Showing papers by "Queensland University of Technology published in 2004"

Dimensions of transformational leadership: Conceptual and empirical extensions

Abstract: This study identified aspects of transformational leadership theory that have resulted in a lack of empirical support for the hypothesized factor structure of the model, and very strong relationships among the leadership components. We proposed five more focused subdimensions of transformational leadership including vision, inspirational communication, intellectual stimulation, supportive leadership, and personal recognition. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the hypothesized factor structure of the measures selected to assess these subdimensions, and also provided support for the discriminant validity of the subdimensions with each other. After controlling for the effects of common method variance, a number of the subdimensions of transformational leadership demonstrated significant unique relationships with a range of outcomes. Results provided initial support for the five subdimensions of transformational leadership that were identified.

Destination Positioning Analysis through a Comparison of Cognitive, Affective, and Conative Perceptions

Abstract: There has been exponential growth in the number of studies of destination image appearing in the tourism literature. However, few have addressed the issues of destination positioning analysis and the role of affective perceptions. This article analyzes the market positions held by a competitive set of destinations through a comparison of cognitive, affective, and conative perceptions. Cognition was identified by trialing a factor analytic adaptation of importanceperformance analysis. Affect was measured using an affective response grid, while conation was gauged by stated intent to visit. The alignment of the results from these techniques identified leadership positions held by two quite different destinations on two quite different dimensions of destination attractiveness. It is suggested that this method of positioning analysis offers a practical means for destination marketers faced with the challenge of identifying the one or few features from their diverse and multiattributed product range that could...

Exploring the use of blogs as learning spaces in the higher education sector

Abstract: 'Blogging' - a contraction of the term 'web logging' - is perhaps best described as a form of micro-publishing. Easy to use, from any Internet connection point, blogging has become firmly established as a web based communications tool. The blogging phenomenon has evolved from its early origin as a medium for the publication of simple, online personal diaries, to the latest disruptive technology, the 'killer app' that has the capacity to engage people in collaborative activity, knowledge sharing, reflection and debate (Hiler, 2003). Many blogs have large and dedicated readerships, and blog clusters have formed linking fellow bloggers in accordance with their common interests. This paper explores the potential of blogs as learning spaces for students in the higher education sector. It refers to the nascent literature on the subject, explores methods for using blogs for educational purposes in university courses (eg. Harvard Law School), and records the experience of the Brisbane Graduate School of Business at Queensland University of Technology, with its 'MBA blog'. The paper concludes that blogging has the potential to be a transformational technology for teaching and learning.

Exploring the use of blogs as learning spaces in the higher education sector

Abstract: 'Blogging' - a contraction of the term 'web logging' - is perhaps best described as a form of micro-publishing. Easy to use, from any Internet connection point, blogging has become firmly established as a web based communications tool. The blogging phenomenon has evolved from its early origin as a medium for the publication of simple, online personal diaries, to the latest disruptive technology, the 'killer app' that has the capacity to engage people in collaborative activity, knowledge sharing, reflection and debate (Hiler, 2003). Many blogs have large and dedicated readerships, and blog clusters have formed linking fellow bloggers in accordance with their common interests. This paper explores the potential of blogs as learning spaces for students in the higher education sector. It refers to the nascent literature on the subject, explores methods for using blogs for educational purposes in university courses (eg. Harvard Law School), and records the experience of the Brisbane Graduate School of Business at Queensland University of Technology, with its 'MBA blog'. The paper concludes that blogging has the potential to be a transformational technology for teaching and learning.

Key performance indicators for measuring construction success

Abstract: The construction industry is dynamic in nature. The concept of project success has remained ambiguously defined in the construction industry. Project success is almost the ultimate goal for every project. However, it means different things to different people. While some writers consider time, cost and quality as predominant criteria, others suggest that success is something more complex. The aim of this paper is to develop a framework for measuring success of construction projects. In this paper, a set of key performance indicators (KPIs), measured both objectively and subjectively are developed through a comprehensive literature review. The validity of the proposed KPIs is also tested by three case studies. Then, the limitations of the suggested KPIs are discussed. With the development of KPIs, a benchmark for measuring the performance of a construction project can be set. It also provides significant insights into developing a general and comprehensive base for further research.

