bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An anthropological emic‐etic perspective on open access practices
Authors: Xia Jingfeng
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine open access practices using an anthropological view of emics and etics.

Design/methodology/approach

An emic‐etic distinction has been theorized in anthropological research for decades. Its insider and outsider views are adopted here to provide greater understanding of open access development. The visions of various groups of academics, particularly faculty scholars and librarians, are explored to identify their different positions on open access involvement as well as the impact of those positions on open access practices.

Findings

This analysis reveals that new models of scholarly communication need to cope with existing systems and become sustainable only when the thoughts and behaviors of insiders have been fully understood by outsiders and appropriate strategies have been taken on in practice.

Originality/value

A theoretical framework was introduced to understand the practices of open access repositories and journal publishing.
The information‐related behaviour of emerging artists and designers
Authors: Mason Helen , Robinson Lyn
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to report an empirical study of the information‐related behaviour of emerging artists and designers. It also aims to add to understanding of the information behaviour of the group both as practising artists (a little understood category of information users), and also as “new practitioners”.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature analysis is used to guide creation of an online questionnaire, eliciting both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 78 practising artists participated, all having graduated in the seven years prior to the survey.

Findings

The group have generally the same information practices as more established artists. They place reliance on internet and social networks, while also using traditional printed tools and libraries. Browsing is important, but not a predominant means of accessing information. Inspiration is found from a very diverse and idiosyncratic set of sources, often by serendipitous means. Their status as emergent practitioners means that their information behaviour is governed by cost factors, and by needs for career advice and interaction with peers.

Research limitations/implications

The study group are a convenience sample, all having access to the internet. No observation or interviews were carried out.

Practical implications

The results will provide guidance to academic and public librarians serving artist users, and to those providing career advice to them. It will also be valuable to those providing services to “new practitioners” in any field.

Originality/value

This is one of a very few papers reporting empirical studies of the information behaviour of artists, and has the largest sample size of any such study. It is one of a very few papers considering the information needs and behaviour of new practitioners.
Online retrieval history; how it all began: some personal recollections
Authors: Hall J.L.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the history of online searching through the views of one of its pioneers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents, and comments on, the recollections of Jim Hall, one of the earliest UK‐based operators of, and writers on, online retrieval systems.

Findings

The paper gives an account of the development of online searching in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s.

Originality/value

The paper presents the perspective of one of the pioneers of online searching.
Small businesses in the new creative industries: innovation as a people management challenge
Authors: Hotho Sabine , Champion Katherine
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to present findings from an SME case study situated in the computer games industry, the youngest and fastest growing of the new digital industries. The study aims to examine changing people management practices as the case company undergoes industry‐typical strategic change to embark on explorative innovation and it seeks to argue that maintaining an organisational context conducive to innovation over time risks turning into a contest between management and employees, as both parties interpret organisational pressures from their different perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study design is used as the appropriate methodology to generate in‐depth qualitative data from multiple organisational member perspectives.

Findings

Findings indicate that management and worker perspectives on innovation as strategic change and the central people management practices required to support this differ significantly, resulting in tensions and organisational strain. As the company moves to the production of IP work, the need for more effective duality management arises.

Research limitations/implications

The single case study has limitations in terms of generalisability. Multiple data collection and triangulation were used to mitigate the limitations.

Practical implications

The economic contribution of small businesses in the new creative industries is widely acknowledged. While the sector shows high business birth rates, the business failure rate is equally high. This remains of concern for policy makers. This study aims to contribute to understanding why businesses in the sector either fail to grow or decline.

Social implications

The economic contribution of small businesses in the new creative industries is widely acknowledged. While the sector shows high business birth rates, the business failure rate is equally high. This remains of concern for policy makers. This study aims to contribute to understanding why businesses in the sector either fail to grow or decline.

