bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
360‐degree appraisals are now a classic
Authors: Newbold Colin
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine why 360‐degree feedback, which fell out of favor for a while, is now back in vogue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper puts forward some of the weaknesses of 360‐degree feedback as it used to be practiced, and defines a five‐step process to ensuring most effective use of the tool.

Findings

The paper highlights the importance of defining the purpose of 360‐degree feedback, preparing the ground, and agreeing how the survey will be run and the results delivered.

Practical implications

The paper contends that the feedback collected is both fair and constructive.

Originality/value

The paper provides a five‐step process to implementing 360‐degree feedback properly.
Interview with Matthew Brearley
Authors: Brown Rachel
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present the views ofMatthew Brearley UK HR Director at Vodaphone.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an interview with Matthew Brearley who has a wealth of commercial experience in driving business performance through coherent and innovative people strategies.

Findings

The paper finds new insights into the methods of people management at Vodaphone.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insightful interview with Matthew Brearley.
Quietness is sound in the workplace
Authors: Pitt Mike
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the levels of noise in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the levels of noise in the workplace.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the health and safety aspects of noise in the workplace.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful advice on the management of noise in the workplace.
Information privacy compliance in the healthcare industry
Authors: Johnston Allen C. , Warkentin Merrill
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is US legislation aimed at protecting patient information privacy, but it imposes a significant burden on healthcare employees, especially since the privacy provisions are still evolving and healthcare organizations are still struggling to meet compliance criteria. This study seeks to illuminate characteristics of both the environment (organization) and the individual (healthcare professional) and their relevant influence on compliance intentions by leveraging theories from the domains of social psychology, management, and information systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of 208 healthcare professionals located at healthcare facilities throughout the USA were surveyed as to their perceptions regarding HIPAA compliance and the underlying organizational and individual factors that influence said compliance.

Findings

The findings indicate that perceptions of organizational support and self‐efficacy (SE) leading to HIPAA compliance vary based on organizational and occupational characteristics. Furthermore, these perceptions of organizational support and SE explain some of the differences in their intent to comply with this legislation.

Research limitations/implications

For healthcare managers, the findings of this research may serve to validate HIPAA compliance initiatives. Through increased attention and resources dedicated to providing a supportive environment for HIPAA compliance, healthcare managers can increase the likelihood of compliance success by improving employee SE.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first empirical study to account for environmental factors and their influence on individual intentions to comply with HIPAA.
Managing electronic information: an ethics perspective
Authors: Desai Mayur S. , von der Embse Thomas J.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper addresses the contemporary and very important area of electronic information (EI) management – the ethical dimension and implications. Specifically, this paper aims to analyze EI activities and management practices, the ethical dilemmas and implications; to relate effectiveness in EI ethics activities in the context of organizational ethics policy and practice, and to suggest a framework for handling ethical dilemmas in managing the major EI activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of mid‐ and first‐level managers in six industries was conducted. Subjects were asked to describe organization practices in 11 areas of ethics policy application. Respondent firms were compared according to high and low numbers of ethical safeguards: an ethics code, a credo or values statement, written ethics policies – general and specific, ethics training and development, ready access to ethics guidelines at all levels, and a cohesive, supportive ethical culture.

Findings

EI ethics need to be addressed in the context of the organization's policies and practices. This extends to specific EI activities as well, where the ramifications of misbehavior – or upright behavior – are magnified.

Practical implications

The organization that invests in ethics safeguards provides the needed supports and reaps substantial returns in employee morale, performance and ultimately, the bottom line – profits. In this area of EI management, the atmosphere of trust that results lightens the burden for all involved.

Originality/value

This research has a value that is relevant to the current issues related to the privacy and security of information.
Real time business intelligence in supply chain analytics
Authors: Sahay B.S. , Ranjan Jayanthi
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Rapid innovation and globalization have generated tremendous opportunities and choices in the marketplace for firms and customers. Competitive pressures have led to sourcing and manufacturing on a global scale resulting in a significant increase in products. The paper tries to identify the need for real time business intelligence (BI) in supply chain analytics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides argument and analysis of the advantages and hurdles in BI.

