bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid manufacturing of patient‐specific shielding masks, using RP in parallel with metal spraying
Authors: de Beer Deon J. , Truscott Michéle , Booysen Gerrie J. , Barnard Ludrick J. , van der Walt Jakobus G.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the present work is to develop a methodology to manufacture patient‐specific models (lead masks) to be used as protective shields during cancer treatment, using 3D photography, rapid prototyping (RP) and metal spraying. It is also intended to reduce the trauma experienced by the patient, by removing any physical contact as with conventional methods, and also to reduce the manufacturing lead time.

Design/methodology/approach

Patient‐specific data are collected using 3D photography. The data are converted to.STL files, and then prepared for building with an LS 380 in nylon polyamide. Next, the sculpted model is used as the mould in a newly patented metal‐spraying device, spraying liquid metal on to the sculpted surface.

Findings

Intricate body geometries can be reproduced to effectively create metal shields, to be used in radiography applications. The models created fit the patients more accurately than through conventional methods, reducing the trauma experienced by the patient, and in a reduced time‐frame, at similar costs to conventional methods. The new process and its materials management are less of a an environmental risk than conventional methods.

Research limitations/implications

Access to 3D photography apparatus will be necessary, as well as to RP or CNC equipment. Using this approach, files can be transferred to a central manufacturing facility, i.e. hospitals or treatment units do not need their own facilities. Added implications are the design of jigs and fixtures, which will ensure accuracy in reuse.

Practical implications

Metal shields can be created with ease and great accuracy using RP machines. It takes less time without inflated costs. Models are more accurately and easy to use, with less trauma experienced by the patient during the manufacturing phase.

Originality/value

Novel applications, combined with a new process. The research expands the fast‐growing field of medical applications of RP technologies. Its practical application will benefit patients on a daily basis.
Modelling and optimal design of sheet metal RP&M processes
Authors: Pohlak Meelis , Küttner Rein , Majak Jüri
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To study the influence of process and product parameters on the properties of products in incremental sheet metal‐forming; to create models for process optimisation and to introduce an approach to incremental forming process optimisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A new flexible sheet metal‐forming technique, incremental forming, has been studied. The technique can be viewed as a rapid prototyping/manufacturing technique for sheet metal parts. To analyse the process, an experimental study and finite element analysis were performed. For the optimal design of incremental forming process non‐linear mathematical programming was used. To estimate the limitations and main parameters of the process, a complex model was developed.

Findings

Introducing optimisation procedures for the incremental forming process allows users to increase productivity and to assure quality.

Research limitations/implications

As finite element analysis of the process is time‐consuming in real life situations, a future study should include creating analytical models for process modelling.

Practical implications

The described approach can be used in practice to improve competitiveness of companies producing sheet metal prototypes.

Originality/value

This paper offers guidelines for shortening processing time of sheet metal prototypes for engineers and researchers. The optimisation that is based on experimental/theoretical/numerical models of incremental forming process has not been covered before in the scientific literature.
Design and fabrication of CAP scaffolds by indirect solid free form fabrication
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Dichen , Lu Bingheng , Tang Yiping , Wang Lin , Wang Zhen
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To fabricate the self‐hardening calcium phosphate composite scaffolds with controlled internal pore architectures using rapid prototyping (RP) techniques and investigate their in vitro bone tissue engineering responses.

Design/methodology/approach

The three‐dimensionally interconnected pores in scaffolds can facilitate sufficient supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients for the ingrowth of bone cells, tissue regeneration, and vascularization. It is essential for bone tissue engineering to provide an accurate control over the scaffolds material, porosity, and internal pore architectures. Negative image of scaffold was designed and epoxy resin molds were fabricated on sterolithography apparatus. Calcium phosphate cement slurry was cast in these molds. After self‐hardening, the molds were removed by pyrolysis and the resulting scaffolds were obtained.

Findings

Eight scaffolds with 54.45 percent porosity were tested on an Instron machine. The average compressive strength measured was 5.8±0.8 Mpa. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation studies were conducted with rabbit osteoblast. Results showed that these scaffolds were non‐toxic and displayed excellent cell growth during the 2 weeks of in vitro culture.

