohn's‐like illness suggest innate immune defects may lead to Crohn's disease. Anecdotal cases using haemopoietic colony‐stimulating factors report improvement in intestinal disease associated with these syndromes.Aim : To test the safety and efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in active Crohn's disease.Methods : In an open‐labelled 12‐week trial, patients with a Crohn's Disease Activity Index between 220 and 450 were treated with recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (filgrastim, Neupogen). Concomitant immunosuppressants were prohibited except prednisone ≤20 mg/day. Patient's received recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor 300 mcg daily subcutaneously adjusted to achieve an absolute neutrophil count between 25 and 35 × 109/L.Results : Twenty patients were enrolled with a mean initial Crohn's Disease Activity Index of 307 (range: 234–428). Fifteen patients (75%) completed 8 weeks; 13 patients (65%) completed 12 weeks with the mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index for patients continuing through those times of 196 (range: 36–343) and 162 (range: 20–308), respectively. At week 12, 11 patients (55%) demonstrated a decrease of at least 70 points; five (25%) achieved a sustained remission. The mean decrease was statistically significant at each assessment time‐point. Three of four patients with fistulae had a positive response. Adverse effects included bone pain, mostly mild resolving with continued treatment. One patient was hospitalized with a viral‐like syndrome but it is uncertain if this was treatment related.Conclusion : Recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor is safe and potentially effective therapy for active Crohn's disease.
Failure of dietary oligofructose to prevent antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea
Authors: Lewis S. , Burmeister S. , Cohen S. , Brazier J. , Awasthi A. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground : Oligofructose is metabolized by bifidobacteria, increasing their numbers in the colon. High bifidobacteria concentrations are important in providing ‘colonization resistance’ against pathogenic bacteria.Aim : To reduce the incidence of antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea in elderly patients.Methods : Patients over the age of 65 taking broad‐spectrum antibiotics received either oligofructose or placebo. A baseline stool sample was cultured for Clostridium difficile and tested for C. difficile toxin. A further stool sample was analysed for C. difficile if diarrhoea developed.Results : No difference was seen in the baseline characteristics, incidence of diarrhoea, C. difficile infection or hospital stay between the two groups (n = 435). Oligofructose increased bifidobacterial concentrations (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.69–1.72). A total of 116 (27%) patients developed diarrhoea of which 49 (11%) were C. difficile‐positive and were more likely to be taking a cephalosporin (P = 0.006), be female (P < 0.001), to have lost more weight (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.99–2.00) and stayed longer in hospital (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.10–1.40). Amoxicillin (amoxycillin) and clavulanic acid increased diarrhoea not caused by C. difficile (P = 0.006).Conclusion : Oligofructose does not protect elderly patients receiving broad‐spectrum antibiotics from antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea whether caused by C. difficile or not. Oligofructose was well‐tolerated and increased faecal bifidobacterial concentrations.
A regional audit of iatrogenic perforation of tumours of the oesophagus and cardia
Authors: Jethwa P. , Lala A. , Powell J. , McConkey C. C. , Gillison E. W. , Spychal R. T. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryIntroduction : With the rising incidence of oesophageal cancer, palliative treatment has an increasingly important role. With median survival unlikely to exceed 6 months, in advanced disease the palliative therapy chosen must not hasten patient's demise.Aim : To establish the outcome of both modern and historical palliative treatment in oesophageal tumours, with emphasis on the aetiology and outcome of iatrogenic perforation.Methods : Patients with oesophageal or cardia carcinoma treated within the West Midlands between 1992 and 1996 were identified retrospectively. Information was gathered from hospital case notes and the regional cancer intelligence unit with hospitals visited to capture data. All episodes were entered into a dedicated database.Results : Of the 3660 patients who were treated, 2529 received palliation as primary treatment, with 5259 palliative procedures performed; 164 iatrogenic perforations were recorded; 83 were due to diagnostic endoscopy (endoscopic perforation) with the reminder due to interventional palliative procedures. Median survival from all forms of palliation was 138 days. Following perforation survival was 95 days after interventional palliative procedure and 58 days after endoscopic perforation (P > 0.05). Thirty‐day mortality after emergency surgery was 11.8% with mean survival of 7.5 months.Conclusion : Perforation at diagnostic endoscopy is associated with substantial mortality despite rapid intervention. Patients with suspected cancer must be investigated with extreme care to reduce iatrogenic complications.