bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A theory of cortical responses
Authors: Friston Karl 
Published: May 2005

This article concerns the nature of evoked brain responses and the principles underlying their generation. We start with the premise that the sensory brain has evolved to represent or infer the causes of changes in its sensory inputs. The problem of inference is well formulated in statistical terms. The statistical fundaments of inference may therefore afford important constraints on neuronal implementation. By formulating the original ideas of Helmholtz on perception, in terms of modern-day statistical theories, one arrives at a model of perceptual inference and learning that can explain a remarkable range of neurobiological facts.It turns out that the problems of inferring the causes of sensory input (perceptual inference) and learning the relationship between input and cause (perceptual learning) can be resolved using exactly the same principle. Specifically, both inference and learning rest on minimizing the brain's free energy, as defined in statistical physics. Furthermore, inference and learning can proceed in a biologically plausible fashion. Cortical responses can be seen as the brain’s attempt to minimize the free energy induced by a stimulus and thereby encode the most likely cause of that stimulus. Similarly, learning emerges from changes in synaptic efficacy that minimize the free energy, averaged over all stimuli encountered. The underlying scheme rests onempirical Bayesand hierarchical models of how sensory input is caused. The use of hierarchical models enables the brain to construct prior expectations in a dynamic and context-sensitive fashion. This scheme provides a principled way to understand many aspects of cortical organization and responses. The aim of this article is to encompass many apparently unrelated anatomical, physiological and psychophysical attributes of the brain within a single theoretical perspective.In terms of cortical architectures, the theoretical treatment predicts that sensory cortex should be arranged hierarchically, that connections should be reciprocal and that forward and backward connections should show a functional asymmetry (forward connections are driving, whereas backward connections are both driving and modulatory). In terms of synaptic physiology, it predicts associative plasticity and, for dynamic models, spike-timing-dependent plasticity. In terms of electrophysiology, it accounts for classical and extra classical receptive field effects and long-latency or endogenous components of evoked cortical responses. It predicts the attenuation of responses encoding prediction error with perceptual learning and explains many phenomena such as repetition suppression, mismatch negativity (MMN) and the P300 in electroencephalography. In psychophysical terms, it accounts for the behavioural correlates of these physiological phenomena, for example, priming and global precedence. The final focus of this article is on perceptual learning as measured with the MMN and the implications for empirical studies of coupling among cortical areas using evoked sensory responses.
Benefits that foreign AEC firms derive when undertaking construction projects in China
Authors: Yean Yng Ling Florence 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe objectives of this paper are to investigate the reasons that motivate foreign architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) firms to undertake projects in China; whether foreign AEC firms derive significant benefits after working in China; and the strengths that foreign AEC firms need to possess in order to work in China.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives were achieved through a postal survey, using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from American and Singaporean firms.FindingsFirms do indeed derive many benefits when undertaking projects in China. These include geographical diversification, monetary benefits, technical benefits and deepened relationships. Foreign AEC firms should possess strengths such as excellent track record, superior management capability and high product and service quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this research is that it addresses motivations and benefits, but does not explain how to win and manage projects in China. Further research in these areas will be conducted.Practical implicationsForeign practitioners should not ignore China market, but invest in China on a long term basis to reap many rewards.Originality/valueThis paper is original because it quantifies the benefits that foreign AEC firms will reap if they undertake projects in China.
Study on staff management practice of multinational company affiliates in China
Authors: Zhou Yuanqiang , Lu Lei , Jiang Bo 
Published: May 2005

PurposeMore and more foreign companies, including multinational companies, open business in China. The staff management under the local culture of China is one of the critical points affecting the success of foreign invested companies in China. This paper aims to illustrate the effective methods of staff management for foreign invested companies in China.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, a survey on concrete practices of staff management was conducted among three multinational company affiliates in China, whose parent companies are located in the USA, Japan, and Europe, respectively, by the in‐depth interviews with the high‐level executives of the affiliates.FindingsIt was found that although the staff management experiences of the surveyed affiliates show differences in operation, the affiliates have a common sense on how to balance culture difference, how to effectively communicate with staff, and how to appraise the performance. The active and passive factors of these experiences were further analysed from the needs level under current Chinese economic situation and from the invisible impacts on human behaviour of Chinese culture.Research limitations/implicationsThis study surveyed only three multinational company affiliates in China and therefore, the understanding obtained is limited in scope. The comprehensive knowledge of the subject depends on more case studies.Practical implicationsThe analysis reveals that the active factors and localization, especially localization of the management team, are very important to the staff management of foreign invested companies in China.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the research on effective methods for staff management in multinational companies.
