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The characteristic of static is quite important especially for the manipulator with force feedback. This paper aims to improve the traditional static model by considering the limitations such as lacking of versatility and ignoring gravity of links. For this purpose, a new asymmetric mass distribution method on the analysis of universal “force-sensing” model has been put forward to overcome the limitations.

Through the forces and torques analysis of every link and the moving platform, the static model of 3-RUU manipulator is acquired. Then, based on the physical meaning analysis of every part in the static model of 3-RUU manipulator, a new asymmetric mass distribution method on the analysis of universal “force-sensing” model can be obtained.

The correctness of the static model of 3-RUU manipulator is verified by simulation results based on Pro/Engineer software and Adams software. Furthermore, experiment results based on a manipulator similar to the Omega.3 manipulator indicate that the universal “force-sensing” model can be applicable to the above manipulator.

A new asymmetric mass distribution method on the analysis of universal static mathematical model has been put forward. Based on physical meaning of the above method, the “force-sensing” model can be established quickly and it owns versatility, which can be applicable to the 3-RUU manipulator, the Omega.3 parallel manipulator and other similar manipulators with force feedback. In addition, it can improve the accuracy of the “force-sensing” model to a great extent.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the degree to which auctioning the right to provide universal service is a viable option in developed countries with high teledensity and near ubiquitous fixed line and mobile networks. The paper also aims to provide signposts on the types of issues regulators need to consider and resolve when designing auctioning mechanisms for the competitive provision of universal service.

The paper examines the nature and scope of universal service, the approaches that have been used to identify the costs of universal service provision and the difficulties in using an auction process to allocate the right to provide universal service in countries with near ubiquitous network infrastructure. Australia is used as a case study on the difficulties of using auctions to encourage new entry in universal service areas served by a powerful incumbent. The paper also examines the types of issues regulators need to resolve when designing auction mechanisms for universal service provision.

The paper concludes that for developed countries, it is unclear whether the use of auctions for the provision of universal service will have the desired effect of ensuring a market‐based approach to service provision. This is because the risks associated with becoming an alternative universal service provider are likely to outweigh the benefits of doing so. Further, the risks faced by an alternative universal service provider are not borne by the incumbent operator thus further increasing the disincentive to bid for the right to provide universal service. The paper also concludes that the practical design of the universal service rights and obligations which will be attached to a winning bidder's license conditions is an extremely important mechanism by which some of the risks to potential universal service providers can be overcome.

The paper stimulates thinking about whether universal service auctions are a viable means of providing universal service in developed countries. In presenting empirical evidence of the difficulties in using auctions to introduce competition in universal service provision, the paper may provide valuable input to the regulatory proceedings associated with introducing universal service contestability arrangements that are currently being conducted in various countries.

Retailers have demonstrated mixed results during international expansions. However, home market saturation and the economic climate are forcing more and more retailers to look beyond their borders for revenue. A critical participant in the internationalizing effort is the expatriate manager. Unfortunately the literature is unclear and at times conflicted over how to select and prepare expatriate management for their leadership role. Therefore, this study was designed with the purpose of uncovering various factors which may lead to expatriate retail management success.

Based on the lack of unanimity in the literature this study adopted a qualitative research methodology in order to develop some consensus regarding successful expatriate leadership attributes. Grounded theory was employed utilizing extensive in-depth interviews as the primary data gathering and analysis tools.

A multi-dimensional construct emerged from the data requiring all dimensions to be utilized for a successful retail expatriate assignment. The construct of “Universal Leadership”, is proposed as formative, comprised of reflective sub-dimensions; Ability, Adaptability, Ambassadorship, and Awareness (Self), which we refer to as the Four A's, for successful expatriate management assignments. Several propositions are put forward as suggestions for future research in the use of the universal leadership model for both selection and training of retail expatriate managers.

The study develops a theoretical platform for expatriate leadership success allowing for cultural and business variation. Awareness is introduced as a critical attribute in achieving success as an expatriate success. The universal leadership model proposes attributes beneficial for training and also selection which is critically under examined in the literature.

