Showing papers by "Deakin University published in 1996"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors attempted to group 173 different domains names derived from the literature under seven headings as used by the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale (ComQol) and found that 68% could be classified in this way.
Abstract: While life satisfaction is commonly measured as an aggregate of individual life domains, the characterisation of such domains is uncertain. This study attempts to group 173 different domains names derived from the literature under seven headings as used by the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale (ComQol). It was found that 68% could be classified in this way. Moreover, due to the repeated use of some domain names, the ComQol classification included 83% of the total reported data. The ComQol domain data did not differ from single-item global measures of life satisfaction and the within-study variance was lower using the ComQol rather than the original domains. A hierarchy of domain satisfaction was found which was dominated by the domain of intimacy. The other ComQol domains were quite tightly clustered within a range of 1.08 standard deviations. No difference was found between normative data and data gathered from people with a chronic medical condition, but people selected on psychiatric criteria had a lower life quality, most particularly in the domain of intimacy. It is concluded that life satisfaction, and therefore subjective well-being, can be economically and validly measured through the seven ComQol domains.
795 citations
TL;DR: The authors examines a number of approaches to the writing of accounting history where recent research has begun to demonstrate a critical and interpretive tendency, and suggests directions in which this research might develop as accounting and its history enters the twenty-first century.
Abstract: Accounting history has a long tradition, but in recent years it has expanded its interests and approaches. Early literature of accounting history that sought to glorify the practice of accounting and the status of accountants has been supplemented first by a more utilitarian approach viewing the past as a “database” for enhancing understanding of contemporary practice and for identifying past accounting solutions that might be relevant to current problems, and then by a more critical approach, which seeks to understand accounting’s past through the perspective of a range of social and political theories. A tension has developed between those historians whose first loyalty is to the archive and those who look primarily to theory to inform their historical investigations. As accounting history matures, open debate between practitioners of different modes of history making can only be beneficial, not only to the development of the discipline, but also towards our own self‐understandings as accountants, including the impact we have on organizational and social functioning. Suggests that accounting history without a firm archival base is likely to lose direction, but that our notion of what constitutes the archive, and our ways of communicating, explicating and interpreting the archive, should not be taken as fixed. To illustrate this, examines a number of approaches to the writing of accounting history where recent research has begun to demonstrate a critical and interpretive tendency, and suggests directions in which this research might develop as accounting and its history enters the twenty‐first century.
484 citations
TL;DR: A strategy has been developed to identify and quantify the different neurochemical populations of myenteric neurons in the guinea-pig ileum using double-labelling fluorescence immunohistochemistry of whole-mount preparations, and a classification scheme, consistent with previous studies, is proposed.
463 citations
TL;DR: The reliability of isometric assessment is outlined and a number of methodological considerations designed to enhance reliability and validity are discussed, including standardisation procedures, type of instructions, muscular pre-tension, testing position and joint angle.
Abstract: Isometric assessment of muscular function is a popular form of testing which has been used in exercise science for over 40 years. It typically involves a maximal voluntary contraction performed at a specified joint angle against an unyielding resistance which is in series with a strain gauge, cable tensiometer, force platform or similar device whose transducer measures the applied force. Often both the maximum force and the rate of force development are recorded. These tests have generally shown high reliability in both single and multi-joint test protocols, although the maximum force is typically more reliable than rate of force development. This review outlines the reliability of isometric assessment and discusses a number of methodological considerations designed to enhance reliability and validity, including standardisation procedures, type of instructions, muscular pre-tension, testing position and joint angle. Currently, there appears to be considerable controversy as to the external validity of isometric assessment, particularly the ability of the tests to monitor changes in dynamic performance and their relationship to such performances. Indeed, a number of studies have recently shown that dynamic assessment modalities (isokinetic and isoinertial) are superior in terms of their relationship to dynamic performance and ability to discriminate between athletes of various performance levels compared with isometric assessment. This article reviews the use of isometric assessment in exercise science and consequently outlines a number of neural, mechanical and methodological factors which may have contributed to the contrasting research, and which may limit the ability of isometric assessment to relate to dynamic movement. Because of the large neural and mechanical differences between isometric and dynamic muscular actions, athletic assessment, which is dynamic in its nature, is generally most appropriately accomplished using dynamic muscular assessment methods, and in most instances isometric testing should be avoided.
245 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that RS significantly attenuates the accumulation of potentially harmful byproducts of protein fermentation in the human colon, and pH decreased from 6.4 +/-0.1 to 6.2 +/- 0.1 during the high-RS period.