Dispute resolution management for international construction projects in China
Authors: Chan Edwin H.W. , Suen Henry C.H. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeUnfamiliar with the Chinese culture and ways of doing business, foreign architects/engineers/contractors (AEC) firms will encounter differences with the local parties. With reference to the characteristics of Chinese culture on disputes, this paper studies the problem areas of dispute and of resolving disputes in international construction projects in China. The objectives are to: examine the fundamentals of Chinese culture and ways of doing business; examine the characteristics of international projects and investigate any differences in the dispute problems arising from China International Projects; identify the most popular dispute resolution mechanism(s) for international projects in China; and recommend possible ways to reduce and resolve disputes of these projects.Design/methodology/approachAfter literature review, a questionnaire was designed for face‐to‐face interviews with 40 practitioners to collect their opinions.FindingsThe results show that the problem areas giving rise to disputes are mainly related to contractual matters. To reflect the characteristics of international projects in China, cultural and legal matters are also found to be the sources of problem. Arbitration is the most popular method, after negotiation, for resolving disputes in international construction projects in China.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of interviewees in this study could be improved and further study could include experts in Mainland China.Originality/valueThere is not much literature on dispute resolution management for international construction projects in China, with particular reference to cultural differences. This paper offers an invaluable reference for those foreign AEC firms interested in joining international projects in China.
Value management in China: current state and future prospect
Authors: Liu Guiwen , Shen Qiping 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo look into the current state of value management (VM) practice in China and reveal the challenges and opportunities to its future development.Design/methodology/approachCopies of a questionnaire (2,000) were mailed to chief engineers in manufacturing companies (1,000) and construction companies (1,000). Interviews with six practitioners and two experts were followed up in leading cities of VM applications in China.FindingsReveal awareness and applications of VM in manufacturing and construction industries, different VM method from overseas mainstream and rank the difficulties in applying VM in China. Limited scope of applications, misusing mathematical techniques in VM studies and the inappropriate measures adopted to promote VM applications were identified as three main factors blocking the development of VM in china. In order to overcome these problems, more cooperation with overseas VM practitioners is recommended.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper based on VM applications in China limits its usefulness elsewhere.Practical implicationsThis paper reveals the main problems in current VM applications in China and point out the direction to overcome the difficulties for promoting VM practice in future. It is instructive for VM practitioners, especially in the construction industry.Originality/valueThis paper provides an overall understanding of the current state and future prospect of VM application in China for VM researchers and practitioners.
Applying lean assessment tools in Chinese hi‐tech industries
Authors: Taj Shahram 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo evaluate the current state of manufacturing in some selected plants in electronics, telecommunication/wireless, and computer industries in the Republic of China.Design/methodology/approachA spreadsheet‐based assessment tool is used to evaluate nine key areas of manufacturing. Participants are asked to answer questions for each area, namely inventory; team approach; processes; maintenance; layout/handling; suppliers; setups; quality; and scheduling/control. A score is given for each response in the assessment. Scores are then totaled for each of the nine areas. The results are then displayed in the score worksheet and finally a lean profile chart is created to display the current status of the plant and the gap from their specific lean targets.FindingsResults of the lean assessment tool have revealed a somewhat significant gap from the lean manufacturing target, but have also identified opportunities for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are from some selected manufacturing plants in Chinese hi‐tech industries and they should not be interpreted as an indicator of that particular sector in China.Practical implicationsA very useful lean assessment tool that is easy to use by plants' management to help them identify their current state of manufacturing and the gaps from ideal lean targets.Originality/valueThis paper offers a practical and easy to use assessment tool to help manufacturing managers to make their manufacturing operations more productive.
