This paper proposes that strategy activity is the most necessary form of and foundation for innovation. It is also the real context for any innovation effort that is intended to…
Abstract
This paper proposes that strategy activity is the most necessary form of and foundation for innovation. It is also the real context for any innovation effort that is intended to create competitive advantage, especially in response to three key strategic issues construction industry; changing client demands for value, partnering, and supply integration. Innovation is the profitable exploitation of ideas. Clearly, this requires two things a source of ideas that can lend themselves to profitable exploitation and a goal in pursuit which to exploit the ideas. Those goals are established and met by strategic innovation. The right strategy tools can motivate ideas and insight. However, elements of normal industry practice constitute strong demotivators to profitable strategic innovation, hence the presence of strategy activities noted in the industry. This paper discusses the development of the strategic management discourse and to identify tools for use in construction industry innovation that relate to its strategic challenges; the Value Chain, Game Theory and Delphi Technique. The paper also identifies the process of “Bricolage”, potentially a fourth tool, or process, which could be a source hard to imitate advantage in developing strategic innovation practices which act catalyst for participation and the means to profitably exploit new ideas. With strategically‐oriented innovation, a firm can identify and create new value for its customers and integrate its supply chains. Without it, innovation is at best blind, at worst, will never happen; there no goal to exploit the idea in pursuit of. Without strategy, there is no motivation to innovate.
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Stewart Ranson, Peter Ribbins, Lesley Chesterfield and Tony Smith
Five questions about the careers service are asked—do we need it, what is its function, what is its role, how can its influence be extended, and where should it be located? Issues…
Abstract
Five questions about the careers service are asked—do we need it, what is its function, what is its role, how can its influence be extended, and where should it be located? Issues raised in the report, “The Management of Change in the Careers Service”, are also raised.
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MARK STEWART and PETER WILLETT
This paper describes the simulation of a nearest neighbour searching algorithm for document retrieval using a pool of microprocessors. The documents in a database are organised in…
Abstract
This paper describes the simulation of a nearest neighbour searching algorithm for document retrieval using a pool of microprocessors. The documents in a database are organised in a multi‐dimensional binary search tree, and the algorithm identifies the nearest neighbour for a query by a backtracking search of this tree. Three techniques are described which allow parallel searching of the tree. A PASCAL‐based, general purpose simulation system is used to simulate these techniques, using a pool of Transputer‐like microprocessors with three standard document test collections. The degree of speed‐up and processor utilisation obtained is shown to be strongly dependent upon the characteristics of the documents and queries used. The results support the use of pooled microprocessor systems for searching applications in information retrieval.
This article aims to provide details of the process involved in preparing a comprehensive maintenance audit of school buildings and facilities in a state government education…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to provide details of the process involved in preparing a comprehensive maintenance audit of school buildings and facilities in a state government education department.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents the framework and logistics of the survey or audit, which relied on integrating a property management system with a consistent approach to the definition of maintenance and its costing. The use of visual illustrations of maintenance categories is a feature of the process and this study.
Findings
The work was completed in three months and drew upon the department's two computerized property management and asset systems, the physical resource management system (PRMS) and the school asset management system (SAMS). The department adopted an IT‐based approach that integrated the building element‐based maintenance items with electronic plans and a standard costing approach using hand‐held pen‐activated computers under the control of the maintenance auditors. The process of conducting the maintenance audit has resulted in the most comprehensive review and updating of all the maintenance requirements in school buildings. It has provided real and accurate costing of this work on a fair, methodical and consistent basis. The size of the final costs in each maintenance category has allowed funding to be refined, targeted and focused on many key and important areas.
Research limitations/implications
Whilst categories of different maintenance work are provided in broad terms, for confidentiality reasons the client organization would not permit the financial values of these categories to be published.
Practical implications
Examples of the categorization and analysis of maintenance items are included to illustrate and demonstrate the method of approach. Details of the extensive auditing process described provide insights for any large organization with widespread facilities and property assets to adopt a similar approach.
Originality/value
The process is an exemplar for an integrated property management and maintenance auditing system using IT and the practical skills of maintenance inspectors.
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The aim of this overview is to reflect on the family resemblances between psychogeography and marketing history.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this overview is to reflect on the family resemblances between psychogeography and marketing history.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is informally predicated on the perspectives and philosophies of literary theory in general and New Historicism in particular.
Findings
Using exemplar excerpts from salient published works, marketing’s hitherto overlooked psychogeographical traditions are contemplated and celebrated, the sterling contributions of Stanley C. Hollander above all.
Research limitations/implications
Like poets who don’t know it, marketing historians are unsung contributors to the psychogeographical corpus. There is much more that can be done, however, especially in relation to works of imaginative literature.
Originality/value
This paper aims to uncover past achievements not advance the future agenda.
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SINCE the start of jet engine development, one problem has hampered designers and development engineers: the opaque walls of the engine casings. They wanted to ‘look’ through the…
Abstract
SINCE the start of jet engine development, one problem has hampered designers and development engineers: the opaque walls of the engine casings. They wanted to ‘look’ through the walls and be able to see and measure the movements of the compressor and turbine tip seals. This would reveal the combustion gas loadings and thermal growths of the components and allow them to configure the seals to reduce gas leakages and increase the efficiency of the engines. If it were possible to see the components moving as an engine and running on a test bed, then the mechanical integrity could be improved to make the engine safer and maintain performance for a longer period.
AT the Exeter Conference, Dr. Kenyon, in his presidential address, touched upon an aspect of library work in such a manner as found a ready agreement in my mind as to its…
Abstract
AT the Exeter Conference, Dr. Kenyon, in his presidential address, touched upon an aspect of library work in such a manner as found a ready agreement in my mind as to its importance and far‐reaching effects. His address was based upon the solid ground of the public utility of libraries, and he proved, right to the hilt, the necessity of the advancement of the library movement on wide lines.