bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge management for Chinese medicines: a conceptual model
Authors: Long Alex Lai Iat 
Published: June 2005

PurposeIn the twenty‐first century and under the knowledge economy, knowledge is regarded as an important asset for many organizations. In the area of Chinese medicines, be it a research center, a pharmacy, a drug manufacturer, a government supervision authority, a medical doctor or even a patient, the mastering and application of knowledge are an essential factor for success. However, there is very little research on knowledge management for Chinese medicines, which has its own special characteristics. This paper aims to study this problem and to propose a conceptual model for knowledge management of Chinese medicines.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first analyses the requirements of knowledge management in Chinese medicines. Then, making reference to Nonaka's knowledge transformation model, the application of information technology in different stages of knowledge transformation for Chinese medicines is reviewed. Based on the above studies, a conceptual model of knowledge management for Chinese medicines is recommended.FindingsThe requirements of knowledge management in Chinese medicines are analysed and specified in basic attributes, prescriptions and formulae, rules of ingredients combination, and pharmaceuticals management. The information technologies that can be used at different stages of transformation are also reviewed. Finally, a four‐layer model, containing the network and computer system layer, data layer, knowledge services layer and application layer, is described.Practical implicationsAt present, there is no knowledge management product in the market that is designed for Chinese medicines. This paper helps to initiate studies for solutions in this area.Originality/valueThe primary new idea here is to propose a conceptual knowledge management model for Chinese medicines. The model can be used as a framework to further develop a practical knowledge management system for Chinese medicines.
A rose by any other name may smell as sweet but “group discussion” is not another name for a “focus group” nor should it be
Authors: Boddy Clive 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper seeks to highlight the current confusion in the terminology for group research, identify the geographic, historical and scientific sources of this confusion and suggest a reduction in the number of terms used to two, thereby offering a definition on which researchers from different cultural backgrounds and scientific traditions may be able to agree.Design/methodology/approachA review of the academic and practitioner literature on qualitative group research in academic, social and market research indicates that various terms for groups are used interchangeably and are often assumed to have the same meaning. These terms include; Focus Group, Group Discussion, Group Interview, Group, Focus Group Interview, Focus Group Discussion, Qualitative Group Discussion and Nominal Group Interview.Practical implicationsThe contribution of this paper is that it offers a resolution of this issue and so allows researchers from across geographic borders, different scientific traditions and from both academic and practitioner backgrounds to talk to one another in a common language.Originality/valueThis issue of differences in terminology for groups has largely been ignored by researchers and this paper hopes to bring some clarity and understanding of the key differences between focus group interviews and focus group discussions.
Exploring the role of employees in the delivery of the brand: a case study approach
Authors: King Ceridwyn , Grace Debra 
Published: June 2005

PurposeEmployees are now viewed as playing a crucial role in brand management as they facilitate the interface between the organization and the market. This study, therefore, seeks to examine the role of employees in the delivery of the brand and, in doing so, further one's understanding of an area that, to date, has received little empirical attention from an operational management perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis study demonstrated the use of a qualitative methodological approach to inductively and holistically understand the operational management perspective in a context‐specific situation. A case study approach was adopted and data were gathered via semi‐structured interviews with managers of a customer‐focused organization.FindingsSeveral themes were identified from the interviews, namely, control, foundation, internal marketing (IM), management role, direction, employee satisfaction, enhancers and element of control. As such, these themes provide the foundation for the discussion and implications of this study.Research limitations/implicationsWith respect to employing a case study methodology, the inherent limitations that are generally associated with this method include insufficient precision (i.e. quantifiable), objectivity and rigor. As such, the development of a case study database and the formalisation of the interview process increased the likelihood of trustworthiness and credibility in the results.Practical implicationsThe themes identified in both the extant literature and this study, for example, IM, evidence the need for methods, in addition to systems and procedures, to be employed so as to ensure that employees are successful in delivering a service that is consistent with the organization's communicated brand values. Further to this, employees, being aware of the organization's brand and how to deliver the brand promise, are believed to create direction and influence employee behaviour. In doing so, employee role ambiguity and conflict are decreased.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in the presentation of empirical evidence and evaluation of employees' roles in delivering the brand promise. Moreover, the emergence of global brands across all industries ensures that the insights of this study, afforded by the application of a qualitative methodology, have relevance both internationally and across industries.
