bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seeing the unseen
Authors: Haskins Mark E. , Clawson James G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article describes one way for committee chairs, program administrators, and/or task force leaders to effectively galvanize an educational program change process. In particular, it introduces and describes the successful use of an assumptions audit (AA) to expose, challenge, reinforce, and/or discard a variety of educational program design and delivery assumptions under‐girding one top‐ranked, MBA program's required first year.

Design/methodology/approach

From a case study perspective, this paper chronicles the actual process pursued by a faculty committee chair, to successfully and effectively initiate an educational program review and change process. The paper also roots the AA in the literature on creativity, teams, educational administration, and organizational development.

Findings

As a result of the insights provided by the AA, a successful educational change process was launched with high collegiality amongst the change team and with high clarity regarding avenues of change to pursue and not to pursue, all of which led to much less angst, debate, and elapsed time in bringing about an agreed – on set of program changes.

Practical implications

Others seeking to productively, expeditiously, and collegially embark on an educational change process should find the AA idea and process useful.

Originality/value

The reasons for, the steps followed, and the results of a novel assumptions audit (AA) are presented. The AA process is described in sufficient detail that others can easily undertake their own version.
Mobility principle among Japanese professors
Authors: Yano Masaharu , Tomita Junichi
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the actual conditions of Japanese professors' mobility and to carry out an analysis of the principle on which university researcher mobility is based and of the relationship between mobility and research performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Japanese university researcher database which covered job title, research background, research publication performance and so on, the study analyzed the relationship between mobility and the publication rate before/after move.

Findings

The paper finds that moves from a research to an education university rarely occur. Moves from an education to a research university, on the other hand, occur with relative frequency. To achieve a move, a high publication rate is required. Post‐move publication rate increased greatly for those who moved from an education to a research university and also those who moved from an education university to another education university.

Research limitations/implications

In Japan, company employees make decisions depending on expectations of further fulfilment in their companies rather than on mercenary calculations of present best interests. It was discovered that researchers have a desire to move to a better university or one with a better research environment for a brighter future. It is thought that while company employees depend upon the future within the firm, professors depend upon the future within the academic community.

Originality/value

Up to now the relationship between mobility and research performance of professors is not necessarily clear in Japan. In this study of the economics field it has become more apparent.
Measuring fire service performance: a comparative study
Authors: Carvalho J. , Fernandes M. , Lambert V. , Lapsley I.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The new public management (NPM) agenda is transforming the public sector in many countries. However, there have been criticisms of NPM, particularly over its emphasis on quantification, results orientation and the measurement of performance to the possible detriment of service delivery. The purpose of this paper is to examine an important public service – the fire service – in differing contexts: the “mature” NPM setting of the UK, and a “late adopter” of NPM – Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted by a combined methods approach. The principal focus of this study is on publicly available databases of performance indicators. The data are supported by additional material from operational officers in fire services, and from oversight bodies, obtained by interviews and by survey in Portugal.

Findings

This comparative study reaffirms the potential for NPM solutions to public service management. In particular, there is a case for carefully targeted key performance indicators in Portuguese fire services.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to ideas of NPM in action by focussing on performance measurement in different contexts. The comparative aspect of this paper is crucial as a means of assessing the portability of NPM ideas in different national settings.
From partition to partnership
Authors: McMurray Robert
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Seeks to review policy and practice in the English National Health Service (NHS) to show the extent to which medically framed notions of cure act in opposition to attempts to enforce a duty of partnership in the delivery of health and social care.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of national policy and the relevant academic literature, spanning two decades, was used to examine the development of inter‐organisational relations at the boundaries of health and social care in England.

Findings

The paper finds that, despite an espoused willingness on the part of national and local stakeholders to remove long‐established disciplinary and organisational partitions between sectors, the failure to secure a shift from medically to socially constructed notions of health continues to impede more integrated care. Furthermore, policies emphasising patient through‐put, speed of treatment, episodic intervention and the primacy of hospitals are shown to encourage and empower health professionals to withdraw from cross‐boundary working in line with the isolating tendencies of bio‐medically framed notions of cure.

