bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary ecology and organizations: a conversation between a biologist and an organization development practitioner
Authors: Davis Heather G. , Kim Barnes B.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Natural science principles allow a novel way to gain insight into human organizations. The paper aims to highlight this by using the format of a conversation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors discuss six key concepts from the science of evolutionary ecology selected by the first author, a natural scientist. The second author then applies observations of large and small organizations from her 40‐year career in organization development. Finally, the authors present the resulting ideas in the form of a conversation.

Findings

This exercise provides an interesting window into understanding organizational behavior.

Practical implications

As practitioners of applied behavioral science recognize that human organizations are merely a microcosm of the natural world, they can develop fresh approaches for study and practice by applying concepts from evolutionary ecology.

Originality/value

The application of evolutionary ecology to human organizations will be a novel experience for most practitioners. As such, it offers an innovative perspective and an opportunity to improve understandings of the systems in which we all work.
The importance of the trainer: factors affecting the retention of clients in the training services sector
Authors: Brotherton Jonathon , Evans Carl
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect customer retention in the training services sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the customer base of a national training provider, interviews were initially carried out in order to explore attitudes, perceptions and opinions relating to the trainer‐client relationship, before a questionnaire was issued to 200 randomly selected organisations.

Findings

It is found that the role of the individual trainer is the crucial factor in retaining business clients, with quality of training delivered and the professionalism of the trainer being of utmost importance. Moreover, the relationship developed between training supplier and client is largely based upon the continuity of the trainer rather than the desire of clients to engage with relationship‐enhancing aspects such as engaging in regular dialogue with a named contact.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes by discussing the need to develop this work by analysing different industrial segments, since training in some sectors, such as healthcare, is a mandatory requirement and may therefore have specific client demands.

Originality/value

Few studies on the trainer‐client relationship exist. This paper therefore has important practical implications for training providers, who may base their marketing activities on relationship enhancing endeavours.
Coaching for better results: key practices of high performance leaders
Authors: Longenecker Clinton O.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of workplace coaching and offers insight into the various coaching practices that are necessary to produce better employee performance and results.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on a survey of 219 experienced managers who were asked to respond to a series of questions on the subject of coaching on a four point strongly agree to strongly disagree scale and references previous research in the discussion.

Findings

Key findings include that participant managers consider: coaching to be critical to their success and the success of their employees; coaching requires individualized strategies based on the employee's ability and motivation; employees do not always receive the coaching they want and need; and managers believe that they have considerable room for development in this critical leadership practice.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation of this descriptive study is the use of a targeted convenience sample which might restrict the generalizability of these findings.

Practical implications

Implications of this research include: organizations placing greater effort in assisting managers to develop their coaching talents; managers tailor‐making coaching strategies for individual employees; and creating a better understanding of the factors that drive employee performance and what managers can and should do to impact these factors.

Originality/value

This paper moves away from the concept of “generic” coaching and makes a very strong case for “individualized approaches” to employee coaching and for managers to give coaching greater time and priority on a daily basis as leaders.
Enabling role of an intranet to augment e‐coaching
Authors: Averweg Udo Richard
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper has the aim of exploring whether virtual coaching in an organisation may be facilitated and enabled by intranet technology for the creative dialogue of e‐coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the e‐coaching, the enabling role of technology, and intranet technology and intranets literature is undertaken. It is then argued that by adopting an autopoietic view of an intranet, virtual coaching may be facilitated and enabled by intranet technologies for the creative dialogue of e‐coaching in an organisation.

Findings

Rather than intranet technology and intranets being simply an add‐on to established processes in an organisation, technology and coaching are synthesised into something new and exciting in the e‐coaching domain.

Research limitations/implications

The six implications for organisations suggested in the paper are not inclusive, but may provide an avenue for research in the evolving e‐coaching domain. A research entry point may be the development and validation of a theoretical framework for e‐coaching.

Practical implications

In order that e‐coaching may be seen as a development partnership, six implications for organisations are suggested.