232 citations
TL;DR: The strong relation of leptin with obesity is consistent with leptin production being proportional to mass of adipose tissue, but the independent association with insulin concentration suggests a possible role in insulin resistance or hyperinsulinaemia.
Abstract: Objective: To measure serum leptin concentrations in the Polynesian population of Western Samoa and to examine epidemiological associations of leptin with anthropometric, demographic, behavioural, and metabolic factors in this population with a high prevalence of obesity and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Design: Cross sectional study, leptin concentration being measured in a subgroup of a population based sample. Subjects: 240 Polynesian men and women aged 28–74 years were selected to cover the full range of age, body mass index, and glucose tolerance. Main outcome measurements: Serum leptin, insulin, and glucose concentrations; anthropometric measures; physical activity; and area of residence. Results: Leptin concentrations were correlated with body mass index (r = 0.80 in men, 0.79 in women) and waist circumference (r = 0.82 in men, 0.78 in women) but less so with waist to hip ratio. At any body mass index, leptin concentration was higher in women than men (geometric mean adjusted for body mass index 15.3 v 3.6 pg/1, P Conclusions: The strong relation of leptin with obesity is consistent with leptin production being proportional to mass of adipose tissue. The relation with insulin independent of body mass index suggests a possible role for leptin in insulin resistance or hyperinsulinaemia. Key messages They were also strongly correlated with serum insulin concentrations even after adjusting for obesity in both sexes Concentrations were higher in women than men, even at the same body mass index or waist circumference Resistance to the effects of leptin may be important in human obesity Leptin may simply reflect the size of adipose tissue stores, but the independent association with insulin concentration suggests a possible role in insulin resistance or hyperinsulinaemia
226 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a multiaxial non-proportional cycle counting method and a fatigue damage calculation procedure are proposed, which is compared with one published damage-searching method.
Abstract: Fatigue life prediction under multiaxis random loading is an extremely complex and intractable topic ; only a few methods have been proposed in the literature. In addition, experimental results under multiaxis random loading are also scarce. In part one of this two-part paper, a multiaxial non-proportional cycle counting method and fatigue damage calculation procedure are proposed, which is compared with one published damage-searching method. Both theories are based on critical plane concepts, one being an extension of the local strain approach for uniaxial variable amplitude loading and the other employing a new counting algorithm for multiaxis random loading. In principle, these two methods can be considered as bounding solutions for fatigue damage accumulation under multiaxis random loading.
204 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe emotional labour in the education market place: stories from the field of women in management, and discuss the role of women as emotional labor in education marketplaces.
Abstract: (1996). Doing ‘Emotional Labour’ in the Education Market Place: stories from the field of women in management. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 337-349.
180 citations
TL;DR: This broader-based ongoing research is imperative not just to protect the health of the carers and their patients/clients but is, it is believed, an ethical requirement.
Abstract: Clearly, mental health professionals are subjected to similar organizational stressors as other workers. They also face additional emotional strain by the very nature of their professions in dealing with troubled persons often over extended periods of time. Further understanding of these problems and development strategies, such as insight-oriented training, requires a greater appreciation of the interactions between home-work and the individual. This broader-based ongoing research is imperative not just to protect the health of the carers and their patients/clients but is, we believe, an ethical requirement. Best care can only be provided to others by carers who are themselves well.
174 citations
TL;DR: Sex in general was not found to be a predictor of computer anxiety, however, females with low levels of perceived knowledge of software and limited experience with computers were predominant in the failing subgroup and the CARS appears to have a very high discriminatory capability.
150 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, ranked set sampling (RSS) is used to estimate the ratio of the ratio between two sets of data points and it is proved that by using RSS method the efficiency of the estimator relative to the simple random sampling (SRS) method has increased Computer simulated results are given.
Abstract: summary Ranked set sampling (RSS) as suggested by MCINTYRE (1952) and developed by TAMHASI and WAKIMOTO (1968) is used to estimate the ratio. It is proved that by using RSS method the efficiency of the estimator relative to the simple random sampling (SRS) method has increased Computer simulated results are given. An example using real data is presented to illustrate the computations.
TL;DR: A systematic procedure derived by rejecting Occam's razor and instead attending to the assumption that similar objects are likely to belong to the same class increases a decision tree's complexity without altering the performance of that tree on the training data from which it is inferred.