Originality/value

The paper draws together evidence from policy, research and theoretical literature to identify the underlying causes of collaborative failure, highlighting the manner in which associated processes of public service reform can serve to reinforce long‐established institutional barriers to inter‐organisational working, both now and in the future.
Partnership and statutory local governance in a devolved Scotland
Authors: Carley Michael
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Partnership has become a primary organisational tool for achieving overlapping policy agendas in local governance. But evidence shows that partnerships underachieve if they are not integrated into, and supported by, mainstream governance structures. Now recent legislation, the Local Government in Scotland Act (2003), sets out the intention of better integration of partnership into local governance. The Act establishes a statutory duty for institutional stakeholders to engage with communities in “community planning” to improve services and to meet community aspirations. This paper sets out to explore key issues to arise in the implementation of the Act.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on key informant interviews in three Scottish local authorities carried out in 2004 and 2005.

Findings

The research finds varying degrees of integration between governance structures and community planning, depending on the commitment, history and implementation of local government modernisation. Local authorities at the leading edge of modernisation are the most innovative in community planning and also demonstrate commitment to partnership working.

Practical implications

Because of its statutory basis, the lessons of the implementation of community planning are relevant to a wide variety of local governance structures and partnership initiatives.

Originality/value

The paper reports on the first systematic study of the implementation of a policy initiative in integrated local governance.
People as prophets: liberation theology as a radical perspective on accounting
Authors: Moerman Lee
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present Latin American liberation theology, a contextual theology, as a radical perspective to inform and critique accounting and issues of accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

The notion of sacred and secular is explored as a dualism that limits theological insights at the socio‐political level. By rejecting dualism, liberation theology presents an alternative ontological stance.

Findings

Studies in critical accounting have focussed on the repressive nature of accounting. This paper provides critical accounting with a theological insight that has the potential to inform an emancipatory or enabling accounting project.

Originality/value

Enabling accounting has been studied from the perspective of gender, class, ethnicity and environment. Adopting liberation theology as a critical perspective provides a means of critiquing extant accounting practice from the episteme of the economically marginalised and a Christian mandate for who to enable and why
Theorising accountability for NGO advocacy
Authors: Unerman Jeffrey , O'Dwyer Brendan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a staged theoretical argument regarding whether non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) can be considered responsible and accountable for the direct and indirect consequences, on a wide range of stakeholders, flowing from their advocacy activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is primarily theoretical and conceptual, developing a structured, conditional and staged model illustrated with empirical examples.

Findings

The paper finds depending upon the theoretical arguments accepted at each stage of the model, the advocacy activities of an NGO may be considered to cause a widespread and often unintended negative impact upon the lives of many stakeholders who are either close to, or remote from, the NGO. Also, that depending upon the theoretical position taken regarding the scope of accountability, all entities – including NGOs – may be regarded as responsible and accountable for the impacts which their activities directly and indirectly cause to a broad range of stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The model is primarily theoretical, so it can benefit from empirical studies to assess its applicability in practice. It also has the scope to be applied in assessing the responsibility and accountability of a range of other entities for their advocacy – such as businesses, religious bodies, political parties, and academics.

Practical implications

The paper presents a ontribution to the growing debate on NGO accountability.

Originality/value

The paper uses the synthesis of various philosophical positions to develop a conditional, staged model which may be used to establish whether NGOs (and other organisations) can be regarded as having responsibilities and accountabilities for the direct and indirect impacts of their advocacy activities on a broad range of stakeholders.
Accounting and navigating legitimacy in Tanzanian NGOs
Authors: Goddard Andrew , Juma Assad Mussa
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the phenomenon of accounting in non‐governmental organisations (NGOs). It seeks to understand accounting processes and reporting practices in NGOs and the conditions that sustain those processes and practices. NGOs have become important institutions in world affairs but accounting research has not developed significant interest in their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research executes a grounded theory strategy as the principal methodology for the inquiry. Fieldwork was undertaken in three Tanzanian NGOs.