Findings

The paper focuses on the necessity to revisit the traditional BI concept that integrates and consolidates information in an organization in order to support firms that are service oriented and seeking customer loyalty and retention. Enhancing effectiveness and efficiency of supply chain analytics using a BI approach is a critical component in a company's ability to achieve its competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This paper furthers understanding of the issues surrounding the use of BI systems in supply chains.
Reaching escape velocity
Authors: Bellone Jason , de Basquiat Segolene , Rodriguez Juan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate and offer an open source toolkit with the intent that making technology available to the community may serve to support organizations planning an information security management system implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is presented which highlights the authors' approach to building capability and subsequently overcoming inertial forces which would otherwise have impeded the organization's compliance initiative.

Findings

The case study proposes a novel approach to managing an ISMS implementation through the use of a custom developed toolkit, which based on the experience of the authors enabled the subject organization to achieve ISO 27001 certification.

Practical implications

The adoption of the approach and tradecraft presented in the paper may enable similar organizations in building capacity to better manage information security programs.

Originality/value

Insomuch as the recently revised ISO 27001 Information Security Code of Practice is well documented, comprehensive, methodological and widely supported, it is evident from the relatively low volume of certifications (a list of current certification registrations may be found at the ISMS International User Group Certificate Register – www.iso27001certificates.com), that many compliance initiatives are challenged in realizing full success. Based on the experiences presented in this paper, the authors believe these challenges must be overcome with appropriate capability building necessary to achieve a successful implementation.
A practical application of CMM to medical security capability
Authors: Williams Patricia
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The manner in which information is used and communicated in the medical environment has been revolutionized by the introduction of electronic storage, manipulation and communication of information. This change has brought with it many challenges in information security. This research seeks to propose a practical application, the capability maturity model (CMM), to meet the needs of medical information security practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds on previous work by the author using the Tactical Information Governance for Security model developed for the medical setting. An essential element of this model is the ability to assess current capability of a practice to meet the needs of security and to identify how improvements can be made. Existing CMM models are reviewed to inform construction of an operational framework for capability assessment.

Findings

An operational capability framework for assessing security capability in medical practice, based on CMM principles, is presented. An example of the use of this framework is modelled using backup to provide proof of concept.

Practical implications

In an environment that is reliant on doctors and non‐technical staff to implement security, an operational framework to improve practice though capability evaluation is needed. The framework presents activities in simple, non‐technical terms and separates these activities into discrete sections resulting in improvement that can be easily managed and implemented.

Originality/value

The operational framework developed demonstrates how practical security practice improvement can be achieved in a medical environment, whilst meeting strategic objectives, best practice and external validation. This paper develops this process through exploration and application of existing CMMs.
A partial equilibrium view on security and privacy
Authors: Katos Vasilios , Patel Ahmed
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a tool to help policy makers understand the dynamic relationships between security and privacy on a strategic (macro) level.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is ported from the discipline of Macroeconomics, and applied to the information security and privacy domain. The methodology adopted is the so‐called “cross methodology” which claims ownership of the well‐known supply/demand market equilibrium exercise.

Findings

Early evaluation reveals that this is a potentially very effective tool in understanding societal behaviour and position towards information security and privacy and therefore makes this a suitable tool for investigating and exploring scenarios that can assist in policy making.

Originality/value

Up to date, research on the economics of security and privacy has been primarily focusing on a micro level. The main contribution of this paper is a methodology for investigating privacy and security on a macro level. We believe that our approach in undertaking this research is new and looking at the issues and relationships between security and privacy at a macro level, gives a better understanding of the problems at hand and how to resolve them.

Practical implications

The proposed tool may increase the efficiency of policy making and planning as it enables the policy makers on a governmental and strategic level to run scenarios in order to investigate the effect of their decisions (for example, an introduction of a stricter law relating to computer misuse) to the delicate balance of security and privacy.
Assessing change: can organizational learning “work” for schools?
Authors: Austin Manila S. , Harkins Debra A.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the effectiveness and practical utility of an organizational learning intervention for an organization that was not progressive, was not specifically chartered as a learning organization, and was situated in an urban, culturally diverse, and under‐privileged community.