Originality/value

E‐coaching can be seen as a developmental partnership in which much learning can take place using e‐mail but will be augmented by the enabling role of an intranet.
The social context of training: coworker, supervisor, or organizational support?
Authors: Chiaburu Dan S.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand existing tests of what drives training transfer, by including support originating from three sources, i.e. one's coworkers, supervisor, and organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are based on a sample of trainees attending professional development programs in one organization in the USA.

Findings

Coworkers emerge as important, yet neglected, resources employees can draw on as support for both maintaining skills and transferring them to a workplace setting.

Practical implications

If the results are supported in other studies, more attention should be given to coworker support interventions.

Originality/value

The study provides a first test of the extent to which support originating from three different sources (i.e. coworkers, supervisor, and organization) is related to maintaining and transferring skills acquired during training.
Determining the influence of surface roughness on materials flow of various materials using grid lines during cold forming
Authors: Çetinarslan Cem S. , Sahin Mumin
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of surface roughness on materials flow of various materials using grid lines during cold forming.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is focused on the investigation of the influence of the surface roughness on the materials flow for different materials using grid lines in the upsetting. Stainless steel, SAE 1020 steel, commercially pure aluminum, commercially pure copper and CuZn40Pb2 brass are used as the test materials. Upsetting process is applied to the cylindrical specimens using the flat end dies. Strain distributions on the free surfaces of cylindrical upset specimen are measured for different upsetting reductions. Strain distributions on the free surfaces are obtained by the measurements of the dimensions of the square grid elements before and after the upsetting process. Experimental results are placed into graphical plots.

Findings

It is found that surface roughness is effectual on the strain changes on the free surfaces with the increasing deformation ratio for especially two types of steel specimens. There has been no considerable effect on aluminum, copper and brass specimens.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to search the surface roughness, Rsk and other parameters describing the bearing properties of the surface of more materials. Future work could be concentrated on the cold forming of these materials.

Practical implications

Different forming technologies are nowadays widely applied in mass production of mechanical components for needs of transportation, electronics, household appliances, etc. In order to reduce costs, manufacturers are trying to minimize additional machining and therefore to implement the influence of surface roughnesses on materials flow of various materials.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is to contribute to studies on the influence of surface roughness on materials flow of various materials.
Fluid dynamics of axial piston seal
Authors: Yang Jian
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, theoretically and experimentally, the sealing performance of the axial piston seal on a larger diameter (100 mm in diameter) axial piston and reveal the sealing mechanism of the axial piston.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the characteristics of the clearance flow between the seal and the piston, reasonable boundary conditions for Navier‐Stokes' equations are determined and the equations are modified, so that the final equations can describe the real flow state of the clearance flow.

Findings

Through combining the final equations with finite element method, the pressure distributions within the clearance field for the sealing part during the reciprocating motion of the piston and the leakage rate with the pressure are obtained. The deflections of the sealing part which affect sealing performance have been given.

Originality/value

Theoretical and experimental results show the internal relationship between the seal and the piston, also help to develop some newer piston pumps and improve on the seals of present high‐pressure piston pumps.
Lubricating behavior of tripod sliding universal joints
Authors: Wang X.F. , Chang D.G.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the lubricating properties of the tripod sliding universal joint (TSUJ) in order to overcome its premature failures caused by the poor lubricating regime.

Design/methodology/approach

A simplified geometrical model is derived from the main mating surfaces redesigned, and then the effects of the applied load and reduced elastic modulus, as well as the lubricant viscosity on the pressure and film thickness, are theoretically studied by using multi‐level methods.

Findings

The obtained results show that increasing applied load increases the overall pressure distribution and decreases the overall film thickness. Higher viscosity results in a thicker oil film and a remarkable second pressure peak even exceeding the central pressure. High‐reduced elastic modulus increases the overall pressure but hardly influences on the film thickness.

Research limitations/implications

Numerical analysis on the lubricating properties of TSUJ has been carried out on the basis of the simplified geometrical model. However, there are other factors affecting the lubricating performance such as temperature and surface roughness and so on. Besides, the corresponding experimental investigation should be conducted in the succeeding work.

