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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1992

LEE M. TAYLOR and DALE S. PREECE

Control of the rock motion associated with blasting can have significant economic benefits. For example, surface coal mining can be made more efficient if the overburden material…

Abstract

Control of the rock motion associated with blasting can have significant economic benefits. For example, surface coal mining can be made more efficient if the overburden material can be cast further with explosives, leaving less work for mechanical equipment. The final muck pile shape in every type of surface and underground blasting is controlled by the blasting induced motion of the rock. A theoretically sound method of predicting rock motion will be beneficial to understanding the blasting process.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2018

Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes

The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic approach to conduct a diagnosis of the current status of a company’s quality management systems (QMS) and business processes.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic approach to conduct a diagnosis of the current status of a company’s quality management systems (QMS) and business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach proposed is based upon the assessment of the maturity level of a company’s QMS, for which a “maturity diagnostic instrument” is also proposed, a self-assessment exercise using a business excellence model and a first-party quality audit.

Findings

The integration of a QMS’ maturity assessment, a self-assessment exercise and a quality audit may provide a more thorough evaluation of various company’s systems and operations. This paper provides organisations, and their managers, with a systematic approach to help them understand better the current performance of their QMSs and business processes.

Originality/value

This paper’s main contribution consists in the proposal of a novel approach for organisation to measure and understand the status of their QMS and business processes. Subsequently, better management decisions to improve a company’s operations can be taken.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Lia Patrício, Raymond P. Fisk and João Falcão e Cunha

This article presents the results of a qualitative study of a Portuguese bank regarding customer use of Internet banking integrated in a multi‐channel offering that includes high…

5746

Abstract

This article presents the results of a qualitative study of a Portuguese bank regarding customer use of Internet banking integrated in a multi‐channel offering that includes high street branches, telephone banking, and automatic teller machines. The results show that performance evaluation is a key factor influencing channel use. Customers tend to use the different service delivery systems in a complementary way, taking into account their assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Customer characteristics, and the type of financial operation, are also identified as important factors influencing this process. These results indicate that, in a multi‐channel context, customer satisfaction with Internet services depends not only on the performance of this channel in isolation, but also on how it contributes to satisfaction with the overall service offering.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 13 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1992

Michael Wood and David Preece

Quality measurements and techniques ‐ for example SPC ‐ can play an important role in achieving high levels of quality. However, in practice, the methods sometimes fail to deliver…

Abstract

Quality measurements and techniques ‐ for example SPC ‐ can play an important role in achieving high levels of quality. However, in practice, the methods sometimes fail to deliver the expected benefits, for a variety of human and organizational reasons. Draws on three case studies to explore some of these practical problems. Concludes by making a number of suggestions for improving the effectiveness of quality measurements in organizations.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 9 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2019

Lee Phillip McGinnis and Brian C. Glibkowski

Unlike artists using sartorial flair and flamboyant identities to shock and engage audiences, Bruce Springsteen is relatable, stable, consistent and authentic. Based on…

Abstract

Purpose

Unlike artists using sartorial flair and flamboyant identities to shock and engage audiences, Bruce Springsteen is relatable, stable, consistent and authentic. Based on qualitative interviews of Springsteen fans of various levels, it is suggested that brands can sustain success through such tactics as existential authenticity, transparency and charity. His fans co-opt his music and co-create their own stories, which are enabled through Springsteen's use of universal themes and vivid details. In terms of a branding paradigm, he adapts to the post-postmodern era, where brands allow individuals to define their own meaning.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative method in generating themes and relationships on the enduring success of Bruce Springsteen's brand. They interviewed 19 informants of various levels of fan support and various backgrounds and areas. They used grounded theory methodology, including open coding, triangulation and member checks, to develop themes and findings.

Findings

In general, it was found that narrative structure and cause-and-effect stories are at the heart of his enduring success. While his individual songs, stage performances and charitable works cover a variety of topics and interests, combined they map to the same universal story structure, thus giving his fans solid understanding of his brand. His underdog appeal and story of redemption are maintained through such tactics as vivid songwriting, activism and charitable acts despite his international success and fame.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, the authors add to the literature on celebrity branding, narratology and authenticity. Specifically, the authors build upon the notion of existential authenticity, connecting a brand to its various stakeholders beyond customers in a way that is holistically authentic. We also suggest that to sustain a brand for the long haul, it is necessary to be transparent and available to your community members. The story of your brand needs to resonate and be meaningful to the audience in a way that is believable, and more importantly true to the artist and product.

Practical implications

The authors show how narrative structure and universal story themes create ways in which fans can identify. By not straying too far away from the inherent brand meaning, brands can achieve long-term success. Tactically, all ways to manage the brand must link to the main story, but authenticity and maintaining a macromarketing perspective are the keys to making the story believable and enduring. In Springsteen's case, according to our interviews, his music and the message of his well-scripted songs have always mapped well with his real-life persona, making a distinction between his staged persona and actual self visibly difficult to distinguish.

