bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of infrastructures
Authors: Suomi Reima 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to compare the railway and internet revolutions. What do they have in common and what is different between them, considering the 150‐year time difference in their occurrence? As time passes, can internet developers learn something from the railway industry?FindingsThe two industries have a lot of common. Both railways and the internet represent national infrastructures that cannot be managed just based on business management principles. As both are concerned with traffic, either that of physical goods or of messages, the two industries also seem to have a lot in technical terms when one takes a sufficiently abstract point of view. The main message is that in the long term, the railway revolution vanished and the industry turned into a low profit/interest field. The internet might follow the same path.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper in its current form is based on a literature review only. Its quality could be improved with a detailed empirical study. Other similar infrastructure‐type industries could also be involved.Practical implicationsThere are several things that could be improved in the management of the internet, but they are large‐scale issues needing co‐operation between the many stakeholders in the internet. Examples are those of avoiding the digital divide and catering for critical “last mile” connections, as well as managing the diversity of different standards.Originality/valueAs far as the author knows this is the first paper of its kind comparing these two industries. The message is that more cross‐industrial studies need to be performed. Also, the message of the paper – that the internet might turn into a low‐interest business in the long run – has not been discussed sufficiently.
Developments in industrial robotic safety
Authors: Piggin Richard 
Published: June 2005

PurposeA review of safety‐technology, applicable safety‐related standards and the impact on the use of robots in industrial environments.Design/methodology/approachTechnological developments are presented in safety‐related control technology, including programmable safety controllers, configurable safety controllers, safety networking and robotic safety in human environments. The technological developments are related to new and emerging safety standards.FindingsThe development of safety‐related technology and new international and European standards have fundamentally changed the way in which safety is now being engineered in industry. The introduction of new standards and revision of others have allowed safety‐related systems to utilise “state of the art” electronic, programmable, and network based technologies. New international standards are likely to include collaborative working with humans in the robotic workspace. This is set to change how robots are utilised in manufacturing environments.Originality/valueThe review of applicable standards and technical developments: with examples from current research and new technologies, demonstrating engineering solutions that embody the principles of the new standards.
Development of a robot for orbital welding
Authors: Lima Eduardo J. , Fortunato Torres Guilherme C. , Felizardo Ivanilza , Ramalho Filho Frederico A. , Bracarense Alexandre Q. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis work demonstrates the development of a robot, which was designed for the orbital welding of pipes.Design/methodology/approachThe robot consists of a small car pressed against the pipe by means of chains, which are used by the robot to move around it. To provide all necessary torch movements, the robot must have four degrees of freedom: torch travel speed, stick‐out, torch angle and lateral motion. Thus, using a look‐up table‐which was specially designed to this application‐it is possible to follow the optimal parameters (voltage, current, welding speed, torch angle and stick‐out) for each welding position (flat, vertical and overhead).FindingsThe robotization of the orbital welding process brings enhancement in the final product quality, considerable increase of repeatability, reduction of rework and reduction of the weld execution time. At the very least, the robot is capable to reproduce the weld bead of the best human welder, through the use of the same paramenters contained in a table.Practical implicationsThe use of this robot in welding with GMAW proved to be extremely viable. It was shown that the bead shape did not suffer great variations from one welding postion to another, thanks to the use of a gradual change of parameters.Originality/valueAlthough, by RIA definition the devices for the orbital welding shown in literature up to now are not robots, the developed device can be called a robot due to its capability of being completely programmable and automatically carrying through all welding activities.