Abstract: This paper presents new experimental evidence against the utility of Occam's razor. A systematic procedure is presented for post-processing decision trees produced by C4.5. This procedure was derived by rejecting Occam's razor and instead attending to the assumption that similar objects are likely to belong to the same class. It increases a decision tree's complexity without altering the performance of that tree on the training data from which it is inferred. The resulting more complex decision trees are demonstrated to have, on average, for a variety of common learning tasks, higher predictive accuracy than the less complex original decision trees. This result raises considerable doubt about the utility of Occam's razor as it is commonly applied in modern machine learning.
TL;DR: The ob gene product, leptin, is considered to be a marker of adipose tissue mass and a possible homeostatic regulator of body mass and is examined for its role in adult hypopituitarism.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The ob gene product, leptin, is considered to be a marker of adipose tissue mass and a possible homeostatic regulator of body mass. Our objective was to examine the effect of GH replacement on adipose tissue stores and leptin in adult hypopituitarism.
SUBJECTS Twenty adults, mean age 47 years (range 20–69) with proven GH deficiency were randomly allocated to either GH (up to 0.25 U/kg/week in daily doses) or placebo for 3 months before cross-over to the opposite treatment.
MEASUREMENTS Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the whole body, trunk and limbs. Plasma leptin was measured by radioimmunoassay at baseline and +2, +4, +8 and +12 weeks in each treatment arm.
RESULTS Total body tissue fat (mean±SE) was 30.1±2.2% after GH compared with 31.9±2.2% after placebo, P<0.001 (ANOVA). There were no significant changes in BMI (kg/m2), 29.1±1.3 after placebo vs 28.8±1.2 after GH; or waist to hip ratio (WHR), 0.91±0.01 after both placebo and GH. Baseline plasma leptin showed a significant correlation with baseline BMI, r=0.67, P<0.005 and baseline percentage total body fat, R=0.89, P<0.001. Plasma leptin (adjusted by using baseline percentage total body fat as a covariate) showed a significant linear decrease with time on GH compared with placebo (P=0.03 ANOVA).
CONCLUSIONS Plasma leptin and total body fat fall promptly in response to low-dose replacement of GH in GH-deficient subjects. Hormone-induced changes in leptin can occur in humans in the absence of change in body mass index.
TL;DR: Liking was a stronger predictor than parental usage for 11 of the foods, and parental usage out-ranked liking for the remaining 11, and the absolute and relative magnitudes of the regression coefficients varied substantially between the foods.
TL;DR: Human gait is precisely and continuously adapted in order to negotiate obstacles safely and without excessive modulations to lower limb trajectories and motor control process in which information from the visually-guided lead foot might be used to control trail foot trajectory is discussed.
TL;DR: Enabling Accountability in Museums (EAM) as mentioned in this paper is concerned with optimizing accountability while maintaining the integrity of organizational objectives/missions and is posed for consideration by the international museum community as a means of averting a spurious and stultifying notion of accountability which is based on the financial valuation of collections.
Abstract: Building on our analytical arguments against the valuation of collections for financial reporting purposes. Outlines a set of factual, reliable and interpretable financial and non‐financial indicators of the vitality and viability of museums by which the accountability of museum managers may properly be assessed. Enabling Accountability in Museums (EAM) is concerned with optimizing accountability while maintaining the integrity of organizational objectives/missions. EAM is posed for consideration by the international museum community as a means of averting a spurious and stultifying notion of accountability which is based on the financial valuation of collections.
TL;DR: Women who perceived the cause of their cancer as emanating from uncontrollable circumstances were more active in seeking information about breast cancer than women who perceived that the cause was emanating from controllable circumstances.