Findings

The research established the importance of accounting in the process of navigating organisational legitimacy. This was achieved due to its important role in symbolising organisational competence. Two principal strategies were employed by organisations in navigating legitimacy – building credibility and bargaining for change.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution to the limited empirical research into accounting in NGOs in developing countries and to grounded theory, accounting research. The principal finding, that in the NGOs studied the primary purpose of accounting was its symbolic use in navigating legitimacy and that it has a minimal role to play in internal decision making, is an important finding for practice as well as for understanding and knowledge. Finally, the paper sheds light on accountability in NGOs by narrating how the phenomenon is constructed and perceived by organisations and stakeholders. Future research should extend our understanding of these phenomena across a broader range of NGOs to incorporate differences in geographical location, religious affiliation and also include Northern donor organisations.
In pursuit of global regulation
Authors: Loft Anne , Humphrey Christopher , Turley Stuart
Published: July 2006

Purpose

IFAC, a Swiss‐registered non‐governmental organization, is emerging as an important international (auditing) standard setter amongst a powerful group of regulators, including the World Bank, the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the European Commission (EC). The purpose of this paper is to focus on the changing governance and accountability structures within IFAC, the way such changes are shaping, or re‐shaping, its “public interest” commitments and the resulting strategic implications for processes of auditor regulation and public oversight in the global financial arena.

Design/methodology/approach

The material and analysis presented in the paper derives from an extensive review of official reports, consultation documents and related responses, a range of other information available on IFAC's web site (www.ifac.org) or those of other key regulatory players in the global financial arena.

Findings

The paper analyzes how IFAC is succeeding as an international standard setter with an established place in the global financial infrastructure. From analysis of the recent establishment of a Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) and the changing nature of representation on IFAC's Public Interest Activity Committees (PIACs), the paper reveals a growing reliance on governance by experts together with a growth in influence of the large, multinational accounting firms. Governance of auditors has become a matter of global importance and governance structures are being reconfigured.

Practical implications

By highlighting the changes that have taken place within IFAC's governance system, the paper establishes the importance for public policy of further study and debate concerning the nature and practical operation of such a system, particularly given IFAC's position within a complex but developing global governance arena.

Originality/value

IFAC is becoming an integral player in global financial governance processes and yet has not been subject to any substantial academic accounting research. This paper seeks to rectify this by focusing on the structures and processes underpinning both the development of IFAC's International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and its own global strategy for advancement.
Time‐based analysis of total cost of patient episodes
Authors: Peltokorpi Antti , Kujala Jaakko
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Healthcare in the public and private sectors is facing increasing pressure to become more cost‐effective. Time‐based competition and work‐in‐progress have been used successfully to measure and improve the efficiency of industrial manufacturing. Seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a framework for time based management of the total cost of a patient episode and apply it to the six sigma DMAIC‐process development approach. The framework is used to analyse hip replacement patient episodes in Päijät‐Häme Hospital District in Finland, which has a catchment area of 210,000 inhabitants and performs an average of 230 hip replacements per year.

Findings

The work‐in‐progress concept is applicable to healthcare – notably that the DMAIC‐process development approach can be used to analyse the total cost of patient episodes. Concludes that a framework, which combines the patient‐in‐process and the DMAIC development approach, can be used not only to analyse the total cost of patient episode but also to improve patient process efficiency.

Originality/value

Presents a framework that combines patient‐in‐process and DMAIC‐process development approaches, which can be used to analyse the total cost of a patient episode in order to improve patient process efficiency.
Clinical pathway for hip arthroplasty six years after introduction
Authors: Jimenez Muñoz A.B. , Duran Garcia M.E. , Rodriguez Perez M.P. , Sanjurjo M. , Vigil  , Vaquero J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse clinical pathways (CP) as a useful tool for the improvement of all aspects of quality in medical assistance – in this case, hip arthroplasty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out on patients who had undergone scheduled hip arthroplasty included in CP during the years 1999 to 2004. Data on demographics, lengths of stay, complications, process and result variables were gathered, coverage was calculated and the evolution of the indicators was compared.

Findings

A total of 487 patients were enrolled, with five leaving the pathway and with unequal coverage, leading to a maximum peak of 77 per cent in 1999. A statistically significant decrease exists in the consumption of overall stays and in the pre‐surgical stay, which dropped from a mean of 19.41 days in the pre‐pathway situation to 10.12 days in 2004 and 4.5 days pre‐surgery to 1.08 days. As a process indicator, the performance should be highlighted of post‐operation check‐up radiographies, which have been gaining high levels of compliance (p < 0.05) since 2001. The rate of complications has remained stable over the years.

Originality/value

Implementing the CP has meant a sustained saving of resources over the years and an improvement in the organization of work.
Six Sigma arises from the ashes of TQM with a twist
Authors: Black Ken , Revere Lee
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper sets out to analyse the use of the Six Sigma methodology to improve quality in healthcare. It looks at how Six Sigma grew out of the concept of Total Quality Management (TQM).