Originality/value

Few qualitative studies have examined people management practices in the industry in the context of organisational/strategic change, and few have adopted a process perspective.
Do downsizing decisions affect organisational knowledge and performance?
Authors: Sitlington Helen , Marshall Verena
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the impact of downsizing and restructuring decisions and processes on perceptions of organisational knowledge and effectiveness after downsizing and restructuring events in “successful” and “unsuccessful” organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a conceptual framework hypothesising that the impact of decisions and processes on levels of organisational knowledge are key determinants of effectiveness in post‐downsizing and restructuring organisations. Data were collected using a survey instrument developed through review of literature along with focus group findings. Survey data are factor‐analysed to identify stable constructs for testing hypotheses using regression analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that the significance of the variables tested is found in those organisations considered by employees to be unsuccessful after downsizing and restructuring, rather than in their successful counterparts

Practical implications

The findings indicate that organisations undertaking downsizing or restructuring need to consider the organisational culture and climate with regard to knowledge retention and the potential impact of these initiatives to ensure that employee experiences are constructive. Support strategies such as counselling and training are important, as are job redesign, time for employee handover and documentation of procedures, if knowledge retention is to be maximised.

Originality/value

Although knowledge retention within organisations is generally accepted as desirable, little previous research has considered the impact of downsizing decisions or processes on knowledge retention. Additionally, data collected for this research were drawn from multiple respondents within a large number of organisations, providing breadth and depth of data for analysis.
Strategic capabilities, competitive strategy, and performance among retailers in Argentina, Peru and the United States
Authors: Parnell John A.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the influence of strategic capabilities on the business strategy‐performance relationship among retail businesses in Argentina, Peru, and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Zahra and Covin's self‐reported scale was amended and utilized to categorize businesses along Porter's typology. Strategic capability scales were adopted from DeSarbo and associates. Self‐reporting scales to assess relative competitive and objective performance in the present study were adopted from Ramanujam and Venkatraman. A survey containing these scales was administered to 277 attendees at a retail trade show in the USA. The survey – translated into Spanish – was distributed by mail and completed by 136 retailers in Peru and 163 retailers in Argentina.

Findings

Links were assessed among strategic capabilities, generic business strategies, and performance in retail businesses in Argentina, Peru and the USA. Support was found for links between the focus strategy and both marketing and linking capabilities, between the differentiation strategy and technology capabilities, and between the cost leadership strategy and management capabilities. The low cost‐differentiation combination strategy was associated with high performance in strategic groups whose businesses possess strong management and technology capabilities. These findings highlight the importance of developing strategy‐specific capabilities as a foundation for superior performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study relied on self‐reported assessments of competitive strategy, organizational capabilities, and performance. It utilized cluster analysis, assessed only retailers, and considered only three nations.

Originality/value

Extant strategic group research highlights the link between group membership and firm performance. The present study reinforces previous research. In addition, the presence of organization‐specific strategic capabilities helps to explain why some businesses outperform others in the same strategic group.
A postcolonial perspective on cultural identity: the Balti people “of” Pakistan
Authors: Dryland Estelle , Syed Jawad
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore issues of cultural identity of the people of Baltistan and any challenges they face in the nation state of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a postcolonial lens to offer a review and synthesis of issues of cultural identity of the Balti people of Pakistan.

Findings

The review demonstrates how the historical and socio‐political context is intertwined with the Balti people's cultural identity which remains hybrid as well as contextual in its construction. It reveals that while the state of Pakistan has been able to assert its control over the Balti people and the region of Baltistan predominantly through military means, the critical issues of cultural pluralism and the basic human rights of the Balti people have remained generally ignored throughout the 63 years since partition.

Research limitations/implications

The contentions offered in this paper need to be refined through in‐depth empirical studies. Future scholars may wish to examine the class and cultural politics at work in the emerging renaissance movement in Baltistan. Scholars may also examine how the lack of economic development and investment in Baltistan may be forcing the Balti people to resign (at least some elements of) their cultural identity to seek employment in urban areas of Pakistan.

Originality/value

The paper brings to the fore issues of cultural identity of the people of Baltistan, which have – to a large extent – remained ignored by Pakistan as well as internationally.
Abnormal stock returns, for the event firm and its rivals, following the event firm's large one‐day stock price drop
Authors: Yu Susana , Leistikow Dean
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine intra‐industry contagion and the following apparent violations of the efficient market hypothesis around large one‐day price decline events in individual stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines daily stock returns around one‐day price declines of 10 percent or more for event stocks and their rivals. Using techniques similar to those used in Bremer and Sweeney and Cox and Peterson, the paper includes event stocks whose prices are at least $10 per share prior to the event to reduce the possible price reversal induced by bid‐ask price bounce. As is typical for the literature, the stock daily abnormal return (AR) is calculated as the difference between the actual daily stock return and the estimated stock return based on the market model estimated over a 200‐trading‐day pre‐event period [−220, −21]. Cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) for each stock are formed by aggregating the individual daily stock ARs. Denoting the large price decline event day as day 0, we examine the ARs of 41 trading days [−20,+20], the CARs for the [+1,+3] period, and the CARs for the [+4,+20] period. Cross‐sectional average ARs and CARs are calculated and tested for statistical significance. Furthermore, the paper examines whether the post‐event abnormal stock returns for the event firm and its rivals can be explained by prior event firm and industry variables.