Our ads 'R US: an exploratory content analysis of American advertisements
Authors: Okigbo Charles , Martin Drew , Amienyi Osabuohien P. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo describe contemporary US society based on the dominant themes featured in magazine advertisements.Design/methodology/approachFrom eight general circulation magazines, 2,158 full‐page advertisements are examined using content analysis. The analysis includes the examination of ad characteristics, creative strategies and a critical literary analysis.FindingsThe results show evidence that US cultural values are embedded in popular magazine advertisements. In particular, individualism, low context communication patterns and action/achievement values are most common.Research limitations/implicationsThis study represents a snapshot in time. Neither culture nor media options are static. As a result, future work in this area should examine these changes.Practical implicationsSince only a few cultural dimensions are dominant in the sample, the results suggest that advertisers need not embed all social values in ads.Originality/valueThis paper provides evidence that an adaptive advertising strategy may be more effective than a global approach.
Joint optimal periodic and conditional maintenance strategy
Authors: Jamali M.A. , Ait‐Kadi D. , Cléroux R. , Artiba A. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeIn this paper, an optimal periodic replacement strategy is proposed. This strategy suggests new items to perform replacements at failure. Preventive replacements, scheduled at instants kT (k=1, 2,…) are carried out only if the item's age exceeds a threshold to be determined. Parameters T and b are derived from an optimization model aiming to maximize the steady state availability under budgetary constraints or to minimize the expected total cost per unit of time over an infinite horizon, while the steady state availability must be higher than some given threshold. Costs and durations associated with replacement actions are supposed to be known.Design/methodology/approachEmploys mathematical models to investigate the expected cost rate and the steady state availability with illustrative examples.FindingsAnalytical and numerical results have been obtained for a system whose lifetime is distributed according to an Erlang distribution.Practical implicationsThe proposed strategy seems more efficient than the basic block replacement strategy aiming to maximize the steady state availability. It is also easy to implement.Originality/valueThis new strategy would appear to be more efficient than the previous basic block replacement strategy.
Artificial neural networks for reliability maximization under budget and weight constraints
Authors: Nourelfath Mustapha , Nahas Nabil 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply a recent kind of neural networks in a reliability optimization problem for a series system with multiple‐choice constraints incorporated at each subsystem, to maximize the system reliability subject to the system budget and weight. The problem is formulated as a non‐linear binary integer programming problem and characterized as an NP‐hard problem.Design/methodology/approachThe design of neural network to solve this problem efficiently is based on a quantized Hopfield network (QHN). It has been found that this network allows one to obtain optimal design solutions very frequently and much more quickly than other Hopfield networks.Research limitations/implicationsFor systems more complex than series systems considered in this paper, the proposed approach needs to be adapted. The QHN‐based solution approach can be applied in many industrial systems where reliability is considered as an important design measure, e.g. in manufacturing systems, telecommunication systems and power systems.Originality/valueThe paper develops a new efficient method for reliability optimization. The most interesting characteristic of this method is related to its high‐speed computation, since the practical importance lies in the short computation time needed to obtain an optimal or nearly optimal solution for large industrial problems.
Optimal design of series production lines with unreliable machines and finite buffers
Authors: Nourelfath Mustapha , Nahas Nabil , Ait‐Kadi Daoud 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to formulate a new problem of the optimal design of a series manufacturing production line system, and to develop an efficient heuristic approach to solve it. The optimal design objective is to maximize the efficiency subject to a total cost constraint.Design/methodology/approachTo estimate series production line efficiency, an analytical decomposition‐type approximation is used. The optimal design problem is formulated as one of combinatorial optimization where the decision variables are buffers and types of machines. This problem is solved by developing and demonstrating a problem‐specific ant system algorithm. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.FindingsIt has been found that this algorithm can always find near‐optimal or optimal solutions quickly. The approach developed in this paper for manufacturing lines can be adapted for power systems and telecommunication systems.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new approach for the optimal design of buffered series production lines. This optimization approach aims at selecting both the machines and the levels of buffers. The paper also develops an efficient solution approach based on the ant system meta‐heuristic.