Research limitations/implications

The resulting scaffolds inherited errors and defects from the molds, such as cracks and dimensional changes.

Originality/value

The present method enhances the versatility of scaffold fabrication by RP. It is capable of reproducibly fabricating scaffolds from a variety of biomaterials.
Freeform fabrication of ionomeric polymer‐metal composite actuators
Authors: Malone Evan , Lipson Hod
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To seek to produce low‐voltage, soft mechanical actuators entirely via freeform fabrication as part of a larger effort to freeform fabricate complete electromechanical devices with lifelike and/or biocompatible geometry and function.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors selected ionomeric polymer‐metal composite (IPMC) actuators from the literature and the authors' own preliminary experiments as most promising for freeform fabrication. The authors performed material formulation and manual device fabrication experiments to arrive at materials which are amenable to robotic deposition and developed an SFF process which allows the production of complete IPMC actuators and their fabrication substrate integrated within other freeform fabricated devices. The authors freeform fabricated simple IPMC's, explored some materials/performance interactions, and preliminarily characterized these devices in comparison to devices produced by non‐SFF methods.

Findings

Freeform fabricated IPMC actuators operate continuously in air for more than 4 h and 3,000 bidirectional actuation cycles. The output stress scaled to input power is one to two orders of magnitude inferior to that of non‐SFF devices. Much of this difference may be associated with process‐sensitive microstructure of materials. Future work will investigate this performance gap.

Research limitations/implications

Device performance is sufficient to continue exploration of SFF of complete electromechanical devices, but will need improvement for broader application. The feasibility of the approach for producing devices with complex, non‐planar geometry has not been demonstrated.

Practical implications

This work demonstrates the feasibility of freeform fabricating IPMC devices, and lays groundwork for further development of the materials and methods.

Originality/value

This work constitutes the first demonstration of complete, functional, IPMC actuators produced entirely by freeform fabrication.
Residual stresses in selective laser sintering and selective laser melting
Authors: Mercelis Peter , Kruth Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper presents an investigation into residual stresses in selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM), aiming at a better understanding of this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the origin of residual stresses is explored and a simple theoretical model is developed to predict residual stress distributions. Next, experimental methods are used to measure the residual stress profiles in a set of test samples produced with different process parameters.

Findings

Residual stresses are found to be very large in SLM parts. In general, the residual stress profile consists of two zones of large tensile stresses at the top and bottom of the part, and a large zone of intermediate compressive stress in between. The most important parameters determining the magnitude and shape of the residual stress profiles are the material properties, the sample and substrate height, the laser scanning strategy and the heating conditions.

Research limitations/implications

All experiments were conducted on parts produced from stainless steel powder (316L) and quantitative results cannot be simply extrapolated to other materials. However, most qualitative results can still be generalized.

Originality/value

This paper can serve as an aid in understanding the importance of residual stresses in SLS/SLM and other additive manufacturing processes involving a localized heat input. Some of the conclusions can be used to avoid problems associated with residual stresses.
Improving accuracy of powder‐based SFF processes by metal deposition from a nanoparticle dispersion
Authors: Crane Nathan B. , Wilkes J. , Sachs E. , Allen Samuel M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Solid freeform fabrication processes such as three‐dimensional printing (3DP) and selective laser sintering (SLS) produce porous parts. Metal parts produced by these processes must be densified by sintering or infiltration to achieve maximum material performance. New steel infiltration methods can produce parts of standard alloy compositions with properties comparable to wrought materials. However, the infiltration process introduces dimensional errors due to both shrinkage and creep — particularly at the high temperatures required for steel infiltration. Aims to develop post‐processing method to reduce creep and shrinkage of porous metal skeletons.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed process treats porous metal parts with a nanoparticle suspension that strengthens the bonds between particles to reduce creep and sintering shrinkage during infiltration. The process is tested by comparing the deflection and shrinkage of treated and untreated cantilevers heated to infiltration temperatures. The method is demonstrated with an iron nanoparticles suspension applied to parts made of 410 SS powder.

Findings

This process reduced creep by up to 95 percent and shrinkage by 50 percent. The best results were obtained using multiple applications of the nanoparticles dried under a magnetic field. Carbon deposited with the iron is shown to provide substantial benefit, but the iron is critical to establish strong bonds at low temperatures for minimal creep.