Findings

On average, after an event, the event stock experiences a positive three‐day AR (S&P 600 stocks) followed by a 17‐day negative AR (both S&P 500 and 600 stocks). Moreover, for that 17‐day period: the rivals' stocks outperform the event firms' stocks and the event firms' returns are statistically significantly related to prior variables. The paper also finds statistically significant relationships between the prior variables and the rivals' post‐event stock returns. It provides an intra‐industry effects explanation for these results.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into abnormal stock returns, for the event firm and its rivals, following the event firm's large one‐day stock price drop.
Consumer behaviour and sensory preference differences: implications for wine product marketing
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Saliba Anthony , Miller Bernadette
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Exploratory research was conducted in a well‐known Australian wine region to determine the differences in the behaviour dynamics and sensory preferences of consumer groups. The overall aim is to gain some insights into the product style preferences of consumers and what this means in practical terms to wine product marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Information was obtained from a random sample of 150 visitors to ten wineries in the Yarra Valley wine region in Australia. Data were collected by means of self‐administration surveys using a highly structured questionnaire at each of the winery tasting room venues.

Findings

Specific differences exist in the wine consumption behaviour and sensory preferences of males and females and between generational cohorts, specifically Millennial and older consumers. Females drink less wine than males, spend less thereon but tend to “compensate” for this by buying higher priced wine per bottle, which could represent a risk‐reduction strategy. Females are noticeably higher than their male counterparts in white wine consumption, showing a preference for a sweeter wine style at a young age, and reported a strong preference for medium body style wines over light and full‐bodied wines. From a sensory preference viewpoint, fruit tastes and aromas are by far the most important, especially among females, as are vegetative characters, wood/oak, and mouth‐feel characters. More males, on the other hand, preferred the aged characters of wine.

Research limitations/implications

It is possible to target wine consumers in accordance with their gender and lifecycle stage as far as the sensory and certain behavioural aspects of the product are concerned. However, this should not be oversimplified and drive product marketing strategies in the wrong direction.

Originality/value

This study is of value to academic researchers, wine industry practitioners and other wine distribution channel members alike, as it provides insights into consumer behaviour differences and one of the core tangible aspects of a wine product, namely the sensory preferences of consumers.
Consumer purchase intention for organic personal care products
Authors: Yeon Kim Hee , Chung Jae‐Eun
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine the effects of consumer values and past experiences on consumer purchase intention of organic personal care products, this study aims to consider further the moderating effect of perceived behavioral control on the attitude‐intention relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with 207 online panel members, and multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationships among the variables.

Findings

The results indicate that environmental consciousness and appearance consciousness positively influence attitude toward buying organic personal care products. The addition of past experiences as a predictor of purchase intention and perceived behavioral control as a moderator of the attitude‐purchase intention relationship yielded an improvement on the TPB model.

Practical implications

This study suggests that retailers can develop effective marketing strategies emphasizing ecological beauty, product safety, and affordable prices to increase consumers' intentions to buy organic personal care products.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insight into US consumer behavior regarding organic personal care products by examining the factors that influence consumers' attitudes toward buying organic personal care products and consumers' purchase intentions for the products. Furthermore, this study extends an application of the TPB by examining the moderating influence of perceived behavioral control on the attitude‐intention relationship.
Towards a better understanding of factors affecting transfer of brand associations
Authors: Boisvert Jean , Burton Suzan
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test and model the effect of parent brand salience, branding strategy and extension innovativeness positioning on the extent of transfer of associations from the parent brand to a brand extension.

Design/methodology/approach

A field experiment based on a 2×2×2 between‐subjects completely randomized factorial design involving 808 consumers was conducted. Three factors were manipulated: parent brand salience, product innovativeness, and the branding strategy.