Design/methodology/approach

Six Sigma is a quality improvement methodology that has been widely adopted by companies since the early 1990s and has grown exponentially in the healthcare industry during the past five years. Some of the main tenets of Six Sigma have emerged from the principles of TQM, including the notion that the entire organization must support the quality effort; that there should be a vigorous education effort; and that a quality improvement process should emphasize root cause analysis.

Findings

In spite of its early success, TQM “crashed and burned” for several reasons including the fact that financial benefits were difficult to assign to TQM efforts, root cause was not always determined resulting in recurring errors, there was no common metric to measure the level of quality attained, and quality efforts were sometimes aimed at processes or operations that were not critical to the customer. Six Sigma filled the vacuums created by these TQM failures in several ways. Under the Six Sigma methodology, quality improvement projects are carefully defined so that they can be successfully completed within a relatively short time frame. Financials are applied to each completed project so that management knows how much the project saves the institution.

Originality/value

On each project, intense study is used to determine root cause analysis; and in the end, a metric known as “sigma level” can be assigned to signify the level of quality. Six Sigma has a “critical to quality” dimension that keeps the quality effort focused on improving only those things that really matter to the customer.
Viewing Kaiser Permanente via the logistician lens
Authors: Towill Denis R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to undertake a holistic comparison between NHS and Kaiser Permanente (KP) healthcare delivery systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews in detail the many papers and communications published on KP via the “logistics lens” which is focussed on smooth patient flow from onset of problem to completion of treatment.

Findings

The paper finds that healthcare “best practice” is readily related to conventional supply chain performance metrics and engineering change model attributes. Much of the apparent success of KP is due to cultural and organisational factors. A noteworthy example deserving wide dissemination and application is in the effectiveness of interfaces between clinicians and managers.

Research limitations/implications

This review exposes the need for the NHS to be driven by end‐to‐end processing times rather than the present salami principle of separating in‐patient, out‐patient and other queues into neat statistics, which can be meaningless to an individual patient.

Practical implications

Introduces clinicians and healthcare professionals to a range of tools and techniques for engineering “best practice”. This method is well understood and proven in other areas of application. Particular aspects of the KP study are thus confirmatory of what is actually happening in small pockets of the NHS.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new perspective on the performance of healthcare supply chains. New knowledge and deeper understanding of the mechanisms of success emerge from a study adopting a different viewpoint.
Touch‐screen versus paper‐and‐pen questionnaires
Authors: Wilde Larsson Bodil
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to compare the computer administration method (touch‐screen) with the original paper‐and‐pen approach when measuring patients' perceptions of care quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study group consisted of 199 patients who responded to touch‐screen and 219 who responded to paper‐and‐pen questionnaires, receiving care between January and March 2003 at two out‐patient clinics in one county in Sweden. The response rate was 75 per cent. A modified version of the quality from the patient's perspective questionnaire was used.

Findings

Two main findings emerged: first, both methods yielded almost identical results in quality of care ratings, and second, the touch‐screen method was perceived to be easier to use and to take less time to complete.

Originality/value

The paper shows that both methods are acceptable, but the touch‐screen method appears to be preferred by patients.
Changing the boundaries of the firm
Authors: Vosselman Ed G.J. , van der Meer‐Kooistra Jeltje
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To develop a model in which alternative patterns of management control are confronted with situational and institutional features in the context of transactional relationships. The model could be of use to managers in making rational decisions regarding the boundaries of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is developed by drawing on transaction cost economics extended with systems theoretical notions on trust.

Findings

Three patterns of management control are identified: a market pattern, a bureaucratic pattern and a trust pattern. Furthermore, the transactional and institutional factors that determine the choice of a control pattern or elements therein are identified and confronted with the three management control patterns.

Research limitations/implications

An extended transaction cost economics approach is rather static of nature and, therefore, could be criticized for its lack of attention to processes of gradual development. In practice, adoption and design of management control structures are only part of the story; there also is gradual development or evolution in management control. However, the implications of the model are restricted to rational decision making regarding the adoption/design of management control patterns.

