bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new high efficiency technology for the induction heating of non magnetic billets
Authors: Dughiero F. , Forzan M. , Lupi S. , Nicoletti F. , Zerbetto M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Low electrical resistivity metal billets can be heated by the currents induced by the rotation of the billet itself inside a transverse DC magnetic field produced by a superconductive coil. The main drawback of this approach is related to cost of installation that requires an adequate refrigerating system. The purpose of this paper is to propose a more convenient solution, which allows the same high efficiency to be achieved at lower cost. In this solution, the billet is kept still and a series of permanent magnets, positioned in the inner part of a ferromagnetic frame, is rotated.

Design/methodology/approach

Some results of the new induction system are shown. These results are obtained applying for the electromagnetic solution both an FE commercial code and an analytical method. The analytical code is developed because several parameters of the system need to be optimized.

Findings

The performance of the solution presented is comparable with those of the system with superconductive coils. The results of the two methods applied are in good agreement; thus the analytical code is validated.

Originality/value

A new solution for the induction heating of aluminum billets is presented. The analytical code developed requires a very short computational time, also because it gives directly the steady‐state condition of the system and, for this reason, it can be conveniently applied to an automatic design process.
Compensation of induction heating load edge‐effect by space control
Authors: Forzan Michele , Lupi Sergio , Toffano Ezio
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a calculation optimization method that is able to achieve the best induced power profile (and subsequent temperature distribution) in a disk or billet workpiece processed by induction heating.

Design/methodology/approach

A volume integral method, also known as the mutually coupled circuits method, is implemented in MatLab® environment to solve axial‐symmetrical induction systems. It is completed with an optimization procedure based on Nelder‐Mead simplex algorithm, with the goal of obtaining a specified distribution of the induced power in the load. In this way, it is possible to predict current amplitudes for implementing the so‐called “zone controlled induction heating” (ZCIH) process.

Findings

Some examples of calculation results are given, both for disc and billet loads. By the excitation of the inductor coils with a set of currents of appropriate amplitude and phase values, it is possible to achieve an optimized profile of induced power distributions.

Originality/value

This paper validates a method to predict currents and phases in a load‐inductor ZCIH system, confirming the possibility of obtaining specified induced power density distributions, according to the process requirements, e.g. for compensation of the load edge‐effect.
A 3D numerical FEM model for the simulation of induction welding of tubes
Authors: Dughiero F. , Forzan M. , Garbin M. , Pozza C. , Sieni E.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present two simulation strategies for tube induction welding process. Coupled electromagnetic and thermal problem is solved by applying 3D FEM models. The resulting power density and temperature distribution are compared.

Design/methodology/approach

FE analysis has been used in order to compute the magnetic and thermal field in a suitable 3D model.

Findings

Two strategies for coupled magnetic and thermal simulation with movement are proposed.

Practical implications

Reported strategies can be used to design tube induction welding devices and to verify the influence of the main parameters of the process, i.e. welding velocity, frequency, specific and total power.

Originality/value

The paper summarizes two different simulation strategies taking into account the movement of the tube through the inductor. In the first strategy, the tube heating is simulated by providing the mean power absorbed by a tube section crossing the inductor. In the second strategy, a spatial translation of the material properties is implemented.
Heat generation ability in AC magnetic field of needle‐type Ti‐coated mild steel for ablation cancer therapy
Authors: Naohara Takashi , Aono Hiromichi , Hirazawa Hideyuki , Maehara Tsunehiro , Watanabe Yuji , Matsutomo Shinya
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a ferromagnetic needle adaptable for a novel ablation cancer therapy; the heat generation ability of the mild steel rod embedded into the Ti‐tube having a different thickness was investigated in a high‐frequency output at 300 kHz.

Design/methodology/approach

The outer diameter and length of the Ti‐tubes were 1.8 and 20 mm, respectively, while the inner diameter was varied from 1.6 to 0 mm. The mild steel rod was embedded in a Ti‐tube for preparing the needle‐type specimen. Their heat generation ability was examined by changing the inclination angle to the magnetic flux direction in a high‐frequency coil.