Design/methodology/approach

In this empirical case study, employees were surveyed pre‐ and post‐intervention on measures of organizational learning, school climate and morale. Archival data on turnover rates were also collected for the years bracketing the intervention (2003‐2005).

Findings

Analyses show the center reduced turnover and improved in organizational learning, morale, and to a lesser degree, organizational climate. Analyses demonstrate relationships between change in organizational climate dimensions (e.g. supportive leadership, appraisal and recognition, goal congruence) and change toward organizational learning.

Originality/value

This research suggests that organizational learning – and the post‐bureaucratic practices that characterize it – can be useful even in the most challenging of settings. Unlike previous research, this study specifically addresses organizational learning's utility for under‐privileged populations; it also examines how the more traditional measure of organizational climate is related to post‐industrial notions of learning and business performance. It should be of value to academics and practitioners wishing to apply organizational learning to less‐advantaged and change‐averse organizations.
From situated practice to informed theory
Authors: Ford Randal
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine organizational practice to investigate what insights could be gained to support and extend existing theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopts a clinical approach, e.g. not a priori or an academic one where data are mangled to fit a theoretical stance.

Findings

Data analysis reveals four interconnected learning cycles and the enabling structures put in place to facilitate them. The practice‐based themes support many organization learning theories; in addition, the findings augment the systems perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Challenges traditional logical‐deductive (theory driven) stances. Findings do not pretend to be generalizable or definitive, but more evocative.

Practical implications

The paper discusses practical implications in how firms might implement enabling structures for organizational learning; and what accompanying changes in management practices and leadership would be required in implementing these facilitative structures.

Originality/value

This paper provides value to all organizations, in that it outlined how personnel at all organization levels can think, plan, innovate, process information and coordinate in working together. In adopting the perspective of praxis within an unconventional organizational context, the empirical findings support and reinforce some theories of organizational learning, extend or refute others and add new insights.
A framework for promoting learning in IS design and implementation
Authors: Small Adrian , Sice Petia , Venus Tony
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out an argument for a way to design, implement and manage IS with an emphasis on first, the learning that can be created through undertaking the approach, and second, the learning that may be created through using the IS that was implemented. The paper proposes joining two areas of research namely, technology management with soft systems methodology (SSM). The framework was developed through undertaking a customer concern management project within a manufacturing organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing the literature on information systems management, the learning organisation, and systems theory a proposed synergy is found. The outcome of this synergy allows a number of methodologies to be identified that are argued as suitable for IS design. From these information system development (ISD) methodologies, SSM is expanded to incorporate the principles of the learning organisation and systems theory. The expanded SSM framework is applied in practice through a process of participatory action research.

Findings

The outcome of the practical work argues for a complete framework that joins the areas of research (SSM and technology management) and emphasises other thinking from the areas of systems theory and the “learning organisation”.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes with a discussion on the advantages of joining soft systems with technology management but also the limitations created. Such limitations have been identified as moving from the soft, tacit issues of the design phases to the harder more structured aspects of technology implementation and management. A change in philosophy may restrict other issues from being explored. This issue needs to be focussed on in future research.

Practical implications

A framework has been developed that draws on the work of soft systems methodology (SSM) and a technology management process framework (TMPF) used in the area of technology management. By expanding the SSM model and joining it with the TMPF an attempt to give individuals and teams a practical tool to help design, implement, and manage IS with an emphasis on learning the framework promotes.

Originality/value

The framework provides advantages for academics, consultants and other practitioners and gives a central focus on what issues need to be accomplished more explicitly in order to undertake an ISD project.
Knowledge transfer among projects using a learn‐forget model
Authors: Tukel Oya I. , Rom Walter O. , Kremic Tibor
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of learning in a project‐driven organization and demonstrate analytically how the learning, which takes place during the execution of successive projects, and the forgetting that takes place during the dormant time between the project executions, can impact performance and productivity in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A learn‐forget model was developed using the learning curve concept prevalent in many manufacturing processes. The model assumes that learning occurs while project tasks are being performed and forgetting takes place during dormant times between the successive implementations. The log‐linear model was adapted, with both learning and forgetting rates being a function of the doubling or tripling of output. Forgetting is inhibited through the use of knowledge transfer tools such as use of close‐out documents or content management platforms. The model is applied to a simulated project environment where a number of projects are executed sequentially, and the results are evaluated using the reduction in total duration and return on investment.