Abstract: In this retrospective questionnaire study of a convenience sample of 244 Australian women, type of causal attributions and their impact on coping strategies adopted by women with breast cancer were studied in relation to women's adjustment to their illness. Although 70% of the women made attributions about their cancer's origins, these women were not significantly better adjusted than women who had not make an attribution. Of those women who had made a causal attribution, type of attribution, whether controllable or uncontrollable (based on perceptions as to the controllability/uncontrollability of the cause of the disease), determined the extent to which exhibited information-seeking behavior. In the present study, women who perceived the cause of their cancer as emanating from uncontrollable circumstances were more active in seeking information about breast cancer than women who perceived the cause of their cancer as emanating from controllable circumstances. Different types of coping strategies adopted by women were associated with adjustment. Women who rated their adjustment as excellent displayed lower levels of helplessness, made fewer changes to their social behavior, were more anxiously preoccupied with their illness, sought more alternatives to medical therapy, and exhibited more information-seeking behavior than did their less-well-adjusted counterparts. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
TL;DR: The first attempts by the state to create a space within which to assemble cartographic knowledge were at the Casa da Mina and Casa de la Contratacion, and hence they can be described as the first scientific institutions in Europe as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Science and cartography have had an intimate history which has not been simply the creation of ever more accurate scientific maps but one in which science, cartography and the state have co‐produced the knowledge space that provides the conditions for the possibility of modern science and cartography. The central cartographic process is the assemblage of local knowledges and, as such, is a particular form of the assembly processes fundamental to science. The first attempts by the state to create a space within which to assemble cartographic knowledge were at the Casa da Mina and the Casa de la Contratacion, and hence they can be described as the first scientific institutions in Europe. Their failure to create a knowledge space can be attributed to the nature of the portolan charts. The triangulation of France and the linking of the Greenwich and Paris Observatories established the kind of knowledge space that now constitutes the dominant form within which modem science and cartography are produce...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the stratigraphical and geographical distribution of 851 brachiopod species from 216 genera and 65 families in the Permian of South China.
Abstract: The stratigraphical and geographical distribution of 851 brachiopod species from 216 genera and 65 families in the Permian of South China are analysed. It is revealed that the brachiopod diversity underwent two sharp falls during the Permian. The first occurred at the end of Maokouan, accompaning the widely recognised, extensive regression across the Maokouan‐Wujiapingian boundary. Fifty‐seven species of 29 genera survived this first major extinction event. The second sharp reduction of brachiopod diversity took place in the later Changhsingian, with only 17 Permian‐type brachiopod species of 12 genera straggling into the earliest Triassic. Detailed stratigraphic analysis shows that more than 90% of the Changhsingian brachiopod species disappeared at different levels in the Changhsingian before the widely perceived end‐Permian ‘mass extinction’ occurred. It is also notable that each of the step‐wise diversity reduction events was apparently heterochronous. In view of the evidence from lithologies, faunal ...
TL;DR: In this paper, an extensive multiaxial random fatigue test program was conducted at room temperature using tubular specimens under combined tension/torsion and triaxial loading, covering proportional and nonproportional variable amplitude loading cases.
Abstract: An extensive multiaxial random fatigue test program was conducted at room temperature using tubular specimens. Experiments were performed under combined tension/torsion and triaxial loading, covering proportional and nonproportional variable amplitude loading cases. The two proposed life prediction methods discussed in Part 1 are evaluated using the experimental results, demonstrating that these two methods provide satisfactory predictions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined nine nonprofit museums and performing arts organizations in Victoria, Australia and established that while technology is used to increase viability and to some extent promote vitality, it does not solve all the problems for museums.
Abstract: Nonprofit museums and performing arts organizations have become subject to closer attention in recent years, following the collapse of some seemingly stable cultural organizations. These events have stimulated a renewed interest in accountability and technology in nonprofit cultural organizations, as they are put under pressure to provide value for money. At the same time, technology has an important role to play in the extent to which nonprofit cultural organizations utilize available resources efficiently and effectively. Consequently, this study examines nine nonprofit museums and performing arts organizations in Victoria, Australia and establishes that while technology is used to increase viability and to some extent promote vitality, it does not solve all the problems for museums and performing arts organizations.Part of the reason for this is due to the fact that the notion of accountability has been hijacked by accountants and economists, enabling some to forget the true mission of these nonprofit museums and performing arts organizations, which are vitality‐oriented.
TL;DR: Across the world there is a prevailing view that freshwater algae are cosmopolitan, but this notion has seldom been tested and is unlikely to be true in genetic terms, Nonetheless, some morphospecies of several groups of algae do have a worldwide distribution.
Abstract: Across the world there is a prevailing view that freshwater algae are cosmopolitan. The notion has seldom been tested and is unlikely to be true in genetic terms. Nonetheless, some morphospecies of several groups of algae do have a worldwide distribution. Others have restricted distributions and may be regarded as endemic to a region. However there is always the possibility that they will be discovered in far away places. Australia has a rather large element of endemicity in its algal flora. From the early days of Australian phycology many new genera and species of freshwater algae have been described. Some are of such distinctive appearance or novelty as to be regarded as ‘flagship’ taxa. There is little doubt about their endemicity and their existence increases the probability of less-distinguished species also being endemic. The degree of endemicity is probably masked by the ‘force-fitting’ of European names to Australian species.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of MS on sexual functioning, social and family relationships, and general well-being was evaluated with an evaluation of the impact on sexual function, social, and family relationship.