Research limitations/implications

This work shows that dimensional stability of porous metal skeletons during infiltration processes can be significantly improved by treatment with nanoparticles. The increased dimensional stability afforded by this technique can combine the excellent properties of homogenous infiltration with substantially improved part accuracy and open up new applications for this manufacturing technology.

Originality/value

The work shows how solid freeform fabrication processes can be improved.
Development of SLS fuel cell current collectors
Authors: Chen Ssuwei , Murphy Jeremy , Herlehy Jason , Bourell David L. , Wood Kristin L.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new fabrication method for fuel cell current collectors. Demonstration of its usefulness and discussion of its impact on current collector design and performance are also given.

Design/methodology/approach

The selective laser sintering (SLS) technique is used to create green parts followed by a high temperature curing process and pressureless infiltration treatment to meet basic part design requirements.

Findings

A material system and process satisfying both manufacturing constraints and product property requirements can be used for fabrication of current collectors via SLS. Relative particle size and composition of the constituents play an important role in successful manufacture of the plates. Strategies to improve electrical conductivity are also discussed.

Originality/value

A new manufacturing method has been developed for the construction of fuel cell current collectors that could generate opportunities for performance enhancement and fuel cell application by eliminating the constraints imposed by traditional fabrication processes.
An experimental investigation of the surface roughness of parts produced by LOM process
Authors: Kechagias John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate the influence of different process parameters of the laminated object manufacturing (LOM) process on the roughness of vertical surfaces alongZ‐axis on ZX‐plane of parts produced by LOM.

Design/methodology/approach

The process parameters tested were layer thickness, heater temperature, platform retract, heater speed, laser speed, feeder speed and platform speed. A typical test part has been used, and matrix experiments were carried out based on Taguchi design. Optimal process parameter values were identified and finally, a regression model was applied onto the experimental results, and compared with bibliography models, using arbitrary experiments.

Findings

The statistical analysis of the experimental results showed that the surface roughness depends mainly on the heater temperature, layer thickness, and laser speed. Moreover, the regression model gave good predictions when heater temperature values were within the initial experimental area and inaccurate predictions when heater temperature takes the value 200°C.

Research limitations/implications

Future work should involve extensive matrix experiments using parameters such as dimensions of test part (Xmax,Ymax,Zmax), hatch spacing inXandYdirections, and delay time between sequential layers.

Practical implications

Using the extracted regression model, vertical surface roughness can be predicted and selected proprietary process parameter values. This means minimization of post processing time, easier disengagement between supporting frame and part, easier decubing, process optimization, and less finishing.

Originality/value

This methodology could be easily applied on different materials and initial conditions for optimisation of LOM processes.
Design and production of fixtures for free‐form components using selective laser sintering
Authors: Grazia Violante Maria , Iuliano Luca , Minetola Paolo
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To introduce an innovative method for the design of supporting elements to be applied to the free‐form components during the dimensional control.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows an innovative procedure based on reverse engineering and rapid prototyping techniques for the realization of fixtures fitting the geometry of free‐form elements. The application of the procedure have been made on a sheet metal free‐form element. After the design and manufacturing of the supporting elements, some uniformly distributed measurements have been made on the sheet metal component. A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) has been used in order to get dimensional information and to give the IT class location of the component.

Findings

The use of the CMMs for the dimensional control of the production elements requires the availability of an adequate supporting system above all if the control concerns free‐form components with complex forms. This influences considerably the final quality of the measurements mainly if the control concerns free‐form components with complex forms, not bound to classic geometric entities. The supporting systems commonly used foresee the utilization of standard elements (clamps, magnets, suction cups and plates and others) ideal for the parts with regular geometry but that can cause inconveniences if applied to free‐form elements and long times for the part supporting. The supporting elements of our paper fit to the geometry of free‐form component.

Research limitations/implications

For the production of the supporting elements, the chosen technique has been the selective laser sintering with the use of the Pa‐Al powders (alumide). This material has a limited mechanical resistance such to guarantee a control up to 500 parts. For this reason, in a future research we would produce these fixtures using sintered metal materials.

