Showing papers by "Cranfield University published in 1999"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors develop a framework for understanding the integration of marketing with business processes and shareholder value, which redefines marketing phenomena as embedded in three core business processes: process, process, and value.
Abstract: The authors develop a framework for understanding the integration of marketing with business processes and shareholder value. The framework redefines marketing phenomena as embedded in three core b...
1,105 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is provided for the existence of smaller than expected niche overlaps on relevant niche axes and a trade-off between species' resource use on orthogonal axes in a species-rich plant community.
Abstract: Species-rich plant communities are prized repositories of biodiversity and a dwindling resource, but how the large numbers of species that characterize such communities are able to coexist is poorly understood. Resource-based competition theory predicts that stable coexistence between species depends on each being a superior competitor in its own niche1. The theoretical problem is that plants all require the same resources and acquire them in a very limited variety of ways, so observed niche overlaps are high2,3 and exclusion of all but the best competitor is the predicted result. This problem, central to community ecology, has elicited a variety of theoretical solutions4,5,6,7, several of which invoke some degree of niche separation in time or space8,9. The signature of niche separation in the field is to be found in community structure, which should indicate (i) smaller than expected niche overlaps on relevant niche axes and (ii) a trade-off between species' resource use on orthogonal axes. Here we provide evidence for the existence of both these conditions in a species-rich plant community.
497 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of recent developments in this area is discussed with reference to the classical analytical expression of Smoluchowski defining collision frequency and originally published in 1917, with the key models that have been developed to address specific limitations discussed in detail.
434 citations
TL;DR: This article used jazz as a metaphoric vehicle for redescribing the concept of organizational structure in ways that fit within the emerging vocabulary of organization studies, including soloing, comping, trading fours, listening and responding, groove and feel.
Abstract: This paper uses jazz as a metaphoric vehicle for redescribing (Rorty 1989) the concept of organizational structure in ways that fit within the emerging vocabulary of organization studies. It begins with a description of some basic elements of jazz performance soloing, comping, trading fours, listening and responding, groove and feel and builds on these to redescribe organizational structure as ambiguous, emotional and temporal. In reflexive fashion, the paper not only demonstrates the concepts it engages, but presents a jazz-like performance of Rorty's method of redescription via metaphor.
372 citations
TL;DR: The results reinforce speculation regarding the toughening role of collagen in bone mechanics and suggest that the fragility of aging bone may be related to collagen changes.
Abstract: The importance of the mechanical role of collagen in bone is becoming increasingly more clear as evidence mounts on the detrimental effects of altered collagen on the mechanical properties of bone. We previously examined a set of mechanical properties (material stiffness, strength, and toughness) of human femoral bone (ages 35-92) and found that a gradual deterioration in these properties occurs with age. The present study examines the collagen of the same specimens and relates the collagen properties to the mechanical ones. In the collagen we measured the concentration of stable mature crosslinks, the shrinkage temperature, and the rate of contraction during isometric heating. The changes in the concentration of mature (pyridinium and deoxypyridinium) crosslinks showed no clear relationship to age nor did they correlate with the mechanical properties. The shrinkage temperature declined with age and correlated with a bone's toughness. The maximum rate of contraction was strongly correlated with three different measures of tissue toughness, but much less to stiffness and strength. Our results reinforce speculation regarding the toughening role of collagen in bone mechanics and suggest that the fragility of aging bone may be related to collagen changes.
360 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of jet diffusion flames, burning methane at atmospheric and elevated pressure, is presented and the main emphasis is on the intimate coupling between the soot production rate and the flame radiative heat loss.
297 citations
TL;DR: In the last few years there has emerged a strongly held view that the ultimate purpose of the firm is to maximize shareholder value, that is the long run worth of the business to its owners.
Abstract: In the last few years there has emerged a strongly held view that the ultimate purpose of the firm is to maximize shareholder value, that is the long run worth of the business to its owners. Many influences clearly impact upon shareholder value, but there is a growing recognition that the supply chain strategy employed by the firm can have a significant effect. This paper examines the concept of shareholder value and the related organizational framework of Value Based Management (VBM) and explores the connections with supply chain strategy.