Findings

Computational results demonstrate that the learning and forgetting rates and level of project close‐out effort impact project performance, in the form of reduction in duration, much more significantly compared to the impact of the length of dormant times between the project initiations. Furthermore, even in a slow learning environment, using close‐out reports as a knowledge transfer tool, managers can achieve more than a 40 percent reduction in duration after several successive implementations.

Research limitations/implications

Although the theoretical development is applicable to a general organizational setting, the empirical testing of the model is done in project‐driven organizations where projects are implemented on an ongoing basis.

Practical implications

Managers can significantly benefit from the findings of this study. It is shown that the accumulated learning which represents knowledge generated during the implementation of a project, if transferred successfully, improves productivity and enables faster implementation. In a project‐driven organization an almost 80 percent reduction in total duration is achievable with the use of close‐out documents. This result promotes the importance of the learning process and managers should enable their team members to learn as much as they can while implementing a task and to document it methodically.

Originality/value

This study constitutes an initial effort to illustrate quantitatively how the level of learning and forgetting impact performance in a project‐driven organization. This study is also original in that it methodically demonstrates the importance of spending time during the phase‐out, documenting the project artifacts, that enables knowledge transfer, and thus improves performance.
Toward a practice perspective on strategic organizational learning
Authors: Voronov Maxim
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the emerging literatures on organizational learning and strategic management by developing a practice perspective on strategic organizational learning (SOL). While the literature on SOL has been growing, much of it has targeted exclusively practitioners and has not yet elaborated the mechanics and the micro‐dynamics of SOL. This paper is an initial attempt at exploring two important aspects of SOL: deep‐structure politics, and sensegiving.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a qualitative case study of a major construction project undertaken by a mid‐size urban university as a part of its strategic change initiative.

Findings

Several ways in which deep‐structure politics shaped SOL at the research site are highlighted. The findings suggest that deep‐structure politics and sensegiving can shape identity processes in the context of SOL in important ways, such as dramatically altering the identity of the project team and symbolically separating it from the host institution.

Originality/value

The paper enriches the predominantly practitioner literature on SOL with empirical examination of the practices of SOL.
Web 2.0 as a non‐foundational network‐centric learning space
Authors: Eijkman Henk
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to initiate a timely discussion about the epistemological advantages of Web 2.0 as a non‐foundational network‐centric learning space in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A philosophical analysis of the underpinning design principles of Web 2.0 social media and of conventional “foundational” and emergent “non‐foundational” learning and which uses Wikipedia as a case study.

Findings

For academics in higher education to take a more informed approach to the use of Web 2.0 in formal learning settings and begin to consider integrating Web 2.0's architecture of participation with a non‐foundational architecture of learning, focused on acculturation into networks of practice.

Practical implications

The paper argues that the continuing dominance and therefore likely application of conventional old paradigm foundational learning theory will work against the grain of, if not undermine, the powerful affordances Web 2.0 social media provides for learning focused on social interaction and collaborative knowledge construction. The paper puts the case for non‐foundational learning and draws attention to the importance of aligning Web 2.0's architecture of participation with a non‐foundational architecture of acculturation as the latter is better epistemologically placed to more fully realise the potential of Web 2.0 to position students on trajectories of acculturation into their new networks of practice.

Originality/value

This paper exposes the epistemological dilemma Web 2.0's participatory culture poses for academics wedded to conventional ideas about the nature of knowledge and learning as is, for instance, clearly evidenced by their sceptical disposition towards or outright rejection of, Wikipedia.
Educational and institutional flexibility of Australian educational software
Authors: Shurville Simon , O'Grady Thomas (Barry) , Mayall Peter
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide context for papers in this special issue on Australasian e‐learning. The paper aims to examine the background to Australian flexible and transnational education and to evaluate the educational and intuitional flexibility of three typical products of the Australian educational software industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The history of Australian distance education is summarised and drivers for flexible education are presented. A model of flexible educational software is introduced with three dimensions: educational, institutional and support/training. Three educational software products are informally reviewed using this model to establish that the current generation of Australian educational software offers significant educational and institutional flexibility.