Alterations of Left Ventricular Myocardial Characteristics Associated With Obesity

Abstract: Background-Obesity is associated with heart failure, but an effect of weight, independent of comorbidities, on cardiac structure and function is not well established. We sought whether body mass index (BMI) and insulin levels were associated with subclinical myocardial disturbances. Methods and Results-Transthoracic echocardiography, myocardial Doppler-derived systolic (sm) and early diastolic velocity ( em), strain and strain rate imaging and tissue characterization with cyclic variation (CVIB), and calibrated integrated backscatter (cIB) were obtained in 109 overweight or obese subjects and 33 referents (BMI 35) had reduced LV systolic and diastolic function and increased myocardial reflectivity compared with referents, evidenced by lower average long-axis strain, sm, cIB, lower CVIB, and reduced em, whereas LV ejection fraction remained normal. Differences in regional or global strain, sm, and em were identified between the severely obese (BMI>35) and the referent patients (P<0.001). Similar but lesser degrees of reduced function by sm, em, and basal septal strain and increased reflectivity by cIB were present in overweight (BMI, 25 to 29.9) and mildly obese (BMI, 30 to 35) groups (P<0.05). Although tissue Doppler measures were not associated with duration of obesity, they did correlate with fasting insulin levels and reduced exercise capacity. BMI was independently related to average LV strain (beta=0.40, P=0.02), sm (beta= -0.36, P=0.002), and em (beta= -0.41, P<0.001). Conclusions-Overweight subjects without overt heart disease have subclinical changes of LV structure and function even after adjustment for mean arterial pressure, age, gender, and LV mass.

Formal Mentoring Programs in Education and Other Professions: A Review of the Literature

Abstract: The sheer volume of literature on mentoring across a variety of disciplines is an indication of the high profile it has been afforded in recent years. This article draws on a structured analysis of more than 300 research-based articles on mentoring across three discipline areas in an attempt to make more valid inferences about the nature and outcomes of mentoring. It begins by reporting on the findings compiled from a database of research articles from educational contexts. These research-based articles are examined to determine the positive and more problematic outcomes of mentoring for the mentor, mentee, and the organization. A discussion of the findings from two other databases, namely, 151 research-based articles from business contexts and 82 articles from medical contexts, is provided, and commonalities across the three databases are highlighted. The article concludes with a discussion of key issues that administrators responsible for establishing mentoring programs should consider to maximize the experience of mentoring for all stakeholders.

Key influences on construction innovation

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to identify the main factors driving or hindering construction innovation. An analysis of the relevant literature indicates there are six primary influences: (i) clients and manufacturers; (ii) the structure of production; (iii) relationships between individuals and firms within the industry and between the industry and external parties; (iv) procurement systems; (v) regulations/standards; and (vi) the nature and quality of organisational resources. Attention to these factors by businesses and public-policy makers would be a key component of effective innovation strategy and policy. Further research is needed, however, to explore the relationships between innovation influences; and between innovation influences and other aspects of business strategy and environment, in the context of broader societal considerations. Further research should also identify quantitative estimates of the impact of innovation on the construction industry.

Chlamydial Persistence: beyond the Biphasic Paradigm

Abstract: The chlamydiae are an evolutionarily distinct group of eubacteria sharing an obligate intracellular lifestyle and a unique developmental cycle that has been well characterized under favorable cell culture conditions. This cycle begins when infectious, metabolically inert elementary bodies (EB)

Network structures: Working differently and changing expectations

Abstract: There is a growing need for innovative methods of dealing with complex, social problems. New types of collaborative efforts have emerged as a result of the inability of more traditional bureaucratic hierarchical arrangements such as departmental programs to resolve these problems. Network structures are one such arrangement that is at the forefront of this movement. Although collaboration through network structures establishes an innovative response to dealing with social issues, there remains an expectation that outcomes and processes are based on traditional ways of working. It is necessary for practitioners and policy makers alike to begin to understand the realities of what can be expected from network structures in order to maximize the benefits of these unique mechanisms.

