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This paper expresses the author's point of view that principles and concepts traditionally identified with Industrial Innovation can be productively applied to activities that are related to the creation of new courses and to the revisions of existing courses that comprise academic programs. The author outlines a proven market based method for successful curricular revision. The approach outlined is derived directly from the traditional stages associated with the innovation process. In support of the viewpoint expressed in this paper, the author makes reference to several classic articles and includes relevant references to his own published work.

From July 1995 until July 1996 we followed a group of small companies that were retailing on the Web. We surveyed our sample three times over this period, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data and visible data from their Web sites. Our intention was to initiate research into successful Web‐based retail ‐ put simply, what makes a small company successful on the Web? Using ideas from grounded theory and our findings, we suggest important factors and constructs that can be used for further work in this area.

During the 1990s, companies focused on the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to solve integration problems. However, ERP systems automate core business activities without solving underlying business structures and processes. As a result a number of disparate applications often coexist with ERP systems. To better understand ERP and application integration (AI) problems, this paper proposes to identify, analyse and present the problems of ERP systems, as well as examining new approaches for AI. In doing so, a multi‐choice questionnaire has been designed, and was distributed to ERP specialists over the Internet. Responses show that ERP systems amplified the need for integration, as existing systems have to be incorporated with ERP applications. AI securely incorporates functionality from disparate applications, and has shown to lead to the development of new strategic business solutions for enterprises. The results of the research confirm AI as a new means of system integration that adds value by placing business logic in the applications network, thus creating a more dynamic information systems infrastructure.

It is possible to say that an expert in any field of knowledge can be expected to know particular things and techniques. This can be said of a stone mason, a physicist or a midwife. The expertise consists of a notional core of knowledge and skills (i.e. applied knowledge). Such expertise arguably can be found in other experts in the same field, although there will be idiosyncrasies of approach and valuation and quite probably divergencies in what is considered “right” and “wrong”.

Supply chain visibility (SCV) is vital where supply chain (SC) partners must have access to information regarding materials within the SC. This is particularly important in regulated industries where government or industry regulators require additional SC‐related information. An argument is presented that in regulated industries there is a requisite level of visibility that should be assessed. The purpose of this paper is to identify and organise the components of requisite supply chain visibility (RSCV), producing simple concepts that could lay the foundation to assess the requisite level of visibility.

Drawing on previous research into, and definitions of SCV, this paper builds a definition for RSCV. A project where RSCV is applied as a concept is then presented as a case. The Swiss firm Jet Aviation, its logistics provider Fiege, its equipment suppliers, and involved logistics agents are the participants in the case.

Requisite SCV in regulated environments can be perceived as dependent upon a firm's strategic orientation, partner capabilities, the need for SC compliance to regulations, the desire for operational flexibility and issues within the environment in which the SC operates. The case suggests that a capabilities, rather than outcomes‐based, approach has merit.

Findings are limited by the context of the case, but are applicable using an analytical generalization to highly regulated industries. A specific method for measuring RSCV is needed, and further research is progressing in this area.

Using the RSCV concept to manage large‐scale SCV initiatives can help firms in highly regulated industries identify the critical factors that increase or limit their SCV. The case suggests that when implementing an IT solution for RSCV, networkability across the SC partners is a key limiting factor.

There is limited research into the role of regulation and compliance in SCV. This is one of the first pieces of research to consider requisite SCV. It proposes a SC specific configurable assessment concept, and presents a unique case in SCV.

The purpose of this paper is to present a new class of printed circuit board (PCB)‐based, radio frequency micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (RF‐MEMS) switches and to describe the packaging method and evaluate performance.

Traditional PCB materials and processes were combined with photolithographic high‐density interconnect (HDI) and MEMS to form 3D high‐performance RF switches.

A new type of MEMS RF switch has been developed on a PCB platform. Using processes analogous to those used for silicon MEMS, PCB, and HDI technologies were utilized to fabricate these 3D structures. The PCB‐based microstructures are “mil‐scale” rather than the “micro‐scale” of silicon MEMs. A co‐fabrication packaging method for the MEMS RF switch was also developed. The PCB‐based MEMS switches have demonstrated excellent RF performance and “hot‐switching” RF power‐handling capability. PCB‐based MEMS RF switches have the advantages of low cost and amenability to scale‐up for a high degree of integration.

Further development on photo imageable dielectric materials will enable this technology to improve yield and processability.

The paper describes the development of PCB‐based MEMS RF switches. These elements will enable new applications and enhance the functionality of PCBs. They are also more amenable to system integration compared with silicon MEMS.

A thick cost frontier methodology is used to estimate pre‐ and postmerger X‐inefficiency in 348 mergers approved by the OCC in 1987/88. Efficiency improved in only a small majority of mergers, and these gains were unrelated to the acquiring bank's efficiency advantage over its target. These results are not consistent with the traditional market for corporate control story, in which well‐managed firms acquire poorly managed firms and subsequently improve their performance. Rather, the results suggest motivations other than cost efficiencies were driving U.S. bank mergers in the late 1980s. Efficiency gains were concentrated in mergers where acquiring banks made frequent acquisitions, suggesting the presence of experience effects.

Indigenous Australians report mental health problems at a much higher rate than non-Indigenous Australians. However, rather than more services, it has been proposed that there should be a positive, socially based approach to improving mental health in Indigenous communities. The population-wide Western Australian Act-Belong-Commit mental health promotion campaign appeared to be consistent with such an approach. Hence, after consultation with Indigenous community members, a culturally adapted version of the campaign was developed and launched in a largely Indigenous remote Australian community. A survey of Indigenous community members was conducted two years later to assess campaign impact. The aim of this paper is to report on the impact on community members of this cultural adaptation.

Intercept interviews were conducted with Indigenous community members (n = 31) to assess respondents’ awareness of the campaign elements and activities, understanding of campaign messages and whether respondents had undertaken activities to improve their own or their family’s social and emotional well-being as a result of the campaign.

There was universal awareness of the adapted campaign in this sample, with 81% reporting doing something for their own social and emotional well-being, 74% reporting doing something for the social and emotional well-being of their family or friends and 48% reporting doing something for community well-being, as a result of campaign exposure.

The cultural adaptation of the Act-Belong-Commit campaign in the Australian Roebourne community is the first reported Indigenous adaptation of a population-wide mental health promotion campaign.

The purpose of this paper is to concern the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, which survived the threat of major internal demolition and rebuilding during the 1960s and early 1970s. The building has subsequently undergone significant restoration and conservation work, including the incorporation of modern acoustic improvements and the construction of a new entrance area. Understanding the mechanisms through which the building was restored and brought back into use formed a central strand of the work.

The paper employed a single case study approach, and used the Orpheum Theatre to simultaneously study and consider the practical and heritage implications of the restoration project. The methods employed included archival study, on site recording and a study of the social and architectural history of the building.

The manner in which the building was restored was unusual and rooted in the community, and holds resonance for many similarly at risk theatres and cinemas, in both Canada and elsewhere.

The paper is interesting both from the perspective of that refurbishment, and also from the fact that it was designed by a prominent Scottish architect, B. Marcus Priteca, who designed a large number of early movie palaces in Canada and the USA.

Through exploration of the processes involved in saving the building, the paper draws conclusions regarding its importance to the continued vibrancy of the city. The incorporation of social as well as technical information within building conservation also holds resonance within building conservation practice and planning.