Findings

When the thickness of the Ti surrounding the mild steel rod was as low as 0.1 mm, the heat generation ability was drastically different among the three inclination angles (θ=0°, 45°, and 90°) to the magnetic flux direction due to the effect of the shape‐induced magnetic anisotropy. However, the effect of the inclination angle was almost eliminated in the specimen surrounded by the 0.4 mm thick Ti, suggesting that the non‐oriented heat generation property is achieved for the needle‐type mild steel rod coated with Ti having the optimum thickness.

Originality/value

The prototype ablation needle having a complete non‐oriented heat generation ability was fabricated to use in subsequent animal experiments. It is considered that the newly designed Ti‐coated device is useful in ablation treatments using a high‐frequency induction heating.
Phase‐modulated currents in induction heating
Authors: Kapusta A. , Levy A. , Mikhailovich B.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine technological potential of using multi‐frequency electromagnetic fields for the optimization of induction heating process.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of the research is achieved by using phase‐modulated current feeding the solenoid that excites the magnetic field. In this case, the magnetic field, side by side with the carrier frequency, contains frequency spectrum arising due to modulation. At that, spectral components possess different penetration depths, which ensures a more uniform current density distribution over the cross‐section of the heated object. The results are obtained using theoretical analysis of electrodynamic and thermal processes in the heated body.

Findings

In the course of the work, a basic possibility of the objective realization is established, and its high enough efficiency is achieved using a sufficiently large range of modulation parameters.

Practical implications

The described method can significantly improve the technology of thermal treatment of metals and alloys liable to the formation of surface defects due to extreme temperature stresses.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper consists in the use of phase‐modulated currents in induction heating.
Analysis of reactive and resistive open waveguide filters for use in microwave‐heating applicators
Authors: Clemente‐Fernández Francisco J. , Monzó‐Cabrera Juan , Pedreño‐Molina Juan L. , Lozano‐Guerrero Antonio J. , Díaz‐Morcillo Alejandro
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the limitations of conventional reactive and resistive filters employed in the open ports of microwave‐heating applicators, in order to know the limits of these filters as a function of the permittivity of the inner materials.

Design/methodology/approach

CST Studio Suite™ commercial electromagnetic software has been employed to simulate the behaviour of singly and doubly corrugated reactive filters. Additionally, several configurations for resistive filters implemented with water are assessed. Optimization procedures based on genetic algorithms have been used by modifying some geometric parameters of the filters in order to obtain the best possible bandstop response.

Findings

Results show the serious limitations of these filters depending on the electric permittivity of the inner materials.

Practical implications

These limitations restrict the type of the materials that can be processed, so there is a need for new structures which solve these problems.

Originality/value

Although extensively used in many applications, there are few works that analyze the behaviour of these filters as a function of the geometric parameters or the sample permittivity, and therefore this influence needs to be studied.
Influence of the channel design on the heat and mass exchange of induction channel furnace
Authors: Baake E. , Jakovics A. , Pavlovs S. , Kirpo M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present in‐depth numerical modelling of heat and mass exchange in industrial induction channel furnace (ICF).

Design/methodology/approach

The turbulent heat and mass exchange in the melt is calculated using a three‐dimensional (3D) electromagnetic model and a 3D transient large eddy simulation method. The simulation model has been verified by flow velocity and temperature measurements, which were carried out using an industrial sized channel inductor operating with Wood's metal as a low temperature model melt.

Findings

The ICF is well‐established for melting, holding and casting in the metallurgical industry. But there are still open questions regarding the heat and mass exchange in the inductor channel itself and between the channel and the melt bath. Different new designed channel geometries have been investigated numerically in order to find an optimized shape of the channel, which leads to an improved heat and mass transfer.

Originality/value

Long‐term computations for the industrial ICF have been performed. Low frequency oscillations of the temperature maximum and its position in the ICF channel are considered.
Turbulence model effect on heat exchange characteristics through the neutron beam window for European spallation source
Authors: Spitans S. , Jakovičs A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare k‐ω shear‐stress transport (SST) and large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model application effect on numerical computation of flow pattern and heat exchange characteristics through the neutron beam window region for European spallation source setup model.

Design/methodology/approach

Transient hydrodynamic and thermal calculations with appropriate heat sources are performed using both turbulence models and typical discrepancies in flow and thermal patterns are discussed, as well as, simulation results are qualitatively compared with experimental data for heat transfer coefficient distribution α at the window surface.