Social implications

Part of Bruce Springsteen's enduring success and strong brand are built on his charitable works and activism. Brands that have this aspect will endure as well if motives are transparent, benign and believable. Springsteen has succeeded in this aspect because his charitable works often go unnoticed or unreported, which his fans respect when they discover these acts.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the authors also add to the question (i.e. WH-question) literature in terms of connectedness and felt meaning. Springsteen's music connects specific discourse to universal stories/themes via his vivid songwriting, live performances, charitable acts and multiple other tactics. The data suggest that Springsteen's experiences are so vivid and thoughtful that little is needed for the audience to obtain aesthetic or felt meaning of his universal story themes. He allows direct access to the stories without internal interpretation, which then allows for instant penetration of felt meaning.

Details

Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-2752

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1998

Stephen Boon and Monder Ram

The issue of quality remains an integral feature of the discourse on small firm development. Unfortunately, two potentially conflicting approaches to this issue are evident. There…

1124

Abstract

The issue of quality remains an integral feature of the discourse on small firm development. Unfortunately, two potentially conflicting approaches to this issue are evident. There is the essentially prescriptive “consultancy” school which often provides technical solutions uninformed by social processes inherent in the operationalisation of quality. In virtual opposition are more academic and abstract accounts that illuminate the ideological context of quality. Though not without use to practitioners, the implications for entrepreneurs seeking improved ways of working are rarely developed in this approach. The paper weaves a path through these ostensibly oppositional tendencies by explicating the processes involved in implementing a quality management system in the first author’s own organisation, Air Technology Systems (ATS). This case study is based on a collaboration between a small firm owner intent on continuous improvement and an academic institution (the base of the second author) aiming to assist in organisational development. Following an action research approach, the cross‐over between the domains of the “practitioner” and “academic” are illustrated and their contribution to enterprise development demonstrated. What becomes clear is that a systematic approach to the implementation of quality is possible. This involves developing quality recipes organically rather than imposing them from “expert” interventions. Insights from critical treatments of the subject can be drawn on to reinforce the human and social processes central to the implementation of quality systems. However, the nature of work relations is ultimately key to the operationalisation of quality.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

Yaw A. Debrah and Ian G. Smith

Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on…

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Abstract

Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on work and employment in contemporary organizations. Covers the human resource management implications of organizational responses to globalization. Examines the theoretical, methodological, empirical and comparative issues pertaining to competitiveness and the management of human resources, the impact of organisational strategies and international production on the workplace, the organization of labour markets, human resource development, cultural change in organisations, trade union responses, and trans‐national corporations. Cites many case studies showing how globalization has brought a lot of opportunities together with much change both to the employee and the employer. Considers the threats to existing cultures, structures and systems.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 23 no. 2/3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1961

The war between formidable rivals for the use of the word “Champagne” continues. It began in 1958 at the Old Bailey with a prosecution brought under the Merchandise Marks Act…

Abstract

The war between formidable rivals for the use of the word “Champagne” continues. It began in 1958 at the Old Bailey with a prosecution brought under the Merchandise Marks Act alleging the application of a false description, viz., “Spanish Champagne” to goods and a second charge of applying the false description “champagne.” For the prosecution it was stated that “champagne” could only come from the Champagne district of France, which in 1921 the French Government had officially established and limited as the sole area for the production of champagne. Such a description applied to a Spanish wine, therefore, was false and misleading. The prosecution failed. The judge had stated there was overwhelming evidence of wines having lost the territorial origin of their names.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 63 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1923

The Milk Order of 1922, issued by the Minister of Health in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 3 of the Milks and Dairies (Amendment) Act of 1922, which came…

Abstract

The Milk Order of 1922, issued by the Minister of Health in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 3 of the Milks and Dairies (Amendment) Act of 1922, which came into operation on the 1st January, 1923, provides a scheme whereby Milk may be graded and supplied under certain conditions of comparative bacteriological purity. The sale of ordinary milk will be unaltered by this new order and its distribution will remain subject to such regulations as may have been in operation prior to the Act of 1922. The object of the new Order is to ensure the production of certain grades of Milk under more or less strict supervision, and when the grave lack of sanitary conditions which is to be found on many of the farms where milk is produced, is remembered, it will be admitted that there exists a wide scope for improvement in the direction indicated.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1998

Archie Lockamy

Notes the importance of strategic objectives to facilitate the development of competitive advantage in specific markets or market segments. Further notes the importance of the…

3032

Abstract

Notes the importance of strategic objectives to facilitate the development of competitive advantage in specific markets or market segments. Further notes the importance of the relationship between the firm’s strategies, organizational actions and performance for the development of quality‐focused performance measurement systems, based on results of a study of six firms identified as “world class” by academic and practitioner experts. Concludes with numerous recommendations regarding division and plant strategic quality objectives, quality‐focused performance measurement systems and quality‐focused performance measurement system linkages.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 18 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

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