Results of a test for differential performance applied to data for universal and non‐universal banks revealed that the performance of universal banks was not superior to that of the non‐universal banks. The study, therefore, does not support the performance theory as a basis for the global trend towards universal banking. Rather, there is implied support for the theory that loss of comparative advantage by commercial banks in the credit market and an increasingly competitive global market for financial services are both pushing major countries to adopt the universal model. Specific attention was given to the NAFTA countries bordering the USA. A test for convergence revealed that relatively new universal banks in those countries were converging towards the performance levels of other established universal systems; the project impact on the non‐universal US banking system in the 1990s is of serious concern.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce to the concepts related with universal service and the papers in the special issue about “Re‐thinking universal service in the digital era”.

This special issue aims to provide support to the policy process with regard to universal service in a digital context. The papers in the issue highlight developments that are shaking up the current universal service model. They consider universal service from a set of different dimensions, encompassing both demand and supply side considerations. Also a comparative outlook draws lessons from a representative set of existing regulatory models.

The paper finds that the foundations and concept of universal service are experiencing a profound transformation as we enter into a new phase of information society development. A new set of policy goals and tools is the main consequence of this change.

The paper presents a timely account of the universal service policy debate.

This paper aims to give conclusions from the papers in the special issue about “Re‐thinking universal service in the digital era”.

A summary of the themes, trends and new concepts about universal service is compiled from the varied viewpoints introduced in the issue. The editors also appraise the mobile and broadband universal service candidates under the different perspectives in the issue, point out a number of questionable assumptions and gaps in the universal service stories, and touch on the international currents of influence in universal service policy. Finally, a succinct vision of a universal service policy for Europe is outlined.

This special issue aims to provide support to the policy process with regard to universal service in a digital context. The papers in the issue highlight developments that are shaking up the current universal service model. They consider universal service from a set of different dimensions, encompassing both demand and supply side considerations. Also a comparative outlook draws lessons from a representative set of existing regulatory models.

The paper provides a summary of the main avenues for the upcoming universal service policy debate.

The purpose of this paper is to propose that customer readiness and web-channel readiness for internet banking (IB) adoption are the twin universal determinants of retail customers’ attitudes and intention towards IB-adoption. The paper delineates IB-readiness as the state of preparedness, ability, and willingness to engage in IB, and the authors argue that both the potential banking customer and the financial institution's web-channel must be equally ready before IB-adoption can occur. This paper presents the results of the initial test of the IB-readiness model with a sample of retail banking customers in Scotland.

Nine customer-related and ten channel-related predictor-variables isolated from existing literature were tested for their effects on attitude and intention towards IB-adoption. Seven demographic mediators were also tested for their impacts on the effects of the predictor-variables on attitude and intention. A sample of 1,000 customers was surveyed. Multiple regression and logistic regression analyses were used to test the influence of the predictors and mediators.

Of the seven mediators, only three were significant. Also, only eight of the original 19 predictor-variables were significant, with the impact of mediation, in determining customer attitude and intention towards IB-adoption.

The results present some consumer behaviour and marketing communications implications for bank marketing. To convince potential customers to adopt and continue using IB, bank marketers must ensure that the eight predictors validated in this study are facilitated and sustained.

A valuable contribution of the paper to the global IB-adoption theory is an equal evaluation model of potential universal antecedents of IB-adoption – the “EQUAEVAL” – which can be further-tested in future cross-national research.

The purpose of this paper is to evolve the Universal Business Excellence Model (UBEM) with the integration of common features of business excellence models (BEMs) with universal laws of nature to facilitate multi‐dimensional business growth.

Business has focused on accumulation of wealth at the cost of society for decades. It has resulted in socio‐economic, political and environmental problems and led to the evolution of quality, environmental, HSE systems and BEMs, etc. Vedic philosophy emphasizes that a core function of business is to create wealth for “Well being of society”. To evolve UBEM, synthesis of BEM, e.g. the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), the European Quality Award (EQA) and the Deming Prize has been undertaken to identify the common and unique issues. In addition, certain issues not adequately addressed in BEM but emphasized in Vedic hymns have been empirically tested to check their applicability in the current business scenario.