Findings

The paper finds that, in addition to the main effects of salience and the branding strategy, all three factors jointly influence the extent of transfer of associations from a parent brand to an extension.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the external validity of a natural experiment, some uncontrolled factors may have influenced the results. Also, transfer was assessed within time constraints (i.e. the time to complete the survey). The “duration” of any transfer effect is likely to be related to the ad exposure, which could be tested in future research.

Practical implications

The findings are important for line extension development since they suggest that the launch of an extension can be designed to maximize or minimize transfer of brand associations from the parent brand to a new line extension, depending on the specific marketing objectives for the parent brand and/or extension.

Originality/value

This paper fills an important gap in the literature in terms of identifying product innovativeness, parent brand salience and the branding strategy as synergistic factors affecting transfer of brand associations for parent brands to their extensions.
Bundling or unbundling frequently purchased products: a mixed method approach
Authors: Arora Raj
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to use a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) approach to exploring the effectiveness of price bundling.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a concurrent, two‐studies design where quantitative and qualitative data are both collected (concurrently or sequentially) and analyzed separately. The first study is based on a nested experimental design, and the second study is based on in‐depth interviews. The setting for the study is frequently purchased products, specifically teeth‐whitening products. The bundled items are: teeth whitener, toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrush and dental floss. Various forms of discounts are tested to assess the effectiveness of bundles. While bundling has been investigated in marketing settings, the focus has been limited to consumer durables using quantitative scales. The experimental study is followed by a qualitative investigation in order to add further insight into the consumer's choice of a bundle. This mixed method approach provides rich narrative that adds important insights about the decision process and offers suggestions for advertising development.

Findings

The findings do not support a bundling approach. Although the consumers perceive higher value of the bundle, the attitudes, intentions and narratives support promoting these items individually rather than as a bundle.

Research limitations/implications

Caution is advised in extrapolating the results beyond the issues investigated in the study.

Practical implications

The findings suggest caution for marketers in designing product bundles, positioning, and promotion strategies.

Originality/value

There are three major contributions of this study. First, the current literature suggests price bundling is an effective strategy. This study suggests that for certain products bundling may not be effective. Second, the past literature has not investigated the influence of type of discount on effectiveness of a bundle. Third, most studies in price bundling are quantitative in nature. This study uses a mixed method approach. The quantitative study is followed by a qualitative study to add further insights that will help understand consumer motivations behind the preferences.
The wellness prescription
Authors: Goldman Sharon M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how loyalty marketers are inspiring and incentivizing consumers to stay healthy in the wake of sky‐rocketing health care costs and a new US health care bill.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is to tap into well‐known wellness program providers, like Virgin HealthMiles, CIGNA and CVS Caremark, to provide insight into how marketers are looking to utilize the “carrot” (positive incentives) to inspire consumers to stay healthy rather than the stick (punishment).

Findings

The new health care legislation signed by President Obama in March, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, has put a firm stamp of approval and support behind the use of incentives and rewards by health and wellness programs. In effect, loyalty marketing tactics are becoming a more important tool than ever in health care reform. Most noticeably, beginning in 2014, employers will be able to offer their workers an increased amount of rewards, worth up to 30‐50 percent of their health coverage costs, for participating in a wellness program and meeting health benchmarks. In addition, health insurance companies will be required to implement health and wellness promotion activities.

Practical implications

Deploying loyalty tactics by the “carrot” contingent has put into practice the growing disciplines of “behavioral economics” and “choice architecture” that have become hot topics over the past couple of years within various industries, including government and finance. Best‐selling books such as Freakonomics and Predictably Irrational have focused on behavioral economics, defined as the use of social, cognitive and emotional factors in understanding and influencing the decisions of individuals. Digital tools are being used to create a handy consumer‐direct link and motivational boost to the consumer‐pharmacy relationship. WellQ – a wellness behavior‐change program developed by LoyaltyOne in partnership with the American Pharmacists Association – seeks to help patients shift their own behavior around their medications and health care, with the help of their retail pharmacy, where consumers sign up and provide a profile of medications and current health habits. Through WellQ, they then begin to receive mobile text‐based reminders as well as bite‐size educational and motivational content around self‐care delivered to their cell phones.