Reliability and operating environment‐based spare parts estimation approach
Authors: Ghodrati Behzad , Kumar Uday 
Published: June 2005

PurposeWith continuous technological development in the twenty‐first century, the industry and industrial systems have become complex and making their availability more critical. In this context, the product support and its related issues such as spare parts play an important role. Lack of timely or incomplete support, such as the lack of spare parts when required, is likely to cause unexpected downtimes, which in turn often lead to incompensatable losses. Therefore the importance of predicting the correct support to keep the system functionally available needs to be emphasized. Required number of spare parts could be obtained based on technical and life parameters. This paper seeks to examine the system reliability and operating environment, which are the two parameters to be considered in this article.Design/methodology/approachA model is provided in this paper to determine the number of required spare parts with respect to the effect of the external factors, except time, on the reliability characteristics of components through the proportional hazard model. The model is verified with estimation of the number of spare hydraulic jacks, used on a load‐haul‐dump (LHD) machine, as non‐repairable components. The reliability of this non‐repairable part and its operational impact are assessed, while considering environmental factors and ignoring them.FindingsThe results indicate that the operating environment of system/machine has considerable influence on system performance. Forecasting the required support/spare parts based on technical characteristics and the system‐operating environment is an optimal way to prevent unplanned stoppages.Practical implicationsThe environmental conditions in which the equipment is to be operated, such as temperature, humidity, dust, road conditions, maintenance facilities, maintenance crew training, operators' skill, etc., often have considerable influence directly on the system/machine or component reliability and indirectly on the product supportability characteristics. Spare parts, are classified as a product support item whose availability is important when planned or unplanned maintenance is to be carried out. Forecasting the required number of spare parts, based on technical characteristics and operating environmental conditions of a system, is one of the best ways to optimize unplanned stoppages.Originality/valuePreviously, the state of the specific technology and other factors have demonstrated the need for support in enhancing system effectiveness and preventing unexpected downtime. This paper sets the required number of spare parts necessary to fulfil this need.
How corporate visual identity supports reputation
Authors: van den Bosch Annette L.M. , de Jong Menno D.T. , Elving Wim J.L. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeCorporate visual identity (CVI) comprises all the symbols and graphical elements that express the essence of an organisation. Although it is by far the most visible and tangible asset in the armoury of tools used by the majority of organisations in their interaction with the outside world, the role of CVI is scarcely mentioned in studies on corporate reputation. Despite the growing interest in measuring reputation and brand values, little is known about the role of CVI. This article aims to explore the relationship between CVI and five general dimensions of reputation: visibility, distinctiveness, authenticity, transparency, and consistency.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the relationship between corporate visual identity and reputation. In which ways and to what extent can CVI support a corporate reputation? This exposition of the relationship between reputation and CVI is based on the framework established by Fombrun and Van Riel and the reputation model they present, which consists of five dimensions: visibility, distinctiveness, authenticity, transparency, and consistency. This relationship is explored by investigating these dimensions.FindingsIt is concluded that CVI can, in principle, support each of these dimensions, through the quality of the design, the range of its application, and the condition of carriers.Practical implicationsCVI must be considered a useful tool that can be successfully applied to managing the reputation of any organization.Originality/valueThe results will be helpful to communication professionals who deal with integrated communication and aim to enhance the consistency of messages – both written and visual – within their organisation.
The role of management post‐NPM in the implementation of new policies affecting police officers' practices
Authors: Brunetto Yvonne , Farr‐Wharton Rod 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of resources, accountability, management practices and organisational culture on the implementation of a policy (in this case, a domestic violence policy/program) within an Australian state police department. The paper argues that successful implementation requires a synergy between the established goals and beliefs, the level of resources and accountability provided to support the implementation process, and a performance‐based rather than process‐oriented type of management practice.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods approach was used.FindingsThe findings suggest that successful implementation of policies requires that senior and lower managers must be in congruence in relation to the stated goals and objectives of a new policy. This is because the role of senior managers is to determine the goals and resources that accompany a new policy. On the other hand, if first‐level managers perceive a lack of synergy between a written policy and the supporting implementation variables (funding), then it is likely that, to the extent that they have power, they will use it to maintain the status quo.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study is that the implementation of only one program was examined and it is hoped that future research is able to further generalise these findings.Practical implicationsThe implication of these findings for police management is that the past method of increasing accountability to ensure the successful implementation of an under‐resourced policy is unlikely to be successful. This is because of the unwritten cultural messages (about the real agenda of a policy) that flow through the hierarchy when a new policy is not accompanied by adequate resources – especially if the police culture is unsympathetic to the goals of the policy.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the body of knowledge about what factors affect implementation outcomes within a police context.