Originality/value

This work is a new application of elastohydrodynamic lubrication in practical viewpoint and provide a new direction in designing futuristic tripod universal joints. Thus, the results are of great value for its design and application.
Tribological evaluation of selected biodegradable oils with long chain fatty acids
Authors: Victor Ossia Chinwuba , Gu Han Hung , Kong Hosung
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate local biodegradable oils with long chain fatty acids namely: castor (Ricinus communis L.), jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.), olive (Oleo europaea L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) oils for lubrication candidacy as a substitute to petroleum mineral oils.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluation criteria includes antiwear, lubricity, and extreme pressure (load carrying capacity) using the four‐ball configuration, oxidation induction by pressure differential scanning calorimetry, thermal stability by thermo‐gravimetric analyses, and viscometry using relevant American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.

Findings

The results show that the lubrication films at the interface failed by the decomposition of the metallic soaps formed by the chemical reaction of the constituent fatty acid molecules and the rubbing surfaces. The biodegradable oils show superior lubricant performance compared to the paraffin‐based mineral oil, despite their poor oxidation stability. Oxidation induction and thermo‐gravimetric characteristics of the biodegradable oils are closely related to their polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acid composition.

Originality/value

The paper shows how these biodegradable oils could be used as good substitute for petroleum mineral oils in as‐received state or little antioxidant additives.
Effect of load and sliding velocity on tribological behaviors of aramid fiber reinforced PA1010 composites
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhu Zhencai , Chen Guoan , Qu Chao
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze the effect of applied load and sliding velocity on the tribological behaviors of aramid fiber (AF) reinforced PA1010 which can be a potential material for transmission components.

Design/methodology/approach

The PA1010 composites with different content of AF are prepared and the tribology experiments are conducted on a block‐on‐ring wear tester under different experiment conditions. The wear mechanism of the composite is examined by means of scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The addition of AF decreased the friction coefficient of PA1010 and increased its wear resistance. For optimal tribological properties 5∼15 wt% AF is preferred, while the wear resistance is best at 15 wt%. The friction coefficient decreased with increasing load and sliding velocity, but it is more sensitive to load. The main wear mechanism is abrasive wear at relatively low load and sliding velocity. With the increasing of load, the adhesive wear occurs in the matrix, meanwhile obvious fibrillation and layer peeling are observed on the fiber. When the sliding velocity increases, thermal adhesion and fiber debonding is the dominant mechanism.

Practical implications

PA1010 is a useful material for the alternative material of transmission components in industry.

Originality/value

PA1010 composite is prepared with a new kind of AF fiber and the tribology experiments have been carried out emphasizing on the variation of experiment conditions. The results could be useful for the material engineers.
Are we doing the right thing?
Authors: Giangreco Antonio , Carugati Andrea , Sebastiano Antonio
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to advance the debate regarding the use of training evaluation tools, chiefly the Kirkpatrick model, in reaction to minimal use of the tools reported in the literature and the economic changes that have characterised the industrialised world in the past 20 years.

Design/methodology/approach

The main argument – the need to design new evaluation tools – emerges from an extensive literature review of criticism of the Kirkpatrick model. The approach is deductive; the argument emerges from extant literature.

Findings

The main findings of the literature review show that the major criticisms of the Kirkpatrick model, though rigorous, are not relevant in today's post‐industrial economy. Issues of complexity, accuracy and refinement, which are relevant in stable industrial organisations, must be revised in the new economic world.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a literature review and presents a call for new research. As such, it is not grounded in original empirical evidence, beyond that presented in the cited articles.

Practical implications

The paper calls for training evaluation tools that align better with modern organisational reality. If the research community responds to this call, the results will benefit practitioners directly. This paper also presents practical advice about the use of existing evaluation techniques.

Originality/value

A new angle on criticisms of existing training evaluation systems does not reiterate classic criticisms based on logic and mathematics but rather takes a pragmatic and economic approach. Thus, this paper offers evidence of theoretically grounded paradoxes of the consequences of existing criticisms of training evaluation.
Exploring expatriates' behavioural reaction to institutional injustice on host country level
Authors: Forstenlechner Ingo
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to knowledge on the environment of self‐initiated expatriates and their perception of justice in their host country, to identify whether the concept of perceived host country justice applies to, or is relevant to, self‐initiated expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 33 interviews were conducted in two host countries and responses were clustered to identify emerging themes.