Originality/value

The paper provides a relevant and usable model for the adoption and design of management control patterns.
Employee perceptions of the rewards associated with six sigma
Authors: Buch Kim , Tolentino Ann
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper examined employee perceptions of the rewards associated with their participation in a six sigma program. Six sigma is an approach to organizational change that incorporates elements of total quality management, business process reengineering, and employee involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was completed by 215 employees (34 percent response rate). Respondents rated the extent to which they felt their participation in six sigma was “instrumental” for a range of outcomes, as well as valence (desirability) of each outcome (based on the VIE concept of instrumentality). The outcomes were classified into four categories: extrinsic, intrinsic, social, and organizational.

Findings

Valence ratings revealed that all 12 outcomes were perceived as desirable. Instrumentality ratings showed that extrinsic outcomes were rated significantly lower than intrinsic, social, and organizational outcomes. Additional analyses revealed significant differences on all four outcome categories between participants and non‐participants in the six sigma program.

Practical implications

The positive valence and instrumentality ratings for participants indicate they believe their participation will lead to valued outcomes for themselves and their organizations. However, employees who choose not to get involved in six sigma do not perceive that their participation would have led to desired outcomes. The results also show that while participants value extrinsic rewards, they do not see six sigma as instrumental in their receipt. These perceptions have important implications for attracting and retaining program participants.

Originality/value

While much has been written about the use of reward systems in supporting a successful six sigma effort, this study empirically examines how employees actually perceive the rewards associated with their participation. It also identifies which types of rewards are most instrumental for participants and non‐participants.
Situated human agency, institutional entrepreneurship and institutional change
Authors: Koene B.A.S.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper evaluates the influence of the institutional context on the dynamics of institutional change and the possibilities for human agency in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparison of the emergence of the temporary work agency industry in five countries is used to illustrate the influence of three elements of the institutional context: high/low pressure field emergence, societal confidence, and power and discretion of the emerging industry.

Findings

The analysis reveals how these three elements affect the dynamics of new field development. It shows the interaction between institutionalising and de‐institutionalising pressures and the dialectical nature of the process when comparing the developments over time between different national (institutional) contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Propositions for further research are formulated. Combining the effects of the three situational variables three models of industry institutionalization are established: autonomous development, constrained development and societalisation.

Practical implications

The findings illustrate the situated condition of human and organizational agency in processes of institutional entrepreneurship. Our analysis also shows how early externally constraining effects slow down early institutionalisation of a new organizational field, but at the same time trigger processes of institutional structuration that strengthen the institutionalising role of the industry in the long run.

Originality/value

The comparative analysis helps to see how the dynamics of institutional renewal are affected by institutional context and highlights the situated nature of effective human agency.
Organizational change in stakeholder business systems: the role of institutions
Authors: Cheng Philip , Millar Carla C.J.M. , Ju Choi Chong
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to contribute to the increasing global debate in organization theory about corporate ethics; to focus on the importance of measurement costs and its influence on organizational change in stakeholder systems; and to provide a framework for overcoming the inherent ambiguity and increased measurement costs associated with stakeholder business systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to analyze the importance of institutional certification and indirect measurement indicators, which are defined as indices to develop a dynamic framework capable of evaluating change in stakeholder business systems.

Findings

The stakeholder business system, a dominant system in continental European countries, as well as various countries in Asia, requires involvement by multiple actors, including financial markets, banks, employees, government.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is necessary to analyze in more depth the way organization value can be measured and how stakeholders can interact with the organizations involved in external certification, in facilitating organizational change. There is also a need to further research the dynamics of the relationship between market, institutions and social structure in organizational change.

Originality/value

A general contribution of the paper is that it illustrates that all industries have “indices”, which are more tacit, implicit than the traditional, transparent market indicators and signals.
Coffin‐Manson constant determination for a Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi lead‐free solder joint
Authors: Sun Peng , Andersson Cristina , Wei Xicheng , Cheng Zhaonian , Shangguan Dongkai , Liu Johan
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To determine the Coffin‐Manson (CM) equation constants for fatigue life estimation of Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi solder joints, since Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi solder has a melting temperature of around 199°C which is close to that of the conventional Sn‐Pb solder which has previously been used in the electronics assembly industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Three dimensional finite element (FE) simulation analysis was used for comparison with the experimentally measured data and to determine the CM constants. Low cycle fatigue tests and FE simulations were carried out for these lead‐free solder joints, and eutectic Sn‐37Pb solder was used as a reference.