Findings

Contribution of greater k‐energy field obtained with LES calculation leads to prediction of more intensive heat transfer in comparison to k‐ω SST.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates discrepancies of thermal patterns caused by application of k‐ω SST and LES turbulent models.
College voices: what have we lost?
Authors: Potts Anthony
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine an aspect of the working lives of a group of Australian college of advanced education academic staff who worked at Bendigo College of Advanced Education, one of Australia's oldest colleges, during the period 1965‐1982.

Design/methodology/approach

Using extended interviews that were conducted with academic staff in 1982 this paper examines these academic staff's perspectives on the influence of their own tertiary education and previous employment on their then academic roles.

Findings

The academic staff in this study reported that their previous employment was more important in carrying out their academic roles than were other factors such as their tertiary education. Interestingly, current Australian university students, according to university commissioned research, by one research intensive Australian university, also attach more importance to the prior industrial and work experiences of university lecturers as opposed to their research excellence and productivity.

Originality/value

Using the perspectives from these academic staff of almost 50 years ago, this paper questions the direction of current Australian higher education policies and practices with respect to university staffing and its directives and emphases. This paper provides an important insight into current academic careers and the tension in current academic roles as a result of current higher education policy and practice, by using these voices from the past.
A question of bias? Politics, assessment and the New Zealand history curriculum
Authors: Sheehan Mark
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Stakeholders groups in the educational community are not immune to wider socio‐political events when responding to educational concerns and the purpose of this paper is to use a case study approach to examine how questions over teaching, learning and assessment can become the focus of wider political debates. In particular, this article focuses on the New Zealand Education and Science Parliamentary Select Committee investigation into the 2004 history examination, that was set up in the wake of increasing dissonance over the place of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand and the newly‐implemented senior secondary school standards‐based assessment system.

Design/methodology/approach

The contestation of the curriculum is a highly political process that works to reproduce social class patterns and keep particular elite groups in control of the official curriculum. This paper draws on a range of documentary sources to provide a socio‐historical perspective, as well as interviews with key participants in this process.

Findings

It is argued that while the educational community’s response to this investigation was varied, all shared aims that were largely educational in orientation. Political debates however are typically polarized and in this case politicians were able to use the contested nature of the school history curriculum to manipulate this educational issue (and the media) to their own political advantage.

Originality/value

This investigation saw history education in New Zealand come under unprecedented public and political scrutiny and as such it provides a rare glimpse into the nature of history curriculum matters in New Zealand in the first decade of the twenty‐first century.
Functional health literacy and smoking cessation outcomes
Authors: Varekojis Sarah M. , Miller Larry , Rosita Schiller M. , Stein David
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the relationship between functional health literacy level and smoking cessation outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants in an inpatient smoking cessation program in a mid‐western city in the USA were enrolled and the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults was administered while the participant was still admitted. A follow‐up telephone call was made three months after the intervention in order to assess self‐reported smoking cessation.

Findings

A total of 30 participants were enrolled. At the three‐month follow‐up, 22 patients were currently smoking and eight had quit smoking. Chi‐square analysis indicated that there was no difference in the incidence of successful smoking cessation based on level of functional health literacy. The results of a stepwise logistic regression analysis suggest that predicting whether a study participant will quit smoking or not appears to be a function of the participant's environment, since the only variable that contributed significantly to the equation was environmental factors.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that the participants had a relatively high level of functional health literacy. Participants with all levels of functional health literacy were able to quit smoking, as the incidence of smoking cessation was no different across levels of functional health literacy. A participant's ability to quit smoking did not appear to be a function of their functional health literacy, but instead appeared to be a function of their environment.

Originality/value

Health educators and smoking cessation counselors need to consider all factors that have an impact on people's ability to quit smoking, but environmental factors may deserve additional consideration.
Modeling e‐coupon proneness as a mediator in the extended TPB model to predict consumers' usage intentions
Authors: Chen Mei‐Fang , Lu Ting‐Yi
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Given the growing importance of e‐coupons as promotional devices, predicting consumers' e‐coupons redemption intention is essential to the evaluation of this promotion strategy. This paper aims to address this issue. An extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) research model which further includes consumers' e‐coupon proneness as a mediator is built in this study to predict consumers' usage intentions of e‐coupons.