Findings

Self‐initiated expatriates perceive justice and support from their host country in a similar way to how employees perceive organizational justice, though the consequences may not follow negative perception as quickly as they do in the organizational context.

Originality/value

This paper builds on a new subject perspective, there is no previous literature aiming to transfer perception of justice models from an organizational perspective to a national level.
The effects of demotion on older and younger employees
Authors: Josten Edith , Schalk René
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Demotion is sometimes recommended as an instrument for extending older workers' labor force participation. There is, however, very little research on the effects of demotion on employees. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate these effects, and to test whether they differ for older and younger workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data come from a biannual panel study among employees working in health care or social services. There were 45 cases of demotion among older employees (aged 45 or over) and 62 cases among younger employees in the data set. The control group consisted of 7,727 cases in which there had been no change in function.

Findings

Employees who were demoted had more feelings of exhaustion prior‐to the demotion than employees who did not change function. The demotion only reduced the levels of exhaustion in the case of older employees who moved to a less physically demanding position. Satisfaction with job content decreased regardless of age group or changes in physical workload.

Research limitations/implications

The number of demotions was relatively small. There was no information on the reasons for the demotion. Therefore, we could not test whether the effects of demotion vary according to the reason for the demotion.

Practical implications

In light of the results of this study, employers who are considering demoting an employee should check carefully whether there are other suitable options that have fewer negative consequences for the employee.

Originality/value

There is very little empirical research on the effects of demotion – this paper fills some of the gaps.
Horizontal and vertical communication as determinants of professional and organisational identification
Authors: Bartels Jos , Peters Oscar , de Jong Menno , Pruyn Ad , van der Molen Marjolijn
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of a study into the relationship between horizontal and vertical communication and professional and organisational identification.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out at a large hospital in The Netherlands with multiple locations. Hospital employees (n = 347) completed a written questionnaire.

Findings

The results show that although employees identify more strongly with their profession than with their organisation, there is a positive connection between professional and organisational identification. Dimensions of vertical communication are important predictors of organisational identification, whereas dimensions of horizontal communication are important predictors of professional identification.

Research limitations/ implications

Identification with the overall organisation does not depend primarily on the quality of contact with immediate colleagues within a work group or department; rather, it depends more on appreciation of the communication from and with the organisation's top management.

Practical implications

Management should find a balance between communication about organisational goals and individual needs, which is crucial in influencing professional and organisational identification.

Originality/value

Previous research has shown a positive link between the communication climate at a specific organisational level and the employee's identification with that level. The current study adds to this concept the influence of horizontal and vertical dimensions of communication on identification among different types of employees.
Managerial training effectiveness
Authors: Skylar Powell K. , Yalcin Serkan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to add to the significant contributions of past research by assessing what the overall effectiveness of managerial training has been over a period of 50 years and by identifying changes in overall effectiveness during this time period. Additionally, this study aims to evaluate what the overall findings on the effectiveness of training has been based on study design and subgroups focusing on the equivalent of Kirkpatrick's famous learning, behavior, and results outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study quantitatively integrates and extends the literature on management training through a meta‐analytic procedure. The resulting sample of past research includes studies from the time period between 1952 and 2002, representing 85 interventions and 4,779 subjects.

Findings

The results do not suggest a great deal of improvement in the effectiveness of managerial training from 1952 through 2002 and effect sizes have remained moderate. Additionally, outcome subgroup appears to moderate results. Specifically, programs implemented to achieve learning outcomes tended to have the largest effect sizes and were consistently significant relative to programs targeted at behavior and results outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The implications are directly related to the selection of evaluation methods for future studies assessing the effectiveness of managerial training programs. This implication is important to both the academic community and practitioners. The limitations of this study include the possible exclusion of past research and the heterogeneity of assessment methods used in past research, beyond the broad categories of objective and subjective assessment.