Findings

The CM equation for Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi solder joints was fitted to the lifetimes measured and the shear strains simulated. The constants were determined to be 0.0294 forC, the proportional constant, and for the fatigue exponent,β, −2.833.

Originality/value

The CM equation can now be used to predict the reliability of Sn‐8Zn‐3Bi solder joints in electronics assembly and the knowledge base for the properties of the Sn‐Zn solder system has been increased.
High strain rate testing of solder interconnections
Authors: Tsai K.T. , Liu F‐L. , Wong E.H. , Rajoo R.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new micro‐impact tester developed for characterizing the impact properties of solder joints and micro‐structures at high‐strain rates, for the microelectronic industry, and the results evaluated for different solder ball materials, pad finishes and thermal histories by using this new tester. Knowledge of impact force is essential for quantifying the strength of the interconnection and allows quantitative design against failure. It also allows one‐to‐one comparison with the failure force measured in a standard quasi‐static shear test.

Design/methodology/approach

An innovative micro‐impact head has been designed to precisely strike the specimen at high speed and the force and displacements are measured simultaneously and accurately during the impact, from which the failure energy may be calculated.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that, peak loads obtained from the impact tests are between 30 and 100 percent higher than those obtained from static shear tests for all combinations of solder alloy and pad finish. The SnPb solder alloy had the maximum energy to failure for all pad finishes. Of all the lead‐free solders, the SnAg solder alloy had the highest energy to failure. Static shearing induces only bulk solder failure for all combinations of solder alloy and pad finish. Impact testing tends to induce bulk solder failure for SnPb solder and a mixture of bulk and intermetallic failure in all the lead‐free solder alloys for all pad finishes. In general, the peak loads obtained for solder mask defined pads are significantly higher than those for non‐SMD (NSMD) pads. The results obtained so far have highlighted the vulnerability of NSMD pads to drop impact.

Practical implications

The work provides a new solution to the microelectronics industry for characterizing the impact properties of materials and micro‐structures and provides an easy‐to‐use tool for research or process quality control.

Originality/value

The new micro‐impact tester developed is able to perform solder ball shear testing at high speeds, of up to 1,000 mm/s, and to obtain fracture characteristics similar to those found in drop impact testing using the JEDEC board level testing method JESD22‐B111 – but without the complexity of preparing specialized boards. This is not achievable using standard low‐speed shear testers.
Intermetallic compound formation and diffusion path evolution in eutectic tin‐lead flip chip solder bumps after aging
Authors: Hsiao Li‐Yin , Duh Jenq‐Gong
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In the flip‐chip technology (FCT) used in current microelectronic packages, a Ni‐based under‐bump metallurgy (UBM) is widely used due to its slow reaction rate with Sn. In this study, solders joints of eutectic Pb‐Sn with a Ni UBM were employed to investigate the intermetallic compound (IMC) formation after aging at 150°C for various periods of time.

Design/methodology/approach

The compositions and elemental re‐distribution in the IMC formed due to the interfacial reaction between the Ni/Cu UBM and eutectic Sn‐Pb solders were evaluated with an electron probe microanalyzer. The interfacial morphologies were revealed with the aid of a field‐emission scanning electron microscope through a special etching technique.

Findings

At the centre of the chip side, two IMCs were found between the solder and Ni metallization. The scalloped‐like IMC was determined to be (Cu, Ni)6Sn5, while the nodule‐like IMC was (Ni,Cu)3Sn4. However, at the edge of the chip side, three IMCs were revealed. The scalloped‐like IMC was (Cu1−y,Niy)6Sn5, the nodule‐like IMC was (Ni1−x,Cux)3Sn4, and the layer‐type IMC was (Cu1−z,Niz)3Sn.

Originality/value

On the basis of the elemental distributions from the quantitative analysis of the IMC and the related phase transitions during the IMC formation, two distinct diffusion paths are proposed to illustrate the interfacial reaction and phase transformation between IMCs and solder in Sn‐Pb joints aged at 150°C. These diffusion paths demonstrated two kinds of phase equilibrium, including (Cu1−z,Niz)3Sn/(Cu1−y,Niy)6Sn5/solder and (Ni1−x,Cux)3Sn4/(Cu1−yNiy)6Sn5/solder.
Macro‐micro modelling of moisture induced stresses in an ACF flip chip assembly
Authors: Yin C.Y. , Lu H. , Bailey C. , Chan Y.C.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper discusses the use of modelling techniques to predict the reliability of an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) flip chip in a humid environment. The purpose of this modelling work is to understand the role that moisture plays in the failure of ACF flip chips.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3D macro‐micro finite element modelling technique was used to determine the moisture diffusion and moisture‐induced stresses inside the ACF flip chip.