Operations strategy configurations in project process firms
Authors: Oltra M.J. , Maroto C. , Segura B. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeSeeks to focus on operations priority patterns and operations strategy. Configurations by testing them in a specific environment which contributes to demonstrating their applicability and generalizability.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from 130 Spanish companies with project process organization, their operations strategy is analyzed as a whole, without the following of a trade‐off pattern being observed.FindingsCost, conformer and innovation strategy types, compared with other operations strategy configurations regarding variables used to develop project management configurations, for the most part exhibit a coherent behaviour, giving support to operations strategy validation at a higher theoretical level.Research limitations/implicationsThe two most important limitations are the relatively small sample size used in the study and the results obtained with the organization structure variable. Similar studies in other specific production process contexts should also be undertaken.Practical implicationsResults obtained contribute to demonstrating the applicability of the operations strategy framework to the study of operations management in different environments and its coherence with the specific variables that are used to characterize them.Originality/valueThis study is virtually breaking new ground, prompted by recent calls for empirical research and for testing developed theories on operations management.
An operations perspective on strategic alliance success factors
Authors: Taylor Andrew 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo explore alliance managers' perceptions of the most significant determinants of strategic alliance success in the software sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on 30 key informant interviews and a survey of 143 alliance managers.FindingsWhile both structural and process factors are important, the most significant factors affecting alliance success are the adaptability and openness of the alliance partners, human resource practices and partners' learning capability during implementation. Alliance partners should pay more attention to operational implementation issues as an alliance evolves, in order to achieve successful cooperative relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has responded to the call for more empirical study of the underlying causes of successful alliances. It contributes to the ongoing debate about which factors have most impact on strategic alliance outcomes, and complements prior research on several dimensions. First, using selected interview quotations to illuminate the quantitative analysis, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the alliance process, and reduced the ambiguity about which factors are most influential. In particular, the study provides support for those authors who have argued for the relative importance of the alliance implementation process. Second, support has also been found for the prominence of learning capability and the inter‐partner learning process as a major component of effective alliance implementation. Third, the results are based on the views of practicing alliance managers, which addresses a recognized gap in the literature.Practical implicationsThe results send a signal to senior managers contemplating strategic alliances that they should not underestimate the importance of alliance process factors and the role that alliance managers play in achieving successful alliance relationships. This is particularly important, given the high levels of alliance failure reported in the extant literature.Originality/valueWhile past research on strategic alliances has placed more emphasis on the importance of alliance formation than on implementation, there is an ongoing debate about whether structural, formation factors have more influence on alliance success than implementation or process factors. There has been only limited empirical work examining this interplay between structure and process, particularly from an operations perspective, and very few studies have examined strategic alliances in the software industry.
Manufacturing regeneration through corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Jones Oswald 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo investigate the role played by corporate entrepreneurs in the strategic renewal of mature manufacturing companies.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is adopted as a means of identifying links between corporate entrepreneurship and social capital. Data are drawn from a three‐year study which incorporates formal and informal interviews with 15 members of a pseudonymous company management team.FindingsThe study extends understanding of limits between corporate entrepreneurship and social capital in three ways: corporate entrepreneurs (CEs) can exploit “structural holes” for the benefit of the organisation rather than for career advancement; newcomers are more effective than insiders in overcoming the relational inertia caused by lack of external links; the bridging actions of CEs are important for linking internal activities as well as for accessing external knowledge.Originality/valueThe case is used, in combination with earlier contributions to the literature, as a basis for reconceptualizing the process of corporate entrepreneurship.
Brand. Momentum. Speed.
Authors: Kinsella Bret , Benson Joseph 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo leverage the science of momentum and apply it to art of brand management.Design/methodology/approachResearches the brand literature. Revisits our understanding of Newtonian physics. Studies the history of brands that have experienced the power of momentum. Shares early drafts with fellow brand strategist for feedback and guidance.FindingsDiscovers that the resonance of momentum is real and memorable experience for the authors and for their readers. The authors had underestimated the number of brands that could leverage the concept of momentum to better manage and grow their brands.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors believe it would be of value for the brand managers of those brands that are experiencing momentum to analyze the specific activities that are driving their brands.Practical implicationsIt is the authors’ hope that brand managers will have a new lens through which to select, engage and measure brand‐building activities.Originality/valueThe authors do not believe that this information is new. They do believe that they have placed it in a context that promotes understanding and action.
