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This paper reviews the literature on unplanned purchasing and impulse purchasing in particular. Various definitions and explanations of the phenomena are examined. Because impulse purchasing may often be deemed socially undesirable, it is argued that a qualitative research approach is particularly appropriate in order to gain maximum insight. A study employing enabling techniques (including self scripts, laddering and pyramiding) demonstrated that interviewees were remarkably consistent in their descriptions of the impulse purchase experience. There were, however, variations of the behaviour which might form the basis of a classification scheme. Most studies have only focused on retail impulse buying. This study explored the subject across both retail and direct buying contexts.

A Bridgeport Y3B wire‐cut electrical discharge machine (EDM) installed at Walsall College of Technology is being used to train students and local engineers and also to allow firms to evaluate this advanced metal‐cutting process which is of growing interest to industry, reports Mr Geoff Deakin, senior lecturer of CNC courses at the college.

Presents a gendered analysis of the reconstitution of professional subjectivities, as part of the New Public Management (NPM) discourse in the UK police service. Draws on texts generated from interviews with police uniform and civilian professional/managers in two constabularies. Explores the ways in which individuals have received and responded to the NPM discourse. Analysis of these texts suggests the promotion of specific gendered meanings of commitment, based on high visibility and unquestioning loyalty. Drawing on a Foucauldain feminist framework, illustrates how individuals exploit the weaknesses, contradictions and spaces revealed in the NPM discourse. This takes place through thought and action, stimulated by tension, discomfort, paradox and difference and may result in accomodation, adaptation or denial of the subject positions offered.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s organisation and management consultants have researched the concept of organisational commitment and report that highly committed employees are likely to be more effective, and be concerned with contributing to organisational improvement. Given the number of police reforms in the UK that are encouraging forces to be more innovative, it is surprising that there have been few studies that have explored commitment amongst police officers. Using survey data (total uniform population 2,898, response rate 43 percent) the paper analyses the extent to which organisation commitment is shaped by: employees’ experiences of behaviour that encourages teamwork, participation, and personal development, provides feedback on role and performance, and avoids a defensive work climate. The results show that these factors strongly influence commitment in all ranks. Significantly the level of commitment varies according to position in the hierarchy, with the majority of constables demonstrating lower commitment, and senior officers (chief inspectors and above) showing higher commitment. Differences in commitment across police divisions are also explored. The paper discusses the limitations in management style and personnel procedures and suggests that strategic human resource management approaches should be adopted in order to increase organisation attachment. A major implication of the findings is that ForceCo needs to develop a long‐term strategy of culture change.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the content and usability of a sample of 50 UK MPs' web sites.

Score sheets were developed for the evaluation of web sites based on an extensive review of the relevant literature. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to all MPs who had a web site at the time of the research.

The web sites in general scored poorly in terms of content and usability. Liberal Democrats' web sites scored the highest overall. The main reason why MPs set up web sites was to improve communications with their constituents. However, many MPs had problems finding the time and funds to set up and maintain their web sites. There is a growing interest in interactive web sites.

Not every MP's web site was evaluated, nor was every MP approached regarding their attitude to web sites.

A series of recommendations on how MPs can improve their web sites is provided. It is clear that MPs' web sites are a long way from being ideal. Funding issues need to be addressed.

This is the latest such survey for a number of years.