Originality/value

The paper provides exclusive interviews with representatives from some of the largest wellness program providers in the industry today. It also gives tangible tips and tools to utilize in real‐world marketing plans.
Demand chain collaboration and operational performance: role of IT analytic capability and environmental uncertainty
Authors: Iyer Karthik N.S.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to enhance the extant understanding of the IT‐collaboration relationship. The study aims to test the robustness of the relationships among the concepts of IT analytic capability, demand chain collaboration and operational performance besides investigating the interaction effects of environmental uncertainty variables on the IT‐collaboration relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for testing the hypothesized relationships in the conceptual model were collected through a survey of managers in manufacturing firms from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) membership directory. The survey sample included 152 responses accounting for a response rate of 28 percent.

Findings

Findings suggest that while IT analytic capability associates positively with collaboration, the technological turbulence dimension of uncertainty enhances the above relationship. Market turbulence, however, was not found to have a significant moderating impact on the IT analytic capability‐collaboration relationship. The findings further support the link between collaboration and better operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

While the study focused on a specific IT capability – IT analytic capability – firms utilize other IT resources such as database systems and e‐commerce. These IT capabilities need to be investigated as well since they could bring different functionalities and influences. Besides, a richer understanding of the interacting variables could be obtained by incorporating a broadened set of contextual variables.

Practical implications

Deploying advanced IT analytic capabilities in firms facilitates collaborative endeavors among supply chain partners and ultimately results in operational improvements. However, managers should also understand that the IT capability‐collaboration link is contingent upon technological turbulence: firms operating in highly uncertain technological environments can best leverage IT analytic capabilities to improve collaboration and enhance performance.

Originality/value

Much of the evidence on the performance impact of specific IT capabilities in supply chains is still anecdotal and extant empirical research is insufficient to suggest an unambiguous performance linkage. A critical shortcoming in extant IT and SCM literature is research on the interaction effects of environmental uncertainty variables on the IT‐collaboration relationship. The study addresses these issues.
Multidimensional perspective of perceived value in industrial clusters
Authors: Callarisa Fiol Luis J. , Moliner Tena Miguel A. , Sánchez García Javier
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate that aspects of a rational or functional character and aspects of an emotional and social nature condition the perceived value of the exchange relationships among firms in an industrial cluster.

Design/methodology/approach:

The research uses structural equation models (SEM) to test the models and applies the maximum likelihood estimation method in all the causal models obtained in the course of the data analysis.

Findings

The results obtained support the hypotheses put forward, and in particular the importance of emotional and social values in industrial relations.

Research limitations/implications

Recent advances in consumer and services marketing consider that perceived value and satisfaction are central to explaining customer loyalty. However, very few studies in B2B explain the multidimensionality of perceived value. For this purpose, the authors test their working hypotheses in the Spanish ceramic tiles cluster. Specifically, they analyze the relationships between manufacturers and a supplier of frits, enamels and ceramic colors and related services.

Practical implications

An empirical study demonstrates that experience and interpersonal relationships are more important than price and switching costs in an industrial cluster context. The empirical study and the results provide evidence for managers: the critical influence of the emotional and social values perceived by the customer on his level of satisfaction and on the achievement of final loyalty.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of the most intangible dimensions of value for the relations between companies in an industrial cluster.
Effects of bulk Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compounds on the properties of Sn‐Ag‐Cu‐Ce soldered joints
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xue Song‐bai , Gao Li‐li , Sheng Zhong , Dai Wei , Ji Feng , Ye Huan , Chen Yan , Yu Sheng‐lin
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the formation and growth mechanism of bulk Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compounds, selecting Sn‐Ag‐Cu‐Ce solders as specimens.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to further enhance the properties of SnAgCu solder, trace amount of rare earth Ce was selected as alloying addition into the alloy; in previous investigations, the enhancements include better wettability, physical properties, creep strength and tensile strength. In this paper, the microstructure of Sn‐Ag‐Cu‐Ce soldered joints and its interfacial intermetallic compounds were investigated. Moreover, different morphologies of Cu6Sn5 IMCs were enumerated and described, and Ostwald ripening theory was employed to interpret the formation mechanism of bulk Cu6Sn5 IMCs.