Practical implications

The possibility to guarantee a correct dimensional control in the case of free form components using fixtures that fit to the geometry of free form components.

Originality/value

The paper shows an innovative procedure to get fixturing elements that fit to the geometry of free‐form component and provide stability and immobility to the component during the inspection phase.
Non‐toxic flexible photopolymers for medical stereolithography technology
Authors: Bens Arthur , Seitz Hermann , Bermes Günter , Emons Moritz , Pansky Andreas , Roitzheim Barbara , Tobiasch Edda , Tille Carsten
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the development of a novel polyether(meth)acrylate‐based resin material class for stereolithography with alterable material characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A complete overview of details to composition parameters, the optimization and bandwidth of mechanical and processing parameters is given. Initial biological characterization experiments and future application fields are depicted. Process parameters are studied in a commercial 3D systems Viper stereolithography system, and a new method to determine these parameters is described herein.

Findings

Initial biological characterizations show the non‐toxic behavior in a biological environment, caused mainly by the (meth)acrylate‐based core components. These photolithographic resins combine an adjustable low Young's modulus with the advantages of a non‐toxic (meth)acrylate‐based process material. In contrast to the mostly rigid process materials used today in the rapid prototyping industry, these polymeric formulations are able to fulfill the extended need for a soft engineering material. A short overview of sample applications is given.

Practical implications

These polymeric formulations are able to meet the growing demand for a resin class for rapid manufacturing that covers a bandwidth from softer to stiffer materials.

Originality/value

This paper gives an overview about the novel developed material class for stereolithography and should be therefore of high interest to people with interest in novel rapid manufacturing materials and technology.
Cooperation in regional new venture support networks: experiences from Germany
Authors: Kautonen Teemu , Koch Lambert T.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To introduce new venture support networks (NVSN) as a topical instrument in German entrepreneurship policy, and to discuss critically the problems in achieving cooperation between the member organizations in these networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual analysis with illustrative empirical examples derived from 17 semi‐structured interviews with actors involved in the German federal NVSN initiative “EXIST – Entrepreneurs from Universities”.

Findings

Identifies two major sources of obstacles to achieving cooperation in politically initiated NVSN: heterogeneous actor structure; and lack of culture as a network due to the “artificial” political origin of the network.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only identifies problem areas and illustrates these with empirical examples. Further research is required so as to analyse how the problem areas could be improved.

Practical implications

Identified problem areas should be considered when planning (entrepreneurship) policy initiatives that include inter‐organizational cooperation.

Originality/value

Introduces and critically analyses a topical and so far little studied phenomenon of entrepreneurship policy.
Are performance differences between family and non‐family SMEs uniform across all firm sizes?
Authors: Kotey Bernice
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of firm size on performance (measured as profits, growth, efficiency and liquidity) differences between family and non‐family small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The samples of 441 family and 473 non‐family firms were divided into four size groups and performance differences analysed for each size group using MANOVA.

Findings

The findings indicate that family SMEs perform at least as well as non‐family SMEs. Although the two types of firms shared several similar performance characteristics at the small level, certain differences were evident. Performance differences between family and non‐family SMEs became prominent at the critical growth phase (20‐49 employees), reached an optimum at 50‐99 employees and narrowed again thereafter. For family firms, the benefits of higher gross margins and efficient use of assets began to wane after 100 plus employees but the disadvantages of lower employee performance continued.

Research limitations/implications

The study could be improved by a longitudinal examination of the same firms across various growth stages. Further, the findings may be industry‐specific and not generally applicable.

Practical implications

The findings show that greater resources do not necessary lead to better performance and that non‐family firms could benefit from more efficient use of resources. The findings also confirm that the benefits of the informal system are not sustainable at larger firm sizes and that larger family firms would benefit from improved management of employee performance.

Originality/value

The pattern of performance differences observed between family and non‐family SMEs is unique to the paper. The paper shows that differences in performance between the two types of firms noted in the literature do no hold at all firm sizes.
Enterprising talk: a case of self construction
Authors: Mills Colleen E. , Pawson Kylie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper presents a case study that explores the experiences and sensemaking of a new start entrepreneur in New Zealand. The primary aim of the case was to theorise new entrepreneurs' sensemaking about risk in order to provide a framework for further study.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the case were gathered using a semi‐structured interview technique. These data were then coded and analysed using an approach inspired by grounded theory. As the purpose was to examine both what the subject said about her entrepreneurial experience and the conceptual frameworks she drew upon to do this, the analysis integrated techniques employed in discourse analysis and educational psychology.