Findings

The three examples of Australian educational software rate highly in both educational and institutional flexibility and also offer excellent support.

Research limitations/implications

The existence of hot spots of educational technology innovation in relatively isolated areas such as Perth and Tasmania warrants further investigation.

Practical implications

The Australian educational software industry produces extremely flexible products with excellent support that are worthy of consideration by international customers. Policy makers in Australia are alerted that current policies in ICT off shoring and the Australian Research Quality Framework (equivalent to the British Research Assessment Exercise) may threaten this industry, which contributes to sizable exports in transnational education.

Originality/value

The paper brings the flexible nature of Australian educational software to light for an international audience.
Shaping online teaching practices
Authors: Henderson Michael , Bradey Scott
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of professional and academic identities in online teaching practices in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on data from a longitudinal study of five professional degree academics teaching subjects in nursing, teaching, engineering, allied health sciences, and journalism (here a “subject” refers to a course or unit which is usually undertaken over a semester and forms a part of a larger degree program). The research utilises community of practice as a social theory of learning, and the construct of identity, to better understand the connection between academic teachers' pedagogical beliefs and their teaching practices in a web‐enhanced learning setting. The authors contend that lecturers' online teaching practices are mediated by their continually negotiated identities as members of multiple communities of practice.

Findings

This research has found that the professional degree lecturers intentionally utilised the available technologies and tools to enact pedagogical strategies in ways that enabled them to manage the integrity of their occasionally conflicting identities as educators, professional practitioners and institutional employees.

Originality/value

This research goes beyond the assumption that past experiences flavour teachers' pedagogical styles. A lecturer continually negotiates and maintains multiple identities where each represents a fundamental understanding of the world and can sometimes be at odds with one‐another. This study has revealed how educational technologies have mediated the gap between the multiple identities held by teaching academics and been used as a bridging mechanism to connect beliefs with practice.
A collaborative process for evaluating new educational technologies
Authors: Kelly Greta
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to propose a collaborative process for evaluating, piloting and selecting, new and emerging educational technologies. It aims to promote discussion about how such an evaluative process can be inclusive of interdisciplinary stakeholders and envision the actual application of these technologies in real teaching and learning contexts across disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology applied in the piloting and evaluation of new educational technologies involves the design and identification of learning activities, the development of evaluation criteria which map to the goals of the learning activities and stakeholders' needs, and the incorporation of the technology‐enabled activities into the total course design.

Findings

Evaluation methodologies that involve interdisciplinary stakeholders collaborating on a software pilot expose participants to multiple perspectives and divergent views. The evaluation of new educational technologies within a teaching and learning context is more effective in exposing the benefits and weaknesses of the technology than a conventional software pilot.

Research limitations/implications

The new educational technologies evaluation methodology proposed in this paper has only been fully applied in three product pilots and is still in its developmental stage. The research is limited to the evaluation of educational software, not the implementation of new educational technologies.

Practical implications

The re‐iterative and time‐consuming process of piloting and evaluating new educational technologies within a course context is one in which academics require pedagogical, technological and administrative support. This paper presents a methodology that ensures each of these varieties of support is included.

Originality/value

With the rapid expansion of new, sometimes costly educational technologies, universities can benefit from employing evaluation techniques based within an educational context, and ensure that their investments in these tools make an effective contribution to the enhancement of teaching and learning.
Coordinated, collaborative and coherent
Authors: Suddaby Gordon , Milne John
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to discusses two complementary initiatives focussed on developing and implementing e‐learning guidelines to support good pedagogy in e‐learning practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The first initiative is the development of a coherent set of open access e‐learning guidelines for the New Zealand tertiary sector. The second project, arising from the e‐learning guidelines project, will implement selected guidelines in 18 tertiary institutions and evaluate the implementation processes and the outcomes.