Ethno‐racial political transition and citizen satisfaction with police
Authors: Smith Brad W. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeOne of the most consistent and widely discussed findings in research on citizens' attitudes toward the police is that African‐American citizens view the police less favorably than do white citizens. Frank and his colleagues, however, found that in Detroit African‐American residents held more favorable views of the police than did white residents. They suggested that as a result of “ethno‐racial political transitions” occurring in large cities attitudes toward the police of both African‐American and white residents may have changed. The current study seeks to examine this issue in Washington, DC which has undergone similar demographic and political changes.Design/methodology/approachData for the current study were taken from a 1998 survey of households in 12 US cities conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics.FindingsThe results suggest that, although Washington, DC has undergone an “ethno‐racial political transition”, African‐American residents reported less satisfaction with the police than did white residents.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by cross‐sectional data and the unique nature of politics and policing in Washington, DC. Future research using longitudinal data should consider these issues in other “transitioned” cities.Originality/valueExamines African‐American and white citizens' attitudes toward police in Washington, DC.
Negotiating order in the policing of youth drinking
Authors: Schafer Joseph A. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeField studies of police behavior have tended to focus on the generalized patrol function in major urban areas. Largely absent from this body of literature are considerations of specialized units, particularly in smaller communities. Studies of police discretion often center on the arrest decision, giving less attention to other aspects of sanctioning discretion. This study seeks to examine how police officers in a mid‐western college community used leniency and coercion to negotiate order in policing the consumption of alcohol by college‐aged youth.Design/methodology/approachField observations and interviews were used to study decision‐making patterns among both general patrol officers and personnel assigned to a specialized unit tasked with patrolling alcohol establishments.FindingsFindings suggested that officers employed leniency in variable patterns, primarily based on duty assignment. At the same time, citizen demeanor was often a key in shaping sanctioning outcomes in alcohol‐enforcement encounters. Within the enforcement unit, interactions between officers and young adults were surprisingly amicable, despite the potential for more contentious relations.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of qualitative methods in a single agency renders the findings exploratory in nature; further inquiry might examine the policing of youth drinking using more systematic means in similar communities.Originality/valueStudy findings contribute to understanding of police discretion by exploring the issue in an under‐studied venue and by contrasting enforcement decisions between officers with different duty assignments.
The effect of law enforcement stress on organizational commitment
Authors: Jaramillo Fernando , Nixon Robert , Sams Doreen 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis study takes an interdisciplinary research orientation in an attempt to comprehensively investigate the effects of police stress internal to the organization (i.e. role ambiguity, role conflict, supervisor support, group cohesiveness, and promotion opportunities) on organizational commitment, after controlling for the effects of job satisfaction. Existing empirical models have mainly been limited to analyses of the effects of role conflict and role ambiguity on job strain and rely on samples of salespeople, customer satisfaction employees, and retail managers working at private organizations to the neglect of not‐for‐profit organizations.Design/methodology/approachTherefore, the underlying research hypotheses were tested using responses to 150 surveys from police officers of six law enforcement agencies.FindingsResults indicate that in addition to job satisfaction, supervisor's support, group cohesiveness, and promotion opportunities are the best predictors of organizational commitment of law enforcement officers. The results also indicate a significant relationship between organizational commitment and intention to leave.Research limitations/implicationsStudy findings are based on responses of officers from six police agencies in Florida. Results may not be representative of all US police.Practical implicationsResearch findings may help senior police officers in charge of managing the police force design strategies that both enhance police officers', organizational commitment and diminish turnover intentions.Originality/valueThis study empirically tested a model that examines the effects of stressors on commitment and turnover intentions in police settings.