Design/methodology/approach

This research collected research data on a questionnaire collection web site, because most e‐coupon users are also internet surfers. There were 626 valid surveys returned as the data input for structural equation model (SEM) analysis.

Findings

The results from this empirical study reveal that failure to include e‐coupon proneness as a mediator in the extended TPB model can lead to an inability to explain consumers' usage intentions of e‐coupons well. Moreover, given such a totally new environment, the direct influences of consumers' perceived behavioral control of using e‐coupons and consumers' past behavior of using e‐coupons are strong predictors and cannot be ignored.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that the measures of the independent and dependent variables in the present study are based on self‐reported methods. It is likely that the relationships among some of the variables may be somewhat inflated, and a common method variance must be considered.

Practical implications

The empirical results and findings from this study are helpful to online marketers if they can identify those consumers who have e‐coupon proneness and tailor the promotion campaigns to these consumers, raising the e‐coupon redemption intentions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is among the first to provide analytical insight into e‐coupon usage intention with e‐coupon proneness as a mediator by building an extended TPB model in computer‐mediated environments.
An eye‐tracking investigation of internet consumers' decision deliberateness
Authors: Huang Yu‐feng , Kuo Feng‐yang
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Because presentation formats, i.e. table v. graph, in shopping web sites may promote or inhibit deliberate consumer decision making, it is important to understand the effects of information presentation on deliberateness. This paper seeks to empirically test whether the table format enhances deliberate decision making, while the web map weakens the process. In addition, deliberateness can be influenced by the decision orientation, i.e. emotionally charged or accuracy oriented. Thus, the paper further examines the effect of presentations across these two decision orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Objective and detailed description of the decision process is used to examine the effects. A two (decision orientation: positive emotion v. accuracy) by two (presentation: map v. table) eye‐tracking experiment is designed. Deliberateness is quantified with the information processing pattern summarized from eye movement data. Participants are required to make preferential choices from simple decision tasks.

Findings

The results confirm that the table strengthens while the map weakens deliberateness. In addition, this effect is mostly evident across the two decision orientations. An explorative factor analysis further reveals that there are two major attention distribution functions (global v. local) underlying the decision process.

Research limitations/implications

Only simple decision tasks are used in the present study and therefore complex tasks should be introduced to examine the effects in the future.

Practical implications

For consumers, they should become aware that the table facilitates while the map diminishes deliberateness. For web businesses, they may try to strengthen the impulsivity in a web map filled with emotional stimuli.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first attempts to investigate the joint effects of presentations and decision orientations on decision deliberateness in the internet domain. The eye movement data are also valuable because previous studies seldom provided such detailed description of the decision process.
Predicting online game loyalty based on need gratification and experiential motives
Authors: Huang Lan‐Ying , Hsieh Ying‐Jiun
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the factors affecting consumers' loyalty toward online games based on the uses and gratifications theory and the flow theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed two approaches to collect data: personal interview and online survey. Each data collection approach consists of two phases to overcome method bias. This study adopted structural equation modeling to analyze the data.

Findings

The results focusing on popular massively multiplayer online role‐playing games reveal that players' sense of control, perceived entertainment, and challenge affect their loyalty toward an online game. Conversely, sociality and interactivity produce negligible effects on loyalty.

Practical implications

First, game designers may strengthen gamers' sense of control and challenge by adding more status information, gaming options, or through the designed system of goals and achievements. Second, the entertaining nature of online gaming suggests greater demand for content design, and points to the direction of mobile gaming. Third, considering the recent growth of online social network services, consumers regard online games as lower priority when prompted by socially related motives. Additionally, people mostly reckon online relationships as virtual and not gratifying real‐world social needs.

Originality/value

In view of the prevalence of computer and Internet usage, online gaming research should shift more focus toward the non‐technological aspects of gaming. This paper is one of the few studies that examine online game loyalty from the non‐technological aspects while adopting a multi‐disciplinary approach based on theoretical parsimony.
Top management team diversity: positive in the short run, but negative in the long run?
Authors: Boerner Sabine , Linkohr Marius , Kiefer Sabine
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the moderating role of top management team (TMT) longevity on the TMT diversity‐firm performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents results from a quantitative longitudinal study of 59 TMTs in German companies in different industries.

