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Describes the specification and design of an application system to allow a large supplier of herbs and spices to supermarkets to manage more effectively its merchandiser supply chain. The system takes advantage of the latest generation of hand‐held devices and developments in the Internet as means of supporting a low cost communication platform. Details the various stages of the design taking into account the rapidly changing technology in the handheld and palm top market place, together with the dynamic requirements of the customer. The solution identified and developed provides significant cost savings and additional functionality. Considers the issues involved in being one of the first implementers of a new hardware and software suite.

The introduction of ever more complicated machinery and associated operating procedures is placing an increasing strain on the maintenance function. The options available to a company engaged in the manufacture of a range of sheet metal products, for which a flexible manufacturing facility has been installed, are examined. The introduction of this system has caused the company to examine its maintenance procedures, which are based on a traditional breakdown and repair approach, and has prompted an investigation into the possibility of implementing a condition based approach to maintenance. This investigation is presented here, together with a review of currently available options, and an outline of the planned move towards condition based maintenance.

Outlines some major features that should be incorporated into the design of cell‐based manufacturing systems. Presents these features as a series of observations which are based on experiences gained during a three‐year period covering the implementation of such a system. Presents a set of rules that are commonly applied to the design, implementation and management of cell‐based manufacturing systems. Each rule is then examined in the context of actual experience and comments are given as to the major contribution made by each rule to the successful implementation of the manufacturing system. It is hoped that the information contained in this work will be of general interest to organizations moving towards similar implementations in that it presents one view of the problems that must be met, and some suggested solutions.

Considers an integrated approach to maintenance management, based on the development of an advanced machine tool failure diagnosis and recovery system. Outlines how such systems can be utilized to effectively monitor the ever more complicated machining facilities used in modern manufacturing. Illustrates how a Petri‐net based system has been developed to meet the needs of a modern computer‐based maintenance facility and the potential that such systems provide in a move towards total productive maintenance. Deals with the steps taken to ensure that such a system can be successfully deployed, and considers how the resulting integrated maintenance management system can benefit existing users of advanced manufacturing technology.

From the arguably poor platforms described by the Egan, Latham, and Royal Academy of Engineering reports on the construction sector, there is now evidence that the supply chain revolution experienced over the last decade in the electronics products and automotive sectors is impacting on housebuilding in the UK. This case study describes how a first‐tier supplier has applied “best practice” to design and implement a BPR programme. In total span the resulting change covers a baseline of traditional operations to the present status of agile response. Essentially the BPR programme has been conceived around the need for streamlined material flow through internal processes and both supplier and customer interfaces. The paper highlights the BPR stages necessary for enabling change, which is audited in terms of assessment of improved material flow. Finally, the “bottom‐line” impact of the BPR programme is documented, and demonstrates that substantial benefits have accrued.

We examine what makes urban ethnography unique as a sociological subfield and how to convey this method to aspiring urban ethnographers. As a qualitative research approach, methodological sensibilities about observing, sampling, and data analysis cross boundaries and transcend the urban setting. We suggest a short observational exercise of checking out in a grocery store to stimulate the ethnographic imagination. Next, we turn to three ways to cultivate an ethnographic eye toward the urban: walking the city, paying attention to interactions and institutions, and examining communities and networks. We end with an appeal to engaging with a community of inquiry.

Presents the Mohonk Criteria for Humanitarian Assistance in Complex Emergencies, produced by the Task Force on Ethical and Legal Issues in Humanitarian Assistance, convened by the Program on Humanitarian Assistance at the World Conference on Religion and Peace, as guidelines for co‐operative relationships between political, humanitarian and military actors in complex humanitarian emergencies created by armed conflict.

In the face of the erosion of democracy and the reemergence of authoritarian styles of rule and leadership in the contemporary world scene, the author reintroduces the anthropological and pedagogical insights of Dorothy Lee and Paulo Freire in the ongoing debate on active learning and higher education. In the case of Dorothy Lee, these insights refer to “valuing the self” of the student, and to the value of learning (values) from “remote cultures” and, last but not least, on the meaning of freedom and autonomy bounded by culture and structure in the teaching–learning process. In the case of Freire, the author selectively points to: (1) the value of community as a sociocultural anchor of identity, freedom, and autonomy, (2) the view of education as a tool for raising awareness, critical thinking, inspiration, hope, empowerment, cultural action, and social transformation, and (3) the view on citizenship education. The author discusses, in this regard, the significant role assigned by Dorothy Lee and Paulo Freire to the neglected notions of dialogue, freedom, culture, self, autonomy, and structure. Lastly, the author argues in favor of reincorporating the pedagogical insights of Dorothy Lee and Paulo Freire in the curricula and structure of higher education and also reminds those concerned with upholding democracy that these formative values and concepts were acknowledged in the early conception and development of active learning.

The aim of the study was to measure employees' perception of human resource development (HRD) practices, to explore whether ISO certification leads to any improvements in HRD system, and to examine the role of HRD practices on employees' development climate and quality orientation in the organization.

A total of 239 employees belonging to eight organizations (four of them ISO certified) responded to a questionnaire which measured the following variables: career system, work planning system, development system, self renewal system, and HRD system.

Results indicated large inter‐organizational differences in HRD practices. In general, however, employees' ratings were moderate. ISO certified companies, compared to others, obtained higher means on some HRD variables. Organizations with better learning, training and development systems, reward and recognition, and information systems promoted human resource development climate. Quality orientation was predicted by career planning, performance guidance and development, role efficacy, and reward and recognition systems.

Comparison between ISO and non‐ISO certified companies did yield some significant differences, yet it was difficult to conclude that the differences were due to ISO certification alone as organizations in the sample were not matched.

The findings can be used by HR practitioners and scholars in building management concerns and advocacy for better HRD systems and practices.

Very little empirical knowledge is available on this subject from transitional economies like Malaysia. The study makes a modest attempt in that direction.