Nutrition intervention is beneficial in oncology outpatients receiving radiotherapy to the gastrointestinal or head and neck area

Abstract: Malnutrition occurs frequently in patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) or head and neck area and can lead to negative outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of early and intensive nutrition intervention (NI) on body weight, body composition, nutritional status, global quality of life (QoL) and physical function compared to usual practice in oncology outpatients receiving radiotherapy to the GI or head and neck area. Outpatients commencing at least 20 fractions of radiotherapy to the GI or head and neck area were randomised to receive intensive, individualised nutrition counselling by a dietitian using a standard protocol and oral supplements if required, or the usual practice of the centre (general advice and nutrition booklet). Outcome parameters were measured at baseline and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after commencing radiotherapy using valid and reliable tools. A total of 60 patients (51M : 9F; mean age 61.9plusminus14.0 years) were randomised to receive either NI (n=29) or usual care (UC) (n=31). The NI group had statistically smaller deteriorations in weight (P<0.001), nutritional status (P=0.020) and global QoL (P=0.009) compared with those receiving UC. Clinically, but not statistically significant differences in fat-free mass were observed between the groups (P=0.195). Early and intensive NI appears beneficial in terms of minimising weight loss, deterioration in nutritional status, global QoL and physical function in oncology outpatients receiving radiotherapy to the GI or head and neck area. Weight maintenance in this population leads to beneficial outcomes and suggests that this, rather than weight gain, may be a more appropriate aim of NI.

Evaluation of Services Using a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract: This paper proposes a new approach for tackling the uncertainty and imprecision of the service evaluation process. Identifying suitable service offers, evaluating the offers and choosing the best alternatives are activities that set the scene for the consequent stages in negotiations and influence in a unique manner the following deliberations. The pre-negotiation problem in negotiations over services is regarded as decision-making under uncertainty, based on multiple criteria of quantitative and qualitative nature, where the imprecise decision-maker’s judgements are represented as fuzzy numbers. A new fuzzy modification of the analytic hierarchy process is applied as an evaluation technique. The proposed fuzzy prioritisation method uses fuzzy pairwise comparison judgements rather than exact numerical values of the comparison ratios and transforms the initial fuzzy prioritisation problem into a non-linear program. Unlike the known fuzzy prioritisation techniques, the proposed method derives crisp weights from consistent and inconsistent fuzzy comparison matrices, which eliminates the need of additional aggregation and ranking procedures. A detailed numerical example, illustrating the application of our approach to service evaluation is given.

The Abbey pain scale: a 1-minute numerical indicator for people with end-stage dementia

Abstract: The need for a specialized clinical regimen for patients with dementia who require palliative care has only recently been recognized. Structured approaches to palliative care are not well developed. The recognition and treatment of pain is an important part of this management risk. However, pain is consistently underdiagnosed and undertreated in this population. A factor contributing to this has been a lack of appropriate tools to help recognize and document pain. This study sought to develop and validate an easy-to-use pain scale for use in residential aged care homes. The tool was developed with residents with end- or late-stage dementia who were unable to articulate their needs, identified by the registered nurses who knew them. Results showed that following pain-relief intervention the average pain score recorded using the scale fell by more than half. A paired Student's t-test showed the reduction to be highly significant (P<0.001). Validity and internal reliability, assessed by calculating Gamma and Cronbach's alpha, were found to be satisfactory. Qualitative evidence gathered from users of the scale indicated that it was considered a useful clinical device that could be completed within one minute. Further analysis of the use of the scale in clinical settings, testing of inter-rater reliability and examination of the limitations found in this study will commence early in 2004.

Eye Shape in Emmetropia and Myopia

Abstract: PURPOSES: To determine axial, vertical, and horizontal eye dimensions in myopic and emmetropic eyes by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to relate these to different ocular expansion models of myopia development. METHODS: The internal length (cornea to retina), height and width (both retina to retina) were measured in emmetropic and myopic eyes (up to -12 D) of 88 participants aged 18 to 36 years. Participants were positioned supine in a clinical MRI scanner. The fixation target was imaged straight ahead of the subject by an overhead 45 degrees inclined mirror. Eye images were acquired with a 7.5-cm receive-only radio frequency surface coil. Axial (horizontal through middle of eye) and sagittal (vertical through visual axis) sections were taken with a T(1)-weighted fast spin-echo sequence. RESULTS: With an increase in myopic refractive correction, myopic eyes became much larger in all three dimensions, but more so in length (0.35 mm/D, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28-0.40) than in height (0.19 mm/D, 95% CI 0.09-0.29) and more so in height than in width (0.10 mm/D, 95% CI 0.01-0.20). Based on height and length dimensions, 25% and 29% of myopic eyes exclusively fitted global expansion and axial elongation models, respectively. Based on width and length dimensions, 17% and 39% of myopic eyes exclusively fitted the global expansion and axial elongation models, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are considerable individual variations, in general myopic eyes are elongated relative to emmetropic eyes, more in length than in height and even less in width. Approximately a quarter of the myopic participants fitted each of the global expansion or axial elongation model exclusively. The small proportions are due primarily to the large variability in the dimensions of emmetropic eyes.