Findings

The results show that the ACF layer in the flip chip can be expected to be fully saturated with moisture after 3 h at 121°C, 100%RH, 2 atm test conditions. The swelling effect of the adhesive due to this moisture absorption causes predominately tensile stress at the interface between the adhesive and the metallization, which could cause a decrease in the contact area, and therefore an increase in the contact resistance.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a macro‐micro modelling technique which enables more detailed 3D modelling analysis of an ACF flip chip than previously.
Learning from east to west and west to east
Authors: Mi Dahlgaard‐Park Su
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Parallel with increasing awareness of importance in learning during the last few decades, numerous theorists from various disciplines have tried to shape ideas concerning learning seen from their perspectives. One negative consequence of these efforts has been observed as increased confusion and disputes among the theorists as well as practitioners due to “lacking of common ground” in their search on learning. Hence, the aim of this paper is to explore some critical aspects of learning, among others, root thinking, meaning of learning, nature, processes and outcomes of learning in order to identify possible common ground(s) in between various schools of thought.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature survey the characteristics of learning in terms of the processes, the nature and the outcomes of learning are investigated. Besides the chosen contemporary literature on learning, ideas and philosophies of John Dewey (1859‐1952) and Confucius (551‐479, BC) have been explored in order to identify possible root thinking in the West and in the East.

Findings

It is found that not much new knowledge has been accumulated since Confucius and despite multiple schools of thought in current research, the majority of western theorists base their ideas on Dewey's thinking. The meta learning wheel has been suggested to be a common ground for learning.

Originality/value

The originalities of this paper are: both contemporary as well as classic literatures in learning are investigated; both Western and Eastern literatures are investigated.
A review and comparison of six sigma and the lean organisations
Authors: Bendell Tony
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to review and compare six sigma and the lean organisation approaches to process improvement. The basis for combination and compatibility is evaluated and a holistic approach proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The examination is based on the author's extensive practical consulting and training experience with diverse six sigma, lean and business process improvement programmes in numerous companies across Europe and worldwide, as well as theoretical development of his previous published work.

Findings

The paper contends that the current literature on the compatibility and combination of six sigma and lean is limited and disappointing when examined for a common model, theoretical compatibility or mutual content or method, but that they can be effectively combined into one system.

Research limitations/implications

The study is experience‐based and not supported by a specific‐quantitative investigation.

Practical implications

Companies pursuing six sigma and lean implementation programmes need to carefully examine how the proposed initiatives relate to each other and other initiatives before fully committing, or at least to review the programme, to enable sensible programme design and management.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on six sigma and lean programmes in practice, rather than the theoretical basis or motivationally based argument.
Lean production, six sigma quality, TQM and company culture
Authors: Dahlgaard Jens J. , Mi Dahlgaard‐Park Su
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The authors analyze the principles and results of lean production and compare the lean production philosophy with the six sigma quality process and the principles of total quality management (TQM). At the end of the paper, it is discussed how to build the necessary company culture for having success with these principles/management philosophies.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature search and comparative analysis complemented with a Danish case on wastage in a core process.

Findings

It is shown that the lean production philosophy and the six sigma steps are essentially the same and both have developed from the same root – the Japanese TQM practices. The improvement process from six sigma, the DMAIC process, can be regarded as a short version of the Quality Story, which was developed in Japan in the 1960s as a standard for QC‐circle presentations. We conclude that the roadmaps of lean production and six sigma quality are examples of new alternative TQM roadmaps. We also conclude that especially with lean production and six sigma quality there seems to be too much focus on training people intools and techniques and at the same time too little focus on understanding the human factor, i.e. how to build the right company culture.

Originality/value

The detailed and historical analysis of six sigma quality, lean production and TQM combined with a focus on the human factor and the needed corporate culture.
Towards a better understanding of process documentation
Authors: Ungan Mustafa
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Process documents are important and widely used process analysis tools. Although scores of studies draw attention to their merits, only few have focused on them. By providing guidelines for effective process documentation, this paper intends to make a contribution to this under researched area.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research was undertaken in this study. Based on the findings from the process improvement and knowledge management literatures, background information about process documents and a step‐by‐step procedure for developing a process document were provided.