Findings

For age diversity, dominant educational background diversity, and diversity in dominant industry experience, the curvilinear moderating effect of TMT longevity on the TMT diversity–firm performance relationship is confirmed. However, for organizational tenure diversity, the form of the moderating effect is contrary to expectations (being u‐shaped).

Research limitations/implication

In line with previous studies, the results were sensitive to the performance measures in use. Furthermore, the results should not be generalized since they may be sensitive to the sector under study and the small sample size.

Originality/value

First, a curvilinear moderating effect of TMT longevity on the TMT diversity‐firm performance relationship is investigated for the first time. Second, although the selected diversity dimensions have been investigated in previous TMT studies, they are examined simultaneously for the first time. Third, this study analyzes TMTs of large and medium‐sized German corporations operating in a variety of sectors. Fourth, relating demographic data on TMTs collected in 2004 to performance data for the years 2004 to 2007, the present paper presents one of the few longitudinal studies in the context of TMT diversity.
Team structural constellations and intra‐team conflict
Authors: Borek Leo
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This contribution aims to evaluate structural team constellations (STCs) – a team intervention related to the better known family structure constellations.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 67 team members from 14 working teams carried out an STC. They were surveyed at three measuring points by means of a questionnaire on their evaluation of task and relationship conflicts and on their satisfaction with the therapeutic alliance with the constellator.

Findings

Stable decreases were shown in both conflict variables. Participants who evaluated the conflict variables more positively over the course of time were also more satisfied with the therapeutic alliance with the constellator.

Practical implications

Given the low time requirements involved, STCs can be considered recommendable compared with other team interventions.

Originality/value

Although constellations are experiencing a boom in German‐speaking countries, there are hardly any studies in English on this method. This paper is one of the first contributions towards the establishment of the method in the Anglo‐American area.
Building a model of group emotional intelligence
Authors: Ghuman Umar
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review and re‐conceptualize group emotional intelligence (GEI). It seeks to analyze past understandings of GEI to arrive at the conclusion that the concept may be multifaceted. GEI has been a challenge to distinguish theoretically due to inadequate theoretical understanding and improper empirical analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a model of GEI and proposes a means of empirical evaluation of the concept. The objectives are achieved by a critical appraisal of the literature to demonstrate theoretical issues that demonstrate the multifaceted nature of the concept. Additionally, past methods of empirical evaluation of group emotional intelligence (GEI) are critically appraised and alternate means are proposed.

Findings

The complexity of the construct requires a more sophisticated evaluation of group emotional intelligence. The paper provides a theoretical model that may demonstrate how GEI is developed in the group. Proposed methodological means of analysis may provide researchers with tools to empirically evaluate the concept.

Research limitations/implications

The paper represents an initial query into the multi‐faceted nature of the construct of group emotional intelligence. It proposes a means of analysis of the construct but further research is needed to develop the model from an empirical standpoint and conduct research on the validity of the model.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the model suggest that organizations that wish to develop emotional intelligence in their groups utilize both aspects of the model, norms building and an outward contextual approach. The development of both aspects of the model strengthens group behavior but also avoids group think.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in its ability to provide a multi‐faceted model and definition of group emotional intelligence. Earlier perspectives of the concept either focused on an internal approach, or a contextual approach. By bringing both aspects together in a model and theorizing the benefits of utilizing both aspects of group emotional intelligence in organizational groups, the paper provides managers and group leaders with a new approach on developing the emotional intelligence in their groups.
An inexpensive stereolithography technology with high power UV‐LED light
Authors: Xie Ruidong , Li Dichen , Chao Shuaijun
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the development of an inexpensive stereolithography (SL) system with high power ultraviolet light‐emitting diode (UV‐LED) curing light source. The advantages of UV‐LED light source will be investigated and the results presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The working principle of the UV‐LED light‐based SL system (LED‐SL) and its characteristics were explicated; the effect of beam divergence angle on the shape of a single cured line was analyzed; and the effects of the shapes of single cured lines shone by different light sources on the fabrication accuracy were compared.

