Richard S. Belous and Stephen L. Mangum
The appearance of job security demands at the bargaining table is on the rise in the United States. Job security has increased relative to income security in the hierarchy of…
Abstract
The appearance of job security demands at the bargaining table is on the rise in the United States. Job security has increased relative to income security in the hierarchy of employee concerns. Management has, in several instances, responded to these concerns. This piece will outline the many reasons behind, and offer examples of, the increased emphasis on job security provisions. It will also detail some of the current roadblocks in this area.
The dual forces of an increasing dependency ratio and lower labor market participation on the part of mature individuals does not bode well for the American and European…
Abstract
The dual forces of an increasing dependency ratio and lower labor market participation on the part of mature individuals does not bode well for the American and European Communities. To begin to better understand such macro influences, changing demographic trends in the U.S. and European community with regard to the aging population and workforce participation are reviewed. In addition, recent research which continues to dispel the myth of a negative relationship between age and job performance is reviewed. A more informative way of looking at possible relationships between age and job performance is presented. A variety of contingent work arrangements and flexible employment policies are reviewed as a potential solution to the decreased supply of skilled labor for employers and the need for continued income and community involvement on the part of mature individuals. In addition, a call for a redefinition of how we currently view retirement is sounded. We conclude with recommendations for both employers and mature individuals on dealing with the issues presented.
Elizabeth M. Hogue and Lorene Sisson
A survey of 170 part‐time librarians reveals a variety of employment issues: rates of pay, benefits, professional development, commitment to parent institutions, education…
Abstract
A survey of 170 part‐time librarians reveals a variety of employment issues: rates of pay, benefits, professional development, commitment to parent institutions, education, geographical factors, motivation, career plans, and peer and administration perceptions.
“A job — even full‐time employment — is no sure escape from poverty”. Thus begins a book that goes on to say that beyond the first tragedy of unemployment lies the serious problem…
Abstract
“A job — even full‐time employment — is no sure escape from poverty”. Thus begins a book that goes on to say that beyond the first tragedy of unemployment lies the serious problem for many that rewards for work can be insufficient to live a decent life. This article will reflect on some of the major issues in this subject area. First, a look must be taken at what is meant by a “just wage”. A number of difficulties arise in the definition of “justice” and “wages”. Second, the question of what should be promulgated by law to further just wages should be investigated. What does the law require or what should it require of the wage contract? Finally, what recommendation is feasible to alleviate this problem for those who are working full time but not earning a living wage?
Brennan Day, Ruth Burnice Mckay, Michael Ishman and Ed Chung
The modern industrialized world was completely caught off guard by the recent SARS outbreak. Fortunately, for most organizations, the impact has been short lived, but management…
Abstract
The modern industrialized world was completely caught off guard by the recent SARS outbreak. Fortunately, for most organizations, the impact has been short lived, but management has been provided with a reminder of the impact of the external environment in a world of ever increasing globalization. As seen with the SARS outbreak, a lack of preparedness can have devastating effects on business and warrant inclusion in a business definition of a crisis. This paper uses the recent SARS epidemic as a background to highlight the importance of crisis planning, particularly in emerging economies, and suggests how organizations can address these concerns.
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Cornel Gusan and Brian H. Kleiner
Considers the growth and development of the temporary worker within the workforce and looks at the advantages and disadvantages this brings. Cites common characteristics found in…
Abstract
Considers the growth and development of the temporary worker within the workforce and looks at the advantages and disadvantages this brings. Cites common characteristics found in this area and provides a brief case study. Covers the legal implications and the importance of employee classification under Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines. Briefly outlines new developments in this area.
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Examines the issue of uprating the minimum wage. Argues that this issue is nearly as important as the level of the minimum wage, but one that has been relatively neglected…
Abstract
Examines the issue of uprating the minimum wage. Argues that this issue is nearly as important as the level of the minimum wage, but one that has been relatively neglected. Maintains that Britain lacks an adequate uprating mechanism and outlines some consequences of this. Argues that increases in the UK have had an erratic pattern that may be related to the electoral cycle. Drawing upon experience in the USA, argues that the lack of an adequate mechanism may lead to: avoidable and intense political lobbying; greater instability and uncertainty for low paying firms; and unfairness to those on or near minimum wages, who are then held captive to the vagaries of the political process to maintain the value of their incomes. Considers the possible form of any uprating mechanism with an overview of the US and French experience. Argues that any uprating mechanism must not only maintain the value of the minimum wage in relation to inflation but also to those of more highly paid workers.
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The purpose of the paper was to present a comparative study on the microstructure and magnetoelectric effect of new magnetoelectric composites based on TbFe2 compound and Ni0.3Zn…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper was to present a comparative study on the microstructure and magnetoelectric effect of new magnetoelectric composites based on TbFe2 compound and Ni0.3Zn0.62Cu0.08Fe2O4, CoFe2O4 ferrites as a magnetostrictive phase, Pb(Fe1/2Ta1/2)O3 (PFT), Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 relaxors as a ferroelectric phase and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as piezoelectric phase.
Design/methodology/approach
The ceramic components of composites were prepared by the standard solid-state reaction method. The intermetallic compound TbFe2 was prepared with an arc melting system with a contact-less ignition in a high purity argon atmosphere. The metal – ceramic – polymer composites were prepared in a container in which powder of PVDF were dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide with continuous mixing and at the controlled temperature. Ceramic composites were prepared as bulk samples and multilayer tape cast and co-sintered laminates. The microstructure of the composites was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The magnetoelectric effect of the composites was evaluated at room temperature by means of the dynamic lock-in method.
Findings
SEM analysis revealed a dense, fine-grained microstructure and uniform distribution of the metallic, ferrite and relaxor grains in the bulk composites. The SEM image for multilayer composite illustrates the lack of cracks or delaminations at the phase boundaries between the well-sintered ferrite and relaxor layers. For all studied composites, the magnetoelectric coefficients at a lower magnetic field increase, reaches a maximum and then decreases.
Originality/value
The progress in electronic technology is directly linked to advances made in materials science. Exploring and characterizing new materials with interesting magnetoelectric properties, in the rapidly growing field of functional materials, is an important task. The paper reports on processing, microstructure and magnetoelectric properties of novel magnetoelectric composites.