Findings

The guidelines provide a framework for good pedagogical practice that supports quality e‐learning activity and engages staff in critically reflecting on e‐learning practice. The paper describes how e‐learning quality guidelines contribute to enhanced pedagogical quality, greater collaboration, and an approach that is focused on the learner.

Practical implications

Institutions need to provide motivation, support and resources to successfully implement e‐learning guidelines.

Originality/value

The paper describes an innovative approach to collaborating on improving e‐learning quality and coherence across a national tertiary education system.
Effect of processing conditions on the bonding quality of FDM polymer filaments
Authors: Sun Q. , Rizvi G.M. , Bellehumeur C.T. , Gu P.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms controlling the bond formation among extruded polymer filaments in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. The bonding phenomenon is thermally driven and ultimately determines the integrity and mechanical properties of the resultant prototypes.

Design/methodology/approach

The bond quality was assessed through measuring and analyzing changes in the mesostructure and the degree of healing achieved at the interfaces between the adjoining polymer filaments. Experimental measurements of the temperature profiles were carried out for specimens produced under different processing conditions, and the effects on mesostructures and mechanical properties were observed. Parallel to the experimental work, predictions of the degree of bonding achieved during the filament deposition process were made based on the thermal analysis of extruded polymer filaments.

Findings

Experimental results showed that the fabrication strategy, the envelope temperature and variations in the convection coefficient had strong effects on the cooling temperature profile, as well as on the mesostructure and overall quality of the bond strength between filaments. The sintering phenomenon was found to have a significant effect on bond formation, but only for the very short duration when the filament's temperature was above the critical sintering temperature. Otherwise, creep deformation was found to dominate changes in the mesostructure.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable information about the effect of deposition strategies and processing conditions on the mesostructure and local mechanical properties within FDM prototypes. It also brings a better understanding of phenomena controlling the integrity of FDM products. Such knowledge is essential for manufacturing functional parts and diversifying the range of application of this process. The findings are particularly relevant to work conducted on modeling of the process and for the formulation of materials new to the FDM process.
On the use of FBG sensors for measurement of curing strains in photocurable resins
Authors: Karalekas Dimitrios
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the use of a fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for measuring of curing strains that develop during the solidification of a photocurable resin used in 3D microfabrication.

Design/methodology/approach

The followed approach consists of embedding a 1,300 nm FBG into a cylindrical specimen, fabricated into a transparent mould, being exposed to ultraviolet laser light. The further development of the cure induced strains under thermal treatment was also studied by post‐conditioning the cylindrical specimen in an oven at 70°C.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrate the capability of the FBG sensor to provide useful information on the strain build‐up during laser solidification and their post‐cure evolution under the presence of a thermal environment.

Research limitations/implications

Future work should involve the use of smaller diameter FBG sensors in microstereolithography built parts.

Practical implications

It is shown that considerable cure strains are developed at the end of the photo‐polymerisation process that eventually can affect the structural resolution of final parts fabricated by microstereolithography.

Originality/value

The presented method can be used to investigate other photopolymers used in micro‐stereolithography.
Fusion behavior of TrueFormTM/SiO2 composite powders during selective laser sintering
Authors: Fan K.M. , Cheung W.L. , Gibson I.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effects of solid additives and compounding processes on the selective laser sintering (SLS) behavior of composite powders.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite powders were prepared from TrueForm™ acrylic‐styrene co‐polymer and SiO2 powder. Dry mixing and melt extrusion were used as the blending processes to produce the composite powders. Some SiO2 powder was ground and treated with silane coupling agent before blending to study the effects of particle size and surface treatment of the filler, respectively. The temperature of the powder bed was monitored using an infrared thermometer. The fusion behaviors of the powders were investigated in situ using an optical microscope and the sintered specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

For a given volume fraction of the filler, reducing its particle size will hinder fusion between the polymer particles and weaken the sintered specimens. Surface treatment of the filler by silane coupling agent had little effect on the morphology of the sintered specimens; however, it slightly improved their strength. The blending method plays an important role in the sintering behavior of the composite powders. Although melt blending improved the polymer‐to‐polymer contact between the composite powder particles, the high‐resultant viscosity of the material adversely affected the densification of the powder bed, leading to a highly porous structure of the sintered specimens.