Findings

In addition, based on finite element simulation, it is found that the von Mises stress concentrate around the bulk Cu6Sn5 IMCs inside the Sn‐Ag‐Cu‐Ce soldered joints after three thermal cycling loading (−55‐125°C). From the stress distribution, the failure site was predicted to fracture near the bulk Cu6Sn5 IMCs interface. This coincides with the experimental findings significantly.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper may provide a theory guide for developing novel lead‐free solders as well as reliability investigation of lead‐free soldered joints.
Addition of cobalt nanoparticles into Sn‐3.8Ag‐0.7Cu lead‐free solder by paste mixing
Authors: Tay S.L. , Haseeb A.S.M.A. , Rafie Johan Mohd
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of addition Co nanoparticles on the characteristic properties of Sn‐3.8Ag‐0.7Cu solder.

Design/methodology/approach

Cobalt (Co) nanoparticles were added to Sn‐Ag‐Cu solders by thoroughly blending various weight percentages (0‐2.0 wt%) of Co nanoparticles with near eutectic SAC387 solder paste. Blending was done mechanically for 30 min to ensure a homogeneous mixture. The paste mixture was then reflowed on a hot plate at 250°C for 45 s. The melting points of nanocomposite solder were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Spreading rate of nanocomposite was calculated following the JIS Z3198‐3 standard. The wetting angle was measured after cross‐sectional metallographic preparation.

Findings

No significant change in melting point of the solder was observed as a result of Co nanoparticle addition. The wetting angles of the solder increased with the addition of nanoparticles, while the spreading rate decreased. Although the wetting angle increased, the values were still within the acceptable range. Scanning micrograph observations revealed that the as‐solidified microstructure of the composite solder was altered by the addition of Co nanoparticles. Microhardness of the solders slightly increased upon Co nanoparticles addition to SAC387.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that a simple process like paste mixing can be used to incorporate nanoparticles into solder.
Thermal fatigue endurance of Sn3Ag0.5Cu0.5In0.05Ni and Sn2.5Ag0.8Cu0.5Sb solders in composite solder joints of LTCC/PWB assemblies
Authors: Nousiainen O. , Kangasvieri T. , Rautioaho R. , Vähäkangas J.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermal fatigue endurance of two lead‐free solders used in composite solder joints consisting of plastic core solder balls (PCSB) and different solder materials, in order to assess their feasibility in low‐temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC)/printed wiring board (PWB) assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach

The characteristic lifetime of these joints was determined in a thermal cycling test (TCT) over a temperature range of −40‐125°C. Their failure mechanisms were analyzed after the TCT using scanning acoustic and optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscope, and field emission scanning electronic microscope investigation.

Findings

The results showed that four different failure mechanisms existed in the test assemblies cracking in the mixed ceramic/metallization zone; or a mixed transgranular/intergranular failure occurred at the low temperature extreme; whereas an intergranular failure within the solder matrix; or separation of the intermetallic layer and the solder matrix occurred at the high temperature extreme. Sn3Ag0.5Cu0.5In0.05Ni was more resistant to mixed transgranular/intergranular failure, but had poor adhesion with the Ag3Sn layer. On the other hand, cracking in the mixed ceramic/metallization zone typically existed in the joints with Sn2.5Ag0.8Cu0.5Sb solder, whereas the joints with Sn3Ag0.5Cu0.5In0.05Ni were practically free of these cracks. The characteristic lifetimes of both test joint configurations were at the same level (800‐1,000) compared with joints consisted of Sn4Ag0.5Cu solder and PCSB studied earlier.

Originality/value

The study investigated in detail the failure mechanisms of the Sn3Ag0.5Cu0.5In0.05Ni and Sn2.5Ag0.8Cu0.5Sb solders under harsh accelerated test conditions. It was proved that these solders behaved similarly to the ternary SnAgCu solders in these conditions and no improvement can be achieved by utilizing these solders in the non‐collpasible solder joints of LTCC/PWB assemblies.
A comparative study of microstructure and mechanical properties among Cu/Sn/Cu, Ni/Sn/Ni and Cu/Sn/Ni solder joints
Authors: Wang Bo , Wu Fengshun , Wu Yiping , An Bing , Liu Hui , Zou Jian
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the solder joint with optimal mechanical properties among Cu/Sn/Cu, Ni/Sn/Ni and Cu/Sn/Ni solder joints.