Abstract: We were concerned with an evaluation of the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on sexual functioning, social and family relationships, and general well‐being. MS is a progressive neurological diseas...
TL;DR: This paper reports on the validity of a 14-day recall measure of leisure time physical activity in a sample of Australian adults and found that pwc75/kg increased significantly across energy expenditure categories for adults aged less than 40 years and there were no differences between activity categories for those aged 60 years or older.
Abstract: This paper reports on the validity of a 14-day recall measure of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in a sample of Australian adults (N = 986). Submaximal cycle ergometry was used to assess physical work capacity per kilogram of body mass (pwc75/kg). The self-report energy expenditure estimates were used to categorize respondents as vigorously active, moderately active, and low active/sedentary. Multiple regression analyses showed that pwc75/kg increased significantly across energy expenditure categories for adults aged less than 40 years; that the vigorous and moderate activity categories had greater mean pwc75/kg values than the low/sedentary category for 40 to 59-year-olds; and, that there were no differences in pwc75/kg between activity categories for those aged 60 years or older.
TL;DR: It is suggested that increasing dietary fibre in SCI patients does not have the same effect on bowel function as has been previously demonstrated in individuals with 'normally functioning' bowels and the effect may be the opposite to that desired.
Abstract: It is common for constipation to occur following severe spinal cord injury (SCI). Although a bowel management program including a high fibre diet is an integral part of rehabilitation, the effect of a high fibre diet on large bowel function in SCI has not been examined. The aims of this study were to assess the nutrient intake of SCI patients, to determine baseline transit time, stool weight and evacuation time and to assess the effect of addition of bran on large bowel function. Eleven subjects, aged 32 +/- 10.5 years participated in the study. The level of injury ranged from C4 to T12; only one patient had an incomplete injury. Baseline mean energy intake was 7823 +/- 1443 kJ/d, protein intake 93 +/- 21 g/d, carbohydrate intake 209 +/- 39 g/d and mean dietary fibre intake 25 +/- 8 g/d. Mean baseline stool weight was 128 +/- 55 g/d and bowel evacuation time was 13 +/- 7.4 min/d. Three subjects who consumed < 18 g dietary fibre/d had low stool weights of 60-70 g/d and two had very delayed transit times that were too slow to enable quantitation. Mean mouth to anus transit time was 51.3 +/- 31.2 h, mean colonic transit time 28.2 +/- 3.5 h, right colonic transit time 5.9 +/- 4.5 h, left colonic transit time 14.5 +/- 5.2 h and rectosigmoid colonic transit time 7.9 +/- 5.6 h. Following the addition of bran, dietary fibre intake significantly increased from 25 g/d to 31 g/d (P < 0.001). However, the mean colonic transit time increased from 28.2 h to 42.2 h (P < 0.05) and rectosigmoid colon transit time increased from 7.9 to 23.3 h (P < 0.02). Stool weight, mouth to anus, left and right colon transit time and evacuation time did not change significantly. Results of this study suggest that increasing dietary fibre in SCI patients does not have the same effect on bowel function as has been previously demonstrated in individuals with 'normally functioning' bowels. Indeed the effect may be the opposite to that desired. This preliminary study highlights the need for further research to examine the optimal level of dietary fibre intake in SCI patients.
TL;DR: It is suggested that ATP stimulates PLD activity in direct proportion to the influx of bivalent cations through the P2Z-purinoceptor ion channel and that thisPLD activity is insensitive to changes in bulk cytosolic [Ca2+].
Abstract: The role of bivalent cations in ATP-stimulated phospholipase D (PLD) activity was investigated in human leukaemic lymphocytes. Cells were labelled with [3H]oleic acid and incubated with extracellular ATP or benzoylbenzoic ATP in the presence of 1 mM Ca2+ and butanol, and PLD activity was assayed by the accumulation of [3H]phosphatidylbutanol ([3H]PBut). ATP stimulated PLD activity in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effects of suramin, oxidized ATP and extracellular Mg2+ suggested that the effect of ATP was mediated by P2Z purinoceptors known to be present on lymphocytes. Thapsigargin increased cytosolic [Ca2+] but did not stimulate PLD activity, whereas preloading cells with a Ca2+ chelator reduced cytosolic [Ca2+] and, paradoxically, potentiated ATP-stimulated [3H]PBut accumulation. ATP-stimulated [3H]PBut formation was supported by both Ba2+ and Sr2+ when they were substituted for extracellular Ca2+. Addition of EGTA to block bivalent cation influx inhibited the majority of ATP-stimulated PLD activity. Furthermore ATP-stimulated PLD activity showed a linear relationship to extracellular [Ba2+], and ATP-induced 133Ba2+ influx also had a linear dependence on extracellular [Ba2+]. These results suggest that ATP stimulates PLD activity in direct proportion to the influx of bivalent cations through the P2Z-purinoceptor ion channel and that this PLD activity is insensitive to changes in bulk cytosolic [Ca2+].