Findings

The analysis produced a theoretical model that suggests the entrepreneur's perceptions of self shaped the perception of risk and then structured the way in which risks were addressed or avoided.

Practical implications

This case and the questions that the theoretical model raises have significant implications for entrepreneurs, policy makers and educators. We expect the lines of enquiry suggested by this case will provide a framework for further research on new start entrepreneurs' sensemaking and in so doing help address the dearth of knowledge about New Zealand's new start entrepreneurs' behaviour, particularly in relation to risk assessment.

Originality/value

The case draws attention to the interplay between identity and new start entrepreneurial behaviour and in so doing challenges us to look at new start behaviour in a new way. It raises questions about the centrality of the notion of risk in new start entrepreneurs' rationales for the enterprise development decisions they make.
Entrepreneurial behaviour in the Greek public sector
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A. , Moustakis Vassilis
Published: January 2007

Purpose

While the term “entrepreneurship” was almost exclusively associated with private sector, it is now found with increasing frequency in the literature on the public sector and public administration. However, research on public entrepreneurs remains restricted to top and middle managers and elected politicians and focuses on policy promotion and initiatives concerning public sector transformation. The perpose of the present article is to extend earlier research to the empirical assessment of entrepreneurial behaviour among front line staff in the Greek public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A scale of entrepreneurial behaviour was assessed. A short, self‐report questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 237 public servants working at prefecture level, which is the second level of government in Greece. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the entrepreneurial behaviour scale contributed to the formation of a hierarchical factor structure with a super‐ordinate entrepreneurial behaviour factor and three lower‐level factors.

Research limitations/implications

The reported research relied on self‐reports and on a sample from the Greek public sector. Moreover, data are cross‐sectional and alternatives relationships may exist. Future research should be multinational and longitudinal to test the assumptions of the present study and should encompass variables of actual entrepreneurial behaviour.

Practical implications

The research findings demonstrate that the concept of “public entrepreneurship” is relevant for the average civil servant and reveals facets of entrepreneurial behaviour of front line staff. Moreover, the study finds evidence that there is a positive correlation between the supportive context, as expressed by encouragement of initiatives and access to managerial information, and entrepreneurial behaviour among public servants. As a result, policy makers should take the appropriate measures to build a supportive context for public entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The research findings are original and unique and are based on established models and theories from the literature on private sector entrepreneurship. The results are based on a sample of public servants working in different prefectures in Greece. In addition, respondents come from different organisational units across each prefecture. The research findings are useful to academics and to policy makers interested in fostering public entrepreneurship.
Igniting the entrepreneurial spirit: is the role parents play gendered?
Authors: Kirkwood Jodyanne
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The family has the potential to be a breeding ground for entrepreneurs and may be key place where the entrepreneurial spirit is ignited. However, to date there has been little empirical research on how parents may influence their children's subsequent decision to start a new venture.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative approach to investigate, via in‐depth semi‐structured interviews, the experiences of 50 entrepreneurs (25 men and 25 women).

Findings

Parents influenced participants' decision to create a new venture in a number of ways and two key gender differences were noted in this parental influence. The first related to how the participants were influenced differently by their mothers and fathers, with fathers playing the primary role in the new venture creation decision. The second was differences between how the women and men participants described the ways they were influenced by their parents. Many women entrepreneurs looked to their parents for advice, support and encouragement, while some men desired independence from their parents (primarily fathers) or were trying to compete with them.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations exist due to the sample size and the complexity of motivations for starting a new venture. This study should be followed by more extensive research, addressing the further research questions and directions that are posed.

Originality/value

This empirical study contributes to the literature by enhancing our limited understanding of how parents influence the decision to start a new venture.
Economic development and channel evolution in The People's Republic of China
Authors: Yi Ling , Jaffe Eugene D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this study is to develop a model for analyzing the relative importance of facilitating and constraining factors that determine changes in the structure of distribution channels as a country progresses along the path of economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on channel structure were collected on national, regional and municipal levels. The hypotheses in this study were tested by using time series and cross‐sectional data. The ordinary least squares method was used for multiple regression and correlation analyses.