281 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose new sets of program aims and objectives in relation to impact and sustainability, which can be used in programme design, monitoring and evaluation, and also make longer term recommendations to external support agencies.
Abstract: Sound strategies for community water supply and sanitation programmes in developing countries should be based on a clear understanding of the existing problems, the beneficial impacts achievable, and the factors which determine sustainability. The impacts of many water and sanitation programmes are limited, and many systems break down and are abandoned prematurely. Only limited impacts are achievable in the short term without greatly increased investment. Sustainability, in the sense of continued delivery and uptake of services, is threatened by numerous attitudinal, institutional and economic factors, and community participation approaches alone are no guarantee of success. The key to sustainability is that all stakeholders involved in consumption/use, maintenance, cost recovery, and continuing support perceive it in their best interests to deliver high quality services. The paper proposes new sets of programme aims and objectives in relation to impact and sustainability, which can be used in programme design, monitoring and evaluation. It also makes longer term recommendations to external support agencies.
277 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a longitudinal case study of a professional service network in the public accounting industry, a network intentionally created and formally organized to pursue residual referral revenue for the member firms, is presented.
Abstract: This paper examines a single longitudinal case study of a professional service network in the public accounting industry, a network intentionally created and formally organized to pursue residual referral revenue for the member firms. Applying and extending a coevolutionary perspective (Koza and Lewin 1998), the paper explores the antecedents and stimuli for the formation of the network, the network's morphology, the motivation of the network members, and the ways in which the network coevolves with its environment and with the adaptation practices of its members. We find that the network was initially created with the strategic intent of producing incremental income in exchange for cross-border referrals. However, we also find that this strategy reveals asymmetric positive returns, which produce serendipitous opportunities for individual member firms to bypass the original intent of network by entering each other's market. We propose that such tensions may be endemic to alliance networks, and we explore their sources and consequences on a variety of characteristics, including network stability, member opportunism, and control. The paper concludes with a model of the coevolutionary process.
271 citations
TL;DR: The clear message from this article is that achieving high performance from IT is not just about the IT function's ability to build, maintain and deliver systems, but is an organisational wide activity requiring a strong business/IT partnership.
Abstract: The senior management of many organisations are continually disappointed with the benefits and value which they perceive they are getting from their investments in IT. This frustration with IT, and in particular with the IT function, has seen many organisations choose to rid themselves of the ‘problem’ altogether by outsourcing IT activities to a third party. The fact that there is a separate organisational unit responsible for IT activities has led to the emergence of gap between this so called IT organisation and the rest of the business. Culture is often used to explain the gap as if this somehow justifies an organisations inability to effectively leverage IT. However, the premise underlying this article is that culture is an excuse for rather than a cause of ineffective application of IT for business benefits and value. The clear message from this article is that achieving high performance from IT is not just about the IT function's ability to build, maintain and deliver systems, but is an organisational wide activity requiring a strong business/IT partnership. A framework grounded in the research literature, which identifies the elements to manage in creating high performance from IT, is developed and operationalised. The findings of an exploratory survey are presented and research and practitioner implications developed.
235 citations
TL;DR: In general, lamellar properties from near to the center of the osteon were greater than those from the outermost osteonal lamella, and the mechanical properties of osteons are also significantly lower than those of the interstitial bone.
TL;DR: In this article, the interrelationships between residential mobility, labor market mobility, and commuting are examined by means of bivariate models and interpret the outcomes in light of the search model.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors critically analyzes these examples in order to establish the vulnerability points of such measurement instruments and to illustrate the importance of such benchmarking and learning within the highly risky, information technology (IT)driven experiences of systems development and failure.