Findings

LED‐SL has significantly higher part fabrication efficiency and accuracy than UV lamplight‐based prototyping systems. Furthermore, the UV‐LED energy consumption is much lower than laser and UV lamp sources, which conforms to the requirement of Green Manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

In increasing the scanning speed, the vibration of the focusing lens set has an obvious effect on the scanning accuracy; therefore, further research is needed.

Originality/value

This research verified the feasibility of adopting high power UV‐LED as the light source for a rapid prototyping system and enhanced the versatility of conventional UV‐SL technology.
Multi‐objective optimisation and multi‐criteria decision making in SLS using evolutionary approaches
Authors: Padhye Nikhil , Deb Kalyanmoy
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The goal of this study is to carry out multi‐objective optimization by considering minimization of surface roughness (Ra) and build time (T) in selective laser sintering (SLS) process, which are functions of “build orientation”. Evolutionary algorithms are applied for this purpose. The performance comparison of the optimizers is done based on statistical measures. In order to find truly optimal solutions, local search is proposed. An important task of decision making, i.e. the selection of one solution in the presence of multiple trade‐off solutions, is also addressed. Analysis of optimal solutions is done to gain insight into the problem behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The minimization of Ra and T is done using two popular optimizers – multi‐objective genetic algorithm (non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II)) and multi‐objective particle swarm optimizers (MOPSO). Standard measures from evolutionary computation – “hypervolume measure” and “attainment surface approximator” have been borrowed to compare the optimizers. Decision‐making schemes are proposed in this paper based on decision theory.

Findings

The objects are categorized into groups, which bear similarity in optimal solutions. NSGA‐II outperforms MOPSO. The similarity of spread and convergence patterns of NSGA‐II and MOPSO ensures that obtained solutions are (or are close to) Pareto‐optimal set. This is validated by local search. Based on the analysis of obtained solutions, general trends for optimal orientations (depending on the geometrical features) are found.

Research limitations/implications

A novel and systematic way to address multi‐objective optimization decision‐making post‐optimal analysis is shown. Simulations utilize experimentally derived models for roughness and build time. A further step could be the experimental verification of findings provided in this study.

Practical implications

This study provides a thorough methodology to find optimal build orientations in SLS process. A route to decipher valuable problem information through post‐optimal analysis is shown. The principles adopted in this study are general and can be extended to other rapid prototyping (RP) processes and expected to find wide applicability.

Originality/value

This paper is a distinct departure from past studies in RP and demonstrates the concepts of multi‐objective optimization, decision‐making and related issues.
Fabrication of magnesium using selective laser melting technique
Authors: Chung Ng Chi , Savalani Monica , Chung Man Hau
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Magnesium has been considered as a new generation of bioactive and biodegradable implant for orthopaedic applications because of its prominent properties including superior biocompatibility, biodegradability and proper mechanical stiffness. For the direct production of custom biomedical implants, selective laser melting (SLM) has been investigated to fabricate pure magnesium and its resultant properties. The primary objective of this paper is to identify the most appropriate mode of irradiation for the melting of pure magnesium powders due to its reactive properties. This study focuses on investigating the interaction between the laser source and the magnesium powders by varying the SLM parameters of the laser power and scan speed under continuous or pulse mode conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Single magnesium tracks were fabricated under different processing conditions using SLM, in order to evaluate the effects of processing parameters on the dimension and surface morphology of the achieved parts. The digital images of the tracks were used to analyze the geometrical features in terms of melting width and depth. In addition, scanning electron images were also studied to understanding the selective melting mechanism.

Findings

Magnesium tracks were successfully fabricated using SLM. Results showed that the dimension, surface morphology and the oxygen pick‐up of the laser‐melted tracks are strongly dependent on the mode of irradiation and processing parameters.

Originality/value

This work is a first step towards magnesium fabrication using SLM technique. The experimental results represent an important step in understanding the magnesium under an Nd:YAG laser irradiation, which provides the basis of behavior for follow‐on research and experiments.
How readable are mission statements? An exploratory study
Authors: Sattari Setayesh , Pitt Leyland F. , Caruana Albert
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Mission statements are fairly ubiquitous, particularly among large organizations. However, if they are to have a chance of achieving the desired positive outcomes, they must first be readable and comprehensible to the targeted stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this issue, to answer the question of whether the mission statements of large companies are readable or not.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis and appropriate scores were employed to investigate the readability of the mission statements collected from a random sample of 100 firms in the Fortune 500 annual rankings.