FT‐Raman and FT‐IR spectroscopic study of synthetic Mg/Zn/Al‐hydrotalcites

Abstract: Synthetic Mg/Zn/Al-hydrotalcites with atomic ratios of 6:0:2, 4:2:2, 2:4:2 and 0:6:2 were characterized by FT-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. ‘AlOH’ IR translation modes are observed at 419, 427, 559, 616 and 771 cm−1 with two corresponding Raman bands at 465–477 and 547–553 cm−1. ‘MgOH’ IR translation modes are found at 412, 559 and 616 cm−1 with equivalent Raman bands at 464–477 and 547–553 cm−1. The ‘ZnOH’ IR translation mode is found at 445 cm−1 and the Raman modes around 450 and 495 cm−1. The CO32 − group is identified by the ν1(IR) at 1112 cm−1 and a doublet in the Raman around 1045–1055 and 1060 cm−1. ν2(IR) is observed at 874 cm−1. ν3(IR) is a doublet at 1359 and 1381 cm−1. ν4 is observed in both the IR and Raman spectra around 670 and 695–715 cm−1, respectively. In the OH deformation region, a doublet is observed for ‘AlOH’ at 955 and 1033 cm−1 in the IR spectra. The ‘ZnOH’ IR deformation mode is observed at 1462 cm−1. H2O is characterized by a bending mode at 1632 cm−1 and an H-bonded interlayer H2O mode at 3266 cm−1 with a Raman band between 3244 and 3271 cm−1. The OH stretching region is characterized by three bands in the Raman spectra around 3355–3360, 3440–3455 and 3535–3580 cm−1. One band is observed in the IR spectra at 3471 cm−1. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Channel plasmon-polariton in a triangular groove on a metal surface.

Abstract: One-dimensional localized plasmons (channel polaritons) guided by a triangular groove on a metal substrate are investigated numerically by means of a finite-difference time-domain algorithm. Dispersion, existence conditions, and dissipation of these waves are analyzed. In particular, it is demonstrated that the localization of the predicted plasmons in acute grooves may be substantially stronger than what is allowed by the diffraction limit. As a result, the predicted waves may be significant for the development of new subwavelength waveguides and interconnectors for nano-optics and photonics.

Structure of organoclays—an X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis study

Abstract: X-ray diffraction has been used to study the changes in the surface properties of a montmorillonitic clay through the changes in the basal spacings of montmorillonite (SWy-2) and surfactant-intercalated organo-clays. Variation in the d-spacing was found to be a step-function of the surfactant concentration. High resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HRTG) was used to study the thermal decomposition surfactant modified SWy-2-MMTs modified with the surfactant octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. High resolution thermogravimetry shows the decomposition takes place in 4 steps. A mass loss step is observed at room temperature and is attributed to dehydration of adsorption water. A second mass loss step is observed over the 87.9 to 135.5 degrees Celsius temperature range and is also attributed to dehydration of water hydrating metal cations such as Na+ . The third mass loss occurs from 178.9 to 384.5 degrees Celsius and is assigned to a loss of surfactant. The fourth mass loss step is ascribed to the loss of OH units through dehydroxylation over the 556.01 to 636.35 degrees Celsius temperature range.