Abstract: Given the prevailing emphasis on agency performance, customer focus, stakeholder’s interests and other methods of assessment under new public administration and prevailing managerialism in many public sectors around the world, administrative practitioners have taken to benchmarking as an instrument for assessing organizational performance and for facilitating management transfer and learning from other benchmarked organizations. The introduction of benchmarking into the public sector is still in its early stages. Technical problems, scepticism about usefulness and the appropriateness of transferring putative private sector competencies into public administration and the resistance in accepting organizational change as a necessary consequence of benchmarking exercises in the public sector, prevent the widespread acceptance and use of benchmarking in public sectors, arguably “punch‐drunk” with systemic change. Nevertheless, there are some encouraging examples of benchmarking within the public sector. This paper critically analyzes these examples in order to establish the vulnerability points of such measurement instruments which, possibly, need more research in order to establish the specific learning dimensions to benchmarking and to illustrate the importance of such benchmarking and learning within the highly risky, information technology (IT)‐driven experiences of systems development and failure.
TL;DR: A sensor system for the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid has been developed based on specific recognition of the analyte by a molecularly imprinted polymer and electrochemical detection using disposable screen-printed electrodes.
Abstract: A sensor system for the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid has been developed based on specific recognition of the analyte by a molecularly imprinted polymer and electrochemical detection using disposable screen-printed electrodes The method involves a competitive binding step with a nonrelated electrochemically active probe For batch binding assays, imprinted polymer particles are incubated in suspension with the analyte and the probe, followed by centrifugation and quantification of the unbound probe in the supernatant Two different compounds, namely 2,4-dichlorophenol and homogentisic acid, were tested as potential electroactive probes Both compounds could be conveniently detected by differential-pulse voltammetry on screen-printed, solvent-resistant three-electrode systems having carbon working electrodes Whereas 2,4-dichlorophenol showed very high nonspecific binding to the polymer, homogentisic acid bound specifically to the imprinted sites and thus allowed calibration curves for the anal
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in combination with polyethylene bags on the ripening of harvested banana fruit was investigated.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered that the biodegradable chromophoric constituent species are the major contributors to the overall fluorescence within this band, and the intensity of this band has a good correlation with the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) parameter.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the erosion behaviour of thermally sprayed and electron beam physical vapour deposited (EB-PVD) TBCs at particle velocities up to 300 m/s at test temperature up to 920°C.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that discussion of the strategic management of human resources has been limited by a confusion over the analysis of SHRM and an inadequate conception of the field for SHRM.
Abstract: This paper argues that discussion of the strategic management of human resources has been limited by a confusion over the analysis of SHRM and an inadequate conception of the field for SHRM. By separating out the universalistic and con-textualist paradigms, the paper clarifies the differences in approach and how these affect views of the nature, levels and actors in the subject area. Siting itself in the contextualist paradigm, the paper draws attention to the value of that approach in understanding current developments in SHRM in Europe.1
TL;DR: Comprehensive two-dimensional profiles of a(w) x temperature relations for growth of these three species were constructed for the first time and discussed in relation to the environmental limits that determine efficacy of entomogenous fungi as biocontrol agents in nature.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose methods to correct or remove erroneous data by the use of an expert filter, or alternatively use of interpolation technique called potential mapping, and deal with two errors that occur when the harvester has a narrow finish to a land.
Abstract: Many yield maps exhibit systematic errors that attenuate the underlying yield variation. Two errors are dealt with in detail in this paper: those that occur when the harvester has a narrow finish to a land and those that occur when the harvester is filling up at the start of a harvest run. The authors propose methods to correct or remove erroneous data by the use of an expert filter, or alternatively use of an interpolation technique called potential mapping.
TL;DR: The principles of biosensors, the current commercial devices available for glucose and glycohemoglobin measurements, and the recent work in the area of artificial receptors and the potential for the development of new devices for diabetes specifically connected with in vitro monitoring of glucose and GlyCOhemoglobin HbA(1c) are summarized.
Abstract: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. There is a large population in the world suffering from this disease, and the healthcare costs increase every year. It is a chronic disorder resulting from insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia and has a high risk of development of complications for the eyes, kidneys, peripheral nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Quick diagnosis and early prevention are critical for the control of the disease status. Traditional biosensors such as glucose meters and glycohemoglobin test kits are widely used in vitro for this purpose because they are the two major indicators directly involved in diabetes diagnosis and long-term management. The market size and huge demand for these tests make it a model disease to develop new approaches to biosensors. In this review, we briefly summarize the principles of biosensors, the current commercial devices available for glucose and glycohemoglobin measurements, and the recent work in the area of artificial receptors and the potential for the development of new devices for diabetes specifically connected with in vitro monitoring of glucose and glycohemoglobin HbA 1c .