Real‐time top‐face vision based control of weld pool size
Authors: Smith Jeremy S. , Balfour Chris 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTop‐face control of weld penetration in TIG welding is required for fully automated systems to overcome variations in the welding process and fixturing systems.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a system based upon based on the real‐time vision measurement and control of the upper surface or “topface” weld pool size. The primary objective has been to demonstrate the feasibility of using vision‐based image processing to provide measurements and the subsequent control of upper bead weld geometrical properties during the weld formation or molten phase and correlate this to the backface weld bead size.FindingsVision based measurement of the upper surface of the weld pool can be used, in real‐time, to control the weld pool size. This allows more uniform weld penetration to be achieved in the presence of disturbances.Research limitations/implicationsThe system requires that the pool edges can be accurately identified using a correlation method. This requires images with good contrast between the weld pool and the workpiece.Practical implicationsThe system is applicable to both continuous and pulsed TIG welding.Originality/valueA novel reference feature correlation‐based image analysis algorithm has been developed that may be configured to operate with a number of different welding processes. The issues of system integration, i.e. interfacing the system with legacy welding equipment are also discussed.
Sensors in robotic arc welding to support small series production
Authors: Bolmsjö Gunnar , Olsson Magnus 
Published: June 2005

PurposeAims to present general concepts and framework for increasing the flexibility in robotic arc welding with respect to use of sensors and small series production.Design/methodology/approachPresents a conceptual model with a framework that integrates existing tools and needed developments and research to increase the usefulness of sensors in robotic arc welding. The conceptual model is based on research within the field which covers supporting tools like robot simulation, sensor modelling and handling and optimization issues with respect to the robot task execution. A descriptive structure and concept is outlined to include welding procedure specifications (WPS) as a key module to provide an integrated and holistic control model of the robotic.FindingsFinds that the outlined conceptual model and architecture supports an increased flexibility of sensor controlled robots for arc welding applications. The arguments are specifically made for small series and one‐off production.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to arc welding applications and the concept and arguments are made with small series and one‐off production in mind.Practical implicationsIncreased use of sensors and robots in small series production.Originality/valueIntroduces a holistic approach for task level control of a robot which introduces a structured way for integrated and coordinated control of the arc welding task. The objective is to execute the welding task with maintained robustness with respect to predefined specifications (quality, productivity).
Welding and sensor application with rotating torch
Authors: Dilthey U. , Wilms G. , Sevim A.M. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeAims to present missing knowledge of welding and sensor application with rotating torch to the technically and economically meaningful employment. With the help of this knowledge, on the one hand, the potential user is to be informed about the applicability of the system in the context of his production line and his products and on the other hand, the classification of the system in the range of the alternatives available on market.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces the welding operation and experimental results of rotating torch integrated with a sensor device using a 6‐axis robot. Performed various laboratory experiments investigating variable frequency values with different torch orientations.FindingsFigures out the optimum frequency and torch orientation to obtain ultimate welding geometry by means of compensating gaps with increased weld root. Observed the possibility of out‐of‐position welding.Research limitations/implicationsIn this manner, provides a great scope as a pioneer application in industry and a guidance for forthcoming researches.Practical implicationsAllows welding of thin sheet metals.Originality/valuePresents a seminal concept in the field of any industrial applications such as marine and pipeline construction.
The strategic value of customer profitability analysis
Authors: van Raaij Erik M. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to show how intelligence emanating from customer profitability analysis (CPA) can help improve strategic marketing planning. Insights into the profitability of individual customers, as well as the distribution of profitability across the customer base, can lead to better decisions in the areas of managing costs and revenues, managing risks and strategic market positioning.Design/methodology/approachThe concept and process of CPA are first explained. The heart of the paper then discusses how the outcomes permit novel analyses related to costs and revenues, risk, and strategic positioning. Finally, the paper explains what is needed to make the shift from retrospective CPA to prospective CPA.FindingsCPA delivers two types of insights: the degree of profitability for each individual customer, and the distribution of profitability among customers within the customer base. Profitability data at the level of the individual customer support better decision making about service levels, marketing investments and pricing strategies. The profitability distribution curve yields information about the vulnerability of future cash flows from customers. Further, DPA data permit segmentation and targeting on the basis of profitability and the development of different value propositions for different profitability segments.Practical implicationsShareholder value is created through cash flows from customers. CPA uncovers where these cash flows are generated. Armed with customer profitability data, marketers can really develop and implement value‐driven differentiated customer service strategies.Originality/valueWhile quite a number of published papers have discussed the technicalities of calculating customer profitability, this paper adds to the literature an overview of how the outcomes of such calculations can help planners make better decisions, to increase the magnitude of cash flows from customers and/or reduce the volatility and vulnerability of such cash flows.