Findings

The results indicate that on average, the mission statements of the studied companies are not that readable, and that in the case of many of them, the mission statements assume the readings skills of a university graduate.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this paper suggest that if the target audience of a mission statement is broad, and includes stakeholders such as customers and lower level employees, then firms would do well to test the readability of their mission statements, and revise them where necessary. Mission statements are not the only tools that organizations use to communicate with stakeholder. This encourages future research on readability analysis of other communication tools in firms. A larger sample of companies and other approaches to measure readability can be included in future research.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the related literature, as the level of readability of mission statements has received limited attention in the past.
Human rights organizations and online agenda setting
Authors: Meriläinen Niina , Vos Marita
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand agenda setting by international human rights organizations in the online environment and at the same time contribute to agenda‐setting theory. The role of non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in the area of human rights is clarified, and agenda setting and related concepts are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on how attention is drawn to human rights issues in online communication by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International. A content analysis of online forums of HRW and Amnesty International was conducted by monitoring their web sites and Facebook and Twitter pages over a period of three months. In addition, two expert interviews with representatives of Amnesty Finland were conducted to better understand how the organization's online communication activities relate to its policies in drawing attention to human rights.

Findings

Based on this study, drawing attention to human rights issues is a goal that leads to active online communication. NGOs aim at attracting attention to their issues online by initiating a dialogue via online forums and motivating the public to participate in activities that may influence the media and the political agenda. The existing agenda‐setting research tends to emphasize the role of journalists in setting the public agenda, and mentions NGOs primarily as a source for journalists and as a political player. The online environment shows, however, that these NGOs mostly aim at setting the public agenda to create social change, while the media and political agenda are also not forgotten.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that the interdependence of the media, public and political agendas is more complex than has thus far been considered in agenda‐setting theory, especially in the current online environment. It investigates online agenda setting by two international NGOs, but does not discuss the role of the media or the public at large in their relationship with these NGOs. As this study has a limited time frame, a content analysis over a longer period and interviews with representatives of a wider variety of NGOs could be a next step. Future research could also compare the online communication of NGOs with that of profit organisations.

Practical implications

The findings show how agenda setting is supported by intricate multi‐platform activities in the present‐day online environment by the organizations studied in order to initiate a dialogue on societal issues. This suggests that in the online environment, the media, public and political agendas are becoming increasingly interrelated and within this triangle the public agenda seems to be gaining further in importance.

Originality/value

The impact that NGOs have on today's society is growing, and hence studying their online agenda setting is valuable from the perspective of corporate communication. International NGOs early on recognised the value of online communication.
The evolution of the employee engagement concept: communication implications
Authors: Welch Mary
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to corporate communication theory by considering the evolution of employee engagement and the role of communication in enhancing employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Despite its importance for organisation leaders, there is considerable confusion about the meaning of employee engagement. This paper aims to provide a degree of clarity on the concept by identifying stages in its evolution and discussing its definition.

Findings

Surprisingly, corporate communication literature has not yet adequately considered the concept. This may be due to confusion concerning the concept, and to concerns about overlaps with other constructs such as commitment. This paper tackles the gap in the literature with a proposed model of the role of internal corporate communication in enhancing employee engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The article discusses linkages between engagement and communication which suggest research potential for the communication disciplines.

Practical implications

There are practical implications of the model proposed here since it encourages communicators to consider potential engagement effects of communication strategies and tactics.

Social implications

The paper encourages communicators to consider the communication needs of employees.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper provides an overview of employee engagement literature with a novel contribution identifying evolutionary waves in the development of the concept. It suggests a definition of organisation engagement as a dynamic, changeable psychological state which links employees to their organisations, manifest in organisation member role performances expressed physically, cognitively and emotionally, and influenced by organisation‐level internal communication.
The study of internal crisis communication: towards an integrative framework
Authors: Frandsen Finn , Johansen Winni
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Previous crisis communication research has primarily examined the external dimension of crisis communication, i.e. the crisis response strategies applied by organizations to protect and/or restore their image or reputation among external stakeholders in a crisis situation. The purpose of this paper is to set up an integrative framework for the study of internal crisis communication in private and public organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a theoretical approach reviewing the literature on crisis management and crisis communication and discussing the concept of internal stakeholder and the implications of a staged approach.