Research limitations/implications

The sintering experiments were conducted in ambient conditions using a laser engraving machine instead of a commercial SLS machine with atmospheric control. The temperature gradient within the powder bed was expected to be higher than that in normal SLS processes.

Practical implications

The SLS behavior of a composite powder not only depends on its composition but also on the powder preparation method or powder morphology.

Originality/value

This paper provides some useful information for future development of composite powders for SLS applications.
Influence of hybrid mould on moulded parts properties
Authors: Godec Damir , Šercer Mladen , Rujnić‐Sokele Maja
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to emphasize compared experimental analysis of influence of hybrid and classic moulds on the properties of moulded parts and the processing parameters. Such analysis enables optimization of processing parameters in case of the hybrid mould.

Design/methodology/approach

Representative moulded part and appropriate hybrid and classic moulds have been designed and manufactured. The experimental work contains a screening design and the main central composite design for analysing the performance of both moulds and moulded parts properties. In case of hybrid mould a numerical optimization of processing parameters was used.

Findings

It was found that hybrid moulds can be successfully applied for production of thin‐wall moulded parts with some limitations. The compressibility of prototype mould inserts was higher compared to classic inserts. The differences in thermal properties of mould inserts materials result in different moulded part properties and mould cavity wall temperature fields. These differences can be reduced by optimizing the processing parameters.

Practical implications

RT technologies can be usefully applied for fast production of moulds for injection moulding. The potential user of hybrid moulds should be aware of the influence of prototype inserts on the moulded part properties. Guidelines for optimization can be used for fast achieving of parameters from optimal processing window.

Originality/value

This paper shows a detailed analysis of influence of hybrid and classic moulds on the thermoplastic moulded part properties. Some of these influences are explained in detail, which was not found in the related papers. In this paper, a further step was made by optimizing the processing parameters in case of hybrid mould.
Using metallic resin and aluminum alloy molds to manufacture propellers with RP/RT technique
Authors: Hsu C.Y. , Huang C.K. , Tzou G.J.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This purpose of this study is to investigate an effective method to manufacture propellers.

Design/methodology/approach

The investment casting process and injection molding process have been applied separately to the rapid prototyping/rapid tooling (RP/RT) to obtain metal (Al‐Si alloy) propellers and plastic (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene – ABS) propellers. The two different manufacturing processes were compared following the same master model (MM). The Moldflow software is used to optimize the experimental parameters of the molding. Furthermore, a gypsum type of powder is used to produce the RP MM of the propeller according to the Pro‐E software. The RP MM then is filled with a metallic resin material (at room temperature) to obtain a wax mold. Then, this wax mold was coating by dipping the ZrO2 slurry to improve heat resistant ability, and following solidification, and then filled with metal alloy to obtain metal (Al‐Si alloy) propellers. Another process, the RP MM by dipping the ZrO2 slurry to increase the heat resistance and then is filled with aluminum alloy and an injection mold can be obtained, the plastic (ABS) propellers can be duplicated. To ensure the precision of dimension and improves the surface roughness for the RT (metallic resin mold and aluminum alloy mold), the contour of the duplicated molds were milling with the high‐speed CNC manufacturing program.

Findings

The advantage of this process is that combining the RP/RT system with the high‐speed CNC machining center enables easy production of injection molds.

Originality/value

This process provides engineers with a quick way to fabricate parts and modify the designs. This study demonstrates that this process provides a practical way to fabricate parts and saves the cost and time which increases market competition. The molds with high precision and good surface roughness were duplicated by the rapid‐prototype technique. Furthermore, this investigation demonstrates that: if the product contains special shapes? The material requires a large amount of cutting? or In the case of expensive and hard to machine materials, the proposed process is the best choice to duplicate cost‐effective mold.
Process repeatability and sources of error in indirect SLS of aluminium
Authors: Hopkinson Neil , Sercombe T.B.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the accuracy and repeatability of the indirect selective laser sintering of aluminium process.

Design/methodology/approach

This work characterised the shrinkage of indirect SLS aluminium parts during the various stages of production. Standard scale parts were measured using a Giddings and Lewis co‐ordinate measuring machine in both the green and infiltrated condition.