TL;DR: In this article, a country inventory of the principal terrestrial sources and sinks of carbon for approximately the year 1990, using methods that are consistent with, and at least as accurate as, the revised 1996 guidelines recommended by IPCC where available, including categories which are not currently considered under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Abstract: The U.K. has extensive databases on soils, land cover and historic land use change which have made it possible to construct a comprehensive inventory of the principal terrestrial sources and sinks of carbon for approximately the year 1990, using methods that are consistent with, and at least as accurate as, the revised 1996 guidelines recommended by IPCC where available – and including categories which are not currently considered under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This country inventory highlights issues concerning methodology, uncertainty, double counting, the importance of soils and the relative magnitude of sources and sinks which are reported to the UNFCCC relative to other sources and sinks. The carbon sinks (negative values in MtC a-1) for categories reported to the UNFCCC, based on the IPCC categories, were estimated to be: forest trees and litter (−2.1), U.K. forest products (−0.5, ignoring imports and exports), non-forest biomass (−0.3), forest soils (−0.1) and soils on set-aside land (−0.4). The carbon sources (positive values) reported under the UNFCCC were estimated to be: losses of soil organic carbon resulting from cultivation of semi-natural land (6.2) and from urbanization (1.6), drainage of peatlands (0.3) and fenlands (0.5), and peat extraction (0.2). A range of other sources and sinks not covered by the IPCC guidelines were also quantified, namely, the accumulation of carbon in undrained peatlands (−0.7, ignoring methane emission), sediment accretion in coastal marshes (−0.1), the possible U.K. share of the CO2 and N fertilization carbon sink (−2.0) and riverine organic and particulate carbon export to the sea (1.4, which may be assumed to be a source if most of this carbon is released as CO2 in the sea). All sinks totalled −6.2 and sources 10.2, giving a net flux to the atmosphere in 1990 of 4.0 MtC a-1. Uncertainties associated with categories, mostly based on best guesses, ranged from ±15% for forest biomass and litter to ±60% for CO2 and N fertilization.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a flame model for coupled thermal radiation and soot production in a laboratory-scale rig, where the flame properties needed for model validation were measured at 1 and 3 atm.
TL;DR: This paper summarizes the results of exploratory research set out to devise a new framework for ‘IT and change’ management, which is more appropriate to today’s realities than traditional approaches.
Abstract: . Although information systems and technology (IS/IT) investments have always caused varying degrees of business change, the main purpose of many of today’s IS/IT implementations is to change the business and/or organization in some significant way. However, most organizations’ approaches to managing IS/IT developments have changed little in the last 15–20 years and are heavily dependent on methodologies of IS/IT development and associated project management principles. The philosophy being adopted by many organizations today is that there are few IS/IT projects (some infrastructure investments only) that do not cause business changes and therefore they are really ‘business projects involving IS/IT’. This exploratory research set out to devise a new framework for ‘IT and change’ management, which is more appropriate to today’s realities than traditional approaches. The initial framework was derived from ‘first principles’, then adapted and further developed by applying and testing it in a range of real projects in organizations. This paper summarizes the results of that work.
TL;DR: In this paper, a team of researchers have worked with the senior human resource (HR) teams of seven large companies with Great Britain operations to build on previous models of strategic HR processes and describe what role these processes play in linking business strategy and individual performance.
Abstract: During the last five years, a team of researchers has worked with the senior human resource (HR) teams of seven large companies with Great Britain operations. A key challenge facing organizations is how they continue to deliver sustained competitive advantage in the short-term while also preparing for longer-term success. It is widely acknowledged that the sources of sustained competitive advantage lie not only in access to finance or capital, but within the organization, in people and processes capable of delivering business strategies such as customer satisfaction or rapid innovation. This article builds on previous models of strategic HR processes and describes what role these processes play in linking business strategy and individual performance. The majority of models of the strategic human resource process are normative, in the sense that they map how human resource management should work and provide guidelines on best practice. The methodology and initial theory behind the mapping was guided by a number of implicit assumptions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe an exploratory investigation of the distribution channels and customer support strategies of five manufacturing businesses, using case study methodology, and illustrate the types of decisions companies make on how to provide high-quality support for their customers.