Findings

The most significant findings from the above research are that channel structure is determined by economic development and, to some extent, by government policy. Both of these factors work hand‐in‐hand to affect distribution reform. First, economic development provides the need for more efficient channels, first as more privately‐owned intermediaries enter the distribution system, and later as the number of channel intermediaries contracts, partly stemming from vertical integration and from a shakeout of less efficient enterprises. Second, government policy can be formulated to encourage these developments. In order to promote distribution reform, the government's “open policy”, which allows for market access by foreign firms as well as local ones, should be continued.

Research limitations/implications

More cross‐sectional data for China are needed in order to better analyze the impact of different economic sectors (at different levels of development) on channel evolution. As more data become available, these analyses will be possible.

Originality/value

Very little is known about the factors that shape a nation's channel system. Improvements in distribution systems are crucial to upgrading marketing systems in developing countries. Understanding how improvements in distribution systems contribute to economic development can aid decision makers in developing countries to improve resource allocation. This study has contributed to the theory of channel evolution in developing countries.
Correlates of successful brand advertising in China
Authors: Tai Susan H.C.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between successful brand advertising campaigns in China and various factors such as message/creativity, media selection, market research, competition, market share, product uniqueness, and agency/client relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were collected by mailing a questionnaire to 283 advertising agencies executives who were selected from the All‐Asia Ad Agency Guide. A total of 1,086 questionnaires were sent out and 163 were returned for a response rate of 15 per cent. Factor analysis was first used to identify various success factors, and ANOVA was used to compare the means of each factor related to the degree of success of the campaign. Correlation analysis was then used to examine the relationship between successful brand advertising campaign and various success factors.

Findings

The results of the ANOVA indicate that there are significant relationships between some items in each factor and the degree of success of an advertising campaign. Correlation analysis further reveals that message/creativity, media selection, market research, market share, and product uniqueness are significantly related to the success of brand advertising in China. No significant relationship is found between brand success and competition or agency/client relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents may have been biased about the extent to which their advertising campaigns are successful or how creative an advertisement should be. Their perceptions of successful or creative advertising could be very different, especially in relation to those questions that asked respondents to critique their own work. All of these affect the rigor of the study. Another limitation of the study is the low response rate. If the sample size had been large enough, comparisons could have been made concerning the correlates of successful brand advertising across different regions in China.

Originality/value

In addition to providing researchers with further understanding of brand advertising in China, this study provides some insights about the ways in which multinational advertising managers contribute to successful brand advertising.
The effects of single‐message single‐source mixed word‐of‐mouth on product attitude and purchase intention
Authors: Lai Ying Ho , Chung Cindy M.Y.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate how attitude towards and purchase intention of a product will be affected by involvement level and presentation order of positive and negative word‐of‐mouth (WOM) information when presented in a single‐message single‐source context.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted with undergraduates of a top Asian university with sample sizes of 221 and 253 using experimental setups.

Findings

It was found that subjects tend to base their evaluations more on later information than earlier information regardless of involvement level. This recency effect was consistently found across the product categories of tourist destination and restaurant in both studies.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that the manipulation of involvement level might not have been strong enough. Despite obtaining differences between high and low involvement levels in the pretest for both products, the difference was found again in only the restaurant category in the manipulation check of both studies. Future research can increase the gap between high and low involvement levels using non‐laboratory settings to ensure effective involvement level manipulation.

Practical implications

Findings of this paper can help companies to position messages in their favour when both positive and negative information needs to be presented.

Originality/value

There has been a lot of marketing research on WOM but none has focused on covering positive and negative WOM coming from the same source despite it being a commonality in reality. This paper fills this gap with an investigation into the effects of single‐message single‐source mixed WOM on product attitude and purchase intention.
Ethical branding and corporate reputation
Authors: Fan Ying
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of ethical branding and its link to corporate reputation. Brands have traditionally been studied only as an economic construct. Brands, as a social construct, have not yet been fully understood due to the lack of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses major issues with references to existing literature and practical examples.