Findings

There are three important findings of this study. First, process mapping is gaining precedence over process flowcharting/diagramming. Second, process analyzers should be aware of the tacit knowledge of process participants and know how to acquire it. Third, different needs of different organizations require different approaches to documentation.

Practical implications

Documenting a process is a very resource demanding process. The step‐by‐step procedure proposed in this paper will help organizations to use their resources effectively.

Originality/value

This study is the first to look at the process documentation issue from different perspectives stemming from the different needs of organizations. It is also the first to mention about the role of the type of process participant's knowledge in developing a process map/flowchart. This paper should be of considerable interest to practitioners.
Restructuring and reconfiguration
Authors: Taplin Ian M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To examine how the textile and clothing industries, both of which retain a significant employment presence in the EU, have responded differently to heightened overseas competition and changes in buyer‐supplier relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses macro‐descriptive statistics to determine key EU industry trends and provide an analysis of how institutional backgrounds can shape industry trends.

Findings

Clothing proves more robust in retaining an employment presence than the more capital‐intensive textile sector. This is surprising since labour‐intensive industries are expected to suffer more from intensified global competition than capital intensive ones. Job losses continue in both sectors but firms are innovating in restructuring practices to remain competitive and responsive to buyer pressures. Technological innovation and the pursuit of niche markets plus increased outsourcing are key responses.

Research limitations/implications

Few studies offer an overview of industry trends and whilst this study offers a comparative, mainly cross‐sectional analysis, it nonetheless provides a context for more detailed country‐specific analyses.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful data of relevance to public policy specialists, managers in this and related industries, plus academics studying industrial restructuring and responses to heightened competitive pressures throughout the value chain in a labour‐intensive industry.
Helping marketing research earn a seat at the table for decision‐making
Authors: Malhotra Naresh K. , Peterson Mark , Uslay Can
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help marketing research “earn a seat at the table” where managers and researchers make decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes approaches that can lead to the integration of marketing research with marketing decision making.

Findings

Marketing research needs to earn a seat at the table for decision making in most firms today. Over the years, a back‐office, order‐taker mentality has beset too many marketing researchers. As a result, the voice of the customer – what researchers should be bringing to managers' decision making – is simply not heard.

Originality/value

In speaking to researchers and managers, the authors offer an improved conceptual structure for understanding the value of information and offer guidelines that will help marketing research's integration into improved management decision making.
The marketing code: unlocking the secrets of Dan Brown's success
Authors: Brown Stephen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To extract the secrets of the marketing of Dan Brown's world‐wide bestseller, The Da Vinci Code.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study research based on secondary sources and close reading of relevant texts.

Findings

The staggering success of The Da Vinci Code is contrary to conventional marketing wisdom, but conventional wisdom is increasingly inappropriate intoday's entertainment economy.

Research limitations/implication

Case study research. Needs replication in additional domains. The accepted approaches to best marketing practice need re‐evaluation.

Originality/value

Approaches topic from unconventional direction. Tries to capture the spirit of Brown's writing.
Digitizing and measuring of the human body for the clothing industry
Authors: Guerlain Ph. , Durand B.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to present several methods that were developed, evaluated and finally used as part of a 3D electronic tailor especially adapted to the clothing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental top down approach taking care of building a system adapted to the constraints of the textile industry was used. The research was to the rapidity, the robustness and the comfort of the future system during the development cycle.

Findings

A robust and efficient method for digitizing a human body in 3D that is usable for the measurement process with duration and accuracy adapted to the domain of textile industry.

Research limitations/implications

The research is bound to many constraints. Some are expressed by the customers of the electronic tailor, some depend on the manufacturing process of the clothes and of course, some depend on economic requirements. Of course, the system is not fixed because it must be adapted and improved to be able to follow the evolution of the manufacturing process.

Practical implications

This research permitted the creation of a marketed product improved for a few years by successfully measuring thousands of people.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the usefulness of choosing a digitizing process. It shows the importance of keeping in mind the whole digitizing process for making the mesh generation and the measurements taken. The resulting mannequin proves that the process works well.