Where is my suitcase? RFID and airline customer service
Authors: Wyld David C. , Jones Michael A. , Totten Jeffrey W. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeExamines the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the commercial aviation industry, focusing on its role in baggage handling and security.Design/methodology/approachDraws upon academic and trade literature to provide a current overview of developments in the implementation of RFID technology in commercial aviation, particularly focusing on Delta Airlines, an industry leader in the USA in the testing and development of RFID systems for improved operations in baggage handling.FindingsThough RFID technology is experiencing widespread adoption across many industries, commercial aviation seems poised to be a leader in its full‐scale adoption in practice. RFID technology demonstrates distinct advantages over the currently used barcode system for baggage handling.Practical implicationsThis paper shows how RFID technology can improve customer service though better operational efficiency in baggage handling, which has been demonstrated to be an integral component of an airline's customer service equation. Academicians and marketing professionals should both be aware of developments with RFID technology. It is of particular importance in the airline sector, as improved accuracy of baggage handling can enable air carriers to close an important service‐delivery gap in an increasingly turbulent operating environment.Originality/valueLittle is published in the academic literature about this timely topic. Most of the published information available is from corporate or commercial sources, and is presented in such formats as white papers. This paper is a companion piece to the review of RFID in UK retailing by Jones et al. in this issue.
Internet use in a Nigerian suburban setting
Authors: Akporido Caroline E. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo investigate internet usage in a Nigerian suburban setting – Abraka Delta State.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a questionnaire to collect data from 150 respondents.FindingsRevealed the personal characteristics of the respondents, different aspects of their internet use such as duration of internet usage access time, motivation for using the Net, search engines employed, internet skills acquisition, frequency of internet use, evaluation of internet information content, problems encountered while using the internet as well as way forward.Originality/valueThe findings will assist the LIS world to know the patterns of internet use in developing world and provide the needed data that will assist policy makers and stakeholders to seek ways of making the dwellers better users of the Net.
Enhancing women's productivity in the library and information sector in Nigeria
Authors: Iwe Josephine I. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeProductivity in library and information entails efficient and timely information acquisition, processing, storage, retrieval and delivery. The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons why the productivity of women in library and information should be enhanced; to describe problems which militate against this; and to highlight their future prospects.Design/methodology/approachThese objectives are achieved through the descriptive survey methodology.FindingsThe finding is that, in spite of the fact that the productivity of women in Nigeria has generally been regarded as low because of traditional prejudices against women and lack of data on the productivity of women in the informal sector, the productivity of women in the library and information sector has remained high and needs enhancement to encourage them to aim higher in the profession. One way of achieving this is by getting them fully involved in information technology. Another way is government's financial support of their aspirations towards training and retraining; attendance to seminar‐workshops, exchange programmes in connection with sabbatical leave appointments, etc.Research limitations/implicationsFor further research, this paper suggests an investigation into the implications of government's investment on women librarians for the harnessing of knowledge and information for sustainable rural development in Nigeria.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the paper is that with government's focus on women librarians to tap their potentials, they will become more sensitive in their professional practice and will endeavour to show‐case their enhanced productivity.Originality/valueThe new value is the suggestion that women librarians should be incorporated to assist in producing national data on the productivity of women in the informal sector.