Religiosity and the construction of a cultural‐consumption identity
Authors: Lindridge Andrew 
Published: May 2005

PurposeReligion's influence in consumer research remains under‐researched. This paper aims to explore religiosity's effect on culture and consumption by comparing Indians living in Britain, with Asian Indians and British Whites. The paper is relevant to both academics and practitioners who wish to understand the role of religion's influence regarding culturally determined consumer behaviours.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire measuring family, self‐identity, materialism, possessions as status symbols and reference groups was administrated in London and Mumbai. Religiosity was measured by religious institution attendance and the importance of religion in daily life. A total of 415 questionnaires were submitted to factor analysis, identifying six factors. These factors were then submitted to Multinomial Logistical Regression (MLR), with the two religiosity themes used as influencing variables on the factors.FindingsThe analysis indicated that Indians living in Britain and British Whites sample groups were culturally less group‐ and consumption‐oriented than Asian Indians. Declining levels of religiosity produced mixed results for Indians living in Britain, when compared to Asian Indians, indicating that: attendance at a religious institution is not akin to viewing religion as an important aspect of daily life, a diversity of religiosity determined consumer behaviours across the Indian sample groups, and religion is an acculturation agent. The research, however, is limited owing to the small sample group and the need to maintain cross‐cultural methodologies.Originality/valueMarketing practitioners should recognise the importance of religion in culture in Eastern cultures, while in Western cultures they should focus on the centrality and the need to use consumption to maintain the individual's sense of individuality.
He said, she said … they said: parents' and children's assessment of children's influence on family consumption decisions
Authors: Shoham Aviv , Dalakas Vassilis 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to examine the impact of Israeli children on family decision making.Design/methodology/approachTwo studies were used, replicating two different approaches that have been used to measure children's influence with US children. In study one, a survey was given to each parent, whereas, in study two, a survey was given to each parent and their child.FindingsFindings indicate that Israeli children have a similar influence to US children, suggesting that, overall, Israeli children exercise quite strong influence on family decision making. This was the case when rated by children, as well as by both mothers and fathers.Research limitations/implicationsTwo main ways to improve on this kind of research in the future are using a non‐convenience sample and collecting data from multiple countries for cross‐cultural comparisons.Practical implicationsOne important implication of the findings is that children across cultures tend to have higher influence for products that are more relevant for them; therefore, marketers should concentrate their efforts primarily on the children.Originality/valueAn important contribution of this research is that it examines children's influence on family decision making in cultures different from the USA. For example, Israel is less individualistic, more uncertainty‐avoiding, and less power‐distant than the USA.
Affiliate marketing and its impact on e‐commerce
Authors: Duffy Dennis L. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeThis article seeks to explore the inner workings of affiliate marketing.Design/methodology/approachDefines the affiliate marketing marketplace including some of the participants and explores the characteristics of a successful long‐term relationship.FindingsThe key to successful affiliate marketing lies in the construction of a win‐win relationship between the advertiser and the affiliate. Affiliate marketing is likely to become the principal mainstream marketing strategy for e‐commerce businesses in the future.Originality/valueLooks at the inner workings of affiliate marketing, defines the affiliate marketing marketplace including some of the participants and explores the characteristics of a successful long‐term relationship.
The effects of a price increase on cybercafé services in Abraka, Nigeria
Authors: Adomi Esharenana E. 
Published: May 2005

PurposeTo survey the effects of a general price increase on cybercafé services in Abraka, Nigeria. The price increase introduced in September 2004 by the Association of Cybercafé Operators in Abraka (ACOA) failed due to customers’ responses to it. The collapse of the pricing regime is investigated.Design/methodology/approachUses a literature review, questionnaire, interviews, and personal observations to gather data, and uses these data to determine reasons behind the pricing structure of cybercafés in Abraka, Nigeria, and customers' reactions to those pricing structures.FindingsFindings revealed that the cost of providing an alternative electrical power source ranked highest in what determined the price of cybercafé services prior to the period of the general price increase, followed by the ISP charge. A majority of the cybercafés experienced a drop in customer/client patronage, followed by a drop in daily income and customer dissatisfaction, due to the increased prices for internet service.Originality/valueAll the cafés have reduced their prices in order to satisfy their customers. Most of them reduced their prices in order to increase customer/user patronage. It was suggested that an increase in cybercafé service prices should not be introduced again to permit more users access and to encourage them to use the internet in the cafés.