Originality/value

In addition to identifying the moderating effect of outcomes being measured, the main contribution of this study is that it covers a large time period. As a result, the analysis offers a more expanded view of managerial training over time.
Assessing the effects of organizational identification on in‐role job performance and learning behaviour
Authors: Chughtai Aamir Ali , Buckley Finian
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of organizational identification on in‐role job performance and two learning behaviours, namely, feedback seeking and error communication. Furthermore, this research aims to establish the mediating role of learning goal orientation in the relationship between organizational identification and the three outcome variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this paper were gathered from 130 high school teachers drawn from six schools operating in Pakistan. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that organizational identification has significant unique effects on in‐role job performance and error communication; whereas, it influences feedback seeking indirectly through learning goal orientation. Additionally, the findings of this paper reveal that learning goal orientation mediates the effects of organizational identification on the three outcome variables.

Research limitations/implications

The present paper uses a cross‐sectional research design and hence it is not possible to make inferences about causation. Also, the data for this study are collected from a single source, which creates the problem of common method variance. However, in spite of these limitations the results of this study indicate that organizational identification can play a pivotal role in enhancing organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

This is the first study which assesses the impact of organizational identification on learning goal orientation, feedback seeking and error communication. Moreover, it is one of the few studies which has empirically established the link between organizational identification and job performance.
Embracing sustainability
Authors: Jeffers Patrick I.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Resource‐based view proposes that possessing valuable, rare information technology (IT) resources that competitors cannot easily reproduce or replicate provides a competitive advantage, but mere ownership of such resources is no guarantee of competitiveness. There is a need also for a strategy paradigm that embraces the wider concerns of social and environmental sustainability as pressing issues of the twenty‐first century. “Operations‐as‐marketing” is a proven value‐chain based paradigm that calls for transforming operations from merely focusing on internal efficiency into a potent strategic marketing weapon, precisely targeted toward fulfilling customers' needs. Many leading companies have discovered latent economic benefits from adopting the tenets of corporate sustainability. By first establishing that corporate sustainability translates commercially into customer‐centric, lean productivity, the paper examines the potential mediating role of an “operations‐as‐marketing” strategy in framing IT investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses path analysis, involving a sample of third‐party logistics (3PL) firms.

Findings

Evidence supports the leading contention, thus outlining a customer‐centrism approach to enhancing the financial performance of 3PL firms.

Research limitations/implications

The research demonstrates a proven decision‐making framework for guiding IT investments that can allow proactive nurturing of a competitive advantage. The main drawback is sample size, although established guidelines suggest adequacy and several diagnostics provided reassurance against any major statistical drawbacks.

Practical implications

In the face of globalization and other social and environmental issues, the model suggests three key areas of focus for IT investments in proactively enhancing firm performance. It should prove a useful extension to existing strategy literature in the face of an impending paradigm shift.

Originality/value

The paper makes two important contributions: it represents one of the first empirical studies to apply the “operations‐as‐marketing” paradigm to the strategic objectives of IT investment decisions, and it addresses a notable void in extant research by exploring a possible strategic link between IT and market orientation.
Customer feedback mechanisms and organisational learning in service operations
Authors: Caemmerer Barbara , Wilson Alan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents and consequences of the implementation of different customer feedback mechanisms with regard to their contribution to organisational learning that leads to service improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical case organisation is chosen to explore the link between the implementation of customer feedback mechanisms and organisational learning from a middle management and employee perspective. Method triangulation is adopted, gathering qualitative and quantitative data.

Findings

Organisational learning in relation to service improvement is influenced by the interplay between the way data are gathered through customer feedback mechanisms and implemented at a branch or business unit level. The implementation depends on attitudes of middle management towards such mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies might investigate whether the findings can be replicated in other operational settings and triangulate the data with customer perceptions of service improvement.

Practical implications

Customer feedback mechanisms at an organisational and business unit level need better integration. To gather customer feedback that enables more meaningful decision‐making to improve services, middle management needs to have a stronger involvement in the design and implementation of customer feedback mechanisms. Central efforts have to be placed on the support of middle management in the interpretation and use of data that is gathered through organisation‐wide feedback initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to extant knowledge by integrating the fields of service performance management practices, in this case the implementation of customer feedback mechanisms, and organisational learning.
Dynamic supplier management in the automotive industry
Authors: Aláez‐Aller Ricardo , Carlos Longás‐García Juan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an explanation and set out the reasons for the change in supply strategy from sole sourcing to split sourcing at an automotive assembly plant. In that context, this paper highlights the advantages of split sourcing over earlier strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The information on which this paper is based comes chiefly from two sets of qualitative interviews staged in 1996 and 2003 at automotive supplier plants in northern Spain. Particular attention is paid to suppliers working with sequenced deliveries located close to the Volkswagen plant in Navarre. The vehicle model manufactured changes between the interviews. A comparison of the two pieces of fieldwork reveals changes in the plant's supply strategy.