Abstract: Customer support, such as equipment maintenance and repair, is an essential element in the successful marketing of a wide range of products, from computer systems to domestic appliances. Consequently, companies need to establish and maintain appropriate channels for high‐quality customer support; either as a part of their own operations or through third parties. This paper describes an exploratory investigation of the distribution channels and customer support strategies of five manufacturing businesses, using case study methodology. The results show the key role that customer support plays in various industries and illustrate the types of decisions companies make on how to provide high‐quality support for their customers. These findings have implications for managers in all industries where customer support is important, as they provide insights on how different channels and strategies affect the quality and efficiency of customer support.
TL;DR: In this article, a new technique was developed that produces instantaneous or time-averaged two-dimensional images of Sauter Mean Diameter from a spray, which combines elastic and inelastic light scattered from a laser sheet.
Abstract: A new technique has been developed that produces instantaneous or time-averaged two-dimensional images of Sauter Mean Diameter from a spray. Laser Sheet Dropsizing (LSD) combines elastic and inelastic light scattered from a laser sheet. Compared with Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA), the new technique offers advantages in increased spatial and temporal resolution and more rapid spray characterisation. Moreover, the technique can also be applied to dense sprays. Successful implementation requires careful calibration, particularly of the effect of dye concentration on the dropsize dependence of the inelastic scattered light.
TL;DR: The authors argue that the difference between inductivist and deductivist research is how they draw upon existing research: in inductivist research theory can be used where it is composed of constructs while theory represented in the form of variables is more appropriate in hypothetico-deductive research.
Abstract: Draws upon a study of the ways in which entrepreneurs use trust to mediate customer perceived risk at the start of a venture in order to show how researchers can combine elements of both approaches in an epistemologically consistent way. Specifically, researchers seeking to use an inductivist/qualitative approach can start with an a priori specification of constructs, perhaps in the form of a model. One of the ways in which this can help researchers is to identify where they should look in order to find the phenomena of interest to them. We argue that the difference between inductivist and deductivist research is how they draw upon existing research: in inductivist research theory can be used where it is composed of constructs while theory represented in the form of variables is more appropriate in hypothetico‐deductive research.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify and review nine core streams of literature that have been influent in the creation and delivery of value to customers, and present a review of these streams.
Abstract: The creation and delivery of value to customers is of increasing interest to researchers and practitioners. This paper identifies and reviews nine core streams of literature that have been influent...
TL;DR: In this article, the levels of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) exposure needed to prevent ethylene-stimulated banana fruit ripening, characterise responses of the treated fruit to subsequent treatment with 1-mCP, and test effects of subsequent ethylene treatment on the fruit softening.
Abstract: Experiments were conducted to determine levels of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) exposure needed to prevent ethylene-stimulated banana fruit ripening, characterise responses of ethylene-treated fruit to subsequent treatment with 1-MCP, and to test effects of subsequent ethylene treatment on 1-MCP-treated fruit softening. Fruit softening was measured at 20°C and 90% relative humidity. One hour exposure at 20°C to 1000 nl 1-MCP/l essentially eliminated ethylene-stimulated ripening effects. Exposure for 12 h at 20°C to just 50 nl 1-MCP/l was similarly effective. Fruit ripening initiated by ethylene treatment could also be delayed with subsequent 1-MCP treatment. However, 1-MCP treatment only slowed down ripening of ethylene-treated fruit when applied at 1 day after ethylene and was ineffective when applied 3 or 5 days after ethylene treatment. The ripening response of fruit treated with 1-MCP and subsequently treated with ethylene varied with interval time between 1-MCP and ethylene treatments. As time increased, the response of 1-MCP-treated fruit to ethylene was enhanced. Responses to 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 µl ethylene/l concentrations were similar. Enzyme kinetic analysis applied to 1-MCP effects on ethylene-induced softening of banana fruit suggested that 1-MCP inhibition is by noncompetitive antagonism of ethylene binding.