Design/methodology/approach

Solder joints with the same specimen shape were prepared by reflow. The microstructures were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and tensile testing was carried out to investigate the mechanical properties.

Findings

The mechanical properties of solder joint correlate closely with the intermetallic compounds (IMC) layer structure and the dissociative IMC particles in the solder bulk. Under the influence of the opposite Cu bar, the Cu/Sn/Ni has a duplex IMC layer structure at the Ni side, involving a thin Ni‐Cu‐Sn IMC layer and a faceted (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 layer. The mechanical connection of the duplex IMC layers is weak due to the pores in the layers. The Cu/Sn/Ni fractures in the IMC layers in a brittle mode under tensile testing. Comparatively, the Ni/Sn/Ni also has duplex Ni3Sn4 layers, and they connect firmly with each other. The tensile fracture of the Ni/Sn/Ni occurs in the solder bulk in a ductile mode, as well as for the Cu/Sn/Cu. Compared with the Cu/Sn/Cu solder bulk, the solder bulk of the Ni/Sn/Ni and the Cu/Sn/Ni have higher ultimate tensile strengths, because the strengthening effect of the dissociative Ni3Sn4 and (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 particles on the solder bulk is stronger than that of the Cu6Sn5 particles. Among Cu/Sn/Cu, Ni/Sn/Ni and Cu/Sn/Ni, Ni/Sn/Ni has the optimal mechanical properties.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the significant influence of base material matching on the microstructure and mechanical properties of solder joints.
Brazil‐focused publications in leading business journals
Authors: Lahiri Somnath
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct an overview of Brazil‐focused publications that appeared in leading business journals between 1990 and 2008 by highlighting and ranking contributions of individual authors and their affiliating institutions, summarizing types of research, research topics and theoretical perspectives, analyzing citations received by different articles and developing agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 11 leading journals are selected on the basis of past research. A usable sample of 33 publications is obtained by conducting electronic database search for articles that focus on Brazil. Analysis of contributions, research designs, research topics, theoretical perspectives, and citations received by each article is conducted and various findings are discussed.

Findings

A total of 80 authors affiliated to 67 academic and seven non‐academic institutions from six geographic locations contributed to the research by examining a wide variety of business and related topics using different theoretical perspectives and research methodologies. Authors from US‐based institutions contributed more than others. Majority of top‐cited articles appeared in 2000 or thereafter.

Research limitations/implications

Inclusion of articles appearing in journals other than those considered can validate and supplement the current findings. Academicians and business students can benefit from the adopted methodology and findings regarding current and future research avenues relating to Brazil.

Practical implications

Practitioners and policy makers can benefit by learning what aspects of business at different levels of analysis are crucial for establishing or continuing business in Brazil or with Brazilian firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes by bringing together 19 years of research relating to business and management in Brazil and informing a large population comprising of business students, academicians, practitioners and policy makers.
Understanding how the strategy formation process interacts with the management of complex work
Authors: Aldraci Barbosa Lavarda Rosalia , Canet Giner María Teresa , Juan Peris Bonet Fernando
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the strategy formation process takes place studying the relevance of the integrative perspective and the use of the variables rationality, implication and vision, and verifying the relationship between an integrative strategy formation process and the management of work and the consequences of this relationship in terms of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted a qualitative methodology, specifically a simple case analysis, following a six‐stage process: establishing the research objectives, the theoretical research framework, unit and the level of analysis, selecting the study cases and a pilot case, and ellaborating the protocol for the case study analysis.

Findings

An integrative strategy formation process that combines with certain equilibrium rationality and emergence facilitates a more effective management of work, specifically of complex work. When the organisation permits a greater degree of participation, it is facilitating an improvement in organisational results (particularly with respect to professional works – administrative or engineering that add more complexity).

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of the fit between an integrative strategy formation process and the management of different types of work, considering that a better fit drives to better results.
Impact of globalization
Authors: Baffour Awuah Gabriel , Amal Mohamed
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the debate on the impact of globalization on the competitiveness of firms in least developed countries (LDCs). Two main research questions will be addressed. How does globalization affect the competitiveness of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in LDCs? How can SMEs handle opportunities and challenges emerging from globalization?