Findings

A comparison between the supply strategies of a plant for two successive, distinct models provides empirical support for the idea that supply strategies evolve. The need is also demonstrated for the first time to consider individual plants expressly, since significant cost savings can be made at this level at two key times: when switching models and during model life‐times. These cost savings depend clearly on the type of buyer‐supplier relationship established at plant level.

Practical implications

The most significant conclusion for practitioners concerns the need to design a supply strategy from a dynamic approach that specifically considers the plant level.

Originality/value

The basic contribution of this paper is that it examines changes over time in outsourcing decisions in the automotive industry by incorporating the viewpoint of individual plants. Following this approach, the evolution from sole sourcing to split sourcing is described and interpreted. The paper also stresses the need to analyse procurement strategies in evolutionary terms (i.e. as being reconfigured in line with experience).
Adaptive reuse potential
Authors: Shen Li‐yin , Langston Craig
Published: January 2010

Purpose

Adaptive reuse of existing building stock that has reached the end of its useful life, but not its physical life, is an important ingredient in the necessary adaptation of the constructed environment due to the impact of climate change and the need to conserve valuable resources into the future. This paper aims to advance previous research that has developed a means to predict adaptive reuse potential (ARP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted by comparing ARP (ARP) between urban and non‐urban settings drawn from case studies in both Hong Kong and Australia. The results are also compared to a database of 64 completed adaptive reuse case studies worldwide to provide a comparative benchmark against which to assess the findings.

Findings

Through application of the ARP model, mean values are determined for a number of variables that suggest that the model relates equally well to different contexts. However, the data further suggest that the 12 urban cases in Hong Kong have a lower ARP score on average than the 12 non‐urban cases in Australia, yet the maximum ARP score possible is higher.

Research limitations/implications

The paper indicates that adaptive reuse intervention in Hong Kong is too late and valuable opportunity for economic, social and environmental gain is delayed.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful means to assist decision‐making on how to handle or use existing buildings. Understanding adaptive reuse potential of existing buildings is important and this study provides an effective method for supporting this understanding.

Originality/value

The means to predict ARP in previous studies is advanced in this study.
Managing the needs of end‐users in the design and delivery of construction projects
Authors: Pemsel Sofia , Widén Kristian , Hansson Bengt
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The two‐fold purpose of this paper is identifying areas of difficulty in managing the needs of end‐users in the course of the design and delivery of construction projects and suggesting possible solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of the paper is the interaction between three principal parties: end‐users, project leader (a selected end‐user) and facility planner (a facilities professional). The context is two projects in the public sector: a university and a hospital. The end‐users of both are known from the start and participate in the whole process. The paper is based on a case study comprising 12 interviews – seven end‐users and five professionals.

Findings

The research shows that during the project's design and delivery, communication and attitudinal problems have to be managed alongside the inherent difficulty of understanding end‐users' real needs. To help in managing these issues, facility planners relied heavily on pedagogical and behavioural skills, rather than formalised methods as found in the literature.

Practical implications

The findings highlight areas of difficulty for managers and planners and how these areas were handled in practice. Suggestions on how to resolve some of the areas are presented and discussed.

Originality/value

Much of the research related to managing end‐users focuses on how to extract value from the construction process, for instance providing greater flexibility and improved air quality. This paper concentrates on relations between parties who are central to the briefing, design and delivery process
Exploring outer space technologies for sustainable buildings
Authors: Pheng Low Sui , Ting Goh Xiu
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and identify the potential outer space technologies that can be used in the construction industry to enhance sustainability in buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Outer space technologies developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the USA are explored for possible use in sustainable construction within the context of the Green Mark scoring system implemented by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore. NASA's voltage controller and self‐illuminating materials are identified and mapped with the energy efficiency criteria of the Green Mark Scheme. The mapping exercise suggests that Green Mark points can be enhanced through appropriate adoption of these technologies.