Findings

In the conventional brand models the value of brand equity is defined and measured by its economic performance in financial terms. This model has a number of deficiencies. First, two basic elements are missing: legality and ethics, which form the foundation of brand equity. A good brand must be a legal as well as ethical one. Thus brand value needs to be assessed by both financial and ethical measures. Second, conventional brand models focus largely on product brands rather than corporate brands. Brands and branding have such a profound impact on the society as whole and not just on these people who buy them. There is a wider public, in addition to shareholders and consumers, who may be potentially affected by the branding decisions. The impact of branding on these stakeholders should also be taken into consideration. An ethical brand enhances the firm's reputation; such a reputation reinforces the brand in turn. On the other hand, any unethical behaviour will severely damage or even destroy the total intangible asset as evidenced by the recent high profile corporate scandals.

Research limitations/implications

The paper questions the conventional branding practice, and explores the links between ethical branding and corporate social responsibility. Many questions remain to be addressed.

Practical implications

Ethical branding could provide the company with a differential advantage as a growing number of consumers become more ethically conscious. It could also help overcome the increasing consumers' scepticism and cynicism towards branding communications.

Originality/value

The paper is perhaps the first to raise the importance of ethics in branding.
Organizational communications in Hong Kong: a cultural approach to groupthink
Authors: Sai On Ko Andrew
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The term, groupthink, refers to group over‐cohesiveness that causes defective decision making. The purpose of this theoretical paper is to explore common Chinese cultural characteristics which have the potential to lead to symptoms of groupthink within the Hong Kong organizational environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology called “quality function deployment” was applied to measure the relationships between a set of predefined Chinese cultural factors and the groupthink symptoms.

Findings

This research found that among all the Chinese cultural factors, the aspect of status has a strong relationship with the symptoms of groupthink.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful insights into aspects of groupthink and Chinese cultural characteristics.
Taking time to care: best practices in long‐term care communications
Authors: Meath Michael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study aims to, chronicle literature, case studies and applied research to suggest that communications and public relations play a key role in the success of the best nursing homes and long‐term care facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Research employed included a case study of four highly qualified nursing home facilities, followed by an electronic survey offered to all licensed nursing homes throughout New York State. Results from each segment of the research were compared and contrasted.

Findings

This research confirmed the thesis that long‐term care facilities which are independently identified as being high quality have a propensity to focus on communications with all stakeholders – particularly their residents and family members. Communications with all stakeholders are key to facility success.

Research limitations/implications

The case study focused only on larger facilities; and survey response was limited without individual e‐mail addresses.

Practical implications

A set of guidelines for Communications in Nursing Homes and Long‐term Care Facilities was prepared as an outcome of the research.

Originality/value

This segment of the population is expected to more than double in the next 25 years, reaching nearly 90 million by 2050. The topic presents an important issue and sensitively considers it amidst a backdrop of change in western society.
Corporations' ideologies: a new subfield of study of corporate communication
Authors: Fox Renata
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explain and establish theories and methodologies for the exploration of corporations' ideologies as a subfield of study of corporate communication. By a corporation's ideology is meant a system of ideas, beliefs, meanings, and concepts prioritised and institutionalised by a corporation in its internal and external communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Because the natural receptacle of a corporation's ideology is language, research into corporations' ideologies will necessarily involve the analysis of text: the social manifestation of language. A corpus‐driven approach, which is concerned not with what is going on in the minds of people and the way they understand words, phrases and text, but with the categories and probabilities of words, phrases and text, assures empiricity and objectivity.

Findings

Research into corporations' ideologies creates multiple avenues of enquiry related to corporate communication, corporations, and society.

Practical implications

A new understanding of corporate communication which enables its more reliable strategic management.

Originality/value

Offers a theoretical understanding and practical application of a new subfield of study of corporate communication: corporations' ideologies.
Building trust in times of crisis
Authors: Langer Roy , Thorup Signe
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to argue for and apply a polyphonic approach to corporate storytelling and organisational change communication. A participatory action research project demonstrates how recently developed inclusive methodologies that seek to create employee participation have been applied in a case company.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study based on a constructionist approach and four methodological foundations: participatory action research, co‐productive methods (such as organisational photography), appreciative inquiry and strategic change communication teams.