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology for this study is a conceptual attempt to review the existing literature and make some propositions about how SMEs can handle the opportunities and challenges emerging from globalization.

Findings

Building on a developed operational framework affecting the competitiveness of firms, some of the expected results are that firms' capabilities with regards to innovation, learning, and internationalization, which increase their competitiveness, are enhanced by institutional setups. Second, establishing relationships with governmental and non‐governmental institutions is crucial in terms of accessing resources, innovating, and entering into foreign markets.

Originality/value

The paper represents a contribution to the debate on the impact of globalization on the competitiveness of firms, particularly SMEs, in LDCs. Although globalization has brought considerable benefits to many actors worldwide, its impact on competitiveness of (SMEs) are controversial. We suggest that globalization's effects depend on the capability of firms to learning, to innovate, and also on the institutional setup in LDCs.
Trends and developments in humanitarian logistics – a gap analysis
Authors: Kovács Gyöngyi , Spens Karen M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present current trends and developments in humanitarian logistics (HL) practice, research, and education, and analyze the gaps between these. The article serves as an update on previous literature reviews in HL.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is primarily conceptual and develops a framework for analyzing trends and gaps between HL research, education, and practice. Data are compiled through keyword searches, publicly available bibliographies, and web sites of educational institutions, as well as drawing on material from practitioner workshops, tutorials, conference presentations, and personal communication with practitioners and educators.

Findings

Gaps are revealed in HL practice, research, education, as well as between these. Few education programs to date consider the skill needs of humanitarian logisticians, but future trends in practice and research can be used to develop them further. More empirical and practice‐near research is called for at the same time as there is a need for comparative analyses, generic models, and theory building in HL.

Research limitations/implications

Any attempt to grasp current trends in a field is delimited by a lack of overview of the activities of an abundance of HL and fragmented research communities. The article advocates a broader view and openness across organizations and disciplines.

Practical implications

The gap analysis indicates not only trends but also gaps in HL practice and highlights the need to consider new societal pressures such as climate change and urbanization.

Social implications

HL is concerned with serving beneficiaries; thus, their welfare is at the core of the discipline.

Originality/value

Several articles have reviewed HL research before, but gaps between practice, research, and education have not yet been addressed.
The disabled student experience: does the SERVQUAL scale measure up?
Authors: Vaughan Elizabeth , Woodruffe‐Burton Helen
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test a new disabled service user‐specific service quality model ARCHSECRET against a modified SERVQUAL model in the context of disabled students within higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of SERVQUAL in the voluntary sector had raised serious issues on its portability into this sector in general and its ability to measure the experience of the disabled service user in particular. In consequence, a disabled service user‐specific service quality model – ARCHSECRET – was developed which led to this research being designed to compare ARCHSECRET and a modified SERVQUAL model in terms of their ability to predict and explain the variation in the service quality experience of disabled students in higher education.

Findings

ARCHSECRET was superior to the modified SERVQUAL in terms of its overall predictive power; ARCHSECRET key drivers were different and better in predictive power than those of the modified SERVQUAL; and ARCHSECRET was found to be reliable and valid for the measurement of the disabled student experience in higher education, while acting as a diagnostic tool for the identification of service quality shortfalls.

Research limitations/implications

The reported research should be regarded as a pilot study whose results are worthy of further investigation among larger samples of disabled service users.

Originality/value

It is held that the disabled service user‐specific ARCHSECRET model has made a positive contribution to the measurement of service quality within the context of disabled students in higher education while demonstrating its superiority over the SERVQUAL scale which did not quite “measure up”.
What's a comment worth? How to better understand student evaluations of teaching
Authors: Wongsurawat Winai
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the value of the written comments section on student evaluations of teaching and develop a framework to improve the interpretability of such data.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews past investigations into the reliability and interpretability of student evaluations of teaching, and then constructs a framework that can potentially improve the value of data gathered from written comments.

Findings

It is shown that including information about the congruence of the comment writer's empirical ratings with those of the average class participant may help instructors separate thoughtful comments that represent the majority sentiment from attitudes of a vocal minority or those with personal biases.

Practical implications

The proposed scheme can be implemented electronically while preserving the confidentiality of the evaluators.

Originality/value

The paper offers constructive suggestions on improving the written comments section, a component of student evaluations of teaching that has so far received little systematic appraisal.