Findings

The Green Mark points that are re‐computed can show significant enhancements when the two potential outer space technologies are to be used in the building.

Research limitations/implications

National security and patent issues as well as related cost implications associated with the use of outer space technologies are not considered in the study. This may be a limitation because developers often deem costs to be an important consideration.

Practical implications

Appropriate outer space technologies do appear to enhance the assessment criteria in the Green Mark Scheme.

Originality/value

This exploratory study provides a bridge between outer space technologies and sustainable buildings. The study is original in that the bridge is the first ever attempt to further enhance the sustainability agenda, through additional Green Mark points, using potential outer space technologies developed by NASA.
Value management practice by South African quantity surveyors
Authors: Bowen Paul , Cattell Keith , Edwards Peter , Jay Ian
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the nature and extent of value management (VM) practice by professional quantity surveyors in South Africa. The survey explores practitioners' awareness and understanding of VM and the nature and extent of the use of VM techniques within their organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based, online questionnaire survey is employed to establish VM practice by South African registered quantity surveyors. Descriptive statistics are used to analyse the survey response data.

Findings

The results suggest that, while VM (and more particularly its value engineering antecedent) is generally known among quantity surveyors in South Africa, it is less widely practiced. VM is seen predominantly as a cost reduction tool. This misperception, and the lack of awareness of the potential benefits of VM, must be remedied if quantity surveyors in South Africa are to provide clients with services that meet world's best practice standards. Quantity surveyors also need to know what those standards are.

Practical implications

Refresher courses in contemporary VM theory and practice are recommended, as well as exploration of the impacts on VM of other techniques such as risk, quality and environmental management.

Originality/value

The findings are important given the increasing globalization of construction services, especially given the international ties between designers, quantity surveyors and other built environment professionals.
The extent of use of relationship marketing in the UK FM sector
Authors: Sarshar Marjan , Sertyesilisik Begum , Parry Paul
Published: January 2010

Purpose

In today's business world customers of all industry sectors are becoming more informed as to the level of choice and competition for their custom. This has led to the requirement for businesses to develop and maintain marketing strategies that will increase their competitiveness within their respective sector. Relationship marketing (RM) is a marketing theory, which has benefited businesses in many other sectors, though the concepts may be fairly new in the facilities management (FM) sector. This study is concerned with the review of the fundamental principles of RM, and its benefits for the FM sector. The purpose of this paper is to test whether the FM sector in the UK is aware of the RM theory, and is implementing this theory in its day‐to‐day practices. Research aims are to: investigate the level of understanding present in the FM industry with regards to RM; and to ascertain the benefits that could be available for the industry if an RM orientation is to be employed.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the literature review, a questionnaire is distributed to the members of the British Institute of Facilities Management in the North of England.

Findings

The survey identifies the FM industry's capability of using many RM strategies, however, the industry does not classify its customers at present, in order to deliver more targeted services.

Originality/value

The study reveals that the FM sector understands RM and that RM is a concept that the industry would benefit from.
Pilot trials of immersion silver deposition using a choline chloride based ionic liquid
Authors: Smith Emma L. , Abbott Andrew P. , Griffin Jason , Harris Robert C. , O'Connor Cecil , Ryder Karl S.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the optimisation of protocols for the immersion coating of silver onto copper‐track printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies, using a novel class of ionic liquid and to show the implementation of the scale up process.

Design/methodology/approach

Various conditions (temperatures and silver concentrations) are studied individually under laboratory conditions and then optimised for a pilot scale demonstrator line that is used to process British Standard test coupons.

Findings

The use of these novel liquids for the immersion coating of silver produces silver dip coatings that are bright and even and which give solderability that is as good as the commercial aqueous, nitric acid based, electroless process without any solder‐mask interface etching.

Research limitations/implications

The combined technology has been optimised for an immersion silver coating line. Further development work should be undertaken to tailor the technology for gold immersion coating of PCB assemblies.