Findings

The experiments conducted show that most accuracy is lost during the furnace cycle and that the greatest loss of accuracy occurred in the Z dimension. Additionally the position of parts within the part bed in both X, Y and Z is shown to influence accuracy, with smaller parts being built closer to the edge of the bed later in the build. These results have been interpreted as being a result of the phenomenon of “Z‐growth”. Finally, the research shows that the overall accuracy of the indirect selective laser sintering of aluminium process is comparable with many existing processes such as investment casting.

Originality/value

Before any new material can be accepted, there is a need to not only fully characterise the dimensional accuracy attainable, but also to gain a thorough understanding of the processes that contribute to the inaccuracies. This paper addresses this need.
Applications of structural optimization in direct metal fabrication
Authors: Cansizoglu Omer , Harrysson Ola L.A. , West Harvey A. , Cormier Denis R. , Mahale Tushar
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Optimization techniques can be used to design geometrically complex components with a wide variety of optimization criteria. However, such components have been very difficult and costly to produce. Layered fabrication technologies such as electron beam melting (EBM) open up new possibilities though. This paper seeks to investigate the integration of structural optimization and direct metal fabrication process.

Design/methodology/approach

Mesh structures were designed, and optimization problems were defined to improve structural performance. Finite element analysis code in conjunction with nonlinear optimization routines were used in MATLAB. Element data were extracted from an STL‐file, and output structures from the optimization routine were manufactured using an EBM machine. Original and optimized structures were tested and compared.

Findings

There were discrepancies between the performance of the theoretical structures and the physical EBM structures due to the layered fabrication approach. A scaling factor was developed to account for the effect of layering on the material properties.

Practical implications

Structural optimization can be used to improve the performance of a design, and direct fabrication technologies can be used to realise these structures. However, designers must realize that fabricated structures are not identical to idealized CAD structures, hence material properties much be adjusted accordingly.

Originality/value

Integration of structural optimization and direct metal fabrication was reported in the paper. It shows the process from design through manufacturing with integrated analysis.
Factors influencing the establishment of knowledge‐intensive ventures
Authors: Madsen Henning , Neergaard Helle , Ulhøi John P.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The importance of entrepreneurial activities and the establishment of new ventures for economic growth and employment have long been recognized. However, the interactions of underlying mechanisms whihc influence this process have not been understood all that well. In the light of this, a deeper understanding of various mechanisms on which knowledge‐intensive entrepreneurship hinges is needed. This paper aims to investigate how the make‐up of financial, human and social capital impacts on entrepreneurial action.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a longitudinal study using both structured survey and in‐depth interview techniques, this research addresses the role and importance of financial capital, human capital and social capital in the organizational genesis and early growth of entrepreneurial activities.

Findings

Financial capital remains the most critical asset in the entrepreneurial process. However, possessing the right mixture of human and social capital is often a prerequisite for accessing the best capital sources as well as sufficient capital. The value of human and social capital, however, depends largely on the industry environment.

Originality/value

The findings give weight and insight to the understanding that it is important, for policy‐makers for example, to tailor support initiatives to specific industries.
Enterprise support for older entrepreneurs: the case of PRIME in the UK
Authors: Kautonen Teemu , Down Simon , South Laurie
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine the potential for and barriers to older enterprise as well as the role and contribution of specific enterprise support policy, focusing in particular on socially disadvantaged older people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a single case study of the Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) with multiple data sources, including a synthesis of current literature, PRIME self‐evaluation reports, interviews with PRIME personnel and results of a recent survey of 283 individuals who had contacted PRIME for enterprise advice and support.

Findings

The paper finds that, with respect to older enterprise support policy, the tentative results presented in this study seem encouraging in terms of a positive social and economic role for older enterprise support work. However, due to the limitations of the data, a number of questions need additional clarification in future research. Longitudinal research designs are required to investigate in more detail the additional social benefits generated by older enterprise support as well as concerns regarding deadweight and over‐investment.

Originality/value

The paper brings the experience of enterprise support practitioners into the debate about older entrepreneurship.