TL;DR: The factors associated with the use of two methods for the early detection of breast cancer were assessed using a theoretical framework derived from the theory of reasoned action and the Health Belief Model and supported the prediction that different variables would be associated with each method.
Abstract: The factors associated with the use of two methods for the early detection of breast cancer were assessed using a theoretical framework derived from the theory of reasoned action and the Health Belief Model. Telephone interviews were conducted with 170 women aged between 50 and 70 years, randomly selected from the telephone directory of a provincial city in Victoria, Australia. The model explained 47% of the variance in intentions to have a mammogram and 22% of the variance in intentions to practise breast self-examination (BSE). The data supported the prediction that different variables would be associated with each method of early detection of breast cancer. Intentions to have a mammogram were associated with perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, knowing a woman who has had a mammogram, previous mammography history and Pap test history. Intentions to do BSE were associated with selfefficacy, knowledge of breast cancer issues, concern about getting breast cancer and employment status. Both screening methods were associated with prior behaviour and concern about getting breast cancer.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors collected data from open-ended interviews with three different samples of participants: (1) 34 male and 34 female students enrolled in the second or third year of a university computer science course; (2) 33 secondary school girls aged 13-17 years, drawn from four different schools; and (3) 19 women working professionally in a computer-based career.
Abstract: Girls are generally under-represented in secondary and tertiary level computing courses. Seeking reasons for these gender differences in enrollments, data were collected from open-ended interviews with three different samples of participants: (1) 34 male and 34 female students enrolled in the second or third year of a university computer science course; (2) 33 secondary school girls aged 13–17 years, drawn from four different schools; and (3) 19 women working professionally in a computer-based career. Both the secondary and tertiary students held stereotyped views of computing and computer-related careers which differed markedly from the perceptions of the professional women. Important aspects of these careers were identified by the professional women. The question remains as to the numbers of students who make a poor career choice based on inaccurate perceptions of both computing and non-computing careers.
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of electronic data interchange (EDI) on the Australian automotive industry has been investigated, and the authors found that despite being forced into EDI adoption, they were obtaining some competitive advantage, and having received new business (e.g. international contracts) partly as a result of being EDI capable.
Abstract: Draws on recent research on the impact of electronic data interchange (EDI) on the Australian automotive industry. The often considerable efforts by large corporations towards the globalization of production and distribution has led such firms (typically multi‐national corporations) to invest in technologies designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their global operations. In this context, one such technology is EDI. Much has been written about EDI and, in particular, the benefits that adopters can expect from using this comparatively simple, facilitating technology. While many authors are quick to extol the virtues of EDI, rarely have they documented the actual benefits and costs to an organization from adoption. Examines the impact of EDI on trading partners in the Australian automotive industry. Research consisted of a longitudinal study (between 1992 and 1994) of all component manufacturers which were supplying components to the large locally‐based multi‐national vehicle assemblers (Ford, General Motors‐Holden (GMH), Mitsubishi and Toyota). It is the component manufacturers who have felt the major impact of their larger customer’s requirements to become EDI capable.The alternative was to cease supplying the automotive industry. Following the establishment of a conceptual model, path analysis was used to analyse support for a number of hypotheses in measuring the extent of benefits to the organization from using EDI. Conclusions so far drawn support the hypothesis that benefits were being achieved depending on the degree of commitment of the organization to issues such as system integration, and level of senior management involvement. A number of suppliers found that despite being forced into EDI adoption, they were obtaining some competitive advantage, and having received new business (e.g. international contracts) partly as a result of being EDI capable.
TL;DR: Enabling Accountability in Museums (EAM) as mentioned in this paper is concerned with optimizing accountability while maintaining the integrity of organizational objectives/missions and is posed for consideration by the international museum community as a means of averting a spurious and stultifying notion of accountability which is based on the financial valuation of collections.