The paper finds that UBEM stresses that profit is not the ultimate objective of the business, but a means to achieve the sustainable success. Interestingly, professionals of various age groups, different countries and backgrounds have overwhelmingly supported the concept in empirical study.

Hymn from Rig‐Veda explains that physical as well as moral laws govern the entire universe. Vedic philosophy derives infinite creativity, actions and power from the universal laws of Nature. This paper is an attempt to integrate philosophy of the East with modern practices of the West. It is an example for researchers to explore several new areas to integrate the best of the both (East and West) and provide a new direction to the mankind.

The use of the UBEM will make it easier for practicing managers to reach the right decisions for sustainable success.

The UBEM identifies the “values and process flow” and measurement of “multiple bottom‐lines” as the key to success. Integration of “organization vision” with “universal wellbeing” leads to sustainable success and provides an access to the infinite power of “cosmic energy” to ensure multi‐dimensional growth.

The purpose of this paper is to share the findings of a comparative study of the TQM elements deployment model and the universal business excellence model (UBEM) Vedic matrix. Comparative research of the essence of BEMs incorporated in the TQM elements deployment model and additional points identified in UBEM Vedic matrix will facilitate multi‐dimensional business growth.

The TQM elements deployment model unveils the reasons of enactment and social influence of BEM through review of four major quality awards namely Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, European Quality Award, Japan Quality Award, and Deming Prize. UBEM integrates the Vedic philosophy with synthesis of BEMs and emphasizes that the ultimate goal of business is Universal well‐being. The study involved inputs from the essence of Vedic hymns incorporated in the Vedic matrix of UBEM and the synthesis of major quality awards incorporated in the TQM elements deployment model using principal component analysis.

The UBEM Vedic matrix is constructed based on a broad understanding of the Vedic philosophy. The TQM elements deployment model is constructed based on TQM concepts, quality assurance aystem and quality management system. The former can be called a management concept thinking model and the latter can be called a management system thinking model. It is concluded that the sustenance and growth of an enterprise lies in harmonization with global society.

Comparative research is an attempt to integrate the best practices of the West incorporated in the BEM with the Vedic philosophy of the East, which derives infinite creativity, actions and power from the universal laws of Nature. It is an example for researchers to explore several other areas to integrate the best of both worlds (East and West) and provide a new direction for the mankind.

The comparative research provides additional inputs, which may be used during review of the BEMs and national quality awards in the various regions of the world and hence are of relevance to all BEM custodians. The study is expected to help in a review of the national business excellence strategies worldwide.

The paper is one of the first to focus on integration of BEMs and the Vedic philosophy. The UBEM Vedic matrix identifies practicing values and measuring multiple bottom‐lines as key to sustainable growth. Its integration with the TQM elements deployment matrix is useful to enhance the effectiveness of BEMs. Principal component analysis methodology used in this paper for comparative study is also useful for comparative studies of the quality award criteria.

Previous researches have proven that customer satisfaction and loyalty are affected by complicated relationships and are challenging to European customer satisfaction index (ECSI) model. Existing approaches mostly limit their hypotheses to linear relationships, which hinder much information that would lead to better modeling and understanding the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to reveal potential nonlinear and interaction effects that might be embedded in antecedents of ECSI by exemplifying it in Turkish telecommunications sector.

This papar has justified the validity and reliability of the ECSI model implementation in Turk Telekom Company. The path models are tested via conventional structural equation modeling (SEM) and using a novel method, i.e. universal structure modeling with Bayesian neural networks.

The findings of this study reveal that quality has the most important impact on customer satisfaction. The next important construct was found to be the company image. The relationship between customer expectation and customer satisfaction was revealed to be insignificant. This study reveals the fact that while using the ECSI model more attention must be paid to the consideration of potential nonlinear relationships that might be available among model constructs.

This research presents uniqueness in that it reveals significant nonlinear relationships between the model constructs of the ECSI model. Previous studies have identified purely linear relationships, which may not hold true in reality. However, in this study it is revealed that improving one determinant of customer satisfaction may not be as worthy as it is assumed to be in theory, which refers to a nonlinear relationship.