Originality/value

The paper details a process in which no solder‐mask interface etching is observed; that does not require the use of strong inorganic acids or expensive catalysts to sustain deposition and which does not appear to be light sensitive in contrast to other processes.
OrmeSTAR Ultra – the organic metal nanofinish
Authors: Wessling B. , Rischka M. , Posdorfer J.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new class of surface finishes as an alternative to current final surface finishes.

Design/methodology/approach

This new finish utilises nanotechnology and is based on a new formulation of the “organic metal” (OM).

Findings

The final surface finish is an approximately 50 nm thin permanent layer, consisting of a complex between the OM and silver (Ag). Panels finished with OrmeSTAR™ Ultra show excellent solderability in spite of a low‐layer thickness and therefore offer significant advantages over existing surface finishes.

Originality/value

This new finish has proven to be a competitive alternative to current final finishes with excellent properties for soldering applications. The new nanotechnology can also significantly improve the environmental and economical consequences of solderable surface finishing.
Effectiveness of embedded capacitors in reducing the number of surface mount capacitors for decoupling applications
Authors: Alam Mohammed A. , Azarian Michael H. , Osterman Michael , Pecht Michael
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical approach to find the reduction in the required number of surface mount capacitors by the use of embedded capacitors in decoupling applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical model used to perform decoupling is cavity model from theory of microstrip antenna and N‐port impedance matrix. The methodology involves addition of decoupling capacitors between the power and the ground plane such that the impedance between ports on the power‐ground plane becomes lower than the target impedance at that frequency. A case study is presented in which a 0.3 m×0.3 m power‐ground plane is decoupled by using various combinations of surface mount capacitors and embedded capacitors in the frequency range of 0.001‐1 GHz and at a target impedance of 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 Ω. The total number of surface mount capacitors are compared in each case.

Findings

Use of embedded planar capacitors with a thin dielectric (about 8 mm) dampened board resonances at high frequency, as compared to a thick dielectric. Embedded capacitors are found to reduce the number of surface mount capacitors when the target impedance is low and the operating frequency is high.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology discusses in this paper is applicable to a simplified power‐ground plane (which has no cut‐outs and is rectangular in shape) as compared to actual digital circuits.

Originality/value

This methodology can be used as a quick preliminary tool to evaluate the decrease in the number of surface mount capacitors (by the use of embedded capacitors) as compared to complex and time consuming electromagnetic solvers.
Inner‐layer copper reliability of electroless copper processes
Authors: Li Crystal P.L. , Ciccolo Paul , Yee Dennis K.W.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the alternative testing approaches that may be used to assess interconnect quality and their application to laminate material and plated‐through‐hole (PTH) process control.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces the importance of inner‐layer copper reliability and how to evaluate it. It reviews and discusses the effects of all factors involved, including laminate material, panel design, and chemical controls, on interconnect defects (ICDs).

Findings

The best possible reliability can only be achieved by implementation of process controls ranging from incoming laminate material inspection to drilling parameters and finally chemical controls within the electroless copper process.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on through‐hole multilayer reliability. Although blind via reliability shares some aspects with through‐hole reliability, there are other factors that only apply to blind vias. This area will be the subject of a future publication.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overall review, integrating information on the whole electroless copper process, starting from ICD testing methods, and including the effects of laminate material, desmear, and PTH control. It provides a reference for readers involved in trouble shooting or process improvement.
Energy conservation and related best practices in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing
Authors: Goosey Martin , Kellner Rod
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the details of key best practices that can help printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing companies to optimize energy consumption, conserve materials, and reduce waste and costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Various individual opportunities for making energy saving are discussed along with the accompanying manufacturing best practices.

Findings

There are many opportunities to reduce energy consumption across the whole PCB manufacturing process. Additional savings may also be made by enhancements to the broader activities within PCB manufacturing plants.

Research limitations/implications

The paper summarises key findings that have been reported in a much larger Best Practice Guide and due to space considerations the amount of information given is somewhat restricted.

Originality/value

The paper details how the introduction of best practices in each stage of the PCB manufacturing process can lead to material and energy savings that have value in helping board makers to reduce costs. Readers are directed to a larger Best Practice Guide which is freely available from the SurfEnergy web site.