Analysing the Relationship between Risk and Trust

Abstract: Among the various human factors impinging upon making a decision in an uncertain environment, risk and trust are surely crucial ones Several models for trust have been proposed in the literature but few explicitly take risk into account This paper analyses the relationship between the two concepts by first looking at how a decision is made to enter into a transaction based on the risk information We then draw a model of the invested fraction of the capital function of a decision surface We finally define a model of trust composed of a reliability trust as the probability of transaction success and a decision trust derived from the decision surface

Lyons, Terry and Skitmore, Martin (2004) Project risk management in the Queensland engineering construction industry: a survey. International Journal of Project Management 22(1):pp. 51-61. Copyright 2004 Elsevier PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE QUEENSLAND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A SURVEY

Abstract: This paper provides the results of a survey of senior management involved in the Queensland engineering construction industry, concerning the usage of risk management techniques. These are described in comparison with four earlier surveys conducted around the world and indicate that: the use of risk management is moderate to high, with very little differences between the types, sizes and risk tolerance of the organisations, and experience and risk tolerance of the individual respondents; risk management usage in the execution and planning stages of the project life cycle is higher than in the conceptual or termination phases; risk identification and risk assessment are the most often used risk management elements ahead of risk response and risk documentation; brainstorming is the most common risk identification technique used; qualitative methods of risk assessment are used most frequently; risk reduction is the most frequently used risk response method, with the use of contingencies and contractual transfer preferred over insurance; and project teams are the most frequent group used for risk analysis, ahead of in-house specialists and consultants.

Workflow resource patterns

Abstract: Workflow systems seek to provide an implementation vehicle for complex, recurring business processes. Notwithstanding this common objective, there are a variety of distinct features offered by commercial workflow management systems. These differences result in significant variations in the ability of distinct tools to represent and implement the plethora of requirements that may arise in contemporary business processes. Many of these requirements recur quite frequently during the requirements analysis activity for workflow systems and abstractions of these requirements serve as a useful means of identifying the key components of workflow languages. Previous work has identified a number of Workflow Control Patterns and Workflow Data Patterns, which characterize the range of control flow and data constructs that might be encountered when modelling and analysing workflows. In this paper, we describe a series of Workflow Resource Patterns that aim to capture the various ways in which resources are represented and utilized in workflows. By delineating these Patterns in a form that is independent of specific workflow technologies and modelling languages, we are able to provide a comprehensive treatment of the resource perspective and we subsequently use these Patterns as the basis for a detailed comparison of a number of commercially available workflow management systems and business process modelling languages.

Locating Cosmopolitanism: Between Humanist Ideal and Grounded Social Category

Abstract: The emerging interdisciplinary body of cosmopolitanism research has established a promising field of theoretical endeavour by bringing into focus questions concerning globalization, nationalism, population movements, cultural values and identity. Yet, despite its potential importance, what characterizes recent cosmopolitanism research is an idealist sentiment that considerably marginalizes the significance of the structures of nation-state and citizenship, while leaving unspecified the empirical sociological dimensions of cosmopolitanism itself. Our critique aims at making cosmopolitanism a more productive analytical tool. We argue for a cosmopolitanism that consists of conceptually and empirically identifiable values and outlooks. While there has been some progress made in this direction in the recent literature on cosmopolitanism, most writing still considers cosmopolitanism as something so delicate that it cannot be measured. Furthermore, in order to appreciate the full currency of the concept, we argue that researchers must not only agree on some common determinants of cosmopolitanism and cosmopolitan dispositions, but also ground their analyses of cosmopolitanism in the context of enduring nation-state structures.

Workflow data patterns

Abstract: Workow systems seek to provide an implementation vehicle for complex, recurring business processes. Notwithstanding this common objective, there are a variety of distinct features offered by commercial workow management systems. These differences result in significant variations in the ability of distinct tools to represent and implement the plethora of requirements that may arise in contemporary business processes. Many of these requirements recur quite frequently during the requirements analysis activity for workow systems and abstractions of these requirements serve as a useful means of identifying the key components of workow languages. Previous work has identified a number of workow control patterns which characterise the range of control ow constructs that might be encountered when modelling and analysing workow. In this paper, we describe a series of workow data patterns that aim to capture the various ways in which data is represented and utilised in workows. By delineating these patterns in a form that is independent of specific workow technologies and modelling languages, we are able to provide a comprehensive treatment of the workow data perspective and we subsequenty use these patterns as the basis for a detailed comparison of a number of commercially available workow management systems and business process modelling languages.