Findings

An integrative framework for the study of internal crisis communication is developed based on two assumptions: first, that internal crisis communication research must start with a detailed study of the relationship between an organization and its internal stakeholders (in this case: the employees) to clarify to what extent internal crisis communication differs from external crisis communication; and second, that internal crisis communication research can best be systematized applying a staged approach (precrisis stage, crisis event, postcrisis stage) as an heuristic method.

Originality/value

Apart from a few exceptions, the internal dimension of crises, crisis management, and crisis communication has, by and large, been unexplored.
Terrorism and the internet: a double‐edged sword
Authors: Keene Shima D.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the extent of the use of the internet by terrorist organisations to achieve their strategic and operational objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted consisted of an extensive literature review on topics to include Islamic terrorism, cyber crime, globalisation, and financial crime, supported by field work to verify findings.

Findings

Al‐Qaeda has become a radical Islamic phenomenon held together through its global network of communities, both virtual and physical. One significant enabler has been the internet, which enables anonymous communication, aids recruitment, encourages the sharing of knowledge, as well as playing a significant role in the spreading of propaganda. The understanding of the use of internet‐based technologies, not only as a potential target for terrorist attack, but as a tool to achieve its ideological and operational goals, remains a neglected area of study requiring further focus.

Originality/value

This paper serves as a useful guide to alert and educate counter‐terrorism professionals, law enforcement and policy makers of the significance of the extent of the use of the internet for purposes such as operational planning, recruitment, psychological operations and fund raising. It is essential that these subjects should not be viewed as a peripheral issue to cyber‐terrorism, but instead, should be considered to be central to the existing counter‐terrorism effort.
Corruption as an obstacle to development in developing countries: a review of literature
Authors: Julius Otusanya Olatunde
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Contemporary literature has paid scholarly attention to corruption from a variety of competing perspectives. However, broader accounts of the impact of corruption on development in developing countries are relatively scarce. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of corruption as a social impediment to development, which has a devastating effect on developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the relevant literature and the different perspectives that have been developed and conducted for investigating corruption in developing countries. The paper uses publicly available evidence to show that political, economic elite engaged in corrupt practices.

Findings

The evidence shows that socio‐political and economic development, politics, power, history and globalisation have continued to reproduce and transform the institutional structures and actors which have facilitated corrupt practices in developing countries. The review shows that large sums of government revenue have been undermined by the corrupt practices of the political and economic elite (both local and international), which have enriched a few, but impoverished most.

Practical implications

The paper seeks to bring the anti‐social activities of political, economic and professionals under scrutiny and offers some suggestions for reforms.

Social implications

Corruption has played a major role in causing serious damage to the economic and social landscape in developing countries. This in turn, has undermined social welfare and also investment in the public services, thereby eroding the quality of life and producing a decline in average life expectancy.

Originality/value

The paper is a general review of literature and evidence on contemporary issues.
Scenario planning and futurology of the Persian Gulf post‐oil economy
Authors: Asghar Pourezzat Ali , Nejati Mostafa , Taheri Attar Ghazaleh , Mahdi Sharifmousavi Seyed
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the economy of Persian Gulf countries following a post‐oil economy. This is accompanied with a futurology study and planning of certain scenarios that can be applied to these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a futurology approach by investigating various scenarios to explore the Arab economy after oil. As such, a series of possible policies are proposed that can be undertaken by Arab countries depending on their public policy. Each of the suggested policies involves different scenarios that have been formed and analyzed using an era‐based cellular planning system.

Findings

The findings propose three main policies to be undertaken by Arab countries including: investing the oil income in miscellaneous economic baskets in order to minimize the vulnerability and maximize the profits; reducing the oil production in the coming years and transforming the one‐product oil economy to a value added petrochemical economy; and seeking new sources of income and wealth. In addition, findings emphasize the necessity for using renewable and lasting wealth resources and minimizing the dependency of countries on the oil economy.

Originality/value

The proposed scenarios in the study can act as strategic constructs in strengthening the scenario sets in the consecutive years and help develop other scenarios in the future. As such, this paper would be of interest to governmental advisors, strategic planners and policy‐makers involved in studies related to the Middle East.