Web sources, resources and strategies for legal research
Authors: Obiora Omekwu Charles 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe central objective of this work is to examine internet sources, resources, and strategies, with particular reference to legal research.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted was to preface web‐based definitions of the internet and draw some features from the definitions. The next approach was to examine legal research resources on the internet. A web‐based survey and subject analysis of legal resources was then conducted.FindingsThe findings reveal the existence of diverse web resources on all subjects of law.Research limitations/implicationsDraws implications for legal research based on empirical data presented. Internet legal research is not simplistic; nor are all the web‐accessed materials to be accepted hook, line and sinker. It is, however, critical to state that to a large extent the internet would continue to create distributed research community for scholarship and research on a global basis. It concludes that, for legal research institutions, the need to install IT‐driven legal research facilities is no longer at the crossroads of policy tinkering but at the threshold of fundamental technological shift. Internet connectivity is the most critical need of legal research institutions of developing countries.Originality/valueProbably a first in emphasizing unequivocally that IT activity and expertise are an absolute necessity for the pursuit of legal research in the future.
Enhancing provision of scientific and technical information in Nigerian libraries
Authors: Emojorho Daniel 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper is primarily aimed at enhancing provision of scientific and technological information (STI) in Nigerian libraries.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical approach was adopted in presenting information on this work. References were drawn from notable authorities to support discussions.FindingsThis paper reveals that science and technological information sources are increasing and very diverse, cutting across primary sources, secondary sources, tertiary sources, as well as non‐documentary sources and involving the use of modern facilities such as CD‐ROMs, Internet and other electronic devices. Factors militating against the provision of scientific and technological information sources in Nigeria include inadequate funding, nonchalant attitude of scientists and technologists towards publishing, lack of or ill‐equipped laboratories, lack of or insufficient science and technologically based librarians and lack of automation or IT facilities in most libraries.Originality/valueIt is hoped that this paper will assist scientists and technologists to have access to relevant information sources, which will enhance their work performance.
“I” versus “we”
Authors: Laroche Michel , Kalamas Maria , Cleveland Mark 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo examine the impact of culture on customer service expectations, specifically, how individualists and collectivists use internal and external sources of information to formulate their service expectations.Design/methodology/approachThe context was the airline industry and the subject pool consisted of experienced consumers. A survey was employed to measure individualism/collectivism, various internal/external information sources, and the functional and technical dimensions of “should” and “will” service expectations. Hypothesized relationships were tested using a structural equations modeling approach.FindingsBoth individualists and collectivists relied more on external information sources in formulating their service expectations, gave variable weight to the functional and technical components, and used more realistic “will” expectations to judge service offerings. Internal (external) information sources were relatively more important in forming expectations for collectivists (individualists) than for individualists (collectivists), and “will” (“should”) expectations were more diagnostic for collectivists (individualists) than for individualists (collectivists).Research limitations/implicationsGeneralizability of the findings is limited due to the specific industry under study (airlines), the sample (two geographically‐proximate sub‐cultures), and the scope of the cultural variables considered (individualism/collectivism).Practical implicationsWhether managers should leverage the functional and/or technical components of services depends in part on the cultural orientation of their customers. Managers should also recognize that customers’ usage of various information sources in forming service expectations is also, in part, culturally determined.Originality/valueIn this era of globalization, researchers and managers alike need to consider the subtle influences of culture on marketing theories and the formulation of service expectations respectively.
The relationship between export assistance and performance improvement in Portuguese export ventures
Authors: Filipe Lages Luis , Montgomery David B. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe article aims to test how pricing strategy adaptation to the foreign market mediates the relationship between export assistance and annual export performance improvement. It also aims to consider the effects of management international experience and export market competition.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modelling with WLS estimation is used to test the direct and indirect influences of the variables on short‐term export performance.FindingsSurprisingly, the findings reveal that the total effects of export assistance on annual export performance improvement are non‐significant, because although export assistance has a direct positive impact on performance, there is a negative indirect impact through export pricing strategy adaptation.Research limitations/implicationsThese surprising results suggest that future research is required to incorporate and test the intervening and indirect effects among variables.Practical implicationsThe findings also indicate that both export assistance and short‐term export performance improve with management international experience and export market competition.Originality/valueSince both managers and public policy makers are often short‐term oriented, it is urgent to develop research to better understand determinants of short‐term performance as well as the antecedents of managerial and public policy resource allocation in the short term.