Findings

Results of the organisational change process in the case company show that the application of a polyphonic approach to organisational change communication and storytelling, appreciative inquiry and strategic change communication teams created involvement in and enactment of organisational change based on employees, own values and stories in the case company.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed that applies the methodological foundations of this study in other organisational contexts and under different circumstances.

Practical implications

The methodologies and approaches applied in this case cannot be transferred to other organisations directly, but the paper seeks to inspire practitioners with regard to inclusive and empowering approaches to change communication and storytelling.

Originality/value

Argues theoretically, presents and applies recently developed constructionist approaches and co‐productive methods.
The multinational corporation as a multilingual organization
Authors: Fredriksson Riikka , Barner‐Rasmussen Wilhelm , Piekkari Rebecca
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the use of common corporate language(s) in multinational corporations (MNCs). These organizations are usually multilingual and characterized by high language diversity. Parallel streams of literature in international management and international business communications are built upon to problematize the notion of a common corporate language.

Design/methodology/approach

Information gathered from 36 personal interviews of the German‐based multinational Siemens is the primary source of data for this case study. The interviews were conducted in three different languages in three different organizational units of Siemens AG in Finland and Germany.

Findings

It was possible to identify powerful interplay between two languages – German and English – and to uncover discrepancies between company policy and employee practices with regard to language use. On the basis of these findings, the challenges of managing language in multinationals are discussed.

Originality/value

Argues that a common corporate language may not be as widely shared within the firm as the term suggests, given the multilingual nature of most multinationals, variation in the language proficiency of their employees, and the level of analysis used in previous research.
European supervisory convergence: a new dynamic
Authors: McKee Michael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the 5th May 2006 ECOFIN conclusions on supervisory convergence and explain why they represent a new departure for European financial services work.

Design/methodology/approach

The article outlines the 6th 2006 ECOFIN conclusions relating to supervisory convergence. It then reviews EU developments relating to supervisory convergence from the 2001 Lamfalussy Process onwards as context for the conclusions. Finally, in the light of the review and the description of the conclusions it draws some conclusions about the likely implications for further developments in the EU in relation to EU supervisory convergence.

Findings

The principal findings are that supervisory convergence is likely to increase due to enhanced political backing with member state finance ministries and regulators taking a leading role.

Research limitations/implications

As this is the first paper on the ECOFIN conclusions there is considerable scope for ongoing research to establish the extent to which the predictions in the paper prove to be justified by future developments.

Practical implications

The ECOFIN conclusions represent a departure from EU financial services work focused on a legislative programme, the Financial Services Action Plan, to a programme focusing on improving cross‐border relationships between supervisors. This has important implications for the key European actors and gives a strong role to national finance ministries and supervisors. The practical implications will be enhanced cooperation between national supervisors on a cross‐border basis. The paper argues for strong financial services industry involvement in this.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is twofold – Its primary value is as the first academic analysis of the ECOFIN conclusions and as a predictor of their likely influence on EU institutional balance in the financial services area. Secondly it is a useful review of the main developments with regard to EU supervisory convergence over the five years 2001‐2006 – something which, to be the best of my knowledge, has not previously been carried out in the academic literature.
The mortality risk of pensions – methods of control and policy implications for the UK
Authors: Hudson Robert
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Bodies with responsibilities for paying pensions to individuals face a mortality risk in that the pensioners may prove longer lived than expected. The significant scale and uncertainity of this risk is becoming increasingly clear. Various measures are available to control this risk and new innovations such as mortality linked bonds and derivatives have been proposed. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the alternative methods of controlling morality risk and discuss their potential policy implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the various parties affected by mortaling risk and assesses the difficulties of predicting mortality. Different methods of predicting mortality are discussed. Policy issues are considered and conclusions presented.

Findings

There is a huge demand for methods of hedging and trading mortality risk. Financial markets are responding to this with a number of insurers moving into the bulk annuity market. New products, such as survivor bands and mortality derivatives, are just appearing in the market, it is still to be seen whether this major financial problem will be best be solved by the financial markets or by government intervention.

Originality/value

The paper offers an evaluation of the alternative methods of controlling mortality risk together with the potential policy implications.